Local

From left, Rep. Mike Clampitt presents Henry Chambers with the Certificate of Appreciation from Gov. Roy Cooper's Office.

From left, Rep. Mike Clampitt presents Henry Chambers with the Certificate of Appreciation from Gov. Roy Cooper's Office.

Chambers recognized by NC Governor for contributions

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   If you have an interest in local history, specifically that of the Fontana Dam and the families who once lived in the communities now under water, you probably know Henry Chambers.
Town of Bryson City plans utility upgrades for Island Street to begin as soon as January.

Town of Bryson City plans utility upgrades for Island Street to begin as soon as January.

Island Street utility upgrades coming in the new year

Downtown business owners have had a collective sigh of relief from utility and road construction this past month, but more upgrades are on the horizon. During Bryson City’s Town Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday night, Dec.
Nancy Jones, owner of New Attitudes Day Spa in Bryson City, started Shoes for Steps. She's pictured with donations this year by the tree in her shop.

Nancy Jones, owner of New Attitudes Day Spa in Bryson City, started Shoes for Steps. She's pictured with donations this year by the tree in her shop.

Shoe and sock donation drive seeks to boost confidence in kids

What to do with a pair of boy’s little blue shoes? That question is what prompted Nancy Jones, owner of New Attitudes Day Spa in Bryson City, to start Shoes for Steps, a holiday shoe and sock drive for local children.
Sixth grade Exceptional Children’s teacher Emily McClung helped her class at Swain Middle School publish a book on “How to Survive the 6th Grade,” which features tips from the students for incoming new students to take to heart.

Sixth grade Exceptional Children’s teacher Emily McClung helped her class at Swain Middle School publish a book on “How to Survive the 6th Grade,” which features tips from the students for incoming new students to take to heart.

Students publish book on ‘How to survive the sixth grade’

Swain County Middle School sixth grade exceptional children’s teacher Emily McClung wanted to give her class a way to stretch their creative muscles, so they published a book.

Commissioners at odds

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Board of Commissioners voted at their meeting Tuesday, Dec.

Busted stealing incontinence briefs

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   This time of year, it’s often in the spirit of giving that people visit their local nursing home. Not so for one pair who were charged for stealing.
Tyler Taylor got to reunite with his mother Crystal Sullivan for the sheriff’s office’s annual Christmas program.

Tyler Taylor got to reunite with his mother Crystal Sullivan for the sheriff’s office’s annual Christmas program.

Sheriff’s office inmate Christmas program may end due to lack of donations

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Sheriff’s Office was in a festive mood on Monday, Dec. 4, with a white Christmas tree decked out with lights and presents wrapped stacked up by the wall, with a table full of pizza and Bojangle’s takeout.
Mark Pilon, preventionist with Mountain Projects, discusses what opioids are, how to recognize an overdose and how to reverse it using Naloxone.

Mark Pilon, preventionist with Mountain Projects, discusses what opioids are, how to recognize an overdose and how to reverse it using Naloxone.

Understanding overdoses and how to reverse them

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Mark Pilon, preventionist with Mountain Projects, gave a presentation on opioid overdose prevention on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 16, at Marianna Black Library.
Funding to fence both East Elementary (pictured) and West Elementary was approved.

Funding to fence both East Elementary (pictured) and West Elementary was approved.

Commissioners approve fencing elementary schools

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Board of Commissioners, at its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 21, voted for new fences around the elementary schools, and talked new elections equipment and health department updates.
Filing for the primary begins Monday, Dec. 4.

Filing for the primary begins Monday, Dec. 4.

Filing begins for 2024 primary election

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It’s December, and that doesn’t just mean it’s time for the winter holidays. Many are making plans for the 2024 election season. Filing in North Carlina for the 2024 primary election begins Monday.