Story originally published in The Sylva Herald Feb. 5 edition. Outhouses are a rare sight these days and occupied outhouses on skis sliding downhill even rarer. Visitors to the Sapphire Valley Ski Area can enjoy the sight in February when the Great Sapphire Outhouse Race hits the slopes. “It’s like NASCAR on ice,” said RJ […]
Mountain Heritage Center captures history with new George Masa exhibit
When George Masa took a picture of the Smoky Mountains, he wasn’t just taking a picture of their landscape, he was taking a picture of their future. The Mountain Heritage Center opened an exhibit on Friday, Jan. 17 until Aug. 15, 2025, for people to learn about Masa’s life and see some of the photos […]
Politico’s reporter Kruse: We should discuss politics and not separate because of opinions
A week after his inauguration, President Donald Trump has already made controversial waves with his actions. Signing over 20 executive orders on Inauguration day, more than any President previously, which includes withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, and also proclaiming that the United States will only recognize two sexes, male […]
WCU had a spring version of Valley Ballyhoo
Western Carolina University is home to over 120 recognized student organizations (RSOs) and seventy of those were present at the Campus Connections: RSO Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the University Center (UC) Grand Room. An RSO is a club or organization that is officially recognized and supported by WCU’s Student Government Association (SGA). RSOs […]
Renovation of Dillsboro’s Jarret House is coming along
Story was originally published in The Sylva Herald Jan. 22 edition. Dillsboro leaders heard an update on progress at the Jarrett House at its first town hall meeting of the year on Monday, Jan. 13. New bathrooms at Monteith Park, snow removal, FEMA hurricane meetings and a sewer and water line were also on the […]






