In line with its motto, “Our Family Protecting Your Family,” the Union County Fire Department hosted a family affair with its Fire Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 21, at First United Methodist Church, wherein volunteers and career firefighters alike celebrated their own. It was the first awards banquet since 2024, so the gathering brought much…
UCMS leadership changes, Teachers of Year highlighted
The Union County Board of Education had plenty to celebrate March 19 with the observance of School Board Appreciation Week, the announcement of Teachers of the Year, the recognition of retiring Middle School Principal Tammy Hughes, and the welcoming of new UCMS leadership. At the Central Office that evening, Hughes received thanks for her outstanding…
College & Career Fair highlights student options
The College and Career Fair returned to Union County High School on Thursday, March 26, providing students with direct access to a variety of educational and professional organizations to help them decide how to write the next chapters of their lives. Held at least once a semester at the UCHS Gym, the fair enables entire…
Boyts, Lawrence make the cut at All-State Band
Two Union County High School Band students made their community proud during this year’s Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band Performance at the Classic Center in Athens March 5-7. Landon Boyts and Roland Lawrence, both in the 10th grade, received the opportunity after proving the extent of their musical prowess through a rigorous competition process….
Mountain Gymnastics Center celebrates 40 years in Union
What began as a small effort to give local girls a chance to compete in sports has grown into a four-decade legacy of success for Mountain Gymnastics Center. When owner Shelley Thomas, a member of the University of Georgia’s first gymnastics team, opened the gym at its initial location 40 years ago in the Rogers…
Search for missing hiker Hosch makes seasonal shift
The search is far from over for Gainesville native and Dallas, Texas-based attorney and professor Charles Hosch, who disappeared Nov. 11 while on a day hike of the Appalachian Trail on Blood Mountain. But as returning spring foliage makes search conditions increasingly more difficult, the search is moving into a new phase, with spring and…
Residents encouraged to ‘Run for the Rhodos’ April 25
HIAWASSEE – With the largest collection of rhododendrons and native azaleas in the Southeastern United States, the beautiful Hamilton Gardens on the shores of Lake Chatuge are often referred to as the “Jewel of the Mountains.” But even jewels need polishing, which is why Gardens Curator Catherine Luckenbach hopes locals turn out big for the…
Super Chef Showdown a victory for locals in need
The Super Chef Showdown by Hope House of Union County wowed even the pickiest of palates at First United Methodist Church on March 14, and organizers are incredibly grateful to have raised over $25,000 between ticket sales, event sponsors, a silent auction and private donations. Every year, all proceeds from the Super Chef Showdown go…
Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds beds for kids in need
YOUNG HARRIS – Blairsville’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter may be new, but it’s already made a major difference in the lives of children in need. Most recently, the organization held a bed-building workshop at Young Harris Mayor’s Park on March 18, attended by about 150 student volunteers from Young Harris College. As a nonprofit…
Egg Hunt makes colorful debut at Farmers Market
Families thronged to the Union County Farmers Market the second day of spring, on Saturday, March 21, when the annual Easter Egg Hunt by the Union County Recreation Department brightened up the surrounding field and riverbank with a sea of multicolored goodies. The fun officially started at 10 a.m., granting kids access to a variety…