Black Rock sits at 2,700 feet of elevation, with a steady inclination all the way up to the peak. In total, it’s a seven-mile trip up and down the mountain top. To some, this might sound daunting, but to the runners in the area, this hike turns into a challenge they are willing to take […]
Ukraine war continues with no end in sight
March 20, 2026 by
As Russia’s war against Ukraine reaches its fourth year, WCU’s Global Spotlight Series hosted a panel of experts to discuss what has changed in the four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. One of the panelists was Cory Vaillancourt, a reporter at Smoky Mountain News who went to Ukraine in late 2022 and the […]
County, towns catch up on projects
March 18, 2026 by
The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald, March 19 edition The Jackson County Board of Commissioners and leaders of the county’s four municipalities gathered for a powow last Tuesday, March 10. The meeting in the Burrell Building on Southwestern Community College’s Campus lasted only about 55 minutes. County Manager Kevin King gave the assemblage […]
Dillsboro closer to moving into new home
March 17, 2026 by
Story was published in The Sylva Herald, March 12 edition The Town of Dillsboro’s monthly town meeting March 9 was filled with news about positive changes soon to come to the town. Dillsboro leaders discussed the new town hall building, viewing the samples of carpet and flooring that had been chosen. They also voted to […]
From the mountains to a war zone: WNC reporter covers Ukraine aid
March 16, 2026 by
A local reporter went to the front lines of Ukraine for two weeks in December 2022, a trip that changed his perspective on journalism forever. Born and raised in Chicago to a Ukrainian mother, journalist Cory Vaillancourt originally wanted to become a lawyer. However, after working as a field organizer for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential […]
JCPS revises construction projects after costs exceed budgets
March 15, 2026 by
Version of the story was published in The Sylva Herald, March 12 edition After learning that projected construction costs are nearly double the amount allocated, the Jackson County Board of Education is reassessing its planned construction projects and prioritizing essential student needs. At its monthly meeting on Feb. 24 the board discussed these updated projects […]
