UPDATE: Body found in car pulled out of Lake Lanier
A car was found submerged in Lake Lanier on Monday, Feb. 16.
Braselton may have found its next town manager. Here’s who, what’s next
Former Flowery Branch City Attorney Ron Bennett has been named the sole finalist for Braselton town manager, the town said in a recent Facebook post.
FLOCK cameras return to Baldwin agenda
BALDWIN, Ga. — The Baldwin City Council will take up a proposed agreement for license plate reader cameras Tuesday night, while the closely watched Cook Construction annexation will not be on the agenda. According to the Feb. 17 meeting agenda, council members are scheduled to consider and vote on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for […]
Car strikes Gville storefront; Banks Co. haz-mat scare
*The driver of a car that struck the front of a Gainesville supermarket Sunday afternoon escaped serious injury, according to police. 97.5 Glory FM has confirmed that it happened at the Kroger in New Holland at Limestone and Jesse Jewell parkways. Damage to the building was minor. *Banks County authorities have sounded the “all-clear” following […]
Clarkesville launches structured grant strategy under new manager
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The City of Clarkesville is moving to formalize and expand its pursuit of outside funding under newly hired grant writer Sara Burke, who outlined an aggressive but structured strategy to city leaders last week. Appearing before the City Council for the first time, Burke walked members through her grant procurement process, early […]
Hall County, Oakwood react to planned $158M ICE processing facility
Hall County leaders say they want answers and a seat at the table after confirmation that a warehouse on Atlanta Highway in Oakwood will be converted into a regional U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility. The project was confirmed through the office of State Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-9th District). The Department of Homeland Security […]
Woman injured after crashing into Kroger storefront in Gainesville
A woman suffered minor injuries after crashing her car into the storefront of the New Holland Market Kroger on Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville Police reported.
Basketball scoreboard: Gainesville girls run past Roswell in Region 7-5A tournament quarterfinals
Lady Red Elephants advance to Tuesday’s semifinals and secure a spot in the state tournament.
One injured, three displaced in Gainesville mobile home fire
Three people were displaced in a mobile home fire Saturday in Gainesville, Hall County Fire Rescue reported.
Estimated cost of Hall Co. ICE facility just a ‘drop in the bucket’
Estimates for the retrofitting of a warehouse in South Hall to serve as an ICE detention/processing facility run to about $130 million with another $140 million a year to operate it. But that is just a “drop in the bucket” compared to the overall nearly $40 billion President Trump wants to spend nationwide on new […]
Even as dementia steals memories, their 65-year love still blooms
David Wall, 89, hid a small white box and a bundle of daffodils from his lawn on a high shelf inside the New Horizons – Limestone Greenhouse, easily concealed by rows of growing plant buds inside colorful plastic cups.
Sole finalist for Braselton Town Manager no stranger to Hall Co.
Braselton’s Town Council has named former Flowery Branch City Attorney Ron Bennett the sole finalist for the position of Town Manager, replacing longtime the longtime holder of the office, Jennifer Scott, who was suddenly let go last month. EARLIER STORY. POSTED JAN. 17: Braselton city manager placed on leave State law requires that such appointments […]
Baseball scoreboard: Cherokee Bluff, East Hall both pick up wins
North Hall lost to East Forsyth
High school basketball: East Hall boys continues their big turnaround with a win over Monroe Area
Vikings secure the No. 2 seed in next week’s Region 8-3A tournament, while the Lady Vikings also scored a victory Friday.
Basketball scoreboard: Lanier Christian girls fall in GAPPS state quarterfinals
Cherokee Bluff girls dominated West Hall to wrap regular season
High school basketball: Chestatee sweeps North Hall to wrap up regular season
Lady War Eagles paced by 31-point effort from sophomore Ali Jae Bull
What protesters said about planned ICE detention center in Oakwood
About 100 people carrying signs and chanting slogans turned out Friday, Feb. 13, for a protest at Oakwood City Hall opposing a planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Oakwood.
Opinion: Oakwood ICE detention center would hurt community
United States Representative Andrew Clyde confirmed on Feb. 10 that a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center is set to open in Oakwood.
Gainesville man arrested on child porn charges
A 20-year-old Gainesville man has been charged with multiple felony counts of child sexual exploitation, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
Gainesville man, 70, charged with rape of girl under 10
A 70-year-old Gainesville man has been charged with sexually abusing a girl under the age of 10, authorities said.
