News

Joseph A. Greene

Joseph A. Greene, 84, of Bryson City passed away Monday, May 18, 2020. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Glen and Dessie Jones Greene. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Maney.

A Rural NC discussion on broadband

The North Carolina Rural Center hosted the first of a series of virtual panels on Thursday, May 7 with the first topic covering broadband. Access to high-speed internet has been an existing need for many rural areas in North Carolina, including much of Swain County.

Lodging slowly resumes after coronavirus closures

Swain County has hardly been bustling since mid-March when government orders sent people to quarantine at home to prevent a surge of coronavirus cases. This past weekend, many of those restrictions were lifted including a local order that prevented renting rooms at hotels or vacation homes.

Harrah’s plans to reopen its casinos beginning May 18

Harrah’s has announced it will begin a gradual reopening of its local casinos in Cherokee and Murphy beginning Monday, May 18.

Positive case identified at long-term care facility

In a press release issued by Swain County Health Department Thursday evening, the department shared that there has been an individual who was working at a long-term care facility in Swain County who tested positive for COVID-1i.

State enters into Phase 1

On Tuesday evening, May 5, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued executive order 138, initiating Phase 1 of easing restrictions on travel, business and mass gatherings.

Annette Clapsaddle’s debut novel to be published this fall

Swain County High School English and Cherokee Studies teacher Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle’s debut novel, “Even As We Breathe” will be released by Fireside Industries with the University Press of Kentucky in early fall 2020.

TDA reviews upcoming budget

Swain County Tourism and Development Authority held its work session virtually on Wednesday, April 29, since rules limiting gatherings and social distancing measures because of coronavirus are still in place. The biggest agenda item was the proposed fiscal budget.

Swain County has its first confirmed cases of COVID-19

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A virus affecting the lungs that was first discovered in humans around a market in Wuhan, China that has proven deadly to some and left others with lasting lung damage has made its way into Swain County, North Carolina at the end of April.

Online learning to continue for remainder of school year

Word that North Carolina’s public schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year were met with disappointment and understanding by Swain County Schools. Gov. Roy Cooper made the announcement in a public briefing on Friday, April 24.