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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

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 l

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

By: Brian Wellmeier A Toccoa man has been arrested after what authorities describe as a swift and intensive investigation into a reported sexual assault involving a minor. The case began on Wednesday, March 25, according to officials, when the incident was reported to the Toccoa Police Department. Investigators then launched a full-scale inquiry to gather evidence. Police obtained warrants for Anthony David Shedd, 28, of Toccoa, before officers with the department’s Special O

The Clarkesville School of Dance will present its annual spring performance, “From Page to Stage,” with two shows scheduled for Saturday, May 9. Performances will take place at the Habersham Central High School Performing Arts Auditorium, with a matinee at 2:00 p.m . and an evening show at 7:30 p.m. Company members from the Clarkesville School of Dance will perform in both productions. The afternoon matinee will feature the school’s younger dancers, while the evening perform

Clarkesville First Methodist Church invites the community to join them for a meaningful and joy-filled Holy Week with a variety of services and family activities designed to celebrate the Easter season. Located at 1087 Washington Street in Clarkesville, the church will begin its Holy Week observances with a special children’s event on Saturday, March 28, called “ Easter Egg-Scape. ” The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and is open to families and children

By: Brian Wellmeier Georgia lawmakers have revisited efforts to eliminate the twice-yearly clock change, advancing legislation that could eventually move the state out of the Eastern Time Zone. The proposal, known as the Georgia Sunshine Protection Act, passed the Georgia State Senate on Monday in a 45–5 vote. The measure calls for the state to pursue all legal avenues to adopt permanent daylight-saving time. The bill’s sponsor, Georgia State Senator Bo Hatchett, R-Cornelia,

By: Brian Wellmeier Last week, the Habersham County Commission recognized its own Public Information Officer, Ashlyn Brady, who was named the 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. During a regular meeting Monday, March 16, Brady was recognized for her contributions to local government communications and the business community. The award honors emerging leaders who demonstrate professional excellence while making a meaningful impact in their communiti

By: Brian Wellmeier Two Toccoa men face charges following a March 10 shooting on Wood Street that authorities believe may be connected to gang activity. The arrests came after a multi-agency investigation involving search warrants and evidence collection tied to the incident, according to the Toccoa Police Department. Zachary Mulwee, 22, of Toccoa, was taken into custody during the investigation and charged with possession with intent to distribute a schedule III controlled s