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After months of growing military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump ordered a military and Justice Department operation into the South American country to capture its leader and whisk him to the United States where his administration plans to put him on trial. In a Saturday morning interview on “Fox & Friends […]

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fire that destroyed a home Friday night in White County. Just before 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, White County 911 dispatched firefighters to a residence on Paradise Valley Road after a caller reported smoke and heat coming from the home. The […]

The Columbus Police Department conducted a Special Operations detail focused on criminal activity and crime reduction, along with a Traffic Unit DUI detail on New Year’s Eve and over a five-day period (December 27–31, 2025) surrounding the holiday. Special Operations Unit – New Year’s Eve Results • 141 contacts • 16 arrests • 7 warrants […]

The victim of a deadly New Year’s Eve house fire in the Cataula community of Harris County has been identified. The fire on Macon Drive claimed the life of Ursula Macon according to ABC affiliate WTVM in Columbus. Multiple departments responded to the incident that happened just after 9pm New Year’s Eve. The cause of […]

The head of the Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) and the state Department of Transportation (GDOT) Commissioner are included on Georgia Trend Magazine’s 2025 list of the Most Influential Georgians. Dr. Matt Hanley (pictured) has headed the NGHS less than a year, having replaced longtime President & CEO Carol Burrell who retired last year. […]

A new family-owned gym has made its debut in Gainesville just in time for New Year’s, offering plenty of free weights, treadmills, pin-loaded machines and spa amenities any day, any time.

A Kennesaw man accused by law enforcement of having 18 pounds of marijuana in his car in Flowery Branch took a plea deal, according to court documents.

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Clarkesville City Council will open its first regular meeting of 2026 with a series of oaths marking a major leadership transition at City Hall, including the swearing in of a new mayor and two council members. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at Clarkesville City Hall. Franklin Brown will […]

Two men originally charged with murder in Hall County in the death of a Gwinnett County teen reached plea agreements for lesser charges, drawing criticism from the boy’s parents.

A potentially dangerous structure fire was safely contained yesterday thanks to a rapid, coordinated response from multiple public safety agencies. At approximately 10:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, officers and firefighters from the Baldwin Police and Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at 1208 Park Avenue, joined by Habersham County Emergency Services, the Banks […]

ATLANTA — Starting January 1, 2026, Georgia will enforce a new set of laws that affect taxes, schools, courtrooms, and homeownership. According to a state analysis, these changes mark a shift toward ‘regulated deregulation.’ This approach aims to lower costs for people and businesses while adding stricter rules for specific industries like insurance and lawsuits. […]

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — Firefighters saved a commercial building from being destroyed after a large brush fire threatened it New Year’s Eve in Stephens County. The fire broke out around noon Wednesday near Highway 123 and East Tugalo Street. According to Carnes Creek Fire Department Public Information Officer and firefighter Lee Woody, the blaze was […]

LAVONIA, Ga. – The Lavonia Police Department (LPD) released an update regarding an investigation into a shooting that took place earlier this evening. While initial reports indicated police were investigating an incident near a Lavonia intersection, investigators have now confirmed the details surrounding the heavy police presence. Franklin County 911 received a call just after […]

SAUTEE, Ga. — One person was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital early Wednesday after a mobile home fire in the Sautee area, according to Bryce Barrett from the White County Office of Public Safety. White County 911 Communications received a report shortly after 3 a.m. of a mobile home and multiple vehicles on fire in […]

HABERSHAM COUNTY — A correctional officer faces felony charges after allegedly injuring an inmate at Lee Arrendale Prison last month. Jay Paramo, 24, of Alto, was arrested on Monday, following an investigation into an incident at the prison’s Special Management Unit. According to the arrest warrant issued on December 23rd, Paramo is charged with aggravated […]

Residential fires in our area this week continue to take their toll on property and people. A house fire in Commerce Tuesday took the life of one person and a one person was life-flighted to the Grady Burn Center in Atlanta following a mobile home fire in White County. A Commerce Fire Department news release […]

