If you want to help pollinators but don’t have time for traditional beekeeping, mason bees are an excellent choice. These gentle, solitary native bees are highly efficient pollinators that require very little work. Why Choose Mason Bees? They pollinate up to 95% of the flowers they visit (vs. ~5% for honeybees) and are especially effective for fruit trees like apples, cherries, and blueberries. One mason bee can do the pollination work of roughly 100 honeybees for certain cro

(Photo Credit: Pam Roman) First row, left to right, Ed Legue, Ashley Eller, Sherrie Keely, Ryleigh Elver. Second row: Jeremy Bonilla, Ben March, Janice Lessard, David Cady, Kai Naihe, Kay Thomas. Missing: Dylan Mason, Isabelle Studley. By Harrison Keely Guest Writer Local audiences, take note: the diagnosis is laughter—and the prognosis is unstoppable. The Peacock Performing Arts Center’s latest production, It Runs In the Family, opens next Friday, launching two weekends of r

Residents of Clay and Cherokee counties in North Carolina and Towns and Union counties in Georgia are increasingly turning to over-the-air (OTA) antennas to cut expensive cable and satellite bills, but many are discovering that free broadcast television comes with major headaches in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region’s steep ridges, deep valleys, and thick forests create a perfect storm for poor TV reception. Most major network signals originate from distant broadcast tower

Photo courtesy of Deango Motorsports Photography After a season plagued by repeated rainouts and mounting uncertainty about its future, Tri-County Racetrack is set to return to action in 2026 with new promoter Randy McCoy leading the charge. The high-banked clay oval, a beloved destination for race fans and drivers in the tri-state area, faced serious questions earlier this year when last season’s promoters announced they would not return. The persistent weather woes of 2025

In the misty hollows and ancient forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where North Georgia meets Western North Carolina, whispers of Bigfoot persist. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has logged over 144 reports from Georgia and more than 100 from North Carolina, with many clustered in Rabun, Lumpkin, Fannin, and White counties in Georgia, and Macon, Haywood, and McDowell counties in North Carolina. One of the strongest accounts dates to May 23, 1998, at Minneh

The cold, clear mountain streams of North Georgia and Western North Carolina are world-class trout fisheries. From the rushing waters of the Chattahoochee National Forest to the wild brook trout hideouts in Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, these Appalachian streams support rainbow, brown, and native brook trout. Yet these fragile cold-water habitats face threats from sedimentation, warming waters, and human impact. As anglers, we have a direct role in protecting them. B

Tomatoes and basil are a match made in culinary heaven—and in the garden. This classic companion planting combination goes far beyond creating fresh Caprese salads. Gardeners and researchers alike have found that growing these two plants side by side delivers real, measurable benefits for plant health, pest control, yield, and even flavor. Natural Pest Control Without Chemicals One of the strongest reasons to pair basil with tomatoes is its powerful pest-repelling properties.

HAYESVILLE, N.C. – Laura Cottrell, a standout Hayesville High School graduate and one of the most accomplished players in Clemson University women’s basketball history, has been inducted into the Clemson Athletics Hall of Fame. Cottrell, who played for the Tigers from 1993 to 1997, left an indelible mark on the program during her four-year career. She earned First Team All-ACC honors in both 1996 and 1997 and was named the 1996 ACC Tournament MVP. Her leadership and performan

Press Release April 28, 2026 On April 17, 2026, a coordinated effort by Task Force officers from Union and Fannin Counties resulted in the interception of a significant quantity of narcotics destined for North Georgia and Western North Carolina. The operation marked a substantial disruption to an active drug trafficking network operating in the region. During the operation, officers conducted a traffic stop in Pickens County, just off Highway 515, involving Daryl Gene Ankney

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) is launching its 2026 Summer Concert Series with a high-energy performance from crowd favorite Run Katie Run on the historic Hayesville square. Known for their roots-rock and Americana sound, Run Katie Run brings soaring vocal harmonies, driving rhythms, and storytelling that blends raw emotion with upbeat energy. Fronted by a dynamic lead vocalist and supported by a tight, experienced band, the

As warmer weather settles into the Southern Appalachians, hummingbirds are beginning their seasonal migration into Western North Carolina and North Georgia—bringing with them a burst of color, motion, and energy to backyards across the region. Experts say attracting the tiny birds, most commonly the ruby-throated hummingbird in this area, is less about luck and more about providing the right combination of food, shelter, and habitat. Feeders: A Simple Starting Point One of th

Pictured L to R: Business Teacher, Bobbie Jones, Maddox Rich, Sky Harmon, Jocelyn Chastain, Raul Rivera-Prieto, and Will Jennings HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Schools Board of Education highlighted student accomplishments and honored a standout educator during its meeting Monday, April 27. Board members recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from Hayesville High School for earning industry credentials, a key component of workforce readiness. The studen

