Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
It was business as usual for the Swain County Board of Commissioners who held a work session on Thursday evening, Sept. 22 at the Swain County Administration Building. The board heard reports from the State of Franklin and Region A Southwestern Commission.
State of Franklin
Lisa Loftis, State of Franklin director, said she plans to update the board quarterly on the three programs that operate from the senior center. First off, the senior community service employment program that helps low-income, unemployed seniors get training jobs, is going well. She said there are openings in Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson counties and a couple here in Swain County.
“Our transit system has been on a steady incline we’re working diligently to serve more people than we have ever had before,” Loftis said, adding it’s served about 150 clients.
She was also happy to report about the congregate meals which take place at the senior center, where they are now cooking the meals in the new commercial kitchen with about eight people attending regularly.
“While we’re seeing still the effects of the pandemic, we’re working hard to have more activities and have more people,” she said, adding attendance was good at a recent apron painting class.
Last year, they served more than 9,400 meals total between congregate and home delivered meals. She noted they need more volunteers to help with the delivered meals.
The annual senior celebration for the seven western counties will be held today, Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Swain Event Park from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. It will include games, bingo, music and be catered by Granny’s Kitchen.
Southwestern Regional Commission
Russ Harris, director of Southwestern Regional Commission, was also before the commissioners with a report and to thank the county.
The commission has a mission to improve the quality of life in the region, and operates three programs: community and economic development, workforce development, and area on aging.
“Last year, we collected $155,000 in dues and on are pace to bring $15 million into the region,” Harris said.
Coopers Creek Road access
During reports with county manager Kevin King, the board discussed how a road access issue at the end of Coopers Creek Road seems to be coming to a head. King said DOT and Swain County may consider issuing letters and getting law enforcement to remove the gate.
“It’s come to an issue at this point with the lack of access to that area,” he said.
He reported a tribal member who needs access to tribally owned property has been blocked from doing so.
Commission chairman Ben Bushyhead discussed how he doesn’t agree with the property owner blocking access who claims the road is in fact privately owned, having gone out to measure the area.
As discussion continued, Commissioner Kenneth Parton said it may require a judge to come up with a solution, and that it might not be up to the county.
Commissioner Kevin Seagle said it may need to start with another survey of the area.
Before adjourning, the board heard from James “Gunner” Vasquez during public comment. He suggested more people to stand up against those who sent a letter criticizing how football players who requested it were baptized on the Swain County High School football field this summer at the end of the Fellowship for Christian Athletes summer camp program.
“If that’s illegal, it shouldn’t be,” he said.