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Submitted photo. About 30 county residents gather to honor individuals who died while in ICE custody or following encounters with federal immigration agents at The Square at Everett and Main streets Jan. 17.

Submitted photo. About 30 county residents gather to honor individuals who died while in ICE custody or following encounters with federal immigration agents at The Square at Everett and Main streets Jan. 17.

Swain citizens hold vigil for Good

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Approximately 30 county residents gathered to remember people who died either in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or after encounters with federal immigration agents at The Square on Everett and Main streets Saturday afternoon.

Fontana Regional Board discusses interlocal agreement

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Mitch Stone reporter@highlandsnews.com   The Fontana Regional Library Board kicked off the new year addressing topics ranging from the 2024-25 audit to an interlocal agreement proposed by Jackson County. Jackson County proposed three amendments to the agreement.
Submitted photo. Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Bryson City police officers out full force, assisted by Cherokee Indian Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Dec. 31.

Submitted photo. Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Bryson City police officers out full force, assisted by Cherokee Indian Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Dec. 31.

Law enforcement steps up NYE patrols

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Swain County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Bryson City police officers were out in large numbers New Year’s Eve. “We wanted to make sure our county was safe,” said Sheriff Brian Kirkland. “The reason behind that is we didn’t want to see anyone hurt or killed by a drunk driver.
Photo submitted. Roger Milsap holds his wife, Tammi Rothrock close at a friend’s wedding in Bryson City in March 2025.

Photo submitted. Roger Milsap holds his wife, Tammi Rothrock close at a friend’s wedding in Bryson City in March 2025.

Fundraiser planned for Milsap

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A fundraiser is planned to support U.S. Army 75th Ranger veteran Roger Milsap, who has “led the way” in volunteer efforts since moving to Bryson City about 14 years ago. Milsap was diagnosed with terminal cancer in July.
Submitted photo. Mark and Susan Sale with grandkids Marshall Small (left to right), J.J. and Leah Sale in summer 2025.

Submitted photo. Mark and Susan Sale with grandkids Marshall Small (left to right), J.J. and Leah Sale in summer 2025.

Searching for a superintendent

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Swain County School Board is working with its board attorney, Chris Campbell of Campbell, Shatley PLLC Attorneys at Law, to develop, disseminate and process the application for superintendent of Swain County Schools, according to superintendent, Mark Sale.

County health officials report high flu

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
While the Swain County Health Department is not required to report county-specific influenza data, the state’s weekly Detailed Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard tracks influenza-positive tests reported by North Carolina hospitals.
Press photo/Mia Overton. The Noquisiyi Mound pictured on Jan. 5 in East Franklin. “It’s a really meaningful moment for us, and I can’t wait to see where the collaboration and the future partnership of Noquisiyi goes from here,” said Angelina Jumper on the Franklin Town Council’s vote authorizing the mound be returned to the EBCI.

Press photo/Mia Overton. The Noquisiyi Mound pictured on Jan. 5 in East Franklin. “It’s a really meaningful moment for us, and I can’t wait to see where the collaboration and the future partnership of Noquisiyi goes from here,” said Angelina Jumper on the Franklin Town Council’s vote authorizing the mound be returned to the EBCI.

A Homecoming

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Mia Overton editor@thefranklinpress.com   After 200 years, the Noquisiyi Mound is being returned to the Cherokee people. In what was referred to as a historic, meaningful moment, the Franklin Town Council unanimously approved a resolution on Jan.
SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Groomer Kosi Wilmot with her 2-year-old AKC-registered Doberman pinscher, Roxy, Dec. 26.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Groomer Kosi Wilmot with her 2-year-old AKC-registered Doberman pinscher, Roxy, Dec. 26.

Roxy the dream dog recovers from blastomycosis

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Roxy, a 2-year-old AKC-registered Doberman pinscher belonging to Kosi Wilmot, was diagnosed with blastomycosis in October. “It pretty much happened overnight,” said Wilmot, a groomer at Rippling Water Kennel. “She quit eating and was losing weight.
SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Peggy Roderick, owner, visits dogs staying the night at Rippling Water Kennel Dec. 26. The facility sits on five acres and features 17 indoor–outdoor runs, giving dogs room to stretch, sniff and explore.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Peggy Roderick, owner, visits dogs staying the night at Rippling Water Kennel Dec. 26. The facility sits on five acres and features 17 indoor–outdoor runs, giving dogs room to stretch, sniff and explore.

Rippling Water Kennel offers country retreat for local dogs

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Approximately 27 miles northwest of Bryson City, tucked off Big Dog Road, dogs romp, rest and play while their owners are away at Rippling Water Kennel. “Dogs come first,” owner Peggy Roderick said. “That is our philosophy.