Local

The town will still be building a new sewer plant with ARPA funding.

The town will still be building a new sewer plant with ARPA funding.

Town rejects USDA loan for sewer improvements

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Monday, May 1, Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen made the tough decision to reject a 1.375% fixed-rate 40-year loan agreement of $6.
The Quin Theatres reopened under new ownership as Catamount Cinemas in Sylva last July.

The Quin Theatres reopened under new ownership as Catamount Cinemas in Sylva last July.

Movie theater owners optimistic about future

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   David Parlier, co-owner of Catamount Cinemas in Sylva, sounds optimistic about the future of his theaters.
Fighting kudzu was suggested during public comment.

Fighting kudzu was suggested during public comment.

Commissioners divided over homestead exemption

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Board of County Commissioners deliberated over whether to submit a resolution for a homestead exemption tax to state reps and also talked what to do about kudzu at their meeting Tuesday, April 18.
The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians is moving to its new location on Island Street to open next month. The new building, pictured above, is modeled after a log cabin and was built by county workers.

The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians is moving to its new location on Island Street to open next month. The new building, pictured above, is modeled after a log cabin and was built by county workers.

TDA unsure of Christmas light display plans

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Bryson City Tourist Development Authority quibbled over the specifics of a new Christmas light event for this year – with some members unsure of whether to move forward at the board’s recent meeting last Wednesday.
From left, Katelynn Ledford-McCoy and Kallup McCoy hold up the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians flag while visiting Boston for the 127th Boston Marathon.

From left, Katelynn Ledford-McCoy and Kallup McCoy hold up the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians flag while visiting Boston for the 127th Boston Marathon.

McCoy completes Boston in 2:40

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County’s own Kallup McCoy completed his first Boston Marathon on April 17, 2023, with a time of 2:40:24—a true testament to what hard work, faith and change can manifest.

Schools to upgrade security cameras, Chromebooks

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   At the Swain County school board meeting Monday night, April 17, the board approved numerous budget amendments for RFPs (request for proposals) to fund new security cameras and laptops for the schools.
Children participate in an hands-on activity hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at a previous Swain High Science Club Earth Day Celebration.

Children participate in an hands-on activity hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at a previous Swain High Science Club Earth Day Celebration.

Swain science students invite you to an Earth Day Celebration

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County High School Science Club is making its Earth Day Celebration a tradition. In its third year, the club is inviting the public to get involved at the annual event to be held at the memorial stadium on Saturday, April 22.
Jackie Bridgers “Ghetto Plum” holds back a jammer with her teammates on Smoky Mountain Roller Girls at a previous home bout. The team will host its next home game Saturday.

Jackie Bridgers “Ghetto Plum” holds back a jammer with her teammates on Smoky Mountain Roller Girls at a previous home bout. The team will host its next home game Saturday.

Smoky Mtn roller derby team ready for home games

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   At their regular practice on Sunday afternoon, April 16, the women of the Smoky Mountain Roller Girls team glide around the indoor Recreation Center, wheels rolling inside the makeshift tape lines they use as a practice rink.
The high school water tower is located up the bank from the football field.

The high school water tower is located up the bank from the football field.

The town water loss investigations

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It has all the elements of a mystery suspense: trained professionals are searching out the culprit— and the guilty party could be anywhere. The corridors are dark, and damp. The stakes are high.
This year's tax deadline is April 18

This year's tax deadline is April 18

Tax season’s April 18 deadline gives people more time

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Tax season is coming to an end soon – the deadline this year is Tuesday, April 18, and Bryson City tax professional Toby Allman says filing has been easier this year since most of the Covid-19-era anomalies have faded.