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Driver charged with DUI in Rabun County wreck that seriously injured two children

By
Joy Purcell
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The Georgia State Patrol has charged a Michigan woman with DUI in connection with a wreck that seriously injured two children.

Troopers say Cynthia Lou Smith, 61, of Webberville, Michigan, was driving a Chrysler minivan north on GA 15/US 441 when she attempted to turn left and pulled into the path of a southbound Dodge Ram pickup truck. The truck struck the right side of the van, seriously injuring Smith’s 12 and 16-year-old passengers.

Paramedics flew the injured children to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Emergency personnel transported Smith to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainsville for treatment. She’s being charged with DUI, serious injury by vehicle, and other related traffic offenses, according to Corporal Larry Ray of Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa.

Rabun County EMS transported a passenger in the pickup, Linda Mata, 57, of Cherokee, North Carolina, to Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton with minor injuries.

The driver of the Dodge, Henry Welch, 51, also of Cherokee, and two small children ages 3 and 4 who were riding in the truck were not injured.

GSP’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team assisted Post 7 with its investigation into the crash.

Hall County jailer injured in Habersham wreck

The collision in Rabun happened less than an hour after an automobile crash on GA 15 in Habersham County that injured a Hall County deputy.

Around 8:30 a.m. Saturday, troopers say Ricky Lee McCall, 62, was attempting to turn left onto GA 15 from Tom Born Road when he pulled into the path of an unmarked Chevy police Tahoe. The Tahoe, driven by Lt. Mark Anthony Thomason of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, was traveling north on GA 15. It struck the Saturn on the right front side. After impact, the Tahoe struck the guardrail.

Thomason, who works as a jailer in Hall County, was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville with minor injuries, according to GSP.

The wreck temporarily shut down the roadway as Hall County requested its SCRT team to respond and take pictures of the scene. The crash happened at the same crossover where a Clarkesville woman was fatally injured in October.

SEE ALSO

At least 14 killed in holiday traffic accidents in Georgia

Cameron Hunter Storms

By
Now Habersham
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Cameron Hunter Storms, age 22, of Buford, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

Cameron was born on March 5, 1999, in Scottsdale, Arizona. At the age of 16, he began his own social media empire by starting up and selling web pages all while working in the family business. He was loved by many and cared for more, especially his cat.

Survivors include his wife, Alexis Sanders Storms; father, Sean Storms; mother, Renee Walker Storms; brothers, Austin Storms and Dallas Storms; sisters: Dakota Storms, Arizona Storms, and Abigail Storms; paternal grandparents, Rob and Pamela Ray; maternal grandmother, Patti Wallin; and maternal grandfather, Dennis Walker.

A celebration of life service will be held later.

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.

Linda Joyce Calvert

By
Now Habersham
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Linda Joyce Calvert, age 68, of Gillsville, entered heaven Saturday, November 27, 2021, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville Campus.

Linda was born April 23, 1953, in Gainesville to Virginia & the late Herbert “Hub” Williams. She earned her master’s degree and taught school at East Hall Middle School for 27 years before retiring. She was a member of Harmony Hall Baptist Church. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Linda was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother.

Survivors include her loving husband, Michael Calvert; mother, Virginia Williams; son, Zachary Kent; daughter, Nikki (Jason) Tharpe; brother, Donnie (Wanda) Williams; grandchildren, Brady, Tyler & Blakely. A host of other relatives also survive.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021, at Harmony Hall Baptist Church Cemetery with Mr. William Elrod officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:00 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Linda Joyce Calvert.

Allen Miles Abernathy

By
Now Habersham
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Allen Miles Abernathy, age 80 of Clarkesville, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 27, 2021, following an extended illness.

Born in Cleveland, Georgia on July 02, 1941, he was the son of the late Harry Miles & Ethel York Abernathy. Allen was a 1961 graduate of White County High School. He worked in the weaving department with Clarkesville Mill and retired from Scovill Fasteners with 34 combined years of dedicated service. In his spare time, Allen enjoyed cattle farming and spending precious time with his family. He was ordained as a deacon at Union Baptist Church in 1957 at the age of 16. Allen was currently serving as chairman of the deacons with over 64 years of service.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Gertrude Pruitt Abernathy; daughters & sons-in-law, Angela & David W. Savage, all of Clarkesville, GA; Beth & Charles Giaquinta of Demorest, GA; grandchildren, Chris & Cari Savage, Tiffany & Rhett Phongsavanh all of Clarkesville, GA; great-grandchildren, Hattie Jo Savage, Margot Savage, Liam Phongsavanh, & Scarlett-Ann Phongsavanh all of Clarkesville, GA; brothers-in-law, L.C. Pruitt & Ricky Pruitt both of Cleveland, GA; sisters-in-law, Janie Pruitt, Dot Pierce, & Yvonne Westmoreland all of Gainesville, GA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 01, 2021, at Union Baptist Church in Sautee-Nacoochee with Rev. Danny O’Kelly & Rev. Alvin Burns officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

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

Flowers are accepted or memorial donations may be made in memory of Allen M. Abernathy to Union Baptist Church, c/o Gertrude Abernathy, Church Clerk @ 1094 Bill Ramsey Road, Clarkesville, GA. 30523.

