News

Vaccine appointments now open to all groups

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

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

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

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

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.

School board readies for change

With efforts at the state legislature continuing that would broaden in-person attendance for sixth-12th grade, Swain County Board of Education wants the district to be ready to adapt to yet another change in the 2020-2021 school year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Swain property owners to receive first notice on 2021 reappraisals

Swain County Tax Office is wrapping up a mass reappraisal for 2021. Property appraisers have been conducting research for the reappraisal over the past two years. The last reappraisal was in 2013.

Smoky Mountain Times earns 10 awards in 2020 NCPA Editorial contest

North Carolina Press Association members were honored during the 148th annual convention held virtually due to Covid-19 protocols and made available to NCPA members on Friday, Feb. 26.

Town grants new Arlington Ave. subdivision water, sewer access

A small new subdivision just beyond Bryson City town limits will soon add 10-11 new homes to the market for professionals in Swain County.

Swain vaccine program on target

Severe weather across the United States last week disrupted shipments of COVID-19 vaccines. For Swain County, however, the impact of that delay was minimal, and the vaccination program conducted by the Swain County Health Department is on schedule.