This story was originally published in The Crossroads Chronicle on April 19, 2017. Thanks to big box stores, home décor can become streamlined and commercial. Things that people actually like have taken a backseat to popular décor trends. Personality can often get lost in all the hustle and bustle of home decorating, but adding one’s […]
Appalachian Trailhead 110: How Franklin, NC benefits from hikers
Story is co-written with Ashley Kairis and Kayla Minion Franklin, North Carolina, sits 110 miles from Springer Mountain, the starting point for most Appalachian Trail hikers. Over the years, Franklin has seen an increase in thru hikers and has welcomed them with open arms. In 2010, Franklin became the very first Appalachian Trail Community. “Every year […]
SEI unveils EV charging station, announces new sustainable projects
Author is a member of the Sustainable Energy Initiative. Every semester, $5 from every student’s fees goes into a fund controlled by the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) at WCU. The committee is made up of WCU faculty and staff that want to promote sustainability on campus. Students and faculty can propose brick and mortar projects […]
Comedian, magician, and balloon artist John Cassidy performs at WCU
The U.C. Grand Room room was popping on Wednesday, April 19, when comedian, magician, and balloon artist John Cassidy performed a hilarious show for Western students. The record-holding and critically acclaimed entertainer, and self-proclaimed “balloon guy,” kicked off his act by lapping the room distributing more pre-made balloon sculptures than the roughly 60 audience members. Once […]
Greening Up The Mountains one tradition at a time
Every 4th Saturday in April, thousands of people from across the southeast crowd the streets of downtown Sylva for a fun-filled day of music, food, arts and crafts and more. This Saturday, April 22, is just around the corner, so get ready! Since 1997, Sylva, North Carolina, has been home to the Greening Up The Mountains festival. […]









