Local

Keith Payne coached Swain High's runners since 2019.

Swain Coach Keith Payne passes away

News Staff

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Staff reports The first day of the school year for Swain County Schools Monday was shrouded by sadness as the district marked the passing Saturday, Aug. 17 of esteemed running coach Keith Payne. Coach Payne was the head cross country and indoor track coach and assistant outdoor track coach.

Guilty plea entered in 2013 murder cold case

News Staff

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Staff Reports ASHEVILLE – Ernest D. Pheasant, Sr., 47, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Pheasant entered his guilty plea before U.S.

New water and sewer rate structures in town have equated to exorbitant bills for some businesses.

New water rates send shockwave through town

News Staff

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com The start of the new fiscal year was July 1, and with that new water and sewer usage rates went into effect for the Town of Bryson City customers.

The timeline for county workers to finish the new animal control building is unclear

Commissioners recruiting for animal services committee

News Staff

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com The topic of starting a new animal services department has been a heated one for the current Swain County Board of Commissioners.

Photo by Marc Hunt / 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Montgomery, AL Evy Leibfarth, of Swain County, earned the bronze medal in women's canoe slalom WC-1.

Evy Leibfarth wins Olympic bronze in Paris

News Staff

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Cannon Crompton sports@cherokeescout.com BRYSON CITY – An Olympic bronze medal is coming back to Western North Carolina from Paris courtesy of Evy Leibfarth, who had the run of her life on July 31 in the canoe slalom WC-1, where she secured a bronze medal. Leibfarth won Team U.S.A.

Moving forward with fire positions across the county

News Staff

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com In an effort toward modernization, the fire departments in Swain County are adding personnel. Both the Town of Bryson City aldermen and Swain County commissioners dedicated funding for positions in the most recently adopted 2024-2025 budgets.

Brandt publishes latest children’s book

News Staff

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com Juliana Brandt, who taught kindergarten at West Elementary and now teaches second grade in her hometown in Minnesota, will soon have her next children’s book published. The book, “Exit Nowhere” will hit bookshelves Sept.

The festival sign welcomes visitors to the first Nantahala Arts and Crafts Festival held this past Saturday.

Nantahala hosts first arts & crafts festival

News Staff

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Nantahala Community Development held its inaugural Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, July 27 near the Nantahala River rafting launch site at the corner of 19-74 and Wayah Road.

An infant tragically drowned in the Cable Cove section of Fontana Lake on Saturday.

Infant drowns on Fontana Lake after boat capsizes

News Staff

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Staff Reports A Swain County family experienced an unimaginable loss Saturday, July 27, as a day of fun turned into tragedy. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reports they are investigating an incident of a boat capsizing that led to the drowning of a one-year-old baby boy.

Swain County visitors look at listings posted on the windows and doors at Good Life Real Estate located on Everett Street in downtown Bryson City.

Swain’s second home, vacation market still strong

News Staff

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com When it comes to the real estate market in Swain County this year, second homes and investment properties continue to rule.