One of the Smokies’ finest poets
Editor’s note: This Back Then column by George Ellison first appeared in the Feb. 15, 2012, edition of The Smoky Mountain News.
Olive Tilford Dargan is fairly well known in literary circles as the author of From My Highest Hill (1941), a delightful collection of autobiographical stories set in Swain County, originally published as Highland Annals in 1925. But she is also one of the finest poets the Smokies region has as yet produced.
Court dismisses majority of Mystic Lands claims
This story was updated Jan. 22, 2020.
Mystic Lands property owners may have prevailed in court over one issue — a paving contractual dispute — but the majority of the other claims made against developer Ami Shinitzky for fraud and financial wrongdoing were previously dismissed.
Sponsors, donations needed to provide Christmas for kids
There are still plenty of children in need this Christmas in Swain County and your donation to the Swain County Family Resource Center could help.
Patient counts up at Harris, Swain
Mission Hospital’s decision to let its contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield expire has resulted in increased business for Harris Regional Hospital, with patient admissions this October up about 20 percent over numbers from October 2016.
Swain dedicates Old 288 Park to Monteith
Swain County commissioners recently held a dedication ceremony to officially rename the Old N.C. 288 Park after David Monteith.
Swain library project hits roadblock
As much work as they’ve put into planning and fundraising, the Marianna Black Library Campaign Planning Committee still can’t get Swain County commissioners on board with the financial commitment that comes along with a new library.
Swain coalition pushes for tobacco-free parks
Aproposed policy to make the Swain County Recreation Center a tobacco-free property may not be a slam dunk with all of the county commissioners.
Swain County schools apply for $7 million grant
Swain County Schools will apply for a multi-million dollar grant through the new Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund that can be used for school construction.
Recipe for success: Mixing women and wine always a good idea
Heather and Robert Acton have it all figured out. Living on the outskirts of Swain County near the national park boundaries, they have found a perfect balance of business and pleasure.
Swain parents want more from recreation center
Several parents made it clear during a recent Swain County commissioners meeting they want to have more recreational opportunities for their children.
What started as a discussion about private vendors selling concession items at the rec department during youth sporting events quickly became an airing of grievances regarding the lack of programming for residents at the rec center.
