Local

Election 2026

Election 2026

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Ballot full for primary

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
By Samantha SinclairQualifying ended Friday with contested races for both county commission seats in the Republican primary and all school board incumbents running unopposed.No Democrats qualified to run for the local seats.The General Primary Election is May 19.
Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Good times roll

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
After being paused for a year, Clarkesville’s Mardi Gras fundraiser rolled in with New Orleans fun and tastes at North Georgia Technical College Saturday night. Above, Damon and Angela Horne take a look at raffle prizes available before deciding where to drop their tickets.
Justin Ferguson

Justin Ferguson

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Baldwin assistant police chief resigns

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellJustin Ferguson is no longer Baldwin’s assistant police chief.After an executive session that lasted over an hour on Monday night, Baldwin’s council tied in a vote to accept or decline Ferguson’s voluntary resignation.
Shelby Ward

Shelby Ward

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United Way announces new leader

News Staff
Monday, March 9, 2026
Georgia Foothills United Way announced that Shelby Ward has been named its new President and CEO.Ward is retiring after 31 years with North Georgia Technical College, where she most recently served as Dean of Adult Education.Look for details in the Midweek edition of The Northeast Georgian.
Agents seized contraband including 32 kilograms of methamphetamine, four pounds of fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids and multiple firearms. (Submitted)

Agents seized contraband including 32 kilograms of methamphetamine, four pounds of fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids and multiple firearms. (Submitted)

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Investigation leads to 16 RICO arrests

News Staff
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairA months-long racketeering investigation resulted in 16 arrests throughout the region, including several in Habersham County.
Janet Keller is one of the Tomochichi Chapter’s newest members. Her pins include one for her Revolutionary War ancestor, Jacob Roller of Pennsylvania, and a lantern pin in honor of the chapter’s founder, Addie Bass. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Janet Keller is one of the Tomochichi Chapter’s newest members. Her pins include one for her Revolutionary War ancestor, Jacob Roller of Pennsylvania, and a lantern pin in honor of the chapter’s founder, Addie Bass. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Helping through history

News Staff
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairJanet Keller is a helper. And, she’s learned that helping nature is in her roots.“It started with my ancestor,” Keller said, referring to Revolutionary War Patriot Jacob Roller.
Kristen Adkinson/Staff

Kristen Adkinson/Staff

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Land use ordinance heads to county

News Staff
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Zach TaylorA document defining how Habersham will look is nearing completion.Habersham’s new unified development ordinance (UDO) with modifications was approved by the Habersham Planning Commission Tuesday night, and the document now moves to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners.
Two old sets of swings sit vacant on the Baldwin Elementary School playground, waiting for children to fill its seats. The swings could see a potential upgrade with the possible approval of ESPLOST VII by county voters. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Two old sets of swings sit vacant on the Baldwin Elementary School playground, waiting for children to fill its seats. The swings could see a potential upgrade with the possible approval of ESPLOST VII by county voters. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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New ESPLOST could renew playgrounds

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAll of the county’s elementary school playgrounds could get a facelift if an ESPLOST renewal is passed in May.