Diane King Smith, age 81, of Cornelia, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Born in Warner Robins, Georgia on April 11, 1945, Diane was a daughter of the late Clifford Marley & Mildred Bullington King. She was a graduate of South Habersham High School, Class of 1963.
Diane was a woman of strong faith whose love for the Lord was at the center of her life. Her mornings often began with a cup of coffee and a long conversation with Jesus. She had a special gift for teaching children about God and faithfully served through Vacation Bible School and Good News Club, using crafts, songs, dances, and lessons to share the love of Christ. Her warm and welcoming spirit made everyone feel loved and encouraged.
Blessed with a beautiful voice, Diane loved to sing and could find a song for almost every occasion. Her greatest desire was for everyone she knew and loved to one day join her in Heaven.
Diane was a faithful servant of the Lord and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her joyful spirit, kindness, and legacy of faith will live on through the many lives she touched and the seeds she planted along the way.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Smith; and brothers, Larry & Glenn.
Survivors include her sister & brother-in-law, Gail & Doug Pruitt; Suzanne Smith; children, Rhonda & Steve Hostetter, Kevin & Deanne Belford, and Dana LaPrade; grandchildren, Cara Marley Belford, Landen & Whitney LaPrade, Madison LaPrade, Kendall Belford, Hudson LaPrade, & Aiden Hostetter; great-granddaughter, Charlotte LaPrade; as well as many other relatives, loved ones, and longtime friends.
A celebration of Diane’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 05, 2026 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Austin Kelley officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with Mr. Cliff Baird officiating at the graveside.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour on Saturday, September 05, 2026.
An online guest registry is available for the family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Diane King Smith.
Douglas “Neal” Nash Jr., age 76, of Demorest, formerly of Covington, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 28, 2026, following several years of declining health.
Born on August 10, 1950, Neal was the son of the late Douglas Neal Nash Sr. and Betty Adell McColl Nash. He was a man who found great joy in the simple things in life and, above all, treasured his family and his faith.
Neal was especially proud of his 51-year marriage to the love of his life, Debbie Richardson Nash. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories, love, laughter, and countless moments that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them. Neal was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren were among his greatest joys, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
A self-taught bass musician, Neal had a natural love for music and enjoyed expressing himself through his playing. He also loved getting behind the wheel of his pickup truck and enjoying the open road. Those who knew Neal will remember his genuine personality, his love for the things that brought him happiness, and the unique way he made an impression on everyone around him.
Most importantly, Neal loved Jesus and was never ashamed to profess his faith. His belief was an important part of who he was, and he found comfort and strength in his relationship with the Lord.
Neal leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will be treasured by his wife, Debbie Richardson Nash; his sons, Bill Nash and wife Leigh Anne and Ray Nash and wife Lauren; his grandchildren, Aidan, Morgan, Hudson, Raegan, and Harlan Nash; his sister, Jane Osley and husband Garry; along with extended family and friends who will deeply miss him.
Though his family will feel his absence, Neal’s memory will live on through the stories shared, the music he loved, the lessons he taught, and most of all, the love he gave so freely to his family.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to your favorite charity or a local animal shelter in memory of Neal.
An online guest registry is available for the family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Douglas “Neal” Nash Jr.
DEMOREST — Bob Scharfenstein, the art collector and philanthropist whose generosity helped establish Piedmont University’s Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, has died.
The museum announced Scharfenstein’s death in a social media post, saying its thoughts were with his family and friends.
“We take comfort imagining Bob and Bill Mason together again, at one of heaven’s many art auctions, doing what they loved most,” the museum wrote. “We’re grateful for their generosity, and their spirit and name live on through the museum they helped build.”
Details about Scharfenstein’s age, date of death and funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
Scharfenstein, a Birmingham, Alabama, resident, shared a lifelong interest in art with Dr. Bill Mason, his partner and later husband of 51 years. The two studied art, traveled to auctions throughout the country and assembled a collection that included hundreds of paintings, sculptures, art glass and crystal. Their collection focused particularly on 19th- and 20th-century American art. Bill Mason’s 2014 obituary described their shared enthusiasm for art as a “magnificent obsession.”
Their connection to Northeast Georgia came through Mason, a 1957 graduate of what was then Piedmont College. In 2011, Mason and Scharfenstein founded the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art in Demorest, providing a permanent home for artwork they donated to the college.
During the museum’s opening ceremonies, then-Gov. Nathan Deal thanked the couple for their contribution to the arts and culture of Northeast Georgia.
