Fire trucks line a stretch of Hwy. 441 North near Baldwin after 7 brush fires ignited on Dec. 23, 2024. The fires spanned a mile-and-a-half-long stretch of roadway. (Banks County Fire Department)
Fire investigators say brush fires that broke out along Highway 441 near Baldwin on Monday appear accidental.
Seven separate brush fires ignited on the northbound side of the highway near Old Highway 441 Tuesday around 12:30 p.m.
The fires spanned approximately one-half mile and were actively burning when firefighters arrived, according to Banks County Fire Chief Steve Nichols. The Banks County Fire Department received assistance from Baldwin, Habersham County, LACI, Georgia Forestry, and Cornelia Fire Departments in controlling the blazes.
(Baldwin Police Department/Facebook)
No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged. It took firefighters several hours to get the fires under control.
Chief Nichols says the fires possibly were caused by a vehicle experiencing mechanical problems.
Authorities indicated the fires caused various traffic issues in the area.
Baldwin police diverted traffic around the fires as crews worked to extinguish them.
An ill-fated trip to the lake turned out alright for two boaters who got stranded on a small island in Banks County.
The incident happened Monday, Dec. 23, at the watershed lake at 851 Grove Level Road in Commerce. Officials say the two people were trapped on an island in the middle of the lake after their boat began taking on water and became unusable. Unable to return to shore, they called for help.
Banks County Fire and Emergency Services personnel used a small boat provided by Jackson County EMA to reach the stranded boaters. They transported them safely back to shore. Fire officials say both individuals were cold but uninjured.
Single-vehicle wreck at Chase and Keller roads Tuesday afternoon (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)
A single vehicle wreck at Chase Road and Keller Road in Cornelia has closed both lanes along Chase Road. Drivers should use alternate routes and avoid the area.
First responders were on scene after 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, after a single vehicle struck a tree and caught fire. Firefighters had extinguished the blaze just before 3 p.m.
Authorities on scene said there were no injuries during the incident.
At 3 p.m., Georgia State Patrol arrived on scene to investigate.
After more than three years in the position, Habersham County Manager Alicia Vaughn is set to serve her last day on Dec. 27.
The announcement of Vaughn’s departure came in September after a meeting in executive session between her and commissioners, though details of what might’ve led to the decision haven’t been disclosed by county officials publicly.
Habersham County Finance Manager Tim Sims will serve as interim county manager until Vaughn’s permanent replacement is named.
Vaughn spoke with Now Habersham last Thursday and reflected on her time, memories and accomplishments in office.
Accomplishments
Vaughn was hired as county manager in July of 2021 – first appointed as interim county manager following the resignation of Phil Sutton. Commissioners appointed Vaughn as Sutton’s permanent replacement six months later.
Vaughn came to Habersham from Catoosa County, where she’d previously served as county manager for around four years. Before that, much of the foundation for Vaughn’s knowledge in government was developed as a chief financial officer in Whitfield County for about seven years.
Under Vaughn’s leadership, Habersham County has seen expansion of operations and personnel to fill vital roles across departments, in hopes of preparing the county for years of growth ahead.
Today, Habersham has more than 500 employees – from public safety to IT to roads and maintenance.
Habersham County Commissioner and County Manager Alicia Vaughn attends their last commission meeting. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Among her top accomplishments, Vaughn said she’s proud Habersham was able to maintain residents’ accessibility to health care through Northeast Georgia Health System’s acquisition of Habersham Medical Center (now Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham). Vaughn, as county manager, played a critical role in guiding that transition.
“It’s very important – for obvious reasons – to have a hospital here in the community,” Vaughn said. “I feel like that has stabilized the hospital. From an economic development standpoint, and just a quality of life standpoint, I think it’s really important to have access to good medical care and having that emergency room there.”
Habersham’s new public safety radio system, Vaughn said, has been another benefit to the county during her time in office. Without that, Habersham County would not have the radio coverage (from 65% to 95% now) it does today.
“We’ve really set that system up to be a regional system,” Vaughn said. “Franklin County has recently agreed to join the system, and I think that’s a huge success, so I’m really proud of that.”
A primary focus for Vaughn, she said, also has been employee attraction and retention – something that has become more challenging for counties and municipalities across the state and the U.S. in recent years.
County Manager Alicia Vaughn. Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
What will you miss most?
After leaving office Friday, Vaughn said she will miss “the people” the most – from employees to members of the community.
