Local

David Barrs (left) listens to a heartfelt speech by colleague Laurie Church at Monday’s county commission meeting as Commissioner Ty Akins looks on.

David Barrs (left) listens to a heartfelt speech by colleague Laurie Church at Monday’s county commission meeting as Commissioner Ty Akins looks on.

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Barrs retires after 48 years with Habersham County

John Dills
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
After spending almost a half-century serving Habersham County, David Barrs is setting his sights on retirement.    With 48 years of experience under his belt, Barrs, a Habersham County native, is looking at retirement as a place for adventure and new beginnings by traveling west with his wife.
From left, son Alex, the Grinch played by Madi Nix, mother Rafela Ramos, daughter Yanet, husband Jose Rodriguez, son Esteban enjoy the free clinic hosted by Habersham County Animal Shelter and partners Dec. 10. SUBMITTED

From left, son Alex, the Grinch played by Madi Nix, mother Rafela Ramos, daughter Yanet, husband Jose Rodriguez, son Esteban enjoy the free clinic hosted by Habersham County Animal Shelter and partners Dec. 10. SUBMITTED

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Animal shelter invests in giving season

John Dills
Friday, December 16, 2022
Habersham County Animal Shelter (HCAS) hosted a free clinic for residents of the county on Dec. 10. Planned PEThood of Duluth, Ga. hosted the event with HCAS to help bring vaccinations, microchips and pet food to pet parents who are in need of assistance.
The drainage and paving project on Georgia Street in Demorest began over the summer. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

The drainage and paving project on Georgia Street in Demorest began over the summer. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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Contract flap may have driven Simonds out

News Staff
Friday, December 16, 2022
Demorest City Manager Kim Simonds left office Dec. 8 without giving a reason, leaving a month before her reappointment was set to come before the City Council. Mayor Jerry Harkness said she did not resign, but rather “stepped down.”

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Terrell eyes new career after 2024

Matthew Osborne
Friday, December 16, 2022
Christmas is all about surprises, and Sheriff Joey Terrell unveiled one at the sheriff’s office holiday party. Terrell announced that his fourth term will be his last, though he still has two years on the job before a new sheriff will take over Jan. 1, 2025 after the next election.
Mason Gallman, a student in Mrs. Esparza’s class at Clarkesville Elementary, helped his parents determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, such as metaphors and similes. SUSAN DAVIS/Submitted

Mason Gallman, a student in Mrs. Esparza’s class at Clarkesville Elementary, helped his parents determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, such as metaphors and similes. SUSAN DAVIS/Submitted

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Schools emphasize parent involvement

Matthew Osborne
Friday, December 16, 2022
Habersham County’s elementary schools have made it a priority to engage parents in the education of their children this year.

Mt. Airy names sole finalist for police chief

News Staff
Friday, December 16, 2022
The Town of Mt. Airy recently hired their new police chief Jamie Bowden. Bowden is following on the footsteps of Tim Jarrell who recently left the department to join the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator.
Adam Coloma put himself eternally in contention for top prize at an ugly sweater party. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Adam Coloma put himself eternally in contention for top prize at an ugly sweater party. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

2022 Christmas Parade

Matthew Osborne
Friday, December 9, 2022
The Habersham County Christmas Parade in Baldwin on Tuesday night featured all kinds of colorful floats and holiday cheer. View more community Christmas photos here.
Cornelia Mayor John Borrow awards City Clerk Debbie Turner for 20 years of dedication to the city. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Cornelia Mayor John Borrow awards City Clerk Debbie Turner for 20 years of dedication to the city. JOHN DILLS/Staff

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Cornelia passes budget

John Dills
Friday, December 9, 2022
Budget approval, employee longevity awards, and commission meeting dates were all discussed at the Cornelia Commission meeting Tuesday night. The city commissioners main task was the budget for 2023, which was passed unanimously.