Pattillo settles into new role as Bryson City town manager

Sam Pattillo has been in leadership roles for some time now, but his latest move to become Bryson City’s town manager is a step in a whole new direction. 

George Robert Ellison II — Thoreau in a jockstrap

Editor’s note: George Ellison, a renowned naturalist and writer who lived in Bryson City, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 19. Below is a tribute to Ellison by Don Hendershot. Ellison wrote hundreds of columns for The Smoky Mountain News, which can be read by searching our archives at smokymountainnews.com.

Following allegations of sexual harassment in Haywood, Brookshire lands position in Swain Schools

Just over a month after resigning from his position as head football coach at Tuscola High School following allegations of sexual harassment, Chris Brookshire has been hired at Swain County Schools. 

Free lunch for Swain Elementary students

All students in Swain County elementary schools will receive free lunch this year with the help of a grant from the Dogwood Health Trust.

Mainspring signs agreement in dam removal effort

After months of discussion and deliberation, Mainspring Conservation Trust and Northbrook Carolina Hydro II have signed an agreement allowing Mainspring to purchase the aging Ela Dam in Swain County — paving the way for dam removal efforts to progress.

WNC mourns Lambert Wilson

The Oct. 20 death of Lambert Wilson — a beloved educator, business owner and supporter of Native American art — sent shock waves through communities across Western North Carolina. However, few details are available regarding the circumstances of what his friends and colleagues say was a tragic and unexpected passing.

Local school boards becoming more politicized

Public schools have grappled with constant change over the last several years due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Four candidates left in race for Swain County School Board

Unique among the Smoky Mountain News’ four county coverage area, the Swain County School Board is a partisan-elected board. This election cycle there are four candidates competing for two seats. One is currently held by Travis Hyatt, a Democrat, who is seeking reelection. The other is held by Kim Carpenter who is not seeking reelection.

Swain runner advocates for sports equality

Amaya Hicks, Swain County High School senior and captain of the women’s cross country, basketball, indoor and outdoor track teams, came before the Swain County Board of Education on Sept. 12 with a unique, albeit impressive problem. She and her peers had won so many state championships over the last several seasons that the teams were having trouble raising enough money for the state championship rings. 

Cochran seeks fifth term as Swain Sheriff

To be a sheriff in North Carolina is to be the most powerful elected official in a county.

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