Local

Building steady through 2020, growing in 2021

News Staff
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
The 2020 pandemic put the brakes on a lot of things but building in Swain County wasn’t one of them. Bill Marr with the Swain County Inspections Office reported that building was steady last year before the commissioners at their latest work session.
From left, David DeHart is holding the box that the flag was packed in and sent to the surviving spouse in May 1949 and Justin Kirkland holds a 48 Star American flag that he found and purchased at an Antique Auction House in Waynesville, several years ago.

From left, David DeHart is holding the box that the flag was packed in and sent to the surviving spouse in May 1949 and Justin Kirkland holds a 48 Star American flag that he found and purchased at an Antique Auction House in Waynesville, several years ago.

Burial casket flag returning to soldier’s hometown with help of Swain Genealogical Society

News Staff
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Justin Kirkland found and purchased a 48-star American flag at an antique auction in Waynesville several years ago. Through the help of the Swain County Historical and Genealogical Society, the story of the soldier who this flag honored was discovered.
Pictured from left is library staff Bobbie Sue Smiley, Alexis Faciane and Benjamin Ossoff with American Red Cross representative John Clodfelter and Librarian Jeff Delfield.

Pictured from left is library staff Bobbie Sue Smiley, Alexis Faciane and Benjamin Ossoff with American Red Cross representative John Clodfelter and Librarian Jeff Delfield.

Local library recognized for service by American Red Cross

News Staff
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Widespread changes happened quickly this time last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the need for blood donations didn’t go away. So when Marianna Black Library was able to step in to help keep blood drives in the far west of North Carolina happening, the impact was significant.

Vaccine appointments now open to all groups

News Staff
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
The wait is over in Swain County for those who were at the bottom of the list to schedule an appointment to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. All adults 18 and over can now call the Swain County Health Department to schedule an appointment for the two-dose Moderna vaccine.

State lifts more restrictions as Covid cases plateau

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
On Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the state will continue to ease restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order 204 will start at 5 p.m. Friday, March 26, and expire on April 30. The statewide mask mandate remains in effect as does guidance on six-foot distancing in businesses.

Swain middle & high school will go 4 days a week

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Swain County Middle School and High School students will be returning to a schedule of classroom instruction four days a week beginning Monday, April 12, joining the district’s elementary schools on modified Plan A with Wednesdays still to be used for remote instruction.

Bryson City board explores occupancy tax

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
It’s no secret that Bryson City has been discovered and is a sought-after destination. Last year was the busiest on record for visitors even through the health pandemic, and revenues for the countywide Tourism and Development Authority have been unprecedented.

County seeks more flexibility with North Shore interest

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Swain County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution last Thursday, March 11 during their regular meeting requesting the state modify the bill to allow more flexibility in the way the North Shore settlement fund is invested. Changes in the fund require state legislation.
Swain boys soccer team is pictured as a group after winning conference

Swain boys soccer team is pictured as a group after winning conference

Swain soccer team wins conference

News Staff
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
It was quite the eventful Saturday and Monday for the Swain High boys varsity team. The Maroon Devils were holding on to a one-game lead over Highlands Highlanders and the Murphy Bulldogs going into the weekend.