News

Mountain Discovery kicks off $2M capital campaign

News Staff
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Mountain Discovery Charter School (MDCS) is kicking off their “Two Years – Two Million Dollars” capital campaign with a family event at Darnell Farms, this weekend.The event, slated for April 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature faceprinting, bouncy houses, a Charity Scenic Ride and live music.
Advisory board members (l to r) AnnMarie Wright, Toby Allman, Nick Nichols, Lisa Kim Fisher, Diane Jones, Amber Lyons, Beth Maennle, Mike Shakar.

Advisory board members (l to r) AnnMarie Wright, Toby Allman, Nick Nichols, Lisa Kim Fisher, Diane Jones, Amber Lyons, Beth Maennle, Mike Shakar.

Gift Fund unites agencies in service to Swain residents

News Staff
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Rachel Hoskinsrhoskins@thefranklinpress.com "Breaking bread together" signifies sharing a meal, spiritual nourishment, and fostering community.
Jack Igelman / Carolina Public Press. An area of the Pisgah National Forest near Shope Creek, where severe damage occurred during Tropical Storm Helene in 2024.

Jack Igelman / Carolina Public Press. An area of the Pisgah National Forest near Shope Creek, where severe damage occurred during Tropical Storm Helene in 2024.

Future of forest plan in doubt

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Jack Igelman  Carolina Public Press   Only three years into the completion of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest Land Management Plan, its future hangs in limbo, putting both current and future timber projects in Western North Carolina on pause.

‘Sprang Thang’ on stage this weekend

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   The “Sprang Thang” outdoor music festival returns to Lands Creek Log Cabins this weekend. The festival is set to take place Friday, April 17, from 6-11 p.m. and on Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Balltown Road in Bryson City.
Forest Service photo/Matt Switzer. Fire crew hiking to the fire line.

Forest Service photo/Matt Switzer. Fire crew hiking to the fire line.

Wildfires: Crews battle blaze near Needmore

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   A wildfire spreading in the Needmore area started Thursday afternoon and kept burning over the weekend.

Rejected

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Katie Myers Blue Ridge Public Radio   A federal judge has rejected the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest Plan, saying the plan violates the Endangered Species Act. The U.S.
Katie Myers / BPR . Swain County Commissioners said Tuesday’s public hearing was among the most packed they’ve ever seen.

Katie Myers / BPR . Swain County Commissioners said Tuesday’s public hearing was among the most packed they’ve ever seen.

‘JUST SAY NO’

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Katie Myers Blue Ridge Public Radio   Swain County held a public hearing Tuesday on a hot topic: a potential moratorium on data centers.

Remembering those who served in Vietnam

(not verified)
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Mia Overton editor@thefranklinpress.com   Fifty-one years ago the last U.S. service members left South Vietnam and the last Prisoners of War were released, including two Macon County men who had been held in captivity for nearly seven years years.
NC Local/Lilly Knoepp. Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) died last week. He served Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties.

NC Local/Lilly Knoepp. Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) died last week. He served Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties.

What happens when a legislator dies during his term?

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Lilly Knoepp NC LOCAL   Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain), who served in the state House for four terms, died on March 18.  According to state law, if there is a vacancy in the General Assembly the representative’s party will make a recommendation, depending on how many counties are in the district.