Local News

The music begins, the lights come up, and a dancer takes the stage. But at Clarkesville School of Dance, the journey is about much more than learning steps. It is about confidence, creativity, friendships, and discovering the best version of yourself. Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 dance year at Clarkesville School of Dance, and students of all ages are invited to be part of a studio where passion and purpose come together. Owned by Francie Keene, a former Broadwa

As students prepare to head back to the classroom, First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville is inviting families to celebrate with a fun-filled Back-to-School Festival this Saturday, July 25. The free community event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature something for the entire family, including free backpacks, food, a live DJ, face painting, a bouncy house, games, and more. School supplies, headphones, and water bottles will also be available. There is n

More than 100 students celebrated a major academic milestone Friday as Piedmont University conferred degrees during its summer commencement ceremony on July 17. The ceremony, held at the Johnny Mize Athletic Center on Piedmont’s Demorest campus, recognized 114 graduates completing undergraduate and advanced degree programs. Sixteen students received undergraduate degrees, including three who became the first generation in their families to earn a college degree. Another 98 st

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will consider several significant measures Monday evening, including the county's proposed Unified Development Ordinance and zoning map and agreements necessary to move forward with a proposed one-percent sales tax aimed at reducing property taxes. The commission will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, July 20, in the Jury Assembly Room of the Habersham County Courthouse at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville. Under old business, commissioners

Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is sharing the following information at the request of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, as murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson has been known to frequent the Habersham County and North Georgia area. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, who is wanted for murder in connection with an ongoing investigation following the discovery of human remains buried in

An evening of faith, family, and community is coming to the Tiger Drive-In later this month as Seth Pitts at Duvall hosts a free Community Appreciation Event featuring the inspirational film I Can Only Imagine 2. The event will take place Saturday, July 18, at dusk at the Tiger Drive-In in Tiger, Georgia, and is open to the public at no cost. Organizers say the evening is designed to bring families, friends, and neighbors together for a night of encouragement, fellowship, and

The City of Clarkesville elected not to take action on a proposed intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Demorest that would allow the two municipalities to share an employee, delaying a decision until the city's new manager has an opportunity to review the proposal. The City of Clarkesville met Monday, July 13 to discuss and vote on the matter. The agreement, which was approved by the Demorest City Council during its July 9 meeting, was expected to receive simila

The Demorest City Council took action on several initiatives aimed at improving city services and planning for the future during a special called joint work session and regular meeting held Thursday, July 9. The meeting, which was moved from its traditional Tuesday schedule to accommodate scheduling conflicts, included action on a proposed countywide property tax relief measure, a new mobile engagement platform for residents, and discussions on several infrastructure projects

The Cornelia City Commission approved several measures affecting the city's future during its Tuesday, July 7 meeting, including support for a countywide sales tax referendum designed to provide property tax relief and the expansion of a commercial development along Level Grove Road. Mayor Pro Tem Janice Griggs presided over the meeting in Mayor John Borrow's absence. One of the evening's most significant actions was the unanimous approval of a resolution authorizing Mayor Jo

There are few things more enjoyable than a summer evening spent with family and friends in the park. The sounds of live music, children laughing, neighbors catching up, and fireworks filling the night sky are all part of what makes summertime in Habersham County so special. That's exactly what the City of Clarkesville hopes to capture during Red, White, and Tunes, a community celebration set for Saturday, July 11, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Sam Pitts Park. Residents are invited to

This Fourth of July feels different. Perhaps it's because we aren't simply celebrating another Independence Day. This year, our nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a quarter of a millennium since a handful of ordinary men did something extraordinary. They signed a document that changed the world. They weren't perfect people. History tells us they disagreed and argued. Their lives were in danger for such acts were treason. And, they worr

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Called Meeting on Monday, June 29, at 6:00 p.m. at the Habersham County Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville, with several important financial matters on the agenda. The meeting will center on the county's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, the 2026 property tax millage rate, and several resolutions that will establish county fees and finalize budget adjustments. Budget Hearing Sched

The Banks County Sheriff's Office is urging residents to remain vigilant after receiving reports of scammers posing as law enforcement officers in an attempt to steal money from unsuspecting victims. According to the sheriff's office, the scam typically begins with a phone call in which the caller falsely claims the recipient has an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The caller then pressures the victim to make an immediate payment to avoid being taken to jail. Authorities

A lengthy multi-agency narcotics investigation has culminated in what Jackson County authorities describe as one of the largest drug enforcement operations in the sheriff's office's history. Following a seven-month investigation, law enforcement officers arrested 20 individuals and seized more than 51 kilograms of methamphetamine while dismantling what investigators say was a drug trafficking organization operating throughout the region. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office an

By: Nora Almazan The Habersham County 10U All-Stars may have come up just short on the scoreboard Wednesday, June 24, but they left the field with their heads held high after an incredible back-and-forth battle against Tift County in state tournament action. In a game filled with momentum swings, clutch hits, and plenty of excitement, Habersham fought until the very end before falling 11-10 in a heartbreaker. The All-Stars came out swinging in the first inning, putting togeth

Piedmont University has been recognized as Georgia's top institution for students pursuing forensic science and technology degrees, earning the No. 1 ranking in the state from Niche.com's 2026 Best Colleges rankings. The annual rankings are based on an extensive evaluation of academic quality, admissions data, affordability, campus life, and student outcomes. Niche also incorporates millions of reviews from current students and alumni, along with data from the U.S. Department

The Historic Mauldin House & Gardens will celebrate the life, art, and enduring impact of one of Northeast Georgia's most beloved storytellers and preservationists during a special exhibit opening later this month. The museum is inviting the public to attend the opening reception for "John Kollock's Path to Clarkesville," a temporary exhibit exploring the artist's deep connections to Clarkesville, his family history, and the work that helped preserve the stories and heritage

The Banks County Sheriff's Office is urging residents to take extra precautions when mailing checks as criminals continue to target mailboxes and postal deliveries in an effort to commit financial fraud. According to a recent advisory issued by the sheriff's office, thieves are increasingly stealing checks from the mail and altering them for their own use. In some cases, criminals are able to "wash" checks by removing the original information and replacing it with new names a

Assistant Coach Casey Lizama, Head Coach Chris Menius, Assistant Coach Zack Ford, Assistant Coach Casey Martin. Middle row left to right: Jacob Borrow, CJ Menius, Keelan Welch, Daxton Holt, Lenox Armour, Adler Banks, Easton Lizama Bottom row left to right: Nolan Kempey, Kain Arriaga, Krew Trusty, Luke Fulmer, Cyrus Martin, Bat Girl- Abigail Ford (Photo Submitted) A remarkable run of determination, resilience, and teamwork has earned the Habersham County Parks & Recreation

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, June 15, with an agenda featuring a proposed wedding and event venue, the first reading of the county's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, a possible extension of the county's residential development moratorium, and several airport-related contracts. The meeting will begin with presentations recognizing county employees and a proclamation declaring June 15–20 as Solid Waste and Recycling Workers Week, honoring the employees