Local

Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. Jim Bleckley received an extra birthday surprise on Oct. 24 as the Rabun County Welcome Center was dedicated in his honor. Bleckley served as the county administrator for more than 24 years.

Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. Jim Bleckley received an extra birthday surprise on Oct. 24 as the Rabun County Welcome Center was dedicated in his honor. Bleckley served as the county administrator for more than 24 years.

Long-time county administrator honored for putting his community first

For more than two decades, Jim Bleckley put his community first and he did it in his own humble way. Many of the advancements Rabun County has made came from his vision for a prosporous Northeast Georgia future. On his birthday on Oct.
Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. A cake with a copy of the dedication information for Jim Bleckley was created for the Oct. 24 ceremony at the county’s welcome center.

Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. A cake with a copy of the dedication information for Jim Bleckley was created for the Oct. 24 ceremony at the county’s welcome center.

Citizens shower Bleckley with kind words

Jimmy Bleckley has the unique distinction of having served 24 1/2 years as Rabun County administrator, which is believed to be the longest tenure in state history for a county administrator. County administrators share similar career paths to coaches in pro sports organizations.

Municipal elections and more on Tuesday ballot

Advance voting in Rabun County ends on Friday, Oct. 31, but the actual Election Day still remains for those who have yet to cast their ballots on a variety of local and statewide significance. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, as the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Katie Hamby/The Clayton Tribune. Steven Webster, 1 Mill Cups (from left); The Clayton Tribune Publisher Enoch Autry and Sports Editor Wesley Branch; and Kayla Flaherty and Bez Rengifo, 1MC, pose for photo as Tribune was honored. Not pictured, Tribune News Editor Megan Horn, Office Manager Katie Hamby and Senior Sales Associates Debbie Martin and Tony Penrose.

Katie Hamby/The Clayton Tribune. Steven Webster, 1 Mill Cups (from left); The Clayton Tribune Publisher Enoch Autry and Sports Editor Wesley Branch; and Kayla Flaherty and Bez Rengifo, 1MC, pose for photo as Tribune was honored. Not pictured, Tribune News Editor Megan Horn, Office Manager Katie Hamby and Senior Sales Associates Debbie Martin and Tony Penrose.

Tribune honored by 1 Million Cups

The Clayton Tribune has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Northeast Georgia Chapter of 1 Million Cups. 1MC organizers presented the award at the Tribune’s offices on Oct. 27.

Tallulah Falls speed zone cameras collect less money

Since changing their school speed zone policy in August, the city of Tallulah Falls and its police department have seen a significant drop in revenue compared to last year. In August, the Tallulah Falls Town Council voted to change their school speed zone policy near Tallulah Falls School.

Pickleball passion builds legacy in Rabun County

Did you know that in 2017, Rabun County held the record for the most state champion pickleball players in Georgia and in 2019 the Pickleball State Championship games were hosted right in Rabun County — inside the gyms of the Rabun County Recreation Department Center?
Photo/Tallulah Falls School. A group of riders enjoys the fall colors during the 11th annual Twin Rivers Challenge. Cyclists from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, New York, Tennessee and Alabama joined together for the ride that sponsors student scholarships at Tallulah Falls School.

Photo/Tallulah Falls School. A group of riders enjoys the fall colors during the 11th annual Twin Rivers Challenge. Cyclists from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, New York, Tennessee and Alabama joined together for the ride that sponsors student scholarships at Tallulah Falls School.

From Rivers to Ridges: Cyclists tackle Twin Rivers Challenge for students

TALLULAH FALLS, GA – After miles of winding climbs and exhilarating descents, Twin Rivers Challenge cyclists face one last hill — the toughest of all — where Tallulah Falls School students lure them to the top with cheers, cowbells and contagious enthusiasm to propel them across the finish line.