Local

HMC at heart of United debate

The expansion of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) – including Habersham Medical Center – is a major component in the stalled negotiations between the hospital system and United Healthcare.
Habersham County Airport had a T-hanagr project lined up until American Rescue Plan funds had to be rerouted to Habersham Medical Center. FILE

Habersham County Airport had a T-hanagr project lined up until American Rescue Plan funds had to be rerouted to Habersham Medical Center. FILE

Airport still without funds for T-hangars

With no public funding options available, the Habersham County Airport Commission is solidifying a public/private funding option for construction of needed hangars. The commission, at its regular monthly meeting Thursday, briefly discussed public/private financing. The discussion was to “...
Demorest City Park is looking to upgrade restroom amenities, and where the previous restrooms sat is now an empty, fenced lot. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Demorest City Park is looking to upgrade restroom amenities, and where the previous restrooms sat is now an empty, fenced lot. JOHN DILLS/Staff

New restrooms questionable for July 4

Patrons of the Demorest City Park may have to make do with porta-potties through the Independence Day holiday. With the current status of the restroom area at the park, only dirt and concrete are within the fence, and it may be more than a month until restrooms are available to park-goers.
Samantha Burnett (second from right) received a Career Advancement Scholarship from Peach State Credit Union. Shown at the presentation are (from left) Scott Roland from Peach State, Thomas Burnett, Bryce Burnett, Samantha Burnett and John Fair. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Samantha Burnett (second from right) received a Career Advancement Scholarship from Peach State Credit Union. Shown at the presentation are (from left) Scott Roland from Peach State, Thomas Burnett, Bryce Burnett, Samantha Burnett and John Fair. EMMA MARTI/Staff

School board celebrates community members

Starting out the May Board of Education meeting with a bang, or a few trumpets, members of the Band of Blue’s trumpet ensemble at Habersham Central High School performed for those in attendance at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.
Former Habersham Schools principal Dr. Octavius Mulligan was announced as Piedmont University’s next Dean of the College of Education at the Spring 2023 Commencement, where he was also the guest speaker. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Former Habersham Schools principal Dr. Octavius Mulligan was announced as Piedmont University’s next Dean of the College of Education at the Spring 2023 Commencement, where he was also the guest speaker. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Mulligan comes full circle back to Piedmont

Almost 10 years since receiving his doctorate at the school, Dr. Octavius Mulligan will be returning to walk the halls of Piedmont University. This time, though, he will be on the other side of the desk, serving as the school’s newest Dean of the College of Education.
FILE

FILE

Public meetings

The following public meetings are scheduled from May 12-18. Habersham County Commission 5 p.m. work session, 6 p.m. regular meeting Monday, May 15, at the county courthouse in Clarkesville, 295 Llewellyn Street. Baldwin City Council 6:30 p.m.
Samantha Carvallo takes a helping hand from digital marketing manager Zack Hoopaugh after receiving her degree Friday at Piedmont University’s graduation ceremony. Carvallo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and majored in art during her time at Piedmont. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Samantha Carvallo takes a helping hand from digital marketing manager Zack Hoopaugh after receiving her degree Friday at Piedmont University’s graduation ceremony. Carvallo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and majored in art during her time at Piedmont. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Piedmont graduates walk the walk

Piedmont University held their spring graduation ceremony Friday. President Marshall Criser was able to celebrate his first graduation at the University.
MEADOWS

MEADOWS

Clarkesville doctor killed in plane crash

A Clarkesville doctor died Sunday night when his plane went down near the Tennessee-Georgia border. The single-engine Cessna 182 flown by Dr. Lionel Meadows of Clarkesville was traveling from South Bend, Ind., to Jackson County Airport on Sunday night. It was expected to land at 7:22 p.m.
Habersham County Emergency Services and Lee Arrendale State Prison firefighters debrief after extinguishing Monday morning’s fire at The Orchard Golf Club Clubhouse.  HABERSHAM COUNTY/Submitted

Habersham County Emergency Services and Lee Arrendale State Prison firefighters debrief after extinguishing Monday morning’s fire at The Orchard Golf Club Clubhouse. HABERSHAM COUNTY/Submitted

Quick action saves Orchard clubhouse in fire

Early Monday morning, Habersham County E-911 received a phone call regarding a fire at the clubhouse of The Orchard. Kerry Edwards, Membership Director of The Orchard, was first to arrive on the scene. “She opened the clubhouse at like 8 a.m.