Cherokee Language Program expands with grant

Story originally published at The Western Carolinian. Last fall, WCU’s Cherokee Language Program received a significant grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports Cherokee language preservation efforts.  The $223,014 grant, among other support from WCU and outside organizations, has allowed the program to develop into an official minor and certification program.  “We’ve […]

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 […]

Forest Hills donut hole development to be adjusted

Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, March 27 edition. The planning board of the Village of Forest Hills met Tuesday, March 25, to discuss zoning ordinances, land use codes and development processes concerning the construction proposal presented by Brown Haven Homes to build new homes in the donut hole, a former golf course essentially […]

WCU 57th Annual Juried Art Exhibition connects people and Hurricane Helene

Excitement filled the hallway outside the exhibition room, as Carolyn Grosh, curator of collections & exhibitions at the Fine Art Museum, stepped on stage to announce the award recipients.   The 57th annual juried exhibition organized by the Fine Arts Museum provides WCU students, no matter their major, the opportunity to be creative and showcase their […]

Burnout and college: “I’m trying my best”

Sidney Garrison, a junior and psychology major at WCU, sits at his desk with his computer screen reflecting on his face as he exhaustedly applies for internships.   “Almost every single day I felt just tired and exhausted. I’m trying my best to make it through the semester,” Garrison said.   As the semester progresses many […]

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 […]