Details of the new policy

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

Backroom deals should all just go away

In the years I’ve been going to Swain County, David Monteith has emerged as a barometer of sorts. One may disagree with Monteith on a particular issue, but the independent-thinking county commissioner can almost always be counted on to vote with a conscience, a commitment to what he feels is right.

Motive questioned in budget cut

By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer

A 3 to 1 vote by the Swain County Board of Commissioners last week will effectively reduce the salary of the newly elected sheriff.

Citizens pack meeting to protest Sheriff’s treatment

An uncharacteristically large crowd packed the Swain County commissioners meeting last week (Nov. 21) to oppose a move that will effectively lower the salary of the newly elected sheriff.

Up to par? Golfers look forward to local ownership of Smoky Mountain Golf Course

While most golfers are clearing space in the closet for their clubs this winter, Travis Stephenson is already thinking ahead to next season. And he’s a bit worried.

Smoky Mountain Golf Course’s ordeal: Drawn-out legal saga nears possible resolution

A three-year legal saga between the owners of Smoky Mountain Golf Course and the developers of Smoky Mountain Country Club moved one step closer to a resolution this week.

Golf course on the rocks

An ongoing lawsuit against the owners of Smoky Mountain Golf Course alleges numerous problems with the course’s management under its out-of-state owners.

Some critical of price paid for Swain land

The price of a recent land purchase by Swain County for school expansion has raised some eyebrows among candidates running for commissioner and for school board.

Despite community pleas, Swain shelves planning board

It appears Swain County commissioners were out of sync with public consensus two months ago when they decided to postpone the creation of a county planning board.

Swain sheriff challenger wants a turn at the helm

When word of a shooting in Whittier roused Swain County Sheriff Bob Ogle from his house last Thursday night, he arrived at a complex crime scene.

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