Local

Grado is full of energy and hoping for a new family soon. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Grado is full of energy and hoping for a new family soon. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Grado is seeking a fur-ever home after 100 days in animal shelter

The Habersham County Animal Shelter is hoping to find a fur-ever home for their current longest staying dog. Grado, a high-energy, friendly pooch likes to spend his time cuddling into his blanket under the sun and running around the play area while he waits for his new family.
Shown is the cover of 2021 Hello Habersham

Shown is the cover of 2021 Hello Habersham

Hello Habersham cover contest now open

Do you have a great picture of a landmark or place that shows Habersham County at its best? Your photo could be featured on the cover of the 2022 Hello Habersham magazine.
Matthew and Priscilla express themselves during craft time during Avita’s Community Access Group’s session. CINDY LEVI/Submitted

Matthew and Priscilla express themselves during craft time during Avita’s Community Access Group’s session. CINDY LEVI/Submitted

Avita Community Partners offer crucial mental health resources

Mental health is often cited as a crucial need in rural counties like Habersham, but a lack of funding and limited resources available to those who struggle with mental illness complicate the prospect of receiving treatment.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Technician Kayla Neal (left) and Demorest Officer James Minutello look over stolen mail seized after the arrest of Dylan Shope on Thursday. HABERSHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Submitted

Habersham County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Technician Kayla Neal (left) and Demorest Officer James Minutello look over stolen mail seized after the arrest of Dylan Shope on Thursday. HABERSHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Submitted

Mail theft suspect nabbed

A man suspected of pilfering mail from multiple communities and even other states was arrested Thursday when he accidentally approached a car driven by a Habersham County Sheriff’s investigator.

‘Dealing death’

Even nearly four months later, Denton Harkins still leaves his Mt. Airy porch light on for his son Justin. “It’s those little things you don’t even think about,” Harkins said. “Those are the times when it hurts the most.” Justin Harkins passed away from an overdose of fentanyl on Oct. 10, 2021.
Tinisha Combs embraces Nanette Baughman after receiving keys to her new home Sunday. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Tinisha Combs embraces Nanette Baughman after receiving keys to her new home Sunday. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Home, sweet home

Habersham County resident Tinisha Combs and her family are now first-time homeowners, becoming the latest family to receive their new house on behalf of Habitat for Humanity.
Juan Borge Osorio and Angela Lee will be heading to their dream schools after earning Questbridge Scholarships. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Juan Borge Osorio and Angela Lee will be heading to their dream schools after earning Questbridge Scholarships. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Raiders earn full college scholarships

Two Habersham Central High School students are chasing their full potential with the help of a full-ride scholarship to their dream schools, made possible as recipients of the QuestBridge National College Match.
Haven Maddox experiened her first-ever birthday party this year after missing out for the first 17. MELANIE KINSEY/Submitted

Haven Maddox experiened her first-ever birthday party this year after missing out for the first 17. MELANIE KINSEY/Submitted

Never too late for a party

Haven Maddox never experienced a birthday party in her entire childhood. Being born Dec. 26 forced her special day to be a little overshadowed by that other big celebration. “When I was growing up, every time I asked for a party I was told no.
Claire Mills comforts an owl before releasing it back into the wild Monday afternoon. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Claire Mills comforts an owl before releasing it back into the wild Monday afternoon. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Saving nature’s creatures, one at a time

The Chattahoochee Nature Wildlife Center released an owl back to her home in Clarkesville on Monday afternoon after nursing her back to full health.
Nancy Covarrubias, Yesenia Covarrubias, little Aaron, and Luis Antonio Covarrubias show off some of the  delicious treats from Raspas El Tigre in Cornelia. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Nancy Covarrubias, Yesenia Covarrubias, little Aaron, and Luis Antonio Covarrubias show off some of the delicious treats from Raspas El Tigre in Cornelia. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Couple brings ‘antojitos’ to Habersham

By creating a variety of Mexican treats ranging from ice cream, “aguas frescas,” “esquites,” and “fresas con crema,” a young power couple is paving the way as their own bosses and making their dreams come true as they bring these delights to Cornelia.