YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Mountain Regional Library and Towns County Public Library are making it easier for residents to explore Georgia’s outdoors by offering state park passes for checkout. The ParkPass is a hanging tag that provides free parking at all of Georgia’s state parks and historic sites. The Historic Site Family Pass allows two free admissions to any of the state’s historic sites. Both passes circulate for seven days and may be renewed once, making them suitable for sh

Lily Ponitz Guest Writer The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square continues this Saturday, August 22 with Steve Vaclavic taking the stage at 6:30 PM. Deeply rooted in the Americana tradition, Steve Vaclavik has managed to create his own style of music. You take equal parts Americana, Country, Rock, and Folk, mix it all up and you get an eclectic format he likes to call "Twang-Rock." His music has been described as somewhat moody and at times lighthearte

Young Harris, Ga. — A heat advisory is in effect Monday for portions of northeast Georgia and western North Carolina as oppressive heat and humidity push heat index values into the triple digits. The National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg issued the advisory from noon to 8 p.m. EDT for parts of northeast Georgia, including Stephens, Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties, along with portions of the North Carolina Piedmont and Upstate South Carolina. Heat index

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority is seeking dedicated volunteers to join its board and help improve the city’s downtown. The authority is looking for owners or managers of downtown businesses, or residents of the city of Hiawassee, who are passionate about building community and ready to work as a team. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings. “We’re looking for dedicated, passionate individuals who are ready to work as a team to imp

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Residents of Young Harris are invited to share their ideas for the city’s future at two public meetings tied to the Towns County Comprehensive Plan. The meetings will be held at noon today, Aug. 12, and at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25 in the Community Room at Young Harris City Hall. Officials are asking the public to attend either session to discuss the long-term direction of the city. A public survey is also available online so residents can submit input before the

Press Release The restoration of the historic Berrong-Oakley House in downtown Hiawassee continues to make steady progress, with crews spending the past several weeks focused on preserving one of the home’s defining architectural features, its original wood siding and architectural details. Workers have been washing, repairing, and preparing the exterior for paint as part of the ongoing restoration. Thanks to careful preservation efforts, roughly 99% of the home’s original s

Towns County Sheriff's Office Press Release In a coordinated effort to combat drug-related crime and to protect the community, the Towns County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Hiawassee Police Department and the joint S.C.O.U.T. Task Force, successfully conducted an operation today, July 31, 2026. This operation led to the arrest of two individuals facing serious charges, including: Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute Possession of Marijuana with

Towns County Corner Tamela Cooper stands with newly named Deputy Coroner, David Phillips. TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. — The Towns County Coroner’s Office has welcomed David Phillips as its newest deputy coroner. Phillips joined the office in July and completed basic coroner training earlier that month at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Officials say he brings a strong commitment to serving families with compassion, dignity, and respect during some of life’s most difficult mo

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Officials overseeing Brasstown Bald are seeking public input on potential improvements to the visitor center and surrounding facilities at Georgia’s highest peak. The online survey invites feedback from both first-time visitors and those who return regularly. Responses will help guide updates to the visitor center, exhibits, accessibility features, trails and the overall visitor experience, while aiming to preserve what makes the site memorable. Brasstown Bal

TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies and detention officers with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office recently completed certification training on the Axon TASER 10 system and hosted a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course. The TASER 10 training included hands-on instruction, scenario-based exercises and de-escalation techniques. Officials said the training prepares personnel to use the device safely, effectively and responsibly when needed. Sheriff Anthony Coleman said the philoso

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Clay County Fire & Rescue provided mutual aid to Towns County Fire & Rescue for a commercial structure fire at Young Harris Water Sports that was reported about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Towns County crews found approximately 30% of the structure involved in fire upon their arrival. Clay County responded with two apparatus to shuttle water from the nearest hydrant to the scene. Clay County personnel also assisted with interior firefighting and exterior operations

Photo from the Georgia Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame Facebook page. HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Alan Kendall, a Hiawassee native and baritone vocalist for the Kingsmen Quartet, has been inducted into the Georgia Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame for his contributions to the genre. Kendall joined the legendary Kingsmen Quartet in August 2018. He has since expanded his role beyond singing to serve as the group’s emcee, arranger, promoter and occasional songwriter. Before joining the

Lily Ponitz Guest Writer The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square continues this Saturday, August 1 with Heather & James Duo taking the stage at 6:30 PM. Heather DeBellis, originally from Hiawassee Georgia, began performing at a young age in her hometown at the Town Square alongside her family. Now, she returns home with her duo, Heather and James, for a special performance at a venue close to her heart. Formed in Fernandina Beach, Heather DeBellis an

Young Harris residents have two opportunities this August to help guide the long-term vision for their community. The Towns County Comprehensive Plan process includes dedicated public meetings for the City of Young Harris. Officials are inviting citizens to attend either session and share their thoughts on the future of the city. Meeting details: Wednesday, August 12 at noon Monday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Community Room at Young Harris City H

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Sgt. Keats Walker of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office has successfully completed the Criminal Procedure course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. The intensive three-day course provides advanced instruction in criminal procedure. It covers constitutional law, criminal investigations, courtroom procedures and the legal standards that guide professional policing. Towns County Sheriff Anthony Coleman commended Walker for his dedication to professiona

Young Harris, GA — Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church is inviting the community to participate in an Electronic Recycling Day as part of its “Caring for God’s Creation” initiative. The free event will take place on Saturday, August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the church parking lot. Residents are encouraged to bring unwanted electronics for proper recycling, helping to keep recyclable materials out of local landfills while allowing usable components to be removed

Young Harris, Ga. — Carol Pasco is the featured artist for July at the Mountain Regional Library, where several of her watercolor paintings are on display and available for purchase. Pasco’s artistic journey began about seven years ago when she joined an art community. While working in stained glass and lapidary shops, her creativity flourished, but watercolor painting soon became her passion. Under the guidance of two demanding tutors and with encouragement from fellow artis

Lily Ponitz Director of Economic Development The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square continues this Saturday, July 11 with Bill Rinaldo taking the stage at 6:30 PM. Bill Rinaldo is an entertainer, PGA golf professional, G.M. of Chatuge Shores Golf Course, and a resident of Hayesville, N.C. He has opened for BJ Thomas, Andy Andrews, Jay Johnson and more. Unique among most variety entertainers, his show is a fun blend of comedy monologues and great music

Young Harris, Ga. — The Towns County Sheriff's Office has acquired more than $15,000 worth of body armor and ballistic shields through a donation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Redstone Arsenal facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The donation includes eight sets of body armor with carriers, eight sets of heavy ceramic plate body armor and two ballistic shields. The equipment will provide additional protection for deputies responding to high-risk incidents, active thr

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Enchanted Music on the Square concert series continues Saturday with a performance by the Loaded Dice Band. The free concert is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Hiawassee Town Square, 19 S. Main St. Donations are appreciated. The Loaded Dice Band, a classic country and classic rock group from North Georgia, has performed for three years, blending favorites from artists such as Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Linda Ronstadt and Fleetwo