Omar Cruz-Juarez (Habersham County Sheriff's Office)
Local authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating a man wanted on multiple felony charges, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
Police say Omar Cruz-Juarez, 44, is wanted for “multiple sex crimes against children.”
Cruz-Juarez is described as a male standing 5-foot-9, weighing 230 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, according to police.
Investigators say Cruz-Juarez has the name Terasia tattooed on his left arm as well as his mother’s name (Bianca) and father’s name (Martin).
Cruz-Juarez could be driving a bright red Chevrolet Blazer with a Georgia license plate reading TGM 9915.
He is not believed to be armed or dangerous, and authorities say there’s no anticipated threat to the general public at this time.
Investigators believe he is on the run and has left Habersham County.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Habersham County E-911 Dispatch at 706-778-3911.
The old Habersham County courthouse property is worth over $900,000 with the building and parking lot removed according to an appraisal done in June of 2022. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
The old Habersham County courthouse property is valued between $930,000 and $1.29 million, according to an appraisal received by the county 18 months ago.
The county had solicited the appraisal to assess the property’s value. Metro Appraisals, based in Gainesville, conducted a detailed evaluation of the property, with an effective date of June 21, 2022. The results indicate that the land is worth nearly $1.3 million if the courthouse building and pavement are removed. After factoring in an estimated $360,000 demolition cost, the land value stands at just over $900,000.
Property uses
The appraisal further suggested that the cleared property could be subdivided into two parcels, each with distinct market potential. The more desirable one-acre parcel, located at the intersection of Washington and Monroe Streets and near the traffic light, could be marketed for approximately $696,960. The appraisal indicated that this location could attract businesses such as a fast food restaurant or a high-end retailer.
The remaining 1.37 acres, valued at around $596,772, could be suitable for a gas station, a larger restaurant, an office, or a bank branch.
Offers
The county had previously entered into an agreement with Parkside Partners through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would have seen the company purchase the property for $500,000 and redevelop it. However, the deal was terminated in September 2024 due to escalating construction costs and “unsatisfactory title conditions.”
In recent developments, the city of Clarkesville submitted an offer to purchase the property from the county for $250,000. As part of the deal, the city would assume responsibility and cost for the courthouse demolition. Last year, the county received a bid of $190,000 for the demolition work.
Representatives from the county have yet to publicly comment on the city’s offer, but the matter is expected to be discussed in a closed session during the upcoming county commission meeting on Tuesday night.
The future of the property, including potential redevelopment plans or sale, remains uncertain as officials weigh the offer and consider the best course of action for the taxpayers.
Margaret Anne Tolley Jones, age 72, of Clarkesville, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 25, 1952, Mrs. Jones was the daughter of the late Jack and Louise McCulloch Tolley. She was a manager at Subway in Clarkesville for 20 years and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Jones enjoyed playing games on the computer and was an avid reader and loved to watch movies. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Jones is preceded in death by brother Stephen Tolley.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Emory Hoyt Jones, of Clarkesville, son and daughter-in-law Chris and Christy Jones of Clarkesville, son Matthew Jones of Toccoa, brother and sister-in-law Terry and Maria Kaminski of Baldwin, grandchildren Blaze Jones, Kayla Jones, McKenzie Jones, and Violet Jones, and one great-grandchild on the way.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 20, 2025, from the Hillside Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Connie Berry officiating. Interment will follow the service in Hillside Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 6-8 PM.
The U.S. Capitol under a blanket of snow on Jan. 6, 2025. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday he will move his inauguration inside the U.S. Capitol building, instead of holding it on the terrace overlooking the National Mall, citing weather forecasts for frigid temperatures.
The inauguration was scheduled to begin around 11:30 a.m. Eastern on Monday, but it wasn’t immediately clear if that would change to accommodate an indoor ceremony.
“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the wind chill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” Trump wrote in a social media post. “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).”
Trump wrote that the ceremony, which will include speeches and his official oath of office, will be held in the Capitol rotunda.
“The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol,” Trump wrote. “This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!”
A spokesperson for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies released a statement saying the panel “will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda.”
Former Republican President Ronald Reagan was the first, and so far the only, president to hold his inauguration in the rotunda.
