Story co-written with Sara Stanley. Story was originally published in The Sylva Herald on Feb. 20, 2020 Smoky Mountain High School attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the ‘most people hugging soft toys simultaneously’ on Friday, Feb. 14 in the school’s new gymnasium. Over 800 students and staff from SMHS and the Catamount School […]
Be an educated voter
February 12, 2020 by
Voting can be overwhelming. From the different elections throughout the year to the basics like where to vote. Luckily, Jackson County is here to help eliminate any confusion. Jackson County Public Library in Sylva hosted “Voting in Elections: How and Why?” on Feb. 11, opening the first of three events to help those who need […]
Absentee ballot requests for primary available
January 30, 2020 by
Story by Dave Russell, The Sylva Herald Story originally published on Jan. 22, 2020 The long road to the Nov. 3 general election started Jan. 13, with absentee by-mail ballots available for the March 3 primary. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m., Feb. 25, and for it to count, the ballot […]
Christmas Connection connect your hearts
December 16, 2019 by
Story co-reported with Cameron Huffman You look up at this bland brick building, not sure what is waiting behind the old walls. You reach forward to push open Christmas Connection’s door located in Sylva, North Carolina, on Westcare Drive and step inside. The slight chill in the air fades as you walk inside and pause. […]
Mission, passion continue for Sims and Cat Museum
April 4, 2019 by
The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald on April 3, 2019. Have you ever loved something so much that you dedicate a museum to it? That’s exactly what Harold Sims did, spreading his love of cats to Jackson County and beyond. The American Museum of the Housecat is a collection of all things […]
Women still need a stronger voice
March 8, 2019 by
The commentary was originally published in The Sylva Herald on March 8, 2019. In January, the historic 116th U.S. Congress was sworn in, leading to more women, and more women of color, holding congressional offices than ever before. According to the Pew Research Center, women now account for 24 percent of the House of Representatives […]
