Local

Tim McCoy adjusts the chains on the swing ride before testing its functionality. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Tim McCoy adjusts the chains on the swing ride before testing its functionality. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

FAIR WEATHER

The 49th annual Chattahoochee Mountain Fair begins on Friday, drawing crowds of people from all over northeast Georgia.    Reece Watson and Rebecca Mason will perform on the stage to kick off the musical performances at the fair.
The Cornelia Free Expression Wall was in place for nearly two months and has been torn down due to vulgar language and inappropriate spray paintings. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The Cornelia Free Expression Wall was in place for nearly two months and has been torn down due to vulgar language and inappropriate spray paintings. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Art wall torn down after gang vandalism

City workers tore down the City of Cornelia’s Free Expression Wall on Wednesday following a surge in vulgar and inappropriate spray paintings, including gang tagging.
Baldwin Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster presents millage rate options to Baldwin City Council on Sept. 3. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

Baldwin Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster presents millage rate options to Baldwin City Council on Sept. 3. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

Baldwin begins millage rate talks as officials eye possible tax increase

The City of Baldwin began millage rate discussions on Monday with the main talking point being a looming tax increase.    When the city passed its budget in June, it was expected that a 1.11 mill increase would be required.
Everett Rudeseal darts upfield after a catch last week. TOM ASKEW/Special

Everett Rudeseal darts upfield after a catch last week. TOM ASKEW/Special

Raiders look to pull level

After pulling out a big win over rival White County, Habersham Central is back on its home turf this week looking for win number two. It won’t be easy, as the Raiders (1-2) welcome undefeated Cherokee Bluff to Mt. Airy Friday.    “They’ve got a really good football team.
Anthony Garrido (No. 52) celebrates a big defensive play against White County last week. TOM ASKEW/Special

Anthony Garrido (No. 52) celebrates a big defensive play against White County last week. TOM ASKEW/Special

Are you kidding me?

This community simply doesn’t quit. Especially not when it comes to supporting its own.    Lets face it, two weeks into this season, the Raiders looked pitiful. Nobody would’ve blamed folks for tuning out a bit or throwing their hands up at the 2024 season altogether.
Senior Jayden Jarrett has brought the energy - as well as strong serving - for the Lady Raiders so far this season. LANG STOREY/Staff

Senior Jayden Jarrett has brought the energy - as well as strong serving - for the Lady Raiders so far this season. LANG STOREY/Staff

Lady Raiders back in the win column

The Habersham Central volleyball team was back on its home court Tuesday to take on Rabun Gap-Nacoochee.
Cars line up at the Habersham County Fairgrounds. The event featured over 50 vehicles, from modern marvels to charming classics. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Cars line up at the Habersham County Fairgrounds. The event featured over 50 vehicles, from modern marvels to charming classics. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Eddy Bear car show raises funds for charity

Last Saturday, the Eddy Bear Foundation held its annual car show at the Habersham County Fairgrounds.    The foundation collects and donates teddy bears from events to give to children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and the local sheriff’s departments.
Sen. Bo Hatchett speaks at the Georgia senate study committee meeting on Aug. 30. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

Sen. Bo Hatchett speaks at the Georgia senate study committee meeting on Aug. 30. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

Ga. senate, locals talk farmland preservation

Members of the Georgia Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia Farmlands gathered at Habersham EMC on Aug. 30 to hear from the public and discuss the impact of development and growth on Georgia’s farmlands.
Tim Ganley and Vie Binga pose in front of the TR Cigars sign at Amy’s Creek Farmer’s Market. The pair sells handmade cigars from the market on the weekends and most weekdays, weather permitting. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Tim Ganley and Vie Binga pose in front of the TR Cigars sign at Amy’s Creek Farmer’s Market. The pair sells handmade cigars from the market on the weekends and most weekdays, weather permitting. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Smoke on the mountain

A pair of now-northeast Georgians from St. Petersburg, Florida, sell handmade cigars at a local farmer’s market on HWY 17.    Tim Ganley opens up another entrepreneurial venture, this time in the cigar world.
Clarkesville City Council meets for annual retreat at Mary Street Community House Thursday. Brian Wellmeier/Staff

Clarkesville City Council meets for annual retreat at Mary Street Community House Thursday. Brian Wellmeier/Staff

Clarkesville begins budget talks

Clarkesville has unveiled a $5.1 million budget and a possible lower millage rate for fiscal year 2025.    That’s up by $100,000 compared to last year’s budget, according to City Manager Keith Dickerson, who attributed the increase to the need for additional public safety apparatus and inflation.