Man killed in crash on Ga. 365
The driver of a van died Friday morning after rear-ending a flatbed truck at a traffic light on Ga. 365, authorities said.
North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park makes top 10 in USA Today poll; voting still open
North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park (NOGAWILD) in Cleveland has been named one of the top 10 safari parks in the United States by USA Today.
Gville, Cleveland women charged with drug trafficking among other things
JACKSON CO. N.C. SHERIFF’S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE: “(Late last month, a North Carolina state trooper) stopped a vehicle for speeding on US 74 East near exit 85 (The officer) requested assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Sylva Police Department due to suspicious behavior by the occupants of the vehicle. Sylva Police (used) […]
Marijuana, other drugs seized in White Co.
Earlier this week, White County Sheriff’s deputies and investigators were conducting concentrated patrols along a stretch of Ga. 75. A traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for a traffic violation. During the course of the traffic stop, approximately one and half (1.5) ounces of marijuana was located along with eight (8) grams of psilocybin […]
Habersham County Provides Update on Special Election to Fill District 3 Commission Seat
Clarkesville, GA — February 10, 2026— Habersham County is providing additional details regarding the process to fill the vacancy on the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, District 3, following the resignation of Commissioner Jimmy Tench, effective February 13, 2026. At their next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on February 16, 2026, the Habersham County […]
Ga. drought intensifies
Moderate, severe, and extreme drought conditions now cover all of Georgia, except for parts of four west Georgia counties which are considered “abnormally” dry, the lowest measure of severity on the scale that is used to measure drought conditions. In northeast Georgia, virtually all of Barrow County is now considered “extremely” dry along with the […]
Efforts underway to save Dahlonega landmark
Country music’s Toby Keith had a big hit with “I Love This Bar” a few years back. And that could be the theme song for a number of folks in and around Dahlonega who are doing what they can to save a longtime downtown watering hole that is facing a wrecking ball. And patrons, new […]
Spradlin outlines growth-focused vision as Habersham Chamber chair
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Jeremy Spradlin says his goal as the 2026 chairman of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is to ensure the organization is “not just active but effective, strategic and impactful.” Spradlin, who serves full time as Northeast area manager for Georgia Power, said his priorities center on strengthening the […]
S. Hall woman jailed on drug distribution, other charges
A South Hall woman was being held without bond in the Hall County Jail Thursday morning following her arrest earlier in the week in Flowery Branch on drug distribution and other charges. FLOWERY BRANCH POLICE NEWS RELEASE: “(On Tuesday), Flowery Branch Police Officers observed a Chevroletpickup truck perform an improper lane change on Spout Springs […]
Back behind bars… already; Farmers turn to legislature for help; Regulate social media for kids?
(GA. NEWS NETWORK) *Police say 40-year-old Nathaniel Jones was paroled from a burglary wrap Monday, but on Tuesday went to the Statesboro Walmart, smashed a display case, grabbed a BB gun, and threatened to shoot a woman and her small child. He is now locked up again and facing charges of aggravated assault and burglary. […]
Oakwood ICE facility: The latest
The City of Oakwood Wednesday issued a lengthy statement concerning the proposed ICE detention facility on McEver Road in the city as the debate about and controversy over just such a possibility continues. The statement begins by emphasizing the city’s support for the ICE mission but raises concerns – as it has done in the […]
A Life of Faith, Radio, and Service: Habersham Community Rallies Around Billy Burrell
HABERSHAM COUNTY — For generations of listeners across Northeast Georgia, Billy Burrell has been a familiar voice of faith, encouragement, and constancy. From early-morning radio broadcasts to decades of ministry, Burrell’s life has been defined by service — a legacy that now has the full attention and prayers of the Habersham community following news of […]
High school wrestling: Six athletes from Hall advance to Class 3A state semifinals
North Hall sending four to the traditional semifinals, while Chestatee and East Hall are each represented by one wrestler.
