Local

Tourism chugging along, just not at full speed

Summer 2020 began with a lot of questions in terms of what the tourism season would look like for Swain County, since statewide closures were still impacting the area. A few weeks into reopening, and the signs are positive.

EBCI reports first death of tribal member from COVID-19

On Monday afternoon, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Health and Human Services and Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority reported the first death of a tribal member caused by COVID-19 that occurred over the weekend.

Swain County TDA shows support for Freedom Fest

Despite not knowing if the show can go on, planning is well underway for Bryson City’s Freedom Fest on July 4, 2020. Since concerns over the spread of the lung disease COVID-19 are still at the forefront, if this year’s event goes on, it will look a little different from years past.

Freedom Fest still up in the air, but plans are in the works

Shaun Adams   As of Monday, there has still not been a decision on whether Bryson City’s annual Independence Day celebration, Freedom Fest, will take place.

Virus cases steady in Swain County

Swain County added seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the previous week. The increase represents a steady rise of around 10 or less each week since restrictions were lifted at the end of May.

COVID-19 a hot topic at commissioners meeting

Shaun Adams   Swain County Commissioners held their monthly meeting Thursday, June 11. Swain County Health Department Director Alison Cochran presented the board with an update on COVID-19, and there were 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Swain County, which has increased to 40 as of Tuesday.

A unique celebration for a one-of-a-kind year

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Graduation 2020 is one for the history books.

Drive-thru Pop Up Market serves community

A drive thru Pop Up Market was held Wednesday, June 3 in downtown Bryson City, with a line full of cars filling the gravel lot throughout the morning hours. The market is hosted by the Bryson City Presbyterian Church in coordination with MANNA Foodbank.

Confirmed cases, testing for COVID-19 continues to increase

Swain County, like much of the United States, is slowly returning to business as usual following the widespread closures that began in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, health officials warn that the public still needs to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

School athletes can return to workouts Monday

By Shaun Adams Athletics was a top subject for discussion during the monthly Swain County Board of Education meeting held Monday, June 8, with updates on when football workouts will start, and possible changes in the way coaches are paid.