News

With more visitors to GSMNP, the National Park Service advises visitors to make plans like reserving backcountry campsites, pictured, early.

With more visitors to GSMNP, the National Park Service advises visitors to make plans like reserving backcountry campsites, pictured, early.

Adapting to an influx of visitors to Smokies

News Staff
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Last year was the second highest year ever for tourism to the Smokies with 12,095,720 visitors, according to visitmysmokies.com, and it looks like tourists will continue to stream in to enjoy what these beautiful mountains have to offer.

Three file for Bryson City town board

News Staff
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Filing for the 2021 municipal election for Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen closed Friday afternoon, with three people filing. Two seats are up on the town board. The seats are currently held by Ben King and Janine Crisp. King has filed for re-election.

School board honors girls' track team

News Staff
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   This month’s regularly scheduled Swain County Board of Education meeting took place Monday, July 19, and began by honoring the Swain County High School girls track team for their accomplishments at the state competition.
The West Hellards crossing is pictured after the GSMR tore up the crossing last year that leads to NOC residential housing for about 60 people.

The West Hellards crossing is pictured after the GSMR tore up the crossing last year that leads to NOC residential housing for about 60 people.

NOC files suit against GSMR over impeded crossings

News Staff
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
The Nantahala Outdoor Center has had enough of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and the ongoing dispute over railroad crossings. The outdoor company has filed suit against the railroad to reopen a crossing in Swain County Superior Court. The amended complaint was filed last month.
The owl can be seen perched at the top of the dam

The owl can be seen perched at the top of the dam

A tiny owl stuck in Fontana Dam gets help

News Staff
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Over the weekend, visitors to Fontana Dam had a nail-biting encounter with an Eastern Screech Owl stuck inside the dam.
Julia Hunt, right, with her granddaughter Karena.

Julia Hunt, right, with her granddaughter Karena.

Julia Hunt: A Swain County gem

News Staff
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Julia Hunt or Julia Child? Julia grew up a “military brat,” as she calls herself, and moved around a lot during her childhood.

Filing for municipal election closes Friday

News Staff
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Closing time for filing for the Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen municipal election is nearing. Those wishing to run for the two seats up on the board must file by tomorrow (July 16) at noon. Two seats are up on the town board. The seats are currently held by Ben King and Janine Crisp.
Kayaking

Kayaking

Summer camp season is in full swing

News Staff
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Hannah Styles news@thesmokymountaintimes.com   In Swain County, there are many opportunities for youth ages K-12 to join in on some summer fun at camp. Summer camps offer kids fun learning activities as well as team building exercises where they can make friends and lifelong memories.
actors Vincent Vineyard (also producer) and Kandi Thompson.

actors Vincent Vineyard (also producer) and Kandi Thompson.

‘The Hike,’ local horror comedy now on Amazon

News Staff
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Former pro-wrestlers turned paranormal investigators start a production company. There’s no way this isn’t going to be entertaining.