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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.

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Fairview students evacuated after smoke sighting

Chamian Cruz

Friday, December 4, 2020

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.

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Lady Raiders continue unbeaten start

Isaiah Smith

Friday, December 4, 2020

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.

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Raiders keep rolling, win double-overtime thriller

Isaiah Smith

Friday, December 4, 2020

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

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Raiders reflect on fun football season

Matthew Osborne

Friday, December 4, 2020

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.

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Cornelia lights its Christmas tree

Isaiah Smith

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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.

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Christmas, commerce roll on despite pandemic

News Staff

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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.

New Liberty Road sunk in and cracked under the pressure of the Oct. 10 flooding throughout Habersham County. Photo by ISAIAH SMITH/Staff

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Habersham County receives $590K grant for New Liberty Road repair

Matthew Osborne

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Habersham County received an early Christmas gift Monday, when Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry approved a $590,000 grant to help repair New Liberty Road. Rep. Terry Rogers called Habersham County offices Monday afternoon to inform them of the grant award.

Habersham Central’s Taylor Wade launches from deep against Prince Avenue Christian on Monday night.

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Lady Raiders still unbeaten in young season

Isaiah Smith

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

The Habersham Central Lady Raiders have gotten off to a hot start in 2020, running out to a 4-0 record after taking down Prince Avenue Christian School (PACS) Monday night on senior night.

Senior guard Grant Tipton takes absorbs a foul before finishing the layup during Monday night’s Raider victory over Prince Avenue.

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Raider boys basketball team off to strong start

Isaiah Smith

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Habersham Central extended its win streak to three games with a convincing 69-49 victory over Prince Avenue Christian School (PACS) Monday night on senior night. “This is an awesome class.

Habersham Central tacklers (from left) Grayson Taylor, Patrick Tedder and Alex Aaron converge on Rome’s EJ Lackey during Friday’s playoff game. TOM ASKEW/Special

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Raiders fall to Rome in playoff opener

Isaiah Smith

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Habersham Central’s football season ended Friday night in Rome, but the Raiders did not go quietly. Rome came out on top 35-14, but the game was far more competitive than the final score indicated.