Hiawassee, Ga. —  Efforts to control an invasive aquatic weed that spread rapidly across Lake Chatuge in recent years have shown promising results, though experts caution that full eradication remains unlikely. Local environmental groups, including MountainTrue and Save Lake Chatuge, coordinated a large-scale treatment campaign targeting parrot feather  ( Myriophyllum aquaticum ), a South American plant known for forming thick mats that choke waterways and block boat traffic.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Press Release CHEROKEE COUNTY, NC – Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith announces conclusion to drug trafficking case. On October 16, 2025 Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office concluded a two-month investigation into the distribution of fentanyl into Cherokee County by Ashli Shawnai Roberts of Murphy, NC. The investigation came to an end after law enforcement received information that Roberts was on her way back to Murphy from Atlanta with a lar

Hayesville, N.C. — The ongoing federal government shutdown is beginning to affect daily life and economic activity across Clay and Cherokee counties in far western North Carolina, where tourism, agriculture and federal programs play central roles. Federal services remain open in many cases but are operating with limited staff or reduced support. The Nantahala National Forest, which spans both counties, continues to allow public access, though road maintenance, campground ope

By Steve Esser Guest Writer YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Students representing Young Harris College presented at the 37th University of Virginia-Wise Medieval Renaissance Conference, recently, speaking on a variety of research topics related to medieval and Renaissance periods.  Five students spoke at the academic conference in Wise, VA. Academic conferences are public gatherings of scholars based on disciplines – or fields of study – and often are a ground level for research scholar

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.  — Two Union County firefighters have completed an advanced Swiftwater Technician Course designed to prepare emergency responders for rescues in fast-moving water conditions. Firefighters Hudson Anderson  and Conner Cook   completed the week-long training, provided by Rescue 3 International , according to Union County Fire and Rescue. The course, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on exercises, trains participants in techniques such as self-r

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Residents of Western North Carolina and northern Georgia should prepare for a winter that is more likely to be warmer and drier than normal, federal and regional climate forecasters said this month, a pattern driven in part by a return of La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific. The Climate Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, issued seasonal outlook maps in mid-October that favor above-average temperatures an

Chief Deputy Justin Jacobs Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Murphy, NC- The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has completed an extensive organizational assessment through a partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Training and Technical Assistance Center (BJA NTTAC). This no-cost initiative was designed to help the Sheriff’s Office strengthen community engagement, modernize operations, and align local law enforcement practices with national best sta

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — The Towns County Sheriff’s Office has opened the application period for its annual Shop With the Sheriff Christmas assistance program, which helps provide holiday gifts for local children in need. Applications are now being accepted for kindergarten through fifth-grade students whose primary residence is in Towns County. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025, and incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Only parents or legal guardians may

By: Kim Terrell County Extension Director, Clay County North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center is inviting residents to share their thoughts through a community survey designed to help shape future programs and outreach efforts. The survey seeks input on a wide range of topics, including agriculture and horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), 4-H youth development, and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) program. Responses will help iden

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Chamber of Commerce has released the schedule for the 2025 Punkin Chunkin event, set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18–19. Each day will begin with a safety meeting at 9 a.m., followed by the first round of the chunkin competition from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Public visitation is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the second round of the competition will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The weekend event will conclude on Sunday,

MURPHY, N.C. — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department will host a community blood drive on Friday, Oct. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at 577 Regal Street in Murphy. The event is organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, which encourages residents to donate and help save lives. According to Blood Assurance, a single donation can save up to three lives. Those who donate between Oct. 16 and Oct. 31 will receive a pair of limited-edition “Count Me In” vampire socks as a thank-y

MURPHY, N.C. — The Town of Murphy is inviting families to enjoy a free outdoor movie during its Halloween BOO-vie Night on Saturday, Oct. 25. The event will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Konehete Veterans Park and will feature a showing of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation . Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, and chairs for the outdoor screening. Food trucks and concessions will be available, and a kids’ costume party will be held before the movie

Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan Press Release On 08/02/24 at around 3:45 PM Clay County Sheriff’s Officer Shane Mull met the mother of a 45-year-old man at the Sheriff’s Office. The mother reported that she was afraid of her son who lived with her near Hayesville. The mother said that during the previous night her son kept them up yelling, cursing, and screaming. The mother also said her son had busted out a door frame during this night. The mother had a valid magistrate su

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Chili Cook Off and Anything Pumpkin Competition on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. on the Hayesville Town Square. Admission to the event is $6, and only 250 tickets will be available at the gate. The evening will feature judged competitions with cash prizes and People’s Choice Awards. Participants can register for the chili cook off or pumpkin competition online at claychambernc.com  or by calling the Cha

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

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