March 30, 1990 — After more than a century of serving Habersham County, the Tri-County Advertiser printed its final edition on this day, bringing an end to a 111-year run that began in 1879 and left a lasting imprint on the community.
The final issue carried a simple but historic headline — “Tri-County final edition” — marking the close of one of the area’s longest-running newspapers.
The closure came as part of a merger with The Northeast Georgian, a Cornelia-based weekly publication. Publisher Johnny Solesbee said the decision was made after careful consideration, with the goal of strengthening local coverage through a unified newspaper.
“The Tri-County Advertiser has a long and colorful history of dedication and service to the Habersham County community,” Solesbee said. “The decision to cease publication and merge… was not made without considerable forethought.”
With the merger, Solesbee noted the combined publication would be better positioned to provide comprehensive coverage across Habersham County, with an increased focus on local news and community features.
“It is never easy to see a final edition of a newspaper roll off the presses,” Solesbee said. “However, in this particular situation, we are excited about the plans we have.”
Founded in 1879, the Tri-County Advertiser documented generations of life in Habersham County — from government decisions and school events to personal milestones and community traditions.
While the paper itself ended on March 30, 1990, its role in preserving local history continues through archives and the work of those committed to keeping Habersham’s stories alive.
Today, the Tri-County Advertiser stands as a reminder of the enduring importance of local journalism — and the vital role it has played in shaping and recording the history of the community.
