The City of Clarkesville will hold a called meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at City Hall, located at 123 N. Laurel Dr.
According to the announcement, the City Council plans to enter executive session during the meeting to discuss property and personnel matters.
Called meetings are held outside the city’s regular meeting schedule and are typically convened to address time-sensitive issues.
The City of Cornelia will celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, February 20, 2026, with a public tree-planting ceremony in downtown Cornelia.
The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the site of the city’s new downtown parking lot, located at the corner of Front Street and Rosa Parks Street. City officials will plant October Maple Glory trees, continuing Cornelia’s efforts to enhance its downtown landscape and promote long-term environmental stewardship. The public is encouraged to attend.
Arbor Day has its roots in 1872, when Julius Sterling Morton, a Nebraska pioneer, introduced the holiday after observing the lack of trees on the plains. After relocating from Detroit to Nebraska in 1854, Morton championed large-scale tree planting to serve as windbreaks, prevent soil erosion, provide shade and fuel, and support wildlife habitat. His efforts inspired communities across the country to recognize the lasting benefits of trees.
In Georgia, Arbor Day is observed on the third Friday in February, aligning with the end of the state’s tree-planting season. Official statewide observances typically include a gubernatorial Arbor Day proclamation at the State Capitol and a statewide event hosted by the Georgia Tree Council. Communities across Georgia also mark the occasion with local ceremonies, educational programs, and tree-planting projects during the November–February planting season.
Cornelia’s Arbor Day celebration reflects that statewide tradition at a local level, emphasizing how trees contribute to community character, environmental health, and quality of life. Events like these also highlight the many ways Arbor Day can be celebrated—from school programs and neighborhood plantings to recognizing community members who demonstrate strong environmental stewardship.
Friday’s ceremony is open to the public, and no registration is required.
Carrina Brock Gailey, age 75, of Homer, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Born on April 7, 1950, in Commerce, Georgia, she was the beloved daughter of the late Floyd Brock and Lucy Robinson Brock.
Carrina was a devoted homemaker and a faithful member of New Birth Baptist Church in Baldwin, where she lovingly served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Her greatest joy in life was caring for children—pouring into them kindness, goodness, and a strong foundation of faith. Known affectionately as “Nanny,” Carrina earned this title not only from her own grandchildren, but from countless children in her neighborhood whose lives she touched with her nurturing spirit and open heart.
In addition to her parents, Carrina was preceded in death by her son, Gary Gailey; grandson, Kyle Norris; great-grandson, Ganin McDaniel; brothers, Bobby Brock and Johnny Brock; and sister, Maebelle Brock.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 56 years, Larry C. Gailey; daughters and son-in-law, Lisa Gailey Norris (Brian) and Patty “Charlie” Pursley; sister, Gladys Croy; grandchildren, Kevin (Dystiny), Seth, and Shelby Norris, Regan Pursley, and Kasey Pursley Ramos; great-grandchildren, AJ Norris, Ella Norris, Paighton Maney, and Dallas McDaniel; along with many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Jeryle Roach officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour on Thursday.
In accordance with Carrina’s wishes, she will be cremated following the service.
An online guest registry is available for the Gailey family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
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 Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on a resolution calling for a special election to fill the unexpired term of District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Tench which does not conclude until December 31, 2026. The special election is expected to be held in conjunction with the May 19, 2026 General Primary Election.
The Habersham County Board of Elections will consider approval of the call for election at a Special Called Meeting on February 17, 2026. The official Call for Election will be advertised in the February 18, 2026 edition of the county’s legal organ, The Northeast Georgian.
Election Overview
It is important for prospective candidates and the public to understand that two separate elections will be held on May 19, 2026 for the District 3 Commission seat:
Although the elections are held on the same day, they are separate races. Candidates who wish to run in both elections must qualify separately for each race, including payment of two separate qualifying fees and completion of all required qualifying paperwork for both elections.
The qualifying period for both the special election and the regular election will take place March 2 through March 6, 2026.
Should a runoff be needed for either election, the runoff date would be June 16, 2026.
Candidate Qualifications
To qualify as a candidate for the District 3 Commission seat, individuals must meet the required qualifications, including being a resident of District 3 in Habersham County, having resided in Habersham County for at least twelve (12) months prior to the election, being a qualified voter, being a citizen of the State of Georgia, and having attained the age of twenty-one (21) years.
