HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Enchanted Music on the Square concert series continues Saturday with a performance by the Loaded Dice Band. The free concert is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Hiawassee Town Square, 19 S. Main St. Donations are appreciated. The Loaded Dice Band, a classic country and classic rock group from North Georgia, has performed for three years, blending favorites from artists such as Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Linda Ronstadt and Fleetwo

Hayesville, N.C. — Herbert Street in downtown Hayesville will be closed intermittently Monday through Friday from now until mid-August to accommodate downtown improvement projects, according to town officials. The closure affects the area at the corner of the new Inn. Motorists are advised to access the Square via May Street during the work. Mayor Benita England said the intermittent closures are necessary for the ongoing enhancements to the downtown area. “Sorry for any inco

MURPHY, N.C. — The Town of Murphy has released an updated schedule for its weekend family events, with organizers shifting the America 250 Heritage Festival to a 6 p.m. start time because of a heat advisory and guidance from local emergency services teams. The changes affect Saturday’s activities in downtown Murphy. All other events remain as planned at Konehete Veterans Park. Thursday Kids Movie Night begins around 9:15 p.m. at the park, featuring Disney’s “Zootopia 2.” Frid

Blairsville, GA — The Union County Fire Department is proud to announce that Captain Jeff Fortenberry has successfully completed the 24-hour Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC). This intensive training, offered through the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), equips emergency responders and planners with the skills needed to develop and implement effective hazardous materials emer

Article Submitted The Towns County Historical Society has been awarded a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to install an official National Register of Historic Places plaque at the Old Rock Jail Museum in downtown Hiawassee. Constructed in 1936 as a federal relief project during the Great Depression, the Old Rock Jail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 under its historic name, the Towns County Jail. Today, it remains one of only two prop

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Hayesville Middle School teacher Erin McCoy was named a Participate Learning Teacher of the Year, one of only three educators recognized worldwide, during the Clay County Board of Education meeting Monday. McCoy was honored for her work developing globally connected learning experiences through the Global Leaders Initiative at Hayesville Middle School. School officials praised her creativity, dedication and commitment to preparing students for success in an

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release A months long investigation has so far led to the arrest of two men who have been charged for travelling to Clay County to engage in the sexual misconduct with a local minor female. Brandon Juarez Flores, 19 years of age from Tuckasegee, N.C., travelled to Clay County on three separate occasions over the past year and met with the minor female. As a result of his contacts with this minor, Flores has been arrested and

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp ordered a new investigation Saturday into allegations of misconduct against suspended Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson, describing the claims as separate and distinct from the criminal case that has kept the sheriff out of office for months. Kemp signed an executive order appointing a three-member panel to examine the new allegations of misconduct in office, which were brought to his attention Friday. The panel — consisting of Attorney General Ch

Cherokee County, NC — On Friday, June 26, 2026, at approximately 11:14 a.m., deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to 184 Wakefield Road in Andrews following a report of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, deputies located Jeffrey Wade McTaggart, 49, deceased in the backyard of the residence. The individual who admitted to firing the weapon remained on scene and immediately called 911 to report the incident. The individual told investigators that an alterca

Photo from the Clay County Schools Facebook page. CLAY COUNTY, N.C. — While school buildings may appear quiet during summer break, Clay County Schools staff are hard at work preparing for the new school year and continuing to serve students and families, Superintendent Mellisa Godfrey said in a message released June 25. Godfrey highlighted key summer priorities, including recruiting, hiring and training new employees, processing retirements and resignations, supporting beginn

Blairsville, Ga. — Union County Sheriff's Office Deputy Steve Bennett received a Golden Shield Honor Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving last week for his work as a certified Drug Recognition Expert. Bennett was recognized at the 22nd Annual MADD Golden Shield Honor Awards in Macon for completing at least 15 DRE evaluations since earning his certification last April. He received a pin marking the achievement. Drug Recognition Experts play a key role in DUI cases involvin

SUCHES, Ga. — The Suches Fire Department is inviting the community to its Fourth of July fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, at Woody Gap School, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Fireworks will begin at dark. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with food available at the concession stand, including hot dogs, burgers, chips, soft drinks and other goodies. Organizers encourage families and friends to arrive early for outdoor time together. “This event is m

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Towns County Public Library is offering free weekly Chi Gong classes designed to improve balance and muscle strength, addressing one of the leading causes of injury among older adults: falls. The Gentle Stretch & Balance Class, similar to Tai Chi, meets every Friday at 10 a.m. at the library in Hiawassee. Participants can expect guided video instruction supported by an in-person facilitator. No special equipment or gear is required. Chi Gong, a gentle mind-bo

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division became aware of a drug trafficker operating within Cherokee County and subsequently opened an investigation. Through that investigation, agents determined that Loretta Huskins of Andrews was traveling to Georgia to obtain methamphetamine for distribution within Cherokee County. In coordination with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (NC), deputies and agents worked

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County will host its annual Independence Day fireworks celebration Friday, July 3, at the Clay County Rec Park Campground. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. The event will take place at 47 Rec Park Road in Hayesville. The Lions Club Pavilion and beach area will be closed July 3 for the celebration and are set to reopen July 4, according to county officials. In the event of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 4. The fr

CLAY COUNTY, N.C. — With the nation marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, Sheriff Mark Buchanan is urging residents to prioritize safety during holiday barbecues, pool parties and fireworks displays. Law enforcement and first responders typically see an increase in calls for service during major holidays, Buchanan said. He offered several reminders to help families avoid injuries and tragedies around water and fireworks. Water safety tips

(Photo by Pam Roman) Peacock crew member Jim Oliver holds an image of David Heslin (absent to attend the birth of his first grandchild), followed by stage managers Michele Legue, Ali Whitlock, and Kay Thomas. By Harrison Keely Guest Writer While audiences attending 9 to 5 The Musical at Hayesville’s Peacock Performing Arts Center this August will be dazzled by lively musical numbers, colorful costumes and fast-paced comedy, behind the curtain, stage managers and crew are coor

MURPHY, N.C. — The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a jury duty phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and demand money to resolve alleged warrants. According to the sheriff's office, a caller recently contacted a victim claiming they had missed jury duty and had an active warrant for their arrest. The caller, identifying himself as "Sgt. Edward Peterson" with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, demanded $2,000 to avoid

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Sheriff's Office is addressing public concerns over its use of license plate reader technology, saying the systems help solve crimes and locate missing people without collecting personal data from drivers. In a statement released this week, the agency said recent social media chatter has raised worries about privacy, prompting officials to clarify how the systems operate. The license plate readers, or LPRs, capture images of vehicle rears an

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Beal Center will host a bingo night Thursday, June 25, offering residents an evening of games, refreshments and community fun. The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the center, located at 25 Herbert Street. Tickets cost $20 each and include five bingo cards, drinks and light snacks. Organizers are encouraging early reservations. Attendees can visit https://square.link/u/cll6GjNu or contact bealcenterevents@icloud.com or (828) 415-1623 to secur