Local

Thad Dixon of SEFCCO presents the details of the county’s approved fire consolidation study and the scope of work that will be conducted. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Thad Dixon of SEFCCO presents the details of the county’s approved fire consolidation study and the scope of work that will be conducted. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

County OKs entering fire consolidation study

   The Habersham County Board of Commissioners decided to approve the proposal for a fire consolidation study during their regular meeting Monday night after receiving a finalized scope of work presentation from Thad Dixon of SouthEastern Fire Consulting Company at the county retreat Thursday.
Married duo Bill and LeeAnn Waller prepare food and drinks on an early Saturday morning before guests arrive at the Cornelia “Lord’s Help” Soup Kitchen. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Married duo Bill and LeeAnn Waller prepare food and drinks on an early Saturday morning before guests arrive at the Cornelia “Lord’s Help” Soup Kitchen. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Together forever

By Hannah Caudell      LeeAnn Waller’s contagious laugh travels into the dining room as folks line up for the soup kitchen’s Saturday morning meal.
Demorest hears from residents about wants for the future of the city. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Demorest hears from residents about wants for the future of the city. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Controlling how Demorest grows

   The City of Demorest held a planning meeting on Tuesday night, hearing about many topics affecting the city and its residents, including keeping the town small and serene.
Sanders.

Sanders.

Investigations net three drug arrests

   A two-week investigation into illegal narcotics activity in Habersham County culminated Tuesday and resulted in two arrests, seizure of two vehicles, a large quantity of drugs, two firearms, and cash.
Snakes are great teachers at Tallulah Gorge’s Snake Saturday events. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Snakes are great teachers at Tallulah Gorge’s Snake Saturday events. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Snakes, Galentines, Dolly fill Valentine’s weekend

   There’s plenty to do in Habersham County this Valentine’s weekend. From adventures in Tallulah to arts and theater at Piedmont University, there is lots of entertainment indoors and out for the rainy weekend ahead.
Construction on the roundabout at Ga. 115 and 105 is nearing completion, and Georgia Department of Transportation was ready to open the new lane merging into the roundabout Friday morning. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Construction on the roundabout at Ga. 115 and 105 is nearing completion, and Georgia Department of Transportation was ready to open the new lane merging into the roundabout Friday morning. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Roundabout lane opens

   Construction on the roundabout at Ga. 115 and 105 is nearing completion, and Georgia Department of Transportation was ready to open the new lane merging into the roundabout Friday morning.
Tiffany Flack stands out on the red carpet in her yellow Belle gown. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

Tiffany Flack stands out on the red carpet in her yellow Belle gown. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

Let it ‘Shine’

   As Tim Tebow announced the kings and queens of the eve ning on the video screen, the room ignited with cheers. After all, all guests at Night to Shine were honored with the titles.    Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, was held at Level Grove Baptist Church Friday night.
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome speaks about House Bill 581’s potential impact on the school system. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome speaks about House Bill 581’s potential impact on the school system. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

School board opts out

By Hannah Caudell      After three public hearings, the Habersham County Board of Education voted to opt out of House Bill 581 on Monday evening. The board is the first taxing authority in the county to officially opt out of the bill.
David Leenman joins Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin at the podium as he is recommended to serve as the next assistant superintendent. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

David Leenman joins Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin at the podium as he is recommended to serve as the next assistant superintendent. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Leenman to join Franklin leading schools

By Hannah Caudell      The announcement from up-and-coming Superintendent Patrick Franklin was a surprise, but certainly not an unwelcome one for many of the educators in the board meeting room.
Past Chairman Tim Ash, right, passes the gavel to now-current Chairman Tommy Thurmond. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Past Chairman Tim Ash, right, passes the gavel to now-current Chairman Tommy Thurmond. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Chamber honors best in business

  The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala last Thursday night, celebrating 85 years of service to the growing industry and business in the county.    The ceremony honored 11 of the county’s best-in-field individuals, industries and services.