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Habersham County Sheriff’s Office

Habersham County Sheriff’s Office

Manhunt leads to one arrest

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
Update: The Baldwin Police Department reports two suspects were apprehended in Hall County. Look for a full update in the June 3 edition of The Northeast Georgian.
Changes to the Unified Development Ordinance include the elimination of the Conservation Subdivision zoning district, placing those properties in the Agricultural district, bright green on the draft map. (Submitted)

Changes to the Unified Development Ordinance include the elimination of the Conservation Subdivision zoning district, placing those properties in the Agricultural district, bright green on the draft map. (Submitted)

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County seeks input at second town hall

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe community will get another opportunity to learn more about and share their opinions on a document that will frame future growth in the county.Habersham County is hosting its second town hall meeting focused on the Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, at 6 p.m.
Ray Durham reads aloud the plaque during its dedication at the Memorial Day Ceremony Monday. It reads “This flag flies in remembrance of our Armed Forces service members and in appreciation of the spouses who stood beside them.” (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Ray Durham reads aloud the plaque during its dedication at the Memorial Day Ceremony Monday. It reads “This flag flies in remembrance of our Armed Forces service members and in appreciation of the spouses who stood beside them.” (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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VFW, Whitfield honor veterans, families

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Samantha SinclairRay Durham visits the Grant-Reeves Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7720 Memorial Park every Sunday, and sometimes on other days during the week.It is the final resting place of his wife, Clorinda Carmen Durham, and youngest son, Bart Devlin Durham.
HCHS graduate Rainlan Hobson walks off the stage after receiving her diploma at Raider Stadium Friday, May 22. (Landen Todd/Staff)

HCHS graduate Rainlan Hobson walks off the stage after receiving her diploma at Raider Stadium Friday, May 22. (Landen Todd/Staff)

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Drenched for the diploma

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAs they weathered varying bouts of rain, Habersham Central graduates walked across the graduation stage in plastic ponchos to receive their diplomas.“Did anybody bring a pontoon?
Country singer Kimberly Schlapman speaks at the Habersham Central High School graduation ceremony at Raider Stadium on Friday, May 22. (Landen Todd/Staff)

Country singer Kimberly Schlapman speaks at the Habersham Central High School graduation ceremony at Raider Stadium on Friday, May 22. (Landen Todd/Staff)

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Schlapman returns to the boondocks

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Hannah Caudell“Thank you, Jesus, that we were born and raised in the boondocks,” Kimberly Schlapman said during her address to the Habersham Central High School Class of 2026.
One project ESPLOST will fund is new playgrounds for every elementary school. (Hannha Caudell/Staff)

One project ESPLOST will fund is new playgrounds for every elementary school. (Hannha Caudell/Staff)

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Voters continue ESPLOST

News Staff
Friday, May 22, 2026
By Samantha Sinclair and Hannah CaudellVoters saw the value in a penny sales tax supporting Habersham County Schools, overwhelmingly voting “yes” for it.
Shelley Tullis studies the absentee and early voting results with her husband, Mt. Airy Mayor Adam Tullis, as results start coming in to the Habersham County Elections and Registration Office Tuesday evening. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Shelley Tullis studies the absentee and early voting results with her husband, Mt. Airy Mayor Adam Tullis, as results start coming in to the Habersham County Elections and Registration Office Tuesday evening. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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McClellon, Tullis win county seats

News Staff
Friday, May 22, 2026
By Samantha SinclairDanny McClellon will be filling the vacant seat on the Habersham County Commission soon.He was elected in a special election Tuesday to complete Jimmy Tench’s unexpired term in the District 3 seat. He will start serving once results are certified and he can be sworn in to office.
During a mission trip to Ecuador, senior Gracen Thomas helps share the Gospel. Thomas hopes to become a medical missionary after she completes her post-secondary education. (Submitted)

During a mission trip to Ecuador, senior Gracen Thomas helps share the Gospel. Thomas hopes to become a medical missionary after she completes her post-secondary education. (Submitted)

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An unconventional path

News Staff
Friday, May 22, 2026
By Hannah CaudellThere aren’t many high school students that can say they skipped a grade to graduate at 16 years old, but that’s the case for senior Gracen Thomas.
Caden Polley stands outside his home away from home, the TFS Natatorium.

Caden Polley stands outside his home away from home, the TFS Natatorium.

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Being with family

News Staff
Friday, May 22, 2026
By Samantha SinclairSwimming has been important to Caden Polley.He started swimming in 2016, after deciding he didn’t want to continue with soccer as his older brothers had. When his family moved to Habersham County from McDonough when he was in third grade, he started swimming with the Hurricanes.