Local

This graph shows the Habersham County School District’s millage rate for the tax year from 2015 to 2016. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

This graph shows the Habersham County School District’s millage rate for the tax year from 2015 to 2016. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

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School board passes millage rate rollback

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
By Hannah CaudellWith little public comment, the Habersham County Board of Education passed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and a millage rate rollback.After multiple public hearings and only one public commentator, the county passed its millage rollback rate of 9.048 mills, down from last year’s 9.
Mary Lou Martin stands in front of family photographs and birthday cards she received. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Mary Lou Martin stands in front of family photographs and birthday cards she received. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Martin celebrates 101 years of living

News Staff
Friday, June 12, 2026
By Samantha SinclairMary Lou Martin never dreamed of living to 101. When she got into her 70s and 80s, she thought about it.On May 28, she celebrated her 101st birthday.“The good Lord has just been good to me,” she said. “He’s really blessed me.”Martin was born in Flint, Mich.
Mountain Lakes Medical center is becoming part of the Wellstar Health System. (Megan Horn/CNI News Service)

Mountain Lakes Medical center is becoming part of the Wellstar Health System. (Megan Horn/CNI News Service)

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Wellstar acquires Mountain Lakes Medical Center

News Staff
Friday, June 12, 2026
By Samantha SinclairA local hospital will be under a new health care system by the beginning of August.Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center (MLMC) announced last week they have finalized an agreement for Wellstar to acquire the hospital in Rabun County.
Father Jose Raul DeLeon shares a message with worshippers on Saturday during the evening Mass at St. Dominic Chapel, where worshippers often fill the chapel and spill into the hallway to hear a weekly message spoken in Spanish. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Father Jose Raul DeLeon shares a message with worshippers on Saturday during the evening Mass at St. Dominic Chapel, where worshippers often fill the chapel and spill into the hallway to hear a weekly message spoken in Spanish. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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A chapel reborn

News Staff
Friday, June 12, 2026
By Hannah CaudellWhat was once the old Cornelia Elementary School and South Habersham Sixth Grade Academy is now becoming a thriving community in Cornelia for many who practice the Catholic faith.The St.
The last piece John Kollock was working on when he passed is one of the many personal items in the John Kollock exhibit at the Historic Mauldin House in Clarkesville.

The last piece John Kollock was working on when he passed is one of the many personal items in the John Kollock exhibit at the Historic Mauldin House in Clarkesville.

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Kollock exhibit opens at Mauldin House

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Samantha SinclairFamilies can experience artist John Kollock’s contributions to the city of Clarkesville in a new exhibit at the Historic Mauldin House and Gardens.The exhibit had a soft opening during the Mountain Laurel Festival, and the city plans to host a reception this summer.
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Demorest opens new account, sells stock

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Samantha SinclairDemorest worked to resolve a couple of financial issues during its city council meeting last week.The city council approved opening a new water and sewer bank account for security reasons.
Brett Miller talks with County Manager Tim Sims following the town hall meeting Thursday night as other community members talk with commissioners and county staff in the background. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Brett Miller talks with County Manager Tim Sims following the town hall meeting Thursday night as other community members talk with commissioners and county staff in the background. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Land use changes reach final stretch

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe proposed Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, is close to becoming what outlines future growth in Habersham County.About 100 people gathered for a second town hall to learn more and voice their concerns about the document Thursday night.
Families gather for the original dedication ceremony for the Big Red Apple 100 years ago. (File)

Families gather for the original dedication ceremony for the Big Red Apple 100 years ago. (File)

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Apple ready to shine at celebration

News Staff
Friday, June 5, 2026
By Samantha SinclairOn June 4 — 100 years ago — families gathered in Cornelia for something big.A monument honoring the city’s role as a major apple shipping hub in the early 1900s had arrived by rail, and was being dedicated. It was the Big Red Apple.