Local

Supervisor of Elections Laurel Ellison advises voters to study sample ballots before entering the voting booth. Sample ballots are available at the elections office, or online at mvp.sos.ga.gov. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Supervisor of Elections Laurel Ellison advises voters to study sample ballots before entering the voting booth. Sample ballots are available at the elections office, or online at mvp.sos.ga.gov. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Early voting turnout down for primary

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe first week of early voting saw 768 people stopping by the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office to cast their ballots.Supervisor of Elections Laurel Ellison said turnout is lower than four years ago, so far.In the first week of that primary, 1,109 people...
Sharon McFarland leads the processional into the auditorium at Level Grove Baptist Church during North Georgia Technical College’s commencement ceremony last year. This year’s ceremony will be held in the new Dr. Mark A. Investor Center for Living and Learning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Sharon McFarland leads the processional into the auditorium at Level Grove Baptist Church during North Georgia Technical College’s commencement ceremony last year. This year’s ceremony will be held in the new Dr. Mark A. Investor Center for Living and Learning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Local colleges ready for commencement

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe Mark will host its first commencement ceremony for North Georgia Technical College next week, but Piedmont University will kick off graduation season with its commencement ceremonies this week.Piedmont University will hold two ceremonies on Friday, May 8, in the Mize Gym.
Mayor Franklin Brown

Mayor Franklin Brown

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Council plans to talk hotel concept

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairClarkesville will hold a called meeting next week to discuss plans for the hotel earmarked for a portion of the old courthouse property.After an hour-long executive session at the council’s regular meeting Monday night to discuss real estate, personnel and litigation, a called...
Josh Sheppard owns Red Hawk Pest Control in Clarkesville. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Josh Sheppard owns Red Hawk Pest Control in Clarkesville. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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In the zone

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAt his first ever chamber event, Josh Sheppard found himself standing by himself with his hands in his pockets.But then, he decided to get out of his comfort zone, take his hands out of his pockets, and use them to shake other hands in the room.Getting out of his comfort zone is...
The Gainesville Inland Port is now open for business. (Keith Barlow/Staff)

The Gainesville Inland Port is now open for business. (Keith Barlow/Staff)

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Inland Port opens for business

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Hannah CaudellOn Ga. 365 heading toward Gainesville, seven blue cranes tower over the trees at mile marker 30.
A young man prays at Demorest Springs Park during last year's Day of Prayer event. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

A young man prays at Demorest Springs Park during last year's Day of Prayer event. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

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Community readies for National Day of Prayer

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Hannah Caudell and Samantha SinclairThe community will come together throughout the day Thursday, May 7 for National Day of Prayer.The day will begin at 7 a.m. in Batesville at Home, and continue weaving through the various cities in the county, reaching the last gathering place, Mt. Airy City...
David Matthew Jackels

David Matthew Jackels

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Former SRO faces jail time, probation

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Hannah CaudellA former school resource officer (SRO) was convicted on April 7 for violation of oath of office after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigated.
Jody Wall, then Jody York, portrays Betsy Ross for her kindergarten class on May 25, 1976. The photo was taken by Leroy Moulder Studio of Clarkesville. (Submitted)

Jody Wall, then Jody York, portrays Betsy Ross for her kindergarten class on May 25, 1976. The photo was taken by Leroy Moulder Studio of Clarkesville. (Submitted)

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A sense of pride

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Samantha SinclairWhen Jody Wall was in kindergarten, it was the year of the country’s Bicentennial.
County Commission District 3 candidates Danny McClellon, left, and Jason Smith, right, answer questions on issues of agribusiness, taxpayer dollars and the Unified Development Ordinance. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

County Commission District 3 candidates Danny McClellon, left, and Jason Smith, right, answer questions on issues of agribusiness, taxpayer dollars and the Unified Development Ordinance. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Candidates talk development at forum

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Hannah CaudellDuring Tuesday night’s county commission public forum, the four candidates had two things on their minds: the state of Habersham’s agriculture industry and the county’s drafted Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).Farm Bureau held its local Policies and Patties event Tuesday...