News

Early voting begins for Republican second primary

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Swain County Board of Elections Office will have one-stop hours for the upcoming June 23 second primary beginning today, Thursday, June 4. One-stop will continue Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The only Saturday will be June 20 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Recommendations on how to wear a face covering from the CDC

Recommendations on how to wear a face covering from the CDC

Coronavirus cases remain low in Swain County

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Confirmed cases of the virus remain low in Swain County, which was one of the last counties in the state to report any cases. As of Monday, Swain County Health Department reported 10 confirmed cases. Alison Cochran, health department director, confirmed that an increase is anticipated.
Passenger rail on GSMR will resume June 4

Passenger rail on GSMR will resume June 4

Tourism slowly picks back up over holiday weekend

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend is a relatively busy time for Bryson City and Swain County as it is considered the unofficial kickoff to the summer season. Of course, 2020 has proven different than any previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overdoses have increased

Overdoses have increased

Overdoses increase in county during quarantine

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran reported to the commissioners recently that there has been a rise in the number of overdose calls local law enforcement and EMS has been responding to. Responders estimate there have more than 30 overdoses in total with around 5 deaths.
Ashley Hackshaw of Bryson City recently completed painting this trout statue with its detailed quilt pattern. The statue is one of the new statues paid for the TDA.

Ashley Hackshaw of Bryson City recently completed painting this trout statue with its detailed quilt pattern. The statue is one of the new statues paid for the TDA.

TDA board gives Baker director title

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2020
The Swain County Tourism and Development Authority held a regular meeting through video chat on Zoom on Wednesday, May 13. Amid discussion on next year’s budget, the board voted to make Mary Anne Baker the executive director of the TDA.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, NC State Health Secretary reviews the key indicators

Dr. Mandy Cohen, NC State Health Secretary reviews the key indicators

Phase 2 of reopening begins Friday

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Following much anticipation, NC Gov. Roy Cooper announced in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that he would allow the state to move forward with Phase 2 of reopening on Friday, May 22 following statewide closures due to the coronavirus.

Saying thank you to EMS workers

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
When an emergency health situation occurs, we depend on emergency medical services to see us through. This coming week, May 17-23, marks the 46th National EMS Week.
Paula Bishop told Bryson City Town Board Monday that she is interested in developing the old Powell Lumber property

Paula Bishop told Bryson City Town Board Monday that she is interested in developing the old Powell Lumber property

Town board reviews final draft budget

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
The Bryson City Board of Aldermen held a special meeting and a budget workshop on Monday, May 18 at the Swain County Administration Building. New development, grants and increased water/sewer rates were discussed. The budget for the next fiscal year was also presented.
Cooper discusses Phase 2 on Monday

Cooper discusses Phase 2 on Monday

It’s unclear if Phase 2 will start in NC this weekend

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
By Lindsay Marchello Carolina Journal News Service   During a May 18 news conference, Gov. Roy Cooper did not provide definitive answers about whether North Carolina would enter Phase Two of his reopening plan this weekend.