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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Cherokee County, NC — On Saturday, April 11, 2026, a Narcotics Agent initiated a vehicle pursuit on Johnsonville Road. The vehicle was operated by Patrick James Sizemore, with Colby Brett Phillips as a passenger. Phillips had been wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for approximately one month, with multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. During that time, he is believed to have been hiding in Georgia. Following