Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is confirming there are now 19 cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 identified in Georgia. This is the same variant discovered in the U.K. and in several other countries and U.S. states. So far, no other COVID-19 variants have been identified in Georgia. The B.1.1.7 cases in […]
Read More »UCS selects construction management firm for CCA building and other projects
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In a called online board meeting on January 28, 2020, Union County School (UCS) board chose Charles Black Construction as the construction management team for upcoming projects. Five firms responded to the construction professional services RFP with proposals. The construction committee presented Charles Black Construction as the recommended firm. Charles Black Construction […]
Read More »Shooter suspect refuses to waive extradition, survivor speaks
HIAWASSEE, Ga – Alleged shooter Charles Jason Matheson, 41, appeared in Clay County District Court on January 28 and rejected the waiving of extradition charges. Matheson is being held in Hayesville on a fugitive warrant until his extradition to Georgia to face criminal charges for allegedly shooting his estranged wife multiple times at her place […]
Read More »Blairsville looks to become more tourist friendly
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga: Blairsville City Council and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board contentiously debated the necessity of a tourism welcome center before deciding to move forward with public parking and bathroom planning. The bathrooms and parking lot will be built on the Haralson property either behind City Hall or closer to the main street depending […]
Read More »North Carolina Extends Modified Stay At Home Order as Numbers Begin to Stabilize in an Effort to Continue to Slow the Spread
RALEIGH – Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am, will be extended. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings […]
Read More »Shooter suspect in custody, charged with aggravated assault
HIAWASSEE, Ga – On Tuesday, January 26, suspect Charles Jason Matheson, 41 of Young Harris, Ga allegedly shot his estranged wife at her place of employment, Chatuge Outpatient Rehabilitation Client in Hiawassee on River Street, around 2:50 p.m. The victim was shot multiple times by Matheson and was transported to a north Georgia area hospital […]
Read More »Healthcare science wing dedicated to Avis Shaw
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Schools dedicated the healthcare science wing to former nurse and school staple Avis Shaw. “In years gone by there were not as many opportunities to go to doctors and specialists and Mrs. Shaw was the first line,” Dr. Paula Davenport stated. “There are a lot of people who care about […]
Read More »Clay County Schools going remote until February 7
Today, Clay County Schools, working in partnership with the Clay County Health Department, identified several positive cases of COVID-19 amongst our staff and students. After completing some initial contact tracing, it was clear that the number of staff that would be required to quarantine due to contact with a positive, or due to their own […]
Read More »Sen. Steve Gooch Assumes Additional Duties in State Senate
ATLANTA (January 25, 2021) | Recently, Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) received his committee assignments for the 2021 legislative session. Sen. Gooch will serve as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Vice Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and as a member of the Ethics, Finance, Reapportionment and Redistricting, and Regulated Industries and […]
Read More »Union County hopes to vaccinate 1,000 in one day
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Friday marked the first mass COVID-19 vaccination event for Union County, judging from the full schedule, one could label it a success. The department of public health (DPH) controls who is eligible to receive the vaccine and individuals must sign up through the DPH website – more specifically the District 2 website. […]
Read More »Union County declares itself pro-Second Amendment
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris adopted a resolution in support of the Second Amendment during January’s commission meeting. The resolution cited that it’s a Constitutional right for people to “keep and bear arms” as well as the Georgia Constitution which prohibits the state from infringing on that right. Paris and Sheriff […]
Read More »Update: Shooter suspect extradited back to Georgia
UPDATE: February 2, 2021 Charles Jason Matheson age 41, has been extradited back to Georgia from Clay County, NC this morning to face charges of Felony Criminal Attempt (to Commit Murder), Felony Aggravated Stalking, and Felony Aggravated Assault. I would personally like to thank all who have assisted in the apprehension of this suspect. – […]
Read More »Update: Shooter suspect extradited back to Georgia
UPDATE: February 2, 2021 Charles Jason Matheson age 41, has been extradited back to Georgia from Clay County, NC this morning to face charges of Felony Criminal Attempt (to Commit Murder), Felony Aggravated Stalking, and Felony Aggravated Assault. I would personally like to thank all who have assisted in the apprehension of this suspect. – […]
Read More »Hiawassee earns good opinion for 2020 audit
HIAWASSEE, Ga – Rushton and Associates gave the city of Hiawassee a clean or unmodified opinion for their 2020 audit. It’s the second year in a row that Hiawassee received this rating. The 2020 audit showcased how city revenues dropped and expenditures increased for the year too. Revenues were down $55,012 (5.4 percent). Expenditures were […]
Read More »Changes on the way for Fannin Commission meetings, Walker selected interim CFO
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – At the first commission meeting of the new administration, Chairman Jamie Hensley proposed several changes to the format. Going forward, for a trial period, the meetings will be moved until 6 p.m., instead of 5:15 p.m. The later start time will hopefully give more citizens an opportunity to attend the meetings, […]
Read More »Johnson agrees to serve as Post One Commissioner for 90 days
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Former Post One Earl Johnson took a moment to clear up the details surrounding his extended time in office. Johnson acknowledged that he’s comfortable continuing to serve the county for a period of time while Post One-elect Johnny Scearce continues to recover. However, he did put a time limit on his […]
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