Archives for June 2017

Sylva rock band releases debut EP

Sylva southern rock n’ roll band, The Log Noggins, have spent many hours in the studio since November, and this month they emerged with an impressive set of songs to show for it. The band released their groove-packed four-track self-titled demo with a live show at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville on June 9. The […]

WCU students chosen in MLB draft

A day of celebration came after WCU’s left-handed pitcher Bryan Sammons was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the eighth round and 226th overall of the Major League Baseball draft. “It was a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve wanted to be a professional baseball player my entire life and to get this opportunity is […]

Storyteller reflects on county moonshine history

This story was originally published in The Sylva Herald. Although you’re not likely to stumble across illicit moonshine stills in Jackson County today, 50 or 60 years ago, you stood a better chance. Jackson County once played a starring role in regional moonshine production. It served as a hub for making and bootlegging the illegal liquor, according […]

Students pile up scholarships – and debt

This story was originally published in The Sylva Herald. So far during the 2016-2017 academic year, Western Carolina University students have received almost $11 million in scholarships, but they – or their parents – borrowed almost $68 million in educational loans. Additionally, student loan borrowers in the class of 2016 will graduate with an average $37,172 in […]

Adventure Race Raises Money for Military Families

This story was originally published in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Providing adventure for racers while raising money for a worthy cause, the Special Operations Adventure Race (SOAR) was hosted in Highlands, NC for its 16th year on Saturday, June 10. “The teamwork we witness is always phenomenal, as well as the sportsmanship. There is incredible camaraderie in […]

WCU Trustees add members, discuss growth issues

This story was originally published in The Sylva Herald. Changes for WCU Board of Trustees The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees will have four new members beginning July 1. The University of North Carolina Board of Governors appointed Haden Boliek of Fayetteville and Robert Roberts of Asheville to four-year terms. They replace current trustee Phil Drake […]