Today, the museum contains two permanent galleries and a changing exhibition space. It presents student and faculty exhibitions as well as shows featuring visiting artists from across the country and around the world. The museum also hosts cultural and educational programs for Piedmont students and the surrounding community. Piedmont University describes the museum as a place dedicated to artistic and cultural enrichment throughout Northeast Georgia.
Scharfenstein and Mason also supported the Birmingham Museum of Art. Records from that museum identify works donated by the couple, including paintings, decorative art and sculpture. Following Mason’s death in 2014, Scharfenstein continued making gifts in his memory.
Among them was the 1915 bronze sculpture “The Spirit of Revolt,” which Scharfenstein donated in memory of his husband. Museum records show that the couple purchased the sculpture in 2006 before Scharfenstein donated it to the Birmingham museum in 2015. The Birmingham Museum of Art credits the gift to Scharfenstein “in loving memory” of Mason.
Their legacy is also preserved in a distinctive concrete bench at the museum in Demorest. Artist Jan Jander created the “benchscape” by having Scharfenstein and Mason sit in wet concrete, leaving behind their physical impressions.
The bench faces “Windsor Castle from Datchet Meade,” a favorite Edward Moran painting from their collection. In announcing Scharfenstein’s death, the museum shared an image of the empty bench and expressed the hope that its founders would continue to “stop by and visit.”
Although Scharfenstein’s death closes another chapter in the museum’s history, the collection he and Mason assembled remains accessible to Piedmont students, local residents and visitors.
“Their spirit and name live on through the museum they helped build,” the museum said.
ALTO — The Alto Town Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, following a 6 p.m. work session.
The agenda includes a call to order, roll call, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the agenda and approval of minutes from the Aug. 11, 2026, meeting.
Under new business, council members are scheduled to discuss an executive session pursuant to real estate, O.C.G.A. 50-14-03(4), and litigation, O.C.G.A. 50-14-2(1). The agenda also lists a variance request for 155 S. Grant St. and the community center.
The agenda also includes old business, recommendations from officers, departments and attorneys, public comments and adjournment.
Diane King Smith, 81, of Cornelia, died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.
Smith was born April 11, 1945, in Warner Robins to Clifford Marley King and Mildred Bullington King. She was a 1963 graduate of South Habersham High School.
Her obituary described her as a woman of strong faith who taught children about God through Vacation Bible School and Good News Club. It also noted her love of singing and her devotion to family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Smith; her parents; and brothers, Larry and Glenn.
Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Doug Pruitt; Suzanne Smith; her children, Rhonda and Steve Hostetter, Kevin and Deanne Belford, and Dana LaPrade; grandchildren, Cara Marley Belford, Landen and Whitney LaPrade, Madison LaPrade, Kendall Belford, Hudson LaPrade and Aiden Hostetter; great-granddaughter, Charlotte LaPrade; and many other relatives, loved ones and longtime friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with the Rev. Austin Kelley officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens, with Cliff Baird officiating at the graveside.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the service hour Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
An online guest registry is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com. McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia is serving the family.
BALDWIN — Christian women who serve in ministry leadership roles are invited to attend the Georgia Women’s Ministry Leadership Conference on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Life Church in Baldwin.
The free conference is designed for women who lead church ministries, Bible studies and para-church organizations. Women’s ministry teams and Bible study leaders are encouraged to attend together.
Organizers say the event will offer a day of worship, practical training, “Speed Networking,” idea sharing and encouragement. Participants will also have opportunities to connect with other Christian women leaders from across Georgia.
There is no charge to attend. Additional information and registration are available at GeorgiaWMAssn.com
The Baldwin City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement Tuesday night covering maintenance and upgrades for the city’s public safety radios after receiving assurances that police and firefighters would not be disconnected from Habersham County’s radio system over a payment dispute.
Council members postponed action on the agreement at an earlier meeting amid concerns about language indicating that Baldwin could be cut off from the system if the city failed to make its required payments.
City officials said Habersham County has since clarified that Baldwin would not lose access to the radio network. Instead, the city would become responsible for its own radio maintenance and would no longer receive county-funded equipment upgrades if it did not meet its financial obligations under the agreement.
Officials said the radios include a 15-year maintenance arrangement and upgrades paid for by the county.
The provision was reportedly included because some municipalities had previously failed to make their required payments. Habersham County acknowledged that disconnecting Baldwin police and firefighters from the radio system would create a public safety concern and said that would not occur.
Despite that clarification, some council members remained uneasy about the agreement’s cost and complexity.
One council member described the agreement as “a really hard pill to swallow” and expressed concern about being asked to approve a document reportedly approaching 100 pages.
