News

Sports season plans unveiled at school board meeting

Swain County Board of Education held a special called meeting Monday, Aug. 31 in the Swain Arts Center, which was also broadcast live. The purpose of the meeting was to get an update on how the schools are doing under the circumstances of the current COVID-19 health pandemic.

First student case of COVID-19 reported in Swain

On Friday, Aug. 28, Swain County Schools shared that a Swain Middle School student had tested positive for COVID-19. According to the release, the student was exposed to the virus outside of school and is under quarantine.

Inmate death reported at Swain County jail

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County Sheriff’s Office reported on Friday, Aug. 28 that a male inmate died while in custody at approximately 3:50 a.m. that morning. Joseph William Lomas, 25, of Cherokee, had been taken into custody on Aug.

Event to celebrate publication of Saunooke Clapsaddle’s new novel

Join City Lights Bookstore on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10, for an outdoor event to celebrate the publication of Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle’s new novel, “Even as We Breathe.” Starting at 6 p.m., she will address the passersby with selections from her book.

North Shore Cemetery Association to host reunion

The North Shore Cemetery Association will be hosting a downscaled version of the Reunion on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  This will be a ‘drop-in event’ to accommodate those who want to see some of the others they have been missing.  There will be no organized services or agenda.

Guide to voting by mail in North Carolina

By Jordan Wilkie - Carolina Public Press   Can I vote by mail? Yes, but you need to figure out some other things first. Are you a registered voter? Check your voter registration. If you’re not registered at your current address, register to vote.

Search on for suspects in Alarka homicide

The Swain County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in a homicide case. Lorene Dawn Morris, 70, who resided at 850 Deep Gap Road in Alarka, is dead. Law enforcement believes she was killed on Friday, Aug. 14 and the suspect or suspects took off in her vehicle.

Bennett charged with murder

Swain County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged a man with felony murder. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, the department responded to a shooting on Franklin Grove Road, according to Sheriff Curtis Cochran.

Elections Office prepares for the 2020 election

Like all things 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is having its impact on the General Election. For Swain County, that means more absentee ballots and a need for more poll workers. As of 10 a.m.