Local

Clay County Native is Guardian in Space Force

News Staff
Thursday, February 23, 2023
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer   Western North Carolina residents often enjoy the skies on a clear night. Yet for Clay County native Alex Cox, space is part of everyday life. Cox is a Guardian in the United States’ newest military branch, the United States Space Force.

Missing persons remains identified

News Staff
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Staff Reports   Skeletal remains discovered at a campsite in Clay County last year have been identified. On Feb. 16, the North Carolina State Crime Lab identified the victim as Sean Maclaughlin Wiley, 21, of  Ilion, New York who is believed to have been missing since April 2022.
Veteran's Memorial Park Committee members are ,from left, Dwight McClure, Teresa McClure, Sam Davis, Jr., Rondall Brown, Robert Seibert, Bob Bond, Bob Haas, Mitchell Shields and Tommy Hooper.

Veteran's Memorial Park Committee members are ,from left, Dwight McClure, Teresa McClure, Sam Davis, Jr., Rondall Brown, Robert Seibert, Bob Bond, Bob Haas, Mitchell Shields and Tommy Hooper.

Groups partner to create a new Veterans Memorial Park

News Staff
Thursday, February 23, 2023
By Dr. Rob Peck Guest Writer   “Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” — Douglas MacArthur From their inception during the Revolutionary War, the U.S.
Post 532 Honor Guard member Mitchell Shields and Honor Guard Commander Dwight McClure replace the POW-MIA flag at the Clay County Care Center.

Post 532 Honor Guard member Mitchell Shields and Honor Guard Commander Dwight McClure replace the POW-MIA flag at the Clay County Care Center.

POW-MIA flag replaced at center

News Staff
Thursday, February 16, 2023
By Teresa McClure Guest Writer   In support of veterans and the community, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 532 recently replaced the POW-MIA flag at the Clay County Care Center.
Photo submitted A Sunday fi re in the storage area of the Clay County ABC Store resulted in heavy smoke damage to the interior. A 17-year-old male has been charged in connection to the fire.

Photo submitted A Sunday fi re in the storage area of the Clay County ABC Store resulted in heavy smoke damage to the interior. A 17-year-old male has been charged in connection to the fire.

Arrest made in ABC store fire

News Staff
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Staff Reports   The investigation into a fire at the Clay County ABC Store on Sunday resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old male, according to a release from Sheriff Mark Buchanan. The fire was reported at 2:18 p.m.

Ridges vs. Water District suit dismissed Monday

News Staff
Thursday, February 16, 2023
By Lorraine Bennett Staff Writer   Finding “there is no genuine issue of material fact” in the $3 million Ridges versus Clay County Water and Sewer District suit, Superior Court Judge William H. Coward has dismissed the matter.

Council hears details on downtown social district

News Staff
Thursday, February 16, 2023
By Lorraine Bennett Staff Writer   Were the Town of Hayesville to permit downtown to become a “social district,” residents and guests could take an alcoholic beverage — a beer or glass of wine — and stroll around the square, visit local shops or just sit with a drink near the historic courthouse.
Becky Long • Clay County Progress

Becky Long • Clay County Progress

Biggest little Valentine

News Staff
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Leighton Costanzo, 7 years old, gives a warm Valentine hug to Hayesville Primary School maintenance associate Lance Kelly en route to delivering treats to teachers and other staff at the school on Tuesday. Leighton is known as  “Mr. Hayesville Primary School,” where he is in kindergarten.
Four Clay County residents attend CADCA-Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America. From left, People of Clay CARE coordinator Atlanta Matheson, students Maya Polk and Lyndsey Evans and Clay Schools SRO Chris Harper. They visited local legislative offices to share their concerns, attended educational forums and had fun activities.

Four Clay County residents attend CADCA-Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America. From left, People of Clay CARE coordinator Atlanta Matheson, students Maya Polk and Lyndsey Evans and Clay Schools SRO Chris Harper. They visited local legislative offices to share their concerns, attended educational forums and had fun activities.

Local prevention efforts taken to DC

News Staff
Thursday, February 16, 2023
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer   “It is our responsibility as adults to help make sure the youth of Clay County receive the tools and educate them.” People of Clay CARE coordinator Atlanta Matheson stated after attending Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

Methamphetamine discovered during hit and run investigation

News Staff
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Staff Reports   On Feb. 2, a white Ford F350 truck was reported to have been involved in a hit and run of another vehicle on NC Hwy 69 in Hayesville. A suspect was later arrested and charged in the incident, according to a press release from Sheriff Mark Buchanan.