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 […]
Western Carolina University’s first opera, a complete success
January 26, 2026 by
Western Carolina University’s School of Music took on a whole new challenge when creating this opera. From making sure Ron Rash’s works were honored and reflected in the inspiration of lyrics and feeling, a school-run musical collaboration with special guests, and an overwhelming amount of care and detail, down to the lighting and design work […]
Mountain Life Bingo invites WCU community to explore campus and culture
January 26, 2026 by
Western Carolina University is inviting all students, faculty and staff to step outside and reconnect with the mountains through the WNC Mountain Life Bingo game, a campus-wide program made to encourage exploration and community connection. The bingo challenge is part of Western Carolina University’s 2026 campus theme, now in its second year, which focuses on mountain culture and community wellbeing following Hurricane Helene. The theme highlights the Appalachian environment, Cherokee traditions and […]
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 […]
