This story was written by Haley Smith, originally published in The Sylva Herald. If approved, new legislation would give people with concealed-carry permits the legal OK to bring handguns with them when visiting or taking classes at Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College. The prospect isn’t sitting well with the 17 police chiefs in the UNC […]
Educators view eclipse as teachable moment
March 9, 2017 by
This story was written by Haley Smith, originally published in The Sylva Herald. Monday, Aug. 21 will be the first day of schools for Jackson County students, and educators couldn’t be happier about the coinciding solar eclipse. Superintendent Mike Murray, who has a background in science, has helped push all-things science in local schools. “I’m excited to […]
Getting ready for the solar eclipse
March 9, 2017 by
This story was written by Haley Smith, originally published in The Sylva Herald. Julia Wiggins has been waiting 10 years to see a total solar eclipse. On Aug. 21, she’ll finally get her wish. Although she grew up on a family farm in eastern North Carolina, she has family in Sylva. Her mother, LaRae Truckner Wiggins, spent […]
Amid deportation rumors … Immigrants gripped by fear
March 3, 2017 by
This story was written by Quintin Ellison, originally published in The Sylva Herald. As federal policies on immigration harden, the local rumor mill churns ever faster. Federal agents and local law enforcement officers reportedly arrested a Hispanic man on immigration violations at Sylva’s Walmart Plaza. Local law enforcement say the story is untrue. Police officers did arrest […]
Helping hand for the Jackson County neighbors in need
February 28, 2017 by
Poverty in Western North Carolina is high and Jackson County resembles that picture, even though it’s not so obvious. According to the US Census Bureau, more than 20 percent, or around 8,000 people are poverty stricken. To combat the poverty, local community is helping and Jackson Neighbors in Need (JNIN), for the past nine years, has been […]
Park announces solar eclipse event
February 28, 2017 by
News release from Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park is offering an opportunity to experience the Great American Total Eclipse through a ticketed event at Clingmans Dome as well as informal eclipse viewing sites at Cades Cove and Oconaluftee. The total eclipse will take place Monday, Aug. 21. The park is […]
