News

Franklin Brown

Franklin Brown

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Brown looks to help Clarkesville grow

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By Samantha SinclairFranklin Brown is enjoying his first weeks in his new role as mayor of Clarkesville, and sees growth as a major theme for him.“It’s fun,” he said. “I enjoy the opportunity to help with growth and draw growth in the right direction.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Bill proposes cap on school property tax

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
by Mark Niesse and Hannah CaudellTax increases on Georgia homeowners could be limited to the inflation rate — including taxes for education after most school systems decided against capping property tax hikes last year.
TFS Fourth graders Taylor Peckham and Decklan Densmore work to tie blankets for the animal shelter. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

TFS Fourth graders Taylor Peckham and Decklan Densmore work to tie blankets for the animal shelter. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

‘Everybody can serve’

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By Zach Taylor and Hannah CaudellTallulah Falls School hosted its first-ever Serve Together, Grow Together morning of service for fourth- and fifth-graders on Monday, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
People waved signs focused on prominent issues in downtown Clarkesville Thursday. (Submitted)

People waved signs focused on prominent issues in downtown Clarkesville Thursday. (Submitted)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Nonpartisan group holds rally

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAbout 50 people gathered in downtown Clarkesville at the gazebo Thursday for a peaceful rally.The group lined the side of the road waving signs and flags from about 3-5 p.m.The group, based in Clarkesville, is a newly-formed nonpartisan group not affiliated with any other group.
Mayor Doug Faust

Mayor Doug Faust

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Faust ready to take on challenges

News Staff
Friday, January 16, 2026
By Hannah CaudellDoug Faust took the oath of office on Jan. 6 to become Baldwin’s new mayor for the next four years, alongside returning Councilman Joe Elam and council’s newest member, Mike Tope.
Demorest Police Chief Casey Chastain takes the stand in an alcohol license revocation hearing involving Chevron Food Mart. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest Police Chief Casey Chastain takes the stand in an alcohol license revocation hearing involving Chevron Food Mart. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

City allows store to keep selling alcohol

News Staff
Friday, January 16, 2026
By Zach TaylorThe Chevron Food Mart in Demorest will be able to continue selling alcohol as long as it meets conditions set as the result of a hearing held Wednesday.
Discovery Teacher Hannah DeMore hands a lock to one of her students, who wishes to see if she broke the code during a class exercise. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Discovery Teacher Hannah DeMore hands a lock to one of her students, who wishes to see if she broke the code during a class exercise. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Boosting students’ skills

News Staff
Friday, January 16, 2026
By Hannah CaudellIn one class, students rush up to the teacher’s desk, hoping that they’ve solved the breakout box puzzle through their creative thinking exercise.
Matt Vrahiotes (right) and Joe Godfrey, the director of sales and marketing at RM Rose and Company Distillery in Mt. Airy, stand before stacks of whiskey barrels in the distillery building. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Matt Vrahiotes (right) and Joe Godfrey, the director of sales and marketing at RM Rose and Company Distillery in Mt. Airy, stand before stacks of whiskey barrels in the distillery building. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Mt. Airy OKs farm winery license

News Staff
Friday, January 16, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAfter a long awaited decision by Mt. Airy’s town council, Matt Vrahiotes of Sweet Acre Farms can now apply for a farm winery license within the town. Council approved the addition of the farm winery license and a $750 annual licensing fee for one year, to be reconsidered in 2027.