Local

Appeal of HR lawsuit denied

Vinitha Robinson’s appeal of a summary judgment that Habersham County did not discriminate against her on the basis of race was also shot down in federal court. A ruling filed Oct. 23 said Robinson’s reasons for why the case should be heard by a jury were denied.

Piedmont cuts costs for rest of fiscal year

Piedmont University is taking more cost-cutting measures into 2023, despite President James Mellichamp’s claim last month that the school had a “healthy surplus.” That claim was made in the face of the university’s own spreadsheet that showed nearly $19 million in losses over the last four years.

Collier’s daughter: My mom committed suicide

Deborrah Collier’s daughter told a true crime podcast that she believes her mother committed suicide. Amanda Bearden spoke publicly last week to the Crime on the Record podcast about her mother, who was found dead Sept. 11 in a wooded area near Tallulah Falls.
Habersham County Superintendent Matthew Cooper (right) recognizes Garnett Burrell, a World War II veteran, at Monday’s veterans program at Wilbanks Middle School. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Habersham County Superintendent Matthew Cooper (right) recognizes Garnett Burrell, a World War II veteran, at Monday’s veterans program at Wilbanks Middle School. JOHN DILLS/Staff

‘The value of service’

Students and community members gathered at Hilliard Wilbanks Middle School in Demorest Monday to honor local veterans with a production consisting of a musical performance, spoken word essays and a display of important patriotic artwork.
Habersham County’s Detention Center will not be adequate for much longer. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Photo Illustration

Habersham County’s Detention Center will not be adequate for much longer. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Photo Illustration

Jail plans still locked up

It is well known that the Habersham County Detention Center fails to meet numerous standards. The outdated facility needs to be rebuilt, and the only thing standing in the way is finding a way to pay for it.
Sen. Bo Hatchett (left) talks with Jeff Wilson and Jim Weidner at his victory party in Cornelia on Tuesday night. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Sen. Bo Hatchett (left) talks with Jeff Wilson and Jim Weidner at his victory party in Cornelia on Tuesday night. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

T-SPLOST defeated by county voters

Habersham County’s Roads and Bridges SPLOST was defeated Tuesday night, with 55 percent of the voters saying no to an additional 1 cent sales tax. “That’s what the majority of voters wanted,” Habersham County Chairman Bruce Palmer said.
Mitchel Barrett, Eleanor Ivester, John Wilkinson and Cliff Bradshaw dig in to mark the start of the new building at NGTC on Thursday. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Mitchel Barrett, Eleanor Ivester, John Wilkinson and Cliff Bradshaw dig in to mark the start of the new building at NGTC on Thursday. JOHN DILLS/Staff

NGTC christens new building in Ivester’s memory

North Georgia Technical College broke ground Thursday on a new building that will be in honor of their late President, Dr. Mark A. Ivester. The building will be called The Dr. Mark A. Ivester Center for Living and Learning. It is dedicated to the physical and mental well-being of students.
Vanesa Sarazúa cuts the ribbon to open the Habersham branch of Hispanic Alliance Georgia. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Vanesa Sarazúa cuts the ribbon to open the Habersham branch of Hispanic Alliance Georgia. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Hispanic Alliance opens new branch facility in Cornelia

The Hispanic Alliance Georgia opened a new outreach center in Cornelia on Wednesday. The new office was opened to help reach the Hispanic community of Habersham County without needing those patrons to visit their center in Hall County.
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Public meetings

The following public meetings are scheduled from Nov. 11-17. Habersham County Board of Education: 6 p.m. regular meeting, Monday, Nov. 14, at the board meeting room, 132 Stanford Mill Road in Clarkesville. Baldwin City Council: 6:30 p.m. regular meeting, Monday, Nov. 14, at 155 Willingham Avenue.