18-year-old charged with statutory rape
HCSO NARRATIVE: “A Murrayville man has been charged with misdemeanor statutory rape in an incident that occurred last summer. David Alexander Horne, 18, remains in the Hall County Jail with no bond following his arrest Tuesday, February 10, 2026. According to the investigation conducted by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB), […]
Florist delivers happiness
Happiness has a scent and it’s blooming at David Benefield’s Highland Hall. The floral presentation may not be for that Queen, but the Queen in your life. We are very close to springing into the next season. David and his team are already gearing up for those visits and deliveries with bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, […]
Dragsters’ return to Banks Co. OK’d by BOC
The Banks County Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved a request to allow drag racing again at Banks Crossing. More than 300 people were Tuesday night’s BOC) meeting when approval was given for a conditional use permit that will allow a racetrack to operate again at Banks Crossing. And the Facebook live of the meeting had […]
Update: Oakwood wants U.S. government to ‘pause’ plans for ICE jail. Here’s why
Oakwood City Council is asking federal officials “to pause further action” on plans to turn a local warehouse into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement jail.
Man accused of ramming spouse’s vehicle at Baldwin gas station
BALDWIN, Ga. — A Gainesville man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he intentionally rammed his spouse’s vehicle Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of a Baldwin convenience store. Officers with the Baldwin Police Department responded at approximately 4:58 p.m. Feb. 10 to Circle K at 3951 Ga. 365 in reference to a […]
Cornelia clears financing hurdles for downtown amphitheater
CORNELIA — The Cornelia City Commission unanimously approved a series of financing actions Tuesday night that clear the way for construction of a long-planned downtown amphitheater, including authorizing a $4.155 million bond agreement and advancing a city charter amendment tied directly to the project. Commissioners approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into an […]
Terroristic threats by computer; attempted scam of elderly woman
Two instances of Terroristic Threats Via Computer were reported to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Tuesday. And they were similar in nature. The sheriff’s office is also investigating a report that someone tried to scam an elderly woman out of a “large amount” of money. One of the terroristic threats cases was reported about […]
Man Arrested After Allegedly Ramming Vehicle, Damaging Cars at Baldwin Circle K
BALDWIN — A Gainesville man was arrested Tuesday afternoon following an incident at a Baldwin convenience store that police say involved a vehicle being used as a weapon and a subsequent domestic-related confrontation. According to the Baldwin Police Department, officers responded at approximately 4:58 p.m. on February 10 to a reported motor vehicle crash at […]
Luxury resort planned for lake gets OK from GPAB
97.5 Glory FM has confirmed that the Gainesville Planning & Appeals Board (GPAB) voted Tuesday night to recommend approval of a planned lakeside resort that would include a luxury hotel. Capstone Property’s proposal now goes to the city council for final action. The vote by the planning group was unanimous. The property is off Ivey […]
Former Hall Co. judge dies
A Gainesville lawyer and former Hall County judge has died. David Burroughs passed away Feb. 5 at the age of 78 following an extended illness. Burroughs was a graduate of Madison County High School, who earned degrees from Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law. In addition to his private law practice, […]
Davenport asks Cornelia to extend MLK Jr. Drive to Main Street
CORNELIA — Local artist and community historian Audrey Davenport asked city leaders Tuesday night to consider extending Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Main Street, a move she said would restore historical continuity to the former Soque Street corridor and strengthen cultural and tourism connections downtown. Davenport, who leads the Brushstrokes for Change public art […]
Wanted Wednesday fugitive in custody
HCSO FACEBOOK POST: “Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies transported 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗮, 𝟰𝟮, 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, from the Athens-Clarke County Jail to the Hall County Jail on Monday afternoon…to face his local charge. Figueroa was featured on the January 21 edition of 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬. #WantedWednesday #eyespeeled“ Figueroa was wanted for probation violation with underlying charges of […]
Firearm discharged at Stephens County High School event
STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — No injuries were reported after a firearm was discharged in the parking lot of Stephens County High School on Tuesday evening. According to a statement from Stephens County Schools, the incident occurred during a school event. Local law enforcement responded immediately, and the school was placed on lockdown as a precaution. […]
Cornelia clears financing hurdles for downtown amphitheater
CORNELIA — The Cornelia City Commission unanimously approved a series of financing actions Tuesday night that clear the way for construction of a long-planned downtown amphitheater, including authorizing a $4.155 million bond agreement and advancing a city charter amendment tied directly to the project. Commissioners approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into an […]
Hall County restaurant inspections: El Sombrero, Tupelo Honey, Gainesville Middle School and others for Feb. 3-9
The following are among the food service establishments inspected by the Hall County Environmental Health Department.
