Clay County Progress

Peacock Performing Arts Center By Alice Moore Feature Writer This week’s Family Founders article is centered around a place that is very near and dear to my heart, the Peacock Performing Arts Center just off of the town square in Hayesville. The Peacock has taken part in everything from plays and musicals to concerts, dance parties and magic shows.

The championship baseball team members are, Colt Allen, Grady Lovingood, Boyd Burch, Nate Evans, Declan Woody, Greyson Gutierrez, Collier Stroud, Tate Ledford, Elias Kitchens, Eli Norris and Baylor Nuckolls Coaches: Colton Stroud, Kyle Woody, Bradley Nuckolls, Corey Cox.

Town Hall on Sanderson St. received a visit from Clay County's Fire Marshall in July. Mayor Benita England reported that a couple of minor things were changed and the building received a great inspection. Map details the parcel of land to be discussed for rezoning at a Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Town of Hayesville Council members met Friday, July 17 to discuss a land lease agreement and also, to review recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Board meeting.

After a month’s break for America’s 250th and the Festival on the Square, Clay County Communities Revitalization Association’s Friday Summer Concert Series resumes this Friday, July 24, when award-winning southern roots and blues band, Andy Johnson’s Roofdog, comes to the historic Hayesville square.

Clay County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Thursday, July 16, with an agenda that included citizens with questions and concerns on Flock Safety license plate readers, and the sheriff's office law enforcement officers explaining how these systems are used and legal and constitutional limits that govern them. Clay County Attorney Merinda Woody also sited case decisions on freedom of information to the board and public present.

The grand opening of the new playground will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 24 at the Clay County Sports Complex, 333 Ball Park Drive.

At 10:40 a.m. Monday, July 6 Clay County Officer Bronson Kirby responded to 631 Bethabara Road in Hayesville after an anonymous call had been received about a dog that was being mistreated. Kirby was met by Jacob Lloyd Henderson, 23 years of age, who resided at this residence. When told about this anonymous report, Henderson directed Kirby to an old plastic doghouse. Kirby found a medium sized black and white dog confined by a chain, without water and severely malnourished.

Visitors came from all areas to shop vendor booths at the Festival on the Square hosted by Clay County Historical & Arts Council. Sandy Zimmerman and Sherry Garrett take a break from giving rides during the festival to get a bite to eat at the food tent. A few raindrops did not dampen the spirits of those attending the 45th Clay County Festival on the Square, but rain and thunderstorms did seem to keep some away.

Mayor Benita England called the Monday, July 13, Town of Hayesville Council meeting to order and opened new business and discussion on a University of North Carolina School of Government meeting platform. The multi-page document provided to council — Parliamentary Procedure Rules for Local Governments — streamlines Robert's Rules of Order and for a small local government body makes allowances in decisions by requiring one motion, discussion and the vote.

Father, pastor, coach and now athletic director, Kenneth Dockery poses for an Easter photo with his family. Front, from left, Leah and Lydia; back, Luke, Hope, Kenneth and Laban. Kenneth Dockery, a longtime Hayesville High School educator and coach, has been named the new athletic director for the Yellow Jackets.