Contractors and home renovators in Habersham County will have to start looking for another place to dump their trash. The Board of Commissioners voted Monday night to stop accepting construction and demolition (C&D) waste at the county landfill, effective February 29, 2024.
Solid waste staff recommended the move because the C&D cells are reaching capacity.
The staff also recommended that the commission close the C&D cells effective the same date that trash is banned. However, commissioners stopped short of doing that due to the pending need to dispose of C&D waste that will result from the demolition of the old county courthouse, which should begin around that same time.
In other business
Habersham County commissioners amended their December 18 agenda and removed six animal control agreements with local municipalities.
One of those cities with a pending agreement is Baldwin.
Baldwin Councilmember Alice Venter spoke briefly at Monday night’s county commission meeting. She spoke positively about the strides made with the inter-governmental agreement (IGA) but said the county needs to have more discussions with the cities to fix the animal control IGA “once and for all.”
In other business, the commission approved the purchase of 15 Panasonic Rugged Toughbook computers for the Sheriff’s Office to replace computers in the Patrol Division. The cost to replace those computers was approximately $35,113. The funds would come from the FY 2024 capital improvement budget.
The commission approved the purchase of a mobile computer-aided dispatching system for law enforcement and Fire/EMS vehicles. The cost of the software is $289,984. The funds for this purchase were approved in the IT FY 2024 capital improvement budget.
Commissioners also approved seven alcohol license renewals and amended the county’s Traffic and Vehicles ordinance. The amendment adds a new article to the ordinance for regulating Tow Trucks and Wrecker Services.
Habersham County commissioners also passed a resolution setting the qualifying fees for the 2024 elections.
We will continue to update you as more information is given.
Gov. Brian Kemp held a press conference at the state Capitol on Dec. 18, 2023, to announce employee bonuses and extra funding for school security. Pictured with the governor, from left, are State Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), House Speaker Jon Burns, and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin). (livestream image)
Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday that state employees, including teachers, will receive a retention pay supplement of up to $1,000. The bonuses are expected to cost the state around $330 million and will be included in the governor’s amended budget for fiscal year 2024.
In a press release, the governor stated that the bonuses were a way for the state to show its appreciation for employees’ hard work during the pandemic and “unprecedented challenges of the last several years.” The bonuses are also a part of the governor’s efforts to improve the state’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining talent.
“This retention pay supplement will arrive during the holiday season, and it’s part of my administration’s way of showing our appreciation for all that they do,” Kemp said during a press conference announcing the bonuses.
Additional funding for school security
In addition to employee bonuses, the governor also announced that every K-12 public school in the state will receive $45,000 for personnel or infrastructure improvements to strengthen school security. This funding is expected to be ongoing annually and is part of the governor’s goal to make Georgia’s schools the safest in the nation.
“This additional investment in school safety will benefit every part of the state,” continued Governor Kemp, “and it’s just the latest action we’re taking to secure our classrooms and back our law enforcement. This new funding comes on top of the $7,000 teacher pay raise and historic K-12 funding levels we’ve put in place since I took office.”
“I’m proud to join Governor Kemp in providing additional funding for school safety initiatives as well as supplemental pay for our state employees,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “We want every child in our state to have the opportunity to learn, grow and explore in a safe and secure environment, and this proposal will help ensure that happens.
The governor’s office has previously allocated $185 million for school safety grants, including $30,000 for every public school in 2019 and a second round of grants earlier this year, equaling $50,000 per school.
This article was written using assistive AI technology
Brandon Nash stares into camera as Stephens County deputies place handcuffs on him following an hours-long manhunt on December 12, 2023. (Stephens County Sheriff's Office photo)
A Cleveland, Georgia, man faces multiple charges following his arrest last week after a manhunt. Brandon Nash fired on a deputy while fleeing from a traffic stop, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office says. No one was injured in the shooting.
