Local

Swain 2020 Election Canvass

Swain County Board of Elections met on Friday, Nov. 13, for Canvass Day, where the results for the Nov. 3 General Election were made official. In total, there were 10,088 registered voters for the election and 7,101 ballots were cast—making a historical voter turnout for the county of 70.45%.

Swain school board hears the latest on COVID, athletics

As has become the standard in 2020, the Swain County Board of Education meeting held Monday, Nov. 9 began with an update on COVID-19 cases in the community. Alison Cochran, director of Swain County Health Department, shared the countywide report.

Federal jury convicts Bryson City woman of distribution of controlled substance resulting in death

Staff reports   A federal jury in Asheville has convicted Shannon White, 43, of Bryson City, of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Alarka murder suspects extradited back to Swain

The two murder suspects in the Aug. 14 death of Lenore Dawn Morris have been transported back to Swain County. Morris, 70, died at her home located on Deep Gap Road on Aug. 14.

COVID cases slow again

The number of positive active cases of COVID-19 has seen a decrease again recently following the recovery of numerous cases in Cherokee that were linked to outbreaks at family gatherings.

East Elementary students get drawing to damp down bullying

East Elementary students and staff recently got hands on against bullying. Ciera Wiggins, school counselor, recently led the school in a month-long focus on anti-bullying.

Pilots club has fly-in to Sossamon Field

Often a quiet place, the Sossamon Field Airport was bustling with activity this past Friday, Oct. 23. SWT Aviation, Inc. of Marietta, Georgia sponsored the event that brought a fly-in to the airport. Chip Allen, SWT president, and Kathy Davis organized the event.

Boys cross country speeding toward opening season

A freshman-laden roster is both an exciting and daunting proposition. The team’s core is set for years to come, but it often takes times for kids fresh out of middle school to develop the mental and physical attributes needed to successfully compete at the varsity level.

Commissioners direct committee to review erosion ordinance

Private property rights are highly esteemed in the local culture, but what happens when someone else’s property spills over into yours and cause damage? Regulations like the Swain County Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance are in place to keep this kind of thing from happening.

Reading helpers to be hired for Swain Schools

Reading is a building block when it comes to education and financial success. Swain County Board of Commissioners approved an investment into improving reading skills for students in public school during their meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22.