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Snakes are great teachers at Tallulah Gorge’s Snake Saturday events. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Snakes are great teachers at Tallulah Gorge’s Snake Saturday events. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Snakes, Galentines, Dolly fill Valentine’s weekend

News Staff
Friday, February 14, 2025
   There’s plenty to do in Habersham County this Valentine’s weekend. From adventures in Tallulah to arts and theater at Piedmont University, there is lots of entertainment indoors and out for the rainy weekend ahead.
Construction on the roundabout at Ga. 115 and 105 is nearing completion, and Georgia Department of Transportation was ready to open the new lane merging into the roundabout Friday morning. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Construction on the roundabout at Ga. 115 and 105 is nearing completion, and Georgia Department of Transportation was ready to open the new lane merging into the roundabout Friday morning. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Roundabout lane opens

Samantha Sinclair
Friday, February 14, 2025
   Construction on the roundabout at Ga. 115 and 105 is nearing completion, and Georgia Department of Transportation was ready to open the new lane merging into the roundabout Friday morning.
Tiffany Flack stands out on the red carpet in her yellow Belle gown. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

Tiffany Flack stands out on the red carpet in her yellow Belle gown. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/Staff

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Let it ‘Shine’

Samantha Sinclair
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
   As Tim Tebow announced the kings and queens of the eve ning on the video screen, the room ignited with cheers. After all, all guests at Night to Shine were honored with the titles.    Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, was held at Level Grove Baptist Church Friday night.
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome speaks about House Bill 581’s potential impact on the school system. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome speaks about House Bill 581’s potential impact on the school system. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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School board opts out

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      After three public hearings, the Habersham County Board of Education voted to opt out of House Bill 581 on Monday evening. The board is the first taxing authority in the county to officially opt out of the bill.
David Leenman joins Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin at the podium as he is recommended to serve as the next assistant superintendent. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

David Leenman joins Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin at the podium as he is recommended to serve as the next assistant superintendent. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Leenman to join Franklin leading schools

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The announcement from up-and-coming Superintendent Patrick Franklin was a surprise, but certainly not an unwelcome one for many of the educators in the board meeting room.
Past Chairman Tim Ash, right, passes the gavel to now-current Chairman Tommy Thurmond. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Past Chairman Tim Ash, right, passes the gavel to now-current Chairman Tommy Thurmond. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Chamber honors best in business

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
  The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala last Thursday night, celebrating 85 years of service to the growing industry and business in the county.    The ceremony honored 11 of the county’s best-in-field individuals, industries and services.
Photo by Jacques Bopp on Unsplash.

Photo by Jacques Bopp on Unsplash.

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Data shows needs for workforce housing

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      It’s no surprise that in many ways, housing in the county has grown parallel to the population growth that many long-time residents in the county have witnessed.
David Leenman listens Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin speaks about him to the board. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

David Leenman listens Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin speaks about him to the board. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Board selects next assistant superintendent

News Staff
Monday, February 10, 2025
The board voted unanimously to approve David Leenman as the next assistant superintendent for the Habersham County School System. Leenman has a total of 19 years in education, with nine spent in an administrative position as the Habersham Central Ninth Grade Academy principal.  “Mr.
The Habersham County Board of Education is the first taxing entity in the county to opt out of House Bill 581.

The Habersham County Board of Education is the first taxing entity in the county to opt out of House Bill 581.

Board of Education opts out

News Staff
Monday, February 10, 2025
After three hearings and little public comment, the Habersham County Board of Education is the first taxing entity in the county to opt out of House Bill 581.
Bishop Ernest Burns sits in the sanctuary of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia. As the church looks for a new pastor, he continues to preach on Sundays. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Bishop Ernest Burns sits in the sanctuary of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia. As the church looks for a new pastor, he continues to preach on Sundays. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

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Creating history

Samantha Sinclair
Friday, February 7, 2025
   Ernest Burns knows Black people have always been important.    “We had to be,” he said.    He said they couldn’t have come out of slavery and accomplished all they have if they weren’t.    He said growing up, his schools had books that were hand-me-downs from the white schools.