Fleeing traffic stop
On December 12, a Stephens County deputy attempted to stop a Ford Fusion for a traffic violation on the Toccoa Bypass near Highway 145. The driver fled, and a high-speed chase ensued. According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, the pursuit reached speeds over 90 mph.
The pursuit continued onto Mize Road. The suspect, later identified as Nash, turned into a private drive and fled on foot. He disappeared into the woods behind a house at the intersection of Old Mize Road and Highway 106.
“The deputy continued to chase the suspect on foot through the woods. The suspect dropped a backpack, which was found to have more than 8 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, bags of prepackaged marijuana, and digital weighing scales, before falling on the ground,” says Sheriff Shirley. “The deputy then drew his duty weapon to give commands to the suspect. The suspect got up and immediately lunged forward at the deputy, grabbing the deputy’s duty weapon.”
According to Shirley, “A treacherous struggle ensued over the weapon. During the altercation, a shot was fired but did not strike the suspect.”
Nash ran down an embankment, and Shirley says he fired a handgun up at the deputy, who soon lost sight of him.
3-hour search
Personnel and K9s from multiple state and local law enforcement agencies conducted ground and aerial manhunts. They searched for the 30-year-old Nash for three hours until a resident on Pine Villa Drive encountered him and called 911. The resident recognized Nash from a description authorities released.
The caller said the man asked for a ride and appeared to have been swimming and running through the woods. Deputies arrived on the scene and took Nash into custody.
Authorities charged Nash with trafficking methamphetamine, aggravated assault on law enforcement, attempted removal of a weapon from a law enforcement officer, and obstructing or hindering law enforcement. Deputies booked him at the Stephens County Jail.
Shirley says additional charges are likely to follow. Nash is currently on federal parole.
Authorities also arrested a female passenger who was traveling with Nash. Sheriff Shirley identified her as Melissa Grizzle. Deputies charged her with trafficking meth.
Shirley expressed gratitude to the agencies involved in the search, including Georgia State Patrol Posts 7 (Toccoa) and 52 (Hartwell), the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Toccoa Police Department, and the sheriff’s offices in Hart, Hall, Franklin, and Rabun counties.
He also thanked the “vigilant members of the community” who helped apprehend Nash.
Law enforcement and emergency personnel respond to the scene on Shook Road where a dirt bike crashed while being pursued by a Habersham County Sheriff's deputy. The incident occurred in the Fairview community west of Clarkesville on Friday night, December 15, 2023. (Rob Moore/Habersham County)
The Georgia State Patrol has identified the driver injured Friday night during a pursuit by Habersham County deputies as Mason Tench of Demorest.
The 30-year-old Tench was seriously injured when he wrecked the CRF 450X dirt bike he was driving.
Troopers were called to investigate the crash in the Fairview community west of Clarkesville around 9:35 p.m. on December 15. Their preliminary report states that Tench was traveling north on Shook Road evading deputies when he wrecked.
The front wheel of the bike struck a log that was partially in the roadway and rolled several times.
Authorities suspected Tench was driving under the influence. The state patrol charged him with DUI.
Trespassing complaint
The incident began when a 911 caller complained that a dirt bike was trespassing and making loud noise in the area of Wheeler and Garrett Roads.
“When the deputy identified himself to the motorcyclist at the intersection and asked him to pull over, the motorcyclist pulled away, turning onto Shook Road,” says Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore.
Moore describes Shook as a “leaf-slickened dirt road” that runs between Garrett and Wheeler roads. He says the deputy was navigating a large mud hole when Tench, who was out ahead of him, crashed.
Habersham County EMS transported Tench to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville for treatment.
Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa and GSP’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) investigated the crash.
Georgia, a four month old pit bull awaited her turn for the free pet clinic Saturday. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) hosted another Free Community Pet Clinic for Habersham County residents, just in time for the holidays.
