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

Winning is always sweet, but doing so in record-setting fashion makes it even more memorable — just ask the Hayesville Yellow Jackets. Hayesville turned in its highest-scoring performance of the season on Friday, Jan. 2, overwhelming Blue Ridge Early College 91-27 in a dominant varsity boys basketball victory. From the opening tip, the Yellow Jackets were in complete control, using relentless offense and stifling defense to put the game out of reach early. The win continued a

As a new year begins, many of us look ahead - scanning the trail for what’s coming next. In the natural world, that act of looking forward often starts with looking more closely at what’s around us right now . Sometimes wildlife announces itself clearly - a flash of bluebird wings, a bugle of an elk, a treefrog chorus at dusk. More often, it’s the quiet moments that tell the story. Tracks in the earth, a path worn through grass, or scattered feathers reveal who passed through

The Union County Panthers and Lady Panthers hit the road Friday night, Jan. 2, traveling to Blue Ridge to take on Fannin County in a non-conference basketball doubleheader. Despite strong efforts late in both contests, Union County came up short against a pair of physical and disciplined Rebels squads. Lady Panthers Fall to Fannin County The night opened with the Lady Panthers facing a tough challenge against Fannin County, which set the tone early with a fast-paced offensive

The Union County Sheriff’s Office is once again alerting residents about an ongoing phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and threaten arrest over alleged missed jury duty. According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting individuals and falsely claiming they failed to appear for jury duty. The caller then demands immediate payment of a fine, warning that an arrest will follow if the payment is not made right away. Authorities stress that

The Andrews High School gym was filled with energy Friday night, Jan. 2, as the Wildcats hosted Smoky Mountain Conference rival Robbinsville in a varsity basketball doubleheader. The evening began with the Lady Wildcats putting together a strong performance on their home floor. Andrews controlled the game and came away with a 55–46 conference victory over Robbinsville. The Lady Wildcats showcased balanced scoring and solid defensive play, especially in key moments, to secure

Clay County Fire and Rescue crews stayed busy over the past week, responding to a range of calls including unauthorized burning, a reported structure fire, and numerous medical emergencies. A little after 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, firefighters were dispatched to a fire along West Gumlog Road in the Warne Fire District. Upon arrival, crews found a large pile of debris burning. The property owner advised firefighters they had obtained a burn permit; however, an inspection of

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

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release Early in the afternoon of 12/28/25, Clay County Officers Donovan Burke and Corey Scroggs were dispatched to 315 River Run Way in Hayesville. A report had been received from this address concerning a physical domestic dispute. Upon their arrival, Officers Burke and Scroggs found family members holding Conner Crews Giles, 30 years of age from Jacksonville Florida, down onto the ground. Family members reported that Giles had been drinki

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On the afternoon of 12/23/25, Clay County Officer Donovan Burke and Investigator Steven Smith responded to 98 Snoozy Park Drive near Brasstown. This response came after a report of a possible overdose by woman undressing in the roadway. Clay County Emergency Management Services (EMS) was also dispatched to this location. The woman was identified as Cassidy Rae Groves, 20 years of age from Brasstown, and was reportedly in possession o

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

Voters in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District will have an opportunity to hear directly from Democratic candidates later this month during a public candidate forum in Clay County. The NC-11 Democratic Candidate Forum is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. at The Hinton Center, located at 2330 Hinton Center Road. The event is free and open to the public, offering residents a chance to learn more about the candidates and their positions on key i

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

The Union County High School varsity basketball teams opened play in the annual Battle of the States Christmas Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 27, in Hiawassee, Georgia, with mixed results against Rabun County. The Lady Panthers delivered a strong performance, holding off a late push to secure a 63–57 victory, while the Panthers boys’ team ran into a tough Rabun County squad and dropped an 82–47 decision. The Lady Panthers showed poise and determination in their opening-round wi

The Hayesville High School varsity basketball teams kicked off play at the annual Battle of the States Christmas Tournament in Hiawassee, Georgia, on Saturday, Dec. 27, with mixed results for the Yellow Jackets. The Lady Yellow Jackets made an emphatic statement in their tournament opener, cruising past host Towns County by a commanding 69–32 final. Hayesville controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing balanced scoring and stifling defense to secure a spot in the wi

Every December, we hear the same familiar phrase repeated in conversations, commercials, and holiday cards: “Christmas is about spending time with family.”  Family gatherings are indeed precious, and I would never diminish their importance. But as a pastor, I believe that statement, while well-intentioned, misses the heart of the season. Family time is not the meaning of Christmas; it is a blessing that flows from it. The Christmas season invites us to recognize the many gift

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

As the candidate filing period for the upcoming 2026 election cycle  in Clay County, North Carolina  comes to a close, voters are being introduced to the full slate of candidates who will appear on the ballot. The county’s primary election will take place on March 3, 2026 , following the filing period that opened in early December 2025 and wrapped up on December 19, 2025. County Commission Race Draws Broad Field The Clay County Board of Commissioners race — traditionally one

Staff Report Clay County Commission Chairman Dr. Rob Peck has announced he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in December 2026, bringing to a close a 12-year tenure on the Clay County Board of Commissioners. Peck, who has served twice as vice chairman and for the past eight years as chairman, said the decision followed “much thoughtful reflection and prayer.” In a statement to county residents, Peck highlighted a record of fiscal discipline and long-term pla