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Kallup McCoy (2nd row left) is pictured with his team of athletes he coaches after the Indianapolis Marathon this past October, including his wife Katelynn Ledford-McCoy (1st row, 3rd from left).

Kallup McCoy (2nd row left) is pictured with his team of athletes he coaches after the Indianapolis Marathon this past October, including his wife Katelynn Ledford-McCoy (1st row, 3rd from left).

McCoy sets the bar high for next marathon goal

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A full circle moment—that’s what Kallup McCoy II had when he was recently featured in Men’s Health Magazine’s First Step series sharing the story of his transformation from drug addiction to marathon runner and personal trainer.
Coach Keith Payne has only celebrated his recent Cross Country Coach of the Year award by continuing to coach his students.

Coach Keith Payne has only celebrated his recent Cross Country Coach of the Year award by continuing to coach his students.

Payne recognized as state’s best girls cross country coach

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Coach Keith Payne didn’t let his recent award, crowning him as North Carolina Girls’ Cross Country Coach of the Year, go to his head. “I did a track meet the next day after I got the award,” Payne said. “It feels more like a community award.
From left, Amy Vasquez speaks to commissioners during public comment about the need for animal control. County manager Kevin King and commissioners David Loftis and Kenneth Parton listen.

From left, Amy Vasquez speaks to commissioners during public comment about the need for animal control. County manager Kevin King and commissioners David Loftis and Kenneth Parton listen.

County animal shelter still planned, just taking time

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County commissioners heard from two residents concerned about the continued lack of an animal control program in the county at their most recent meeting last Tuesday. Having a safe place to take stray dogs was chief among their concerns.
Ingles is coordinating with Town of Bryson City on sewer upgrades as part of plans for a new store at the current Hughes Branch Road location.

Ingles is coordinating with Town of Bryson City on sewer upgrades as part of plans for a new store at the current Hughes Branch Road location.

Town board considers early budget priorities

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Initial discussion for the upcoming fiscal budget began among Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen at a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 29.
Swain TDA will invest in bringing a new Christmas drive-thru lightshow to Bryson City.

Swain TDA will invest in bringing a new Christmas drive-thru lightshow to Bryson City.

TDA sets sights on bringing back Christmas light show

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   In the near future, Swain County can anticipate the return of a Christmas drive-thru lightshow and more concerts, festivals, fairs and other events at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park, located on Hyatt Creek Road).
New The Giving Spoon executive director Ricky Sanford (left) and board member Misty Lynne Sneed help peel potatoes that will be served to the community, as per the nonprofit’s mission.

New The Giving Spoon executive director Ricky Sanford (left) and board member Misty Lynne Sneed help peel potatoes that will be served to the community, as per the nonprofit’s mission.

The Giving Spoon looks to the future with new director

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Wednesday, Jan.
Workers with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad took advantage of the quiet season as January rolled in and set about installing a new water line Wednesday, Jan. 10. One worker interviewed said it was time for an upgrade and they were “putting something better in.”

Workers with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad took advantage of the quiet season as January rolled in and set about installing a new water line Wednesday, Jan. 10. One worker interviewed said it was time for an upgrade and they were “putting something better in.”

Commissioners bring right of way concerns to railroad

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Some county officials have decided recently to take the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to task for its practice of sending “threatening” letters to residents whose property intersected with the railroad.
Snow clings to the ground at higher elevations of the mountains as winter storm clouds hang above Tuesday morning. At lower elevations, much of the snow had already melted.

Snow clings to the ground at higher elevations of the mountains as winter storm clouds hang above Tuesday morning. At lower elevations, much of the snow had already melted.

Winter weather disrupts business as usual for county

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County received its first significant snow of the year Monday, as part of an Artic blast storm swept the country. While downtown Bryson City just received a dusting of snow on Monday, Jan. 15, higher elevations across the county saw more snow.