Clinic served 240 pets
The Free Clinic was held at the Habersham County Fairgrounds in Clarkesville on December 16 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. HCACC Director Madi Nix stated that the free pet clinic served 240 pets in three hours and received 125 applications for spay/neuter. Nix recognized that more than half of the pets served applied for spay/neutering which demonstrates the need for the service in the county.
During the event, volunteers administered free basic veterinary services for cats and dogs. Those services included rabies shots, DappV (dog) and HCP (cat) vaccines, flea treatment, microchips, and applications for spay/neuter vouchers.
Those pet owners who received the golden ticket vouchers can redeem them at Planned Pethood of Georgia in Duluth by appointment.
Several vehicles line up for the free pet clinic Saturday at the Habersham County fairgrounds. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham)
Funding through donations
The clinic was funded through donations to HCACC, a generous donation from the Allen Family, and Planned Pethood of Georgia.
Also available free to pet owners at the clinic were pet food, collars, leashes, and treats, all donated by the Atlanta Humane Society.
Nix stated, “The costs have gone up drastically on our end this year, not only to put on this event but also for the spay/neuter. We’re going through an application process to make sure that we’re reaching the right family.”
Selection process
Mert was a real trooper as he received his vaccine at the free pet clinic Saturday. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
She explains that Animal Control has a selection process during the year that leads pet owners in need to the event. Animal Control officers respond to calls where a pet owner hasn’t gotten their pet vaccinated. The officers have the option to write the owner a citation or they may give the owner a “golden ticket” where the pet can receive the vaccinations for free, based on need.
Habersham County residents Linda Sullens and Teresa Coffee rode together to bring their pets to the free clinic. Both are fans of the clinic. Both stated, “We love it.” Sullens added, “Absolutely the best thing in the world.” Coffee stated, “ It helps people like us.”
Habersham County resident Dot Ellis and her husband brought their two dogs to the free clinic. Ellis stated, “It helps us financially. It’s a financial savings for us. We’re both on a fixed income.”
Free or low-cost veterinarian care
Director of Outreach for Planned Pethood Tanya Weaver explained that the partnership with HCACC was done to provide free or low-cost veterinarian care to the community to reduce overcrowding in the animal shelter.
Many people, especially the elderly, surrender their pets to the animal shelter because they can’t afford to take their pets to a veterinarian.
The Planned Pethood van came equipped to provide vaccines and microchips for pets at the free pet clinic on Saturday morning at the Habersham County fairgrounds. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)The Grinch attempts to “steal” a bag of dog food during the free pet clinic on Saturday. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Microchipping for pets
One facet she explained was providing free microchipping for pets. Should a pet be picked up by animal control, the pet can quickly be returned to the owner without taking space in the shelter. Providing spay and neutering services also helps with reducing the overcrowding pressures at the animal shelter.
With the Grinch, elves, and a polar bear on hand, HCACC staff dressed in festive attire for the event to add a smile to patrons of the free clinic. Nix stated that doing that adds a bit of entertainment and takes the boredom out of waiting.
HCACC staff dress in festive attire to provide entertainment and a smile to patrons of the free pet clinic. (HCACC Madi Nix)
Scout was given up because he crashed weddings. He is now fixed and ready to settle down. (Habersham County Animal Care and Control photo)
Meet Scout, the life of the paw-ty at Habersham County Animal Shelter! This young bachelor is ready to trade in his concrete kingdom for a cozy home this Christmas – no more “ruffing” it in a kennel for this festive fellow!
Scout, a charming young lad, was sadly surrendered by his previous owner. Why, you ask? Well, it turns out Scout had a knack for crashing weddings at a local venue. Yep, you read that right – he’s a hopeless romantic who couldn’t resist a good love celebration!
But worry not; Scout has turned in his wedding-crasher cape and is now a well-behaved gentleman. He’s been fixed and is fully vetted, ready to bring joy and laughter to his future family. No more runaway escapades – he’s on the hunt for a forever home where he can settle down and be the center of attention!
