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Stewart.

Stewart.

Three charged in shoplifting incident

By Hannah Caudell      The Clarkesville Police Department is investigating a felony shopping incident that occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, March 29 at the Clarkesville Package Store.    Three female suspects allegedly involved include the following: Amiah Unique Lovett, 17, of Ruskin, Fla.
The Senior Center could see some budget cuts in FY26, though the structure needs replaceable ceiling tiles and funding for Meals on Wheels. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The Senior Center could see some budget cuts in FY26, though the structure needs replaceable ceiling tiles and funding for Meals on Wheels. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Senior Center out of funds

   The Habersham County Senior Center has been struggling with funding for years, mainly in the Meals on Wheels category.
Students of the Hazel Grove Elementary Teach One to Lead One program stand with the Family Promise sign outside of the Family Promise of White and Habersham facility, a nonprofit dedicated to remedying homelessness in the North Georgia region. Pictured from left to right are (front) Violet Ramey, Brin Forrester, Aiyana Sutton, (back) Chloe Baird, Willow Ingebrigsten, Riley Gallahan, Konnor Tucker, Mason Harris, Matheo Garcia Vega and Ayden Meiburg. SUBMITTED

Students of the Hazel Grove Elementary Teach One to Lead One program stand with the Family Promise sign outside of the Family Promise of White and Habersham facility, a nonprofit dedicated to remedying homelessness in the North Georgia region. Pictured from left to right are (front) Violet Ramey, Brin Forrester, Aiyana Sutton, (back) Chloe Baird, Willow Ingebrigsten, Riley Gallahan, Konnor Tucker, Mason Harris, Matheo Garcia Vega and Ayden Meiburg. SUBMITTED

A lasting impact

By Hannah Caudell      When asked to choose their own service project, it was clear that the Hazel Grove Elementary Teach One to Lead One fifth graders had one group on their minds: the homeless.
The roundabout at the intersection of Ga. 197 and Ga. 17 near the Clarkesville Ingles is nearing the start of construction, with GDOT scheduling a current let date for Oct. 17 of this year. SUBMITTED

The roundabout at the intersection of Ga. 197 and Ga. 17 near the Clarkesville Ingles is nearing the start of construction, with GDOT scheduling a current let date for Oct. 17 of this year. SUBMITTED

Where we’re heading

By Hannah Caudell      Dolly Parton said, ‘If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.’ And I think the DOT and our local government really listens to that,” Partnership Habersham Chairman Rope Roberts said during Wednesday morning’s Partnership Habersham meeting.
Baldwin Fire Department will be looking for new leadership in the coming weeks. The department will function normally until then. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Baldwin Fire Department will be looking for new leadership in the coming weeks. The department will function normally until then. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Baldwin fire chief, assistant chief resign

   The City of Baldwin will be looking for new leadership within its fire department in the coming weeks after resignations at the top level occurred on Tuesday.
The County Commissioners listen to budget hearings from a few of the departments on Wednesday afternoon, including animal control, fleet and road maintenance, and emergency management services. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

The County Commissioners listen to budget hearings from a few of the departments on Wednesday afternoon, including animal control, fleet and road maintenance, and emergency management services. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

County holds several FY 2026 budget hearings

   The county budget hearings were in full-swing on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as Thursday morning, with a full docket of hearings from county agencies and officials, many of which were looking to expand their budgets to accommodate new equipment and project expenses in order to better support...
Demorest’s TAD and redevelopment powers are coming down to the wire with only one week left in this legislative session. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Demorest’s TAD and redevelopment powers are coming down to the wire with only one week left in this legislative session. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Demorest tax district in progress

   Earlier this month, the City of Demorest heard from CEO David Branch of Artisan Land Companies about a potential new development outside the current Demorest city limits.
From left, Annalee Lewis, Abigail Taylor, and Ary Sanchez point toward the audience during one of their practice performances for Thursday’s opening night. “Mamma Mia!” will take the Habersham Central High School stage on Friday. The show will run through Sunday with a matinee show at 2 p.m. on the final day. The two-and-a-half hour show is filled with great vocals and choreography, with some funny moments mixed in. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

From left, Annalee Lewis, Abigail Taylor, and Ary Sanchez point toward the audience during one of their practice performances for Thursday’s opening night. “Mamma Mia!” will take the Habersham Central High School stage on Friday. The show will run through Sunday with a matinee show at 2 p.m. on the final day. The two-and-a-half hour show is filled with great vocals and choreography, with some funny moments mixed in. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Having the time of your life

By Hannah Caudell      If you’ve yet to see a Habersham Central Stage Raiders’ production this season, perhaps you could take a chance on this weekend’s showing of “Mamma Mia!” The cult classic jukebox musical is set for a four-day run between Thursday, March 27 and Sunday, March 30.
Commissioners listen in on budget proposals from each departments in one of three public hearings this week. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Commissioners listen in on budget proposals from each departments in one of three public hearings this week. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

County enters budget season

   Habersham County has officially entered next fiscal year’s budget season with a three-day meeting cycle this week. Starting Tuesday through Thursday, beginning at 9:30 each morning, the county is hearing from each department for its budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).