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

fr brysontrainSwain 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

fr seasonalOut 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

fr decorationdayIt 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

fr littlejohnA 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

art frIf 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.

Cork and Bean expansion boosts downtown Bryson dining scene

fr corkandbeanWhen a building on a town’s main street sits empty, either because a business closed down or moved away, it’s usually a bad omen.

Sparring or fighting? Swain high schoolers suspended for unsanctioned “fight club”

Swain County School administrators began an internal investigation Friday after videos surfaced of a “fight club” among ninth grade boys in the gym locker room at Swain County High School.

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