Smoky Mountain News

06/19/2026

🎶🚂 All aboard for one of Western North Carolina’s most unique summer experiences.

The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train combines a scenic railroad journey through the Nantahala Gorge with live performances from talented regional musicians. As the train winds past mountain vistas, trestles, and Fontana Lake, passengers can move from car to car, enjoying an ever-changing soundtrack along the way.

Part concert. Part train ride. Pure mountain magic.

Would you take a ride on the Music Train? Tell us in the comments, and tag someone you'd bring along. Be sure to like this post if you'd love to experience this rolling concert through the Smokies.

📖 Read the full story: https://smokymountainnews.com/arts/item/41520-this-old-engine-makes-it-on-time-the-great-smoky-mountains-music-train-departs

06/18/2026

🥞 Sixty years of pancakes, memories and mountain hospitality.

Since 1966, Joey's Pancake House has welcomed generations of locals and visitors, becoming one of Maggie Valley's most beloved institutions. Now, the restaurant is celebrating its diamond anniversary with a special day of festivities on June 24, including live music from the Rich Manz Trio, hourly raffles, a pancake-eating contest and extended hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

❤️ Have you ever eaten at Joey's? Give this post a like if you have.

👇 Then tell us in the comments: What's your favorite thing on the menu?

Read the full story here: https://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/41495-joey-s-keeps-on-cookin

06/18/2026

Superior Court Judge Tessa Sellers has granted Swain County a temporary enjoinment and restraining order against the Fontana Regional Library board, in effect until June 29, when the court will hear the plaintiff’s preliminary injunction.

Superior Court Judge Tessa Sellers has granted Swain County a temporary enjoinment and restraining order against the Fontana Regional Library board, in effect until June 29, when the court will hear the plaintiff’s preliminary injunction.  Ahead of an anticipated surplus fund distribution to ...

06/18/2026

Gov. Josh Stein has changed the amount of aid he’s requesting from Congress for ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Stein traveled to Washington, D.C., along with state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) to speak with North Carolina’s congressional delegation to offer details on his ask. The previously requested amount was $13.48 billion, a number that Stein lowered to $10.17 billion in a letter he sent to the delegation the day of their meeting.

Gov. Josh Stein has changed the amount of aid he’s requesting from Congress for ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.  Stein traveled to Washington, D.C., along with state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) to speak with North Carolina’s congressional delegation to offer details on his ask. T...

06/18/2026

The 27th annual Taste of Scotland Festival will be held June 19-21 at a variety of locations around Franklin.

The festival is a celebration of the heritage brought to these mountains, that of the Scots and Scots-Irish, along with celebrating the historic relationships with the Cherokee.

The 27th annual Taste of Scotland Festival will be held June 19-21 at a variety of locations around Franklin. The festival is a celebration of the heritage brought to these mountains, that of the Scots and Scots-Irish, along with celebrating the historic relationships with the Cherokee. Scottish foo...

06/17/2026

Jackson will officially exit FRL July 1, following a fiscal year 2025-2026 demonstration period during which the county would continue to meet all state funding requirements, meaning the former partnership between Jackson, Macon and Swain counties will dissolve entirely if Macon’s board stays true to its decision. As a result, Swain County will be subject to the same year-long demonstration as Macon during a major renovation to its only library.

Swain Librarian Jeff Delfield learned through a text that Macon commissioners had voted to begin the process of leaving the Fontana Regional Library system in 2027.  The June 9 decision follows in the footsteps of Jackson County. Though Jackson commissioners cited concerns about LGBTQ+ material...

06/17/2026

Even as it sees its own demise over the horizon, the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees is moving fast to make its agenda into policy.

Even as it sees its own demise over the horizon, the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees is moving fast to make its agenda policy.  The board met June 15 to discuss some of these key items and will meet again on June 22, when trustees are likely to vote on new collection development and....

06/17/2026

This story that initially ran last week has been updated with comments from Fontana Regional Library Board Chair Bill McGaha regarding his feelings on Macon County Commissioner Barry Breeden's request that FRL hold off on policy changes as well as how Macon's pending withdrawal from FRL affects the search for a new system director.

Macon commissioners voted to notify the Fontana Regional Library system of the county’s withdrawal.  While the item wasn’t included in the agenda for the June 9 meeting that went out to the public, it was added near the beginning of the meeting on a motion by Commissioner Barry Breeden, who...

06/17/2026

A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. All are welcome, including beginners. No dance experience or fancy clothing are necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to the music are welcome, too.

A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. A...

06/16/2026

Here's a look at this week's edition. Check it out online and on newsstands tomorrow!