News

Short line railroad grants awarded

News Staff
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Seventeen short line railroads will soon be making improvements to their infrastructure thanks to approximately $16.7 million in matching grant funds being awarded as part of the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program (FRRCSI).

School board stays on top of COVID news

Jessica Webb
Thursday, December 31, 2020
The Swain County Board of Education met Wednesday night, Dec. 30 for a special called meeting to discuss the potential impact of COVID-19 on the return to classes. With a nod from the health department, they agreed to the regular schedule of students returning to class Jan. 5 for Group A and Jan.
US 74 through the Nantahala Gorge saw more than its fair share of landslides this year

US 74 through the Nantahala Gorge saw more than its fair share of landslides this year

The SMT under the radar stories of 2020

News Staff
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Landslides in the Nantahala Gorge & flash flooding Swain County got more than its fair share of heavy rain in the first part of the year. This spelled true headaches for first responders and anyone who drives the Nantahala Gorge road regularly.
COVID-19, the highly contagious virus that changed life as we knew it, sent many to drive-thru testing sites

COVID-19, the highly contagious virus that changed life as we knew it, sent many to drive-thru testing sites

THE SMT BIGGEST STORIES OF 2020

News Staff
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic The year 2020 will be defined by one story: the COVID-19 pandemic. It took over all aspects of life beginning with statewide mandates that forced businesses to close, learning to go remote, and the mask mandate as government scrambled to prevent the spread of infection.

Two more COVID-19 deaths in Swain County

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
The number of active cases of COVID-19 continued their upward trend this past week in Swain County. On Monday, the Swain County Health Department reported 85 actives cases within the county.
The cover for Smoky Mountain Boyhood

The cover for Smoky Mountain Boyhood

Casada releases latest work, ‘A Smoky Mountain Boyhood’

News Staff
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
While our childhood memories can hold a dear place in our hearts, there are few of us gifted to bring them to life. Casada has a gift for not just sharing his memories but in bringing the very mountains that served as their backdrop to vivid life.

School board gets feedback on spring schedule

Melissa Ezro
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
On Thursday, Dec. 17, the Swain County School Board held a special session for public comment where parents shared their thoughts on virtual and modified learning plans. The board also received the latest COVID-19 updates.
Swain County Board of Education held a special called meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 with the spring schedule decision on the agenda. Above, the board, along with the superintendent, hears from Swain County Health Director Alison Cochran.

Swain County Board of Education held a special called meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 with the spring schedule decision on the agenda. Above, the board, along with the superintendent, hears from Swain County Health Director Alison Cochran.

School board to allow remote learners back

Jessica Webb
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Swain County Board of Education held a special meting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 with its new board. By unanimous decision, the board adopted a modified Plan B for the spring semester to begin Jan. 5.
Large star ornaments hang from the town tree. Everett Street Bistro and the Visitors Center are in the background lit up with Christmas lights

Large star ornaments hang from the town tree. Everett Street Bistro and the Visitors Center are in the background lit up with Christmas lights

Bryson City shining bright with Christmas, TDA discusses decor

Jessica Webb
Thursday, December 17, 2020
There’s no mistaking the Christmas season plays an important role in extending Swain County’s tourism season through the end of the year with the Polar Express train rides offered by Great Smoky Mountains Railroad a driving factor.