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Abigail Hotard (right) claps as her sister, Audrey, is announced Habersham Central High School’s valedictorian Wednesday morning. Abigail was announced as the class salutatorian. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Abigail Hotard (right) claps as her sister, Audrey, is announced Habersham Central High School’s valedictorian Wednesday morning. Abigail was announced as the class salutatorian. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

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Twins at the top

Samantha Sinclair
Friday, January 31, 2025
   Habersham Central High School is seeing double at the top of its graduating class this year.    During Wednesday’s morning announcements, Audrey Hotard was announced as the Class of 2025 valedictorian, while her twin sister Abigail Hotard was announced as the salutatorian.
The Torch Legacy Pastor Mike Franklin (center) mentions how the workforce is likely to change over the next four to eight years due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Hannah Caudell/Staff

The Torch Legacy Pastor Mike Franklin (center) mentions how the workforce is likely to change over the next four to eight years due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Hannah Caudell/Staff

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Leaders ready for strategic growth

News Staff
Friday, January 31, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Partnership Habersham held its first monthly meeting of the year on Wednesday with talks of population demographics and trends with a focus on household age, employment and education within the county.
Franklin. Hannah Caudell/Staff

Franklin. Hannah Caudell/Staff

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Board OKs Franklin as sole finalist

News Staff
Friday, January 31, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      During Wednesday night’s called Habersham County Board of Education meeting, board members made their decision official: Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin will become the new school system superintendent on April 1.
Smith. FILE

Smith. FILE

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Judge Smith leaves legacy of caring

News Staff
Friday, January 31, 2025
By Megan Horn and Enoch Autry CNI News Service      Superior Court Judge Russell “Rusty” Smith of the Mountain Judicial Circuit passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28.    Rabun County Probate Judge Carlton H. Jones, III confirmed Smith’s passing to The Clayton Tribune Wednesday morning.
The City of Cornelia hosted many events for Hispanic and Latin culture over the past few years that helped it earn one of three 2025 Visionary City Awards by the Georgian Municipal Association in the small city category. Pictured here, Orlanda Marroquin holds an elote and a fresh taco at a festival in downtown Cornelia in July and runs a small business selling Hispanic foods and treats. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The City of Cornelia hosted many events for Hispanic and Latin culture over the past few years that helped it earn one of three 2025 Visionary City Awards by the Georgian Municipal Association in the small city category. Pictured here, Orlanda Marroquin holds an elote and a fresh taco at a festival in downtown Cornelia in July and runs a small business selling Hispanic foods and treats. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Cornelia earns 2025 Visionary City Award

News Staff
Friday, January 31, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The City of Cornelia adds an award to their list of accolades with their nomination to receive the 2025 Visionary City Award, an honor granted by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in collaboration with Georgia Trend Magazine.
Penske Logistics Truck Driver William Mitchell of Alto is pictured with the Penske truck he drives. Mitchell was responsible for saving the life of a pickup truck driver after witnessing a crash between the pickup truck and a fuel tanker. SUBMITTED

Penske Logistics Truck Driver William Mitchell of Alto is pictured with the Penske truck he drives. Mitchell was responsible for saving the life of a pickup truck driver after witnessing a crash between the pickup truck and a fuel tanker. SUBMITTED

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Highway Angel

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Penske Logistics Truck Driver William Mitchell could have never imagined what he would witness on the afternoon of Oct. 16, 2024, nor could he have ever predicted the instrumental role he would play in saving the life of a stranger.
Photo by Van Tay Media on Unsplash

Photo by Van Tay Media on Unsplash

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Balancing the unknowns

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The Habersham County Board of Education has decided to post its intention to opt out of House Bill 581.    The first public hearing on the matter will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6. Another hearing will be held hours later at 4:30 p.m.
Immediately following the election of chairman, commissioners Jimmy Tench, Ty Akins and Dustin Mealor switched seats so Tench could take his place as chairman. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

Immediately following the election of chairman, commissioners Jimmy Tench, Ty Akins and Dustin Mealor switched seats so Tench could take his place as chairman. Samantha Sinclair/Staff

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County elects chairman, makes appointments

Samantha Sinclair
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
   The Habersham County Board of Commissioners has a new chairman.    The board elected Commissioner Jimmy Tench to serve as chairman at the opening of their meeting Monday night.
Baldwin Fire Chief Joe Roy stands before the audience at the Baldwin City Council meeting on Monday night to talk about Baldwin’s first department graduating class. New firefighter helmets sat on the table before him. Helmets are traditionally given to new firefighters upon graduation. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Baldwin Fire Chief Joe Roy stands before the audience at the Baldwin City Council meeting on Monday night to talk about Baldwin’s first department graduating class. New firefighter helmets sat on the table before him. Helmets are traditionally given to new firefighters upon graduation. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Baldwin honors first fire department graduates

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      “This is your first graduating class for the City of Baldwin Fire Department,” Assistant Fire Chief Shaun Benfield said as the room erupted in applause.