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Habersham County’s principals listen to a presentation by Superintendent Matthew Cooper on Thursday morning. Socially-distanced principals are (front row, from left) Fran Blackburn, Connie Franklin and Lana Jones; second row are Susan Davis and Adam Bagwell; Third row are Jennifer Chitwood, Daphne Penick, and Connie Yearwood; Fourth row are Rodney Long and Marybeth Thomas; Ernie Garrett has his own row and in the back row are Jonathan Stribling and Patrick Franklin.

Habersham County’s principals listen to a presentation by Superintendent Matthew Cooper on Thursday morning. Socially-distanced principals are (front row, from left) Fran Blackburn, Connie Franklin and Lana Jones; second row are Susan Davis and Adam Bagwell; Third row are Jennifer Chitwood, Daphne Penick, and Connie Yearwood; Fourth row are Rodney Long and Marybeth Thomas; Ernie Garrett has his own row and in the back row are Jonathan Stribling and Patrick Franklin.

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School system prepares to deal with COVID-19

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2020
   With some school systems in the state reopening, then promptly closing again, there have been rumblings in the community about readiness for Habersham County’s opening on Sept. 8.
Baylee MacBeth of Clarkesville took his first two solo flights this week and is working toward his pilot’s license after starting lessons in January.

Baylee MacBeth of Clarkesville took his first two solo flights this week and is working toward his pilot’s license after starting lessons in January.

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Clarkesville youth on fast track to his pilot's license

Matthew Osborne
Thursday, August 20, 2020
   Baylee MacBeth knew what he wanted for Christmas last year – a chance to fly.    MacBeth, a rising senior at Tallulah Falls School, took his first two solo flights in the past week after beginning his lessons in January.
Demorest Councilmen Nathan Davis and John Hendrix won't be facing a recall until at least March, even if a local committee resubmits its application.

Demorest Councilmen Nathan Davis and John Hendrix won't be facing a recall until at least March, even if a local committee resubmits its application.

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Recall efforts against Demorest councilmen rejected

News Staff
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
   Recall efforts against two Demorest City Council members have stalled, as the Habersham County Elections Office determined the applications submitted last week are not in compliance with regulations.
The city of Clarkesville wants to take over the upkeep of the War Memorial downtown.

The city of Clarkesville wants to take over the upkeep of the War Memorial downtown.

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County meeting tenses up over War Memorial discussion

Matthew Osborne
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
   It seemed like a done deal that Habersham County would transfer the War Memorial to the city of Clarkesville on Monday night, but that move was put on hold after multiple concerns were raised.
Hunter Hendricks moves about the practice course before the expert division skills challenge events in Clarkesville on Saturday.

Hunter Hendricks moves about the practice course before the expert division skills challenge events in Clarkesville on Saturday.

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Cycling for charity in Clarkesville

Isaiah Smith
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
   Despite the threat of rain, riders from all across the Southeast came to the Habersham County Fairgrounds to compete in Ride Like a Pro’s inaugural Skills Training and Challenge event last Friday through Sunday.
Bo Hatchett is ready to move on to the November general election.

Bo Hatchett is ready to move on to the November general election.

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Hatchett declares victory as Hall sticks to plans for recount

Matthew Osborne
Monday, August 17, 2020
   Bo Hatchett is not waiting any longer to embrace his political destiny.    Hatchett declared victory Tuesday in the Republican runoff for Georgia Senate District 50, despite his opponent Stacy Hall declaring his intent to ask for a recount in the close race between them.
Officials from Piedmont College are threatening legal action against Demorest for what they allege is manipulation of the water rates starting in 2018.

Officials from Piedmont College are threatening legal action against Demorest for what they allege is manipulation of the water rates starting in 2018.

Piedmont College makes legal claims against city of Demorest

Eric Pereira
Friday, August 14, 2020
   The City of Demorest has received a demand letter of legal claims from Piedmont College and certain officials.    The Aug. 7 letter notifies of potential litigation unless claims including but not limited to fraud, racketeering conflict of interest are resolved.
Officials from Piedmont College are threatening legal action against Demorest for what they allege is manipulation of the water rates starting in 2018.

Officials from Piedmont College are threatening legal action against Demorest for what they allege is manipulation of the water rates starting in 2018.

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Piedmont College makes legal claims against city of Demorest (full version for subscribers)

Eric Pereira
Friday, August 14, 2020
    The City of Demorest has received a demand letter of legal claims from Piedmont College and certain officials. The Aug. 7 letter notifies of potential litigation unless claims including but not limited to fraud, racketeering conflict of interest are resolved.
Chief William Anastasio is hoping to take Baldwin’s police department from “good to great.”

Chief William Anastasio is hoping to take Baldwin’s police department from “good to great.”

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New Baldwin police chief looks to raise the bar

Isaiah Smith
Thursday, August 13, 2020
   After three months of searching, Baldwin has tabbed William Anastasio as its new police chief. Anastasio, a native of New York City, comes to Baldwin after spending 33 years with the Roswell Police Department.
Habersham Central’s Josh Pickett takes it in for a touchdown during a game last season. Pickett was tapped for Sports Illustrated’s All-American watch list for 2020.

Habersham Central’s Josh Pickett takes it in for a touchdown during a game last season. Pickett was tapped for Sports Illustrated’s All-American watch list for 2020.

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Habersham Central's Pickett selected for All-American watch list

Matthew Osborne
Thursday, August 13, 2020
   If football goes forward this fall, Habersham Central will feature one of the top players in the country.    Sports Illustrated included Raiders standout Josh Pickett as one of its 1,000 players nationwide for its All-American watch list for 2020.