City staff and legal representatives said they had reviewed the agreement and did not identify additional concerns beyond the provisions already discussed by the council.
Possible Savings From Additional Towers
City officials said Habersham County is discussing the possible purchase of two radio towers from Franklin County.
If that purchase moves forward, officials said it could reduce radio-system costs for the local governments participating in the Habersham County system. Franklin County would first have to agree to sell the towers, and no potential savings were specified during the meeting.
Banks County Communications Discussed
Council members also questioned how Baldwin police and firefighters communicate with emergency personnel in Banks County, since Baldwin’s city limits extend into both Habersham and Banks counties.
Police officials said all Baldwin Police Department and Baldwin Fire Department communications are dispatched through Habersham County, including calls originating within the Banks County portion of the city.
A cellular 911 call may initially be routed to Banks County based on the caller’s location, but the call can be transferred to Habersham County for Baldwin units to be dispatched.
However, Banks County operates a separate Kenwood radio system. Baldwin public safety personnel therefore cannot directly hear Banks County radio traffic through the Habersham County system.
Officials said they hope the systems may become more compatible if Banks County upgrades its equipment in the future.
Following the discussion, the council approved the radio maintenance agreement.
The Baldwin City Council voted Tuesday night to approve an intergovernmental agreement with Habersham County for animal control services after discussing the agreement’s cost, enforcement provisions and coverage for residents living in the Banks County portion of the city.
Under the agreement, Habersham County Animal Control will continue responding to animal-related calls throughout Baldwin’s corporate limits. The service is expected to cost the city approximately $19,000 to $20,000 annually.
Council members were told the county was unwilling to revise the proposed agreement’s funding formula or restore a previous 3% cap on annual cost increases. County officials reportedly said they would attempt to keep Baldwin’s costs near the current amount, although the agreement does not guarantee that future increases will remain below a set percentage.
The annual agreement can be terminated by either party with 60 days’ notice.
Council members acknowledged concerns about the quality and consistency of the service but questioned whether Baldwin could provide comparable animal control services for the same cost.
City officials noted that Baldwin does not have a facility to house animals or the resources needed to handle vicious animals, quarantines and rabies testing. Establishing a city-operated animal control program would require more than assigning an employee to issue citations.
One council member estimated that the agreement costs the average Baldwin taxpayer approximately $7 per year.
“I would say this, though: approximately $20,000, it would be very difficult for us to replicate any level of service within the city because we don’t have the ability to store the animals,” the mayor said during the discussion.
Officials said approving the agreement would allow Baldwin to maintain animal control coverage while giving the city time to evaluate other options if the arrangement proves unsatisfactory.
Banks County Coverage Questioned
A significant part of the discussion concerned animal control service within the Banks County portion of Baldwin.
Council members questioned whether Habersham County animal control officers would cross the county line to respond to calls involving Baldwin residents. Police officials said Habersham County officers have responded to animal calls on the Banks County side of the city, including a recent incident involving a vicious animal that was surrendered, euthanized and sent for immediate rabies testing.
The agreement authorizes Habersham County animal control officers to enforce Baldwin’s animal control ordinance throughout the city limits, not only within the Habersham County portion of Baldwin.
However, officials identified a jurisdictional problem involving citations issued to residents on the Banks County side. Citations previously directed to Habersham County Magistrate Court have reportedly been dismissed because the alleged violations occurred in Banks County.
City officials said Baldwin will need an ordinance allowing those cases to be heard in Baldwin Municipal Court. The change would allow animal control officers to provide enforcement throughout the city while ensuring citations are handled by a court with jurisdiction over violations occurring inside Baldwin.
Council Calls for Performance Reviews
Although the council approved the agreement, members said the city should closely monitor the county’s performance rather than wait until the end of the year to determine whether the service is meeting Baldwin’s needs.
Council members discussed conducting quarterly reviews that would examine the number of calls, response rates, how incidents were handled, citations issued and revenue collected through municipal court.
The city could terminate the agreement with 60 days’ notice if officials determine that Habersham County is not providing the expected level of service.
“I would recommend we proceed with signing the IGA,” city Manager Tiera Morrison told the council. “If we find that it’s not working for us, we can look and see about other options.”
A motion was made and seconded to approve the agreement. The motion carried.
The Demorest City Council has decided not to continue its current pursuit of a Tallulah Falls property that had been under consideration as part of the city’s long-term water supply planning.
City officials said the need to secure additional long-term water resources remains, even though that acquisition effort will not move forward.
