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 […]
Common illnesses in community continue along seasonal norms
February 4, 2026 by
As measles cases are on the rise across North Carolina, WCU Health Services says there are no reported cases on campus. COVID-19 is now recognized as a regular respiratory illness, is not being tracked by health officials. Students are urged to wash their hands to minimize the spread of illness. The Centers for Disease Control […]
Voter registration rises in Jackson County ahead of March Primary
February 3, 2026 by
As the primary elections approach in Jackson County election officials say voter registration activity is in full swing. The director of the Jackson County Board of Elections, Amanda Allen shared in an email data showing that the voter activity so far has largely been influenced by changes in party affiliation. In an email, Allen explains […]
Profiles of candidates for Jackson County Commissioner seats in District 1 & 2
February 2, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt. Re-publish of The Smoky Mountain News, Jan. 27 edition Unlike some counties in North Carolina, Jackson elects its county commissioners by district. Currently, District 1 is represented by Todd Bryson, who has decided not to run again. Four Democrats have filed for Bryson’s seat — John Herrera, Julie Painter, Casey Walawender […]
Library fight, taxes shape Jackson County commission races
February 2, 2026 by
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 […]
20 years of art at WCU Fine Art Museum
February 1, 2026 by
The Bardo Arts Center is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the WCU Fine Art Museum showcasing over five decades of art. The exhibit opened Jan. 20 and will run until July 2. The exhibition features variety of mediums involving paintings, prints, drawings, and photography, with a focus on contemporary Native American and women artists. Many of the works displayed in the exhibit come from the two predecessor galleries […]
