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Elberton man killed in rear-end collision in Hart County

By
Staff Report
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Authorities say a rear-end collision on Elberton Highway claimed the life of one man in Hart County on the morning of Wednesday, April 9.

According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred just after 8:50 a.m. between Liberty Hill Church Road and Stephen Johnson Road.

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office, along with Hart County EMS and fire personnel, responded to the scene to find two of the vehicles involved sustained minor damage.

While the occupants of those vehicles were uninjured, the driver of a third vehicle, identified as 68-year-old William Stanley Bridges, of Elberton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Bridges during this difficult time,” Hart County Sheriff Chris Carroll said.

The Georgia State Patrol has been called in to investigate the cause of the crash. No further details have been released at this time.

Georgia Utility Watch to provide oversight of Georgia Power

By
Emma Auer
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Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in March 2024. (Photo by Georgia Power)

(WUGA) — Georgia Power serves millions of customers across the state. A new watchdog nonprofit has formed to advocate for its customers.

A study published earlier this year says that Georgia Power made nearly $2 billion in 2022 while also having some of the highest power shutoff rates in the nation. The report used data on shutoffs published by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). The commission governs energy production and distribution in the state.

Georgia Utility Watch launched Tuesday and aims to lower energy bills by promoting reform in Georgia’s utility sector.

The nonprofit will advocate for increased use of sustainable energy sources. It will also focus on preventing every day customers from bearing the brunt of data center costs, which are expected to surge in Georgia in the coming years.

The nonprofit is run by Patty Durand, a vocal critic of the current PSC. Her organization also plans to track how PSC members vote. Two of the commissioners will be up for reelection in November.

Georgia Power representatives provided the following statement in response to the new nonprofit’s claims that it shuts off customers’ electricity at high rates and that it may force customers to foot the bill for data centers:

“Many utilities and states do not report disconnections, so this is not a verified claim. It’s important to note that Georgia Power has a strong history of working with customers every day to address past due bills and make payment arrangements to avoid disconnection, which is always a last resort for our company.

Also important, around 2/3 of disconnected customers make payments to restore service quickly (approximately 70% of reconnects happen remotely, meaning they are typically reconnected within minutes of making payment). During 2024, approximately 184,000 residential customers were disconnected with nearly 137,000 (74%) of those customers paying to restore their service – often the same or next day.

We have long focused on connecting customers – including senior citizens, those with special needs or limited incomes – with programs and resources from Georgia Power and those offered by established non-profit, faith-based or governmental organizations to aid them when they’re in need.

Georgia Power will follow new rules established by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in January that are designed to protect ratepayers from cost shifting.”

This article appears on Now Habersham in partnership with WUGA

Kennesaw State students say anti-DEI from state and feds already sapping campus support

By
Ross Williams
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KSU students rally to support resource centers branded as DEI (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

(Georgia Recorder) – Some Kennesaw State University students say they will lose access to things like free menstrual products, foods from their home country or a sense of belonging at their university if the school follows through with plans to shut down student resource centers, apparently as part of an anti-diversity, equity and inclusion push.

According to students and faculty, programs on the chopping block could include initiatives for LGBTQ students, students of color, women, Latino students and aimed at promoting cultural awareness. The university has held meetings with students to discuss the proposed changes.

The university’s assistant vice president of communications, Tammy DeMel declined to answer emailed questions or clarify which resources may be on the way out, instead sending a statement:

“As KSU works to follow all federal and state regulations and the policies of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, we’ll continue to support the needs of all students and help them access the resources they need to succeed.”

Several dozen students gathered on the campus green Wednesday did not feel reassured. Protesters organized by Students for Socialism, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation marched around the school carrying signs and chanting slogans like “Say it loud, say it clear, resource centers will stay here.”

Freshman chemistry major Celeste Vincent said she’s used the resource centers and that they can be a godsend for students who didn’t get support back home, and that attempts to take them away feel hateful.

“Some people, it’s all they have,” she said. “They don’t have family, they don’t have friends, they don’t have the resources to reach out to people. They have this, and they want to take it away. Why? Why? Because they hate them, they hate kids, they hate the new generation. These kids paid good money to be here. They worked their asses off to graduate high school. They come here every day and they pay and they sit in their classes and they try to do their best. And the one support that we get, we’re told, you can’t have that because you’re less than. That’s what it boils down to.”

Grace Blomberg, a student and organizer, said some students feel like they’ve been subjected to a bait and switch.

