Home Blog Page 416

Joyce Ballew Myers

By
Now Habersham
-

Joyce Ballew Myers, age 80, walked into the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 14, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Those who knew her will agree that her love and kindness could only be outweighed by her servant’s heart. She will be forever remembered for her love of feeding people. After serving in the local soup kitchens for many years, she started two food/grocery ministries. Most recently, the Ballew House Outreach in Alto, where she and her sisters provide meals for shut-ins in their community. Some will remember her as Mrs. Myers from Baldwin Elementary School, where she worked several years as a parapro and substitute. No matter where you knew her from, her love for laughing and her love for Jesus were always present.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Hamp Myers; her parents, Bob and Marie Ballew; and a sister, Joanne Cameron.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda and Keith Andrews, Rhodney and Karen Myers, and Rusty and Kathy Myers; her grandchildren, John and Lisa Benfiel, Sam and Kori Benfiel, Keylan and Lis Myers, Noah and Danielle Myers, Andee, and Ben Elrod, and Daniel Myers; great-grandchildren Owen, Evan, Branch, Lana, Charli, and Weston; her sisters Janelle Purdy, Janet Green, and Jackie Ballew; and her devoted friend, Pat Setzer.

Memorial Services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ballew House Outreach, 520 Wheeler Circle, Alto, Georgia 30510, or The Pointe Forward Building Fund, 111 Fieldcrest Drive, Eastanollee, Georgia 30538.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Kids take the wheel at 4th annual kids car show

By
Nora Almazan
-

On Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Miles Through Time Automotive Museum in the Old Clarkesville Mill, children enjoyed driving model cars, bikes, battery-operated cars, and more.

It was the 4th Annual Kids on Wheels Car Show. Sponsored by the city of Clarkesville, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Miles Through Time Automotive Museum, the day gave children an opportunity to explore the wonders of cars and learn about their history. They also got the chance to see public safety vehicles up close and meet the personnel who drive them.

(Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

“Four years ago, there was COVID taking place, and kids didn’t have an opportunity to do anything at the time,” Thomas Black of the U.S. Forest Service explained. “I reached out to the city of Clarkesville, and they gave us permission to have a kids’ car show so kids could take part and enjoy our wonderful community.”

Black said they talked to First Responders, work vehicles, and Classic Cars and all came together to make this incredible event. From its inception, it has become something many look forward to attending.

This year was even more significant because it marked the 80th Birthday of Smokey the Bear.

Children compete in pedal car and bicycle races, and awards are given for the best rides. The main three awards for the day are Little Hot Rod, Little Miss Pedal, and Most Unique Ride.

Collecting memories

Jim Geary from Franklin, NC, has been collecting toy model cars since the 1950s. (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)

Jim Geary from Franklin, North Carolina, loves toy cars. He’s been collecting toy cars and studying the history of the automobile since 1950.

“I still have most of the models that I built back in the ’50s. I love seeing the children playing with the cars,” he says.

Geary wants to create a love for cars in children that will carry on into the future.

Larry and Renee Forbes from Gainesville have a 1948 Chevy Truck. It is the same truck that Larry’s grandfather purchased new.

“It was the main farm truck for my granddad, hauling wheat and feeding cattle in Kansas,” Larry said. The couple enjoys the atmosphere and sharing their automobile with enthusiasts.

Larry and Renee Forbes display their 1948 Chevy Truck, which Larry’s grandfather purchased new. (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)

Just as the Forbes enjoy sharing their classic vehicle at car shows, kids reveled in the chance to show off their bikes, Big Wheels, and battery-powered cars.

The kids car show precedes Miles Through Times’ 8th Annual Car Show, which will be held on Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old Clarkesville Mill on Grant Street.

 

 

Habersham Community Theater shines with dance and musical camp extravaganza!

