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The old visitation room now serves as a classroom, courtroom, legal counsel room, and virtual visitation room due to limited space in the current jail. A rough schematic of the new jail outlines a multi-purpose room dedicated to activities such as GED courses, for which Major Leslie Hendrix is currently being trained to teach. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

The old visitation room now serves as a classroom, courtroom, legal counsel room, and virtual visitation room due to limited space in the current jail. A rough schematic of the new jail outlines a multi-purpose room dedicated to activities such as GED courses, for which Major Leslie Hendrix is currently being trained to teach. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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No other options

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
By Hannah Caudell When the Habersham County Jail was built back in 1996, then Sheriff Harrison Nix refused to move in. When sheriff’s office personnel finally moved into the new building, they found it wasn’t what they had expected.
Members of the Tim Lee Boys and Girls Club, the organization’s leadership team, and representatives from T-Mobile stand around the giant $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant check, which helped the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier to purchase much-needed electronics for both the Habersham club and their satellite locations in the school system. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Members of the Tim Lee Boys and Girls Club, the organization’s leadership team, and representatives from T-Mobile stand around the giant $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant check, which helped the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier to purchase much-needed electronics for both the Habersham club and their satellite locations in the school system. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Program gets $50k grant for technology

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
By Hannah Caudell Chromebooks, televisions, and Nintendo Switches. New electronics lined one of the rooms at the Tim Lee Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Airy on Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of the students who had just been dropped off from school. “It’s so amazing!
Wyatt Swain blows bubbles at the camera while waiting at a booth at the Big Red Apple Festival in Cornelia. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Wyatt Swain blows bubbles at the camera while waiting at a booth at the Big Red Apple Festival in Cornelia. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Bigger and better

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
By Zach Taylor C ornelia held its 37th annual Big Red Apple Festival on Saturday, entertaining thousands of people within the downtown area. “This was definitely the biggest one since I’ve been in charge,” Cornelia Mainstreet Manager Noah Hamil said.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon is not leaving the position.

Interim Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon is not leaving the position.

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Rec director rescinds resignation

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
By Zach Taylor Interim Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon is not leaving the position. After submitting his resignation effective immediately on Friday, Lannon changed his mind and was back Monday afternoon.
T Perry whips up some meals for hungry customers during last year’s festival. (File)

T Perry whips up some meals for hungry customers during last year’s festival. (File)

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Big Red Apple Festival coming Saturday

News Staff
Friday, September 19, 2025
By Zach Taylor Cornelia’s flagship festival is coming up this Saturday, Sept. 20, and the city is gearing up to host one of the biggest yet.  The Big Red Apple Festival is celebrating its 37th year in the city, near the monument that harkens back to its past — The Big Red Apple.
Former MLB legend and television sports color commentator Darrel Chaney speaks during Georgia Foothills United Way Community Luncheon and campaign kick off event. (Landen Todd/Staff)

Former MLB legend and television sports color commentator Darrel Chaney speaks during Georgia Foothills United Way Community Luncheon and campaign kick off event. (Landen Todd/Staff)

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United Way kicks off campaign with Chaney

News Staff
Friday, September 19, 2025
By Landen Todd Georgia Foothills United Way hosted its fourth annual Community Luncheon and campaign kick off event at the Habersham EMC Community Room on Tuesday. Former MLB legend and television sports color commentator Darrel Chaney was the guest speaker.

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County starting SPLOST education

News Staff
Friday, September 19, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Habersham County plans to hold three educational sessions about the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, VIII extension that voters will be asked to approve in November. The SPLOST Town Hall Meetings will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.
The Band of Blue performs during an early season halftime show. (Landen Todd/Staff)

The Band of Blue performs during an early season halftime show. (Landen Todd/Staff)

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Spreading good vibes

News Staff
Friday, September 19, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair Band of Blue Director Jacob Weinstein noticed a trend lately — many band performances were very dark. “I kept seeing it over and over again,” Weinstein said. “And I just wanted to do something that was the antithesis of that.
Clear View Enterprises is constructing a warehouse on Pyratich Drive in Phase II of the Habersham County Airport Business Park. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Clear View Enterprises is constructing a warehouse on Pyratich Drive in Phase II of the Habersham County Airport Business Park. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Business park grows with new facility

News Staff
Friday, September 19, 2025
By Samantha Sinclair A company that will support the local poultry industry is nearing the final stages of bringing a new warehouse here.
David Barnes helps with the canning process at the Habersham County Canning Plant. Barnes has been working at the canning plant since 1983. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

David Barnes helps with the canning process at the Habersham County Canning Plant. Barnes has been working at the canning plant since 1983. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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‘Nothing artificial’

News Staff
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
By Hannah Caudell Prepare, cook, preserve. While it may sound easy, the canning process takes a lot of time, a lot of careful preparation, and a lot of space. But luckily, the Habersham County Canning Plant in Demorest offers everything canners need and more. Just bring the food stuff.