Phil and Connie Haire The Western Carolina University (WCU) community is mourning the loss of Phil Haire, a longtime advocate, donor, and former state legislator, who passed away on Oct. 8 at the age of 88. Haire, a Sylva resident, made significant contributions to WCU through his roles on the university’s Board of Trustees, the UNC System Board of Governors, and as a supporter of key initiatives like the Health and Human Sciences Building,...

About sixty occupants of Ela Campground are facing an uncertain future after being notified by the property owner, Kituwah LLC of Cherokee to vacate the property by the end of the month. Former Ela Campground owner Paula Bishop told Five Forty Broadcasting News that in addition to the eviction notices the water and electrical service to the park had been cut off by Kituwah due to safety concerns. According to Bishop the county inspectors did not...