By
Nora Almazan
-
Week long dance and theater camp ends with performance at the Habersham Community Theater. (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)

It was a night of accomplishments, smiles, showing new skills, and being creative at the Habersham Community Theater. Francie Keene, Owner and Director of Clarkesville School of Dance, and Amber Miller, VP of Productions at Habersham Community Theater partnered to join a musical theater and dance camp which performed to a packed house.

Forty campers participated in the week-long theater and dance camp to gain experience in acting, singing, and dancing. They ended the week with a packed house performance on Friday night, June 14th at the Habersham Community Theater.

Quality camp

Seth Heringer, parent of two performers, was very happy with the camp. “It has been very worth it. My girls came home each day talking about singing and scripts and dancing and they have been really excited.” Seth’s wife Laura said the girls have been putting on plays in the backyard by themselves, and it’s been fun to have them be a part of a group like this.

“Hard Knock Life” from the musical Annie performed at Habersham Community Theater, on Friday, June 14th.

The All-Star Cast performed Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow from the musical Annie under the direction of Laura Burchfield, Melanie Gordon, Francie Keene, Dianna Mores, and Susan Watson; Stick to the Status Quo from High School Musical under the direction of LeAnne Challenger, Katy Johnson and Kristy Shea; and  Seize the Day from Newsies under the direction of Katy Johnson, Amber Miller and Emily McLeod.

“The kids were nervous beforehand but very excited. It has been a great week but a hectic week. To put numbers together, not just dance numbers but acting and singing in a week has been interesting and fun,” Keene said.  She added that there would be another opportunity for those who missed out on this camp July 8 – 12. Many of the campers from this week have already signed up for the July camp.

“Stick to the Status Quo” from High School Musical (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)
“Seize the Day” from Newsies (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)

Good experience for campers

“We had five days with each group having music, dance, and theater. They were able to learn scenes, songs, and dances to perform tonight,” Miller said. “Working with Francie has been amazing. It has been a great partnership. We’ve really enjoyed working together. I think it will be a partnership that lasts.”

Aralynn, daughter of Shannon Bryson, described the experience as being in her “happy place”.  Bryson said the week has been busy with a lot of practicing at home. The quality of the camp was worth it, and she would enroll Aralynn in it again.

Forty-plus campers participated in the Habersham Community Theater/Clarkesville School of Dance week-long experience. (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)

The camp was held June 10-14, with a second camp scheduled July 8-12. Ages 6 to 8-year-olds attended from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 9 to 12-year-olds from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Teens/adults from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the week, performers met at the Clarkesville School of Dance and finished the week with a performance at the Habersham Community Theater. The cost of the camp is $225.00. 

Habersham County BOE set to approve budget and personnel

By
Jerry Neace
-
Habersham County Board of Education. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The Habersham County Board of Education (BOE) will meet Monday, June 17, and is set to approve its FY 2025 budget and personnel recommendations for the coming school year.

The BOE saw the final budget proposal during their work session on Thursday, June 13. The total budget is just over $126 million with the general fund making up the majority of the total budget at just over $97 million. The budget will increase $8,328,863 when compared to the FY 2024 budget.

SEE ALSO: Habersham County BOE to discuss FY 2025 budget, millage rate June 13

Due to the lag time in receiving the 2024 Tax Digest, Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome recommended to the board to hold the millage rate at its current rate of 10.354 mils.

The Board of Education will hold three public hearings in July due to the millage rate not rolling back. Even with the millage rate remaining the same, the state views it as a tax increase from increased assessments, requiring three public hearings.

SEE RELATED: Habersham County BOE receives final budget; millage rate to remain the same

Personnel

At the end of the school year, the school system saw personnel retire, transfer, and resign. Those actions have opened several positions within the school system resulting in School Superintendent Matthew Cooper and senior administrators recommending personnel to fill those vacancies for the board to consider approving.

One such vacancy has already been filled. It was announced that Adam Bagwell will be succeeding Jonathan Stribling as Principal for Habersham Central High School. Stribling announced his resignation the night before high school graduation took place, accepting the position of Assistant School Superintendent of White County Schools.

