Local

General Election is Tuesday

Staff Reports   There’s still time to cast your ballot early in the 2022 midterm election. One-stop early voting continues through Saturday at 3 p.m.

SBI investigating inmate’s death

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations is investigating the death of an inmate who was held at Swain County jail last week. Austin Zachary Rickman, 32, was being held on charges of breaking and entering and injury to personal property.
Maroon Devil Kale Stephenson fends off a Bobcat player.

Maroon Devil Kale Stephenson fends off a Bobcat player.

Bobcats pounce for 2-1 playoffs win over Maroon Devils

Michael O’Hearn editor@crossroadschronicle.com   The Swain County Maroon Devils’ dreams of advancing in the soccer playoffs were dashed Tuesday night after the Blue Ridge Bobcats of Cashiers defeated them in a thrilling, double overtime match, 2-1.
Hollyn Rutkosky grins ear to ear as she holds a fish she won from throwing a ping pong ball into a fish bowl at the Fall Festival

Hollyn Rutkosky grins ear to ear as she holds a fish she won from throwing a ping pong ball into a fish bowl at the Fall Festival

Swain Middle School holds ceremony to celebrate prestigious recognition

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Thursday, Oct. 20, Swain County Middle School held a ceremony at Swain Arts Center in honor of being named a Lighthouse School, a distinction the school has been working on for years.
Beware the larger-than-life spiders and cemetery spooks found at this house on Dunbar Street.

Beware the larger-than-life spiders and cemetery spooks found at this house on Dunbar Street.

I ‘haint’ afraid of no ghosts!

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Numerous tales and legends swirl around the Smoky Mountains and Southern Appalachia. Something about the winding trails, the night that’s almost too quiet and woods so dark that swallow people up in their imagination.
SMT Photos/Hannah Styles

SMT Photos/Hannah Styles

Signs of the season

From peak leaf season to homecoming dress-up day, signs of autumn abound in Swain County. Swain County High School senior Amaya Hicks was crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen during halftime at the football game on Friday by Swain’s 2021 Homecoming Queen, Chloe Lambert.

Swain County Board of Education Candidates

Editor's note: Smoky Mountain Times asked candidates to introduce themselves and answer the following questions by email. Are schools are providing the safest environment for students? Should schools invest more into preventing vaping at school?