Birding, as it is formally known, is gaining popularity within the greater Tuckasegee area. Topher Stephens, a Caney Fork local, along with Sylva mayor Dave Nestler set out to create a community where they could enjoy their shared interest in birds. Together they created Tuck Birders, a club with a […]
Local
Deep dives in Jackson County
Jackson County is currently constructing a 30,000 square-foot aquatic facility at the recreation center on Tilley Creek Road in Cullowhee. The facility will provide service to county residents who currently must travel long distances to swim. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2024 at a cost of $22 […]
Fall weather stifles turnout for the CMN motorcycle ride
In the crisp morning hours, bikers around Sylva joined together to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals Saturday, Sept. 23. The ride started in the parking lot of the Sylva Walmart and went through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Leo Craig, the organizer, has hosted the CMN bike […]
Tuckasegee River has more than just garbage
Originally published in The Western Carolina Journalist In the early afternoon, with mist still clinging to the waters of the river, hundreds of WCU students descend to the banks of the Tuckasegee river for the Tuck River Cleanup. Throughout the day, thousands of pounds of trash are removed. Digging through the muck and […]
How Sylva and WCU police are evolving modern policing
Sylva Police Department and Western Carolina University have partnered to change how policing is done with the new Community Care Program. This program is designed to fuse policing with social work. Senior or graduate level students studying social work are hired as interns. These interns, known as community care liaisons, […]
WCU’s University Participant Program taking national steps
WCU’s University Participant Program (UP) has high chances of being the first inclusive postsecondary education program (IPSE) to gain accreditation in the country. The UP Program is a two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged students with intellectual disabilities. UP students audit college classes, have an internship or job […]
Community Table helping with food wants and needs
The Community Table of Jackson County is a valuable resource for people who may need food assistance as well as people who may just want a plate of food that is not from the dining halls. The Table is located at 23 Central St., Sylva. Students may be put into […]
Recognizing the land during Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and respect Indigenous culture. This month also recalls the dark past of colonized land. Land acknowledgements, formal documents honoring tribal homelands, are used by institutions across America, including WCU. WCU sits on land that was, and remains, the ancestral and […]
Second annual Sylva Pride brings community and belonging to larger crowd
Crowds lined Sylva’s Bridge Park on Sept. 10 anticipating the second annual Sylva Pride. Battling the consistent light rain, patrons were all smiles milling about the booths and the park grounds. Following the successes of the following year, Sylva Pride aimed to be even bigger and better this year and […]
Fresh Goods: A Look at the Jackson County Farmers Market
The Jackson County Farmers Market is in action and serving the local community. Even if you aren’t on ‘Cottagecore’ TikTok or someone with a canvas tote bag, participating in a farmers market can be a fun, lively experience. Located in downtown Sylva in the Bridge Park parking lot, WCU […]