News

Jimmy McNorrill and his son Tony at Jimmy Mac’s. The two were excited to spend 4th of July together.

Jimmy McNorrill and his son Tony at Jimmy Mac’s. The two were excited to spend 4th of July together.

Bryson City folks share thoughts on being AMERICAN

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Pretty soon the streets of Bryson City will be lined with red, white and blue and, on the night of the 4th, the sky will be full of exploding fireworks. And Bryson City has been feeling patriotic.
Two kiosks at Deep Creek put in place by the National Park Service let people buy daily or weekly passes to park in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for longer than 15 minutes.

Two kiosks at Deep Creek put in place by the National Park Service let people buy daily or weekly passes to park in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for longer than 15 minutes.

Park It Forward reports success, locals still unhappy

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Park It Forward program implemented in March to mandate paid parking passes for those visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, was meant to help offset the rising costs and help with repairs, according to the National Park Service.
Town will have work beginning in July on sewer and water lines under Depot and Everett Streets

Town will have work beginning in July on sewer and water lines under Depot and Everett Streets

Town accepts bid for Depot sewer work

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen held an emergency called meeting on Friday morning, June 23, where they unanimously accepted a bid for contract work for sewer and water improvements that will be made at Everett and Depot streets.

Commissioner Parton votes to eliminate TDA, gets shot down

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   As of the Tuesday, June 20 Swain County Board of County Commissioners meeting, Commission Chairman Kevin Seagle will have a voting seat on the Swain County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), per new rules the county has passed for that board.
A fire occurred at 160 Brendle Road in the early hours Monday, June 19. The cause is under investigation.

A fire occurred at 160 Brendle Road in the early hours Monday, June 19. The cause is under investigation.

Structure fire destroys house on Brendle Cove

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A fire in the early hours of Monday, June 19 had firefighters doing what they do best at 3:23 a.m. at 160 Brendle Cove Road.

Bryson City town board approves $4.9 million budget

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen approved the fiscal budget for 2023-2024 during its meeting Monday, June 10 following a 15-minute public hearing where no members of the public spoke.

Swain has new BOE director

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County Board of Elections agreed to hire a new director during the board’s meeting on April 17.
Bryson City town worker Logan McCall runs the residential recycling pick-up on Wednesday morning. He's pictured here collecting recyclables from homes on Hospital Hill.

Bryson City town worker Logan McCall runs the residential recycling pick-up on Wednesday morning. He's pictured here collecting recyclables from homes on Hospital Hill.

Take it to the curb: Bryson City has recycling program

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   If you live in Bryson City and want to recycle, mark your calendars for Wednesdays, that’s the day the town recycling truck does its rounds to pick up cardboard, glass, plastic and paper products from residential customers.
The area’s Special Olympics team helped lead Monday night’s school board meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The area’s Special Olympics team helped lead Monday night’s school board meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.

School board advocates better teacher, staff pay

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Monday night’s school board meeting saw the board hearing about various updates planned for mental health and curriculum going forward, now that the school year has officially ended.
New recreation director Taylor Woodard has numerous projects she’s overseeing for the department. She is pictured with programming director Mitchell Green.

New recreation director Taylor Woodard has numerous projects she’s overseeing for the department. She is pictured with programming director Mitchell Green.

New recreation director hits refresh on department

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Barely six months into her job, Swain County recreation director Taylor Woodard is looking at big new projects and digital-age upgrades to improve the department. Woodard rattles off a list of various projects coming up.