Local

Billy Burrell chats with John A. Harris at his 90th birthday in 2020. (File)

Billy Burrell chats with John A. Harris at his 90th birthday in 2020. (File)

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Burrell’s memory will live on

News Staff
Friday, September 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe man known as “North Georgia’s Pastor” has moved on to a higher calling.The Rev. Billy Burrell, who spent 69 years on the air presenting “Sunshine Melodies” each morning, passed away, WCON announced Wednesday evening shortly after his passing at 8 p.m. He was 96 years old.For...
Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, speaks at a Cornelia commissioners meeting last December. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Keith Cook, owner of Cook Construction, speaks at a Cornelia commissioners meeting last December. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Cook shows determination

News Staff
Friday, September 18, 2026
By Samantha Sinclair and Hannah CaudellOne thing is for certain — Cook Construction and Real Estate is determined to develop property along the Ga. 365 corridor at Duncan Bridge Road.This project is nearly a year old, and is Cook Construction’s third attempt to annex this property into a city...
Hubert Harris Road was clear cut at some point during the sale process with the original owners and Cook Construction. Cook Construction hopes to build commercial outparcels there. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Hubert Harris Road was clear cut at some point during the sale process with the original owners and Cook Construction. Cook Construction hopes to build commercial outparcels there. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Baldwin tables Cook petition

News Staff
Friday, September 18, 2026
By Hannah CaudellA couple more Baldwin meetings may pass before the city can make a final decision on the Cook Construction annexation and rezoning petition.After council had a brief discussion with City Attorney Sammy Tomasello, members decided to table their approval or denial of the petition...
Plans for the site include grocery, restaurant, retail, medical and assisted living facility options. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

Plans for the site include grocery, restaurant, retail, medical and assisted living facility options. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

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Cook arbitration, recommendations begin

News Staff
Friday, September 18, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAs the annexation arbitration process moves forward, a report from the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission is already highlighting some recommendations.County Manager Tim Sims shared that the county received a Development of Regional Impact report dated Sept. 14 from the...
Tommy Dalton, a trainer at W&W Collision Center, prepares to apply glue on the roof of a truck for a repair. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Tommy Dalton, a trainer at W&W Collision Center, prepares to apply glue on the roof of a truck for a repair. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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W&W Collision Center builds bigger, better location

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
By Hannah CaudellThe brand new building on Historic Highway 441 signifies a brand new chapter for W&W Collision Center.The new location in Demorest is pretty hard to miss, and that’s intentional.
Partnership Habersham Executive Director Alex Robinson is set to help voters understand the benefits of the Property Tax Reduction Local Option Sales Tax, or PTRLOST. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Partnership Habersham Executive Director Alex Robinson is set to help voters understand the benefits of the Property Tax Reduction Local Option Sales Tax, or PTRLOST. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Property tax question gets awareness tour

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThere’s a way to lower property taxes.

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Motorist flees, manhunt ongoing

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAnother manhunt in the county leaves questions unanswered as the suspect remained at large at press time.On Friday afternoon, a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper was parked near the intersection of Ga. 105 and J. Warren Road, observing traffic in Cornelia, according to Department...
(Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

(Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Fun at the fair

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
The Chattahoochee Mountain Fair opened Friday night with all the thrills, food and fun it’s promised for over 50 years. A highlight was the new rides brought by Lisko Family Amusements. Above, Lilly Jones whips around the track as she rides the Louis’ Lagoon ride.
Baldwin City Attorney Sammy Tomasello stands before council to explain the risks associated with moving forward with a Cook Construction petition vote Tuesday night. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Baldwin City Attorney Sammy Tomasello stands before council to explain the risks associated with moving forward with a Cook Construction petition vote Tuesday night. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Baldwin pauses Cook Construction vote

News Staff
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIt may be at least 60 calendar days before Baldwin makes a final decision on the Cook Construction annexation and rezoning petition.After a brief discussion with City Attorney Sammy Tomasello, council decided to table their vote the petition until the arbitration process between...