BearWise keeps bears wild in Waynesville

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 just came down from my neighbor’s yard, and then just […]

Settlement sends county money to fight drugs

The US Government reached a historic $56 billion in cumulative agreements nationwide, the United States government has begun to distribute relief through settlements in the aftermath of various lawsuits against opioid distribution from American pharmacies. The state of North Carolina is set to receive $1.5 billion in total, announced by Attorney General Josh Stein in […]

107 project impacting 152 properties along route

story co-written with Abigail Quinn Part 3 of the serial of stories published in The Sylva Herald on Jan. 31 edition The R-5600 N.C. 107 expansion project is a major project talked about for years and years. The reconfiguration is along 2.6 miles of roadway and will bring wider lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks and a grass median in […]

N.C. 107 work: A long road behind, and ahead

story co-written with Jake HarkeyPart 1 of the serial of stories published in The Sylva Herald, Dec. 13, 2023 America runs on Dunkin and Sylva lost the only one in town. Dunkin ceased selling coffee and doughnuts in November due to road construction and more businesses will be closing permanently or moving to a new […]

The untold stories of PTSD: The veteran community at WCU speaks about their military experiences

Story co-produced with Daniel Reid Many holidays are set aside to honor, remember and celebrate the courage of military members, active, retired and reserves.  From the civilian perspective, these holidays are three-day weekends off of work, cookouts with family and days to party.  For the military community, these holidays have a deeper meaning. Memorial Day […]

“We are still here”: Western Carolina University remains a Cherokee place

Story co-written with Sarah Pruitt  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 until 1924. November was not declared […]