Home Blog Page 566

Rain can’t dampen festive spirit of Christmas in Cornelia

By
Daniel Purcell and Joy Purcell
-
(Photo by Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

A smaller than usual but steady stream of visitors braved the rainy weather and turned out Saturday for Christmas in Cornelia.

Although several planned activities were canceled -no hay ride, no train ride, and no fun zone for kids – the festive downtown celebration still sparkled with Christmas lights and good cheer.

People shopped late into the evening at local shops offering discounts. Vendors set up their holiday markets indoors.

While organizers caught some flack online for holding the event in the rain, they explained that too much work had gone into it to walk away.

“Our city staff, our business owners, and our vendors have put in too much time, money, energy, and planning to just cancel it. All of us have worked very hard to make this night an event that people want to be at…. even in the rain,” Cornelia Main Street posted to Facebook.

People sipped hot chocolate as they strolled through the streets, stopping to warm by the fire pit and roast marshmallows.

Cornelia Main Street likened it to a “Hallmark Christmas.”

“Our businesses were full and so are our hearts!” a post on the Main Street Facebook page said after the event. “And to the people who come to our events, rain or shine, cold or warm and support our local economy, we do all of this for you, and you support and benefit us, and we THANK YOU for that!”

The city has another reason to be thankful. An online auction of decorated Christmas trees held in conjunction with Saturday’s event raised nearly $1800 for the Cornelia Downtown Development Authority’s Facade Grant Program.

Witness list emerges in Fulton election interference case

By
Stanley Dunlap
-
Booking photos from the Fulton County conspiracy case charging Donald Trump and allies with trying to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. Top row, from left Jeffrey Clark, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Michael Roman, Ray Smith, David Shafer, Sen. Shawn Still. Center row, from left, Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump, John Eastman, Kenneth Chesebro. Bottom row from left, Robert Cheeley, Harrison Floyd, Stephen Lee, Scott Hall, Misty Hampton, Cathleen Latham, Trevian Kutti. As of Oct. 24, Powell, Ellis, Chesebro and Hall have pleaded guilty to various charges; the rest are awaiting trial. (Photos from Fulton County Sheriff’s Office)

(GA Recorder) — Former Republican Vice President Mike Pence tops the list of noteworthy potential witnesses who Fulton County prosecutors could put on the witness stand in the 2020 presidential election interference trial for Donald Trump and his co-defendants.

CNN was the initial media outlet to report last week that Pence was one of the high-profile names on the Fulton County District Attorney’s witness list in a felony racketeering case that accuses the former president of being a ringleader of a multi-state conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump and many of his supporters assailed Pence for refusing to participate in a false electors scheme that intended to have Trump declared the winner in 2020 instead of President Joe Biden.

Pence has disputed assertions by Trump’s attorneys that the former president simply wanted his vice president to exert his authority on Jan. 6, 2021, by delaying Congress from confirming the electoral votes until after the election results could be more thoroughly challenged in Georgia and several other states in which Trump lost to Biden.

Pence said that the vice president has only a ceremonial role in counting electoral votes and he had no legal authority to reject the votes for Biden.

A rematch between Trump and Biden is likely to take place in 2024, as Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Following weeks of dismal polling numbers for his bid for the Republican nomination, Pence announced in October that he was dropping out of the race.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Fulton prosecutors’ lengthy witness list also includes former Attorney General Bill Barr, former Trump adviser Steven Bannon and Pennsylvania GOP U.S. Rep. Scott Perry.

Barr testified at the Jan. 6th congressional committee hearing last year that he repeatedly warned Trump against making baseless claims of a stolen election. Barr resigned several weeks after the 2020 election.

Meanwhile, court documents that have since been removed from publicly available court docket in the Department of Justice’s election interference case appeared to show a December 2020 text message exchange in which Perry expressed support for Jeffrey Clark, a defendant in the case Fulton’s District Attorney is prosecuting, to lead the justice department’s crusade to overturn the election, according to Politico.

Fulton prosecutors also requested in October that judges in Michigan and Texas order Alex Jones, a far-right media personality, and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to testify at the trial.

