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Lynn Vandergriff Lawrence

By
Now Habersham
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Lynn Vandergriff Lawrence, 75, of Alto, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Born on January 11, 1950, in Clarkesville, she was a daughter of the late John William Vandergriff and Marion Marie Jordan Vandergriff. Lynn was a homemaker who enjoyed flower gardening, cleaning the house, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church and played the piano at New Birth Baptist Church for over twenty years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dock Lawrence; brothers Hugh Vandergriff and David Vandergriff; granddaughter Hannah Lawrence; and great-grandson Ganin McDaniel.

Survivors include her daughters and son-in-law, Patty Pursley and Kelley Forrester (Bill); sons and daughter-in-law, Darion Lawrence (Julie) and Andy Lawrence; grandchildren, Jennifer Olandez (Will), Julie Lawrence, Katy Mayfield (Kevin), David Anderson (Shelby), Abby Anderson, Regan Pursley, and Kasey Ramos (Rhina); great-grandchildren, Kaiya Mayfield, Madison Mayfield, Lily Lawrence, Lillian Olandez, Mila Olandez, Oliver Anderson, Paighton Maney, and Dallas McDaniel; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Chastain (Coleman); several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services are at 2 pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire, with Rev. Donald Grizzle and Rev. Phillip Yarber officiating. Interment will follow in Old Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Adam Humphries officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the funeral home.

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

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

New remote security system for Habersham schools weeks away from completion

By
Brian Wellmeier
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The Centegix badge alert system is being installed to enhance safety in White County's six public schools. (Centegix promotional video screengrab)

Centegix, a wearable remote alert system, is now weeks away from being installed systemwide across Habersham County’s 14 school campuses, according to officials.

“I am happy to report that the Habersham County Centegix workgroup has been successful in staying ahead of schedule with our efforts to install the necessary hardware and software infrastructure needed to bring the system online,” Habersham County Director of School Safety Murray Kogod said in an email.

He added: “… Once configuration is completed and the system has been thoroughly tested, we will move into the training phase for all Habersham School personnel and first responders. We have every intention of bringing the system completely online by mid spring.”

RELATED Barrow County Schools to install weapons detection systems

The move to enhance school security was approved in October by Habersham County’s Board of Education.

Around $189,800 will be allocated from Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds to install Centegix across all campuses. The remote emergency alert system is a privately-managed network capable of tightening security in realtime.

In the event of a medical or security emergency, a badge carried by all faculty members could notify authorities, identify the location of a potential threat and lockdown a school campus within seconds.

Annual fees for maintenance, wireless backup and updates for all Habersham schools would be just over $106,000.

In October, Habersham Board of Education Chairman Doug Westmoreland said the decision to implement the new system was well in the making before the Sept. 4 shooting at Apalachee High School left four dead and nine injured.

“We were already looking into this well before the Apalachee incident,” Westmoreland said. “We were actually talking about this earlier at the beginning of the school year. I think it’s something that’s really going to empower teachers for the safety of our students. We want to get this in their hands as soon as possible. As a board, we are very, very aware of safety and we want to make that one of our top priorities.”

Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin also said in October that the need for the Centegix system already had been identified and planned for 2025.

“The Habersham County School System met with Centegix in early August – before the tragedy in Apalachee – regarding information gathering and pricing for implementation of the safety platform in all Habersham County schools,” Franklin said. “We are always looking for additional programs that can enhance current measures in place related to school safety.”

The system, credited with saving lives during the Sept. 4 tragedy at Apalachee, was also approved by White County’s School System earlier this month.

The White County School System is now in the process of installing the Centegix system in its schools.

Other school systems that use Centegix include Stephens County, Hart County, Jackson County, Jefferson City Schools, and Franklin County.

Habersham County, other area schools, to remain closed Jan. 14

By
Joy Purcell
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The snow that blanketed Northeast Georgia on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, continues to cause problems on area roads. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

Habersham County Schools will remain closed for another day due to hazardous road conditions caused by snowmelt and re-icing.

