Local

Rabun County’s Connor McKay is swarmed by Tallulah Falls defenders Devonte Allen (23) and Simeon Respress during Friday night’s game. The Indians turned the game around with a full-court press before falling late.

Rabun County’s Connor McKay is swarmed by Tallulah Falls defenders Devonte Allen (23) and Simeon Respress during Friday night’s game. The Indians turned the game around with a full-court press before falling late.

Rabun County slips past Tallulah Falls in final seconds

   After dominating all night inside, Tallulah Falls center Matthew Weidner almost saved the day from outside.
The Rev. Kenneth McEntire speaks about the loss of his mentor, the Rev. Furman Brown Lewis, at a memorial service Saturday at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville. Lewis passed away Christmas Eve at the age of 90.

The Rev. Kenneth McEntire speaks about the loss of his mentor, the Rev. Furman Brown Lewis, at a memorial service Saturday at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville. Lewis passed away Christmas Eve at the age of 90.

Rev. Furman Brown Lewis remembered for godliness

   Family members and friends gathered Saturday to remember the Rev. Furman Brown Lewis, a man who made a lasting impact on the lives he touched through his love of God.

Wilbros dumping permits in order, expire Dec. 31

   Two weeks after the Habersham County Board of Commissioners sent a letter to the Georgia Department of Agriculture addressing concerns regarding Wilbros LLC’s injection of soil amendments to a farm in Clarkesville, GDA is starting to provide some more insight.
Anthem and North Georgia Health System are still negotiating.

Anthem and North Georgia Health System are still negotiating.

Anthem talks getting closer, public hearing cancelled

   Members of the state Senate announced Saturday that the Monday morning public hearing regarding the agreement between Anthem and Northeast Georgia Health System was cancelled as both parties appear to be finalizing the contract.
Various police and fire agencies spread holiday cheer by handing out gifts to residents at Habersham Retreat.

Various police and fire agencies spread holiday cheer by handing out gifts to residents at Habersham Retreat.

First responders spread cheer at nursing home

   Each year, Santa Claus does his best to not leave anyone out during the holidays, and that was evident Dec. 19 at Habersham Retreat in Baldwin.     It’s a sweet gesture that started about three or four years ago.
One of the many unique items auctioned off Friday at Once Upon a Time Co. in downtown Clarkesville was an “Indian used blacksmith made percussion pistol” from circa 1870.

One of the many unique items auctioned off Friday at Once Upon a Time Co. in downtown Clarkesville was an “Indian used blacksmith made percussion pistol” from circa 1870.

Antique auction puts on old-timey show

   The “underground” auction room at Once Upon a Time Co. in downtown Clarkesville filled with all sorts of people Friday night for an auction of antiques and estate goods dating back to the 1800s and more.
Habersham County Farm Bureau handed out Belkie Bears to patients at Habersham Medical Center as part of their Beary Merry Christmas on Wednesday morning. Participants are, back row from left, Malik Perry, Katie Peck, Julie Owens, Janet Wilbanks, Jimmy Kowalsky, Habersham County Farm Bureau president; Cheryl Kowalsky, Habersham County Women’s Committee; Tim Bryant, agency manager; and Chris Bryant. Front row are, from left, Joseph Peck with Noah, Raven Peck, Brette Bryant and Lauryn Bryant.

Habersham County Farm Bureau handed out Belkie Bears to patients at Habersham Medical Center as part of their Beary Merry Christmas on Wednesday morning. Participants are, back row from left, Malik Perry, Katie Peck, Julie Owens, Janet Wilbanks, Jimmy Kowalsky, Habersham County Farm Bureau president; Cheryl Kowalsky, Habersham County Women’s Committee; Tim Bryant, agency manager; and Chris Bryant. Front row are, from left, Joseph Peck with Noah, Raven Peck, Brette Bryant and Lauryn Bryant.

YEAR IN REVIEW: Habersham County made strides in 2019 with hospital deal, other moves

   Habersham Countians finished the year strong.
Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell is shown at the Habersham County Detention Center in Clarkesville. Voters decided to not issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $31.7 million for the purpose of financing a new jail in November.

Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell is shown at the Habersham County Detention Center in Clarkesville. Voters decided to not issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $31.7 million for the purpose of financing a new jail in November.

YEAR IN REVIEW: Jail vote, triple redo election top news of 2019

   In addition to the major healthcare shifts in Habersham County this year, there was plenty of news that impacted locals in 2019, including the failed jail referendum in November.    Voters turned down a $31.7 million jail bond, as 52% said no to financing for a new jail.