Local

A handwritten sign outside Deep Creek Store that was annexed into Bryson City town limits last year advertises the store now sells ‘Cold Beer.’

A handwritten sign outside Deep Creek Store that was annexed into Bryson City town limits last year advertises the store now sells ‘Cold Beer.’

Commissioners add on-premise alcohol sale to ballots

News Staff
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Tuesday, May 21, the Swain County Board of Commissioners added on-premise alcohol sale for malt liquor (beer) and wine to the ballots for this November. This followed an earlier unanimous vote that will do the same for off-premise sale.
Jessica Webb/SMT Swain County High School’s FFA was awarded a check of $13,000 from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund presented by Western Region Agriculture Education Coordinator Andy VonCanon during the FFA’s banquet held at the high school gym this past Friday. Pictured from left is FFA advisor Toby Sorrell, 23-24 president Eva Bottchenbaugh, secretary Greyson Beck and parliamentarian Lily Craig with Mr. VonCanon.

Jessica Webb/SMT Swain County High School’s FFA was awarded a check of $13,000 from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund presented by Western Region Agriculture Education Coordinator Andy VonCanon during the FFA’s banquet held at the high school gym this past Friday. Pictured from left is FFA advisor Toby Sorrell, 23-24 president Eva Bottchenbaugh, secretary Greyson Beck and parliamentarian Lily Craig with Mr. VonCanon.

Swain High FFA banquet honors a year of hard work, friendship

News Staff
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Friday, May 17, Swain County High School Future Farmers of America held its annual banquet at the high school gym.

Manager presents Bryson City 2024-2025 proposed budget

News Staff
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   In a special meeting Tuesday, May 21, Bryson City Manager Sam Pattillo presented the proposed 2024-2025 fiscal budget to the Town Board of Aldermen and the board approved it for public display before they will vote on the final budget in June.
Swain County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Scott Barnes speaks before the commissioners about the need to increase wages for county employee

Swain County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Scott Barnes speaks before the commissioners about the need to increase wages for county employee

Commissioners consider 5 cent property tax increase

News Staff
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Tuesday’s regular Swain County Board of Commissioners meeting answered a question that has likely been on the minds of many, will the board consider increasing property tax rates?
The proposed budget includes a fire chief position at BCFD.

The proposed budget includes a fire chief position at BCFD.

Town will likely be increasing tax rate

News Staff
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   There was a somber air to the room as Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen discussed the upcoming 2024-2025 fiscal budget, and the aldermen agreed property tax rates will have to increase to meet the town’s needs.
The district will offer a grab and go meal on weekdays from June 10-Aug. 7 from the pavilion at the Heritage Museum and Visitor’s Center. Hours will be 7:30-8:30 a.m. for breakfast and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch.

The district will offer a grab and go meal on weekdays from June 10-Aug. 7 from the pavilion at the Heritage Museum and Visitor’s Center. Hours will be 7:30-8:30 a.m. for breakfast and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch.

Swain school nutrition program grows participation

News Staff
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain Schools started the 2023-2024 school year with a goal to make school breakfast and lunch more popular among its students— with one of the most enticing aspects being the meals are at no cost.
Several programs are in the works to expand high speed Internet in Swain County. (Stock image)

Several programs are in the works to expand high speed Internet in Swain County. (Stock image)

Broadband efforts move forward

News Staff
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Julie Thorner and Leonard Winchester with the Swain County Broadband Committee provided an update on the effort to expand high speed internet across the county to the commissioners during their work session meeting held Tuesday, May 7.
Josh Stein, North Carolina attorney general and Democratic nominee for governor, spoke to a small crowd of mostly Democratic party members at a campaign event held at the Historic Calhoun House in downtown Bryson City on Wednesday, May 8.

Josh Stein, North Carolina attorney general and Democratic nominee for governor, spoke to a small crowd of mostly Democratic party members at a campaign event held at the Historic Calhoun House in downtown Bryson City on Wednesday, May 8.

AG Stein visits Bryson City on campaign trail

News Staff
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.
From left, Teresa Conner, Ivan Gibby, Terrie Stephens and Frank Calhoun are pictured inside Calby’s, an antique store downtown. Conner and Stephens have recently partnered with Gibby and Calhoun to lease the business for a year.

From left, Teresa Conner, Ivan Gibby, Terrie Stephens and Frank Calhoun are pictured inside Calby’s, an antique store downtown. Conner and Stephens have recently partnered with Gibby and Calhoun to lease the business for a year.

Calby’s enters new era

News Staff
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   With its 1940s Bennett’s Drugs sign still proudly displayed on the front of the building, Calby’s on Everett Street in downtown Bryson City is often photographed as a marker of local history. New life is being breathed into the antique store.