Robin Krockum has been appointed as Chief Deputy for the Habersham County Sheriff's Office, seen with Sheriff Joey Terrell. (Habersham County Rob Moore)
Robin Krockum, the former police chief in Demorest, has returned to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as Chief Deputy.
A press release from Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore announced the appointment on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Krockum will fill the position previously held by Murray Kogod.
Krockum began his career with the sheriff’s office in 1995, serving as a jailer, dispatcher, and transport officer for the next year. He then returned to the Demorest Police Department in 1996, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police. He served in that role until his current appointment at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
During his time at the sheriff’s office, Krockum has served in numerous positions, including patrol commander, K-9 units, traffic units, and the sexual predator tracking unit. He has also taught courses at the Northeast Georgia Technical College and Truett McConnell University.
“I’m excited,” Krockum said. “I look forward to the opportunity. I started my career up here for a year in the jail then went to Demorest, and I’m glad to be back.”
Krockum’s appointment as Chief Deputy is expected to make for a smooth transition at the beginning of 2025, with Terrell saying, “There will be stability and employees’ nerves won’t be on edge, so we’re excited about it.”
Terrell did not seek reelection as Sheriff this year. Krockum was the lone qualifier for the May primary election for the seat. Barring someone running as an independent during the General election in November, Krockum will take office as Sheriff in January.
Stock photos of a baseball in the dugouts and on the field of a baseball diamond.
It was a two-for-one on Thursday at home for the #4-ranked Indians, who took both ends of the twin billing at home against Commerce to sweep the season series. A 10-3 opening win was followed by a 6-3 win in the nightcap. TFS drilled four homeruns in the double-header.
GAME 1
The Indians put up crooked numbers in four separate innings, including scoring twice in each of the first three frames. It was 7-0 by the fifth, and after the Tigers got one on the board, TFS responded with three in the home half.
Diego Gonzalez had a sac fly in the first before Ashton Roache added an RBI single on a liner to right. Gregory Mendez then blasted a two-run homer, his first for Tallulah Falls, to stake starter Cole Bonitatibus to a 4-0 lead after two.
Zaiden Cox scored on an error in the third after hitting a triple. In the sixth, Danny Grant doubled in a run, then Wyatt Dorsey singled in one more, with another scoring on an error. Grant had two hits and two runs with an RBI, while Caden Walker had a hit, three runs, and two stolen bases. Bonitatibus (3-0) picked up the win while lasting six innings and giving up one unearned run while striking out 13 batters, which ties the single-game record for TFS.
W: Cole Bonitatibus (3-0) HR: Gregory Mendez (1) RBI: 2 Gregory Mendez; Danny Grant; Diego Gonzalez; Wyatt Dorsey; Ashton Roache
GAME 2
The nightcap was a lot more intense for the Indians, as the game was knotted up at two apiece after four innings. TFS scored in the opening inning with an RBI single by Chase Pollock. Commerce tied it up in the third before the Indians responded in the home half with a run coming off a balk. The Tigers again tied it up in the fourth.
Diego Gonzalez had started the game but came out in the fourth inning in favor of Pollock. TFS unlocked the power with back-to-back solo homers in the fifth by Chris Waldron and Caden Walker. Danny Grant scampered home on a wild pitch moments later before Ashton Roache launched a homer to right, making it three in the inning for the Indians. It marked the second time in school history with back-to-back homers (last in 2022), and the three in one inning tied for the second-most (also in 2022). The record is four (2022).
Pollock (2-1) went the final 3.2 innings to earn the win in relief. He struck out five while giving up one run. Waldron had two hits, two runs, and two stolen bases in the win. The Indians are now 10-3 overall and 5-1 in region play, and have pieced together a school-record five wins in a row.
The TFS tennis teams went to Commerce on Thursday and left with convincing region victories. The Indians won 3-2, while the Lady Indians cruised to a 5-0 final.
“Another solid region win on the road,” says coach Anthony Cox. “The boys are really coming along, and the girls continued to impress top to bottom. We also got to play some JV matches that were competitive and added some good experience.”
The Lady Indians are now 10-0 (2-0 in region), while the Indians advance to 4-6 (2-0).
