Local

These toy soldiers guard the park behind the Cornelia Community House as the city prepares for Christmas in the Park over the next three days.

These toy soldiers guard the park behind the Cornelia Community House as the city prepares for Christmas in the Park over the next three days.

Christmas fun in three cities this weekend

News Staff
Thursday, December 12, 2019
In Cornelia, families will be able to attend Christmas in the Park at Cornelia Community House from Thursday through Saturday. Hours vary, but there will be hayrides, holiday market, snow play, photos with Santa and more.
Volunteers Jason Grooms (left), Skip Sevier and Jeremy Gattis assemble the first of 20 bunk beds built Saturday by Lowe’s volunteers in conjunction with the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Volunteers Jason Grooms (left), Skip Sevier and Jeremy Gattis assemble the first of 20 bunk beds built Saturday by Lowe’s volunteers in conjunction with the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

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Volunteers make sure no child sleeps on the floor

Matthew Osborne
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Every year, Lowe’s Heroes donates funding, supplies and time to a charitable organization to make their community a better place.
Jerry Nathaniel Wall

Jerry Nathaniel Wall

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Suspect from July 4 shooting indicted by grand jury

Chamian Cruz
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Jerry Nathaniel Wall, 53, was indicted Nov. 18 in the Superior Court of Habersham County for the alleged murder of his neighbor, 56-year-old Roger Dale Littleton, on the Fourth of July.    He is facing a formal arraignment on Jan. 28, 2020, and is being represented by public defender Drew Powell.
There have been 277 accidents on State Road 365 in 2019, including one fatality.

There have been 277 accidents on State Road 365 in 2019, including one fatality.

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Crashes keep coming year round on 365

Eric Pereira
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Even with the high numbers of motor vehicle accidents on state Route 365 in Habersham County, there has only been one death reported for the year 2019.    According to Habersham County E-911 Director Lynn Smith, there were 277 total accidents on SR 365.
Donald Tench shows a photo from his Army days. Tench, 90, served 38 years in the Army and reserves. He continues to participate in military funerals which he has done for over 60 years.

Donald Tench shows a photo from his Army days. Tench, 90, served 38 years in the Army and reserves. He continues to participate in military funerals which he has done for over 60 years.

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Veteran, 90, serves still by standing up for fellow soldiers

Eric Pereira
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
For Donald Tench, 38 years of service to his country was not enough.     The 90-year-old Demorest resident lost many comrades during his life of service, and he has continued to pay one final tribute to them.
City of Cornelia

City of Cornelia

Cornelia honors employees

Matthew Osborne
Friday, December 6, 2019
Cornelia Mayor J.C. Irby recognizes retiring city employee Barry Trotter. Trotter worked 14 years for the city and was a wastewater laboratory analyst and wastewater operator, Class 2.   Cornelia Mayor J.C. Irby recognizes 10-year water plant supervisor Darrell Bennett.
Raiders salute award recipients

Raiders salute award recipients

The Raiders Salute Award

News Staff
Friday, December 6, 2019
The Raider Salute Award is a partnership between Habersham County Schools and the Habersham County Rotary Club to recognize students who demonstrate excellence in service, character and scholarship. One student from each grade is also selected to be recognized by the Habersham County Rotary Club.
Cornelia Mayor J.C. Irby called it ‘a special privilege’ to work with the people of Cornelia on Tuesday night.

Cornelia Mayor J.C. Irby called it ‘a special privilege’ to work with the people of Cornelia on Tuesday night.

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Irby enjoyed his time as Cornelia mayor

Matthew Osborne
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Cornelia Mayor J.C. Irby has enjoyed his time leading the city, but is glad for the chance to step aside and let others show the way from now on.    Irby presided over his final meeting as mayor on Tuesday night.     In January, he will give way to mayor-elect John Borrow.
Santa Claus and 14-month-old Morgan Phillips of Demorest share a moment at the Christmas in Mt. Airy event Tuesday. Photo by Chamian Cruz

Santa Claus and 14-month-old Morgan Phillips of Demorest share a moment at the Christmas in Mt. Airy event Tuesday. Photo by Chamian Cruz

Habersham holidays in full swing this week

News Staff
Thursday, December 5, 2019
The season of joy is upon us and Habersham County will be offering plenty of opportunities to celebrate Christmas with various local events for the whole family.

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Demorest mayor defends salary, council passes budget

Eric Pereira
Thursday, December 5, 2019
The Demorest City Council approved its proposed 2020 budget during the Tuesday meeting after hearing concerns from resident Deborah Showalter and Councilman Bruce Harkness, who both made some suggestions as well.    Showalter started by suggesting the mayor decrease his salary.