Judge: ‘Nothing has been done’ by Trump officials to return wrongly deported Maryland man

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April 15, 2025

A crowd gathered outside U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Tuesday, April 10, 2025, to protest the government's erroneous deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran national, to a mega-prison in the Central American country. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

GREENBELT, Md. (States Newsroom) — A federal judge in Maryland on Tuesday ordered a defiant Trump administration to provide evidence about how it has tried to secure the release of an immigrant mistakenly deported to a brutal mega-prison in El Salvador, saying that to date, the record shows “nothing has been done.”

District Judge Paula Xinis laid out a two-week timeline for the government to produce sworn statements on whether and how immigration officials are complying with her previous court order to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

“Discovery will bear out whether you have,” Xinis said, referring to the process through which information is disclosed in court. “And if you haven’t, whether it’s a choice or on justified ground.”

“Cancel vacation, cancel other appointments. I’m usually very good about things like that in my courtroom, but not this time,” she said during a hearing in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Xinis, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, had ordered the administration to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. by April 7.

A federal appeals court swiftly upheld Xinis’ order. The Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the justices ruled 9-0 Thursday that the administration must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return — though they stopped short of requiring it — and provide the El Salvadoran due process through the U.S. immigration courts.

The Supreme Court “could not have been clearer,” Xinis said to Drew Ensign, the deputy assistant attorney general who represented the government Tuesday.

Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador, who lived with his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, and their 5-year-old child, was apprehended by immigration officials in mid-March.

He was among roughly 260 Venezuelan men the U.S. flew on commercial jets, without due process, to Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT.

Garcia has no criminal history in the U.S., El Salvador or any other country, according to court filings in the lawsuit Vasquez Sura brought against the government last month.

An immigration judge issued a protective order in 2019 shielding his return to El Salvador because of near certainty he would face violence and persecution.

White House echoes Bukele

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement admitted in court documents that Abrego Garcia’s removal on March 15 was an “administrative error.”

The White House maintains it has no power to ask El Salvador to release Abrego Garcia from CECOT, and that Xinis overstepped her authority in ordering the administration to conduct foreign affairs.

The White House also asserts Abrego Garcia is a “foreign terrorist” and a member of the El Salvadoran gang MS-13, which the administration designated a foreign terrorist organization in February.

“Deporting him was always going to be the end result,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Tuesday at the daily press briefing.

“There is never going to be a world in which this is an individual who’s going to live a peaceful life in Maryland,” she said.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele told journalists Monday during a visit to the Oval Office, “I don’t have the power to return him to the United States,” labeling Abrego Garcia as a “terrorist.”

The government echoed Bukele’s comments in its daily status report.

“DHS does not have the authority to forcibly extract an alien from the domestic custody of a foreign sovereign nation,” Joseph Mazarra, acting general counsel for DHS, wrote in Monday’s report.

Following a tense hearing Friday, where the government refused to provide the whereabouts of Abrego Garcia, Xinis ordered the administration to provide the daily updates.

On Tuesday, Xinis told Ensign that the government has provided “very little information of any value” in the reports.

“As a factual matter, I do need evidence in this record because to date what the record shows is nothing has been done,” Xinis said.

Ruling requested on contempt

Prior to Tuesday’s hearing, Vasquez Sura asked the court to order immigration officials to arrange for her husband’s return by the end of April 14.

She also asked the court to mandate government officials provide documents and depositions related to Abrego Garcia’s release, and to show cause as to why Xinis should not hold the government in contempt of court for not complying with orders to bring Abrego Garcia back.

Xinis said she will not make a decision on contempt until she reviews a record of evidence.

The government maintains the Supreme Court’s decision does not mean they must work with El Salvador to release Abrego Garcia because the president, not federal courts, has jurisdiction over foreign affairs.

The administration also contends that the Supreme Court’s use of the term “facilitate” only means that they need to remove “domestic” barriers to bringing Abrego back to the U.S. — not that they would have to work with El Salvador to secure his release.

