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Joel Alexander and daughter Laikyn channel the Grinch and his pal Max.

Joel Alexander and daughter Laikyn channel the Grinch and his pal Max.

Habersham County celebrates with Christmas parade

Habersham County celebrated its annual Christmas parade Tuesday with a new tradition of holding it on Dec. 1 starting this year. There were Grinches and Santas abound throughout downtown as the county ushered in the holiday season with a bang in a year when so many events have been canceled.
Demorest has been served with a lawsuit by Piedmont College.

Demorest has been served with a lawsuit by Piedmont College.

Piedmont College sues Demorest, alleges ‘extortion’ among other claims

   After pondering its position for nearly three months, Piedmont College has filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Demorest and several of its officials over transgressions that school officials claim includes extortion and unfair dealings over water rates and other transactions between the...
The flooding damage to the wall on Central Avenue in Demorest also brought down a 100-year-old oak tree, according to a letter from residents of Sosebee Lane.

The flooding damage to the wall on Central Avenue in Demorest also brought down a 100-year-old oak tree, according to a letter from residents of Sosebee Lane.

Demorest still waiting on wall, tree fixes

   The wall along Central Avenue in Demorest is still cracked and broken after the damages from Hurricane Delta on Oct. 9, and city officials are still trying to get on the same page about how and when to fix it.
Fairview Elementary students gathered at The Torch on Thursday morning as school and fire officials determined the cause of smoke coming from a campus building.

Fairview Elementary students gathered at The Torch on Thursday morning as school and fire officials determined the cause of smoke coming from a campus building.

Fairview students evacuated after smoke sighting

   Fairview Elementary students were evacuated Thursday morning due to a problem with the school’s HVAC system.    After about two hours of investigating, Habersham firefighters found a burnt belt on a heating and air unit.
Kyia Barrett gets set to put up a jumper in Monday’s win over Prince Avenue. Barrett also tallied eight rebounds against North Hall Tuesday night to lead the Lady Raiders.

Kyia Barrett gets set to put up a jumper in Monday’s win over Prince Avenue. Barrett also tallied eight rebounds against North Hall Tuesday night to lead the Lady Raiders.

Lady Raiders continue unbeaten start

   Habersham Central’s Lady Raiders picked up their second victory in consecutive days Tuesday, topping North Hall 43-33 in their first true road test of the season.     Habersham’s girls (4-0) started the game hot, jumping out to a six-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
Malachi Dooley looks to finish over a defender in the Raiders’ season-opener against Lumpkin County. Dooley led HCHS Tuesday night with 31 points in the double-overtime victory that got the Raiders off to their first 4-1 start since 2011-12.

Malachi Dooley looks to finish over a defender in the Raiders’ season-opener against Lumpkin County. Dooley led HCHS Tuesday night with 31 points in the double-overtime victory that got the Raiders off to their first 4-1 start since 2011-12.

Raiders keep rolling, win double-overtime thriller

   The last time Habersham Central was 4-1, most of the players on its roster were in elementary school. However, the Raiders managed to pull off the feat for the first time since the 2011-12 season after taking a 74-66 victory over North Hall Tuesday night.
Habersham Central’s Joshua Pickett juked a lot of defenders during the 2020 season, one in which he led the Raiders in rushing and touchdowns. TOM ASKEW/Special

Habersham Central’s Joshua Pickett juked a lot of defenders during the 2020 season, one in which he led the Raiders in rushing and touchdowns. TOM ASKEW/Special

Raiders reflect on fun football season

   Habersham Central went from not knowing if there would be a football season at all to producing one of the most entertaining ones in recent memory.
Cornelia lit its Christmas tree on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Cornelia lit its Christmas tree on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Cornelia lights its Christmas tree

   The city of Cornelia held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Saturday evening downtown.    Members of the community turned out for the event, and Mayor John Borrow expressed his excitement for the event during the holiday season and the direction the city is heading.
Sarah Mobley purchases a pair of earrings from Erin London Store in Clarkesville on Small Business Saturday as Meg Luke (left behind counter) and Jeanie Huddleston help out.

Sarah Mobley purchases a pair of earrings from Erin London Store in Clarkesville on Small Business Saturday as Meg Luke (left behind counter) and Jeanie Huddleston help out.

Christmas, commerce roll on despite pandemic

   Locals and visitors alike came out on Nov. 28 to support small businesses in and around Habersham County.    “I definitely think all the businesses appreciated it, especially in this tough year we’ve had,” said Clarkesville Downtown Development Director Trudy Crunkleton.