The petition says that McDaniel would testify about her interactions with Trump and his attorney John Eastman regarding the plot to create an alternate slate of Republican electors in Georgia and several other battleground states.

Prosecutors estimate they’ll call about 150 witnesses over the course of four-months. It’s expected that many of the state’s witnesses will be the same people who testified before a Fulton County special purpose grand jury, such as Republicans Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gov. Brian Kemp.

The state’s witness list for the Fulton election interference trial tops the latest Georgia Recorder’s roundup of recent developments in the case.

Fulton defendant’s comments test bond condition limits

One of 19 defendants charged in the Fulton case is Trevian Kutti whose booking photo went viral for her Cheshire cat grin.

The former publicist for disgraced musician R. Kelly and the rapper formerly known as Kanye West could become the second Fulton 19 defendant who prosecutors seek to have a bond revoked for violating conditions that prohibit defendants from publicly criticizing state witnesses in the case.

During a Nov. 28 Instagram Live video, Kutti appeared to refer to former Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman when using profanity while saying she would destroy an unnamed woman’s life, according to popular left-wing news network MeidasTouch.

It is alleged by Fulton prosecutors that Kutti, Harrison Floyd, the executive director of Black Voices for Trump, and Chicago Lutheran pastor Stephen Lee harassed and threatened Freeman in an attempt to force her to falsely confess to counting fraudulent absentee ballots for Biden.

At Nov. 21 bond hearing, Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee agreed with prosecutors that Floyd technically violated a bond agreement prohibiting him from publicly communicating about witnesses and co-defendants on his social media posts. McAfee decided that Floyd’s social media comments did not warrant sending him back to jail and instead called for greater clarity regarding how defendants can communicate publicly regarding their cases.

As of Friday, no filings had been made by the DA’s office concerning Kutti’s social media comments, according to superior court online records,

MeidasTouch also reported in its Dec. 5 article that Kutti also floated in the same video a wild conspiracy theory connecting Nancy Pelosi in a convoluted plot to assassinate Vice President Kamala Harris that would eventually lead to California Gov. Gavin Newsome becoming the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee instead of Biden.

Her attorney told CNN she didn’t violate a bond agreement by merely commenting about her case. Kutti also attacked MeidasTouch.com’s editor-in-chief for posting a story accusing her of being unhinged on social media.

Investigators with the secretary of state’s office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation found that the right-wing conspiracies claiming fraud committed by Freeman were unsubstantiated and false.

Freeman has spoken publicly about how the allegations spurred so many threats from election deniers that she had to move from a Fulton County home that she resided in for two decades.

Fulton DA levies critique at Trump trial date pushback

Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis took issue last week with Trump attorney Steve Sadow’s argument at a Dec. 1 hearing that putting the former president on trial close to next year’s Election Day would be an egregious example of election interference.

Willis said in an interview with CNN that Sadow’s comments were “ridiculous” while reiterating her intention to begin the trial for Trump and his 14 remaining co-defendants in August, soon after the GOP nominating convention and three months prior to the Nov. 5 election.

Sadow is requesting that Trump’s trial be postponed until after the election or after he leaves office if reelected.

Fulton prosecutors will have to avoid scheduling Georgia trial dates that conflict with three other trials involving Trump that are scheduled to take place during the first half of 2024.

McAfee has expressed apprehension about the possibility of having all co-defendants tried at the same time and instead has suggested splitting the defendants into smaller groups.

NGTC emergency training drill Dec. 13

By
Staff Report
-

Clarkesville, GA —North Georgia Technical College will conduct an emergency training drill between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13, on the Clarkesville campus.

There may be numerous police and emergency services vehicles on campus and in the immediate area of the college participating in the training during this time.

The purpose of this drill is to test emergency response procedures, evaluate communication protocols, and identify areas for improvement. The college will be assisted by the Habersham County EMA, Sheriff’s Office, and Fire Rescue. GEMA/ Homeland Security is also scheduled to participate.

Students, faculty and staff of the Clarkesville campus will receive text notifications of the drill during the activity.

Signs will be posted around campus to remind that the activity will simply be a drill.

For more information or questions, please call 706-754-7852.

