Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, Sept. 23 Jackson County Public Schools improved their performance grades at four schools during the 2025-2026 school year. Adam Holt, JCPS director of testing and accountability, presented the district’s state test results during the Jackson County Board of Education meeting Sept. 22. All JCPS schools met or exceeded […]
The Class of 2030: Adjusting to college life in the mountains
September 23, 2026 by
Western Carolina University’s freshman class is settling into campus life one month at a time to make Cullowhee feel like home. WCU’s Class of 2030 is the largest freshman class in history. Chancellor Kelli R. Brown reported 2,385 freshmen this fall, contributing to an overall enrollment of 12,308 students. While some students have noticed changes around campus, the first month has also given freshmen opportunities to find their place at WCU. […]
Cats for the Constitution educates voters on how to get civically involved
September 21, 2026 by
Under the midday Cullowhee heat, the large purple Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning tent glistens in the sunlight. Under the shaded tent are pocket constitutions, voter registration forms, baked goods and other information aimed at encouraging civic engagement among Western Carolina University students. This was WCU’s way to mark National Constitution Day on Sept. 17. […]
Jackson County celebrates 175th
September 17, 2026 by
Jackson County celebrated its past with the people that contributed to the present and the hope for the future with plenty of cakes, good music, fun and fellowship between hundreds of guests and community members. On Saturday, Sept. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m., the brand-new Whittier Heritage grounds were bustling with people gathered to […]
Experts helping adults learn how to talk to their children about puberty and body development
September 16, 2026 by
Are you a caretaker dreading the challenging talk about puberty, hormones and sex health education with your children? A group of Western Carolina University experts from the psychology, communication and education departments will hold their second annual “Growing Up Together” workshop for parents and caregivers of children from K to 5th grade on body development […]
Local candidate forums set for Sept. 24 at Southwest Community College
September 16, 2026 by
Re-published content from The Sylva Herald For the first time since 2020, Southwestern Community College students will be hosting a forum for candidates seeking public office. Incumbents and challengers for the Jackson County Board of Commissioners have been invited to participate in a forum at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Burrell Conference […]
