News

Students and teachers will wear masks and social distance

Students and teachers will wear masks and social distance

Swain students will return to the classroom

Swain County Schools are planning for in person instruction for the majority of students come this fall, pre-K-12, with plans in the works to meet the guidelines for social distancing as required by the state in light of the ongoing public health pandemic.

Crunching abs and numbers

Statewide shutdowns have affected most businesses, but many have been able to return to operation even if at a reduced capacity. Gym owners in North Carolina, however, remain restricted.
From left, Lisa Barker, who served as director of Swain/Qualla Safe, has retired. Laura Mason is the new executive director for the local nonprofit.

From left, Lisa Barker, who served as director of Swain/Qualla Safe, has retired. Laura Mason is the new executive director for the local nonprofit.

Safe director Lisa Barker hands off the reins

After 26 years spent serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through Swain/Qualla Safe, Lisa Barker has retired from her post as director of the nonprofit. Barker came to Safe first as a volunteer while taking a college course in victimology.
Fireworks over the trees

Fireworks over the trees

Fourth of July subdued, but still a success

The spectacular Independence Day fireworks show went on this year, organized by Swain County Chamber of Commerce and funded by the Swain County Tourism and Development Authority.
Mark Day speaks before the town board

Mark Day speaks before the town board

Patriots for Trump rally planned for Bryson City

By Shuan Adams   Mark Day addressed the Bryson City Town Board of Alderman during public comment of the regular meeting on Tuesday, July 7. Day is organizing a Patriots for Trump rally to take place on Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m. in Bryson City in front of the old courthouse.
Philip Bailie accepts the shadow box from his son, Jim Bailie.

Philip Bailie accepts the shadow box from his son, Jim Bailie.

Family honors dad for his service in the Korean War

Freezing temperatures, high-risk operations and knowing you could find yourself on the wrong side of a gun were just some of risks that the enlisted men in the United States Army were up against along the forward areas of the Korean War. PFC Philip G. Bailie, at just 16, was one of these men.

School board discusses new social distancing measures

By Shaun Adams   The Swain County Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 30. Under discussion were several board policies and ongoing plans for how instruction will be conducted in the fall. The school district is awaiting more guidance from the state, and Gov.