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Cornelia resident Roy Alvarez speaks to the Cornelia City Commission in opposition to the proposed ordinance change that would have limited large gatherings in residential areas, saying it’s important that his family is able to occasionally get together, especially after a long week of work.

Cornelia resident Roy Alvarez speaks to the Cornelia City Commission in opposition to the proposed ordinance change that would have limited large gatherings in residential areas, saying it’s important that his family is able to occasionally get together, especially after a long week of work.

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Cornelia residents split over large gatherings in residential areas

Chamian Cruz
Friday, July 9, 2021
   The Cornelia City Commission is rethinking its solution to loud music and large gatherings in residential areas after at least a half-dozen residents spoke up at Tuesday’s meeting both for and against proposed changes to the city’s ordinances.
This sign on Historic Highway 441 on the southern end of Demorest has caused the city to reassess its regulations for sign permitting.

This sign on Historic Highway 441 on the southern end of Demorest has caused the city to reassess its regulations for sign permitting.

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Demorest to reassess sign regulations during 90-day moratorium

Matthew Osborne
Friday, July 9, 2021
   Demorest City Council voted to put a 90-day moratorium on any new signs in the city that require a permit.    The impetus for the move came after a city business owner allowed the construction of an 18-foot-wide sign on his property on the side of Historic Highway 441.
Jeff Branyon is expected to officially be Baldwin’s new police chief by July 19.

Jeff Branyon is expected to officially be Baldwin’s new police chief by July 19.

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Baldwin taps new police chief

News Staff
Friday, July 9, 2021
   Jeff Branyon, the soon-to-be City of Baldwin police chief, attended the city council’s Tuesday work session and has been acclimated this week.
Joyce Jordan sits with new great great granddaughter Johana Lynch, surrounded by granddaughter Misty Baird (left), son Dennis Jordan and great granddaughter Shelby Lynch.

Joyce Jordan sits with new great great granddaughter Johana Lynch, surrounded by granddaughter Misty Baird (left), son Dennis Jordan and great granddaughter Shelby Lynch.

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Five generations times two for local family

Matthew Osborne
Friday, July 9, 2021
   Misty Baird has seen her family grow to five living generations for the second time, but this time, it is on both sides of her family.
Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton speaks at a Demorest City Council meeting earlier this year. Sutton's last day is July 16.

Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton speaks at a Demorest City Council meeting earlier this year. Sutton's last day is July 16.

Habersham County eyes new leadership

News Staff
Thursday, July 8, 2021
   Habersham County's Board of Commissioners met for more than two hours Thursday night to discuss the possibility of an interim county manager and a new clerk.
Persons unknown started a fire in the bathroom of Longhorn Steakhouse on Monday night.

Persons unknown started a fire in the bathroom of Longhorn Steakhouse on Monday night.

Arson ruled in restaurant bathroom fire

News Staff
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
   Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced Wednesday that a recent Habersham County restaurant fire has been ruled an act of arson.    The fire was reported to local authorities just before 6:45 p.m.
Habersham County School System’s three-person grounds crew is responsible for maintaining its athletic fields throughout the year.

Habersham County School System’s three-person grounds crew is responsible for maintaining its athletic fields throughout the year.

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Maintaining excellence starts with the fields

Isaiah Smith
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
   No matter what time of year you drop by any of the Habersham County School System’s athletic fields, and each one takes on a green, manicured look as if it’s set in a Hollywood movie.
McKenzie Coan of Clarkesville will compete in her third Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan beginning Aug. 24.

McKenzie Coan of Clarkesville will compete in her third Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan beginning Aug. 24.

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Coan returns to Paralympics for a third time

News Staff
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
   McKenzie Coan of Clarkesville is headed to the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.    This will be her third trip to the Paralympic Games as part of Team USA.    Coan and 33 other members of the team were named Sunday after national qualifying was held in Minnesota.
The Habersham County Wall of Honor will likely be finished by Veterans Day.

The Habersham County Wall of Honor will likely be finished by Veterans Day.

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Fifth slab underway for Veterans Wall of Honor

Chamian Cruz
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
   After 20 years of continuous fundraising, the Habersham County Wall of Honor Committee hopes to reveal the fifth and final wall by Veterans Day.    The park, located across from Ethicon in Cornelia, honors local veterans going back to the French and Indian War.
Habersham County will meet Thursday to discuss potential interim county manager candidates.

Habersham County will meet Thursday to discuss potential interim county manager candidates.

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Habersham County eyes new prospects for interim manager

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
   Habersham County’s Board of Commissioners will take another shot at picking an interim county manager and a clerk at a special called meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday.    The commissioners declined to name an interim county manager after interviewing three candidates before their June 28 meeting.