Local

Submitted photo. Shannon Royce, extension agent-family and consumer sciences for NC Cooperative Extension in Swain and Jackson counties, cooks Easy Meals from the Pantry at Southwestern Community College in January.

Submitted photo. Shannon Royce, extension agent-family and consumer sciences for NC Cooperative Extension in Swain and Jackson counties, cooks Easy Meals from the Pantry at Southwestern Community College in January.

Easy meals from the pantry

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Welcome to the N.C. Cooperative Extension cooking show with your host Shannon Royce, extension agent-family and consumer sciences. Royce pairs food assistance with cooking education in effort to address food insecurity in Swain County.
Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City firefighters practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot May 6.

Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City firefighters practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot May 6.

Fire department earns Class 4 rating

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Bryson City Fire Department has earned an improved Public Protection Classification rating from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, a change expected to significantly reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums for many local residents.
Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City Fire Department members practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot.

Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City Fire Department members practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot.

FIRE PROTECTION

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The chief of the Bryson City Fire Department is urging county commissioners to consider adopting a fire service fee, arguing it would provide stable funding, improve staffing and expand fire protection across Swain County.
Submitted photo. Emma Adams goes airbound in a basket toss at the Spirit Brands Patriot Championship in Knoxville Jan. 10.

Submitted photo. Emma Adams goes airbound in a basket toss at the Spirit Brands Patriot Championship in Knoxville Jan. 10.

Smoky Mountain Cheer Club marks 10th season with competitive success

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Smoky Mountain Cheer Club is celebrating its 10th season in 2026, marking a decade of growth and competitive success for the regional youth cheer organization. Tonya Clark, known as “Momma” to athletes and families, serves as program director.
SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Good Endurance Running hosts 2026 North Carolina USATF 50-kilometer Trail Championships, in conjunction with the Tsali 50K trail race in Almond Jan. 17.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Good Endurance Running hosts 2026 North Carolina USATF 50-kilometer Trail Championships, in conjunction with the Tsali 50K trail race in Almond Jan. 17.

Tsali 50K attracts top runners

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Good Endurance Running hosted the 2026 North Carolina USATF 50-kilometer Trail Championships, in conjunction with the Tsali 50K trail race in Almond Jan. 17. Brian Gajus, race director, said the race sold out at 300 people, representing approximately 34 states.
Submitted photo. About 30 county residents gather to honor individuals who died while in ICE custody or following encounters with federal immigration agents at The Square at Everett and Main streets Jan. 17.

Submitted photo. About 30 county residents gather to honor individuals who died while in ICE custody or following encounters with federal immigration agents at The Square at Everett and Main streets Jan. 17.

Swain citizens hold vigil for Good

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Approximately 30 county residents gathered to remember people who died either in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or after encounters with federal immigration agents at The Square on Everett and Main streets Saturday afternoon.
Submitted photo. Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Bryson City police officers out full force, assisted by Cherokee Indian Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Dec. 31.

Submitted photo. Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Bryson City police officers out full force, assisted by Cherokee Indian Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Dec. 31.

Law enforcement steps up NYE patrols

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Bryson City police officers were out in large numbers New Year’s Eve. “We wanted to make sure our county was safe,” said Sheriff Brian Kirkland. “The reason behind that is we didn’t want to see anyone hurt or killed by a drunk driver.
Photo submitted. Roger Milsap holds his wife, Tammi Rothrock close at a friend’s wedding in Bryson City in March 2025.

Photo submitted. Roger Milsap holds his wife, Tammi Rothrock close at a friend’s wedding in Bryson City in March 2025.

Fundraiser planned for Milsap

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A fundraiser is planned to support U.S. Army 75th Ranger veteran Roger Milsap, who has “led the way” in volunteer efforts since moving to Bryson City about 14 years ago. Milsap was diagnosed with terminal cancer in July.