News

Commissioners pass budget and approve land swap

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Board of Commissioners' meeting Tuesday morning, June 6, saw the commissioners passing a budget for the year in a 3-2 decision, but clashing over issues about the recreation park updates and the Black Hill Road land swap.
Two businesses, Smoky Mountain Campground LLC and Creek Life Tubes LLC, located at the Deep Creek entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, have requested to have satellite annexation to the town of Bryson City.

Two businesses, Smoky Mountain Campground LLC and Creek Life Tubes LLC, located at the Deep Creek entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, have requested to have satellite annexation to the town of Bryson City.

Town board weighs annexation request

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A satellite annexation request was tabled by Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen during the board’s regular meeting Monday, June 5, as the board seeks more information as to whether it could fulfill requirements for services to the area.
Roger Puta Great Smoky Mountain Railroad has a projected date for early 2026 Debut and entry back into service for the Southern Railway Engine 722, pictured above.

Roger Puta Great Smoky Mountain Railroad has a projected date for early 2026 Debut and entry back into service for the Southern Railway Engine 722, pictured above.

GSMR begins restoring steam engine 722

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR), owned and operated by American Heritage Railways (AHR), is proud to announce the rebuild of historic Southern Railway Steam Locomotive 722.
Visitors to Bryson City look at the menu outside Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant on Tuesday.

Visitors to Bryson City look at the menu outside Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant on Tuesday.

Downtown Bryson busy for holiday

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and downtown businesses were mostly satisfied with the numbers of tourists who were on the streets.
A lunch at Swain County High School, which will be free for students under the newly adopted CEP program this coming year.

A lunch at Swain County High School, which will be free for students under the newly adopted CEP program this coming year.

School board adopts CEP program to provide free meals

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County School Board has adopted the CEP program, which will let every student eat a free breakfast and lunch at school if they want to.
Swain High School Principal Sonya Blankenship presented the Principal’s Award to Ryleigh Long

Swain High School Principal Sonya Blankenship presented the Principal’s Award to Ryleigh Long

Swain High School hosts Academic Awards Banquet

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County High School  held the 34th annual Academic Awards banquet on Thursday, May 25 in the high school gym. Presenting this year’s awards were: Kathleen Gray (Teacher of the Year), Anna Roland, Cindy Thompson and Amelia Allman.
Superintendent Cassius Cash (from left) and Coach Bob Marr at the new parking area at Deep Creek, will open over Memorial Day weekend.

Superintendent Cassius Cash (from left) and Coach Bob Marr at the new parking area at Deep Creek, will open over Memorial Day weekend.

NPS to add new lot at Deep Creek

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   National Park Service (NPS) Superintendent Cassius Cash got the idea for a new parking lot to help expand parking in the Deep Creek area from Coach Bob Marr.
First Lady Kristin Cooper enjoys the Swain County Heritage Museum during her Thursday, May 18 visit.

First Lady Kristin Cooper enjoys the Swain County Heritage Museum during her Thursday, May 18 visit.

First Lady Cooper visits Bryson City museums

Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper visited Bryson City on Thursday, May 18, as part of her tour of every county in the state.