Local News Links

In the days leading up to this weekend’s expected ice storm, we’ve read and heard a lot about the problems that ice-laden trees and powerlines can cause. Well, the National Weather Service (NWS) has provided some insight into just how impactful ice can be. For instance, up to 1/10 of an inch is what forecasters […]

Kerosene bought on or after Jan. 17 from Jasmine Petroleum Inc., on Price Road in Gainesville should not be used in heaters or lamps, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said Friday.

A fugitive who was featured on a Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Wanted Wednesday outlook in November and had additional charges filed against him in December is now in custody. HCSO FACEBOOK POST: “Hall County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Service Unit deputies arrested 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮, 𝟮𝟵, 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, (last Friday) in the 3100 block of […]

Rain, sleet and freezing rain are expected to begin in our area early this afternoon and worsen as the day goes by and into the night. It’s not expected to end until about daybreak Monday. “We are expecting freezing rain to begin impacting far NW GA in the early afternoon spreading eastward and beginning to […]

*Saturday Longstreet Clinic Saturday and Sunday operating hours are unchanged but will be reevaluated based on weather/travel conditions. A delayed opening until noon is planned Monday. You can find up-to-date information here: Winter weather closings & delays – Longstreet Clinic Both the Midtown Atlanta and Gainesville locations of the Atlanta Botanical Garden will be closed Saturday […]

Officials are urging people to prepare as the area braces for what could be one of its worst ice storms in recent memory.

Food is flying off grocery store shelves as Hall County residents prepare for an ice storm this weekend.

Two local lawmakers announced in a press release Friday that they plan to reestablish the Lake Lanier Caucus to address taste and odor issues with the area’s drinking water.

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County will open an emergency shelter Saturday morning for individuals and families who cannot safely shelter in place during the approaching winter storm, including residents who rely on medical devices that require electricity. The shelter is intended for people with factors that limit their ability to remain at home during prolonged […]

The inland port being built in northeast Hall County is nearly done, according to the Georgia Ports Authority’s latest update on the project.

The winner of the district’s 2026 annual spelling bee was Lincoln Rifenburg, a fourth grader at Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is refusing to turn over sensitive personal information from Georgia’s voter rolls to the U.S. Department of Justice in response to the Trump administration’s ongoinglegal campaign aimed at forcing state and local officials to disclose voter roll information to the federal government. But pressure from some lawmakers and other state […]

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — As a winter storm threatens to make roads dangerous or impassable across Northeast Georgia, emergency officials say crews are preparing now to ensure firefighters, deputies and ambulances can still respond to critical calls — though residents should expect delays if conditions worsen. Jeff Adams, director and chief of Habersham County Emergency Services, […]

Declaring “collective action is needed,” State Rep. Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) and State Sen. Drew Echols (R-Gainesville) today announced their intention to reestablish the Lake Lanier Caucus to focus on the immediate concerns caused by taste and odor issues in the lake and the Chattahoochee River. “Collective action is needed to examine the causes and effects […]

Hall County could be on the verge of one of its worst ice storms in recent memory, meaning possible widespread power outages, downed trees and impassable roads.

As we draw closer and closer to what forecasters say will be a major ice storm in Georgia, here’s a look at the history of ice storms in the state. Keep in mind this may not be a complete listing and thanks to the National Weather Service (NWS), the Georgia National Guard, the Weather Channel, […]

Hall County could be on the verge of one of its worst ice storms in recent memory, meaning possible widespread power outages, downed trees and impassable roads.

CORNELIA, Ga. — As Northeast Georgia prepares for potential winter weather and possible power outages, Lowe’s in Cornelia has received a large shipment of generators and emergency supplies — and they are moving quickly. Store officials say customer demand has increased sharply as residents prepare for freezing temperatures and the possibility of extended outages. District […]

An Ice Storm Warning is now in effect for parts of northeast Georgia including Hall and surrounding counties from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. Ice accumulations from 0.25″ to 1″ are expected, the weather service according to the weather service. “Even just a fraction of an inch of ice has major impacts on roadways and […]

Clarkesville, GA – Julie Amara of Blairsville, Ga., was named North Georgia Technical College’s 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner at today’s Habersham Rotary meeting. Nominated by her instructor, Jack Smith, Amara is a practical nursing student at the Blairsville campus.  GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), […]

A now-former Habersham County Sheriff’s Office jailer – charged with sexually assaulting an inmate – turned himself in at the county jail Thursday afternoon. HABERSHAM CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE: “Edwin Alexander Mendoza, 20, is charged by the GBI with one count each of sexual assault against a person in custody and violation of oath […]

Hall County could see between one-half and three-quarters of an inch of ice, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Carmen Hernandez, with the potential for higher totals.

