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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.

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.

Wisconsin man faces charges in abduction case

News Staff
Thursday, August 28, 2025
By Becky Long Publisher   A Clay County teen was safely located after an investigation revealed the victim had been transported out of state by a man met through a social media platform. As a result, the suspect Adam Vladimir Gurney, 29, is facing a child trafficking charge in Wisconsin.
Tennessee Valley Authority crews will be conducting geotechnical inspections of the ground beneath the bridge across Chatuge Dam Road.

Tennessee Valley Authority crews will be conducting geotechnical inspections of the ground beneath the bridge across Chatuge Dam Road.

Inspection work will impact traffic

News Staff
Thursday, August 28, 2025
By Tom Satkowiak Guest Writer   During the week of Sept. 2 Tennessee Valley Authority crews will be conducting geotechnical inspections of the ground beneath the bridge across Chatuge Dam Road near the dam reservoir.

Board of Commissioners agenda for Sept. 4

News Staff
Thursday, August 28, 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.

Lorraine Bennett speaks at Moss Library

News Staff
Thursday, August 28, 2025
By Joan Howard Guest Writer   Novelist Lorraine Martin Bennett will speak at Coffee With Poets and Writers at the Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The event is sponsored by NCWN-West.
Southern Vantage, Andrew Smith, Devin Ruff and Brian Nicholson, will be performing from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29on the Hayesville Square.

Southern Vantage, Andrew Smith, Devin Ruff and Brian Nicholson, will be performing from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29on the Hayesville Square.

Southern Vantage to play on the Square Friday

News Staff
Thursday, August 28, 2025
By Victoria Ewing Ware Guest Writer   The 2025 Summer Friday Concert Series continues from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 on the historic Hayesville square with Southern Vantage returning to the gazebo stage.  Southern Vantage is a three-piece band from Blairsville, Ga.
Guests attending performances this month can preview selected art auction items now on display in the Peacock lobby.

Guests attending performances this month can preview selected art auction items now on display in the Peacock lobby.

Art auction helps fund Peacock’s new roof

News Staff
Thursday, August 28, 2025
By Sandy Benson Guest Writer   In the heart of downtown Hayesville, the Peacock Performing Arts Center has been a cornerstone of culture and community for years. Now, the beloved venue is turning to its supporters to help protect its future. From 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug.
Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress Clay County School Resource Officers, from left, Shane Mull smiles with his cohort, Kyle Lickteig while handing out information for students and families.

Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress Clay County School Resource Officers, from left, Shane Mull smiles with his cohort, Kyle Lickteig while handing out information for students and families.

Clay students returning to school next week

News Staff
Thursday, August 21, 2025
By Lorrie Ross  Staff Writer   Summer break is over for Clay County students who will return to their classrooms on Monday, Aug. 25. Clay County Schools Superintendent Melissa Godfrey shared her excitement for the new year.