Local

The John C Campbell Folk School Morris Dancers showed their unique skills down Sanderson Street during the Mardi Gras Parade in 2025.

The John C Campbell Folk School Morris Dancers showed their unique skills down Sanderson Street during the Mardi Gras Parade in 2025.

Mardi Gras Parade on tap

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Organizers are gearing up for one of Clay County newest traditions, the Moonshine Mardi Gras Parade which will be rolling through the streets of downtown Hayesville at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.

Two drop out of election

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Becky Long Publisher   Two Republican candidates have withdrawn from the county commission race, but not in time to remove their names from the May 3 primary election ballot. George Denham and Bonnye Williams have declined to move forward as candidates. The filing period was open Dec. 1-19.
Lorraine Bennett • Clay County Progress From left, Chassidy Oakes, Todd Oakes, addiction specialist Dr. Travis Williams; Stacie Ledford of Rock Bottom Recovery; Clay County Manager Debbie Mauney; Gov. Josh Stein; Health Director Clarissa Rogers; Todd Goins of the Department of Social Services; Sheriff Mark Buchanan and EMS Director Jeff Ledford at the 911 Dispatch Center on Courthouse Drive. Stein learned how the county is using its $1 million in opioid settlement funds.

Lorraine Bennett • Clay County Progress From left, Chassidy Oakes, Todd Oakes, addiction specialist Dr. Travis Williams; Stacie Ledford of Rock Bottom Recovery; Clay County Manager Debbie Mauney; Gov. Josh Stein; Health Director Clarissa Rogers; Todd Goins of the Department of Social Services; Sheriff Mark Buchanan and EMS Director Jeff Ledford at the 911 Dispatch Center on Courthouse Drive. Stein learned how the county is using its $1 million in opioid settlement funds.

Gov. Josh Stein visits Hayesville

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Lorraine Bennett Staff Writer   Gov. Josh Stein made a whirlwind trip through western North Carolina Tuesday with a stop in Hayesville to learn how Clay County is putting opioid settlement funds to use.
Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress US 64 Business is undergoing contruction including sidewalks and a roundabout at the intersection near Truett Baptist Church. Travelers can expect some delays over course of the project.

Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress US 64 Business is undergoing contruction including sidewalks and a roundabout at the intersection near Truett Baptist Church. Travelers can expect some delays over course of the project.

Local roadwork continues on Highway Business 64

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer   Drivers into downtown Hayesville may have some delays for a while due to construction along US Business 64. The work being done will improve the road through the area, according to Adam Dockery with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Becky Long • Clay County Progress County commissioners on Jan. 8 enacted an ordinance to prohibit commercial data centers from operating in Clay County which was supported by the vast majority of the audience. From left, Scotty Penland, Clay Logan, Chairman Rob Peck, Vice-Chair, Randy Nichols and Dwight Penland.

Becky Long • Clay County Progress County commissioners on Jan. 8 enacted an ordinance to prohibit commercial data centers from operating in Clay County which was supported by the vast majority of the audience. From left, Scotty Penland, Clay Logan, Chairman Rob Peck, Vice-Chair, Randy Nichols and Dwight Penland.

Commission agrees data centers not wanted here

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
By Becky Long Publisher   Clay County commissioners received applause on several occasions from a crowded room during the Jan. 8 board meeting. One reason was support for a resolution that prohibits commercial data centers from operating in the county.