Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 04/01/26 around 10:38 AM Clay County Sheriff’s Lt. Bruce Moore, Sgt. Ethan Henderson, and Investigator JJ Wooten responded to the Hot Spot Convenient Store in Hayesville after receiving a report of a woman passed out in a car at the drive-thru window. Carolina Star Nicholson, 33 years of age from Hayesville, was found to be at that location and in the driver’s seat of Nissan Altima with a Texas license plate. Nicholson was removed

Press Release A joint investigation conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a significant methamphetamine supplier operating within both counties. Rennie Davenport, 63, of Hayesville, NC, was taken into custody at his residence on April 2, 2026. At the time of his arrest, Davenport was found in possession of more than 300 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators have identified Davenport as a major source

The Towns County Sheriff's Office has introduced a new community-focused program called Operation Lights Out that helps drivers replace broken headlights instead of simply issuing tickets. If a driver is pulled over for a headlight that is out, deputies will issue a warning and provide a voucher to help cover the cost of a replacement at a local NAPA Auto Parts store. The driver can then replace the headlight and show proof of the repair to the Towns County Sheriff's Office t

Hayesville Primary School has officially opened the application process for its PreK program for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. According to the school, PreK applications are now available for pickup at the Hayesville Primary School (HPS) office. Families can obtain the forms Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. To be eligible for the PreK program, a child must turn 4 years old on or before August 31st, 2026, and must be a resident of Clay County. "PreK

As North Carolina mountains burst into spring greenery, Clay County Fire and Rescue is reminding homeowners that yard work can do more than improve curb appeal — it can save lives by ensuring firefighters can reach properties quickly in an emergency. In a recent social media post, the department encouraged residents enjoying their spring cleaning to pay special attention to driveways and access paths. “We love seeing folks cleaning up limbs, brush, and getting things looking

The Murphy Business Association is turning up the volume on community spirit with “Murphy Takes the Mic,” a multi-night karaoke competition designed to spotlight local singers and celebrate the town’s vibrant talent before the highly anticipated Murphy Spring Festival. According to the Hello From Murphy blog — the popular insider’s guide to living beautifully in Western North Carolina — the event was highlighted in a recent postdated April 4, 2026, as part of the lead-up to s

The Clay County Community Revitalization Association is bringing an evening of bluegrass and Americana music to The Peacock on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with the band Unspoken Tradition headlining a special fundraiser to support the historic venue’s roof replacement campaign. The concert, titled “Raise the Roof,” will feature Unspoken Tradition performing at The Peacock, located at 301 Church St. in Hayesville, North Carolina. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with local artist Tommy

The Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival is set to bring the ancient art of oral tradition back to the scenic North Georgia mountains this weekend, featuring an impressive lineup of nationally recognized storytellers. The two-day event will take place April 10-11, 2026, at The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, Georgia. Organizers have also announced that the festival will be viewable online for those unable to attend in person. Headlining the festival are five acc

Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, along with detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, executed a search warrant at a residence on Barnett Road. As a result of the search, suspected methamphetamine was seized. At the time the warrant was executed, the resident was not present. Authorities subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Jeffery Kenneth Stiles. Stiles later surrendered himself to the Cherokee County Detention Center an

On 04/02/26 at 5:36 PM, Clay County Lt. Investigator Brandon Coker stopped a Toyota truck being driven at a high rate of speed at Hinton Center Road in Hayesville. The driver was found to have been Jacob Zachary Jefferies, 32 years of age from Young Harris, Georgia. Lt. Coker noted a rifle between the seats of the truck. Lt. Coker also saw Jefferies trying to push an orange zippered bag under the seat. When asked, Jefferies told Lt. Coker he would consent to the search of his

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 03/03/26 the Towns County Sheriff’s Office notified Clay County Investigator Steven Smith of a statutory sexual assault of a minor. The Towns and Rabun County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Offices began this investigation by receiving detailed information, disclosures, and forensic evidence from a 14-year-old female. It was discovered during their investigation, however, that the assault had actually occurred in Clay County. The suspect was

Photo from the UCSO Facebook page. Blairsville, GA  — Two instructors from the Union County Sheriff's Office recently returned from the 2026 International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, where they enhanced their skills to better serve and protect the community. Last month, Lt. Walker and Sgt. Pilote traveled to the conference, held March 16-21 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. The event drew more than 600 att

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Murphy, NC – The Clay County Sheriff's Office has successfully taken into custody Stephanie Michelle Vega Burgos, who was wanted on outstanding felony warrants from Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. Burgos was apprehended on April 2, 2026, and is being held at the Clay County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on April 21, 2026. Sheriff Wood extends his app

Pet owners in Clay County and surrounding areas will have a convenient opportunity to vaccinate their dogs and cats on Saturday, April 11, 2026, thanks to a drive-thru vaccine clinic organized by Big Bear Veterinary Clinic in partnership with the Clay County Health Department. The event is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  at the Clay County Health Department, located at 345 Courthouse Drive, Hayesville, NC 28904 . Presented by Dr. Lawlor and Dr. Flynn of Big Bear Veteri

A night of Appalachian music and community support is planned for Saturday, April 11, as the Peacock Performing Arts Center hosts a fundraising concert to support repairs to its facility. North Carolina-based quintet Unspoken Tradition will headline the event, bringing a blend of high-energy bluegrass and traditional Appalachian storytelling. Known for their impassioned performances and nostalgic sound, the group’s music reflects both the intensity and sincerity of the region

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and the North Carolina Department of Health will begin distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits starting around April 13, 2026, across western NC counties, including Clay. Purpose: To create a barrier of immune wild animals to prevent the spread of rabies, ultimately protecting the publics health and domestic animals.  Baits will be distributed by aircraft and ground teams and have been safely used in NC since 2005.   W

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On Monday, March 30, 2026, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential break-in in the Hanging Dog community after a victim reported that a male and female suspect had been captured on his home security cameras stealing property. The victim posted photographs from the security footage to his Facebook page, which quickly generated leads from the community. Members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s

The Clay County GOP will host its regular monthly meeting on April 16th at 6:30 pm at the Clay County Community Center, in the 2nd Floor meeting room, at 25 Riverside Drive,  Hayesville, NC.  Join us for light refreshments, snacks, and desserts at 6:30 PM, with the business meeting starting at 7:00 PM (please bring a covered dish snack or dessert to share). Details regarding guest speaker(s) or other program highlights will be published later. William E. (“Bill”) Carter As re

Historic Hayesville Inc. will host its 12th annual yard sale fundraiser known as "Trash 2 Treasure" which began on Saturday, April 4, with proceeds supporting downtown improvement projects. The sale took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on opening day at 818 U.S. Highway 64 Business in Hayesville, located opposite the Cherokee Exhibit. Following the kickoff, the event will continue throughout April and May on a regular schedule: Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and S

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release At the end of February 2026, Detective Sparks with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reopened a cold case originally reported in 2022 involving serious allegations of child exploitation. What followed was nearly a month of relentless investigative work, interviews, and evidence review. That work paid off. Detectives developed probable cause and secured both a search warrant for 955 Fairview Road in Andrews, North Carolina, and