“Indeed, no other reading of ‘facilitate’ is tenable — or constitutional — here,” they wrote in a response to Vasquez Sura’s request.

In the Oval Office Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the U.S. would provide a plane, but cannot force Bukele to release Abrego Garcia.

Ensign provided a transcript of the Oval Office meeting to the court 15 minutes prior to Tuesday’s hearing, according to Xinis.

“I don’t consider what happened yesterday as evidence before this court yet,” Xinis said.

Ensign pushed back on Xinis’ order for expedited discovery, saying that the issue is a “narrow interpretative dispute” of what the word facilitate means that “does not require discovery.”

After pushing back again, Xinis responded, “I just don’t think it’s that difficult. I think you want to make it that difficult because getting to the facts may not be that favorable.”

Seized while looking for work

Abrego Garcia came to the U.S. without legal authorization in 2011, fleeing violence in his home country of El Salvador, according to court records.

Six years later while he was looking for work at a Home Depot in Hyattsville, Maryland, he was taken into custody by Prince George’s County Police Department.

While there, he was questioned about gang affiliation and law enforcement did not believe he was not a member of the MS-13 gang, according to court records.

The evidence officers submitted included Abrego Garcia wearing a Chicago Bulls hat, a hoodie and a statement from a confidential informant that stated he was a member of MS-13, according to court documents.

While he was never charged with, or convicted of being, in a gang, he was kept in ICE detention while his case proceeded before an immigration judge.

In first post-White House address, Biden pans Trump on Social Security

By

Jennifer Shutt

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April 15, 2025

(States Newsroom) — Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday used his first public address since leaving office to criticize the current administration for cutting thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration and to rebut those who have questioned the program’s relevance.

“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration, pushing 7,000 employees — 7,000 — out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials.”

The Social Security Administration announced earlier this year it would cut staffing from 57,000 to 50,000 employees and reduce the number of regional offices from 10 to four.

Biden urged Republicans to preserve Social Security for future generations, arguing during his 30-minute speech to the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago that people have been able to rely on it throughout wars, recessions and the pandemic.

“Social Security is about more than retirement accounts. It’s about honoring a fundamental trust between government and people,” Biden said. “It’s about peace of mind for those who work their whole lives, so they can rest assured they’ll have a chance to get back some of what they earned and what they deserve.”

Biden, who accepted the organization’s Beacon of Hope award, said protecting Social Security and the federal workers who administer the program is about defending core principles.

“Who are we? What makes us distinct from the rest of the world?” Biden asked. “It comes down to basic, in my view, fundamental American values — nobody’s king, nobody’s the boss. Everybody has a shot.”

Biden criticized members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet for making harsh comments about the program. He noted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said his mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if she missed a Social Security payment and that “the easiest way to find the fraudster is to stop payments and listen because whoever screams is the one stealing.”

Biden also called out billionaire and head of U.S. DOGE Service Elon Musk for calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”

“What the hell are they talking about?” Biden said. “People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit.”

White House pledges to maintain program

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing several hours before Biden’s speech the Trump administration doesn’t plan to cut off Americans’ Social Security benefits.

“Let me make it very clear ahead of former President Biden’s remarks: The president, this president, President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program,” she said. “He will always protect that program. He campaigned on it. He protected it in his first term.”

Leavitt also took a swipe at Biden’s age, saying she didn’t expect him to give a speech during the evening.

“My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he was speaking at nighttime. I had thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight,” she said.

Biden, 82, last year dropped his reelection bid in a rematch against Trump, 78, amid concerns about his age and mental acuity.

Administrator nominee to target errors

Democrats have raised concerns for months that staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration will impact Americans’ ability to get their questions about the program answered or their issues resolved quickly.

Social Security Commissioner nominee Frank Bisignano testified during his hearing in March that, if confirmed, he would try to “ensure that every beneficiary receives their payments on time, that disability claims are processed in the manner they should be.”