Lady Indians W 5-0 vs Commerce
#1 Singles: Jaeda-Lee Daniel-Joseph (8-2) W 6-1, 6-2
#2 Singles: Ariel Kelsick (10-0) W 6-0, 6-0
#3 Singles: Azaria Junaid (9-1) W 6-0, 6-1
#1 Doubles: Ava Carnes & Charlotte Stafford (9-0) W 6-3, 6-1
#2 Doubles: Keira Webb & Landry Carnes (5-0) W 6-1, 6-1
Indians W 3-2 vs Commerce
#1 Singles: Tanner Davis (7-3) W 6-2, 6-1
#2 Singles: TJ Cox (5-5) W 6-0, 6-0
#3 Singles: Glad Puscasu (2-1) L 6-4, 3-6 (8-10)
#1 Doubles: Jake Owensby & Zach Carringer (3-2) W 6-0, 6-0
#2 Doubles: Fabian Deppe & David Vasic (2-6) L 0-6, 1-6
JV Matches:
Reilly Cox W 8-6
Christian David L 4-8
Max Pulliam/David Plaisted L 3-8
Lizzie Huebner W 8-0
Susie Sun/Sara Bailey W 8-5
Karen Sanchez/Emily Cai W 8-3
Billy J. Sellers, 75, of Baldwin, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024, following a period of declining health.
Born in Toccoa, Georgia on May 1, 1948, Billy was the son of the late Lester Sellers and the late Nettie Fowler Higdon. Billy was a United States Marine Corps veteran, having served during the Vietnam War. After honorably serving his Country, Billy spent many years as a U.S. Mail Carrier and ran his own lawncare business in Florida. Billy will forever be remembered for his sincere kindness and willingness to do anything for anyone he could. He would spend most of his retirement years in Northeast Georgia as he moved back from Florida in 1997.
Survivors include his wife Sharon Hatfield Sellers of Baldwin, daughter and son-in-law Carissa and Shaun Southerland of Mt. Airy, brother and sister-in-law Jimmy and Frances Sellers of Florida, sister Susan Williams of Florida, and grandchildren Will Southerland, Emily Southerland, and Isaac Southerland.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 3:00 PM from the Hillside Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Scott Ledbetter officiating. Interment will follow the service in Hillside Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors by the Grant Reeves Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, prior to the service, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
ATLANTA, Ga. – After trailing following the first three innings, the Piedmont University baseball team used a mid-innings comeback to take a 5-3 victory at Emory Thursday.
Piedmont out-hit the Eagles nine to two while Emory committed four errors to Piedmont’s two.
Kaden Stephenson started the game in a big way with a leadoff double but the Lions then struck out three in a row. Emory was able to capitalize in the first after a walk and an error ended up leading to a run.
The Eagles were able to strike again in the third after three walks forced an early day for Bodie Eilertson and Tyner Simpson entered in relief. Emory led 3-0 after three innings.
The Lions’ first four hits were all doubles but it wasn’t until the fifth inning that they strung them together. The third and fourth hits came with two outs in the fifth inning as Stephenson doubled again driving in Cody Funk. Two errors in the inning made Piedmont’s three runs unearned, but Trace Cate doubled to bring in Stephenson and Isaak Mullanack to tie the game at three.
In the sixth, Piedmont took advantage of Emory errors again to bring in two runs and take the lead off three singles, 5-3.
Simpson worked 4.2 innings without allowing a hit and walked just one batter. He pitched three-up, three-down innings in the seventh and eighth before Justin Manus worked the eighth inning allowing just one hit.
Braden Simms entered to close out the contest pitching the ninth inning with a 1-2-3 inning to earn his third save.
Up next, Piedmont will host Emory on Saturday at 2 p.m. for the first of two home games against the Eagles.
TURNING POINT:
–Piedmont took the lead in the fifth inning after three runs off a pair of doubles by Kaden Stephenson and Trace Cate.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
—Kaden Stephenson posted a pair of hits, both doubles, and recorded his first career RBI.
—Tyner Simpson also earned his first victory entering in relief and pitching 4.2 innings without allowing a hit and struck out four.
Two suspects wanted for the murder of a 3-year-old Athens boy are still on the run. On Thursday, police released photos of them.
Dakious Echols, 18, and Desmontrez Mathis, 22, both of Athens, are wanted in the March 8 shooting death of Kyron Zarco. The boy was fatally shot while watching television inside his home in what police believe was a gang-related shooting.
