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

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. — 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

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