News

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Kaye McConnell congratulates Chasity Taylor, who just earned a certificate of completion from Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, with a big hug Dec. 18.

Recovery for a New Year

Sara Eisinger

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Kaye McConnell of Bryson City is a recovery coach in North Carolina who carries a heart larger than the New Year’s Eve ball at Times Square; it bleeds maroon and can be heard beating throughout the county.

Submitted photo. Members of Bryson City Friends and Adventure Group, led by Doreen Guma, hike Mingus Mill Trail Nov. 4.

60 miles in 60 days with Bryson City Friends

Sara Eisinger

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

The Bryson City Friends and Adventure Group is welcoming the new year with a community hiking challenge designed to bring neighbors together while exploring local trails.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland partners with Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness to help reduce recidivism for drug-related offenses during a graduation program for its wellness recovery action plan program Dec. 18.

Sunrise brings peer support to jail, helping reduce recidivism

Sara Eisinger

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

The day after Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland was sworn in on July 30, he reached out to former inmates to help reduce recidivism for drug-related offenses.

Submitted photo. Tristen Packer (left to right), Deb Stuart, Antionette Prisco, Anne Herzog and Nick Nichols, members of Rotary Club of Bryson City congregate in front of the Family Resource Center’s Christmas tree in December 2025.

Town continues Christmas tradition

Sara Eisinger

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Deb Stuart Contributor Bryson City’s tradition of Christmas giving is nearly as old as the town itself. In Jan. of 1889, the news told the story of the town’s people meeting in the courthouse, having music, sermons and stories.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Curtis Cochran, former sheriff, enters Swain County Courthouse Dec. 17.

Cochran’s hearing reset

Sara Eisinger

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Former Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran appeared in court for an administrative hearing related to charges of second-degree forcible rape, sexual battery, felonious restraint, soliciting a prostitute and assault on a female Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Submitted photo. First Baptist Church of Bryson City pastor Dave Hawes speaks at Blue Christmas, an event hosted in collaboration with churches from the Swain Pastors Association, at Grove Church Sunday, Dec. 21.

‘A rising tide lifts all boats’: Churches unite for Blue Christmas

Sara Eisinger

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Four local churches joined together in a multidenominational effort to bring the community together during the Christmas season, hosting a Blue Christmas — also known as a Longest Night — service Sunday at Grove Church.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Fire crews from West Swain Fire Department and North Carolina Forest Service respond to a brush fire at Deer Ridge Road and Marr Creek off Highway 28 South on the evening of Dec. 21, only to return the next morning.

FIRE ON THE RIDGE

Sara Eisinger

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Fire crews from West Swain Fire Department and North Carolina Forest Service responded to a brush fire at Deer Ridge Road and Marr Creek off Highway 28 South on Sunday evening. The call came in at approximately 5:53 p.m., and crews initially contained the fire by 10:30 p.m.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. County residents attend a regular commission meeting Dec. 16.

Swain County expands public participation in board meetings

Sara Eisinger

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Swain County residents will now have increased opportunities to participate in local government with the introduction of town hall-style public comment periods during bi-monthly work sessions, occurring the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Swain County Manager Lottie Barker submits a 60-day resignation, officially accepted by the county board in a 4-1 vote during a meeting Dec. 16.

Barker resigns

Sara Eisinger

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Swain County Manager Lottie Barker submitted her 60-day resignation last week, officially accepted by the county board in a 4-1 vote during a Tuesday meeting, Dec. 16. Commissioner Bobby Jenkins cast the lone dissenting vote.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Beth Cline, P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter director, addresses commissioners with concerns Dec. 4.

Animal Services ordinance faces criticism, rejected by commission

Sara Eisinger

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Swain County’s proposed 2025 Animal Services Ordinance, intended to replace the 2019 version, was met with strong opposition at a Dec. 4 public hearing and ultimately rejected in a 4-1 vote during a subsequent meeting Tuesday, Dec. 17.