Demorest operates a water system that extends beyond the city limits, maintaining about 435 miles of waterlines, serving more than 7,400 active water meters and supplying roughly 70% of the water used throughout Habersham County. The city also provides wholesale water to neighboring communities, including Tallulah Falls.
Because of that reach, the city described the matter as a community and regional water-supply issue, not simply a Demorest issue.
Demorest currently relies heavily on water purchased from neighboring municipalities, including about 2 million gallons per day from Baldwin and 1 million gallons per day from Toccoa, along with supplemental production from city wells.
The city said those partnerships have served the community well, but Northeast Georgia’s growth means neighboring systems may face increasing demands of their own. City officials said water infrastructure requires years of planning, engineering, permitting and investment, and that waiting until a shortage exists is not responsible long-term planning.
The Tallulah Lake discussion was part of Demorest’s broader effort to secure a dependable water supply for the next 50 to 75 years and beyond. During the evaluation of Tallulah Lake as a possible future water source, the city and its professional team identified two additional potential options.
Those possibilities will continue to be investigated and would require further engineering, property evaluation, permitting review and discussions with appropriate parties. No conclusions have been reached regarding those alternatives.
The city said it will continue evaluating its options while focusing on protecting Northeast Georgia’s natural resources and ensuring that communities served by the Demorest water system have a dependable future water supply.
Robert Delone McCall, 92, of Cornelia, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
He was born to the late John and Velma McCall of Eastanollee, Georgia. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Virginia Stamey McCall; daughter, Elaine McCall Bieder; brothers, Max, Joe, Ray, Carl, and Guy.
He is survived by his daughter, Debra McCall Carter, of Eastanollee, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Denise (Freddie) Hart, of Cornelia, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Perry (Delinda) McCall, of Cornelia, Georgia; son, Michael McCall, of Atlanta, Georgia along with seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Robert proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, he enjoyed a long career as an electrician before retiring. In his later years, Robert found great joy in the simple things in life, especially sitting on his front porch watching nature and keeping an eye out for the deer that frequently visited. He also had a true love for horseshoes and was a talented player, winning many horseshoe tournaments throughout the years. Robert will be remembered for his service, his many accomplishments, and the quiet moments and passions that brought him happiness.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-7123.
Residents voiced sharply different views Tuesday night as the Baldwin City Council held public hearings on a proposed annexation and rezoning for a nearly 66-acre development near the Highway 365 corridor.
Cook Construction and Real Estate is seeking to annex approximately 45 acres from unincorporated Habersham County into Baldwin. The company is also requesting highway business zoning for the annexed property. Another portion of the 65.92-acre site is already within the city and zoned highway business.
No vote was taken Tuesday. Council members are expected to consider the requests at their next meeting.
Alice Price, representing Cook Construction and Real Estate, presents the company’s annexation and rezoning requests to the Baldwin City Council on Sept. 1, 2026. (Peter Madruga / Habersham News)
Representing the developer, Alice Price said Cook intends to develop the property with retail businesses, restaurants and other goods and services. She argued that commercial development would be a better use of the property than the residential development currently permitted under Habersham County’s suburban residential zoning.
That county zoning allows several types of housing, including single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes and multifamily developments.
“We believe that this corner is well suited to this type of commercial development,” Price said. “The overall goal of the project is to create a benefit for the City of Baldwin, to provide goods and services that the area needs and that the residents want.”
Price said Baldwin’s comprehensive plan identifies the Highway 365 corridor as an area for future commercial development. She also said the project could attract new businesses and jobs while expanding the city’s tax base.
Cook representatives also addressed previous concerns about Martha Stuckey, whose property was involved in the proposed development. Fitzgerald said Cook had completed the purchase of her property Monday.
Martha Stuckey tells the Baldwin City Council that Cook Construction treated her well during the purchase of her longtime property on Sept. 1, 2026. (Peter Madruga / Habersham News)
Stuckey then addressed the council and said the company had treated her well throughout the process.
“They have been very patient. They have been very good to me,” Stuckey said. “I’m going to be okay. I’m going to be better. And I think we’re all going to be better.”
Stuckey said she had lived on the property for 50 years and had long expected development to reach that area of the county.
Supporters said Habersham County residents frequently travel to Gainesville or farther south for shopping, dining and entertainment, taking their spending and the resulting tax revenue outside the county.
