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Tariq Bey checks out his cucumber plants in one of the several greenhouses located on his sustainable farm in Demorest.

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Local farms shift to sustainability

Thursday, August 22, 2024

The term sustainable agriculture is a broad term. But for a few local farmers, it means planting a variety of crops while taking a less industrialized approach to the land.

Hazel Creek is among six left-turn exits along State Route 365 North that will close soon. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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GDOT plans for RCUTs along state route

Brian Wellmeier

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Plans to reconfigure the southbound flow of traffic along State Route 365 could soon be underway, according to Georgia Department of Transportation officials.

VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church hands Aaron Autry a Heroes of Service Award during the opening ceremony of Heroes Fest on Saturday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Heroes Festival honors veterans, first responders

Zach Taylor

Thursday, August 22, 2024

The Grant-Reeves Veteran Center warmly welcomed visitors on Saturday for the 8th annual Heroes Festival, a memorable event that honors and celebrates veterans and first responders.

Ballfields at Habersham County’s Aquatic Center. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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Improvements to ballfield, airport approved by county commissioners

Brian Wellmeier

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Habersham’s Board of Commissioners approved enhancements for the airport and recreation areas during a regular meeting Monday. Only three board members attended Monday’s meeting with Commissioners Bruce Palmer and Dustin Mealor absent.

Jessie Romer gives Hank the donkey a pat on the head before giving him a few fruits to snack on. JULIANNE AKERS/Staff

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Fostering community, inclusion with animals

Julianne Akers

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Kevin is curious. Lena is mischievous, and Amelia is shy. But what all three personalities have in common is that they are animals roaming the 14 acre property at Five Freedoms Farm, an animal sanctuary in Clarkesville.

Farmland that lies along New Liberty Road in Clarkesville. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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State lawmakers, ag leaders to talk farmland preservation

Julianne Akers

Friday, August 16, 2024

The Georgia Senate Study Committee on Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands is set to hold its second meeting at Habersham EMC in Clarkesville on Aug. 30 at 10 a.m.

Residents pack Clarkesville City Hall as planning commission considers annexation, rezoning. BRIAN WELLMEIER/Staff

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Clarkesville approves annexation, rezoning

Brian Wellmeier

Friday, August 16, 2024

Despite vocal opposition, Clarkesville’s Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a proposed annexation and rezoning that could potentially make way for a future large-scale development Tuesday.

Mayor Gail Armour looks to her left toward James Turner and Eddie Palmer on a vote to accept bids for the Cedar Creek property. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Alto adopts county hazard mitigation plan

Zach Taylor

Friday, August 16, 2024

The Town of Alto held its regular meeting on Tuesday to adopt the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, which allows for funding from FEMA and GEMA in case of a natural disaster. Town council members unanimously voted to approve the Hazard Mitigation Plan, which expires this year.

The 2024 summer Mountain Traveler cover, featuring the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, was captured by Donna Shirley of Cornelia. Shirley received $100 for her winning photograph.

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