Local

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance for public displays of fireworks. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance for public displays of fireworks. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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County adds fireworks ordinance

News Staff
Friday, December 19, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Public displays of fireworks will now require a permit and rules in the county. The Habersham County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance outlining the process for permitting a public display of fireworks. It does not affect personal, private use of fireworks.
Cub Scout Gabriel Nichols lays a wreath during the ceremony on Saturday at Demorest City Cemetery. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Cub Scout Gabriel Nichols lays a wreath during the ceremony on Saturday at Demorest City Cemetery. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Honoring the fallen

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
By Zach Taylor Saturday marked another year of Wreaths Across America ceremonies in Demorest and the Grant-Reeves Veterans of Foreign Wars Cemetery.
Newly appointed Partnership Habersham Chairman Tommy Thurmond speaks with Tim Ash (left). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Newly appointed Partnership Habersham Chairman Tommy Thurmond speaks with Tim Ash (left). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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State of the County reviews 2025, looks forward to new year

News Staff
Friday, December 12, 2025
By Zach Taylor North Georgia Technical College hosted the annual State of the County Address on Wednesday morning, with Partnership Habersham and the Habersham Chamber of Commerce leading the address.
Baldwin’s new City Manager Tiera Morrison takes the loyalty oath for the position. Morrison officially started with the city of Baldwin on Dec. 10. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Baldwin’s new City Manager Tiera Morrison takes the loyalty oath for the position. Morrison officially started with the city of Baldwin on Dec. 10. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Baldwin hires Morrison as new city manager

News Staff
Friday, December 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell On Dec. 9, Tiera Morrison took the loyalty oath to become Baldwin’s new city manager. Morrison will be taking over the administrative duties of former chief administrative officer Emily Woodmaster, who is now an independent contractor with the city until Dec. 31.
Ivey

Ivey

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Ivey resigns as Alto police chief

News Staff
Friday, December 12, 2025
By Zach Taylor After a lengthy executive session Tuesday, the Town of Alto accepted Police Chief Josh Ivey’s resignation. Ivey has served with the Alto Police Department for 12 years, including nine years as chief. “I am still going to help out part-time,” Ivey said.
Ethan Ortiz proudly shows his colored gingerbread house at the Hillside Baptist Church Autism Christmas event. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Ethan Ortiz proudly shows his colored gingerbread house at the Hillside Baptist Church Autism Christmas event. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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‘Good holiday time’

News Staff
Friday, December 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell and Zach Taylor Christmas magic was in the air on Sunday at Cornelia Community House as families from across the region brought their children to the annual North Georgia Autism Foundation Christmas celebration.
County Commissioners and County Planning Commission members hold a joint meeting on the Unified Development Ordinance. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

County Commissioners and County Planning Commission members hold a joint meeting on the Unified Development Ordinance. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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County leaders look to manage growth

News Staff
Friday, December 12, 2025
By Zach Taylor For almost a year and a half, Habersham County has been developing a new Unified Development Code (UDC) to strengthen zoning guidelines and manage growth.
(Zach Taylor/Staff)

(Zach Taylor/Staff)

Must be Santa

News Staff
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Cities across the county welcomed the Christmas season this weekend, starting with Demorest Thursday night. Above, Shelby Connor tells Santa and Mrs. Claus what she wants for Christmas in Demorest.
Kelly McCormick

Kelly McCormick

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McCormick as chief appraiser

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
By Zach Taylor After a long interview in executive session Tuesday morning, the Habersham County Board of Assessors hired Kelly McCormick as chief appraiser. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to be the chief appraiser here in Habersham.
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City pauses annexation applications

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
By Hannah Caudell After last Tuesday’s meeting saw more than 150 people packed into Cornelia’s courtroom for the commission meeting that would decide the fate of 216 acres of county property, the Cornelia City Commission held a special-called meeting on Tuesday to put an emergency moratorium in...