Jury convicts Peachtree man in Cherokee County’s largest meth case
A Cherokee County jury has convicted 53-year-old Lars Prentice Johnson of the Peachtree community in the county’s largest methamphetamine case, tied to a 2022 search in Marble that uncovered roughly 38 pounds of meth and a conversion lab. The verdict closes a high-profile case that officials say could have harmed hundreds of people across the region.
Sources:
* Johnson Sentenced for Drug Case – The Mountain Buzz The Mountain Buzz
* North Carolina jury convicts man in record meth case – FOX 5 Atlanta FOX 5 Atlanta
* Vehicle stop leads to largest meth seizure in Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office history – WLOS WLOS
Cherokee County Narcotics Division disrupts major drug-trafficking run from Georgia
Cherokee County’s Narcotics Division, working with Pickens County, Georgia deputies and K-9 Storm, stopped a vehicle returning to North Carolina on November 15 and seized over a pound of meth along with suspected fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana. Two suspects were jailed on multiple trafficking charges with no bond, highlighting an active drug pipeline from Georgia into the far-western counties.
Sources:
* Cherokee County Narcotics Division Disrupts Major Drug Trafficking Operation – CCSO release via Facebook Facebook
* Cherokee County Narcotics Division Disrupts Major Drug Trafficking Operation – WKRK share Facebook
* Cherokee County Narcotics Division Disrupts Major Drug Trafficking Operation – The Mountain Buzz local news listing The Mountain Buzz
Search intensifies for missing Texas law professor near Blood Mountain
Search crews in Union County, Georgia continue to scour steep terrain around Blood Mountain for 67-year-old Dallas attorney and SMU law professor Charles Hosch, last seen November 11 near the Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead. Multiple agencies, K-9 teams, aviation units, and volunteers are involved, and authorities are asking anyone with information or trail-camera footage from the area to come forward.
Sources:
* SMU law professor reported missing while hiking in Georgia – WFAA WFAA
* Search Continues for Missing Hiker on Blood Mountain – FetchYourNews fannin.fetchyournews.com
* Search for Missing Hiker Charles Hosch Enters Challenging Phase – FetchYourNews ga.fetchyournews.com
Wildfire danger stays on the radar across NC after Helene’s forest damage
While far-western counties have dropped from “high” to “moderate” fire danger, NC Local reports that wildfire risk remains elevated due to dry conditions and more than 800,000 acres of downed timber from Hurricane Helene acting as fuel. The piece notes that Cherokee County’s forecast showed an uptick in fire risk this week, and quotes Murphy Mayor Tim Radford urging residents to take the elevated danger seriously and follow local guidance on outdoor burning.
Sources:
* Wildfire danger is high across NC. Here’s what you should know – NC Local NCLocal+1
* Helene impacted over 800,000 acres of forest – EcoForesters ecoforesters.org
* DEQ awards $3 million for Helene debris removal – NC DEQ NC Department of Environmental Quality
Benita England sworn in as mayor of Hayesville
Following her election earlier this month, Benita England has now been sworn in as Hayesville’s mayor, formally beginning her term leading the town. The ceremony also installed council members and marks the start of a new governing team at Hayesville Town Hall.
Sources:
* England takes over as mayor – Hayesville – Clay County Progress Clay County Progress
Clay County candidate filing period opens in less than two weeks
Clay County is reminding residents that the candidate filing period for upcoming twenty-twenty-six local elections begins in less than two weeks. The article outlines which offices will be on the ballot and when and where prospective candidates must file their paperwork.
Sources:
* Candidate filing period begins in less than two weeks – Clay County Progress Clay County Progress
Clay County holiday food options for families needing help
A seasonal piece from Clay County Progress compiles multiple churches and community organizations offering free holiday meals and food boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The article includes sign-up details and distribution dates for families who need support, as well as opportunities for volunteers and donors.
Sources:
* Clay County has holiday food options – Clay County Progress Clay County Progress
Christmas parade rumors spark clarification in Clay County
After a viral Facebook post claimed that Clay County’s Christmas parade would ban teddy bears, prayer, and Christmas caroling, the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association issued a statement clarifying that prayer, worship, and holiday music are welcome and encouraged. Organizers explained that only tossing stuffed animals from floats has been stopped for safety and cleanup reasons. The parade is scheduled for December 13 at 6 p.m. on the Hayesville square.
Sources:
* Controversy Erupts on Social Media Over Clay County Christmas Parade Rules and Rumors – The Mountain Buzz The Mountain Buzz
Hiwassee Dam Eagles boys open basketball season with dominant home win
Hiwassee Dam’s boys basketball team opened the season with a convincing 60–27 home win over Copper Basin on November 18, extending their long winning streak in the matchup. A MaxPreps recap notes that Copper Basin has now lost eight straight to the Eagles.
Sources:
* Basketball Recap: Hiwassee Dam Starts Season with Win at Home – MaxPreps MaxPreps.com
* Basketball Recap: Copper Basin Comes Up Short on the Road Against Hiwassee Dam – MaxPreps MaxPreps.com
Holiday events and festivals across the mountains
Several holiday events are on tap across the core coverage area and just beyond:
* Christmas on Main – Andrews, NCDowntown Andrews will host Christmas on Main on Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with vendors, live music, and family activities.
* Murphy Christmas Parade – Murphy, NCThe 2025 Murphy Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, running from Valley Village Shopping Center to the L&N Depot downtown. T
* Mountain Country Christmas in Lights – Hiawassee, GAThe Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds’ Mountain Country Christmas in Lights runs November 27 through December 23, offering a walk-through light show, music, and holiday activities most nights from 6–9 p.m.
* Annual Christmas Tour of Trees – Blue Ridge, GASerenity in the Mountains hosts the Annual Christmas Tour of Trees fundraiser on Sunday, November 23 from 2–5 p.m., with proceeds supporting Fannin County’s Shop With A Cop program.
Sources:
* Christmas on Main 2025 – Andrews Tourism Andrews North Carolina
* 2025 Murphy Christmas Parade – Town of Murphy Town of Murphy
* 2025 Mountain Country Christmas in Lights – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Georgia Mountain Fair and Fairgrounds
* Annual Christmas Tour of Trees – Serenity in the Mountains / MountainLakeGuide Your North Georgia Vacation Guide
Major STEAM grant boosts local schools in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and beyond
Seven school systems—including Cherokee Central, Cherokee County, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Macon, and Swain—and four schools (New Kituwah Academy, Mountain Discovery Charter, Shining Rock Classical Academy, and Catamount School) will benefit from a “Bridging the Gap with STEM-E²” grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. The funding will support mobile labs, hands-on STEAM projects, and teacher training across Western North Carolina.
Sources:
* Local Schools Receive New Funding to Boost STEAM Opportunities – The Mountain Buzz The Mountain Buzz
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