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Businesses could see new standards set

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Zach TaylorHabersham’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is intended to control growth via a living document.Though the document is two months from being voted on, commissioners and the community are still hashing out the details of Habersham’s future.
State Rep. Victor Anderson speaks about Senate Bill 214 on the House floor during the final day of the 2026 Legislative Session, on Thursday, April 2, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. (Ashtin Barker/Capitol Beat)

State Rep. Victor Anderson speaks about Senate Bill 214 on the House floor during the final day of the 2026 Legislative Session, on Thursday, April 2, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. (Ashtin Barker/Capitol Beat)

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Ballot bill limbo concerns Anderson

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Samantha SinclairState Rep. Victor Anderson said a lot of things were left in limbo this legislative session — which he said is typical — but this time one of those things was something he personally worked on.
Ken Schubring Sr. signs handmade wooden American Flags for Van Horn High School’s woodworking class vendor that provided the wood after being honored last Friday with his own handmade flag. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Ken Schubring Sr. signs handmade wooden American Flags for Van Horn High School’s woodworking class vendor that provided the wood after being honored last Friday with his own handmade flag. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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‘We’ll never forget this’

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Zach TaylorAt one point in time, there were 86,000 Pearl Harbor survivors. Today, there are 12.A Clarkesville man is one of those survivors.Ken Schubring Sr. was enjoying his first bites of breakfast when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Teacher Jenna Blackwell of Wilbanks Middle School and Nurse Lindsay Morris

Teacher Jenna Blackwell of Wilbanks Middle School and Nurse Lindsay Morris

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Schools pick top teacher

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Hannah CaudellBefore spring break, the school system announced this year’s Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year: Teacher Jenna Blackwell of Wilbanks Middle School and Nurse Lindsay Morris.
Delores Anderson shows her Daughters of the American Revolution membership certificate and her copy of A Century of Service: The Story of DAR. The year she joined was the centennial year of the society. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Delores Anderson shows her Daughters of the American Revolution membership certificate and her copy of A Century of Service: The Story of DAR. The year she joined was the centennial year of the society. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

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Finding cousins

Samantha Sinclair
Friday, April 3, 2026
   The Daughters of the American Revolution was a good fit for Delores Anderson and her mother, Bonnie Cash Anderson.   It was the purpose of the organization that drew them — the focus on patriotism, history and family history.   “I got interested in genealogy from my mother,” Anderson said.
The Soque River’s levels are lower than usual as Habersham County — and the state as a whole — suffers severe drought conditions. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The Soque River’s levels are lower than usual as Habersham County — and the state as a whole — suffers severe drought conditions. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Drought causes stress to local industries

News Staff
Friday, April 3, 2026
By Hannah Caudell   Habersham County is currently suffering severe drought conditions.
Quote from Gathercoal.

Quote from Gathercoal.

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Gathercoal’s letter cites no support system

News Staff
Friday, April 3, 2026
By Hannah Caudell   When Erin Gathercoal resigned from Baldwin’s city clerk position on the morning of March 23, she submitted a resignation letter that cited a lack of internal support from the mayor, council, and City Manager Tiera Morrison.
Photo by Sasikan Ulevik on Unsplash

Photo by Sasikan Ulevik on Unsplash

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Demorest water rates impact customers

Zach Taylor
Friday, April 3, 2026
   Demorest serves more than 70 percent of water customers in Habersham County, from commercial to residential.   With that amount of water, increases in rates are necessary, especially when its supplier cities like Toccoa and Baldwin increase their rates.
Photo by Sean D on Unsplash

Photo by Sean D on Unsplash

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County aims to control subdivision expansion

Zach Taylor
Friday, April 3, 2026
   Controlling how property owners can subdivide land could help prevent uncontrolled growth within the county. However, Planning Director Mike Beecham is still looking out for families who want to give land to their kids.
Archer and Ace Watkins pose for a picture with the Easter Bunny at the Mauldin House in Clarkesville. The annual event allows families to enjoy a stress-free environment for photos with the Easter Bunny in one of Clarkesville’s historic and colorful locations, perfect for the celebration. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Archer and Ace Watkins pose for a picture with the Easter Bunny at the Mauldin House in Clarkesville. The annual event allows families to enjoy a stress-free environment for photos with the Easter Bunny in one of Clarkesville’s historic and colorful locations, perfect for the celebration. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Eggstatic

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
   Finding a golden Easter egg is like finding Wonka’s Golden Ticket when you’re young.    Feeling the heart-pounding excitement as the egg pops open, revealing the prize inside, is one of the greatest things about egg hunts, and kids around the county felt that feeling this weekend.