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Folks enjoy the vendors at the 2019 Big Red Apple Festival in Cornelia.

Folks enjoy the vendors at the 2019 Big Red Apple Festival in Cornelia.

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Even bigger red apple

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
The Big Red Apple Festival is back on Saturday, returning as most big public events are for the first time in two years. But this year’s event could be the biggest ever, with live entertainment, games for kids and vendors galore.
Similar trends of slumping test scores have been reported from state to state.

Similar trends of slumping test scores have been reported from state to state.

COVID brings test scores down across Georgia

Brian Wellmeier
Friday, September 17, 2021
Data from the Georgia Milestones Tests, an assessment program intended to gauge students’ academic performance, shows test scores have declined not just in Habersham County but statewide following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demorest Police Chief Robin Krockum applauds as Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, presents an award for DUI patrol officer of the year to Alto’s John Groves in McCaysville on Sept. 9. Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas also was on hand for the presentation. GLENN HARBISON/CNI News Service

Demorest Police Chief Robin Krockum applauds as Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, presents an award for DUI patrol officer of the year to Alto’s John Groves in McCaysville on Sept. 9. Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas also was on hand for the presentation. GLENN HARBISON/CNI News Service

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Alto officer earns DUI patrol award

Matthew Osborne
Friday, September 17, 2021
Alto Police Officer John Groves was honored at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Quad Network Banquet in McCaysville on Sept. 9 as the DUI patrol officer of the year.
Gretchen Hilderhoff is shown with her dogs Jack (left) and Belle (right). SUBMITTED

Gretchen Hilderhoff is shown with her dogs Jack (left) and Belle (right). SUBMITTED

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Finding the way home

Brian Wellmeier
Friday, September 17, 2021
Jack is Gretchen Hilderhoff’s toy Australian shepherd. She’s owned him for about a year-and-a-half after he was retired from a stud by his previous owner. Hilderhoff described Jack as a somewhat timid animal.
Habersham County Commissioners Bruce Palmer (right) and Jimmy Tench participate in a work session in June.

Habersham County Commissioners Bruce Palmer (right) and Jimmy Tench participate in a work session in June.

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Tench, Palmer at odds over certification records

Matthew Osborne
Friday, September 17, 2021
Habersham County Commissioner Bruce Palmer said Monday that fellow Commissioner Jimmy Tench made multiple public records requests as part of a challenge that he had not properly achieved his certification credentials.
Lee Arrendale State Prison has faced many allegations over the last few years.

Lee Arrendale State Prison has faced many allegations over the last few years.

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Feds set to investigate Georgia prisons

Matthew Osborne
Friday, September 17, 2021
After years of former inmates and advocacy groups crying out for someone to do something about the conditions at Lee Arrendale State Prison, they may finally get their wish.

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Baldwin votes for millage rollback

Brian Wellmeier
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Baldwin City Councilmembers voted unanimously to rollback the city’s millage rate Monday following weeks of discussion on the matter. The rollback effectively sets Baldwin’s millage rate to 6.793 mills, resulting in ​​a year-over-year increase of $37,739.
Principals Rodney Long of Baldwin Elementary, Dr. Connie Franklin of the Ninth Grade Academy, Marybeth Thomas of Wilbanks Middle School and Aimee Shedd of Hazel Grove Elementary accept their attendance awards for August at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Principals Rodney Long of Baldwin Elementary, Dr. Connie Franklin of the Ninth Grade Academy, Marybeth Thomas of Wilbanks Middle School and Aimee Shedd of Hazel Grove Elementary accept their attendance awards for August at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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School board considers sick leave policy for classified staff

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
The Board of Education held a first reading on a new policy that would allow classified employees to hold onto their sick leave days for use in early retirement or a departure from the school system after 10 years.
Hallie Hatchett and Oaklynn Edge enjoy the merry-go-round on Saturday afternoon at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Hallie Hatchett and Oaklynn Edge enjoy the merry-go-round on Saturday afternoon at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

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Community turns out for Chattahoochee Mountain Fair

Brian Wellmeier
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Scouts Jaron Horton, Mitchell McGahee, Joseph McGahee, Thatcher Tatum and Zac Baker raised the flags just before the start of the annual Chattahoochee Mountain Fair Friday evening, where a large number of community members gathered and partook in festivities for the first time in nearly two years...