The Architect of the Capitol notes on a webpage about former inaugurations that for the Reagan inauguration, the Bible “was placed on a marble-topped table that was built for the second inaugural of Abraham Lincoln. The table was constructed with an iron baluster cast for the Capitol dome in the 1860s.”
Trump wrote in his social media post that supporters who travel to Washington, D.C., could attend a live viewing inside the Capital One Arena, which is downtown. It will also be the site of a Trump rally on Sunday.
“We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade,” Trump wrote. “I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In.”
The Capital One Arena has 20,000 seats, according to its website. That is far fewer people than could stand on the hundreds of acres that make up the National Mall.
Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Cash Marlar, age 81, of Fairburn, a beloved former teacher, entrepreneur, and devoted animal lover, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the age of 81.
Born February 3, 1943, in Franklin County, Georgia, to the late Otho Hardin and Bessie Crump Cash. She was also preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Cynthia Lynn “Cindy” Pruitt. Liz graduated from Banks County High School and later earned her degree from North Georgia College. She began her career as a schoolteacher, dedicating herself to inspiring and shaping the lives of her students.
After her time in education, Liz pursued her passion for animals and founded Celebrity Kennels, a business that quickly became her heart and soul. Her love for dogs and her exceptional talent in grooming brought happiness to countless clients. Liz took immense pride in making pets look their best, and her gentle touch and warm personality earned the trust and admiration of both pets and their owners.
Liz’s kindness, dedication, and genuine love for others left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Her clients and friends often remarked on her ability to make them feel special, and she shared a deep connection with those who entrusted her with their beloved pets.
She is survived by her loving husband, James Marlar; and her bonus children, Wendell (Courtney) Marlar, Chris (Carla) Marlar, Keith (Jeslyn) Marlar, Kevin Marlar; sister, Doris Cash (David Parnell); nephew, David (Neeta) Sanders; niece, Kimberly Sanders Kosky (John) along with many friends and loyal clients who cherished her friendship and care.
A celebration of Liz’s life will be held on Sunday, January 19 at 3:30 pm at the Nails Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Dwayne Eller and Dr. Roy G. Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Nails Creek Baptist Church.
Liz’s compassion, vibrant spirit, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.
The city of Gainesville has been billed the number one small city in the U.S. by a prominent organization.
The top ranking came in the Milken Institute’s 2025 report of the Nation’s Best-Performing Cities.
Gainesville has consistently ranked among the top cities in the nation, maintaining a spot in the top ten since 2016. Last year, the city ranked third overall, cementing its reputation as a dynamic and thriving community here in North Georgia.
The continued success underscores the city’s strong economy and its ability to attract investment, foster job creation and support quality of life for its residents.
“It truly is an honor to be recognized by an organization like the Milken Institute,” Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon told Now Habersham. “It just shows that – when you have a council and staff and community all working in the same direction – good things will come. The recognition is because we’ve had great economic development. We’ve had great employment numbers over the years, and a great healthcare system. All of that, coming together, is what shines a light on the city.”
Couvillon went on to note Gainesville’s thriving downtown area – which is expected to continue to be a center for growth, job-generation and entertainment for the foreseeable future.
“Business is going well in town,” he said. “People are wanting to be out and about in Gainesville.”
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a national ban on TikTok – a Chinese-owned social media platform for users to create, share and discover short videos produced across the globe.
In the unanimous decision issued Friday, Jan. 17, according to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, justices ruled the platform could compromise national security.
Nationwide, around 170 million Americans use the app – particularly younger generations. The ban and subsequent ruling comes after TikTok argued its right to exist in the U.S. under the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Instead, in the language of the ruling, the court determined the company’s First Amendment rights have not been violated.
“After first concluding that the (law) was subject to heightened scrutiny under the First Amendment, the court assumed without deciding that strict, rather than intermediate, scrutiny applied,” the Supreme Court’s ruling states.
FILE – The Supreme Court is seen, July 1, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)
U.S. Supreme Court Justices also affirmed that the platform, in its entirety, poses national security threats that potentially outweigh issues of free speech. Therefore, the justices ruled, Congress maintains the right to force the company to either sell or shutdown.
