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The Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up to spend $114,542 on grounds care, which encompasses $104,198 for the turf management plan. (Adobe Stock)

The Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up to spend $114,542 on grounds care, which encompasses $104,198 for the turf management plan. (Adobe Stock)

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Rec department expects economic impact from turf

News Staff
Friday, February 20, 2026
By Zach TaylorHabersham County Parks and Recreation fields could look different under a turf management plan developed by Interim Director Terry Lannon.Proposed in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, the Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up to spend $114,542 on grounds care,...
Jalessa and Pastor Sherrod Aiken stand outside Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Jalessa and Pastor Sherrod Aiken stand outside Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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‘A phenomenal journey’

News Staff
Friday, February 20, 2026
By Samantha SinclairPastor Sherrod and First Lady Jalessa Aiken may be fairly new to Cornelia, but they are already doing their part to share and be a part of the history of the city.Sherrod is the new pastor at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and he said he’s focussing on the legacy that’s...
Roger Nixon, vice president of business development at CKH Consulting, spoke before Baldwin’s city council Tuesday to introduce himself as a representative on behalf of the company. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Roger Nixon, vice president of business development at CKH Consulting, spoke before Baldwin’s city council Tuesday to introduce himself as a representative on behalf of the company. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Baldwin OKs firm for financial services

News Staff
Friday, February 20, 2026
By Hannah CaudellWhile Baldwin is in the early stages of finding a financial director to take care of the city’s coffers, council voted 3-0 to approve CKH Consulting LLC for short-term financial services until the end of the fiscal year, according to City Manager Tiera Morrison.CKH Consulting,...

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County continues zoning moratorium

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairA moratorium on certain housing development and zoning applications was extended 30 days by the Habersham County Board of Commissioners Monday night.The moratorium, adopted on Oct. 20, was set to expire on Feb. 17.Prior to that, the board adopted an emergency moratorium on Sept....
Julie Poole

Julie Poole

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Poole to serve as interim manager

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCity Clerk Julie Poole will be the interim city manager for Clarkesville following City Manager Keith Dickerson’s resignation, Mayor Franklin Brown said Tuesday morning.Dickerson’s last day with the city is Feb. 20.Poole started with the city in 2008 working at the front desk.
Jacey Vickery, Robby Edge and Anna Anastasio enjoy playing around in the photo booth. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Jacey Vickery, Robby Edge and Anna Anastasio enjoy playing around in the photo booth. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Shining moments

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairJoy was present all over Level Grove Baptist Church Friday night as the community celebrated Night to Shine.The worldwide event honors those with special needs, with founder Tim Tebow announcing each one of the honored guests as King and Queen.
Cook Construction’s request for annexation is for about 100 acres at Ga. 365 and Duncan Bridge Road. (Submitted)

Cook Construction’s request for annexation is for about 100 acres at Ga. 365 and Duncan Bridge Road. (Submitted)

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Commission objects to annexation

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCounty commissioners did what they legally could Monday night to prevent a controversial annexation of property.The Habersham County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution objecting to the annexation of about 100 acres of property into Baldwin based on the increased burden...
Cook Construction and Real Estate has proposed annexing about 100 acres into the city of Baldwin.

Cook Construction and Real Estate has proposed annexing about 100 acres into the city of Baldwin.

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Commission objects to annexation

News Staff
Monday, February 16, 2026
Cook Construction and Real Estate's request to annex about 100 acres at Duncan Bridge Road and Ga. 365 into Baldwin hit a setback Monday night.
L&D Florist Owner Janet Kinsey puts together an arrangement using skills learned in the floristry craft. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

L&D Florist Owner Janet Kinsey puts together an arrangement using skills learned in the floristry craft. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Local florists experience Valentine’s bloom

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Zach TaylorWith the love-themed holiday coming up tomorrow, local florists are warning folks about third-party floral sales companies that might keep the money without delivering what was purchased.Their message: order from them and get what you paid for.L&D Florist Owner Janet Kinsey said that...