Swain makes appointments to first planning board

Swain County leaders took the first step toward regulating unchecked growth and development this week by appointing the county’s first-ever planning board.

Swain election investigation could be two months away

The North Carolina Election Board says it could be another month or two before someone can make the trip from Raleigh to Bryson City to look into complaints of illegal voter intimidation and improper handling of absentee ballots associated with November’s election.

Meal deal at Swain jail worth as much as $100,000 annually, new sheriff says

Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran has estimated how much his predecessor might have made under the table feeding jail inmates: the figure comes in well over $100,000 a year.

Swain chairman accused of handling absentee ballots

Clerk talks:

Dennis Stephenson, a clerk at the Bryson City post office, supplied the following statement in an affidavit taken by Swain County election board member John Herrin.

Voter intimidation alleged in Swain election

Two Swain County residents claim they were victims of illegal voter intimidation during the November election.

Voter testimony

The following testimony was provided by Rhonda Bedsaul, 47, of Swain County. A similar account was provided by Bedsaul’s husband, Ron, 42. Both affidavits have been turned over to the state election board for further investigation.

Hike in early voters strains Swain election office

The surge in early voting witnessed in the last election has prompted the Swain County election board to hunt for a new office location.

Swain change lets the sun shine in

Swain County commissioners have adopted a new policy designed to keep the public more informed and give them a bigger voice in county affairs.

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.

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