Local

Demorest summer projects going forward

Demorest’s long-awaited wall repair has begun in earnest the last two weeks, as the Georgia Department of Transportation and Demorest public works have worked in concert to begin the summer-long process.
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

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. This musical gift to the community will highlight the music of America,...
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

Clarkesville still finalizing ordinance for downtown bar

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

“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

Green light for $11M Clarkesville Elementary expansion

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

Scouts continue community works with third Eagle project

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

Family forges on with home, business after fire

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.