Election Day for both the Special Election and the General Primary will be held on May 19, 2026. A runoff election, if required, would be held in accordance with state election law.
Individuals interested in qualifying as a candidate or seeking additional election-related information are encouraged to contact the Habersham County Board of Elections:
Habersham County Board of Elections
Attn: Laurel Ellison, Elections Supervisor / Chief Registrar
403 Habersham County Shopping Center
Cornelia, GA 30531
Phone: 706-839-0170
Email: lellison@habershamga.com
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
For general county information related to this announcement, please contact:
Brandalin Carnes
Habersham County Clerk
706-839-0215
bcarnes@habershamga.com
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 his recent cancer diagnosis.
Burrell spent an extraordinary 70 years in radio, including decades as the host of Sunshine Melodies on WCON Radio. His broadcasting career also included stations in Toccoa before he eventually made Cornelia his home base. At one point, Burrell even continued his WCON broadcasts while living in Mississippi, mailing recorded cassette tapes back to the station so his listeners would not miss a day.
Known as a lifelong early riser, Burrell built his radio schedule around habits that suited him naturally. For years, he rose at 3:30 each morning, often operating on just six hours of sleep, balanced by an afternoon nap. That routine carried him well into his 90s, allowing him to remain a steady presence on the air long after most would have retired.
Over seven decades, Burrell witnessed dramatic changes in broadcasting technology. He began his career on a low-wattage station and lived to see WCON grow into a powerful signal reaching tens of thousands of listeners. Despite the shift to modern studios filled with screens and digital systems, Burrell remained devoted to a simpler approach — relying primarily on his microphone, soundboard, and a personal collection of CDs he carried with him each day.
Sunshine Melodies was never scripted. Each broadcast blended gospel music with Burrell’s personal testimony, reflections on faith, and encouragement drawn from a lifetime of ministry. His presence on the air was openly Christian and unapologetically pastoral, creating a bond with listeners who felt they knew him personally.
That connection often extended beyond the radio. Over the years, Burrell presided over countless funerals for listeners he had never met in person but had come to know through the airwaves — sometimes leading multiple services in a single day.
Burrell stepped away from radio in his 90s, not because of a lack of passion, but because he felt the time was right. While he retired from broadcasting, he made it clear that his calling to ministry was not ending. He has continued to preach, conduct funerals, and serve churches as opportunities arise.
Following Burrell’s retirement, Sunshine Melodies continued under the leadership of Mike Franklin, senior pastor of The Torch in Cornelia. Franklin assumed hosting duties in July, carrying forward the program’s strong Christian foundation while introducing updated music and devotional segments. The program continues to air weekday mornings on WCON and The Breeze 107.7.
Now 95 years old, Burrell faces a new challenge following his recent cancer diagnosis. While details about the illness are still forthcoming, those close to him say he remains in good spirits and grounded in the faith that has guided his entire life.
As Burrell approaches his 96th birthday on March 15, friends and community members are being invited to participate in a simple act of encouragement by sending birthday cards and letters that can be shared with him daily.
Cards and letters may be mailed to:
Billy
PO Box 2
Mount Airy, GA 30563
(A family friend will personally deliver the cards and read them to Burrell.)
For a man who spent a lifetime uplifting others — through radio, ministry, and personal connection — the Habersham community is now returning that love through prayer, gratitude, and words of encouragement.
Habersham News joins the community in lifting up Billy Burrell and his family during this time, honoring a life that has left an enduring imprint on Northeast Georgia.
Health officials in coastal Georgia are warning restaurant owners and managers to stay alert after an individual falsely claimed to be a health inspector and threatened to shut down a restaurant — a situation officials say could happen anywhere, including North Georgia.
According to a report from WTOC, the Coastal Health District received a report involving a restaurant in Glynn County. The restaurant manager contacted the Glynn County Health Department on February 10, 2026, stating that an encounter occurred over the weekend with an angry patron who falsely claimed to be a health inspector and threatened to close the business.
Unlike many similar scams, the individual did not request money or favors, which is why law enforcement was not involved. Still, health officials say the incident raised concerns about potential fraudulent encounters and prompted a public warning.
“We take incidents like this very seriously, because we take integrity and professionalism seriously,” said Brant Phelps, Environmental Health Director for the Coastal Health District. “This is a good opportunity to let folks know what to expect from our health inspectors and how to recognize suspicious behavior.”
