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Similar trends of slumping test scores have been reported from state to state.

Similar trends of slumping test scores have been reported from state to state.

COVID brings test scores down across Georgia

Data from the Georgia Milestones Tests, an assessment program intended to gauge students’ academic performance, shows test scores have declined not just in Habersham County but statewide following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demorest Police Chief Robin Krockum applauds as Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, presents an award for DUI patrol officer of the year to Alto’s John Groves in McCaysville on Sept. 9. Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas also was on hand for the presentation. GLENN HARBISON/CNI News Service

Demorest Police Chief Robin Krockum applauds as Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, presents an award for DUI patrol officer of the year to Alto’s John Groves in McCaysville on Sept. 9. Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas also was on hand for the presentation. GLENN HARBISON/CNI News Service

Alto officer earns DUI patrol award

Alto Police Officer John Groves was honored at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Quad Network Banquet in McCaysville on Sept. 9 as the DUI patrol officer of the year.
Gretchen Hilderhoff is shown with her dogs Jack (left) and Belle (right). SUBMITTED

Gretchen Hilderhoff is shown with her dogs Jack (left) and Belle (right). SUBMITTED

Finding the way home

Jack is Gretchen Hilderhoff’s toy Australian shepherd. She’s owned him for about a year-and-a-half after he was retired from a stud by his previous owner. Hilderhoff described Jack as a somewhat timid animal.
Habersham County Commissioners Bruce Palmer (right) and Jimmy Tench participate in a work session in June.

Habersham County Commissioners Bruce Palmer (right) and Jimmy Tench participate in a work session in June.

Tench, Palmer at odds over certification records

Habersham County Commissioner Bruce Palmer said Monday that fellow Commissioner Jimmy Tench made multiple public records requests as part of a challenge that he had not properly achieved his certification credentials.
Lee Arrendale State Prison has faced many allegations over the last few years.

Lee Arrendale State Prison has faced many allegations over the last few years.

Feds set to investigate Georgia prisons

After years of former inmates and advocacy groups crying out for someone to do something about the conditions at Lee Arrendale State Prison, they may finally get their wish.
Senior Taylor Wade takes a swing during the Raiders last home game against Winder-Barrow. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Senior Taylor Wade takes a swing during the Raiders last home game against Winder-Barrow. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Wade gets D-I offer from Delaware State

Habersham Central star athlete Taylor Wade has lived and breathed softball for as long as she can remember. She fell in love with the sport in elementary school, and now in her senior year, she starts every game behind the plate and at the top of the Lady Raiders’ batting order.

TFS volleyball 9th in Rocky Top tourney

Tallulah Falls’ volleyball team took a pair of wins on Friday in the Rocky Top Tournament in Tennessee and followed it up with a sensational day of play on Saturday. In the final day, TFS won matches over Ridgeland and John Battle, while losing to Station Camp.
Habersham Central’s Garrett Turner (41) and Jonathan Adams celebrate Turner’s blocked punt touchdown Friday night against White County. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Habersham Central’s Garrett Turner (41) and Jonathan Adams celebrate Turner’s blocked punt touchdown Friday night against White County. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Negative reinforcement

It seemed like Habersham Central’s defense was on the field all night Friday at White County, but no one can say the Raiders did not make the most of that time.

Baldwin votes for millage rollback

Baldwin City Councilmembers voted unanimously to rollback the city’s millage rate Monday following weeks of discussion on the matter. The rollback effectively sets Baldwin’s millage rate to 6.793 mills, resulting in ​​a year-over-year increase of $37,739.
Principals Rodney Long of Baldwin Elementary, Dr. Connie Franklin of the Ninth Grade Academy, Marybeth Thomas of Wilbanks Middle School and Aimee Shedd of Hazel Grove Elementary accept their attendance awards for August at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Principals Rodney Long of Baldwin Elementary, Dr. Connie Franklin of the Ninth Grade Academy, Marybeth Thomas of Wilbanks Middle School and Aimee Shedd of Hazel Grove Elementary accept their attendance awards for August at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

School board considers sick leave policy for classified staff

The Board of Education held a first reading on a new policy that would allow classified employees to hold onto their sick leave days for use in early retirement or a departure from the school system after 10 years.