Local

Jeff Blackwell carves into a cane during Clarkesville History Harvest on Saturday. His passion is woodworking, which he says brings him peace. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Jeff Blackwell carves into a cane during Clarkesville History Harvest on Saturday. His passion is woodworking, which he says brings him peace. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Sticks, Lies and Stories

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
   After surviving multiple heart attacks, strokes, and several heart surgeries, Jeff Blackwell is back in the saddle.    The local author and artist is now gearing up to release a new book, which he debuted at Saturday’s annual Sticks and Lies event.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Unit arrived just after 9 p.m on Sept. 7. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Unit arrived just after 9 p.m on Sept. 7. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Man dies in officer-involved shooting

News Staff
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
   A Clarkesville man shot in an officer-involved shooting last month is now dead.    Allen Patterson, 41, died on Sept. 20.    The shooting took place at Cameron Place Apartments on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Habersham Central graduated students at a 97.5 percent clip last year. FILE

Habersham Central graduated students at a 97.5 percent clip last year. FILE

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HCHS ranks no. 12 among Georgia grads in 2024

Julianne Akers
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
   Georgia high schools saw an all-time high graduation rate in 2024 and Habersham Central High School (HCHS) is tied for the No. 12 ranking in the state, according to a report from the Georgia Department of Education on Tuesday.    HCHS recorded a 98.
The Demorest City Council approved a 20 percent increase in water and sewer rates. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

The Demorest City Council approved a 20 percent increase in water and sewer rates. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

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Demorest water rate increase takes effect

Julianne Akers
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
   Demorest water customers are paying more for the service for the second time this year.    A 20 percent increase in water and sewer rates in Demorest took effect on Oct. 1 after the city council approved the rate hike at its September meeting.
Nationally acclaimed Chef Inger Smith squeezes lemon juice onto the chicken as it cooks. Smith is all about preparing healthy meals for everyone. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Nationally acclaimed Chef Inger Smith squeezes lemon juice onto the chicken as it cooks. Smith is all about preparing healthy meals for everyone. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Power on a plate

Zach Taylor
Friday, October 4, 2024
   Habersham Meals on Wheels ran out of funding in the past year, but renowned Chef Inger Smith isn’t going to let that happen again.    Smith has worked for some of the biggest names in pop culture and sports and has trained her knives under master chefs throughout her career.
Commissioner Janice Griggs examines the plot map during the work session on Tuesday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Commissioner Janice Griggs examines the plot map during the work session on Tuesday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Cornelia to annex land for townhouses

Zach Taylor
Friday, October 4, 2024
   The City of Cornelia voted Tuesday to post an annexation of 36.8 acres for a townhouse development with a minimum of 180 units.    The proposed property encompasses two plots adjacent to Level Grove Road near Ga.
Demorest residents came out during a public hearing Tuesday night for an updated land use ordinance for the city. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

Demorest residents came out during a public hearing Tuesday night for an updated land use ordinance for the city. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

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Demorest City Council discusses land use ordinance

Julianne Akers
Friday, October 4, 2024
   The City of Demorest has been working on a revamp of its land use ordinance for over a year, and several residents came to voice their opinion on a potential development at a public hearing Tuesday night.
The City of Cornelia held its millage rate at 9.5 mills for 2024, which is .65 mills higher than the rollback rate. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The City of Cornelia held its millage rate at 9.5 mills for 2024, which is .65 mills higher than the rollback rate. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Cornelia keeps millage, passes budget

Zach Taylor
Friday, October 4, 2024
   Cornelia keeps its millage rate for 2024 after three public hearings throughout September and into October.    On Tuesday, city commissioners voted to pass the halted millage rate of 9.5 mills along with the 2025 budget. The reason for keeping the millage rate is a $38.
Reese Ledford tables at the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Junior Business fair in April. SUBMITTED

Reese Ledford tables at the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Junior Business fair in April. SUBMITTED

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Busy as a bee

Julianne Akers
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
   What started out as a few late night sketches in 9-year-old Reese Ledford’s journal is now a published children’s book – Daisy and the Bee: A Story of True Friendship.”    The story follows the life of a young girl named Daisy who befriends a bee.
The old Habersham County courthouse is still up for grabs. FILE

The old Habersham County courthouse is still up for grabs. FILE

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Courthouse deal falls through in last hour

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
   A deal between Parkside Partners and Habersham County Development Authority for the courthouse project fell through Monday evening.