“Students coming from rural parts of Georgia who in their schools had never seen a pride flag, had experienced lots of aggression, came and did tours and saw a center with pride flags up, and they immediately felt welcome, they immediately felt safe,” she said. “So that, I think, is a major factor in why students might choose KSU, and students are on tours currently right now, KSU may not be disclosing that the centers that they’re passing by won’t be here in the fall when they come to school.”

Other students who did not want their names published out of concern for retribution said the centers have provided them with services like menstrual products, contraception and information on women’s health. Students said the LGBTQ resource center provided clothes for transgender students allowing them to wear things their parents would not approve of, and other centers provide halal foods for Muslims and other foods that could be hard to find in the states.

Some students on the green Wednesday were less attached to the resource centers. Sophomore exercise science major Jack McFadin, who said he proudly voted for President Donald Trump, said he’s not opposed to all of the services the centers provide like counseling for students in need of help, but he said he is strongly opposed to DEI because he says it undermines merit-based achievements.

“I think as far as counseling resources go, I don’t really care because it doesn’t affect me,” he said. “But if it is DEI and it is just giving people scholarships because ‘I identify as this,’ then I think that’s a bad thing for the future of our country.”

In an executive order released in January, President Donald Trump sought to eliminate DEI, including from schools and colleges, calling it a way to peddle “dangerous, demeaning and immoral race- and sex-based preferences.”

Sara Giordano, an assistant professor in KSU’s department of interdisciplinary studies, said some feel like the school administration is caving to the Trump administration without putting up a fight.

“(Students) came back saying, ‘oh, KSU told us their hands are tied, they have to comply, and they’re doing this because of federal and state guidance, federal and state policies,’” Giordano said. “The problem is that none of these policies are in writing. There’s actually nothing that says any of these centers are illegal. These centers serve a lot of our students. Our students are devastated by the threat of them closing.”

“Universities, quite frankly, I think are using this – KSU is using this – as an excuse to close down student centers because of a conservative agenda,” she added.

A statewide ban on DEI in schools failed to pass in this year’s legislative session but could return when lawmakers come back to the Gold Dome in January.

Georgia legislators approve redevelopment powers for Demorest

By
Jerry Neace
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If approved by city voters, Demorest City Council could move forward with redevelopment powers in the city. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

Georgia state legislators passed last week a new law granting the city of Demorest the authority to exercise a wide range of redevelopment powers under the “Redevelopment Powers Law.”

The initiative, aimed at promoting community redevelopment and economic growth, will allow the city to create tax allocation districts, issue tax allocation bonds, and take on other obligations to improve the city.

This move authorizes Demorest to fully utilize the powers outlined in Article IX, Section II, Paragraph VII(b) of the Georgia Constitution and Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the O.C.G.A., which are designed to support urban revitalization projects.

The law aims to provide the city with the tools needed to invest in redevelopment initiatives and boost local development efforts.

However, before the law can take effect, a referendum will be held to allow Demorest voters to approve or reject the measure. The vote will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

If the majority of voters approve the act, Demorest will be able to immediately implement the redevelopment powers. If the referendum fails or is not conducted as specified, the law will automatically be repealed in January 2026.

In preparation for the election, the city will publish the date and purpose of the referendum at least 90 days in advance. Voters will be asked to decide whether they support granting the city redevelopment powers, with ballots reading, “Shall the Act be approved which authorizes the City of Demorest, to exercise all redevelopment powers allowed under the ‘Redevelopment Powers Law’?”

The cost of the election will be covered by the city of Demorest, and the election results will be certified by the Secretary of State.

Stephens County Jail implements new body scanner to combat contraband

By
Brian Wellmeier
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A body scanner is installed at the Stephens County Jail (Stephens County Sheriff's Office)

In an effort to combat the introduction of illegal drugs into the county jail system, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a Tek84 Intercept body scanner in late November 2024.

Funded through the opioid response fund, the initiative aims to intercept contraband before it ever enters the jail.

The cost of the new scanner was just over $178,000.

The advanced body scanning technology was delivered to the Stephens County Jail in January 2025. Over the past two months, jail staff have worked closely with Tek84 representatives to install the machine and complete comprehensive training for detention officers.

Designed to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, the Tek84 Intercept scanner can identify concealed items such as weapons, drugs, and cell phones. The system includes a wall-mounted touchscreen monitor, photo-matching capabilities, and an ICI thermal scanner for detecting potential medical issues—helping officers spot inconsistencies that could signal hidden contraband or health concerns.

The scanner was officially put into use during the week of March 24–28, when jail staff began screening all incoming inmates with the new system. Within the first week of operation, authorities say officers successfully discovered more than half an ounce of suspected methamphetamine and a small quantity of marijuana concealed on a female arrestee brought in by another agency.

