Local

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Qualla Boundary MMIW organizers Jacinta Gonzalez, community outreach (left to right), Maggie Jackson, co-chair, Diane Welch, coordination and logistics, and Atsei Cooper, co-chair at the sixth annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relative Walk at Cherokee Central School Charles George Arena Saturday, May 3.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Qualla Boundary MMIW organizers Jacinta Gonzalez, community outreach (left to right), Maggie Jackson, co-chair, Diane Welch, coordination and logistics, and Atsei Cooper, co-chair at the sixth annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relative Walk at Cherokee Central School Charles George Arena Saturday, May 3.

Walk remembers the missing and murdered

News Staff
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The tears of those left behind fell like rain at the sixth annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relative Walk at Cherokee Central School Charles George Arena Saturday, May 3.
Submitted photo. William “Bill” Loranzo Crawford, Jackson County Genealogical Society co-founder, gears up to celebrate his 90th birthday with loved ones at Monteith Park Sunday, May 11. Among his many accomplishments, Crawford won WCU’s Mountain Heritage Award in 2019.

Submitted photo. William “Bill” Loranzo Crawford, Jackson County Genealogical Society co-founder, gears up to celebrate his 90th birthday with loved ones at Monteith Park Sunday, May 11. Among his many accomplishments, Crawford won WCU’s Mountain Heritage Award in 2019.

For the love of mountains and people

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Local historian and genealogy expert Bill Crawford browsed through black and white photographs at the Jackson County Genealogical Society Tuesday. All the while, family, friends and neighbors prepared for his 90th birthday party which will be held at Monteith Park Sunday, May 11.
SMT photo/ Sara Eisinger. Jesse Bolden teaches how metal moves with Jackson County Green Energy Park at the Gear Up SMS STEAM Expo. Thursday, April 24. Gear Up serves Swain County middle and high school students by offering a variety of events, activities and resources.

SMT photo/ Sara Eisinger. Jesse Bolden teaches how metal moves with Jackson County Green Energy Park at the Gear Up SMS STEAM Expo. Thursday, April 24. Gear Up serves Swain County middle and high school students by offering a variety of events, activities and resources.

Swain Middle participates in STEAM Expo

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Swain Middle School students celebrated the SMS STEAM Expo. Thursday, April 24. “This event is planned, organized and implemented by myself and my Gear Up Support Specialist, Alyssa McDougal,” said Taylor Dodge, Gear Up coordinator.
SMT photos/Sara Eisinger. Neil and Sonya Blankenship celebrate winning the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce Banquet at Fryemont Inn Thursday, April 24 with children, Arizona (left) and Cameron (right). Neil and Sonya Blankenship retire from Swain County Schools this year.

SMT photos/Sara Eisinger. Neil and Sonya Blankenship celebrate winning the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce Banquet at Fryemont Inn Thursday, April 24 with children, Arizona (left) and Cameron (right). Neil and Sonya Blankenship retire from Swain County Schools this year.

Swain Chamber celebrates with annual banquet

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Business owners, dignitaries and other active community members attended the Swain County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet at Fryemont Inn Thursday, April 24.
Submitted photo. Maryanne Zelenka is West Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 2024/25 academic school year. Zelenka has taught for Swain County Schools since 2001.

Submitted photo. Maryanne Zelenka is West Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 2024/25 academic school year. Zelenka has taught for Swain County Schools since 2001.

Maryanne Zelenka is West Elementary Teacher of the Year

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
As a kid, Maryanne Zelenka’s mother was adamant that being a student was her job. As an adult, Zelenka teaches her students just that. “She expected us to make that work a priority through commitment to doing our best,” said Zelenka.
Submitted photo. Taylor Woodard, director at Swain County Recreation Department (front left), with staff, volunteers and participating seniors at the Swain County Senior Games April 1. Swain County Senior Games saw a great turnout this year with a grand total of 14 participants.

Submitted photo. Taylor Woodard, director at Swain County Recreation Department (front left), with staff, volunteers and participating seniors at the Swain County Senior Games April 1. Swain County Senior Games saw a great turnout this year with a grand total of 14 participants.

Seniors turn out for games

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Swain County Senior Games saw a great turnout this year with a grand total of 14 participants. The senior games kicked off April 1 and ended April 24 with a performing arts comedy show and closing banquet.
SMT photo/ Sara Eisigner. Jayden Smiley cheers Swain High’s Nolan Griggs on during a race at the Special Olympics Far West Games in Bryson City Friday, April 25. Griggs is a graduating senior this year.

SMT photo/ Sara Eisigner. Jayden Smiley cheers Swain High’s Nolan Griggs on during a race at the Special Olympics Far West Games in Bryson City Friday, April 25. Griggs is a graduating senior this year.

Swain superheroes volunteer in Special Olympics

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
The Special Olympics Far West Games shook the Swain County High School football stadium Friday, April 25. Town looked as though it had been painted maroon.