“It’s an amazing community,” she said. “My directors are incredible. I’ve been very blessed to lead them. Everything we’ve done has been a team effort.”
Vaughn added: “One of the things I would wish for is the community to understand – I think a lot of times government gets a bad rap, and people automatically assume that person is not hard working and not dedicated. And the opposite is true about Habersham County.”
Advice for a future manager
Asked what advice she’d give to Habersham County’s future manager, Vaughn said to remember to be thankful for the small things, particularly the small victories.
“Government does move at a slow pace,” Vaughn said. “Collaboration and communication is infinitely important. I think being patient, being satisfied sometimes with baby steps, not getting frustrated if it’s not moving as fast as you’d like it to…and just remembering, these positions report to a five-member board to make policy. It’s just – being happy with the small wins and remembering to listen to the community.”
Above all, with a disproportionately residential tax base, amid impending growth, Vaughn stressed a need for attention to growth and development efforts in the years ahead. This, she said, will allow for smart/measured – as opposed to out of control, unplanned – growth.
“We need to continue to try and diversify the tax digest – I think that’s going to be very, very important,” Vaughn said. “As we grow, we also need to remember to take care of our employees, especially in the area of public safety…supporting all the directors in that area is going to be very important.”
Vaughn also emphasized the need to take a closer look at drafting a unified development code and to reexamine aspects of planning and zoning.
With “extra levels of complexities” such as an airport, future development and seven separate cities, Vaughn said future funding toward an assistant county manager to support the county manager with day-to-day operations would be “money well spent.”
Heading home
Vaughn, who’s married with two children, had moved to a cottage home on Washington Street in Clarkesville just over two years ago. On Thursday, she said she’d recently sold that home and had plans to head back to Whitfield County – where her family lives – on Friday.
Vaughn and her husband’s eldest daughter, Gracen, 26, is a UGA graduate who now works as a special events and catering manager in West Palm Beach.
Their other daughter, Gillan, 22, is now a senior at UGA and recently entered the master’s program at Augusta University, where she’ll pursue a degree in nursing.
Vaughn said she’s unsure of what could come next for her career, though she said she’ll likely remain in local government or possibly work as a consultant to local governments down the road.
On a final note, Vaughn said she’s grateful for Habersham’s Board of Commissioners and for the years she’s had in Habersham. “It’s an amazing community,” she said.
Habersham County Commission Chairman Ty Akins said on Tuesday, Dec. 24, that Vaughn “has made a lasting impression on the county” and on the way it’s delivered service.
“At a time when the county saw the most growth in the last 30-40 years, there were quite a few challenges,” Akins said. “Increased demand on services made some cracks and weaknesses appear that she addressed head on. She was never afraid to tackle any issue when it might have been easier to not make eye contact with it.”
He added: “She also put a lot of emphasis on leadership development and succession planning. These are things that any large organization would do to be successful. Habersham county is one of the largest counties in Northeast Ga and she helped get us pointed in the right direction to address the demands of a rising population. I’m sure she will do well wherever she lands and we wish her the best.”
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” Luke 2:6-7
Have you ever said something like that?
I know I have.
“While you’re there, can you pick up some batteries?”
Life often feels like that—one event leading into another, sometimes twisting and turning along the way.
I remember driving my old 12-passenger green van—filled with car seats, the smell of sports equipment, sticky juice box spills on the floor, and papers scattered everywhere. My life seemed to revolve around that one phrase, “while you are there”—running errands, picking up kids, dropping them off, getting this at the store, and grabbing that child from practice. Raising six kids, plus friends’ kids, meant a never-ending whirlwind of “while you are there.”
Mary’s life wasn’t much different, though it certainly should have been. After all, she was carrying the King of kings, the Savior who would change the world—the one the angels sang about and the shepherds watched over. Her task was extraordinary, yet it happened in the midst of the ordinary.
As the Bible says, “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1 NIV.
This decree required people to register in their ancestral hometown, and since Joseph was a descendant of King David, Bethlehem was his ancestral city. Mary and Joseph had to travel there to fulfill the census requirement. And while they were there, Mary’s baby would be born.
There’s no indication that an angel appeared to Mary again during this journey. The angel had already told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:29-33 NIV)
No angel appeared to give Mary travel advice or reassurance about her delivery. No angel comforted her with promises of safe passage, food, or the perfect place to give birth. Mary was alone in the journey, with only her faith in the One who had chosen her to carry the Savior.
