Local News

By: Nora Almazan Photo: American author, poet, and former professional football player, Malcolm Mitchell celebrated reading with students at One Book Habersham Habersham County students recently had the opportunity to celebrate reading and literacy through the annual One Book Habersham event, which this year featured the inspiring children’s book The Magician’s Hat by former professional football player and author Malcolm Mitchell. Mitchell played as a wide receiver The Univ

By: Brian Wellmeier A suspect was shot and killed Wednesday after opening fire on deputies during a pursuit along Interstate 85, according to the Banks County Sheriff’s Office. Police say the incident occurred April 8 near the 150-mile marker on I-85. Deputies were responding to a BOLO issued out of Jackson County in connection with a reported road rage incident when they located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities said the driver refused to stop, le

By: Nora Almazan Families filled the halls of Hazel Grove Elementary School (HGES) Monday evening, April 7, as the school hosted a special Arts & Academics Night, celebrating the creativity and imagination of its students. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., students, teachers, parents and grandparents had the opportunity to walk through the school and view artwork created by students across multiple grade levels. The event transformed the school into a vibrant gallery, with colorful pain

By: Brian Wellmeier As the May primary approaches, two Republican candidates have qualified for the District 2 seat on the Habersham County Commission. Former commissioner Andrea Harper will face local business owner Shelley Tullis in the May 19 primary. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, as current Commissioner Dustin Mealor’s term expires Dec. 31. The candidate elected in November will be sworn in in January. WCHM Radio spoke with both candidates. They

Clarkesville residents and visitors alike will once again have the opportunity to enjoy fresh local food, handmade goods, and community fellowship when the Clarkesville Growers & Makers Farmers Market returns this spring. Beginning in May, the market will be held every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in downtown Clarkesville by the gazebo, offering a vibrant gathering place for farmers, artisans, and shoppers looking to support local businesses. Farmers markets h

The White County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after what appear to be human skeletal remains were discovered in the Bonair area on April 5. According to information released by the White County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call for service earlier in the day. Upon arrival, officers located what are believed to be human skeletal remains. Authorities say the remains have not yet been identified. Due to the nature of the discovery, a significant law enforcement

Photo: PIedmont University Piedmont University will conduct a large-scale mass casualty training exercise on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and campus safety. The comprehensive drill will take place on the university’s Demorest campus and will involve Piedmont University Police Department along with numerous local and regional emergency response agencies. The exercise will simulate a mass casualty incident, givin

White County will soon be joining communities across the nation in recognizing the dedicated professionals who serve as the first voice people hear during emergencies. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week will be observed April 12–18, 2026, honoring the county’s 911 dispatchers and their critical role in public safety. Often referred to as the “first first responders,” 911 dispatchers work behind the scenes to ensure that help reaches those in need as quickly as poss

Habersham County officials have announced several updates to the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and are encouraging residents to review the document and provide feedback before it is considered for adoption. County leaders say the UDO is intended to be a living document that will continue to evolve as community input is received and discussions move forward ahead of a final vote by the Habersham County Board of Commissioners. Officials have already addressed sev

By: Nora Almazan Photo: Stephens County Sheriff's Office The Shorewood Property Owners’ Association (POA), in partnership with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, has officially opened a new Sheriff’s Outpost at the entrance to the Shorewood Estates community in Toccoa near Lake Hartwell. A grand opening ceremony for the new outpost was held on April 2, 2026, marking a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between local residents and law enforcement to improve safet

By: Nora Almazan The Baldwin Police Department is reminding parents and caregivers to check their child safety seats following a recent recall issued by Graco involving several car seat models. Child passenger safety is a top priority for families, and officials say recalls like this serve as an important reminder to make sure car seats are properly installed and functioning as intended. For those who are unsure whether their child’s car seat may be affected by the recall, th

By: Nora Almazan April is recognized across the United States as Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time set aside to shine a light on an issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. It is a month dedicated to protecting children, supporting families, and reminding communities that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Child abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. While the signs are n

By: Brian Wellmeier A former municipal court clerk in Maysville has been arrested following an investigation into missing funds, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Agents with the GBI Office of Special Investigations have charged Jessica Daniels, 48, with computer trespassing, computer forgery and theft by taking. The investigation began in February when the Maysville Police Department requested the GBI’s assistance after discovering money missing from the Mays

By: Brian Wellmeier Habersham officials will open the floor to the public later this month as they consider sweeping changes to the codes that guide growth and development within the county. A community town hall, scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 13 at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center, will again allow residents a chance to weigh in on proposed updates to Habersham County’s Unified Development Code (UDC) – a set of rules that governs where and how homes, businesses and

By: Brian Wellmeier Photo: Skyler Nathaniel Akins/ Rabun County Sheriff's Office A Rabun County man has been arrest in connection with an ongoing child abuse investigation, according to the sheriff’s office. On March 25, police say deputies arrested Skyler Nathaniel Akins, 28, of Rabun Gap, for alleged offenses spanning several dates throughout 2025 and into 2026. Akins faces charges including sexual battery, rape, three counts of child molestation, two counts of aggravated s

By: Brian Wellmeier A Commerce woman has been arrested following a school system audit that uncovered suspected financial misconduct, authorities confirmed. According to the Commerce Police Department, Katherine Smith is charged with one count of identity fraud and four counts of theft by taking. The charges are tied to an internal audit conducted by Commerce City Schools in Jackson County, which flagged irregularities in financial records. Investigators launched a criminal p

By: Brian Wellmeier Authorities are investigating a late-night incident involving a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound at a residence outside Cornelia, according to police. Deputies with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home on Pea Ridge Road just after 11:45 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in response to a reported dispute. Upon arrival, police say responders discovered a woman who had sustained a gunshot wound believed to be self-inflicted. The woman was

By: Nora Almazan Each morning on WCHM’s The Mountain Morning Show, alongside Cole Cleiman, Darrell Everidge brings news, conversation, and a steady presence to listeners across Northeast Georgia. His voice is familiar. Grounded. Reliable. Best known for his love of music and his ever-increasing list of nicknames: Professor, The Man, Myth, and Legend, and Tater Tot, Darrell shares his wit, humor, and years of experience in the broadcasting world to those who have grown to love

By: Brian Wellmeier Photo: Crime Scene at the Youth Home/Stephens County Sheriff's Office A 19-year-old Toccoa man is in custody following a shooting at a local youth home that left a 16-year-old injured early Tuesday morning, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and Stephens County EMS were dispatched at around 1:13 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, to The Village, a youth residential facility on Gulley Trail, after reports of a gunshot wound. Responders foun

By: Brian Wellmeier A fast-approaching deadline could mean the difference between a lower property tax bill and paying more. County officials urged homeowners to submit homestead exemption applications by Wednesday, April 1, for the tax break to apply to their 2026 bill. Though the county accepts applications year-round, applying after the deadline delays the tax break until the following year. The exemption is available to residents who both own and live in their home as of