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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.
Suzette Englke, Foggy Moon Photography. Mike Drinkwater (Dennis White Business & Innovation Award Winner), Gina Wiggins (Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award Winner), Monica Brown (Chamber President), Lisa Leatherman (Duke Energy).

Suzette Englke, Foggy Moon Photography. Mike Drinkwater (Dennis White Business & Innovation Award Winner), Gina Wiggins (Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award Winner), Monica Brown (Chamber President), Lisa Leatherman (Duke Energy).

Partnerships pay off: Chamber celebrates successful year

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Bryson City Chamber of Commerce welcomed a full house to the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City on Thursday, April 23, for its 2026 Annual Membership  Banquet, officially marking the start of the spring and summer season in Bryson City and Swain County.
More than 200 participants in the Far West Regional Special Olympics gathered in Swain County to participate in games.

More than 200 participants in the Far West Regional Special Olympics gathered in Swain County to participate in games.

Swain County hosts Special Olympics event

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Swain County was honored to host the Far West Regional Special Olympics. The event brought together more than 200 athletes from across the region, including participants from Swain, Graham,  Cherokee, Macon, Clay, and Cherokee County.
Press photo/Shelby Powell. Swain commissioner Jay Kirkland reviews a budget request made by the Swain County school board in a joint meeting between the two boards.

Press photo/Shelby Powell. Swain commissioner Jay Kirkland reviews a budget request made by the Swain County school board in a joint meeting between the two boards.

School board requests $3.5 million from county

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
SHELBY POWELLREPORTER Swain County schools is requesting nearly $3.5 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year, and in late April met with commis-sioners to discuss the system’s greatest priorities.