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

MURPHY, N.C.  — Cherokee County officials say a quick response from detention and medical staff likely saved an inmate’s life following a suspected fentanyl overdose at the Cherokee County Detention Center on the evening of Oct. 11. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a female inmate became unresponsive around 6:06 p.m., prompting Cherokee County EMS to respond. Before paramedics arrived, detention officers administered multiple doses of NARCAN and performed chest compressions

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Christian Reagan announced Tuesday he will not seek a congressional seat in 2026, instead throwing his support behind incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards. In a press release, Reagan praised Edwards for his “100% support for Trump’s agenda” and his staff’s tireless efforts in hurricane relief. “As a result, I have chosen to stand with him in support and extend my hand in friendship,” Reagan stated. The decision reflects a shift in Reagan’s political strategy, optin

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

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Teens are invited to a movie event at the Moss Memorial Library on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. The event, scheduled at 26 Anderson St., Hayesville, will run for two hours and is open to the public. Teens ages 11 to 18 can vote on the movie when they arrive and enjoy the screening with friends. Refreshments will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their favorite candy. For more information, contact Bridget Wilson at 828-837-2025 or bwilson@nanta

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Hayesville Yellow Jackets couldn’t turn the tables on Summit Charter Monday night, falling 4-0 to the Bears in a varsity soccer matchup at Hayesville High School. The loss marked the second straight defeat for Hayesville, who also dropped their first meeting with Summit earlier in the season. The Bears controlled the pace throughout, capitalizing on scoring chances and maintaining steady defensive pressure to secure the shutout victory. With the loss,

ANDREWS, N.C.  — The Andrews Wildcats secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Swain County on Monday night in a Smoky Mountain Conference soccer match. Andrews struck early, netting the lone goal of the match in the first half, then relied on disciplined defense and steady goalkeeping to hold off the visiting Maroon Devils. The shutout win marked an important conference triumph for the Wildcats, who continue to build momentum late in the season. With the victory, Andrews impro

HAYESVILLE, N.C.  — The Murphy Lady Bulldogs saw their Smoky Mountain Conference tournament run come to an early end Monday night, falling 3-0 to Swain County in round one of the postseason at Hayesville High School. The Lady Maroon Devils controlled the match from start to finish, using consistent serving and strong net play to keep Murphy from finding its rhythm. The Lady Bulldogs were unable to overcome Swain’s momentum. With the loss, Murphy now shifts its focus to the up

HAYESVILLE, N.C.  — The Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets opened the Smoky Mountain Conference volleyball tournament in dominant fashion Monday night, sweeping Rosman 3-0 in front of their home crowd. Hayesville controlled the match from start to finish, winning by set scores of 25-20, 25-13 and 25-9. The Lady Jackets’ strong serves and consistent offensive pressure kept the Lady Tigers on the defensive throughout the contest. With the victory, Hayesville advances to the second

HAYESVILLE, N.C. —  The Andrews Lady Wildcats couldn’t shake off their recent slump Monday night, falling 3-0 to the Robbinsville Lady Black Knights in the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament at Hayesville High School. The loss marked Andrews’ third straight defeat and the third time this season the Wildcats have come up short against Robbinsville. The two teams last met in September, when Robbinsville claimed a 3-1 win. With the tournament loss, Andrews dropped to 10-12 on

Coach McClure with his granddaughter Kylynn Taylor at the induction ceremony. HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Former Hayesville High School girls’ basketball coach Darryl McClure was inducted Sunday, Oct. 12, into the Western North Carolina Hall of Fame, honoring a career that built one of the region’s most remarkable dynasties. McClure led the Yellow Jackets to six consecutive 1-A state championships from 1988 to 1993, a run that cemented his teams among the most dominant in North Carol

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

Staff Report Hiawassee, GA Towns County made it two in a row Friday night, edging Spartanburg Christian Academy 29-22 in a non-region...

Staff Report Murphy, NC Murphy kept its momentum rolling Friday night in a hughe Smoky Mountain Conference game, edging Robbinsville...

Staff Report Hayesville, NC After an impressive 37-point performance the previous week, the Hayesville Yellow Jackets couldn’t replicate...

Staff Report Andrews, NC The Andrews Wildcats earned their first victory of the season Friday night, Oct. 10, defeating the Rosman Tigers...

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

By Steve Esser Guest Writer YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College has added a new four-legged member to its staff: a therapy dog named...

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting local citizens in which callers threaten...

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