Jackson County is one of the few counties in North Carolina that elects the chair of the County Commission rather then the board appointing one of the members to the position. This year the county has two candidates representing the two parties. David Rogers won in the Republican party primaries in March ousting the present […]
WCU early voting turnout increases in first week
October 26, 2026 by
In the first seven days of early voting, the new voting site at Western Carolina University’s Health and Human Sciences Building has seen a 168% increase in turnout compared with the last midterm election in 2022. According to the State Board of Elections, there are 1,484,828 votes in person and 59,845 absentee ballots casted as […]
Co-author of Appalachia comic book “Islands in the Sky: A People’s History of Hurricane Helene” Andrew Aydin to speak at WCU
October 21, 2026 by
Hurricane Helene was a one-in-a-1000-years storm that devastated Western North Carolina. The land of the sky became islands in the sky. Towns and communities are washed away, but the people remained. Now, a new Appalachian comic book is bringing stories of the survivors, the helpers, their resilience, courage, resourcefulness and most of all love. The […]
Midterm voting guide: Quick reminders and links
October 20, 2026 by
Today at 5 p.m. was the last day to request a mail-in absentee ballot in North Carolina. If you are an out-of-state student, dates may vary so be sure to google your states deadlines on requesting and receiving back ballots. A valid photocopy of your ID is required for your vote to be accepted. To […]
WCU’s fighting game tournament returns for sixth year
October 13, 2026 by
A special kind of competition was happening on Oct. 3, on Western Carolina University’s campus. Catamount Clash 6, a tournament of the fighting game Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate, brought many games to from all over the region and neighboring states. “The Salty Spitoon,” WCU’s Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate gaming club, hosts the event annually in […]
Voter fatigue: What to know before you vote
October 13, 2026 by
What happens when a ballot feels like too much? For Jackson County voters, the November midterm election will bring a long list of races and candidates to choose from. A ballot with more choices means more decisions for voters to make. For some voters, seeing a long list of races and candidates may feel overwhelming. Jackson County will have over 20 […]
