Local

Sellers nominated to fill Superior Court Judge seat

By Barbara Deas Guest Writer   District Court Judge Tessa Shelton Sellers has been nominated and certified to appear on the November ballot as the Republican candidate for the District 43A Superior Court Judge seat vacated by the recent retirement of Judge Bill Coward.

Investigation in man’s death in early stages

By Becky Long Publisher   The woman accused in the shooting death of Clay County resident Todd Phillip Taylor is in custody of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. She is being held without bond.

HPS: ‘Champions for Change’

By Deby Jo Ferguson Staff Writer   Mum was the word at Hayesville Primary School until Monday, Feb. 23 when the school was recognized as an “exemplary leader of systems that used data to align literacy strategies that impact positive student outcomes.” In a letter, N.C.

Voting underway, primary is Tuesday

By Becky Long Publisher   If you haven’t voted early in Clay County, there’s still a few days remaining before Tuesday’s election day. Early voting is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and concludes Saturday, March 2. On the single Saturday of voting, hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bid opening for new school set March 1

By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer   The Board of Education meeting on Monday, Feb. 26 moved right along.

Early voters trickling in the first week

By Becky Long Publisher   The first week of early voting in Clay County has not brought out a flood of voters, but still for the first week, it’s on pace with previous years, according to Elections Board Director Rebecca Hall.

Woman charged in Mission Dam death

Staff Report   A local man was found dead at his Mission Dam home on Feb. 18 and his fiancée is now accused of murder.

Jackets celebrate SMC win

Hayesville coach Mike Cottrell and Riley Rogers, No. 24, congratulate each other after the Yellow Jackets thrilling overtime win over Robbinsville in the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. Members of the conquering heroes joining the celebration include Luke Lee, Slade Crouch, No.

Two county drug busts nets Fentanyl, multiple arrests

Staff Reports   In a joint effort between Clay and Towns County law enforcement five people were arrested and a substantial amount of Fentanyl was confiscated on Feb. 7. Clay County Investigator Nick Queen and Sgt.

At a glance: Mary Jo Wimpey built a life on faith, love and strength

By Deby Jo Ferguson Staff Writer   Mary Jo Wimpey, 84, was born in Macon County, N.C. the daughter of Clifford and Birdie Dills. She is the fifth of eight children. With older brothers, Mary Jo considered herself a real tomboy when growing up.