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Riley Hembree walked through the doors at El Patron for his surprise party last Saturday. His family and friends celebrated his 17th birthday and the fulfillment of his Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Riley Hembree walked through the doors at El Patron for his surprise party last Saturday. His family and friends celebrated his 17th birthday and the fulfillment of his Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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A wish comes true

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
By Zach TaylorSurviving the leading cause of death by disease in children is a moniker that Riley Hembree can be proud of as his Make-A-Wish dreams come to fruition.On March 24, 2025, Hembree was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that attacks the tissues and muscles of the body.

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City to consider revoking alcohol license

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
By Zach TaylorAfter conducting a sting operation with its police department, the City of Demorest is hosting a public hearing on the potential revocation of the Chevron Food Mart’s alcohol license at 1 p.m. today at the Demorest City Hall Building, 250 Alabama St. “For the last several weeks, I’ve...
Daphne Penick

Daphne Penick

SHMS principal announces retirement

News Staff
Monday, January 12, 2026
After over 30 years at South Habersham Middle School, Principal and Counseling Coordinator Daphne Penick is retiring at the end of May 2026. Penick has held many roles in her three decades with South Habersham: student, teacher, counselor, administrator.
Sawyer Burgess proudly shows the completed stone pedestal with a bronze plaque noting the land for the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery was provided by Georgia Power. (Submitted)

Sawyer Burgess proudly shows the completed stone pedestal with a bronze plaque noting the land for the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery was provided by Georgia Power. (Submitted)

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Burgess reaches Eagle

News Staff
Friday, January 9, 2026
By Samantha SinclairIt was a challenge for Sawyer Burgess to reach the goal he set when he was in fourth grade, and just before the year ended, he achieved it.Burgess is Troop 5’s and his family’s newest Eagle Scout.His father, Tommy, and three uncles — Jacob, Joseph and Nathan — are all Eagle...
Demorest water customers will see new rates implemented in the near future, following the city’s approval of Engineering Management Inc. President Fletcher Holliday’s recommendation to move forward with a new rate structure that complies with American Water Works Association (AWWA) guidelines. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest water customers will see new rates implemented in the near future, following the city’s approval of Engineering Management Inc. President Fletcher Holliday’s recommendation to move forward with a new rate structure that complies with American Water Works Association (AWWA) guidelines. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Demorest updates water rate structure

News Staff
Friday, January 9, 2026
By Zach TaylorDemorest water customers will see new rates implemented in the near future, following the city’s approval of Engineering Management Inc. President Fletcher Holliday’s recommendation to move forward with a new rate structure that complies with American Water Works Association (AWWA)...
Mona Rumsey visits the grave of her Revolutionary War ancestor Martin Maney in Buncombe County, N.C., in October 2023. (Submitted)

Mona Rumsey visits the grave of her Revolutionary War ancestor Martin Maney in Buncombe County, N.C., in October 2023. (Submitted)

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Finding out about themselves

News Staff
Friday, January 9, 2026
By Samantha SinclairOne of Rod Rumsey’s favorite possessions is a painting of George Washington kneeling beside his horse.
At right, a concept plan for the Duncan Bridge Project shows a senior living facility and medical offices along Duncan Bridge Road, and a grocery store, restaurants, a gas station and retail along Ga. 365. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

At right, a concept plan for the Duncan Bridge Project shows a senior living facility and medical offices along Duncan Bridge Road, and a grocery store, restaurants, a gas station and retail along Ga. 365. (Kristen Adkinson/Staff)

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Cook seeks annexation from Baldwin

News Staff
Friday, January 9, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCook Construction is back, and this time its plans are set on Baldwin.At the city council’s work session Tuesday night, City Manager Tiera Morrison informed council that Cook Construction and Real Estate submitted an application for annexation and rezoning on Friday, Jan. 2.
Rosie Cantrell is the city’s new Main Street director, Sara Burke is the city’s new grant writer, and Yvonne Marinelli will be joining the city as the new economic development director.

Rosie Cantrell is the city’s new Main Street director, Sara Burke is the city’s new grant writer, and Yvonne Marinelli will be joining the city as the new economic development director.

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Clarkesville hires three new leaders

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
By Samantha SinclairClarkesville has three new leaders to support the city’s needs, with a focus on business growth.City Manager Keith Dickerson announced at the council meeting Monday night that Rosie Cantrell is the city’s new Main Street director, Sara Burke is the city’s new grant writer, and...