News

Beloved Middle School teacher gone before his time

The unexpected death of a relatively young teacher at Swain County Middle School sent a wave of sadness through the Swain County Schools community this past week. Jason Gary Webb, 42, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 9. He lived in the Coopers Creek Community.

County grows with new dollar stores, real estate and more

As the economy rebounds from the pandemic, commercial growth in Swain County is a noticeable addition and the growth isn’t just limited to downtown Bryson City.

Town works toward sewer expansion

What does a commercial building in Jackson Line community have in common with Tennessee Valley Authority? The Bryson City wastewater treatment plant, which is nearing its capacity.

Multiagency checkpoints deliver results

Swain County Sheriff’s Office coordinated traffic checkpoints in three locations in Swain County on the evening of Friday, June 4 with assistance from other law enforcement agencies. The stops resulted in multiple charges including 16 drug violations and the seizure of 144 grams of methamphetamine.

Class of 2021 SCHS graduates

House fire in Franklin Grove deadly

Hannah Styles news@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Early on Tuesday morning, June 1, Bryson City Fire Volunteer Department was dispatched to a fire at residence in the Franklin Grove Community in Bryson City.

County budget hearing June 10

County manager Kevin King presented the proposed balanced 2021-2022 fiscal year Swain County budget before the board of commissioners during their work session Thursday, May 27. The general fund is $19,488,576.60 and the ad-valorem tax rate is remaining the same at 36 cents per $100 valuation.

21-year sentence for fentanyl distribution causing death

ASHEVILLE – Shannon White, 44, of Bryson City, was sentenced to 21 years in prison in federal court May 27 for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Town considers fee increase, holds tax rate

Bryson City Town Manager Regina Mathis presented the proposed 2020-2021 fiscal budget for the town before the town board on Monday evening during the board’s regularly scheduled workshop. The budget is balanced at $4,167289 with no change in the ad-valorem tax rate currently at 35 cents her $100.

Proposed county budget includes new employees, pay increases

Swain County Board of Commissioners met with County Manager Kevin King on Tuesday, May 18 in a work session on the 2021-2022 fiscal budget. It was among the final discussions for the budget before it needs to be adopted by July 1.