Local

The Rev. Billy Burrell pets Elvis Andrew as he talks about his life. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

The Rev. Billy Burrell pets Elvis Andrew as he talks about his life. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Hearing prayers

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairJust like his 1975 Ford truck “Old Blue,” the Rev. Billy Burrell still has some miles to go.His hearing may have gone bad, his eyes may have needed surgery, and he may walk with a cane now, but his doctors gave him good news just before his 96th birthday.
VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church stands in front of the old Grant-Reeves Veterans Center. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church stands in front of the old Grant-Reeves Veterans Center. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

New Veterans Center project moving forward

News Staff
Friday, March 13, 2026
By Zach TaylorA new home for veterans could be completed by Jan. 1, 2027.Post 7720 Commander Barry Church said that the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7720 will award the building contract for the new Grant-Reeves Veterans Center on Monday.
Jonathan Lee Jordan

Jonathan Lee Jordan

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Manhunt causes public uneasiness

News Staff
Friday, March 13, 2026
Update: At 6:50 p.m. Thursday, the Habersham County Sheriff's Office reported that Jonathan Lee Jordan had been arrested without incident. He was found on Creasy Patch Road.
Price Herrin, the inspiration of Price to Play, plays on the current playground in Demorest. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Price Herrin, the inspiration of Price to Play, plays on the current playground in Demorest. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Play for all

News Staff
Friday, March 13, 2026
By Zach TaylorPlaygrounds are what memories are made of.From sliding down a hot slide in the summer to learning how to do monkey bars, playgrounds teach. However, not all playgrounds are created for everyone.Demorest Springs Park contains one of the most-utilized playgrounds in the county.
The results of the fire consolidation study by SouthEastern Fire Consulting Company (SEFCCO) were shared at the Habersham County Board of Commissioners’ planning retreat on Feb. 24. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

The results of the fire consolidation study by SouthEastern Fire Consulting Company (SEFCCO) were shared at the Habersham County Board of Commissioners’ planning retreat on Feb. 24. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Cities see no benefits in consolidation

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
By Zach Taylor and Samantha SinclairAfter one year, the results of the fire consolidation study by SouthEastern Fire Consulting Company (SEFCCO) were shared at the Habersham County Board of Commissioners’ planning retreat on Feb.