Local

Eaton. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Eaton. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Board OKs Eaton as Hazel Grove principal

By Hannah Caudell      All applauded on Monday night when the Habersham County School System Board of Education approved an important personnel request; Stephanie Eaton, the assistant principal at Level Grove Elementary School, will be replacing the retiring Dr.
Dale Green stands at the podium to speak before the board on Thursday night to express his early concerns about the school system’s impending budget decision. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Dale Green stands at the podium to speak before the board on Thursday night to express his early concerns about the school system’s impending budget decision. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

BOE hears public comment on FY26 budget

By Hannah Caudell      It’s that time of year again. The Habersham County Board of Education is taking early steps for its eventual approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, starting off with their first public hearing last Thursday.
Tim Sims

Tim Sims

Sims named new county manager

After serving in the interim role for almost four months, the Habersham Board of County Commissioners decided to name Tim Sims its new county manager, effective immediately, at the conclusion of Monday night's regular meeting.
Innkeeper Sharon Kelly puts the finishing touches on making the bed in Kathryn’s Room, the downstairs bedroom named after the inn’s initial benefactor. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

Innkeeper Sharon Kelly puts the finishing touches on making the bed in Kathryn’s Room, the downstairs bedroom named after the inn’s initial benefactor. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

A home away

   It’s a release.    “When they walk through the front door, they start crying,” Innkeeper Sharon Kelly said.    They are caregivers of disabled children, ill or injured spouses, wounded veterans and aging parents.
The Habersham County Recreation Advisory Board met for the first time since February on Tuesday. The meeting was the first with Interim Director Terry Lannon, who stated that he is unsure of the future game plan for the recreation board. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The Habersham County Recreation Advisory Board met for the first time since February on Tuesday. The meeting was the first with Interim Director Terry Lannon, who stated that he is unsure of the future game plan for the recreation board. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Rec Board in need of reorganization

   The Habersham County Recreation Advisory Board is struggling with its finances and organization, as it attempts to elect officers and create a secretary position, with needed amendments to its bylaws to help meetings run more efficiently.
Carmen Agra Deedy sits on the stage of the Habersham Central Performing Arts Center, miming as she tells the story of Juan Bobo, a Spanish wise-fool’s tale that has the students in the audience spellbound. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Carmen Agra Deedy sits on the stage of the Habersham Central Performing Arts Center, miming as she tells the story of Juan Bobo, a Spanish wise-fool’s tale that has the students in the audience spellbound. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Deedy enchants for One Book Habersham events

By Hannah Caudell      “Dingadingading,” the children sang as Carmen Agra Deedy turned the page of her now locally famous book, Wombat Said Come In.
Photo by Matthew Smith on Unsplash

Photo by Matthew Smith on Unsplash

“We have to grow together”

By Hannah Caudell      When community members criticize economic growth, it’s often because they feel such growth comes with a price: the integrity of our environment.
Photo by Kai Cheng on Unsplash

Photo by Kai Cheng on Unsplash

Derelict vehicle talks to continue next month

   The second reading of a derelict vehicle ordinance has been put on hold for a month.    Interim County Manager Tim Sims said the Habersham Board of County Commissioners plan to discuss it during a work session before holding the second hearing and potential approval next month.
Stephen Wareham, owner of Vintage Sound Studios in Clarkesville, sits in the main studio of the brand new facility in front of the equipment he hopes to use to produce musical magic for new clients. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Stephen Wareham, owner of Vintage Sound Studios in Clarkesville, sits in the main studio of the brand new facility in front of the equipment he hopes to use to produce musical magic for new clients. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Making waves

By Hannah Caudell      Sitting behind the Dollar Tree in Clarkesville, Vintage Sound Studios looks unassuming from the outside with its plain brickwork and simple black logo emblazoned on one of its windows. But despite its low profile, the studio space inside is a music-maker’s dream.
Fencing surrounds the old Habersham County Courthouse as it awaits demolition. During demolition, detours leading drivers around the area are possible, with added traffic throughout the City of Clarkesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Fencing surrounds the old Habersham County Courthouse as it awaits demolition. During demolition, detours leading drivers around the area are possible, with added traffic throughout the City of Clarkesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Old courthouse demolition starts

   Demolition of the old courthouse in Clarkesville is starting this week, and there will be intermittent lane closures on Ga. 115/Monroe Street in front of the building over the next few weeks.