Local

FCA looks toward full slate of events

Last year, COVID-19 disrupted many different organizations and events, and Habersham County’s branch of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) was no different.  “FCA is so much about being social and relational to work with coaches and others.
Demorest native Rob Hamby has been mowing down hitters this year. At GGC, he recorded 25 strikeouts for the Grizzlies who won the NAIA World Series. And this summer as a member of the Gainesville Braves, the hurler is second in the Sunbelt Baseball League with a 0.87 ERA and ranks in the top 20 in strikeouts. DALE LONG/Special

Demorest native Rob Hamby has been mowing down hitters this year. At GGC, he recorded 25 strikeouts for the Grizzlies who won the NAIA World Series. And this summer as a member of the Gainesville Braves, the hurler is second in the Sunbelt Baseball League with a 0.87 ERA and ranks in the top 20 in strikeouts. DALE LONG/Special

Hamby shutting down hitters in summer league

When Demorest native Rob Hamby takes the field, having Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) “Grizzlies” mascot scribbled across his chest only feels appropriate for the bear of a man on the mound.  Standing at 6-foot-7 with a full beard and his hat low, Hamby looks like he means business.
Habersham County Airport commissioners Lawrence Bridges, D. Higgins, Ken Schubring and Chris Limbach talk amongst each other after the meeting Monday morning. CHAMIAN CRUZ/Staff

Habersham County Airport commissioners Lawrence Bridges, D. Higgins, Ken Schubring and Chris Limbach talk amongst each other after the meeting Monday morning. CHAMIAN CRUZ/Staff

Jet fuel truck issues cost airport

The Habersham County Airport lost at least 1,700 gallons in fuel sales last month due to an issue with its jet fuel truck.  “We literally had to turn people away because the fuel truck was down,” said Fix Base Operator Brenda Reed during the airport commission meeting Monday morning.

Sewer repair to close part of Level Grove Road

Cornelia residents will need to use alternative routes for three to four weeks while the city replaces an old sewer main on Level Grove Road.  The road between Wayside Street and Highway 441 Bypass will be closed beginning July 19.

Baldwin approves tank portion of water upgrade

Baldwin City Council members unanimously voted to approve the funding of a tank portion of a water system upgrade during Monday’s council meeting. The project began in 2016 and has experienced a series of delays in recent years.
Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton talks with his replacement Alicia Vaughn on Monday morning. Vaughn will take over as interim manager for at least the next four months. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton talks with his replacement Alicia Vaughn on Monday morning. Vaughn will take over as interim manager for at least the next four months. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Vaughn hopes to make temporary appointment a permanent one

Alicia Vaughn is hoping her time in Habersham County lasts longer than four months. Vaughn was named interim county manager on Friday after the Habersham County Board of Commissioners interviewed her the previous night and voted to offer the job with a 3-1 majority.
The former Ivy Mountain Distillery will soon be reopened under the new ownership of R.M. Rose Company Distilleries. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

The former Ivy Mountain Distillery will soon be reopened under the new ownership of R.M. Rose Company Distilleries. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

New owner prepares to reopen Mt. Airy distillery

After a two-year hiatus, the old Ivy Mountain Distillery will be cranking out vibrant spirits once again under new ownership.
AKINS

AKINS

Akins set to run for District 5 open seat

The first die has been cast in the race for Habersham County’s open county commission seat. Local businessman Ty Akins said Monday he intends to run for the District 5 seat left vacant by the resignation of Commissioner Tim Stamey earlier this summer.
Rev. Keith Cox gets a pie in the face from Director of Children’s Ministry Courtney Young at a Clarkesville First United Methodist Church event. CLARKESVILLE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH/Submitted

Rev. Keith Cox gets a pie in the face from Director of Children’s Ministry Courtney Young at a Clarkesville First United Methodist Church event. CLARKESVILLE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH/Submitted

Pies help fill up kids’ backpacks

What started as a friendly competition at Clarkesville First United Methodist Church’s vacation bible school turned into a whole effort to collect as many school supplies as possible for some of Habersham County’s neediest children.
The 1952 South Habersham Rebels finished the season 7-3 with the highlight of their season coming with a 20-7 win over top-ranked Thomson. Team members were (front) Bobby Hamby, John Foster, Donald Caudell, A.R. Scroggs, John Scott, Roger Burch, James Loudermilk, (back) W.C. Loudermilk, Sonny Cheek, Ted Smith and Sammie Cunningham.

The 1952 South Habersham Rebels finished the season 7-3 with the highlight of their season coming with a 20-7 win over top-ranked Thomson. Team members were (front) Bobby Hamby, John Foster, Donald Caudell, A.R. Scroggs, John Scott, Roger Burch, James Loudermilk, (back) W.C. Loudermilk, Sonny Cheek, Ted Smith and Sammie Cunningham.

Cornelia, South Habersham had some tough ball clubs back in the day

When many athletes look back on their former playing days, embellishment of one’s accomplishments is often what ensues. However, that’s not the case for John Foster and Ted Smith – that’s not their style.