Local

Tariq Bey checks out his cucumber plants in one of the  several greenhouses located on his sustainable farm in Demorest.

Tariq Bey checks out his cucumber plants in one of the several greenhouses located on his sustainable farm in Demorest.

Local farms shift to sustainability

   The term sustainable agriculture is a broad term. But for a few local farmers, it means planting a variety of crops while taking a less industrialized approach to the land.
Hazel Creek is among six left-turn exits along State Route 365 North that will close soon.  ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Hazel Creek is among six left-turn exits along State Route 365 North that will close soon. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

GDOT plans for RCUTs along state route

   Plans to reconfigure the southbound flow of traffic along State Route 365 could soon be underway, according to Georgia Department of Transportation officials.
VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church hands Aaron Autry a Heroes of Service Award during the opening ceremony of Heroes Fest on Saturday.  ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church hands Aaron Autry a Heroes of Service Award during the opening ceremony of Heroes Fest on Saturday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Heroes Festival honors veterans, first responders

   The Grant-Reeves Veteran Center warmly welcomed visitors on Saturday for the 8th annual Heroes Festival, a memorable event that honors and celebrates veterans and first responders.
Ballfields at Habersham County’s Aquatic Center. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Ballfields at Habersham County’s Aquatic Center. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Improvements to ballfield, airport approved by county commissioners

   Habersham’s Board of Commissioners approved enhancements for the airport and recreation areas during a regular meeting Monday.    Only three board members attended Monday’s meeting with Commissioners Bruce Palmer and Dustin Mealor absent.
The Raider big men went to battle in Stephens County Friday night. LANG STOREY/Staff

The Raider big men went to battle in Stephens County Friday night. LANG STOREY/Staff

Raiders fall to Stephens again

   For Habersham Central, Friday evening started out about as well as a team could ask for. But as Raider fans know all too well, things can change quickly.    The Raiders wound up falling 28-10 to Stephens County in Toccoa.
Opinion/Editorial. FILE

Opinion/Editorial. FILE

I’m glad I met Matthew Osborne

   I’ve always considered myself a sports junkie, or someone who simply can’t get enough sports no matter how much I consume.    This can manifest itself in several different ways.    Some folks obsess over one team, or school. Some people follow sports for the athletes and their stories.
Maci Williams helped captain Habersham to 4 straight wins last week. LANG STOREY/Staff

Maci Williams helped captain Habersham to 4 straight wins last week. LANG STOREY/Staff

Lady Raiders rattle off perfect week

   Hab volleyball finally got to play on its home floor last Thursday, and the Lady Raiders made the most of it.    Habersham took down Seckinger in straight sets (25-18, 25-14) before topping Gainesville in a thrilling nightcap. (16-25, 26-24, 19-17).    “That was fun,” said Coach Lindsay Herrin.
Jessie Romer gives Hank the donkey a pat on the head before giving him a few fruits to snack on. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

Jessie Romer gives Hank the donkey a pat on the head before giving him a few fruits to snack on. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

Fostering community, inclusion with animals

   Kevin is curious. Lena is mischievous, and Amelia is shy. But what all three personalities have in common is that they are animals roaming the 14 acre property at Five Freedoms Farm, an animal sanctuary in Clarkesville.
Residents pack Clarkesville City Hall as planning commission considers annexation, rezoning. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Residents pack Clarkesville City Hall as planning commission considers annexation, rezoning. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

Clarkesville approves annexation, rezoning

   Despite vocal opposition, Clarkesville’s Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a proposed annexation and rezoning that could potentially make way for a future large-scale development Tuesday.