Local

The proposed annexation for the Red Apple Innovation Corridor would create three main zoning districts on 224.6 acres in the Ga. 365 corridor. (Submitted)

The proposed annexation for the Red Apple Innovation Corridor would create three main zoning districts on 224.6 acres in the Ga. 365 corridor. (Submitted)

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Residents object to Cornelia annexation

News Staff
Friday, November 7, 2025
By Hannah Caudell Some Cornelia residents — including residential stakeholders — made it clear how they felt about the city’s potential 224.6-acre annexation decision set for its December meeting: the city is not ready for such a large commercial and industrial project.
Doug Faust

Doug Faust

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Faust plans to lead change as new mayor

News Staff
Friday, November 7, 2025
By Hannah Caudell, Samantha Sinclair and Zach Taylor After a competitive run for Baldwin’s coveted mayoral seat, Baldwin resident Douglas Faust won the position after polls closed on Nov. 4 according to unofficial results from both Habersham and Banks election offices.
Dr. Ed Hendricks tolls the bell in memory of those who died in wars at the Memorial Day ceremony in Clarkesville this year. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Dr. Ed Hendricks tolls the bell in memory of those who died in wars at the Memorial Day ceremony in Clarkesville this year. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Stories of war

News Staff
Friday, November 7, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Dr. Ed Hendricks had been told since the time he was a baby that he had Revolutionary War ancestors. When he had the chance, he had a desire to serve his country, but his desire wasn’t enough. “I failed my draft physical when I was 21,” Hendricks said.
Demorest council candidates Patti Davis and Jim Welborn take a look at precinct results at the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest council candidates Patti Davis and Jim Welborn take a look at precinct results at the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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SPLOST gets overwhelming ‘yes’

News Staff
Friday, November 7, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair The one cent sales tax that funds a variety of capital projects for the county and its cities was once again approved by voters to continue. The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, and bond referendum passed with 69.
Emily Woodmaster

Emily Woodmaster

Woodmaster becomes independent contractor

News Staff
Thursday, November 6, 2025
During Thursday night's meeting, Baldwin's council unanimously approved an independent contractor agreement between the city and Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster, who will become an independent contractor the city effective immediately.
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office team, including Sheriff Robin Krockum (far left) smile as Allen Poole, the director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (middle), presents them with the sheriff’s office’s third place award in Category Four in the Governor’s Challenge Awards. The sheriff’s office also earned HEAT Team of the Year for the fourth time. (Submitted)

The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office team, including Sheriff Robin Krockum (far left) smile as Allen Poole, the director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (middle), presents them with the sheriff’s office’s third place award in Category Four in the Governor’s Challenge Awards. The sheriff’s office also earned HEAT Team of the Year for the fourth time. (Submitted)

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Sheriff’s office is top HEAT Team

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
By Hannah Caudell The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office gets to add another award to their trophy case shelves after the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) announced that the sheriff’s office has once again earned the HEAT (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) Team of the Year award.

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Mt. Airy considers farm wineries

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
By Zach Taylor On Jan. 22, the Vrahiotes family was devastated to find their winery and young families’ memories burning to the ground. However, they’ve decided their story is not over yet. During Monday night’s regular meeting, the Town of Mt.
(Hannah Caudell/Staff)

(Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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What a treat

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Throughout the county, families enjoyed activities and gathering treats at Halloween events Friday night. Above, Mila Wren reaches into the candy bowl at BSG Coffee, where owner Zach Staggs held out the bowl for her to choose. Look for more photos from Halloween on Page 8.
Demorest Precinct Poll Worker Sonya Frady hands Megan Zimmerman a voter sticker after voting Tuesday morning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Demorest Precinct Poll Worker Sonya Frady hands Megan Zimmerman a voter sticker after voting Tuesday morning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Voters select city leaders

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Voters headed to their polling places Tuesday to decide on continuing a sales tax and to elect city leaders. Early voting ended Friday with 3,202 deciding to cast ballots in person prior to Election Day Tuesday. Election results were not available by press time Tuesday.

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Demorest passes rollback tax rate

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
By Hannah Caudell After little debate on Thursday, the Demorest City Council voted to approve the full rollback millage rate of 6.593, resulting in a net zero percent property tax.