Local

Swain Clean volunteers Cynthia Womble (left to right), MaryK Buranosky, Joe Buranosky, Thomas Womble, Stacy Miller, Ben Harrison, Jane Harrison and Valerie Ely gather at the riverside pavilion behind the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum June 20.

Swain Clean volunteers Cynthia Womble (left to right), MaryK Buranosky, Joe Buranosky, Thomas Womble, Stacy Miller, Ben Harrison, Jane Harrison and Valerie Ely gather at the riverside pavilion behind the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum June 20.

Swain Clean in search of volunteers to keep county litter-free

Sara Eisinger
Thursday, July 2, 2026
What started as a small volunteer effort to pick up roadside litter has grown into a countywide initiative dedicated to keeping Swain County’s roads, rivers, parks and public spaces clean.
Firefighters participate in live-burn training off DeHart Cove Road June 23.

Firefighters participate in live-burn training off DeHart Cove Road June 23.

Firefighters gain rare live-burn training

Sara Eisinger
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Firefighters from across the region gained rare live-fire experience during an acquired structure burn off DeHart Cove Road in Bryson City on June 23.
Freedom Fest in Bryson City July 4, 2025

Freedom Fest in Bryson City July 4, 2025

250th Anniversary Celebration

Sara Eisinger
Thursday, July 2, 2026
More than 10,000 visitors are expected to fill downtown Bryson City on July 4 as Freedom Fest returns with live music, family activities, dozens of vendors and a fireworks display organizers say is among the largest in the region.
Photo/ Deb Stuart - Ted Goshorn (left to right), Billie Clemens and Nick Nichols hold literacy check for Mountain Discovery Charter School at the Historic Calhoun House June 4.

Photo/ Deb Stuart - Ted Goshorn (left to right), Billie Clemens and Nick Nichols hold literacy check for Mountain Discovery Charter School at the Historic Calhoun House June 4.

Rotary Club donation boosts literacy efforts at Mountain Discovery

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The Rotary Club of Bryson City is investing in literacy and local education with a $4,760 donation to Mountain Discovery Charter School to help shape future success for Swain County students.
Photo submitted - Newly appointed Bryson City Town Manager Lynn Thomas stands outside Town Hall June 12.

Photo submitted - Newly appointed Bryson City Town Manager Lynn Thomas stands outside Town Hall June 12.

Thomas focused on continuity, infrastructure as new town manager

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Newly appointed Bryson City Town Manager Lynn Thomas says her focus is on continuing the progress already underway in town government while maintaining strong public services and supporting employees.Thomas, who has worked for the Town of Bryson City since 2005, replaces former manager Sam Pattillo.
Photo/Sara Eisinger - US Navy Vet. Robert “Bob” Pillow receives formal, official tribute from Congressman Chuck Edwards, honoring the veteran's military service and serving as a permanent public record of his dedication to the country on Flag Day 2026, June 14.

Photo/Sara Eisinger - US Navy Vet. Robert “Bob” Pillow receives formal, official tribute from Congressman Chuck Edwards, honoring the veteran's military service and serving as a permanent public record of his dedication to the country on Flag Day 2026, June 14.

Flag Day tournament rallies around veteran in need; coinciding with 84th birthday

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
What began as a Flag Day golf tournament designed to provide recreational opportunities for disabled veterans became a powerful demonstration of community support Sunday as golfers, businesses, elected officials and volunteers united to help an 84-year-old Navy veteran whose home was severely...
Photo/Sara Eisinger - US Navy Vet. Robert Pillow sits in his storm damaged home June 3.

Photo/Sara Eisinger - US Navy Vet. Robert Pillow sits in his storm damaged home June 3.

Appalachian Warrior Tribe’s Flag Day Tournament becomes rallying point for local veteran

Sara Eisinger
Friday, June 12, 2026
What began as a Flag Day golf tournament to provide recreational opportunities for disabled veterans has transformed into something much larger—a community-wide effort to support 83-year-old US Navy Vet. Robert “Bob” Pillow, whose home was devastated by a fallen tree last month.
Photo by Sara Eisinger - Friends of Marianna Black Library bookstore moves to the Varner building in mid-June 2026.

Photo by Sara Eisinger - Friends of Marianna Black Library bookstore moves to the Varner building in mid-June 2026.

Friends bookstore relocated as library expansions moves forward

Sara Eisinger
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
For over a decade, Friends of Marianna Black Library bookstore has been more than a place to browse used books; it has quietly helped keep library programs running in downtown Bryson City.But, the beloved bookstore is moving this month.
Photo by Joanna McMahan - Swain County High School honors 126 graduates during its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony at Swain Memorial Stadium Thursday evening, June 4.

Photo by Joanna McMahan - Swain County High School honors 126 graduates during its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony at Swain Memorial Stadium Thursday evening, June 4.

Swain County High School celebrates 126 graduates at Class of 2026 commencement

Sara Eisinger
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Swain County High School honored 126 graduates during its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony Thursday evening, June 4, celebrating academic achievement, community support and the promise of future success.