Local

Michael Dunagan plays the piano alongside Jeff Kozyra on the cajón as patrons (from left) Cona Rider, Virginia Ross, Phyllis York, Peggy Jackson and Myra Hemphill gather around. SUBMITTED

Michael Dunagan plays the piano alongside Jeff Kozyra on the cajón as patrons (from left) Cona Rider, Virginia Ross, Phyllis York, Peggy Jackson and Myra Hemphill gather around. SUBMITTED

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Just winging the music

John Dills
Friday, February 3, 2023
Michael Dunagan is now playing tunes for Habersham County Senior Center after spending his life in finance and banking. Dunagan, a Hall County native and brother of the late First Lady Sandra Deal, enjoys spending his time with family and at the senior center spreading joy.
Fowler's book comes out March 1 and will be available on Amazon.

Fowler's book comes out March 1 and will be available on Amazon.

‘Worst’ birthday party leads to fun for kids

News Staff
Friday, February 3, 2023
Clarkesville author Jason Fowler has penned his second book, a children’s story called “Max and the No Good, Rotten, Worst Birthday Party of All Time.
Sheriff Joey Terrell makes a presentation Friday while County Manager Alicia Vaughn (left), Commissioner Bruce Palmer (right) and Chairman Ty Akins listen. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Sheriff Joey Terrell makes a presentation Friday while County Manager Alicia Vaughn (left), Commissioner Bruce Palmer (right) and Chairman Ty Akins listen. JOHN DILLS/Staff

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Terrell makes latest plea for new jail

John Dills
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Sheriff Joey Terrell and Col. Murray Kogod presented their concerns about the future of the jail to the Habersham County Commissioners at their retreat Friday.
New Clarkesville City Clerk Julie Poole (left) has enjoyed learning from former clerk Glenda Smith (right). EMMA MARTI/Staff

New Clarkesville City Clerk Julie Poole (left) has enjoyed learning from former clerk Glenda Smith (right). EMMA MARTI/Staff

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Poole hopes to make her mark in Clarkesville

Emma Marti
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
After moving to Clarkesville in 2007, the Poole family has certainly made a name for itself in the community, with Jason Poole as the fire chief of Clarkesville and Julie as the city’s newest City Clerk.

DUIs ‘down,’ but still raging

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Drunk drivers remain a problem on Habersham’s roads. There were 14 DUI arrests by Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies over a five-day span this week, including three in a row on Thursday night.
The boys – led by big man JoJo McCurry – won 57-50. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

The boys – led by big man JoJo McCurry – won 57-50. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

THRILLS IN THE 'VILLE!

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Habersham Central’s basketball teams went into Gainesville on Friday night and came out with two wins, creating a landmark night for the program as a whole. The boys – led by big man JoJo McCurry – won 57-50, while Kyia Barrett and the girls won 48-46.
Habersham Central's Cole Gary floats in the air on the way to the basket Friday night.

Habersham Central's Cole Gary floats in the air on the way to the basket Friday night.

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Raiders' basketball, soccer teams host big games

News Staff
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
   Habersham Central's soccer teams opened the regular season Tuesday night and split with Johnson High. The Lady Raiders won 3-0, while the Raider boys fell 3-1 to last year's state champs.
Katie Deal is dressed in full costume before one of her performances, “Today, Tomorrow and Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline” in Dallas, Ga. SUBMITTED

Katie Deal is dressed in full costume before one of her performances, “Today, Tomorrow and Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline” in Dallas, Ga. SUBMITTED

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Going where the music takes her

John Dills
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
After growing up around music and having the urge to make her own, Katie Deal is now a successful singer and songwriter. Originally from Northeast Georgia, Deal is the daughter of former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and the late First Lady Sandra Deal.
County Manager Alicia Vaughn (right) presents a plaque to Animal Control Director Madi Nix as part of the county’s employee recognition program. Vaughn’s contract to lead Habersham County was renewed Monday night. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

County Manager Alicia Vaughn (right) presents a plaque to Animal Control Director Madi Nix as part of the county’s employee recognition program. Vaughn’s contract to lead Habersham County was renewed Monday night. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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Vaughn’s contract renewed amid swirling tension

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Habersham County Manager Alicia Vaughn’s contract was renewed Monday night after a brutally long Board of Commissioners meeting that ended with a 90-minute executive session and a bizarre closing speech by Vice Chairman Bruce Harkness.