News

Photo Submitted. Madison Weston, eighth grade, (left to right) stands alongside Elsie-Mae Clayton, seventh grade, (not pictured is Avery Roland, ninth grade) at Regional National History Day in Hendersonville in March 2026.

Photo Submitted. Madison Weston, eighth grade, (left to right) stands alongside Elsie-Mae Clayton, seventh grade, (not pictured is Avery Roland, ninth grade) at Regional National History Day in Hendersonville in March 2026.

3 Swain students advance to state History Day contest

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Regional National History Day competitions for 2026 featured the theme “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Swain County Middle School students competed in regional contests in Hendersonville this month, with three winners advancing to the NC History Day State Contest at UNC Greensboro May 2.
Photo/Kent Maxy. Volunteers spent two days cleaning up along the Tuckaseegee River during Swain Clean's annual river clean up, held March 13 and 14.

Photo/Kent Maxy. Volunteers spent two days cleaning up along the Tuckaseegee River during Swain Clean's annual river clean up, held March 13 and 14.

SWAIN CLEAN

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
This past Friday and Saturday, the community came together once again for the annual Swain Clean River Cleanup—and what a success it was. Gina Wiggins, a dedicated river and lake advocate, helped lead this effort alongside an incredible team of volunteers, local businesses, and organizations.
Brandon Sutton

Brandon Sutton

Sutton to lead Swain County Schools

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Brandon Sutton, a longtime educator in Western North Carolina, has been named the new superintendent of Swain County Schools, bringing nearly two decades of experience in teaching, school leadership and district administration to the role.
Submitted photo. Renowned beekeeper Bob Binnie presents to the Smoky Mountain Beekeepers Association during an educational program at Swain County Business Training Center in 2025.

Submitted photo. Renowned beekeeper Bob Binnie presents to the Smoky Mountain Beekeepers Association during an educational program at Swain County Business Training Center in 2025.

Welcome to the hive

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Beekeepers from across the Southern Smokies come together each month to share knowledge, support new beekeepers and promote healthier pollinator populations through the Smoky Mountain Beekeepers Association.
Submitted photo. Swain County Recreation Park June 24, 2025.

Submitted photo. Swain County Recreation Park June 24, 2025.

Rec center joins Alliance, expands youth programs

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Swain County Recreation Park has taken a major step forward in youth sports and community programming by joining the National Alliance of Youth Sports. “Our coaches are now required to complete classes and national background checks,” said Taylor Woodard, park director.
Submitted photo. Seven lucky shelter dogs enjoy a day out by the lake with the new P.A.W.S. Tailblazers club in April.

Submitted photo. Seven lucky shelter dogs enjoy a day out by the lake with the new P.A.W.S. Tailblazers club in April.

P.A.W.S. launches ‘Trailblazers’ group

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
A new volunteer program is giving shelter dogs in Bryson City a chance to stretch their legs and it is all thanks to P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter.  Dogs get to explore the world beyond the kennel and connect with potential adopters.

Sutton named superintendent

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Staff reports   Dr. Brandon Sutton will take the lead at Swain County Schools. Swain County Board of Education Chairman Mitch Carson made the recommendation during the board meeting on Tuesday night, March 10. Sutton’s appointment was approved with a 3-2 vote by the board.
Photo/Betsy Marley. Kylee Nations and Abby Jordan rehearse for “Into the Woods” at Swain Arts Center in March 2026.

Photo/Betsy Marley. Kylee Nations and Abby Jordan rehearse for “Into the Woods” at Swain Arts Center in March 2026.

CURTAIN CALL

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The stage at Swain Arts Center is set to transform into a magical forest as Swain County High School students bring Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musical “Into the Woods” to life this month. Performances will run March 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 6 p.m., with matinees on March 22 and 29 at 2:30 p.m.
Submitted photo. Bryson City Fire Department has apparatus on scene within four minutes of a fire call to Deep Creek Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Submitted photo. Bryson City Fire Department has apparatus on scene within four minutes of a fire call to Deep Creek Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Deep Creek fire contained, chief reiterates need for 24/7 service

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Firefighters contained a residential structure fire in the Deep Creek community Tuesday, Feb. 24, preventing major structural damage and reporting no injuries. Chief Charles Bryson said crews were dispatched at 9:51 p.m.