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Rabun County pays tribute to service members and veterans on Armed Forces Day

By
Joy Purcell
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People lined up at different points along GA 15/US 441 in Rabun County on Saturday, May 18, to celebrate local veterans on Armed Forces Day. (Rabun Forward-Chamber of Commerce)

Flag-waving children and adults lined the streets of Rabun County on Saturday to thank local veterans for their service. They turned out for the county’s Armed Forces Day Convoy organized by Forward Rabun/Chamber of Commerce.

The mile-long convoy ran from Dillard to Tiger before winding back to the Rabun County Civic Center Pavilion. After the 15-mile ride, participants enjoyed a free picnic lunch and fellowship. The event gave veterans and their families from across Northeast Georgia a chance to meet and swap stories.

Two World War II veterans, Andy Negra of White County and Eldred Causey of Rabun were among the honored guests. The 99-year-old Negra was with the Allied troops when they landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, during D-Day on June 6, 1944. Causey was a Navy pilot who patrolled the Pacific Northwest from Whidbey Island during the conflict. At 100 years of age, he is Rabun County’s oldest living veteran and was this year’s convoy grand marshal.

Rabun County’s oldest living veteran, Eldred Causey, led Rabun County’s Armed Forces Day Convoy on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo courtesy Rabun Forward/Chamber of Commerce)

Sacrifice and gratitude

Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols and deputies escorted the line of approximately 50 vehicles through Dillard, Mountain City, Clayton, and past Tiger. For sheriff’s investigator Kevin Angell, an Operation Enduring Iraqi Freedom veteran, it was deeply personal.

“It’s easy to forget as time goes on the wars that America’s been involved in. Whether or not you agree with those conflicts, these men and women sacrificed everything to make sure that our country is safe,” Angell said. “A lot of personal sacrifice went into that. We could never thank them enough.”

Moved by the number of people who turned out to greet them, Angell said by the time the convoy ended, “some of these guys were crying.”

“You can tell how much they appreciate it,” he said.

Armed Forces Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in May. It’s a day set aside to honor the United States military. Other upcoming tributes to our nation’s military include Memorial Day on May 27, when we honor our nation’s war dead. Veterans Day, observed each year on November 11, pays tribute to all who have served.

Cornelia Music Festival to hold free concert by John Schneider

By
Nora Almazan
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Dukes of Hazzard star, John Schneider, will be in Cornelia, May 18th for the Cornelia Music Festival. (Schneider Facebook)

On Saturday, May 18th, following the Mountain Laurel Festival in Clarkesville, you should head down to the Cornelia Music Festival for a Free Concert and a lot of fun.

The opening act will be a local favorite and homegrown in Habersham County, “Headed South”. They will take the stage at 5 p.m. followed by “Departure”, a Journey Cover Band. The event will take place at 301 South Main Street in Cornelia. To end the evening will be the multi-talented John Schneider.

Schneider is best known for his portrayal of “Bo” Duke in the American television action/comedy series The Dukes of Hazzard. While playing the part of Bo Duke, Schneider entered into a music career and has been playing for audiences since the 1980s. He has peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Country Billboard Charts several times and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He is famous for such songs as “I’ve Been Around Enough to Know”, “Country Girls”, and “You’re The Last Thing I Needed Tonight”.

Schneider has appeared in many movies and TV series. His latest film is The Good Fight, where he plays the role of Michael Crawford. He has also been involved in a number of theater performances.

You won’t need to worry about dinner since there will be food vendors on site.

It will be a night of fun for the entire family.

Clarkesville celebrates 62nd annual Mountain Laurel Festival today

By
Staff Report
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(Photo by Carson Sprinkle)

The 62nd annual Mountain Laurel Festival kicks off Saturday, May 18, at 9 a.m. The day’s festivities include a parade, family activities, and lots of food options.

With rain and possible thunderstorms in the forecast, Now Habersham’s weatherman Tyler Penland says the best time to attend will be during the morning through around lunchtime. Click here for your exclusive festival forecast.

