News

High winds spread three fires

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   The early part of this week was a busy one for Swain County firefighters. On Monday, area fire departments responded to a structure fire call at 6121 Ela Road around 5:20 p.m. on Monday evening.

Nine overdoses so far this year within Bryson City limits

Editor's note: This is part two of a three-part series.   Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Last week, we presented data showing a national increase of overdoses and substance abuse during the pandemic.

Man sentenced to over four decades in prison on statutory rape charges

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   A jury in Swain County found Robert Simpson, 33, guilty last Thursday of six felony counts of rape and sexual assault. On Tuesday, March 15, trial began for The State vs.

Landscape architect firm proposes design plans for Four Corners

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Swain County Tourism and Development Authority has been involved in beautification projects for downtown Bryson City for several years now.

Swain County Schools work to combat learning loss

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Two years ago is remembered as a nightmare to everyone, but education in particular took a major hit, as in-person learning came to a standstill when fears over the spread of Covid-19 took hold.

Overdoses increase during pandemic

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   According to a report by the American Medical Association, the COVID-19 pandemic made the drug overdose epidemic worse.

Board of Ed recognizes school maintenance department, All State Band

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Monday night’s monthly Swain County Board of Education meeting started off with the school board recognizing school maintenance employees, thanking them for their hard work.

WCU historian provides context for Russia’s war in Ukraine

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Following national and international news coverage of the horrors of war in Ukraine over the past two weeks, the question at the forefront of my mind has been, Why? How does this benefit Russia?

New businesses on Everett Street: real estate, cupcakes & quilts

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   With tourism season approaching, new businesses and plans are getting into full swing on Everett Street.

A few more file to run for local office in primary

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Candidate filing for the 2022 election closed at noon on Friday in the county and across the state. In Swain County, there were six additional candidates who filed since the previous week’s reporting.