News

From left, Tasha Lee and Stephanie Rodeck represent Great Smoky Mountains Railroad at a hiring fair held at the Marianna Black Library last week.

From left, Tasha Lee and Stephanie Rodeck represent Great Smoky Mountains Railroad at a hiring fair held at the Marianna Black Library last week.

Employers work to entice new seasonal and FT hires

Now that the economy is recovering from the gut punch of the pandemic last year, employers are finding they are now in an employees’ market. Businesses, many now able to increase capacity, are scrambling to fill positions.
The board hears Preston Kendall from Ingles talk about plans for the new store

The board hears Preston Kendall from Ingles talk about plans for the new store

A new Ingles is coming

Grocery store shoppers from Swain County, who have visited the newer, renovated Ingles locations in neighboring counties, will have to be envious of their neighbors no longer.
Swain agriculture fair

Swain agriculture fair

Swain TDA gives grant to support Agriculture Fair

After approving the minutes from the board’s April 14 meeting, the Swain County Tourism and Development Authority heard from Rob Hawk with a request to support the Swain County Fair on Wednesday, April 28.
Juanita Lester holds a framed picture of her childhood home that was in the Bushnell community, one of several lost to the formation of Fontana Lake.

Juanita Lester holds a framed picture of her childhood home that was in the Bushnell community, one of several lost to the formation of Fontana Lake.

Under water: The stories of towns lost to Fontana Lake

Editor’s Note: Austin Campbell is a sophomore at UNCA and served in the Air Force before college. He writes for the UNCA Blue Banner. He is a mass communications major with a minor in German. His hometown is Asheville.
COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccine demand slows locally

The COVID-19 vaccine has been available for months, with availability widening greatly about a month ago when it became available to all adults.
Fast food restaurants like McDonalds, pictured, are offering $10 or more an hour for new hires.

Fast food restaurants like McDonalds, pictured, are offering $10 or more an hour for new hires.

Now Hiring: the job market a year after pandemic hit

Drive by the fast food restaurants on Veterans Boulevard and you might notice not just one but every single business advertising it’s hiring. And it’s hard to miss the streets in town are already busy, with Great Smoky Mountain Railroad resuming regular train departures from downtown.