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Baby Boy Esteban was welcomed to the world Sunday by mother Andrea Arriaga, father Jose Arriaga Frias, and midwife Brittany Barron, CNM, at Habersham Medical Center. HABERSHAM MEDICAL CENTER/Submitted

Baby Boy Esteban was welcomed to the world Sunday by mother Andrea Arriaga, father Jose Arriaga Frias, and midwife Brittany Barron, CNM, at Habersham Medical Center. HABERSHAM MEDICAL CENTER/Submitted

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New year’s baby born on time to Cornelia family

John Dills
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Habersham Medical Center welcomed a bright new face Sunday afternoon, as the first baby of the new year was born. Esteban, son of Andrea Arriaga and Jose Arriage Frias, was born at 1:31 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. Brittany Barron, CNM, delivered baby Esteban.

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Appeal refunds not as bad as believed

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Habersham County may not be refunding as much money in tax appeal losses as it was indicated in December. Numbers released by Habersham County in late December showed tax refunds on six parcels totaling $263,887.

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High-speed chases lead to death, arrest

News Staff
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Just after midnight Tuesday morning, a one-car crash claimed the life of a 34-year-old Gainesville man who was fleeing from law enforcement. A Habersham County Sheriff’s deputy observed a 2012 Toyota Camry cross the white line on Highway 365 in the early morning hours Tuesday.

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County hopes lawsuit appeal will drop

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Habersham County is still working to end the legal saga with former human resources director Vinitha Robinson. Robinson’s initial lawsuit filed against the county for alleged racial discrimination in 2020 was defeated in September 2022, but she immediately filed an appeal representing herself.
Shown is a rabid cat that was put down at the Habersham County Animal Shelter after exhibiting signs of rabies. HABERSHAM COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL/Submitted

Shown is a rabid cat that was put down at the Habersham County Animal Shelter after exhibiting signs of rabies. HABERSHAM COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL/Submitted

Habersham County sees sixth rabies case of 2022

News Staff
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
A rabid cat was captured last week in Clarkesville and euthanized, marking the sixth and final case of rabies in Habersham County for 2022. On Dec.
The Rev. Billy Burrell did his final “Sunshine Melodies” broadcast on July 1 before retiring at age 92. FILE

The Rev. Billy Burrell did his final “Sunshine Melodies” broadcast on July 1 before retiring at age 92. FILE

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2022 was filled with heroes, challenges

Matthew Osborne
Friday, December 30, 2022
They say there is no good news or bad news, just news. But in 2022, there was plenty of good news to smile about in between the less pleasant things. Legendary radio pastor The Rev.
Habersham County Firefighter Isaac Koshiol scrubs the front of the firetruck at Station 12 on Duncan Bridge Road after returning from a call Thursday morning. JOHN DILLS/Staff

Habersham County Firefighter Isaac Koshiol scrubs the front of the firetruck at Station 12 on Duncan Bridge Road after returning from a call Thursday morning. JOHN DILLS/Staff

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County denied SAFER grant for firefighters

John Dills
Friday, December 30, 2022
While Habersham County is discussing a bevy of other concerns, another issue has just taken its claim on 2023’s agenda as the new year approaches. The application for the SAFER Grant, which would fund Habersham County an additional 21 firefighters for the next three years, was denied.

Alto moves quickly to save water

John Dills
Friday, December 30, 2022
After frigid temperatures, municipalities across the county are fighting to conserve water after leaks from pipes bursting over the past weekend. The Town of Alto has been no exception, with Mayor P.J. Huggins signing an emergency administrative order to stop industries from pulling water.
Mary Fournier and Tina Evans help prepare meals at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville on Christmas Day. E. LANE GRESHAM/Special

Mary Fournier and Tina Evans help prepare meals at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville on Christmas Day. E. LANE GRESHAM/Special

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Church feeds hundreds on Christmas

John Dills
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Amid the chaos of the holidays, the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville focuses on giving to those in need, which they did on Christmas Day to those seeking a warm meal on a cold afternoon.
FILE

FILE

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Hospital wraps gauze on bleeding accounts

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Habersham Medical Center has an even larger back debt to vendors than many thought, as county documents show the facility owed more than $4.4 million in overdue bills as of last week. The Hospital Authority asked the county Dec. 19 for a $1.