Local

Jackie Thomason was killed at his residence on McCracken Road, pictured above, after Daniel Sutton and Jeremy Solomon went to his home to confront him about a truck title.

Jackie Thomason was killed at his residence on McCracken Road, pictured above, after Daniel Sutton and Jeremy Solomon went to his home to confront him about a truck title.

Sutton declared guilty of first degree murder

News Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Daniel Sutton, on trial for murder for the past week, will spend the rest of his life behind bars per the verdict reached by a jury of his peers on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 6.
West Principal Lisa Sutton (left) recognizes student Christoph Ensley for good character at the Monday, Sept. 11 school board meeting, held at the middle school media center.

West Principal Lisa Sutton (left) recognizes student Christoph Ensley for good character at the Monday, Sept. 11 school board meeting, held at the middle school media center.

School board talks security, legislation

News Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   At the Sept. 11 Swain County Board of Education meeting, the board made quick work of going through updates on school security, meal plans and statewide legislation.
Utility work being conducted on Everett Street is progressing, albeit with an end date later than initially thought. It’s now set to end on Oct. 13.

Utility work being conducted on Everett Street is progressing, albeit with an end date later than initially thought. It’s now set to end on Oct. 13.

Utility work gets new estimated completion date of Oct. 13

News Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A meeting with the Town of Bryson City regarding the ongoing utilities work saw business owners requesting that the town just keep construction going on weekends, so as to hopefully get the roads open earlier.
Maroon Devil Clayton Shuler, junior, gains control of the ball in the home tie against the Murphy Bulldogs. The next game is Monday at Andrews.

Maroon Devil Clayton Shuler, junior, gains control of the ball in the home tie against the Murphy Bulldogs. The next game is Monday at Andrews.

Maroon Devils soccer ties with Murphy in Labor Day game

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Labor Day saw glimmers of hope for the Maroon Devils soccer team, as they tied 1-1 with the Murphy Bulldogs on the holiday, Monday Sept. 4. It was a conference game, and marked the Devils’ first game this season that was not a loss.
Lady Devils JV wins 2-1 against Cherokee, Freshman Ryan Ellis makes a play for the ball at the Sept. 5 JV game.

Lady Devils JV wins 2-1 against Cherokee, Freshman Ryan Ellis makes a play for the ball at the Sept. 5 JV game.

Lady Devils volleyball team falls in two games

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Last week marked the end of the early season winning streak for the Lady Devils volleyball team – they lost a game against Hayesville on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and then lost a 3-2 match against Murphy at an away conference game.
Maroon Devil James Stroman tries to outrun opponents at the Sept. 1 game played at home.

Maroon Devil James Stroman tries to outrun opponents at the Sept. 1 game played at home.

Maroon Devils continue winning streak with 40-13

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
The Swain County Maroon Devils football team continued a winning streak as they trounced the Franklin Panthers 40-13 at a home game Friday, Sept. 1. Both sides traded punts on their opening possessions, with Swain missing a deep pass attempt on third-and-7 from their own 23.
According to Swain County Manager Kevin King, work at the county recreation park pool building is moving along as planned, with tresses set this week. The upgraded space will include new bathrooms and locker rooms, two meeting rooms and even a commercial kitchen and concession stand. Plans are also in the works for a lazy river and huge water slide.

According to Swain County Manager Kevin King, work at the county recreation park pool building is moving along as planned, with tresses set this week. The upgraded space will include new bathrooms and locker rooms, two meeting rooms and even a commercial kitchen and concession stand. Plans are also in the works for a lazy river and huge water slide.

Youth center effort gets mixed reception among commissioners

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Members of a community group advocating for a youth center in Swain County were before the Swain County Board of Commissioners again Tuesday morning, Sept.
Keith Blane, of Sylva, hands out copies of a book he and others wanted moved to the adult section at the library in Cashiers.

Keith Blane, of Sylva, hands out copies of a book he and others wanted moved to the adult section at the library in Cashiers.

Library book controversy makes its way to Swain County

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Just when it seemed the Swain County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday morning, Sept.
Smoky Mountain Fencing Academy has classes on Wednesday nights from 5-7:30 p.m. at Pirouettes studio. Pictured are the instructors Jim Paintiff (far left) and Joe Holt (far right) with students.

Smoky Mountain Fencing Academy has classes on Wednesday nights from 5-7:30 p.m. at Pirouettes studio. Pictured are the instructors Jim Paintiff (far left) and Joe Holt (far right) with students.

Fencing academy brings old artform to new WNC audience

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Smoky Mountain Fencing Academy classes began in September 2022 at Pirouettes studio, at 1093 Main Street, Bryson City. About 20 students have come through the program so far with a handful who have stuck with it.

School admissions issue fueled by lack of teachers

News Staff
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The school board’s recent decision to curb admissions for out-of-district students for some grade levels this year comes from a deeper issue: a lack of teaching staff, according to Superintendent Mark Sale.