From Vol. 90, Ed. 08 May 2, 2024 In a meeting on April 11, Sylva’s Board of Commissioners voted to deny Sylva Pride a parade permit for their 2024 pride celebration. “Sylva Pride is saddened by the recent denial of our parade permit by the Town of Sylva,” said […]
Local
Voters be warned, November is fast approaching
From Vol. 90, Ed. 08 May 2, 2024 The 2024 general election is quickly approaching and there is still much to learn about the candidates on the ballot. What is next for the 2024 election in North Carolina? Things seem to have died down since the March primary. Campaign signs […]
NC teacher attrition rising, students concerned
From Vol. 90, Ed. 08 May 2, 2024 North Carolina lost over 10,000 teachers last year, more than 11% of the total workforce. Teacher attrition is an issue North Carolina struggles to address, and it’s one sure to have a significant impact soon. “Education is the profession that starts all […]
“We are Anikituwahgi:” reclaiming language and identity
From Vol. 90, Ed. 08 May 2, 2024 The mission for Cherokee language reclamation continues to gain traction. In 2019, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band declared a state of emergency for the Cherokee language at a tri-council meeting. At that […]
In the weeds: ECBI pushes cannabis dispensary despite setbacks
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is set to open Great Smoky Cannabis Company April 20. The cannabis dispensary located within the Cherokee reservation will be the first to legally distribute recreational marijuana in North Carolina. Last September ECBI approved a motion to legalize possession and use of marijuana […]
A biodiversity hotspot in North Carolina’s high country
Just 32 miles south of Western Carolina University and only minutes from downtown Highlands sits a unique and integral biological hotspot. The Highlands Biological Station (HBS) was founded in 1927 and has grown its educational and research missions for nearly a century. In 2018, HBS became a multi-campus center of […]
BearWise keeps bears wild in Waynesville
Originally published by The Mountaineer Kim Parker was spending a normal weekend afternoon with family in the living room when she spied something out the window that left her speechless. “I looked out and at first I couldn’t get the words out. I’m just pointing at the yard. The bear […]
Drugs in Jackson County: A history of the issue
Originally published by The Sylva Herald “The investigation led to 15 arrests on charges stemming from illegal guns, drug possession, trafficking and setting up places from which to deal drugs…” (The Sylva Herald Nov. 2022). “Three men from outside Jackson County were arrested with multiple pounds of drugs and charges […]
Settlement sends county money to fight drugs
Originally published by The Sylva Herald The US Government reached a historic $56 billion cumulative settlement agreement following the aftermath of various lawsuits concerning opioid exploitation by American pharmacies. The state of North Carolina is set to receive $1.5 billion in total according to Attorney General Josh Stein. Jackson County […]
Why primaries are important
Election season is upon us and with that “vote for me” signs have started making their appearance. But the election isn’t until November 5, so why is voting starting in February? Primary elections are hosted every election cycle as a “pre-election”. Each party, mainly the Republican and Democratic parties, have […]