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Simarcus Burney gains a few yards after contact during the Raiders' intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 27. Photos by TOM ASKEW/Special

Simarcus Burney gains a few yards after contact during the Raiders' intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 27. Photos by TOM ASKEW/Special

Raiders get dress rehearsal

   After a summer of changes and unusual practice methods, Habersham Central’s football players finally got to hit someone else – only it was themselves.    The Raiders held an Orange-Blue intrasquad scrimmage Thursday night in preparation for the season opener on Friday, Sept. 4.
Habersham Central’s Madeline Koshuta looks to power the ball past two Jefferson blockers on Thursday night.

Habersham Central’s Madeline Koshuta looks to power the ball past two Jefferson blockers on Thursday night.

Habersham Central volleyball downs top 10 team

  The Lady Raiders (7-5) volleyball team turned in one of their best performances of the season Thursday night with a two-set sweep of Class 4A No. 4 Jefferson.     “I think tonight is the best night of volleyball we’ve played this season,” head coach Lindsay Herrin said.
Habersham Central’s Kyla Quiles pitches during a home game Aug. 25. Quiles pitched well in an 8-inning loss to Buford.

Habersham Central’s Kyla Quiles pitches during a home game Aug. 25. Quiles pitched well in an 8-inning loss to Buford.

Lady Raiders softball falls in extras

   Habersham Central’s softball team dropped a nail-biter last Thursday against No. 4 Buford 2-1 in eight innings.     “Our kids competed. Kyla [Quiles] did a great job pitching, and she only gave up one unearned run through seven innings,” HCHS head coach Bill Bradley said.
Advocacy coordinator Ann Sharp facilitates CASA training which prepares volunteers to advocate for children in court.

Advocacy coordinator Ann Sharp facilitates CASA training which prepares volunteers to advocate for children in court.

CASA seeks new voices for children

   There are currently 293 children still in need of a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for the Northeast Georgia division. However, Community Coordinator Chuck Taylor said that number can fluctuate.     He said of those, 97 children from Habersham County are in need of a CASA.
Clarkesville has no interest in losing its gazebo or the War Memorial that sits near it. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/CNI News Service

Clarkesville has no interest in losing its gazebo or the War Memorial that sits near it. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/CNI News Service

War Memorial discussion opens old wounds over Wall of Honor

   The gazebo and War Memorial are icons in downtown Clarkesville, and city officials have declared their intentions to take over the property from the county so as to oversee its upkeep and make it a centerpiece of the middle of town.
Bo Hatchett will challenge Democratic nominee Dee Daley of Rabun County on Nov. 3 for a seat under the dome.

Bo Hatchett will challenge Democratic nominee Dee Daley of Rabun County on Nov. 3 for a seat under the dome.

Hatchett officially takes District 50 GOP nomination

   Six days after declaring victory in the District 50 Georgia Senate runoff, Bo Hatchett can officially rest knowing he is moving on to November.
Habersham Central Principal Jonathan Stribling overlooks one of his school’s new outdoor classroom spaces, prompted by the need to social distance when schools reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Habersham Central Principal Jonathan Stribling overlooks one of his school’s new outdoor classroom spaces, prompted by the need to social distance when schools reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8.

School officials look for any way they can to keep students safe

   Habersham County Schools are down the wire this week, as the start date of Tuesday, Sept. 8, looms to send children back into their buildings.
Habersham County Chairman Stacy Hall has conceded the District 50 race.

Habersham County Chairman Stacy Hall has conceded the District 50 race.

Hall concedes to Hatchett in District 50

   After a recount Monday netted only one vote's difference across District 50, Stacy Hall conceded the Republican nomination for the Georgia Senate seat to fellow Habersham County resident Bo Hatchett.
Stacy Hall is hoping to close the 37-vote gap between himself and Bo Hatchett in the recount.

Stacy Hall is hoping to close the 37-vote gap between himself and Bo Hatchett in the recount.

Hall officially asks for District 50 recount

   The Georgia Secretary of State’s office is investigating the Stephens County Elections Office.    The investigation comes after the SOS received one complaint filed by the 9th District Republican Party and three filed by the Stephens County Republican Party.
Demorest resident Cecilia Nelson approached the council during the Tuesday meeting to retell her account of the Demorest Police removing her granddaughter from her home.

Demorest resident Cecilia Nelson approached the council during the Tuesday meeting to retell her account of the Demorest Police removing her granddaughter from her home.

Grandmother files complaint in Demorest over child’s removal

   Cecilia Nelson approached the Demorest City Council during the work session Tuesday regarding the well-being of her granddaughter, who was removed from her home by the Demorest Police Department in 2019.