(Credit: City of Clarkesville/Facebook)

The Clarkesville Lions Club hosts the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. The rest of the day will be filled with music, food, and family activities on the square.

Visitors can take a free guided tour of the Old Clarkesville Cemetery from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or stop by the Mauldin House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy a story, make a craft, or tour the Big Holly Cabin and the Millery.

The festival also features a free Family Fun Fest in Pitts Park from noon to 2 p.m. and the 13th annual Duck Race on the Soque River at Pitts Park, sponsored by Volunteers for Literacy.

The food court will be on Jefferson Street near The Historic Mauldin House and Gardens (see map below). Event organizers say the festival will go on rain or shine.

Free music festival in Cornelia

After the festival, make your way to Cornelia where, at 5 p.m., the city will host the first of its free summer concert series from 5 to 10 p.m. Country music singer/actor John Schneider is headlining the event.

Check back with Now Habersham throughout the day for weather updates and any weather-related schedule changes.

(Credit: City of Clarkesville/Facebook)

Indians finish as State Runner-Up

By
TFS Athletics
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Chris Waldron (Photo by Austin Poffenberge)

The TFS Indians finished as State Runner-Up after taking losses on Friday at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro against #1-ranked Prince Avenue Christian. #2-ranked TFS (27-12) dropped game one 6-5 in extra innings. PAC won the second game 9-4.

GAME ONE

Tallulah Falls scored three in the first to set the stage. Diego Gonzalez had an RBI singles, and Chase Pollock had a run-scoring hit moments later. A Chris Waldron RBI fielder’s choice made it 3-0 to give Pollock a nice lead.

Prince Avenue battled back with a 2-run homer in the home half. The Indians got a run back in the third on Waldron’s RBI single to right to score BJ Carver. That 4-2 lead held til the fifth, when the Wolverines scratched across one. TFS used a Danny Grant RBI single to center in the seventh to take a 5-3 lead into the final half inning. Prince took advantage of an error and scored twice to tie it and go to extras. In the eighth, the Wolverines had a two-out walkoff double to win 6-5.

Cole Bonitatibus took the tough-luck loss, while Pollock went six innings with six strikeouts. TFS got two hits from each of Caden Walker, Grant, and Waldron.

L – Cole Bonitatibus (8-2)
RBI – 2 Chris Waldron, Chase Pollock, Danny Grant, Diego Gonzalez

GAME TWO

Prince Avenue took control early with a 5-run fourth inning to break what had been a scoreless game. TFS got a run in the bottom of the fourth, but the Wolverines got it right back in the fifth. The Indians found some life in the fifth when Grant tripled in a run, and Gonzalez had a sac fly to make it a 6-3 game.

The Wolverines got three in the sixth to pull away. Caden Walker had an RBI hit in the sixth to pull back within 9-4.

Andrew Skvarka (5-2) took the loss after going 3.2 innings and giving up five unearned runs, as Tallulah Falls committed four errors. Seven different hitters recorded hits, while Waldron, Pollock, and Carver each had two.

The Indians finish the season at 27-12 overall and as the GHSA State Runner-Up.

L – Andrew Skvarka (5-2)

RBI – Danny Grant, Diego Gonzalez, Chris Waldron, Caden Walker

 

Where in the world is Madeline McClurg, Part III?

By
Nora Almazan
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Madeline McClurg in Vancouver, Canada, enjoying the Aurora borealis . (submitted)

Her adventures continue as Madeline McClurg, daughter of Matt and Kimberly McClurg of Clarkesville, travels the world on the Celebrity Edge Cruiseline. Her title is Activity Host, a job she feels well-suited to do. If you have not been keeping up with her story, this is Part III of a series of articles following Madeline around the world. You can read Part I and Part II here.

“The past two months have honestly been the best and most exciting months of my life,” Madeline expressed. “I have had so many new experiences!”