Health officials emphasized that legitimate inspectors follow strict protocols and can be easily verified. Restaurants should be cautious if anyone claiming to be an inspector behaves aggressively or makes threats.
Key reminders from health officials include:
While this incident occurred in Glynn County, health officials say similar situations can happen anywhere. Restaurant owners in Habersham County are encouraged to ensure managers and staff understand how to verify inspectors and respond appropriately.
Scammers — or individuals impersonating officials — often rely on fear, authority, and confusion, especially during busy service hours. Being informed, officials say, is the best defense.
Habersham News is sharing this information as a reminder for local businesses to stay vigilant and to contact the appropriate authorities if they encounter suspicious behavior.
HABERSHAM COUNTY — Valentine’s Day doesn’t always look the same in Habersham County — and that’s part of what makes it special.
For some, it’s a quiet dinner at home. For others, it’s handwritten notes tucked into backpacks, a surprise coffee on the way to work, or simply checking in on someone who might be having a hard week.
Across the county, residents have their own ways of marking the day — small traditions that don’t always involve reservations or roses, but still mean a lot.
Florists and shops see a familiar rush each February, but many people in Habersham say the moments that matter most are the simple ones: spending time together, sharing a laugh, or slowing down long enough to appreciate the people around them.
Valentine’s Day may be about love, but in Habersham, it’s often about connection — to family, friends, neighbors, and the community itself.
However you’re spending the day, Habersham News wishes you a safe, warm, and meaningful Valentine’s Day.
DEMOREST, GA – The Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art at Piedmont University announces an updated reception date for Handwork 2026: Jennifer Graff & Thaddeus Erdahl. The public reception will now take place on Thursday, March 5, from 4:30–6:30 p.m., rescheduled due to recent ice and snowstorms. The exhibition remains on view through March 19, 2026.
Handwork 2026: Jennifer Graff & Thaddeus Erdahl brings together the work of two Georgia ceramic artists in conjunction with Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a national Semiquincentennial celebration of the handmade organized by Craft in America. The exhibition highlights contemporary ceramic practices that engage both figurative and functional traditions. It also celebrates the enduring relevance of craft media in American art.
Thaddeus Erdahl maintains a studio in Clarkesville, Georgia. Working predominantly with the human figure sculpted in clay, Erdahl addresses themes of myth in the modern age. He exhibits widely and teaches workshops and college-level ceramics courses, contributing significantly to contemporary ceramic education and practice.
Athens-based artist Jennifer Graff has explored both figurative and functional approaches to clay for more than 25 years. She is a Professor of Art at the University of North Georgia, where she continues to influence generations of emerging artists through her teaching and studio practice.
The exhibition is on view at the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, located on the campus of Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia.
The MSMA is located at 567 Georgia Street, Demorest, GA 30535.
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 Circle K.
Investigators determined that Balmer Alexis Melgar Ayala, 29, of Gainesville, was driving a 2014 Nissan Sentra when he intentionally rammed a 2015 Ford F-150 in the parking lot. The Ford F-150 was occupied at the time by a 29-year-old female, who police identified as Melgar Ayala’s spouse.
Police said the collision pinned the victim inside her vehicle, restricting her ability to move. The victim was eventually able to pull her truck forward, exit the vehicle, and get away from the immediate danger.
According to the victim and witnesses, Melgar Ayala exited his vehicle after the crash holding a hammer and began striking both vehicles, shattering multiple windows. The victim fled the area and moved to a safer location with the assistance of bystanders.
Melgar Ayala was detained when officers arrived on scene and was later taken into custody. The Baldwin Fire Department and Habersham County Emergency Medical Services also responded and determined that no injuries were reported as a result of the crash or the incident that followed.
Melgar Ayala was transported to the Habersham County Detention Center and charged with the following offenses:
Baldwin Police thanked the Alto Police Department and Cornelia Police Department for their assistance during the incident.
The case remains under investigation.
BALDWIN — The Mayor and City Council of the City of Baldwin met Tuesday afternoon for a special called meeting, during which council entered an executive session for personnel matters.
The meeting was held at the Baldwin Police Department Training Facility. After concluding the executive session, the council returned to open session; however, no action was taken following the closed discussion.