A correctional officer at Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto has been charged with aggravated battery and violation of oath of office. habershamnow.com reports that Jay Paramo, 24, Alto, was arrested earlier this week in connection with an incident at the prison in November. According to the report, quoting an arrest warrant, Paramo is alleged […]

A rash of house fires this week in Hall, White, and Jackson counties has led Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR) to review some “basic” fire safety tips. – If using a fireplace, ensure that it has been properly cleaned and a fire screen is in place. Never leave it unattended. – Space heaters should be […]

Habersham County history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and members of the general public are invited to a special premiere event for a new documentary chronicling the story of the Habersham County Airport. The film, produced by Habersham History, will debut on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at The Common Ground in Cornelia. This screening […]

Today marks a historic and emotional moment for the Demorest community, as the Demorest Fire Department officially concludes its final day of service. After decades of protecting lives, homes, and businesses within the city, the department is being formally dissolved, with fire protection services transitioning to Habersham County Emergency Services under an intergovernmental agreement approved […]

A late Gainesville couple has left millions of dollars to the community to be administered through the North Georgia Community Foundation which is marking its 40th anniversary. “Following George’s death in 2017, Anne continued to carry forward the vision they had built together,” a NGCF news release says. “She remained deeply engaged in the causes […]

The Board of Directors of Good News at Noon has named Steve Nissley as the non-profit’s Executive Director. Nissley was hired as the Ministry’s Assistant Executive Director in January of 2023 and has served as the interim Executive Director since August.  He comes to Gainesville from Tallahassee, Fla., where he served as a church pastor. […]

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — A vehicle crashed into a downtown Clarkesville building late Tuesday afternoon after leaving the roadway, striking a sidewalk and plowing through a storefront window, according to police and an eyewitness. Officers with the Clarkesville Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting that a white Honda Odyssey had crashed into a building […]

  The Greater Hall Chamber Economic Development Council (EDC) reports 2025 year-end results of ten new and expanding developments which will add 691 new jobs and $186.5 million in new capital investment to Gainesville-Hall County.  Since January 1, 2020, a total of 76 new capital investments have been announced with more than 4,712 new jobs and $2.0 […]

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning about the dangers of outdoor burning again today for our area and other parts of north and central Georgia. It’s the second day in a row for such a warning and is because of continued dry conditions, low humidities and gusty winds. And state officials are urging caution […]

Can’t stay up ’til midnight to ring in the new year or looking for a different way to celebrate or looking for an additional way to celebrate? Then you might want to try the City of Flowery Branch’s Noon Year’s Eve Party. It begins at 11:00 this morning. CITY OF FLOWERY BRANCH FACEBOOK POST: “NOON […]

A 43-year-old woman was jailed this week on 12 charges, including three counts of Serious Injury by Vehicle, following a wreck three months ago. The state patrol says the filing of charges was delayed pending a Georgia Crime Lab report. STATE PATROL INVESTIGATING TROOPER’S NARRATIVE: “On September 23rd, 2025, at approximately 0718 hours, I was […]

HCFR NEWS RELEASE: “(About 2:30 Tuesday afternoon), Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR) was dispatched to the 6700 block of Stringer Rd. for reports of a residential fire. First arriving units discovered a two-story home with smoke and flames showing.  Crews made an attack on the flames from the exterior and interior of the home to […]

The annual skeet shooting event benefitting the House of Heroes of the Chattahoochee Valley will be held on February 21, 2026, but competitors are encouraged to register soon.   Pulling for Patriots is hosted at W.C. Bradley Farms, 5793 GA Hwy 39 in Omaha, Georgia. Four person teams can register for $500, or individual registration is $125 each.  The […]

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Northeast Georgia this afternoon and evening as dry air and breezy conditions create a heightened risk for wildfires, according to the National Weather Service. The warning covers Habersham, Hall, White, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Banks, Franklin and Hart counties. Forecasters said low relative humidity […]

LAVONIA, Ga. – A tractor-trailer struck a power pole in Lavonia, knocking out power and causing traffic delays, according to the Lavonia Police Department. The crash occurred on Shuford Street. No injuries were reported, however Georgia Power reports that six of their customers are affected by the outage. The crash occurred earlier this afternoon and […]

A year-end report from the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce reveals how many jobs Hall County added this year, along with other economic stats.