It's a debate as old as suburbia itself: Should you scalp your lawn for that pristine, golf-course look, or let it grow a bit longer? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all, but science and decades of turfgrass research provide clear guidance. Mowing height dramatically affects lawn health, water use, weed pressure, and overall appearance. Get it right, and your grass thrives. Get it wrong, and you invite stress, disease, and more work. The Golden Rule: Never Remove More Than One

Clay County Fire & Rescue crews responded to two separate residential structure fires within roughly 10 hours on Thursday night and early Friday morning, April 23–24, 2026. The first incident was reported around 6:00 p.m. in the Shooting Creek Fire District. Firefighters arrived to find the home heavily engulfed in flames. Due to the advanced stage of the fire, crews switched to defensive operations to protect nearby wooded areas and neighboring structures. During the respons

Ozone-generating machines, often marketed as air purifiers or odor eliminators, can cause rapid and severe respiratory distress in both animals and humans when used improperly. A recent incident in Clay County underscores these dangers: On the afternoon of April 21, K-9 “Luca,” a 7-year-old drug-detection dog assigned to Investigator Steven Smith, was accidentally exposed to an ozone machine that had been inadvertently turned on while he was crated inside the Clay County Sher

The Clay County 4-H silver medal-winning team is turning up the heat in the kitchen this evening as they host a Lasagna Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser to support their upcoming trip to the State Championship Dinah Gore 4-H Healthy Food Challenge. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 25 Riverside Cir., Hayesville, NC. Organizers from the Clay County Crock Pots are inviting the community to come hungry and support these talented young peop

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On April 21, 2026, agents with the Cherokee County Narcotics Division conducted a vehicle stop on West U.S. 64, approximately one mile past Golden Road. The vehicle failed to stop immediately, and agents took action to prevent a vehicle pursuit from occurring. The driver was identified as Tracy Lee Mason, who was wanted in Cherokee County for failure to appear in Superior Court on multiple felony charges. Mason was found wearing

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 04/16/26 around 10:05 PM Clay County Officer Nate Rogers, K-9 Officer Sean Stout, and Officer Bronson Kirby stopped a blue GMC SUV in the parking lot of Ingles in Hayesville. Steven Slade was found to be driving the vehicle with Holly Jo McCullough, 48 years of age from Hayesville, as a passenger. A strong odor of marijuana was noted within the GMC. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, McCullough’s purse was found in the

A dedicated K-9 officer with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office is on the road to recovery after an accidental exposure to concentrated ozone left him fighting for breath Tuesday afternoon. K-9 Luca, a seasoned Belgian Malinois who has served the department for approximately seven years in drug detection and apprehension operations, was crated inside the building housing the Investigative Unit when an ozone machine was inadvertently activated. Within minutes, Investigator Steve

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — The Enchanted Spring Fling will bring music, art, vendors, and family fun to Main Street in Young Harris on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free community event features live music at Cable’s and the YH Wing House, mural painting for all ages with Papa Doc’s Nature Art, kids’ activities including face painting, a raffle, and plenty of local shopping. Vendors will offer handmade jewelry, nature art, plants, crafts, food from the VFW boo

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of Clay County near Hayesville, Chatuge Dam harnesses the Hiwassee River to produce clean, renewable electricity. Operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the dam creates the scenic 7,000-acre Chatuge Lake, which straddles the North Carolina-Georgia border. Built primarily for flood control in 1942, a single hydroelectric unit was added in 1954. The facility has a nameplate capacity of about 13.2 megawatts (MW) and a summer net de

Skyrocketing home prices are driving a resurgence of family compounds, where relatives with enough land pool resources to build shared communities. Affordable tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are making these setups practical and cost-effective. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, multigenerational homes accounted for about 14-17% of purchases in recent years, with cost savings and caregiving as top motivations. High median home prices—near recor

April and May bring a burst of life to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ruby-throated hummingbirds return, bumblebee queens wake up, and native bees begin foraging. Your backyard can become a vital oasis for these pollinators during this key spring window. 1. Plant Native Spring Bloomers Focus on local natives timed perfectly for our mountain climate (zones 6b–7a). Plant in clusters in April and May: Eastern Redbud – Pink-purple flowers in early April for bees. Serviceberry – Whit

As spring planting season hits full stride across the country, many gardeners are facing an all-too-familiar foe: hungry white-tailed deer. These graceful but voracious animals can decimate vegetable patches, flower beds, and ornamental shrubs overnight, turning a season of anticipation into frustration. Deer populations have surged in many suburban and rural areas, drawn by tender new growth and the lack of natural predators. While no single method is 100% foolproof—deer are