Executive sessions allow governing bodies to discuss certain matters privately under Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, including personnel-related issues. Any votes or official decisions must be made in public.
City officials did not provide additional details regarding the discussion held during the executive session.
Habersham News will continue to monitor City of Baldwin meetings and report on any future actions taken by council.
Cornelia, GA — Digitize Habersham, a groundbreaking local-history project created by Habersham History, has been named Best Digital Archives by Habersham News.
Launched in 2022, Digitize Habersham has transformed access to the county’s past by digitizing more than 140,000 pages of historic newspapers published in Habersham County between 1857 and 1963. The online archive allows residents, researchers, students, and genealogists to search and explore more than a century of local history from their own homes.
The collection includes thousands of pages from several long-running local newspapers, offering insight into daily life, major events, and community milestones across generations. Newspapers currently available through Digitize Habersham include:
Together, these publications document more than a century of births, deaths, marriages, elections, business openings, school news, and the everyday stories that shaped Habersham County.
Digitize Habersham is just one of several programs developed by Habersham History to preserve and share the county’s rich heritage. While access to the archive is free, users are required to create an account to search and view the materials. The archive can be accessed at archives.habershamhistory.org.
Behind the scenes, the work is substantial. To date, Habersham History has invested more than $60,000 to digitize, process, and preserve these historic newspaper pages.
Habersham History operates 100 percent on donations, relying entirely on community support to continue its preservation efforts. While Digitize Habersham remains free to use, those who value the resource are encouraged to consider supporting the project.
Donations can be made at habershamhistory.org/donate.
By honoring Digitize Habersham as Best Digital Archives, Habersham News recognizes not only the scale of the project, but its lasting value to the community — ensuring that Habersham County’s stories are preserved, searchable, and accessible for generations to come.
DEMOREST — After months of anticipation, Bangkok Bistro officially opened its doors on February 5, 2026, bringing a new destination for Thai cuisine, sushi, and handcrafted drinks to downtown Demorest.
Owned and operated by Nina and Joel, the husband-and-wife team behind the popular Bangkok Haus in Helen, the new restaurant has quickly become a local favorite since welcoming its first guests. The owners have a history of serving bold Thai flavors, fresh sushi, and a full lineup of cocktails and spirits in a warm, inviting atmosphere — and the Demorest location continues that tradition.
Located at 579 Georgia Street, the restaurant offers a blend of classic Thai dishes and sushi favorites alongside a fully stocked bar featuring beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Patrons can enjoy traditional options like pad Thai, Mongolian beef, and Thai iced tea alongside sushi rolls and sashimi, making it a unique stop in Habersham County’s dining scene.
“We’re excited to be part of the Demorest community,” Nina and Joel said in a social media post celebrating the opening. “We can’t wait for everyone to taste what we’ve been working on.”
The restaurant’s hours are:
With its soft opening now complete, Bangkok Bistro is expected to become a go-to spot for local residents and visitors alike — especially those seeking fresh, flavorful options beyond the usual fare.
The Helen original, Bangkok Haus, is well regarded for its menu of Thai favorites, sushi, and cocktails in a relaxed setting, drawing local and regional diners. Reviews praise its mix of quality food and lively atmosphere, and the new Demorest location aims to bring that same experience closer to Habersham communities.
Habersham News will continue to follow local business developments and share updates on new dining options as they become available.
For the first time in school history, an athletic team has won back-to-back state titles. Tallulah Falls was successful in defending its titles in both girls and boys swimming. The Lady Indians once again dominated the field at Georgia Tech on Monday to claim their second consecutive championship, while the Indians also hoisted the ultimate trophy.
Both the boys and girls got out to an incredible start with a pair of relay teams winning gold in the first two events of the meet. From there, individuals and relay teams continued to put themselves on the podium.
Lady Indians
The 200 Medley Relay team (Carsyn Griffis, Mattie Patterson, Lucia Roser de Hoyos, Selah Wiltshire) claimed gold, as well as the 200 Free Relay (Arias, M Patterson, Roser de Hoyos, Wiltshire).
The B-Relay team of the 200 Medley took Runner-Up (Veronica Verberkmoes, Ida Patterson, Valentina Arias Camargo, Cassidy Coles), and Selah Wiltshire was the 50 Free runner-up. Arias was also second in the 100 Fly.
