News

The Bushes are the newest pastoring family of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mt. Airy. November 2025 marked their first year installation anniversary. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The Bushes are the newest pastoring family of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mt. Airy. November 2025 marked their first year installation anniversary. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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‘EBC is the place to be’

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAsk the Rev. Phinizy Bush III and his wife, Sentoria, how long they’ve been in ministry, and they’ll tell you their whole lives.From the streets of Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
The playscapes at Baldwin Elementary sit empty, waiting for the schoolchildren to come play. These and many other playground facilities across the county’s elementary schools may be slated for upgrades if county residents pass ESPLOST VII in May. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The playscapes at Baldwin Elementary sit empty, waiting for the schoolchildren to come play. These and many other playground facilities across the county’s elementary schools may be slated for upgrades if county residents pass ESPLOST VII in May. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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ESPLOST vote ready for May ballot

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIt’s a penny tax Superintendent Patrick Franklin said has been in place since he went to Habersham Central High School. And in May, county residents will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum again to renew the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) VII.
BJ Addison

BJ Addison

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South Hab gets new principal

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
By Hannah CaudellWoodville Elementary School Principal BJ Addison will be taking the helm at South Habersham Middle School at the end of the school year following Daphne Penick’s retirement announcement in January. The newest chapter of his career was announced on Monday evening.
Habersham Central High School's valedictorian and salutatorian are Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.

Habersham Central High School's valedictorian and salutatorian are Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.

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Habersham Central names Grady, Baker as top students

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Hannah CaudellHabersham Central High School has a new pair at the top of the academic leaderboard for 2026.On Thursday morning, Dr. Adam Bagwell announced over the intercom this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian: Sarah Grady and Zachary Baker.
Jessie Owensby

Jessie Owensby

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Owensby leaving for White County

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairCornelia Community Development Director Jessie Owensby is headed to White County.She was announced as the county’s new director of community and economic development Wednesday morning.Her last day with the city is Feb.

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Baldwin OKs first reading for Cook project

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCook Construction is one step closer to beginning a development in Baldwin after council approved the first reading of the annexation and rezoning ordinance 3-1, with Councilman Joe Elam voting no.“There’s a lot of concerns, and you can sense it in the room.
Susan Gwaltney finds Abraham Helton’s name in Index to Heads of Families 1830 Census of Georgia which she found on the shelves of the William H. Raper Heritage Room at the Clarkesville Public Library. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Susan Gwaltney finds Abraham Helton’s name in Index to Heads of Families 1830 Census of Georgia which she found on the shelves of the William H. Raper Heritage Room at the Clarkesville Public Library. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Knowing where she came from

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairSince childhood Susan Gwaltney was told she had a relative who signed the Declaration of Independence — William Hooper from North Carolina. She had also been told that she was related to Col.
Jimmy Tench

Jimmy Tench

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County Commissioner Tench resigns

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThere will be an empty seat at the next Habersham County Board of Commissioners meeting.Commissioner Jimmy Tench submitted his resignation via email Wednesday afternoon. His resignation is effective Feb. 13.“My fellow Commissioners,” he wrote.
The intersection of Willingham Avenue and Manor Place Drive in Baldwin shows the difference in road conditions Saturday afternoon. (Landen Todd/Staff)

The intersection of Willingham Avenue and Manor Place Drive in Baldwin shows the difference in road conditions Saturday afternoon. (Landen Todd/Staff)

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Weekend storm blankets county with snow

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Zach Taylor and Samantha SinclairWinter Storm Gianna swept across the Southeast last Saturday, dumping snow in Habersham County.Snow totals for the county hovered around five to eight inches, with the county’s higher elevations getting the most powder.
Baldwin Elementary Assistant Principal Alexandria Noggle hands packets out to students on Friday, Jan. 30 ahead of a new winter weather system after the county just recovered from Winter Storm Fern. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Baldwin Elementary Assistant Principal Alexandria Noggle hands packets out to students on Friday, Jan. 30 ahead of a new winter weather system after the county just recovered from Winter Storm Fern. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Weekend storm blankets county with snow

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIce and snow have stolen over a week of school from the county’s schoolchildren, and whether students feel liberated or anxious to get back into the classroom, all will in some way or another have to make up for the days of instruction lost to winter weather.