Local

Katie Myers / BPR News. James Sullivan and J.P Schmidt say the Chattahoochee National Forest would be less protected from wildfires if additional roads were built.

Katie Myers / BPR News. James Sullivan and J.P Schmidt say the Chattahoochee National Forest would be less protected from wildfires if additional roads were built.

These Southeastern forests could soon lose protection if the Roadless Rule is repealed

News Staff
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
KATIE MYERS, EMILY JONES, JUANPABLO RAMIREZ-FRANCO, TIK ROOTOn a foggy winter day by the banks of the South Mills River near Brevard, North Carolina, outdoor guide Heath Cartee kicked at a bit of loose dirt and watched it fall into the frigid water.
Lorraine Bennett, Clay County Progress. Rob Tiger signs in for Thursday evening's town hall on the Roadless Rule. The meeting was held at the Historic Courthouse Beal Center.

Lorraine Bennett, Clay County Progress. Rob Tiger signs in for Thursday evening's town hall on the Roadless Rule. The meeting was held at the Historic Courthouse Beal Center.

Public meeting hears comments on Roadless Rule

News Staff
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
LORRAINE BENNETTCCP REPORTER  About three dozen people showed up Thursday evening at Hayesville’s Historic Courthouse Beal Center to learn more about the Roadless Rule and voice their input.At issue was the U.S.
Photo/Katie Myers, BPR. Swain County Commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on data center construction on April 21.

Photo/Katie Myers, BPR. Swain County Commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on data center construction on April 21.

Swain County unanimously passes data center moratorium

News Staff
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
KATIE MYERSBLUE RIDGE PUBLIC RADIO Swain County Commissioners unanimously passed on April 21 a 12-month moratorium on new data centers in the county.This move comes after the community held a public meeting March 31, which drew 140 residents and 34 speakers to the county building in Bryson City.

MountainTrue supports HB369

News Staff
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Shelby PowellReporter@thefranklinpress.com The General Assembly is considering a bill that would remove restrictions on the number of offstreet parking lots required for buildings.The two-page bill can be viewed at ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H369.

Mountain Discovery kicks off $2M capital campaign

News Staff
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Mountain Discovery Charter School (MDCS) is kicking off their “Two Years – Two Million Dollars” capital campaign with a family event at Darnell Farms, this weekend.The event, slated for April 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature faceprinting, bouncy houses, a Charity Scenic Ride and live music.
Advisory board members (l to r) AnnMarie Wright, Toby Allman, Nick Nichols, Lisa Kim Fisher, Diane Jones, Amber Lyons, Beth Maennle, Mike Shakar.

Advisory board members (l to r) AnnMarie Wright, Toby Allman, Nick Nichols, Lisa Kim Fisher, Diane Jones, Amber Lyons, Beth Maennle, Mike Shakar.

Gift Fund unites agencies in service to Swain residents

News Staff
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Rachel Hoskinsrhoskins@thefranklinpress.com "Breaking bread together" signifies sharing a meal, spiritual nourishment, and fostering community.

‘Sprang Thang’ on stage this weekend

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   The “Sprang Thang” outdoor music festival returns to Lands Creek Log Cabins this weekend. The festival is set to take place Friday, April 17, from 6-11 p.m. and on Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Balltown Road in Bryson City.
Forest Service photo/Matt Switzer. Fire crew hiking to the fire line.

Forest Service photo/Matt Switzer. Fire crew hiking to the fire line.

Wildfires: Crews battle blaze near Needmore

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   A wildfire spreading in the Needmore area started Thursday afternoon and kept burning over the weekend.