After conducting a “thorough check” of roadways Monday afternoon, school administrators made the call to keep schools closed for a third day.

“What we found is not good. There is standing water in many areas, which will be solid ice in the morning,” explains Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper. “Numerous roads are still ice and snow-covered. Some mountain roads have not melted at all.”

With the temperature expected to bottom out at 23 degrees at daybreak on Tuesday, officials canceled class on Jan. 14.

“If we had school tomorrow, there would be numerous wrecks,” Cooper warned. He emphasized again that Habersham County schools “will not reopen until the roads are safe first student drivers and buses.”

Freezing temperatures and snow in shaded areas are likely to continue causing issues. Cooper said parents should also prepare now for a possible delay or closure on Wednesday.

Several other Northeast Georgia area school districts have also canceled in-person classes Tuesday. Stephens and White County Schools are closed to students. Dawson, Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, and Union counties will hold virtual learning days, and Banks County Schools are on a 2-hour delay.

Bomb threat forces sweep of all NGHS campuses, including Habersham

By
Brian Wellmeier
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Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Demorest, Georgia. (NowHabersham.com)

Northeast Georgia Health System received a bomb threat on Saturday night that prompted law enforcement agencies to conduct sweeps of all campuses, including Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham in Demorest.

Officials said there was no threat to the public at any time.

“No threat was found and there was no impact to operations,” NGHS spokesperson Layne Saliba said in an email Monday.

Demorest Police Chief Casey Chastain told Now Habersham his department responded alongside Habersham County Sheriff’s Office after 1 a.m. and completed the security check through the morning.

“We did a sweep of the building and had a bomb dog sweep the building also,” Chastain said. “Nothing was found.”

The 2nd Annual Soque River Watershed Association Fly Fishing Trip Auction

By
Nora Almazan
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NowHabersham.com

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 6, 2025, and join in for an unforgettable evening at the 2nd Annual Soque River Watershed Association Fly Fishing Trip Auction. The event will occur from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the North Georgia Technical College Event Center, at 1500 Highway 197 N, Clarkesville, GA. This exciting event is an incredible opportunity to support the Soque River’s restoration efforts while bidding on exclusive fly fishing trips to some of the most pristine private waters in North Georgia!

Bid on exclusive private water fly fishing trips

The auction features over ten separate private water and trophy trout fly fishing trips, each offering a chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of North Georgia’s most sought-after fishing spots. Whether you’re an experienced angler or someone new to the sport, these trips provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in world-class fly fishing while supporting an important cause.

Support river restoration projects

All event proceeds will directly fund new river restoration projects on the Soque River, ensuring the future health and sustainability of this vital waterway. Your participation not only gives you the chance to win an unforgettable experience but also contributes to preserving and enhancing the Soque River ecosystem for generations to come.

Event Details & Ticket Information

Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: North Georgia Technical College Event Center, 1500 Highway 197 N, Clarkesville, GA
Ticket Cost: $100 per person (maximum of 4 tickets per person)

Ticket Inclusions:
Prime Rib Dinner Buffet
One gift raffle ticket
Open Bar (Available for purchase)
Cigars (Available for sale)

Please note that the trip guide fee and gratuity are not included in the auction price. All trips must be completed by May 2025.

How to Get Your Tickets

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to bid on exclusive fly fishing trips while supporting the Soque River’s restoration efforts! Tickets are available now.  For additional ticket, event, and lodging details, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with SRWA President Brad Coppedge at 678-662-4131.

February 6th is set for an evening of fun, philanthropy, and fly fishing! Be a part of making a lasting impact on the Soque River while enjoying a fantastic night out.

Piedmont University’s Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art hosts free family workshops

By
Nora Almazan
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(Joy Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

Piedmont University’s Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art is kicking off the new year with a series of free family workshops, starting with Family Workshop: Collage for Kids on January 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This workshop, designed for children aged 5-12, will be the first of many led by regional artists at the museum. All workshops are free and open to the public, but adults are required to accompany children.

