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A crowd gathered Tuesday night at Demorest City Hall, but did not get satisfaction from the city council.

A crowd gathered Tuesday night at Demorest City Hall, but did not get satisfaction from the city council.

Demorest residents want answers from their officials

   Demorest officials came to a stalemate in their first attempt at a public meeting in the COVID-19 era, but they will try a second time Tuesday, May 5, to clear the air with residents on several issues.
Habersham Central’s Grant Williams begins his service in the U.S. Army on June 1.

Habersham Central’s Grant Williams begins his service in the U.S. Army on June 1.

Habersham senior joining Army will miss graduation

   It has been a senior year unlike any other for millions of high school graduates across the nation.    Many have seen graduation postponed, transformed into a virtual affair or canceled completely because of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
Quest Diagnostics, which has a location in Demorest near Habersham Medical Center, is offering online purchase of antibody testing that does not require a doctor’s visit.

Quest Diagnostics, which has a location in Demorest near Habersham Medical Center, is offering online purchase of antibody testing that does not require a doctor’s visit.

Antibody testing is possible next step in COVID-19 battle

   The next evolution in the war against COVID-19 could come from studying the blood of those who have recovered.    The U.S.
Tucker Demore and Saylor Krockum were among many in the Demorest City Hall parking lot Tuesday hoping to hear from the City Council.

Tucker Demore and Saylor Krockum were among many in the Demorest City Hall parking lot Tuesday hoping to hear from the City Council.

Demorest council refuses to meet in face of large crowd

   More than 50 people showed up outside Demorest City Hall on Tuesday night, including Demorest residents, on- and off-duty law enforcement and some city officials who were not comfortable conducting business, as no meeting took place despite the assembled crowd.
Agents from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office seized more than 160 grams of uncut heroin in a raid on April 22.

Agents from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office seized more than 160 grams of uncut heroin in a raid on April 22.

Alto raid was meant to get 'pure uncut' heroin off the streets

   Habersham County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) with a search warrant April 22 at an Alto house where investigators suspected drugs were being processed.
Baldwin Mayor Joe Elam speaks during the Monday city council meeting. Behind him are Councilmen Theron Ayers, Jeff Parrish and Larry Lewallen.

Baldwin Mayor Joe Elam speaks during the Monday city council meeting. Behind him are Councilmen Theron Ayers, Jeff Parrish and Larry Lewallen.

Baldwin reports finances still in decent shape despite COVID-19

   With the COVID-19 pandemic taking a financial toll on cities across the country, Finance Director Melanie Chandler reported some updates to the Baldwin City Council on Monday night.
Ariel Coones, a trainer at Workout Anytime in Cornelia, sanitizes one of the many ellipticals. The staff plans to regularly clean the gym equipment now that members have returned.

Ariel Coones, a trainer at Workout Anytime in Cornelia, sanitizes one of the many ellipticals. The staff plans to regularly clean the gym equipment now that members have returned.

Some businesses exercise caution in opening back up

   Many local businesses are opening up their doors again after Gov. Brian Kemp announced April 20 that businesses like gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers and other non-essential businesses would be able to re-open Friday, April 24, with minimum basic operations.
Habersham Medical Center personnel and county first responders held a drive-through COVID-19 testing event in Cornelia on Sunday. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Habersham Medical Center personnel and county first responders held a drive-through COVID-19 testing event in Cornelia on Sunday. CODY ROGERS/Staff

Kemp unsure if shelter order should end as Habersham cases surge past 200

   ATLANTA – Ahead of an April 30 end to the state’s shelter-in-place order, Gov. Brian Kemp urged Georgians to continue social distancing and to seek testing if they experience common coronavirus symptoms like coughing, fever and shortness of breath.
Josh Canady loved fixing and driving race cars, as well as spending time with his children.

Josh Canady loved fixing and driving race cars, as well as spending time with his children.

Murder victim's family mourns loss of 'good-hearted man'

   It has been more than three months, but the family of Josh Canady is still overwhelmed with shock and grief after his death.    The Toccoa native died early on Jan. 19 from stab wounds that authorities say were allegedly inflicted by Kayla Maria Parker, 31, of Mt. Airy.