Local

Christian Moore practices playing the French horn during band class at Habersham Central High School on Wednesday. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Christian Moore practices playing the French horn during band class at Habersham Central High School on Wednesday. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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‘The spice of life’

News Staff
Friday, March 27, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAbout 4,000 Habersham County students participate in some sort of music program, accounting for over half of the school system’s population.One of those students, Habersham Central junior Alan Magana, joined the school’s vocal program, and band was the next door that opened to him.
The proposed development, known as Artisan Park, would be developed by Artisan Land Companies and feature a seven-district commercial, residential and healthcare development projected five miles outside the city limits and would encompass approximately 164.8 acres at the U.S. 23 and U.S. 123 intersection, also known as the Tom Arrendale Interchange. (File)

The proposed development, known as Artisan Park, would be developed by Artisan Land Companies and feature a seven-district commercial, residential and healthcare development projected five miles outside the city limits and would encompass approximately 164.8 acres at the U.S. 23 and U.S. 123 intersection, also known as the Tom Arrendale Interchange. (File)

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Lack of interest pauses TAD vote

News Staff
Friday, March 27, 2026
By Zach TaylorDemorest’s Tax Allocation District will not be on the May ballot following a lack of county commissioner interest.TAD powers allow the City of Demorest to establish an area where revenues from growth, primarily vertical growth, can be taxed.
At left, Cornelia Mayor John Borrow poses with his wife, Holly, after being awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. At right, Larry and Evie Whitfield pose after Larry received the Distinguished Citizen Award. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

At left, Cornelia Mayor John Borrow poses with his wife, Holly, after being awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. At right, Larry and Evie Whitfield pose after Larry received the Distinguished Citizen Award. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Borrow, Whitfield receive Distinguished Citizen honors

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Zach TaylorFailure was something that Commander Frank Weisser experienced throughout his military career, but he said that he wanted to encourage people to have the courage to fail.
Melanie Bellinger

Melanie Bellinger

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County names new 911 director

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Samantha SinclairMelanie Bellinger is Habersham County’s new Emergency Management Agency and 911 director.She had been serving in the interim role since former director Lynn Smith retired in June.Bellinger said she is “extremely grateful” that she was chosen to permanently fill the role.“I am...
Baldwin

Baldwin

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Baldwin city clerk resigns

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAfter almost four years, Erin Gathercoal is no longer Baldwin’s city clerk.City Manager Tiera Morrison told The Northeast Georgian that Gathercoal submitted her resignation on Monday, leading to further understaffing of city departments.Over the past year, Baldwin’s staff has...
(Landen Todd/Staff)

(Landen Todd/Staff)

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Play ball

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Habersham County Parks and Recreation celebrated baseball and softball Opening Day Saturday, March 21. The event included a parade, food and bounce houses. Above, basketball All-Star Anistyn Patrum throws the softball opening pitch at a Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center field.
Potential PUD development plans on 1900 Level Grove Road have been drawn up by Foothills Land Design for Cook Construction’s projects. A package store will not be included among those plans as Cornelia city staff determined package stores are not an allowed conditional use in PUD zoning.

Potential PUD development plans on 1900 Level Grove Road have been drawn up by Foothills Land Design for Cook Construction’s projects. A package store will not be included among those plans as Cornelia city staff determined package stores are not an allowed conditional use in PUD zoning.

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Cornelia axes package store plans

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCook Construction’s package store plan has officially been halted.After Cornelia’s Unified Planning Board tabled a vote for a Cook Construction conditional use package store request on Thursday, city staff has determined that package stores are not an allowed conditional use in the...
Farmers have experienced the effects of chilly temperatures over recent days. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Farmers have experienced the effects of chilly temperatures over recent days. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Freezing temperatures affect farmers

News Staff
Friday, March 20, 2026
By Zach TaylorNorth Georgia weather can be unpredictable, and that was the case earlier this week, as freezing temperatures linger today from a cold snap on Monday night into Tuesday.Though no debris-based damage occurred, like the past two bouts of winter weather, crop damage could have occurred,...
June Black-Warren

June Black-Warren

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Commission OKs salary increase for Black-Warren

News Staff
Friday, March 20, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAnother local official will be getting more money to do her job.The Habersham County Board of Commissioners approved giving Tax Commissioner June Black-Warren an extra $20,000 supplement yearly at its meeting Monday night.
The brides (Sari Elliott, Elloree Chambers, Ashley Jones, Kayla Rummel and Annalee Lewis) gather around Milly played by Aliyah Duncan. (Callie Cueva/Staff)

The brides (Sari Elliott, Elloree Chambers, Ashley Jones, Kayla Rummel and Annalee Lewis) gather around Milly played by Aliyah Duncan. (Callie Cueva/Staff)

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Going courtin’

News Staff
Friday, March 20, 2026
By Callie CuevaLaughter, love and larger-than-life dance numbers take center stage as “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” opens at Habersham Central’s Performing Arts Center this week.