Local

Just out of this world

Rabun County annually sees an influx of visitors to witness first-hand all Georgia’s most northeastern county has to offer. They come from the home state, nationwide and internationally, but this weekend there may be other galaxies represented.
Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. Clayton Police Department officers work the scene of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Ga. 15 and Chechero Street the morning of June 20. Minor injuries were reported with the crash.

Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. Clayton Police Department officers work the scene of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Ga. 15 and Chechero Street the morning of June 20. Minor injuries were reported with the crash.

Minor injuries reported in two-vehicle crash at Chechero Street intersection

A two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Ga. 15 and Chechero Street in Clayton city limits June 20 around 11:19 a.m. resulted in minor injuries. Harli Lynn Huber, 29 of Clayton, was driving a gray 2018 Toyota Sienna XLE and traveling south on Ga. 15 in the left lane.

Sid Weber Annual July 4 BBQ tickets going fast

Tickets for the Annual Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund Charity Barbeque are selling quickly and interested parties are urged to purchase immediately. The BBQ will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 5, in conjunction with the City of Sky Valley’s Independence Day Celebration.

Independence Day Events

When an Independence Day falls on a Thursday, expect popping places like Rabun County to turn the holiday into four consecutive days of celebrating America’s freedom.
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Clayton Police Department Chief Andy Strait (from left) presents Investigator Matt Thomas, Assistant Chief John Grist, Sgt. Andy Beck, and Officer Justin Buchanan with awards and medals for their heroic actions and lifesaving efforts for an infant during a call March 5, 2024. The officers’ actions will be recorded in the American Police Hall of Fame.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Clayton Police Department Chief Andy Strait (from left) presents Investigator Matt Thomas, Assistant Chief John Grist, Sgt. Andy Beck, and Officer Justin Buchanan with awards and medals for their heroic actions and lifesaving efforts for an infant during a call March 5, 2024. The officers’ actions will be recorded in the American Police Hall of Fame.

American heroes for saving baby’s life

Police officers dedicate their time and make sacrifices to protect and serve those communities they live in. Clayton Police Department officers Assistant Chief John Grist, Sgt.
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Mark Gerrells supporters campaign and cheer on Main Street as passing vehicles honk on Election Day. Gerrells defeated incumbent Sheriff Chad Nichols in Tuesday’s Republican runoff 1,878 votes to 351.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Mark Gerrells supporters campaign and cheer on Main Street as passing vehicles honk on Election Day. Gerrells defeated incumbent Sheriff Chad Nichols in Tuesday’s Republican runoff 1,878 votes to 351.

Gerrells barrels past Nichols to be sheriff

There will be a new sheriff in town next year. Mark Gerrells outdistanced incumbent Sheriff Chad Nichols in Tuesday’s Republican General Primary runoff election. Gerrells received 1,878 votes, while Nichols, a two-term sheriff, received 351 votes. Currently, Nichols is suspended by Gov.
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. RCWSA members review the FY 2025 budget before voting to approve it at the June 11 regular meeting. The water system and wastewater system total budget is $5,646,604.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. RCWSA members review the FY 2025 budget before voting to approve it at the June 11 regular meeting. The water system and wastewater system total budget is $5,646,604.

Water/sewer rates rising next month

Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority (RCWSA) customers will see a 5 percent increase in their water bill and 8 percent increase in their sewer bill beginning July 1. For RCWSA retail customers, the unit rate for water jumps 5 percent from $9.81 to $10.30 per thousand gallons of water.