Local

Daniel Rusk and his son Cainan work on one of the barrels that have become a family hobby. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Daniel Rusk and his son Cainan work on one of the barrels that have become a family hobby. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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A barrel of inspiration

Brian Wellmeier
Friday, June 3, 2022
Daniel Rusk said his sister and brother-in-law had delivered a first spark of inspiration before the art of whiskey barrel-table-making took hold and brought on a whole new vision for him. He says the whole thing really just took off naturally.
Superintendent Matthew Cooper (left) applauds Marlan Wilbanks on his lifetime achievement award at Habersham Central High School at a ceremony Friday. Wilbanks is the third such recipient since the award’s inception. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Superintendent Matthew Cooper (left) applauds Marlan Wilbanks on his lifetime achievement award at Habersham Central High School at a ceremony Friday. Wilbanks is the third such recipient since the award’s inception. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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Wilbanks receives lifetime achievement award

Brian Wellmeier
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Well-wishers, school officials  and classmates came early to graduation for Habersham Central High School’s presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award for the third consecutive year.
Loran Smith signs copies of his new book while his wife Myrna greets and mingles with fans at the Community House in Cornelia. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Loran Smith signs copies of his new book while his wife Myrna greets and mingles with fans at the Community House in Cornelia. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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Bulldogs’ Smith supports Grace Gate at fundraiser

Brian Wellmeier
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
University of Georgia radio personality Loran Smith made an appearance at the Community House in Cornelia on Thursday, bringing humor and his own brand of wit to about 50-plus people in attendance who came – like Smith – to support the cause of Grace Gate, a non-profit that seeks to provide...
Habersham Central graduates rejoice after all their names were called Friday night at Raider stadium. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Habersham Central graduates rejoice after all their names were called Friday night at Raider stadium. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

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Sailing to the future

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
The common sentiment among Raider alumni on Friday night was that the graduation seems to be growing exponentially through the years.
The group of officials honoring Canada (middle, red shorts) included Principal Fran Blackburn, Assistant Principal Kevin Weems with Kingston Winters, Victor Scott, Investigator Cale Garrison, Logan’s brother Elijah Shields, Deputy Travis Cross, Deputy Daniel Seeley, Deputy Kayla Neal, Deputy Chase Trammel, Deputy Heidi Lass, Director of Elementary Schools Patrick Franklin, Col. Murray Kogod and Superintendent Matthew Cooper. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

The group of officials honoring Canada (middle, red shorts) included Principal Fran Blackburn, Assistant Principal Kevin Weems with Kingston Winters, Victor Scott, Investigator Cale Garrison, Logan’s brother Elijah Shields, Deputy Travis Cross, Deputy Daniel Seeley, Deputy Kayla Neal, Deputy Chase Trammel, Deputy Heidi Lass, Director of Elementary Schools Patrick Franklin, Col. Murray Kogod and Superintendent Matthew Cooper. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Cornelia Elementary welcomes its hero

News Staff
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Cornelia Elementary student Logan Canada (middle, red shorts) got a full police escort to school on Friday, which was declared “Logan Canada Day” by his classmates and teachers for his heroism over spring break, when he saved his grandfather Victor Scott’s life.
FILE

FILE

Good ol’ Chuck waits two years

News Staff
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Edwin Wood will play Charlie Brown in the upcoming Habersham Community Theater production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Playing the lead role in this production is the culmination of a long journey for this Rabun-Gap Nacoochee sophomore.
Baldwin Firefighters put the Power Hawk X to use on a PT Cruiser during the city’s First Responders Day. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Baldwin Firefighters put the Power Hawk X to use on a PT Cruiser during the city’s First Responders Day. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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First Responders Day offers glimpse into Baldwin’s equipment needs

Brian Wellmeier
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
First Responders Day took place at Mitchell Gailey Park on Saturday, with emergency personnel coming out to showcase resources they have – like police vehicles, fire engines and well-known technology like the jaws of life – as well as resources they’d like to have.

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County awaits tax digest for budget decisions

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Habersham County is waiting on the final tax digest numbers to see if a millage rate increase will be needed for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Normally, the tax digest information is in by now and the county commissioners are planning budget hearings.
World War II veteran James Ramey joins the Grant-Reeves Veteran and Patriot Singers for the national anthem at Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

World War II veteran James Ramey joins the Grant-Reeves Veteran and Patriot Singers for the national anthem at Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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Residents pause to reflect on Memorial Day

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
James Ramey was not going to let anything stop him from singing on Memorial Day.