Local

US 74 through the Nantahala Gorge saw more than its fair share of landslides this year

US 74 through the Nantahala Gorge saw more than its fair share of landslides this year

The SMT under the radar stories of 2020

News Staff
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Landslides in the Nantahala Gorge & flash flooding Swain County got more than its fair share of heavy rain in the first part of the year. This spelled true headaches for first responders and anyone who drives the Nantahala Gorge road regularly.
COVID-19, the highly contagious virus that changed life as we knew it, sent many to drive-thru testing sites

COVID-19, the highly contagious virus that changed life as we knew it, sent many to drive-thru testing sites

THE SMT BIGGEST STORIES OF 2020

News Staff
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic The year 2020 will be defined by one story: the COVID-19 pandemic. It took over all aspects of life beginning with statewide mandates that forced businesses to close, learning to go remote, and the mask mandate as government scrambled to prevent the spread of infection.

Two more COVID-19 deaths in Swain County

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
The number of active cases of COVID-19 continued their upward trend this past week in Swain County. On Monday, the Swain County Health Department reported 85 actives cases within the county.

School board gets feedback on spring schedule

Melissa Ezro
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
On Thursday, Dec. 17, the Swain County School Board held a special session for public comment where parents shared their thoughts on virtual and modified learning plans. The board also received the latest COVID-19 updates.
Lady Devil 8 at the net. The team is on hold now due to positive COVID-19 test and contact tracing

Lady Devil 8 at the net. The team is on hold now due to positive COVID-19 test and contact tracing

Lady Devils sports on hold after positive COVID-19 test

News Staff
Friday, December 18, 2020
Swain volleyball and girls basketball became the school’s first sports of the year to be temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Per an email sent out on Thursday, Dec.
Swain County Board of Education held a special called meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 with the spring schedule decision on the agenda. Above, the board, along with the superintendent, hears from Swain County Health Director Alison Cochran.

Swain County Board of Education held a special called meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 with the spring schedule decision on the agenda. Above, the board, along with the superintendent, hears from Swain County Health Director Alison Cochran.

School board to allow remote learners back

Jessica Webb
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Swain County Board of Education held a special meting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 with its new board. By unanimous decision, the board adopted a modified Plan B for the spring semester to begin Jan. 5.
Large star ornaments hang from the town tree. Everett Street Bistro and the Visitors Center are in the background lit up with Christmas lights

Large star ornaments hang from the town tree. Everett Street Bistro and the Visitors Center are in the background lit up with Christmas lights

Bryson City shining bright with Christmas, TDA discusses decor

Jessica Webb
Thursday, December 17, 2020
There’s no mistaking the Christmas season plays an important role in extending Swain County’s tourism season through the end of the year with the Polar Express train rides offered by Great Smoky Mountains Railroad a driving factor.
Screenshot image Swain County Schools produced a short video in memory of sophomore Blake Lantz, who died in a house fire last week. You can view the video online at https://www.youtube.com/user/MaroonDevilsTV

Screenshot image Swain County Schools produced a short video in memory of sophomore Blake Lantz, who died in a house fire last week. You can view the video online at https://www.youtube.com/user/MaroonDevilsTV

Donations to help Lantz after loss of their son

News Staff
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Swain High School is collecting donations in memory of Blake Lantz, a sophomore at the high school who died in a house fire in Ela Campground last week. The school’s goal is to help offset large expenses, such as funeral expenses, by raising $2,000.
Seniors Faith Parker, Kele Eagleman, Jenna Marr, Jessica Lohmann and Hannah Epperson gather for a photo on Senior Night last week.

Seniors Faith Parker, Kele Eagleman, Jenna Marr, Jessica Lohmann and Hannah Epperson gather for a photo on Senior Night last week.

Lady Devils volleyball ready to face Cherokee, Andrews

News Staff
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Although Swain County volleyball dropped its fifth consecutive game on Tuesday night, a heartbreakingly-close defeat at the hands of Hayesville, there is little time for wallowing as the team prepares for rematches with the two schools it began the season by defeating: Cherokee and Andrews.