Clay County Progress

01/07/2025

Governor Josh Stein

I was deeply saddened to learn of Francisco Paul Flattes’ tragic murder. Our law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty to keep us safe, and tragically yesterday Detention Officer Flattes paid the ultimate price. I am grateful to western North Carolina law enforcement and the Highway Patrol for their quick response. Anna and I are praying for his family and community as they grieve his loss. May his memory be a blessing.

I have ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags across the state to be flown at half-staff to honor the life of Detention Officer Flattes.

01/07/2025

Today has been a heartbreaking day for our community. Our hearts are with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the family of Officer Francisco Flattes, and all those affected by this tragic loss. We are thankful for the bravery of our law enforcement and for the many in our community who have already stepped up with prayers, support, and strength.

As the sun set this evening, a rainbow appeared over the Peachtree Community — a quiet reminder of hope, honor, and the light that can still shine through the darkest of days. Please continue to lift up our officers and their families in your thoughts and prayers. 💙🌈

01/07/2025

Praying for all involved.

30/06/2025

Franklin Mtn after a police chase came to an end. Read this week’s edition for more information.
 Drone photo submited by: Ben Struchko

30/06/2025

UPDATE From Macon Media:
**3.25pm**
Traffic is being rerouted through West Old Murphy Road. US-64 is shut down for the time being.
**3:16*** Suspect in Custody

**2.54pm**
There is a person suspected of shooting officers in Cherokee County barricaded in a car on Winding Stairs Gap Road or on Old Murphy Road. Please avoid these areas.

Old Murphy and Murphy Road is another place mentioned. The radio traffic is very chaotic.

*2:40 We are receiving unconfirmed reports of an active shooter in the vicinity of Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital PLEASE AVOID The Area!! We are waiting from news from Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department

29/06/2025

Many thanks to our our veterans and auxiliary members for a beautiful Flag Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park on June 14.

29/06/2025

Please turn in your copy and ads
for the newspaper by 12 p.m. Monday, July 7

27/06/2025

Thanks to county government for sponsoring this event.

27/06/2025

Mega Millions jackpot grows to $348 million for tonight’s drawing

Graphic can be downloaded here.
RALEIGH – Mega Millions players in North Carolina can have fun this weekend trying their luck on a $348 million jackpot.

A winner tonight would have the choice of taking home the $348 million jackpot as an annuity or $155.5 million in cash.

“What a fun choice that would be deciding between the $348 million annuity or the $155.5 million lump sum,” said Terri Rose, chief brand officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We are all hoping a lucky North Carolinian gets to make that decision this weekend.”

Even though the jackpot remains up for grabs, players are taking home lots of other prizes playing Mega Millions. Tuesday’s drawing produced more than 7,300 winning tickets in North Carolina.

When North Carolinians play Mega Millions, they are also helping to raise money for education programs in the state. Over $7.1 million has been raised for education in North Carolina during the current Mega Millions run.

The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290 million.

Players can buy Mega Millions tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com, or with the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.

For details on how money raised by the lottery makes a difference for education programs in all 100 North Carolina counties, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.

Home. The official website of the North Carolina Education Lottery.

27/06/2025

The state crews and county officials help Blue Ridge Mtn Emc as they are hard at work tonight getting power back on in the county!

23/06/2025