Local

Timber framing going up at the building owned by Rollon and Sherry Smith next to Everett Street bridge was drawing attention this week.

Timber framing going up at the building owned by Rollon and Sherry Smith next to Everett Street bridge was drawing attention this week.

Smith building on Everett Street will make Tuckasegee River the main attraction

News Staff
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
A new project in town has people stopping on the Everett Street sidewalk to stare. Early this week, an impressive timber frame started going up right next to the Everett Street bridge along the Tuckasegee River.

Deciding what's best for erosion control

News Staff
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County Board of Commissioners provided for time to further discuss a plan to rescind the local erosion and sediment control ordinance during the work session meeting last Tuesday (Jan. 7).
Swain County High School Athletic Director Neil Blankenship is now a member of an exalted club for his profession, as he’s been added to the 29th class of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) Hall of Fame. But he’s too busy and too humble, to spend time gloating. “It’s not my cup of tea,” Blankenship said. “I’m not in it for the awards.” At many—if not all—of Swain High’s sporting events one can find Blankenship night after night, he takes time to do things some athletic directors mig

Swain County High School Athletic Director Neil Blankenship is now a member of an exalted club for his profession, as he’s been added to the 29th class of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) Hall of Fame. But he’s too busy and too humble, to spend time gloating. “It’s not my cup of tea,” Blankenship said. “I’m not in it for the awards.” At many—if not all—of Swain High’s sporting events one can find Blankenship night after night, he takes time to do things some athletic directors mig

Swain's Neil Blankenship added to NC Athletic Directors Hall of Fame

News Staff
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County High School Athletic Director Neil Blankenship is now a member of an exalted club for his profession, as he’s been added to the 29th class of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) Hall of Fame.

BOE installs Fuller as interim director

News Staff
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Swain County Board of Elections met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7 with a short agenda. Orders of business included reviewing information on the hiring process for new director and a discussion about an interim temporary assignment.

Aldermen hire Sam Pattillo as new town manager

News Staff
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Not every leadership transition smooth  but Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen are confident in this will be. Current town manager Regina Mathis turned in her resignation Jan. 10 and will be leaving the position Feb. 17. On Monday evening, Feb.
Mike Colcord, a volunteer with The Giving Spoon, gets ready to hand out meals at the Bryson City Presbyterian Church.Credit: Larry Griffin/SMT

Mike Colcord, a volunteer with The Giving Spoon, gets ready to hand out meals at the Bryson City Presbyterian Church.Credit: Larry Griffin/SMT

Swain County low-income workers face troubles amid high prices

News Staff
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
The Swain County Social Services Department is seeing some more activity lately, with more people applying for SNAP benefits in the wake of high grocery prices.

Bryson City TDA considers global economy in planning budget

News Staff
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Tourism & Development Authority (TDA) met at the McKinley Edwards Inn on Wednesday, Jan. 25, for an annual retreat where they spoke about budgeting for the coming year, parking pass issues and more.
Robin Roper shops at Ingles in Bryson City.

Robin Roper shops at Ingles in Bryson City.

Local grocery store shoppers dispirited by high prices

News Staff
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Customers who browse the shelves at Bryson City IGA and the Ingles in town are wincing as they see the prices. Everything from eggs to produce to meat is hitting their wallets more these days, they say, as the nation keeps reeling from inflated prices for food across the board.