Bisignano said he hoped to ensure Social Security recipients could visit an office, use the website, or speak to a real person after calling the 1-800 number.

“On the phone, I’m committed to reducing wait times and providing beneficiaries with a better experience; waiting 20 minutes-plus to get an answer will be of yesteryear,” Bisignano said. “I also believe we can significantly improve the length of the disability claim process.”

Bisignano promised lawmakers he would reduce the 1% error rate in payments, which he said was “five decimal places too high.” And he said repeatedly that personally identifiable information will be “protected.”

The Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines in early April to send Bisignano’s nomination to the floor, but he hasn’t yet been confirmed.

Trump registration requirement carries danger for immigrants who comply, groups warn

By

Jacob Fischler

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April 15, 2025

(States Newsroom) — Immigrant rights groups are cautioning migrants without legal status about the dangers of obeying the Department of Homeland Security’s directive to register with authorities, group leaders told reporters during a virtual press conference Tuesday.

Representatives from immigrant groups across the country said the requirement, which a federal judge upheld last week, is an enforcement tool for President Donald Trump’s administration and that following the directive to register could lead to unlawful detention and deportation.

Participants on the call did not explicitly say they were counseling migrants without legal status against complying with the directive, but said people affected should seek legal counsel first.

“This tool is to identify individuals for detention, deportation and to threaten with imprisonment if they do not comply,” Angelica Salas, the executive director of the advocacy group the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said.

“These actions are abhorrent to the values of this country, and we will not stand silent to see cruelty as the official immigration policy of this administration. To our community, our message is that you’re not alone, you have rights, seek legal guidance, and you’re not obligated to provide information that can hurt you or your family.”

Under Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the administration has sent “innocent people” to detention facilities at the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the notorious mega-prison in El Salvador known as Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT, Salas said.

The administration has detained immigrants of all legal statuses without due process, and ignored court orders to reverse those actions. Advocates on the press call Tuesday said that defies the law.

Immigrants, even without legal status in the country, are “entitled to their day in immigration court,” Nicole Melaku, the executive director of National Partnership for New Americans, said.

The directive, which requires immigrants who have registered with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to always carry with them proof of their registration, would also lead to racial profiling of U.S. citizens, advocates have said.

No reported registrants

Salas said her organization, which is based in Southern California, does not know of anyone who has completed the registration.

The people who are required to register are unclear about whether it is in their interest to comply, and distrust of Trump – who campaigned on an anti-immigration platform and has routinely flouted due process for immigrants – is a major obstacle.

“We don’t have anybody who has – that we know – yet registered,” she said. “There’s a lot of confusion in our community as to whether to do this or not. What does it mean? What are the risks? And I also want to say that … everything that has come from this administration has actually been harmful, so people are taking that into account.”

Legal fight continuing

U.S. Judge Trevor Neil McFadden, whom Trump appointed to the federal bench in 2017, rejected advocacy groups’ attempt to block the directive, saying in an order last week that the groups hadn’t shown they’d been harmed by it.

But the legal fight against the directive will continue, George Escobar, the chief of programs and services at the immigrant services organization CASA, said.

In addition to a possible appeal of McFadden’s ruling, Escobar said his organizations would watch “very, very closely” how the administration conducts the operation, with special attention to racial profiling, and would not hesitate to bring court challenges.

“We will do everything possible to fight this,” he said. “This may be a show-me-your-papers type of situation where people may be racially profiled, stopped on the street just because they’re speaking in other languages, because they look like an immigrant, and has to be asked to show this registration compliance.”

Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday.

Habersham County Recreation Department will host Swim Safely Day April 26

By

Jerry Neace

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April 15, 2025

swim-safely-rob-moore-1 — Habersham County Recreation Department will be hosting a Swim Safely Day on Saturday, April 26. (Rob Moore/Habersham County)

The Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its third annual Swim Safely Day on Saturday, April 26. The event will be held in the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center.

