Local

Anthem forces Northeast Georgia Health System out of its network

GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) announced today that, as of midnight on Oct. 1, most NGHS facilities have been forced out of the Anthem network. Their current contract between Anthem, formerly Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, expired with no new agreement in place.
Fourteen-year-old Cameron Mote of Baldwin built four Little Free Libraries for his Eagle Scout Service Project. They are now located at Alto Town Park, Mt. Airy Town Hall, Tallulah Falls Town Hall and the Habersham County Health Department. (Photo/CHAMIAN CRUZ)

Fourteen-year-old Cameron Mote of Baldwin built four Little Free Libraries for his Eagle Scout Service Project. They are now located at Alto Town Park, Mt. Airy Town Hall, Tallulah Falls Town Hall and the Habersham County Health Department. (Photo/CHAMIAN CRUZ)

Boy Scout Cameron Mote builds four new Little Free Libraries

In addition to the six existing Little Free Libraries (LFLs) across the county, there are now four more located at Alto City Park, Mt.
A rendering of the proposed new county jail. A new jail is estimated to cost $31.7 million.

A rendering of the proposed new county jail. A new jail is estimated to cost $31.7 million.

Town hall to discuss jail bond referendum set Monday

Ahead of the election, the Habersham County Commission will hold Monday the first of two planned town hall meetings to discuss with Habersham Countians the jail bond referendum on the coming Nov. 5 ballot. The town hall is slated for 6 p.m. Sept.
Demorest city officials discussed Tuesday at the council’s regular work session the issue of water theft. Some residents have been stealing water through “straight-piping,” shown above, where they remove the water meter.

Demorest city officials discussed Tuesday at the council’s regular work session the issue of water theft. Some residents have been stealing water through “straight-piping,” shown above, where they remove the water meter.

Demorest discusses water-theft penalties

The Demorest City Council, during its Tuesday work session, spent some time discussing possible penalties for people caught stealing water, which appears to be a reoccurring issue.
ZACK LEE/Staff

ZACK LEE/Staff

HABERSHAM CENTRAL RAIDERS MAKE HISTORY

For the first time in 20-plus years, the Habersham Central High School (HCHS) Raiders emerged victorious Friday night from an electric, nail-biting meeting with arch-rival, the Stephens County High School (SCHS) Indians.
Becky and Billy Bending have owned Country Cobbler Shoe Repair in Cornelia for nearly five years. Billy Bending has been a cobbler for over 30 years and Becky Bending has been in the profession for over 20 years. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

Becky and Billy Bending have owned Country Cobbler Shoe Repair in Cornelia for nearly five years. Billy Bending has been a cobbler for over 30 years and Becky Bending has been in the profession for over 20 years. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

PASSION IN THE SOLE

Do you recall the last time you sent a pair of shoes, belt or wallet to get repaired? When was the last time you threw out one of those accessories or garments because of wear and tear? Well, no cut is too big or small for the folks at Country Cobbler Shoe Repair in Cornelia.
This property in Clarkesville undergoing a massive wetland restoration project. The project is taking place between Wall Bridge Road and Wall Bridge Loop which began the week of Aug. 26. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

This property in Clarkesville undergoing a massive wetland restoration project. The project is taking place between Wall Bridge Road and Wall Bridge Loop which began the week of Aug. 26. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

BACK TO NATURE

A large wetland restoration project is taking place in the city of Clarkesville along the Soque River. This project will restore the wetland with many of the ecological functions it had centuries ago, according to Blueway Head Environmental Scientist Sean Miller.