Call for applications for Swain County manager

Swain commissioners voted 4-1 to accept County Manager Lottie Barker’s 60-day resignation. The county will accept applications until Jan. 5, 2026.

The county manager serves as chief administrator of county government and maintains responsibilities for administering all departments under the general control of the five-member board of commissioners.

A bachelor’s degree and local government experience are required, or an equivalent amount of education, training and experience in local government management that would allow the candidate to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Applicants may apply by mail to 50 Main St., Suite 300 Bryson City, NC 28713, or by email to lisa.bryan@swaincountync.gov. For any questions, call 828.488.9273, ext. 2218 to speak with Lisa Bryan. To view the full job description, visit swaincountync.gov/download/county-manager.

Lumbee gain federal recognition

On Dec. 18, the Lumbee gained their sovereignty. This new status was the product of a bill that inserted into the National Defense Authorization Act. With federal recognition, the tribe of more than 55,000 can expect significant funding from the Board of Indian Affairs for programs such as education, housing and health care.

“Words cannot adequately capture how meaningful and impactful this formal federal recognition is for our Lumbee tribal members, yes, but also for all the other native tribal members who call North Carolina home,” said N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs Chair Greg Bryant.

However, that sentiment was not shared by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

“Once recognition becomes a political decision rather than a documented determination, it places the legitimacy of federal recognition into question,” EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks told The Smoky Mountain News days before NDAA passage.

Swain County to hold bimonthly public forums

Swain County commissioners voted Dec. 16 to hold a public forum during its work session — occurring each first Tuesday of the month — on a bimonthly basis. 

Anyone can speak, regardless of whether they’ve submitted a question in advance, though an answer from commissioners may not be readily available. As with public comment, a sign-in sheet will be provided, and each question and answer must be limited to five minutes. During all other meetings, commissioners will be receiving public comment as usual.