News

Times under new ownership

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Paxton Media Group (PMG) has acquired nine community newspapers in the Murphy and Franklin regions of western North Carolina and north Georgia from Community Newspapers, Inc. (CNI), based in Athens, Georgia.
NC Local/ Lilly Knoepp. The Aniyvwiyahi Dancers Youth Group performed the Friendship Dance at the Noquisiyi Mound Deed Transfer with community members.

NC Local/ Lilly Knoepp. The Aniyvwiyahi Dancers Youth Group performed the Friendship Dance at the Noquisiyi Mound Deed Transfer with community members.

NC Indigenous mounds

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Lilly Knoepp NC Local   When the Eastern Band of Cherokee last month received the deed to Noquisiyi Mound – a nearly 1,000-year-old mound in Macon County – they made history.
Submitted photo. The Easter Bunny will be at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre on April 4 for photo ops with children and families.

Submitted photo. The Easter Bunny will be at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre on April 4 for photo ops with children and families.

Strike a pose

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Families in the community will have a chance to celebrate the season with a special appearance by the Easter Bunny next month at Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. The theatre will host a family-friendly photo event April 4 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre has plans for major rennovations.

The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre has plans for major rennovations.

STANDING OVATION

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Smoky Mountain Community Theatre is moving forward with major renovation plans following the award of multiple grants aimed at supporting its facility and the local business community.
James Michael Clampitt, Feb. 17, 1955 - March 18, 2026

James Michael Clampitt, Feb. 17, 1955 - March 18, 2026

Community mourns loss of Rep. Mike Clampitt

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Rep. James Michael Clampitt, 71, passed away Wednesday, March 18 at approximately 1:30 p.m. at Duke University Hospital following a battle with leukemia. Visitation hours for Clampitt will be from 5-7 p.m. April 2 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City.
Photo/Amber Johnston. Volunteer Leader Lauren Wagonner teaches the perception of ordinary objects using thumbtacks and shadows during the Explore 4-H: Photography Workshop Feb. 26.

Photo/Amber Johnston. Volunteer Leader Lauren Wagonner teaches the perception of ordinary objects using thumbtacks and shadows during the Explore 4-H: Photography Workshop Feb. 26.

4-H offers hands-on March programs

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Swain County 4-H is giving youth a chance to dive into hands-on learning this March, with activities ranging from hatching chicks and raising butterflies to exploring photography and starting spring gardens. “4-H is in full swing with fun activities for area youth, ages 5-18.
Photo/Charles Bryson. A structure fire on Balltown Road March 14.

Photo/Charles Bryson. A structure fire on Balltown Road March 14.

Lightning-sparked fires damage four homes

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Four structure fires sparked by a passing storm kept firefighters busy Wednesday morning, with crews responding to multiple calls within an hour.
Photo/Hannah Robinson. Indie, born on Independence Day in 2024, was discovered with her umbilical cord still attached and burns from hot asphalt. BCCS raised her through Hurricane Helene until she could safely return to her original finders.

Photo/Hannah Robinson. Indie, born on Independence Day in 2024, was discovered with her umbilical cord still attached and burns from hot asphalt. BCCS raised her through Hurricane Helene until she could safely return to her original finders.

Cat Sanctuary gives felines a second chance at life 

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bryson City Cat Sanctuary is giving area cats a second chance at life through a network of volunteer foster homes, with a whopping 28 currently up for adoption.
Photo/Jacqueline S. McWhorter. Kadie Cline (front), (back, left to right) Alex Neugin and Faith West tour Cherokee Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cherokee March 6.

Photo/Jacqueline S. McWhorter. Kadie Cline (front), (back, left to right) Alex Neugin and Faith West tour Cherokee Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cherokee March 6.

Swain Academy: Exploring the journey of clean water

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Jacqueline S. McWhorter Contributor   It is easy for us to take for granted life’s simplest necessities, like clean, safe water.