Local

The new proposed zoning map, right, shows the revision that eliminated the Conservation Subdivision district, placing those properties in the Agricultural district. (Submitted)

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Feedback prompts UDO changes

News Staff

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

By Samantha SinclairThe Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) has had some revisions, and Commission Chair Bruce Harkness would like to see at least one more town hall meeting to present the document and gather responses from the community before the commission adopts the document.He said he would...

Election 2026

Primary Election Results

News Staff

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

All precincts, unofficial: Special Election - County Commission District 3Danny McClellon 4432Jason Smith 3371 Special Election - ESPLOSTYes 5502No 3449 County Commission District 2Andrea Harper 2874Shelley Tullis 4052 County Commission District 3Danny McClellon 3892Jason Smith 2962

Families enjoy last year’s Cornelia Music Festival. (File)

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Music, drones take stage in Cornelia

News Staff

Friday, May 15, 2026

By Samantha SinclairCornelia Music Fest will be held in the city’s newest park with a new grand finale.The concert is from 5-10 p.m. Saturday in Donald Anderson Park.

Election 2026

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Tuesday is Election Day

News Staff

Friday, May 15, 2026

By Samantha SinclairAs turnout inched into double digits this week, leaders were looking for more people to take the time to vote in the May 19 primary.In Habersham County, ballots include the continuation of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, as well as contested...

Maintenance Technician Ryan Wade tightens a bolt on new equipment that will eventually help create pipes out of HDPE Pipe Solutions in Alto. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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More than a pipe dream

News Staff

Friday, May 15, 2026

By Hannah CaudellThe old Mount Vernon location in Alto is looking a lot different these days as a new industry moves into town.HDPE Pipe Solutions recently moved into the vacant warehouse space, where employees — many of them Alto and Habersham County locals — will help create pipes to be used for...

With Baldwin’s water infrastructure continuing to struggle, council may soon have to make a tough decision about the city’s water rates. (File)

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Baldwin considers water rate structure changes

News Staff

Friday, May 15, 2026

By Hannah CaudellWith Baldwin’s water infrastructure continuing to struggle, council may soon have to make a tough decision about the city’s water rates.During last month’s city council retreat, City Engineer Fletcher Holliday told council the city has one of the lowest water rates in the county,...

Demorest purchases water in millions of gallons from Toccoa and Baldwin. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

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Demorest leaders claim rate hike needed

News Staff

Friday, May 15, 2026

By Zach TaylorDemorest serves more than 70 percent of water customers in Habersham County, from commercial to residential, across more than 330 miles of water lines.Public Works Director Bryan Popham said the average age of the water lines is about 30 years, and the city spends approximately...

Shelley Tullis

Invested and Committed: Shelley Tullis

News Staff

Thursday, May 14, 2026

For years, Shelley and her husband haven’t just lived in Habersham County; they’ve poured themselves into it. They chose to raise their family here. They chose to grow their careers here. And when opportunities came to serve, they didn’t step back. They stepped up.

Andrea Harper

Invested and Committed: Andrea Harper

News Staff

Thursday, May 14, 2026

If you want to get to know Andrea Harper, don’t just look at her resumé look around Habersham County. Her impact can be seen everywhere. The fenced animal run at the Habersham County Animal Shelter, where dogs run free and future pet owners get to know their companions, that was Andrea.

Old Clarkesville Cemetery has an app that gives tours of the property, telling the stories of 12 people buried there. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Technology brings cemetery history to life

News Staff

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

By Samantha SinclairVisitors to the Old Clarkesville Cemetery may now read and hear the history buried beneath the hemlocks as they walk the grounds.The Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation Board has developed an app to guide tours around the cemetery.