Hazel Wooten Poole

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December 12, 2021

Hazel Wooten Poole, age 95 of Clarkesville, Georgia took her Heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

Born in Clarkesville, Georgia on May 21, 1926, she was a daughter of the late Hiram Walter & Lydia Smith Wooten. Hazel retired from the Habersham County School System with 27 years of dedicated service. In earlier years, she enjoyed traveling with her two sisters, eating out at various places, & going to auction houses. Most of all, Hazel loved her family dearly including her in-laws. She was affectionately known as “Memaw” to her grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Hazel also enjoyed cooking for her family, singing in the church choir, and spending time with her best friend, Ovaline Rice. She was a dedicated member of Union Hill Baptist Church and the last surviving member of her immediate family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie B. Poole; son-in-law, Lamar Lovell; brothers, Raymond & Ted Wooten; sisters, Ovaline Wooten, Christine Wooten, Ruby McClain, Berma Jean Bennett, & Ruth Davis.

Survivors include her son & daughter-in-law, Walter & Sylvia Poole of Demorest, GA; daughters & son-in-law, Jean Lovell; Judy & Donald Allen all of Clarkesville, GA; grandchildren, Lakeeta & Joel Tyre of Clarkesville, GA; Candace & Rob Blackburn of Alto, GA; Christopher & Jenny Allen of Charlotte, NC; Jason & Julie Poole of Demorest, GA; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Appleton & fiancé, Ashley Canup, Seth & Kendra Blackburn, Gabe Blackburn, Loralei Poole, James Allen, & Lucy Grace Allen; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Rev. Connie Berry officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Hazel W. Poole to Gideons International, c/o Habersham North Camp, P.O. Box 1855, Clarkesville, GA. 30523, Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL. 33131 or to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA. 30501.

An online guest registry is available for the Poole family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256.

Steven Alan Ward

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Now Habersham

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December 12, 2021

Steven Alan Ward, age 44, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Mr. Ward was born on February 5, 1977, in Frankfurt, Germany. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Mr. Ward was serving as a Clarkesville City Council Member for 4 years, and had been elected for his second term. Steven had worked with Pruitt Health Systems for 15 years.

Survivors include his mother, Barbara Ward, of Clarkesville; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Fletcher Holliday, of Demorest; niece and nephew, Hannah Holliday, of Orlando, FL; and Derek Holliday, of Demorest.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at the funeral home prior to the service.

A Livestream Service will be available at facebook.com/whitfieldfh

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123

Frances Louise Leckie

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Now Habersham

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December 12, 2021

Frances Louise Leckie, age 91 went home to be with the Lord after a brief illness along with declining health issues on Sunday, December 12, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Louise was born May 5, 1930, to the late Charlie and Avie (Pittman) Southers of Gainesville, Ga.

She was a native of Hall County and grew up in the Gainesville Mill Village. The Mill village held a special place in her heart. The village neighbors were like family and tried to help and take care of one another to get through hard times. She was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and she graduated from Lyman Hall High School. After high school, she worked at the Gainesville Cotton Mill for a short time and met the love of her life, Myron Leckie. They were married on October 5, 1952, and she became a homemaker and moved to Topeka, Kansas, for a brief time, where Myron was stationed in the Air Force, then they returned back to Hall County. During their marriage, Myron was called to preach the gospel and she faithfully served alongside her husband during his years of ministry. They were married for 49 years. Over the years, she was a dedicated caregiver for her mother, father-in-law, husband, and two of her sisters, during their sicknesses and declining health. Louise was a kind and caring person and had a compassion for the sick, elderly and shut-ins in their church families and community by visiting, or preparing meals while she was able to do so.

She loved her family and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known to them as “Memaw”. She also loved the Christmas season by celebrating the birth of Christ and enjoyed decorating their home inside and out for Christmas, then her children carried on the tradition for her to continue to enjoy. She is now having her best Christmas ever!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Myron Leckie, brothers, Ernest Otto (Tobey) Southers, Junior Southers, Willard (Buck) Southers, brother & sister-in-law Carl and Lee Southers, sister & brother-in-law, Irene (Bibbie) and Barker Jones, sister Florrie Nell (Flossie) Southers all of Gainesville; and grandson Benjamin Nelson, Demorest. Ga.

