News

Donald Smiley of Cherokee won $150,000 Powerball prize in the Oct. 9 drawing.

Donald Smiley of Cherokee won $150,000 Powerball prize in the Oct. 9 drawing.

Army veteran couldn’t sleep after Powerball win

News Staff
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Donald Smiley of Cherokee got so excited that he couldn’t fall asleep after he won a $150,000 Powerball prize. “I was so excited I didn’t even know what to do,” Smiley laughed. “I definitely couldn’t sleep.
Jessica Webb/SMT - Russell Ball, director of the town water plant, holds up samples of the finished water. The plant frequently conducts a variety of tests on the water at various stages of the process.

Jessica Webb/SMT - Russell Ball, director of the town water plant, holds up samples of the finished water. The plant frequently conducts a variety of tests on the water at various stages of the process.

Turn on the tap

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
If you want to have a conversation about water, Russell Ball, who has been operating the Town of Bryson City’s water plant for 25 years, can talk your ear off. When I toured the plant, I spent an hour and 45 minutes there, and there wasn’t a dull moment.
SMT file photo - Swain School System has been wanting to replace its current middle school for years. Challenges at the facility constructed in the 1950s include security and the HVAC system.

SMT file photo - Swain School System has been wanting to replace its current middle school for years. Challenges at the facility constructed in the 1950s include security and the HVAC system.

Swain awarded $53 million for new middle school

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
They say it takes a village to raise a child. It could also be said it takes the state to build a school. Recently, Swain County School System received word that its grant application for $52 million to build a new Swain Middle School has been awarded.
SMT file photo - Swain County EMS plans to add shift supervisors to provide the best oversight and improve its operations.

SMT file photo - Swain County EMS plans to add shift supervisors to provide the best oversight and improve its operations.

EMS improvement plan County to add shift supervisors

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
It’s a response to complaints about an incident but also would bring Swain County Emergency Management Services in line with other counties in the state.
Swain County grounds crew is currently constructing a house that will serve the Swain County foster care and other related needs. This project is set to be completed before they begin work on finishing the new animal shelter.

Swain County grounds crew is currently constructing a house that will serve the Swain County foster care and other related needs. This project is set to be completed before they begin work on finishing the new animal shelter.

Commissioners step back on animal control committee

News Staff
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   In a unanimous decision, Swain County Board of Commissioners appointed Megan Bernhisel to the Human Services Advisory Board during their work session meeting held Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Disaster relief following Hurricane Helene was being distributed at the ball field parking lot at the Swain County Recreation Park on Tuesday. The donation effort came from Caswell County, N.C.

Disaster relief following Hurricane Helene was being distributed at the ball field parking lot at the Swain County Recreation Park on Tuesday. The donation effort came from Caswell County, N.C.

Extending neighborly love

News Staff
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The parking lot of the ball fields at Swain Recreation Park were abuzz with activity on Tuesday morning, Oct. 8.
Volunteers unload rafts to put in the water to continue collecting trash and debris.

Volunteers unload rafts to put in the water to continue collecting trash and debris.

Finding a way to the surface: Swain Clean leads lake clean up

News Staff
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   If you drive to the end of Old 288 to Monteith Park in Bryson City today, you’ll find a clear path to load a boat into the evergreen, lapping water where the Tuckasegee meets Lake Fontana.

Town board planning meter upgrades

News Staff
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen were focused on water and sewer infrastructure at their work session meeting Tuesday, Sept.
Appalachian Mercantile is pictured from inside the store during the flooding Friday.

Appalachian Mercantile is pictured from inside the store during the flooding Friday.

The flood family of Bryson City

News Staff
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Lance Holland Special to SMT   The morning of Thursday, Sept. 26, dawned rainy. Rain had fallen all the night before and the Tuckasegee River through the center of Bryson City had risen about five feet but was still six or so feet below the top of the riverbank.

Swain Schools’ performance grades highlight challenges

News Staff
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On an annual basis, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction issues School Performance Grades reflecting student academic achievement and growth. Swain Schools received “C” grades except for East Elementary, which got a “D.