Regional

Twin teen deaths on Bell Mountain under investigation

By Shawn Jarrard Towns County Herald Editor   Authorities are investigating a potential murder-suicide at Bell Mountain Park involving twin brothers from Lawrenceville, Ga. Hikers found the two men deceased at the top of Bell Mountain in Hiawassee around 11 a.m.
Thomas Sherrill • The Franklin Press The Social Security office off Lakeside Drive in Franklin will not be closing.

Thomas Sherrill • The Franklin Press The Social Security office off Lakeside Drive in Franklin will not be closing.

Franklin Social Security office to remain open, reps say

Thomas Sherrill The Franklin Press   A week after it was discovered the Franklin Social Security office faced closure per the Department of Government Efficiency, local elected officials say the office will remain. “Problem is resolved.
Facebook photo From left, Payton McNabb stands with Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance at the U.S. Capital Tuesday, March 4. McNabb was recognized by President Donald Trump as he spoke during an address to a joint session of Congress.

Facebook photo From left, Payton McNabb stands with Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance at the U.S. Capital Tuesday, March 4. McNabb was recognized by President Donald Trump as he spoke during an address to a joint session of Congress.

Trump honors former volleyball player in congressional address

A Hiwassee Dam, N.C. woman was recognized Tuesday night when President Trump spoke to congress. Payton McNabb was invited to the joint session by First Lady of the Unites States Melania Trump.

Controversy marks Lady Jackets versus Cherokee title game

By Becky Long Publisher   In their quest for the Smoky Mountain Tournament basketball championship, the Cherokee Lady Braves won the game against Hayesville Saturday, but apparently poor sportsmanship on the floor and in the stands sparked enough controversy to draw a response from the principal...
Photo contributed from family fund-raiser page What remains of grandpa Billy Joe and grandma Dora's home in Avery County, N.C. The couple lived there for decades and raised eight children and many other family members felt it was a safe refuge. Fourteen family members sought safety there the day of Helene, but only 12 escaped before the mudslide destroyed the small home.

Photo contributed from family fund-raiser page What remains of grandpa Billy Joe and grandma Dora's home in Avery County, N.C. The couple lived there for decades and raised eight children and many other family members felt it was a safe refuge. Fourteen family members sought safety there the day of Helene, but only 12 escaped before the mudslide destroyed the small home.

More stories from the Helene tragedy

By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer   “Get out of the house. The mountain is coming down.” That is what grandpa Billy Joe yelled as the mudslide began. There were 14 people in the house the morning Helene arrived on Sept. 27. Twelve got out.
The Clay County Historical & Arts Council participated in the 1976 parade in downtown Hayesville honoring America’s 200th Birthday.

The Clay County Historical & Arts Council participated in the 1976 parade in downtown Hayesville honoring America’s 200th Birthday.

Plans to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial

By Sandy Zimmerman Guest Writer   Semiquincentennial has become a name for the America 250 celebration next year. Below are some historical notes to help all of us get prepared to honor our U.S. history and recognition of our Declaration of Independence.

Amazon buys property here

By Becky Long Publisher   It’s official. Amazon has purchased land in Clay County to build a warehouse and distribution center. The county Commission Board and Amazon.com LLC closed the sale of 19.706 acres on McDonald Road on Monday, Feb. 10.
Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress A girl's bicycle hangs in a tree beside the Doe River, as if a little girl will return for it soon. It came from upriver, possibly miles away.

Lorrie Ross • Clay County Progress A girl's bicycle hangs in a tree beside the Doe River, as if a little girl will return for it soon. It came from upriver, possibly miles away.

Remnants from Helene: Many reminders remain from Sept. 27

By Lorrie Ross Staff Writer   For many miles heading north out of Asheville on 26, there are crumpled guard rails and splintered trees. Hundreds of fallen trees, both big and small, litter on both sides of the highway, dangling from embankments, just feet from fast-moving vehicles swishing by.
Dean Curlee/Contributing Photographer Jamie Oliver with J&J Promotions, which is leasing Tri-County Racetrack to reopen, is shown racing at the track in one of the final races in 2023 before it sat idle for more than a year.

Dean Curlee/Contributing Photographer Jamie Oliver with J&J Promotions, which is leasing Tri-County Racetrack to reopen, is shown racing at the track in one of the final races in 2023 before it sat idle for more than a year.

‘Hidden Gem’ set to open: Tri-County Racetrack will host first race March 22

By Cannon Crompton sports@cherokeescout.com   Dirt track racing is set to return to the area for the first time in more than a year.