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

Lighting up the village for an Alpine Helen Christmas

By
Hadley Cottingham
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(Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

The City of Helen lit up its Christmas Village as the sun set on Friday, bringing a unique kind of magic to a city that gives visitors an escape from their realities. People from all over the region came out to see the city, which was ranked the #1 Christmas town in America.

The city’s Christmas tree burst with color, with strings of lights and huge ornaments enchanting visitors. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
From the top of the Georgia Mountain Coaster, you could see all the city’s Christmas lights, coming together to form the Helen Christmas Village. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
The city park was filled with Christmas lights, from a waving Santa, whimsical trees, a light-up tunnel and a wreath the size of the park’s gazebo. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
Visitors from all over the region bundled up tight with their families and friends as they listened to music, shopped, and enjoyed a hot coffee or a cold beer. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
Local businesses got into the holiday spirit, too, decorating courtyards with lights and glowing friends. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

Rev. Elbert R. Osteen

By
Now Habersham
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Rev. Elbert R. Osteen, age 85 of Alto, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 26, 2021, at his residence following an extended illness.

Born in Dozier, Alabama on October 28, 1936, he was the son of the late Gomer C. & Minnie Merle Josey Osteen. Rev. Osteen was a part of the Southern Methodist Conference, pastoring churches in Florida and Georgia for over 46 years. Upon retirement to Habersham County, he enjoyed working at Ingles Grocery Store in Cornelia for several years. Elbert was a loving husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, & great-grandfather who provided for his family. He was a faithful member of B.C. Grant Baptist Church.

Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Olga Wright Osteen of Alto, GA; daughters & sons-in-law, Judy & David Levins of Clarkesville, GA; Vickie & Joe Galloway of Lakeland, FL; & Sherri Dykstra of Plant City, FL; sister & brother-in-law, Linda & Donald Lantz of Tampa, FL; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021, at B.C. Grant Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Parker & Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour.

Flowers are accepted or the family requests that memorial donations may be made to B.C. Grant Baptist Church, 1405 B.C. Grant Road, Alto, GA. 30510.

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

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

Rabun County firefighter suffers medical emergency while fighting brush fire

By
Joy Purcell
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File photo (Facebook)

A Rabun County firefighter is being treated at an area hospital after suffering a medical emergency while on duty.

The volunteer firefighter was helping Station 4 put out a brush fire on Burns Lane in Lakemont Friday evening, November 26, when the incident occurred.

“Care was rendered by his fellow firefighters until Rabun County EMS arrived,” says Rabun County Fire Services Assistant Chief Justin Upchurch. EMS transported the firefighter to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where, as of early Saturday, November 27, he remained, undergoing treatment.

Upchurch did not disclose the nature of the firefighter’s emergency and did not disclose his name.

“I would like to thank Habersham and Hall County for controlling the intersections through their counties to make sure our firefighter arrived at the hospital as quickly as possible,” he says.

Moragne Alexander Whitney III

By
Now Habersham
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Moragne Alexander (MA) Whitney III passed away on November 14, 2021.

He was born on November 1, 1962 in Coral Gables, Florida. MA and his family moved to Lake Burton Georgia in 1973. MA attended the University of Georgia.

MA is preceded in death by his mother Cynthia Smith Whitney.

MA is survived by his father Moragne (Ranny) Whitney Jr of Sautee-Nacooche, GA, his sister DuGué Whitney Zion of Camden, SC and his brother Geer Arthur Whitney of Selma, AL.

MA spent many years running the family-owned marina on Lake Burton, Cherokee Landing, where he grew up. He began selling boats at Cherokee Landing and later continued this work for JOA Marine in Marietta, GA.

MA was a dedicated member of the Wildcat Fire Department, part of the Rabun County EMT services, as well as a member of the Swift Water Rescue team.

For the past decade he has owned and operated FTS Properties, building houses throughout north Georgia.

MA was a lover of life, music, and the beach. He could be found on most vacations somewhere in the sun and SCUBA diving. He had an intense interest in history, the military, and trains. Ever-curious, he was always learning about something new.

A celebration of MA’s life was held on Saturday, November 20th, at the Wildcat Fire Department firehouse on Lake Burton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department, 5228 Highway 197 North Clarkesville, GA 30523.

Beck Funeral Home of Clayton was in charge of the arrangements.

Rabun’s title quest ends in Thomasville

By
Staff Report
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Rabun County is out of the playoffs. In a repeat of the 2019 2A quarterfinals, the No. 1 ranked Wildcats fell to No. 2 Thomasville Friday on the road, 49-24. Star Rabun quarterback Gunner Stockton logged 158 passing yards and two TDs along with 82 rushing yards and a TD. He closes out his high school career with 13,650 passing yards, 252 short of breaking Trevor Lawrence’s state record of 13,902.

