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 […]
Whee Life: 2025 municipal election recap
The episode is co-produced with Halle Stanley Election Day for the 2025 municipal elections was Nov. 4. Jackson County Election Director Amanda Allen shares more about all that happened this year. Listen to hear more about election results, what municipal elections are and early information about the primary election happening in March. Hear us on […]
Trick or Treat, rain or shine
Mini vampires, witches, ghosts and more came together to celebrate an early Halloween with their community. The Cullowhee United Methodist Church on WCU’s campus hosted their traditional Trunk or Treat alongside a HalloWHEEn Extravaganza meal for the community, in Wednesday, Oct. 29. Due to the rainy weather Cullowhee has experienced this past week, no […]
SNAP benefits lapse with government shutdown
As the federal government shutdown continues on for over one month, concerns have emerged on what this means for the average person. Amid the shutdown’s impacts, SNAP benefits were not rolled out on Nov. 1. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says that “this means no new benefits will be added to EBT […]
Carolna Public Press: High turnout for NC municipal elections as voters make themselves heard
North Carolina voters in 447 municipalities and 88 counties elected mayors, city councils, boards of education, boards of commissioners and voted on a few ballot referendums. According to an analysis from Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper, about 39% of North Carolina voters were eligible to vote. Each municipality’s election was defined by its own local […]





