News

Four Swain County brothers served, decorated in two war zones

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Nations brothers grew up in Bryson City roaming the mountains, hunting and fishing, and attended K-12 school at Swain.

Veteran describes hardships soldiers faced in Vietnam

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   American boots first touched down in South Vietnam on March 8, 1965, which began U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Beginning in 1969, men ages 18 to 26 years old were drafted in the U.S. to fight in war efforts.

Masks still the mandate for Swain County schools

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The Swain County Board of Education met on Monday to discuss the current mask mandate, an after-school nutrition program and personnel changes. The board started off the meeting as usual, with public comment for those who signed up in advance.

Town approves annexation for Black Hill property

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Monday night’s Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen meeting began with a public hearing for a request to annex property on Black Hill with no official public comments.

Lack of housing a recognized need

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   County leadership is aware there is a need for more housing in Swain County and is in the early stages of exploring solutions.

Pro-life request for ‘Safe County’ comes before commissioners

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   There are no abortion clinics in Swain County, and there is a contingent of residents that want to make sure it stays that way.

Pain in your pocket: gas, food prices increase

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountain.com   The COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown has caused shortages and higher prices at the grocery store and new inflation on gas.

Covid cases recede, vaccines availability increases

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Covid cases have continued to decline drastically in the United States, North Carolina and Swain County, as the Delta variant seems to have taken its course.

Swain County is a leader in visitor spending in N.C.

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   North Carolina has it all from the excitement of the big cities to the relaxation and adventure of the beach and mountains.

Animal abuse, abandonment remain an issue in county

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It’s no secret that Swain County has a problem with abandoned and abused animals and with no county animal shelter or animal control, at times this leaves animals roaming the streets and neighborhoods, fending for themselves. P.A.W.S.