Local

Alex Robinson

Alex Robinson

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UDO to impact economic development

News Staff
Friday, May 8, 2026
By Zach TaylorHabersham County is fine-tuning its proposed Unified Development Ordinance, a document that will determine how land is used in the county, with a strong emphasis on controlling growth.

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City ends moratorium

News Staff
Friday, May 8, 2026
By Hannah CaudellThe process of annexing property into Cornelia just got a little more comprehensive.Cornelia commissioners put an end to a six-month annexation moratorium early on Tuesday night after unanimously passing a zoning ordinance amendment to add annexation procedures.

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Water rate hikes shock customers

News Staff
Friday, May 8, 2026
By Zach TaylorInstitutions and businesses are feeling the impacts of the new water rates in Demorest. On Tuesday evening, the city council approved the ordinace amendment implementing the rates.
Dr. Fran Chastain shows some of her favorite photos of her 13 children and nine grandchildren in her office at North Georgia Technical College. She has 13 children, 11 of which were adopted. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Dr. Fran Chastain shows some of her favorite photos of her 13 children and nine grandchildren in her office at North Georgia Technical College. She has 13 children, 11 of which were adopted. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Mom to all

News Staff
Friday, May 8, 2026
By Samantha SinclairWhile growing up, Dr. Fran Chastain never thought she’d have children.That changed after she and her husband Ricky had their first child.“I had one and I fell in love with kids,” she said.But, she didn’t have a healthy pregnancy, so they looked into adoption.
Hope Murray joins in on the conversation surrounding short-term rentals at Tuesday’s Cornelia Commission meeting. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Hope Murray joins in on the conversation surrounding short-term rentals at Tuesday’s Cornelia Commission meeting. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Community fights STR growth

News Staff
Friday, May 8, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIf there’s one thing Cornelia residents in the Tower Mountain community don’t want, it’s short-term rentals.Short-term rentals, or STRs, have been a topic of discussion within the city since February, when commissioners had their planning retreat.
Supervisor of Elections Laurel Ellison advises voters to study sample ballots before entering the voting booth. Sample ballots are available at the elections office, or online at mvp.sos.ga.gov. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Supervisor of Elections Laurel Ellison advises voters to study sample ballots before entering the voting booth. Sample ballots are available at the elections office, or online at mvp.sos.ga.gov. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Early voting turnout down for primary

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe first week of early voting saw 768 people stopping by the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office to cast their ballots.Supervisor of Elections Laurel Ellison said turnout is lower than four years ago, so far.
Sharon McFarland leads the processional into the auditorium at Level Grove Baptist Church during North Georgia Technical College’s commencement ceremony last year. This year’s ceremony will be held in the new Dr. Mark A. Investor Center for Living and Learning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Sharon McFarland leads the processional into the auditorium at Level Grove Baptist Church during North Georgia Technical College’s commencement ceremony last year. This year’s ceremony will be held in the new Dr. Mark A. Investor Center for Living and Learning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Local colleges ready for commencement

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe Mark will host its first commencement ceremony for North Georgia Technical College next week, but Piedmont University will kick off graduation season with its commencement ceremonies this week.Piedmont University will hold two ceremonies on Friday, May 8, in the Mize Gym.
Mayor Franklin Brown

Mayor Franklin Brown

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Council plans to talk hotel concept

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairClarkesville will hold a called meeting next week to discuss plans for the hotel earmarked for a portion of the old courthouse property.
Josh Sheppard owns Red Hawk Pest Control in Clarkesville. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Josh Sheppard owns Red Hawk Pest Control in Clarkesville. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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In the zone

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAt his first ever chamber event, Josh Sheppard found himself standing by himself with his hands in his pockets.But then, he decided to get out of his comfort zone, take his hands out of his pockets, and use them to shake other hands in the room.