Baldwin Council to consider Precision Digital again, zoning request, policy updates

By
Jerry Neace
-
Baldwin City Council will consider approving the special use permit for Precision Digital to move forward with their crypto-mining business at their Monday night meeting. The measure failed at the November 27 meeting. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The Baldwin City Council is set to convene on Monday evening, December 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Courtroom at 155 Willingham Avenue. The upcoming meeting will address crucial matters concerning zoning requests, policy updates, and community initiatives.

Zoning requests and public hearing

The meeting will revisit a zoning request from Precision Digital, a crypto-mining business. At the previous meeting on November 27, the ordinance and special use permit failed to secure the required three affirmative votes for approval. Despite support from Council members Alice Venter and Erik Keith, Council member Theron Ayers dissented, leading to a tabled discussion. With Council member Maarten Venter absent, the fate of Precision Digital remains uncertain. Mayor Stephanie Almagno can only vote in the event of a tie among the council.

Bellamy Auto Repair: A Request for Expansion

The second zoning request comes from Bellamy Auto Repair, seeking a variance for an expansion of its property at 151 Homer Drive. Owner Jacob Bellamy aims to enhance his business to provide more comprehensive auto repair services to the community. The council will conduct a public hearing for Bellamy’s variance request and subsequently consider the second reading of the ordinance.

Other business

Cemetery Policies and Procedures

The city council will deliberate on updated cemetery policies and procedures. Notably, changes involve the return of unused cemetery plots. Individuals on payment plans who wish to discontinue or return their plots can do so through The Cemetery Plot Revocation, with a refund of payments offered.

Mayor’s Reading Club Proclamation

The council will consider the Mayor’s Reading Club proclamation, an initiative by Georgia City Solutions. This non-profit organization, managed by the Georgia Municipal Association, aims to improve literacy skills among children and youth in Georgia cities. The program involves a commissioned children’s book series available in public libraries statewide. The Mayor’s Reading Club allows flexibility in administration, offering virtual, in-person, recorded readings, or on-demand options based on the mayor’s preference.

Updated Wrecker Ordinance

The second reading of the updated wrecker ordinance will also be on the agenda, addressing regulations and policies related to wrecker services in the city.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to stay informed and engage in discussions shaping the future of Baldwin. The council’s decisions will impact various facets of the community, from business expansions to literacy initiatives and policy updates.

Peach State foundation to award over $287K in scholarships

By
Now Habersham
-

The Peach State Federal Credit Union C.A.R.E.S. Foundation recently announced that its 2024 scholarship program is now open and accepting applications. The Foundation’s annual scholarship program awards graduating high school seniors and professionals seeking career advancement financial assistance to help offset the costs of continuing education.

This year, the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation will be awarding over $287,000 in scholarships and educational grants.

“The C.A.R.E.S. Foundation’s scholarship program offers an opportunity for aspiring students to expand their educational resource funding,” says Peach State’s Chief Administrative Officer and Foundation President Demitra Houlis. “It’s tailored to empower these talented individuals to achieve their continuing education and career advancement goals by easing some of the costs associated with these pursuits.”

Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors and adult professionals seeking to advance their careers across Peach State’s service area.

To view the complete list of available scholarships, eligibility criteria and to apply, please visit https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/PeachStateFederalCreditUnion.

Recipients will be announced in the Spring of 2024.

Go West, young man: the Great Sand Dunes

By
Tyler Penland
-
The Great Sand Dunes in Colorado had been on my bucket list for years. (Photo by Tyler Penland)

From a distance, the Great Sand Dunes look fake. To be honest, even up close they look a little fake.

Most avid hikers will tell you that places like Yellowstone, Glacier, or the Tetons are at the top of their bucket lists. For me, it has always been something a little different.

Ever since learning about the Great Sand Dunes, they have been the number one place I wanted to visit if I ever got a chance to go out West. Well, on my recent trip to see the Ring of Fire Eclipse, I finally made it!

(Photo by Tyler Penland)

A sea of sand

Nestled on the edge of the San Luis Valley, the Great Sand Dunes are a strange sight. When leaving the Wolf Creek Pass area, you have a 45-50 mile drive across the flattest stretch of land I have ever seen before you reach a sea of sand.

