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 […]
The Sylva Herald: Update on opioid settlement dispersal
March 30, 2025 by
Story re-published with permission from The Sylva Herald by Beth Lawrence Residents were given a look at efforts to utilize Jackson County’s portion of opioid settlements between states and opioid manufacturers and distributors. At the County Commissioners’ March 4 work session, two members of the recently formed Local Settlement Council – Jackson County Department of […]
Kitchens Branch Fire in Sylva
March 27, 2025 by
The fire that started yesterday afternoon in Sylva in the Montieith and Kitchens Branch community is still going but contained. Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook update says that as of of 10 a.m., the Kitchens Branch Fire is 94 acres and the fire is 60% contained. Firefighters from state, federal, county and the town are […]
SMN: Edwards dodges questions on Medicare, Franklin Social Security office closing
March 16, 2025 by
Story from Smoky Mountain News politics editor Cory Vaillancourt, re-published with permission In what could very well be a sneak preview of his in-person town hall in Asheville later today, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) abruptly walked away from a podium in Canton’s Sorrells Street Park and refused to answer questions about federal cuts to programs […]
