Local

Cameron Gray

High school students are excited to be Europe bound this summer

News Staff

Thursday, January 26, 2023

By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer Several local students will call themselves European travelers when they return to school for fall. From June 12 through June 20, a total of 38 students and adults from the Clay County area, plan to take an art-centered trip abroad this summer.

Plea entered in 2018 hit and run case

News Staff

Thursday, January 19, 2023

By Becky Long Publisher The trial involving the 2018 hit and run death of Randall “Shorty,” Penland is expected to wind down on Thursday. As a result of a plea agreement felony charges against the defendant were reduced to misdemeanors.

Local woman suffers brain injury

News Staff

Thursday, January 19, 2023

By Abigail Blythe Batton Staff Correspondent It’s an unusual condition, one that is rarely diagnosed until catastrophe. That’s what happened one week before Makenna Cook turned 24 years old. As was her family’s custom, they attended Meadow Grove Baptist Church for a Sunday service on Jan. 8.

Beal Center’s new director finds job busy from get-go

News Staff

Thursday, January 19, 2023

By Lorraine Bennett Staff Writer When the newly selected executive director of the venerated Historical Clay County Courthouse/Beal Center came on the job officially in January she thought she might have a little time to get her feet under her. She had been told January might be a slow month.

Becky Long • Clay County Progress County Manager Debbie Mauney explains a new rate structure for Clay County Emergency Services to Dwight Penland and other commissioners. The 9 percent increase in the fee schedule was approved Jan. 5

County’s population projected to grow 1 percent over 30 years

News Staff

Thursday, January 19, 2023

By Becky Long Publisher Clay County is projected to grow at a rate of 1 percent over the next 30 years and its population could reach 14,328 by April 2050, an increase of 3,276 over what the 2020 Census showed.

New year brings new laws into effect

News Staff

Thursday, January 12, 2023

By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer A dozen new laws took effect in North Carolina on Jan. 1, 2023. Many will not impact the average North Carolina citizen. The new laws range from criminal justice reforms to a law placing restrictions on the emergency powers of governor and an income tax reduction.

Mayor Joe Slaton and council members Harry Baughn, Austin Hedden and Lauren Tiger and Town Clerk/Finance Officer Suzanne Hedden prepare for Monday’s meeting.

Council talks of developing a public park near Quanassee Path

News Staff

Thursday, January 12, 2023

By Lorraine Bennett Staff Writer The Hayesville Town Council turned an eye toward the future at Monday evening’s meeting as members discussed development of a public park on an acre of land the town recently purchased near the downtown area.

Trial underway in 2018 fatal hit and run

News Staff

Thursday, January 12, 2023

By Becky Long Publisher The case involving circumstances surrounding the 2018 hit and run death of Randall “Shorty” Penland got underway in Bryson City on Monday. Legal meetings and motions appeared to make up the first few days of court.

Four-year old case may finally be heard

News Staff

Thursday, January 5, 2023

By Becky Long Publisher More than four years after an alleged hit and run caused the death of Randall “Shorty” David Penland the case has yet to be heard in court. His family is hoping this time is different. Penland’s case is now scheduled for Monday, Jan.

German exchange student Felicia Falk got to visit New York City with her Clay County host family, Dr. Jackie Gottlieb and Lauren Gottlieb.

From Germany to Hayesville

News Staff

Thursday, January 5, 2023

By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer Last week, the Clay County Progress featured two of the three Hayesville High School exchange students honored during the Clay County Board of Education’s December meeting.