Prevailing winds across the valley have slowly built these dunes up against the high peaks nearby until they became the tallest on the continent. The tallest, Star Dune, stands over 700 feet above the valley floor. I didn’t quite make it out that far on this trip, but I did get to spend several hours trekking among the peaks.

The Great Sand Dunes at sunrise with the sun hitting Mt Herard behind. (Photo by Tyler Penland)

The hike to the dunes begins with crossing the dry Medano Creek bed. During the spring, this wide shallow river is fed by the snow melting off the nearby mountains that tower several thousand feet above. Mt. Herard can be seen in the image above, and it has an elevation of over 13,000 feet.

During the late summer and fall, the creek bed is dry. Hiking across it is quite difficult simply because of the loose sand. Imagine walking on the loose sand at the beach but doing so at 8,000 feet above sea level for several hundred yards.

And that was just the beginning!

Brent Penland climbing a dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park. (Photo by Tyler Penland)

Sandboarding

Once you reach the dunes, the terrain quickly goes uphill in a hurry. The sides are very steep and extremely tough to climb.

I don’t often have to stop and catch my breath on hikes but going up these dunes required multiple stops. The loose sand quickly beats any stamina you thought you had out of you as, on each step up, you slide a little bit back down the hill.

The view from High Dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park. (Photo by Tyler Penland)

When I finally reached the top of High Dune after a 650-foot climb, I was greeted with one of the most astonishing views I have ever seen.

Over 30 square miles of sand rolled out in front of me as far as my eyes could see. It defies explanation to try and describe how other-worldly it looks.

From here, I could see all the people below going about and enjoying their time at the dunes. A popular activity is sandboarding. You can rent either a board or a sled and slide down the steep dune sides to the valleys beneath.

I didn’t have time to participate, but it looked like great fun.

I captured this shot of a man going down a nearby dune on his board. I was able to get these photos to him afterward and document his successful surf to the bottom.

A man sliding down the dunes on a sandboard. (Photo by Tyler Penland)

Alone among the dunes

I spent several hours hiking out into and around the dunes. This was the only time on the trip I left my dad behind as he went off to try and find some elk. The hiking up and down the dunes is particularly hard on the back and knees, and we didn’t want to risk any problems.

The waves created by the wind stand out particularly well the farther away from the throngs of people you get.

(Photo by Tyler Penland)

For an extended period of time, I was the only person around. Very few people venture past the top of High Dune, and the majority don’t even make it that far. I set the camera up to capture this shot of myself while I was at the farthest point of my journey.

(Photo by Tyler Penland)

Interestingly, there are plenty of plants growing in these dunes. They can be found in almost any valley, and I even stumbled across a few flowers still blooming in mid-October.

(Photo by Tyler Penland)

My goal for my hike was to capture the sunset from near the top of High Dune. This time of year, the sun sets back toward Star Dune, which makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.

I searched around for a little while before settling on an area full of sand ripples to shoot the sunset.

Glittering sand

In all of the articles and stories I have read about the dunes, they all failed to mention something: the sand glitters at sunset. It is hard to capture in a photograph, but millions of sparkles can be easily seen by the eye when the sun gets low in the sky and reflects off the shiny sand particles.

(Photo by Tyler Penland)

We spent the night at the Pinon Flats campground before getting up early the next morning to strike out on our next adventure.

I hope to one day make it back to the dunes to spend more time there, but that will be for another day. Our trip was nearing its end, and we still had lots to do.

Because a child was born

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
-

She was only 24 and being wheeled into surgery to remove a brain tumor.  During the long operation, her heart stopped. The staff recorded the time of death at 10:55 am. The team of doctors and nurses struggled to revive her, but only to find out later that she was disappointed they did so.  While unresponsive, Angela floated away to find an indescribable freedom and meet the Lord’s face. Just as He was ready to take her hand, she returned to the body she had left behind in the operating room.

Once in recovery, she told the doctor what she experienced.  She said she noticed the clock on the operating room wall before leaving. “What time was it ?” the surgeon asked. She answered, “It was 10:55 am.”

