Local

Stephanie Almagno, Bubba Samuels

Stephanie Almagno, Bubba Samuels

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Baldwin ignores records request

News Staff
Thursday, November 27, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Baldwin has announced a city manager finalist, but so far has not answered requests for more information about her. On Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 4:34 p.m.
Jonah Ferguson plays a set at Ash and Barrell last Saturday night, one of many performances for the local artist lately. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Jonah Ferguson plays a set at Ash and Barrell last Saturday night, one of many performances for the local artist lately. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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‘What I live for’

News Staff
Thursday, November 27, 2025
By Zach Taylor Habersham native Jonah Ferguson has taken local stages by storm, performing covers and originals while building his repertoire behind the scenes. Still, his love for music stems much deeper than the holler.
An annexation request for the Red Apple Innovation Corridor is on the Cornelia City Commission agenda.

An annexation request for the Red Apple Innovation Corridor is on the Cornelia City Commission agenda.

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City annex information complicated

News Staff
Thursday, November 27, 2025
By Hannah Caudell When the Habersham County Board of Commissioners reviewed Cornelia’s application to annex what was originally proposed to be 224.
Zach Taylor/Staff

Zach Taylor/Staff

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Former sheriff dies Tuesday

News Staff
Thursday, November 27, 2025
By Zach Taylor Former Habersham County Sheriff James DeRay Fincher died from an apparent suicide on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2026. He was 76 years old. County Coroner Kasey McEntire pronounced Fincher deceased on the scene at 5:30 p.m.
The Georgia Ports Authority is set to open its Blue Ridge Connector inland terminal — also known as the Inland Port — in Spring 2026, providing direct rail service between Savannah and Gainesville, a high-growth logistics hub located just 50 mile from Atlanta, near Interstate 85. (Submitted)

The Georgia Ports Authority is set to open its Blue Ridge Connector inland terminal — also known as the Inland Port — in Spring 2026, providing direct rail service between Savannah and Gainesville, a high-growth logistics hub located just 50 mile from Atlanta, near Interstate 85. (Submitted)

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Port Authority: Inland port set for soft opening in May

News Staff
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
By Hannah Caudell With spring approaching comes the possibility that the Blue Ridge Connector, also known as the Inland Port, will be open, changing the way commercial products move throughout the state and throughout Habersham County.
Volunteer Karen Tench grabs another piece of tape to secure the wrapping paper around a new pair of shoes. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Volunteer Karen Tench grabs another piece of tape to secure the wrapping paper around a new pair of shoes. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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A new pair of kicks

News Staff
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
By Hannah Caudell Demorest City Hall was filled with volunteers on Thursday, wrapping one important item that will be given out to children receiving weekend food bags from The Everyday Good: a new pair of shoes.
Braylin Winkles waves to the judges and the crowd during the princess dress portion of the pageant. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Braylin Winkles waves to the judges and the crowd during the princess dress portion of the pageant. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Pageant raises funds for cancer

News Staff
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
By Zach Taylor R uby Elite Pageants held its annual Christmas pageant with multiple twists this year.
Award winners Habersham EMC President and CEO Bryan Ferguson, Blackhawk Fly Fishing CEO and Southern Farm and Garden Publisher Abby Jackson, Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market Coordinator Kelly Henry and 2025 Young Farmer and Rancher Spotlight Award Winner Grace McClain stand together for a photo after the ceremony. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Award winners Habersham EMC President and CEO Bryan Ferguson, Blackhawk Fly Fishing CEO and Southern Farm and Garden Publisher Abby Jackson, Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market Coordinator Kelly Henry and 2025 Young Farmer and Rancher Spotlight Award Winner Grace McClain stand together for a photo after the ceremony. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Best in agriculture receive honors

News Staff
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
By Zach Taylor Habersham County Farm Bureau held its annual Farm City Breakfast, honoring the county’s agricultural efforts on Friday. Agriculture is vital to the American way of life.
Habersham County Board of Commissioners — Bruce Harkness, Jimmy Tench, Kelly Woodall and Ty Akins —recognizes Farm-City Week with Habersham County Farm Bureau representatives (center) Jared Brooks, Cheryl Kowalsky and Jimmy Kowalsky. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Habersham County Board of Commissioners — Bruce Harkness, Jimmy Tench, Kelly Woodall and Ty Akins —recognizes Farm-City Week with Habersham County Farm Bureau representatives (center) Jared Brooks, Cheryl Kowalsky and Jimmy Kowalsky. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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County celebrates Farm-City Week

News Staff
Friday, November 21, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair This morning, local farmers and partners will be honored during the annual Farm-City Breakfast.
Zach Taylor/Staff

Zach Taylor/Staff

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Shutdown bill may hurt local hemp industry

News Staff
Friday, November 21, 2025
By Hannah Caudell In a surprise twist last week, Congress snuck in an amendment to the bill that ended the longest government shutdown in American history: an essential ban on the commercial hemp industry. According to the amendment championed by Sen.