Doc may have been most civic-minded Swain citizen ever
Note: Every July 4th from 1973 through 1990, I used to go in Bennett’s Drug Store here in Bryson City and order my yearly “banana split” … two scoops of strawberry ice cream on sliced bananas with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry (or two) on top. One a year was enough. I still can’t walk by the old storefront without smelling the maraschino cherries.
Swain commissioners go back on pledge to fund school resource officers
Despite rallying around calls for more school resource officers earlier this year, Swain County commissioners will not chip in after all to pay for the new positions as originally promised — leaving the schools to pick up the full tab themselves or lay off the officers.
With backs against the wall, Swain hikes taxes
Swain County commissioners last week tentatively agreed to increase the property tax rate by 3 cents to cover a budget deficit — the first property tax increase Swain has seen in more than two decades.
Swain revaluation bumps values up 16.5 percent
Four years after Swain County leaders trashed a skewed property reassessment, the county has completed a new revaluation.
Swain holds back on train deal as devilish details are firmed up
Swain County may soon seal a deal with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to pay for the restoration of a steam engine in hopes it would bring more tourists to town to ride the scenic train.
Thanks to a mighty big carrot, Swain sets its sights on the future
Out of all the problems each county faces, how do you one narrow them down to focus on just three?
Cemeteries ensconced by park remain a source of consternation
It is a day Lawrence Hyatt looks forward to all year — venturing into the Smokies backcountry to pay homage at the graves of early settlers who lived there.
Social worker charged in cover-up agrees to talk as part of plea bargain
A Swain County social worker pleaded guilty in court this week to doctoring and fabricating records two years ago following the death of a 15-month-old baby.
Swain school leaders set bar low on budget
Despite a big wish list, Swain County school leaders won’t be asking the county for more money next year.
Swain school officials instead have posed a quite modest request — just don’t cut our budget.
Magic in a bottle
If you build it, they will come.
If you brew it, they will come and party.
Celebrating the fourth release in their “Trail Magic Ale” series, Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City will host a weekend of music and craft beer on March 22-23. The festivities are all in an effort to showcase the adventurous spirit of Southern Appalachia and the mystical ways of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the heart of Western North Carolina.
