Local

The Agriculture Service Center, positioned beside where the old courthouse once stood, is a possible option for the new fire house. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

The Agriculture Service Center, positioned beside where the old courthouse once stood, is a possible option for the new fire house. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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City gathering ideas for fire house, hotel

News Staff
Friday, July 25, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Discussions on what to do with the old courthouse property took some shape Wednesday. The property was one of three new developments talked about during the Clarkesville City Council’s planning retreat.

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Demorest City Council talks fire needs

News Staff
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
By Hannah Caudell Homeowners and business insurance has risen by 15 to 20 percent in the past 12 months, according to Demorest Fire Chief David Scheuerer. He estimates that the problem will only worsen if the city’s fire department doesn’t make a few changes.
Firefighting crews from multiple stations responded to a fire on Plantation Drive in Clarkesville on Saturday night. (Submitted)

Firefighting crews from multiple stations responded to a fire on Plantation Drive in Clarkesville on Saturday night. (Submitted)

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Clarkesville fire leads to boil water advisory

News Staff
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
By Hannah Caudell The old Art-Full Barn location on Plantation Drive is no more after a fire ignited on Saturday night, prompting fire personnel from multiple stations to respond. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Firefighters were dispatched at 10:12 p.m.
Billy Ray Henson, Toby Whitfield and Kimberly Bryson

Billy Ray Henson, Toby Whitfield and Kimberly Bryson

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Drug use investigation yields arrests

News Staff
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
By Hannah Caudell The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit made three new arrests last week in their effort to combat drug use and trafficking in the county. All three suspects were found in possession of methamphetamine.
Julie and Don Fraser stand beside a photo of Hal Symes at the Habersham County Airport. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Julie and Don Fraser stand beside a photo of Hal Symes at the Habersham County Airport. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Dedication to the craft

News Staff
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
By Zach Taylor When considering modes of travel and how the world around us was built, many people don’t initially think of helicopters or the men and women who pioneered this craft.
The Habersham County Jail will be 30 years old next year. The county hopes to build a new jail using SPLOSTS VIII funds, if approved by voters. (Submitted)

The Habersham County Jail will be 30 years old next year. The county hopes to build a new jail using SPLOSTS VIII funds, if approved by voters. (Submitted)

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New jail on county wish list

News Staff
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Habersham County could finally get a new jail if voters approve the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, VIII referendum in November.
The Little Free Library in Lee Dorsey Cook Park is now doorless. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The Little Free Library in Lee Dorsey Cook Park is now doorless. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Alto investigates vandalism incidents

News Staff
Friday, July 18, 2025
By Hannah Caudell It started with the Little Free Library in Alto’s Lee Dorsey Cook Park. Holes had been made in the box’s plexiglass front. Alto’s town council suspected a vandal with a BB gun was the most likely culprit.
Cruz-Juarez

Cruz-Juarez

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U.S. Marshals nab Cornelia man

News Staff
Friday, July 18, 2025
By Hannah Caudell A wanted Habersham County man who is connected to a November 2024 incident involving sex crimes against children has been apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Hall County.  Omar Cruz-Juarez, a 45-year-old man from Cornelia, has been one of Habersham County’s most wanted since Nov.
Lea and Len Cohen stand outside the Sharing and Caring building where they have volunteered for decades. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Lea and Len Cohen stand outside the Sharing and Caring building where they have volunteered for decades. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Lasting impact

News Staff
Friday, July 18, 2025
By Zach Taylor Lea and Len Cohen met on a blind date in 1957, not expecting to find entirely new lives filled with purpose and sacrifice. The couple have made a lasting impact on the lives of people in the community through their volunteer work at Sharing and Caring Place in Cornelia.
Mayor Gail Armour shows the council a map of the town’s water lines and where the town can possibly expand with the approval of SPLOST VIII funding. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Mayor Gail Armour shows the council a map of the town’s water lines and where the town can possibly expand with the approval of SPLOST VIII funding. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Alto talks water upgrades, expansion

News Staff
Friday, July 18, 2025
By Hannah Caudell Water dominated talks during Alto’s council regular meeting and work session Tuesday night. Alto’s town council voted unanimously to approve its Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VIII list for the referendum on November’s ballot.