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Habersham Central High School's valedictorian and salutatorian are Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.

Habersham Central High School's valedictorian and salutatorian are Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.

Habersham Central names Grady, Baker as top students

By Hannah CaudellHabersham Central High School has a new pair at the top of the academic leaderboard for 2026.On Thursday morning, Dr. Adam Bagwell announced over the intercom this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian: Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.
Jessie Owensby

Jessie Owensby

Owensby leaving for White County

By Samantha SinclairCornelia Community Development Director Jessie Owensby is headed to White County.She was announced as the county’s new director of community and economic development Wednesday morning.Her last day with the city is Feb. 25, and she will begin her new role with White County on...

Baldwin OKs first reading for Cook project

By Hannah CaudellCook Construction is one step closer to beginning a development in Baldwin after council approved the first reading of the annexation and rezoning ordinance 3-1, with Councilman Joe Elam voting no.“There’s a lot of concerns, and you can sense it in the room.
Susan Gwaltney finds Abraham Helton’s name in Index to Heads of Families 1830 Census of Georgia which she found on the shelves of the William H. Raper Heritage Room at the Clarkesville Public Library. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Susan Gwaltney finds Abraham Helton’s name in Index to Heads of Families 1830 Census of Georgia which she found on the shelves of the William H. Raper Heritage Room at the Clarkesville Public Library. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Knowing where she came from

By Samantha SinclairSince childhood Susan Gwaltney was told she had a relative who signed the Declaration of Independence — William Hooper from North Carolina.
Jimmy Tench

Jimmy Tench

County Commissioner Tench resigns

By Samantha SinclairThere will be an empty seat at the next Habersham County Board of Commissioners meeting.Commissioner Jimmy Tench submitted his resignation via email Wednesday afternoon. His resignation is effective Feb. 13.“My fellow Commissioners,” he wrote.
The intersection of Willingham Avenue and Manor Place Drive in Baldwin shows the difference in road conditions Saturday afternoon. (Landen Todd/Staff)

The intersection of Willingham Avenue and Manor Place Drive in Baldwin shows the difference in road conditions Saturday afternoon. (Landen Todd/Staff)

Weekend storm blankets county with snow

By Zach Taylor and Samantha SinclairWinter Storm Gianna swept across the Southeast last Saturday, dumping snow in Habersham County.Snow totals for the county hovered around five to eight inches, with the county’s higher elevations getting the most powder.Habersham County Public Information Officer...
Baldwin Elementary Assistant Principal Alexandria Noggle hands packets out to students on Friday, Jan. 30 ahead of a new winter weather system after the county just recovered from Winter Storm Fern. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Baldwin Elementary Assistant Principal Alexandria Noggle hands packets out to students on Friday, Jan. 30 ahead of a new winter weather system after the county just recovered from Winter Storm Fern. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Weekend storm blankets county with snow

By Hannah CaudellIce and snow have stolen over a week of school from the county’s schoolchildren, and whether students feel liberated or anxious to get back into the classroom, all will in some way or another have to make up for the days of instruction lost to winter weather.For several years now,...
Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, explains to community residents and stakeholders details about the potential Duncan Bridge Road project at a town hall last week. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, explains to community residents and stakeholders details about the potential Duncan Bridge Road project at a town hall last week. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Cook annexation raises concerns despite plans

By Hannah CaudellEver since December 2025, the name “Cook Construction” often comes with community speculation and high resident turnout to council meetings, evident by Baldwin’s Jan. 20 meeting.
Clarkesville is moving forward with plans for a hotel to be built on the old courthouse property. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Clarkesville is moving forward with plans for a hotel to be built on the old courthouse property. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Downtown hotel plans move forward

By Samantha SinclairClarkesville is ready to take its next steps on the old courthouse property. The results of the feasibility study performed by Horwath HTL confirmed council’s thoughts for the property.“To me, it says you need a hotel here,” City Manager Keith Dickerson said.
From left, Clinic Manager Barbara Blackwell, a familiar face at Grace Gate,  smiles with brand new Executive Director Pam Hendrix, who hopes to lead the nonprofit in its future goals while maintaining the legacy of the leaders who came before her. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

From left, Clinic Manager Barbara Blackwell, a familiar face at Grace Gate, smiles with brand new Executive Director Pam Hendrix, who hopes to lead the nonprofit in its future goals while maintaining the legacy of the leaders who came before her. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Keeping the gates open

By Hannah CaudellIt started with a prayer.That’s what many board members say when they tell the story of how Grace Gate began 20 years ago.Grace Gate Clinic is a nonprofit that provides free primary healthcare services to patients who are uninsured after they become qualified for the services.