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

(Photo courtesy of Sheba Brown) Seylah Brown works on her form as she continues to train in martial arts. By Travis Dockery The Mountain Buzz Local student Seylah Brown is heading to the national stage this August as a competitor in the 2026 Patriot Games, a high-profile athletic competition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. One male and one female athlete were chosen from each state or territory. Brown, a student of the U.S. Chung Do Kwan Association, under the instr

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Hinton Center will hold its Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Mountain Harbour Golf Club to raise support for local families. The event features a four-person scramble format. Participants will receive breakfast, lunch, a swag bag, prizes and raffle giveaways. Check-in and the driving range open at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Proceeds support the Hinton Center’s programs, including Safe & Healthy Home Repairs, the Firewo

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Hinton Rural Life Center will hold a Rural Poverty Simulation from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 13, to help participants better understand the daily challenges facing many rural individuals and families. The interactive experience places participants in the role of someone navigating limited resources, unexpected hardships and difficult decisions. Organizers say the simulation is designed to encourage empathy, awareness and deeper conversations about

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 07/13/26 at 5:38 PM, Clay County Lt. Brandon Coker stopped a Ram Truck at the Dollar General Store located at Business Hwy 64 east and Hwy 64 in Hayesville. Lt. Coker had observed the truck to have been driven very near the rear bumper of a small car in front of it while revving its engine. Lt. Coker noted the truck to almost hitting the car in front multiple times. Once stopped, Lt. Coker identified the driver to have been Micha

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 07/06/26 at 10:40 AM, Clay County Officer Bronson Kirby responded to 631 Bethabara Road in Hayesville after an anonymous call had been received about a dog that was being mistreated. Officer Kirby was met by Jacob Lloyd Henderson, 23 years of age, who resided at this residence. When told about this anonymous report, Henderson directed Officer Kirby to an old plastic doghouse. Officer Kirby found a medium sized black and white dog

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Chainbuster Racing is inviting women of all experience levels to its Women’s Welcome Weekend during the Big Ring Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Jackrabbit Trail. The event aims to boost participation, build confidence and strengthen community among female mountain bikers. Organizers are offering free entry to first-time Chainbuster female racers and 50% off for returning female competitors. “More women on bikes. More confidence. More community. More fun

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Women across the North Georgia and Western North Carolina mountains are invited to a powerful one-day women’s event designed to equip, inspire, and challenge them to go beyond where they are right now. “Going Beyond,” a simulcast conference featuring bestselling author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer, will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Catalyst Church in Hayesville. Doors open for registration at 8 a.m., with the event running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.

Historian Johnny Scroggs brings history to life with his entertaining storytelling style. HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Residents of Ignite Living at Hiawassee Park enjoyed an afternoon of local history and fellowship Monday, July 20 when Johnny Scroggs of Scroggs Farm in Brasstown, North Carolina, visited the senior community. Scroggs shared stories about Clay County’s heritage, the Brasstown Farmers Market and historic businesses and landmarks that shaped the Brasstown community. His pr

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Communities Revitalization Association will host an evening of free live music on the square with Andy Johnson’s Roof Dog, a roots and southern rock band from middle Georgia. Food and beverages will be available starting at 6 p.m. Johnson fronts the band on lap steel guitar and vocals, joined by longtime bandmate Trey Dunnahoo on bass and acoustic guitar, Ethan Hamlin on keys and Jody Hightower on percussion. The group regularly performs at