Two other suspects are in custody. All four are charged with malice murder, felony murder, four counts each of aggravated assault, and violating the state’s street gang act.
A $2,000 reward is being offered for their arrests.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Johnson at 762-400-7060 or email [email protected].
A 52-year-old Cornelia man is in jail charged with sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. The allegations came to light after one of the girl’s parents notified authorities earlier this month.
Deputies arrested David Roy Summers on Wednesday, March 13, following an investigation that included a forensic interview at FAITH’s Powerhouse in Stephens County.
During that interview, investigators say it was revealed Summers was a close family friend who spent time alone with the girl at a residence in Habersham County and took her to job sites in Rabun.
According to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, Summers inappropriately touched the victim and engaged in sexual intercourse. The alleged abuse reportedly began in late 2023.
The Habersham and Rabun County sheriff’s offices conducted a joint investigation. Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols says investigators from both agencies interviewed witnesses who placed the child with Summers at several job sites around Lake Burton. Those witnesses also reportedly provided specific locations and times when the victim and suspect were together.
Investigators also interviewed Summers. According to Sheriff Nichols, “Summers admitted to being a person of trust and confidence to the victim, spending time alone with her and taking her to multiple job sites throughout Rabun County.”
Habersham County investigators charged Summers with one count each of sexual battery and child molestation. Rabun County investigators obtained no bond warrants on him for three counts of child molestation.
Summers was booked into the Habersham County Detention Center. Sheriff Nichols says the investigation is ongoing.
If you have information about this case, please call investigators at the Habersham or Rabun County sheriff’s offices.
(Georgia Recorder) — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday that it’s up to states and not Congress to preserve access to in vitro fertilization, weighing in on a growing national debate and campaign issue.
“It’s not my belief that Congress needs to play a role here,” the Louisiana Republican said during a press conference at the House GOP retreat in West Virginia. “I think this is being handled by the states.”
Republicans, he said, support IVF as a way for people to begin or grow their families, as long as it’s handled “ethically.”
“And I think the states are handling that well,” Johnson said.
IVF access blew up into a nationwide problem for Republicans after the Alabama state Supreme Court ruled in February frozen embryos constitute “children” under state law. Democrats have stressed their support for reproductive rights and fertility treatments in contrast to the Alabama ruling.
The decision halted IVF access in the state until the legislature approved and Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation this month to provide IVF clinics with civil and criminal immunity. That new law, however, has left numerous questions for clinics in Alabama.
Democrats attempt to pass legislation
Democrats in the U.S. Senate have tried to pass two bills that would have addressed access to IVF in the weeks since the Alabama state Supreme Court ruling, but Republican senators blocked them each time.
Washington state Democratic Sen. Patty Murray sought approval to pass her bill to expand access to IVF for military service members and veterans this week, but Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford opposed her efforts.
Both Democratic senators tried to pass their bill through the unanimous consent process, which allows any senator to block the bill from moving forward. The Senate hasn’t yet held a roll call vote on either bill.
Several House GOP lawmakers have introduced resolutions to express the sense of Congress that IVF is a good thing and that Americans should have access to it, though those are not bills and therefore wouldn’t actually protect access to the procedure.
Johnson, speaking Thursday during the press conference, said he and the Republican Party support IVF and protecting it, just not with nationwide legislation.
“That’s a remarkable thing and it’s something we ought to protect and preserve,” Johnson said. “And I think our party is certainly committed to that.”
Skylyn (left) and Ashlyn Yaskiewicz (Photos by Austin Poffenberger)
They’re a package deal. Ashlyn and Skylyn Yaskiewicz developed into a talented volleyball duo that provided a 2-for-1 for college coaches. Reinhardt University made the offer. The twins have officially signed that LOI to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.
“I could not imagine going on my college journey without my sister,” says Skylyn. “We have been together our whole lives, obviously, but she’s not just my sister — she’s my best friend. I did have a school reach out to me and not Ashlyn due to her position already being filled. Even though this could have been a good opportunity, I kindly declined.”
“It is incredible to be able to continue playing the sport that I love,” adds Ashlyn. “When I started playing volleyball freshman year, I never imagined I would play collegiate volleyball. I wanted to sharpen my craft with every practice, and my dedication and hard work finally paid off. It is truly a blessing to have this opportunity.”
The Tallulah Falls sisters felt comfortable with Reinhardt, leading to the decision to put pen to paper.
