Local

Andrea Harper and Shelley Tullis

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Two vie for District 2 seat

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

By Samantha SinclairThe Habersham County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat has two familiar faces running for the position held by Dustin Mealor. Andrea Harper, who previously served on the county commission is facing Shelley Tullis in the Republican Primary. Mealor decided not to run again.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Staffing dominates Baldwin retreat

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

By Hannah CaudellDuring the first day of Baldwin’s spring retreat, one thing was at the top of everyone’s wish list: adequate staffing.The past few months have particularly hit the city hard with multiple resignations and staffing issues in the police department and city hall.

(Landen Todd/Staff)

Olympic joy

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Special Olympics were held at Habersham Central High School Friday with athletes from all over the county gathering to participate in events. Above, Alejandro Hernandez Lopez proudly carries the torch as Anton Golden follows him on the track.

Habersham County Public Works continues to remove debris from winter storms. (Habersham County/Submitted)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

County OKs debris removal help

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

By Samantha SinclairThe county is getting help in cleaning up debris still remaining from winter storms.

Former Georgia Bulldogs football star and NFL wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell visited Habersham County’s second graders on Tuesday to share his children’s book, The Magician’s Hat, with students. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Mitchell shares the magic of reading

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

By Hannah CaudellOne day, when a younger Malcolm Mitchell came home from a bad day at school, his mother grabbed three things from the kitchen: a carrot, an egg, and coffee beans. All three she placed in boiling water.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Residents support short-term rentals

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

By Hannah CaudellCornelia commissioners are preparing to update the city’s entire zoning code. But as those discussions approach, commissioners want to know if residents are interested in something not yet on the books: short-term rentals.

Amber Gilbert and Owner Dale Jones of All in Bloom hang one of the patriotic wreaths they made for Clarkesville’s Red, White and Blue Wreath Display. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Red, white and blue

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

By Samantha SinclairClarkesville is going red, white and blue for the 64th Annual Mountain Laurel Festival on May 16.The event will be the city’s kickoff of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

University lawsuit resolved

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

By Samantha Sinclair and Zach TaylorPiedmont University and Dr. Robert H. Wainberg announced Thursday morning that they have amicably resolved all disputes between them.Wainberg filed a wrongful termination lawsuit on Aug.

Election 2026

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Election 2026: McClellon, Smith vie for District 3 seat

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

By Samantha SinclairTwo names will be on the May ballot twice — the Habersham County Board of Commissioners District 3 is up for reelection this year, plus there is a special election to fill the remainder of former Commissioner Jimmy Tench’s term.

The Ivester family poses for a ribbon-cutting photo with NGTC President John Wilkinson and TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Leaving a ‘Mark’

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

By Zach TaylorLeaving a legacy is something everyone dreams of, whether through one’s job, family or community.One man left his legacy at North Georgia Technical College, where he dreamed of a better life for students.The Mark, or The Mark Ivester Center for Living and Learning, named after Dr.