News

The new entrance to the school

The new entrance to the school

High school construction meets hiccup

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2020
For most Swain County Schools students, the first day of classes will be Monday, Aug. 17. However, last week, the district announced that the high school wouldn’t begin classes until Aug. 24 due to construction delays.
A close up of coronavirus

A close up of coronavirus

Coronavirus cases steady in Swain County

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
The number of positive cases of COVID-19 has remained steady in Swain County, averaging about 10 or fewer new cases a week for the last month. The total number of cases in Swain County hit 100 last Wednesday. As of Monday, there were 106 total cases for the county and two deaths.
A mudslide is cleared

A mudslide is cleared

DOT clears landslide in gorge over weekend

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
N.C. Department of Transportation crews cleared and reopened U.S. 19/74 in the Nantahala Gorge Saturday after a slide closed the highway on Friday night. Crews diverted water from the mountain to a ditch and pipe to prevent road erosion overnight.
The road is torn up where it had gone over the tracks

The road is torn up where it had gone over the tracks

Railroad tears up road access to NOC housing

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad recently tore up a road that crossed its railroad line in the Nantahala Gorge that provided access to seasonal housing at the West Hellard property for Nantahala Outdoor Center.
A vacant house was a blazing fire. Photo by Tim Hall

A vacant house was a blazing fire. Photo by Tim Hall

Vacant house in town burns down

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
An old vacant house on Deep Creek Road, just past Nantahala Burger + Bar (in the old R.C. Cola plant) downtown Bryson City, caught fire on Saturday morning and was completely destroyed. According to Bryson City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Charles Bryson, the call came in at 7:26 a.m.
Swain County Board of Elections Director Joanie Weeks is retiring after 37 years.

Swain County Board of Elections Director Joanie Weeks is retiring after 37 years.

Swain County Board of Elections Director Joanie Weeks retires

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
It is an end of an era. Joanie Weeks, executive director for Swain County Board of Elections Office, retired this week after 37 years serving in the role. On Monday evening, board members took the opportunity to thank Weeks for her time with the county.
An alleged drunk driver crashed into the back of a Swain County Sheriff's Deputy vehicle

An alleged drunk driver crashed into the back of a Swain County Sheriff's Deputy vehicle

Deputy in patrol car struck by drunk driver

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County Sheriff’s Office reported that on early Sunday morning, July 26, an allegedly drunk driver rear-ended a deputy while the deputy was stationary in his patrol car. About 2:16 a.m.