According to Habersham County Public Information Officer Ashlyn Brady, the event has three registration times for those interested in attending. The event will have three one hour classes, beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. class, with the last class beginning at 11 a.m.

“One of the main purposes of the event is to help anyone in the community learn essential water safety tips,” Brady said. She explains that the class will show parents and children many helpful tips such as CPR Basics, lifejacket fittings and safety checks, water safety demonstrations, and small-scale swim lessons.

“With the summer season approaching we hope that providing water safety education will save lives and prevent drownings in our area,” Brady said.

The classes are open to the community. For children six years of age and younger, they must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.

Register ahead of time to ensure your selected time. Each class has a limited number of spaces available for participants. .

Those wishing to participate can register online at habershamga.recdesk.com.

The Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center is located at 120 Paul Franklin Road in Clarkesville.

Demorest water crews repair leaking valve

By

Jerry Neace

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April 15, 2025

Demorest- valve repair April 15 — Demorest water crews work to replace a leaking water valve on Holly Street on Tuesday, April 15. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

Demorest water crews were diligently working Tuesday afternoon to replace a leaking valve near the intersection of Holly Street and Cedar Avenue. Water was shut off in the area to facilitate the repair. The repair has reduced Holly Street to one lane of travel. Drivers are urged to use caution.

A portion of Holly Street was removed to allow workers to replace a leaking valve in Demorest. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

It has affected Holly Street, Cedar Avenue, Blue Ridge Avenue, Indiana Boulevard, Porter, Pine, and Tennessee streets. No time line was given for when the repair would be completed.

The water outage has resulted in a boil water advisory for customers in the above mentioned area.

Last month, a similar repair was completed at the intersection of Holly and Pine streets.

Kemp signs $1B tax relief bill

By

Joy Purcell

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April 15, 2025

Kemp signs budget — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs tax relief legislation at an event in Cobb County attended by his wife, Marty, and area lawmakers including District 51 State Sen. Steve Gooch. (Gov. Kemp/Facebook)

Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation Tuesday at a ceremony in Cobb County that will deliver over $1 billion in tax relief to Georgia taxpayers. This relief includes accelerating the largest state income tax cut in state history and issuing a third, one-time tax refund.

Governor Kemp signed HB 111 and HB 112 alongside First Lady Marty Kemp, members of the Georgia General Assembly, and state and local leaders.

HB 111, sponsored by Representative Soo Hong and others, accelerates the income tax cut first passed in 2022, reducing the state income tax rate by another 20 basis points. This will decrease the total income tax rate to 5.19%, down 56 basis points from the original rate of 5.75%. This cut is projected to save Georgians another $880 million on their tax returns next year.

HB 112, sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald III and others, provides for a one-time special tax refund of up to $500 per Georgia taxpayer household. Georgians who file jointly will receive $500, single filers will receive $250, and heads of household will receive $375.

“Here in Georgia, we safeguard every dollar of taxpayer money, because we know it belongs to the people, not the government,” Governor Kemp said at the ceremony. He added that the tax relief is a result of conservative budgeting and a commitment to returning money to taxpayers.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones echoed these remarks, emphasizing the importance of lightening the tax burden on Georgians and job creators. He called the tax cuts “a priority” and a step towards eliminating the state income tax. He added, “With Governor Kemp’s leadership, Georgia continues to serve as an example for the rest of the nation on how to reduce taxes and give more than a billion dollars back to our citizens, while having a healthy reserve and fiscally sound budget. These bills becoming law today bring us one step closer to eliminating the state income tax, a priority I have always been a proponent of. We are able to do this because we are focused on a stable and prosperous future for all Georgians, while making financial choices that will ensure Georgia’s ongoing viability and financial stability. We will continue to make this a priority, and I look forward to seeing more of this great work in the future.”

Speaker Jon Burns said the Georgia House is proud to have championed this legislation, which is important in providing financial relief to families across the state.

