Local

Photo submitted - Peyton shows off her family’s petting zoo in March 2023.

Photo submitted - Peyton shows off her family’s petting zoo in March 2023.

Family-owned farm turns rescue mission into growing tourist attraction

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Sara Eisinger - ContributorNestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a century- old family property is finding new life as a farm attraction, animal rescue and hands-on educational experience for visitors exploring the region.
Erich Atkins of Von Fader Studios showcases copper relief art at Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market May 22.

Erich Atkins of Von Fader Studios showcases copper relief art at Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market May 22.

Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market draws crowds back to the riverfront

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Sara Eisinger - ContributorFresh tomatoes, handcrafted art, homemade jams and the sound of neighbors gathering along the river are once again filling the lawn at the Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market as the seasonal favorite returns to Bryson City.
Veterans line up to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation at the veteran’s monument outside Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum on Memorial Day, May 25.

Veterans line up to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation at the veteran’s monument outside Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum on Memorial Day, May 25.

A day to remember

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Under gray skies and quiet reflection, residents gathered Monday afternoon at the veteran’s monument outside Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation during a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony hosted by the Military...
Nell Redmond/AP Photo - Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C, listens to testimony as the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight holds a field hearing on Sept. 29, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C.

Nell Redmond/AP Photo - Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C, listens to testimony as the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight holds a field hearing on Sept. 29, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C.

Rep. Edwards faces House ethics investigation over harassment allegations

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
BY KEVIN FREKING - ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee announced Thursday it is investigating Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina over allegations that he created a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment.
Photo/contributed - The new county animal shelter on Highway 19.

Photo/contributed - The new county animal shelter on Highway 19.

Swain County Animal Shelter opens

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
BY SHELBY POWELL - REPORTERSwain County has opened up a new animal shelter for community members to come for adoptions, to collect lost pets and surrender animals they cannot care for.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Teams participating in the Smoky Mountain Relay stopped for a free breakfast hosted by Cowee School volunteers. Each member of this team was from the Southeast, with members from Bryson City, Chattanooga, Nashville, Sylva and Asheville.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Teams participating in the Smoky Mountain Relay stopped for a free breakfast hosted by Cowee School volunteers. Each member of this team was from the Southeast, with members from Bryson City, Chattanooga, Nashville, Sylva and Asheville.

Smoky Mountain Relay stops at Cowee School

News Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
BY SHELBY POWELL - REPORTERMore than 573 runners assed through Macon County April 24-25 as part of the annual Smoky Mountain Relay from Brevard to Bryson City.
Photo/EBCI - The EBCI Tribal Council met Thursday, May 7, to discuss a moratorium on data centers.

Photo/EBCI - The EBCI Tribal Council met Thursday, May 7, to discuss a moratorium on data centers.

EBCI passes indefinite moratorium on data centers

News Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
By Katie Myers - Blue Ridge Public RadioThe Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council on May 7 passed an indefinite moratorium on data centers, following several other counties and municipalities throughout North Carolina that have made similar moves.
More than 80 community members attend the workshop on emerging drug threats and community solutions hosted by the Swain County Sheriff’s Department.

More than 80 community members attend the workshop on emerging drug threats and community solutions hosted by the Swain County Sheriff’s Department.

Workshop discusses emerging drug threats and community solutions

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Wanda Wiggins, an agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration came to Bryson City, Tuesday, April 28, to discuss emerging drug threats and community  solutions.