This new initiative is made possible by funding from the Georgia Council for the Arts, which recently awarded Piedmont University a $1200 Vibrant Communities Grant. The grant supports arts programs throughout Georgia, including murals, artist residencies, performances, and educational events like these workshops. Piedmont University is one of 47 entities across the state benefiting from the 2025 Vibrant Communities funding, which totals over $190,000.

The Family Workshop series

The Family Workshop series, led by talented regional artists, will continue with Valentine Neep Workshop on February 15, featuring author and illustrator Jan Walker. Advance registration for this workshop is required and can be completed online here. The final workshop in the series will be Drawing in the Gallery on March 22, led by Becky Murphy, art teacher at Cornelia Elementary School.

“Thanks to the support of the Georgia Council for the Arts, we are able to offer a variety of engaging, hands-on workshops for children and families in our community,” said Rebecca Brantley, Director of the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art. “These programs provide a wonderful opportunity for families to create together while exploring art and our museum’s exhibitions. We’re excited to see our community use the space in new and creative ways.”

A Grant Supporting Arts Education and Community Engagement

The Vibrant Communities Grant is part of the Georgia Council for the Arts’ ongoing effort to support arts programming throughout the state. Aimed at enriching local communities, the funding will help bring arts education to schools, support local artists, and encourage cultural tourism that benefits surrounding businesses.

“Thriving arts organizations cultivate vibrant communities,” said Tina Lilly, Executive Director of the Georgia Council for the Arts. “These investments provide long-term benefits by drawing tourists, improving quality of life, and contributing to the state’s economy.”

Piedmont University’s Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art is using its portion of the grant to offer free workshops that focus on exploring creativity and the visual arts. These workshops will be led by esteemed local teaching artists, giving participants the chance to learn new skills and create their own works of art inspired by the museum’s exhibitions.

Meet the Teaching Artists

Becky Murphy: An art teacher at Cornelia Elementary School, Murphy has a long history of making an impact on her students and the local community. She recently organized an exhibition of student art at Piedmont University and has guided her students in creating a community mural in downtown Cornelia. Murphy’s teaching style has earned her the admiration of both students and colleagues, with one observer noting, “She gave them an opportunity to shine. She made these students feel like superstars.”

Alice Stone-Collins: A talented Atlanta-based artist with roots in northeast Georgia, Stone-Collins creates intricate collages that explore pop culture, suburbia, and the landscape. Her work has been showcased regionally and nationally, and she has participated in artist residencies in both the U.S. and Costa Rica. Stone-Collins’ distinctive artistic style will provide an inspiring foundation for the collage workshop.

Jan Walker: Known for her 45 years of teaching and artistic contributions to northeast Georgia, Jan Walker has introduced thousands of children, teens, and adults to the joys of drawing. She is the creator of the Knee Neep series of books, which have become beloved in the local community. Her workshop on February 15 will offer a fun, hands-on experience based on her signature character, the Knee Neep.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming workshops offer an exciting opportunity for families to engage with the arts and explore new creative outlets. The Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art is thrilled to provide these opportunities to local children and families, and to continue fostering an environment where creativity and culture thrive.

For more information about the Family Workshop series or to register for the Valentine Neep Workshop, visit the museum’s website or follow them on social media for updates.

U.S. lawmakers press FBI to address child sexual abuse

By
Staff Report
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FBI headquarters in Washington D.C. (FBI website)

Two U.S. lawmakers have waged continued efforts to push the FBI to address child sexual abuse and exploitation.

U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) recently launched a bipartisan inquiry that is said to have urged FBI Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to address what they’ve described as understaffing and resource shortages within the FBI’s specialized teams tasked with investigating such crimes.

The inquiry follows an August 2023 report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that criticized the FBI for mishandling tips related to child sexual abuse cases. The OIG found certain issues, according to lawmakers, including the failure of FBI employees to comply with mandatory reporting requirements.

In nearly half of the case files reviewed, lawmakers said there was no evidence of compliance with required reporting to state and local law enforcement. And in about 50%, there also was no evidence of compliance with social service agencies.

