According to WJRB in Young Harris, the criminal case against Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson is moving forward as his attorneys ask a judge to throw out the October grand jury indictments. The defense argues the grand jury was improperly formed, claiming one juror was not a Towns County resident and that the panel included a disproportionate number of women. Despite the motions, Henderson’s attorney expects the case to go to trial this spring. Henderson has pleaded not gui

Angry Orange has recalled about 1.5 million units of its Enzyme Stain Removers after tests showed the products may contain harmful bacteria, federal safety officials announced. The recalled products can contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a bacterium commonly found in soil and water. While people with healthy immune systems are usually not affected, exposure can pose a serious infection risk for individuals with weakened immune systems, underlying lung conditions, or external me

While parts of Clay, Cherokee, Towns and Union counties saw impacts from the weekend winter storm, the region largely avoided the worst of the system. Light snow and ice were reported in some higher elevations, along with slick road conditions late Saturday and early Sunday. However, accumulations were minimal for most communities, sparing the area from the heavier snowfall and widespread power outages seen elsewhere across the Southeast. Despite the limited storm impact, dan

Another surge of Arctic air could bring some of the coldest temperatures of the winter to North Georgia and Western North Carolina early next week, according to Mountain Buzz’s official meteorologist, Greg Majewski. Majewski said the American GFS weather model continues to indicate the potential for sub-zero temperatures in parts of the region on Tuesday, Jan. 27, following a storm system expected to move through over the weekend. “The American GFS continues to push out sub-z

Towns County Sheriff's Office Press Release The Towns County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, announces the arrest of Joshua Emmett Robertson, a 38-year-old male, following a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving allegations of sexual exploitation of a minor and related offenses. On November 5, 2025, Towns County deputies responded to a report regarding the possible theft of a firearm from a family member. During the investigati

A major winter storm is forecast to hit portions of North Georgia and Western North Carolina as soon as Friday night, with significant impacts possible through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service and regional meteorologists. Forecasters are warning of a complex system capable of producing snow, sleet, freezing rain and dangerous ice accumulations as Arctic air clashes with Gulf moisture.  Storm System Overview Meteorologists describe the approaching system

Spencer Mathis Director of Media & Communications Young Harris College is excited to announce transformative enhancements to its soccer and lacrosse venue, positioning it as one of the premier athletic facilities in Conference Carolinas. Beginning this winter, the Mountain Lions' home will undergo major upgrades that will elevate the experience for fans, student-athletes, and media alike.  The facility will proudly bear the name Art & Tammy Deas Stadium, honoring the generosi

Photo from left to right: Council Members Jonathan Wilson, Jeff Scott, Nancy Noblet, Andrea Bell, and Scott Benton, and Mayor Jay Chastain The City of Hiawassee swore in two new members of its City Council this week, welcoming Andrea Bell and Jeff Scott to the governing body. Bell and Scott officially joined the council during a recent ceremony, marking the start of their service to the city. City officials thanked both for stepping forward to serve the Hiawassee community. T

A new "Hikewassee" van was purchased on Dec. 31, 2025. Runners of all experience levels are invited to lace up their shoes for the upcoming Hiawassee Half Marathon & 5K, set in the heart of North Georgia’s scenic mountain region on Saturday, March 14th. The event will start and finish in the charming Hiawassee Town Square, located at 19 S. Main St. in downtown Hiawassee, and offers participants a picturesque road race highlighting the area’s mountain-lake beauty. Both the hal

The GBI has arrested and charged Towns County Sheriff’s Office Major John McCoy with Theft by Deception, Violation of Oath of Office, and three counts of False Statements and Writings.  In July of 2025, the GBI was requested by Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Joy Parks to investigate a theft allegation within the accountability court program. McCoy, a sworn law enforcement officer, was hired as a surveillance officer for the accountability court program. Part of

By: Spencer Mathis Director of Media & Communications Young Harris College Athletics is excited to announce four new inductees into our Athletic Hall of Fame: Randy Dunn (Athletic Director),  Mikie Rowe (Men's Soccer), Kendra Parenteau (Women's Lacrosse), and Darby Stanford (Softball). Our four newest members of the YHC Athletics Hall of Fame will be inducted on Saturday, February 7, 2026. To register for the Hall of Fame Luncheon for our inductees, visit the links at the

The Towns County Food Pantry has announced details for its next food distribution, continuing its mission to support local residents with access to nourishing food. The food pantry distributes food on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Eligibility is limited to individuals who live in Towns County. The next food distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The distribution will take place at 1294 Jack Dayton Circle in Young Harri

As the new year begins, the Towns County Sheriff’s Office has released an update outlining recent progress and developments within the agency, while also reaffirming its commitment to public safety and transparency. According to the sheriff’s office, officials are nearing the completion of their assumption of office processes and have made significant headway in recent weeks. Several pieces of agency-owned equipment that had been unaccounted for have now been returned. The sh

Runners complete the Lake Chatuge Recreation Area loop along the Hiawassee Half Marathon route. Lily Ponitz Director of Economic Development, City of Hiawassee Looking for a fitness goal to kick off healthy habits in 2026? Why not run or walk a scenic, local road race for a good cause. A brand-new event is coming to Hiawassee, Georgia on March 14, 2026, featuring a half marathon (13.1 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles). The Hiawassee Half Marathon & 5K benefits Hikeawassee, a fr

As 2025 comes to a close, residents across North Georgia and Western North Carolina will have no shortage of ways to welcome the arrival of 2026. From lively parties and family-friendly attractions to faith-based gatherings, communities throughout the region are offering a variety of New Year’s Eve celebrations. In Murphy, North Carolina, Chevelles Restaurant & Bar 66, located at 66 Hiawassee Street, will ring in the new year with all-night karaoke and a crowd-pleasing food s

As talk of snow begins circulating on social media, Mountain Buzz Meteorologist Greg Majewski is urging residents to take long-range winter forecasts with a grain of salt. Majewski said he anticipated the early speculation and cautioned that any snow projections more than seven days out are largely conjecture and unlikely to hold as models update. According to Majewski, recent chatter stems from the European weather model, which has hinted at the possibility of snow across pa

TOWNS COUNTY — The Towns County Sheriff’s Office has issued a legal notice requiring the return of all county-owned property currently in the possession of any individual, setting a deadline of December 31, 2025. According to the notice, anyone holding property belonging to the Sheriff’s Office must return it during normal business hours. The notice applies to all county-issued items, including equipment, uniforms, badges, identification, keys, money, electronics, weapons, d

Photo from the Berrong-Oakley House Facebook Page. Staff Report Those in charge of the restoration of the Berrong-Oakley house in Towns County have announced the selected exterior paint colors for the historic Berrong-Oakley House, following an enthusiastic community survey. By an overwhelming margin, a winning color scheme has been chosen and officially approved by the project’s restoration committee. Community input played a central role in the decision-making process. “You

Photo from the Hiawassee Downtown Development Facebook Page. Staff Report Residents and visitors gathered on the Hiawassee Town Square on Tuesday night, December 16, to celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of a 12-foot-tall menorah, marking a festive and meaningful evening for the community. The annual event was hosted by Chabad Rural Georgia, which brings the Chanukah celebration to Hiawassee each year. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to come together to observe the holida

Staff Report A community is rallying to support a Union County family after a deadly mobile home fire claimed the lives of two young children earlier this week. Union County Fire and Rescue confirmed that two children, believed to be ages three and six, died in a structure fire overnight on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Warren Trailer Park. Firefighters from all county stations responded and found a single-wide mobile home fully involved. The cause of the fire remains under investigatio