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 […]
Local
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 […]
Landing the big one: Rise in trout fishing supports outdoor economy
Originially published by The Mountaineer Haywood County ranks in the top five most popular counties for trout fishing in North Carolina, which contributes $1.38 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to a comprehensive study that analyzed the economic impact of trout fishing. The newly-released study was developed by the […]
Rain won’t stop this party, NC Smokies Ice Fest continues despite rainy weather
Originally published by The Mountaineer Ice sculptures dotted the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds creating vast opportunities for photos and fun activities for kids. Though the second annual NC Smokies Ice Fest was threatened by bad weather, it remained a success in the eyes of the attendees. Adults and children alike […]
N.C. 107: The economic impact of the work
Originally published by The Sylva Herald. America runs on Dunkin and Sylva lost the only one in town. Dunkin Donut s closed shop in November and more businesses will be closing permanently or moving to a new location soon. With all of this change, Sylva’s economy is expected to take […]
N.C. 107: Pain, but eventual gain
Originally published by The Sylva Herald Businesses along Highway 107 lay stark and empty as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) prepares to widen the route between Cullowhee and Sylva. Graffiti coats the sides of once well-loved buildings and community staples as many businesses have closed or relocated to […]
“We are still here”: Western Carolina University remains a Cherokee place
Originally published in The Western Carolina Journalist November is Native American Heritage Month, but it’s not just a heritage for the Cherokee people of Western North Carolina. It’s a living, vibrant culture. There are 547 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Native Americans were not automatically afforded U.S. citizenship […]
WCU alumna, Cherokee Center director named EBCI Secretary of Education – Press Release
CULLOWHEE – Sky Sampson, director of Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Center and alumna, has accepted the position of Secretary of Education for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Sampson assumed her role Oct. 23. “In my role at WCU, I worked closely with the tribe and I am excited to […]