With warmer weather drawing people outdoors for hiking, gardening, and recreation, the Clay County Health Department is reminding residents and visitors that tick season is in full swing. Ticks are most active this time of year, particularly in wooded and grassy areas common across the North Georgia and Western North Carolina mountains. While most tick bites are harmless, some can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-bo

Young Harris, GA – The Mountain Regional Library in Young Harris is hosting a free “Tech Help at Your Library” event to assist local residents with their digital needs. The hands-on session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd , from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Note that the time has been updated from any previous announcements. Library staff and volunteers will be available to provide personalized assistance with a variety of common technology challenges, including: Email

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Students, volunteers, and local partners rolled up their sleeves recently to transform the Mayor’s Garden in downtown Hayesville, planting more than 50 new plants in a hands-on project that combined education, environmental stewardship, and community pride. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center, NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Clay County, the Town of Hayesville, and Hayesville High School’s agriculture class joined

Blairsville, GA – Citing a sharp rise in dangerous driving since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union County Sheriff's Office is shifting resources and vowing strict enforcement against out-of-town visitors who treat the area's winding mountain roads like personal racetracks. In a strongly worded Facebook post, the agency described how drivers from larger cities have increasingly flocked to Union County in souped-up sports cars and motorcycles. These visitors, the post states, d

Ranger/Murphy, NC — Deputies from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded Saturday morning to a physical disturbance involving shots fired at the Hot Spot convenience store located at the intersection of US 129 and US 64 in the Ranger area outside Murphy. Officers arrived around 10:30 a.m. and found two men injured. One male victim was suffering from a gunshot wound, while the second male had visible injuries consistent with a physical altercation. The gunshot victim

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — A trustee inmate at the Clay County Detention Center who absconded from a roadside mowing crew on April 16, 2026, was captured without incident the following afternoon, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Thomas Daniel Ware, 49, was participating in the inmate work crew program when he and another inmate were mowing grass near the Clay County Transfer Station on Hinton Center Road in the early afternoon of Thursday, April 16. While momentarily o

Union County Sheriff's Office Press Release The State Contractors will be back out again today in front of the Chevron/Wendy's pouring concrete. There will be delays in this area that is out of our control (this is a State Route). WHAT WILL BE AFFECTED: Hwy 515 E will be closed down to a one-lane roadway between Glenn Gooch Bypass and Wet N' Wild Car Wash (the red line on the map below). TIMES: 11 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. ALTERNATE ROUTES: If traveling westbound toward

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Towns County Old Rock Jail & Museum will officially reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, June 6, 2026, during a special event marking both its grand reopening and 90th anniversary. The celebration is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the historic site located at 91 S. Berrong St. in Hiawassee. Festivities will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon, followed by guest speakers, complimentary refreshments, music, and entertainment.

Hiawassee, GA – Members of the Young Harris College girls' volleyball team rolled up their sleeves recently to assist the Towns County Historical Society with a significant project: relocating historical archives from temporary storage in the Old Rock Jail to a dedicated archive room. In a Facebook post, the Towns County Historical Society expressed deep gratitude to the student-athletes for their volunteer effort. “A special thank you and shoutout to the Young Harris Colleg

Blairsville, GA – The Union County Recreation Department is gearing up for the summer season with the highly anticipated reopening of Meek's Park Pool on Monday, June 1, 2026. Pool hours will run daily from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering families and residents plenty of time to enjoy the refreshing waters. General admission is set at $6 per person, with children 4 years old and under entering free of charge. Pool parties and season passes will be available for purchase starti

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On April 14, 2026, with assistance from Clay County Sheriff's Office, a Narcotics Agent attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on Floyd Stalcup Road. The driver failed to stop and fled, prompting a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed the vehicle. No serious injuries were reported. The suspect was identified as Kevin Dewayne Durden, who was wanted in both Clay and Cherokee Counties on charges of Trafficking in

Hayesville, N.C. — A trustee inmate walked away from a supervised mowing crew Thursday afternoon in Clay County, prompting a multi-agency search that continued into the evening without locating him. Thomas Daniel Ware, 49, was assigned to the inmate work crew program at the Clay County Detention Center. He was being held pending trial on charges unrelated to threats or injury to any person. In the early afternoon of April 16, 2026, Ware and another inmate were mowing grass al

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Staff members from Clay County Schools are inviting the public to their annual yard sale this weekend, featuring items from more than 20 participating educators and school employees. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th , from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hayesville Primary School Parking Lot . Organizers are asking attendees to respect the “No Early Birds Please!” policy. Shoppers can expect a wide variety of gently used goods, including clothin

