Construction has been active on Monteith Gap Road, South Painter Road and Ledbetter Road to create a new roundabout. The goal of the project is to make the intersection less dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. However, the construction borders the Cullowhee Community Garden interrupting the garden’s previous tranquility. “People […]
Local
The long march for unity & justice kicks off in Sylva
The Long March for Unity & Justice is a statewide movement spearheaded by the Beloved Community Center which aims to bring light to communities across North Carolina. The march started in Cullowhee and Sylva Friday, Aug. 20 with a community luncheon at the Cullowhee Baptist Church. Over the course of […]
Bigger and better: Sylva Pride expands after parade denied
#8220;There is going to be a lot of music, a lot of fun and a lot of rainbows,” said Burgin Mackey, Sylva Pride President. Sylva Pride held their fourth annual pride celebration Sept. 13 through 15, despite not being able to hold their traditional parade. In April, Sylva’s Board of […]
Ponies, campaigns and alumni, oh my!
The office of Alumni Engagement will be hosting 1889 Club Day as a part of WCU’s Annual Shetland Society Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 on the UC lawn. This event will offer the opportunity to pet Shetland ponies, eat food and get free swag! The event […]
Sylva’s Denial of Pride Parade Permit Sparks Controversy
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 […]
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 […]