ESPLOST VII heads to May ballot following Board approval
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Voters in Habersham County will decide the future of the school system’s one-cent sales tax this spring after the Habersham County Board of Education approved a resolution Monday to place ESPLOST VII on the May 19 primary election ballot. The board also approved a new principal for South Habersham Middle School, reviewed […]
UPDATE: No injuries in downtown traffic accident
8:30 A.M TUESDAY UPDATE: STATE PATROL NARRATIVE (EDITED FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY: “On Monday…Troopers were requested to investigate a traffic crash at the intersection of Northside Dr/Main St and W Academy St. During the investigation, it was determined that…a landscaping truck, driven by Demarco D Goss, 21, of Gainesville, was traveling south on Northside Dr […]
City of Baldwin to Hold Special Called Meeting for Executive Session
BALDWIN — The Mayor and City Council of the City of Baldwin have scheduled a special called meeting for the purpose of entering an executive session for personnel matters. The meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, February 10, at the Baldwin Police Department Training Facility, located directly behind the Baldwin Police Department. […]
Opposition growing to ICE facility proposed for S. Hall
Opponents to a proposed ICE detention facility proposed for a vacant warehouse on McEver Road is growing based on the turnout at Monday night’s Oakwood City Council meeting. The facility is one of several planned around the country based on reports that surfaced recently. Is an ICE detention facility coming to Flowery Branch? Opponents to […]
Mt. Airy council approves elevator contract, tables engineering proposal
MT. AIRY, Ga. — The Mt. Airy Town Council approved a new elevator maintenance contract and delayed action on a proposed engineering services agreement Monday night, a decision tied directly to future development of town-owned property behind the Big Red Caboose and the possible creation of a downtown business district. The meeting had originally been […]
Super Bowl night for Gville’s tiniest new residents
They won’t know it for a few years, but Gainesville’s smallest new citizens got a taste of football on Super Bowl Sunday. “Celebrating a little game day fun with our tiniest teammates,” says a Facebook posting by Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville. “These NICU babies may be small, but their strength, determination and fighting spirit […]
Mt. Airy council to revisit engineering services after storm delay
MT. AIRY, Ga. — The Mt. Airy Town Council will meet Monday night to take up several business items that were postponed last week after a winter storm dumped up to 7 inches of snow on the town and left roads nearly impassable. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, at Mt. Airy Town […]
UPDATE – SAFELY LOCATED. BOLO: Runaway juvenile
6:40 A.M. MONDAY UPDATE: Safely located. ORIGINAL HCSO (HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE FACEBOOK POST. 10:15 P.M. SUNDAY: “BOLO- Runaway Juvenile Hayden Cheek , 16, of Gillsville •Brown hair • Brown eyes •5’2’’ •130 pounds Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies are asking the community for information on the location of Hayden Cheek, 16. Hayden was last […]
Why Local News Still Matters in Small Communities
In an age of national headlines and nonstop information, local news still plays a vital role — especially in small communities like Habersham County. Local news focuses on the things that directly affect residents: schools, roads, public safety, city meetings, and community events. These stories often don’t make regional or national outlets, but they shape […]
Gville gas prices lower; state unchanged, national increases
Gas prices in Gainesville are four cents cheaper than they were a week ago, but the national averages is up and the state average hasn’t changed. The average price in Gainesville is $2.63, according to AAA. The state average is $2.66 a gallon, the same as last week. But the national average increased two cents […]
Authorities warn of rising phone scams across Northeast Georgia
Law enforcement agencies across Northeast Georgia are warning residents to stay alert as reports of phone scams continue to grow, with criminals increasingly impersonating law enforcement and targeting vulnerable populations. The White County Sheriff’s Office says multiple residents have reported receiving calls from someone claiming to be a sergeant with the sheriff’s office, telling them […]
No injuries in Sat. crash on Poplar Springs Rd.
No one was injured in a two-vehicle, rear-end wreck Saturday morning on Poplar Springs Road, according to the state patrol. It happened at the Bell Road intersection about 9:45. The investigating trooper says one vehicle was struck from behind while stopped to make a left turn onto Bell Road. Both drivers were from Gainesville, one […]
