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 […]
Snow and freezing temperatures cancels classes … again
February 1, 2026 by
Jackson County woke up under a blanket of snow after a winter snow started Friday night, Jan. 30 and continued almost all day on Jan. 31. Many WCU students got their inner children out, spending the day sledding on campus or just enjoying the snow. According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected to […]
State board of elections closes WCU’s early voting site
January 24, 2026 by
Students will no longer be able to vote at Western Carolina University’s polling place, following the decision made by the State Board of Elections on Jan. 13. Jackson County Board of Elections in December split on the decision to consolidate Jackson County’s polling locations and closing of the early voting site at WCU University Center in a 3-2 vote. Jackson County was amongst a dozen election board counties that […]
