Local

From left are: Allie Arnold, James Aldrich and Leo McCausland. EMMA MARTI/Staff

From left are: Allie Arnold, James Aldrich and Leo McCausland. EMMA MARTI/Staff

READ ACROSS AMERICA

(First picture) Students in Ms. Motsey Wilbanks’ classroom at Demorest Elementary read their chosen books during the “Book Tasting” activity. Each table had a different category, fiction, non-fiction, books about America and others.
Total Fitness at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center has been a lightning rod in recent weeks for both patrons of the gym and citizens who are tired of excessive county spending. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Total Fitness at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center has been a lightning rod in recent weeks for both patrons of the gym and citizens who are tired of excessive county spending. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

County pushes on with ‘boondoggle’

Habersham County leaders insist they can make Total Fitness pay for itself, while some citizens are questioning why they are bothering with a gym that lost more than $125,000 in the last two years.

Baldwin opens the door for more police, fire training

The City of Baldwin council has approved the purchase of a new door to help with training for the police department and fire department. The door, which was approved for purchase Monday night, will help the two departments to train for different types of situations. The door is set to cost $8,361.

Piedmont reshuffles leadership

Entering the eighth week of presidency at Piedmont University, President Marshall Criser sent shockwaves through the school after releasing both Vice President of University Advancement Craig Rogers and Distinguished University Professor of Education Perry Rettig.
Eric and Mariah Holbrooks were named king and queen of Mardi Gras after finding the baby in their king cake. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/ CNI News Service

Eric and Mariah Holbrooks were named king and queen of Mardi Gras after finding the baby in their king cake. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/ CNI News Service

‘Les Bon Temps Rouler’

Clarkesville Main Street held its annual fundraiser Saturday night and continued the Mardi Gras theme that has been so successful in past years. The event is to raise funds for the facade and sign grant program. The festivities included dinner, dancing, costumes, flamboyant decor and more.
HMC has lowered its service levels in the ICU and surgery departments, and it planned to close Total Fitness at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center to save more cash. FILE

HMC has lowered its service levels in the ICU and surgery departments, and it planned to close Total Fitness at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center to save more cash. FILE

Hospital uses half its $6 million county allotment

Habersham Medical Center is four months away from making it into the waiting arms of Northeast Georgia Health Systems. NGHS will take over July 1 after moving that timetable up by 17 months because of the hospital’s struggling finances. “We are making progress.

Smith recalled as ‘salt of the earth’

The Tallulah Falls community celebrated the life of Melvin Smith over the weekend, recalling his more than four decades of service to the community as a first responder. “He was a true ‘salt of the earth’ kind of guy,” Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell said.
Kenneth Williams, a member of the Habersham King Pins, takes some time to practice his Wii Bowling skills on Tuesday. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Kenneth Williams, a member of the Habersham King Pins, takes some time to practice his Wii Bowling skills on Tuesday. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Seniors throwing strikes

Habersham County Senior Center has thought of a way for patrons to stay active and have fun. Wii Bowling, a video game for the Nintendo Wii Console, has brought out seniors to play against one another in-house and compete against seniors in other counties.

TFS senior is a National Merit finalist

Tallulah Falls School senior Walker Bailey of Lula has been named a National Merit finalist bringing him one step closer to consideration for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.
Ryan Dukes speaks with student Madison Benfield after a ceremony honoring him Wednesday at Habersham Central High School. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Ryan Dukes speaks with student Madison Benfield after a ceremony honoring him Wednesday at Habersham Central High School. EMMA MARTI/Staff

Band of Blue says goodbye

Faculty, staff, students and parents gathered at Habersham Central High School Wednesday afternoon to say their goodbyes and express their gratitude to Ryan Dukes, who will be retiring this school year.