Local News

Piedmont University will once again host one of its most heartwarming traditions when the Piedmont PAL (Piedmont Athletic Lions) Games return on March 19, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event brings together Piedmont students and elementary school children with special needs for a day filled with games, laughter, and meaningful connections. Now in its ninth year, the PAL Games began in 2015 and have become a cherished experience for both the university students who vol

By: Brian Wellmeier City officials say a long-discussed plan to bring an upscale inn to downtown Clarkesville could soon move forward, describing the project as a potential boost to the local economy while preserving the community’s historic character. Clarkesville purchased the property in February 2025 for $1 million, plus an additional $190,000 paid to Habersham County for demolition of the former courthouse building. In a statement released Wednesday, March 4, city leader

Habersham County residents will soon have an additional recycling option available at two local recycling centers. Beginning March 9, 2026, Habersham County will begin collecting tin and metal cans at the Cornelia and Clarkesville Recycling Centers. Collection trailers will be placed at both locations, allowing residents to recycle common household items such as pet food cans, vegetable cans, and similar metal containers. County officials say the new service comes after resid

By: Brian Wellmeier Photo: Baldwin City Council/Brian Wellmeier A public hearing over a controversial proposed development in Baldwin was canceled just hours before its scheduled time on Tuesday, March 3. The city of Baldwin was expected to consider the annexation, proposed by developer Cook Construction, for a potential shopping center off GA 365 and Duncan Bridge Road, but a legal error prevented the hearing from proceeding. “We were required under Georgia law for the annex

By: Nora Almazan A proposed rezoning request for property off Saluda Drive was discussed during the Demorest City Council meeting Monday, March 3rd. Attorney Matt Benson of Mahaffey Pickens Tucker, based in Jefferson, Georgia, addressed the council on behalf of a potential developer seeking to rezone approximately 10.74 acres of land from Agriculture to R-2, which is designated for multi-family residential use. Benson clarified that the proposed development would not include

By: Brian Wellmeier A county takeover of Clarkesville's Fire Department does not appear imminent, even as Habersham County continues to examine consolidation of fire services across its municipalities. Talks of consolidation between Habersham County and its municipalities began in 2024. That discussion continued during a Monday, March 2 work session, where members of the Clarkesville City Council emphasized their confidence in the city’s ability to maintain independent fire a

Press Release from City of Clarkesville House photo left to right: Representative Kimberly New, Retired GA Department of Natural Resources Officer Al Crews, President of North Georgia Mountains Lodge 112 Fraternal Order of Police Michael Palmer, Chief Danny Cloutre, Representative Victor Anderson, Police Officer Terry Palmer Jr., Assistant Chief Ryan Ledford, Mayor Franklin Brown, Representative Clint Crowe. The City of Clarkesville proudly announces that Officer Terry “J” Pa

By: Brian Wellmeier A months-long sexual assault investigation has led to the arrest of a Toccoa man after authorities say forensic testing played a pivotal role in the case. On Tuesday, March 3, the Toccoa Police Department announced the arrest of 58-year-old Stephen Pittman following what officials described as an extensive and detailed inquiry into a reported rape. Investigators spent several months gathering physical evidence, according to authorities, and conducted inte

By: Brian Wellmeier Photo: Clarkesville City Council Clarkesville is set to begin its quest for a new city manager in March, officials announced at a council meeting Monday, March 2. The top leadership position was left vacant by former city manager Keith Dickerson, who stepped down in February after more than six years in the role. Following an executive session to discuss personnel Monday, Clarkesville’s City Council voted to publish the position and accept applications fr

The sheriff of Hall County has been arrested on charges related to driving under the influence. According to Hall County Jail records, Gerald Jay Couch, 63, was taken into custody Friday, February 27. He faces charges of DUI, failure to maintain lane, and an open container violation. Couch has served as Hall County sheriff since first being elected in 2012 and has been employed with the sheriff’s office since 1981. The arrest comes approximately two months after Couch returne

Photo: Jerry Neace, City of Lula A man was struck and killed by a train Thursday, February 26th in Lula, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say the incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. on the railroad tracks near the intersection of Main Street and McLeod Street. Deputies and crews with Hall County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and located the man deceased upon arrival. The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of

In Habersham County, the performing arts are alive and well thanks in large part to the dedication of one woman, her team of teachers, and the students she has inspired for years. On Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Habersham Central Performing Arts Center, The Clarkesville School of Dance, under the direction of Francie Keene, owner, will present Kaleidoscope:Fusion, a colorful view of the different styles of dance and music. There will be voice performances and a produ

By: Nora Almazan Photo: White County Government The White County Board of Commissioners has officially proclaimed February 23, 2026, as “Darrel Chaney Day.” The recognition was presented Monday, February 23rd during a special ceremony held in the Board Room of the White County Administration Building. Chairman Travis Turner presented the proclamation to Chaney, honoring his long-standing commitment to the community and 25 years of leadership in support of the White County Uni

By: Nora Almazan Banks County Sheriff’s Office Urges Public to Stay Alert The Banks County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a growing type of fraud that is becoming increasingly convincing — Artificial Intelligence scams. According to authorities, scammers are now using AI technology to imitate real people. In some cases, criminals are cloning voices and creating messages that sound exactly like a loved one, employer, or trusted organization. Investigators say thes

Warmer weather and springtime fun are just around the corner as the Old Clarkesville Spring Market prepares to welcome shoppers and families to the Habersham County Fairgrounds. The market will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside the enclosed pavilion at the fairgrounds, located at 4235 Toccoa Highway in Clarkesville. Organizers say the covered venue allows the event to be held rain or shine. The annual event is designed to help residents “

By: Nora Almazan Residents will have the opportunity to learn more about local services and connect directly with county departments during the upcoming “Meet Your Government” event. The event will be held Thursday, February 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Habersham County Aquatic Center. It is free and open to the public. County officials say the goal of the event is simple — help citizens better understand what their local government does and how each department ser

By: Nora Almazan The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, February 24, for its annual planning retreat at the Piedmont University Commons Upstairs Conference Room in Demorest. The all-day session is scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. County leaders will use the retreat to review finances, discuss long-range projects, and set priorities for the coming year. The planning session provides commissioners and department heads an opportunity to eva

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of Bryan County. According to officials, the individual has no history of international travel but had recently traveled outside the state. DPH is currently working to notify people who may have been exposed and who could be at increased risk of developing the illness. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or snee

By: Brian Wellmeier Photo: Baldwin City Council As part of an effort to combat crime, Baldwin City Council approved the installation of five license plate readers during its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 17. The devices will be funded by two private companies rather than the city. The license plate reader systems, designed by Flock Safety, allow law enforcement agencies to enter license plate numbers and receive automated alerts regarding the whereabouts of a vehicle’s driver

By: Nora Almazan In recent years, few topics have generated more emotion and division than immigration enforcement. The conversation often becomes combative, personal, and political, but beneath the arguments lies a simple question: Does a nation have both the right and the responsibility to enforce its own laws? The existence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is rooted in that question. Every sovereign country in the world maintains some form of border contro