She is survived by her 2 children; son & daughter-in-law, Tobey & Teresa Leckie, Gainesville, daughter & son-in-law, Tona & Jeff Nelson, Demorest; 2 granddaughters and their spouses, Anna (Nelson) & Greg Stotser, Columbus, Ga. and Lydia (Nelson) & Josh Frazier, Waynesville, NC; 4 great-grandchildren, Mabry, Audry & Rory Frazier, Waynesville, NC and Asher Stotser, Columbus, Ga. She is also survived by her sister & brother-in-law, Mildred (Millie) & David Harrison, Richardson, Texas and other nieces & nephews.

During her declining health, Louise was able the stay at home with the help of her family and special caregivers, Doris Allison, Janie Southers (niece), Mycki Little, Lisa Loggins and Rachel Tipton. The family would like to express their utmost gratitude and special thanks to these caregivers for their loyalty and loving care that made it possible for Louise to stay in the home she loved. The family would also like to thank the HCFD Station #9, Bell Minor Home staff and Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care staff for the compassionate care they provided.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Wards Funeral Home, Gainesville from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Wards Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville with Rev. Gary Wilson & Rev. Josh Frazier officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Gainesville.

The family respectfully requests that the CDC guidelines be followed. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Please share online condolences with the family at www.wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Frances Louise Leckie.

GSP identifies driver killed in head-on collision in Franklin County

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Staff Report

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December 12, 2021

One man is dead, another seriously injured after a head-on collision on GA 17 in Franklin County.

The Georgia State Patrol identifies the man killed in the crash as 68-year-old James Leslie Caudell of Martin, GA.

The crash happened around 8 p.m. Saturday, December 11, near MC Marine. Troopers say Caudell was driving a 2012 Ford Escape south in the northbound inside lane of the highway when his vehicle struck a northbound pickup truck head-on. Caudell was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge Ram pickup, 25-year-old Hunter Bell of Bowersville, was transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. He is the son of Stephens County Commissioner Dennis Bell. Bell took to social media over the weekend to ask the community to “Please be praying hard for my son.”

Troopers with Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell investigated the fatal crash. They have not released any other details.

Danny William Clark

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Now Habersham

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December 12, 2021

Danny William Clark, age 72, of Clarkesville, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Born on June 4, 1949, in Columbia, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Douglas Leonard and Collene Cain Clark. Mr. Clark lived most of his life in Hall County before moving to Clarkesville. He was an industrial mechanic with Ricoh Printers. Mr. Clark was a United States Marine Veteran having proudly served his country. He was of the Baptist faith and loved his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry David Clark.

Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Tracy Clark of Clarkesville; sister, Alicia Suzanne Worack of Vero Beach, FL; nieces, Shannon Clark of Gainesville and Holly Kerns of Gainesville; special great-niece, Hannah Brown; and great-great-nephew, Lincoln Brown.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 16, 2021, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. John Umberhant officiating. Military honors will be provided.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the service hour on Thursday at the funeral home.

Those in attendance are asked to please adhere to the public health and social distancing guidelines regarding COVID-19.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Vasser

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Now Habersham

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December 12, 2021

Paul Vasser, age 63, of Martin, Georgia formerly of Baldwin, Georgia passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Mr. Vasser was born on April 3, 1958, in Habersham County, Georgia to the late Lamar and Elsie Churchwell Vasser. Mr. Vasser was a member of Baldwin Baptist Church. He was employed with Habersham Hardware with over 25 years of service. Paul touched many lives through his job at Habersham Hardware and his love for music. He lived for playing his drums, not only for his family and friends but at church worshiping the Lord. When he wasn’t playing the drums his heart was at the lake. He grew up skiing and kneeboarding and found no greater joy than teaching those he loved to do the same. Paul loved his family most of all. He considered his family and children to be his greatest accomplishment in life and never hesitated to tell them how much he loved them. His loss will be felt by many and his impact in this community will never be forgotten.

Survivors include his loving wife, Connie Vasser, of Martin; daughter and son-in-law, Haley Rae Vasser Stinson and Bradley, of Yuma, AZ; Dawson Vasser, of Alto; step-daughter, Carli Peters and Daniel, of Grundy, VA; grandchild, Silas Peters.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Pastor Saul McCoy officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Mr. Vasser will lie in state at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for those that wish to pay their respects prior to visitation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Sen. Bo Hatchett announces bid for re-election

By

Joy Purcell

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December 12, 2021

Sen. Bo Hatchett and former Gov. Sonny Perdue — Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue was among the dignitaries on hand Saturday in Cornelia to help 50th District State Senator Bo Hatchett kick off his re-election campaign. Hatchett, was first elected to the Georgia Senate in 2020. (photo by Daniel Purcell)

50th District State Senator Bo Hatchett has formally kicked off his campaign for re-election. The first-term senator from Cornelia announced his plans to seek re-election during a Christmas event fundraiser on December 11.