Terry Williams speaks in favor of the proposed annexation and rezoning, saying the Highway 365 corridor is the appropriate location for planned commercial growth, during the Baldwin City Council meeting on Sept. 1, 2026. (Terry Williams speaks in favor of the proposed annexation and rezoning, saying the Highway 365 corridor is the appropriate location for planned commercial growth, during the Baldwin City Council meeting on Sept. 1, 2026. (Terry Williams speaks in favor of the proposed annexation and rezoning, saying the Highway 365 corridor is the appropriate location for planned commercial growth, during the Baldwin City Council meeting on Sept. 1, 2026. (Peter Madruga / Habersham News)
Terry Williams, whose family owns property near Industrial Boulevard, described the proposal as an opportunity for planned commercial growth along a highway corridor already identified for that purpose.
“It’s right along 365. It’s the best place for commercial growth,” Williams said.
Williams said he would prefer development that offers grocery stores, restaurants, jobs and other amenities over scattered convenience stores or dense residential construction. He also argued that additional business and sales tax revenue could help reduce the burden placed on homeowners.
Vince Fitzgerald, an attorney for Cook Construction, read statements from other supporters who were unable to attend. Those statements cited the need for additional grocery options, jobs and opportunities for residents to spend money closer to home.
Heather Griffin also supported the rezoning, saying large tracts of land are expensive to own and maintain and that property owners should have reasonable opportunities to sell or develop their land. Griffin, a nurse, also spoke favorably about a continuing-care retirement community discussed as part of the development.
Opponents focused primarily on traffic, public safety, sewer capacity, infrastructure costs and distrust of the developer.
Alice Venter spoke against the annexation but acknowledged that commercial development could have less impact than hundreds of duplexes or other residential units. She urged the council to slow the process and fully understand what the project would require, particularly from Baldwin’s sewer system.
“The commercial development is going to be a heck of a lot better than 200 duplexes,” Venture said. “It is not arbitrary or capricious to slow down and understand what is being done here and what it will take so you can plan it better.”
Alice Venter speaks against the proposed annexation, raising concerns about Baldwin’s sewer infrastructure and urging city leaders to slow down and carefully evaluate the development, during the Baldwin City Council meeting on Sept. 1, 2026. (Peter Madruga / Habersham News)
Freda Waters said she is not opposed to progress but questioned whether the area’s roads and infrastructure could accommodate the project. She described being delayed for six traffic-light cycles near the industrial park and pointed to a rollover crash that disrupted Highway 365 traffic Tuesday morning.
“It just needs to be done right,” Waters said.
During the rezoning hearing, Cindy Blackburn delivered an extended argument against approving the proposal without additional independent analysis.
Blackburn questioned conflicting crash and traffic figures presented during discussions of the project. She said the council should determine how many permanent jobs the revised development would create, what those jobs would pay and whether existing employers could supply enough workers.
She also asked the city to independently compare the development’s projected revenue with the costs of additional police and fire protection, road maintenance, public works, water and sewer service, administration and future infrastructure.
“Revenue is only half of the equation,” Blackburn said. “Where is the independent analysis showing what this development will cost Baldwin every year?”
Blackburn said the consequences of annexation and rezoning would be permanent and urged council members to consider current residents, young drivers using Highway 365, emergency vehicles navigating congestion and families potentially facing higher taxes or utility costs.
Ashley Long joined the opposition and asked whether council members had sought opinions from Baldwin residents beyond those attending the hearings. She said the city should not rush a decision with such long-term consequences.
“There’s no need to rush a decision of this magnitude,” Long said. “Make sure that all the details are very clear and you have all the information that you need before you move forward.”
Council members also questioned the applicant about traffic volumes. Price said a traffic engineer’s trip-generation memorandum listed a figure of 26,285, although the discussion did not clearly establish whether that represented existing daily traffic or projected trips associated with the area.
The developer also disclosed that, at the council’s request, CBD stores had been removed from a proposed list of prohibited uses for the property. Price said the change would preserve the possibility of collecting tax revenue from such a business if laws governing those products change in the future.
Before closing the hearings, city officials acknowledged both the potential benefits and risks of the proposal. They noted that Baldwin’s comprehensive plan supports commercial development along Highway 365, where it could have less effect on the city’s established neighborhoods.
Officials also acknowledged that Baldwin’s water and sewer infrastructure is already strained and said the council must weigh potential revenue against the city’s responsibility to provide services.
The council will continue receiving comments from residents, but officials said another public hearing will not be held before the proposal returns for consideration at the next council meeting.
CORNELIA — Potential vendors beware of an apparent scam offering booth space at the upcoming Big Red Apple Festival.
The warning follows an unsolicited email received by Habersham News from someone claiming to represent Cornelia Main Street. The message offered last-minute booth reservations for the Sept. 26 festival and requested payments ranging from $125 to $510.
