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Alto lifts boil water advisory

By
Staff Report
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The town of Alto has lifted the boil water advisory it issued earlier this week for some of its water customers.

Town Clerk Penny Rogers says water samples were tested for possible contamination after a water main break and the tests came back clear. Affected customers may now resume normal water use.

The advisory included the following areas: Garland White Road, Grier Drive, Hidden Valley Drive, Doodville Road, County Line Road, Crane Mill, Cedar Creek, Scenic View, Yonah Post, Pless, Post Place, and Southgate.

 

Daisy Hammett Rickett

By
Now Habersham
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Daisy Jo Hammett Rickett, age 86, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Daisy was a longtime resident of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, and most recently of Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Daisy was born May 31, 1937, in Hapeville, Georgia, daughter of the late George Walter Hammett and Henry Grady Gay Hammett Sikes. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Daisy was a devoted caregiver to her late husband and sweetheart of 62 years, Donald (Don) Eugene Rickett.

A 1955 graduate of Hapeville High School, Daisy excelled in academics and lettered in multiple sports. She received her BA from Georgia State College for Women, class of 1959. She married Don in 1959, and together, they raised their family of five children in various locations around the state of Georgia, including Atlanta, Bainbridge, Cornelia, and Hinesville. In retirement, Daisy and Don moved to Manchester, Georgia, where they volunteered at Callaway Gardens. They eventually moved to Pine Mountain, where they completed 20 years of volunteer service at Callaway Gardens.

Daisy was a faithful community servant. Her active church life included roles as Youth Group Advisor and Sunday school teacher. She held leadership positions as a swim team parent volunteer and with Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). Daisy volunteered with the American Red Cross through blood drives, as well as teaching CPR, first aid, and swimming to all ages. She also taught health and PE in public education. Daisy was known for baking gingerbread houses and cookies and for her nuts ‘n bolts snack mix. A talented seamstress, she made many cherished dolls, blankets, and clothes for her family.

Daisy was preceded in death by her husband, Don. Survivors include Deborah (Stan) Hewitt of The Woodlands, Texas; Diane (Paul) Sandifer of Pine Mountain, Georgia; Delores (late Lee) Wright of The Villages, Florida; Dorothy (Mike) Kitchens of Sandy Springs, Georgia; and Donald (Elizabeth) Rickett Jr. of Suwanee, Georgia; 13 grandchildren along with their seven spouses; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, Georgia, with Reverend Shannon Dill officiating. Following the service, the family welcomes everyone to a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Daisy’s honor to your charity of choice.

Arrangements are by H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill, Atlanta, Georgia, 404-261-3510.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Rickett family at www.hmpattersonoglethorpe.com.

Iconic ‘Tim Loves Tink’ underpass to be site of Cornelia mural art project

By
Joy Purcell
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There's no question about who Tim loves as you travel north toward the Wells Street underpass in Cornelia. Now, the city is working to preserve the iconic declaration as part of a larger mural project. (NowHabersham.com)

“Tim Loves Tink.” Say those words to anyone familiar with Cornelia and chances are, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about…and where.

The graffitied love note first appeared on the Wells Street underpass decades ago. Each time the city painted over it, someone painted it back. That went on for years until the city finally gave in and, in a savvy public relations move, painted “Tim Loves Tink” on the underpass in big, bold, black capital letters.

That’s how it’s been now for years.

(NowHabersham.com)

Mystery couple inspires mural project

People still question – even debate – Tim and Tink’s true identities, yet, no one can argue their place in local lore. Building on that mystery couple’s influence, Cornelia is now embarking on a community mural project. The plan is to turn the Wells Street underpass into a canvas.

“The downtown has undergone a major transformation in the past three years. We want to keep this momentum going, and public art can be a huge tourist attraction,” says Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson.

To that end, Cornelia recently updated its zoning ordinance to allow murals and now plans to add artwork to the underpass. The project aims to preserve the legend of Tim and Tink while also expanding its vision of love.

Acting on a proposal from local artist and community leader Audrey Davenport, the city applied for a $5,000 Vibrant Communities Grant through the Georgia Arts Council. The city also hired Davenport’s firm, Soque Street LLC, to serve as project manager for the Public Art Mural Project.

“Ms. Davenport approached me several months ago about the underpass, and we feel this will be a great location for the first of what we hope will be many public art displays in Cornelia,” says Anderson.

“It’s clear, everybody loves the ‘Tim loves Tink’ underpass. It obviously matters to the community. It will establish a community cohesion, identification and ownership of the project,” says Davenport.

Community involvment

The Vibrant Communities Grant stresses community engagement. Hoping to spur that on, Davenport has created a QR code to collect Tim Loves Tink (TLT) stories; real, imagined, or personal.

“Whether or not we stumble upon the true story of ‘Tim loves Tink,’ the love note is historically significant; it’s legendary and intriguing,” says Davenport. “It will serve as a catalyst for community engagement and interaction of shared interests for the years to come.”

Scan code to share your Tim Loves Tink story.

Davenport encourages local artists of all ages to create a visual to submit with their story. By submitting a story and or art, participants will have an opportunity to have their input reflected in the final design.

“This is all about love; Tim loves Tink — that’s the focus. Ideally, if the project is successful in bringing the community together as intended, the final design would reflect the different ways that the community depicts love,” she says.

A reflection of the community

In support of the project, the city will host a series of artist-led, pop-up activities such as paint days, “make it – take it” workshops, and the “Tim loves Tink” (TLT) art exhibition.

To raise money, they’ve launched a promotional campaign called “Everybody loves Tim loves Tink.” People may buy T-shirts and buttons with the slogan emblazoned on them. The items will be available to purchase during the Big Red Apple Festival on September 23 in Cornelia. All funds raised will be used to help with the cost of the mural project.

(Credit: Soque Street LLC)

Davenport says the vision for a broader canvas and message on the underpass fits in with where Cornelia is in its development.

“Sort of like staying put and moving forward. Staying small town but growing bigger,” she explains.

At the end of this project, the plan is to have a mural that extends to both sides of the Wells Street underpass.

Cornelia should know by mid-October if the grant for the project is approved.

Gates Foundation honors Carters with lifetime achievment award

By
Staff Report
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Founders of The Carter Center, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter pictured in 1979. (Credit: Jimmy Carter Library)

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

The CEO of the Carter Center, Paige Alexander, accepted the honor on the couple’s behalf at a ceremony on September 19 in New York City.

In its award, the foundation recognized the Carters for their work, leading to the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease, their work for peace and democracy, and their trailblazing leadership.

“Their lifelong commitment to serving others is impossible to sum up,” said Melinda Gates.

When the Carters took on the cause of eradicating Guinea worm disease in 1986, 3.5 million people in 21 countries suffered from the disease, Alexander said. in 2022, there were 13 cases reported worldwide.

“Their fervent wish is that the causes that they believe in will find even more champions to ensure health, mental health, human rights, and peace for people everywhere,” said Alexander in accepting the award.

 

The former First Couple’s health prevented them from traveling to New York to accept the award in person. Rosalynn Carter, who turned 96 on August 18, has dementia. Jimmy Carter remains in hospice care.

Carter is the nation’s oldest living president. He will turn 99 on October 1. The Carter Center in Atlanta has planned a number of public festivities to mark the occasion.

GPB News contributed to this article

Huffman appointed district chair of Georgia Funeral Director’s Association

By
Staff Report
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Whitfield Funeral Home Director and General Manager Everett Huffman has been appointed to serve this year as a district chair for the Georgia Funeral Director’s Association (GFDA).

Huffman was appointed District Chair for Division 1 East, extending from Dawson County east and Rabun County south to just below Atlanta.

As District Chair, Huffman serves as a liaison for all licensed funeral homes in the region. It is his job to assist funeral directors with any questions or concerns and guide them to professional resources they may need.

GFDA President Scott Ellis of Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home in Covington appointed Huffman. He will serve for the 2023-2024 Year.

A 2017 Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service graduate, Huffman is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He has been with Habersham County-based Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory since 2014 and has been general manager since 2019.

This is not Whitfield Funeral Home’s first direct involvement with GFDA. Founder Larry Whitfield is a past president of the association, having served from 2007-2008.

TFS launches Youth Water Polo club

By
Now Habersham
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Charlotte Hatcher and Kayleigh McEntire dribble the ball across the water at practice. (Photo by Elisha Boggs/Tallulah Falls School)

Eighteen Tallulah Falls School lower and middle school students are participating in the inaugural Youth Water Polo Afterschool Club. Students improve their swimming skills and learn the basics of a new sport in a fun, friendly, competitive way. This program gives students access to the pool in a structured environment.

“It is a perfect fit for our students,” said Natatorium Director Katie Ralston. “I am always trying to find ways to bring students to the pool, and this is something that we have not done before at TFS.”

Polo players practice eggbeater kicks (Elisha Boggs/Tallulah Falls School)

Assistant Natatorium Director Harrison Butler had the idea to bring water polo to TFS. He brought the idea to Ralston, and they immediately began forming the club.

“It was something I knew we could do, and we could do it well,” said Ralston. She has also implemented youth water polo programs for Gwinnett County.

The program advocates swimming as a sport, builds interest in other aquatic activities, and helps students achieve their swimming goals. They enthusiastically practice land drills like eggbeater kicks and passing practice before jumping in the water for more eggbeater kicks and dribbling the ball across the water.

Fifth grader Charlotte Hatcher of Sautee enjoys hanging out with her friends and doing her favorite thing – swimming.

“Coach Butler taught me everything I needed to learn. He taught us the eggbeater kick, which is a really hard way to tread water, but it makes me stay up longer when I hold the ball,” said Hatcher.

Butler sees water polo as a great way to use the TFS natatorium for an outside-of-the-box water experience. Fifth grader Kayleigh McEntire of Clarkesville is participating in the club.

Kayleigh McEntire practices passing (Elisha Boggs/Tallulah Falls School)

“It is really exciting to learn how to play water polo,” said McEntire. “Not a lot of kids get to do this.”

Senior Milos Vujovic of Montenegro assists with coaching the club. He is an experienced water polo player and coach. He brings his expertise in water sports to the group.

The Club is meeting for six consecutive Wednesdays from August 30 through October 4.

“The response has been terrific, and we will definitely continue this program,” said Ralston.

Dennis Reed Houchins

By
Now Habersham
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Dennis Reed Houchins, age 87, of Clayton, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

Mcgahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

The years of September

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
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Oh my, it’s September again!  I love this month with its beginnings of all things good.

September flushes out the heat of summer and, by the end, ushers in the cool breezes of fall. Toward the month’s end, faded green hills turn to shades of brilliant ambers, reds, and golds. Of course, football frenzy is always welcomed, bringing out the happy crazy in all of us. Likewise, Hobby Lobby is stocking its shelves with Christmas merchandise, which always makes Santa and me cheery.

Yes, I greet September happily, except by month’s end, I have turned another page on age. However, since the alternative is not good, I must live on with the number.

Seasons change, and so do we. As the years pass, we become wiser or grouchier, set in our ways, or open to new ideas. We can either believe we are owed the world or that we owe the world. Older folks can become complainers and cranks or thankful and filled with joy. And the longer we live, the worse or better we become, so what will it be?

When I turned 25, I worked with a friend born three days after me. We celebrated our quarter of a century by exchanging little gifts, laughing with our coworkers, and wondering what the future would hold. “Maybe we will still be in touch when we reach the half-century mark!” we both exclaimed.

Our lives traveled in separate directions, and there were years when we lost touch. Yet, sure enough, when 50 rolled around, “Happy Half-Century!” the voice shouted over the phone. We didn’t speak much about our different worlds or what had transpired, but we were amazed at how quickly 25 years became 50. “Well, maybe we will make it to the three-quarter century birthday! I’ll call you if I am here!” he said with a chuckle.

And by October 1st, we will have made it. More than likely, there will not be another celebratory shout-out in 25 years. How quickly did it all pass? Faster than a minute phone call.

Years ago, I typically joined my mother for Sunday brunch at her independent living facility. We were in line at the omelet station when I overheard a disturbing conversation.  The gentleman just ahead of us was loudly berating a young server and complaining bitterly about the state of his less-than-hot sausage.  When I heard him, I felt the fury rise, and Mother immediately noticed it.

Of course, I am an easy read. My face turns red, my eyes widen, and even the birds fly because they know I am about to spew.  Mom grabbed my arm, “Lynn, I know you want to say something, but it won’t do a bit of good.”

“Why, Mom, is he allowed to get away with being cruel?” I asked.

“He is a grumpy old man set in his ways, which have been foul for a while. One can either become as he is or not. But once a complaining, whining, curmudgeon is born of age, only the Good Lord can change them.” And with her finger pointed to my face, she added, “Never become one.”

It is funny that some pearls of wisdom stay with you, and Mom’s idea about aging was a definite pearl. Becoming a disrespectful grump is an affront to being given the gift of a long life.

Now that I am the age of the old man at the omelet station, I still want to kick him in the shins or elsewhere.  One thing that makes those birds scatter in my world is watching folks’ hearts turn to stone with bitterness.

We have much discontent in this world, and it will take all ages and at every stage to calm the anger. We don’t need a bunch of aging grouches to stoke the flames of rage. We, the supposedly wiser ones, could do much more to create a more peaceful world. We build respect and honor if we become more gracious, compassionate,  and kinder with our added years.

Keeping an open mind, a humbled heart, and a thankful soul will keep us younger than any youth elixir, facial cream, or crepe eraser on the market. Age has nothing to do with what can be seen but rather a reflection of the unseen soul.

By the end of September, in 25 years, I hope to be sitting on a cloud with Mom, and perhaps a phone will ring. A familiar voice says, “They don’t have birthdays up here, but we made it to Happy, didn’t we!”

And in the end, isn’t that where the years are supposed to take us?

_______

Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Georgia-based author and columnist. Her first book, “It’s All Write with Me! Essays from My Heart,” was published in 2018. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.”  For more inspirational stories, click here. You may reach Lynn at www.lynngendusa.com.

Fulton DA rejects claims of official role by Trump ‘fake electors’ in 2020 election case

By
Jill Nolin
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Attorneys for State Sen. Shawn Still, Cathy Latham, and former Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer argued Wednesday that their 2020 Donald Trump presidential election interference cases should be removed from Georgia state courts. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)

(GA Recorder) — Fulton County prosecutors describe a trio of Georgians who served on a false slate of Republican electors in the 2020 presidential election as being fantastical in their attempt to argue their felony election interference racketeering case should be moved to federal court.

On Tuesday, the Fulton County District Attorney’s office said the so-called fake electors engaged in a logical fallacy as attorneys for former Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer, state Sen. Shawn Still and ex-Coffee County GOP chairwoman Cathy Latham argued their clients were acting as federal officers when casting electoral votes for Donald Trump on Dec. 14, 2020. The three co-defendants in the sweeping election interference conspiracy case that ensnared Trump and 18 of his allies are the latest defendants to arguing in U.S. District Court that they acted as federal officers and therefore should be exempt from state prosecution.

The attorneys for Shafer, Still and Latham said Wednesday that their clients never imagined they had acted inappropriately when they were told by an attorney representing the Republican party and Trump campaign that their votes would be helpful in case of a successful legal challenge that would overturn President Joe Biden’s election win.

Fulton special prosecutor Anna Cross characterized the defense’s arguments as being factually unsound and said the three were among 16 people who were “impersonating” Republican electors in 2020.

Cross said the electors had presented no case law supporting the idea “that you can file a procedurally and substantively deficient challenge and, suddenly, everything’s up in the air.” She said the Republicans did not become federal officers simply by claiming to be official presidential electors.

“They were fake electors,” Cross said. “They were impersonating electors. They were not electors at all.”

According to the defense attorneys, the trio was acting appropriately as federal officials while Trump lawsuits seeking to overturn the results were still pending. The Georgia false electors were taking the advice of high-level Republican Party and Trump lawyers who were claiming massive fraud cost Trump the presidency, their attorneys said Wednesday.

Trump lawsuits arguing the results should be overturned by Congress based on unproven claims of massive fraud remained pending on Dec. 14, 2020 at the GOP electoral meeting at the state Capitol.

“They never dreamed they had done something wrong,” said Still’s attorney Tom Beaver.

On Aug. 14, a Fulton grand jury indicted Trump, several lawyers and former federal officials, and other allies loyal to the former Republican president under Georgia’s RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) on allegations of participating in a multi-state election interference conspiracy.

Shafer, Still and Latham’s reasoning for having their cases moved to a potentially friendlier federal jurisdiction differs substantially from two other co-defendants in the sprawling election conspiracy case who worked in the federal executive branch at the time of the alleged criminal conspiracy named in the Fulton indictment.

