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Bill Miles

Bill Miles

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Miles leading charge to protect veterans

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Zach TaylorSome veterans may be charged fees for filing for Veterans Affairs (VA) claims if new legislation is passed.However, Department of Georgia Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Bill Miles, who lives in Habersham County, is fighting to keep that legislation tabled.House Bill 108 is a...
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Cornelia looks to eliminate millage rate cap

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCornelia may officially see a change to its city charter if the state legislature approves commissioners’ new move to remove the millage rate cap in order to improve the city’s credit worthiness.Unlike many cities in Georgia, Cornelia currently has a millage rate cap of 20 mills.
James and Syble Thomason sit in the living room of their Alto home, where they’ve lived since 1995. James, a Habersham native, moved himself and Syble to Northeast Georgia after they got married in 1963. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

James and Syble Thomason sit in the living room of their Alto home, where they’ve lived since 1995. James, a Habersham native, moved himself and Syble to Northeast Georgia after they got married in 1963. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Love at first sight

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Hannah CaudellJames and Syble met in the spring of 1963 in Sampson, Ala. After they started dating, it would only take a month for the couple to fall in love and get married.In the couple’s Alto home, a Bible with James’ name sits at the edge of the sofa.
Jimmy Tench

Jimmy Tench

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County finalizes plan for special election

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAs the end of Jimmy Tench’s service as a county commissioner draws to a close today, Feb. 13, the county has a plan for how to fill the remainder of his term.The term for the District 3 seat ends on Dec. 31, and an election for the seat is scheduled for this election cycle, with...
Habersham County Chamber of Commerce 2025 Chairman Tommy Thurmond passes the gavel to Georgia Power Northeast Area Manager Jeremy Spradlin (left). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Habersham County Chamber of Commerce 2025 Chairman Tommy Thurmond passes the gavel to Georgia Power Northeast Area Manager Jeremy Spradlin (left). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Gala honors chamber’s best

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Zach TaylorOn Thursday, business owners and local leaders gathered to honor Habersham’s best.The Habersham Chamber of Commerce is a support network for businesses, providing resources that enable community-driven events and sponsorships, and assisting small business owners and large industry...
BJ Addison

BJ Addison

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South Hab to get Addison as principal

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIt was a full-circle moment for Woodville Elementary School Principal BJ Addison on Monday night when he was officially announced as Daphne Penick’s successor as the principal of South Habersham Middle School next year, when Penick plans to retire.“Dr. Addison, you know, when you...
After a 48-minute executive session Friday afternoon, the Demorest City Council voted to investigate personnel within the city’s police department. (File photo)

After a 48-minute executive session Friday afternoon, the Demorest City Council voted to investigate personnel within the city’s police department. (File photo)

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Council decides to investigate police

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Zach TaylorAfter a 48-minute executive session Friday afternoon, the Demorest City Council voted to investigate personnel within the city’s police department.“This is personnel within the department, so technically, it could be anybody in the department,” City Manager Mark Musselwhite said...
The Bushes are the newest pastoring family of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mt. Airy. November 2025 marked their first year installation anniversary. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The Bushes are the newest pastoring family of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mt. Airy. November 2025 marked their first year installation anniversary. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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‘EBC is the place to be’

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAsk the Rev. Phinizy Bush III and his wife, Sentoria, how long they’ve been in ministry, and they’ll tell you their whole lives.From the streets of Mt. Vernon, N.Y. to the foothills of Appalachia, the Bushes’ lives have been defined by their call to ministry and their passion for...
The playscapes at Baldwin Elementary sit empty, waiting for the schoolchildren to come play. These and many other playground facilities across the county’s elementary schools may be slated for upgrades if county residents pass ESPLOST VII in May. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The playscapes at Baldwin Elementary sit empty, waiting for the schoolchildren to come play. These and many other playground facilities across the county’s elementary schools may be slated for upgrades if county residents pass ESPLOST VII in May. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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ESPLOST vote ready for May ballot

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIt’s a penny tax Superintendent Patrick Franklin said has been in place since he went to Habersham Central High School.
BJ Addison

BJ Addison

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South Hab gets new principal

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
By Hannah CaudellWoodville Elementary School Principal BJ Addison will be taking the helm at South Habersham Middle School at the end of the school year following Daphne Penick’s retirement announcement in January. The newest chapter of his career was announced on Monday evening.