Archives for March 9, 2017

Bill would allow guns at both WCU and SCC

This story was written by Haley Smith, originally published in The Sylva Herald. If approved, new legislation would give people with concealed-carry permits the legal OK to bring handguns with them when visiting or taking classes at Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College. The prospect isn’t sitting well with the 17 police chiefs in the UNC […]

What is an eclipse?

There are four types of solar eclipses – partial, annular, total and hybrid: • The outer shadow cast by the moon, also called the penumbra, shows a partial eclipse. • Annular eclipses occur when the moon doesn’t cover the sun entirely, leaving a “ring of fire” around the moon. • The rare celestial phenomenon that […]

Educators view eclipse as teachable moment

This story was written by Haley Smith, originally published in The Sylva Herald. Monday, Aug. 21 will be the first day of schools for Jackson County students, and educators couldn’t be happier about the coinciding solar eclipse. Superintendent Mike Murray, who has a background in science, has helped push all-things science in local schools. “I’m excited to […]

Getting ready for the solar eclipse

This story was written by Haley Smith, originally published in The Sylva Herald. Julia Wiggins has been waiting 10 years to see a total solar eclipse. On Aug. 21, she’ll finally get her wish. Although she grew up on a family farm in eastern North Carolina, she has family in Sylva. Her mother, LaRae Truckner Wiggins, spent […]