News

Katie Myers / BPR . Swain County Commissioners said Tuesday’s public hearing was among the most packed they’ve ever seen.

Katie Myers / BPR . Swain County Commissioners said Tuesday’s public hearing was among the most packed they’ve ever seen.

‘JUST SAY NO’

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Katie Myers Blue Ridge Public Radio   Swain County held a public hearing Tuesday on a hot topic: a potential moratorium on data centers.

Remembering those who served in Vietnam

(not verified)
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Mia Overton editor@thefranklinpress.com   Fifty-one years ago the last U.S. service members left South Vietnam and the last Prisoners of War were released, including two Macon County men who had been held in captivity for nearly seven years years.
NC Local/Lilly Knoepp. Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) died last week. He served Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties.

NC Local/Lilly Knoepp. Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) died last week. He served Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties.

What happens when a legislator dies during his term?

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Lilly Knoepp NC LOCAL   Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain), who served in the state House for four terms, died on March 18.  According to state law, if there is a vacancy in the General Assembly the representative’s party will make a recommendation, depending on how many counties are in the district.

Times under new ownership

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Paxton Media Group (PMG) has acquired nine community newspapers in the Murphy and Franklin regions of western North Carolina and north Georgia from Community Newspapers, Inc. (CNI), based in Athens, Georgia.
NC Local/ Lilly Knoepp. The Aniyvwiyahi Dancers Youth Group performed the Friendship Dance at the Noquisiyi Mound Deed Transfer with community members.

NC Local/ Lilly Knoepp. The Aniyvwiyahi Dancers Youth Group performed the Friendship Dance at the Noquisiyi Mound Deed Transfer with community members.

NC Indigenous mounds

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Lilly Knoepp NC Local   When the Eastern Band of Cherokee last month received the deed to Noquisiyi Mound – a nearly 1,000-year-old mound in Macon County – they made history.
Submitted photo. The Easter Bunny will be at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre on April 4 for photo ops with children and families.

Submitted photo. The Easter Bunny will be at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre on April 4 for photo ops with children and families.

Strike a pose

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Families in the community will have a chance to celebrate the season with a special appearance by the Easter Bunny next month at Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. The theatre will host a family-friendly photo event April 4 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre has plans for major rennovations.

The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre has plans for major rennovations.

STANDING OVATION

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Smoky Mountain Community Theatre is moving forward with major renovation plans following the award of multiple grants aimed at supporting its facility and the local business community.
James Michael Clampitt, Feb. 17, 1955 - March 18, 2026

James Michael Clampitt, Feb. 17, 1955 - March 18, 2026

Community mourns loss of Rep. Mike Clampitt

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Rep. James Michael Clampitt, 71, passed away Wednesday, March 18 at approximately 1:30 p.m. at Duke University Hospital following a battle with leukemia. Visitation hours for Clampitt will be from 5-7 p.m. April 2 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City.
Photo/Amber Johnston. Volunteer Leader Lauren Wagonner teaches the perception of ordinary objects using thumbtacks and shadows during the Explore 4-H: Photography Workshop Feb. 26.

Photo/Amber Johnston. Volunteer Leader Lauren Wagonner teaches the perception of ordinary objects using thumbtacks and shadows during the Explore 4-H: Photography Workshop Feb. 26.

4-H offers hands-on March programs

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Swain County 4-H is giving youth a chance to dive into hands-on learning this March, with activities ranging from hatching chicks and raising butterflies to exploring photography and starting spring gardens. “4-H is in full swing with fun activities for area youth, ages 5-18.