An attorney for Jeffrey Clark, a former Trump Justice Department official, argued before U.S. District Judge Steve Jones on Monday that he was lawfully carrying out his duties when he asked DOJ supervisors to sign off on a letter claiming the department had legitimate concerns about massive voting fraud.

And Trump’s ex-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is appealing Jones’ ruling against moving his case to federal court.

Jones on Wednesday appeared to find the defense attorneys’ rationale for escaping state prosecution to rest on a whimsical legal theory that is based on the federal law protecting federal officers from prosecution when performing their job duties.

At the time the alternate GOP electoral votes were cast, Shafer was also representing Trump in unsuccessful legal challenges disputing Georgia’s 2020 election, which confirmed Biden’s victory over Trump through multiple audits and recounts. Latham also faces counts in the case for her role in allegedly allowing forensic experts to illegally gain access to the Coffee County voting systems in the weeks following the 2020 election.

Still served as an officer for the state GOP party during the 2020 general election and was elected to the state Senate in 2022. According to the state senator’s attorney, Still got caught up in the GOP electoral votes based on what he believed was sound legal advice and said that his actions are protected as free speech.

Shafer, the former Georgia Republican Party chairman and state legislator, is accused of being more involved in the planning for the 2020 electoral meeting that coincided around the time the Democratic Party’s 16 electorates confirmed Biden winning Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votes over Trump.

As part of the Fulton probe, Latham also faces felony charges over her alleged participation in breaching Coffee County’s voting system as fellow Trump supporters sought to prove that the electronic voting machines in several states were rigged.

Security video confirms that Latham was one of the Coffee County officials on hand the same day as computer experts, Trump supporters and an Atlanta bail bondsman visited the election office in Douglas to copy sensitive election files.

Area matchups: Week 6

By
Zack Myers
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(photo by Daniel Purcell)

The region slate is here for a lot of area teams. Now they see if their non-region schedules have prepared them for what is in front of them. Here are where area teams will be facing off Friday night:

HABERSHAM CENTRAL (2-2) AT LANIER (3-1)

Six weeks into the season, the region schedule is finally kicking off for the Raiders and the first opponent is no slouch.

The Longhorns only loss thus far was an 8-point defeat to a currently unbeaten Peachtree Ridge team that has already outscored opponents 211-64 this season.

Last season, Lanier was 1-3 entering the game against Habersham Central and won that contest 25-21 to start its region slate 1-0.

The Longhorns scored a total of 149 points across their 11 games last year, which included a first-round loss in the playoffs. This season, through four games, they’ve already scored 141.

The Raiders, after slipping in the first two, have found winning ways in the last two weeks.

The running game has been the strong point for Habersham Central, rushing it 86 times for 367 yards and four touchdowns. Comparing that to 220 yards and one score on 56 carries in the first two games, that’s now averaging over four yards per carry across these last two contests.

For the Raiders, the defense will have to slow down senior quarterback Preston Ratliff (53-of-84, 814 yards, 8 TD) and senior receiver Chase Jameson. Jameson has 10 total offensive touchdowns (5 rushing, 5 receiving) with 448 receiving yards and only 50 rushing yards.

The two schools have played each of the last seven seasons with the Raiders only win in the series coming in 2020.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Sugar Hill.

RABUN COUNTY (3-1) AT WHITEFIELD ACADEMY (1-3)

Since being shut out at The Reservation in Toccoa in Week 2, the Wildcats have returned to what they’ve been known for the last decade-plus – big offense and stifling defense.

Rabun County came back from their 35-0 loss to score 35 of their own and allow 20 from Adairsville. Then, after a bye week, the Wildcats won 45-13 against Heard County last week.

Now, they’ll face the Wolfpack, who are averaging just over 15 points and giving up 27 per contest.

Ty Trulove, Rabun County’s sophomore quarterback, is having a strong season with 10 touchdowns through the air. Truelove has completed just over 59 percent of his passes for 732 yards. He’s averaging two-and-a-half touchdown passes per game.

Truelove is also one of the top rushers on the team with 165 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. 

Fellow sophomores Reid Giles (26 car, 258 yds, 3 TD) and Noah English (35 car, 184 yds, 1 TD) are the leading rushers on the squad.

The Wildcats have eight different players who have recorded catches, but there’s a clear-cut favorite pair of targets for Truelove.

