Local

Tiffany Lovell yells out while making her way back to shore. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Tiffany Lovell yells out while making her way back to shore. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Taking the plunge

By Zach TaylorBrave swimmers gathered at Tallulah Falls Lake on New Year’s Day for the first annual Polar Bear Plunge hosted by Tallulah Gorge State Park.The anticipation of jumping into 40-degree water created a lively atmosphere, with encouraging and humorous signage lining the beach as patrons...
Mt. Airy Town Council had a larger audience on Monday night, with three community members voicing their concerns about the current subdivision plans on 705 Chase Road.  (File)

Mt. Airy Town Council had a larger audience on Monday night, with three community members voicing their concerns about the current subdivision plans on 705 Chase Road. (File)

City approves subdivision moratorium

By Hannah CaudellWhile the Habersham County commissioners are preparing to lift their housing moratorium in February, the Mt. Airy Town Council voted unanimously to approve their own moratorium to review the changes the county has made to their development code.And the moratorium may come at an...
Paramo

Paramo

State prison officer arrested for aggravated assault

By Hannah Caudell Another Lee Arrendale State Prison officer was arrested by Habersham County Sheriff’s Office on an aggravated assault charge after an incident that occurred on Nov. 19, according to warrants from the sheriff’s office.

Alto hits final step for 2024 audit

By Hannah Caudell While no 2026 budget was passed before the new year, Alto did unanimously vote 4-0 to approve final amendments to the 2024 budget in order to finally finish its audit process.
A water main broke in Demorest on Dec. 13 after the main vibrated against a rock, affecting more than 400 water meters. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

A water main broke in Demorest on Dec. 13 after the main vibrated against a rock, affecting more than 400 water meters. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Water main breaks affect customers

By Zach Taylor Demorest water customers are feeling the effects of two water main breaks in December, affecting more than 400 water meters.
The old courthouse was demolished after the city of Clarkesville acquired the property from the county. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

The old courthouse was demolished after the city of Clarkesville acquired the property from the county. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Highlights of the year

By Samantha Sinclair In 2025, decisions were made and new leaders were chosen that will change and greatly impact our future. Local elections, the use of property and city services issues were all a part of that change.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center - Habersham and the Northeast Georgia Health System is reporting a 23 percent positivity rate for Flu A in the county.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center - Habersham and the Northeast Georgia Health System is reporting a 23 percent positivity rate for Flu A in the county.

Flu cases on the rise in region

By Samantha Sinclair The flu is going around, and if you think more people are sick right now than usual, you’re right.
Mayor Ray McAllister stands in front of the principal’s office door of the old schoolhouse, now his office and town hall. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Mayor Ray McAllister stands in front of the principal’s office door of the old schoolhouse, now his office and town hall. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

McAllister ends years of service to Mt. Airy

By Zach Taylor Growing up just over the line in White County, Mt. Airy Mayor Ray McAllister led a life of service and hard work while raising a family in the hills of Mt. Airy.
A single Southern Magnolia tree stretches its limbs over the bus parking lot, where children attending Hazel Grove Elementary School are dropped off for a day of school and picked back up about seven hours later. The tree memorializes the passing of Donna Gail Wright 65 years ago. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

A single Southern Magnolia tree stretches its limbs over the bus parking lot, where children attending Hazel Grove Elementary School are dropped off for a day of school and picked back up about seven hours later. The tree memorializes the passing of Donna Gail Wright 65 years ago. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Magnolia still stands tall

By Hannah Caudell Sixty-five years ago, the Hazel Grove community was shaken by the passing of a young student, 12-year-old Donna Gail Wright, after a bus accident claimed her life in the fall of 1960.
Claudia Jessup and Brant Finley work together to prepare meals at the First Presbyterian Church on Christmas Day. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Claudia Jessup and Brant Finley work together to prepare meals at the First Presbyterian Church on Christmas Day. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Church serves 500 meals

By Samantha Sinclair Volunteers gathered at First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville on Christmas morning to prepare and serve 500 meals to people in the community.