Governor Kemp also noted that the General Assembly ratified his suspension of the state gas tax following Hurricane Helene, bringing additional relief to families and businesses dealing with the effects of the storm. He thanks Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, OPB Director Rick Dunn, and the members of the General Assembly for passing these important pieces of legislation.

White County’s ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ nets 12 arrests

By

Joy Purcell

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April 15, 2025

An investigation targeting the illegal drug trade in White County recently resulted in a series of arrests. Sheriff Rick Kelley says deputies arrested a dozen people during the investigation, dubbed “Operation Clean Sweep.”

During the operation, Kelley says investigators “gathered intel” on subjects allegedly engaged in the sale and use of illegal substances. “Several wanted persons were arrested and large quantities of controlled substances were seized along with several firearms,” he adds.

According to the sheriff’s office, ten of the suspects are from Cleveland, and two are from Sautee. Here is a list of who was arrested and the charges filed against them:

Joseph Maney, 44, of Cleveland

possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony;
possession of drug-related objects;
possession of methamphetamine;
possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
possession of Schedule II controlled substance.

Frances Rivera, 60, of Cleveland

possession of drug-related objects;
possession of methamphetamine;
possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
possession of Schedule II controlled substance.

Felicia Chambers, 37, of Cleveland

two misdemeanor warrants out of Hall County for violating probation

Donald Wheeler, 39, of Cleveland

misdemeanor warrant – theft by taking

Marah Gilreath, 28, of Cleveland

felony warrant – probation violation

Darrell Wheeler, 45, of Cleveland

felony warrant – probation violation;
possession of methamphetamine;
possession of drug-related objects.

Valerie Morgan, 40, of Cleveland

possession of methamphetamine;
possession of drug-related objects.

Clomer Mclendon, 55, of Cleveland

possession of methamphetamine;
possession of marijuana;
possession of drug-related objects.

Kendrick Sutton, 46, of Cleveland

possession of marijuana with intent to distribute;
possession of marijuana over an ounce;
possession of methamphetamine;
possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
possession of drug-related objects.

Jamie Moore, 46, of Cleveland

possession of methamphetamine

Shelly Montieth, 30, Sautee

felony warrant – probation violation

Jeremy Black, 45, of Sautee

felony warrant – parole violation

HABCO BOE plans first public hearing for 2026 budget

By

Jerry Neace

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April 15, 2025

HabCo BOE June-24-4-1 — The Habersham County Board of Education will hold its first public hearing for the 2026 budget on Thursday, April 17. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The Habersham County Board of Education will hold its first public hearing on its 2026 budget on Thursday, April 17. The budget hearing will coincide with the school board’s monthly work session.

Last year, the Board of Education approved a total budget of $126,807,511. The total budget increased by 3.18% over 2024. The General Fund budget, included in the total budget, was $97,042,115. The General Fund saw an increase of 9.39%. Also, last year the school board elected to not rollback the millage rate, a move they hadn’t done in 10 years.

Earlier this spring, the school board opted-out of HB 581, or the floating homestead exemption. By opting-out, property tax collections should not be impacted.

The Habersham Board of Education will hold its budget public hearing and work session on Thursday, April 17, at 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Habersham County Board of Education Meeting Room at 144 Holcomb Street in Clarkesville.

Georgians, others get extra time to file taxes

By

Joy Purcell

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April 15, 2025

Georgians rushing to meet Tuesday’s April 15 tax filing deadline can breathe a short sigh of relief. You don’t have to have your federal and state taxes in until May 1.

The IRS extended the tax filing deadline due to Hurricane Helene. After the storm made landfall last September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued disaster declarations for several Southern states, including Georgia.

After that declaration, the IRS extended the date to file and pay 2024’s federal taxes to May 1, 2025, and Georgia’s Department of Revenue followed suit. As a result of Helene, the IRS also extended tax deadlines for Alabama, North and South Carolina, and parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The IRS announced Monday that it has pushed back Tennessee’s tax filing deadline even further due to tornadoes and flooding earlier this month. Tennessee taxpayers now have until November 3 to complete their taxes.

