Local

First Baptist Minister of Worship & Music Randy LeBlanc accepts applause from the audience at last year’s American Music Concert. BECKY HUGHES/Submitted

First Baptist Minister of Worship & Music Randy LeBlanc accepts applause from the audience at last year’s American Music Concert. BECKY HUGHES/Submitted

‘American Music’ returns to First Baptist Church Cornelia

News Staff
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Due to the tremendous response to last year’s concert, the Sanctuary Choir and professional orchestra at First Baptist Church Cornelia will present “Homeward Bound: A Celebration of American Music,” Sunday, June 25, at 6 p.m.
Savannah Davis, future owner of Rich & Savvy’s Cigar and Wine Lounge, discusses her plans with the Council at Monday’s City Council meeting. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Savannah Davis, future owner of Rich & Savvy’s Cigar and Wine Lounge, discusses her plans with the Council at Monday’s City Council meeting. EMMA MARTI/Staff

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Clarkesville still finalizing ordinance for downtown bar

Emma Marti
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
The Clarkesville City Council is still working on an ordinance change for a new prospective business downtown. At the May work session, Savannah Davis, lease holder of 1444 Washington Street, discussed with the council her plans to open a wine and cigar bar on the square.
Madelyn Williams (right) and Jonas Corbin (left) play Gayle and Lendall in the scene titled “Getting It Back” in “Almost, Maine” at the Habersham Community Theater. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Madelyn Williams (right) and Jonas Corbin (left) play Gayle and Lendall in the scene titled “Getting It Back” in “Almost, Maine” at the Habersham Community Theater. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

The 'Maine' event begins

News Staff
Friday, June 2, 2023
“Almost, Maine” debuted Thursday night and plays Friday and Saturday, June 2-3 at 7:30 p.m., then Sunday, June 4 at 2 p.m. It returns next week, running Thursday through Saturday, June 8-10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m.
Renovations are set to begin on Clarkesville Elementary after the Board of Education approved the matter at their May 26 called meeting. SUBMITTED

Renovations are set to begin on Clarkesville Elementary after the Board of Education approved the matter at their May 26 called meeting. SUBMITTED

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Green light for $11M Clarkesville Elementary expansion

Emma Marti
Friday, June 2, 2023
Continuing its tradition, the Habersham County Board of Education met one last time of the school year prior to graduation last Friday night.
Matthew Wolfe’s finished Eagle Scout project sits outside of Helen First Baptist Church. He earned his rank of Eagle Scout on April 5. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Matthew Wolfe’s finished Eagle Scout project sits outside of Helen First Baptist Church. He earned his rank of Eagle Scout on April 5. JOHN DILLS/Staff

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Scouts continue community works with third Eagle project

John Dills
Friday, June 2, 2023
Matthew Wolfe has reached his longtime goal of Eagle Scout after completing his project. Wolfe, originally from Fort Myers, Fla., has been a part of the Boy Scouts for five years. When he moved to Georgia, the Boy Scouts became of interest to him, and had made it his goal to go for Eagle Scout.
Tanner and Mish Pirkle are the proud owners of Mountain Automotive, and opened their doors to Habersham and other communities in April. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Tanner and Mish Pirkle are the proud owners of Mountain Automotive, and opened their doors to Habersham and other communities in April. JOHN DILLS/Staff

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Family forges on with home, business after fire

John Dills
Friday, June 2, 2023
Almost being a historic part of the county, Mountain Automotive sits in the building that was previously home to Vann Oil in Cornelia. Owners Tanner and Mish Pirkle are seeking their true happiness, and the first stop for Tanner is his own shop.
Brad White and Mike Miller bring a mattress inside the home beside Victory Baptist Church. Originally a larger house, the unit was split to accommodate two small families or two individuals. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Brad White and Mike Miller bring a mattress inside the home beside Victory Baptist Church. Originally a larger house, the unit was split to accommodate two small families or two individuals. JOHN DILLS/Staff

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Ministry works hard to help Habersham’s homeless

John Dills
Friday, June 2, 2023
There are many local programs helping families and individuals in need, and Habersham Homeless Ministries (HHM) takes that help one step further by providing those who do not have a home with adequate shelter through troublesome times.
Grant-Reeves Honor Guard members (from left) Rob Wallace, Roy Albea, Barry Church, Ronnie Dotson and Bob Trousdale bow their heads while listening to the Memorial Day remarks Monday morning, MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Grant-Reeves Honor Guard members (from left) Rob Wallace, Roy Albea, Barry Church, Ronnie Dotson and Bob Trousdale bow their heads while listening to the Memorial Day remarks Monday morning, MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

‘Worth fighting for … worth dying for’

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Citizens joined veterans at two ceremonies Monday to honor soldiers who have given their lives for the United States on Memorial Day. The first was held at the VFW Memorial Park, with full honor guard salute and Taps for the fallen.