Local

NCDOT engineers show Bryson aldermen the improvement plans.

NCDOT engineers show Bryson aldermen the improvement plans.

Everett Street improvements planned for spring

News Staff
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
North Carolina Department of Transportation District 14 District Engineer Chris Lee and Resident Engineer Nathan Tanner spoke to Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen on Monday evening, Jan. 23 about current road projects in town. The first large project includes several intersection improvements.

Elections board seeking termination of director

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Swain County Board of Elections has filed a petition with North Carolina Board of Elections to terminate the county director. Few details about the reason behind the petition have been released, but a decision could come as early as the end of this month.
A fishing boat floats on the Tuckasegee River near the Governor's Island bridge.

A fishing boat floats on the Tuckasegee River near the Governor's Island bridge.

Commissioners table repeal of erosion control ordinance

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Swain County Commissioners took action on repealing two ordinances at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday evening, Jan. 17 but decided to take more time for input on the erosion control ordinance before making a decision.

Swain has new 4-H agent

News Staff
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Kristi Griggs is the new 4-H agent at the Swain County Cooperative Extension Office. A North Carolina State 2014 graduate, Griggs is from Robbinsville and has a background in education. She will continue building on the current programs at 4-H and find new ways to keep the youth engaged.
Swain Community Hospital and Harris Regional Hospital area both owned by Duke LifePoint. Both hospitals have been busy the past few weeks with the increase in respiratory illnesses.

Swain Community Hospital and Harris Regional Hospital area both owned by Duke LifePoint. Both hospitals have been busy the past few weeks with the increase in respiratory illnesses.

Swain/Harris says staffing, resources adequate

News Staff
Thursday, January 19, 2023
While it might not be what it was during the height of the pandemic, Swain Community Hospital and Harris Regional Hospital, like other hospitals throughout Western North Carolina have seen an increase in patients as respiratory illnesses have been widespread this past month.
Firefighters climb to the roof of the home on Coopers Creek to put out a fire.

Firefighters climb to the roof of the home on Coopers Creek to put out a fire.

Residential fire reminder to clean chimneys

News Staff
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Bryson City Fire Department responded to a fire early on Thursday morning. The call for a structure fire came at 2:16 a.m. to a home located at 2664 Coopers Creek Road. The smell of smoke awoke the residents inside, and no one was injured.
Rodney Morrow is the new Swain County tax assessor

Rodney Morrow is the new Swain County tax assessor

County tax department under new leadership

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
With the retirement of Peggy Hyde last September after she was in her position for 18 years, Swain County starts 2023 with new leadership for its tax department and is about 5 months into splitting the department into the tax collection and tax assessment sides.
Town planning board has suggested a nice, big pavilion for Island Park, similar to the one pictured here at Deep Creek but likely without the stonework and fireplace.

Town planning board has suggested a nice, big pavilion for Island Park, similar to the one pictured here at Deep Creek but likely without the stonework and fireplace.

Planning board suggests a pavilion for Island Park

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
The Town of Bryson City wants to make Island Park more of a destination for families. Toward that effort, the planning board has suggested installing a large pavilion with the hope it would draw families to use the unique park.

Sheriff's office investigates social media threat to middle school

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Swain County Schools notified the public on Sunday that the district had received a threat on social media. The post stated as follows: “On Sunday afternoon, Jan. 8, Swain County Schools was notified of a social media post threatening the safety of students on the middle school campus.