This week we have a special edition commemorating second anniversary since Hurricane Helene devastation of Western North Carolina. Hear from our guest on the recovery efforts, the distribution of funds for projects and politics from Cory Vaillancourt, special Helene Recovery reporter for The Asheville Citizens Times and former editor at the Smoky Mountain News. Two […]
Archives for September 2026
JCPS schools improve in latest state report
September 23, 2026 by
Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, Sept. 23 Jackson County Public Schools improved their performance grades at four schools during the 2025-2026 school year. Adam Holt, JCPS director of testing and accountability, presented the district’s state test results during the Jackson County Board of Education meeting Sept. 22. All JCPS schools met or exceeded […]
The Class of 2030: Adjusting to college life in the mountains
September 23, 2026 by
Western Carolina University’s freshman class is settling into campus life one month at a time to make Cullowhee feel like home. WCU’s Class of 2030 is the largest freshman class in history. Chancellor Kelli R. Brown reported 2,385 freshmen this fall, contributing to an overall enrollment of 12,308 students. While some students have noticed changes around campus, the first month has also given freshmen opportunities to find their place at WCU. […]
Western Carolina comes together to tailgate during Family Weekend
September 21, 2026 by
It’s that time of year again at Western Carolina University: Family Weekend. From Sept. 18 to Sept. 20, families of students attending WCU gather to eat, drink and be merry before an afternoon of Catamount football. But what draws families in year after year? What keeps spirits high, even after countless rain delays? For the […]
Cats for the Constitution educates voters on how to get civically involved
September 21, 2026 by
Under the midday Cullowhee heat, the large purple Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning tent glistens in the sunlight. Under the shaded tent are pocket constitutions, voter registration forms, baked goods and other information aimed at encouraging civic engagement among Western Carolina University students. This was WCU’s way to mark National Constitution Day on Sept. 17. […]
Western Carolina cruises past Presbyterian 58-14 on Family Weekend
September 20, 2026 by
After yet another lightning delay, the Catamounts finally looked like the team head coach Kerwin Bell had been waiting to see. Running back Josh Perry ran for 142 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Lex Thomas threw for 268 yards and a score while Western Carolina found its rhythm in the second half to beat Presbyterian 58-14 […]
