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

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Union County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a rental scam that is circulating again, targeting those seeking affordable housing in a tight market. Scammers identify vacant properties by searching legitimate listings for sale or rent, then use publicly available information and photos to pose as property managers or landlords, authorities said. The suspects advertise the properties on social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok and Insta

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Community Blood Drive on Thursday, July 2, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the church located at 1114 Main Street in Young Harris. Organizers are encouraging area residents to take just one hour out of their day to donate blood, described as “the gift of life” that saves countless lives each year. The drive will run for five hours, giving donors plenty of convenient wind

Yellow squash multiplies overnight in the Southern Appalachian gardens of North Georgia and Western North Carolina. If your patch is overflowing, here’s how to harvest, use, preserve, and share the bounty. Harvest Tips Pick squash young (4–8 inches) for best flavor and texture. Harvest every day or two during peak summer to keep vines productive. Cut with a knife, leaving a short stem. Fresh Kitchen Ideas Sauté slices with onions, garlic, and fresh garden herbs. Grill or roas

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Downtown Blairsville’s Merchants Walk will host a free block party Saturday evening featuring live music, late-night shopping, promotions, food, drinks and giveaways. The Merchants Walk Block Party is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27, in downtown Blairsville. Organized by participating businesses, the event invites residents and visitors to enjoy an evening of small-town summer vibes. Live music will highlight the night, with Steve Vaclavik perfor

Blairsville, GA – The Union County Sheriff's Office is inviting the community to come together this Thursday, June 25th, for a special Appreciation Dinner celebrating the dedicated service of our nation's military members, first responders, and public safety professionals. The event, set for 6:00 PM at the Union County Civic Center (165 Wellborn St.), will honor active-duty military, veterans, active and retired law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, firefighters, and 911 d

ANDREWS, NC — Residents across North Carolina will have the opportunity to receive free over-the-counter medications at a special community event hosted by NC MedAssist on Friday, July 17, 2026. The OTC Medicine Giveaway & Community Event is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Community Center located at 54 Park St., Andrews, NC 28901. The event is open to all North Carolina residents, with walk-ins welcome and no pre-registration or identification required. Participants

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division began an investigation into Forest Shane Lynn of Murphy, North Carolina. On June 22, 2026, agents learned that Lynn was traveling to Georgia to obtain a substantial quantity of illegal drugs for distribution in Cherokee County. Agents contacted the Union County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, which coordinated efforts with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and the

Clay County Sheriff's Office Press Release On 06/17/26 at 6:33 PM Clay County 911 Dispatch received a call reporting a breaking and entering in progress at 17 Snoozy Park Drive in Brasstown. Clay County Sgt Will Suggs and Officer Nate Rogers began an emergency response to this location. While enroute, the Officers downgraded their response after learning the call was a dispute over a prior occupant of a residence removing belongings that had been left there. Upon their arriva

Blairsville, GA – Union County officials are thanking local election participants and reminding the public to clear remaining campaign signage from county road right-of-ways. In a statement from the Union County Manager’s office, appreciation was extended to all individuals who contributed to the recent election campaigns. “Appreciation is extended to all individuals who contributed to the election campaigns,” the statement reads. With county mowing crews now conducting daily

Brasstown, NC — Local parents interested in exploring alternative education options are invited to a meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing a micro school in Brasstown. The parents meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th at 10:30 a.m. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by contacting Jennifer Kusch at (828) 644-3084, via email at kuschfarm@gmail.com, or by sending a message on Facebook. The gathering will review recent surveys and provide an opport

Union County Sheriff's Office Press Release A coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies Cherokee County, North Carolina, Gilmer County, Georgia, Fannin County, Georgia, and Union County, Georgia has once again led to the successful interception of dangerous narcotics before they could reach local communities. Union County Safe Street Task Force Officers alongside Cherokee County Narcotics Agents and Gilmer County deputies, recently worked together in a joint operat

Lily Ponitz Guest Writer The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square continues this Saturday with Kiah and the Tygar taking the stage at 6:30 PM. Kiah and the Tygar are a passionate, multitalented, and award-winning sister and brother duo. Committed to using music to create a connection between themselves and listeners, they bring enjoyment to all. Kiah and the Tygar rule the stage with country and classic rock. Kiah shows her strong vocal range and musica

Hayesville, NC — Clay County Fire & Rescue has expressed deep appreciation to the Clay County Board of Commissioners for their unanimous vote to keep the current fire tax millage rate in place while adopting a revenue-neutral property tax rate for the county budget. In a statement released by the department, officials highlighted the decision as a strong show of support for public safety amid the county’s ongoing growth. “This decision demonstrates the Board’s continued commi

HIAWASSEE, GA — Local seniors, caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals, and community supporters are invited to a free, one-stop resource event designed to empower and connect those navigating aging, caregiving, and wellness needs. The 2026 Senior Support Summit & Resource Fair, hosted by Ignite Living at Hiawassee Park, will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Ignite Living at Hiawassee Park, located at 89 Hiawassee Park Drive, Hia

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) invites the community to the Historic Hayesville Square for an evening of classic rock with a fresh twist as part of its popular 2026 Summer Concert Series. “Don’t Tell Danny!” — a female-fronted band based in Atlanta — will take the stage Friday, June 26, starting at 7:00 p.m. The high-energy group blends classic rock favorites with elements of pop and dance music, drawing from hits across the

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release MURPHY, N.C. – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Robert Gee Stalcup, 44, of Murphy, for failing to notify the Sheriff’s Office of a change in address as required by North Carolina law. Stalcup, was released on bond on June 5, 2026. He was required to report his new address to the Sheriff’s Office within three business days but failed to do so. Today, deputies took him into custody without incident at an address he had

Photo from the Clay County Schools Facebook page. Clay County, NC — Local fans, saddle up and get ready to cheer on one of our own! Rising freshman Bronc Woody is representing Clay County Schools on the national stage this week at the 2026 National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Bronc is competing in the bull riding championship at the prestigious Lazy E Arena, where more than 1,000 of the top junior high rodeo athletes from across the United States an