News

Mini Takes the States drivers buzz through Bryson City

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It’s a classic American road trip: winding two-lane highways, stops in small towns and at scenic overlooks, except this one is with 2,000 of your closest friends and you’re all driving tiny cars that are sometimes jokingly called clown cars.

Effort begins locally to restore indigenous name to Clingman’s Dome

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Thursday, July 14, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of restoring the name Kuwahi to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known currently as Clingman’s Dome.

Covid cases are up with BA.5 variant

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   As I type this article on my laptop from my quarantine oasis, my home, it isn’t news to me that Covid is upon us again. I tested positive last week and have been homebound ever since.

Swain 4-H club gets into growing

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County’s 4-H club offers many unique opportunities for youth in our community.

Spotty cell phone service continues to frustrate WNC

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Hello? Hello? We in Western North Carolina are accustomed to repeating ourselves when attempting to make phone calls, with spotty cell service leading to dropped calls, unsent texts, and dead zones.

Webb is now publisher/editor

Staff reports   A regular name in the bylines for 8 years now, Jessica Webb will now take the top leadership role at Smoky Mountain Times in Bryson City.

A summer day at Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Each weekend, the Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market is the place to be for art, local food and mingling in Swain County. Whether you’re a local or visitor, there’s something for everyone.

Mayday: small plane makes emergency landing on 74

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Sunday just before noon, those driving on US Highway 74 near Sandlin Bridge in Swain County got the scare of a lifetime, as a small, single-engine aircraft made an emergency landing onto the highway after engine failure.

Casada pens new food memoir

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It’s not unusual for a Smoky Mountain Times reader to stop by the office for back issues of the paper so they can make sure they have copies of a series written by columnist Jim Casada.

They work, we play at Freedom Fest

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County’s July 4th Freedom Fest was another smash hit this year with comparable numbers to last year despite the rain in the evening. Freedom Fest throughout the day sees about 7,000 people each year.