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The Habersham County Board of Education is the first taxing entity in the county to opt out of House Bill 581.

The Habersham County Board of Education is the first taxing entity in the county to opt out of House Bill 581.

Board of Education opts out

News Staff
Monday, February 10, 2025
After three hearings and little public comment, the Habersham County Board of Education is the first taxing entity in the county to opt out of House Bill 581.
Bishop Ernest Burns sits in the sanctuary of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia. As the church looks for a new pastor, he continues to preach on Sundays. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Bishop Ernest Burns sits in the sanctuary of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia. As the church looks for a new pastor, he continues to preach on Sundays. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

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Creating history

Samantha Sinclair
Friday, February 7, 2025
   Ernest Burns knows Black people have always been important.    “We had to be,” he said.    He said they couldn’t have come out of slavery and accomplished all they have if they weren’t.    He said growing up, his schools had books that were hand-me-downs from the white schools.
Board Chairman Russ Nelson led discussion for House Bill 581 with attending citizens during the first of three public hearings. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Board Chairman Russ Nelson led discussion for House Bill 581 with attending citizens during the first of three public hearings. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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School board holds first hearing to opt out

News Staff
Friday, February 7, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The Habersham County School Board held its first of three public hearings on Thursday morning, with comments from community members asking for clarification about the school’s decision to opt out.    The state voted in favor of House Bill 581 by 62.
Demorest City Manager Mark Musselwhite listens intently to the Food 4 Kids presentation in Tuesday evening’s work session. Musselwhite received a three percent raise after signing a new contract on Wednesday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Demorest City Manager Mark Musselwhite listens intently to the Food 4 Kids presentation in Tuesday evening’s work session. Musselwhite received a three percent raise after signing a new contract on Wednesday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Musselwhite gets raise

Zach Taylor
Friday, February 7, 2025
   Demorest City Manager Mark Musselwhite got a three percent raise in a new contract signed on Wednesday after it was approved during Tuesday night’s regular meeting.
Clarkesville City Councilman Brad Coppedge explains the parking study in the work session on Monday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Clarkesville City Councilman Brad Coppedge explains the parking study in the work session on Monday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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City considers parking ordinance

Zach Taylor
Friday, February 7, 2025
   Clarkesville’s Monday work session was filled with discussions of the parking situation on the square, which resulted in a decision to increase the severity from the parking study’s policy to draft an ordinance.
Nathan Dooley sits under a light at one of the booths in the Wolf Creek BBQ diner, concentrating on the task of putting stickers on to-go boxes. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Nathan Dooley sits under a light at one of the booths in the Wolf Creek BBQ diner, concentrating on the task of putting stickers on to-go boxes. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Lend a helping hand

News Staff
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Wolf Creek BBQ has made itself a staple in Habersham County, and restaurant owner Mike Roberson is no stranger to the many, many folks that frequent his establishment.
Councilwoman Angelia Kiker raises her hands joyfully after the city’s unanimous vote to purchase the old courthouse for $1.19 million. Kiker was the main force behind the historic purchase. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Councilwoman Angelia Kiker raises her hands joyfully after the city’s unanimous vote to purchase the old courthouse for $1.19 million. Kiker was the main force behind the historic purchase. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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‘We did it’

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
   After years of failed offers, memorandums of understanding falling through, rising costs and discussions, the old courthouse is potentially sold to the City of Clarkesville, pending county approval and bank financing.
Maricela Castillo Arellano, left center, and her family attend the rally. Submitted

Maricela Castillo Arellano, left center, and her family attend the rally. Submitted

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Rally brings immigration debate here

Samantha Sinclair
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
   A quickly-organized rally took over a corner of a busy intersection in downtown Cornelia Saturday.    More than 100 people gathered on North Main Street where it meets Old Cleveland Road and Wayside Street to show their support of immigrants and to protest deportation policies.
Photo by Esteban Zapata on Unsplash

Photo by Esteban Zapata on Unsplash

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Mt. Airy considers no thru truck ordinance

News Staff
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Mt. Airy Mayor Ray McAllister asked the council to read a new ordinance draft on Monday night with the hopes of designating “no thru truck” areas in the city limits.