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County continues zoning moratorium

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairA moratorium on certain housing development and zoning applications was extended 30 days by the Habersham County Board of Commissioners Monday night.The moratorium, adopted on Oct. 20, was set to expire on Feb. 17.Prior to that, the board adopted an emergency moratorium on Sept.
Julie Poole

Julie Poole

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Poole to serve as interim manager

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCity Clerk Julie Poole will be the interim city manager for Clarkesville following City Manager Keith Dickerson’s resignation, Mayor Franklin Brown said Tuesday morning.Dickerson’s last day with the city is Feb. 20.Poole started with the city in 2008 working at the front desk.
Jacey Vickery, Robby Edge and Anna Anastasio enjoy playing around in the photo booth. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Jacey Vickery, Robby Edge and Anna Anastasio enjoy playing around in the photo booth. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Shining moments

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairJoy was present all over Level Grove Baptist Church Friday night as the community celebrated Night to Shine.The worldwide event honors those with special needs, with founder Tim Tebow announcing each one of the honored guests as King and Queen.
Cook Construction’s request for annexation is for about 100 acres at Ga. 365 and Duncan Bridge Road. (Submitted)

Cook Construction’s request for annexation is for about 100 acres at Ga. 365 and Duncan Bridge Road. (Submitted)

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Commission objects to annexation

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCounty commissioners did what they legally could Monday night to prevent a controversial annexation of property.
Cook Construction and Real Estate has proposed annexing about 100 acres into the city of Baldwin.

Cook Construction and Real Estate has proposed annexing about 100 acres into the city of Baldwin.

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Commission objects to annexation

News Staff
Monday, February 16, 2026
Cook Construction and Real Estate's request to annex about 100 acres at Duncan Bridge Road and Ga. 365 into Baldwin hit a setback Monday night.
L&D Florist Owner Janet Kinsey puts together an arrangement using skills learned in the floristry craft. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

L&D Florist Owner Janet Kinsey puts together an arrangement using skills learned in the floristry craft. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Local florists experience Valentine’s bloom

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Zach TaylorWith the love-themed holiday coming up tomorrow, local florists are warning folks about third-party floral sales companies that might keep the money without delivering what was purchased.Their message: order from them and get what you paid for.
Bill Miles

Bill Miles

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Miles leading charge to protect veterans

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Zach TaylorSome veterans may be charged fees for filing for Veterans Affairs (VA) claims if new legislation is passed.However, Department of Georgia Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Bill Miles, who lives in Habersham County, is fighting to keep that legislation tabled.
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Cornelia looks to eliminate millage rate cap

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCornelia may officially see a change to its city charter if the state legislature approves commissioners’ new move to remove the millage rate cap in order to improve the city’s credit worthiness.Unlike many cities in Georgia, Cornelia currently has a millage rate cap of 20 mills.
James and Syble Thomason sit in the living room of their Alto home, where they’ve lived since 1995. James, a Habersham native, moved himself and Syble to Northeast Georgia after they got married in 1963. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

James and Syble Thomason sit in the living room of their Alto home, where they’ve lived since 1995. James, a Habersham native, moved himself and Syble to Northeast Georgia after they got married in 1963. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Love at first sight

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Hannah CaudellJames and Syble met in the spring of 1963 in Sampson, Ala. After they started dating, it would only take a month for the couple to fall in love and get married.In the couple’s Alto home, a Bible with James’ name sits at the edge of the sofa.
Jimmy Tench

Jimmy Tench

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County finalizes plan for special election

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAs the end of Jimmy Tench’s service as a county commissioner draws to a close today, Feb. 13, the county has a plan for how to fill the remainder of his term.The term for the District 3 seat ends on Dec.