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

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

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

Community members gathered in Hiawassee for a remembrance ceremony honoring children lost during the Holocaust, as part of the global The Daffodil Project. The event, held at the Children’s Daffodil Gardens, was hosted by the Towns-Union Master Gardener Association and also took place in nearby Blairsville. Organizers described the turnout as strong, with community members coming together to reflect and remember. Mark Noyd, project manager, and Grace Howard were recognized fo

Press Release Free Bird Southern Spring Water will make its official NASCAR Cup Series debut as the primary sponsor of Chase Briscoe's No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing at Darlington Raceway on March 22, marking a major milestone for the fast-rising Southern beverage brand. The Darlington race marks the first time Free Bird will appear as the primary partner on Briscoe's car, launching a three-race primary sponsorship schedule during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series seas

Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is warning members about a phone scam reported by multiple customers involving fraudulent claims of unpaid balances. According to the utility, several members reported receiving calls from individuals claiming they owed money on their accounts. The callers allegedly instructed victims to visit a Dollar General store and purchase a specific form of payment. BRMEMC officials emphasized that the company does not conduct business in that manner and will ne

Motorists traveling through Hiawassee should expect traffic changes Saturday morning as portions of U.S. Route 76 and Georgia State Route 288 will have lane closures for the Hiawassee Half Marathon and 5K. According to event organizers, one lane of SR 288 and US 76 will be closed during the race. Traffic cone placement will begin at 6 a.m., with official lane closures starting at 7 a.m. Roads will reopen on a rolling basis as runners clear the course, with all lanes expected