Local

Jimmy Tench

Jimmy Tench

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County Commissioner Tench resigns

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThere will be an empty seat at the next Habersham County Board of Commissioners meeting.Commissioner Jimmy Tench submitted his resignation via email Wednesday afternoon. His resignation is effective Feb. 13.“My fellow Commissioners,” he wrote.
The intersection of Willingham Avenue and Manor Place Drive in Baldwin shows the difference in road conditions Saturday afternoon. (Landen Todd/Staff)

The intersection of Willingham Avenue and Manor Place Drive in Baldwin shows the difference in road conditions Saturday afternoon. (Landen Todd/Staff)

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Weekend storm blankets county with snow

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Zach Taylor and Samantha SinclairWinter Storm Gianna swept across the Southeast last Saturday, dumping snow in Habersham County.Snow totals for the county hovered around five to eight inches, with the county’s higher elevations getting the most powder.
Baldwin Elementary Assistant Principal Alexandria Noggle hands packets out to students on Friday, Jan. 30 ahead of a new winter weather system after the county just recovered from Winter Storm Fern. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Baldwin Elementary Assistant Principal Alexandria Noggle hands packets out to students on Friday, Jan. 30 ahead of a new winter weather system after the county just recovered from Winter Storm Fern. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Weekend storm blankets county with snow

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIce and snow have stolen over a week of school from the county’s schoolchildren, and whether students feel liberated or anxious to get back into the classroom, all will in some way or another have to make up for the days of instruction lost to winter weather.
Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, explains to community residents and stakeholders details about the potential Duncan Bridge Road project at a town hall last week. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, explains to community residents and stakeholders details about the potential Duncan Bridge Road project at a town hall last week. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Cook annexation raises concerns despite plans

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Hannah CaudellEver since December 2025, the name “Cook Construction” often comes with community speculation and high resident turnout to council meetings, evident by Baldwin’s Jan. 20 meeting.
Clarkesville is moving forward with plans for a hotel to be built on the old courthouse property. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Clarkesville is moving forward with plans for a hotel to be built on the old courthouse property. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Downtown hotel plans move forward

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Samantha SinclairClarkesville is ready to take its next steps on the old courthouse property. The results of the feasibility study performed by Horwath HTL confirmed council’s thoughts for the property.“To me, it says you need a hotel here,” City Manager Keith Dickerson said.
From left, Clinic Manager Barbara Blackwell, a familiar face at Grace Gate, smiles with brand new Executive Director Pam Hendrix, who hopes to lead the nonprofit in its future goals while maintaining the legacy of the leaders who came before her. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

From left, Clinic Manager Barbara Blackwell, a familiar face at Grace Gate, smiles with brand new Executive Director Pam Hendrix, who hopes to lead the nonprofit in its future goals while maintaining the legacy of the leaders who came before her. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Keeping the gates open

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIt started with a prayer.That’s what many board members say when they tell the story of how Grace Gate began 20 years ago.Grace Gate Clinic is a nonprofit that provides free primary healthcare services to patients who are uninsured after they become qualified for the services.
Keith Dickerson

Keith Dickerson

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Clarkesville city manager resigns

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Samantha SinclairMore leadership changes are coming to the city of Clarkesville.City Manager Keith Dickerson’s last day with the city is Feb. 20.
Keith Dickerson

Keith Dickerson

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Dickerson leaving Clarkesville

News Staff
Monday, February 2, 2026
Mayor Franklin Brown announced at the end of the Clarkesville City Council meeting Monday night that City Manager Keith Dickerson would be leaving the city and returning to McDonough. His last day will be Feb. 20.Dickerson has been the city manager since January 2020.
Habersham Cunty Sheriff's Office

Habersham Cunty Sheriff's Office

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Deputy responsible for crash on Pea Ridge Road

News Staff
Friday, January 30, 2026
By Hannah CaudellOn Jan. 22, a Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputy crashed into a motorist who was driving through a green light on the intersection of Pea Ridge Road and Ga. 384/Duncan Bridge Road.
Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, explains to community residents and stakeholders details about the potential Duncan Bridge Road project. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, explains to community residents and stakeholders details about the potential Duncan Bridge Road project. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Cook Construction hosts town hall

News Staff
Friday, January 30, 2026
By Hannah CaudellOn Tuesday night, Baldwin and county residents packed into Baldwin’s City Hall Community Room to ask Cook Construction representatives directly what their plans are for the 88-acre property they are trying to annex into the city.