Local

File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. The City of Sky Valley is inviting community members to participate in this year’s Hay Bale Trail. The city can accommodate the first 30 entries. The deadline to sign up to participate is Sept. 21. This hay bale was decorated by Bartram Trail Conservancy in 2024.

File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. The City of Sky Valley is inviting community members to participate in this year’s Hay Bale Trail. The city can accommodate the first 30 entries. The deadline to sign up to participate is Sept. 21. This hay bale was decorated by Bartram Trail Conservancy in 2024.

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Don’t bail on decorating a hay bale for the trail

Megan Horn
Thursday, September 10, 2026
The first day of Fall is coming up on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and it’s that time of year for Sky Valley’s famous and unique Hay Bale Trail. The hay bales can be spotted throughout the City of Sky Valley as residents and visitors enjoy the beautiful fall decorations.
Photo courtesy of Sky Valley Mayor Benita Cotton-Orr. To honor those lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, volunteers placed 2,977 flags on the lawn at Sky Valley City Hall, commemorating the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks. People locally and nationally will take a moment Friday to reflect back 25 years ago.

Photo courtesy of Sky Valley Mayor Benita Cotton-Orr. To honor those lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, volunteers placed 2,977 flags on the lawn at Sky Valley City Hall, commemorating the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks. People locally and nationally will take a moment Friday to reflect back 25 years ago.

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Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

Megan Horn
Thursday, September 10, 2026
The 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on United States soil brings somber memories for Americans who remember the heartbreaking event as it unfolded like something never seen before.

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Demorest halts pursuit of Tallulah Falls land

News Staff
Thursday, September 3, 2026
The Demorest City Council has decided not to continue the current pursuit of the Tallulah Falls property that had been under consideration as part of the City’s long-term water supply planning.

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Wellstar Health partnering with Stephens’ hosptial

News Staff
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Stephens County Hospital is partnering with Wellstar Health System, the two healthcare providers announced Wednesday morning.Wellstar Health System and Stephens County Hospital have reached an agreement for Stephens County Hospital and related entities to become part of Wellstar Health System.

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Demorest H20 system grows over 50 years

News Staff
Thursday, September 3, 2026
In the late 1970s, Demorest Mayor Malcolm Hunnicutt and Councilman John Popham had a vision that a water system was needed.And, they built what has become the largest water provider in the county, the Demorest Water Department.The city ended up partnering with Baldwin — Baldwin had water access,...
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Newly sworn-in Clayton Police Chief Kevin Marsteller, right, signs paperwork next to Rabun County Probate Judge Savannah Dixon after administering the Oath of Office to Marsteller on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the courtroom at Clayton City Hall.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Newly sworn-in Clayton Police Chief Kevin Marsteller, right, signs paperwork next to Rabun County Probate Judge Savannah Dixon after administering the Oath of Office to Marsteller on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the courtroom at Clayton City Hall.

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Clayton swears in new police chief

News Staff
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Kevin Marsteller was sworn-in as the new Chief of the Clayton Police Department by Rabun County Probate Judge Savannah Dixon in the courtroom at Clayton City Hall Thursday, Aug. 27. Many city officials, friends, and family members of Marsteller were present during the swearing-in.
Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County’s first responders were honored last week at the fourth annual First Responders’ Appreciation Dinner. Many community members thanked them for their service at the Rabun County Civic Center in downtown Clayton.

Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County’s first responders were honored last week at the fourth annual First Responders’ Appreciation Dinner. Many community members thanked them for their service at the Rabun County Civic Center in downtown Clayton.

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First responders honored at fourth annual dinner

Megan Horn
Thursday, September 3, 2026
First responders play a critical role in keeping our community safe. It’s important to honor those men and women who risk their lives to help others in need.

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New partisan-linked Georgia sites mix news with divergent political messages

Thursday, September 3, 2026
ATLANTA — In late July, a new website popped online carrying local news stories from Georgia.There was an article about a disgraced former Atlanta City Council member, another about President Donald Trump’s visit to Cobb County and one about Georgia coach Kirby Smart.The stories were copied and...