The contraband was hidden in an area not easily searched during roadside arrest procedures, but the x-ray technology allowed officers to detect and confiscate the substances before the individual was booked.

County officials hope the new scanner will significantly reduce the presence of illegal drugs in the jail, enhancing safety for both staff and inmates.

“Fighting the drug epidemic is a top priority for the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Rusty Fulbright said. “By using this cutting-edge technology, we can hopefully intercept dangerous drugs and other contraband before they reach our inmates and stop the dangerous flow of illegal substances within our facility. This is just one of the many steps we are taking to curb the drug crisis in our community and ensure that our detention center remains safe and secure for everyone.”

After Georgia Legislature’s Sine Die comes signing time for governor

By
Stanley Dunlap
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FILE PHOTO - A lack of funding prompted Gov. Brian Kemp to veto a bill that increased needs-based grants for college students. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

ATLANTA (Georgia Recorder) — The Georgia General Assembly concluded its 2025 legislative session on Friday with the passage of roughly 400 bills and resolutions combined.

The abrupt end of the session gave way to a 40-day window that runs through May 14 when Gov. Brian Kemp can veto or sign legislation, or do nothing and automatically let it become law.

The last day of the session, when House and Senate lawmakers usually crank out legislation right up until midnight and celebrate at the end of the night by throwing torn-up pieces of paper into the air, was unexpectedly cut short.

In previous years, the Republican governor has vetoed about 10 bills each year, signed hundreds of pieces of legislation into law, and hosted a few ceremonies to ink some noteworthy bills with a keepsake pen. Last year, Kemp vetoed a dozen bills.

Kemp signed six bills before the General Assembly’s final gavel of fell, including a controversial so-called religious freedom bill.

Kemp is expected to hold a public ceremony prior to May 14 to sign his priority legislation for 2025 that is intended to limit the amount of damages juries award in civil lawsuits.

Kemp successfully fought off robust opposition to the civil litigation overhaul outlined in Senate Bill 68 and the more narrowly written Senate Bill 69, which requires transparency when third-party groups finance civil suits.

Kemp will also have the opportunity to publicly sign off on a school safety plan in the wake of September’s deadly shooting at Barrow County’s Apalachee High School. That high-profile measure creates deadlines to transfer student records to new school districts, establishes a statewide school threat alert system, and requires Georgia schools to install panic buttons.

Kemp will also decide how he will handle a slate of culture war bills, including a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports in K-12 and college and another measure banning gender-affirming care in the state’s prisons.

Culture war issues, including new restrictions on transgender Americans, have been a priority of Republican President Donald Trump’s administration since he took office in January.

Georgia’s legislative smorgasbord awaiting Kemp includes next year’s nearly $38 billion budget as well as the accelerated income tax cut he championed and one-time income tax refunds set to be distributed to Georgia taxpayers later this year.

Usually, a statement from Kemp’s office explains why he vetoed a particular measure.

Ice Dawgs return: UGA Hockey Home season tickets on sale soon

By
Nora Almazan
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Akins Ford Arena Athens Georgia (Ivy Ramage/The Classic Center)

Another electrifying season of UGA Club Hockey at Akins Ford Arena is just around the corner! The puck drops on their 2025-2026 home schedule this fall, and season tickets will be available starting Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Head Coach of UGA Men’s Hockey John Camp believes the fans were incredible last season. In a press release by the Akins Ford Arena Camp said, “The energy they brought was unmatched, and we’re excited to return even stronger.” He added that this season, the team is building on the momentum from the last and aiming to create even more unforgettable moments on the ice.

Following a thrilling journey to the national semi-finals and a record-setting year in their new 5,500-seat arena, the Ice Dawgs are eagerly anticipating their debut in the SEC conference within the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

You can be a part of the action this year. Season tickets for UGA Club Hockey range from $195 to $290 and can be purchased online starting this Friday, April 11th at AkinsFordArena.com. Secure your seats and get ready to cheer on the Ice Dawgs!

TFS Gonzalez fans a dozen in walk off loss to Hilton Head Christian

By
TFS Athletics
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After taking a 5-3 win over Hilton Head Prep Tuesday in South Carolina, the TFS Indians followed with a gritty 4-3 walk-off loss to Hilton Head Christian Academy.

Diego Gonzalez pitched a phenomenal game, striking out 12 batters, marking just the fifth occurrence in school history and just one punchout off the school single-game record.

Gonzalez also had an RBI single in the first inning, while Chase Pollock’s sac fly made it 2-0 early. The home team got one back in the home half, and the game remained 2-1 until the bottom of the fifth. HHC tied the contest that inning and added the go-ahead run in the sixth.

