Local

School bus hit on 365

A van crashed into a school bus on Highway 365 Friday morning, damaging both vehicles but causing no serious injuries. “The bus was stopping at a red light when the van struck the bus in the rear,” Superintendent Matthew Cooper said.
Sarah Samsel, Keith Dickerson and Michael Yearwood plant a kwanzan tree in honor of late Councilman Steven Ward. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Sarah Samsel, Keith Dickerson and Michael Yearwood plant a kwanzan tree in honor of late Councilman Steven Ward. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Clarkesville plants living tribute to remember late councilman

Clarkesville City Council members planted a kwanzan cherry tree along the Clarkesville Greenway walking trail on a cool, bright Friday as a living tribute to former councilman Steven Ward, who passed away unexpectedly in December after suffering a heart attack.
City Manager Donald Anderson, shown shaking hands with Susan Russell, and others celebrate the planting of a new Dogwood tree and commemorate longtime resident and frequent park attendee Kenneth David Kerby Jr., who passed away last year. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

City Manager Donald Anderson, shown shaking hands with Susan Russell, and others celebrate the planting of a new Dogwood tree and commemorate longtime resident and frequent park attendee Kenneth David Kerby Jr., who passed away last year. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Dog park gets two new additions

The City of Cornelia presented their two newest additions to the Cornelia Bark Park on Friday morning, a Dogwood tree and a bench in the memory of longtime resident and park regular Kenneth David Kerby.

Tennis players volley back

Pickleballers have been making their case for more than a year about their need for greater facilities in Habersham County to accommodate their growing sport. Much of their arguments have been centered around a fading interest in tennis and a lack of use of courts for that sport.
Worshippers rejoice Sunday during the musical  portion of the service at River Point Community Church that celebrated its 20th  anniversary. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Worshippers rejoice Sunday during the musical portion of the service at River Point Community Church that celebrated its 20th anniversary. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

River Point celebrates 20 years

With a night of worship, River Point Community Church celebrated its 20th anniversary as its congregation filled the Demorest campus on Sunday night to sing praises and look forward to what the next 20 years have in store for the church.
The Burns family – Vanessa, Ernest and Portia (from left) – sing at Tallulah Falls School on Friday morning as part of a Black History Month presentation. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

The Burns family – Vanessa, Ernest and Portia (from left) – sing at Tallulah Falls School on Friday morning as part of a Black History Month presentation. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

‘Time to value each other’

After getting snowed out on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Bishop Ernest Burns did not want to miss on his chance to share his wisdom and life experiences with students at Tallulah Falls School.

Habersham deputy fired after DUI arrest

A Habersham County Sheriff’s deputy was relieved of duty after an early morning DUI arrest over the weekend. Around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, a Habersham County patrol deputy stopped a vehicle driving along New Liberty Road based on the deputy’s suspicion that the driver was impaired.
Carlton Lewis cleans the floor as he adapts to a new bionic arm brace. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Carlton Lewis cleans the floor as he adapts to a new bionic arm brace. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Technology gives NGTC custodian renewed quality of life

Carlton Lewis, a custodian at North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) was born with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects a person’s movement, posture, muscle tone and balance – but he’s never let his physical disabilities topple his stride down the path that led him to where he is today.
Habersham Central’s Colby Watson (second from left) takes the podium as the 6A state runner-up at 195 pounds in Macon on Friday night. BRADLEY JOHNSON/Submitted

Habersham Central’s Colby Watson (second from left) takes the podium as the 6A state runner-up at 195 pounds in Macon on Friday night. BRADLEY JOHNSON/Submitted

Watson takes silver in state meet

Habersham Central’s Colby Watson took second place in the 6A state meet, but he did not go down in the championship match without a fight. Watson faced Josh McCutchen of Valdosta in the sectional finals and was quickly pinned by the now-state champion.
Sataria Cantrell had a monster game inside for the Lady Raiders against Lanier on Wednesday. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Sataria Cantrell had a monster game inside for the Lady Raiders against Lanier on Wednesday. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Lady Raiders qualify for state playoffs

   Habersham Central's girls basketball team knocked off host Lanier 38-30 in a regional quarterfinal Wednesday to earn a berth in the state playoffs.    The Lady Raiders will play Buford on Friday night in the semifinals for a chance to earn a home game in the state playoffs.