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Emily Herrin is the founder of Price to Play, which has two goals: getting all kids outside to play, and to build playgrounds for all kids with all abilities. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Emily Herrin is the founder of Price to Play, which has two goals: getting all kids outside to play, and to build playgrounds for all kids with all abilities. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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People of the Year

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
By Hannah Caudell Throughout 2025, The Northeast Georgian has documented the trials and triumphs of many individuals in the county, from public officials and activists to business owners and nonprofits wishing to make a difference in the Habersham community.
Over the past six years, Demorest water sales have nearly doubled, from $3.9 million in 2019 to $6.2 million in 2025. Expenses for the water department over the same timeframe increased by an average of 11 percent, including Fiscal Year 2025, and by nine percent excluding FY25, with maintenance and water payments to Baldwin and Toccoa being the most expensive line items. (Adobe Stock Image)

Over the past six years, Demorest water sales have nearly doubled, from $3.9 million in 2019 to $6.2 million in 2025. Expenses for the water department over the same timeframe increased by an average of 11 percent, including Fiscal Year 2025, and by nine percent excluding FY25, with maintenance and water payments to Baldwin and Toccoa being the most expensive line items. (Adobe Stock Image)

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Water rate increases to continue

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
By Zach Taylor Demorest is currently reviewing its water rates following a Dec. 2 water study presentation by Engineering Management Inc. President Fletcher Holliday. Over the past six years, Demorest water sales have nearly doubled, from $3.9 million in 2019 to $6.2 million in 2025.
Stephanie Almagno

Stephanie Almagno

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A little part of Baldwin’s history

News Staff
Friday, December 26, 2025
By Hannah Caudell When Dr. Stephanie Almagno moved to Habersham County from New York in 1995, she perhaps never imagined that she would go down in history as Baldwin’s first elected female mayor.
John Fair of Peachstate Federal Credit Union, Scott Roland of Peachstate Federal Credit Union, Nicole Dover of Habersham EMC and Habersham Sheriff Deputy Aaron Autry honor Wilbanks Middle School’s REACH Scholars Jasmine Solorzano and Daniel Martinez. (Submitted)

John Fair of Peachstate Federal Credit Union, Scott Roland of Peachstate Federal Credit Union, Nicole Dover of Habersham EMC and Habersham Sheriff Deputy Aaron Autry honor Wilbanks Middle School’s REACH Scholars Jasmine Solorzano and Daniel Martinez. (Submitted)

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Schools name REACH Scholars

News Staff
Friday, December 26, 2025
By Hannah Caudell The three middle schools in the county — Wilbanks Middle, South Habersham Middle, and North Habersham Middle — named five students who will be the REACH scholars of the 2030 graduating class.
Demorest Fire Capt. Tim Nunnally and Firefighter Justin Upchurch stand in front of Demorest Fire Engine 5 during the final week of the fire department’s service. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest Fire Capt. Tim Nunnally and Firefighter Justin Upchurch stand in front of Demorest Fire Engine 5 during the final week of the fire department’s service. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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End of service

News Staff
Friday, December 26, 2025
By Zach Taylor At midnight on Dec. 31, the Demorest Fire Department will cease to exist. However, the firefighters still at the station remain optimistic about their situation.
David Scheuerer

David Scheuerer

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City fire chief Scheuerer resigns

News Staff
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
By Zach Taylor Demorest Fire Chief David Scheuerer resigned from the position effective immediately, per his resignation letter sent out on Dec. 17, leaving just two weeks shy of the final day of the Demorest Fire Department.
Mayor Barrie Aycock enjoys time at the 2023 Clarkesville Fall Festival, one of the main events the city organizes each year. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Mayor Barrie Aycock enjoys time at the 2023 Clarkesville Fall Festival, one of the main events the city organizes each year. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Restoration of city history is Aycock’s legacy

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Earlier this month, Barrie Aycock tapped the gavel down for the last time as mayor of Clarkesville. She never imagined she’d be mayor for a decade when she first ran in 2016 to complete an unexpired term.
Habersham County School System Police Department Chief Murray Kogod (far left) and School Resource Officer Victoria Hopper (middle right) converse with a couple of students while buying them both Christmas presents and other necessities they may need over the holidays. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Habersham County School System Police Department Chief Murray Kogod (far left) and School Resource Officer Victoria Hopper (middle right) converse with a couple of students while buying them both Christmas presents and other necessities they may need over the holidays. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Shop with a Hero brings joy to kids

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
By Hannah Caudell A legion of law enforcement officers were seen in Walmart on Friday afternoon, though they were accompanied by the friendly face of Santa Claus and a group of students and families, ready to pick out what they wanted for the most wonderful time of the year.
Wolf leads the annual Turkey Trot 5K in downtown Cornelia for the Kiwanis Club. His work as the club’s president helped 421 families this Christmas. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Wolf leads the annual Turkey Trot 5K in downtown Cornelia for the Kiwanis Club. His work as the club’s president helped 421 families this Christmas. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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From battlefields to benefits

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
By Zach Taylor Growing up in Buford, Frank Wolf was instilled with the motto that once you climb a ladder and can take a breather, you should reach back and pull others up, and that’s what he continues to do today in Habersham. “My mentor always told me that we have two hands.