The Indians retaliated in the seventh when down to their final strike, Pollock singled in Ashton Roache. A walk-off double ended the game in the home half, handing Andrew Skvarka a tough-luck loss.

TFS got two hits each from Pollock and Roache. Pollock had two RBI and Roache had two runs. The Indians drop to 11-8 overall.

Piedmont women’s lacrosse storms past Brevard 20-4 Tuesday

By
Danielle Percival
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(Dale Zanine/Piedmont Athletic Communications)

BREVARD, N.C. – Piedmont women’s lacrosse cruised to another impressive conference victory Tuesday claiming a 20-4 win over Brevard. The win moves the Lions to 6-1 in league play with just two conference contests remaining.

Neither team scored in the opening five minutes of play but then Piedmont was quick with a pair of goals just over 30 seconds apart from Aly Reece and Laura Crone to go up 2-0. The Lions used five straight goals to start the game to take control of the contest.

Brevard tallied a pair of goals in the first period but trailed 6-2 entering the second. Piedmont did not let up in the second quarter outscoring the Tornados 7-0 to enter halftime with a 13-2 advantage.

The Tornados tacked on a pair of goals in the third period but Piedmont outscored Brevard 7-2 in the second half.

Piedmont totaled 40 shots to Brevard’s 10 in the contest.

Up next, the Lions will host Methodist on Saturday at 12 p.m. at the Walker Athletic Complex.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Merryn Bumpass led the team with four goals in the contest on five shots.
– Aly Reece totaled eight points as she had a team-high five assists as well as three goals.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– The Lions have scored 20 or more goals in every conference win this season.

NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 20, Brevard 4
Records: Piedmont, 10-5 (6-1 USA South); Brevard, 6-5 (4-2 USA South)

With new tax laws looming, Baldwin delays issuing rollback rate estimate

By
Jerry Neace
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The Baldwin City Council discusses HB 92 and HB 581 during its work session on Tuesday, April 8. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The Baldwin City Council is holding off on issuing an estimated rollback millage rate for now as city officials grapple with new property tax requirements and looming deadlines.

The rollback millage rate changes annually based on the number of new properties and new exemptions added to the digest. Rollback estimates are required under House Bill 581, which established the statewide floating homestead exemption and other property tax reforms. Banks County asked for Baldwin’s estimate by April 18.

During the council’s April 8 work session, Baldwin Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster said the city received approximately 29 applications for exemptions this year. She recommended against issuing an estimate until after the city gets the tax digest.

Woodmaster told council members it would be difficult to estimate the rollback accurately without the tax digest. She expressed concern that if the estimate is too low or too high, it could create confusion on property tax assessment notices and bills.

The council agreed that establishing an estimated rollback rate is not a good idea at this time given “too many unknown variables.”

Maudrie Shirley Atkins

By
Now Habersham
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Maudrie Shirley Atkins, age 94, of Clarkesville, Georgia, was called to her eternal rest on Monday, April 7, 2025. She ascended to her heavenly home, where she now dwells in the presence of the Lord, surrounded by His everlasting peace and grace.

Born in Clarkesville on March 17, 1931, Maudrie was a beloved daughter of the late Arthur Clifford Shirley and Jessie Coalley Shirley, and stepdaughter of Necie Worley Shirley.

Maudrie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cleo Vivian Atkins; grandson, Kevin Stover; great granddaughter, Scarlett LaCount; son-in-law, Greg Henderson; siblings, Harold (Evelyn) Shirley, Michael Shirley, Norma Shirley, Geneva (RB) Thompson, Deborah Shirley; brother-in-law, Sherman Patrum; and sister-in-law, Gayle Shirley.

A woman of deep faith, she was a lifelong member of Shirley Grove Baptist Church, where her love for God and her community shone brightly. She dedicated countless hours to teaching Sunday School, working with Vacation Bible School, and sharing the gift of music through song. Her heart for spreading the gospel was evident in everything she did, and her unwavering devotion to her faith left an enduring mark on all who knew her.

Maudrie’s faith was as steady as her work ethic. After 29 years of dedicated service as an inspector at Scovill Manufacturing, she retired, but her commitment to her family and community never wavered. At home, she was the heart and soul of the family, known for her love of cooking, baking, gardening, and solving word search puzzles. Yet, her greatest joy came in caring for others. She poured her heart into reading and studying her Bible daily, and even when her mind was not as sharp as it once was, she could still recite a multitude of Bible verses by heart. Her love for God’s word, paired with her genuine compassion for others, made her a pillar of strength, kindness, and unwavering love. The church lived in her heart, and she was a safe haven for anyone and everyone.

