News

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are linked to increased overdose deaths across the United States.

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are linked to increased overdose deaths across the United States.

Man indicted on death by distribution charges

News Staff
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A Cherokee man has been indicted for selling fentanyl-laced drugs that led to a woman’s death a year ago. Dylan Keith Wahnetah, 37, of Tom McCoy Road in Cherokee, reportedly sold fentanyl to a victim on Oct. 29, 2022.
Bikers, many of whom have Cherokee or other Native American ancestry, met in Cherokee on Friday, Sept. 15 to take a long cross-state ride in tribute to their ancestors in the 1800s who were forced to leave the area by government mandate on the Trail of Tears.

Bikers, many of whom have Cherokee or other Native American ancestry, met in Cherokee on Friday, Sept. 15 to take a long cross-state ride in tribute to their ancestors in the 1800s who were forced to leave the area by government mandate on the Trail of Tears.

Trail of Tears riders honor difficult history

News Staff
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   At 10 a.m. on the dot Friday, Sept. 15, dozens of motorcyclists revved up and drove out of Cherokee on a mission. The event was the 30th annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride, with the first one having taken place in 1994.
Beverly Collins, professor emeritus at WCU, is been the leaf expert for WCU.

Beverly Collins, professor emeritus at WCU, is been the leaf expert for WCU.

WCU professor emeritus shares annual fall color forecast

News Staff
Thursday, September 21, 2023
CULLOWHEE – Fall, the time of year when Western Carolina University’s campus is bustling with activity, classes, football and of course, the brilliant color of autumn leaves.
Jackie Thomason was killed at his residence on McCracken Road, pictured above, after Daniel Sutton and Jeremy Solomon went to his home to confront him about a truck title.

Jackie Thomason was killed at his residence on McCracken Road, pictured above, after Daniel Sutton and Jeremy Solomon went to his home to confront him about a truck title.

Sutton declared guilty of first degree murder

News Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Daniel Sutton, on trial for murder for the past week, will spend the rest of his life behind bars per the verdict reached by a jury of his peers on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 6.
West Principal Lisa Sutton (left) recognizes student Christoph Ensley for good character at the Monday, Sept. 11 school board meeting, held at the middle school media center.

West Principal Lisa Sutton (left) recognizes student Christoph Ensley for good character at the Monday, Sept. 11 school board meeting, held at the middle school media center.

School board talks security, legislation

News Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   At the Sept. 11 Swain County Board of Education meeting, the board made quick work of going through updates on school security, meal plans and statewide legislation.

Hicks will return as EBCI Principal Chief

News Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   You could call it a landslide. In the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians General Election Sept. 7, voters overwhelmingly favored the return of former Principal Chief Michell Hicks.
Utility work being conducted on Everett Street is progressing, albeit with an end date later than initially thought. It’s now set to end on Oct. 13.

Utility work being conducted on Everett Street is progressing, albeit with an end date later than initially thought. It’s now set to end on Oct. 13.

Utility work gets new estimated completion date of Oct. 13

News Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A meeting with the Town of Bryson City regarding the ongoing utilities work saw business owners requesting that the town just keep construction going on weekends, so as to hopefully get the roads open earlier.
According to Swain County Manager Kevin King, work at the county recreation park pool building is moving along as planned, with tresses set this week. The upgraded space will include new bathrooms and locker rooms, two meeting rooms and even a commercial kitchen and concession stand. Plans are also in the works for a lazy river and huge water slide.

According to Swain County Manager Kevin King, work at the county recreation park pool building is moving along as planned, with tresses set this week. The upgraded space will include new bathrooms and locker rooms, two meeting rooms and even a commercial kitchen and concession stand. Plans are also in the works for a lazy river and huge water slide.

Youth center effort gets mixed reception among commissioners

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Members of a community group advocating for a youth center in Swain County were before the Swain County Board of Commissioners again Tuesday morning, Sept.
Keith Blane, of Sylva, hands out copies of a book he and others wanted moved to the adult section at the library in Cashiers.

Keith Blane, of Sylva, hands out copies of a book he and others wanted moved to the adult section at the library in Cashiers.

Library book controversy makes its way to Swain County

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Just when it seemed the Swain County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday morning, Sept.
Smoky Mountain Fencing Academy has classes on Wednesday nights from 5-7:30 p.m. at Pirouettes studio. Pictured are the instructors Jim Paintiff (far left) and Joe Holt (far right) with students.

Smoky Mountain Fencing Academy has classes on Wednesday nights from 5-7:30 p.m. at Pirouettes studio. Pictured are the instructors Jim Paintiff (far left) and Joe Holt (far right) with students.

Fencing academy brings old artform to new WNC audience

News Staff
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Smoky Mountain Fencing Academy classes began in September 2022 at Pirouettes studio, at 1093 Main Street, Bryson City. About 20 students have come through the program so far with a handful who have stuck with it.