Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On August 10, 2026, Clay County Investigator Steven Smith received a “CyberTip” from the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding the suspected possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The CyberTip originated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after information was submitted by Cash App concerning cryptocurrency transactions associated with a profile identified a

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Breeze Raxter has been named the recipient of the NCCAT Honored Educator Beulah Padgett Whichard Scholarship. The award was presented by Dr. Karen Sumner, deputy executive director of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. It provides Raxter a full scholarship for a week of professional learning at NCCAT, with all expenses paid, along with a classroom grant. The Beulah Padgett Whichard Honored Educator Scholarship is designated for one t

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Chris Key Band will close out the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association 2026 Summer Concert Series with a free performance Friday on the downtown square. The four-piece band takes the stage at 7 p.m. Lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Key is joined by Bryan Skelton on drums, Blake Seymore on lead guitar and backup vocals, and Kris Davidson on bass and backup vocals. Organizers describe the group’s sound as a blend of Merle Haggard, Waylon Je

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The 11th District Republican Party Executive Committee selected state Rep. Jennifer Balkom on Monday as its nominee to replace U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, who withdrew from the race last week. The committee met in Asheville and heard from six nominees before voting. Balkom secured more than 50% of the votes on the first ballot, according to the district party. The selection followed procedures set by North Carolina General Statutes and the state Republican Par

BRASSTOWN, N.C. — The Brasstown Community Center will welcome back the bluegrass group Just Us for a live performance on Saturday, Aug. 15. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the music scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the center located at 255 Settawig Road. Admission is $10 for adults, while children under 12 are free. All proceeds will support the ongoing upkeep of the community center. Hot dogs, peach cobbler, ice cream and other refreshments will be available for purchase during t

Clay County Emergency Management Press Release Did you know that during an emergency, it can sometimes be difficult for first responders to obtain important medical information? If you are unconscious, confused, seriously injured, or otherwise unable to communicate, EMS may not know your medical history, medications, allergies, or who to contact. Take a few minutes today to set up the Medical ID/Emergency Information on your phone. Many smartphones allow emergency responders

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release Sheriff Mark Buchanan of Clay County hopes this school year gets off to a great start! Many parents may be nervous going into the school year, especially if their little one is attending school for the very first time. To help ease their minds, Sheriff Buchanan has some practical tips and skills that parents can share with their kids before they start the school year. “Summer break is coming to an end in Clay County, and we are so ex

The Beal Center will host its August wine tasting on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets cost $30 per person and are required. The price includes five wine tastings and five food pairings. Only 80 tickets are available, and 45 have already been sold. Organizers encourage people to buy tickets soon to reserve a spot. Tickets may be purchased through Claudia during office hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. For questions or to buy tick

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Republican Party will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Clay County Community Center, 25 Riverside Drive. Light refreshments, snacks and desserts will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the business meeting scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish, snack or dessert to share. Sarah Stevens, the Republican candidate for the North Carolina Supreme Court in the November 2026 gener

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., announced early Wednesday that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign and will complete his current term representing Western North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. “After much prayer, thoughtful reflection, and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from my re-election campaign,” Edwards said in a statement. “I will complete my current term.” The decision comes two d

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina drivers will no longer receive annual license plate registration stickers or automatic paper vehicle registration cards beginning Oct. 1 as the state Division of Motor Vehicles shifts to an electronic registration system. The change, included in the state budget signed into law earlier this summer, directs the DMV to maintain vehicle registration records electronically. Existing license plates will remain valid, and drivers will still need to re

(Mountain Buzz photo by Travis Dockery) Front row (from left): Daemien Soto, EJ Hughes, Crow Collins, Carson Finn, Hanna Brett, Payton Cordell, Dustin Lockaby, Ethan Beechum, Lance Coker, Ephraim Jones, Johan Webb, Jaxson Caruso, Elijah Eller. Second row from left: CJ Finn, Jayden Clark, Carolo Decosta, Aaron Wimpey, Wayne Fullmer, Karson Hughes, Brock Garrett, Mason Finn, Cale Cothren, Jake Frentz, Caleb Allen, Cole Wesson. Not pictured: Donivin Soto, Daxon Bruggers, Brady G

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County Emergency Medical Services is urging athletes, parents, coaches and spectators to watch for signs of heat-related illness as high school football practices begin under high temperatures and humidity. Heat emergencies become more likely during preseason workouts, EMS officials said in a public safety announcement. Early recognition of symptoms can prevent more serious medical problems. Warning signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizzines

Photo by Pam Roman Foreground: Cameron LeJeune. On stage (L to R): Abiagael Shields, Ryleigh Elver, David Heyer, Natalie Schaible, Leta Reeves, Dakotah Waldroop, Deborah Meigs, Michael Lindsey, Hope Ledford, Jordan Legue, Ed Legue, Ashley Elver, Lincoln Carpenter, Karl Snow, and kneeling is Dylan Mason. By Harrison Keely Guest Writer Revenge has never sounded so good. 9 to 5: The Musical (now on stage at the Peacock Performing Arts Center) follows three women who finally dec

CLAY COUNTY, N.C. — Following a recent storm that moved through the area, Clay County Emergency Services is encouraging residents to sign up for a free messaging system that delivers advance warnings about potential natural disasters. The system, known as Nixle/Everbridge, sends direct text messages or emails to phones about threats such as tornado warnings and flash flood alerts. Residents can register in two ways. Online, visit the Everbridge/Nixle website and sign up using

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County residents who excel at home food preservation can enter their best jars in the From Garden to Jar Home Preserved Food Contest, set for Saturday, Sept. 26, during Clay County Ag Day at Hayesville Town Hall. The contest, sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension, celebrates the tradition of canning and other home preservation methods. Categories include jams, jellies, pickles, vegetables, salsa, sauces, meats and dehydrated foods. Blue, red and white

HAYESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Local musicians and music lovers are invited to gather Saturday evening for a free outdoor-style country and bluegrass jam known as “Pickin N Grinning,” hosted by Clay Lodge #301 in downtown Hayesville. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1 at 104 Sanderson St. and is open to the public. Organizers plan to serve coffee and doughnuts throughout the evening. The informal session is designed as a relaxed community gathering where players and listeners ca

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release A traffic stop conducted on 07/27/26 at approximately 1:30 p.m. by Clay County Investigator J.J. Wooten and led to a drug investigation that culminated in the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Cold Branch Road. As a result, four arrests were made and a quantity of suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and multiple cell phones were seized. The traffic stop involved a vehicle driven by Brady Payne from Andrews. Payne wa

(Photo by Pam Roman) Foreground: Deborah Meigs, Ashley Eller. On bed: Natalie Schaible, Michael Lindsay, Karl Snow Rear: David Heyer, Ryleigh Elver, Dakotah Waldroop, Ed Legue, Ashley Elver, Carli LeJeune, Hope Ledford, Dylan Mason, Jordan Legue, Leta Reeves (Not pictured: Monya Seibert, Teresa Lemaire, Carrie Davis) By Harrison Keely Guest Writer Before audiences cheer for the heroes—or boo the boss—they'll meet an unforgettable cast of characters. The upcoming production of

Clay County EMS Director Jeff “Silver Fox” Ledford is stepping down from the agency’s top post to lead its new Immersion Room, a 360-degree simulation training center, while David Crisp takes over as director, Clay County Emergency Services announced. Ledford has headed Clay County EMS for many years, guiding its growth and delivery of emergency care. He will remain with the agency as coordinator of the Immersion Room, a state-of-the-art facility designed to deliver realistic