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Shelby Ward

Shelby Ward

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United Way announces new leader

News Staff
Monday, March 9, 2026
Georgia Foothills United Way announced that Shelby Ward has been named its new President and CEO.Ward is retiring after 31 years with North Georgia Technical College, where she most recently served as Dean of Adult Education.Look for details in the Midweek edition of The Northeast Georgian.
Agents seized contraband including 32 kilograms of methamphetamine, four pounds of fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids and multiple firearms. (Submitted)

Agents seized contraband including 32 kilograms of methamphetamine, four pounds of fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids and multiple firearms. (Submitted)

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Investigation leads to 16 RICO arrests

News Staff
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairA months-long racketeering investigation resulted in 16 arrests throughout the region, including several in Habersham County.
Janet Keller is one of the Tomochichi Chapter’s newest members. Her pins include one for her Revolutionary War ancestor, Jacob Roller of Pennsylvania, and a lantern pin in honor of the chapter’s founder, Addie Bass. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Janet Keller is one of the Tomochichi Chapter’s newest members. Her pins include one for her Revolutionary War ancestor, Jacob Roller of Pennsylvania, and a lantern pin in honor of the chapter’s founder, Addie Bass. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Helping through history

News Staff
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairJanet Keller is a helper. And, she’s learned that helping nature is in her roots.“It started with my ancestor,” Keller said, referring to Revolutionary War Patriot Jacob Roller.
Kristen Adkinson/Staff

Kristen Adkinson/Staff

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Land use ordinance heads to county

News Staff
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Zach TaylorA document defining how Habersham will look is nearing completion.Habersham’s new unified development ordinance (UDO) with modifications was approved by the Habersham Planning Commission Tuesday night, and the document now moves to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners.
Two old sets of swings sit vacant on the Baldwin Elementary School playground, waiting for children to fill its seats. The swings could see a potential upgrade with the possible approval of ESPLOST VII by county voters. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Two old sets of swings sit vacant on the Baldwin Elementary School playground, waiting for children to fill its seats. The swings could see a potential upgrade with the possible approval of ESPLOST VII by county voters. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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New ESPLOST could renew playgrounds

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAll of the county’s elementary school playgrounds could get a facelift if an ESPLOST renewal is passed in May.
A fire station is in the plans for the old courthouse property downtown. (File photo)

A fire station is in the plans for the old courthouse property downtown. (File photo)

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Clarkesville readies for property division

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
By Samantha SinclairPlans will be taking shape soon for a hotel and fire station to be placed on the old courthouse property.At the city’s work session Monday night, the Clarkesville City Council agreed to develop the property into two separate projects — a hotel and fire station.
Joey Duncan fills out paperwork to run for reelection for the Habersham County Board of Education District 5 seat while Habersham County Board of Commissioners District 3 candidate Jason Smith talks with Habersham County Republican Party representative Jim Ferraro in the background. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Joey Duncan fills out paperwork to run for reelection for the Habersham County Board of Education District 5 seat while Habersham County Board of Commissioners District 3 candidate Jason Smith talks with Habersham County Republican Party representative Jim Ferraro in the background. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Election sign-up gets quick start

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
By Samantha SinclairQualifying opened Monday for the 2026 election cycle with Jason Smith and Joey Duncan being the first to sign up to run.By the end of the day, at least one person had signed up to run for each county commission and school board seat on the ballot.
Erin Ervin has interned with the Demorest Police Department since August 2025. She was able to get a look at all aspects of policing during her time with the department. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Erin Ervin has interned with the Demorest Police Department since August 2025. She was able to get a look at all aspects of policing during her time with the department. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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A different perspective

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
By Zach TaylorOne Piedmont University student is breaking barriers with her career path.Piedmont University criminal justice major Erin Ervin is pursuing a career in law enforcement administration.