“We’ve gotten a lot done; we have a lot more to do. I’m officially tonight, going to be announcing my re-election for the next go-’round,” he told those gathered at the Cornelia Community House in Cornelia to applause, adding, “I want to be your State Senator serving you as long as possible.”

The gathering included a number of high-profile guests including Congressman Andrew Clyde, Georgia Agriculture Secretary and U.S. Senate candidate Gary Black, and former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue. Local elected officials were also on hand to show their support.

Hatchett surrounded by a host of elected officials and supporters during his Christmas event fundraiser at the Cornelia Community House on Dec. 11. (photo by Daniel Purcell)

First year in office. First to announce.

In 2020, Hatchett survived a protracted GOP primary and tough runoff campaign against former Habersham County commission chair Stacy Hall. He defeated Democratic challenger Dee Daily in the general election, succeeding in his first bid for public office.

Since taking office, Hatchett has maintained his conservative credentials, voting in favor of the state’s controversial new election law (SB 202) and expanding weapons carry license reciprocity in Georgia (HB 218). Hatchett also voted to restrict the governor’s use of emergency powers on firearms and other weapons (SB 214) and co-sponsored a bill banning transgender girls from competing in female public school sporting events (SB 266).

In addition to those measures, Hatchett – whose district includes the counties of Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, and Towns plus portions of Hall and Jackson – supported the governor’s budget extending supplemental pay for teachers and expanding broadband services in Georgia. He sponsored legislation to launch a pilot program allowing high school students to earn a diploma while taking job training courses at a technical college (SB 204) and voted to provide a tax credit for Georgians adopting foster children.

The freshman senator and practicing attorney also sponsored a bill to strengthen the state’s juvenile protection laws (SB 28) and voted on several measures aimed at protecting and defending victims of human trafficking.

VIEW: Sen. Bo Hatchett’s voting record

Sen. Bo Hatchett announces his bid for re-election in 2022. (photo by Daniel Purcell)

“My job, for you guys, is to be your lobbyist at the Capitol,” Hatchett told his supporters on Saturday.

Hatchett is the first candidate to announce his intentions to run in the 50th District next year. In the newly-drawn state Senate map, the district includes the eastern portion of White County.

Sen. Hatchett and his wife Ashley live in Cornelia with their three young daughters, Hallie, Hazel, and Heidi.

Watch the Skies: Comet Leonard Update

By

Tyler Penland

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December 12, 2021

Comet Leonard is continuing to brighten and this week is the best time to check it out.

A couple weeks back we took a look at Comet Leonard, 2021’s brightest comet.

RELATED: Watch the Skies: Comet Leonard

Since then, Leonard has continued to brighten and during that time it has reached magnitude 5.5, just below naked eye brightness. This coming week will be the best chance to catch Leonard as it moves low into the sunset sky before disappearing below the horizon and becoming a Southern-Hemisphere-only comet.

Leonard has been brightening almost exactly as expected as it makes its closest approach to Earth. Small telescopes all over the world have been observing the comet during the past week as it moved past the bright cluster known as M3 and several other galaxies. The image below was taken back on November 28 as the comet was brightening rapidly.

Right now, it appears as a decently bright comet in small telescopes or strong binoculars, although it is located in the twilight sky which makes it harder to pick out against the brighter sky. This will be the case until it disappears by mid-month. For the first part of the month it has appeared in early morning sky but as we go through this week it becomes visible after sunset below Venus, with the best visibility probably coming from December 16-18. On these mornings it will be as high as we will see it and at its brightest. It will be moving VERY quickly from right to left each night so it will be in a noticeably different place each day. On December 17 (Friday) it will be located directly below Venus, as seen below.

To see it just find a good, low western horizon and probably grab a pair of binoculars or small telescope. There is a real chance it will be naked eye visible by this point, but it won’t stand out greatly against the bright twilight. This is nothing like what we saw with Comet NEOWISE last year, and while it is the brightest comet of the year it won’t be anything particularly spectacular. That said, it is still absolutely worth checking out since there aren’t currently any bright comets coming any time soon.

Have a great week and good luck seeing Leonard!

And, as always, watch the skies!

Stanley Richard “Ricky” Arrowood

By

Staff Report

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December 11, 2021

Stanley Richard “Ricky” Arrowood, age 66 of Mt. Airy, Georgia passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021.

