News

Confirmed cases, testing for COVID-19 continues to increase

Swain County, like much of the United States, is slowly returning to business as usual following the widespread closures that began in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, health officials warn that the public still needs to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

School athletes can return to workouts Monday

By Shaun Adams Athletics was a top subject for discussion during the monthly Swain County Board of Education meeting held Monday, June 8, with updates on when football workouts will start, and possible changes in the way coaches are paid.

COVID-19 cases on the boundary up by seven

Cherokee reported seven additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, Thursday, June 4. That brings the total of confirmed cases tested at the Cherokee Indian Hospital to 36. According to the tribe, 16 have recovered. There have been a total of 2,625 tests administered.

Darnell Farms adapts

Darnell Farms in Bryson City has made a name for itself by putting the fun into farm over the last decade, playing host to school groups, annual festivals and serving as a place where you can pick out your produce, and enjoy a picnic complete with a pineapple dream whip by the Tuckaseegee River.

COVID-19 cases rise in Swain as more reopens

In mid-March when Swain County residents were first subject to social distancing and quarantining measures against the virus COVID-19, it was mostly a preventative measure as there were no recorded cases.

Black Lives Matter rally coming to Bryson City

During public comment in the regular town of Bryson City meeting on Monday, June 1, Jeff Helpman addressed the board about having a Black Lives Matter rally planned for Bryson City next Monday.

Commissioners set budget hearing for June 11

On Thursday, May 28, the Swain County Board of Commissioners accepted the 2020-2021 draft budget and set a hearing for the budget at the next regular meeting to be held Thursday, June 11. “This is a skeletal budget similar to last year’s,” County Manager Kevin King told the board.

Early voting begins for Republican second primary

Swain County Board of Elections Office will have one-stop hours for the upcoming June 23 second primary beginning today, Thursday, June 4. One-stop will continue Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The only Saturday will be June 20 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Coronavirus cases remain low in Swain County

Confirmed cases of the virus remain low in Swain County, which was one of the last counties in the state to report any cases. As of Monday, Swain County Health Department reported 10 confirmed cases. Alison Cochran, health department director, confirmed that an increase is anticipated.

Tourism slowly picks back up over holiday weekend

Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend is a relatively busy time for Bryson City and Swain County as it is considered the unofficial kickoff to the summer season. Of course, 2020 has proven different than any previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.