When Commissioner Glenn Jones pulled into the Stillhouse Branch trailer park in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Swain County last October, he’d strayed far from the campaign path of most candidates.

Swain County leaders took the first step toward regulating unchecked growth and development this week by appointing the county’s first-ever planning board.

The North Carolina Election Board says it could be another month or two before someone can make the trip from Raleigh to Bryson City to look into complaints of illegal voter intimidation and improper handling of absentee ballots associated with November’s election.

Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran has estimated how much his predecessor might have made under the table feeding jail inmates: the figure comes in well over $100,000 a year.

Clerk talks:

Dennis Stephenson, a clerk at the Bryson City post office, supplied the following statement in an affidavit taken by Swain County election board member John Herrin.

Two Swain County residents claim they were victims of illegal voter intimidation during the November election.

The following testimony was provided by Rhonda Bedsaul, 47, of Swain County. A similar account was provided by Bedsaul’s husband, Ron, 42. Both affidavits have been turned over to the state election board for further investigation.

The surge in early voting witnessed in the last election has prompted the Swain County election board to hunt for a new office location.

Swain County commissioners have adopted a new policy designed to keep the public more informed and give them a bigger voice in county affairs.

A new public comment and meeting policy has been adopted by the Swain County Board of Commissioners. Here are some highlights: