Local

SMT file photo - Swain School System has been wanting to replace its current middle school for years. Challenges at the facility constructed in the 1950s include security and the HVAC system.

SMT file photo - Swain School System has been wanting to replace its current middle school for years. Challenges at the facility constructed in the 1950s include security and the HVAC system.

Swain awarded $53 million for new middle school

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
They say it takes a village to raise a child. It could also be said it takes the state to build a school. Recently, Swain County School System received word that its grant application for $52 million to build a new Swain Middle School has been awarded.
Swain County grounds crew is currently constructing a house that will serve the Swain County foster care and other related needs. This project is set to be completed before they begin work on finishing the new animal shelter.

Swain County grounds crew is currently constructing a house that will serve the Swain County foster care and other related needs. This project is set to be completed before they begin work on finishing the new animal shelter.

Commissioners step back on animal control committee

News Staff
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   In a unanimous decision, Swain County Board of Commissioners appointed Megan Bernhisel to the Human Services Advisory Board during their work session meeting held Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Disaster relief following Hurricane Helene was being distributed at the ball field parking lot at the Swain County Recreation Park on Tuesday. The donation effort came from Caswell County, N.C.

Disaster relief following Hurricane Helene was being distributed at the ball field parking lot at the Swain County Recreation Park on Tuesday. The donation effort came from Caswell County, N.C.

Extending neighborly love

News Staff
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The parking lot of the ball fields at Swain Recreation Park were abuzz with activity on Tuesday morning, Oct. 8.
Volunteers unload rafts to put in the water to continue collecting trash and debris.

Volunteers unload rafts to put in the water to continue collecting trash and debris.

Finding a way to the surface: Swain Clean leads lake clean up

News Staff
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   If you drive to the end of Old 288 to Monteith Park in Bryson City today, you’ll find a clear path to load a boat into the evergreen, lapping water where the Tuckasegee meets Lake Fontana.

Town board planning meter upgrades

News Staff
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen were focused on water and sewer infrastructure at their work session meeting Tuesday, Sept.
Appalachian Mercantile is pictured from inside the store during the flooding Friday.

Appalachian Mercantile is pictured from inside the store during the flooding Friday.

The flood family of Bryson City

News Staff
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Lance Holland Special to SMT   The morning of Thursday, Sept. 26, dawned rainy. Rain had fallen all the night before and the Tuckasegee River through the center of Bryson City had risen about five feet but was still six or so feet below the top of the riverbank.

Swain Schools’ performance grades highlight challenges

News Staff
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On an annual basis, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction issues School Performance Grades reflecting student academic achievement and growth. Swain Schools received “C” grades except for East Elementary, which got a “D.
Gypsy and Creed are pictured back in their barn at home in Kentucky.

Gypsy and Creed are pictured back in their barn at home in Kentucky.

Horses rescued in Deep Creek

News Staff
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
  Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A horse rescue in Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park recently had an unexpected and nearly miraculous outcome with both horses walking out alive.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this past week for the new Tsali Care Center. The ceremony included traditional Cherokee activities like the friendship dance. The facility will officially open to residents Oct. 14.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this past week for the new Tsali Care Center. The ceremony included traditional Cherokee activities like the friendship dance. The facility will officially open to residents Oct. 14.

A new chapter for Tsali Care Center

News Staff
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Staff Reports   The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI) held with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Tsali Care Center residential care facility last week. The new building will officially open Oct. 14.