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From left, STAR Student Marina Dumas and STAR Teacher Kelli Bly of Tallulah Falls High School stand by each other’s side for a photo. Dumas was awarded with the STAR student recognition after scoring the highest marks on the SAT in the school system. Bly was chosen by Dumas for the STAR Teacher award. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

From left, STAR Student Marina Dumas and STAR Teacher Kelli Bly of Tallulah Falls High School stand by each other’s side for a photo. Dumas was awarded with the STAR student recognition after scoring the highest marks on the SAT in the school system. Bly was chosen by Dumas for the STAR Teacher award. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Stellar Student

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Marina Dumas, a Tallulah Falls senior with an impressive resume, shines bright as this year’s STAR Student for the school.
Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced his retirement during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced his retirement during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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Superintendent announces retirement

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      It was a bittersweet night for the Habersham County Board of Education on Tuesday when Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced that he would retire on March 31.
The gymnastics center roof was damaged by heavy storms in previous months, causing equipment to be unusable. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The gymnastics center roof was damaged by heavy storms in previous months, causing equipment to be unusable. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Damage to gym creates uncertainty

Zach Taylor
Friday, January 17, 2025
   Storm damage to the county’s gymnastics center may affect an offer to purchase the program.    Storms in December severely damaged the gymnastics center.
Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock will not run for another term as mayor in the next election. Franklin Brown was named Mayor Pro-tem at the Jan. 6 meeting. Pictured here, Mayor Aycock holds a candy apple while donning an ‘Experience Clarkesville’ windbreaker. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock will not run for another term as mayor in the next election. Franklin Brown was named Mayor Pro-tem at the Jan. 6 meeting. Pictured here, Mayor Aycock holds a candy apple while donning an ‘Experience Clarkesville’ windbreaker. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Clarkesville mayor ready to step down

Zach Taylor
Friday, January 17, 2025
   Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock will not run for mayor in the upcoming election.    “This will be my 10th year of being mayor. I am 82 years old and I am still fortunate to be in excellent health, and I think my mind is still pretty good,” Aycock said.
Doug Collins. SUBMITTED

Doug Collins. SUBMITTED

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Collins to be confirmed as Secretary of Veteran Affairs

News Staff
Friday, January 17, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The news came on Nov. 14, after President-elect Donald Trump was confirmed to take office on Jan. 20 after a monumental election: Trump intended to nominate former United States Representative Doug Collins for the role of Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).
HUB of Habersham has provided mentors to hundreds of youth across Habersham County in recent years. SUBMITTED

HUB of Habersham has provided mentors to hundreds of youth across Habersham County in recent years. SUBMITTED

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A HUB for growth

Julianne Akers
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
   With students returning to school after holiday break, local nonprofit HUB of Habersham is also back in action with its numerous programs that support youth in Habersham County.
A GDOT plow makes its way down Washington Street in Clarkesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

A GDOT plow makes its way down Washington Street in Clarkesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Winter storm blasts Habersham

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Zach Taylor and Hannah Caudell      Winter Storm Cora hit Habersham County on Friday, canceling school and causing a snow-in for the weekend. The storm dropped two to four inches of snow in the county, halting business and travel for Saturday and most of Sunday.
Electrical personnel and public works officials were among those served at Wolf Creek BBQ during the weekend, along with police officers and other first responder groups. Owner Mike Roberson estimates that 350 plates were served to those who attended the meal. SUBMITTED

Electrical personnel and public works officials were among those served at Wolf Creek BBQ during the weekend, along with police officers and other first responder groups. Owner Mike Roberson estimates that 350 plates were served to those who attended the meal. SUBMITTED

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Wolf Creek BBQ opens doors to first responders

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      The storm’s clouds weren’t without a silver lining for the county’s many first responders. As they stepped up for the community, people like Mike Roberson of Wolf Creek BBQ stepped up for them.
McAllister. FILE

McAllister. FILE

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Mayor likely not seeking re-election

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      “It’s time,” Mayor Ray McAllister said after Mt. Airy’s first council meeting of the year on Jan. 6. McAllister will likely not be seeking re-election during the 2025 municipal election, marking an end to an illustrious career as a leader and civil servant to the town.
State Rep. Chris Erwin came before the Habersham County Board of Education on Thursday to discuss and answer questions about House Bill 581. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

State Rep. Chris Erwin came before the Habersham County Board of Education on Thursday to discuss and answer questions about House Bill 581. HANNAH CAUDELL/Staff

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State Rep. Erwin answers questions

News Staff
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By Hannah Caudell      Before Tuesday’s night’s meeting, State Rep. Chris Erwin stopped by the Habersham County Board of Education office to discuss House Bill 581 with board members as they determine their next steps with the bill.