Clay County Progress

Costumers Landi Marrella, Janice Lessard and Kathy Wright are stitching together the 70's. The shoulder pads are back. The polyester is out of the closet. Somewhere, a vintage office blouse is getting a second chance at stardom. At Hayesville’s Peacock Performing Arts Center, costumers for "9 to 5: The Musical" are stitching together the 70's — one outfit at a time.

During lunchtime on Thursday, July 2, suspended Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson turned himself in for booking at the Towns County Jail on brand new felony charges brought by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He was released shortly afterward on a $30,000 bond. Henderson, 67, was previously arrested in October 2025 after being indicted for his actions in the Dec.

Clay County Schools Board of Education met June 29 with an agenda of recognition, reports and action taken by the board approving the Summary of Budget Resolutions and Amendments for the school fiscal year presented by Chief Financial Officer Shelley Hollingsworth. The board also approved the 2026/27 Insurance Summary and a 2026/27 Interim Budget Resolution that Hollingsworth presented during the meeting.

The summer tradition of free music on the Hiawassee Town Square continues at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 11 with Bill Rinaldo taking the stage. Rinaldo is an entertainer, PGA golf professional, G.M. of Chatuge Shores Golf Course and a resident of Hayesville. He has opened for B.J. Thomas, Andy Andrews, Jay Johnson and more. Unique among most variety entertainers, his show is a fun blend of comedy monologues and great music all performed to the highest standards.

Hayesville celebrated America's 250th Birthday with the Bar W Rodeo on Thursday and Friday nights, fireworks, parades and lots of community spirit throughout the weekend.

Michael Barnett leads the field to the checkered flag for his second win in a row in the 602 Late Model division. David McCoy, of Franklin, N.C., charged from the second starting spot to victory in the Limited Late Models feature Thursday night at Tri-County Racetrack. McCoy held off Jason Deal of Copperhill, Tenn., in a competitive 30-lap A-main on a holiday eve card that drew solid local entries across several divisions.

The John C Campbell Folk School dancers always enjoy themselves and bring lots of joy to the audience. Rob Tiger and Wyatt Espalin are popular local singer, songwriter, musicians who sometimes perform together locally, and sometimes as solo acts around the region. Espalin is also a well-known recording artist in Nashville. They will be entertaining at the Festival from 12-2 pm Saturday, July 11, along with Erin Worley.

From left, golfers Linda Miles, Judy Aube and Linda Robinson take a break from the heat. The heat dome was in full effect on Tuesday as we intrepid golfers used portable fans, cool cloths and ice-cold water to cool off. We felt victorious just to finish the round. The game of the week was “3’s and 5’s.” Our first flight winners were Janean Yankowskas in first place and Glenda Geddings took second place. Our second flight winners were Nancy Harvill, first, and Mary Mott, second.

Brandon Juarez Flores and Mohammad Naweed Sadat A months long investigation has so far led to the arrest of two men who have been charged for travelling to Clay County to engage in the sexual misconduct with a local minor female. Brandon Juarez Flores, 19, of Tuckasegee, N.C., traveled to Clay County on three separate occasions over the past year and met with the minor female.

Shannon and Andy Lundquist Andy Lundquist learned early the values that would guide him throughout his life — hard work, humility and helping others. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years in fire rescue. Even as a young man, he discovered a calling in protecting others during some of life's most difficult moments.