The person sending the email identified herself as “Candy Stanley.” However, Stanley does not work for the City of Cornelia and is not authorized to accept vendor applications or booth payments on the city’s behalf.
Habersham News notified city officials about the message.
The email claimed that booth availability was limited because of “late cancellations and high demand.” It urged recipients to act immediately and said the remaining spaces would be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Recipients were asked to provide their full name, business name, telephone number, business description and preferred booth size. The message also said a $25 refundable cleanup deposit was included in each booth price and promised an immediate confirmation after payment.
Those claims should not be trusted.
The email contains several common signs of a scam, including awkward grammar, pressure to act quickly, a request for personal information and instructions to arrange payment through an individual who is not employed by the event organizer.
The message also includes a link to the legitimate Big Red Apple Festival Facebook event. Scammers commonly include genuine event links and accurate location information to make fraudulent offers appear credible.
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, at 102 Grant Place in downtown Cornelia. However, the email lists the hours as 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while published event information lists the festival as running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The City of Cornelia sends official communications concerning booth opportunities. Vendors should verify that any message actually came from a city employee before providing information or making a payment.
Anyone receiving a booth offer from “Candy Stanley”, or “paidnewest@gmail.com” or another unfamiliar person should:
Not reply to the message.
Not provide personal or business information.
Not send a deposit or booth payment.
Avoid opening attachments or following payment links.
Verify the offer directly with the City of Cornelia.
Report the message as spam or fraud.
Cornelia City Hall can be reached at 706-778-8585. That number should be entered directly rather than obtained from a suspicious message.
Anyone who has already sent money should immediately contact the bank, credit-card company or payment service used for the transaction and report the payment as potentially fraudulent.
CORNELIA — The City of Cornelia says former IT Director Jeremy Dundore has been charged following a GBI investigation connected to missing city equipment.
Dundore was terminated effective March 9 for reasons unrelated to the missing equipment matter, according to a city statement issued Tuesday, Sept. 1.
After Dundore’s departure, the city conducted an audit and determined that “high dollar equipment was missing,” the city said. The incident was then turned over to the GBI for further investigation.
The city said the GBI has since brought charges against Dundore and that the case remains ongoing. The city did not specify the charges or identify the equipment in its statement.
“The city has cooperated fully with the GBI throughout its investigation and will continue to do so as the legal process moves forward,” the statement said. “As these are pending criminal charges, Mr. Dundore is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
The city said it has taken steps to strengthen equipment and inventory controls because of the incident and will not provide further comment while the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
City Manager Donald Anderson said requests for information on the matter should be directed to the GBI Public Office of Information because the investigation remains active.
Tallulah Falls used a six-run third inning to pull ahead for good Monday in a 12-5 home win over Gainesville.
After two scoreless innings, Gainesville scored one run in the top of the third. The Lady Indians answered with six runs in the bottom half of the inning to take control.
Gainesville responded with four runs to cut the deficit to 6-5, but Tallulah Falls added two runs in the fourth and four more in the fifth.
Juliana Edelheit went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a run scored. Suzanna Cabe and Juliana Roberts each had two hits and two RBIs, and Cabe added three runs.
The Lady Indians finished with four extra-base hits, including doubles from Edelheit, Roberts and Cabe, and a triple from Gabby Heard. Joanna Miller added two hits and three runs, Ellie Shaw had a hit, and Maddie Phillips had an RBI and a run scored.
Cabe earned the win in the circle, striking out 13 in a complete game. She allowed five runs, none earned.
Tallulah Falls is now 5-6 and is scheduled to return to action Tuesday at home against region opponent Bethlehem Christian.
MOUNT AIRY — Habersham Central controlled the ground game, dominated time of possession and held Stephens County scoreless over the final three quarters Friday night on the way to a convincing 45-7 victory at Raider Stadium on John Larry Black Field.
The win evened the Raiders’ record at 1-1, while Stephens County fell to 0-2.
Habersham Central rushed for 296 yards and six touchdowns on 48 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. The Raiders finished with 335 yards of total offense and held the ball for 30 minutes and 30 seconds—nearly twice Stephens County’s possession time of 17:30.
Quarterback Paris Wilbanks led the rushing attack with 109 yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries. Kenley Bee added 107 yards and a touchdown on 23 attempts, giving the Raiders two 100-yard rushers in the victory.
The Raiders took the opening kickoff and moved 37 yards on a 10-play drive before Kieran Wallace kicked a 34-yard field goal to give Habersham Central a 3-0 lead.