Scout gets along well with other dogs, especially the ladies. (HCACC photo)
Scout is a certified party animal with energy levels that would make the Energizer Bunny jealous. He’s not just a dog; he’s a four-legged fiesta! If you’re looking for a pup to keep up with your active lifestyle or need a live-in comedian, Scout is your guy.
This holiday season, Scout is dreaming of snuggling by the fireplace, unwrapping presents with his forever family, and maybe even getting a taste of some Christmas ham. He’s also open to fostering during the holidays – think of it as a festive trial run to see if Scout is the perfect addition to your home!
Scout gets along famously with female dogs, so if you have a furry lady at home, they could be the dynamic duo you never knew you needed. Come meet Scout and discover the joy of having your very own party planner and professional cuddle buddy!
Make this Christmas extra special by giving Scout the gift of a loving home. Who needs mistletoe when you’ve got Scout’s adorable puppy eyes and wagging tail to brighten your days? Adopt Scout – because every day with him is a celebration!
Click on the image to schedule a time to meet Scout.
“Wonka” shows us how the Candy Man became the Candy Man. There’s no use competing with Gene Wilder’s interpretation of the character, but Timothee Chalamet does an admirable job of giving us a Willy Wonka became Willy Wonka in this colorful and occasionally heartfelt prequel.
“Wonka” begins with the titular character arriving in a European city of sorts, desperate to sell his new chocolate. He’s without a home at first until he gets a room at a boarding house run by Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Colman) and her right-hand man Bleacher (Tom Davis).
Wonka is forced to work in the boarding house to pay off his debts for staying there, and he’s introduced to a series of individuals who are there for similar reasons. One of them is an orphan named Noodle (Calah Lane). Together the two devise a plan to escape to the house with the others.
If battling Mrs. Scrubitt and Bleacher wasn’t enough, Wonka comes face to face with three other chocolatiers in the form of Mr. Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Mr. Prodnose (Matt Lucas), and Mr. Ficklegruber (Mathew Boynton). They’re greedy corporate businessmen who want Wonka out of the game.
“Wonka” was directed by Paul King, who made the Paddington movies. He gives Willy Wonka’s origin story an entertaining, bright, and magnetic presence in the first half, but the second half is where things slow down and introduce a few too many plot machinations that only work in starts and fits.
Instead of trying something whimsical, the movie resorts to standard action movie fare, with Wonka having to turn into a special effects extravaganza. The film is certainly technically impressive and oftentimes beautiful to look at with a charismatic star center, but I think the movie’s true hope was lost somewhere along the way.
There are good performances besides Chalamet’s to drive the train home, such as Keegan Michael-Key as a Chief of Police, Rowan Atkinson as a chocolate-loving priest, and Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa. Yes, some of the classic numbers from the original are regurgitated here by Grant, and he brings a quirky presence that fits when he’s on screen.
Wonka is thankfully restrained when it comes to nostalgia overload, but there’s just enough for Wilder fans to appreciate, and the finale does have some heart and soul.
“Wonka” may not quite hit the sweet spot as much as it wants to, but it’s a decent holiday treat.
Grade: B
(Rated PG for some violence, mild language and thematic elements.)
Robin Gale Turnage Rowe, 58, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at her home in Clarkesville, Georgia.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, there was nothing she treasured more on this earth than her family and friends. She met the love of her life, Corbin, while she was in nursing school at The College of Charleston (he was a Cadet at The Citadel) and earlier this month, they celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary where it all began. Her greatest joy was being a mom to Maddie, Rebecca, Olivia, & Jack. She was their biggest fan cheering them on in all their endeavors. Most recently, she relished being a grandmother to her grandson, Abdul, and mother-in-law to Hassan.
