Local

Memorial Day service

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The VFW will be hosting the Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25 at the Veteran's Park. The keynote speaker will by Tommy Jarrett. In case of rain the service will be held in the Black and Gold center.

Historic courthouse gets spring spruce up

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Clay County Communities Revitalization is cleaning and painting the soffits and fascias around the historic courthouse/Beal Center. The work is being done by Alwine Painting. The project was made possible by a state of NC Direct Legislative Grant for Capital Improvement.
U.S. Drought monitor

U.S. Drought monitor

Clay County drought continues

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Spring in the mountains started a little less wet than usual this year with rainfall mostly non-existent for several weeks. In response, a burn ban was placed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service as well as local fire departments, while brush fires popped up around the area. The N.

Memorial Day closings

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Memorial Day, Monday May 25 closings: • United State Postal Service • County Offices • Health Department • Transfer Station • Tag Office • ABC Store • SECU • First Citizens Bank • Nantahala Bank • UCB • Clay County Progress

WEEKLY CRIMINAL CHARGE REPORT MAY 11-15

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The following warrants were issued through the Clay County Sheriff's Office for May 10-17. All individuals are considered innocent unless proven otherwise in court. • Brandy Alisa Kays, 42, of Murphy, N.C.

My career and life has been spectacular

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Have you ever had a song playing in your head that you couldn’t think away, throw away or pay someone to take away. “Baby Shark” used to be mine. Lately all I can think of is Neil Young’s song, “There Comes a Time.” That’s probably because my time has come – not in the 6 ft.
Celebrate the opening season of the Old Jail Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23.

Celebrate the opening season of the Old Jail Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23.

Old Jail Museum to host season opening

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
An event celebrating the official opening of the Old Jail Museum will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23. The museum will have a program at 12 p.m. recognizing the special displays in the exhibit room.
From left, Sophie Sommer, Hannah Bradshaw, Amelia Manning, Madalynn Nemkovich, Karla Slade, Bailey Reeves, Hailey Mulkey, Teacher Silas Brown, Eli White, Layne Ledford, Axel Alburto, Kaden Ledford, Joanna Atkisson, Jacob Lee, Ephraim Jones, Maggie McClure, Tony Ward, Tyler Osborn, Alexis Spain and Erica Dockery spent the day learning about the history of the trail system and plants growing there.

From left, Sophie Sommer, Hannah Bradshaw, Amelia Manning, Madalynn Nemkovich, Karla Slade, Bailey Reeves, Hailey Mulkey, Teacher Silas Brown, Eli White, Layne Ledford, Axel Alburto, Kaden Ledford, Joanna Atkisson, Jacob Lee, Ephraim Jones, Maggie McClure, Tony Ward, Tyler Osborn, Alexis Spain and Erica Dockery spent the day learning about the history of the trail system and plants growing there.

HHS students enhance Jackrabbit mountain trail system

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Devil’s Walking Stick. Silky Dogwood. Hearts-a-Bustin’. “Leaves of three, let it be.” “Native versus invasive.

Escaped inmate back in custody the next day

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
An inmate considered nonviolent escaped from the jail's work crew Thursday and was captured and returned to the detention center Friday afternoon. Thomas Daniel Ware, trustee at the Clay County Detention Center, was allowed to work with the inmate work crew program.
Mountain True's Resilient Forests Director Josh Kelly opened the evening with a slide presentation.

Mountain True's Resilient Forests Director Josh Kelly opened the evening with a slide presentation.

Public meeting held on Roadless Rule

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
About three dozen people showed up Thursday evening at Hayesville’s Historic Courthouse Beal Center to learn more about the Roadless Rule and voice their input. At issue was the U.S.