Local

Mona Rumsey visits the grave of her Revolutionary War ancestor Martin Maney in Buncombe County, N.C., in October 2023. (Submitted)

Mona Rumsey visits the grave of her Revolutionary War ancestor Martin Maney in Buncombe County, N.C., in October 2023. (Submitted)

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Finding out about themselves

News Staff
Friday, January 9, 2026
By Samantha SinclairOne of Rod Rumsey’s favorite possessions is a painting of George Washington kneeling beside his horse. When he got it, he didn’t know how much he would be connected to the Revolutionary War general and first president through his future wife, Mona.
At right, a concept plan for the Duncan Bridge Project shows a senior living facility and medical offices along Duncan Bridge Road, and a grocery store, restaurants, a gas station and retail along Ga. 365. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

At right, a concept plan for the Duncan Bridge Project shows a senior living facility and medical offices along Duncan Bridge Road, and a grocery store, restaurants, a gas station and retail along Ga. 365. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

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Cook seeks annexation from Baldwin

News Staff
Friday, January 9, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCook Construction is back, and this time its plans are set on Baldwin.At the city council’s work session Tuesday night, City Manager Tiera Morrison informed council that Cook Construction and Real Estate submitted an application for annexation and rezoning on Friday, Jan. 2.

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Mt. Airy 2026 budget sees $62K increase

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
By Hannah CaudellMt. Airy’s 2026 budget has a $61,892 increase in expenses over last year due to factors like higher insurance premium costs and general inflationary increases.The town council held its first public hearing on the budget Monday night.
Rosie Cantrell is the city’s new Main Street director, Sara Burke is the city’s new grant writer, and Yvonne Marinelli will be joining the city as the new economic development director.

Rosie Cantrell is the city’s new Main Street director, Sara Burke is the city’s new grant writer, and Yvonne Marinelli will be joining the city as the new economic development director.

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Clarkesville hires three new leaders

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
By Samantha SinclairClarkesville has three new leaders to support the city’s needs, with a focus on business growth.
Tiffany Lovell yells out while making her way back to shore. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Tiffany Lovell yells out while making her way back to shore. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Taking the plunge

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
By Zach TaylorBrave swimmers gathered at Tallulah Falls Lake on New Year’s Day for the first annual Polar Bear Plunge hosted by Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Mt. Airy Town Council had a larger audience on Monday night, with three community members voicing their concerns about the current subdivision plans on 705 Chase Road. (File)

Mt. Airy Town Council had a larger audience on Monday night, with three community members voicing their concerns about the current subdivision plans on 705 Chase Road. (File)

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City approves subdivision moratorium

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
By Hannah CaudellWhile the Habersham County commissioners are preparing to lift their housing moratorium in February, the Mt. Airy Town Council voted unanimously to approve their own moratorium to review the changes the county has made to their development code.
Paramo

Paramo

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State prison officer arrested for aggravated assault

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
By Hannah Caudell Another Lee Arrendale State Prison officer was arrested by Habersham County Sheriff’s Office on an aggravated assault charge after an incident that occurred on Nov. 19, according to warrants from the sheriff’s office. The Dec.

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Alto hits final step for 2024 audit

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
By Hannah Caudell While no 2026 budget was passed before the new year, Alto did unanimously vote 4-0 to approve final amendments to the 2024 budget in order to finally finish its audit process.
A water main broke in Demorest on Dec. 13 after the main vibrated against a rock, affecting more than 400 water meters. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

A water main broke in Demorest on Dec. 13 after the main vibrated against a rock, affecting more than 400 water meters. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Water main breaks affect customers

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
By Zach Taylor Demorest water customers are feeling the effects of two water main breaks in December, affecting more than 400 water meters. On Dec. 13, a water main break affected Crane Mill Road to King Road, Underwood Road, Mt.
The old courthouse was demolished after the city of Clarkesville acquired the property from the county. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

The old courthouse was demolished after the city of Clarkesville acquired the property from the county. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Highlights of the year

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
By Samantha Sinclair In 2025, decisions were made and new leaders were chosen that will change and greatly impact our future. Local elections, the use of property and city services issues were all a part of that change.