Local

Clarkesville and Cornelia are starting to see their businesses open again. Photo illustration by Cody Rogers/Staff

Clarkesville and Cornelia are starting to see their businesses open again. Photo illustration by Cody Rogers/Staff

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Local businesses show caution in reopening

Isaiah Smith
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
   Despite Gov. Brian Kemp’s order to relax restrictions on the food and dining industry around the state, many restaurants in the area are keeping their dining rooms closed to the public and continuing to only provide delivery and carry-out services to customers.
Demorest Police Chief Robin Krockum stands outside his department with signs showing community support.

Demorest Police Chief Robin Krockum stands outside his department with signs showing community support.

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Demorest police chief back on the job officially

Eric Pereira
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
   The city of Demorest and Police Chief Robin Krockum’s legal counsel have reached a settlement in principle following a three-week debacle after he was terminated April 16 by City Manager Kim Simonds.    Krockum returned back to work as chief Monday after a swearing-in ceremony was held Sunday.
Dividers have been installed in the break rooms at the Fieldale processing plant in Cornelia.

Dividers have been installed in the break rooms at the Fieldale processing plant in Cornelia.

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Fieldale reports two deaths as employees battle COVID-19

Eric Pereira
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
   Fieldale Farms Corp. has reported two employee deaths at their Cornelia Plant according to President Tom Hensley.     Hensley said they were both 60-year-old males.    “Of course we miss them and we’re sorry that it happened. And they had health issues already.
Habersham County budget needs more trimming to avoid millage rate increase

Habersham County budget needs more trimming to avoid millage rate increase

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Habersham County budget needs more trimming to avoid millage rate increase

Matthew Osborne
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
   Habersham County Commissioners have a proposal for a balanced budget in their possession, but it took a lot of squeezing to get there.    After around $2.5 million worth of cuts, County Manager Phil Sutton outlined a possible budget for 2020-21 Monday night with about $70,000 to spare.
Cathy LaPrade works on a protective mask at My Pool Pal in Alto.

Cathy LaPrade works on a protective mask at My Pool Pal in Alto.

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Alto company pivots to supplying PPE

Isaiah Smith
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
   Across the country, companies of all sizes are doing their part to produce masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). In Alto, My Pool Pal has been doing its part to supply local hospitals and people with masks and gowns to help them stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare workers at Habersham Medical Center appreciated the pizzas on Wednesday.

Healthcare workers at Habersham Medical Center appreciated the pizzas on Wednesday.

Donating pizza to heroes

News Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
A group of local business owners formed a coalition to buy pizza for all the nurses at Habersham Medical Center on Wednesday, which was Nurses Day across the nation.
Dr. Ernest Burns leads a prayer at the Cornelia Train Depot on Thursday along with members of the Grant-Reeves Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7720 as part of the National Day of Prayer. Photo by ERIC PEREIRA/Staff

Dr. Ernest Burns leads a prayer at the Cornelia Train Depot on Thursday along with members of the Grant-Reeves Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7720 as part of the National Day of Prayer. Photo by ERIC PEREIRA/Staff

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Habersham County pauses for National Day of Prayer

Isaiah Smith
Thursday, May 7, 2020
   Despite the unseasonably cool weather, Habersham County citizens of all ages braved the conditions Thursday to gather and participate in the 69th annual National Day of Prayer.     “God’s favor has been on this whole set-up,” said Myrna Fouts, one of the organizers of the event.
Habersham County EMTs help carry Commissioner Dustin Mealor out of the woods after he suffered a serious foot injury while mountain biking last weekend.

Habersham County EMTs help carry Commissioner Dustin Mealor out of the woods after he suffered a serious foot injury while mountain biking last weekend.

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Commissioner healing after biking accident

Matthew Osborne
Thursday, May 7, 2020
   Dustin Mealor is an experienced mountain biker, but anyone can make a tiny mistake.    The Habersham County Commissioner was biking with some friends May 3 when he took a corner a little too fast.    “My foot hit a boulder and came right out of the socket,” Mealor said Tuesday.