News

From left, Amy Vasquez speaks to commissioners during public comment about the need for animal control. County manager Kevin King and commissioners David Loftis and Kenneth Parton listen.

From left, Amy Vasquez speaks to commissioners during public comment about the need for animal control. County manager Kevin King and commissioners David Loftis and Kenneth Parton listen.

County animal shelter still planned, just taking time

News Staff
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County commissioners heard from two residents concerned about the continued lack of an animal control program in the county at their most recent meeting last Tuesday. Having a safe place to take stray dogs was chief among their concerns.
Ingles is coordinating with Town of Bryson City on sewer upgrades as part of plans for a new store at the current Hughes Branch Road location.

Ingles is coordinating with Town of Bryson City on sewer upgrades as part of plans for a new store at the current Hughes Branch Road location.

Town board considers early budget priorities

News Staff
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Initial discussion for the upcoming fiscal budget began among Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen at a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 29.
Swain TDA will invest in bringing a new Christmas drive-thru lightshow to Bryson City.

Swain TDA will invest in bringing a new Christmas drive-thru lightshow to Bryson City.

TDA sets sights on bringing back Christmas light show

News Staff
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   In the near future, Swain County can anticipate the return of a Christmas drive-thru lightshow and more concerts, festivals, fairs and other events at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park, located on Hyatt Creek Road).
New The Giving Spoon executive director Ricky Sanford (left) and board member Misty Lynne Sneed help peel potatoes that will be served to the community, as per the nonprofit’s mission.

New The Giving Spoon executive director Ricky Sanford (left) and board member Misty Lynne Sneed help peel potatoes that will be served to the community, as per the nonprofit’s mission.

The Giving Spoon looks to the future with new director

News Staff
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Wednesday, Jan.
Workers with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad took advantage of the quiet season as January rolled in and set about installing a new water line Wednesday, Jan. 10. One worker interviewed said it was time for an upgrade and they were “putting something better in.”

Workers with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad took advantage of the quiet season as January rolled in and set about installing a new water line Wednesday, Jan. 10. One worker interviewed said it was time for an upgrade and they were “putting something better in.”

Commissioners bring right of way concerns to railroad

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Some county officials have decided recently to take the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to task for its practice of sending “threatening” letters to residents whose property intersected with the railroad.
Snow clings to the ground at higher elevations of the mountains as winter storm clouds hang above Tuesday morning. At lower elevations, much of the snow had already melted.

Snow clings to the ground at higher elevations of the mountains as winter storm clouds hang above Tuesday morning. At lower elevations, much of the snow had already melted.

Winter weather disrupts business as usual for county

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County received its first significant snow of the year Monday, as part of an Artic blast storm swept the country. While downtown Bryson City just received a dusting of snow on Monday, Jan. 15, higher elevations across the county saw more snow.
Firefighters are on the scene of a structure fire call at the old Powell Lumber building Monday afternoon.

Firefighters are on the scene of a structure fire call at the old Powell Lumber building Monday afternoon.

Bryson fire looks to adapt to having fewer active volunteers

News Staff
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The need for more paid firefighter positions has been an ongoing discussion at the county level. Town of Bryson City has had paid positions for a few years now, which currently covers daytime calls.
Downtown Bryson City was covered in a dusting of snow Wednesday, Jan. 10 morning following heavy rains and high winds Tuesday.

Downtown Bryson City was covered in a dusting of snow Wednesday, Jan. 10 morning following heavy rains and high winds Tuesday.

Swain County sees heavy rain, light snow

News Staff
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Larry Griffin lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City woke up Wednesday morning, Jan. 10, to blankets of snow covering the ground and most rooftops in town following heavy rain and high winds Tuesday.
From left, Pam Dengler, Margaret McCarty, John Crisp, Bruce Billstein and Harold Parton play a rousing game of a variety of cornhole as part of the weekly group activities class held Monday mornings at the Swain County Center and led by Shannon Royce of TOA Bryson City

From left, Pam Dengler, Margaret McCarty, John Crisp, Bruce Billstein and Harold Parton play a rousing game of a variety of cornhole as part of the weekly group activities class held Monday mornings at the Swain County Center and led by Shannon Royce of TOA Bryson City

Seniors get moving at weekly group activities

News Staff
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   This might be group activity for seniors, but between the laughs and the games, it’s reminiscent of gym class in elementary school. From 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m.