News

The city of Clarkesville is up for a national award after garnering attention for its rebuild efforts after a nighttime fire tore through the historic downtown square. The fire originated in a restaurant that used to be located behind this side of the square. Despite hardships, Clarkesville successfully rebuilt. (Photo/CHAMIAN CRUZ)

The city of Clarkesville is up for a national award after garnering attention for its rebuild efforts after a nighttime fire tore through the historic downtown square. The fire originated in a restaurant that used to be located behind this side of the square. Despite hardships, Clarkesville successfully rebuilt. (Photo/CHAMIAN CRUZ)

NATIONAL AWARD

When a fire damaged several businesses in Clarkesville’s downtown square in March 2014, few could imagine what the future held for the city.
Joan Salute has been working with miniatures for about 35 years. She has 20-25 room boxes and a dollhouse displayed throughout her house, each one with a different theme. Salute holds her 8-year-old chihuahua named Heidi. (Photo/CHAMIAN CRUZ)

Joan Salute has been working with miniatures for about 35 years. She has 20-25 room boxes and a dollhouse displayed throughout her house, each one with a different theme. Salute holds her 8-year-old chihuahua named Heidi. (Photo/CHAMIAN CRUZ)

DOLLED UP

Joan Salute, 82, of Cornelia says she never grew up. She was a doll collector for about 10 years and then started working with miniatures 35 years ago. She now has 20-25 “room boxes” displayed throughout her house, including a tearoom, a craft room and many, many more.
Mary Beth Horton is finishing up her first year as president of the Habersham Chamber of Commerce.

Mary Beth Horton is finishing up her first year as president of the Habersham Chamber of Commerce.

Horton continues momentum of 1st year as chamber president

Mary Beth Horton describes her first year as president of the Habersham Chamber of Commerce as a “blur,” and understandably so. Since she began at the chamber Oct.
Massachusetts Boulevard has remained under a stop-work order issued by the city of Demorest Aug. 5. The street is adjacent to Piedmont College’s Conservatory of Music, which is expected to be complete in the late fall. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

Massachusetts Boulevard has remained under a stop-work order issued by the city of Demorest Aug. 5. The street is adjacent to Piedmont College’s Conservatory of Music, which is expected to be complete in the late fall. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

Stop-work order continues for Mass. Blvd.

A stop work order for the reconstruction of Massachusetts Boulevard in Demorest remains as Piedmont College and the city are working to ensure that proper drainage of the street is addressed. The city issued a stop-work order for the repaving project Aug. 5 due to unforeseen water that surfaced.
ERIC PEREIRA/Staff

ERIC PEREIRA/Staff

UNITED WAY HOSTS CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

Habersham County United Way (HCUW) hosted its annual campaign kickoff Saturday at the Cornelia train depot and splash park. This marks the beginning of HCUW’s efforts in raising funds for its 23 partner agencies.
Rep. Doug Collins addresses an audience gathered Thursday for the regular weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Habersham County. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

Rep. Doug Collins addresses an audience gathered Thursday for the regular weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Habersham County. (Photo/ERIC PEREIRA)

Collins addresses prison reform, more

Representative for Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District Doug Collins spoke to several members and guests at the Rotary Club of Habersham County Thursday afternoon. His talking points consisted of recent accomplishments in legislation and plans moving forward.
Katie Richins enjoys the outdoors. Richins was a newly licensed driver when she crashed Aug. 17 in Stephens County, leaving her with injuries that were not “survivable,” according to medial professionals.

Katie Richins enjoys the outdoors. Richins was a newly licensed driver when she crashed Aug. 17 in Stephens County, leaving her with injuries that were not “survivable,” according to medial professionals.

Community remembers local teen

A Habersham County teenager who was declared dead last week following a car accident is being hailed a hero after her organs were donated to people in need. Katie Danielle Richins, 19, of Cornelia, died Friday, Aug. 23, following injuries she sustained in the Stephens County crash.

Qualified candidates announced for Nov. 5 election

To be decided come the Nov. 5 election, the following candidates have qualified for seats on various councils and commissions across Habersham County, according to election officials. According to Habersham County Election Supervisor/Chief Registrar Laurel L.