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Ty Akins and Jason E. Hogan will meet in a runoff on Nov. 30. Jerry Harkness elected as the new mayor of Demorest.

Ty Akins and Jason E. Hogan will meet in a runoff on Nov. 30. Jerry Harkness elected as the new mayor of Demorest.

Runoff coming for District 5 commission race

Matthew Osborne
Friday, November 5, 2021
There will be a runoff in District 5 for the final county commission seat for the second consecutive special election. An egregiously low turnout of just under 9.5 percent of the Habersham County electorate could lead to an even-lower turnout in four weeks. Ty Akins got 48.
Cassie Carter applies 386 epoxy glue to the scratched form in order for the hide to stay secured to the form during the mounting process. CASSIE CARTER/Submitted

Cassie Carter applies 386 epoxy glue to the scratched form in order for the hide to stay secured to the form during the mounting process. CASSIE CARTER/Submitted

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Deer in the spotlight

Matthew Osborne
Friday, November 5, 2021
There are a lot of talented young people in this country in every field of study, whether it’s sports, music, academics or agricultural studies. It’s a rare opportunity to become a national champion, but Cassie Carter recently seized that chance.
Photo courtesy of Chuttersnap/UNSPLASH

Photo courtesy of Chuttersnap/UNSPLASH

Citizens say they want liquor stores

Matthew Osborne
Friday, November 5, 2021
After referendum victories Tuesday night, councils in Baldwin, Clarkesville, Cornelia and possibly Alto as well will have the chance to allow the sale of distilled spirits, breaking Mt. Airy’s longtime stranglehold on liquor sales in the county.
Responders work the scene of a deadly crash Friday on Highway 365 in Alto. CONNER HORN/Submitted

Responders work the scene of a deadly crash Friday on Highway 365 in Alto. CONNER HORN/Submitted

4 killed in horrific weekend

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Four people – including a 5-year-old child – were killed in local car wrecks over the weekend, and one man was charged with driving under the influence and causing his friend’s death. Around 6 p.m.

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County fires HR director

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Habersham County relieved Human Resources Director Vinitha Robinson of her duties Tuesday more than 18 months after Robinson filed a lawsuit against the county alleging discrimination. Robinson was given a 30-day notice of her termination, during which time she will be on paid administrative leave.
Gary Black (right) chats with Georgia Sen. Bo Hatchett, his wife Ashley and daughter Hallie. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Gary Black (right) chats with Georgia Sen. Bo Hatchett, his wife Ashley and daughter Hallie. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Black rallies supporters, gets digs in on Walker

Brian Wellmeier
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
U.S. Senate candidate Gary Black appeared at Common Ground in downtown Cornelia Thursday, speaking to a crowd of several dozen local leaders and supporters.
Pastor Mike Franklin of The Torch casts his ballot Thursday at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Pastor Mike Franklin of The Torch casts his ballot Thursday at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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Decision time for Habersham

Matthew Osborne
Friday, October 29, 2021
The residents of Habersham County and its municipalities have several important decisions to make Tuesday at the polls, and many of them have decided to wait and make that choice at the last minute.
From left at Thursday morning’s ceremony at City Hall are Kathy Papa and Melissa Thompson with Department of Community Affairs; Kenny Miller, Chase West, and Marty Boyd with Carter & Sloope Engineering Firm, Mayor John Borrow, City Manager Dee Anderson and DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. DEE ANDERSON/Submitted

From left at Thursday morning’s ceremony at City Hall are Kathy Papa and Melissa Thompson with Department of Community Affairs; Kenny Miller, Chase West, and Marty Boyd with Carter & Sloope Engineering Firm, Mayor John Borrow, City Manager Dee Anderson and DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. DEE ANDERSON/Submitted

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Cornelia gets $750K community block grant

Matthew Osborne
Friday, October 29, 2021
The City of Cornelia received a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Thursday to improve infrastructure in low to moderate income areas of the city. This grant will be used to help with a $1.