Madeline McClurg celebrates her first crossing over the equator. (submitted)

She experienced an equator crossing ceremony as her cruise ship crossed from French Polynesia into Hawaii at the end of April. Since McClurg had never crossed over the equator, the tradition requires that she kiss a fish, and food is dumped on her head.  “It was so much fun and hilarious! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience I’ll never forget,” McClurg confessed. “And it was in front of thousands of guests!”

WATCH: Equator crossing ceremony video here

McClurg holds a degree in music education so when she was asked to lead the newly formed Celebrity Edge Guest Choir, she jumped at the chance.

“For the longer cruises with lots of sea days, guests would join the choir on the first day, rehearse with me for about an hour every day, and then do a final performance at the end,” McClurg said she was so grateful to be able to do something she was so passionate about. The guests performed beautiful songs including “Hey Jude” and “Don’t Stop Believing”.

Madeline celebrated her birthday with co-workers on the ship under the beautiful Northern Lights in Canada. (submitted)

On May 11th, McClurg celebrated her birthday onboard the ship by seeing the beautiful Aurora Borealis as they sailed into Vancouver, Canada. Her co-workers surprised her by taking her to the front of the ship and singing Happy Birthday under the colorful sky. “It was a birthday I will never forget and one that will be hard to beat,” McClurg laughed.

Since leaving New Zealand, the Celebrity Edge traveled to the islands of French Polynesia: Raiatea, Papeete, and Moorea.

“French Polynesia was absolutely gorgeous, and it was cool to get a taste of French culture since I have never actually traveled to France before,” McClurg said. After crossing the equator, they went to Honolulu, Hilo, and Kailua Kona. Her favorite port in Hawaii was Honolulu. “It had a fantastic open-air shopping mall called Ala Moana with a beach right across from it. It was neat because one second I was in a city with shops, and the next, I was at the beach eating a delicious acai bowl.”

Delicious Hawaiian food is one of McClurg’s favorite. (submitted)

The waters in Hawaii and the French Polynesia were exactly as she imagined – clear blue with gorgeous sand. McClurg said she is not a fan of the beach but having experienced Hawaii, she has changed her mind.

The ship entered Vancouver, Canada, and will begin the Alaskan itinerary. “So far, we have been to Juneau and Skagway, which are both gorgeous but very cold! It’s crazy to go from wearing a bathing suit to heavy jackets.”

“We were lucky enough to have two Hawaiian ambassadors come onboard to do Hawaiian arts and crafts, dance classes, ukulele classes, and language speaking classes,” McClurg described. “Being an activity host, I got to help out with these classes and experience them myself.”

McClurg learned to make a fresh flower lei, participate in hula classes, and even take a Polynesian fitness dance class. She loved to experience the Hawaiian culture firsthand through the Hawaiian natives who came on board. Her favorite food is Hawaiian so far.

“When we went to Papeete, French Polynesia, I was under the assumption that there was a beach within walking distance,” McClurg started. “I was wrong and the beach was about 30 minutes away by car.”

The beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. (submitted)

McClurg contacted one of the Activity Team Members. He told her he was renting a moped and would she like to come along. “We had the best day. We ended up at a beautiful, more isolated beach and sat on a paddle board, drifting through the gloriously clear water.” McClurg commented that she had done three things out of her comfort zone: rode a moped, paddle boarded, and snuck into a luxury hotel resort to watch the sunset.

“I have no regrets. It was one of my favorite days of all,” McClurg added.

 

 

 

 

 

Social media post investigated, no school threat

By
Joy Purcell
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The Banks County Sheriff’s Office says there is “no valid threat” to any of the schools in the county after investigating a disturbing social media post.

On May 17, the sheriff’s office said it received notification of a post that “mentioned a school and contained concerning language.”

“The Banks County Sheriff’s Office immediately initiated an investigation. Upon review of the post’s content, the post did not directly threaten or specify any school,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

The release states that investigators interviewed the individual who made the post and confirmed that none of the schools in Banks County were threatened. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Austin Bond says the investigation is now closed.

