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 […]
Tag: western north carolina
Student activists bring awareness to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Originally published by the Smoky Mountain News As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rages on, students across the world and across Western North Carolina are organizing to bring awareness to their cause and express their feelings about the ongoing hostilities. “Our protests aren’t as big as those in New York or other […]
Keeping an eye to the sky in Cullowhee
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 […]
Breathtaking scenery only a short drive from campus
Just minutes from downtown Sylva, Pinnacle Park offers Jackson County residents a peaceful getaway from the stresses of daily life. The park offers both relaxing and strenuous hikes as well as a certified forest therapy trail within the thousand-acre preserve. Pinnacle Bald, the aptly named rock face at the […]
People, place and memories influence Ron Rash’s latest novel “The Caretaker”
#8220;The Caretaker” is the latest novel by author and WCU English professor Ron Rash. It is his first novel in 10 years. “The Caretaker” is set in 1950’s Blowing Rock, North Carolina amid the Korean War. The novel tells the story of Blackburn Gant and young couple Jacob and Naomi […]
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 […]
Smoky Mountain Geek Expo returns to Waynesville for 2nd year
The 2nd annual Smoky Mountain Geek Expo, hosted by Geek Mountain and Red Finds Games, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 21 at the Smoky Mountain Event Center in Waynesville. The entrance fee is $5, and kids 12 and under enter free. Bringing two […]
Students displaced by lease gap
Every year, misaligned housing leases cause students to be displaced. In the period between one lease end and another lease beginning, there is a consistent 20-day gap among local apartment complexes. During this time, students who cannot return home are effectively homeless and have no choice but to float couch […]