DEMOREST, Ga. — Piedmont University will suspend all on-campus and online classes Friday, Jan. 23, and Monday, Jan. 26, at its Demorest and Athens campuses because of anticipated severe winter weather, university officials said. Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs Renee Fargason said faculty will assign take-home work for students to complete on both days. […]

Gainesville officials have activated a webpage they say serves as an all-in-one notification of ice storm-related closures, cancellations, delays and service interruptions affecting city offices, services, and more. Roads closed due to dangerous conditions, downed trees and/or power lines, and motor-vehicle accidents will also be listed but, they add, do not assume traveling on any […]

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 […]

HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Cold air is moving into the region this week and temperatures are expected to dip below freezing at night and remain well below normal through much of the next several days, according to the National Weather Service forecast for Habersham County. Lows could fall into the teens and low 20s in […]

BALDWIN, Ga. — Baldwin City Hall was filled beyond capacity Monday night as residents packed every seat in the council chambers, with more than a dozen people standing, to hear discussion surrounding a proposed annexation and rezoning request from Cook Construction. The proposal, which involves nearly 110 acres near Ga. 365 and Duncan Bridge Road, […]

A section of Chase Road outside Cornelia was closed Tuesday morning following a traffic accident, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office. The closure affected the area between McAllister Road and Locke Road beginning around 7:55 a.m., as emergency crews and the Georgia State Patrol responded to the scene. Motorists were advised to seek alternate […]

Homeschooled students will have a chance to attend a prom this Spring thanks to Truett McConnell University (TMU). The school says its open to any homeschooled juniors and seniors and plans an unforgettable day and evening designed just for them—featuring a Homeschool Preview Day, family dinner, and formal prom celebration. The event will take place […]

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Board of Commissioners elected new leadership Tuesday night and approved a conditional use request for a rural event center, with the new chairman signaling changes ahead in how the board conducts its meetings. Commissioners elected Bruce Harkness as chairman and Dustin Mealor as vice chairman for 2026. Harkness, who […]

BALDWIN, Ga. — The Baldwin City Council tabled first readings of proposed annexation and zoning ordinances tied to a large Cook Construction development along Ga. 365 after a tense meeting marked by repeated audience interruptions, sharp public criticism and council members declining to advance the measures. Both the annexation ordinance and zoning ordinance were tabled […]

Demorest, Ga. — Students at Piedmont University gathered at noon today for a peaceful protest calling attention to federal immigration enforcement policies and broader political concerns tied to the current presidential administration. The event was organized locally by Piedmont students Sarah Bunker and Jay Ruppersberg with guidance from PSL Atlanta, which had issued a nationwide […]

The Hollywood 15 auditorium where the premiere of a documentary about E.E. Butler High School was packed Monday. The Newtown Florist Club hosted the screening as part its tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., on the day set side to honor him. “We are so grateful to God and the community for making this 2026 […]

It has now been a year since 62-year-old Marie Campbell disappeared and the Banks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is not saying much about the investigation into her disappearance. Campbell has been missing since Jan. 6, 2025. An Internet search Monday turned up nothing new regarding the case. In fact, all of the search results were […]

BALDWIN, Ga. – Baldwin City Council members will return to the dais Tuesday night with a full agenda that revisits several policy questions including a controversial annexation request tied to Cook Construction along the GA 365 corridor. The council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. at the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom on Willingham Avenue. At […]

Two-sport standout averaged 22 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 6.0 steals as the Lady Bears split a games with Oconee County and Jefferson.

North Hall girls lost to Oconee County at River Ridge

Read more about his performance in two region wins. Also, see the robust honor roll with many elite performances by players in Hall County.

A section of Business U.S. 441 (Ga. 105) in Cornelia was temporarily closed Monday afternoon due to a natural gas leak, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office. The closure affected the stretch of roadway between Walmart and Dairy Queen, prompting authorities to urge motorists to seek alternate routes while crews addressed the issue. At […]

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is warning of a scam in parts of Georgia that targets Verizon customers. It relates to last week’s loss of service across the country and possible rebates. And although HCSO has received no such reports in Hall County, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) has been fielding them, and […]

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has unveiled a sweeping budget and tax relief plan that could put money directly into the pockets of Habersham County residents while delivering another round of bonus checks to teachers and state employees. In his final State of the State address at the Georgia Capitol, Kemp announced proposals that would return […]