Born in Cumming, Georgia on May 21, 1955, he was a son of the late Clyde Arrowood & the late Ethel Nations Freeman. Ricky was self-employed in the flooring industry for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed landscaping his yard and painting houses. Most of all, he enjoyed precious time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Arrowood; sisters, Connie Arrowood & Barbara Arrowood; and by his granddaughter, Braelyn Nixon.

Survivors include his loving wife, Rita Sullens-Arrowood; daughter and spouse, Connie Arrowood & Tyler Lewis Collins; son, David Arrowood, all of Mt. Airy, GA; daughter-in-law, Bridgett McConnell of Cornelia, GA; brothers, Jimmy Arrowood, Gene Arrowood, Clarence Arrowood, & Earl Arrowood; sister, Joyce Jones; grandchildren, Ashley Thomason, Aaliyah Grier, Scarlett Grier, Raelynn Nixon, Briella Nixon, Conner Arrowood, & Alexis Jarrard; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Rev. Connie Berry officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 Noon until the service hour on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

An online guest registry is available for the Arrowood family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Buford claims third straight title during GHSA state championship weekend

By

Todd Holcomb

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December 11, 2021

Brooks County and Trinity Christian are the new reigning football champs in Class A Public and Private, respectively. Brooks defeated Irwin County 56 to 28 Thursday at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. Trinity beat Prince Avenue Christian, 55 to 28.

Three more state championships were decided over the weekend.

In Class 2A, Fitzgerald defeated Thomasville, 21-7, to claim its first state title since 1948. Benedictine defeated Carver (Columbus) in 4A, 35-28. And Buford eeked out a 21-20 win over Hughes to hold onto the Class 6A crown for the third consecutive year.

In Class 3A, Cedar Grove beat Carver Atlanta, 56-26, to win its fourth state title in the last six seasons. Warner Robins won its second consecutive 5A state title Saturday in a 38-14 win over Calhoun. And Collins Hill defeated Milton, 24-8, to win the Region 7A state championship.

MORE

Championship game recaps

Ivan Huaroco Hurtado

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Now Habersham

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December 11, 2021

Ivan Huaroco Hurtado, age 26 of Demorest, Georgia passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021, following injuries he sustained in an automobile accident.

Born in Demorest, Georgia on May 21, 1995, he was the son of Juan Hurtado & Juana Huaroco of Demorest. Ivan was a graduate of Habersham Central High School, Class of 2013 and was employed in the Welding & Fabrication Industry. He was a wonderful son, brother, devoted husband, & loving dad to his two precious daughters. Ivan was of the Catholic faith.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathaleena “Kathy” Phosai who passed away on April 11, 2021.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his two daughters, Navi Hurtado Phosai & Asuna Hurtado Phosai; sisters, Vanessa Huaroco Hurtado & Janet Huaroco Hurtado, all of Demorest, GA; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, & many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon Monday, December 13, 2021, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Clarkesville with Father Roberto officiating. Interment will follow in the Level Grove Cemetery.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends at the home starting at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

An online guest registry is available for the Hurtado family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256.

Families forced from homes as storm rips through Clarkesville

By

Joy Purcell

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December 11, 2021

Several families were forced from their apartments on the west side of Clarkesville on Saturday as a sudden storm ripped though the town.

The storm swept through around 1:43 p.m. Saturday carrying heavy wind and rain. Residents in the housing complex on Daisy Street say it looked and sounded like a “small tornado,” but judging from the radar, Now Habersham’s Tyler Penland says it appears to have been straight line winds that blew through gusting up to between 30 and 40 mph.

Three families had to temporarily evacuate their apartments in the complex after a tree fell on top of one of the units and caused a gas leak. The tree seriously damaged one apartment, forcing the occupant from her home until repairs are made. The Red Cross is offering temporary housing assistance and the Northeast Georgia Housing Authority is overseeing repairs.

The same storm system that hit the housing complex toppled a large tree north of Clarkesville, blocking Stonebank Road and cutting off HEMC power to the area. There are reports of downed trees on New Liberty Road, as well.

There were reports of scattered power outages throughout the county, one took down the Habersham 911 Dispatch, prompting emergency personnel to use a backup system.

In White County, despite optimistic assurances they wouldn’t have to, organizers canceled Alpine Helen’s annual Christmas parade due to the weather and safety concerns.

The severe weather that struck Georgia was part of the same system that rolled through the Central U.S. overnight, spawning dozens of tornadoes in six states and killing as many as 100 people in Kentucky.

Penland says the severe weather that struck Northeast Georgia is now over, but Now Habersham is still closely monitoring regional conditions. Check back here for updates.