Local

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.
Electrical personnel and public works officials were among those served at Wolf Creek BBQ during the weekend, along with police officers and other first responder groups. Owner Mike Roberson estimates that 350 plates were served to those who attended the meal. SUBMITTED

Electrical personnel and public works officials were among those served at Wolf Creek BBQ during the weekend, along with police officers and other first responder groups. Owner Mike Roberson estimates that 350 plates were served to those who attended the meal. SUBMITTED

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Wolf Creek BBQ opens doors to first responders

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The storm’s clouds weren’t without a silver lining for the county’s many first responders. As they stepped up for the community, people like Mike Roberson of Wolf Creek BBQ stepped up for them.
McAllister. FILE

McAllister. FILE

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Mayor likely not seeking re-election

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      “It’s time,” Mayor Ray McAllister said after Mt. Airy’s first council meeting of the year on Jan. 6. McAllister will likely not be seeking re-election during the 2025 municipal election, marking an end to an illustrious career as a leader and civil servant to the town.
State Rep. Chris Erwin came before the Habersham County Board of Education on Thursday to discuss and answer questions about House Bill 581. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

State Rep. Chris Erwin came before the Habersham County Board of Education on Thursday to discuss and answer questions about House Bill 581. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

State Rep. Erwin answers questions

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Before Tuesday’s night’s meeting, State Rep. Chris Erwin stopped by the Habersham County Board of Education office to discuss House Bill 581 with board members as they determine their next steps with the bill.
Phil Sutton of Sutton Consulting LLC presents an HB581 PowerPoint to Demorest city officials. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Phil Sutton of Sutton Consulting LLC presents an HB581 PowerPoint to Demorest city officials. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Sutton sums up bill

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The City of Demorest hosted a special called meeting on Monday to discuss House Bill 581.    Phil Sutton of Sutton Consulting LLC presented a PowerPoint on the bill, describing the nuances of the potential Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) homestead exemption and tax reform statutes.
From left, Director of Elementary Schools Dr. Susan Davis, Woodville Elementary School student Wiley Colston, Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School student Khamla Laosalie, and Assistant School Superintendent Patrick Franklin stand on the stage after the Habersham County School System spelling bee competition for photos. Laosalie won first prize after multiple rounds, and Colston earned the runner-up spot. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

From left, Director of Elementary Schools Dr. Susan Davis, Woodville Elementary School student Wiley Colston, Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School student Khamla Laosalie, and Assistant School Superintendent Patrick Franklin stand on the stage after the Habersham County School System spelling bee competition for photos. Laosalie won first prize after multiple rounds, and Colston earned the runner-up spot. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

V-i-c-t-o-r-i-o-u-s

News Staff
Friday, January 10, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The stage was set on Thursday morning for the Habersham County School System Spelling Bee.
Icicles hang from a street light with snow accumulating on the post from high winds in recent years. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Icicles hang from a street light with snow accumulating on the post from high winds in recent years. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

County prepares for snowy weekend

Zach Taylor
Friday, January 10, 2025
Habersham County is gearing up for wintry weather beginning today and lasting through the weekend.