Early risers in Habersham County have a tasty reason to start their morning at Chick-fil-A Cornelia. The restaurant will host a free chicken biscuit breakfast giveaway tomorrow, January 20, from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., inviting guests to “bring your bestie and enjoy a biscuit on us.” The promotion is available through all sales channels, […]

Baldwin City Council will hold a special called meeting tomorrow night at 6pm at the City of Baldwin City Hall with a full agenda that includes budget matters, infrastructure updates, and the first formal step in considering a major proposed development by Cook Construction at the northwest corner of Duncan Bridge Road and U.S. 365. […]

(SRN NEWS/AP) – The flu season appears to be waning with two straight weeks of decline in measures of flu activity, according to the latest government data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted data — for flu activity through last week — that showed a big drop in flu hospitalizations and a smaller […]

(GA. NEWS NETWORK) *A Mexican national detainee being held by ICE has died in Clayton County. A spokesperson with Atlanta’s Consulate General of Mexico says Heber Sánchez was being held at the Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility Wednesday when he passed away. Sánchez’s remains will be sent back to Mexico. Authorities continue to investigate.   […]

The driver of a pickup that collided with a Hall County school bus Friday afternoon was injured in the collision and taken to a hospital. The state patrol issued a report on the west Gainesville accident Sunday afternoon. STATE PATROL NARRATIVE: “(It happened at Browns Bridge Road and Memorial Park Drive and the pickup was) […]

The price for a gallon of gasoline in Gainesville today is more than a nickel less than it was a week ago – $2.60 compared to $2.66, according to AAA. The state average is $2.64, two cents cheaper than last week. Meanwhile, the national average went up a couple of cents $2.84. Drivers are still paying less […]

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office continues innovating new ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Back in December, the sheriff’s office began using solar power to help power the jail. Now, the facility is streamlining its commissary operations. SCSO recently switched to an online commissary aimed at making money handling and purchases easier for inmates […]

CORNELIA, Ga. — There were a few tense moments Saturday morning at Burger King in Cornelia when the manager reported smoke coming from the restaurant’s heating unit. Firefighters from several departments responded to the commercial fire alarm at 114 Habersham Village Circle around 8:20 a.m. on Jan. 17. When the first units arrived, they found […]

To continue reading click here 

CORNELIA, Ga. — Renovations are continuing at Casa Bariachi following a fire in late October, with the restaurant’s owner now targeting the last week of January for a reopening. Owner Veronica Fuentes told Now Habersham‘s Hazel Cording the project has taken longer than initially expected after damage was found beyond the area directly impacted by […]

Take a look at the action from Saturday’s event in Gainesville

Emergency crews responded to a commercial fire alarm at the Burger King in Cornelia this morning (Saturday, January 17th) after reports of possible smoke inside the building. According to Cornelia Fire Chief Jenkins, Cornelia Fire, Baldwin Fire, LACI, and Habersham County Emergency Services Station 5 were dispatched to Burger King, located at 114 Habersham Village […]

Lanier Christian girls pick up decisive victory

A Gainesville man accused of sexually abusing a girl under the age of 10 faced life in prison.

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Approximately two dozen demonstrators gathered on the Clarkesville square Thursday afternoon for a peaceful protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The “Sign Waving” event, organized by the 9th District Congressional Democrats with support from the Habersham County Democratic Party, was part of a broader series of “Blue Wave” gatherings. Organizers […]

Braselton officials are considering an ordinance that would govern the location of future pickleball courts in the city. This follows complaints from some residents whose homes are now in close proximity to pickleball courts about the noise coming from them when they are in use. At issue is the “high frequency” and “popping sound” creating […]

DEMOREST, Ga. — A Cornelia man was seriously injured Thursday evening after his pickup truck overturned on Camp Creek Road, according to officials. The accident happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, just south of Camp Creek Baptist Church. According to the Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary investigation, 63-year-old Terry Loudermilk of Cornelia was southbound […]

· Four men featured on Wanted Wednesday alerts by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) have been recently captured or turned themselves in, one dating back to 2024. HCSO FACEBOOK POST: “From our most recent edition last week, 𝗝𝘂𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿, 𝟮𝟮, 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 turned himself in at the Hall County Jail on Wednesday morning, […]

HCSO NARRATIVE: “Rodrigo Moises Tovar, 28, of Maysville, remains in the Hall County Jail following his arrest over the weekend on charges of possession and trafficking of illegal narcotics. A Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) patrol deputy initially made contact with Tovar just before 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, outside of a Dollar General Store […]