WCU SAGA’s annual pride celebration

Story originally published in The Western Carolinian Western Carolina University’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) held their annual pride celebration Sunday, April 16 in the University Center following inclement weather. The celebration involved multiple vendors local to the Sylva and Asheville area and clubs at WCU that provide safe spaces, children’s story hour, adult story […]

Brian Boyer: NASCAR fan, student friend, and student advocate

Nick Childs Story originally published in The Western Carolinian If you have spent any period at Western, you might have heard the name Brian Boyer tossed around on campus.  Boyer is the Residential Case Manager. His job is to connect to the students and be there to help foster student success. His position was created solely to […]

From rails to trail: the lost railroad to Cullowhee

If you’re an active walker, jogger, or runner in the area, chances are you’ve paid a visit to the Jackson County Greenway. If you haven’t, you’re in for a slice of rich history… With the trail being relatively flat and seemingly “hand cut” into the side of the mountain, this raises questions. Could this once […]

Local mill closure sparks fear into employees and residents alike

Canton is known for its iconic paper mill and even though the odor emitting from the stacks may seem foul to some, most Canton folks would agree it’s a familiar smell that reminds them of home. However, the reminiscent scent is slated to disappear in the coming months. According to an Asheville Citizens Times article, […]

Commission hears child fatality prevention report

Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, April 12 edition The Jackson County Child Fatality Prevention Team reported two child deaths in 2021, both less than 1 year of age due to birth defects and other unspecified causes. In 2020, a total of 504 child deaths were recorded in North Carolina. Jackson County Health Director Shelley […]

School board resolves to step up against tobacco fight

Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, April 6 edition Tobacco, once a cash crop in the hills and hollers around Jackson County, is now the schools’ Public Enemy #1. Last Tuesday the Jackson County Board of Education passed a resolution aimed at curbing the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes in schools. The board approved […]