DeSimone dies in construction accident

fr desimonefuneralLast Friday started out just like many other workdays for Maggie Valley Mayor Ron DeSimone.

Write-in likely to run for mayor in Maggie following tragic death

haywoodThe tragic accident that killed Mayor Ron DeSimone last week has left a hole in upcoming town elections this fall.

Five candidates seek Maggie board seats; two mayoral candidates step forward

haywoodThe town of Maggie Valley is small and only an average of 300 residents vote in any given election, but this year’s race for spots on the town board is shaping up to be full of competition.

Ghost Town will remain closed for 2015

fr ghosttownDespite aiming for a July opening, Ghost Town in the Sky will stay closed for the entire 2015 season.

Maggie moves forward with or without Ghost Town

coverIlluminated neon lettering indicated full occupancy on many of the hotels in Maggie Valley during the Fourth of July weekend.

SEE ALSO: Ghost Town will remain closed for 2015

“No Vacancy” signs translate into dollar signs for accommodation owners as well as all the other businesses in the valley. Despite Ghost Town in the Sky not opening this year, Soco Road traffic was bumper to bumper, every parking lot was packed and tourists lined the sidewalks on Saturday evening waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Maggie Valley welcomes new restaurant

fr andolinisBy Katie Reeder • SMN Intern 

When his restaurant doors are open, Chris Chagnon keeps busy, playing the role of owner, chef and greeter.

Maggie mayor may have competitor in election

fr maggieThe political dynamics in Maggie Valley have definitely changed in the last two years.

Ghost Town lacks ride inspections in advance of July opening

The clock is ticking for Ghost Town in the Sky entertainment park in Maggie Valley to get its humble trio of kiddie rides inspected and permitted before its target opening day of July 2.

Ghost Town aims for July 2 opening

fr ghosttownAfter lying dormant for the winter, Ghost Town in the Sky was once again showing signs of life last week with preparation work under way for a July 2 season opener.

Everything but the kitchen sink: A conversation with Frank Solivan

art frHe stood out like a sore thumb.

Standing on the red carpet at the International Bluegrass Music Association awards in Raleigh last fall, I found myself in the midst of the biggest names in the genre. To the right were The Gibson Brothers, Sam Bush and Claire Lynch, to the left Bela Fleck, Rhonda Vincent and The Del McCoury Band — a who’s who of string music.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.