News

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash.

Resources available to provide Spring Break meals for students

What’s available to students facing food insecurity when school inevitably goes on break?This week, Habersham County School System students are enjoying their spring break, though some students may struggle to find food, with their guaranteed one to two meals a day put on hold.
An inmate housed at the Habersham County Detention Center costs the county about $20 per day. (File)

An inmate housed at the Habersham County Detention Center costs the county about $20 per day. (File)

Housing inmates is third of county jail budget

By Hannah CaudellA jail operation can get pretty expensive when it comes to housing inmates, both inside and outside the county.
Marcie Kicklighter from Explore Georgia shares tourism data with Partnership Habersham Wednesday morning. (Submitted)

Marcie Kicklighter from Explore Georgia shares tourism data with Partnership Habersham Wednesday morning. (Submitted)

Tourism continues to increase

By Samantha SinclairVisitors to Habersham County spent $69.6 million in 2024 saving homeowners about $350 on their property tax bill.That’s part of the tourism data Marcie Kicklighter, regional tourism manger for Explore Georgia, shared with Partnership Habersham Wednesday morning.
Christian Moore practices playing the French horn during band class at Habersham Central High School on Wednesday. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Christian Moore practices playing the French horn during band class at Habersham Central High School on Wednesday. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

‘The spice of life’

By Hannah CaudellAbout 4,000 Habersham County students participate in some sort of music program, accounting for over half of the school system’s population.One of those students, Habersham Central junior Alan Magana, joined the school’s vocal program, and band was the next door that opened to him.
The proposed development, known as Artisan Park, would be developed by Artisan Land Companies and feature a seven-district commercial, residential and healthcare development projected five miles outside the city limits and would encompass approximately 164.8 acres at the U.S. 23 and U.S. 123 intersection, also known as the Tom Arrendale Interchange. (File)

The proposed development, known as Artisan Park, would be developed by Artisan Land Companies and feature a seven-district commercial, residential and healthcare development projected five miles outside the city limits and would encompass approximately 164.8 acres at the U.S. 23 and U.S. 123 intersection, also known as the Tom Arrendale Interchange. (File)

Lack of interest pauses TAD vote

By Zach TaylorDemorest’s Tax Allocation District will not be on the May ballot following a lack of county commissioner interest.TAD powers allow the City of Demorest to establish an area where revenues from growth, primarily vertical growth, can be taxed.
At left, Cornelia Mayor John Borrow poses with his wife, Holly, after being awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. At right, Larry and Evie Whitfield pose after Larry received the Distinguished Citizen Award. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

At left, Cornelia Mayor John Borrow poses with his wife, Holly, after being awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. At right, Larry and Evie Whitfield pose after Larry received the Distinguished Citizen Award. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Borrow, Whitfield receive Distinguished Citizen honors

By Zach TaylorFailure was something that Commander Frank Weisser experienced throughout his military career, but he said that he wanted to encourage people to have the courage to fail.
Melanie Bellinger

Melanie Bellinger

County names new 911 director

By Samantha SinclairMelanie Bellinger is Habersham County’s new Emergency Management Agency and 911 director.She had been serving in the interim role since former director Lynn Smith retired in June.Bellinger said she is “extremely grateful” that she was chosen to permanently fill the role.
Baldwin

Baldwin

Baldwin city clerk resigns

By Hannah CaudellAfter almost four years, Erin Gathercoal is no longer Baldwin’s city clerk.City Manager Tiera Morrison told The Northeast Georgian that Gathercoal submitted her resignation on Monday, leading to further understaffing of city departments.
(Landen Todd/Staff)

(Landen Todd/Staff)

Play ball

Habersham County Parks and Recreation celebrated baseball and softball Opening Day Saturday, March 21. The event included a parade, food and bounce houses. Above, basketball All-Star Anistyn Patrum throws the softball opening pitch at a Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center field.
Potential PUD development plans on 1900 Level Grove Road have been drawn up by Foothills Land Design for Cook Construction’s projects. A package store will not be included among those plans as Cornelia city staff determined package stores are not an allowed conditional use in PUD zoning.

Potential PUD development plans on 1900 Level Grove Road have been drawn up by Foothills Land Design for Cook Construction’s projects. A package store will not be included among those plans as Cornelia city staff determined package stores are not an allowed conditional use in PUD zoning.

Cornelia axes package store plans

By Hannah CaudellCook Construction’s package store plan has officially been halted.