Local

Town approves annexation for Black Hill property

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Monday night’s Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen meeting began with a public hearing for a request to annex property on Black Hill with no official public comments.

Lack of housing a recognized need

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   County leadership is aware there is a need for more housing in Swain County and is in the early stages of exploring solutions.

Pro-life request for ‘Safe County’ comes before commissioners

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   There are no abortion clinics in Swain County, and there is a contingent of residents that want to make sure it stays that way.

Covid cases recede, vaccines availability increases

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Covid cases have continued to decline drastically in the United States, North Carolina and Swain County, as the Delta variant seems to have taken its course.

Swain County is a leader in visitor spending in N.C.

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   North Carolina has it all from the excitement of the big cities to the relaxation and adventure of the beach and mountains.

Animal abuse, abandonment remain an issue in county

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It’s no secret that Swain County has a problem with abandoned and abused animals and with no county animal shelter or animal control, at times this leaves animals roaming the streets and neighborhoods, fending for themselves. P.A.W.S.

Swain TDA now has a new logo

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Paddling, mountain biking and hiking in the Smokies are just a few of the activities that draw people to Swain County every year.

Downtown Trick or Treat returning Oct. 28

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Grab your Halloween costume, candy bag and a comfortable pair of shoes for the return of the annual downtown Halloween event in Bryson City, Downtown Trick or Treat.

Town board votes to increase entry-level pay

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen have seen the writing on the signs: hourly wages are increasing, and town wants to stay current. To do so, the board unanimously agreed to increase its entry-level wage to $13.

GSMR passenger train derails Saturday in Almond

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Monday morning, two cars of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad could be seen sitting idly beside the tracks in Almond with several company trucks nearby. The trucks had been there since Saturday when the trip to Nantahala derailed.