Those who took a 3rd-place finish include: Roser de Hoyos (200 Free), Mattie Patterson (200 IM), Wiltshire (100 Free in a school record of 53.83 and in the 100 Breast), and the 200 Free Relay ‘B’ team.
Fourth-place finishes included Arias (100 Back) and Mattie Patterson (100 Breast). Ida Patterson (200 Free), Mattie Patterson (100 Fly), and Roser de Hoyos (100 Free) all had a 5th-place finish.
Indians
The Indians opened the meet with a win in the 200 Medley Relay with Waldon McIntosh, Alex Degado, Martin Raybon, and Teagan Penland. McIntosh later won the 100 Fly with a school record time of 50.37. Alex Degado won the 100 Breast, and the 200 Free Relay (Raybon, Degado, Penland, McIntosh) finished off the meet with a title.
McIntosh also had a Runner-Up finish in the 100 Back in a school record time of 54:34, and added a 3rd-place finish in the 200 IM. Degado also was fourth in the 200 Free.
McIntosh was the GIAA Boys High Point Award winner.
TFS Middle School
The MS boys also earned the status of back-to-back State Champions. The Indians posted 82 points, nearly doubling the 2nd-place group. The 200 Medley Relay team (Brody Dampier, Lincoln Penland, Logan Thompson, Rhett Addison) won gold, as did the 200 Free Relay (Brody Dampier, Matteus York, Lincoln Penland, Logan Thompson). Dampier won individually in the 50 Back.
Neyo Bain hit a driving layup midway through the third quarter to become the sixth member of the 1,000-point club for TFS. More importantly, the #4-ranked Indians earned a 61-52 win at George Walton on Monday in the opening round of the region tournament.
Tallulah began the game on a 10-0 run, and Todor Stanimirovic had a dunk and 3-pointer as part of the quick start. Bain entered the game needing three points, and had a bucket early on before coming out with some foul trouble.
The Indians were ahead 22-8 with an electric first quarter, and were up 34-25 at the break.
In the third, #6-ranked George Walton rallied to within three, but TFS maintained the lead at 47-39 going into the final period.
Bain, Marquis Rolle, and Brian Neely kept coming up with clutch baskets, but the Bulldogs again clawed back into the game in the closing minutes.
Rolle led with 13 points, while Neely and Bain had 12 and 11, respectively. Stanimirovic also had 11. Louis Lenain and Judah McIntosh had six apiece, and Alberto Battino added two.
The Indians move to 14-9 overall on the season with their fifth straight victory. They advance to the semifinals of the region tournament.
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 Tuesday, February 10, at the Baldwin Police Department Training Facility, located directly behind the Baldwin Police Department. The facility’s address is 155 Willingham Avenue, Baldwin, GA 30511.
According to the meeting notice, the executive session will be held in accordance with Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, which allows governing bodies to discuss certain personnel matters in closed session. Any official action resulting from the executive session, if required, would be taken in open session.
The agenda and public notice for the meeting have been posted by the city for additional details.
Habersham News will continue to monitor City of Baldwin meetings and provide updates as information becomes available.
DEMOREST, Ga – The community is invited to a concert of choral music performed by Pro Musica Singers on Sat., Feb. 28 at 7:30 P.M. in the Piedmont University Chapel.
Pro Musica Singers is a choral ensemble composed of distinguished alumni from Piedmont University’s acclaimed music program and founded by Wallace Hinson, Emeritus Professor of Music at Piedmont. With artistry rooted in academic excellence and a shared passion for vocal performance, the ensemble presents a program of sacred and secular choral music that explores the timeless themes of faith, hope, and love by composers including Knut Nystedt, Jachet de Mantua, Andrew Bleckner, Josef Rheinberger, Jonathan Dove, Maurice Duruflé, Ola Gjeilo, Jake Runestad, Vince Peterson, John Clements, and Moses Hogan. Pro Musica Singers will be joined by Piedmont University Artist-in-Residence, organist Louise Bass.
Admission is free.
The Piedmont University Chapel is located at 992Central Ave., Demorest, GA 30535.
For more information on fine arts events at Piedmont, visit here.
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 daily life just the same. When residents know what’s happening locally, they’re better equipped to participate in civic life, support local businesses, and stay connected with their neighbors.
