Photo from the Union County Fire and Rescue Facebook page . Firefighters with Union County Fire and Rescue have completed advanced training focused on responding to aviation emergencies, according to a recent department announcement. Members of the department participated in the Basic Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting course at the Atlanta Fire Training Center. The program included 40 hours of online instruction followed by an additional 40 hours of hands-on training at Hartsf

Photo from the Clay County Fire and Rescue Facebook page. A fast-moving wildfire threatened homes in the Shooting Creek area Thursday afternoon, prompting a multi-agency response. According to Clay County Fire and Rescue, crews were dispatched shortly after 3:30 p.m. on March 26 to the Shiloh Subdivision in the Shooting Creek Fire District following reports of a wildfire with structures at risk. First responders arriving on scene found flames rapidly approaching a newly const

Press Release The Cherokee County Historical Museum has officially completed a major expansion, now occupying the full footprint of the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Murphy, a space that has served the community for generations as a library, municipal facility, and museum. The expansion includes the renovation and integration of the building’s remaining half, most recently used by the Murphy Police Department, creating a unified museum experience that honors

Families and visitors are invited to take part in a festive Easter-themed event in downtown Blairsville next weekend. The Downtown Blairsville Easter Egg Stroll is set for Saturday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a casual and family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday while supporting local businesses. Organizers say participants can stroll through the downtown square and participating merchants in search of hidden Easter eggs. The eggs will be scattered througho

The Clay County Farmers Market is set to return for the 2026 season, offering residents and visitors a weekly opportunity to shop local and support area agriculture. According to event organizers, the market will run from May 21 through Sept. 24, 2026. It will be held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hayesville Town Square. The market aims to connect the community with local farmers and producers, featuring fresh foods and goods while promoting sustainable living. Orga

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, conducted a coordinated warrant enforcement operation on March 23, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 20 individuals. The operation was conducted as part of an ongoing initiative targeting outstanding warrants and individuals engaged in criminal activity throughout Cherok

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release The Clay County Sheriff’s Office continues to receive reports of SCAMS of various kinds. Fortunately, most are not successful and reported to the Sheriff’s Office for informational purposes only. Some, however, are successful, which is heartbreaking. These are heartbreaking because there is little if anything that can be done locally except making a written report and notify the FBI’s fraud reporting system at “ ic3.gov ”.  Replies b

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 03/21/26 around midnight Clay County Officer Sean Stout, with K-9 Freya, was on routine patrol out Old US Hwy 64 west in Clay County when he observed a white Nissan truck traveling without an illuminated tag light. Officer Stout stopped the truck at the intersection of Ford Road and Old US Hwy 64 west.   Tammy Michelle Borchardt, 55 years of age from Warne, was found to be driving the Nissan. Samantha Taylor Borchardt, 28 years of

A longtime member of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has received one of the highest professional honors available to law enforcement officers in North Carolina. Sergeant Ethan Henderson was recently awarded the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission during a ceremony in Raleigh. The Advanced Certificate is the highest level of recognition issued by the state’s training commission. It is awarded to off

Photo from the Union County Fire & Rescue Facebook page . The Union County Fire Department recognized the service and achievements of its firefighters during its annual awards banquet held March 21. Firefighters, both career and volunteer, gathered to celebrate another year of service while enjoying a meal and fellowship. The event highlighted the department’s accomplishments and honored individuals for their dedication to protecting the community. Awards presented during the

Photo from the Downtown Murphy NC Facebook page. The Town of Murphy has announced the retirement of Downtown Director Laura Lachance, crediting her with accelerating economic development efforts and elevating the town’s profile across the state. During her tenure, Lachance guided Downtown Murphy to designation in the North Carolina Main Street Program in just two years—surpassing the typical three-year timeline and positioning the town for long-term growth and recognition. M

Community members gathered in Hiawassee for a remembrance ceremony honoring children lost during the Holocaust, as part of the global The Daffodil Project. The event, held at the Children’s Daffodil Gardens, was hosted by the Towns-Union Master Gardener Association and also took place in nearby Blairsville. Organizers described the turnout as strong, with community members coming together to reflect and remember. Mark Noyd, project manager, and Grace Howard were recognized fo

The Clay County Board of Education recognized a group of middle and high school band students during its meeting this week for their selection to the Far West Honors Band. Board members acknowledged both Hayesville High School (HHS) and Hayesville Middle School (HMS) students, noting that several honorees were unable to attend the meeting. At the high school level, seniors Ann Gibson and Grace Gibson earned top honors as first chair flute and first chair trumpet, respectively

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On March 18, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported breaking and entering in progress at a residence located at 4545 W U.S. 64. Upon arrival, deputies observed a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence. The property owners arrived on scene and advised that the residence had been unoccupied for approximately ten years and that a vehicle had previously b

Firefighters with Union County Fire & Rescue spent two days sharpening life-saving skills during a specialized auto extrication training held March 14–15. The department partnered with the North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) to deliver the hands-on course, which focused on both foundational techniques and newer methods used in emergency vehicle rescues. During the training, firefighters reviewed core extrication principles while also learning updated strategies

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood announces the arrest of Robert Gee Stalcup,44 of Murphy on multiple charges related to weapons violations and failure to comply with sex offender registry requirements. On March 18, 2026, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of shots fired on Willow Tree Lane in the Ranger community. Cherokee County Dispatch advised that a male subject was walking along the roadway act

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was honored to welcome District Attorney Ashley Welch, the elected District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 43, for a visit to our office today. During her time with us, District Attorney Welch received a comprehensive overview of our current operating procedures, including how our deputies and staff work daily to serve and protect the citizens of Cherokee County. As part of the visit, she

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has received a donation of five patrol rifles from local business owner Doc Wacholz, helping the agency begin replacing an aging inventory of equipment. According to a statement shared on social media, Wacholz, owner of Cherokee Guns, presented the rifles to the department, a contribution officials say would have cost more than $5,000 if purchased. Sheriff’s officials said the new rifles will enhance deputies’ ability to respond to calls while

Press Release Free Bird Southern Spring Water will make its official NASCAR Cup Series debut as the primary sponsor of Chase Briscoe's No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing at Darlington Raceway on March 22, marking a major milestone for the fast-rising Southern beverage brand. The Darlington race marks the first time Free Bird will appear as the primary partner on Briscoe's car, launching a three-race primary sponsorship schedule during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series seas