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County passes budget with small tax rollback

   Habersham County’s Board of Commissioners had no comments offered in their second public hearing Wednesday night, so they moved ahead and voted unanimously to pass the $37.1 million budget for fiscal year 2020-21.    The county millage rates are set at 11.
Jennifer Stein (right), Executive Director of the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia was recognized as the executive woman of the year by Habersham Chamber of Commerce’s SOAR (Strong, Objective , Active and Respective) professional women’s group. Brenda Speed presented the award to Stein at the Chamber’s annual awards celebration in February.

Jennifer Stein (right), Executive Director of the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia was recognized as the executive woman of the year by Habersham Chamber of Commerce’s SOAR (Strong, Objective , Active and Respective) professional women’s group. Brenda Speed presented the award to Stein at the Chamber’s annual awards celebration in February.

Stein leaves legacy of helping children

    The Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia will be under new leadership beginning July 1, as current Executive Director Jennifer Stein will be stepping away from the position to pursue a new opportunity.
Rep. Terry Rogers (right) and Sen. John Wilkinson are constantly working as they near the end of their legislative terms.

Rep. Terry Rogers (right) and Sen. John Wilkinson are constantly working as they near the end of their legislative terms.

Budget, gambling facing legislature as session closes

   As the 2019-20 state legislative session winds down, the Georgia House passed a bill cutting General Assembly members’ salaries by 10%.     “I’m in agreement with that,” said District 28 Representative Chris Erwin. “If we’re asking others to tighten the belt, then we should do that too.
Social Engineers performed as the musical entertainment at the Juneteenth event at Jim Smith Park in Cornelia on Friday night.

Social Engineers performed as the musical entertainment at the Juneteenth event at Jim Smith Park in Cornelia on Friday night.

Juneteenth holiday celebrated in Cornelia

   Portia Burns was glad to educate a few dozen folks about Juneteenth at a barbecue event Friday night in Jim Smith Park. But she has plans to make it even bigger next year.
Baldwin Interim Chief Matthew Nall (right) recognized Lt. Ryan Provost at Monday’s Baldwin City Council meeting.

Baldwin Interim Chief Matthew Nall (right) recognized Lt. Ryan Provost at Monday’s Baldwin City Council meeting.

Baldwin officer honored for major drug, gang bust

   The Baldwin City Council and Interim Police Chief Matt Nall honored Lt. Ryan Provost with the Police Service Award and a medal for his work with the GBI that led to several drug-related arrests.      “It’s an honor to be recognized. Me and everybody at this department does a wonderful job,” Lt.
Habersham Medical Center had a financial uptick in May after several tough months during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Habersham Medical Center had a financial uptick in May after several tough months during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Habersham Medical Center shows first positive margin since 2018

   Habersham Medical Center has reported a positive revenue for the first time since 2018 according to incoming CEO Tyler Williams. For the month of May, the hospital reported revenues over budgeted expenses was $113,891.
Valedictorian Sophia Alexander spoke at the Tallulah Falls graduation Friday night.

Valedictorian Sophia Alexander spoke at the Tallulah Falls graduation Friday night.

Tallulah Falls gives graduates their sendoff

   Despite being forced to end the academic year in an atypical fashion, Tallulah Falls School held a somewhat-traditional graduation ceremony for its 62 seniors Friday night.
The family of Stephen Bowman – from left, father Matthew, mother Cherie and sister Sarah Black – listen to remarks at Friday’s graduation at Tallulah Falls School. Stephen graduated from the school this year, but passed away in a drowning accident June 13.

The family of Stephen Bowman – from left, father Matthew, mother Cherie and sister Sarah Black – listen to remarks at Friday’s graduation at Tallulah Falls School. Stephen graduated from the school this year, but passed away in a drowning accident June 13.

Tallulah Falls seniors honor lost classmate at graduation

   Gathering together on June 18 at the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, friends, family and members of the Habersham County community gathered together to remember and celebrate the life of Stephen Daniel Bowman.
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Newly elected officials address training

Georgia Municipal Association Communications Director Kelli Bennett commented on the mandated training of local elected officials and what they can do if they missed it as COVID-19 has discouraged people from attending large gatherings earlier this year.