Local

This drawing represents the latest rendition by architect Keith Hargrove for new construction of the Marianna Black Library on Fontana Road.

This drawing represents the latest rendition by architect Keith Hargrove for new construction of the Marianna Black Library on Fontana Road.

Choose your own library adventure

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Over the past decade, the libraries in the Fontana Regional Library System have seen significant upgrades and new facilities with the final exception of Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Swain County at the top for retirement affordability

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
SmartAsset, a nationally known financial technology company, recently ranked Swain County as the Most Affordable Place to Retire in North Carolina. The national study highlights 10 counties in each state that are the most affordable based on early age and average retirement.

Tougher water rules to hit about 100 businesses

James Budd
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Bryson City town board members Tuesday night, Jan. 21 focused exclusively on hammering out an ordinance that will require an estimated 100 city business owners to install costly equipment to prevent contaminated backflow from entering the water system.

Repairs ongoing in Nantahala Gorge

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2020
Work continues on a rockslide on US 19/74 through the Nantahala Gorge. N.C. Department of Transportation crews and a contractor had to close the road to traffic last weekend to continue the work of removing debris.  On Monday, the road was opened again with one lane of traffic and a signal.
The exterior walls are up for a counseling suite at Swain County High School. The construction project, which also includes two new classrooms and administration, is on schedule.

The exterior walls are up for a counseling suite at Swain County High School. The construction project, which also includes two new classrooms and administration, is on schedule.

Construction moves forward at Swain High

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Work to expand learning space at Swain County High School began before the school year and appears to be on schedule. The additions are funded largely through a $4.7 million critical needs grant from North Carolina that the district was awarded in the previous year.
Workers with North Carolina Department of Transportation conduct storm damage clean up in the Grassy Branch community on Monday

Workers with North Carolina Department of Transportation conduct storm damage clean up in the Grassy Branch community on Monday

Strong thunderstorm causes downed trees, power outages

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
On Saturday evening, a thunderstorm with strong winds swept through the area. The storm left many customers without power but caused little damage otherwise. “There were a bunch of trees and power lines down,” confirmed Swain Emergency Management Director David Breedlove.
Contractors with Teraflex continue work on the water and sewer lines on Main Street with one man emerging from the manhole on the street.

Contractors with Teraflex continue work on the water and sewer lines on Main Street with one man emerging from the manhole on the street.

Main Street water/sewer project on schedule

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Early this week, the water and sewer project impacting traffic on Main Street in downtown Bryson City met a marker nearing completion. The work that began in October is just about 30 days from being completely finished.
Dennis White, center, is pictured with his grandaughter Kendall Bowers and wife Debi White.

Dennis White, center, is pictured with his grandaughter Kendall Bowers and wife Debi White.

Dennis White named Citizen of the Year

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Dennis White, 77, Bryson City business owner and community leader, died on Sunday, Jan. 5. He was a dedicated local leader who helped shape the tourism industry in the county. Town of Bryson City Board of Aldermen named Dennis White Citizen of the Year for 2019 on Dec. 16.
Gov. Roy Cooper visits Nantahala

Gov. Roy Cooper visits Nantahala

2019 Year in Review

News Staff
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
The dome at the historic courthouse in downtown Bryson City saw repairs that began in late January. The dome got several layers of a new protective lining among other repairs to prevent leaking. The building now houses the Swain County Heritage Museum & Visitor's Center. (Jan.
In 2018, Swain County received the final payment in the $52 million North Shore settlement agreement made in 2010.

In 2018, Swain County received the final payment in the $52 million North Shore settlement agreement made in 2010.

the 2010s: Biggest stories of the decade

News Staff
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
2010 Swain, federal government, state reach agreement on North Shore Road. Plan is to pay county $52 million.   2011 The death of 15-month-old Aubrey Kina-Marie Littlejohn following abuse and neglect breaks open a state investigation into Swain Department of Social Services.