This was Rabun’s seventh consecutive quarterfinal appearance. The team has yet to win a state title. Rabun finishes the season 11-2 overall. For a complete wrapup of the game and video visit BLITZ Sports GA.

In other Northeast Georgia-area quarterfinal action, Calhoun knocked Clarke Central out of the Class 5A playoffs with a 31-7 win Friday night in Athens. Two other Athens-area teams advanced to the semis.

In Class 4A, North Oconee edged out Bainbridge 29-24 on the road. It was the Titans’ first quarterfinal appearance since 2014. The Titans will face Benedictine away in the semis on December 3.

Defending Class A Private state champ Prince Avenue Christian hopes to extend its title claim for another year after beating First Presbyterian, 41-22. The third-ranked Wolverines also beat the Vikings in their two previous outings in first-round games in 2014 and 2015. Friday marked Prince Avenue’s 10th quarterfinal appearance in 11 seasons. Next up, the Wolverines take on Fellowship Christian in the semifinals on the road December 3.

For more quarterfinal finals and other high school scores, check out Now Hab’s Scorestream.

White House imposes travel restrictions for Africa amid new COVID-19 variant

By
Ariana Figueroa
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WASHINGTON (GA Recorder) — The White House is set to announce travel restrictions to eight countries in Southern Africa on Monday due to the discovery of a new coronavirus variant, according to senior administration officials.

The World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 variant as a “variant of concern” due to its high mutation and transmission rate, and is calling the new strain the “omicron.”

“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,” the WHO said in a statement. “Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other (variants of concern).”

Based on the advice of the President’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the restrictions go in effect Monday and those countries include South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

These restrictions do not apply to Americans or lawful permanent residents, but international travelers must still provide a negative COVID-19 test before traveling.

President Joe Biden urged those Americans who are already vaccinated, to get a booster shot “so you can have this additional protection during the holiday season,” and for those who are unvaccinated, to get vaccinated.

“America is leading the world in vaccinating children ages 5-11, and has been vaccinating teens for many months now – but we need more Americans in all age groups to get this life-saving protection,” Biden said.

The president also called on countries to contribute their share of donating vaccines, as “this new variant should make clearer than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations.”

On CNN, Fauci said that the U.S. is currently reviewing the research from South Africa to determine how effective the vaccines are against the new variant.

“We just arranged, right now, a discussion between our scientists and the South African scientists a little bit later in the morning to really get the facts, because you’re hearing a lot of things back and forth,” he said.

Dozens of countries have taken similar measures. Late Thursday, the United Kingdom banned travel to six African countries — South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Alma Wiley Crane

By
Now Habersham
-

Alma Wiley Crane, age 90, of Lula, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Born on April 3, 1931, in Hall County, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Pauline Pittman Armour. Mrs. Crane worked at Mt. Vernon Mills for a number of years and was owner and operator of Country Craft and Flowers. She was a member of Christian Baptist Church. Mrs. Crane enjoyed reading her Bible, singing, gospel music, flowers, crafts, quilting, sewing, and crocheting. She loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Buford Wiley, Jr.; second husband, Daniel Crane; twin sister, Thelma Brock; and sisters: Elizabeth Wade Couch, Louise Oliver, and Susie Stancil.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanette and Pete Dodd of Alto and Janice and Tommy Gibson of Hollywood; grandchildren: Brandy Dodd Barrett, Jamie Dodd Panell (Brian), and Brian Westmoreland; great-grandchildren: Chantz Oliver, Cheyenne Oliver, Colton Dodd, and Aubree Westmoreland; brothers: J.B. Armour, James Armour, and L.D. Armour, all of Alto; and a number of special nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 27, 2021, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Donnie Wilkes officiating. Interment will follow in Living Mission United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the service hour on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity or church of one’s choice.

Much thanks to Mrs. Crane’s extended family at The Oaks at Scenic View, who called her ‘Ma’ and ‘The Queen’.

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.

Lula driver charged in rollover wreck

By
Joy Purcell
-

Georgia state troopers have charged a Lula man in connection with a rollover wreck they say he caused when he rear-ended the vehicle in front of him.

Jesse Lee Watson was driving a 2015 Ford Mustang north on Cornelia Highway near Cagle Road when it struck the rear of a GMC Yukon. The Yukon ran off the road, hit an embankment, overturned and landed on its roof, troopers say.

The Yukon driver, Ray Stallings Smith, 61, and his passenger, Lynn Ney Smith, 59, both of Atlanta, suffered minor injuries in the November 24 crash. EMS treated them on the scene.

The 30-year-old Watson was unconscious when emergency personnel arrived, according to the Georgia State Patrol. EMS transported him to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville with non-life-threatening injuries. A passenger in the Mustang, Kaitlin Woodruff, 33, of Gainesville, was not injured.

Troopers with Georgia State Patrol Post 6 in Gainesville investigated they crash. They charged Watson with DUI of drugs – less safe, failure to maintain lane, and following too closely.

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