In that moment, Mary’s life echoed a simple yet profound truth: she trusted in the One who had chosen her. Every day, she lived out her purpose, trusting that God would guide her through the unknown.
I remember being that mom in the green van—feeling anxious about the future, worried about what might come next, yet trying to follow God and teach my children to do the same. Over time, I’ve come to understand that trusting in God is not about knowing all the details or having a clear map of the future. It’s about walking step by step, knowing that He is with us.
Mary didn’t know exactly how everything would unfold, but she walked in trust. Just as she carried the Savior with her, we must walk through life, knowing God is with us. We don’t always get a roadmap, but we get the promise of His presence.
“While they were there”—living life on Earth—Mary continued to live the life God had chosen for her. A life filled with purpose. The same life we are all called to live.
The world will try to pull us in many directions, but no matter what you are facing, remember: while you are there—live out the message of Who God is, and through your life, bring joy to the world.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton respond to audience questions on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at the Robinson Center auditorum in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Katie Adkins)
Clinton is being treated for the flu, Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in a statement about his release.
“He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received,” Urena said.
“He sends his warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all,” Urena said.
The 78-year-old Democrat was hospitalized on Monday afternoon for testing and observation.
Clinton served two terms as president from January 1993 until January 2001. He addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer, and campaigned in the fall for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the election to Republican Donald Trump in November.
Clinton recently published his newest book, “Citizen,” a memoir about his life after the White House and the role of philanthropy in it.
The White County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident that occurred last Thursday morning on Old Hwy 75 South, near Donald E Thurmond Parkway, behind the Walmart in Cleveland. However, no details have been released.
In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office requested assistance from the public. They are asking anyone who was traveling in the area between 3 and 5:15 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, to contact their Investigations Division at 706-865-5177.
The post emphasized that this is an active investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
Firefighters responded to a fire at the Burger King on Mundy Mill Road in Hall County on Dec. 23, 2024. (Photo by Wendy Bass)
One person was treated at the scene after a fire broke out at a fast-food restaurant in Oakwood.
The Burger King on Mundy Mill Road caught fire late Monday night, Dec. 23, according to Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR).
At approximately 10:40 p.m., firefighters responded to the scene. The first units to arrive reported fire exiting the roof and smoke throughout the building, says HCFR spokesperson Kimberlie Ledsinger.
The restaurant was open for business when the fire broke out. Ledsinger says employees and customers were evacuated before firefighters arrived.
Hall County firefighters quickly extinguished the flames from inside the building. They extinguished the remaining hot spots on the roof using a water can.
Medical personnel evaluated one patient at the scene who declined to be transported to the hospital. The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Bobby Lee Russum, age 87, of Cornelia, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
Born on January 5, 1937, in Banks County, he was a son of the late Geri Mae Alexander. Bobby was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during Vietnam. He went on to be a self-employed, independent truck driver for many years and also drove a bus for Habersham County School System for some time. In his spare time, he enjoyed horses and riding motorcycles. He was of Baptist faith.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Louise Smith Russum; half-brother, Billy Lewallen; and half-sister, Geraldine Perry.
Survivors include his companion of 15 years, Brenda Walley; daughters and son-in-law, Carrie Yearwood (Jimie) and Rhonda Brower; son and daughter-in-law, Rick Russum (Jackie); grandchildren, Dale Jones (Josh), Brent Russum, Hannah Melcher (Nick), Emily Brower, Harrison Yearwood, and Henry Yearwood; great-grandchildren, Raylan Jones and Hayley Melcher; half-sisters, Willie Mae Crocker and Janice Hurt; numerous nieces and nephews.
HCHS Athletic Director Geep Cunningham presents a plaque to former coach Jimmy Black during a special ceremony in between basketball games at Habersham Central High School on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2015. (Lindsey London/Crump Photo)
Habersham County is mourning the loss of longtime educator and coach Jimmy Black. Black passed away on Sunday, December 22. He was 85.
Fondly referred to by many as “Coach Jimmy,” Black was an educator, coach, and school principal in the Habersham County School System until his retirement. During his time as principal at Clarkesville Elementary School, he helped shape the lives of many young children and mentored student-athletes on and off the court and field.
A native of Habersham County, Black was a devout Christian who dedicated his life to serving his church and the county’s youth. He was inducted into the Habersham County Hall of Fame for basketball and the Habersham Ring of Honor for football.
