Local

Tiffany Flack stands out on the red carpet in her yellow Belle gown. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

Tiffany Flack stands out on the red carpet in her yellow Belle gown. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

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Let it ‘Shine’

Samantha Sinclair
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
As Tim Tebow announced the kings and queens of the eve ning on the video screen, the room ignited with cheers. After all, all guests at Night to Shine were honored with the titles.    Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, was held at Level Grove Baptist Church Friday night.
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome speaks about House Bill 581’s potential impact on the school system. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome speaks about House Bill 581’s potential impact on the school system. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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School board opts out

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      After three public hearings, the Habersham County Board of Education voted to opt out of House Bill 581 on Monday evening. The board is the first taxing authority in the county to officially opt out of the bill.
David Leenman joins Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin at the podium as he is recommended to serve as the next assistant superintendent. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

David Leenman joins Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin at the podium as he is recommended to serve as the next assistant superintendent. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Leenman to join Franklin leading schools

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The announcement from up-and-coming Superintendent Patrick Franklin was a surprise, but certainly not an unwelcome one for many of the educators in the board meeting room.
Past Chairman Tim Ash, right, passes the gavel to now-current Chairman Tommy Thurmond. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Past Chairman Tim Ash, right, passes the gavel to now-current Chairman Tommy Thurmond. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Chamber honors best in business

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala last Thursday night, celebrating 85 years of service to the growing industry and business in the county.    The ceremony honored 11 of the county’s best-in-field individuals, industries and services.
Photo by Jacques Bopp on Unsplash.

Photo by Jacques Bopp on Unsplash.

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Data shows needs for workforce housing

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      It’s no surprise that in many ways, housing in the county has grown parallel to the population growth that many long-time residents in the county have witnessed.
David Leenman listens Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin speaks about him to the board. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

David Leenman listens Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin speaks about him to the board. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Board selects next assistant superintendent

News Staff
Monday, February 10, 2025
The board voted unanimously to approve David Leenman as the next assistant superintendent for the Habersham County School System. Leenman has a total of 19 years in education, with nine spent in an administrative position as the Habersham Central Ninth Grade Academy principal.
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.
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.