News

This drawing represents the latest rendition by architect Keith Hargrove for new construction of the Marianna Black Library on Fontana Road.

This drawing represents the latest rendition by architect Keith Hargrove for new construction of the Marianna Black Library on Fontana Road.

Choose your own library adventure

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Over the past decade, the libraries in the Fontana Regional Library System have seen significant upgrades and new facilities with the final exception of Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Swain County at the top for retirement affordability

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
SmartAsset, a nationally known financial technology company, recently ranked Swain County as the Most Affordable Place to Retire in North Carolina. The national study highlights 10 counties in each state that are the most affordable based on early age and average retirement.

Tougher water rules to hit about 100 businesses

James Budd
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Bryson City town board members Tuesday night, Jan. 21 focused exclusively on hammering out an ordinance that will require an estimated 100 city business owners to install costly equipment to prevent contaminated backflow from entering the water system.
Gina Collias, of Buncombe County, speaks to Swain County Democrats on why she's running for U.S. Congress District 11.

Gina Collias, of Buncombe County, speaks to Swain County Democrats on why she's running for U.S. Congress District 11.

A word from the candidates: Democrats

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
  Early voting starts in less than a month, and Swain County Democrats got to hear from candidates during their monthly meeting Tuesday, Jan. 21 held at the United Community Bank with about 30 voters attending. There was palpable enthusiasm for how the U.S.
Madison Cawthorn, of Buncombe County, speaks to Swain County Republicans on why he's running for U.S. Congress District 11.

Madison Cawthorn, of Buncombe County, speaks to Swain County Republicans on why he's running for U.S. Congress District 11.

A word from the candidates: Republicans

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
With the primary just around the corner, the Swain County Republican Party hosted several candidates during its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 20 at the United Community Bank meeting room before about 20 voters.

Repairs ongoing in Nantahala Gorge

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2020
Work continues on a rockslide on US 19/74 through the Nantahala Gorge. N.C. Department of Transportation crews and a contractor had to close the road to traffic last weekend to continue the work of removing debris.  On Monday, the road was opened again with one lane of traffic and a signal.
The exterior walls are up for a counseling suite at Swain County High School. The construction project, which also includes two new classrooms and administration, is on schedule.

The exterior walls are up for a counseling suite at Swain County High School. The construction project, which also includes two new classrooms and administration, is on schedule.

Construction moves forward at Swain High

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Work to expand learning space at Swain County High School began before the school year and appears to be on schedule. The additions are funded largely through a $4.7 million critical needs grant from North Carolina that the district was awarded in the previous year.
Workers with North Carolina Department of Transportation conduct storm damage clean up in the Grassy Branch community on Monday

Workers with North Carolina Department of Transportation conduct storm damage clean up in the Grassy Branch community on Monday

Strong thunderstorm causes downed trees, power outages

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
On Saturday evening, a thunderstorm with strong winds swept through the area. The storm left many customers without power but caused little damage otherwise. “There were a bunch of trees and power lines down,” confirmed Swain Emergency Management Director David Breedlove.
A landslide across 19/74 closed the road Saturday

A landslide across 19/74 closed the road Saturday

Landslide closes 19/74 in Nantahala Gorge

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
A landslide on Saturday morning, Jan. 4 closed US 19/74 in the Nantahala Gorge near Hewitts Road for much of the day. North Carolina Department of Transportation reported that the large mudslide, occurring around 7:30 a.m. involved no vehicles.