News

Swain County sheriff candidates for the 2026 primary election. Not shown: Douglas Anthony.

Swain County sheriff candidates for the 2026 primary election. Not shown: Douglas Anthony.

Election 2026: Sheriff candidates talk public safety

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The people of Swain County will cast ballots in the Primary election on March 3 to select a democrat and republican candidate to lead their party’s ticket in the November General Election. Incumbent Sheriff Brian Kirkland (R) is running to maintain the position he has held since July.
Swain County Republican and Democratic sample ballots for the primary election. The primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. Early voting begins Thursday, Feb. 12.

Swain County Republican and Democratic sample ballots for the primary election. The primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. Early voting begins Thursday, Feb. 12.

Election 2026: Commissioner candidates vie for seats

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Swain County voters will cast ballots in the primary election on March 3 to choose candidates for chairperson and two commissioner seats on the Swain County Board of Commissioners. Winners from both the Democratic and Republican primaries will advance to the general election on Nov. 3.
Submitted photo. A fire destroys a family home in Beck Cove Jan. 31.

Submitted photo. A fire destroys a family home in Beck Cove Jan. 31.

Beck Cove home destroyed by fire

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
A Beck Cove family lost their home and belongings in a fire Saturday night. They were alerted by the family dog and exited the home unharmed.   Bryson City Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at approximately 10:21 p.m.
SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. First semester Carpentry I students Damien Ward (left to right), Jon Stephenson, Ted Sutherland and Kenzie Royce stand outside the 12-by-8-foot wooden shed they helped built this year on Jan. 27.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. First semester Carpentry I students Damien Ward (left to right), Jon Stephenson, Ted Sutherland and Kenzie Royce stand outside the 12-by-8-foot wooden shed they helped built this year on Jan. 27.

Building their future

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Swain High School carpentry students have built a 12-by-8-foot wooden shed that is now for sale for $2,500, with all proceeds returning to the school’s Career and Technical Education carpentry program.
Submitted photo. Shannon Royce, extension agent-family and consumer sciences for NC Cooperative Extension in Swain and Jackson counties, cooks Easy Meals from the Pantry at Southwestern Community College in January.

Submitted photo. Shannon Royce, extension agent-family and consumer sciences for NC Cooperative Extension in Swain and Jackson counties, cooks Easy Meals from the Pantry at Southwestern Community College in January.

Easy meals from the pantry

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Welcome to the N.C. Cooperative Extension cooking show with your host Shannon Royce, extension agent-family and consumer sciences. Royce pairs food assistance with cooking education in effort to address food insecurity in Swain County.
Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City firefighters practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot May 6.

Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City firefighters practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot May 6.

Fire department earns Class 4 rating

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Bryson City Fire Department has earned an improved Public Protection Classification rating from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, a change expected to significantly reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums for many local residents.
Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City Fire Department members practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot.

Photo/Charles Bryson. Bryson City Fire Department members practice fire scene setup for North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal inspection in the Ingles Market parking lot.

FIRE PROTECTION

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The chief of the Bryson City Fire Department is urging county commissioners to consider adopting a fire service fee, arguing it would provide stable funding, improve staffing and expand fire protection across Swain County.
Submitted photo. Emma Adams goes airbound in a basket toss at the Spirit Brands Patriot Championship in Knoxville Jan. 10.

Submitted photo. Emma Adams goes airbound in a basket toss at the Spirit Brands Patriot Championship in Knoxville Jan. 10.

Smoky Mountain Cheer Club marks 10th season with competitive success

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Smoky Mountain Cheer Club is celebrating its 10th season in 2026, marking a decade of growth and competitive success for the regional youth cheer organization. Tonya Clark, known as “Momma” to athletes and families, serves as program director.
SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Good Endurance Running hosts 2026 North Carolina USATF 50-kilometer Trail Championships, in conjunction with the Tsali 50K trail race in Almond Jan. 17.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Good Endurance Running hosts 2026 North Carolina USATF 50-kilometer Trail Championships, in conjunction with the Tsali 50K trail race in Almond Jan. 17.

Tsali 50K attracts top runners

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Good Endurance Running hosted the 2026 North Carolina USATF 50-kilometer Trail Championships, in conjunction with the Tsali 50K trail race in Almond Jan. 17. Brian Gajus, race director, said the race sold out at 300 people, representing approximately 34 states.