HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Officials overseeing Brasstown Bald are seeking public input on potential improvements to the visitor center and surrounding facilities at Georgia’s highest peak. The online survey invites feedback from both first-time visitors and those who return regularly. Responses will help guide updates to the visitor center, exhibits, accessibility features, trails and the overall visitor experience, while aiming to preserve what makes the site memorable. Brasstown Bal

TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies and detention officers with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office recently completed certification training on the Axon TASER 10 system and hosted a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course. The TASER 10 training included hands-on instruction, scenario-based exercises and de-escalation techniques. Officials said the training prepares personnel to use the device safely, effectively and responsibly when needed. Sheriff Anthony Coleman said the philoso

CLAY COUNTY, N.C. — Following a recent storm that moved through the area, Clay County Emergency Services is encouraging residents to sign up for a free messaging system that delivers advance warnings about potential natural disasters. The system, known as Nixle/Everbridge, sends direct text messages or emails to phones about threats such as tornado warnings and flash flood alerts. Residents can register in two ways. Online, visit the Everbridge/Nixle website and sign up using

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Union County Fire Department firefighters completed their annual walkthrough of the county’s main school buildings and campus last week to familiarize each shift with the facilities and emergency systems. The department said the training helps crews respond more effectively in an emergency. Firefighters were escorted through the buildings by Union County School staff and Union County School Police. Crews reviewed preferred campus entry points that would avo

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County residents who excel at home food preservation can enter their best jars in the From Garden to Jar Home Preserved Food Contest, set for Saturday, Sept. 26, during Clay County Ag Day at Hayesville Town Hall. The contest, sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension, celebrates the tradition of canning and other home preservation methods. Categories include jams, jellies, pickles, vegetables, salsa, sauces, meats and dehydrated foods. Blue, red and white

HAYESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Local musicians and music lovers are invited to gather Saturday evening for a free outdoor-style country and bluegrass jam known as “Pickin N Grinning,” hosted by Clay Lodge #301 in downtown Hayesville. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1 at 104 Sanderson St. and is open to the public. Organizers plan to serve coffee and doughnuts throughout the evening. The informal session is designed as a relaxed community gathering where players and listeners ca

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Clay County Fire & Rescue provided mutual aid to Towns County Fire & Rescue for a commercial structure fire at Young Harris Water Sports that was reported about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Towns County crews found approximately 30% of the structure involved in fire upon their arrival. Clay County responded with two apparatus to shuttle water from the nearest hydrant to the scene. Clay County personnel also assisted with interior firefighting and exterior operations

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release A traffic stop conducted on 07/27/26 at approximately 1:30 p.m. by Clay County Investigator J.J. Wooten and led to a drug investigation that culminated in the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Cold Branch Road. As a result, four arrests were made and a quantity of suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and multiple cell phones were seized. The traffic stop involved a vehicle driven by Brady Payne from Andrews. Payne wa

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On July 26, 2026, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported larceny of a motorcycle. The owner of the stolen motorcycle provided information as to a possible area to find it. The information of the location and the description were relayed to all deputies working to aid in locating the stolen property. While enroute to the suspected area that the property could be located, a deputy observed a motorcycle matchin

Photo from the Georgia Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame Facebook page. HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Alan Kendall, a Hiawassee native and baritone vocalist for the Kingsmen Quartet, has been inducted into the Georgia Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame for his contributions to the genre. Kendall joined the legendary Kingsmen Quartet in August 2018. He has since expanded his role beyond singing to serve as the group’s emcee, arranger, promoter and occasional songwriter. Before joining the

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division has been conducting a “months long” investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in the Andrews area of Cherokee County. As part of this investigation, two individuals were charged with trafficking fentanyl earlier in this month. During the follow-up investigation related to the charges on these two individuals, evidence was developed that indicated that Lanessa Shenee’ S

Press Release The Town of Murphy has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct a new sewer lift station that will move critical infrastructure out of the floodplain, improve reliability, and support future economic growth. The award was announced by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar during an event in Asheville on Monday highlighting federal investments that will strengthen Western North Carolina’s econo

Lily Ponitz Guest Writer The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square continues this Saturday, August 1 with Heather & James Duo taking the stage at 6:30 PM. Heather DeBellis, originally from Hiawassee Georgia, began performing at a young age in her hometown at the Town Square alongside her family. Now, she returns home with her duo, Heather and James, for a special performance at a venue close to her heart. Formed in Fernandina Beach, Heather DeBellis an

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division began an investigation into Harold Wayne Wolfenbarger, known by the street name "Wolf," for suspected methamphetamine trafficking. During the investigation, agents requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), which worked alongside the Sheriff's Office throughout the case. The investigation spanned from California to North C

Rhonda Wells VP of Safe Pet Project accepts a Meals for Mutts donation from Lauren Ross Chef Owner of Sweet Pea's Eatery. Press Release BLAIRSVILLE, GA — Safe Pet Project and the Lucky Dog Restaurant Group are celebrating an excellent turnout following the inaugural Blairsville Meals for Mutts dine-to-donate event on Wednesday, July 22nd. Community members turned out in full force, enjoying local dining while raising over $2500 to fund vital animal welfare programs in Union C

(Photo by Pam Roman) Foreground: Deborah Meigs, Ashley Eller. On bed: Natalie Schaible, Michael Lindsay, Karl Snow Rear: David Heyer, Ryleigh Elver, Dakotah Waldroop, Ed Legue, Ashley Elver, Carli LeJeune, Hope Ledford, Dylan Mason, Jordan Legue, Leta Reeves (Not pictured: Monya Seibert, Teresa Lemaire, Carrie Davis) By Harrison Keely Guest Writer Before audiences cheer for the heroes—or boo the boss—they'll meet an unforgettable cast of characters. The upcoming production of

Young Harris residents have two opportunities this August to help guide the long-term vision for their community. The Towns County Comprehensive Plan process includes dedicated public meetings for the City of Young Harris. Officials are inviting citizens to attend either session and share their thoughts on the future of the city. Meeting details: Wednesday, August 12 at noon Monday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Community Room at Young Harris City H

Clay County EMS Director Jeff “Silver Fox” Ledford is stepping down from the agency’s top post to lead its new Immersion Room, a 360-degree simulation training center, while David Crisp takes over as director, Clay County Emergency Services announced. Ledford has headed Clay County EMS for many years, guiding its growth and delivery of emergency care. He will remain with the agency as coordinator of the Immersion Room, a state-of-the-art facility designed to deliver realistic

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Union County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined Union County Schools Police Department officers Wednesday for joint training focused on responding to active threats at local schools. The session brought together newer deputies, experienced school resource officers and other staff to practice coordinated responses. Officials said the training is part of ongoing efforts to ensure law enforcement agencies can act quickly if a threat emerges against students or s

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Hinton Center will hold its Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Mountain Harbour Golf Club to raise support for local families. The event features a four-person scramble format. Participants will receive breakfast, lunch, a swag bag, prizes and raffle giveaways. Check-in and the driving range open at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Proceeds support the Hinton Center’s programs, including Safe & Healthy Home Repairs, the Firewo