Local

Bennett indicted for first-degree murder

On Thursday, Sept. 24, a Swain County Grand Jury convened to hear cases. Nolan Billy Bennett was indicted for first-degree murder in the death of Austin Cody Fuller, who died on Aug. 12, 2020.

Two indicted for murder in Morris case

A Swain County Grand Jury delivered two true bills of indictment on first-degree murder charges against two people on Thursday, Sept. 24 who are charged in the death of Lenore Dawn Morris. Morris, 70, died at her home located on Deep Gap Road on Aug. 14.

School board agrees to a modified Plan A to begin Oct. 19

Swain County School Board held an emergency meeting on Monday, Sept. 28 to hear updates on COVID-19 cases, positivity rates and plans on moving forward towards Plan A for K-5 students in the county. Following discussion, the board agreed to set Oct.

Maroon Devils making their mark: Bronson Messer

Hanging on the wall of Bronson Messer’s office at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, are his Bachelor’s in Physics and PhD in Astrophysics from University of Tennessee, but no high school diploma.

Heather Herron named Swain Teacher of the Year

Heather Payne Herron was recently named the Swain County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2019-20. Herron shares when she knew she wanted to become a teacher, what her challenges have been, rewarding experiences, and what it means to her to have been chosen for this title.

Elementary schools get green light for Plan A

In a briefing on Thursday, Sept. 17, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that elementary public school districts in the state will be allowed to move into Plan A as early as Oct. 5.

Development in East Alarka mucked up in runoff issues

When water and open soil meet on a steep slope, runoff is a sure result. A development in East Alarka recently came to the attention of Swain County commissioners for such a problem. Two property owners on Earls Road spoke to the commissioners during their work session meeting on Aug.

Blankenship awarded Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award

Swain County High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Neil Blankenship said he was surprised when he was awarded the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award for Region 8 during the North Carolina High School Athletic Association regional meeting that was held online.

Maroon Devils Making their Mark: James Douthit

It was a Maroon Devil Friday night, and James Douthit was preparing to take the field for the first time. In his hands wasn’t a helmet or leather ball but a saxophone.

Commissioners hear good news on COVID-19 management

Swain County Board of Commissioners heard positive updates from Swain County Schools and Health Department on the status of COVID-19 and management in the county during the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10.