Local journalism also provides context. It explains not just what happened, but why it matters — and how it impacts the people who live here. It serves as a record of community life, preserving moments and decisions that would otherwise be lost to time.
At Habersham News, that mission is paired with a commitment to a better reader experience. Our articles are not weighed down with intrusive advertising inside the story itself — no pop-ups, no autoplay videos, and no distractions that pull attention away from the information. Readers can focus on the news, not fight their way through it.
Habersham News also delivers information when it matters most. Unlike traditional print media that publishes on a fixed schedule, local news today moves in real time. When something happens in the community, readers can learn about it as it unfolds — not days later. That immediacy is especially important during emergencies, school closings, public meetings, and fast-moving local issues.
Local news thrives on trust, accessibility, and relevance. It works best when it’s rooted in the community it serves and responsive to the people who live here. Habersham News was created with that purpose in mind — to inform, document, and connect Habersham County through timely, clear, and community-focused reporting.
If you value local news, you can help it grow. Consider telling your family and friends about Habersham News and encouraging them to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/habershamnews. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told — clearly, promptly, and with the community at heart.
Circle of Hope is inviting the community to attend its 2nd Annual Denim & Diamonds Gala, an elegant fundraising event benefiting survivors of domestic violence, scheduled for May 2, 2026, at The Venue at Broken Bridge Farms in Toccoa.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the venue located at 341 Williams Circle. Following a successful first year, organizers say the 2026 gala promises an even more memorable evening that blends style, entertainment, and purpose.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing in their favorite denim or adding a touch of sparkle with diamonds. The evening will feature a delicious meal, live music and entertainment, and an atmosphere designed to bring the community together in support of an important cause.
All proceeds from the Denim & Diamonds Gala support Circle of Hope, which provides advocacy, resources, and services to survivors of domestic violence throughout the region. Organizers emphasize that participation in the event directly helps sustain critical programs for those in need.
🎟️ Tickets and event details are available online at:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/dendia202/event/denimdiamondsgala2026/
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also find additional information at gacircleofhope.org. Community members are encouraged to follow Circle of Hope on social media for updates leading up to the event.
The Denim & Diamonds Gala offers a meaningful way to enjoy a special evening while supporting a cause that makes a lasting difference.
Calling all dessert lovers — the City of Cornelia is inviting the community to take part in a Dessert Crawl on Thursday, February 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a sweet way to explore downtown while supporting local businesses.
The walking dessert tour features eight local restaurants, eight delicious treats, and one ticket that allows participants to sample desserts at each stop. Guests can enjoy the crawl at their own pace while taking in the charm of downtown Cornelia.
Participating locations include Bigg Daddys, BSG Coffee and Café, Community Brew and Tap, Farmacia Trattoria, Farmhouse Poundcakes, Fenders Diner, Sugartopia, and Way 2 Baked.
Tickets are $30 per person, and organizers encourage dessert fans to purchase in advance, as spots are limited.
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased online here:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/2REK6TS97BAJQ/checkout/2IZBI6GECCSJWLJNIL373EPB
Whether you’re a fan of baked goods, specialty sweets, or just looking for a fun night out, the Cornelia Dessert Crawl offers a tasty way to experience the community — one bite at a time.
HABERSHAM COUNTY — Crews with Habersham EMC have temporarily suspended fiber repair work due to hazardous weather and travel conditions, leaving approximately 300 customers without internet service as of Tuesday.
In a service update, Habersham EMC said deteriorating conditions in the field made it unsafe for employees and contractors to continue repair efforts.
“Due to the current conditions, our crews are having to come back in from the field,” the utility said. “The areas we have to get to and the traveling challenges are unsafe.”
According to the update, crews will reassess conditions Wednesday morning to determine whether it is safe to resume repair work. Restoration efforts will continue as soon as weather and road conditions allow.
Habersham EMC acknowledged the frustration being felt by customers who remain without internet service, particularly as many residents rely on connectivity for work, school, and communication during severe weather events.
“We know that if you are without internet service at this time, this is not what you want to hear,” the statement said. “However, the safety of our employees and contractors is paramount and we will not sacrifice anyone’s safety.”
The cooperative thanked customers for their patience and understanding, emphasizing that crews will work to restore service as quickly and safely as possible once conditions improve.
Habersham News will continue to monitor updates from Habersham EMC and share additional information as it becomes available.
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