YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — With the first real chill of fall settling across western North Carolina and north Georgia, homeowners are being urged to take advantage of the cool, dry days ahead to prepare their homes for winter. Local experts say a few preventive steps now can save money and prevent costly damage once freezing temperatures arrive in the mountains. The transition from mild autumn afternoons to frosty mornings often comes quickly in the southern Appalachians, where ele

Hiawassee, Ga. —  Efforts to control an invasive aquatic weed that spread rapidly across Lake Chatuge in recent years have shown promising results, though experts caution that full eradication remains unlikely. Local environmental groups, including MountainTrue and Save Lake Chatuge, coordinated a large-scale treatment campaign targeting parrot feather  ( Myriophyllum aquaticum ), a South American plant known for forming thick mats that choke waterways and block boat traffic.

Hayesville, N.C. — The ongoing federal government shutdown is beginning to affect daily life and economic activity across Clay and Cherokee counties in far western North Carolina, where tourism, agriculture and federal programs play central roles. Federal services remain open in many cases but are operating with limited staff or reduced support. The Nantahala National Forest, which spans both counties, continues to allow public access, though road maintenance, campground ope

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Residents of Western North Carolina and northern Georgia should prepare for a winter that is more likely to be warmer and drier than normal, federal and regional climate forecasters said this month, a pattern driven in part by a return of La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific. The Climate Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, issued seasonal outlook maps in mid-October that favor above-average temperatures an

By: Kim Terrell County Extension Director, Clay County North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center is inviting residents to share their thoughts through a community survey designed to help shape future programs and outreach efforts. The survey seeks input on a wide range of topics, including agriculture and horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), 4-H youth development, and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) program. Responses will help iden

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Chamber of Commerce has released the schedule for the 2025 Punkin Chunkin event, set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18–19. Each day will begin with a safety meeting at 9 a.m., followed by the first round of the chunkin competition from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Public visitation is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the second round of the competition will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The weekend event will conclude on Sunday,

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Chili Cook Off and Anything Pumpkin Competition on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. on the Hayesville Town Square. Admission to the event is $6, and only 250 tickets will be available at the gate. The evening will feature judged competitions with cash prizes and People’s Choice Awards. Participants can register for the chili cook off or pumpkin competition online at claychambernc.com  or by calling the Cha

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Christian Reagan announced Tuesday he will not seek a congressional seat in 2026, instead throwing his support behind incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards. In a press release, Reagan praised Edwards for his “100% support for Trump’s agenda” and his staff’s tireless efforts in hurricane relief. “As a result, I have chosen to stand with him in support and extend my hand in friendship,” Reagan stated. The decision reflects a shift in Reagan’s political strategy, optin

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Teens are invited to a movie event at the Moss Memorial Library on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. The event, scheduled at 26 Anderson St., Hayesville, will run for two hours and is open to the public. Teens ages 11 to 18 can vote on the movie when they arrive and enjoy the screening with friends. Refreshments will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their favorite candy. For more information, contact Bridget Wilson at 828-837-2025 or bwilson@nanta

Coach McClure with his granddaughter Kylynn Taylor at the induction ceremony. HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Former Hayesville High School girls’ basketball coach Darryl McClure was inducted Sunday, Oct. 12, into the Western North Carolina Hall of Fame, honoring a career that built one of the region’s most remarkable dynasties. McClure led the Yellow Jackets to six consecutive 1-A state championships from 1988 to 1993, a run that cemented his teams among the most dominant in North Carol

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting local citizens in which callers threaten...

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival is set to return to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this October, offering two...

HAYESVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2025)  — A Hayesville woman has been charged with animal cruelty after Clay County Sheriff’s deputies rescued...

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Republican Party plans to host its regular monthly meeting next week, with a guest speaker from the...

Press Release Responding to the increasing number of people wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership...

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Schools Board of Education on Monday recognized several teachers for their students' standout...

Clay County Public Health, which administers the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program, is working alongside...

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — A local real estate firm is urging residents to dig into their closets — or shopping bags — to donate new socks for...

(Photo by Pam Roman) "Thor hovering" L to R: Alex Giles, Ashley Elver, Milo Elver, Jordan Legue, Kaylee Todd. Background: Ben March. The...

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Residents and visitors in Hayesville and Clay County are set for a packed October calendar featuring theater...