Photo from the Union County Fire & Rescue Facebook page. On February 26, Emergency Management Day at the Georgia Capitol highlighted the vital work of local and state emergency management professionals. Union County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director David Dyer and Deputy Director Brent Long joined staff from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and emergency management directors from across the state for the annual recognition event. T

UNION COUNTY, Ga. — The Union County (GA) Fire Department hosted the Union County Firewise Coalition meeting Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the department’s headquarters station. The meeting focused on continued efforts to promote Firewise communities across Union County, with an emphasis on sharing information about the Firewise program and encouraging wildfire prevention and preparedness. The Union County Firewise Coalition works to educate residents on reducing wildfire risks and s

(Photo from the UCSO Facebook page.) UNION COUNTY, Ga. — The Union County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam in which fraudsters are using the name of Sheriff Shawn Dyer to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting community members and falsely claiming to be Sheriff Dyer or representatives of the department. The calls are designed to create fear and urgency, ofte

UNION COUNTY, GA — Union County Fire and Rescue announced this week that it has received a supply of Narcan, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Union County Georgia. The Rotary Club secured a grant to purchase the Narcan, which was then distributed to local first responders across the county. Union County Fire and Rescue said the medication will not only help reduce harm caused by opioid use in the community

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 Blairsville PD Facebook Page ) Left, Police Chief Michael Baxter presents Assistant Chief Russell Walker a plaque of appreciation for 25 years of service. Baxter was also recognized for his 25 years of service. BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Blairsville Police Department is celebrating a major milestone for two of its top leaders. Chief of Police Michael “Bear” Baxter and Assistant Chief Russell “Rusty” Walker recently reached 25 years of service with the City of Bla

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

As tax season arrives, Union County residents and businesses are being reminded they have an option to keep a portion of their Georgia state income taxes working closer to home — at no additional cost. On social media, Union County High School reminded that through the PEACH Education Tax Credit, taxpayers can redirect part of the state income taxes they already owe to support the Union County College & Career Academy instead of sending those dollars to Atlanta. Local officia

The Union County Emergency Management Agency serves as the coordinating agency for preparing for and responding to major emergencies and disasters, guiding efforts that span prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Each county in the State of Georgia maintains a local EMA office, which also coordinates Homeland Security efforts at the county level. Union County EMA officials say the agency’s work begins well before a disaster strikes. Prevention and mitiga

The Union County Sheriff’s Office took part in this year’s Night to Shine celebration in Blairsville, helping welcome participants to an evening dedicated to individuals with special needs. Sheriff Shawn Dyer provided a special law enforcement escort as guests arrived for the event, which featured a red-carpet-style entrance filled with cheers and applause. Deputies and attendees lined the entrance, celebrating each participant as they made their way into the dance. In a stat

Sgt. Calamari (left) receives the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from Sheriff Shawn Dyer. Union County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Bob Calamari has been awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal by the Sons of the American Revolution in recognition of his extensive efforts to combat fraud and protect residents from financial scams. Calamari joined the Sheriff’s Office in January 2023 after a long career in the United States Marine Corps , where he retired at the rank of

Photo from the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Local residents gathered Wednesday for an engaging presentation on the connection between diet and overall health, hosted by the Blairsville - Union County Chamber of Commerce. Nutritionist Ann Marie Stanczyk, M.S., M.T., led the session, providing attendees with practical insights into how the foods we eat affect everything from energy levels to immune system support. Participants learned the importa

Photo from the Union County Fire and Rescue Facebook page. Motor vehicle accidents happen daily, ranging from minor fender-benders to serious crashes involving multiple vehicles and injuries. While these incidents can be traumatic for those involved, Union County Emergency Management Agency officials say they also pose significant risks to public safety personnel responding on scene. In a public safety reminder released this week, Union County EMA urged drivers to take extra

Eighth-grade students from Union County Middle School recently got a preview of what awaits them at Union County High School during the school’s annual Pathway Tour. The event gave students an opportunity to spend the day on the UCHS campus, where they were guided by student ambassadors through a variety of elective classrooms and laboratory spaces. The tours offered a first-hand look at the school’s academic pathways and hands-on learning opportunities available to incoming

The Union County Sheriff’s Office has recognized the Union County Public Library for its ongoing partnership in helping educate residents about scams and fraud. For the past several years, Sgt. Bob Calamari has presented a Scam and Fraud Awareness program aimed at helping people identify common scams and avoid becoming victims. The sheriff’s office said the library has played a vital role by providing space for the classes and supporting efforts to educate the community. Acco

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

The Union County Fire Department announced that Sergeant Hudson Anderson and Firefighter Kyle Mead have successfully completed the 32-hour Acting Officer in Charge course at the Georgia Fire Academy. The specialized program is designed to prepare firefighters to assume supervisory roles during emergency incidents and daily operations. Participants receive training in leadership, decision-making, incident command, personnel accountability, and effective communication, ensuring

UNION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Press Release On January 28, 2026, a deputy with the Union County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a white Ford Focus based on traffic violations that he observed. There was an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, and several parts of the story provided by the driver and passenger did not add up. The Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was called to the scene to assist. Probable cause was developed to conduct a search of the vehi

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