Welcome reprieve

Extensions like these are automatically granted to areas impacted by disasters.

Jon Powell, a partner at the tax firm Moore Colson, said that although Georgians only get an extra few weeks, that can make a huge difference for both taxpayers and tax professionals.

“Having a couple of extra weeks can be a godsend,” he said. “If cash is tight as well, having a couple of extra weeks can allow you for time to make those payments.”

Filers who need the typical extension to Oct. 15 can still receive it but must request it.

E-filing

Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically through IRS Free File or commercial software to minimize errors and expedite refunds. The IRS emphasizes that most taxpayers qualify for electronic filing at no cost and can receive their refund within 21 days with direct deposit.

Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024 can use the IRS Free File guided tax software until October 15. The program also offers IRS Free File Fillable Forms, a free option for taxpayers of any income level to complete and file their returns electronically.

GPB News contributed to this report

CBS News to be at Fenders Diner Tuesday, April 15

By

Nora Almazan

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April 15, 2025

CBS News’ national morning show, CBS Mornings, will film at Fenders Diner in Cornelia, Georgia, on Tuesday, April 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The visit is part of CBS’s “3 Meals” series, a storytelling project that takes CBS journalists to three different towns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There, they sit down with everyday Americans to discuss the issues that matter most to them.

Producers will be in Georgia on the week of April 14. What is their chosen dinner destination? According to one producer, “All roads lead to Fenders Diner!”

Fenders Diner owner Jay Reeder is thrilled. “Wow! Our little Habersham is getting famous! People all over the country will get to see what it’s like to live in a friendly small town like ours. It’s super cool that they picked Habersham to show everyone.”

CBS plans to spend about two hours at the restaurant, chatting with patrons about the pressing topics of the day, their hopes and concerns for the year ahead, and what’s on their minds as the country moves forward.

There’s no pressure to speak on camera, but producers are especially interested in hearing what locals think about President Trump’s first 100 days in office.

If you’d like to share your thoughts—or enjoy a meal while watching a bit of national TV come to life—head to Fenders Diner, located at 631 Irvin Street, Cornelia, GA.

Baldwin approves 2026 insurance premium, purchase of vac truck

By

Jerry Neace

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April 15, 2025

Baldwin council april 14 — Baldwin City Council approved the purchase of a vac-truck and its insurance premium during its meeting Monday, April 14. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The Baldwin City Council approved the city’s liability and casualty insurance premium for fiscal year 2026 and the purchase of a new vacuum truck during its regular meeting Monday night.

Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster presented the annual insurance quote to the council, noting a nearly 8% increase over last year’s premium. The policy, managed through the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), covers the city’s vehicles, buildings, equipment, and other assets. The approved premium for the year is $134,714.

In addition to insurance, council members also approved the purchase of a VAC-Con vacuum truck, a key piece of equipment for the city’s Public Works Department. The truck will be used for clearing sewer line clogs and conducting non-invasive excavation near water mains and service lines — work that reduces risk around unmarked underground utilities.

The cost of the truck, after a discount, is $405,697. The vehicle will be purchased through a GMA lease program, similar to the financing arrangement previously used to acquire a city fire truck.

Woodmaster told the council the vacuum truck has a six-month lead time, and that the first lease payment will fall in the 2027 fiscal year.

Some Demorest water customers to experience outage April 15

By

Joy Purcell

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April 15, 2025

The city of Demorest has issued a water outage alert for some residents, who may experience little to no water beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 15.

The outage will affect customers on Holley Street, Cedar Avenue, Blue Ridge Avenue, Indiana Boulevard, Porter, Pine, and Tennessee streets. The city did not indicate how long the water will be out.

Earlier this month, crews worked to repair a leaking water valve at the intersection of Holly and Pine.

As a precaution, the city issued a Boil Water Advisory for affected customers once water service is restored. Customers should bring their tap water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes before drinking, cooking, or preparing baby food with it.

The Boil Water Advisory will be in effect until further notice.