“When we started talking to the coaches and had our first phone call, we immediately felt comfortable with them,” says Skylyn. “When we visited, we were welcomed by the sweetest girls who play on the team. They took us around campus, which was beautiful. We met a couple more of the girls, and then they took us to their FCA meeting, which was really nice. At the end, we practiced with some of the team and spoke with the coaches. This was a wonderful experience and everyone made us felt like we were already on the team. Not only were the girls amazing, but they also share the same morals and beliefs as us. We instantly knew that this would be a great place for us to call home.”
Though it came together nicely, the recruiting process has its ups and downs.
“The recruiting process is relatively simple regarding contacting coaches, but it can also get pretty stressful at times,” admits Ashlyn. “As I went through the process of finding colleges to play for, I would start talking to a coach, and they seemed interested until they told me they were moving in a different direction for my position. I had my two top schools reject me from playing volleyball for them, and I almost lost sight of playing in college, but I kept hope and eventually found Reinhardt University. Now that I know where I am going, I am relieved.”
For Skylyn, it wasn’t that long ago that she even considered playing college volleyball a possibility.
“When I first started playing volleyball, my goal was to make the varsity team someday,” states Skylyn. “I grew to love the sport so much. I began to think about playing in college my sophomore year, but I got really serious about it my junior year. I got NCSA and started searching. Ever since then, I have been working on improving in every area and getting stronger. My hard work and dedication has paid off and I am so blessed and thankful for this opportunity.”
While both of the girls are excited for what’s to come, they will never forget their time at TFS.
“I will miss having my friends and teachers around me,” adds Ashlyn. “I have developed so many close bonds with my peers at TFS, and I will never forget our fun times together. The friendships I have made at TFS will last a lifetime. I will also miss Coach [Matt] Heyl because he never gave up on me when I began my volleyball career. Without him, none of this would have been possible.”
Ashlyn was a 2nd Team All-Region honoree, totaling 115 kills, 103 digs, 30 aces, 5 blocks, and 5 assists. Skylyn was an All-Region Honorable Mention who recorded 58 digs, 40 aces, 35 kills, 20 assists, and 11.5 blocks.
The Yaskiewicz twin signings moves the number to now seven TFS student-athletes to sign an LOI this academic year. Now, eight volleyball players in TFS history will have gone on to play college ball. Ashlyn and Skylyn will be honored with all other senior signees in May 2024 at the second annual Next Level Signing Ceremony.
Danette Hasek, Assistant Principal at Mossy Creek Elementary with Administrative Team at White County Homecoming Parade. (Hasak)
White County has a new Director of Elementary Curriculum in the District Office. Danette Hasek, assistant principal of Mossy Creek Elementary School, will begin her new role on July 1, 2024.
“I am elated about my new role at the county office. My new responsibilities will cover Pre-K to fifth-grade content and gifted education,” Hasek said with enthusiasm.
Hasek is no stranger to education. She has worked in various roles for 32 years, starting as a private music teacher during the day and a second violin coach for an Orchestra in Las Vegas, NV by night. Her next opportunity landed her in Illinois where she was hired by an educational store to read every instructional book on their shelves. Hasek recalls, “I prepared quick points on each book and how it would benefit an educator.”
She moved with her family in 2004 to Georgia where she was hired as a classroom teacher for Forsyth County Schools. Two years ago, Hasek moved to Cleveland, Georgia, and was hired by White County Schools, where she has served as Mossy Creek’s assistant principal.
Danette Hasek and husbanc Craig (Hasak)
Education
In 2002, Hasek received her Bachelor of Science PK-8 Education Degree from Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. She graduated Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.8.
Afterward, in 2012 she finished her K-12 Master of Education, her Education Leadership and Administration Principal and Administrator Licensure with a 4.0 GPA, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Jones International University.
In 2021, she graduated from Kennesaw State University, in Kennesaw, Georgia, with her Ed.S Teacher Leadership with a 4.0 GPA.
Family
Hasek met her husband in college and the two have been together for 34 years. They share 3 adult children with three wonderful spouses, whom Hasek says they claim as their own. There are three grandchildren and another on the way in May.
Danette Hasek with family. (Hasek)
The District Office
“White County Schools are moving in an exciting direction with literacy and math. I hope to continue the momentum in which our county is moving with the science of reading and conceptual understanding of mathematics,” Hasek explained.
