As storms marched through the Northeast Georgia area, the Demorest City Council heard an update on the ongoing investigation into the missing funds from Demorest’s Water department. Mayor Rick Austin commented,” the Council, the District Attorney, the GBI and law enforcement are frustrated.” Austin continued remarking that DA Brian Rickman called the case, “the most challenging theft case he has ever worked.”

While no details about the investigation were revealed, Rickman granted an exclusive interview with NowHabersham about the investigation. The interview is at the end of the video. Rickman assured the Council that the investigation continues and that every possible avenue is being pursued in the effort to bring the person or persons responsible for the theft of over $600,000 from Demorest.

Mayor Austin spoke after the meeting about the negotiations with the insurance company. The insurance company was provided with the report from the private investigation firm, Eason Investigation, hired by the City. Austin told NowHabersham the insurance company has made an offer to the City and the City has countered that offer.

The National Weather Service in Greenville says the storm system that caused widespread damage in Clarkesville Monday evening was not a tornado, but rather, a microburst fueled by thunderstorms ahead of a strong summer cold front.

A possbile microburst or tornado raced through Clarkesville about 5:30. The storm lasted about 30 minutes, causing damage to homes and trees. Clarkesville police found fishing tackle and a damaged black SUV with Stephens county tag in Pitts Park. Authorities now searching to determine if someone has been sweep downstream or injured by falling debris. If anyone has any information please call 911.

Emergencies crews sounded sirens as they responded to calls in the Clarkesville area. Clarkesville Police are asking the public for assistance. If you have small trees or limbs blocking your drive, please try to assist as the City is inundated with calls and crews are overwhelmed.

It’s not exactly the Yellow Brick Road, but soon drivers will be able to better access the primary business thoroughfare in Cornelia. And it won’t be a minute too soon for Cornelia businesses.  “We know it’s been a significant inconvenience for everyone, particularly Main Street businesses. They understand, however, that this was a necessary project that needed to be completed before new paving was applied over both water and sewer lines,” explains Don Bagwell, Cornelia City Commission member. Bagwell continued, “The time has finally come this year where we must replace earthen pipe that has aged to the point that it is now breaking and allowing roots to grow into the system and block sewage flow in multiple places.”

The $356,000 sewer and water line project by Higgins Construction is being paid for by Cornelia’s Renewal Fund. The promised work-completion date is September 15.  The work was necessary as the existing sewer lines are clay pipes and after at least seventy years, they have required on-going repairs, were subject to decay from roots and were costly to maintain. The new sewer lines are PVC. The digging has occurred on both sides of Main Street, as water and sewer lines have to be in separate ditches.

When the project is finished by mid-September, the Georgia Department of Transportation will start resurfacing Main Street. As Councilman Bagwell points out, GDOT is ready to start on the resurface job just as soon as the water and sewer line project is completed. Then, Main Street will take on a new look and its underworld will be good for many more generations. And the local businesses? Sigh…

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