Local

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Sky Valley City Attorney Douglas Kidd talks to council members about the proposed amendment to the Sky Valley Zoning Ordinance regarding creation and appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council members are set to vote on the second reading during a Tuesday, March 3, special called meeting at 10 a.m.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Sky Valley City Attorney Douglas Kidd talks to council members about the proposed amendment to the Sky Valley Zoning Ordinance regarding creation and appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council members are set to vote on the second reading during a Tuesday, March 3, special called meeting at 10 a.m.

Sky Valley to hold March 3 work session concerning the proposed sewer project

The potential to go from septic to sewer continues to be an important topic of discussion for Sky Valley citizens. City officials continue gaining insight about the scope of the project and informing community members with updates.
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. U.S. Forest Service officials speak to a large crowd on Feb. 18 at the Rabun County Recreation Department for the fourth annual Foothills Landscape Project Stakeholder meeting.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. U.S. Forest Service officials speak to a large crowd on Feb. 18 at the Rabun County Recreation Department for the fourth annual Foothills Landscape Project Stakeholder meeting.

Foothills Landscape Project meeting sparks community discussion about land usage

The Foothills Landscape Project was a topic of extreme interest on Feb. 18 as Rabun County citizens gathered at the Rabun County Recreation Department to hear U.S.
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Representatives from over 100 local businesses attend the Feb. 19 Forward Rabun/Rabun County Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast and networking event for the “ITI Digital Marketing and Event Platform Roll-Out.”

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Representatives from over 100 local businesses attend the Feb. 19 Forward Rabun/Rabun County Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast and networking event for the “ITI Digital Marketing and Event Platform Roll-Out.”

Forward Rabun unveils innovative digital marketing platform

CLAYTON– In an era where a strong online presence is no longer optional but essential, Forward Rabun decided to take a significant leap forward for our members. Last Thursday, Feb.

Rabun County Schools Pre-K Lottery starts Sunday

Developing a love for learning is essential at an early age. Pre-K is a great foundation to help young students experience school life and learn the classroom structure. Rabun County Schools is holding 2026-2027 Pre-K Lottery registration beginning Sunday, March 1, until Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m.
Pictured are Lanita Lloyd,The Salvation Army divisional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) director for Georgia, left; Jonathan Jones, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Area 1 Field coordinator; Brian Panell, Rabun County EMA Director; Rabun County Commissioner Kent Woerner with his dog named “New Dog;” The Salvation Army volunteers Marsha Kaufmann and Jim Kaufmann; and Cindy Puryear, The Salvation Army divisional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) assistant director for Georgia.

Pictured are Lanita Lloyd,The Salvation Army divisional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) director for Georgia, left; Jonathan Jones, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Area 1 Field coordinator; Brian Panell, Rabun County EMA Director; Rabun County Commissioner Kent Woerner with his dog named “New Dog;” The Salvation Army volunteers Marsha Kaufmann and Jim Kaufmann; and Cindy Puryear, The Salvation Army divisional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) assistant director for Georgia.

Local relief efforts continue after Winter Storms Fern, Gianna

Rabun Countians are all about helping neighbors in need. Relief efforts continue following Winter Storms Fern and Gianna, which brought ice and then over 7 inches of snow to portions of Northeast Georgia within one week in late January/early February. On Thursday, Feb.

Mountain Ivy Garden Club to host 3rd Annual Garden Symposium

Clayton, GA—The Mountain Ivy Garden Club is hosting Celebrate Spring: A Garden Symposium, on Thursday, March 26, at the Rabun County Civic Center, 201 W. Savannah St. in downtown Clayton, Ga. The event is from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m.

McCrackin named RAMSHACKLE RISING STAR for 2026

Clayton, GA – Jake McCrackin, a lifelong Rabun County resident, has been named the “RISING STAR of 2026” for this year’s Ramshackle event. With his band, Blueridge Lonesome, McCrackin performs Southern Rock/Country favorites from the 1970s through today.
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County Schools Superintendent Steven Cole commended Rabun County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers (SROs) for their commitment to keeping students safe and building relationships during the Feb. 23 BOE meeting. SRO Mike Free was also named the “SRO of the Year.” Pictured are Cole, left; RCPS SRO Lisa Adams; RCMS SRO Michael Rodriguez; Free; and RCHS SRO Lindsey Owens. Not pictured is RCES SRO Ana Contreras.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County Schools Superintendent Steven Cole commended Rabun County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers (SROs) for their commitment to keeping students safe and building relationships during the Feb. 23 BOE meeting. SRO Mike Free was also named the “SRO of the Year.” Pictured are Cole, left; RCPS SRO Lisa Adams; RCMS SRO Michael Rodriguez; Free; and RCHS SRO Lindsey Owens. Not pictured is RCES SRO Ana Contreras.

Rabun County BOE commends officials for efforts during recent storms

Local organizations and public safety officials were recognized for their community efforts during recent Winter Storms Fern and Gianna at the Monday, Feb. 23, meeting of the Rabun County Board of Education.