Local

Nelson Payne busts out a solo at the ceremony naming the Habersham Central band room after him in 2021. Payne is this year’s special honoree for the 2023 Habersham Central Football Ring of Honor. FILE

Nelson Payne busts out a solo at the ceremony naming the Habersham Central band room after him in 2021. Payne is this year’s special honoree for the 2023 Habersham Central Football Ring of Honor. FILE

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Payne brought joy to many with Band of Blue

Lang Storey
Friday, April 7, 2023
The most tangible piece of Nelson Payne’s everlasting legacy on Habersham Central can be experienced by the thousands of students who’ve sharpened their craft in the Nelson Payne Band Room.
Raiders midfielder Addi Banks (10) fights to keep possession of the ball against Gainesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Raiders midfielder Addi Banks (10) fights to keep possession of the ball against Gainesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Lady Raiders take 2nd, draw tough playoff foe

Lang Storey
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Habersham Central’s girls soccer team entered last Thursday’s match at North Forsyth fully aware that it would take a miracle to win the region title. Still, the Lady Raiders soccer squad (15-2, 11-1 Region 8-6A) made sure to do its part on the road – winning its final regular season tilt 4-1.
Donna Barrett shows off one of the dresses donated to the Prom Dress Closet at the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Donna Barrett shows off one of the dresses donated to the Prom Dress Closet at the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Don’t stress the dress

Emma Marti
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Prom season is almost underway, and for most students at Habersham Central High School, this is one night they’ve looked forward to since walking down the halls of the school. Despite the feelings of excitement felt by most, others are filled with dread.
Various groups in Habersham County are showing their support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month by using blue pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse prevention. Outside of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce and the Wall of Honor, many pinwheels are planted. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Various groups in Habersham County are showing their support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month by using blue pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse prevention. Outside of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce and the Wall of Honor, many pinwheels are planted. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

FRC seeks to better quality of life for children

Emma Marti
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Georgia is ranked No. 38 for overall Child Well-Being in the U.S., according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia hopes to change that statistic with its diverse services.
Pastor Keith Cox speaks at last year’s cross walk at Clarkesville First United Methodist Church. FILE

Pastor Keith Cox speaks at last year’s cross walk at Clarkesville First United Methodist Church. FILE

Cross walk returns on Good Friday

John Dills
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Clarkesville First United Methodist Church (CFUMC) is looking forward to hosting its annual Cross Walk on Good Friday at 10 a.m. The Cross Walk is for Christians to remember the time Jesus Christ spent carrying the cross that held his crucifixion before being placed in a tomb.
Habersham Central’s Maverick Chitwood fires to the plate against Jackson County earlier this saeson. Chitwood earned his first varsity win against Lanier on Friday night. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Habersham Central’s Maverick Chitwood fires to the plate against Jackson County earlier this saeson. Chitwood earned his first varsity win against Lanier on Friday night. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Diamond Raiders earn big win over Lanier

Lang Storey
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
The Diamond Raiders’ four game skid came to a screeching halt in Sugar Hill Friday night as Habersham Central downed Lanier 6-4. The Raiders (12-11, 6-6 Region 8-6A) have struggled early in games as of late, giving up multiple first-inning runs in three straight games.
Habersham Central’s Julia Johnson (right) crosses the last row of hurdles in heat two of the Battle of the Blue Ridge track meet. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Habersham Central’s Julia Johnson (right) crosses the last row of hurdles in heat two of the Battle of the Blue Ridge track meet. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Raider track team pushing toward postseason meets

News Staff
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
The Habersham Central Track and Field teams competed in the Mt. Yonah Invitational hosted by White County on Friday. The boys team placed second overall, finishing just behind a very talented White County squad. The Lady Raiders placed fourth.
Tallulah Falls’ Jake Hall and the Indians will go into the playoffs next week undefeated. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Tallulah Falls’ Jake Hall and the Indians will go into the playoffs next week undefeated. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Indians get tune-up win over No. 9-ranked Mt. Vernon

News Staff
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
A cleverly-scheduled match against non-region foes Mt. Vernon proved a great measuring stick  to see just where the Indians are at this time of the year. The undefeated and top-ranked Indians  came away with a solid 4-1 win at home on Thursday.