When I had the good fortune to meet this lovely lady, she possessed an illuminating aura one couldn’t ignore. However, the doctors were unable to remove the entire cancerous lesion from her brain. She passed away less than a year later with no fear of death and no hesitancy to leave only because of her faith in a child who was born long ago.

In the early seventies, I walked into my bathroom with a bottle of pills, determined to end my life. Depression overwhelmed me, and I could not see a way out. I didn’t understand why I was the way I was, but my strength was gone, and my fight to find a reason ended.  Just as I held the water in one hand and the pills in the other, for some unknown explanation, I flushed them down the toilet and threw the water in the drain.

I ran to my bedroom, fell to my knees, and prayed. I knew something or someone stronger than I was stopped me from ending my life.

You see,  I didn’t realize at the time I was expecting a child. Today, I often stop to gaze at the beautiful grown woman this child has become, and I know she is wonderfully here today because a child was born long ago.

Angela lived a short life but lived her purpose in her time. She told her story to anyone who would listen to assure others there is a life beyond this one and not be frightened. The child born long ago gave Angela the power and stamina to use her faith to share the glory awaiting us. And she did it well.

Pause to remember the baby born long ago still walks among us and listens to each word.

I only sat with Angela for an hour, but she impacts much of how I view life today. Because of her lack of fear, I have no trepidation in discussing my battles with clinical depression or other tribulations. Earthly life isn’t over when we can no longer see a way out. God will lead us out of our pain if we are faithfully patient. Give Him the time because He gave us Himself.

I overheard a group of religious men discussing our political environment. They were calling folks names and degrading others with each sentence. The Christmas tree sparkled in the adjoining living room, and the nativity was beautifully displayed near them. The carol “Oh Holy Night” softly played in the background.  Will such hypocrisy be forgiven by all who are so humanly erred? And then I remembered because a child was born long ago, all we must do is ask.

Let us momentarily stop and hear the carols instead of the rancor and discontent.  Curb the name-calling, bad-mouthing, and spreading distrust, and instead, honor, respect, and celebrate our Savior’s birthday. Pause to remember the baby born long ago still walks among us and listens to each word. How sad even a manger scene cannot remind us who we should be.

We are no longer doomed because God sent Jesus to share His life with us on a glorified night. If we believe in the power of the infant born, there is no need to live in fear and darkness. Even when we sin, we can seek forgiveness. When we fall, we will be given a staff to stand. There is nothing we cannot endure because a child was born long ago.

Even though I love everything zany and am kid-like regarding the holidays, I know the true reason for the season. I understood ages ago that without Christ, I would never have celebrated another Christmas, enjoyed the years with my family, watched grandchildren grow, encountered priceless folks, and found peace.

Because of the baby born in a stable in Bethlehem, we are given victory over death, showered with strength, and granted abundant forgiveness. How God must love us still.

Joy to the World!

_____

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Georgia author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.

Free community pet clinic set for owners in need of financial assistance

By
Staff Report
-
Vet clinic organizers say the purpose of the community outreach is to provide care that pet owners might not be able to afford in order to keep their pets safe and healthy and with their families. (Jerry Neace/Now Habersham)

Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) is set to host another Free Community Pet Clinic for Habersham County residents, just in time for the holidays.

The Free Clinic will be held at the Habersham County Fairgrounds in Clarkesville on December 16 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. You must have a ‘Golden Ticket’ to enter the event. Tickets are distributed based on financial need and are available at the Habersham County Animal Shelter at 4231 Toccoa Highway in Clarkesville.

During this event, volunteers will administer free basic veterinary services for cats and dogs. Those services will include rabies shots, DappV (dog) and HCP (cat) vaccines, flea treatment, microchips, and applications for spay/neuter vouchers.

The vouchers will be redeemable at Planned Pethood of Georgia in Duluth by appointment. Only about 50 vouchers will be distributed this year.

The clinic is being funded through donations to HCACC, a generous donation from the Allen Family, and Planned Pethood of Georgia.

Who’s eligible?

Only personal pets whose owners reside in Habersham County are eligible for the free clinic. Services will not be provided to for-profit breeders or adoption/rescue/rehoming groups, says HCACC Director Madi Nix.

