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Clyde part of pushback on vote for U.S. Speaker

Matthew Osborne
Friday, January 6, 2023
The U.S. House of Representatives needed more than eight ballots to elect a new Speaker with no end in sight Thursday afternoon. U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), who represents Habersham County among others in this district, was one of 20 Republicans who voted against Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.
Piedmont University President Marshall Criser grabs a coffee to chat at the Temperance House in Demorest on Wednesday. KATIE TUCKER/Staff

Piedmont University President Marshall Criser grabs a coffee to chat at the Temperance House in Demorest on Wednesday. KATIE TUCKER/Staff

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Criser looks to merge university, community

Emma Marti
Friday, January 6, 2023
The backdrop of the Demorest community helped bring Piedmont University its newest president. Piedmont University named Marshall Criser its new president in December, but it was fate that brought his much-traveled journey here.
Melinda Jenkins (left) is shown with her daughter Madison. NANCY RENNELS/Submitted

Melinda Jenkins (left) is shown with her daughter Madison. NANCY RENNELS/Submitted

Jenkins recognized for service to school system

News Staff
Friday, January 6, 2023
Habersham County Schools said goodbye to a valuable member of their team at the end of 2022, as longtime administrative assistant Melinda Jenkins announced her retirement. “Melinda Jenkins has given 12 years to that little office,” Superintendent Matthew Cooper said.
Shown are Church Treasurer Alta Moseley and Pastor Joyce Acree (left) presenting Nix and Bagheera with $3,000 to aid in transportation of dogs. ALTA MOSELY/Submitted

Shown are Church Treasurer Alta Moseley and Pastor Joyce Acree (left) presenting Nix and Bagheera with $3,000 to aid in transportation of dogs. ALTA MOSELY/Submitted

Donation to animal shelter

News Staff
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
The Demorest Methodist Congregational Federated Church recently continued its mission of outreach to the community by presenting a check for $3,000 to the Habersham County Animal shelter to aid in the relocation of animals who could be placed in other states, rather than remaining in our...
Baby Boy Esteban was welcomed to the world Sunday by mother Andrea Arriaga, father Jose Arriaga Frias, and midwife Brittany Barron, CNM, at Habersham Medical Center. HABERSHAM MEDICAL CENTER/Submitted

Baby Boy Esteban was welcomed to the world Sunday by mother Andrea Arriaga, father Jose Arriaga Frias, and midwife Brittany Barron, CNM, at Habersham Medical Center. HABERSHAM MEDICAL CENTER/Submitted

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New year’s baby born on time to Cornelia family

John Dills
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Habersham Medical Center welcomed a bright new face Sunday afternoon, as the first baby of the new year was born. Esteban, son of Andrea Arriaga and Jose Arriage Frias, was born at 1:31 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. Brittany Barron, CNM, delivered baby Esteban.

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Appeal refunds not as bad as believed

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Habersham County may not be refunding as much money in tax appeal losses as it was indicated in December. Numbers released by Habersham County in late December showed tax refunds on six parcels totaling $263,887.

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High-speed chases lead to death, arrest

News Staff
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Just after midnight Tuesday morning, a one-car crash claimed the life of a 34-year-old Gainesville man who was fleeing from law enforcement. A Habersham County Sheriff’s deputy observed a 2012 Toyota Camry cross the white line on Highway 365 in the early morning hours Tuesday.

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County hopes lawsuit appeal will drop

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Habersham County is still working to end the legal saga with former human resources director Vinitha Robinson. Robinson’s initial lawsuit filed against the county for alleged racial discrimination in 2020 was defeated in September 2022, but she immediately filed an appeal representing herself.
Shown is a rabid cat that was put down at the Habersham County Animal Shelter after exhibiting signs of rabies. HABERSHAM COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL/Submitted

Shown is a rabid cat that was put down at the Habersham County Animal Shelter after exhibiting signs of rabies. HABERSHAM COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL/Submitted

Habersham County sees sixth rabies case of 2022

News Staff
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
A rabid cat was captured last week in Clarkesville and euthanized, marking the sixth and final case of rabies in Habersham County for 2022. On Dec.