As the primary elections approach in Jackson County election officials say voter registration activity is in full swing. The director of the Jackson County Board of Elections, Amanda Allen shared in an email data showing that the voter activity so far has largely been influenced by changes in party affiliation. In an email, Allen explains […]
Snow and freezing temperatures cancels classes … again
February 1, 2026 by
Jackson County woke up under a blanket of snow after a winter snow started Friday night, Jan. 30 and continued almost all day on Jan. 31. Many WCU students got their inner children out, spending the day sledding on campus or just enjoying the snow. According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected to […]
JCPS construction projects estimated to be nearly $30 million over budget
January 30, 2026 by
A version of this story was published in The Sylva Herald Jackson County Public Schools’ new building projects and renovations are nearly twice as much as the county had previously allocated. This was the main topic of the regular joint meeting between the Jackson County Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 22 where no decision was […]
State board of elections closes WCU’s early voting site
January 24, 2026 by
Students will no longer be able to vote at Western Carolina University’s polling place, following the decision made by the State Board of Elections on Jan. 13. Jackson County Board of Elections in December split on the decision to consolidate Jackson County’s polling locations and closing of the early voting site at WCU University Center in a 3-2 vote. Jackson County was amongst a dozen election board counties that […]
WCU winter weather: Students get a snow day on Monday
January 24, 2026 by
Winter storm Fern is expected to bring snow and ice to Cullowhee, starting Saturday at 1 p.m. The National Weather Service is predicting these conditions to last until Monday and has issued an Ice Storm Warning. To keep students and staff safe WCU made the decision Friday afternoon, Jan. 23 to operate under condition level […]
Local media won’t bow to threats, lies
January 23, 2026 by
The Western Carolina Journalist is re-publishing the story in support of our friends, partners and mentors for their professionalism and dedication of informing on all things that are happening in our community. By Dave Russell, The Sylva Herald, and Cory Vaillancourt, The Smoky Mountain News The Sylva Herald and The Smoky Mountain News last Friday received […]