“We will only be able to see approximately 200-250 pets,” says Nix. “Please remember, while this may be a ‘free’ event, every bit is paid for by someone. If you are able to financially provide these services to your pets, help us ensure we have the resources and funding to help those whose pets would go without if not assisted by this program.”

Don’t be a Grinch! If you can afford to pay your own veterinary bills, please save the golden tickets for those who can’t. (HCACC photo)

Nix says the goal is to serve those who need it most and “hopefully be the reason a pet can stay with their family and not be placed in the overcrowded shelter.”

Spay/neuter vouchers will be distributed on a case-by-case basis after review.

County funding for this event comes from the Howl-Ween fundraiser held in October. Previously, state grants were used- but none were offered this year, says Nix.

Those who sign up must provide proof of residency and a golden ticket at the gate. No out-of-area pets will be accepted.

Atlanta drops Peach Drop this year

By
Staff Report
-
(photo courtesy GPB News)

A Georgia New Year’s Eve tradition won’t be returning this year.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced last week that the city won’t host the Peach Drop, Georgia’s 34-year-old twist on New York City’s ball drop in Times Square.

The event involves dropping an 800-pound peach from a 138-foot tower to count down to a new year. The event is a festive tourist attraction but has been on and off for various reasons since 2017.

Atlanta did host a Peach Drop to ring in 2023.

In a statement, Dickens cited the expense of other events and commemorations held this year as one reason for the decision not to stage a Peach Drop this year.

“This year, the City dedicated our resources to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and other local activities directly serving the community. While a worthy tradition in the past, the Peach Drop has not been an annual event since 2017. Each year is different, and we can always reevaluate next year,” a spokesperson for the mayor said.

GPP News contributed to this report

The Boy and the Heron

By
Justin Hall
-

“The Boy and the Heron” is the latest Japanese animated feature from writer/director Hayao Miyazaki who has made such acclaimed and beloved films in this genre as Princess “Mononoke,” “Spirited Away,” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

Miyazaki has an animation style that is steeped in fantastical imagery. His stories and characters delve into mankind’s interaction with the natural world and give the art and the technical a sense of profundity. The characters are often portrayed as simultaneously strong yet vulnerable when it comes to the protagonists. The villains have a great degree of moral ambiguity.

If you’re already acquainted with Miyazaki’s work, this will be right up your alley. If not, you should check it out.

Based on the book of the same name, “The Boy and the Heron” takes place in 1943 Toyko during the Pacific War. A young boy named Mahito witnesses the death of his mother after a vicious fire. Mahito’s father, Shoichi, takes his young son to a home far away from the city where the boy can deal with his grief. His father also remarries, which causes Mahito to learn how to deal with his new mother.

Mahito encounters a grey heron that won’t leave him alone. He also meets an architect named Kiriko under a mysterious tower, and she tells him that his mother is still alive. Mahito is skeptical of the news but decides to take her words on faith and begins a quest to find her. The Heron joins him, much to the boy’s chagrin.

Anyone who is familiar with Miyazaki’s films will instantly recognize the animation as he concocts some bizarre and even disturbing sequences, such as the aforementioned mother’s death and even scenes where Mahito is surrounded by frogs and pelicans. There are also sequences involving bubble-like creatures that may seem silly to non-fans but to Miyazaki fans, are a welcome delight.

“The Boy and the Heron” is being released in both dubbed English and its native tongue of Japanese with subtitles. For those who see it in English, you might recognize the voicework of Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale, Mark Hamill, Willem Dafoe, and Florence Pugh.

It is an absorbing experience.

Miyazaki has an eye for creating worlds that are incredible but also beautifully realistic. The animation is crisp and lively in scene after scene with remarkable, haunting images.

The characters and strong writing are given the necessary detail to engross the audience. There’s convincing pathos to these people and the stakes are genuine to where we hope Mahito finds his mother and hopefully returns to his world in one piece.

Miyazaki may make this film his swan song, and if so, he leaves behind an inspiring legacy that others will want to emulate but ultimately can never duplicate.

