WCU Bardo Arts Center welcomes back DRUM TAO to perform their brand new show “The Best” on Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. DRUM TAO is Japan’s elite Taiko drumming ensemble and is currently on their highly anticipated 2026 North American tour in over 40 cities and among them is WCU. DRUM TAO has sold out shows in 26 countries, and their performance is […]
Democrats sense opportunity in storm-ravaged NC-11
February 17, 2026 by
Story written by Written by Cory Vaillancourt, published at Smoky Mountain News, Feb. 10. Republished Voters in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District have endured years of disaster and instability, just as national trends are shifting hard against Republicans. Democrats believe this is their best chance in years to flip the gerrymandered seat currently held by Rep. […]
Man on a mission: In NC-11, former Green Beret confronts GOP incumbent he says fell short
February 15, 2026 by
Story written by Cory Vaillancourt. Published at Smoky Mountain News. Republished Over the past decade or more, Western North Carolina Republicans have proven that the only candidates that can beat incumbent Republican congressmen are other Republicans. Adam Smith talks like someone who has already settled on that outcome and is now working backward to make it […]
Why WCU’s civic dialogues are important
February 13, 2026 by
In today’s United States it seems there is a lot of disagreements being dealt with aggression instead of understanding. WCU’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning wants to change that by hosting a series of civic dialogues throughout the school year on a variety of topics. The civic dialogues are nonviolent conversations in which […]
The Great Outhouse Race brings bittersweet win to the slopes
February 10, 2026 by
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 […]