Stephens County answered with its only scoring drive of the night. Ashton Winters capped a nine-play, 69-yard possession with a 4-yard touchdown run, and Josiah Worsley’s extra point put the Indians ahead 7-3 with 4:47 remaining in the first quarter.
The lead lasted less than two minutes.
Habersham Central responded with a four-play, 43-yard drive that ended on Wilbanks’ 7-yard touchdown run. Wallace added the extra point to give the Raiders a 10-7 advantage with 3:09 left in the opening quarter.
Wilbanks scored again on a 5-yard run early in the second quarter, extending Habersham Central’s lead to 17-7. He added a 10-yard touchdown with 1:03 remaining before halftime, completing a 10-play, 81-yard drive that consumed nearly five minutes.
The Raiders entered halftime with a 24-7 advantage and did not allow Stephens County to score again.
Habersham Central’s defense limited the Indians to 175 yards of total offense, including only 51 rushing yards on 28 attempts. Stephens County averaged 1.8 yards per carry and converted just three of 13 third-down opportunities.
The Raiders also recorded three sacks and intercepted two passes. CJ Davis returned an interception 40 yards late in the second quarter, while Creed Jones recorded a 36-yard interception return during the third quarter.
That second interception set up another Habersham Central touchdown. Wilbanks scored on a 19-yard run with 3:13 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Raiders a 31-7 lead.
Habersham Central continued to control the game in the fourth quarter. Bee finished a 10-play, 51-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, and Braiden Shook added another 2-yard touchdown with 1:34 remaining to produce the final 45-7 margin.
The Raiders were perfect on seven trips inside the red zone, scoring six touchdowns and one field goal. They converted seven of 12 third-down attempts and their only fourth-down opportunity.
Owen Gailey contributed 62 rushing yards on only four carries, including a game-long 41-yard run. Wilbanks completed four of 12 passes for 39 yards without an interception. Drake Roland caught two passes for 16 yards, while Bee added a 16-yard reception.
Wallace handled both the kicking and punting duties. In addition to his 34-yard field goal, he made all five of his extra-point attempts. Conner Rice converted the Raiders’ final extra point. Wallace also averaged 38.3 yards on three punts and recorded three touchbacks on eight kickoffs.
Defensively, Jones and Henry Burgess led Habersham Central with seven tackles apiece. Corbett Dover collected six tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while also recording three quarterback hurries. Jonas Owen finished with six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
After leading 10-7 at the end of the first quarter, the Raiders scored 35 unanswered points over the final three quarters to pull away for the 45-7 victory. Habersham Central also held a 160-yard advantage in total offense before a crowd of over 3,500.
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County pet owners will have three upcoming opportunities to access affordable spay and neuter services through a partnership between Planned PEThood of Georgia and Habersham County Animal Control.
Planned PEThood’s Fido Fixers mobile clinic will be at the Habersham County Fairgrounds, located at 4235 Toccoa Highway in Clarkesville, on the following dates:
Monday, Aug. 31
Monday, Sept. 14
Monday, Sept. 28
The clinic will provide spay and neuter procedures for cats, kittens and dogs weighing 40 pounds or less. The cost is $105 for cats and $175 for dogs.
Planned PEThood of Georgia will hold low-cost spay and neuter clinics Aug. 31, Sept. 14 and Sept. 28 at the Habersham County Fairgrounds in Clarkesville. (Flyer courtesy of Planned PEThood of Georgia)
Pets must have a current rabies vaccination. A rabies vaccine will be available for an additional $15 if needed.
Check-in will take place between 8:45 and 9:15 a.m. Pets must be picked up by 3:30 p.m.
Planned PEThood of Georgia is bringing the mobile clinic to Habersham County to make affordable veterinary services more accessible to local pet owners.
Tallulah Falls runners posted several strong finishes Saturday morning at the North GA Championships in Commerce, led by top-10 individual performances from the varsity girls and middle school teams.
The Lady Indians varsity girls placed fourth as a team. Ida Patterson led Tallulah Falls with a time of 22:04, good for 10th overall. Naomi Russo finished 24th, and Avery Keim was 27th.
Other Tallulah Falls varsity girls finishers were Leyre Martinez in 42nd, Lily Denard in 54th, Eloa Barbosa in 55th, Veronica VerBerkmoes in 167th and Sofia Alderfer in 168th.
The Tallulah Falls varsity boys finished 15th as a team. Teagan Penland paced the Indians with a 21st-place finish in 19:08. Lincoln Penland was 72nd, and Hudson Penland was 101st.