Robin was a dedicated surgical nurse of 36 years, working initially at Northside Hospital, with the past ten years being at Habersham Medical Center and Northeast Georgia Medical Center. As a breast cancer survivor, Robin was able to serve her patients with an extra measure of compassion and empathy. She loved spending time on the water and didn’t care if it was the beach or the lake as long as there was a sunset. She was always the life of the party and first on the dance floor. As a red-headed, Southern girl from Dillon, South Carolina, Robin could be feisty but genuinely loved people and was a friend to many.
Robin would tell you that her first love was Jesus. She shared her faith in her Savior through her works, on mission trips, Bible studies, being a prayer warrior, fixing meals, or just simply reaching out to friends to bless their day. She longed for the day she would meet Him face to face and openly stated that she was ready when He was. She began each day sitting in her comfy chair, studying God’s word and praying over those she loved. Her Bible was her greatest earthly possession.
Robin is preceded in death by her parents, Carolyn & CR Turnage, mother-in-law Rebecca Treadway, & her granddaughter, Hedaya.
She is survived by her husband, Corbin; her daughters, Maddie (Hasson Ghoz), Rebecca, & Olivia; her son, Jack, & grandson, Abdul. She is also survived by her sister, Cheryl (Luke Barefoot); brothers, Michael (Helen), & Bruce (Sherrie); sisters-in-law, Ann (Brad Flack), Susan Rowe, Mandy (Jason Scherer), & Katie Treadway; fathers-in-law, David Rowe & Bruce Treadway; and a host of nieces & nephews.
A Celebration of Robin’s Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, at Level Grove Baptist Church. A reception for family & friends will be held immediately following the service.
In honor of the vibrant life she lived, the family is asking for everyone to wear color to the Celebration of Robin’s Life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Everyday Good, www.theeverydaygood.com/donate.
A federal jury awarded two former Georgia election workers $148 million in damages in their defamation lawsuit against former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
An email exchange indicates that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis wants Donald Trump and his top aides to serve prison terms in the 2020 presidential election interference case.
The details about Willis warning the possibility of prison sentences for the former Republican president, Trump’s former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Trump’s former attorney Rudy Giuliani in the landmark racketeering case were revealed in a Dec. 7 Guardian article describing a testy email exchange between Willis and Trump’s attorney Steve Sadow.
The Guardian cites a string of emails starting on Nov. 29 in which Willis took offense to Sadow referring to her as a prosecutor rather than an elected district attorney.
Sources with direct knowledge of the emails told the news outlet that the tension-filled exchange began with Sadow complaining that he was sent an incomplete transcript by the district attorney’s office. The exchange continued with Willis stating that both their legal careers would continue after the defendants in the sweeping election case had spent time in prison.
Willis defended her reputation against the accusation that her office was purposefully withholding evidence from defense lawyers while telling Sadow that “long after these folks are in jail, we will still be practicing law.”
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (livestream image)
So far, Fulton prosecutors have negotiated plea deals with four co-defendants that allow them to spend their sentences on probation if they cooperate as state witnesses. Trump and the remaining other co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, alleging they were involved in a multi-state conspiracy to overthrow the 2020 presidential election results.
A number of legal and political experts predict that the Fulton prosecutors will continue to negotiate plea agreements with many of the remaining co-defendants, and that their testimony will be used to strengthen the cases against Trump and his close allies, including Meadows and Giuliani.
Willis is pushing for the trial for Trump and co-defendants to start in August, which would likely run through the November 2024 presidential election.
Trump is the frontrunner to be the GOP nominee in a rematch against Democratic President Joe Biden.
In a recent court hearing, Fulton’s lead prosecutor and Trump’s seasoned Georgia criminal defense attorney publicly clashed when Sadow claimed that having Trump on trial close to Election Day would be the worst example of election interference in American history.
Jury awards $148 million in Giuliani defamation case
On Friday, a federal jury in Washington D.C. awarded $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers who were the targets of Giuliani’s baseless claims that they counted fraudulent absentee ballots in the 2020 presidential election.
