Local

Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress

Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress

Easter a time of reflection

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
An outdoor Easter passion play titled, “Death to Life,” was at Mountain Grace Baptist Church on McDonald Road in Clay County. Pastor Kyle Cody explained that the drama depicts the life of Christ.
Becky Long • Clay County Progress William “Bill” Carter receives the oath of office from County Commission Board Chairman Rob Peck as commissioners, from left, Scotty Penland, Clay Logan and Randy Nichols observe. April 2 was Carter’s first meeting in his official capacity of commissioner.

Becky Long • Clay County Progress William “Bill” Carter receives the oath of office from County Commission Board Chairman Rob Peck as commissioners, from left, Scotty Penland, Clay Logan and Randy Nichols observe. April 2 was Carter’s first meeting in his official capacity of commissioner.

Commissioner Carter takes oath of office

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
By Becky Long Publisher Newly appointed commissioner William “Bill” Carter took the oath of prior to taking his seat at the table with the rest of the board during the county commissioner’s meeting, Thursday, April 2. Commission Chairman Dr.

Multi charges filed in drug bust

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Staff Reports A coordinated, months-long investigation conducted by the Clay County Investigative Unit, Cherokee County Narcotics Unit and the State Bureau of Investigation has resulted in a significant drug seizure and arrests, according to Sheriff Mark Buchanan.

Ga. man charged with possession of cocaine

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Staff Reports At 5:36 p.m. Thursday, April 2 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, of Young Harris, Ga.

Weekly Criminal Charge Report

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
The following warrants were issued through the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for March 30-April 4. All individuals are considered innocent unless proven otherwise in court. • Tammy Michelle Borchardt, 55, of Warne, N.C., conspiracy to sell/deliver a schedule II controlled substance.
Angel Owens • Photo Clay County Schools Board of Education recognized Honor Band students during a regular meeting March 23, from left, Abigail McClure, Kassandra Gonzalez Machorro, Teacher Alexis Dockery, Charles McClure, John Anthony Worley and Aekley Postell; back, board member, Robert Caldwell; school board chairman, Jason Shook; Superintendent Melissa Godfrey, board members Josh Ashe and Kelly Crawford.

Angel Owens • Photo Clay County Schools Board of Education recognized Honor Band students during a regular meeting March 23, from left, Abigail McClure, Kassandra Gonzalez Machorro, Teacher Alexis Dockery, Charles McClure, John Anthony Worley and Aekley Postell; back, board member, Robert Caldwell; school board chairman, Jason Shook; Superintendent Melissa Godfrey, board members Josh Ashe and Kelly Crawford.

Board of Education moves from report on Wellness Day to Local Budget Request

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2026
By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer The Board of Education gave recognition to the Honors Band during the Monday meeting on March 23. Band Director Alexis Dockery said that she was proud of the high school and middle school students.
Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress Volunteer Kim Odom, on left, enjoys sorting childrens' clothes with Pam Storring, another volunteer. The Allens welcome anyone who wants to volunteer. Odom said they are such great people to volunteer with, she drives from south of Blairsville to help.

Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress Volunteer Kim Odom, on left, enjoys sorting childrens' clothes with Pam Storring, another volunteer. The Allens welcome anyone who wants to volunteer. Odom said they are such great people to volunteer with, she drives from south of Blairsville to help.

Free clothing for the community

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2026
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer Clothing happens to be a necessity of life. Yet for someone struggling to choose between groceries, rent or the power bill, new clothing can be a luxury. For this reason, Community Clothing Ministry is an answer to prayer for many.