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University lawsuit resolved

News Staff
Friday, April 17, 2026
By Samantha Sinclair and Zach TaylorPiedmont University and Dr. Robert H. Wainberg announced Thursday morning that they have amicably resolved all disputes between them.Wainberg filed a wrongful termination lawsuit on Aug.
Election 2026

Election 2026

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Election 2026: McClellon, Smith vie for District 3 seat

News Staff
Friday, April 17, 2026
By Samantha SinclairTwo names will be on the May ballot twice — the Habersham County Board of Commissioners District 3 is up for reelection this year, plus there is a special election to fill the remainder of former Commissioner Jimmy Tench’s term.
The Ivester family poses for a ribbon-cutting photo with NGTC President John Wilkinson and TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

The Ivester family poses for a ribbon-cutting photo with NGTC President John Wilkinson and TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Leaving a ‘Mark’

News Staff
Friday, April 17, 2026
By Zach TaylorLeaving a legacy is something everyone dreams of, whether through one’s job, family or community.One man left his legacy at North Georgia Technical College, where he dreamed of a better life for students.The Mark, or The Mark Ivester Center for Living and Learning, named after Dr.
The Demorest Police Department is no longer under investigation, following the presentation of results from a third-party investigator. (File)

The Demorest Police Department is no longer under investigation, following the presentation of results from a third-party investigator. (File)

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Demorest police investigation concludes

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
By Zach TaylorAn investigation into the Demorest Police Department is finally over, finding conflicts among its civilian staff.On April 8, the city announced the results of the investigation through a press release.
The branding guide outlines colors, fonts, styles and uses of the city’s “Experience Clarkesville” brand.

The branding guide outlines colors, fonts, styles and uses of the city’s “Experience Clarkesville” brand.

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City to purchase mobile generator

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
By Samantha SinclairClarkesville will be getting a mobile generator to support its lift stations.The city council approved up to $45,000 to a purchase of a mobile generator, plus four transfer switches for its lift stations, at its meeting Monday night.
Tuesday’s informal public hearing is the first of several that will be hosted in the next few months. The board of education will host its first official public hearing on May 7, when they are expecting concrete budget numbers for Fiscal Year 2027. (AdobeStock image)

Tuesday’s informal public hearing is the first of several that will be hosted in the next few months. The board of education will host its first official public hearing on May 7, when they are expecting concrete budget numbers for Fiscal Year 2027. (AdobeStock image)

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School system prepares for budget season

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
By Hannah CaudellThe Habersham County Board of Education is getting ready for budget season.
Local cattleman Gilbert Barrett of Barrett Farms stands amongst one of his herds of cattle in a pasture that isn’t yielding as much forage due to recent drought conditions. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Local cattleman Gilbert Barrett of Barrett Farms stands amongst one of his herds of cattle in a pasture that isn’t yielding as much forage due to recent drought conditions. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Hay, crops, trout

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAs drought in the area continues, more industries throughout Habersham County are beginning to see the effects.
More than 100 people showed up for the Habersham County town hall on the new Unified Development Ordinance on Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

More than 100 people showed up for the Habersham County town hall on the new Unified Development Ordinance on Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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County hears UDO concerns

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
By Zach TaylorSome residents do not feel that the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the new zoning map added much clarity to land use.County commissioners and planning department members heard concerns and praise from 27 people during a packed town hall meeting Monday night.

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Proposed housing sizes affect affordability

News Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
By Zach TaylorHabersham County has maintained the same development guidelines since 1992 with its Comprehensive Land Development Resolution.With increasing concerns for growth, county commissioners are working to finalize a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Sen. Bo Hatchett

Sen. Bo Hatchett

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Hatchett takes pride in measures passed

News Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
By Samantha SinclairOverall, State Sen. Bo Hatchett thinks really good measures passed this legislative session that concluded last week.The biggest win the Cornelia lawmaker saw was $409 million allocated in the amended budget for the design and construction of a state mental health hospital.