Union County officials have announced a temporary detour as part of the ongoing widening project along Highway 515 between Blairsville and Young Harris. According to information shared by the Union County Government, construction crews will be implementing a detour near the Trackrock Gap area beginning December 1, 2025. The detour is expected to remain in place for about 30 days while workers adjust side roads to match the new roadway elevation. For motorists traveling from B

As the holiday season approaches, Union County Family Connection is reminding parents and caregivers that Christmas assistance is available for children in need. Families who have not yet been contacted about this program are encouraged to reach out to the office at 706-835-4351 . To qualify for assistance, at least one child must be enrolled in and actively attending a Union County school, including Headstart and MECHS programs. Once this requirement is met, any other childr

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.  — The Union County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $55,917 High Visibility Enforcement grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to support efforts aimed at reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities on Georgia roads. The funding, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be used for equipment purchases and to offset the cost of salaries for deputies assigned to the program. The grant will run through September 2026. Ac

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office held its latest Scam and Fraud Awareness Class on Oct. 22, continuing its efforts to educate residents about common fraud schemes targeting the community. The event, supported by local businesses and community partners, aimed to help residents recognize and avoid scams affecting the region. During the class, United Community Bank presented Sheriff Shawn Dyer and Investigator Robert Calamari with the bank’s U-ROCK Award in

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.  — Union County Fire Department hosted its annual Fire Safety Day last week, teaching roughly 350 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students important lessons about fire prevention and emergency response. Over two days, firefighters demonstrated how smoke alarms work, explained their importance, and showed children how to safely crawl under smoke to escape a burning home. Students practiced the technique in the department’s “Get Low and Go” simulator — a 10-f

Union County Fire/Rescue & EMA Press Release Last week’s column provided some information on outdoor burning and reviewed the burning safety standards set by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). We encourage everyone to utilize these safety standards when burning leaves and other hand piled yard debris to prevent wildfires. We also encourage everyone to learn more about how to prepare your family, home, and community for wildfires. A good place to start is with Firewise USA

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — With the first real chill of fall settling across western North Carolina and north Georgia, homeowners are being urged to take advantage of the cool, dry days ahead to prepare their homes for winter. Local experts say a few preventive steps now can save money and prevent costly damage once freezing temperatures arrive in the mountains. The transition from mild autumn afternoons to frosty mornings often comes quickly in the southern Appalachians, where ele

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.  — Two Union County firefighters have completed an advanced Swiftwater Technician Course designed to prepare emergency responders for rescues in fast-moving water conditions. Firefighters Hudson Anderson  and Conner Cook   completed the week-long training, provided by Rescue 3 International , according to Union County Fire and Rescue. The course, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on exercises, trains participants in techniques such as self-r

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Residents of Western North Carolina and northern Georgia should prepare for a winter that is more likely to be warmer and drier than normal, federal and regional climate forecasters said this month, a pattern driven in part by a return of La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific. The Climate Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, issued seasonal outlook maps in mid-October that favor above-average temperatures an

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. —  With fall approaching and leaves beginning to drop, Union County Fire and Rescue is reminding residents to use caution when burning yard debris to prevent accidental wildfires. Officials said outdoor burning of hand-piled leaves and other natural yard waste is permitted, but property owners must follow the Georgia Forestry Commission’s (GFC) outdoor burning safety standards. While most small burns are controlled, the department warned that some can spread

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Blairsville Boo Bash on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Meeks Park. The family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating, games, a costume contest, food trucks, and other fall-themed activities. Admission is free. Local businesses and vendors are invited to participate at no cost. Those interested can contact Rachel at Rachel@BlairsvilleChamber.com . For more information, visi

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Union County Board of Education has earned Exemplary School Board Status  from the Georgia School Boards Association, the highest level of recognition awarded to school boards in the state. The designation reflects months of work and a strong commitment to effective governance and educational excellence. To qualify, boards must meet rigorous requirements across nine categories: strategic planning, the Georgia Vision for Public Education, governance team

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Two Union County E911 communications officers were recognized Tuesday night for their quick thinking and compassion...

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Union County students had an engaging week learning about careers in government and public administration. On...

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival is set to return to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this October, offering two...

Photo from the Union County Fire and Rescue Facebook page. BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Construction is advancing on a new state-of-the-art 911...

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Representatives from Union County Fire and Rescue participated in a Georgia Senate Public Safety Subcommittee...

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College will host its annual Fall Fest on Oct. 30, inviting families and Halloween enthusiasts to...

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up efforts to protect local youth from online dangers with a series of...

Union County Sheriff's Office Press Release Blairsville, GA - On September 9th, Sheriff's deputies took a report of a stolen 2024...