Local

Making Christmas especially sweet

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Many of us can think of a fond holiday memory from our childhood or maybe a tradition your family still carries on today, like stringing popcorn to decorate the tree, or placing the star on top on Christmas Eve.

Qualification for delivered meals for homebound changes

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Senior Center, which is run by the State of Franklin, an organization that is also over Swain Transit, received a grant waiver on restrictions at the start of Covid to allow more people to qualify for home delivered meals.

Ending the cycle of domestic abuse

Editor’s note: This is the final part of a three-part series exploring the issue of domestic violence.   Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.

Covid cases rise after Thanksgiving

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It seemed that Covid cases had been declining in the county, but according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, a spike in cases occurred after Thanksgiving.

Town approves ARP premium pay for employees

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The final meeting for Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen for 2021 held Monday evening, Dec.

Local, state candidates begin filing for 2022 elections

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Filing for the 2022 election season opened on Monday, Dec. 6 at noon, with the filing period closing on Friday, Dec. 17 at noon. Candidates running for statewide primary elections and local county offices are making their campaigns official.

Community Theatre needs significant work, funds

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre held its first performance in December of 1989, “A Gift of Christmas.

Domestic violence increased 8% during Covid pandemic

Editor’s note: This is part one of a three-part series.   Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   “Trauma may happen to you, but it can never define you,” author and domestic abuse survivor, Melinda Longtin.

Statewide burn ban in effect

A statewide burn ban is in effect in North Carolina as of Monday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. and until further notice due to the increased risk of fire.

Swain native awarded out of this world internship

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Kierra Shook is a 2020 graduate of Swain County High School and a sophomore at NC State University. You may remember, back in August she was interviewing for an internship with NASA.