Find a new feline friend at Catman2

Tucked away on Tilley Creek in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is a safe haven for cats young and old. Catman2 was founded by Dr. Harold Sims in 1996, and the property where the shelter is now opened in 2002. He still lives near the shelter, and runs The American Museum of the Housecat. The museum is […]

“We are still here”: Western Carolina University remains a Cherokee place

Story co-written with Sarah Pruitt  November is Native American Heritage Month, but it’s not just a heritage for the Cherokee people of Western North Carolina. It’s a living, vibrant culture.   There are 547 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Native Americans were not automatically afforded U.S. citizenship until 1924. November was not declared […]

Pride of the Mountains Marches for Homecoming Celebration

Story co-produced with Stewart Butler. Homecoming week at Western Carolina University gathers the Catamount community to celebrate togetherness and the achievements of alumni. There’s one part of the community in particular that brings excitement and life into the occasion – The Pride of the Mountain Marching Band. From the Rose Bowl Parade in 2011 to […]

Appalachian crafts showcased at Mountain Heritage Day

Mountain traditions such as natural dyeing, copper smiting and black smiting were alive and well at the 49th Mountain Heritage Day on Sept. 30. The festival has been hosted by WCU since 1974. It features staples of local culture such as Cherokee stickball, blue grass, cloggers, and a plethora of crafters and art vendors. It […]

Innovation Brewery is brewing up some community fun

Innovation Brewery invites the whole community to come eat, drink, throw axes, and play at their 10-year anniversary party at Bridge Park in Sylva from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 16. Innovation’s marketing director Skylar Ballew said the brewery wants the celebration to be accessible to the entire local community as well as those […]