Local

County buying property for agricultural center

News Staff

Thursday, September 11, 2025

By Becky Long Publisher Clay County is moving forward with plans to create an agricultural center complex which will house an arena and farmers market among other associated facilities. Commissioners discussed the contract in closed session after their Sept. 4 meeting.

Chatuge Dam Safety Project Scoping report released by TVA

News Staff

Thursday, September 11, 2025

By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer On Friday, Sept. 5, Tennessee Valley Authority posted a new map on the TVA website showing what water levels could look like at the Chatuge reservoir during two potential winter draw-downs that would allow for work to fix the spillway at the dam.

Lorraine Bennett • Clay County Progress From left, Chief Deputy Todd Wingate and Virtual Storefront founder Tobin Brogunier address the Disaster Preparedness Workshop.

Prepare for disasters before they strike

News Staff

Thursday, September 11, 2025

By Lorraine Bennett Staff Writer If disaster strikes in Clay County, be it flood, fire, hurricane or tornado, the time to prepare is before it happens. That was the overriding theme of the Thursday, Sept. 4 Disaster Preparedness Workshop at Hinton Rural Life Center.

Sonja Silvers enjoyed a surprise 70th birthday party at the Beal Center on Sunday, Sept. 6. The event was hosted by her family who chose a 70’s theme for the newly minted 70 year-old. In addition, Silvers’ friends who also turned 70 this year gathered for a photo in their themed attire in front of a balloon peace sign. They are, from left, Dinah Davis, Jeanie Madison, Ramona Shook, Sonja Silvers, Nancy Cody, Donnie Martin, Joyce Patterson, Marlene Revis and Debbie Davis. Silvers and family tapped into the“S

Silvers’ birthday celebration a trip back in time

News Staff

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Sonja Silvers enjoyed a surprise 70th birthday party at the Beal Center on Sunday, Sept. 6. The event was hosted by her family who chose a 70’s theme for the newly minted 70 year-old.

Town needs replacement on Board of Adjustments

News Staff

Thursday, September 11, 2025

By Lorraine Bennett Staff Writer Hayesville Board of Adjustments chair Sara Smith has announced her departure from that board and the town of Hayesville is seeking a replacement, Hayesville Mayor Joe Slaton said Monday. Slaton announced Smith's leaving at Monday evening's Town Council meeting.

Officers join forces in bust

News Staff

Thursday, September 4, 2025

By Randy Foster Cherokee Scout Law enforcement officers from North Carolina and Georgia made three arrests of Cherokee County residents following an investigation into drug trafficking with local ties.

Georgia fugitive resists arrest, held without bond

News Staff

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Staff Report Officers from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office used a Taser on a fugitive from Hiawassee after he physically resisted arrest at the scene, according to a news release. On Aug. 26, Christopher Cord Cothren, 34, was an occupant in a Buick SUV that was stopped by Clay County Lt.

Whitley Grizzle and Lynette Holloway

More new faces greet students in Clay County Schools

News Staff

Thursday, September 4, 2025

By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer As reported in last week’s Clay County Progress, seven new teachers joined Clay County Schools for the 2025-2026 school year. This week, meet the four you did not get to meet last week: Whitley Grizzle, Lynette Holloway, Katarzyna Kaczmarek, and Carissa Owenby.

Commission Board Agenda

News Staff

Thursday, September 4, 2025

The Clay County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 6:30 pm. Thursday, Sept. 4 in the multi-purpose room located at 261 Courthouse Drive. The tentative agenda is as follows: • Prayer. • Pledge of Allegiance. • Public comment. • U.S. Forest Service, Brian Browning.

Marcia Barnes • Clay County Progress High School Principal Stacey Overlin, right, presented award certifi cates to, from left, Dalton Hunt, Cailey Bowers and Wyatt James for achievement in their summer experiences.

1,328 students fill classrooms on first day of school

News Staff

Thursday, August 28, 2025

By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer Mid-way through the regular school board meeting on Monday evening Superintendent Melissa Godfrey said that attendance on the first day of school was 1,328 students and the number included Pre-K through 12th grade.