LATEST NEWS

(WGHP) – Buncombe County observed its first tornado in over two decades last Thursday.  The NWS Greenville-Spartanburg confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down in Black Mountain, North Carolina, at 12:15 a.m. Thursday. The tornado had peak winds of 85 mph and traveled nearly two and a half miles.  This is the first tornado in the […]

CHEROKEE, N.C. (WLOS) — The former attorney for the Cherokee County Department of Social Services was found guilty of over a dozen charges related to out-of-court agreements that resulted in the illegal removal of children from their parents' custody. According to the North Carolina attorney general's office, a Macon...

Jackson County -- May 14, 2024: Jackson County Sheriff's Office reported the following: Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office launched Operation Northern Lights. beginning May 8th through May 12th. We have continued our efforts to combat the drug problem. Our goal is to target the drug dealers that spread this poison in our communities. We have learned that our efforts ultimately save lives. We would like to thank the community for all support and help in our efforts. The following people have been charged.

The National Weather Service has confirmed the touch down of a tornado in Western North Carolina, last week. The tornado hit the Jackson County area early last Thursday morning.

RABUN COUNTY, Ga. - A 21-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman were arrested last Thursday in Rabun County for drug possession. The Rabun County Sheriff's Office pulled over a 2020 black Honda Civic traveling north on GA 15/US 441 near River Falls Campground just before 4 p.m. While one of...

The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office reports that at sunrise, it lowered the Sheriff’s Office flag to half-staff in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The flag will remain at half-staff until sunset. Picture from Rabun County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

HIAWASSEE, Ga. - The Hiawassee Police Department says a serial burglar responsible for the theft of dozens of guns is now behind bars thanks to a multi-law enforcement agency effort. "You got to have all the puzzle pieces and the information sharing, the networking, all of that stuff just helped...

The sweet taste of WNC-grown strawberries has arrived, and to wit, Darnell Farms is throwing its annual Strawberry Jam Festival starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 18. Along with strawberry picking and strawberries for sale, the festival includes food and craft vendors, hay rides and inflatables for the kids. There will be lots of live music throughout the day and evening.

The City of Sky Valley is seeking a full-time public works employee who will be involved in all aspects of public works activities to include- roads, water, and trash. The successful candidate must be able to work in all types of weather to include heat, cold, rain, and snow. Occasional after-hours work is required as needed to repair water lines, remove downed trees, and snow plowing etc. The city offers competitive pay and benefits. If you are a hard worker, enjoy a variety of work, and want to be a part of a great organization; contact Jerry Shope, Public Works Director at 706-490-8019 or [email protected]. A CDL is a plus and the position is open until filled.

This week, the Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority (RCWSA) heard the April 2024 report from General Manager Brendan Thompson. “The April 2024 ending balance on the RCWSA Operating Bank Account is $154,567.57. April 2024 Water System Total Billings were $395,126.09. April 2024 Wastewater System Total Billings were $236,006.76. April 2024 Water and Wastewater Total Billings were $631,132.85. April 2024 Accounts/Receivable (A/R’s) were $164,936.43 as of 4-30-24. For the South Water System, Lake Rabun WTP pumped to distribution system volume for March 2024 was 26,174,000 gallons. Pumped to distribution system volume for April 2024 was 27,539,000 gallons; an increase of 1,365,000 gallons or 5.2% from March 2024 to April 2024. Customers’ April 2024 meter readings were done April 23, 2024. Bills were sent out May 3, 2024. One new connection for the month of April 2024. Brittni Parks Curtis. Unaccounted for water volume for the month of April 2024 was 11.13%. For the North Water System Status, Little Tennessee WTP pumped to the distribution system for March 2024 was 19,518,000 gallons. Pumped to distribution system volume for April 2024 was 18,921,000 gallons; a decrease of 597,000 gallons or -3.1% from March 2024 to April 2024. Please note that the RCWSA’s Standard Operating Procedures has water from the LTWTP being brought to the Mountain City’s Distribution System and that Multitrade has shut down operations permanently. Meter Reading and Bills sent; same times as the South Water System. No new connections for the month of April 2024. Unaccounted for water volume for the month of April 2024 was 57.11%. Total Water System Unaccounted-For volume percentage for the month of April 2024 was 29.85%. At the Rabun County Water Reclamation Facilities and Collection Systems, regular preventive maintenance on motors and machinery and we are constructing a Distribution and Collections Storage Facility at Stekoa Creek WRF. One new connection for the month of April 2024. Sam Rumsey.” In addition, fire hydrant maintenance and valve exercising is ongoing system-wide.

Let’s line the highways with waving flags and shouting, paying tribute to the military personnel serving in the United States Armed Forces on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 10am! The convoy will start in Dillard at the Piggly Wiggly heading south to Goats on the Roof, right at Goats on the Roof to the traffic light at the four corners in Tiger, then right going north on 441 to Clayton, down to the Pavilions behind the Rabun County Library. For further information please call 706-782-4812.

Sheri Biggs story in the service isn't like most. While taking care of veterans in a long term care setting, she decided she wanted to serve her country on another level. After fulfilling her duties as a nurse for more than 30 years, she decided to enlist into the Air Force.

The Board of Elections and Registration of Rabun County reports these Absentee Voting Totals for the election on May 21, 2024, as of May 13, 2024. Number of Persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued by mail total: 320. Republican: 250. Democrat: 63. Non Partison: 1. UOCAVA Rep.: 5.