Senior Willie Goodwyn has 16 catches for 453 yards and seven touchdowns with just three of the team’s four games played this season.

Senior Paul Picciotti has caught 14 passes for 193 yards and has one score.

The Wildcats will have this game on the road before three consecutive home games, including Elbert County on Oct. 13 for the first region game of the year.

Kickoff this week is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Mableton.

BANKS COUNTY (4-0) AT COMMERCE (3-1)

The Leopards are in familiar territory after also starting the season in 2022 with four consecutive wins. 

This game a year ago was the start of a five-game losing streak for Banks County after a 17-14 result in favor of the Tigers.

History, in this series, is not in the Leopards’ favor as they’re currently on an 0-18 run. 

The last time Commerce lost to Banks County, none of the players on the field were alive. That 1992 contest was a 28-0 shut out.

Both times in the 35 meetings the Leopards came out on top, the game was played in Homer. 

This Banks County team will look to do something the program never has and win on the road at Commerce as kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday.

HART COUNTY (1-3) VS BULLOCH ACADEMY (4-0)

The Bulldogs had a sudden cancellation from Cross Creek this week, which, according to Hart County’s football twitter account, was forced to forfeit the game by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). 

Now, Hart County will line up opposite the Gators of Bulloch Academy out of Statesboro.

The Gators appear to be on a much different path through four games this season than that of a year ago.

Bulloch Academy has outscored opponents 194-34 and is averaging 48.5 points per game. At this point in 2022, the Gators were 2-2 and were narrowly outscoring their opponents,137-128.

This season, Hart County has scored more than 20 points just once, which was in a 31-point loss to Daniel (SC).

Bulloch Academy, despite only throwing the ball 17 times, has seven passing touchdowns this season. The Gators will lean heavily on the run game.

Through their first three games of the year, the Gators have ran for 308, 378 and 366 yards, respectively. Stats for their fourth game haven’t been made available yet.

The Bulldogs run defense will have its hands full Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m in Hartwell.

ELBERT COUNTY (3-1) VS JEFFERSON COUNTY (0-4)

The Blue Devils took a 21-3 victory off the Warriors in last season’s contest, the first time the two met.

This week they’re coming off a 36-27 win over Washington-Wilkes, which was ultimately a run-heavy game for Elbert County.

Junior running back Jacari Barnett carried the ball 31 times himself for 160 yards and three scores. Ultimately, six Blue Devils were credited with running the ball for a total of 47 attempts, 241 yards and four touchdowns.

In contrast, Elbert County only threw the ball 13 times for 53 yards and a touchdown.

The Blue Devils can throw it around if they need to. Senior quarterback Braydon Scarborough has completed 69 percent of his attempts to the tune of 748 yards and six touchdowns.

On the receiving end, Elbert County has three different players – Brady Dickerson (256), Dakhovin Winn (227), and Eli Harris (207) – that have over 200 yards receiving and another, Tyrikis Jones (141), that has over 100 yards receiving.

Jefferson County has allowed 49, 46, 44, and 63 points, respectively, this season.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Granite Bowl in Elberton.

CHEROKEE BLUFF (1-3, 1-1 8A-AAAA) VS NORTH HALL (4-0, 2-0 8A-AAAA)

When asked about this game after his Trojans knocked off East Hall, 49-14, a week ago, North Hall Head Coach Sean Pender said, “That game is going to be a hard-fought game. You can throw records out. Going to their place, it’s very difficult to get a win.”

Games between these programs the last two seasons have been close, two-point contests. Cherokee Bluff squeaked out a 28-26 win in 2021 and North Hall snuck past with a 14-12 victory last year.

The last two weeks have been similar from a year ago for the Bears. A one-point game against Madison County – a win last year, a loss this season – followed by a big win over Chestatee.

North Hall is in a very different spot. 

A season ago, the Trojans were 1-3 entering this week. Now, they’re perfect and averaging over 12 points more per contest.

A week ago, it was a strong finish for North Hall that propelled them to a big win over East Hall. For Cherokee Bluff, it was a strong and varied running game which saw 12 players combine for 41 carries for 348 yards and six scores.

Another clash between Hall County schools kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Flowery Branch.

EAST HALL (2-2, 1-2 8A-AAAA) VS CEDAR SHOALS (1-3, 1-1 8A-AAAA)

The Vikings are looking to turn things around after taking a lopsided loss at North Hall last week.

