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Thousands from Habersham County and surrounding communities usually flock to downtown Cornelia for the Big Red Apple Festival to see performances like this one in 2019 from the Premiere Dance Academy. The festival was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19, but organizers are hopeful the event will be able to happen in 2021.

Thousands from Habersham County and surrounding communities usually flock to downtown Cornelia for the Big Red Apple Festival to see performances like this one in 2019 from the Premiere Dance Academy. The festival was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19, but organizers are hopeful the event will be able to happen in 2021.

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Organizers hope to see fun events return to Habersham County in 2021

Isaiah Smith
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
   Over the past year, many events in Habersham County have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now as the new year unfolds, local leaders are cautiously hopeful that these events will be able to proceed in some capacity in 2021.
Habersham County’s Board of Commissioners assumed its shape for the next two years as (top row from left) Commissioner Jimmy Tench, Chairman Dustin Mealor, Vice Chair Tim Stamey joined (bottom from left) Commissioners Bruce Harkness and Bruce Palmer at their first meeting Monday. Presiding over the election for chairman was attorney Donnie Hunt (far right).

Habersham County’s Board of Commissioners assumed its shape for the next two years as (top row from left) Commissioner Jimmy Tench, Chairman Dustin Mealor, Vice Chair Tim Stamey joined (bottom from left) Commissioners Bruce Harkness and Bruce Palmer at their first meeting Monday. Presiding over the election for chairman was attorney Donnie Hunt (far right).

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Mealor tapped as county chairman, board hears concerns about Chase Road development

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
   Dustin Mealor took his place as chairman of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners Monday night after being the only commissioner nominated for the job.    Mealor was elected chairman by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Jimmy Tench opposed.
Habersham County EMS Director Chad Black (left) presents Jeff Cain (right) with a plaque commemorating his years of service while surrounded by the County's EMS workers. Black also thanked Cain for his work in helping merge the county's firefighters and EMS into a single department like it is today.

Habersham County EMS Director Chad Black (left) presents Jeff Cain (right) with a plaque commemorating his years of service while surrounded by the County's EMS workers. Black also thanked Cain for his work in helping merge the county's firefighters and EMS into a single department like it is today.

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Habersham County Fire Chief Cain says good bye after 27 years

Isaiah Smith
Monday, January 11, 2021
   For Habersham County Fire Chief Jeff Cain, timing has been everything in his 27-year career in fire service. When he elected to leave a job he'd held for 15 years to become a full-time fireman, his reasoning was simple – the timing was right.
Six Raider wrestlers brought home top-four finishes at the Stephens County Arrowhead Classic in December. Pictured are (from left) Lukas Ricci (1st, 285-pound weight class), Dalton King (1st, 220-pound weight class), Colby Watson (3rd, 170-pound weight class), Eli Pilgrim (2nd, 145-pound weight class), Max Fierro (4th, 113-pound weight class) and Zachary Chitwood (2nd, 106-pound weight class).

Six Raider wrestlers brought home top-four finishes at the Stephens County Arrowhead Classic in December. Pictured are (from left) Lukas Ricci (1st, 285-pound weight class), Dalton King (1st, 220-pound weight class), Colby Watson (3rd, 170-pound weight class), Eli Pilgrim (2nd, 145-pound weight class), Max Fierro (4th, 113-pound weight class) and Zachary Chitwood (2nd, 106-pound weight class).

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Habersham Central wrestlers pin Stephens in rematch

Isaiah Smith
Friday, January 8, 2021
   Habersham Central’s wrestlers avenged an early-season loss to Stephens County, as they downed the Indians 52-27 on Tuesday to move their duals record to 12-5 this season.     “That was a very exciting win for us,” said Raiders’ head coach Morris Brooks.
Tallulah Falls' Mia Hamon swims the breaststroke at a meet earlier this season.

Tallulah Falls' Mia Hamon swims the breaststroke at a meet earlier this season.

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Tallulah Falls swimmers rack up personal bests

News Staff
Friday, January 8, 2021
   Tallulah Falls’ swim team had a great showing over the Christmas Break at Habersham Central’s Hot Chocolate Invitational. The middle school girls placed fourth out of eight teams while the boys finished sixth.
Habersham Central swimmers (from left) Haydn Tatum, Obed Miranda Harrigan, Matt Cochran and Josh Martinez have qualified for the state meet in all relay events, including the 200 medley, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle. RANDY CRUMP/Special

Habersham Central swimmers (from left) Haydn Tatum, Obed Miranda Harrigan, Matt Cochran and Josh Martinez have qualified for the state meet in all relay events, including the 200 medley, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle. RANDY CRUMP/Special

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Habersham Central swimmers prepare for state

Isaiah Smith
Friday, January 8, 2021
   Habersham Central’s varsity swim team closed out the home portion of its regular season schedule on Jan. 2, as they hosted 11 schools and recognized seniors at the Habersham Central Invitational.
Habersham Central’s Nykerriah Brown posted 13 points against Shiloh.

Habersham Central’s Nykerriah Brown posted 13 points against Shiloh.

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Lady Raiders stop Generals, boys fall

Isaiah Smith
Friday, January 8, 2021
   Despite another slow start, Habersham Central’s Lady Raiders turned in a smothering defensive performance to move to 2-0 in regional play with a 52-44 victory over Shiloh Tuesday night.