ALTO, Ga. — A traffic stop on Gainesville Highway has led to the arrest of Edwin A. Noble on multiple felony charges, including trafficking and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. (NowGeorgia.com) – HCSO booking photo of Edwin Noble. According to Interim Chief Sean Rogers of the Alto Police Department, an officer conducted the […]

The boil water advisory previously issued for portions of Demorest has officially been lifted. City officials thanked customers for their patience and cooperation during the advisory period and expressed appreciation for the work of utility crews who worked to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of the water system. Anyone with questions or concerns […]

(GA. NEWS NETWORK) *The Trump administration reports that Operation Angel’s Honor held earlier this month in memory of a slain UGA student apprehended 1,030 immigrants nationwide for various crimes, including rape, child sexual exploitation, drug offenses, and food stamp fraud. Twenty-two-year-old Laken Riley was killed on February 22, 2024, on the campus of UGA by […]

One person was killed in an early morning fire Tuesday in South Hall. “At approximately 3:40 a.m., Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR) units were dispatched to the 3700 block of Tanners Mill Road for reports of a residential fire and potential resident still inside the structure,” HCFR spokeswoman Kimberlie Ledsinger said. “Crews arrived on scene […]

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — One person was found dead early Tuesday after a house fire on Tanners Mill Road, authorities said. Hall County Fire Rescue units were dispatched around 3:40 a.m. to the 3700 block of Tanners Mill Road following reports of a residential fire with a possible occupant still inside, according to a news […]

Cumming’s FurKids is assisting Hall County Animal Control which has seen its population swell by more than 100 as a result of two recent raids on residences where scores of critters were being hoarded. A statement from FurKids says they got a call from Hall County saying they were in dire need of help after […]

KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia judge on Monday ordered a temporary pause to a December execution that was already put on hold, saying questions about the state’s clemency process must be addressed before Stacey Humphreys ‘ death sentence could be carried out. Humphreys, 52, was facing scheduled execution Dec. 17 but the procedure was […]

Habersham EMC crews are responding to scattered power outages today as high winds move through the area. Utility officials say crews are actively working to assess damage and restore service as quickly and safely as possible. Residents are reminded to stay away from downed power lines and to report any outages or hazardous conditions through […]

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Two people charged with dozens of animal cruelty counts in an ongoing Hall County investigation have been released from jail after posting bond, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. Eric Blane Autry, 56, and Lynn Marie Jones, 59, were each arrested on 88 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Both […]

CORNELIA, Ga. — On any given serving day in Cornelia, a hot meal is only part of what people receive at The Lord’s Help Cornelia Soup Kitchen. There is also a handshake. A smile. And, for many, a reminder that they matter. “For us, serving others has never been about recognition — it’s always been […]

ALTO, Ga. — The Alto Town Council will hold a called meeting Monday night to consider a final amendment to the town’s 2024 budget, following weeks of scrutiny over city finances and recent emergency meetings aimed at stabilizing operations. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at Alto Town Hall. Council members are expected […]

*The Georgia Republican Assembly Main Home – The Georgia Republican Assembly is hosting an Election Integrity meeting in Gainesville next week. It will be held Jan. 6 at the American Legion on Riverside Drive and will feature Election Integrity Analyst Joe Rossi. Pre-registration is required and must be made by 6:00 p.m. Jan. 2. *A […]