This is a film that is visually impressive, but beyond that, it leaves us with a sensitive, thoughtful story and characters that have much more dimension in animation than if it were live-action.

Grade: A-

(Rated PG-13 for some violent content/bloody images and smoking.)

 

Driver remains jailed after police chase in Baldwin and Cornelia

By
Staff Report
-
Victor Ignacio Barragan (Habersham County Sheriff's Office)

A Demorest man remains jailed on multiple misdemeanor charges after a police chase in Baldwin and Cornelia.

34-year-old Victor Ignacio Barragan was arrested on December 4. That night, Baldwin police officer Dakota Foster said he observed a Ford Expedition with a missing headlight traveling north on Willingham Avenue. He said the vehicle matched the description of one that fled from Hall County deputies twice earlier that evening.

“Officer Foster attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Victor Barragan, did not comply and fled from Officer Foster,” says Baldwin Police Chief Chris Jones.

Police say Barragan was driving in a manner “consistent with an impaired driver.” He reportedly ran the red light at the intersection of Willingham Avenue and Highway 441. Officer Foster pursued the vehicle into Cornelia and contacted Cornelia police to deploy spike strips. Due to radio traffic issues, they were unable to respond.

With Foster still pursuing him, Barragan contacted Habersham County 911. He said he was having a medical emergency and was attempting to reach a hospital.

“The dispatcher told Barragan to pull over for the officer, and there would be an ambulance en route. Barragan did not pull over,” Jones says.

Police set up a rolling roadblock, but Barragan evaded it. Foster ended the pursuit with a PIT maneuver.

Jones says Barragan refused medical attention and was transported to Habersham County Jail.

Police charged Barragan with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, fleeing and attempting to elude, headlight requirements, seat belt violation, and possession of drug-related objects.

Authorities booked him at the Habersham County jail. He remained in jail as of December 9 on a $13,690 bond.

J. Robert “Bob” Segur

By
Now Habersham
-

J. Robert “Bob” Segur, age 95, of Cornelia, Georgia, formerly of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with dementia.

Mr. Segur was a wonderful soul and the epitome of a devoted family man, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. Bob was born October 7, 1928, in LaGrange, Illinois to the late John Bartlett Segur and Wilhelmina Liebheit Segur. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers. Bob spent his remarkable life embracing the values of love, compassion, and dedication. A gentleman in every sense, he exuded warmth and thoughtfulness, making everyone around him feel cherished and valued. His home was a haven for friends and family, where he played the role of a gracious host, creating memories that will be cherished forever. Bob’s connection with children and animals was nothing short of magical. He had a gentle spirit and caring nature. He served his country with honor in the United States Navy aboard the USS Boxer. He has also attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. Bob loved to embrace nature and the outdoors, enjoying activities such as water skiing and swimming.

One of Bob’s greatest joys was his enduring love for his wife, Mary Louise Rollberg Segur. Married for an incredible 60 years, their union was a testament to the power of love and commitment. Together, they were inseparable, the best of friends and soulmates. Their love story was nothing short of epic, a journey that spanned decades and touched the lives of all who knew them. Bob and Mary shared a passion for travel, exploring the world hand in hand with Hawaii, having a special place in their hearts. In their later years, Bob and Mary retired to Georgia, where they spent the last 18 years surrounded by their loving family.

In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Louise Rollberg Segur, Bob is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Mike Shirley, of Clarkesville; daughter, Sharon Segur and her partner, Scott Gunty, of Smyrna; grandsons, Joshua Shirley and his partner, Herbert Thurber; Seth Shirley and his fiancé, Arlyn Hott; granddaughters-in-love, Madisen Gunty, Adriana Gunty, and Alexa Gunty; sisters-in-law, Beverly Jean Gregor (the late Ray Gregor), Arlene Segur (the late Louis Segur), Marie Segur (the late David Segur); brother-in-law, Thomas C. Rollberg; as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A Private Family Memorial Service will be held at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Chaplain Stanley Samuel officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made in his memory to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online DementiaSociety.org/donate.

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

1...565566567...2,533Page 566 of 2,533
© Copyright 2025 - Now Habersham