In their letter to Garland and Wray, Sens. Ossoff and Blackburn alleged a lack of adequate staffing within the agency has led to heavy caseloads and insufficient resources for FBI agents handling these investigations.

The senators asked the agency to respond to requests regarding current resources dedicated to child protection investigations as well as measures taken by the FBI to address alleged concerns raised in the OIG report.

The renewed focus on child protection follows several past legislative efforts led by Ossoff. In May 2023, for instance, Ossoff and Blackburn’s REPORT Act became law, requiring websites and social media platforms to report crimes related to child trafficking and enticement to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Ossoff and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) also worked to pass the Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023, which sought to strengthen federal protections against child sexual abuse and online exploitation.

U.S. Senate hearing on Interior nominee postponed until Thursday

By
Jennifer Shutt
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Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum participates in a swearing-in ceremony of state lawmakers on Dec. 2, 2024, in Bismarck, North Dakota, shortly before completing his term as governor. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — Utah Sen. Mike Lee announced Monday he had postponed the confirmation hearing for two days for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department.

Lee, chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delayed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s hearing, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, until Thursday.

“Governor Doug Burgum has been fully cooperative throughout the confirmation process, promptly submitting his paperwork to the Office of Government Ethics,” Lee wrote in a statement. “Despite his compliance and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee noticing the hearing in accordance with all rules, OGE has yet to complete its review. This bureaucratic delay is unacceptable.”

Lee wrote the extra 48 hours was meant to give the Office of Government Ethics a bit more time to wrap up its work, but cautioned the agency should work quickly.

“To ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of this process, the committee will postpone Governor Burgum’s hearing until Thursday,” Lee wrote. “However, we expect OGE to act with urgency and complete its review without further unnecessary delays. The American people deserve a government that operates efficiently to advance their priorities, and we remain committed to ensuring these critical confirmations move forward as quickly as possible.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, and Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., both raised concerns last week about Burgum’s hearing taking place before certain paperwork was filed with the committee.

“The Senate has a constitutional duty to advise and, if it determines, consent to the President’s nominees. This requires careful consideration of each nominee,” Heinrich wrote in a statement released last week. “To achieve this, for decades, nominees that have come before the ENR Committee have submitted responses to a standard questionnaire and a completed financial disclosure form, approval from the Department’s ethics office, and completion of an FBI background check. Until these steps have been completed, I will not consent to notice of nomination hearings.

“Every nominee, every party, every administration should be subject to the same standards. I would urge Chairman Lee to reconsider his decision.”

Heinrich and seven other Democrats on the committee and one independent released a letter Monday morning, urging Lee to delay the hearing until the panel received “the standard financial disclosure report, ethics agreement, or the opinions from the designated agency ethics officer and the Office of Government Ethics stating that the nominee is in compliance with the ethics laws.”

“In view of the fact that the Committee still does not have these documents, which are essential for us to faithfully discharge our constitutional advice-and-consent responsibilities, we respectfully request that you postpone the scheduled hearing on Governor Burgum’s nomination for at least a week to give Members sufficient time to receive and review these materials,” the lawmakers wrote.

Those lawmakers included Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Angus King, a Maine independent, Alex Padilla, D-Calif. and Ron Wyden, D-Ore.

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, led by Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, later on Monday postponed its Tuesday hearing for Trump’s pick to lead the VA, citing an uncompleted background check.

“Congressman Doug Collins has submitted all his paperwork in a timely manner and has been transparent and forthcoming with the committee,” Moran wrote in a statement. “At this time, the FBI has not completed its customary background check of Congressman Collins. In accordance with long-standing practice, the committee should have an opportunity to review Congressman Collins’ FBI file before the confirmation hearing. I expect the FBI to complete its review quickly so that the committee can move forward with its role of evaluating the President’s nominee.”

Trump announced in November that he had selected the former Georgia congressman to lead the VA.