5:45 A.M. MONDAY – FLOWERY BRANCH POLICE DEPT. (FBPD) FACEBOOK POST: “MISSING JUVENILE – PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED  The Flowery Branch Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile. Saira Magaga, an 11-year-old female, was last seen after walking away from her residence on Screech Owl Drive (Sunday night) at approximately 7:00… […]

Holiday travelers continue to see falling gas prices as the year’s end approaches. In Gainesville, motorists are starting the week paying six cents a gallon less than last week, according to AAA. The average price today is $2.63. Likewise, the state average is also down six cents and sits at $2.68. And the national price […]

The City of Demorest has issued a Boil Water Advisory effective December 27, 2025, after a water main break caused disruptions and low water pressure in portions of the city’s water system. City officials say the advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution, as reduced or lost water pressure can create the […]

Residents in the south end of Habersham County may experience little to no water pressure following an unexpected water main break, according to local officials. The affected areas may include: Crane Mill Road Mud Creek King Road Underwood Road Mount Zion Road (west of U.S. 365) Alonzo Wade Road Crews are currently on site and […]

The New Year will soon arrive, and for those looking for a good place to celebrate, here’s a variety of events happening in and around Northeast Georgia. If you have a celebration to add to this list, email news@nowhabersham.com. Athens-Clarke County Athens Rock Lobsters Post Game New Year’s Eve Party Akins Ford Arena 155 Hickory […]

The Times sat down recently with Flowery Branch’s new mayor, Oliver McClellan, to talk about his plans as mayor and other matters.

Council members will consider approval of minutes from two prior meetings — the regular meeting held Dec. 9, 2025, as well as an emergency called meeting on Dec. 12, 2025. The primary item of new business on the agenda is the 2024 Final Budget Amendment. Final budget amendments are typically used to make year-end financial […]

A former Gainesville City Schools bus driver was indicted earlier this month on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material, according to court documents.

(Georgia Recorder) — Georgia’s State Election Board will see at least one new member in 2026. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appointed Salleigh Grubbs, a top Georgia GOP official and elections activist, to the panel. Her appointment is not expected to alter the partisan balance on the board, which has a strong Republican majority that has […]

SAUTEE NACOOCHEE, Ga. — Community members in White and Habersham counties are invited to gather for a free Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sautee Nacoochee Center. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, located at 283 Ga. 255 in Sautee Nacoochee. Organizers […]

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice early Tuesday released thousands more files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with several referencing President Donald Trump. The latest trove — which features nearly 30,000 more pages of documents related to Epstein — includes a note referring to Trump that Epstein appears to have sent the […]

HOMER, Ga. — The Banks County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a runaway juvenile last seen Friday evening in Banks County. According to the sheriff’s office, Tyler Warner was last seen at his grandmother’s home in Banks County on Dec. 19, 2025, between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Authorities said Warner is […]

(ATLANTA, GA) – Georgia State Patrol Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers are urging motorists to prioritize safe driving during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel periods. High-visibility patrols will be conducted statewide on interstates and state routes to help reduce crashes and fatalities. The Christmas travel period begins Wednesday, December 24, at […]

ATLANTA, Ga. — Drivers heading out for Christmas and New Year’s trips should plan carefully as record holiday travel crowds Georgia’s highways. AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the year-end holiday period, a 2.2% increase over last year. About 89% of travelers will drive, making congestion a key concern. […]

On Monday evening, December 22, 2025, Clarkesville gathered for its annual Candlelight Christmas Walk, a tradition hosted by the City of Clarkesville that brings the town together on foot. Between 6 and 8 p.m., residents moved from the Norton real-estate building into the downtown, carrying candles as luminaries, visiting three churches before arriving at a […]

The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office responded with Habersham County Emergency Services units Monday, December 15, 2025, to a wreck that resulted in a fatality outside Demorest. The single-vehicle wreck was reported at 10:44 a.m. in the area of Twin Peaks Drive and Habersham Mills Road. The Habersham County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of […]