Bagwell’s promotion now leaves a vacancy for the Principal’s position at North Habersham Middle School. Another key position is an Assistant Principal position at Habersham Central due to the retirement of Donnie Bennett.

Other business

The school board will consider approving the FY 2024 financial report that will be presented by Newsome.

Newsome also recommended to the board changing its insurance benefits broker to assist with the school system’s health insurance program. The new broker will assist in changing certain plans within the health benefits program for school employees. The change would put an benefits representative in the area, since the broker’s office is in Clarkesville. The board will consider approving the change.

The board will also consider the FY 2025 School Nutrition Vendors and the updated strategic plan for the school system.

The Habersham County Board of Education will hold its regular board meeting on Monday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m. It will meet in the Board Meeting Room at 144 Holcomb Street in Clarkesville. The meeting will also be livestreamed and can be seen by clicking here.

Inside Out 2

By
Justin Hall
-

Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the amazing and original Pixar animated coming-of-age film from 2015. I thought the first movie was one of the most inventive, funny, and heartwarming in the Pixar library, and this sequel proves that the first one was not a fluke.

If anything, this sequel expands on its timely, relatable premise by upping the ante with the introduction of several unique characters and a boundless supply of imagination.

The sequel picks up with all the emotions from the first film (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear) as they continue to navigate and provide commentary on Riley’s life. Riley is now a teenager and getting ready to attend hockey camp with her friends. While there, she meets a new girl named Val who instantly becomes her new idol.

It’s such a pleasure to hear the voice talents of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, and Liza Lapira providing such hilarious, smart, and even poignant dialogue for each of their respective characters, and each actor gets their time to shine.

In addition to the established emotions, we get some new ones in the form of Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment, but perhaps the new one that takes center stage is Anxiety (Maya Hawke). She’s an emotion determined to take control of Riley, making her think negatively about any given situation.

As with the first one, Inside Out 2 has no shortage of visually dazzling world-building, such as when Joy and the others discover a portal known as the Sense of Self, which stores Riley’s memories, while Anxiety wants to disrupt it at all costs.

Inside Out 2 explores these new emotions and builds on the previous ones without any sense of cynicism or condescension. The movie treats its target audience with respect and dignity and shows the good and the bad of all these emotions.

In addition to the fantastic voice work and spectacular animation, the movie has a wonderful message of self-control and letting life take its natural course.

I certainly hope this isn’t the end of the Inside Out series. I’d love to see where these characters go when Riley hits high school, college, and marriage. This premise continues to have a lot to offer.

Grade: A

(Rated PG for some thematic elements.)

This review is dedicated to the memory of Price Chapman

Turner to lead statewide county government committee

By
Staff Report
-
White Commission Chair Travis Turner

Travis Turner, chairman of the White County Board of Commissioners, has been appointed by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) to lead the General County Government Committee.

The announcement was made Thursday by ACCG President David Sikes of Toombs County.

The General County Government Committee is responsible for addressing issues involving county government and intergovernmental relations, elections, ethics, home rule, service delivery, planning and zoning, and other key issues impacting county government.

“I am excited about being able to continue to collaborate with fellow commissioners and use our expertise to enhance the effectiveness of county governance across Georgia,” Turner said in a statement. “Together, we can address the challenges we face and implement solutions that benefit all our communities. I greatly appreciate ACCG President Sikes’ continued confidence.”

Turner was elected to the White County Commission in 2009 and has served in numerous other county and state government leadership positions, including on the State and Local Workforce Investment Board and the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.

He will lead the ACCG General County Government Committee alongside Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry, who was named vice chair.

The ACCG provides a variety of services to county governments, including public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, and insurance and retirement programs.

Show us your Red, White, and Blues!

