(Photo by Deango Motorsports Photography) Eventual Limited Late Model feature winner Shawn Chastain turns practice laps at Tri-County. BRASSTOWN, NC — A quick shower rolled through the North Georgia mountains on Friday, June 12, but it couldn’t dampen the excitement at Tri-County Racetrack. Fans and drivers stuck it out for a full night of thrilling dirt-track racing that included makeup races from the rain-shortened Memorial Day event. The evening delivered close competitio

Hayesville, NC – Clay County Schools is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. James Phillips as the district’s new Director of Student Services and Athletics, effective June 29, 2026. Mr. Phillips brings a wealth of experience in education, student support, leadership, and athletics to the role. He currently serves as Senior Director of Tri-County Community College’s Graham County Campus, where he has continued his dedication to serving students and educators across dive

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 42 calls for service between Sunday, June 7 and Saturday, June 13, according to the latest weekly summary released by the department. Medical emergencies made up the vast majority of responses, with crews handling 37 medical calls during the seven-day period. The department also responded to: 2 Motor Vehicle Collisions 2 Fire Alarms 1 Water Rescue “Clay County Fire & Rescue personnel remain ready 24/7 to ser

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On Wednesday, 06/10/26, shortly after 1:00 PM Clay County Sheriff’s Officers Drew Judge and Corey Scroggs were dispatched to 6 Mission Hill Road in Hayesville for a welfare check of a resident. Wanda Holden Cotton, 58 years of age, resided at this residence and had not shown up to work at Part City Auto Parts on this day as was expected. Once to this residence, Officers Judge and Scroggs repeatedly knocked on doors and announced them

Clay County Fire and Rescue Press Release On June 9, just after 7:30 p.m., Clay County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the Recreation Park Campground for a report of a man who had fallen from a kayak and was in distress. Firefighters, paramedics from Clay County EMS, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, rescue swimmers, and the department’s rescue boat arrived within minutes. Upon arrival, responders were advised that the victim had gone underwater and had not been

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Historical & Arts Council (CCHAC) is gearing up to celebrate its 45th Annual Festival on the Square, a beloved community tradition that transforms the lawn of The Beal Center’s historic courthouse into a vibrant hub of music, art, food, and culture. The free festival runs Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12, 2026, and promises something for everyone across three days of family-friendly entertainment. Friday Night Street Dance The weekend

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Under perfect weather conditions, Hayesville High School will bid farewell to its Class of 2026 tonight as 104 graduates walk across the stage at Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium on the HHS campus. The commencement ceremony is a non-ticketed event scheduled for Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. This year’s graduating class marks a notable increase from the 81 graduates in the Class of 2025, reflecting continued growth and achievement at the school. Yellow Jacket s

Photo from the John C. Campbell Folk School Facebook page. BRASSTOWN, N.C. — The John C. Campbell Folk School has announced a successful conclusion to its Spring Appeal, surpassing its fundraising target thanks to the generosity of 202 donors who contributed a total of $64,689. In a message shared with supporters, the Folk School expressed deep gratitude for every gift, noting that the funds will directly support campus improvements, youth programs, and the preservation of li

BRASSTOWN, N.C. — Get ready for an action-packed evening of dirt track racing as Tri-County Racetrack returns to the spotlight on Friday, June 12, with a full slate of competitive divisions and exciting on-track action. The event, promoted with a dramatic “Bull vs. Racer” theme, promises intense competition across six divisions: Limited Late Models, 602 Late Models, Rookie Sportsman, Pony, Front Wheel Drive, and Crown Vic. Fans can expect close racing, roaring engines, and pl

Young Harris, GA — With warmer weather arriving and more people spending time outdoors across the North Georgia mountains and Western North Carolina, local authorities are reminding residents that producing moonshine — even in small amounts for personal use — is illegal under both state and federal law. Despite the rich Appalachian heritage and folklore surrounding homemade liquor, distilling spirits at home continues to be strictly prohibited in both Georgia and North Caroli

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County Fire and Rescue handled a total of 30 calls for service between May 24 and May 30, according to the latest weekly activity report. Medical emergencies made up the overwhelming majority of responses, with crews dispatched to 27 medical calls during the seven-day period. The remaining calls included: 1 Motor Vehicle Collision 1 Utility Fire 1 Smoke Investigation The data reflects the department’s continued focus on emergency medical services, whic

Artificial intelligence is transforming home gardening, helping growers boost harvests, reduce waste, and solve problems faster. Here’s how you can use AI to get more from your garden. Key Ways AI Helps 1. Smart Planning & Plant Selection AI garden planners analyze your location, climate, and space to recommend the best crops, layouts, and companion planting. Apps like Planter, VegPlotter, or AI chatbots (Grok, ChatGPT) create personalized planting schedules and succession p

Despite recent showers, persistent drought conditions continue across Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina, with cracked soils and low water levels still common in many areas. Despite several rounds of rainfall in recent weeks, including beneficial showers across parts of the southern Appalachians and Piedmont, the severe to exceptional drought gripping Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina shows no signs of ending anytime soon. According to the latest U.S. Dro

HAYESVILLE, N.C. – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to stay alert to telephone scams in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers and demand payment for fake outstanding warrants. Sheriff Mark Buchanan warned that legitimate law enforcement agencies never call citizens demanding immediate payment for warrants. He also stressed that no legitimate business will ever require someone to buy gift cards to settle a debt. The sheriff’s office advises

A North Carolina superior court judge has determined that the state's Board of Elections broke the state constitution by allowing individuals who have never lived in North Carolina to register and cast ballots in federal elections. The decision, issued Tuesday by Special Superior Court Judge Hoyt Tessener in Wake County, sided with the Republican National Committee and North Carolina Republican Party in their legal challenge. It builds on a prior ruling from the North Carolin

In a nation once defined by its churches, town squares, and shared Protestant ethos, something profound has shifted. Politics has become the de facto religion for millions of Americans — complete with sacred texts (party platforms and founding documents interpreted as holy writ), heretics and apostates (those who deviate from the tribe), rituals (rallies, protests, social media outrage cycles), moral frameworks, and eschatological stakes ("this election will determine the fat

(Photo from the HotSpot Convenience Store Facebook page.) Tim, Amanda and baby Caroline Coker. HAYESVILLE, N.C. — A Hayesville Hot Spot parking lot became the unexpected birthplace of Caroline Coker on Thursday, May 14, 2026, giving the newest Clay County resident one of the most memorable arrival stories in recent memory. According to the Hot Spot, proud parents Tim and Amanda Coker welcomed their sweet baby girl right outside the popular local business. Caroline weighed in

Warne, N.C. — On Saturday, May 23, the Clay County Republican Party held its 7th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation event at West Tubing Company in Warne, drawing nearly 100 attendees including GOP members, guests, and local dignitaries to honor the men and women of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement personnel. The event celebrated the dedication and service of local law enforcement officers who protect and serve the citizens of Clay County. Sheriff M

On May 28, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law, a pivotal and controversial piece of legislation that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. The Act was framed as a voluntary exchange—offering tribes land in the newly designated "Indian Territory" (present-day Oklahoma and surrounding areas) in return for their fertile

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 05/14/26 at 10:05 AM Clay County Lt. Investigator Brandon Coker and Investigator JJ Wooten stopped a 1999 red Ford Escort at the intersection of US Hwy 64 West and Fort Hembree Road in Hayesville. The Escort was stopped because Eugene Joshua Ashe, 45 years of age from Hayesville, was noted to be a passenger within the car. Ashe had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for Felony Uttering Of A Forged Instrument. Ashe and the drive