Above all, Maudrie’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a love that knew no bounds. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Larry (Sheila) Atkins and David (Belinda) Atkins, all of Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-law, Judy Henderson of Elberton, Sandra (Randy) Stover of Clarkesville, and Susan (Chip) Allgood of Martin. Maudrie is also survived by her cherished sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna Patrum of Cornelia, Brenda (Bill) Williams of Cornelia, Bernice Wiley of Alto, Lois (Larry) Towe of Gainesville, and Janice (Dennis) Williamson of Gainesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis Shirley of Toccoa, Chester (Geneva) Shirley of Cornelia, and Kerry Shirley of Gainesville.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren: Deanna (Casey) Mote of Clarkesville, Tony Atkins of Cornelia, Luc (Josie) Allgood of Fort Dix, New Jersey, Logan Allgood of Martin, Kelli (Chris) Joslyn of Clarkesville, Sylvia (Jamie) Higgins of Cornelia, Thomas Henderson of Anderson, South Carolina, Amber Henderson of Elberton, and Lee Fitzwater of Columbus. She was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: Jackson Allgood of Fort Dix, New Jersey; Brodie (Courtney) and CJ Mote, all of Clarkesville; Tripp and Nicole Joslyn of Clarkesville; Brooklyn Henderson of Elberton, Macie (Dalton) Laws of Gainesville, Ayla Atkins of Cornelia, Zoey (Johnathan) Sims of Cornelia, Gage Thomas and Chloe Maney of Cornelia, Christina Magana (Diego) of Mt. Airy, Terry Wade of Mt. Airy, and Annabel LaCount of Eastanollee; and three great-great-grandchildren, Grayson Higgins of Cornelia, and Ian and Rafael Magana of Mt. Airy.

Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of Amedysis Home Health for their compassionate care over the past three years. A special thank you to the Care Team for their dedication: nurses Eva Aderholdt, Rebecca Lee, Olivia Foster, Autumn Hensley, Chaquana White, Erin McDougal, Amy Upchurch, Autumn Jones, and Georgia Wright; CNAs Victoria Sosebee, Ayla Scott, and April Howard; caretaker, Carrie Collins; chaplains, David Souderes and Steve Wright; and Dr. Marc Cohen.

Funeral services are at 11 am on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire, with Rev. Bill Gravley and Rev. Austin Kelley officiating. Interment will follow the service in Clarkesville City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.

Maudrie’s favorite season was spring, when all the flowers are in bloom, so flowers are welcome to honor her love of the Lord’s beautiful work.

Maudrie’s passing leaves a void that will never be filled, but her legacy of love, faith, and unwavering service to others will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Though we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Savior, rejoicing in the eternal peace she so richly deserves.

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

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

Taste the past: Heirloom Tomato Plant Sale sprouts in Demorest

By
Nora Almazan
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The Annual Heirloom Tomato Plant sale is one many look forward to every year. (Moonshadow Farm)

Get ready for a burst of flavor and a splash of color in your garden!

Moonshadow Farm is hosting its annual Heirloom Tomato Plant Sale on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 310 Spencer Drive, Demorest. Mark your calendars, and in case of rain, the sale will be held on Saturday, April 19.

Driven by a passion for truly delicious tomatoes, this generational small farm embarked on a decade-long journey to discover the incredible world of heirlooms and open-pollinated varieties. Owner Linda Brookshire’s mission goes beyond just growing; her family actively saves their own seeds and encourages others to join in the rewarding experience of cultivating these historical treasures.

For over ten years, they’ve been carefully selecting and nurturing the most flavorful heirloom tomatoes, and now they’re excited to share their bounty with the community. With over 30 unique varieties to choose from, this plant sale promises to be a delightful experience for gardeners of all levels.

Great tomatoes in a variety of colors and flavors at Moonshadow Farm. (Moonshadow Farm)

Forget the ordinary red tomato! Prepare to be amazed by a spectrum of colors you never imagined. Their selection boasts tomatoes in shades of deep black, regal purple, vibrant green, sunny yellow, bright orange, creamy white, delicate pink, and countless intriguing variations in between.

To make your selection easier, the farm provides a helpful fact sheet detailing the characteristics of each variety. This will guide you in choosing the perfect plants to bring your culinary visions to life. Imagine the incredible dishes you can create with tomatoes bursting with unique flavors and stunning colors!

More than just plants, these heirloom seeds carry a rich history and exceptional taste passed down through generations. Lovell says Moonshadow Farm is “proud to be a part of this tradition,” offering the community a chance to grow a piece of the past in their own backyards.

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