Local

The Joe Average Band

The Joe Average Band

Joe Average Band is more than average

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Joe Average Band members are from left, Brian Hedden, guitar; Seth Hedden, vocals; Rick Pennington, keyboard and sax; Lee Moss, vocals; Tim Burch, bass; Emily Gerdes, vocals and Brady Gerdes, vocals. Chris Logan, guitar was not in the picture.
Angel Owens coached the HHS Varsity Softball team in 2014.

Angel Owens coached the HHS Varsity Softball team in 2014.

Longtime school employee leaves

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer Clay County Schools is about to lose an employee of 29 years, but she is not going far. By the end of June, Angel Owens will be Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools.
Overlay of map showing the original Gibby farm and Lake Chatuge as it is today.

Overlay of map showing the original Gibby farm and Lake Chatuge as it is today.

Origins of an historic farm, evolution to present day

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer The origins of the historic Gibby Farm in Clay County date back to the early 1900s and its significant evolution persisted into the 21st Century and into the working farm it is today.
Boots on the Ground display recognizes each person from Clay County who lost their lives during military service.

Boots on the Ground display recognizes each person from Clay County who lost their lives during military service.

Remembering our Fallen Heroes

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
By Sally Brock Guest Writer Clay Countians and visitors gathered on Memorial Day to honor military personnel who have lost their lives during their service to our country.
Jackets Varsity Wrestling athletes received award certificates during Clay County School Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 18, from left, Hayden Hunt, All-WNC; Evan Burkes, All-WNC and All-State; Parker Hughes, Honorable Mention and Kota Patterson, All-Conference. Back, Board members Danny Jones, Robert Caldwell, Chairman Jason Shook, Superintendent Melissa Godfrey, Board members Josh Ash and Kelly Crawford.

Jackets Varsity Wrestling athletes received award certificates during Clay County School Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 18, from left, Hayden Hunt, All-WNC; Evan Burkes, All-WNC and All-State; Parker Hughes, Honorable Mention and Kota Patterson, All-Conference. Back, Board members Danny Jones, Robert Caldwell, Chairman Jason Shook, Superintendent Melissa Godfrey, Board members Josh Ash and Kelly Crawford.

Senior Walk highlights Board of Education meeting

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer Reading of the Clay County Schools mission statement by board member Kelly Crawford was followed by announcements, approval of the agenda and a request to address the board during the public comment period, but the Senior Walk highlighted the Board of Education...

Volunteers needed for childrens' meal delivery

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer Last summer, Matt's Ministry and Clay County Community for Students collaborated to provide meals for about 20 children daily throughout the summer. A grant was received to pay for hot meals and volunteers delivered them to the children's homes.

Weekly Criminal Charge Report

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The following warrants were issued through the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for May 17-24. All individuals are considered innocent unless proven otherwise in court. • Stephen Robert Maney, 51, of Hayesville, communicating threats and injury to real property.
The Joe Average Band

The Joe Average Band

The Joe Average Band is back on the square

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The 2026 Summer Friday Concert Series on the historic Hayesville Square continues this Friday, May 29 when Clay County’s own The Joe Average Band returns to the gazebo stage. This locally grown, eight-member band was formed in the early 2000s and loves performing at weddings and community events.

Jones accepted to school of the arts

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Alba Jones was accepted to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. This is an incredible accomplishment and a true reflection of her dedication, creativity, and extraordinary artistic talent.