News

inds contributed to the flames that engulfed this home on Franklin Grove Church Road in the early morning hours of April 1. No one was injured, but the family lost their possessions and the structure was a total loss.

inds contributed to the flames that engulfed this home on Franklin Grove Church Road in the early morning hours of April 1. No one was injured, but the family lost their possessions and the structure was a total loss.

Whipping winds fan the flames all week

News Staff
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A structure fire on Franklin Grove Church Road in the early morning hours of Friday, April 1 was quickly fully engulfed in flames as high winds quickly spread the fire.

Commissioners appoint housing committee

News Staff
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Every new home starts with a plan. In Swain County, the first step in plans to improve the issue of a housing shortage have been taken. On Thursday, March 24, Swain County Board of Commissioners appointed several members to a new housing committee.
A firefighter works off Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A firefighter works off Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Thomas Divide Complex fire is 80% contained

News Staff
Friday, April 1, 2022
Most people who have been involved in fighting the wildfire called Thomas Divide Complex in the eastern part of Swain County and mostly in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be demobilized today, (Friday, April 1), according to a press release from the National Park Service.
Ann Miller Woodford provides the history of Mt. Zion AME in Cullowhee during Jackson County NAACP WNC African American Heritage Tour this past Saturday.

Ann Miller Woodford provides the history of Mt. Zion AME in Cullowhee during Jackson County NAACP WNC African American Heritage Tour this past Saturday.

NAACP leads tour on WNC African American sites

News Staff
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Last Saturday, The Jackson County NAACP held a western North Carolina African American Heritage Tour with stops in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.
A digital rendering of landscape renovations for Town Square in Bryson City

A digital rendering of landscape renovations for Town Square in Bryson City

‘I hate the plan’

News Staff
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Four area residents said thumbs down to a plan proposed by a landscape architecture firm that would transform the Four Corners at Main and Everett Streets in downtown Bryson City.
Pictured is Christine Colcord, Mike Shakar, and Ann Marie Wright - SCUGF; Laura Mason – Swain/Qualla SAFE; Melanie Jean Garuffi – Life Choice Pregnancy Center; Julia Hunt – Julia Scholarship fund; Jeff Delfield – Marianna Black Library; Catherine Gannt – Restoration House; Misty Sneed and Tom McMillan – The Giving Spoon; Carol Maennle – Together We Raise.

Pictured is Christine Colcord, Mike Shakar, and Ann Marie Wright - SCUGF; Laura Mason – Swain/Qualla SAFE; Melanie Jean Garuffi – Life Choice Pregnancy Center; Julia Hunt – Julia Scholarship fund; Jeff Delfield – Marianna Black Library; Catherine Gannt – Restoration House; Misty Sneed and Tom McMillan – The Giving Spoon; Carol Maennle – Together We Raise.

Swain County United Gift Fund exceeds 2021 goal

News Staff
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Each year the Swain County United Gift Fund (SCUGF) sets its annual fund-raising goal based on the needs of the nonprofits requesting grants.  Last year’s goal was set at $56,000 with 14 participating Swain County nonprofits in 2021.
‘Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka’ will continue with performances Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. at Swain Arts Center. The show includes two different casts. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

‘Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka’ will continue with performances Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. at Swain Arts Center. The show includes two different casts. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

‘Willy Wonka’ A scrumdiddlyumptious treat for eyes, ears

News Staff
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Steve Stav Contributing writer   Swain County High School’s drama & music program astonished an opening-night audience March 25, filling the Swain Arts Center with a colorful world of imagination that was literally jaw-dropping.