News

Hazel Grove paraprofessional Teresa Thomason saved a child’s life last week, and she was recognized for her heroism by Patrick Franklin, Director of Elementary Schools; Crystal Holcomb, Director of Nursing; and Principal Aimee Shedd. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Hazel Grove paraprofessional Teresa Thomason saved a child’s life last week, and she was recognized for her heroism by Patrick Franklin, Director of Elementary Schools; Crystal Holcomb, Director of Nursing; and Principal Aimee Shedd. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Child’s life saved at lunchtime

It was a normal day during lunch duty for Teresa Thomason, a kindergarten paraprofessional at Hazel Grove Elementary, when she noticed a young student appearing like he was going to throw up. A few seconds later, Thomason realized the boy was choking and sprang into action, saving his life.
Doug McDonald (left) expressed his displeasure Monday with the county commissioners seeking a new airport manager. McDonald also attended the Airport Commission meeting earlier in the day. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Doug McDonald (left) expressed his displeasure Monday with the county commissioners seeking a new airport manager. McDonald also attended the Airport Commission meeting earlier in the day. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Airport seeks new leader

The Habersham County Airport Commission is now seeking new leadership, a position of “airport manager” following the resignation of Fixed Based Operator Brenda Reed who had handled airport operations prior.
Little Halibell has had few moments to smile like this one last weekend, as she has battled health issues for most of her 6-month life so far. SABRINA MORALES/Submitted

Little Halibell has had few moments to smile like this one last weekend, as she has battled health issues for most of her 6-month life so far. SABRINA MORALES/Submitted

Little girl fights for her health

Like any 6-month-old, little Halibell just wants to play with her mom and dad, learn how to walk and talk and enjoy being a happy baby. But she has not had that luxury, as she and her family have dealt with one health issue after another during her young life.
Shelley Bourchard answers CASA’s 24-hour crisis hotline. SUZANNE DOW/Submitted

Shelley Bourchard answers CASA’s 24-hour crisis hotline. SUZANNE DOW/Submitted

Non-profits face major federal cuts

As the Georgia State Legislature considers the passage of House Bill 1013, a piece of legislation that would look to broaden avenues through which those burdened with issues of mental health could seek treatment statewide, a number of nonprofits are now facing a reduction of federal funds they rely...
Tallulah Falls teacher Kellie Bly and STAR Student Jingyi “Jason” Sang were recognized Thursday by Rotary President Spencer Carr. MARY BETH HORTON/Submitted

Tallulah Falls teacher Kellie Bly and STAR Student Jingyi “Jason” Sang were recognized Thursday by Rotary President Spencer Carr. MARY BETH HORTON/Submitted

Sang named county’s top STAR student

Both of Habersham County’s Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) winners were recognized by the Habersham County Rotary Club last week, and Tallulah Falls’ Jingyi “Jason” Sang was picked as the winner of the honor of moving on to the state level.

County, Baldwin differ on ‘joint’ statement content

The Habersham County Commission and the City of Baldwin scrapped two versions of what was intended to be a joint statement pledging unity between the two entities, though both boards maintain that they remain committed to working closer together in their vision for the county’s future.
Grado is full of energy and hoping for a new family soon. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Grado is full of energy and hoping for a new family soon. AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ/Staff

Grado is seeking a fur-ever home after 100 days in animal shelter

The Habersham County Animal Shelter is hoping to find a fur-ever home for their current longest staying dog. Grado, a high-energy, friendly pooch likes to spend his time cuddling into his blanket under the sun and running around the play area while he waits for his new family.
Shown is the cover of 2021 Hello Habersham

Shown is the cover of 2021 Hello Habersham

Hello Habersham cover contest now open

Do you have a great picture of a landmark or place that shows Habersham County at its best? Your photo could be featured on the cover of the 2022 Hello Habersham magazine.
Matthew and Priscilla express themselves during craft time during Avita’s Community Access Group’s session. CINDY LEVI/Submitted

Matthew and Priscilla express themselves during craft time during Avita’s Community Access Group’s session. CINDY LEVI/Submitted

Avita Community Partners offer crucial mental health resources

Mental health is often cited as a crucial need in rural counties like Habersham, but a lack of funding and limited resources available to those who struggle with mental illness complicate the prospect of receiving treatment.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Technician Kayla Neal (left) and Demorest Officer James Minutello look over stolen mail seized after the arrest of Dylan Shope on Thursday. HABERSHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Submitted

Habersham County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Technician Kayla Neal (left) and Demorest Officer James Minutello look over stolen mail seized after the arrest of Dylan Shope on Thursday. HABERSHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Submitted

Mail theft suspect nabbed

A man suspected of pilfering mail from multiple communities and even other states was arrested Thursday when he accidentally approached a car driven by a Habersham County Sheriff’s investigator.