Families in Cherokee County and surrounding areas are invited to a fun-filled day of fishing as the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office hosts its annual Kid's Fishing Day on Saturday, May 30. The event, which will take place rain or shine, is scheduled from 9 a.m. until "the fish stop biting," with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Organizers note that the start time may be delayed in the event of heavy rain or storms. The Kid's Fishing Day will be held at the Sheriff's Office

Earlier this month, staff at the Cherokee County Detention Center observed behavior that raised concerns about the possible presence of controlled substances within the facility. An immediate facility-wide search did not uncover contraband; however, follow-up interviews conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division identified individuals who may have been involved in the distribution of illegal substances. As a result, procedures were implemented to separate these individ

CLAY COUNTY, N.C. — Clay County Fire & Rescue responded to 47 calls for service between April 5 and April 11, according to a weekly report released by the department. Medical emergencies accounted for the majority of responses, with 27 calls during the reporting period. Fire crews also handled 11 incidents involving outside or brush fires, illegal burning, or smoke investigations, reflecting an active week for fire-related calls. In addition, firefighters responded to three

Press Release MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Brett Wisely homered and doubled and Didier Fuentes set a single-game career high with 7.0 innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (10-6) lost 4-3 to the Memphis Redbirds (12-4) on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. Gwinnett put the tying run on third base with none out in the ninth but could not avoid falling to 0-4 against Memphis this year. Decisive Plays: Memphis came out swinging, scoring four runs off Fuentes (L, 1-1) in the first innin

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Local residents with a passion for arts and crafts are invited to take part in “Crafty Ladies 2026,” a monthly gathering at the Mountain Regional Library. The group meets every third Wednesday in the library’s community room, offering a casual, drop-in setting where participants can work on creative projects at their own pace during regular library hours. Activities include scrapbooking and card making, though attendees are encouraged to bring their own s

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Community members are being invited to take part in a spring clean-up effort at Lake Nottely later this month. The Lake Nottely Improvement Association will host the volunteer event on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at 843 Lakeside Drive in Blairsville. Organizers say the goal is to remove trash from coves around the lake and help preserve its natural beauty. Volunteers will be transported by pontoon boats to designa

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — After a challenging start to the season, the Hayesville High School Lady Yellow Jackets soccer team is finally in the win column. Hayesville earned its first victory of the 2026 campaign on April 13, defeating Blue Ridge Early College 2-0 on the road. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak to open the season and marked a turning point for the young squad. The Lady Yellow Jackets had faced a difficult early schedule, dropping their first seven contests

Photo from the Towns County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Towns County Sheriff's Office reports continued progress across multiple areas of operation in recent weeks, emphasizing training, interagency cooperation and community outreach. According to a recent update, the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division met with Ben Johnson of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit. During the visit, Johnson presented appreciation coins re

BRASSTOWN, N.C. — Residents and visitors in Brasstown will have a fresh opportunity each week to shop local as the Brasstown Farmer’s Market opens its doors every Wednesday. The market is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10596 Old Highway 64 West, offering a variety of locally sourced items. Shoppers can expect to find plants, fresh vegetables, handmade crafts, and a selection of homemade goods. Organizers say the weekly event aims to support local growers, artisans, and small

Photo from the Towns County Schools Facebook page. HIAWASSEE, Ga. — School officials in Towns County Schools say no students were injured after a minor accident involving two school buses Tuesday afternoon. According to a statement released by the district, the incident occurred in town when one bus rear-ended another. The collision resulted in minimal damage, limited to an extended rearview mirror on one bus and a taillight on the other. District officials emphasized that

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain vigilant after a 79-year-old man fell victim to a scam that drained $48,000 from his cryptocurrency account. According to authorities, the incident was reported Friday, April 10, 2026, at approximately 9:37 a.m. The victim told deputies he received a letter in the mail instructing him to submit information via Bitcoin to “increase his security.” The letter included a QR code, which the man sca

Press Release The John C. Campbell Folk School is offering a discount for local residents on select summer classes for sign-ups from April 13-May 31. The Summer Local Discount (50%) applies to the following areas/counties listed on our website: North Carolina: Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Swain, Jackson, and Graham. Georgia: Fannin, Towns, Union, Gilmer and Rabun. Tennessee: Polk. Those looking to receive a local benefit are required to present one of the following, sho

The U.S. Postal Service is proposing a postage rate increase while taking steps to cut costs, including temporarily suspending certain retirement contributions, as it works to stabilize its finances. The agency announced it is seeking approval to raise the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp by 4 cents, from 78 cents to 82 cents. If approved, the increase would take effect July 12. At the same time, USPS has suspended its employer contributions to a federal pension prog