By
Nora Almazan
-
Cornelia City Hall (NowHabersham.com)

Soon, America will celebrate another birthday. July Fourth commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. America will be 248 years old! Happy Birthday, America!

We want to share ways to decorate, cook, dress, and spend the day. Send us your ideas from past celebrations, and we will share them with our readers. Send your photos, videos, and suggestions to [email protected].

Decorations

  • Plant white flowers in terracotta pots which you or your children/grandchildren paint with stars and stripes
  • Make a wreath for your door.
  • Outline your driveway with Old Glory
  • String lights in your trees of red, white, and blue
  • Use a Stars and Stripes swag
  • Red, white, and blue candles on the mantel or table

Food

  • Stars and Stripes Cookies
  • Strawberries, Blueberries, and whipped cream desserts
  • Sprite with red fruit and blue fruit
  • A watermelon scooped out and filled with blueberries and whipped cream
  • Cupcakes decorated with red, white, and blue icing
  • White chocolate pretzels mixed with red and blue m&ms

Outfits

  • Dress up like Uncle Sam or Betsy Ross
  • A Flag shirt with red, blue, or white pants
  • Braid your hair with red, white, and blue ribbon
  • Wear bright red shoes
  • Wear a stars and stripes bandana around your forehead
  • Wear a lighted red, white, and blue necklace around your neck

It will be fun to see some of these in action! We can’t wait to receive your ideas and to see your photos. We will update our list as you send in your ideas.

SHOW US YOUR RED, WHITE, AND BLUE ideas!

Clarkesville ranks among 10 Best Mountain Towns in Georgia

By
Nora Almazan
-
Aerial view of downtown Clarkesville (Photo by City of Clarkesville)

The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with local towns, and according to one national magazine, many of the best are located in Northeast Georgia.

Travel + Leisure just released its list of 10 Best Mountain Towns in Georgia. Six of the 10 are located in the northeastern part of the state.

“North Georgia is one of those regions that feels like a secret to those who aren’t familiar with its mountainous terrain, natural wonders, and unique destinations,” writes Lydia Mansel who compiled the list. “It’s underrated but simultaneously magnificent — and it’s the perfect getaway from the heavy traffic and fast-paced way of life of the state’s larger cities.”

Habersham County’s seat, Clarkesville, ranks number 7.

The article describes Clarkesville as a “quaint town” with shops, art galleries, restaurants, and festivals. It also mentions “several historical points of interest, like the Mauldin House and Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church.”

Ellijay tops Travel + Leisure’s list of Best Mountain Towns in Georgia. Dahlonega, Helen, and Clayton also made the cut. Mansel based her selections on input from local experts. Here’s how the towns ranked:

  1. Ellijay
  2. Adairsville
  3. Blue Ridge
  4. Dahlonega
  5. McCaysville
  6. Helen
  7. Clarkesville
  8. Clayton
  9. Ringgold
  10. Blairsville

Travel + Leisure is a media brand based in New York. According to its website, the publication aims to “inform and inspire” passionate travelers.

UV Index: Protect yourself against harmful UV radiation

By
Staff Report
-

Less pollen, more sun. With the changing seasons, Now Habersham is adding the UV Index to its daily ‘weather you can use’ reports.

The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected intensity of UV radiation from the sun. It runs on a scale of 1-11 and rates UV radiation at solar (high) noon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

Now Habersham’s UV Index covers Northeast Georgia. It’s on our home page and posted to our Facebook page. Use the Index and follow the EPA sun safety guidelines outlined below to plan your outdoor activities and avoid harmful UV radiation exposure.

UV Index scale

1-2: Low

No protection needed. You can safely stay outside using minimal sun protection.

3-7: Moderate to High

Protection needed. Seek shade from late morning through mid-afternoon. When outside, generously apply broad-spectrum SPF-15 or higher sunscreen to exposed skin and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

8+: Very High to Extreme

Extra protection needed. Be careful outside, especially from late morning through mid-afternoon. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and generously apply a minimum of SPF-15, broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin.

