Burn ban lifted; you need to have a burn permit to have a controlled burn

The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. The statewide ban went into effect March 21. The lifting of the burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue or lift […]

Unite UP a slam dunk for WCU community

A one-of-a-kind basketball event took place at WCU on Thursday, March 27. The basketball game unites students in the University Participant Program, athletes and the community. The event is designed to enhance and promote inclusivity at WCU. The UP Program is a program for college-aged individuals who have intellectual disabilities. The goal of the program […]

WheeLife: News magazine from WCJ and WWCU student run-radio station

Welcome to WheeLife, the radio news magazine for Cullowhee, Jackson County and the region.This is the first show and is a collaboration between the Western Carolina Journalist and 95.3 WWCU. You will hear us every Friday at 4 p.m. until the end of the semester. Tune in to hear news from your local area each […]

Kitchens Branch Fire in Sylva

The fire that started yesterday afternoon in Sylva in the Montieith and Kitchens Branch community is still going but contained. Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook update says that as of of 10 a.m., the Kitchens Branch Fire is 94 acres and the fire is 60% contained. Firefighters from state, federal, county and the town are […]

WCU students and faculty help Cypress Missions become a “beacon of hope” for WNC

Spring break is usually the time students and faculty take the opportunity to go on trips with their friends or family. Some take the opportunity to have some time off and just relax in their hometown. Eight WCU students saw it as an opportunity to work and help those in need in the Western North […]

SMN: Edwards dodges questions on Medicare, Franklin Social Security office closing

Story from Smoky Mountain News politics editor Cory Vaillancourt, re-published with permission In what could very well be a sneak preview of his in-person town hall in Asheville later today, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) abruptly walked away from a podium in Canton’s Sorrells Street Park and refused to answer questions about federal cuts to programs […]