Lavender Lynn Design is turning Franklin’s gems into jewelry

From resin coasters and art palettes to wired-wrapped jewelry, 20-year-old Franklin local Avery Mcgaha handcrafts these creations using locally sourced gems and butterfly wings. The young entrepreneur is a jack of all trades and has been self-employed since May 2021. She is also a pet sitter and student. Mcgaha is expected to graduate in December […]

Mountain Heritage Center: A regional heart of Appalachian traditions

Story co-written/produced with Charles Gadie Walking through the door, visitors are greeted with a smile from the student workers at the front desk and a sense of curiosity. Many wondering ‘what is this hidden place’. The Mountain Heritage Center is Western Carolina University’s museum of southern Appalachian history and culture.  Currently in their gallery exhibit, the […]

Innovations to help with self care

For many people, blow drying your hair is a small task overlooked by many. But for a person with disabilities blow drying your hair can be a necessary but almost impossible task. In January Allison Royer, a mechanical engineering student, submitted a project idea for an oscillating hair dryer holder as part of an assignment. […]

WCU fraternity helps local community through recycling

Story co-written/produced with Jessica Stephens and Graylon Turner. Recycling is a complicated process. It can be difficult to know what to recycle and where to take it. Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Pi Delta found out just how difficult recycling is when participating in the Trex plastic film recycling challenge. APO held a donation table on […]

WCU student makes all kinds of art

Story co-written/ produced with Rachel Lepine and Jessica Stephens. A jack of all trades is a master of none, but why not master them all? WCU student, Gillian Kaminski, seems to be doing just that with her artwork.  Kaminski is a sophomore at WCU. She is an art education major with a passion for creating […]

The quilts in the Mountain Heritage Center tell a story of traditions

Story co-written/produced with Charles Gadie There are 21 quilts displayed in the Mountain Heritage Center’s main room, each with a story behind it. Whether it’s a story on the pattern, the fabric or the maker, each quilt is original.   Generally, a quilt is made up of a decorative top, a warm filler called batting or […]