The Shadow Rule

An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:
If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.

If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.

R.E.M. reunites for Hall of Fame ceremony

By
Kristi York Wooten and Pamela Kirkland
-
From left, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Bill Berry and Peter Buck, of R.E.M., perform onstage during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024, in New York City. It was the quartet's first public performance since before the band's breakup in 2011. (L. Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

It’s every Georgia music fan’s dream to see Athens rock icons R.E.M. on stage again performing their incredible songs.

The band broke up in 2011, and all four original members haven’t played together publicly since 2007.

The guys have been spotted while hanging out over the past year at 40th anniversary tribute events for their 1982 EP Chronic Town and debut album, Murmur (1983).

But Thursday night, drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and singer Michael Stipe finally did it: Inside New York City’s Marriott Marquis during their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, R.E.M. delivered a stirring acoustic version of its Grammy-winning 1991 song “Losing My Religion,” leaving fans around the world breathless with anticipation for more of its yearning melodies and guitar power chords tied together by Stipe’s poetic lyrics about the human condition and political and social ideals.

‘Friends for life’

Speaking together on CBS Mornings, R.E.M. made it clear that the group has no plans to reform permanently, and each member is busy with his own path, including a new photo book and solo album on the horizon from Stipe and a July tour featuring Mills and Buck in their side supergroup, the Baseball Project.

On stage after receiving the award at the songwriters ceremony from an elated Jason Isbell, who had just performed R.E.M.’s prophetic 1987 tongue-twister, “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” Michael Stipe said, “Writing songs and having a catalog of work that we’re all proud of, that is out there for the whole world for the rest of time, is hands down the most important aspect of what we did as a band. Second to that is that we managed to do so for all these decades and remain friends. And not just friends, but dear friends. Friends for life.”

This article appears on Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News

Trapped patient airlifted after farm equipment rescue

By
Joy Purcell
-
An AirLife chopper lands to load a patient trapped then rescued from farm equipment on June 14, 2024, in White County. (Photo by Ben Henderson)

A person was seriously injured Friday afternoon after being entrapped in farm equipment.

The incident happened in White County in the area of Highway 254 between Asa Dorsey and Holiness Campground roads.

According to White County Public Information Officer Bryce Barret, first responders were called to the scene around 1 p.m. on June 14. They extricated the patient and called in a medical helicopter.

Emergency personnel blocked off a portion of Holiness Campground Road as a landing zone. AirLife paramedics flew the patient to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Authorities did not release the patient’s name or updated information about their condition.

Baldwin police chase ends in drug bust

By
Joy Purcell
-
(Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

The Baldwin Police Department has released new information regarding a police chase and wreck that happened earlier this week.

A press release the city issued Friday states that at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, Corporal John Groves was notified of a stolen tag on a vehicle through his patrol car’s license plate reader. According to the release, Groves executed a traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspect driver pulled over and then sped away south on GA 365 as the officer approached the vehicle.

“The vehicle exceeded speeds of 100 mph and at one point, the headlights were turned off,” the press release states.

When the driver, later identified as Marc Black of Gainesville, attempted to turn right onto Tribble Gap Road, the Baldwin Police Department says the vehicle ran up a large embankment and crashed through a sign before stopping.

Police say Black fled on foot into a field. He was taken into custody by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of their K-9 units.

Black was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center but refused treatment, says Baldwin Public Information Officer John Dills.

Searching the vehicle, a “large quantity of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a handgun were recovered,” says Dills.

Police booked Black at the Habersham County Detention Center on numerous charges, including drug possession and trafficking, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction of law enforcement, hit and run, DUI drugs, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, and weapons and traffic violations.

As of Friday, June 14, online jail records show Black remained in jail without bond.

1...415416417...2,560Page 416 of 2,560
© Copyright 2025 - Now Habersham