Clarkesville property owner charged with obstructing firefighters

By
Brian Wellmeier
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A woman was charged with obstructing firefighters last week after she allegedly interfered as they tried to extinguish a fire on her property in Clarkesville, according to authorities.

Habersham County deputies responded to the property at 615 W. Glade Creek just after 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, to a report that Anna Marie Butler, 33, allegedly obstructed fire crews upon their assessment of the fire.

Police say Butler had told firefighters they couldn’t come on her property and that “it was a controlled burn.”

When asked whether she had a permit for the burn, Butler allegedly told police she “didn’t know she needed one at night.”

A report of the incident states Butler told firefighters that if they attempted to extinguish the blaze, she “would start another fire that would make the California fire look small.”

As Butler was detained, she allegedly pulled and “jerked away” from the deputy before she was subdued and taken to the ground, according to the report. Butler was arrested and transported to the Habersham County Jail without incident.

Clarkesville business evacuated due to gas leak

By
Joy Purcell
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Demorest Fire Department responds to Wildernest Monday morning due to a gas leak. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

Firefighters evacuated employees from a business on the downtown Clarkesville square Monday morning after a report of a suspected gas leak.

A 911 caller reported a “nauseating smell” of propane coming from inside the building and alerted authorities at around 11:15 a.m. The Clarkesville Fire Department was on a previous call and requested mutual aid from Demorest.

Demorest Fire Department personnel ensured that no one remained in the Wildernest building and confirmed the substantial gas odor.

Demorest fire personnel evacuated the Wildernest building on the square in Clarkesville Monday morning. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

An employee was overcome by the gas odor and became nauseous. They were treated by Habersham Emergency Services on scene but refused to be transported to a local hospital, according to Demorest Fire Chief David Scheuerer.

Demorest and Clarkesville fire personnel remained at the scene to ventilate the building and wait for the gas company to arrive.

Warnock, Ossoff secure funding for EV charging stations in Athens

By
Staff Report
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EV charging stations in Cornelia (Joy Purcell/Now Habersham)

U.S. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, both of Georgia, have announced a investments in the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Athens.

Through the bipartisan infrastructure law’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, the funding will provide $4.95 million to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government to ramp up the number of EV chargers available throughout the city.

Sen. Ossoff recently spoke to the importance of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which sought to improve Georgia’s infrastructure in transportation, energy and broadband.

“I’m pleased to deliver this investment through the bipartisan infrastructure law alongside Senator Reverend Warnock to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Athens. Every day, the bipartisan infrastructure law is upgrading transportation, energy, sewer and water, and broadband internet across our great state,” Ossoff said.

Senator Warnock, who played a key role in supporting the law, highlighted Georgia’s position as a leader in the nation’s clean energy economy. He expressed his commitment to ensure Georgia continues to invest in sustainable solutions that lawmakers believe benefit both the environment and the economy.

“Georgia is on the frontlines of our nation’s clean energy economy thanks in part to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I was proud to champion,” Warnock said. “This latest investment will help more Georgians around our state find charging ports when and where users need them. I believe we are called to be good stewards of our planet and its resources, and I will continue to do all I can in the U.S. Senate to support common sense solutions that will benefit both our ecology and our economy.”

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz praised the collaboration between local and federal governments.

“Senators Ossoff and Warnock have been a stalwart supporter of local governments in Georgia, including securing this critical funding for EV chargers,” he said. “This aligns perfectly with Athens-Clarke County’s commitment to transition to 100% clean energy, and demonstrates the power of local government and the Federal Government acting together.”

In addition to this new funding, Ossoff and Warnock have secured millions in federal resources for other EV infrastructure projects across Georgia, including a $15 million investment to install EV chargers in Middle Georgia and a $6.1 million investment in the Atlanta metro area. These efforts are part of a broader push to strengthen Georgia’s EV infrastructure and ensure the state is ready for the growing demand for electric vehicles.

James Edward “Jim” Burgin

By
Now Habersham
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James Edward “Jim” Burgin, age 87, of Clarkesville, passed away on January 1, 2025.

Complete obituary information will be announced by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.

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