Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp ordered a new investigation Saturday into allegations of misconduct against suspended Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson, describing the claims as separate and distinct from the criminal case that has kept the sheriff out of office for months. Kemp signed an executive order appointing a three-member panel to examine the new allegations of misconduct in office, which were brought to his attention Friday. The panel — consisting of Attorney General Ch

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Towns County Public Library is offering free weekly Chi Gong classes designed to improve balance and muscle strength, addressing one of the leading causes of injury among older adults: falls. The Gentle Stretch & Balance Class, similar to Tai Chi, meets every Friday at 10 a.m. at the library in Hiawassee. Participants can expect guided video instruction supported by an in-person facilitator. No special equipment or gear is required. Chi Gong, a gentle mind-bo

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Community Blood Drive on Thursday, July 2, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the church located at 1114 Main Street in Young Harris. Organizers are encouraging area residents to take just one hour out of their day to donate blood, described as “the gift of life” that saves countless lives each year. The drive will run for five hours, giving donors plenty of convenient wind

Yellow squash multiplies overnight in the Southern Appalachian gardens of North Georgia and Western North Carolina. If your patch is overflowing, here’s how to harvest, use, preserve, and share the bounty. Harvest Tips Pick squash young (4–8 inches) for best flavor and texture. Harvest every day or two during peak summer to keep vines productive. Cut with a knife, leaving a short stem. Fresh Kitchen Ideas Sauté slices with onions, garlic, and fresh garden herbs. Grill or roas

Lily Ponitz Guest Writer The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square continues this Saturday with Kiah and the Tygar taking the stage at 6:30 PM. Kiah and the Tygar are a passionate, multitalented, and award-winning sister and brother duo. Committed to using music to create a connection between themselves and listeners, they bring enjoyment to all. Kiah and the Tygar rule the stage with country and classic rock. Kiah shows her strong vocal range and musica

HIAWASSEE, GA — Local seniors, caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals, and community supporters are invited to a free, one-stop resource event designed to empower and connect those navigating aging, caregiving, and wellness needs. The 2026 Senior Support Summit & Resource Fair, hosted by Ignite Living at Hiawassee Park, will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Ignite Living at Hiawassee Park, located at 89 Hiawassee Park Drive, Hia

Towns County Sheriff's Office Press Release HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Towns County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents that a new prescription medication drop box is now available to the public, providing a safe, convenient, and free way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications. The standalone collection container is located outside the Towns County Sheriff's Office and is accessible to citizens who wish to properly dispose of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medic

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The City of Hiawassee has officially kicked off its 2026 photo contest, inviting residents, visitors, and photographers of all ages to showcase what makes this mountain lakeside community special. Titled “The Essence of Hiawassee,” the contest runs from June 15 through July 15, 2026. Participants are encouraged to submit high-resolution photographs that capture the town’s landscapes, people, events, and community life — essentially answering the question: “Wh

(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

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The popular Enchanted Music on the Square concert series continues this weekend with a high-energy performance by the Whiskey Mountain Band on Saturday, June 6. The free concert, which relies on donations from attendees to keep the music playing, is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hiawassee Town Square, located at 19 S. Main Street. The Whiskey Mountain Band consists of seasoned professional musicians who first honed their sound in a cabin on the slope

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

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

Hiawassee, GA – Towns County and its cities are inviting residents and local businesses to help shape the area’s future as they begin updating their joint Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan serves as the guiding document for coordinating local growth, development, and work programs in the region. With North Georgia experiencing steady growth — driven by industry opportunities, the appeal of the mountains and lakes, and the charm of its small towns — local leaders say

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

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

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The popular Enchanted Music on the Square series returns this weekend with a special performance by the talented Collins Family on Saturday, May 30. The free concert, which runs from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Hiawassee Town Square (19 S Main Street), promises an evening of family-friendly bluegrass and Americana music. Donations are appreciated to help support the long-running series, now in its 27th year. The Collins Family is a highly musical group well-known

Hiawassee, GA — The Towns County Public Library is kicking off summer with an exciting lineup of events for all ages throughout June. From weekly storytimes and active play sessions to unique educational experiences and adult wellness programs, the library invites residents and visitors to make the most of the season with engaging, free community activities. Regular weekly programs will run throughout the month (barring any conflicts with special SRP events): Storytime contin

Officials are urging visitors to respect and protect Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, following recent acts of vandalism at the popular site within the Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service emphasized in a public message that Brasstown Bald is a protected public space managed for everyone to enjoy. However, recent vandalism has damaged natural and built features, diverting valuable time and resources away from the site’s preservation and mainten