“There is no doubt that for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement and source of community,” the decision stated. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.”
As it stands, TikTok is set to be banned Sunday, Jan. 19, though President-elect Donald Trump has openly floated the notion of issuing an executive order that could keep the company running in the U.S.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office says a young boy who was missing has been found safe.
Authorities asked for the public’s help to find the missing juvenile. They released limited information about him on social media, identifying him as an “11-year-old white male child.”
“Thank you to everyone who was on the lookout for him based on the information we were able to provide,” the sheriff’s office said in an update.
The boy went missing in the area of Pine Tree Road near Whispering Pines Drive in Eastanollee. The sheriff’s office did not say where or how he was found.
Cornelia to receive federal funds to build a pedestrian bridge to connect the site of the Big Red Apple to Grant Street (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)
The steep set of stairs just a few feet south of the Big Red Apple could become a pedestrian bridge.
The city of Cornelia plans to utilize federal funding to construct the bridge over the railroad tracks there downtown, according to City Manager Dee Anderson.
Cornelia is one of four cities in Georgia to receive the federal funds, which is derived from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant program. That program, intended to improve safety along Georgia’s railroads, was established through the $550 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021.
Now, Cornelia will tap just over $1.1 million of that money for the engineering and design phase of the project. Later, a second round of funding could finance the construction of the bridge, which could cost between $6-9 million.
The pedestrian bridge would replace the steep set of stairs just south of the Big Red Apple (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)
Planned at the stairs between the Big Red Apple and Front Street, the bridge will connect downtown pedestrians with a point of crossing over the railroad tracks safely and without delay.
“It will probably be similar to the bridge over 441 at Piedmont University,” Anderson said.
Anderson said it could be four to six weeks before the city enters the design phase – which would be conducted by Cornelia’s engineering consultant Carter and Sloope as well as engineers with railroad company Norfolk Southern. That design phase, in total, could take about a year.
“Anything we can do to keep pedestrians off the train tracks, especially in our downtown with it being an entertainment district,” Anderson said. “It’s a heavily pedestrian area, so that’s the goal of this grant.”
Cornelia Mayor John Borrow spoke to Now Habersham about the positive impact the newly-announced federal funds will have on the city.
“We are thrilled to be able to get access to these funds,” Borrow said. “With the train tracks going straight through the middle of downtown, it’s important for us to prioritize pedestrian safety. By constructing this bridge, we’ll be able to connect both sides of town for pedestrian-friendly activities and festivals.”
Borrow also pointed to the project’s potential to accommodate all people who visit, live or work in the city of Cornelia.
(Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)
“Walking over a railroad track is a little bit cumbersome, honestly,” Borrow said. “To have that as a permanent option that would serve the need of people with strollers, wheel chairs, bikes and walkers – it’s going to help to connect the city better and make it a safer place.”
Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, both of Georgia, served as primary proponents of these items being included in the bill.
“Blockages at rail crossings are not just an inconvenience, but they can be a matter of life and death, Ossoff said. “Every day, the bipartisan infrastructure law is upgrading transportation, energy, sewer and water, and broadband internet across our great state.”
Warnock described the future funding as crucial for the future safety of Georgians and the state’s growing infrastructure.
“Our communities thrive when we are better connected, which is why I have been working to strengthen rail safety and tackle the dangerous conditions posed by stalled trains in Georgia,” Warnock said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments for Georgians in every corner of the state. These latest grants will help alleviate stalled trains and promote greater mobility for all.”
Other cities selected to receive funding include: Atlanta, Powder Springs and Gainesville.
The city of Dahlonega is calling on residents for input that could shape the future of the downtown area.
Dahlonega’s Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program has rolled out a community input survey, which will serve as a foundation for the city’s focus for 2025-2026.
The survey, which comes as the city reviews its strategic work plan, consists of questions surrounding public safety, quality of life, entertainment, the business environment, parking accessibility, aspects of development and demographics.
The UNG Esports team earned the fall 2024 Halo College National Championship after coming close in previous semesters. Pictured, from left, are Clayton Poore, Dalton Ragon, coach Nathaniel Hehl, Eli Huey, and Wyatt Gowan (University of North Georgia)
The University of North Georgia (UNG) Esports program reached a historic achievement after securing the fall 2024 Halo College National Championship.
