Local News

For seven days this September, Christians across denominations, communities and national borders are joining together with one common purpose: prayer. The Global Week of 24-7 Prayer is underway September 6–13, with organizers seeking to create an unbroken chain of prayer spanning nations around the world. Organized by the international 24-7 Prayer movement, the initiative encourages churches, groups and individuals to establish prayer rooms where participants sign up for diff

Abu, Habersham County Sheriff's Office's newest member (Habersham County) There’s a new four-legged member of the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office preparing to carry on an important job. K9 Abu, an explosives ordnance detection dog from Hungary, is now training alongside experienced EOD handler Lt. Eugene Kemp, stepping into the role held by K9 Roxy since 2018. Roxy officially retired from active duty on August 31, closing out more than eight years of service with the Sherif

Adults looking for a little creative downtime can trade the rush of everyday life for crafting and relaxation this September at Unicoi State Park. The park will host an Adult Only Crafting Hour every Thursday throughout September, offering participants a chance to step away from their normal routine and spend an hour creating, relaxing and enjoying some grown-up time. The crafting sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Organizers describe the weekly

A public hearing concerning a proposed eminent domain proceeding by the City of Demorest has been rescheduled. The hearing, originally scheduled for September 1 at 7 p.m., will now be held Wednesday, September 16, at 6 p.m. in the Demorest City Council Chambers at 250 Alabama Street. The hearing concerns a proposal to use eminent domain as part of an effort to expand the City of Demorest’s water system. According to the city's public notice, the property involved is identifie

The Baldwin City Council will consider an annexation and rezoning request from Cook Construction when members meet Tuesday, September 1. The council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom, 155 Willingham Avenue. A public hearing on the Cook Construction annexation and rezoning petition is scheduled during the meeting, providing an opportunity for public input before council members consider the matter. The agenda does not provide additional information ab

Cornelia city leaders will meet Tuesday with decisions involving property taxes, land-use regulations and city property on the table. The Cornelia City Commission’s September 1 meeting will include a public hearing giving residents an opportunity to comment on the city’s proposed millage rate before commissioners take further action. The meeting agenda does not list the proposed rate, leaving details about what Cornelia property owners could see in the coming year to be prese

The City of Clarkesville is already looking ahead to cooler temperatures, changing leaves and one of downtown’s favorite seasonal traditions. Organizers of the 2026 Clarkesville Fall Festival are currently accepting applications from food vendors interested in participating in this year’s event. The festival will take place Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in downtown Clarkesville and organizers are looking for food trucks, food trailers and other mobile food-s

A stranded climber was safely rescued from the west face of Mount Yonah on Tuesday evening after becoming trapped on a small ledge approximately 260 feet above the ground. White County 911 received the call shortly after 7 p.m. on Aug. 25. The climber told dispatchers that they had become stranded while free climbing the face of the mountain. Although the climber was not injured, they were unable to safely continue up or descend from the ledge. White County Fire Services, Whi

Don Strength, Division Chief - Emergency Services Public Safety (Photo: White County) The White County Office of Public Safety celebrated the service, dedication, and accomplishments of its personnel during the inaugural White County Public Safety Awards held Saturday, August 22, at the White County Performing Arts Center. The ceremony brought together employees from Animal Control, 911 Communications, Emergency Management, and Fire Services, along with their families, county

A second Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been fired and arrested following an internal investigation into the alleged misuse of data collected through the county’s Flock license plate camera system. The Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that former Deputy Jonathan Thomas was terminated after an internal audit found he allegedly accessed retained license plate information for a personal purpose rather than for legitimate law enforcement business. According to the

Some of Northeast Georgia’s most sought-after private trout waters will take center stage this September as the Soque River Watershed Association hosts its Third Annual Soque River Private Water Trophy Fly-Fishing Event. The special evening will offer unforgettable experiences while raising money to protect the Soque River watershed. The event will be held Thursday, September 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature live and silent auctions offering a variety of guided fly

The Banks County Board of Commissioners will hold a called meeting Tuesday evening with the county's 2026 millage rate, a planning and zoning appeal, courthouse improvements and public safety purchases among the items scheduled for consideration. The meeting will be held Tuesday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Courthouse Annex Boardroom, located at 150 Hudson Ridge in Homer. One of the most significant items on the agenda is a resolution to adopt the 2026 millage rate. The ag

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to conduct an independent investigation following the death of an inmate at the Banks County Detention Center. According to a news release issued by the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, the inmate died Tuesday, August 18 while in custody at the detention center. The Sheriff’s Office requested that the GBI investigate the death. Authorities have not released information regarding the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s death

Classical music will fill the Piedmont University Chapel later this month as the university's Conservatory of Music begins its new season with a free community concert. The Piedmont University Camerata, the university's resident ensemble, will perform Sunday, August 30, at 3 p.m. at the Piedmont University Chapel in Demorest. The concert will feature Piedmont University's Artists-in-Residence Heather Baird-Strachan and Rachael Fischer on violin, Scott Garrett on viola, Ismail

Members of the Grant-Reeves Veterans Honor Guard were recognized by the Board of Commissioners for their service. The Habersham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved approximately $50.2 million in bonds to move construction of the county's new jail forward during Monday night's meeting, while commissioners also denied a proposed go-kart track following opposition from area residents. The $50.2 million bond resolution was one of the most significant items consider

The Celebration of Life for Yaretzi Romero Cantu Torres On August 23 at 6 p.m. at Raider Stadium. (Invitation Facebook) Pink will fill the stands at Raider Stadium Sunday evening, August 23, as family, friends, teammates and members of the Habersham County community come together to remember the life of 15-year-old Yaretzi Adelaida Romero Cantu Torres. A Celebration of Life for the Habersham Central High School sophomore and varsity soccer player will begin at 6 p.m. Yaretzi'

A little more color is coming to downtown as a new beautification project gets underway Monday, August 17. A section of Monroe Street on the square will be closed from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday while an artist begins installing the first of three colorful crosswalk murals planned for the area. The project features a vibrant turquoise background accented with greenery and pink and white Mountain Laurel flowers. Three coordinating designs are planned, with Crosswalk C schedule

Photo: Habersham County Sheriff's Office After more than eight years of service, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office K9 Roxy is getting a well-earned retirement—and the community is invited to help celebrate her. A drop-in retirement reception honoring the Explosives Ordnance Detection K9 (E.O.D.) will be held Thursday, August 27, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in the Jury Assembly Room/County Commission Meeting Room at the Habersham County Courthouse in Clarkesville. Roxy has served wi

Habersham County residents will have an opportunity to put faces with the names and departments that serve their community during an upcoming Meet Your Government event. The county will host the event on Tuesday, September 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Habersham County Aquatic Center. Rather than a formal government meeting, the evening is designed to provide a relaxed and welcoming setting where residents can meet county representatives and employees, ask questions, and learn

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will have a full agenda Monday evening, with approximately $50.2 million in general obligation bonds, a proposed go-kart and remote-control-car racing track, airport agreements, grants and annexation matters among the issues scheduled for consideration. The Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, August 17, at 6 p.m. in the Jury Assembly Room of the Habersham County Courthouse, located at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville. One o