Both teams are entering this contest with the same records they had when they met a year ago in Athens. That game ended 49-21 in favor of the Jaguars.

East Hall will look to take advantage of a Cedar Shoals team that has totaled only 620 yards of total offense and has turned the ball over six times through four games.

Vikings sophomore quarterback Jamarcus Harrison has totaled 1,082 yards of total offense himself, throwing for 735 and rushing for 347. He’s also responsible for nine total touchdowns.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Gainesville.

WEST HALL (1-3) VS DAWSON COUNTY (0-4)

Both of these schools are looking for a jump start.

Dawson County is in uncharted territory under Sid Maxwell. This is the first season since he took over in 2015 the Tigers are winless through the first four games of the year. The last time that happened – 2014, the final year of Jeff Lee’s 12-year tenure there.

As Dawson County is looking for its first win of the season, West Hall is looking for its first region victory since beating Lumpkin County in the final regular-season game of the 2021 season.

The Spartans’ lone win this season was the same lone win they had a season ago. 

Can either school turn the tide and stop the bleeding?

The Tigers hold the all-time series record 8-6, including winning the last five.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Oakwood.

JOHNSON (1-3, 1-1 8A-AAAA) VS EAST JACKSON (4-0)

Senior quarterback Demetri Moon and the Knights are up for a tough task in this one. 

The Eagles have allowed 38 points all season. Johnson has scored 49.

The Knights have given up 150 points. East Jackson has scored 151.

Moon, by the numbers, is Johnson’s offense.

The sophomore signal caller has thrown it just 49 times this season for 112 yards. On the ground, he’s good for 84 carries for 469 and five touchdowns.

The next closest rusher in terms of carries is senior Julian Gomez with 30. The next closest in terms of yards is senior Edgar Vazquez with 113 yards. Senior Linus Griffith is the only other Knight with a rushing touchdown and he’s recorded one.

East Jackson has leaned on its running game this season. 

Junior Quay Hill has 80 carries for 374 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s averaging just over 93 yards per game.

Sophomore quarterback Drew Richardson has added 184 yards and three scores on 35 carries. Through the air, Richardson has amassed 691 yards and six touchdown passes while completing just under 70 percent of his attempts.

For East Jackson, this is the final game of the non-region schedule.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at The Dungeon in Gainesville.

FLOWERY BRANCH (2-2) VS EASTSIDE (2-2)

The Falcons are looking to slow the same slide it took last year.

After winning the first two games a year ago, Flowery Branch lost the next seven before knocking off Heritage (Conyers) 46-0 in the final game of the year.

Starting the year with 31 and 18 point wins, the Falcons have dropped the last two against Stephens County and Lambert.

The Eagles took last season’s contest between the two, 34-14.

Senior quarterback threw for 282 yards and three scores in the 49-33 loss to Lambert last week. Oliver also punched in a touchdown on one of his four rushing attempts in the contest.

Senior running back Malik Dryden was held to 44 yards on the ground.

Senior Seth Larson (10 rec, 144 yards, 2 TD) and junior Jeremiah Ware (4 rec, 127 yards, 1 TD) each went over the 100-yards receiving mark in the game.

The Eagles will trade off between senior Anquez Cobb and junior Jayden Barr running the ball. Cobb leads the team with 46 carries, 336 yards and four touchdowns. Barr has 37 carries, 197 yards and five scores.

Sophomore Payton Shaw has spread the ball to 11 different receivers. Barr is the only one to reach 80 yards receiving and he’s caught Shaw’s only touchdown pass this year.

The Falcons will look to protect The Branch when the game kicks off Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Flowery Branch.

CHESTATEE (0-4, 0-2 8A-AAAA) AT NORTH OCONEE (3-0, 1-0 8B-AAAA)

The War Eagles took a tough home loss last week, a 48-0 rout at the hands of Cherokee Bluff.

Still on the hunt for its first win, Chestatee turns its sights on the Titans this week as they go on the road to Bogart.

North Oconee has impressive 30-plus-point away wins in its last two games, including a 38-8 victory over Madison County in Danielsville.

Chestatee has been running the ball way more than using the passing game. The War Eagles have 11 players credited with a rushing attempt this season. The team has run it 155 times for 416 yards.

