News

The proposed budget includes a fire chief position at BCFD.

The proposed budget includes a fire chief position at BCFD.

Town will likely be increasing tax rate

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   There was a somber air to the room as Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen discussed the upcoming 2024-2025 fiscal budget, and the aldermen agreed property tax rates will have to increase to meet the town’s needs.
The district will offer a grab and go meal on weekdays from June 10-Aug. 7 from the pavilion at the Heritage Museum and Visitor’s Center. Hours will be 7:30-8:30 a.m. for breakfast and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch.

The district will offer a grab and go meal on weekdays from June 10-Aug. 7 from the pavilion at the Heritage Museum and Visitor’s Center. Hours will be 7:30-8:30 a.m. for breakfast and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch.

Swain school nutrition program grows participation

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain Schools started the 2023-2024 school year with a goal to make school breakfast and lunch more popular among its students— with one of the most enticing aspects being the meals are at no cost.
Several programs are in the works to expand high speed Internet in Swain County. (Stock image)

Several programs are in the works to expand high speed Internet in Swain County. (Stock image)

Broadband efforts move forward

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Julie Thorner and Leonard Winchester with the Swain County Broadband Committee provided an update on the effort to expand high speed internet across the county to the commissioners during their work session meeting held Tuesday, May 7.
Josh Stein, North Carolina attorney general and Democratic nominee for governor, spoke to a small crowd of mostly Democratic party members at a campaign event held at the Historic Calhoun House in downtown Bryson City on Wednesday, May 8.

Josh Stein, North Carolina attorney general and Democratic nominee for governor, spoke to a small crowd of mostly Democratic party members at a campaign event held at the Historic Calhoun House in downtown Bryson City on Wednesday, May 8.

AG Stein visits Bryson City on campaign trail

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.
From left, Teresa Conner, Ivan Gibby, Terrie Stephens and Frank Calhoun are pictured inside Calby’s, an antique store downtown. Conner and Stephens have recently partnered with Gibby and Calhoun to lease the business for a year.

From left, Teresa Conner, Ivan Gibby, Terrie Stephens and Frank Calhoun are pictured inside Calby’s, an antique store downtown. Conner and Stephens have recently partnered with Gibby and Calhoun to lease the business for a year.

Calby’s enters new era

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   With its 1940s Bennett’s Drugs sign still proudly displayed on the front of the building, Calby’s on Everett Street in downtown Bryson City is often photographed as a marker of local history. New life is being breathed into the antique store.
When it reopens for the season, the Deep Creek Waterpark (Swain recreation pool) will include two new meeting rooms, new bathrooms and more.

When it reopens for the season, the Deep Creek Waterpark (Swain recreation pool) will include two new meeting rooms, new bathrooms and more.

A new and improved county water park

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County’s pool was recoined Deep Creek Waterpark within the past year, and when it reopens for the season Memorial Day Weekend, it will be with much welcome upgrades.
Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen and Swain County Board of Commissioners met for a joint session at the Business Center on Monday night.

Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen and Swain County Board of Commissioners met for a joint session at the Business Center on Monday night.

Town, county leaders discuss fire protection at joint meeting

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Voices were raised, jokes were shared, progress was made. Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen and Swain County Board of Commissioners met for a joint session on Monday, April 29 at the business center.
Spring sports, like baseball, don't generate enough in ticket sales to be self-supporting financially.

Spring sports, like baseball, don't generate enough in ticket sales to be self-supporting financially.

School board reviews athletic department budget

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County Board of Education had a finance meeting Thursday, April 25 at the central office with the primary topic of discussion being athletics. While Swain County loves its sports, revenues have not kept up with rising cost demands.