Swain teacher under investigation for allegedly abusing special-needs students
A teacher at Swain County East Elementary School is under investigation for alleged non-sexual child abuse, according to The Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
Democrats and Republicans face off in crowded race for Swain sheriff
The most powerful person in any North Carolina county is the sheriff, an elected position mandated by the state constitution.
County elections determine who will don the badge and serve the four-year term in office. Such a system ostensibly ensures sheriffs are accountable to voters, but a 2024 Ballotpedia analysis of all United States’ elections excluding the presidency found that 7 8% of law enforcement races had only one candidate.
A badge of honor: Restoring trust touted by hopefuls in crowded Swain sheriff’s race
In the wake of the controversy surrounding former Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran, the new sheriff, Brian Kirkland, only a month and a half on the job, will have company on the ballot come 2026.
Kirkland sworn in as Swain County Sheriff, announces 2026 campaign
Brian Kirkland, who served as interim sheriff in Swain County following the scandalous retirement of Curtis Cochran, has been appointed to serve out the rest of the current term.
