News

Regionally produced horror film set in Smokies

It’s mid-October, and you know what that means, it’s horror movie season. What better than a film that is set in Bryson City and is regionally produced?

Bars, movie theaters can reopen under Phase 3

North Carolina moved into Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, Oct. 2 beginning at 5 p.m. The latest restrictions lifted mean bars, movie theaters and outdoor entertainment centers can reopen, albeit under restrictions.

Pandemic equals inventory setbacks for local car & truck dealership

There’s something about a car lot full of shiny new cars and trucks that pulls at the capitalist impulses in all of us. The trouble, lately, is that the car lot is looking pretty bare.

Town secures FEMA funding to fix Island Park storm damage

A park that is equally popular among local residents as visitors has been closed in Bryson City since mid-February. Particularly as Delayed Harvest Waters opened to trout fishing on Oct. 1, it means trekking out a little further out of town for many to get into the cold water of the Tuckasegee.

Bennett indicted for first-degree murder

On Thursday, Sept. 24, a Swain County Grand Jury convened to hear cases. Nolan Billy Bennett was indicted for first-degree murder in the death of Austin Cody Fuller, who died on Aug. 12, 2020.

School board agrees to a modified Plan A to begin Oct. 19

Swain County School Board held an emergency meeting on Monday, Sept. 28 to hear updates on COVID-19 cases, positivity rates and plans on moving forward towards Plan A for K-5 students in the county. Following discussion, the board agreed to set Oct.

Heather Herron named Swain Teacher of the Year

Heather Payne Herron was recently named the Swain County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2019-20. Herron shares when she knew she wanted to become a teacher, what her challenges have been, rewarding experiences, and what it means to her to have been chosen for this title.

Elementary schools get green light for Plan A

In a briefing on Thursday, Sept. 17, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that elementary public school districts in the state will be allowed to move into Plan A as early as Oct. 5.

Development in East Alarka mucked up in runoff issues

When water and open soil meet on a steep slope, runoff is a sure result. A development in East Alarka recently came to the attention of Swain County commissioners for such a problem. Two property owners on Earls Road spoke to the commissioners during their work session meeting on Aug.

Commissioners hear good news on COVID-19 management

Swain County Board of Commissioners heard positive updates from Swain County Schools and Health Department on the status of COVID-19 and management in the county during the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10.