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.

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.

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.

Swain Middle School students design 'I voted' stickers

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   This election season, Swain County voters are sure to notice a difference in the “I Voted” stickers regularly handed out after you send off your ballot at the polls.

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.

Swain Middle School achieves Lighthouse School status

The Swain County Board of Education held their monthly meeting on Monday to recognize students with character awards, hear a report from the superintendent, and further discuss school improvement plans.

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?

Voter registration deadline tomorrow

Staff reports   Don’t delay, tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to register to vote in the November General Election.