News

Submitted photo. Members of the AWAKE Board of Directors, Bryson City Police Department, Swain County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Social Services celebrate AWAKE’s grand opening March 2.

Submitted photo. Members of the AWAKE Board of Directors, Bryson City Police Department, Swain County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Social Services celebrate AWAKE’s grand opening March 2.

AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center opens

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center held a grand opening Monday at 35 East Ridge Drive in Bryson City, expanding access to services for children who have been physically or sexually abused.
Three arrested at East Swain.

Three arrested at East Swain.

Three East Swain staff arrested

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Three people have been arrested following a joint investigation into allegations involving employees at East Swain Elementary School Tuesday, said Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland.
Press photo/ Mia Overton. Noquisi Initiative co-chairs Juanita Wilson and Bob McCollum, Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey and Principal Chief Michell Hicks complete the signing of the Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26.

Press photo/ Mia Overton. Noquisi Initiative co-chairs Juanita Wilson and Bob McCollum, Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey and Principal Chief Michell Hicks complete the signing of the Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26.

HOMECOMING

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   The Noquisiyi Mound was returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26 in a signing ceremony attended by more than 100 Cherokee, local leaders and community members.

Clampitt prevails, Swain voters decide local races

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
State Rep. Mike Clampitt secured the Republican nomination Tuesday for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 119 seat, defeating two challengers. With all five Swain County precincts reporting, Clampitt earned 872 votes, or 60.43%. Anna Ferguson received 510 votes (35.
Submitted photo. Milla Shepard watches as Pat Smiley shows an example of how to prepare boxes that are filled with fresh vegetables and fruit.

Submitted photo. Milla Shepard watches as Pat Smiley shows an example of how to prepare boxes that are filled with fresh vegetables and fruit.

Swain Academy students serve with heart at food distribution

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Jacqueline S. McWhorter Swain Academy   In late fall, students from Swain Academy rolled up their sleeves and stepped up to serve at Bethel United Methodist Church in Franklin.
Submitted photo Crews burned large piles of wood and debris collected in 2025 during the 288 Cleanup.

Submitted photo Crews burned large piles of wood and debris collected in 2025 during the 288 Cleanup.

Calling volunteers to 288 Boat Ramp

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
It is almost time for the second annual 288 Cleanup and help is needed to remove debris from 288 Boat Ramp. The cleanup is scheduled for March 14-15. Organizers plan to begin work at 8:30 a.m. each day.
Submitted photo. Coaches Jeff Epps (left to right) and Danny Antoine instruct Swain Academy students at Kavod Fitness in Franklin in Feb.

Submitted photo. Coaches Jeff Epps (left to right) and Danny Antoine instruct Swain Academy students at Kavod Fitness in Franklin in Feb.

Building character through boxing

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Swain Academy students recently traded the classroom for a boxing ring as part of a fitness program at Kavod Fitness in Franklin.