The eight jurors awarded the hefty damages following a four-day civil trial against Giuliani, who was found guilty earlier this year of defaming former Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea ArShaye “Shaye” Moss.
Wandrea ArShaye “Shaye” Moss, left, a former Fulton County election worker, was comforted by her mother, Ruby Freeman, seated behind her, as Moss testified during the fourth hearing on the January 6th House investigation. (livestream image)
The $148 million awarded to Freeman and Moss includes $75 million in punitive damages and another $73 million in compensatory damages for defamation and emotional distress. Freeman and Moss became main targets of Trump and a large number of his supporters, advancing conspiracy theories that rampant voting fraud cost Trump the election in Georgia as well as several other swing states.
During the trial last week, Freeman became emotional while testifying about the threats to her life she faced while Giuliani, as Trump’s personal and campaign lawyer, publicly claimed she helped rig the 2020 presidential election in Biden’s favor while processing absentee ballots at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena following the November election.
Even after conceding to making defamatory statements against Freeman and Moss, Giuliani remained defiant while speaking to news reporters gathered outside the federal courthouse on Dec. 11 following jury selection.
Freeman and Moss are expected to be prominent state witnesses in the Fulton election interference case against Guiliani, Trump, and the former president’s allies. Fulton election interference defendants Harrison Floyd, Trevian Kutti, and Stephen Lee are accused of harassing Freeman while attempting to force her to confess to something security video shows didn’t happen.
Short, succinct apology letters
One-sentence-long apology letters were written by two co-defendants who reached plea agreements in the Fulton election interference case.
The short apology letters written in October by attorneys and co-defendants Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro succinctly stated that they apologized for the actions that led to them being charged in the racketeering case. The details of the handwritten letters were reported on Friday by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which obtained the letters through an open records request.
Fulton prosecutors’ plea deals with four co-defendants allow them to avoid any jail time if they cooperate as state witnesses and also write a letter apologizing to Georgia residents.
Texas attorney Sidney Powell and co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro wrote single-sentence apology letters to the people of Georgia. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
Powell wrote on Oct. 19 that she regretted being involved in the Coffee County voting system breach following the 2020 election. In a one-sentence letter, Chesebro apologized for his role in orchestrating a slate of alternate Republican electors to submit false ballots in support of Trump.
The apology letters of two other co-defendants, Atlanta bail bondsman Scott Hall and former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis, were longer.
Hall wrote that he did not intentionally break any laws and wished he had not been involved in the Coffee breach that led to his charges.
At a court hearing last month, Ellis became emotional as she read her letter aloud. She expressed regret for participating in a Georgia Senate subcommittee hearing during which several Trump attorneys urged state lawmakers to overturn the election results.
The Habersham County Commission will consider closing the C&D cells at the landfill and approve new animal control agreements with cities in the county. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will vote this evening on a proposal to close the construction and demolition (C&D) cell at the county landfill. If approved, the landfill in Mt. Airy will no longer accept C&D debris. That means contractors, home renovators, and others will have to haul their large debris to landfills outside of Habersham.
It’s an odd reversal for a landfill that was supposed to serve the county for the better part of this century. A decade ago, engineers estimated that the Habersham County landfill would satisfy the county’s waste disposal needs until 2072. Now, the C&D portion of the dump is nearly full.
Three months ago, then-interim landfill director Johnny Vickers told commissioners the C&D cell had eight months of available space.
“After that point, we will have no more room for C&D at the landfill,” he told commissioners at their September 18 work session.
When that happens, Vickers said the other cells at the landfill would start filling up fast if they accepted C&D waste. Discontinuing C&D service is one way commissioners hope to extend the landfill’s life. By acting now, the county would give contractors a few months to make other arrangements before having to haul their trash out of the county.
The Habersham County Commission will discuss landfill operations during its work session at 5 p.m. Monday night, December 18. Commissioners will vote on whether to close the C&D cell during their regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m.
