Local

Great Smoky Mountain Cannabis Co. will open its dispensary at 91 Bingo Loop Road in Cherokee on Saturday. Medicinal sales will start with patients issued a medical card by the EBCI Cannabis Control Board and to individuals with out-of-state medical cards or other tribal medical cannabis cards.

Great Smoky Mountain Cannabis Co. will open its dispensary at 91 Bingo Loop Road in Cherokee on Saturday. Medicinal sales will start with patients issued a medical card by the EBCI Cannabis Control Board and to individuals with out-of-state medical cards or other tribal medical cannabis cards.

Cherokee starts medical cannabis sales April 20

News Staff
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Thomas Sherrill reporter@thefranklinpress.com   As the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians plan to begin medical marijuana sales on April 20, eyes turn to the areas surrounding the Qualla Boundary, where it is still illegal. “Our world-class dispensary is a seed-to-sale operation.
Swain County voters casting Republican ballots can return to the polls for the statewide second primary on Tuesday, May 14, with early voting to be held April 25-May 11.

Swain County voters casting Republican ballots can return to the polls for the statewide second primary on Tuesday, May 14, with early voting to be held April 25-May 11.

Second North Carolina primary is May 14

News Staff
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Staff Reports   Swain County voters casting Republican ballots can return to the polls for the statewide second primary on Tuesday, May 14, with early voting to be held April 25-May 11.
The Nantahala General Store is not allowed to sell alcohol, which prompted owner Jessica Rogers to ask the county commissioners to add a ballot item to allow county alcohol sales for voting this November.

The Nantahala General Store is not allowed to sell alcohol, which prompted owner Jessica Rogers to ask the county commissioners to add a ballot item to allow county alcohol sales for voting this November.

Town requests county funds for firefighters

News Staff
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.
Board of Education met with commissioners to discuss the next fiscal budget for the schools.

Board of Education met with commissioners to discuss the next fiscal budget for the schools.

Commissioners, school board mull funding tactics

News Staff
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Board of Education had a joint meeting Tuesday night with the commissioners in which they tried to find a path forward to more funding for the next fiscal year.
The United Gift Fund awarded a total of $57,635 raised over the last several months to local nonprofit agencies in need.

The United Gift Fund awarded a total of $57,635 raised over the last several months to local nonprofit agencies in need.

United Gift Fund awards $57K for community needs

News Staff
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County United Gift Fund (UGF) gathered in the United Bank meeting room Thursday, March 28, and over hot soup and fizzy drinks celebrated raising $57,635 to go towards local businesses in need of funds.
Sally Hall competes in the softball throw competition.

Sally Hall competes in the softball throw competition.

A cheerful time as Senior Games return to Swain County

News Staff
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The starting whistle blew for the North Carolina Senior Games at the Swain County Recreation Center on Monday morning. This was the first time the games have been held in the county since 2007, so it was a welcome return.
Henry Chambers with North Shore Cemetery Association is pictured at a workday at Fairview Cemetery last year.

Henry Chambers with North Shore Cemetery Association is pictured at a workday at Fairview Cemetery last year.

Frustration stirs over cemetery maintenance

News Staff
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Cemeteries are sacred places that are meant to last as a place for future generations to return to honor those who have come before, but it takes work to keep them up.
County Manager Kevin King (left) bid farewell to the county at the March 19 commissioners’ meeting. Commission Chairman Kevin Seagle presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation. King has worked for the county for 28 years. On April 1, he will start his new position as the county manager for Jackson County.

County Manager Kevin King (left) bid farewell to the county at the March 19 commissioners’ meeting. Commission Chairman Kevin Seagle presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation. King has worked for the county for 28 years. On April 1, he will start his new position as the county manager for Jackson County.

Commissioners award contract for animal shelter

News Staff
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Board of Commissioners selected a contractor to build a new animal shelter and passed a 2% occupancy tax hike as well as a grant to help a new restaurant come to town at their last meeting Tuesday, March 19.
Work was still being done in late March on the new buildings at the county pool, which will be able to be reserved for parties or other events once finished. Recreation Department Supervisor Taylor Woodard said she didn’t have a concrete date for them to be completed. There is also a new concession stand being built.

Work was still being done in late March on the new buildings at the county pool, which will be able to be reserved for parties or other events once finished. Recreation Department Supervisor Taylor Woodard said she didn’t have a concrete date for them to be completed. There is also a new concession stand being built.

County recreation introduces facilty fees

News Staff
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Recreation Park will be charging fees for people to use its various athletic facilities for organized events as of April 1. Plus, fees for youth programs have increased.
Questions were raised about Noland Creek trail and its maintenance.

Questions were raised about Noland Creek trail and its maintenance.

Commissioners raise North Shore concerns

News Staff
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   After a meeting between the commissioners, the North Shore Cemetery Association (NCSA) and National Park Service officials, commissioners are concerned with potential changes to the ways cemeteries are maintained in the park.