Hayesville, N.C. — Families caring for children with mental health challenges now have a new local resource. A community support group called Daily Mental Challenges is launching this month in Hayesville to provide parents, grandparents, and caregivers with a safe space to share experiences, gain support, and access helpful information. The group is designed to assist families managing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, and s

Press Release The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in the month of January totaled $3.03 billion, for a decrease of $18.1 million, or 0.6%, compared to January 2025, when net tax collections totaled $3.05 billion for the month . Year-to-date, net tax revenue collections through seven months totaled roughly $19.75 billion, for an increase of 345.6 million, or 1.8%, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections totaled almost $19.41 billion. The changes within the follo

Photo from the City of Young Harris Facebook page The Enotah Garden Club marked Arbor Day on Friday with a proclamation reading and educational program at Young Harris City Hall. Members of the club gathered at City Hall to read the official Arbor Day Proclamation, highlighting the importance of trees to the community and the environment. The program featured presentations from Grace Howard, a Towns-Union Master Gardener, and Lea Clark of the Georgia Forestry Commission. How

The Union County–Blairsville Chamber of Commerce announced the return of The Big Dance, an annual fundraiser set to take place at the HARP Center on the campus of Young Harris College. The event will be held at the HARP Center at Young Harris College, bringing back a night of music, dancing and community celebration after a hiatus. Organizers say this year’s event will be larger than past editions, with an emphasis on both entertainment and philanthropy. Proceeds from The Big

By Steve Esser Guess Writer A community food distribution will be Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the Campus Cupboard, Young Harris College’s new food bank. The Campus Cupboard, located in the middle of the YHC campus, was recently established as a campus food pantry to serve both students and the local community. The distribution point will be set up on Duckworth Street, just past Sharp Memorial Church, as you pull into the campus. “We are so excited to offer this resour

The Towns County Recreation Department has opened registration for multiple youth sports programs, including baseball, softball, T-ball and soccer. Baseball, softball and T-ball registration is now open for the upcoming season. The programs are available for children ages 6U through 14U. Registration fees are $70 for T-ball and $90 for both baseball and softball. Parents and guardians can register online through the Towns County Rec Department’s Sportngin portal. Separate reg

Gardeners in Zone 7 — which includes Clay and Cherokee counties in North Carolina and Towns and Union counties in Georgia — can take advantage of February to get a jump on the growing season by starting certain seeds indoors. While outdoor planting is still limited this time of year, February is considered an ideal month to begin slow-growing plants from seed. Starting early allows seedlings to develop strong root systems before being transplanted outside once warmer temperat

This statement is being issued in response to a recent newspaper headline authored by Mr. Henderson and subsequent requests from the media for clarification. Absent those requests, I would not have issued a public rebuttal. I will not comment on Mr. Henderson or his pending case, which is before the courts. This statement is issued solely to address inaccurate claims regarding narcotics enforcement and to ensure the public has accurate information regarding the lawful operati

A 22-year-old from Murphy is heading to the next round of American Idol after a standout performance on the show’s second episode of the season. Braden Rumfelt appeared on the popular singing competition accompanied by his twin brother, Kellen Rumfelt, who played guitar during the audition. The brothers’ performance of "Girl Crush" impressed all three judges — Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie — earning Braden a unanimous vote to advance. Rumfelt’s audition mar

Even though February’s cold grip still holds much of North Georgia and Western North Carolina — with snow on the ground in many areas — local gardeners are finding practical ways to prepare for the upcoming growing season. Winter’s chill may delay outdoor planting, but seasonal experts and extension services say there’s plenty that can be done now to lay the groundwork for a successful spring and summer garden. “February isn’t a time to put your tools away,” said a gardening

A powerful winter storm is set to impact north Georgia and nearby mountain areas this weekend, bringing snow, strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures to Towns, Union, Clay and Cherokee counties. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Union and Towns counties from 7 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters say the system is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, especially in higher elevations. Wi

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