This story was co-produced with Ryan Creel. The annual Great Sapphire Outhouse race returned to Sapphire Valley Ski Resort on Feb. 7, drawing in crowds for an entertaining day on the slopes. The event included a $5 parking fee and an admission fee of $5, with the proceeds used to raise funds for the Rotary […]
Cherokee Historical Association names co-directors
February 10, 2026 by
The Cherokee Historical Association, a Native-led regional nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through educational programs, theatrical productions, and living history experiences, have shifted to a co-director leadership structure. The Board named Laura Blythe (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) and Lance Culpepper as […]
Republican Primary tests identity and power in 119th District
February 7, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt published in the Smoky Mountain News Feb. 4 ed. Republished The Republican primary in House District 119 — Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties — now unfolds against a backdrop of unresolved disaster recovery and rising voter frustration with a legislature that has struggled to deliver a state budget but still found time to strip powers from incoming […]
High taxes, social turmoil frame Jackson chair race
February 7, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt published in the Smoky Mountain News Feb. 4 ed. Republished As Jackson County heads toward the March 3 primary election, voters are being asked to assess a governing record shaped by rising costs, cultural conflict, a steady expansion of county government and mounting public concern. Over the last four budget cycles, […]
Dillsboro Aldermen Workshop and Town Meeting
February 7, 2026 by
The Town of Dillsboro had their monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 9, at Dillsboro Town Hall. The popular topic discussed was the progress of the new Town Hall, including paint and carpet colors and types. Tim Parris, the mayor of Dillsboro projected that the new building would be ready to move into at the end of […]
Great Sapphire Outhouse Race set to hit the slopes
February 6, 2026 by
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 […]
