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Photo by Jessica Webb/SMT Contractors work on intersection improvements at Bryson Walk and Slope Street on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The work is slated for completion in spring 2023. The traffic pattern is not set to change.

Photo by Jessica Webb/SMT Contractors work on intersection improvements at Bryson Walk and Slope Street on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The work is slated for completion in spring 2023. The traffic pattern is not set to change.

Bryson City intersections getting DOT attention

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   There’s a right place and a right time, but drivers coming through downtown Bryson City at around 3:30 p.m.
Photo by Hannah Styles/SMT WNC Regional DWI Task Force’s Ellen Pitt speaks at Monday’s press conference raising awareness for “Blue Wednesday,” where officers across WNC will be out at 6 p.m. with blue lights on at locations where someone was killed or seriously injured in a DWI involved accident.

Photo by Hannah Styles/SMT WNC Regional DWI Task Force’s Ellen Pitt speaks at Monday’s press conference raising awareness for “Blue Wednesday,” where officers across WNC will be out at 6 p.m. with blue lights on at locations where someone was killed or seriously injured in a DWI involved accident.

Turning ‘Blackout Wednesday’ blue

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Monday, the WNC Regional DWI Task Force held a conference in Waynesville to announce a new operation. Thanksgiving Eve, Nov.
Swain County is considering a land swap to secure this property on Black Hill Road where Tuckasegee Mills used to operate. This is an ideal location and already has infrastructure.

Swain County is considering a land swap to secure this property on Black Hill Road where Tuckasegee Mills used to operate. This is an ideal location and already has infrastructure.

Potential new Middle School site identified

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Both Swain County School Board of Education and Swain County Board of Commissioners are hopeful about the potential for a business deal that would allow the county to have an ideal location for a new Swain County Middle School.

Driver, student respond to emergency on school bus

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Thursday, Nov. 10, a health emergency unfolded on a Swain County school bus traveling on Needmore Road. Swain County Schools Superintendent Mark Sale shared the story at a recent board of education meeting.

Swain's tourism is full steam ahead for winter

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   ‘Tis the season for fluffy marshmallows floating in hot cocoa, snowflakes sticking to your eyelashes, the smell of fresh balsam in the air, and festive music that fills your heart with warmth and kindness.

Murder, suicide of elderly couple in Alarka

Staff reports   A welfare check in Alarka on Saturday led to the discovery of a murder suicide. On Saturday afternoon, Nov. 5, Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies entered a home in Timber Estates in Alarka with a welfare check warrant.
Officer Hampton’s patrol car and the offender’s truck after the chase finally ended when officers surrounded the truck prevented the driver from fleeing again.

Officer Hampton’s patrol car and the offender’s truck after the chase finally ended when officers surrounded the truck prevented the driver from fleeing again.

SRO officer saves the day in high-speed chase

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Wednesday morning looked like a normal morning at West Elementary School with parents waiting to drop off their children. Swain County Schools Middle School Resource Officer and Swain County Sheriff Officer, P.D.