After a prolonged dry season, rain showers alleviate drought conditions in western North Carolina. Although the region is getting scattered rains, it’s not enough to get the region out of the drought. The National Centers for Environmental Information gives a current drought reduction estimate of the amount of rainfall needed to end drought conditions in […]
95.3 WWCU and Whee-TV wrap up the spring semester with Greening Up the Mountains festival
April 28, 2026 by
As the semester comes to an end, 95.3 WWCU and Whee TV held their final spring broadcast covering Greening Up the Mountain Festival on April 25 in downtown Sylva. For those in attendance at the festival, crowds started to fill Main Street at 10 a.m., but for broadcasting students at WCU, their day started at […]
Sylva’s most challenging mountain race brings runners from across the region
March 25, 2026 by
Black Rock sits at 2,700 feet of elevation, with a steady inclination all the way up to the peak. In total, it’s a seven-mile trip up and down the mountain top. To some, this might sound daunting, but to the runners in the area, this hike turns into a challenge they are willing to take […]
Battle of the bots: WCU engineering students compete in robot showdown
March 12, 2026 by
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers at WCU has some end-of-midterm season fun with a competition between handmade robots. The SME president, Chloe Stewart, says the robot showdown creates not only a learning opportunity for students but also allows them to be creative within their engineering discipline. “The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is an organization where […]
The Great Outhouse Race brings bittersweet win to the slopes
February 10, 2026 by
This story was co-produced with Ryan Creel. The annual Great Sapphire Outhouse race returned to Sapphire Valley Ski Resort on Feb. 7, drawing in crowds for an entertaining day on the slopes. The event included a $5 parking fee and an admission fee of $5, with the proceeds used to raise funds for the Rotary […]
Voter registration rises in Jackson County ahead of March Primary
February 3, 2026 by
As the primary elections approach in Jackson County election officials say voter registration activity is in full swing. The director of the Jackson County Board of Elections, Amanda Allen shared in an email data showing that the voter activity so far has largely been influenced by changes in party affiliation. In an email, Allen explains […]
