Local

Brian William Dixon and Steve Cassidy Stewart

Brian William Dixon and Steve Cassidy Stewart

Duo accused of burglarizing homes of deceased

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Staff Report   A pair of local men are accused of targeting at least two vacant houses of deceased individuals for burglaries. On Dec. 7, the burglary of a vacant residence located on Tusquittee Road in Hayesville was reported. The residence was vacant due to its owners being deceased.
Deby Jo Ferguson •Clay County Progress Clay County Landfill worker Justin Sneed hands out flyers with information regarding permit applications and rules that come along with the permits.

Deby Jo Ferguson •Clay County Progress Clay County Landfill worker Justin Sneed hands out flyers with information regarding permit applications and rules that come along with the permits.

Don’t forget those permits

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
By Becky Long Publisher   Announcement of the county’s landfill permit system was made in July , but it appears a number of residents may have been caught off guard by the Jan. 1 start date. The permits stem from a $100 solid waste fee that was added to 2025 ad valorem property tax bills.
Key ways to help baby sleep safe

Key ways to help baby sleep safe

Protecting infants while they’re asleep

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
By Becky Long Publisher   Clay County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Department of Social Services is raising awareness about sleep related deaths involving infants.  Infant death and accidental suffocation are on the rise, according to an informational report sent by Clay County Lt.

Trout and about

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Hayesville's Landon Trout, No. 15, runs into a wall of Towns County defenders on a drive to the basket in Saturday's opening round of the 31st Annual Jim Melton Battle of the States holiday basketball tournament. Hayesville fell to Towns County, 68-48.

Comment period ends Jan. 5 comment period ends Jan. 5

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
By Marcia Barnes Staff Writer   Tennessee Valley Authority's commenting period asking the public for input on a proposed new transmission project in Shooting Creek began Dec. 4 at the TVA Open House in Towns County, Ga. The 30-day commenting period will end Jan. 5.
Photo courtesy Cherokee Scout Clay Logan observes the traditional lowering of the Plexiglas container that in this case, may or may not have contained a live opossum. The contained was covered, keeping viewers guessing about its contents.

Photo courtesy Cherokee Scout Clay Logan observes the traditional lowering of the Plexiglas container that in this case, may or may not have contained a live opossum. The contained was covered, keeping viewers guessing about its contents.

Clay’s Corner Possum Drop once livened up the new year

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
By Deby Jo Ferguson Staff Writer   Clay County celebrates New Year’s Eve in a mostly low-key manner, but that wasn’t always the case. Back in the day, Clay Logan and his infamous Possum Drop drew national attention.

Board of Commissioners agenda

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The Clay County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 6:30 pm. Thursday, Jan. 8 in the multi-purpose room located at 261 Courthouse Drive. The tentative agenda is as follows: • Prayer. • Pledge of Allegiance.
Photo contributed Cooper Godfrey, 7, poses for a Christmas photo with his older sisters, 14-year-old Annie on left, and 12-year-old Allie.

Photo contributed Cooper Godfrey, 7, poses for a Christmas photo with his older sisters, 14-year-old Annie on left, and 12-year-old Allie.

A Healing Christmas Story

News Staff
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer   Christmas is especially beautiful when seen through the eyes of a child. Like most seven-year-olds, Cooper Godfrey is hopeful about what the holiday will bring. He is looking forward to a visit from Santa Claus, as well as sleeping in and spending more time at home.