Burn ban lifted; you need to have a burn permit to have a controlled burn

The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. The statewide ban went into effect March 21. The lifting of the burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue or lift […]

Unite UP a slam dunk for WCU community

A one-of-a-kind basketball event took place at WCU on Thursday, March 27. The basketball game unites students in the University Participant Program, athletes and the community. The event is designed to enhance and promote inclusivity at WCU. The UP Program is a program for college-aged individuals who have intellectual disabilities. The goal of the program […]

WheeLife: News magazine from WCJ and WWCU student run-radio station

Welcome to WheeLife, the radio news magazine for Cullowhee, Jackson County and the region.This is the first show and is a collaboration between the Western Carolina Journalist and 95.3 WWCU. You will hear us every Friday at 4 p.m. until the end of the semester. Tune in to hear news from your local area each […]

Cherokee Language Program expands with grant

Story originally published at The Western Carolinian. Last fall, WCU’s Cherokee Language Program received a significant grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports Cherokee language preservation efforts.  The $223,014 grant, among other support from WCU and outside organizations, has allowed the program to develop into an official minor and certification program.  “We’ve […]

The Sylva Herald: Update on opioid settlement dispersal

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

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 […]