News

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.
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.
Gerald McKinney (incumbent, center), Mitchell Carson (right) and Cody White (left) took their oaths joined by members of their families

Gerald McKinney (incumbent, center), Mitchell Carson (right) and Cody White (left) took their oaths joined by members of their families

Board of Education members swear oaths of office

News Staff
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
The newly-elected officers to serve Swain County Board of Education were sworn into office in a ceremony on Monday morning, Dec. 7 at the Swain County Courthouse.
Roger Parsons swore an oath of office for his next term on the Swain County Board of Commissioners on Monday. He’s pictured with his wife, Ginger Parsons.

Roger Parsons swore an oath of office for his next term on the Swain County Board of Commissioners on Monday. He’s pictured with his wife, Ginger Parsons.

Re-elected commissioners swear oaths of office

News Staff
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Kenneth Parton and Roger Parsons took oaths of office to serve their second terms as Swain County Board of Commissioners in a swearing in ceremony held at the Swain County Courthouse on Monday morning, Dec. 7. The two were the highest vote getters in the Nov. 3 General Election.
Submitted photo Kyla-Jo Farmer is the new 4-H Youth Development Agent at the Swain County Cooperative Extension Office

Submitted photo Kyla-Jo Farmer is the new 4-H Youth Development Agent at the Swain County Cooperative Extension Office

Meet Swain’s new 4-H agent, Kyla-Jo Farmer

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Having grown up on a beef cattle farm raising Black Angus, Kyla-Jo Farmer is well suited for the role of the 4-H Youth Development Agent at the Swain County Cooperative Extension Office.
Snow comes down Monday as commuters travel across Everett Street Bridge

Snow comes down Monday as commuters travel across Everett Street Bridge

First snow of season

News Staff
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
The start of December brought with it a taste of winter weather to Swain County following blue skies and warm weather for the holiday weekend of Thanksgiving.
Giving Spoon volunteers provide the to go meals

Giving Spoon volunteers provide the to go meals

Giving Spoon serves more than 400 for holiday

News Staff
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
On Thanksgiving Day, the Giving Spoon in Bryson City provided to-go meals to the community in the afternoon from noon-2 p.m. for the holiday. In total, 408 meals for pick up and delivery were provided for free to community members.