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Demorest Fire Chief Ken Ranalli explains the process his staff has to go through to get additional lighting at an emergency scene, including pulling a generator stored in the department’s pump truck. The truck has been in service in Demorest for 25 years.

Demorest Fire Chief Ken Ranalli explains the process his staff has to go through to get additional lighting at an emergency scene, including pulling a generator stored in the department’s pump truck. The truck has been in service in Demorest for 25 years.

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Demorest council delays purchase of SPLOST fire truck

Matthew Osborne
Friday, January 8, 2021
   For the fourth-straight meeting, the Demorest City Council debated whether to commit to purchasing a fire truck, and for the fourth time, they declined to approve it at Tuesday’s meeting that went sideways even from there.
Habersham Central’s guard Malachi Dooley elevates for a layup against Buford in December.

Habersham Central’s guard Malachi Dooley elevates for a layup against Buford in December.

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Shorthanded Raiders dethrone Prince Avenue

Isaiah Smith
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
   Habersham Central’s boys basketball team got back on the right track Saturday, as they scored a 51-48 road victory over Prince Avenue Christian School.     “Anytime you can get a win that’s great.
Tallulah Falls girls basketball coach Brandy Corbett instructs her players during a road game at Towns County Dec. 3.

Tallulah Falls girls basketball coach Brandy Corbett instructs her players during a road game at Towns County Dec. 3.

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Corbetts stick together on, off court for Tallulah Falls

Isaiah Smith
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
   For the Corbett family, basketball has always been a group effort.    Over the last two seasons, Katy Corbett has cemented herself as one of Tallulah Falls’ best on the hardwood all while taking guidance and leadership from her mother Brandy, the Lady Indians’ head coach.
Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies located Bobby Neal in a camper in Hollywood on Dec. 31. Photo courtesy of Habersham County Sheriff's Office

Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies located Bobby Neal in a camper in Hollywood on Dec. 31. Photo courtesy of Habersham County Sheriff's Office

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Fugitive found hiding under bed of camper

News Staff
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
   A man accused of child molestation who was wanted for jumping bail was apprehended on Dec. 31 by Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies.
Heavy crowds at Panther Creek Park often cause scenes like this, with visitors parking alongside the edge of the road which can create safety hazards.

Heavy crowds at Panther Creek Park often cause scenes like this, with visitors parking alongside the edge of the road which can create safety hazards.

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Panther Creek seeks funding for 100-vehicle parking lot

Isaiah Smith
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
   On a summer day, it’s not abnormal to see cars of Panther Creek Park visitors lined down Historic Highway 441. However, U.S. Forest Service officials are hoping to change that soon, as they have begun looking into constructing a new parking lot for park visitors.
For many, keeping a roof over their heads during the last nine months has been difficult. Some have been able to make rent, while others have had to make do with what they have to survive.

For many, keeping a roof over their heads during the last nine months has been difficult. Some have been able to make rent, while others have had to make do with what they have to survive.

Renters face possibility of homelessness during pandemic

Chamian Cruz
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
   After a year that demonstrated the importance of home, renters will now receive some form of relief from Congress’ latest stimulus package in 2021.
Superintendent Matthew Cooper reads to Brandi Burrell’s fourth grade class virtually at Level Grove Elementary on Nov. 19. Habersham County Schools will be virtual until at least Jan. 25 with staffing concerns relating to COVID-19. BRANDI BURRELL/Submitted

Superintendent Matthew Cooper reads to Brandi Burrell’s fourth grade class virtually at Level Grove Elementary on Nov. 19. Habersham County Schools will be virtual until at least Jan. 25 with staffing concerns relating to COVID-19. BRANDI BURRELL/Submitted

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Habersham County schools going virtual through at least Jan. 25

Matthew Osborne
Monday, January 4, 2021
   Habersham County Schools made it through the first semester of in-person learning without interruption, but schools did not resume Tuesday as planned due to staffing concerns created by COVID-19.    The school system added two days to the holiday break and planned to reopen Thursday, Jan.
Habersham Central’s Kelsey Banks launches a shot against Prince Avenue Christian before the Christmas break.

Habersham Central’s Kelsey Banks launches a shot against Prince Avenue Christian before the Christmas break.

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Lady Raiders edge Lanier, boys fall by two

Isaiah Smith
Thursday, December 31, 2020
   In their first action since Dec. 5, Habersham Central’s girls basketball team snagged a 32-31 victory in their regional opener against Lanier.     “It was a real struggle early,” head coach Bill Bradley said.
Outgoing Commissioner Natalie Crawford said her good byes after being recognized at the Dec. 21 county commission meeting.

Outgoing Commissioner Natalie Crawford said her good byes after being recognized at the Dec. 21 county commission meeting.

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Crawford reflects on 'richly rewarding' eight years on county commission

Matthew Osborne
Thursday, December 31, 2020
   When Natalie Crawford first ran for the Habersham County Commission in 2012, she had a pretty good idea what she was getting into.    As a single mom of a 14-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, she knew it had to be a family decision.