Local

Firefighters continue to work at a structure fire on Hughes Branch Road. The building was a standalone garage with an apartment above. No one was injured in the fire that started Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters continue to work at a structure fire on Hughes Branch Road. The building was a standalone garage with an apartment above. No one was injured in the fire that started Sunday afternoon.

Fire burns down residential garage

News Staff
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It took two separate trips from local firefighters to subdue the fire at a stand-alone garage at a residence off Hughes Branch Road. The fire started around 2:06 p.m. on Sunday, Feb.

Barker to serve as interim manager

News Staff
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Lottie Barker, the county’s Human Resources director, will be the new interim county manager after Kevin King leaves for Jackson County in April. Speaking on the phone Tuesday, Feb.

Conley named Swain TDA Executive Director

News Staff
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Tourism & Development Authority (TDA) has selected a new executive director in Sarah Conley, a former Great Smoky Mountains Railroad employee who has worked the past few years at Highlands’ Old Edwards Hospitality Group.
Work continues at 240 Main Street, a building that was vacant for many years. This summer, Wise Guyz Grille will open a restaurant in the buidling that will include padio seating.

Work continues at 240 Main Street, a building that was vacant for many years. This summer, Wise Guyz Grille will open a restaurant in the buidling that will include padio seating.

Wise Guyz Grille plans to open Main Street location

News Staff
Monday, February 26, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s office recently announced that eight grants have been awarded under the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority to support economic development.
The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park on Hyatt Creek Road will be the site of a new Christmas light display for Swain County. The TDA is in talks to purchase the display from local company Mosca Design.

The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park on Hyatt Creek Road will be the site of a new Christmas light display for Swain County. The TDA is in talks to purchase the display from local company Mosca Design.

TDA plans to buy custom Christmas light show for event park

News Staff
Monday, February 26, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) plans to buy a set of Christmas designs that Executive Director Mary Ann Shea said would be much bigger and more tailored to the local area than previous years.
Island Street in Downtown Bryson City will soon close for utility improvements

Island Street in Downtown Bryson City will soon close for utility improvements

Town to close Island Street soon for sewer line repair

News Staff
Monday, February 26, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Island Street will be closed for utilities work soon as the Town of Bryson City continues to replace old, outdated sewer lines below its downtown streets. There was no set timeline as of Friday, Feb.
Caption - Swain County High School juniors Sarabeth Sutton (left) and Lola Collins at the high school with the box that will be in the front office to collect donated supplies for East Elementary students.

Caption - Swain County High School juniors Sarabeth Sutton (left) and Lola Collins at the high school with the box that will be in the front office to collect donated supplies for East Elementary students.

Swain High students conduct school supply drive for classmates

News Staff
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   At Monday night’s Swain County Board of Education meeting, Feb. 12, two local students spoke about their effort to collect donated school supplies for students at East Elementary School.
Sign-ups are currently underway for the Senior Games with Swain County Recreation. Pictured is the winning Macon County pickleball team from last year.

Sign-ups are currently underway for the Senior Games with Swain County Recreation. Pictured is the winning Macon County pickleball team from last year.

Swain Recreation brings back Senior Games

News Staff
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County’s active older adults will soon have their chance to show off their skills with the return of the local Swain County Senior Games.
Mark’s Pharmacy owner Mark Adam (center) sits with his son Faisal Adam and pharmacy partner Christy Kirkpatrick at the town hall meeting at the library Thursday, Feb. 8.

Mark’s Pharmacy owner Mark Adam (center) sits with his son Faisal Adam and pharmacy partner Christy Kirkpatrick at the town hall meeting at the library Thursday, Feb. 8.

Mark’s Pharmacy eyes doing business in Bryson City

News Staff
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Mark’s Pharmacy, which operates two locations in the western North Carolina region, may open a location in Bryson City.
Election signs dot the side of Highway 19 South across from the Board of Elections Office.

Election signs dot the side of Highway 19 South across from the Board of Elections Office.

Early voting begins today for 2024 primary

News Staff
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   In-person early voting starts today for the 2024 Primary Election with same-day registration available. The primary will be held on Tuesday, March 5. Swain County will be using its new equipment beginning with the primary.