Local

Lisa Stolzfus Loftis, State of Franklin director, holds up a filled-out letter from a client. Every client who was receiving home delivery meals who no longer qualified once Covid relief funding dried up was sent such a letter last summer.

Lisa Stolzfus Loftis, State of Franklin director, holds up a filled-out letter from a client. Every client who was receiving home delivery meals who no longer qualified once Covid relief funding dried up was sent such a letter last summer.

State of Franklin wants vibrant senior nutrition program

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The State of Franklin, a private nonprofit, has been serving seniors in Swain and surrounding counties for decades. Recently, however, it came under scrutiny with questions about how its nutrition program based out of the senior center is being run.
Photo by Jessica Webb/SMT NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall held a roundtable discussion with local business owners and leaders at the Marianna Black Library in downtown Bryson City as part of a program called Rural RISE, which is meant to connect new business owners with resources they need to be successful.

Photo by Jessica Webb/SMT NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall held a roundtable discussion with local business owners and leaders at the Marianna Black Library in downtown Bryson City as part of a program called Rural RISE, which is meant to connect new business owners with resources they need to be successful.

Secretary of State Marshall meets local business owners

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Anytime someone starts a new business in North Carolina, one of the first steps is to register with the N.C. Secretary of State’s Office.
Russell Ball, supervisor and operator in responsible charge at Town of Bryson City water plant, goes over the details of how the plant processes water.

Russell Ball, supervisor and operator in responsible charge at Town of Bryson City water plant, goes over the details of how the plant processes water.

Water plant employees work around the clock

Editor's note: This article is the first in a series spotlighting the Town of Bryson City employees who operate and maintain the town services for water, sewer and sanitation.   Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.
Local actors held more than one Improv Night, a fundraiser for the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre, at Unplugged Pub. The next event will be a talent show next month.

Local actors held more than one Improv Night, a fundraiser for the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre, at Unplugged Pub. The next event will be a talent show next month.

An update on our community theatre

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   I see the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre at least 5 days a week, given it is front and center outside my office window.

County urges caution against Covid-19 spread

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has Swain County, North Carolina, listed as medium risk for current spread of Covid-19, but spread is high in more than 60 counties in the state.
Kituwah Builders have plans for a total of 11 homes for a small development on Arlington Avenue.

Kituwah Builders have plans for a total of 11 homes for a small development on Arlington Avenue.

‘ Affordable’ a challenge for developers, too

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   How the Covid-19 pandemic has made things more expensive and supplies less available, let us count the ways. Those in housing construction could rattle off a list.

Town set to receive $17 mil for new sewer plant

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The question of funding for a new Town of Bryson City sewer plant has been answered. The decision comes from action taken during a meeting of the North Carlina Water Infrastructure Authority July 13-14.
A truck is pictured loading up propane gas tanks at Thompson Gas. Last week, a leak on a truck caused an evacuation of the area.

A truck is pictured loading up propane gas tanks at Thompson Gas. Last week, a leak on a truck caused an evacuation of the area.

Gas leak causes shopping center to evacuate

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Thursday evening, July 28, folks driving on Main Street were greeted with a roadblock, requiring a turn around and taking another route.
J.B. Jacobs shares his concerns about the Swain County Senior Center before Swain County Board of Commissioners .

J.B. Jacobs shares his concerns about the Swain County Senior Center before Swain County Board of Commissioners .

Commissioners hear bad review of Swain Senior Center

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone wants a place to gather and spend time with friends, playing games and enjoying meals together.