Tributes to beloved coach
Former Habersham County School Superintendent Judy Forbes says she remembers Black as a man who was loved and admired by everyone who came in contact with him.
“He was honest and fair to all and a peacemaker,” says Forbes of her former teacher and colleague. “I knew him first as a student at North Habersham High School where he taught math and coached many sports. He touched lives and made the kind of differences we all hope for when it comes to our children.”
Forbes taught her first teaching assignment with Black at Habersham Central High School and later worked with him when she was superintendent and he was a principal.
“When he retired, parents and students came from far and wide to talk with him and wish him well. It is hard to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to a community. A selfless servant, he is in the presence of Jesus. But we will still miss Jimmy Black.”
Forbes’ husband, Bruce Forbes, succeeded Black as Clarkesville Elementary School principal. He says Black was a compassionate teacher and coach who mentored him, “but more than that, he was a friend.”
“Jimmy loved his family. He was always talking about Linda Jean, Kevin, and Kristi and how proud he was of them.”
Another family friend and fellow educator, Cindy Hogsed, says, “Jimmy had a heart of gold! He touched so many lives including mine and my two sons! Jimmy and Linda Jean were the first ones my son Jeremy wanted to invite to his wedding.”
Hogsed says she and Coach Black talked about dying.
“We both said we wanted to go to sleep and wake up in the arms of Jesus. He got his wish. Jimmy was so easy to love! He was a gentle giant. His legacy will live for many years.”
Others have shared similar sentiments on social media about what a special man Coach Jimmy Black was.
Paula Cobb Gibson says the news of his death “makes me so sad. He was my first principal when I began teaching in Habersham County and he was such a wonderful man.”
“Best Coach I ever had and one of the best men I’ve ever known,” says Milt Underwood, adding that Black’s impact on his life and many others “will last far beyond what any of us can imagine.”
“Coach Jimmy was my friend because he took time to talk with me and cared about me,” Joseph York expressed. “I will miss him very much but have many fond memories. He loved football as much as I do.” York was a former Habersham Central High School student and continues to assist in coaching the Raider football team.
Funeral service
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, December 27, at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, at Hillside Funeral Home in Clarkesville.
Coach Jimmy Black is survived by his wife, Linda Jean, their son and daughter, and four grandchildren.
American Airlines grounded its planes nationwide, impacting holiday travel on Christmas Eve. (Joy Purcell/NowHabersham.com)
After a brief outage that grounded all American Airlines flights on Christmas Eve, the airline has resumed service.
American Airlines said a “technical issue” had delayed all of its flights in the United States. But the company began boarding flights again at around 8 a.m. ET, airline spokesperson Sarah Jantz told CNN.
The Allied Pilots Association said American Airlines’ Flight Operations System briefly went down Tuesday morning, which led to the delays, CNN reports. Known as the FOS, the system handles the airline’s operations, including passenger boarding. American Airlines has backup flight planning tools to prevent an outage from shutting down the entire airline for extended periods of time, according to the union, which said pilots and crew are trained to understand how to navigate a system outage.
According to an advisory notice, the Federal Aviation Administration posted a nationwide ground stop order for all AA flights at the airline’s request. The air carrier has not disclosed what the technical issue was.
Christmas Eve is expected to be one of the busiest travel days this year. The FAA said about 30,000 flights were scheduled across all airlines, Bloomberg reported.
Masons gather at Quality Foods in Cornelia to collect food for delivery to needy families in Habersham County on Dec. 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy Bradley Sullens)
On Monday, December 23, members of Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 came together for a tradition deeply rooted in the spirit of giving. As they have done for 32 years, the Lodge delivered groceries to families in need, ensuring that even those facing hardships could enjoy a warm and comforting holiday meal.
The initiative, driven by the Lodge’s enduring commitment to community service, brightened the season for dozens of families. “This 32-year tradition will hopefully continue for many years to come,” said Lodge member Bradley Sullens, reflecting on the group’s collective effort and the impact it has had on the community over the decades.
Members of Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 gather for the 32nd time to deliver groceries to needy families in Habersham. (Photo courtesy Bradley Sullens)
The project was made possible through the generosity of local partners. Quality Foods played a significant role, providing the groceries needed to fill the bags. The Lodge also extended special thanks to one of their own, Senator Bo Hatchett, whose contributions added to the success of the event.
