News

Bill Miles, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Georgia Department, salutes a fellow soldier during last year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony at the VFW Post 7720 Cemetery. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Bill Miles, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Georgia Department, salutes a fellow soldier during last year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony at the VFW Post 7720 Cemetery. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Continuing the mission

By Zach Taylor After leading more than 1,000 troops, Bill Miles has taken on an even bigger role: serving as state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Georgia Department.
E-911 fees collected on cell phone bills have steadily declined, causing the county to offset costs with money from the general fund.

E-911 fees collected on cell phone bills have steadily declined, causing the county to offset costs with money from the general fund.

County OKs FY26 budget

By Samantha Sinclair Habersham County has a balanced — and lower — budget for the new year. The Habersham County Board of Commissioners approved the $80 million total budget for Fiscal Year 2026 Monday night. The total budget is 5.23 percent lower than last fiscal year’s budget.
A crowd of over 30 people gathered in the Baldwin Police Department to participate in the June Baldwin City Council meeting, where the council approved a budget with a deficit of $429,030.77 to be offset by property tax increase. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

A crowd of over 30 people gathered in the Baldwin Police Department to participate in the June Baldwin City Council meeting, where the council approved a budget with a deficit of $429,030.77 to be offset by property tax increase. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

City balances budget with higher taxes

By Hannah Caudell   After almost a month of debate between the Baldwin City Council and city citizens, the council unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2026 budget in a 4-0 vote during Thursday night’s meeting. The budget has an updated deficit of $429,030.
Fireworks light up the sky over Demorest at the grand finale of last year’s Glorious 4th of July celebration. (File)

Fireworks light up the sky over Demorest at the grand finale of last year’s Glorious 4th of July celebration. (File)

Demorest, Baldwin to host Fourth fun

Demorest’s Glorious 4th of July celebration will begin earlier than usual, to beat the heat of the July sun. The day is filled with activities, ending with a fireworks spectacular at night. Beginning at 7 a.m.
The Baldwin Comprehensive Plan stakeholder committee discussed the potential of a Baldwin downtown during Wednesday night’s meeting, and whether the downtown would appropriately be located on Willingham Avenue or off Highway 441. Willingham Avenue is where the Baldwin downtown used to be. (HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff)

The Baldwin Comprehensive Plan stakeholder committee discussed the potential of a Baldwin downtown during Wednesday night’s meeting, and whether the downtown would appropriately be located on Willingham Avenue or off Highway 441. Willingham Avenue is where the Baldwin downtown used to be. (HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff)

A new vision for Baldwin

By Hannah Caudell Members of the Baldwin Comprehensive Plan stakeholder committee met for a second time on Wednesday evening to better outline the details of a new survey that will be put in front of residents over the coming months, and to create a new vision statement for the city for the next...
Ethan Little (left) describes his vision to Camp Counselor Ella Ballard during arts and crafts on Wednesday. The campers decorated picture frames, which will house a photo of them with their counselor at the end of camp on Sunday. (HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff)

Ethan Little (left) describes his vision to Camp Counselor Ella Ballard during arts and crafts on Wednesday. The campers decorated picture frames, which will house a photo of them with their counselor at the end of camp on Sunday. (HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff)

Much-needed miracle

By Hannah Caudell It’s been 30 years since the founders of Camp Hawkins began their journey toward better serving children and adults with special needs in the community; for 20 of those years, they’ve served the families of Habersham County and beyond who have children with special needs and who...

Package store, development on city’s agenda

By Zach Taylor A new package store and new development are on the agenda for Cornelia’s city commission meeting set for Tuesday, July 1. Residents and community members are invited to share their opinions on both during public hearings at the meeting.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputies will increase their presence on roadways this holiday week in an effort to prevent crashes and fatalities. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputies will increase their presence on roadways this holiday week in an effort to prevent crashes and fatalities. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Holiday safe driving measures start today

By Samantha Sinclair Starting today, there will be increased presence of law enforcement on the roads for the holiday.
The Grant-Reeves Honor Guard proudly presented the colors in last year’s Independence Day celebration in Demorest.

The Grant-Reeves Honor Guard proudly presented the colors in last year’s Independence Day celebration in Demorest.

Demorest readies for full-day Glorious 4th celebration

By Zach Taylor Habersham County has numerous Fourth of July celebrations, but none compare to the long-running patriotic spectacle in Demorest.
The City of Baldwin has issued a boil water advisory after a pipe burst on the 6200 block of Willingham Avenue during the night. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The City of Baldwin has issued a boil water advisory after a pipe burst on the 6200 block of Willingham Avenue during the night. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Baldwin issues boil water advisory

Update: After the Baldwin City Council meeting Thursday night, Public Works Director Scott Barnhart announced another pipe burst on Willingham Avenue.