Other Tallulah Falls varsity boys finishers were Sebastian York in 115th, Terou Bannister in 155th, Caleb Kelly in 162nd, Jett Davis in 192nd and Kaden Purcell in 194th.
The Tallulah Falls middle school boys placed seventh in a field of 15 complete teams and 247 total runners. Kai Hanifan-Wagner finished second individually in 10:48, while Elliott Echols crossed the line 22nd.
Other Tallulah Falls middle school boys finishers were Luke Russo in 56th, Emory Echols in 58th, Parker Bryant in 92nd, Nolan Smith in 102nd, JT Horn in 120th, Oliver McFaddin in 132nd, Cody Palenzuela in 159th, Deuce Ramsey in 212th and Jack Van Diest in 246th.
The Tallulah Falls middle school girls placed second officially after losing a tiebreaker to Taylor Road MS. Marylane Dickey finished fourth in 12:50.33, and Adaline Erdahl was fifth in 12:50.77. Fern Johnson added a 10th-place finish.
Other Tallulah Falls middle school girls finishers were Tigerlily Singletary in 24th, Aubrey Lew McAllister in 48th, Audrey Roy in 67th, Naomi Watson in 78th, Remy Haydn in 87th, Emmeline Penland in 99th and June Orr in 100th.
Dr. William Warren Robinson, 75, of Tignall, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
He was born on June 4, 1951, in Atlanta, GA. William attended the University of Georgia and Tulane University before continuing his education at the Southern California College of Optometry, where he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree.
Following graduation, he joined Dr. William Cuthbertson in Cornelia, Georgia, where he practiced for many years. He later moved to Tignall, Georgia, and opened a practice in Washington, where he was the owner and operator of Wilkes Eye Care for 38 years. Throughout his career, William faithfully served his patients and community and took great pride in his profession.
Outside of his work, William enjoyed farming, running, biking, and playing tennis. He was also an avid small-engine pilot and participated in the Bike Ride Across Georgia for many years. His many interests reflected his adventurous spirit and his enjoyment of an active life.
William is survived by his devoted wife, Frances “Franny” Purvis Robinson; his brother, Dr. Jesse Robinson and his wife, Stacie, of Tignall, Georgia; nephews, Leroy “Tripper” Robinson III, Danny Hammond Robinson (Ashley), and Walker Lee Robinson; nieces, Jessica Robinson Halminski and Maggie Mae Robinson; stepdaughter-in-law, Kerri Dodd; step-grandchildren, Wesley Avery Dodd III (Lauren) and Diana Dodd Richards (Dillon); along with other family members and many friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Walker “Robby” Robinson; his mother, Marjory Robinson; and his brother, Leroy “Lee” Walker Jr.; and his stepson, Wesley “Wes” Avery Dodd Jr.
A graveside service to honor William’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Robinson Family Cemetery, with Wesley Avery Dodd III officiating.
Following the service, the family welcomes friends to their home for refreshments, fellowship, and a time to share memories of Dr. Bill.
Pallbearers will be Tripper Robinson, Walker Robinson, Andy Halminski, Danny Robinson, Avery Dodd, and Jake Soper.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington-Wilkes Animal Shelter, 358 Brown Road, Washington, GA 30673.
Hopkins Funeral Home of Washington, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. (706) 678-2525
This announcement is courtesy of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home (706/778-8668) of Cornelia, Georgia.
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The City of Clarkesville has lifted the boil water advisory affecting customers on Habersham Place Lane and Springwood Drive.
The city announced at 4:31 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, that the advisory was no longer in effect. Customers in the affected areas no longer need to boil their tap water before drinking, cooking or other household use.
The city initially issued the advisory for Habersham Place Lane at 1:57 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. In an update issued at 2:39 p.m., officials added Springwood Drive to the affected area.
While the advisory was in effect, residents were instructed to bring water to a rolling boil for two minutes and allow it to cool before consuming it.
The city did not provide additional information about what prompted the advisory.
The Baldwin City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday, Sept. 1, with an agenda that includes a public hearing on a Cook Construction annexation and rezoning petition.
The agenda also lists council meeting minutes from January through March 2026, a Recovery Month proclamation and approval of a raw water pump.
Old business items include the city’s purchasing policy, a radio maintenance IGA, an animal control IGA and council meeting minutes from October through December 2025.
No consent agenda, reports or new business are listed on the agenda. The meeting agenda also includes public comments, an executive session, announcements and adjournment.
Announcements listed on the agenda include Baldwin Clean Up Day on Sept. 26, the Fall Festival on Oct. 24 and the tree lighting on Dec. 4. Baldwin City Hall will be closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day.
