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A stack of bracelets created by students in Sources of Strength, printed with the group’s names, Kevin Hines’ slogan, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

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Habersham Success Academy spreads mental health awareness

Julianne Akers

Friday, March 22, 2024

Sources of Strength, a student-led initiative at Habersham Success Academy is working to spread awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. The group was piloted by school system mental health specialists Miriam Duncan, Angela Kerr and Kelsey Ondriezek.

Magic Movements and Music Class Instructor Alexis Lowe, left, twirls ribbons with her daughter Stacy Grace Wratchford, right. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

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‘Getting the wiggles out’

Julianne Akers

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Twirling ribbons, chiming xylophones and dance moves filled the Cornelia Library on Monday at the first Magic Movement and Music Class for children with disabilities. The class was taught by White County music therapist Alexis Lowe who has a daughter with autism.

Kerry Anderson speaks to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners about The Orchard tower on Monday night. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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County: Orchard radio tower is a done deal

Matthew Osborne

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Despite 15 months of vehement protests, lawsuits and petitions, the radio tower scheduled to be placed in The Orchard subdivision is going forward.

The Habersham County Landfill could benefit from a great recycling program to reduce the amount of trash that goes into it. County leaders are working on expanding those programs. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

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Litter, recycling top of mind for county

Matthew Osborne

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Jean Armstrong said Monday night that she participated in recycling in Habersham County for more than 45 years. But one day, she just stopped. “We have made limited improvements to our recycling in 45 years,” Armstrong said. “I just stopped recycling in 2020.

Firefighters were called to the scene of a burning home on Modoc Street in Cornelia on Tuesday afternoon. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

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Firefighters battle midday blaze at Cornelia home

Brian Wellmeier

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

A single story residence at the 300 block of Modoc Drive in Cornelia sustained significant damage from a fire Tuesday afternoon, though firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread.

Judge Brian Rickman speaks fondly of American Values Distinguished Citizen honoree Sheriff Joey Terrell (white uniform, shown listening with wife Darlene and daughter Katie) during Tuesday night’s event. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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‘Where courage and honor are found’

Matthew Osborne

Friday, March 15, 2024

Though the country has changed over nearly 250 years, American Values remain strong. Local leaders gathered Tuesday night at Piedmont University to support the Boy Scouts of America at the annual American Values Dinner.

Garnett Smith discusses the traffic study with Hunter Abel of GDOT at Wednesday’s meeting in Gainesville. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Special

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Inland port projects massive growth along 365

Brian Wellmeier

Friday, March 15, 2024

More than 50 people circulated through the Georgia Department of Transportation’s District 1 office in Gainesville at a public meeting Wednesday as officials gathered input from property owners and unveiled findings of a months-long planning study of the Georgia 365 corridor.

Manhole cover photo by Korie Jenkins on UNSPLASH.

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Clarkesville looks to solve sewer issues

Julianne Akers

Friday, March 15, 2024

Clarkesville resident Mona Painter said, for eight years, her yard has been run amok with overflowing sewage and toilet paper, what she calls, a “turd tornado.” Painter spoke at last month’s Clarkesville City Council meeting about the issue. “It’s just full of poo.

Alto Councilwoman PJ Huggins. FILE

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Trump, Biden dominate Habersham, Georgia primaries

Matthew Osborne

Friday, March 15, 2024

As expected, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden dominated Habersham County’s presidential primaries. But the other race on the ballot was a squeaker, as former Alto Mayor P.J. Huggins edged challenger John Smith by one vote for the open council seat.

Downtown Clarkesville is shown during a festival, as seen from a drone flying above. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

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‘Get your house in order’

Matthew Osborne

Thursday, March 14, 2024

In the wake of its Main Street program being downgraded earlier this month, Clarkesville City Council got an earful Monday from the city’s first Main Street Director, former Councilwoman Lane Gresham.