Local

Demorest began its pursuit of TAD powers to complement a future development off of Tom Arrendale Interchange. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest began its pursuit of TAD powers to complement a future development off of Tom Arrendale Interchange. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Demorest residents to vote on TAD

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
By Zach Taylor Demorest residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to give Demorest leaders Tax Allocation District (TAD) powers on the ballot in November.  Early voting began Tuesday and Election Day is Nov. 4.
County Manager Tim Sims shares information about the Tier 1 project, the new county jail, during the Lunch and Learn Town Hall on Oct. 6 at The Ruby Fulbright Aquactic Center. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

County Manager Tim Sims shares information about the Tier 1 project, the new county jail, during the Lunch and Learn Town Hall on Oct. 6 at The Ruby Fulbright Aquactic Center. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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SPLOST helps fund county essentials

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Habersham County has a way to fund essential needs, like new fire trucks and road improvements, without placing the burden solely on those who live here. It’s through a one cent sales tax, commonly known as SPLOST.
HUB of Habersham Executive Director Todd Colwell officiates the election forum for the City of Demorest. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

HUB of Habersham Executive Director Todd Colwell officiates the election forum for the City of Demorest. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Candidates speak on city issues at forum

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
By Zach Taylor Last Thursday, Demorest candidates for the two at-large city council seats gathered at City Hall for an open forum to present their ideas to residents. The event was officiated by Todd Colwell of HUB of Habersham and Chamber President Ellie Van Doornum.
Local historian Jim Betz stands at the final stop on his Haunted Habersham ghost tours, the Old Clarkesville Cemetery. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Local historian Jim Betz stands at the final stop on his Haunted Habersham ghost tours, the Old Clarkesville Cemetery. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Historic hauntings

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair T here’s stories around every corner in Clarkesville, and Jim Betz is spending October weekends sharing some of the spookiest ones. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, he leads groups of people through town for Haunted Habersham ghost tours.
Poll Manager Stephanie Martin is ready to assist voters at the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Poll Manager Stephanie Martin is ready to assist voters at the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Voting opens for city, special elections

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair As early voting opened Tuesday morning, it was quiet in the elections office as a team of optimistic poll workers were eager to serve. One person was ready to vote as the doors opened, and was out as Voter No. 1 within a few minutes.
Cornelia city commissioners approved keeping the millage rate at 9.5 mills during Tuesday’s meeting.

Cornelia city commissioners approved keeping the millage rate at 9.5 mills during Tuesday’s meeting.

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Cornelia commissioners approve millage rate, budget

News Staff
Friday, October 10, 2025
By Zach Taylor Cornelia city commissioners approved keeping the millage rate at 9.5 mills during Tuesday’s meeting. Due to growth and reassessments, there will be a gross 10.29 percent increase in tax revenue, as the digest grew from $333,780,468 in 2024 to $388,641,640 in 2025.
Baldwin resident James Wiese and former Baldwin councilman and mayor Joe Elam are both vying for the Post 4 seat.

Baldwin resident James Wiese and former Baldwin councilman and mayor Joe Elam are both vying for the Post 4 seat.

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Wiese, Elam vie for Baldwin council seat

News Staff
Friday, October 10, 2025
By Hannah Caudell The Baldwin City Council has three seats up for re-election on the November ballot, with contested races for the mayor and Post 4 seats.
Dana Westbrook works on his truck before a Tough Truck Challenge at The BoneYard. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Dana Westbrook works on his truck before a Tough Truck Challenge at The BoneYard. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Crawling in the BoneYard

News Staff
Friday, October 10, 2025
By Zach Taylor Remote control cars are a popular hobby, just like any, but for Greg Underwood, it’s his backyard.
The Demorest Fire Department ladder truck is in disrepair and has been out of service for multiple months. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

The Demorest Fire Department ladder truck is in disrepair and has been out of service for multiple months. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Demorest hands fire services to county

News Staff
Friday, October 10, 2025
By Zach Taylor Demorest has taken a step in the fate of its fire department. On Tuesday, the city council voted 3-1 to approve a five-year intergovernmental agreement for Habersham County Emergency Services to provide fire and medical services to the residents of Demorest.
Early voting starts Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Early voting starts Tuesday, Oct. 14.

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Early voting starts Tuesday

News Staff
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Early voting for the Nov. 4 election begins next week. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 14, voters may cast ballots in person at the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office, also known as the Habersham South Precinct.