Jerry R. Bishop

By
Now Habersham
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Jerry R. Bishop, age 92, of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Mr. Bishop was born on December 22, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, Mary Spivey Bishop, son, Michael Bishop, and daughter, Hope Bishop.

Jerry was a United States Air Force Veteran, having served stateside during the Korean Conflict. In his professional career, Jerry has worked as a mechanical engineer for several companies throughout his 40 years of service. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a loving father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Candy Bishop, Dallas, GA; grandchildren and spouses, Kristen and Will Lewis; Kenny and Laurie Bishop; and great-grandchildren, Connor Lewis, Kolt Bishop, and Brody Bishop.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker, Georgia, with Mr. Everett Huffman officiating.

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

Driver with ‘oversize load’ banner on car arrested after brief chase in Clayton

By
Joy Purcell
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Rabun County deputies in an unmarked sheriff's truck and a patrol car forced the unsafe driver off the road. (Photo by Rabun County Sheriff's Office)

Deputies arrested a 34-year-old man for dangerous driving after he recklessly drove through Clayton in a vehicle with an “oversize load” banner on it, officials said.

A news release from the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) said the incident began at around 2:45 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Dispatchers received three 911 calls about a grey vehicle with a banner on the back traveling southbound on GA 15/US 441.

According to investigators, one caller said the car was speeding and running other cars off the road.

Ricardo Burgos-Moreno of Conley faces multiple traffic violations following Friday’s incident. (Photo by Rabun County Sheriff’s Office)

As the car traveled into Clayton, police officers said they observed it speeding, following other vehicles too closely, and driving without headlights in the rain. After a brief chase, two deputies forced the suspect vehicle into the median near Rabun County High School south of Clayton.

The chase ended within feet of where two vehicles wrecked in the school zone earlier in the day.

Deputies arrested Ricardo Burgos-Moreno on suspicion of DUI. The Conley, Georgia, man faces other charges from the sheriff’s office and Clayton PD. He was booked at the Rabun County Detention Center, and the 2014 Nissan Sentra he was driving was towed from the scene.

“We simply can’t tolerate any level of dangerous driving, especially in this situation where it was raining and the vehicle was approaching a school zone,” said RCSO Investigator and spokesperson Kevin Angell. “In partnership with the City of Clayton, we were able to get this vehicle stopped before there was a tragedy.”

Habersham County gang investigation leads to multiple arrests

By
Joy Purcell
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A multi-agency gang investigation in Habersham County has resulted in the arrests of seven criminal street gang members and associates, the GBI says. The arrests span several Northeast Georgia counties and Western North Carolina.

The arrests follow a lengthy investigation by the GBI Gang Task Force, which was started in October 2023, officials say. The task force, with help from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and local law enforcement was able to crack down on a criminal street gang cell in Habersham County that is believed to have been linked to multiple crimes.

The GBI says the cell included members and associates of the Gangster Disciples gang. Authorities investigated them for violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, and more.

Agents in Georgia and North Carolina served search warrants and arrest warrants in the early morning hours of April 18, resulting in the following arrests:

  • Roger Laquerrius Neal, age 34, of Toccoa, GA
  • Tyler Dallas Cagle, age 33, of Waynesville, NC
  • Sarah Smathers, age 31, of Waynesville, NC
  • Terry Ray Williams Jr., age 20, of Waynesville, NC
  • Shelby Page Stephens, age 63, of Waynesville, NC
  • Quillan Leshun Samuels, age 25, of Gainesville, GA
  • Andrew Nelson Dover, age 47, of Habersham County, GA

All of the suspects are charged with possession of Schedule III drugs with intent to distribute. Additional charges are expected, officials say.

The GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Toccoa Police Department assisted with this “significant” investigation, the GBI says.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, the case files will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Convicted felon’s home raided, 6 guns seized

By
Staff Report
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Weapons members of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Gang Unit say they seized in a raid in northwest Athens on Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Athens-Clarke County Police Department)

A convicted felon from Athens has had six guns seized from his home, according to Athens police. The guns were seized on May 17 after a search of the apartment.

