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Judge Gerald Johnson gestures while testifying Wednesday in a hearing to determine his status as Habersham County’s chief magistrate. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Judge Gerald Johnson gestures while testifying Wednesday in a hearing to determine his status as Habersham County’s chief magistrate. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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Judge Johnson gets his day in court

Matthew Osborne
Friday, November 18, 2022
Habersham County’s suspended Chief Magistrate Judge Gerald Johnson pulled no punches Wednesday as he asked a judicial panel to give him his job back.
Addison Bowen instructs forensic experts at the Georgia Division of the International Association of Identification Conference Oct. 24-28 in Jekyll Island. BRUCE WILLIS/Submitted

Addison Bowen instructs forensic experts at the Georgia Division of the International Association of Identification Conference Oct. 24-28 in Jekyll Island. BRUCE WILLIS/Submitted

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Raising CSI Piedmont

John Dills
Friday, November 18, 2022
Two Piedmont University Sophomores, Addison Bowen and Maggi Spratlin, recently visited Jekyll Island in Coastal Georgia to attend a conference to further strengthen their skills in Forensic Science.

Cornelia DUI suspect deemed too drunk for jail

News Staff
Friday, November 18, 2022
A Cornelia man was charged with DUI after he ran his vehicle over a guard rail at the Chattahoochee River north of Helen on Tuesday evening. Kerry Tracy Wheeler, 58, was so intoxicated that the White County Detention Center could not take him, Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett said.
Thomas Burnett speaks to the assembled crowd at the Habersham FCA banquet on Nov. 13. BAILEY WEISSER/Submitted

Thomas Burnett speaks to the assembled crowd at the Habersham FCA banquet on Nov. 13. BAILEY WEISSER/Submitted

Habersham FCA gathers to honor athletes, coaches

News Staff
Friday, November 18, 2022
Habersham Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) held their annual Night of Champions Banquet on Nov. 13 at North Georgia Technical College. The banquet helps the non-profit raise money for their operating budget. The night held a large turnout for the group, larger than originally expected.
From left, Lorelai Hefner, Ella Barrett and Jacob Hicks work on percussion. NANCY SIMMONS/Submitted

From left, Lorelai Hefner, Ella Barrett and Jacob Hicks work on percussion. NANCY SIMMONS/Submitted

Habersham music students enjoy Beginning Band Boot camp

News Staff
Friday, November 18, 2022
The Habersham County Beginning Band Boot Camp was held earlier this fall. All Habersham Middle School Band programs attended the camp as well as Rabun County Middle School. There were professional instructors for each instrument.

Friend of Agriculture Award 2022 – Brenda Kinsey

News Staff
Friday, November 18, 2022
The Friend of Agriculture Award recognizes a community member or entity who provides goods, services, or support to the production agriculture community. Born and raised in Habersham County, Brenda Kinsey, has a servant’s heart for her community.
KYLE AND CAROLINE LEWALLEN

KYLE AND CAROLINE LEWALLEN

teXga Farms - Habersham County

News Staff
Friday, November 18, 2022
Just as a capital ‘X’ represents an animal that has been crossbred, teXga Farms (tex-guh) is a blend of its owners. Kyle Lewallen grew up in Austin, Texas, where he perfected a recipe for smoked brisket and owned a BBQ food truck for a few years after college.

2022 Excellence in Agriculture Award - Kelly Sweeney Clark

News Staff
Friday, November 18, 2022
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes a recipient who has excelled within the agricultural industry, has ties to Habersham County, and whose net income from an individually owned production agriculture operation does not exceed over 50 percent of the net income.
Fieldale Farms is a major customer of Baldwin’s water system. FILE

Fieldale Farms is a major customer of Baldwin’s water system. FILE

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Baldwin, Fieldale seek common ground

John Dills
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
• Second in a series   The City of Baldwin and Fieldale Farms have been in a tense relationship regarding what water rates should be for the industrial facility just outside of the city limits.