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Austin proud of life serving county, Demorest in office

Matthew Osborne
Friday, August 13, 2021
Demorest Rick Austin said Thursday that he is ready to self-impose a term limit as the city’s leader, declaring that he will not run in this year’s election for mayor after eight years in the position. “It has been my distinct honor to serve this county and community for the past 20 years.
Mt. Airy Mayor Gary Morris has a few months left in what will be a 20-year run as the town’s mayor. His public service career began in 1983. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Mt. Airy Mayor Gary Morris has a few months left in what will be a 20-year run as the town’s mayor. His public service career began in 1983. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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Morris set to keep his word about last run

Matthew Osborne
Friday, August 13, 2021
Mt. Airy Mayor Gary Morris was talked into running for mayor just one more time four years ago. Now, after a public service career that spans almost four decades, he is staying true to his promise to hang it up.
Habersham Central’s Carson Parker dives in for the Raiders’ only touchdown during Friday’s scrimmage. TOM ASKEW/Special

Habersham Central’s Carson Parker dives in for the Raiders’ only touchdown during Friday’s scrimmage. TOM ASKEW/Special

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Raiders look to smooth over rough spots after scrimmage

Bryant Roche
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
   North Oconee used a stretch of two scores and two interceptions to beat Habersham Central 27-6 in Friday’s varsity preseason scrimmage.
Habersham Central’s Hailey Wade fires to the plate during the season opener Aug. 5.

Habersham Central’s Hailey Wade fires to the plate during the season opener Aug. 5.

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Lady Raiders top North Hall, can't solve White County

Bryant Roche
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
   Habersham Central’s Hailey Wade threw a five-inning complete game shutout of North Hall Saturday, and through 3 2/3 innings Monday, she only allowed one hit in a rematch with White County.    But the Lady Warriors made another mid-game push to stay unbeaten with a 5-0 victory.
Alyson Paul (front) and Myrna Owen-Olsson compete in the Round Robin pickleball fundraiser at Ruby Fulbright Aquatics Center.

Alyson Paul (front) and Myrna Owen-Olsson compete in the Round Robin pickleball fundraiser at Ruby Fulbright Aquatics Center.

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Pickleball club gains momentum toward potential new courts

Bryant Roche
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
   The Round Robin Fundraiser held Sunday helped provide for the Habersham County Pickleball Club, while aiming to generate continued interest in the sport.
Howard Williams kept this photo from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in his scrapbook of North Habersham coach Red Lynch talks with seniors (from left) Bobby Hill, Ronnie Ellington, Don Gunnel, Bobby Burke, Donald Roberts and Carl Williams.

Howard Williams kept this photo from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in his scrapbook of North Habersham coach Red Lynch talks with seniors (from left) Bobby Hill, Ronnie Ellington, Don Gunnel, Bobby Burke, Donald Roberts and Carl Williams.

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North Habersham ’62 squad’s legacy strong after six decades

Bryant Roche
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
   Just to the left side of the current-day Habersham County Courthouse lies a hill that legendary coach Wallace Lynch and others used to condition their players.
Residents gathered at Habersham EMC headquarters Tuesday morning to share their input on economic development. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Residents gathered at Habersham EMC headquarters Tuesday morning to share their input on economic development. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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Citizens give input on county's future

Brian Wellmeier
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
   Local leaders and members of the community attended the Partnership Habersham Listening Session on Tuesday.
Above, Clarkesville Elementary custodian JoAnn Oliver helps kindergartener Lily Ellison get her breakfast. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/CNI News Service

Above, Clarkesville Elementary custodian JoAnn Oliver helps kindergartener Lily Ellison get her breakfast. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/CNI News Service

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Habersham County schools back open for learning

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
   Habersham County opened schools Friday with a flourish of activity and optimism for the new year.    The student enrollment is just 10 more than it was in 2019 (6,995), with a system-record 1,148 employees on board for the new school year.
Habersham Central baseball coach Chris Akridge talks to Kaleb Chastain during an opponent’s mound visit last season. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Habersham Central baseball coach Chris Akridge talks to Kaleb Chastain during an opponent’s mound visit last season. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Community rallies around coach amid COVID battle

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
   There is no better role model for students about how to be mentally and physically strong than Habersham Central baseball coach Chris Akridge.    But for the last two weeks, the community has given him strength as he has battled COVID-19 in the hospital.