This past year, she served on the White County Literacy and Math teams. Her passion for research, curriculum, instructional strategies, and helping teachers is the driving force behind her desires. “I have loved being at Mossy Creek. The community is wonderful and the teachers are amazing and dedicated to children’s success,” Hasek added.
Hasek hopes to use her new position at the District Office to positively impact student achievement.
Advice for new teachers
“I tell new teachers in the profession or anyone thinking about becoming a teacher to find joy, be passionate, and be a continual learner,” Hasek advised.
She believes that the field of teaching is an evolving profession. There are always changes in how education is run, how things are taught, and how students learn best. Hasek emphasized that teachers must find peace in flexibility and adaptability.
Danette Hasek and Principal of Mossy Creek Elementary, Natalie Carpenter (Hasek)
Her mentor
Hasek stressed the importance of mentors in her life and the lives of others. Throughout her tenure, she remarks that many have guided and taught her about life and work.
“I have precious administrators, I have worked with for years, who have coached me and impacted my development as an educator,” Hasek reminisced. “I am appreciative of my colleagues who have turned into life-long friends and who continue to inspire me.”
Her parents have been a huge support for her all through life.
“I believe having a mentor is important for self-reflection and refinement,” Hasek said. “An outside view grows grit.”
New No Parking signs connected by cables have been installed along the access to the handicapped parking area at Diamond Memorial Fields on the Habersham County Fairgrounds near Clarkesville. Only vehicles with valid handicapped placards or license plates displayed are allowed to park on the lower level. The parking restrictions apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week whether or not an event is taking place. (Habersham County photo/Rob Moore)
Parking at Diamond Memorial Fields has been an issue for several years and has prompted county officials to make a change for this baseball and softball season.
It is important to note, that drivers need to realize what the new signs and cables at Diamond Memorial Fields are and adhere to them.
These have been installed along the single-lane entrance and exit roads, preventing people from parking partially on the shoulder or grass island.
Parents and others parking in the road, on the grass and elsewhere that obstructed handicapped parking and emergency vehicle access to Diamond Memorial Fields has resulted in the installation of new No Parking signs and cables around the island and along the shoulder of both roads. (Habersham County photo/Rob Moore)
“The safety of our community is our top priority,” said Habersham County Parks and Recreation Director Brooke Whitmire. “Implementing parking enforcement along the drive to Diamond Memorial Park ensures clear access for emergency vehicles in case of an urgent situation.”
Those who park in the handicapped spaces at Diamond Memorial Fields must have a valid handicapped placard or license plate displayed at all times. Those who do not have handicapped credentials are not allowed to utilize parking on the lower level.
New No Parking signs connected by cables have been installed along the access to the handicapped parking area at Diamond Memorial Fields on the Habersham County Fairgrounds near Clarkesville. Only vehicles with valid handicapped placards or license plates displayed are allowed to park on the lower level. The parking restrictions apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week whether or not an event is taking place. (Habersham County photo/Rob Moore)
“We kindly remind visitors that parking is reserved for individuals with disabilities only at the designated spots at the end of the looped drive,” Whitmire said. “All other vehicles are allowed to load and unload only and must immediately leave the area. Additionally, parking is strictly prohibited between the ballfields to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all park users.”
Drivers have ignored the warnings of Whitmire and Sheriff Joey Terrell. They have asked people in prior seasons to adhere to parking restrictions and continued to block access for emergency vehicles and those with handicapped permits.
“By implementing parking enforcement and reminding visitors of designated parking areas, we aim to create a safer and more accessible Diamond Memorial Park for everyone,” Whitmire said. “We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the park safe and enjoyable for all.”
The Hall County Government website has a new look and feel. The change is the result of a two-month redesign process.
“Our website often serves as the first stop for engaging with citizens and providing information about government services,” says Sarah Crowe, Communications and Strategic Engagement Manager. “It was important to us to update key features, such as a navigation bar that scrolls with the page and easy-to-use calendars, to ensure we are providing more than just an inviting-looking page.”
The redesign project was carried out by Hall County’s website vendor, CivicPlus. The new features include a more user-friendly design, with a navigation bar that scrolls with the page, and easy-to-use calendars.
While the new look debuted March 14, the website’s information remains largely unchanged and will still be located at www.hallcounty.org.
