Regional

Phase 2 of reopening begins Friday

Following much anticipation, NC Gov. Roy Cooper announced in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that he would allow the state to move forward with Phase 2 of reopening on Friday, May 22 following statewide closures due to the coronavirus.

It’s unclear if Phase 2 will start in NC this weekend

By Lindsay Marchello Carolina Journal News Service   During a May 18 news conference, Gov. Roy Cooper did not provide definitive answers about whether North Carolina would enter Phase Two of his reopening plan this weekend.

A Rural NC discussion on broadband

The North Carolina Rural Center hosted the first of a series of virtual panels on Thursday, May 7 with the first topic covering broadband. Access to high-speed internet has been an existing need for many rural areas in North Carolina, including much of Swain County.

Harrah’s plans to reopen its casinos beginning May 18

Harrah’s has announced it will begin a gradual reopening of its local casinos in Cherokee and Murphy beginning Monday, May 18.

State enters into Phase 1

On Tuesday evening, May 5, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued executive order 138, initiating Phase 1 of easing restrictions on travel, business and mass gatherings.

Annette Clapsaddle’s debut novel to be published this fall

Swain County High School English and Cherokee Studies teacher Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle’s debut novel, “Even As We Breathe” will be released by Fireside Industries with the University Press of Kentucky in early fall 2020.

NC Governor extends stay at home order

In the coronavirus emergency team briefing this afternoon, NC Gov. Roy Cooper extended the statewide stay at home order until Friday, May 8.

North Carolinians urged to heed stay at home orders

In an address to the public on Friday afternoon, April 3, NC Governor Roy Cooper stressed that the state’s residents should continue to stay at home this weekend. “This virus is still spreading quickly; no one is immune.

Governor issues statewide order for people to stay home

This morning, Swain County residents were trying to absorb the fact the county commissioners issued a stay at home order. This afternoon, that message was strengthened when Governor Roy Cooper, during the briefing from the NC Emergency Management Team, issued the same order for the entire state.

Help available for workers affected by coronavirus

The first wave of coronavirus relief offers immediate help for working families impacted by the pandemic through emergency paid sick leave and expanded jobless benefits.