UNG earned a 3-1 victory over Fisher College in the grand finals, capping off a dominant season for the team with a finishing record of 12-1, as well as a 9-0 mark in the regular season.
The championship-winning squad consisted of Wyatt Gowan, Eli Huey, Clayton Poore and Dalton Ragon. Nathaniel Hehl, a former UNG Esports competitor and part-time Esports supervisor, coached the team throughout its 12-1 season.
“Everybody has their niche. This is what gaming can become,” Huey said. “This creates more opportunities for students to be involved competitively in college.”
Gowan, an Esports professional player and former world champion, finished fourth in a recent international event. Gowan was proud of the UNG victory and expressed gratitude for the experience.
“Winning this championship means a lot to me because we put a lot of time and effort into this,” said Gowan, a sophomore from Murrayville pursuing a degree in information systems and a minor in cybersecurity.
A senior from Dahlonega, Poore, working toward a degree in computer science and a minor in cybersecurity, also is grateful to see UNG “compete with some of the best universities.”
“I’m very thankful for our team,” Poore said. “It’s some of the best friends I’ve made.”
Ragon is a former professional player and a junior UNG student from Dacula. Ragon is now pursuing a degree in computer science. He hopes to work in a programming or information technology job after graduation.
“(For) anybody that has a passion for video games and competing, it’s something to pursue,” Ragon said. “UNG and Nathaniel do a great job. It’s fun, but you still get that desire to be competitive.”
Hehl, who began his journey with UNG Esports as a student in 2019, earned a degree in management with a minor in digital design and fabrication. After graduating, he remained with the program and contributed in a part-time capacity to help foster its growth.
Hehl is thrilled to witness the program’s expansion, which now boasts about 55 students – a number that has steadily increased each semester.
The UNG Esports team previously claimed Peach Belt Conference titles in League of Legends (fall 2018) and Overwatch (spring 2024). The program is now determined to build on its momentum heading into the next semester.
UNG Esports will host online tryouts for 10 different game titles during the Weeks of Welcome. Aspiring players are encouraged to join the community and stay connected with UNG Esports through its official Discord channel.
A Republican Georgia state senator has put forth a new bill he believes will enhance school safety.
Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, introduced legislation designed to improve school safety on campuses across Georgia.
The bill is named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff (a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting) and Coach Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall (the Apalachee High School defensive coordinator killed during a shooting last September).
As drafted, Senate Bill 17 mandates the installation of mobile panic alarm systems in all Georgia public schools. These alert systems can notify police and first responders within seconds in the event of an emergency or potential threats.
The bill also would require each local school district to gather detailed school mapping data for both public and private schools within their boundaries for faster response efforts.
Centegix, for instance, is a remote alert system carried by faculty members that can notify authorities, identify the location of a potential threat and lockdown a school campus almost as soon as that threat is identified.
“I’m determined to see Ricky and Alyssa’s Law reach the Governor’s desk,” Anavitarte said. “As the husband of a teacher and father to three school-aged daughters, I feel an obligation to ensure the protection of families across our state. This legislation will help law enforcement respond swiftly in times of crisis. I believe public support is strong, and I’m confident we can pass Ricky and Alyssa’s Law this session, providing our schools and law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent future tragedy.”
Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), former chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, said so far he’s in favor of the bill.
“This legislation is deeply personal to me, as I serve the families of Barrow County who were impacted by the tragic school shooting at Apalachee,” Dixon said. “This bill directly benefits students, their families and our school systems by strengthening safety measures in Georgia’s learning environments. I applaud Sen. Anavitarte for his dedication to creating a more secure environment for schools statewide.”
In a statement, Lt. Governor Burt Jones indicated his belief that Anavitarte’s legislation could potentially save lives.
“I believe that the safety of our students is a critical issue that requires our immediate attention and commitment,” Jones said. “Having an alert system, like the one used in Barrow County and proposed in ‘Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,’ will ensure security and well-being of Georgia’s students and teachers. I want to thank Senator Anavitarte for prioritizing this important issue.”
