Local

Mike Watts checks out handmade birdhouses that were part of the silent auction for SRWA. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Mike Watts checks out handmade birdhouses that were part of the silent auction for SRWA. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Auction raises funding for Soque projects

By Zach Taylor Local fly fishermen, residents and outdoor enthusiasts gathered on Tuesday to raise funds for a special cause.
Clarkesville’s Historic Mauldin House and Gardens is working to preserve the city’s history by gathering information, items and funds. Those sharing historical information will be entered into a drawing to win artwork by Frankie Walters, like the piece above. People may also purchase bricks to support the preservation of the property. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Clarkesville’s Historic Mauldin House and Gardens is working to preserve the city’s history by gathering information, items and funds. Those sharing historical information will be entered into a drawing to win artwork by Frankie Walters, like the piece above. People may also purchase bricks to support the preservation of the property. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Clarkesville harvesting, preserving history

By Samantha Sinclair There’s plenty of history in Clarkesville, and the city is looking to collect as much as possible during the History Harvest Festival Oct. 4.
The city plans to hold additional public hearings for the budget and millage rate at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and 6 p.m. Oct. 6.

The city plans to hold additional public hearings for the budget and millage rate at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and 6 p.m. Oct. 6.

Clarkesville holds first budget hearing

By Samantha Sinclair Clarkesville held its first of three public hearings on the 2026 budget and millage rate Tuesday morning. City Manager Keith Dickerson said nothing had changed in the proposed budget since the presentation to council Sept. 8.
The old visitation room now serves as a classroom, courtroom, legal counsel room, and virtual visitation room due to limited space in the current jail. A rough schematic of the new jail outlines a multi-purpose room dedicated to activities such as GED courses, for which Major Leslie Hendrix is currently being trained to teach. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

The old visitation room now serves as a classroom, courtroom, legal counsel room, and virtual visitation room due to limited space in the current jail. A rough schematic of the new jail outlines a multi-purpose room dedicated to activities such as GED courses, for which Major Leslie Hendrix is currently being trained to teach. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

No other options

By Hannah Caudell When the Habersham County Jail was built back in 1996, then Sheriff Harrison Nix refused to move in. When sheriff’s office personnel finally moved into the new building, they found it wasn’t what they had expected.
Members of the Tim Lee Boys and Girls Club, the organization’s leadership team, and representatives from T-Mobile stand around the giant $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant check, which helped the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier to purchase much-needed electronics for both the Habersham club and their satellite locations in the school system. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Members of the Tim Lee Boys and Girls Club, the organization’s leadership team, and representatives from T-Mobile stand around the giant $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant check, which helped the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier to purchase much-needed electronics for both the Habersham club and their satellite locations in the school system. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Program gets $50k grant for technology

By Hannah Caudell Chromebooks, televisions, and Nintendo Switches. New electronics lined one of the rooms at the Tim Lee Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Airy on Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of the students who had just been dropped off from school. “It’s so amazing!
Wyatt Swain blows bubbles at the camera while waiting at a booth at the Big Red Apple Festival in Cornelia. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Wyatt Swain blows bubbles at the camera while waiting at a booth at the Big Red Apple Festival in Cornelia. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Bigger and better

By Zach Taylor C ornelia held its 37th annual Big Red Apple Festival on Saturday, entertaining thousands of people within the downtown area. “This was definitely the biggest one since I’ve been in charge,” Cornelia Mainstreet Manager Noah Hamil said.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon is not leaving the position.

Interim Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon is not leaving the position.

Rec director rescinds resignation

By Zach Taylor Interim Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon is not leaving the position. After submitting his resignation effective immediately on Friday, Lannon changed his mind and was back Monday afternoon.
T Perry whips up some meals for hungry customers during last year’s festival. (File)

T Perry whips up some meals for hungry customers during last year’s festival. (File)

Big Red Apple Festival coming Saturday

By Zach Taylor Cornelia’s flagship festival is coming up this Saturday, Sept. 20, and the city is gearing up to host one of the biggest yet.  The Big Red Apple Festival is celebrating its 37th year in the city, near the monument that harkens back to its past — The Big Red Apple.
Former MLB legend and television sports color commentator Darrel Chaney speaks during Georgia Foothills United Way Community Luncheon and campaign kick off event. (Landen Todd/Staff)

Former MLB legend and television sports color commentator Darrel Chaney speaks during Georgia Foothills United Way Community Luncheon and campaign kick off event. (Landen Todd/Staff)

United Way kicks off campaign with Chaney

By Landen Todd Georgia Foothills United Way hosted its fourth annual Community Luncheon and campaign kick off event at the Habersham EMC Community Room on Tuesday. Former MLB legend and television sports color commentator Darrel Chaney was the guest speaker.

County starting SPLOST education

By Samantha Sinclair Habersham County plans to hold three educational sessions about the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, VIII extension that voters will be asked to approve in November. The SPLOST Town Hall Meetings will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.