Local

Jimmy Dean looks over the proposed zoning map for the Unified Development Ordinance following the town hall on June 4. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Jimmy Dean looks over the proposed zoning map for the Unified Development Ordinance following the town hall on June 4. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Commission to consider new land use laws

By Samantha SinclairHabersham County could have a new set of laws to manage growth on Monday.County commissioners are expected to consider the proposed Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, at their regular meeting Monday night.
Lisa Turner

Lisa Turner

Alto audit shows improvement

By Hannah CaudellDuring Tuesday’s work session, near silence filled the meeting room at the Alto Municipal Complex while council looked over the city audit’s results with Town Financial Officer Lisa Turner.The Fiscal Year 2025 audit, prepared by Ed K.
Horace Leachman, a local artist in the Habersham community, holds up two of his many drawings at his friend Denise Eller’s barn. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Horace Leachman, a local artist in the Habersham community, holds up two of his many drawings at his friend Denise Eller’s barn. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Sharing the love of art

By Hannah CaudellOne day, Horace Leachman, a local artist in Habersham County, came up with an idea to help share his love for art with the community and children: an art box.
(Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

(Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

FLOST agreement heads to county

By Samantha Sinclair and Hannah CaudellWith all of the seven cities agreeing to put a new sales tax to reduce property taxes in the voters’ hands, the agreement now heads to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Brian Young smiles as he stands on the property that will be the new build site for eight or nine new Habitat homes. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Brian Young smiles as he stands on the property that will be the new build site for eight or nine new Habitat homes. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Habitat for Humanity buys 16 acres for houses

By Hannah CaudellTucked away on a dirt road in Demorest, a 16-acre tract of land sits virtually untouched as it now waits for new Habitat for Humanity houses to be constructed.
McClain Investment Properties owns 10.74 acres, noted as Tax Map Number 078087A, which they requested rezoning from Agriculture to R-2 Multi-Family Residential to build a 34-lot single-family home subdivision. The request was denied by Demorest City Council in April. (Submitted)

McClain Investment Properties owns 10.74 acres, noted as Tax Map Number 078087A, which they requested rezoning from Agriculture to R-2 Multi-Family Residential to build a 34-lot single-family home subdivision. The request was denied by Demorest City Council in April. (Submitted)

Developer sues city for rezoning denial

By Samantha SinclairA developer whose rezoning application was denied in April has now taken the matter to court.McClain Investment Properties LLC sought to rezone 10.
Commission Chairman Bruce Harkness was surprised with the opportunity to ring the old courthouse bell after its unveiling. Plans are to set the mechanism so the bell can not be rung and damaged. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Commission Chairman Bruce Harkness was surprised with the opportunity to ring the old courthouse bell after its unveiling. Plans are to set the mechanism so the bell can not be rung and damaged. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

‘More than a bell’

By Samantha SinclairHabersham County’s historic courthouse bell now has a new home near the entrance of the Habersham County Courthouse.While the celebration was shortened to just the ceremony due to rain, several — who U.S.
The old courthouse bell waits to be unveiled at the Habersham County Courthouse. It was restored by Ammons Grave Restoration. (Submitted)

The old courthouse bell waits to be unveiled at the Habersham County Courthouse. It was restored by Ammons Grave Restoration. (Submitted)

County ready to celebrate America 250

By Samantha SinclairHabersham County is honoring 250 years of our nation with free family event packed with history.The America 250 Celebration and Old Courthouse Bell Unveiling will be held noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at the Habersham County Courthouse.
FLOST collections will be divided between Habersham County and its cities, with percentages calculated to provide equal millage rate rollbacks. (Kristen Adkinson and Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

FLOST collections will be divided between Habersham County and its cities, with percentages calculated to provide equal millage rate rollbacks. (Kristen Adkinson and Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

FLOST agreement moves through cities

By Hannah Caudell and Samantha SinclairTwo cities decided to enter an Intergovernmental Agreement, or IGA, with Habersham County for FLOST Tuesday night, and another was expected to Thursday night.