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Bryson City Police Chief Charlie Robinson said his department has responded to multiple wrecks, like this one earlier this month, on Veterans Boulevard. Pedestrian crossings and speeding have also been concerns.

Bryson City Police Chief Charlie Robinson said his department has responded to multiple wrecks, like this one earlier this month, on Veterans Boulevard. Pedestrian crossings and speeding have also been concerns.

Town wants to increase safety on Veterans Boulevard

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   “We’ve had a lot of wrecks on Veterans Boulevard,” Bryson City Police Chief Charlie Robinson told town board during their regular November meeting on Nov. 14.
Marne Harris, director of Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center.

Marne Harris, director of Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center.

Entrepreneurs, this way!

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   You might think the uncertainties and shutdowns that happened during the Covid-19 pandemic would keep people from wanting to be business owners.
Aerial photo of the Black Bear Fire, November 16, 2023.

Aerial photo of the Black Bear Fire, November 16, 2023.

Black Bear Fire along I-40, 150 acres with closures in effect

Mars Hill, NC, November 16, 2023— Firefighters are currently responding to the Black Bear Fire located near Interstate 40 at mile marker 3, in Haywood County on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest.
A heavy-lift helicopter prepares to drop water from a bucket on a hot spot in the Collett Ridge Fire east of Pisgah Road in Cherokee County near Andrews on Thursday.

A heavy-lift helicopter prepares to drop water from a bucket on a hot spot in the Collett Ridge Fire east of Pisgah Road in Cherokee County near Andrews on Thursday.

Collett Ridge Fire 5,335 acres

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Air quality has returned for Swain County, but firefighters are still fighting the Collett Ridge fire outside Andrews in Cherokee and Clay Counties en masse as the blaze has grown in its third week to cover 5,335 acres.

Bryson City re-elects mayor, aldermen

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen will remain unchanged after the 2023 Municipal Election held Tuesday, Nov. 7. The incumbent candidates for the four seats up for election were all uncontested. Tom Sutton was re-elected to serve as mayor.
Carrie Powell

Carrie Powell

Swain mourns loss of athletic trainer Carrie Powell

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Carrie Powell, athletic trainer for Swain County Schools, unexpectedly died over the weekend, leaving a hole in the hearts of many in the school system who’d known her the 20 years she worked there. “She was loved by many people in Swain County.
Wildfires are causing conditions to be hazy and smoky in Bryson City

Wildfires are causing conditions to be hazy and smoky in Bryson City

Wildfires causing hazy conditions

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County is experiencing smoke and haze from area wildfires that have been spurred by a drought. A wildfire deemed Collett Ridge Fire, four miles outside of Andrews, has grown significantly in the past few days. This morning, Nov.

Bryson City municipal Election Day is Tuesday

Staff reports   Election Day for the 2023 Bryson City Municipal Election will be Tuesday, Nov. 7. The polling location for both BC1 and BC2 precincts is the Swain County Administration Building (former federal building) located at 50 Main Street, and the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m.