Local News

On January 28, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Banks County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Banks County School System of a bomb threat received via voicemail. The message did not specify a particular school. Out of an abundance of caution, and despite schools not being in session due to lingering winter weather conditions, law enforcement initiated a coordinated response. Multiple agencies assisted in the operation, including bomb detection K-9 units from the Hal

Banks County Schools will be closed Tuesday, January 27th, for the safety of students and staff.

Habersham County continues recovery efforts following significant storm damage, with 115 roads currently impacted by multiple downed trees. At least 50% of these roads have power lines entangled in debris, creating hazardous conditions. County road crews have been rotating rest periods throughout the event and remain fully prepared to resume operations. We are coordinating closely with Georgia Power and Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (HEMC) to ensure safe and effic

Banks County Schools has announced that Chuck Butler has been named the next principal of Banks County Middle School (BCMS). Butler will assume the role for the 2026–2027 school year, succeeding Dr. Kaila Steele, who has been appointed Chief Learning and Development Officer at Mountain Education High School. Butler has served as assistant principal at BCMS for the past seven years and brings extensive experience and familiarity with the school community. In addition to his ad

As winter weather moves into our area, preparation is the key to staying safe and warm. Ice storms can create dangerous driving conditions, power outages, and extremely cold temperatures. Use this checklist to make sure your household—and your neighbors—are ready. At Home ✅ Charge all phones, tablets, and battery packs ✅ Prepare flashlights and extra batteries (avoid candles if possible) ✅ Set thermostats consistently and avoid turning heat off completely ✅ Let faucets drip a

This is a Press Release from White County's PIO Bryce Barrett White County will open a shelter Saturday morning for individuals and families who have factors that limit their ability to safely shelter in place during the winter storm. This also includes residents with medical devices requiring electricity, such as those who rely on home oxygen. Registration is required to request shelter space. Individuals must be ready to report to the shelter location by 1:00 PM on Saturday

As an ice storm threatens Northeast Georgia this weekend, local animal shelters, farmers, and pet owners are taking extra precautions to protect animals from dangerous cold temperatures and potential power outages. Cold weather can be just as deadly for animals as it is for people — especially those kept outdoors. Whether you have pets, livestock, or backyard animals, preparation is key. Caring for Outdoor Dogs While experts strongly encourage bringing pets indoors during ext

The Grace Gate Board of Directors is pleased to announce the promotion of Pam Hendrix to the position of Executive Director. Hendrix brings more than 40 years of management experience along with a strong record of community and nonprofit leadership. She previously served for many years on the Habersham County United Way Board, including roles as President and Secretary. Her leadership experience also includes service with Rotary, the American Cancer Society, and the Habersham

Public Safety prioritized and Patience Urged The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant winter storm starting to impact the area on Saturday January 24 continuing through the weekend into Monday, with ice accumulation expected and Snow on top of that to make conditions especially hazardous. Ice-covered roadways, trees, and power lines will greatly increase the difficulty of response operations and elevate safety risks for both the public and emergency crews.

Habersham County Emergency Services Urges Residents to Prepare Now for Incoming Winter Weather Habersham County Emergency Services is urging residents to begin preparing now for an expected winter weather forecasted to impact the area beginning Saturday morning at approximately 7:00 a.m. and continuing through Monday around 1:00 p.m. Current forecasts indicate a mix of snow, sleet, and ice; however, winter weather is unpredictable and conditions may change. Residents are en

Check Back Here...WCHM 94.3FM will keep this list updated as the information becomes available. Schools and University Closings Piedmont University will suspend on-campus learning and online classes January 26th and 27th. Banks County Schools will be closed Monday, January 26th. Habersham County Schools will be closed Monday, January 26th. Stephens County Schools will be closed Monday, January 26th. Tallulah Falls School will be closed Monday, January 26th Kandy Kane Lear

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday evening, January 20, at the Habersham County Courthouse to conduct county business and elect officers for the coming year. During the meeting, Commissioner Bruce Harkness was elected Chairman of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, and Commissioner Dustin Mealor was elected Vice-Chairman. Chairman Harkness, who previously served as Vice-Chairman for four years and is now in his sixth year as a county commissioner

When icy weather moves into Northeast Georgia, it doesn’t take much to disrupt daily life. A thin layer of ice can turn roads, driveways, and walkways into dangerous surfaces in a matter of minutes. Preparation—not panic—is the key to staying safe. Here are some simple, smart steps you can take before the ice arrives. Prepare Your Home Check your heat now. Make sure your thermostat is working and set to keep indoor temperatures consistent, especially overnight. Protect your

The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that Julie Paysen has submitted her resignation as President, effective June 30, 2026. Julie Paysen has served as President of the Chamber for the past 11 years, providing steady leadership and making lasting contributions to the organization and the broader community. Throughout her tenure, she has exemplified integrity, consistency, resilience, and a deep commitment to strengthening local busine

Curious about the wildlife that calls Northeast Georgia home? Stop by the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center at Tallulah Gorge State Park on Friday, January 23, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and visit with a park ranger to ask your burning questions about one of the park’s favorite local mammals. This interactive, family-friendly event is accessible to all visitors. A parking fee is required. For more information, call 706-754-7981. Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center338 Jane H

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 20, at 6:00p.m. The meeting will take place at the Habersham County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room, located at 295 Llewellyn Street, Clarkesville. During the meeting, commissioners will conduct the Election of Commission Officers for 2026, including the selection of a Chairman and Vice Chairman. In addition, a public hearing will be held regarding an application for Doug Campbell, wh

A Clarkesville man remains incarcerated at the Habersham County Detention Center following a road rage incident that began Wednesday afternoon (January 14) near Cornelia. Jesse Lafayette Parker, 84, turned himself in at the detention center Wednesday afternoon. He is charged by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Georgia State Patrol has also charged Parker with misdem

Driving home this afternoon, I passed Burke’s Mulch and Supply and noticed several people standing along the road holding signs that read, “Free Hot Meal and Prayer.” Something about it made me slow down—and then turn around. What I discovered was a quiet, beautiful example of grassroots kindness at work. Several families from our community have joined together to offer a hot meal to anyone in need. It’s not a one-time act of charity—it’s a commitment. For the past four year

From bank robberies and gunfights to moonshine operations, jailbreaks, and even hog thefts, Lumpkin County’s past is anything but quiet. Visitors can step back into these gripping chapters of North Georgia history during a special urban hike at the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site on Sundays, January 18th and 25th, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursdays, January 22nd and 29th, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This guided experience introduces guests to some of the most colorful

Firefighters battle an active fire during emergency operations. (Image for illustrative purposes) There were no injuries to civilians or emergency personnel that have been reported, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 3:58 a.m. on Harris Street in Mt. Airy, the Habersham County Emergency Services responded to a residential structure fire. Multiple units were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival encountered a 1,000-square-fo