Story by Cory Vaillancourt published in the Smoky Mountain News Feb. 4 ed. Republished The Republican primary in House District 119 — Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties — now unfolds against a backdrop of unresolved disaster recovery and rising voter frustration with a legislature that has struggled to deliver a state budget but still found time to strip powers from incoming […]
High taxes, social turmoil frame Jackson chair race
February 7, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt published in the Smoky Mountain News Feb. 4 ed. Republished As Jackson County heads toward the March 3 primary election, voters are being asked to assess a governing record shaped by rising costs, cultural conflict, a steady expansion of county government and mounting public concern. Over the last four budget cycles, […]
Campus early voting sites pitch gets day in court. Judge seems reluctant.
February 7, 2026 by
Students seeking campus early voting sites for the primaries at three NC universities face an uphill battle in court with the clock ticking. Story by Sarah Michels. Carolina Public Press published Feb. 6. Republished. Students at three North Carolina colleges who want early voting sites on campus this primary election took the issue to federal […]
Common illnesses in community continue along seasonal norms
February 4, 2026 by
As measles cases are on the rise across North Carolina, WCU Health Services says there are no reported cases on campus. COVID-19 is now recognized as a regular respiratory illness, is not being tracked by health officials. Students are urged to wash their hands to minimize the spread of illness. The Centers for Disease Control […]
Voter registration rises in Jackson County ahead of March Primary
February 3, 2026 by
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 […]
Profiles of candidates for Jackson County Commissioner seats in District 1 & 2
February 2, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt. Re-publish of The Smoky Mountain News, Jan. 27 edition Unlike some counties in North Carolina, Jackson elects its county commissioners by district. Currently, District 1 is represented by Todd Bryson, who has decided not to run again. Four Democrats have filed for Bryson’s seat — John Herrera, Julie Painter, Casey Walawender […]
