A local reporter went to the front lines of Ukraine for two weeks in December 2022, a trip that changed his perspective on journalism forever. Born and raised in Chicago to a Ukrainian mother, journalist Cory Vaillancourt originally wanted to become a lawyer. However, after working as a field organizer for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential […]
JCPS revises construction projects after costs exceed budgets
March 15, 2026 by
Version of the story was published in The Sylva Herald, March 12 edition After learning that projected construction costs are nearly double the amount allocated, the Jackson County Board of Education is reassessing its planned construction projects and prioritizing essential student needs. At its monthly meeting on Feb. 24 the board discussed these updated projects […]
WCU students rally against U.S. military action in Iran
March 9, 2026 by
This story was produced in collaboration with Becki Veach Close to 50 people gathered at the Catafount holding signs and speaking out against United States military action in Iran on Friday, March 6, the last day of classes before Spring Break started for WCU students. Signs at the protest included slogans such as “Sick of […]
WCU students march to cast their ballots
February 20, 2026 by
Cars speed down the busy four-lane highway, some drivers honking in support while others leaned out their windows to heckle as more than 50 WCU students marched along the shoulder toward the nearest early-voting site on Feb. 13. The march comes after the controversial decision by the Jackson County Board of Elections to eliminate the […]
Motion denied: 3 NC college campuses lose access to early voting
February 16, 2026 by
A version of this story was published in the Sylva Herald Students at Western Carolina University, North Carolina A&T State University and University of North Carolina at Greensboro will not have early voting sites on their campuses during this year’s primary election, despite efforts by students at these three schools. In late January, students from […]
Great Sapphire Outhouse Race set to hit the slopes
February 6, 2026 by
The Great Sapphire Outhouse Race returns for the 19th time to the slopes at Ski Sapphire Valley Resort on Saturday, Feb. 7, bringing decorated outhouses, live music and a day of fun (and fundraising) to Cashiers. Starting at 3 p.m. the teams of three people participating will race homemade outhouses down the ski slopes. Each […]