Both meetings will take place in the jury assembly room at the Habersham County Courthouse at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville.
In addition to landfill concerns, the commission will deliberate on new intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) for animal control services with six cities in Habersham County. The proposed agreements outline a new formula based on each municipality’s tax digest and population to determine the cost of animal control services.
A table provided to the commissioners reveals that five out of the six cities will experience a decrease in costs for animal control services. Notably, Clarkesville and Cornelia will incur no cost for these services, while Alto will see a slight increase of just under $215 for the year 2023.
The table outlines the animal control costs to each city based on a new formula using the city’s tax digest and their population. (Habersham Commission packet December 18, 2023. www.habershamga.com)Each city must individually agree to the IGA with the county and approve the ordinance used by Habersham County to enforce animal control policies and regulations. The IGA is set to automatically renew each July 1 unless a 60-day notice is provided before the renewal date.
The Habersham County Commission work session and regular meeting will be held in the Jury Assembly Room at the Habersham County Courthouse at 275 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville. The work session will begin at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
Ronnie Lee Holcomb, 63, of Toccoa, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on December 16th, 2023, at his home with his family and his two dogs, Meko and Lucy.
There will be a celebration of life for Ronnie at 3 pm on January 7th, 2024, at The River Church in Alto, Georgia. The family asks if you had any relationship with Mr. Holcomb. Come celebrate the wonderful years we had him on this earth. Please bring a covered dish for a time of fellowship and reminiscing the great memories we have of him.
He was born on April 18th, 1960, in Stephens County, Georgia. He was the son of the late Della Mae Craig Holcomb and Jimmy Lloyd Holcomb. He was the youngest of 7 siblings as follows: Furman Holcomb, Bobbie Holcomb Addison, Goss Holcomb, Fred Holcomb, Willie “Wick” Holcomb Gibby, and James “Dupe” Holcomb.
He married the love of his life, Kathy Jane Holcomb on June 7th, 1987. They were married for 36 years.
Ronnie worked with Southern Craftsmen Guild for almost 40 years. He enjoyed playing and coaching softball, fishing, doing yard work, and spending time with his wife and daughter. He was a long-time member of High Point Congregational Church and loved his church family very much.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Kathy Holcomb; Daughters, Valerye Lauryn-Elizabeth Holcomb and Sandy Manus Bailey; brothers, Furman, Fred, and James Holcomb; and many nieces and nephews.
Ronnie is preceded in death by Della Holcomb, Jimmy Holcomb, Willie “Wick” Gibby, Bobbie Addison, and Goss Holcomb.
In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, we ask that you kindly consider a donation to The Lewy Body Dementia Association or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease to help find a cure for those who lived just like Ronnie. The family wishes to thank Pastor Gerald and Debbie Roach at The River Church for hosting his celebration.
Police have charged a 22-year-old Gainesville man with multiple felonies tied to an armed robbery and series of auto break-ins. Police say Sully Eanes also tried to talk his way out of arrest by bribing a police officer.
Officers with the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) arrested Eanes on December 13. They say he broke into a number of automobiles, stole a vehicle, and used victims’ financial banking information. Detectives also linked Eanes to an armed robbery that occurred on December 4.
Following his arrest, Eanes allegedly tried to get a police officer to let him go by offering a $15,000 bribe.
Police charged Eanes with eight felonies, including bribery, armed robbery, theft by receiving, two counts of theft by taking, and three counts of financial transaction card theft. In addition, he’s charged with violating his probation.
According to online jail records, Eanes is being held in the Hall County Jail on a $5,700 bond.
A reminder to lock your vehicles
Police point to Eanes’ alleged crimes as a reminder to the public to “lock your vehicles, take your keys and hide belongings.”
“The majority of the entering auto cases we see involve vehicles that are left unlocked with items in plain view,” police say.
Vehicles should never be left unattended with the keys inside.
