Local

Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress Congressman Chuck Edwards, center, recognizes emergency workers for their service, from left, Daniel McNabb-Paramedic; CCSO Investigator Brandon Coker; Benton Logan, CCSO; Lt. Tyler Faggard; Sheriff Mark Buchanan; Edwards; Clay County Manager Debbie Mauney; Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Ledford; CCSO Sgt. Ethan Henderson; Clay County Dispatcher Leann Moore; Paramedic Brandon Bailey and CCSO Chief Deputy Joe Wood.

Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress Congressman Chuck Edwards, center, recognizes emergency workers for their service, from left, Daniel McNabb-Paramedic; CCSO Investigator Brandon Coker; Benton Logan, CCSO; Lt. Tyler Faggard; Sheriff Mark Buchanan; Edwards; Clay County Manager Debbie Mauney; Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Ledford; CCSO Sgt. Ethan Henderson; Clay County Dispatcher Leann Moore; Paramedic Brandon Bailey and CCSO Chief Deputy Joe Wood.

Emergency workers lauded for service

News Staff
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Staff Report   On Monday, Congressman Chuck Edwards formally presented the Congressional Record to Clay County’s First Responders in recognition of their exemplary service and support to neighboring counties in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Two vying for mayor position

News Staff
Thursday, August 7, 2025
By Becky Long Publisher    Two unaffiliated candidates have registered to run for Mayor of Hayesville. Current town council member Benita England will face a newcomer to local politics in the mayor’s race, Michael  Castellano. The make-up of the board itself appears unlikely to change much.

This week’s focus on nonprofits: Community for Students

News Staff
Thursday, August 7, 2025
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer   Clay County Community for Students, Inc. began in 1997 as Clay County Communities in Schools. However, the non-profit’s name was changed to Clay County Community for Students, Inc. in 2017 and it has continued to help students and families.
Kimberly Jo Allison and James Brandon Taylor

Kimberly Jo Allison and James Brandon Taylor

Investigators target large-scale distribution of methamphetamine

News Staff
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Staff Reports   Over the past five months investigators from the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff's Office and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office have been targeting the large-scale distribution of methamphetamine by two residents of Hayesville.
The Moss Memorial Library is home to one of the first 4 x 4 foot Barn Quilts displayed in downtown Hayesville. Colors are still vibrant after years on outside display and used as background for many photos.

The Moss Memorial Library is home to one of the first 4 x 4 foot Barn Quilts displayed in downtown Hayesville. Colors are still vibrant after years on outside display and used as background for many photos.

Barn Quilts reflect community history and art

News Staff
Thursday, August 7, 2025
By Sandy Zimmerman Guest Writer   Barn Quilts have added color all around downtown Hayesville, Clay County and regional areas for about 10 years.  They can be seen locally on businesses and homes but the total produced by local volunteers in the Historic Hayesville Inc.

A look at the transfer station’s new disposal fee

News Staff
Thursday, July 31, 2025
By Becky Long Publisher The topic of the newly passed ordinance which will add a $100 fee for transfer station services to ad valorem property taxes reached a fever pitch online this week. Some agree, some do not. And some do not understand it.
Marcia Barnes • Clay County Progress Front from left, Hayesville High School Science Teacher Amanda Coker received the Honored Educator Scholarship from the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. The presentation was made by Dr. Brock Womble, NCCAT Executive Director during Clay County Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, July 28. Back, Board Members Danny Jones. Robert Caldwell, Chairman Jason Shook, Superintendent Melissa Godfrey and Board Member Josh Ashe.

Marcia Barnes • Clay County Progress Front from left, Hayesville High School Science Teacher Amanda Coker received the Honored Educator Scholarship from the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. The presentation was made by Dr. Brock Womble, NCCAT Executive Director during Clay County Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, July 28. Back, Board Members Danny Jones. Robert Caldwell, Chairman Jason Shook, Superintendent Melissa Godfrey and Board Member Josh Ashe.

Schools prepare for first day

News Staff
Thursday, July 31, 2025
By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer   Clay County Board of Education Chairman Jason Shook announced the date for the next regular board meeting and Superintendent Melissa Godfrey followed up in announcing that Monday, Aug. 25 will also be the first day of school in Hayesville.
Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress Some of the friends and neighbors from Bent Grass get together at the home of Karen and Talon Ballard to reminisce about her and the closeness of the neighborhood. In front, Talon holds a cherished picture of himself and his grandmother, Karen, who died in May. From left, friend, Nancy Rowland, who does not live in Bent Grass, but would like to. Next door neighbor, Debbie Wilson, who said her hair is white because of Karen. Neighbor Lilly Sprinkles and Rebecca Sprinkles, w

Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress Some of the friends and neighbors from Bent Grass get together at the home of Karen and Talon Ballard to reminisce about her and the closeness of the neighborhood. In front, Talon holds a cherished picture of himself and his grandmother, Karen, who died in May. From left, friend, Nancy Rowland, who does not live in Bent Grass, but would like to. Next door neighbor, Debbie Wilson, who said her hair is white because of Karen. Neighbor Lilly Sprinkles and Rebecca Sprinkles, w

The strength of a community

News Staff
Thursday, July 31, 2025
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer    Stories of hope are not easy to find, but perhaps this story of local folks who came together despite very different backgrounds give hope.

Board of Commissioners agenda for Aug. 7

News Staff
Thursday, July 31, 2025
The Clay County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 6:30 pm. Thursday, Aug. 7 in the multi-purpose room located at 261 Courthouse Drive. The tentative agenda is as follows: • Prayer. • Pledge of Allegiance. • Public comment. • Community for Students Presentation: Hannah Miller.