Local

FLOST collections will be divided between Habersham County and its cities, with percentages calculated to provide equal millage rate rollbacks. (Kristen Adkinson and Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

FLOST collections will be divided between Habersham County and its cities, with percentages calculated to provide equal millage rate rollbacks. (Kristen Adkinson and Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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FLOST agreement moves through cities

News Staff
Friday, July 10, 2026
By Hannah Caudell and Samantha SinclairTwo cities decided to enter an Intergovernmental Agreement, or IGA, with Habersham County for FLOST Tuesday night, and another was expected to Thursday night.FLOST, or the Floating Homestead Local Option Sales Tax, must be used to reduce property taxes if...
Lauren Bowers and Mandy Brock of Hangry’s Grill show hotdogs similar to those for the Red, White and Tunes hotdog eating contest. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Lauren Bowers and Mandy Brock of Hangry’s Grill show hotdogs similar to those for the Red, White and Tunes hotdog eating contest. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Want a hotdog?

News Staff
Friday, July 10, 2026
By Samantha SinclairRed, White and Tunes looks like the Fourth of July with its concert in the park followed by fireworks, but this year, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, another holiday tradition will be added — a hotdog eating contest.Hangry’s Grill will be providing the competition at the...
Mike Tope

Mike Tope

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Baldwin looks at leak adjustments

News Staff
Friday, July 10, 2026
By Samantha SinclairBaldwin is working to make its policy more fair for water customers.The city council discussed a new water and sewer billing adjustment policy at its meeting Tuesday night, and plans to make adjustments of its own before approving at an upcoming meeting.
DNR used sonar to locate Glass’ body on the eastern shore at the main channel of the Oconee River north of the confluence of Crooked Creek.

DNR used sonar to locate Glass’ body on the eastern shore at the main channel of the Oconee River north of the confluence of Crooked Creek.

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Mt. Airy man drowns Friday in Lake Sinclair

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
By Samantha SinclairA Mt. Airy man was found dead after a late night swim in Lake Sinclair in Putnam County Friday morning.Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said David Hoyt Glass, 34, of Mt. Airy, is suspected to have drowned in the lake.Glass and a friend, Kevin Kuhn, went swimming late at night...
Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Glorious show

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The Miller family watches the 20-minute-long fireworks display at the edge of Demorest Springs Park Saturday night during the finale of the city’s Glorious 4th. The annual full-day Fourth of July celebration included a parade marching through downtown, activities in the park and a concert.
Capt. Ken Schubring Sr. holds the challenge coin President Donald Trump presented to him on July Fourth. (Submitted)

Capt. Ken Schubring Sr. holds the challenge coin President Donald Trump presented to him on July Fourth. (Submitted)

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Trump honors local veteran

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
By Samantha SinclairA local veteran was a highlight of the Freedom 250 celebration in Washington, D.C. Saturday night.Capt. Ken Schubring Sr., one of the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, was honored by President Donald Trump in his July Fourth speech, and welcomed on stage at the event.His...
The inside of the old Crow building in Cornelia is vast, and perhaps perfect for a wine tasting room that is currently planned for the building. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The inside of the old Crow building in Cornelia is vast, and perhaps perfect for a wine tasting room that is currently planned for the building. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Renovations stall at future winery

News Staff
Friday, July 3, 2026
By Hannah CaudellMore time will likely pass before renovations on the old brick building next to Donald Anderson Park begin.Matt and Lindsey Vrahiotes of Sweet Acre Farms lease the property, and had plans of opening a wine tasting room.
Bobby York is related to at least nine Revolutionary War patriots. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Bobby York is related to at least nine Revolutionary War patriots. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Proud to be American

News Staff
Friday, July 3, 2026
By Samantha SinclairBobby York has nine reasons to be full of pride on the Fourth of July.He is related to nine men who served our country during the Revolutionary War.“All of these men are farmers, or blacksmiths,” York said.
Fireworks explode high above the ballfield as firefighters and their families got front row seats to the show at Demorest’s Glorious Fourth of July last year. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Fireworks explode high above the ballfield as firefighters and their families got front row seats to the show at Demorest’s Glorious Fourth of July last year. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Demorest’s Glorious 4th is Saturday

News Staff
Friday, July 3, 2026
by Samantha SinclairDowntown Demorest will be filled with red, white and blue Saturday for its annual Glorious Fourth of July celebration.