News

Murder, suicide of elderly couple in Alarka

Staff reports   A welfare check in Alarka on Saturday led to the discovery of a murder suicide. On Saturday afternoon, Nov. 5, Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies entered a home in Timber Estates in Alarka with a welfare check warrant.
Officer Hampton’s patrol car and the offender’s truck after the chase finally ended when officers surrounded the truck prevented the driver from fleeing again.

Officer Hampton’s patrol car and the offender’s truck after the chase finally ended when officers surrounded the truck prevented the driver from fleeing again.

SRO officer saves the day in high-speed chase

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Wednesday morning looked like a normal morning at West Elementary School with parents waiting to drop off their children. Swain County Schools Middle School Resource Officer and Swain County Sheriff Officer, P.D.
Billy Ray Woodard was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal in September 1969 for a job well done.

Billy Ray Woodard was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal in September 1969 for a job well done.

Billy Ray Woodard: Local US Air Force Veteran

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Alarka native Billy Ray Woodard graduated from Swain County High School class of 1965 and a short time later was working in Asheville when drafts began for the Vietnam War.
Little Scouts Christian Childcare is a newly opened facility in Swain County that offers hands on learning through nature, discovery, and play for ages 2-5.

Little Scouts Christian Childcare is a newly opened facility in Swain County that offers hands on learning through nature, discovery, and play for ages 2-5.

New daycare opening gives parents more childcare options

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Little Scouts Christian Childcare is holding an Open House this Saturday, Nov. 5 from 2-4 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m.

General Election is Tuesday

Staff Reports   There’s still time to cast your ballot early in the 2022 midterm election. One-stop early voting continues through Saturday at 3 p.m.

SBI investigating inmate’s death

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations is investigating the death of an inmate who was held at Swain County jail last week. Austin Zachary Rickman, 32, was being held on charges of breaking and entering and injury to personal property.
Maroon Devil Kale Stephenson fends off a Bobcat player.

Maroon Devil Kale Stephenson fends off a Bobcat player.

Bobcats pounce for 2-1 playoffs win over Maroon Devils

Michael O’Hearn editor@crossroadschronicle.com   The Swain County Maroon Devils’ dreams of advancing in the soccer playoffs were dashed Tuesday night after the Blue Ridge Bobcats of Cashiers defeated them in a thrilling, double overtime match, 2-1.
Hollyn Rutkosky grins ear to ear as she holds a fish she won from throwing a ping pong ball into a fish bowl at the Fall Festival

Hollyn Rutkosky grins ear to ear as she holds a fish she won from throwing a ping pong ball into a fish bowl at the Fall Festival

Swain Middle School holds ceremony to celebrate prestigious recognition

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Thursday, Oct. 20, Swain County Middle School held a ceremony at Swain Arts Center in honor of being named a Lighthouse School, a distinction the school has been working on for years.