Local

The Demorest Police Department is no longer under investigation, following the presentation of results from a third-party investigator.  (File)

The Demorest Police Department is no longer under investigation, following the presentation of results from a third-party investigator. (File)

Demorest police investigation concludes

By Zach TaylorAn investigation into the Demorest Police Department is finally over, finding conflicts among its civilian staff.On April 8, the city announced the results of the investigation through a press release.
The branding guide outlines colors, fonts, styles and uses of the city’s “Experience Clarkesville” brand.

The branding guide outlines colors, fonts, styles and uses of the city’s “Experience Clarkesville” brand.

City to purchase mobile generator

By Samantha SinclairClarkesville will be getting a mobile generator to support its lift stations.The city council approved up to $45,000 to a purchase of a mobile generator, plus four transfer switches for its lift stations, at its meeting Monday night.
Tuesday’s informal public hearing is the first of several that will be hosted in the next few months. The board of education will host its first official public hearing on May 7, when they are expecting concrete budget numbers for Fiscal Year 2027. (AdobeStock image)

Tuesday’s informal public hearing is the first of several that will be hosted in the next few months. The board of education will host its first official public hearing on May 7, when they are expecting concrete budget numbers for Fiscal Year 2027. (AdobeStock image)

School system prepares for budget season

By Hannah CaudellThe Habersham County Board of Education is getting ready for budget season.
Local cattleman Gilbert Barrett of Barrett Farms stands amongst one of his herds of cattle in a pasture that isn’t yielding as much forage due to recent drought conditions.  (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Local cattleman Gilbert Barrett of Barrett Farms stands amongst one of his herds of cattle in a pasture that isn’t yielding as much forage due to recent drought conditions. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Hay, crops, trout

By Hannah CaudellAs drought in the area continues, more industries throughout Habersham County are beginning to see the effects.
More than 100 people showed up for the Habersham County town hall on the new Unified Development Ordinance on Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

More than 100 people showed up for the Habersham County town hall on the new Unified Development Ordinance on Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

County hears UDO concerns

By Zach TaylorSome residents do not feel that the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the new zoning map added much clarity to land use.County commissioners and planning department members heard concerns and praise from 27 people during a packed town hall meeting Monday night.

Proposed housing sizes affect affordability

By Zach TaylorHabersham County has maintained the same development guidelines since 1992 with its Comprehensive Land Development Resolution.With increasing concerns for growth, county commissioners are working to finalize a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Sen. Bo Hatchett

Sen. Bo Hatchett

Hatchett takes pride in measures passed

By Samantha SinclairOverall, State Sen. Bo Hatchett thinks really good measures passed this legislative session that concluded last week.The biggest win the Cornelia lawmaker saw was $409 million allocated in the amended budget for the design and construction of a state mental health hospital.
Robert Hubert speaks with Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness opposing the proposed housing development of 34 homes on Saluda Drive. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Robert Hubert speaks with Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness opposing the proposed housing development of 34 homes on Saluda Drive. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest denies zoning request

By Zach TaylorDemorest council members pumped the brakes on residential growth Tuesday.In Tuesday’s meeting, McCain Investment Properties LLC was heard a second time for a rezoning application of 10.
Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness honors John Popham at his home on Thursday, April 9. Popham served the city of Demorest for 44 years and helped establish the city’s water system. Also pictured are Care Pastor Tom Skipper (left) and John’s grandson Asa Popham and daughter-in-law Kim Popham (right). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness honors John Popham at his home on Thursday, April 9. Popham served the city of Demorest for 44 years and helped establish the city’s water system. Also pictured are Care Pastor Tom Skipper (left) and John’s grandson Asa Popham and daughter-in-law Kim Popham (right). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

‘He was a giant’

By Zach TaylorServing in local government has its ups and downs.From concerned residents to building infrastructure to rising costs and evolutions in society, government officials experience it all.One Demorest man experienced all the city had to offer for 44 years.

Procedure issue halts annexation

By Hannah Caudell and Samantha SinclairIf Cook Construction still wishes to annex property into the city of Baldwin for a commercial development, they will need to start the process over.