Story written by Cory Vaillancourt, re-published from The Smoky Mountain News Amid growing financial concerns, Jackson County’s four Republican commissioners have spent the last few years fighting a culture war. On March 3, Primary Election voters will weigh in on their priorities. Over the past four budget cycles, Jackson County commissioners have overseen a steady […]
Local media won’t bow to threats, lies
January 23, 2026 by
The Western Carolina Journalist is re-publishing the story in support of our friends, partners and mentors for their professionalism and dedication of informing on all things that are happening in our community. By Dave Russell, The Sylva Herald, and Cory Vaillancourt, The Smoky Mountain News The Sylva Herald and The Smoky Mountain News last Friday received […]
Why Campus Voting Sites Matter: The Case of Western Carolina University
December 8, 2025 by
More than 76,000 votes have been cast at the Western Carolina University early voting site over nine elections. There is the possibility that it might be eliminated. Here’s why that matters.re-publishing from the Anatomy of a Purple State by Chris Cooper In Summer 2016, the Jackson County Board of Elections, under a Republican majority,1 approved a […]
SMN: Western Republicans buck national trend in Nov. 4 election
November 11, 2025 by
Story published in Smoky Mountain News Nov. 6; re-published with permission Overwhelmingly, municipal officials take pride in their nonpartisan service, but once they’re elected, they don’t just leave their party hats at the chamber doors. Despite claims that “there’s no Republican/Democratic way to fill a pothole,” the partisan composition of municipal governing boards can be […]
Weather closes campus …temporary
November 11, 2025 by
Due to potentially hazardous road conditions early this morning, classes at the main campus in Cullowhee and at the Biltmore Instructional Site will be suspended until 11 a.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 11. After this time, all classes will return to their regular schedule. In the press release send earlier in the morning the university informs […]
2025 Mountain Heritage Day festival was a success despite rain and lightning
October 1, 2025 by
Mountain Heritage Day festival on Saturday, Sept. 27, was the highlight of the whole week of activities celebrating the people, culture, traditions and the diversity of it all in the Appalachia. The event brought around 9,400 people who enjoyed watching different chainsaw competitions, participated in singing, enjoying banjo and bluegrass music accompanied by the dancing […]
