Elaine Williams & Joyce Frick clean the original kitchen area of the jail, where the Sheriff’s wife once prepared many meals for the inmates By: Tyler Osborn Towns County Historical Society President Members of the Towns County Historical Society have been hard at work preparing the Old Rock Jail Museum in downtown Hiawassee for its grand reopening and 90th anniversary celebration. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, at 12 p.m. and will include guest speakers, mu

Lily Ponitz Guest Writer The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square returns for its 27th year on Saturday, May 23! Every Saturday at 6:30 PM a different musical act will entertain locals and visitors alike. The band on stage for the first week of the 2026 season is Two Weeks Notice. Two Weeks Notice is a six-piece band of seasoned musicians based in the North Georgia/Hayesville, NC area. They perform classic rock and country songs primarily from the 70’s

For centuries, Indigenous peoples of North America, including the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) and other tribes, cultivated corn, beans, and squash in a symbiotic system known as the "Three Sisters." This companion planting method is more than a gardening technique—it’s a brilliant example of ecological harmony that maximizes space, boosts yields, improves soil health, and provides a nutritionally balanced harvest. How the Three Sisters Work Together In this method, the plants ar

Beneath the clear, rushing waters of the Chattooga, Nantahala, and Watauga rivers lurks one of Appalachia’s most remarkable — and misunderstood — residents: the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). These giant salamanders, which can grow longer than two feet and weigh several pounds, are North America’s largest amphibians and a living relic of the region’s pristine mountain streams. Often called “water dogs,” “snot otters,” or “devil dogs” by local

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On the evening of May 1, 2026, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an underage drinking party in the Beaver Dam community. The reports were received from school personnel who had overheard the plans being made. Deputies were initially alerted to the possibility of a gathering with alcohol beginning at 9:00 p.m., with the location reported as the pavilion near the boat ramp at Hanging Dog Campground or on

For the first time in recent memory, the Clay County Detention Center sits empty — not because crime has vanished, but due to a critical fire safety failure compounded by severe understaffing. A malfunctioning fire pump has taken the jail’s sprinkler system offline, prompting officials to relocate all 20 inmates to neighboring Cherokee County until the issue is resolved. State law requires at least three detention officers on duty around the clock to perform fire watch when a

In the world of backyard homesteading, where predators like hawks, raccoons, and foxes pose constant threats to feathered flocks, an unexpected ally has emerged from the skies: the crow. Often viewed as noisy nuisances or omens of bad luck, these highly intelligent corvids are proving to be valuable protectors and helpers for chicken keepers across the country. Nature’s Neighborhood Watch Crows are renowned for their sharp minds and complex social behaviors. When they spot a.

In the quest for sustainable gardening, homeowners and plant enthusiasts are turning kitchen scraps into powerful plant food. One trending hack—banana peel water, sometimes called “banana tea”—is gaining popularity as a natural fertilizer that recycles waste while delivering key nutrients to vegetables, flowers, and houseplants. Why Banana Peels? Banana peels are rich in potassium (K), an essential macronutrient that supports strong root development, photosynthesis, water reg

By Steve Esser The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine, 2,190 miles of footpath leading through 14 states. Students from Young Harris College recently spent time helping to refresh the Approach Trail (AT) at Amicalola Falls State Park. A group of students, faculty, staff, and friends of YHC worked in March on the 2026 YHC Spring Break Service Trip through the Hike Inn. “Service opportunities like these provide a meaningful and important space for students to d

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Peacock Performing Arts Center is set to enrich the Western North Carolina and North Georgia region this May with a diverse slate of performances spanning comedy, jazz, songwriting, and classic country tributes. The month kicks off with the hilarious farce “It Runs in the Family” by renowned British playwright Ray Cooney. Directed by David Layfield, the production will run over two weekends: May 8–10 and May 15–17. Audiences can catch the show on Friday

Clay County, N.C. — The North Carolina Forest Service and the Clay County Fire Marshal’s Office have officially lifted the burn ban in Clay County, effective immediately. While the restriction on outdoor burning has been removed, local and state officials are stressing that dry conditions persist across the area. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to exercise extreme caution with any open flames, campfires, or outdoor burning activities. “Even without a burn ban i

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Union County, Georgia, near Blairsville and just below Brasstown Bald, lies the Track Rock Gap Archaeological Area. This 52-acre site in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest holds one of the Southeast’s most significant collections of Native American petroglyphs—ancient rock carvings etched into large soapstone boulders. The Rocks and Their Markings The site features six prominent table-sized soapstone boulders covered with hundreds

As backyard poultry keeping surges in popularity across the United States, health officials are urging owners to take extra precautions following a recent multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chickens and ducks. While the active investigation centers on Salmonella Saintpaul (which has sickened 34 people across 13 states, with 13 hospitalizations), experts note that E. coli and other bacteria pose ongoing risks to both flocks and human handlers. Backyard birds can c

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