News

Contractors with Teraflex continue work on the water and sewer lines on Main Street with one man emerging from the manhole on the street.

Contractors with Teraflex continue work on the water and sewer lines on Main Street with one man emerging from the manhole on the street.

Main Street water/sewer project on schedule

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Early this week, the water and sewer project impacting traffic on Main Street in downtown Bryson City met a marker nearing completion. The work that began in October is just about 30 days from being completely finished.
Dennis White, center, is pictured with his grandaughter Kendall Bowers and wife Debi White.

Dennis White, center, is pictured with his grandaughter Kendall Bowers and wife Debi White.

Dennis White named Citizen of the Year

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Dennis White, 77, Bryson City business owner and community leader, died on Sunday, Jan. 5. He was a dedicated local leader who helped shape the tourism industry in the county. Town of Bryson City Board of Aldermen named Dennis White Citizen of the Year for 2019 on Dec. 16.
Gov. Roy Cooper visits Nantahala

Gov. Roy Cooper visits Nantahala

2019 Year in Review

News Staff
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
The dome at the historic courthouse in downtown Bryson City saw repairs that began in late January. The dome got several layers of a new protective lining among other repairs to prevent leaking. The building now houses the Swain County Heritage Museum & Visitor's Center. (Jan.
Mike Lackey owned and operated the Bryson City and Sylva Burger Kings for over 30 years.

Mike Lackey owned and operated the Bryson City and Sylva Burger Kings for over 30 years.

Former BK franchiser wraps up career

News Staff
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A burger and fries is synonymous with American culture. Bruce Daniels has purchased both the Sylva and Bryson City locations. Mike Lackey, who sold the franchises, built his career in burger and fries.
In 2018, Swain County received the final payment in the $52 million North Shore settlement agreement made in 2010.

In 2018, Swain County received the final payment in the $52 million North Shore settlement agreement made in 2010.

the 2010s: Biggest stories of the decade

News Staff
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
2010 Swain, federal government, state reach agreement on North Shore Road. Plan is to pay county $52 million.   2011 The death of 15-month-old Aubrey Kina-Marie Littlejohn following abuse and neglect breaks open a state investigation into Swain Department of Social Services.
Tanks fill the aquarium

Tanks fill the aquarium

Swain TDA proposes aquarium expansion

News Staff
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
In a Dec. 5 letter to Swain County Manager Kevin King, the Swain County Tourism and Development Authority is proposing an expansion of the aquarium on Island Street.

Jenkins, Lowe join County Commission races

News Staff
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Filing for the 2020 election closed on Friday, Dec. 20 at noon. Three Democrats and two Republicans have filed for the two seats on the Swain County Board of Commissioners currently held by Kenneth Parton (R) and Roger Parsons (D).

Rez HOPE, Shift partner for New Year challenge

Jessica Webb
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Rez HOPE, Cherokee based  recovery nonprofit is partnering with Shift Wellness and Performance Center in Bryson City for a New Year’s challenge, coined Shift Stick With It Wellness Challenge. The idea is a collaborative one between RezHOPE founder Kallup McCoy and Robin Duncan, who owns Shift.
Marianne Martinez, executive director for the regional nonprofit Vecinos, was the guest speaker at Bryson City Rotary Club this past Thursday.

Marianne Martinez, executive director for the regional nonprofit Vecinos, was the guest speaker at Bryson City Rotary Club this past Thursday.

Vecinos providing primary care to farm workers

News Staff
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
When the average American is sick, they call their primary care doctor. For the average farmworker, that’s a task that would be easier said than done. That’s where Vecinos Farmworker Health Program comes in.
Construction ongoing for 4-story Stonebrook Lodge

Construction ongoing for 4-story Stonebrook Lodge

Town wrestles with growth, ordinances

News Staff
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Bryson City’s newest hotel has exposed an Achilles heel within the town’s ordinances and building codes, a problem that could prove cumbersome and costly in the future if not fixed.