News

Local cattleman Gilbert Barrett of Barrett Farms stands amongst one of his herds of cattle in a pasture that isn’t yielding as much forage due to recent drought conditions. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

Local cattleman Gilbert Barrett of Barrett Farms stands amongst one of his herds of cattle in a pasture that isn’t yielding as much forage due to recent drought conditions. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Hay, crops, trout

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAs drought in the area continues, more industries throughout Habersham County are beginning to see the effects.
More than 100 people showed up for the Habersham County town hall on the new Unified Development Ordinance on Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

More than 100 people showed up for the Habersham County town hall on the new Unified Development Ordinance on Tuesday night. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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County hears UDO concerns

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
By Zach TaylorSome residents do not feel that the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the new zoning map added much clarity to land use.County commissioners and planning department members heard concerns and praise from 27 people during a packed town hall meeting Monday night.

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Proposed housing sizes affect affordability

News Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
By Zach TaylorHabersham County has maintained the same development guidelines since 1992 with its Comprehensive Land Development Resolution.With increasing concerns for growth, county commissioners are working to finalize a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Sen. Bo Hatchett

Sen. Bo Hatchett

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Hatchett takes pride in measures passed

News Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
By Samantha SinclairOverall, State Sen. Bo Hatchett thinks really good measures passed this legislative session that concluded last week.The biggest win the Cornelia lawmaker saw was $409 million allocated in the amended budget for the design and construction of a state mental health hospital.
Robert Hubert speaks with Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness opposing the proposed housing development of 34 homes on Saluda Drive. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Robert Hubert speaks with Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness opposing the proposed housing development of 34 homes on Saluda Drive. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Demorest denies zoning request

News Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
By Zach TaylorDemorest council members pumped the brakes on residential growth Tuesday.In Tuesday’s meeting, McCain Investment Properties LLC was heard a second time for a rezoning application of 10.
Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness honors John Popham at his home on Thursday, April 9. Popham served the city of Demorest for 44 years and helped establish the city’s water system. Also pictured are Care Pastor Tom Skipper (left) and John’s grandson Asa Popham and daughter-in-law Kim Popham (right). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness honors John Popham at his home on Thursday, April 9. Popham served the city of Demorest for 44 years and helped establish the city’s water system. Also pictured are Care Pastor Tom Skipper (left) and John’s grandson Asa Popham and daughter-in-law Kim Popham (right). (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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‘He was a giant’

News Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
By Zach TaylorServing in local government has its ups and downs.From concerned residents to building infrastructure to rising costs and evolutions in society, government officials experience it all.One Demorest man experienced all the city had to offer for 44 years.

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Procedure issue halts annexation

News Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
By Hannah Caudell and Samantha SinclairIf Cook Construction still wishes to annex property into the city of Baldwin for a commercial development, they will need to start the process over.

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Businesses could see new standards set

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Zach TaylorHabersham’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is intended to control growth via a living document.Though the document is two months from being voted on, commissioners and the community are still hashing out the details of Habersham’s future.
State Rep. Victor Anderson speaks about Senate Bill 214 on the House floor during the final day of the 2026 Legislative Session, on Thursday, April 2, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. (Ashtin Barker/Capitol Beat)

State Rep. Victor Anderson speaks about Senate Bill 214 on the House floor during the final day of the 2026 Legislative Session, on Thursday, April 2, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. (Ashtin Barker/Capitol Beat)

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Ballot bill limbo concerns Anderson

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Samantha SinclairState Rep. Victor Anderson said a lot of things were left in limbo this legislative session — which he said is typical — but this time one of those things was something he personally worked on.
Ken Schubring Sr. signs handmade wooden American Flags for Van Horn High School’s woodworking class vendor that provided the wood after being honored last Friday with his own handmade flag. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

Ken Schubring Sr. signs handmade wooden American Flags for Van Horn High School’s woodworking class vendor that provided the wood after being honored last Friday with his own handmade flag. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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‘We’ll never forget this’

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Zach TaylorAt one point in time, there were 86,000 Pearl Harbor survivors. Today, there are 12.A Clarkesville man is one of those survivors.Ken Schubring Sr. was enjoying his first bites of breakfast when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.