Local News

White County officials, first responders, and community members gathered Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. for a celebration of the opening of the county's newest public safety facility, Fire Station 9, located on Sonny's Circle off Duncan Bridge Road in . Sautee Nacoochee. The new station, now fully operational, represents a significant investment in public safety and emergency preparedness for residents living in and around the Mount Yonah area. Designed as a state-of-the-ar

Tallulah Falls School has named Hannah Wall Satterfield as the new head coach of its varsity golf program. Satterfield is no stranger to TFS and comes with an impressive resume of success at both the high school and collegiate levels. Satterfield will oversee both the boys and girls varsity golf teams, returning to a program where she previously served as varsity golf coach in 2022 and most recently led the middle school golf teams during the 2025-26 school year. Her return c

Habersham County is preparing to celebrate one of the most significant milestones in American history and is inviting the entire community to be part of the occasion. On Saturday, July 11, from noon until 4:30 p.m., the grounds of the Habersham County Courthouse at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville will come alive with patriotic ceremonies, family activities, and opportunities to reflect on the nation's founding as part of the county's America 250 Celebration. The event co

The men and women who keep Habersham County clean may work behind the scenes, but their impact is seen every day. Habersham County is recognizing Solid Waste and Recycling Workers Week, June 15-20, 2026, by honoring the employees of the Habersham County Solid Waste Department for their dedication to protecting public health, preserving the environment, and providing essential services to the community. Whether operating the county landfill, managing recycling centers, or ensu

By: Nora Almazan I recently took my foster children to see The Sheep Detective, and I have to admit—I enjoyed it every bit as much as they did. In a world where many family movies seem rushed or packed with too much noise and chaos, The Sheep Detective felt like a breath of fresh air. It was funny, clever, heartwarming, and filled with just enough mystery to keep everyone engaged from beginning to end. The story follows an unlikely hero who must solve a mystery while overcomi

On Saturday, June 6, the City of Cornelia will celebrate a milestone a century in the making starting at 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Donald Anderson Park, 109 Grant Place. While many people recognize the event as the 100th anniversary of the city's iconic Big Red Apple, community leaders hope residents understand the celebration is about much more than a landmark. It is a chance to honor the people, businesses, families, and traditions that have shaped Cornelia for generat

Habersham County officials are inviting property owners and residents to attend an upcoming open house to learn more about the county's proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and review potential zoning map changes that could affect their property. The open house will be held Thursday, June 11, in the Second Floor Conference Room of the Habersham County Administration Building, located at 130 Jacobs Way in Clarkesville. To accommodate a variety of schedules, residents m

Danny McClellon officially took office Wednesday morning as Habersham County's District 3 Commissioner following his victory in the recent special election. McClellon was sworn in on June 3 at 10:00 a.m. during a ceremony held at the Habersham County Courthouse Probate Judge's Office on Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville. Probate Judge Pam Wooley administered the oath of office. The special election was held to fill the remainder of the District 3 term, and McClellon will serve

A major change is underway in Georgia's banking industry as Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Morris State Bancshares have officially completed their merger, creating what officials say is now the largest Georgia-based community bank holding company. The merger became effective April 1, 2026, bringing together Pinnacle Bank, headquartered in Elberton, and Morris Bank, headquartered in Dublin, under a new parent company, Vallant Financial, Inc. As part of the transaction, the

The Cornelia City Commission will tackle a wide-ranging agenda Tuesday evening that includes public hearings on short-term vacation rentals and annexation policies, a proposed expansion of a mini-storage development, amphitheater naming rights, and several appointments to local and regional boards. The meeting is scheduled for June 2 at Cornelia City Hall. Among the most anticipated discussions will be a public hearing regarding short-term vacation rentals. Currently, short-t

The Demorest City Council will meet Tuesday evening to address a variety of community issues, ranging from residential development proposals and zoning updates to financial matters and preparations for the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. Council members will begin with a work session at 6 p.m., followed by the regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center on Alabama Street. One of the evening’s key disc

Photo of Jim Lynch and Ben Drennen Colorful hot air balloons will once again fill the skies above Northeast Georgia as the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race returns June 4-6, bringing one of the nation's most unique aviation events back to Alpine Helen. Known as the South's oldest balloon event and the only long-distance hot air balloon race in the United States, the annual tradition is expected to attract pilots, crews, and spectators from across the region. Weather permitt

Get ready to start your engines and race into a day of family fun as the 6th Annual Kids' Car Show rolls into Clarkesville on Saturday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The popular community event will take place at 583 Grant Street and promises something for everyone, from antique tractors and emergency vehicles to hot rods, classic cars, and plenty of activities for children. One of the highlights of the day will be the opportunity for children to bring their own pe

A Stephens County man wanted on an outstanding probation warrant was arrested Thursday following a multi-jurisdictional search that stretched from Toccoa to Gainesville and resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and other drug-related items. According to the Stephens County Sheriff's Office, task force agents with the Narcotics Division began receiving information in early May regarding Joseph Lee Williams, 23, of Toccoa, allegedly using and distributing methamp

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will host a called work session on Tuesday, June 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse to discuss the creation of an ordinance regulating data centers in Stephens County. The Board's next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, June 9, at 6:00 p.m. As discussions surrounding data centers continue across Georgia, local residents have an opportunity to become informed and participate in shaping regulations that could impact Stephens County

As summer approaches, churches across Northeast Georgia are preparing to welcome children and families for Vacation Bible School programs filled with Bible lessons, music, games, crafts, fellowship, and fun. From one-day themed events to weeklong adventures, local churches are offering a variety of opportunities for children of all ages to grow in faith while making summer memories. Below is a guide to Vacation Bible Schools happening throughout the area this summer. Turnervi

By: Nora Almazan For many graduates, this season feels like standing on the edge of two worlds. Behind you are years of classrooms, football games, friendships, teachers, exams, and memories that helped shape who you are. Ahead lies a future filled with possibilities, opportunities, and perhaps a little uncertainty. That uncertainty is normal. Every generation before you has faced the same moment—wondering what comes next and whether they are truly ready. The truth is, no dip

Young football players in Habersham County will have a unique opportunity later this month as former NFL and University of Georgia wide receiver Tavarres King returns home to host a free youth football camp at Raider Stadium. The camp will take place Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is open to Habersham County boys ages 10 and under. Participants will receive instruction from King along with several former Habersham Central Raider standouts, including Sen. Bo Ha

Magic, adventure, and a beloved childhood classic are coming to the stage this summer as Habersham Community Theater presents James and the Giant Peach. Based on Roald Dahl’s timeless story, the musical follows young James on an extraordinary journey inside a gigantic peach alongside a colorful cast of insect friends. Filled with imagination, humor, music, and heartwarming moments, the production promises fun for audiences of all ages. The family-friendly musical will take th

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating after the City of Helen’s Police Chief reportedly struck a pedestrian with her patrol vehicle Friday night while responding to a burglary in progress call. According to GSP, Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett was traveling south on State Route 17/Main Street with emergency lights and siren activated when the incident occurred. Troopers say Barrett was attempting to turn left onto Yonah Road when her patrol vehicle collided with a pedes