News

Christmas Eve fire kills one in Franklin County

Christmas Eve fire kills one in Franklin County

Christmas Eve fire kills one in Franklin County

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced earlier this week that one victim was killed and four were injured in a Christmas Eve fire on Buttercup Lane in Gumlog during the early morning hours.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Crowds attended the Rabun County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday to express their opinions about short-term rentals and witness the fate of the long-awaited Short-term Rental Ordinance.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Crowds attended the Rabun County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday to express their opinions about short-term rentals and witness the fate of the long-awaited Short-term Rental Ordinance.

County passes short-term rental ordinance

After over six months of debate, public meetings and comments regarding short-term rentals in Rabun County, the Rabun County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the final reading to amend the zoning ordinance for Short-Term Rentals at Tuesday’s commission meeting.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Santa and Mrs. Claus took a break from Christmas preparations at the North Pole to visit with children in Rabun County Monday. The cheerful duo was spotted at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers in Clayton. The business was decorated with Christmas cheer and Santa and Mrs. Claus passed out cookies and candy canes to children. Pictured is 6-year-old Jace Shirley who is excited to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Santa and Mrs. Claus took a break from Christmas preparations at the North Pole to visit with children in Rabun County Monday. The cheerful duo was spotted at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers in Clayton. The business was decorated with Christmas cheer and Santa and Mrs. Claus passed out cookies and candy canes to children. Pictured is 6-year-old Jace Shirley who is excited to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Rabun County gets in the Christmas spirit

Rabun County offered many family-oriented and fun activities for children to enjoy during the holiday season.

GBI assists Rabun with fatal stabbing investigation

DILLARD – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is assisting the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office in an investigation into the stabbing death of a Cartersville, Ga., man at a motel. April Sue Tate, 36, was booked into the Rabun County Detention Center on Dec.
Submitted photo. Max Watts, center, served as a Rabun County Commissioner for 24 years.

Submitted photo. Max Watts, center, served as a Rabun County Commissioner for 24 years.

Long-time commissioner dies at age 87

Long-time Rabun County Commissioner Max Watts is remembered as a great leader and true public servant who dedicated his time to helping the people of Rabun County. Watts, 87 of Tiger, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at his residence. He was born on March 19, 1935, in Rabun County.

Governor announces superior court appointment

Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp recently announced the appointment of William “Bill” Ray Oliver to the Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court, effective Jan. 1, 2023. This vacancy was created by the passage of Senate Bill 395 during the 2022 legislative session.
Submitted photo. Anthony Lampros, right, receives a certificate from National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Horne in recognition of over 20 years of service for weather observation in the area.

Submitted photo. Anthony Lampros, right, receives a certificate from National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Horne in recognition of over 20 years of service for weather observation in the area.

Local earns award from National Weather Service

Rabun County local Anthony Lampros recently was honored for his service and received a certificate from National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Horne in recognition of more than 20 years of service for weather observation in the area.
Photo courtesy of Trudy Crunkleton. The iconic Christmas candle located in downtown Clayton was brought back as a decoration after over 35 years. This replica of the original candle is 18-19 feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. The original candle was displayed at the main intersection in the heart of Downtown Clayton. It was suspended every year around the holidays until 1987. After that, the traffic light signal changed and it was no longer hung until it was brought back as a decoration in 2022.

Photo courtesy of Trudy Crunkleton. The iconic Christmas candle located in downtown Clayton was brought back as a decoration after over 35 years. This replica of the original candle is 18-19 feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. The original candle was displayed at the main intersection in the heart of Downtown Clayton. It was suspended every year around the holidays until 1987. After that, the traffic light signal changed and it was no longer hung until it was brought back as a decoration in 2022.

Shining a light on history during Christmas Season

CLAYTON– The city of Clayton is shining a light on history as the iconic Christmas candle is back after a 35-year absence as part of the cheerful and festive decorations beaming brightly in downtown during the holidays.
Submitted photo. NGHS held a groundbreaking for its newest Medical Plaza, located in Bethlehem Dec. 1.

Submitted photo. NGHS held a groundbreaking for its newest Medical Plaza, located in Bethlehem Dec. 1.

Northeast Georgia health system breaks ground on new medical plaza in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, Ga. – Barrow County will soon have even greater access to health care close to home at Northeast Georgia Health System’s (NGHS) newest Medical Plaza, located in Bethlehem. Community and health system leaders gathered yesterday, Dec.