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Habersham County Chamber of Commerce 2025 Chairman Tommy Thurmond passes the gavel to Georgia Power Northeast Area Manager Jeremy Spradlin (left). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Habersham County Chamber of Commerce 2025 Chairman Tommy Thurmond passes the gavel to Georgia Power Northeast Area Manager Jeremy Spradlin (left). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Gala honors chamber’s best

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Zach TaylorOn Thursday, business owners and local leaders gathered to honor Habersham’s best.
BJ Addison

BJ Addison

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South Hab to get Addison as principal

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIt was a full-circle moment for Woodville Elementary School Principal BJ Addison on Monday night when he was officially announced as Daphne Penick’s successor as the principal of South Habersham Middle School next year, when Penick plans to retire.“Dr.
After a 48-minute executive session Friday afternoon, the Demorest City Council voted to investigate personnel within the city’s police department. (File photo)

After a 48-minute executive session Friday afternoon, the Demorest City Council voted to investigate personnel within the city’s police department. (File photo)

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Council decides to investigate police

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Zach TaylorAfter a 48-minute executive session Friday afternoon, the Demorest City Council voted to investigate personnel within the city’s police department.
The Bushes are the newest pastoring family of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mt. Airy. November 2025 marked their first year installation anniversary. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The Bushes are the newest pastoring family of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mt. Airy. November 2025 marked their first year installation anniversary. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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‘EBC is the place to be’

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAsk the Rev. Phinizy Bush III and his wife, Sentoria, how long they’ve been in ministry, and they’ll tell you their whole lives.From the streets of Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
The playscapes at Baldwin Elementary sit empty, waiting for the schoolchildren to come play. These and many other playground facilities across the county’s elementary schools may be slated for upgrades if county residents pass ESPLOST VII in May. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The playscapes at Baldwin Elementary sit empty, waiting for the schoolchildren to come play. These and many other playground facilities across the county’s elementary schools may be slated for upgrades if county residents pass ESPLOST VII in May. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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ESPLOST vote ready for May ballot

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIt’s a penny tax Superintendent Patrick Franklin said has been in place since he went to Habersham Central High School. And in May, county residents will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum again to renew the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) VII.
BJ Addison

BJ Addison

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South Hab gets new principal

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
By Hannah CaudellWoodville Elementary School Principal BJ Addison will be taking the helm at South Habersham Middle School at the end of the school year following Daphne Penick’s retirement announcement in January. The newest chapter of his career was announced on Monday evening.
Habersham Central High School's valedictorian and salutatorian are Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.

Habersham Central High School's valedictorian and salutatorian are Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.

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Habersham Central names Grady, Baker as top students

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Hannah CaudellHabersham Central High School has a new pair at the top of the academic leaderboard for 2026.On Thursday morning, Dr. Adam Bagwell announced over the intercom this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian: Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.
Jessie Owensby

Jessie Owensby

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Owensby leaving for White County

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCornelia Community Development Director Jessie Owensby is headed to White County.She was announced as the county’s new director of community and economic development Wednesday morning.Her last day with the city is Feb.

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Baldwin OKs first reading for Cook project

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCook Construction is one step closer to beginning a development in Baldwin after council approved the first reading of the annexation and rezoning ordinance 3-1, with Councilman Joe Elam voting no.“There’s a lot of concerns, and you can sense it in the room.
Susan Gwaltney finds Abraham Helton’s name in Index to Heads of Families 1830 Census of Georgia which she found on the shelves of the William H. Raper Heritage Room at the Clarkesville Public Library. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Susan Gwaltney finds Abraham Helton’s name in Index to Heads of Families 1830 Census of Georgia which she found on the shelves of the William H. Raper Heritage Room at the Clarkesville Public Library. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Knowing where she came from

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairSince childhood Susan Gwaltney was told she had a relative who signed the Declaration of Independence — William Hooper from North Carolina. She had also been told that she was related to Col.