The 42nd annual Tuckasegee River cleanup was a success. 592 volunteers picked up around 5,000 pounds of trash from our beloved river and at the same time had fun on the boats and on the ground. Last year’s record of over 7,549 pounds of trash is undefeated because of Hurricane Helene. This year’s Tuck River […]
WCU Field Day: From tug-of-war to victory roars
April 24, 2026 by
Students gathered under clear spring skies on April 17 for a lively field day outside the Rock residence halls at Western Carolina University, where games, music and friendly competition brought the campus community together in celebration of the semesters final stretch. As the school year comes to an end, getting outside and active is a […]
Finding a solution on the childcare crisis in WNC
April 18, 2026 by
A version of the story was published in the Sylva Herald, April 15 edition Working parents don’t have it easy in North Carolina. The state has lost childcare facilities and parents are forced to either bring them to their workplace or work with the employers for accommodations. The economic impact of the childcare crisis and […]
Whee Life: Artemis missions and taking humans back to the Moon
April 18, 2026 by
NASA accomplished something historic in April. We are step closer to stepping again to the Moon. Artemis II mission to orbit the moon and come back in 10 days was successful and as NASA says on their website “the first crewed Artemis flight marks a key step toward long‑term return to the Moon and future […]
HERE committee seeks funding after embezzlement scandal
April 16, 2026 by
The story was published in The Sylva Herald, April 15 edition. Jackson County leaders heard a presentation from the HERE Committee at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 7, as the organization seeks continued funding while recovering from a recent financial controversy. Cris Weatherford, HERE’s board chair, and Paul Phillips, interim director, shared an overview of the committee’s […]
Tuck River clean-up opportunity for fun and doing good
April 13, 2026 by
It’s time for the 42nd annual Tuck River clean-up. The Tuck River cleanup 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. The registration starts from 9 a.m. in front of the Catafount (transportation will be provided). Due to a limited amount of gear, registration will be limited to about 500 volunteers. There are alternative walking routes […]
