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Steevan Carreto, Chavalo Carreto, Badilio Nox, Ronald Carreto, Elias Carreto and Victor Gonzalez of Patriot Roofing pose for a photo on the roof of Jim Morgan's house during the project. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Steevan Carreto, Chavalo Carreto, Badilio Nox, Ronald Carreto, Elias Carreto and Victor Gonzalez of Patriot Roofing pose for a photo on the roof of Jim Morgan's house during the project. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Getting vets covered

Zach Taylor
Friday, May 16, 2025
   A man who would never ask for it received a new roof last week.    American Legion Post 84 Commander Jim Morgan is a veteran who works long hours volunteering and supporting other veterans.
Ella Wilson goes up for a layup in the GRPA 12U championship game in 2024, which was hosted at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center. Fees for recreation programs are proposed to change in the next fiscal year. FILE

Ella Wilson goes up for a layup in the GRPA 12U championship game in 2024, which was hosted at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center. Fees for recreation programs are proposed to change in the next fiscal year. FILE

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Holden: Rec board budget on target

Zach Taylor
Friday, May 16, 2025
   After months of uncertainty, the Habersham County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is getting things back on track.    In Tuesday night’s meeting, Interim Financial Director Kiani Holden presented the board’s financials for three quarters of the financial year.
From right to left, these aspiring principals include Jennifer Adams of Fairview Elementary School, Kellie Cash of Demorest Elementary School, Stefanie Eaton of Level Grove Elementary School, Xan Noggle of Baldwin Elementary School, Joy Phillips of Woodville Elementary School, Bradley Johnson of Wilbanks Middle School, Lindsey Shafer of Habersham Central High School, Kevin Weems of Habersham Ninth Grade Academy, and Sandy Todd of Hazel Grove Elementary School. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

From right to left, these aspiring principals include Jennifer Adams of Fairview Elementary School, Kellie Cash of Demorest Elementary School, Stefanie Eaton of Level Grove Elementary School, Xan Noggle of Baldwin Elementary School, Joy Phillips of Woodville Elementary School, Bradley Johnson of Wilbanks Middle School, Lindsey Shafer of Habersham Central High School, Kevin Weems of Habersham Ninth Grade Academy, and Sandy Todd of Hazel Grove Elementary School. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Nine graduate from principal academy

News Staff
Friday, May 16, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      What started out as an extension of the Habersham County School System’s Leadership Academy has now produced its first “graduating class.
Thatcher Tatum shows one of the water stands he led a team of Scouts and leaders to build last summer at Tallulah Falls School. SUBMITTED

Thatcher Tatum shows one of the water stands he led a team of Scouts and leaders to build last summer at Tallulah Falls School. SUBMITTED

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Tatum becomes newest Eagle Scout in family

Samantha Sinclair
Friday, May 16, 2025
   A small percentage of Scouts achieve the highest rank available from Boy Scouts of America, but you wouldn’t know it looking at Thatcher Tatum’s family.    His three uncles — Nick, Lou and Nathannael Fouts — are all Eagle Scouts, as are four of his cousins.
The Big Holly Cabin on the grounds of the Historic Mauldin House and Gardens is getting much-needed restoration work, and a fundraising campaign for the project is kicking off this weekend. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

The Big Holly Cabin on the grounds of the Historic Mauldin House and Gardens is getting much-needed restoration work, and a fundraising campaign for the project is kicking off this weekend. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

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Taking care of history

Samantha Sinclair
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
   The Mountain Laurel Festival typically has lots to offer, including demonstrations. But, one demonstration at this year’s festival will become a part of the city’s history.
U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs Doug Collins addresses the Piedmont’s Class of 2025 with a simple message: be curious, because life may take you down a road that’s unexpected. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs Doug Collins addresses the Piedmont’s Class of 2025 with a simple message: be curious, because life may take you down a road that’s unexpected. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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‘Life is like a mountain road’

News Staff
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Piedmont’s Spring 2025 graduation wasn’t quite like any other the university has seen before.    It was full of firsts. This was the first year that Piedmont decided to divide the graduation ceremonies by school.
(Left to right) Councilman Jimmy Davis, Councilman Donnie Bennett, Mayor Jerry Harkness, and City Manager Mark Musselwhite listen to the new zoning ordinance amendments in the special called meeting on Monday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

(Left to right) Councilman Jimmy Davis, Councilman Donnie Bennett, Mayor Jerry Harkness, and City Manager Mark Musselwhite listen to the new zoning ordinance amendments in the special called meeting on Monday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Demorest fire talks spark conflict

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
   Conflict over a new ladder truck and a decision to bring city hall up to fire code were among the top events in the Monday special called meeting, which could have resulted in more than $180,000 in spending in Demorest.
Hazel Grove Elementary School Principal Dr. Tim Goss visits a group of students during the school day, all of whom were excited to see him walk through the door. Goss has spent nine nonconsecutive years at Hazel Grove, returning in 2022 to serve as the school’s principal before retirement. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Hazel Grove Elementary School Principal Dr. Tim Goss visits a group of students during the school day, all of whom were excited to see him walk through the door. Goss has spent nine nonconsecutive years at Hazel Grove, returning in 2022 to serve as the school’s principal before retirement. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Seeing success

News Staff
Friday, May 9, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      In the morning, Hazel Grove Elementary School Principal Dr. Tim Goss is often seen helping unload kids from the drop off line while getting to know the families of the children who walk through the school hallways every weekday.
Cornelia’s new park needs a water line replacement after discovering that the line was an old six-inch cast iron water line, inadequate to fill the city’s needs, as the line runs into the eight-inch line on Irvin Street, which feeds the city’s largest manufacturer, Fieldale. FILE

Cornelia’s new park needs a water line replacement after discovering that the line was an old six-inch cast iron water line, inadequate to fill the city’s needs, as the line runs into the eight-inch line on Irvin Street, which feeds the city’s largest manufacturer, Fieldale. FILE

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Park project unveils water line needs

Zach Taylor
Friday, May 9, 2025
   Cornelia’s newest project revealed an old cast iron water line that supplied much of the city, including the Train Depot, Clarkesville Street, Chattahoochee Street and Main Street.    When the city shut off the water on Martin Luther King Jr.
The folks from Food 4 Kids pack up some meals for kids in need in the Habersham County community. FILE

The folks from Food 4 Kids pack up some meals for kids in need in the Habersham County community. FILE

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Schools gear up for summer food program

News Staff
Friday, May 9, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The summer food program through the Habersham County School System is about to be in full swing once again this year.