Local

The end is nigh for Bryson City VFW post

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Official word arrived for members of Bryson City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9281 members this past week: operations have been suspended due to violations. A last-chance meeting is planned for members and officers on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Early voting starts for municipal election

Editor’s note: Candidates' statements have been edited for space.   Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City registered voters, be ready to make your voice heard Thursday as early voting starts for the 2021 Bryson City Town Alderman Municipal race.

Positive COVID-19 cases declining slightly in Swain County

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.

Town board meeting unexpectedly short

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Monday night’s Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen meeting was a bit like sitting down to a board game and realizing you’re missing half the pieces.

Wildlife oral rabies vaccination program begins

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with the United States Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies by distributing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons along western North Carolina’s borders.

Introducing the 2021- 2022 Swain High Homecoming Court

Pictured is this year’s Swain County High School Homecoming Court.

Get prepared for flu season

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It’s that time of year again. The time when the flu comes creeping in. Last year, most Americans were focused on COVID-19. Widespread social distancing and masking up reduced the spread of influenza.

Harrahs opens new hotel tower and convention center

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and invited dignitaries held a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 1 to celebrate the opening of the resort’s fourth hotel tower, The Cherokee, and 83,000 square-foot Cherokee Convention Center.

Maroon Devils Sports Schedule Changes

Due to Covid and other unforeseen circumstances Swain and rival schools have made several schedule changes affecting Swain this season. These are the updates we have so far.   JV Football This week’s game will now be played this Saturday, October 2nd at 5 p.m.

New, free Covid testing site opening Friday

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   After Labor Day weekend, every doctor’s office and urgent care in the area was packed full of people seeking a Covid-19 test. Some relief is on the way to address long wait times and other hassles of testing. Beginning Friday, Oct.