Local

The Gainesville Inland Port is now open for business. (Keith Barlow/Staff)

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Inland Port opens for business

News Staff

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

By Hannah CaudellOn Ga. 365 heading toward Gainesville, seven blue cranes tower over the trees at mile marker 30. This is the Northeast Georgia region’s newest infrastructural giant and economic powerhouse: the Gainesville Inland Port.

John Wilkinson

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Wilkinson retiring as North Georgia Tech president

News Staff

Friday, May 1, 2026

By Samantha SinclairJohn Wilkinson is retiring as president of North Georgia Technical College.He formally made the announcement Tuesday. His last day will be June 30.“The opportunity I’ve had at North Georgia Technical College has been one of the most rewarding of my career,” Wilkinson said.

A young man prays at Demorest Springs Park during last year's Day of Prayer event. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

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Community readies for National Day of Prayer

News Staff

Friday, May 1, 2026

By Hannah Caudell and Samantha SinclairThe community will come together throughout the day Thursday, May 7 for National Day of Prayer.The day will begin at 7 a.m. in Batesville at Home, and continue weaving through the various cities in the county, reaching the last gathering place, Mt.

David Matthew Jackels

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Former SRO faces jail time, probation

News Staff

Friday, May 1, 2026

By Hannah CaudellA former school resource officer (SRO) was convicted on April 7 for violation of oath of office after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigated.

Jody Wall, then Jody York, portrays Betsy Ross for her kindergarten class on May 25, 1976. The photo was taken by Leroy Moulder Studio of Clarkesville. (Submitted)

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A sense of pride

News Staff

Friday, May 1, 2026

By Samantha SinclairWhen Jody Wall was in kindergarten, it was the year of the country’s Bicentennial. And, her ABC Kindergarten class in Clarkesville had a graduation program with the theme “Our Salute to America.”She dressed up as Betsy Ross for the “Parade of Famous Americans.

County Commission District 3 candidates Danny McClellon, left, and Jason Smith, right, answer questions on issues of agribusiness, taxpayer dollars and the Unified Development Ordinance. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Candidates talk development at forum

News Staff

Friday, May 1, 2026

By Hannah CaudellDuring Tuesday night’s county commission public forum, the four candidates had two things on their minds: the state of Habersham’s agriculture industry and the county’s drafted Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Rena Thompson of Demorest looks at the sample ballots posted on the window of the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office before heading in to vote Monday morning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Early voting for primaries starts

News Staff

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

By Samantha SinclairEarly voting for the May 19 primaries started Monday morning, with six people trickling in to vote within the first hour, according to Poll Manager Stephanie Martin.Charles Tench was one of those people.“I just like to get it behind me,” Tench said. “Because we never know.

Bill Miles

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Miles returns as VFW commander

News Staff

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

By Zach TaylorOn June 13, State Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander Bill Miles will be stepping into the past commander role, but assuming a role all too familiar at the same moment.Miles was elected as VFW Post 7720 Commander for another term at the meeting on April 20, 2026, in a 33-11 vote.

Vicky Frankum and Georgia Foothills United Way President and CEO Shelby Ward smile for a photo after the organization honored Frankum with an award for her time serving as the United Way secretary and board member for seven years. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Local United Way celebrates supporters

News Staff

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

By Hannah CaudellIn 2025, Georgia Foothills United Way was able to make an impact on nonprofit agencies across Habersham County, and thus on the community as a whole.

(Zach Taylor/Staff)

Flying in for a bite

News Staff

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Aviation Explorers hosted its Pancake Breakfast Fly-In at the Habersham County Airport on Saturday morning. Proceeds from the event will go to fund field trips for the Aviation Explorers, a program that helps get kids involved in all things aviation.