News

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County grad rate among best in region

By Samantha Sinclair Habersham County’s graduation rate remained at the top of the region, with 97.3 percent of the class of 2025 graduating in four years. Only Lumpkin County had a higher rate in the Pioneer Regional Education Service Agency, which serves 14 school systems in Northeast Georgia.
Baldwin officials provided a variety of options for millage rate increases.

Baldwin officials provided a variety of options for millage rate increases.

Baldwin adds financial director, animal control to budget

By Hannah Caudell Many Baldwin residents — including Councilwoman Alice Venter — took to the podium during the second Baldwin millage rate hearing on Monday as council considered a minimum increase of over two mills to the millage rate. Before Monday’s meeting, the minimum increase was 2.
Rick Coulon and Leigh Johnston are both seeking the Post 4 Clarkesville City Council seat.

Rick Coulon and Leigh Johnston are both seeking the Post 4 Clarkesville City Council seat.

Coulon, Johnston vie for council seat

By Samantha Sinclair Clarkesville has four seats up for reelection in the November election, with only one contested race.
(Landen Todd/Staff)

(Landen Todd/Staff)

Enchanted Evie-ning

Senior Evie Carswell hugs her mom DeAnne Carswell after being announced Habersham Central High School’s homecoming queen during halftime of the Raiders game at Raider Stadium on Friday, Sept. 26.
In August, the city announced that they would be pursuing emergency grant funding to make vital repairs to their water and wastewater systems, especially in the aftermath of the U.S. 441 water main break in February and the subsequent leaks that the system has sprung since. (FILE)

In August, the city announced that they would be pursuing emergency grant funding to make vital repairs to their water and wastewater systems, especially in the aftermath of the U.S. 441 water main break in February and the subsequent leaks that the system has sprung since. (FILE)

Baldwin gets $1.25 million grant

By Hannah Caudell Baldwin Mayor Stephanie Almagno made a surprise announcement at the end of Monday night’s special called meeting: Baldwin has been awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant for $1.25 million.
Cornelia Elementary School Principal Carrie Trotter, who is on Cornelia’s housing team, explains the difficulty of hiring new teaching talent who wish to relocate to Cornelia, which is also experiencing the myriad effects of the housing crisis. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Cornelia Elementary School Principal Carrie Trotter, who is on Cornelia’s housing team, explains the difficulty of hiring new teaching talent who wish to relocate to Cornelia, which is also experiencing the myriad effects of the housing crisis. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Cornelia looks at housing needs

By Hannah Caudell Cornelia’s Housing Symposium event on Tuesday night drew a large local crowd to listen to the Georgia Conservancy’s newest findings on the housing situation in the city.
Brian and Michelle Seidling stand on the lawn behind Glen-Ella Springs Hotel. They are the new owners of the property, with a focus on sustainability. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Brian and Michelle Seidling stand on the lawn behind Glen-Ella Springs Hotel. They are the new owners of the property, with a focus on sustainability. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

A new chapter

By Hannah Caudell and Zach Taylor Brian and Michelle Seidling’s acquisition of the 150-year-old Glen-Ella Springs Inn property marks a new chapter for one of Clarkesville’s most charming historic sites. Many couples have operated the inn in those years.
Mike Watts checks out handmade birdhouses that were part of the silent auction for SRWA. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Mike Watts checks out handmade birdhouses that were part of the silent auction for SRWA. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Auction raises funding for Soque projects

By Zach Taylor Local fly fishermen, residents and outdoor enthusiasts gathered on Tuesday to raise funds for a special cause.
Clarkesville’s Historic Mauldin House and Gardens is working to preserve the city’s history by gathering information, items and funds. Those sharing historical information will be entered into a drawing to win artwork by Frankie Walters, like the piece above. People may also purchase bricks to support the preservation of the property. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Clarkesville’s Historic Mauldin House and Gardens is working to preserve the city’s history by gathering information, items and funds. Those sharing historical information will be entered into a drawing to win artwork by Frankie Walters, like the piece above. People may also purchase bricks to support the preservation of the property. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Clarkesville harvesting, preserving history

By Samantha Sinclair There’s plenty of history in Clarkesville, and the city is looking to collect as much as possible during the History Harvest Festival Oct. 4.
The city plans to hold additional public hearings for the budget and millage rate at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and 6 p.m. Oct. 6.

The city plans to hold additional public hearings for the budget and millage rate at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and 6 p.m. Oct. 6.

Clarkesville holds first budget hearing

By Samantha Sinclair Clarkesville held its first of three public hearings on the 2026 budget and millage rate Tuesday morning. City Manager Keith Dickerson said nothing had changed in the proposed budget since the presentation to council Sept. 8.