News

Sutton named superintendent

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Staff reports   Dr. Brandon Sutton will take the lead at Swain County Schools. Swain County Board of Education Chairman Mitch Carson made the recommendation during the board meeting on Tuesday night, March 10. Sutton’s appointment was approved with a 3-2 vote by the board.
Photo/Betsy Marley. Kylee Nations and Abby Jordan rehearse for “Into the Woods” at Swain Arts Center in March 2026.

Photo/Betsy Marley. Kylee Nations and Abby Jordan rehearse for “Into the Woods” at Swain Arts Center in March 2026.

CURTAIN CALL

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The stage at Swain Arts Center is set to transform into a magical forest as Swain County High School students bring Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musical “Into the Woods” to life this month. Performances will run March 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 6 p.m., with matinees on March 22 and 29 at 2:30 p.m.
Submitted photo. Bryson City Fire Department has apparatus on scene within four minutes of a fire call to Deep Creek Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Submitted photo. Bryson City Fire Department has apparatus on scene within four minutes of a fire call to Deep Creek Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Deep Creek fire contained, chief reiterates need for 24/7 service

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Firefighters contained a residential structure fire in the Deep Creek community Tuesday, Feb. 24, preventing major structural damage and reporting no injuries. Chief Charles Bryson said crews were dispatched at 9:51 p.m.
Submitted photo. Members of the AWAKE Board of Directors, Bryson City Police Department, Swain County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Social Services celebrate AWAKE’s grand opening March 2.

Submitted photo. Members of the AWAKE Board of Directors, Bryson City Police Department, Swain County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Social Services celebrate AWAKE’s grand opening March 2.

AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center opens

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center held a grand opening Monday at 35 East Ridge Drive in Bryson City, expanding access to services for children who have been physically or sexually abused.
Three arrested at East Swain.

Three arrested at East Swain.

Three East Swain staff arrested

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Three people have been arrested following a joint investigation into allegations involving employees at East Swain Elementary School Tuesday, said Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland.
Press photo/ Mia Overton. Noquisi Initiative co-chairs Juanita Wilson and Bob McCollum, Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey and Principal Chief Michell Hicks complete the signing of the Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26.

Press photo/ Mia Overton. Noquisi Initiative co-chairs Juanita Wilson and Bob McCollum, Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey and Principal Chief Michell Hicks complete the signing of the Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26.

HOMECOMING

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   The Noquisiyi Mound was returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26 in a signing ceremony attended by more than 100 Cherokee, local leaders and community members.

Clampitt prevails, Swain voters decide local races

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
State Rep. Mike Clampitt secured the Republican nomination Tuesday for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 119 seat, defeating two challengers. With all five Swain County precincts reporting, Clampitt earned 872 votes, or 60.43%. Anna Ferguson received 510 votes (35.
Submitted photo. Milla Shepard watches as Pat Smiley shows an example of how to prepare boxes that are filled with fresh vegetables and fruit.

Submitted photo. Milla Shepard watches as Pat Smiley shows an example of how to prepare boxes that are filled with fresh vegetables and fruit.

Swain Academy students serve with heart at food distribution

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Jacqueline S. McWhorter Swain Academy   In late fall, students from Swain Academy rolled up their sleeves and stepped up to serve at Bethel United Methodist Church in Franklin.