News

GSMR passenger train derails Saturday in Almond

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   On Monday morning, two cars of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad could be seen sitting idly beside the tracks in Almond with several company trucks nearby. The trucks had been there since Saturday when the trip to Nantahala derailed.

The end is nigh for Bryson City VFW post

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Official word arrived for members of Bryson City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9281 members this past week: operations have been suspended due to violations. A last-chance meeting is planned for members and officers on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Early voting starts for municipal election

Editor’s note: Candidates' statements have been edited for space.   Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Bryson City registered voters, be ready to make your voice heard Thursday as early voting starts for the 2021 Bryson City Town Alderman Municipal race.

Positive COVID-19 cases declining slightly in Swain County

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.

Town board meeting unexpectedly short

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Monday night’s Bryson City Town Board of Aldermen meeting was a bit like sitting down to a board game and realizing you’re missing half the pieces.

EBCI Chief recognizes Orange Shirt Day

Jessica Webb editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com   Founded in Canada, Orange Shirt Day, which fell on Thursday, Sept. 30 this year, is a day of commemoration for Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential boarding schools.

Wildlife oral rabies vaccination program begins

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with the United States Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies by distributing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons along western North Carolina’s borders.

Introducing the 2021- 2022 Swain High Homecoming Court

Pictured is this year’s Swain County High School Homecoming Court.

Get prepared for flu season

Hannah Styles hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com   It’s that time of year again. The time when the flu comes creeping in. Last year, most Americans were focused on COVID-19. Widespread social distancing and masking up reduced the spread of influenza.

Harrahs opens new hotel tower and convention center

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and invited dignitaries held a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 1 to celebrate the opening of the resort’s fourth hotel tower, The Cherokee, and 83,000 square-foot Cherokee Convention Center.