The search was in connection to a reckless conduct incident police say was reported to them on May 12, where a weapon was fired in a complex on Rolling Ridge Apartments. Police used video footage from the apartment complex to help locate the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Demetrius Lumpkin.

(Photo by ACCPD)

During Friday’s search, police say they found four handguns, a pistol grip AR rifle, and a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun. Police also found several high-capacity magazines, according to a news release.

Athens-Clarke County Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Jody Thompson says Lumpkin was already facing charges of reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence from the original incident. Officers also charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two charges of reckless conduct after the search warrant was executed.

Ruth Spain Harris

By
Now Habersham
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Ruth Spain Harris, age 82, of Homer, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Mrs. Harris was born on June 30, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, by the late Roy Spain and Lucille Pearl Herron Spain. She graduated from Johns Island High School and held a deep affection for her hometown, where she loved to visit and reminisce with her roots. Ruth was a devout member of Charity Baptist Church. She retired from AVON after many years of dedicated service, where she formed many lasting friendships. A lover of the outdoors, Ruth found joy in camping, sitting on her porch, watching and feeding the wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. She especially cherished traveling to the mountains to witness the breathtaking beauty of the changing leaves each fall. Her love for nature was only matched by her incredible sense of humor and her passion for a good yard sale or estate sale, where she could often be found searching for hidden treasures. Ruth was also an avid NASCAR fan. However, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother whose love for her children and grandchildren was boundless. Ruth’s legacy is one of deep familial love, unwavering care, and cherished memories. In addition to her family, Ruth’s beloved dogs, Bitsy and Mindy, held a special place in her heart and brought her immense joy and companionship. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald C. Harris, Sr.; brother, Roy Spain, Jr.; and her beloved dogs.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Ronald C. Harris, Jr. and Tonya Renee Harris, of Jefferson; son and daughter-in-law, Randal Kelby Harris and Teresa Michelle Harris, of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Justin Kyle Harris, Bryson Mitchel Harris, Christopher Szekely, Ronald C. Harris, III; sister, Martha Postell, of Snelville; brother, Forrest Spain, of Walterboro, SC; niece, Dede Spain; and several other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Charity Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. Harris’ memory to Charity Baptist Church, 1302 Highway 51 N., Homer, Georgia 30547.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.

IF

By
Justin Hall
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IF is a movie with lots of imagination and a cast with some nice moments, but ultimately, it seems misguided. It would have been more charming with a more balanced tone.

John Krasinski directs, writes, and costars in the movie. He’s the father of a 12-year-old girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming). Bea’s mother dies, leaving Krasinki’s character as a single father.

Things go from bad to worse as he has to have heart surgery and Bea is left in the care of her grandmother (Fiona Shaw).

Bea discovers a peculiar neighbor named Cal (Ryan Reynolds). Cal works with the IFs (Imaginary Friends) abandoned by their former childhood friends. His mission is to reconnect the IFs with their children.

Bea meets three of them who help her and Cal: Blue, a purple monster (Steve Carell); Blossom, a human/butterfly hybrid (Phoebe Waller-Bridge); and Lewis, an elderly teddy bear (Louis Gossett, Jr. in one of his final films).

Cal takes Bea and the IFs to a retirement community for other IFs, where characters range from a sunflower to ice to a banana and even an invisible IF. The voice work by the other IFs features some big names that I won’t reveal.

IF is a sweetly made movie, but sometimes it’s too saccharine. When the movie tries to go for laughs, they feel mostly cheap and muted. However, when it comes time to go into sappy territory, the movie is on a cinematic sugar rush.

From a visual and storytelling perspective, IF reminded me of a cross between Who Framed Roger Rabbit with a dash of Monsters Inc. The movie isn’t bad, but it explores its concept in a contrived and forced way.

Kids and families might appreciate it for what it is, but as for me, I wanted the movie to be much more assured.

It’s marginally entertaining, but it’s very much a missed opportunity.

Grade: B-

(Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language.)

For more Justin Hall at the Movies, click here

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