Local

Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash.

Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash.

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Bird flu hits facility in Elbert County

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair and Julie Weeks      Elbert County reported Georgia’s first confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry operation Friday, Jan. 17.
Deirdre and Fritz Engelmann pose for a photo at the Rally 4 Vets Inaugural Ball Monday night in Washington, D.C. Submitted

Deirdre and Fritz Engelmann pose for a photo at the Rally 4 Vets Inaugural Ball Monday night in Washington, D.C. Submitted

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Locals visit D.C. for Inauguration

Samantha Sinclair
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
   Inauguration Day didn’t go as originally planned.    On Friday, Jan. 17, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies issued a statement that it was honoring the request of Donald Trump and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the ceremonies inside the U.S.
From left, Assistant Special Education Director Jennifer Chitwood, Superintendent Matthew Cooper, Director of Special Education Lisa Eller and Assistant Special Education Director Scott Kersh smile for a photo after Cooper was announced as the recipient of the 2025 Philip Wright Award. Cooper has been described as someone who champions the unique needs of students with disabilities and has provided an equitable learning environment for all students. SUBMITTED

From left, Assistant Special Education Director Jennifer Chitwood, Superintendent Matthew Cooper, Director of Special Education Lisa Eller and Assistant Special Education Director Scott Kersh smile for a photo after Cooper was announced as the recipient of the 2025 Philip Wright Award. Cooper has been described as someone who champions the unique needs of students with disabilities and has provided an equitable learning environment for all students. SUBMITTED

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Superintendent earns Philip Wright Award

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Superintendent Matthew Cooper was awarded the Philip Wright Award for the Habersham County School System, highlighting a commitment to improving education outcomes for students with special needs.
From left, STAR Student Marina Dumas and STAR Teacher Kelli Bly of Tallulah Falls High School stand by each other’s side for a photo. Dumas was awarded with the STAR student recognition after scoring the highest marks on the SAT in the school system. Bly was chosen by Dumas for the STAR Teacher award. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

From left, STAR Student Marina Dumas and STAR Teacher Kelli Bly of Tallulah Falls High School stand by each other’s side for a photo. Dumas was awarded with the STAR student recognition after scoring the highest marks on the SAT in the school system. Bly was chosen by Dumas for the STAR Teacher award. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Stellar Student

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Marina Dumas, a Tallulah Falls senior with an impressive resume, shines bright as this year’s STAR Student for the school.
Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced his retirement during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced his retirement during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Superintendent announces retirement

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      It was a bittersweet night for the Habersham County Board of Education on Tuesday when Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced that he would retire on March 31.
The gymnastics center roof was damaged by heavy storms in previous months, causing equipment to be unusable. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The gymnastics center roof was damaged by heavy storms in previous months, causing equipment to be unusable. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Damage to gym creates uncertainty

Zach Taylor
Friday, January 17, 2025
   Storm damage to the county’s gymnastics center may affect an offer to purchase the program.    Storms in December severely damaged the gymnastics center.
Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock will not run for another term as mayor in the next election. Franklin Brown was named Mayor Pro-tem at the Jan. 6 meeting. Pictured here, Mayor Aycock holds a candy apple while donning an ‘Experience Clarkesville’ windbreaker. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock will not run for another term as mayor in the next election. Franklin Brown was named Mayor Pro-tem at the Jan. 6 meeting. Pictured here, Mayor Aycock holds a candy apple while donning an ‘Experience Clarkesville’ windbreaker. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Clarkesville mayor ready to step down

Zach Taylor
Friday, January 17, 2025
   Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock will not run for mayor in the upcoming election.    “This will be my 10th year of being mayor. I am 82 years old and I am still fortunate to be in excellent health, and I think my mind is still pretty good,” Aycock said.
Doug Collins. SUBMITTED

Doug Collins. SUBMITTED

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Collins to be confirmed as Secretary of Veteran Affairs

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The news came on Nov. 14, after President-elect Donald Trump was confirmed to take office on Jan. 20 after a monumental election: Trump intended to nominate former United States Representative Doug Collins for the role of Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).
HUB of Habersham has provided mentors to hundreds of youth across Habersham County in recent years. SUBMITTED

HUB of Habersham has provided mentors to hundreds of youth across Habersham County in recent years. SUBMITTED

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A HUB for growth

Julianne Akers
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
   With students returning to school after holiday break, local nonprofit HUB of Habersham is also back in action with its numerous programs that support youth in Habersham County.
A GDOT plow makes its way down Washington Street in Clarkesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

A GDOT plow makes its way down Washington Street in Clarkesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Winter storm blasts Habersham

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Zach Taylor and Hannah Caudell      Winter Storm Cora hit Habersham County on Friday, canceling school and causing a snow-in for the weekend. The storm dropped two to four inches of snow in the county, halting business and travel for Saturday and most of Sunday.