Junior Caysen Goss and sophomore Benjamin Plemons get the majority of the work in the run game. Goss has 41 carries for 128 yards. Plemons has 37 attempts for 154 yards.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Bogart.

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY (2-2) AT STRONG ROCK CHRISTIAN (4-1)

The Lions are one game away from starting the region schedule, which starts next week with Bethlehem Christian Academy. 

This week Lakeview Academy looks to contend with an offense that has scored less than 27 points just once this season and a defense that has allowed more than 13 points just once.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Locust Grove.

RIVERSIDE MILITARY (0-4) AT OGLETHORPE COUNTY (1-3)

In their four losses this season, the Eagles have given up over 52 points per game. They’re averaging less than nine points per game on offense.

Oglethorpe County is averaging 12 points on offense, but has allowed just over 13 points per contest.

Through the first three games, the Patriots leaned on the running game with Jake Turner leading the way. The senior has 59 carries for 310 yards and a touchdown.

Senior quarterback Jayden Wallace has connected on almost 61 percent of his pass attempts for 257 yards and three touchdowns.

The Eagles also go as their run game goes. 

Junior Zion Milhouse has 46 carries for 295 yards and a touchdown, while senior Jalen Freeman has carried the ball 11 times for 200 yards and three scores.

Freeman also has the only receiving touchdown for the Eagles.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Lexington.

LUMPKIN COUNTY (4-0) AT PICKENS (1-3)

The Indians go on the road for the first region game of the season, but some of their biggest wins have come in their two away games thus far – 46-7 over Franklin County and 35-0 over Temple.

Pickens has a 1-2 record at home after winning the season opener against Sonoraville, 38-21.

In the Dragons’ home loss to North Murray, they allowed 462 yards and four touchdown passes through the air. 

Then Fannin County pounded the ground game with quarterback and running back each going over 100 yards to beat Pickens on their home field. The two combined for 39 carries, 319 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Indians’ junior quarterback Cal Faulkner and senior running back Mason Sullens could both have huge games on the road.

Faulkner is hitting just under a 70 percent completion rate on his 53 passes this season for 436 and four scores. On the ground, he’s also added 47 carries for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

Sullens is still a massive part of the offensive production for Lumpkin County as the senior has gone over 100 yards in each contest this season, including rushing for 249 against Union County and 240 against Temple. He’s carried the ball 97 times for 738 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The Indians have won the last five meetings with Pickens. Those five wins evened up the overall series record at 19 wins apiece and one tie.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Jasper to see which team will take a momentary lead in the series.

Piedmont volleyball opens CCS slate with 3-0 sweep over Wesleyan

By
Piedmont University Sports Information
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(Photo by Erik Rank)

Behind a career-best 15 kills from standout sophomore Katie Hubbard, the Piedmont volleyball team cruised to a 3-0 sweep over Wesleyan in its Collegiate Conference of the South opener on Wednesday night at Cave Arena.

The Lions were dominant in all three sets and improve to a perfect 2-0 inside Cave Arena.

Hubbard led all players with 15 kills, surpassing her previous career high of 14, set earlier this season against Roanoke. The sophomore from Aurora, Colorado, was also highly efficient, generating a .520 attack percentage.

She was joined in double figures by Jenna Ash, who delivered 10 kills to go with a .250 attack percentage.

Reigning CCS Rookie of the Week Kaylee Ashcraft continued her service magic with six more service aces while also adding nine kills and 18 digs, which was good for second on the team behind Taylor Herrmann’s 23.

The Wolves led early on in the first set, but a quick 5-0 run from the Lions turned a 6-4 deficit into a 9-6 lead and Piedmont never looked back from there. Ashcraft delivered back-to-back service aces to make it 18-9 in favor of Piedmont and Ash closed out the set with an emphatic kill.

The second set was even more dominant, as Piedmont won 14 straight points on Ashcraft’s serve to close out a 25-8 win and put them one set away from the 3-0 sweep.

Wesleyan provided some resistance early in the third, but once again, eventually, the Lions took control. Fittingly, it was an Ashcraft service ace that closed out the festivities.

Up next, the Lions will head to Maryville for their first CCS Tri-Match of the season, taking on the host Scots and Belhaven this Saturday, September 23.

TURNING POINT:
– Ashcraft led a dominant 14-0 run to close out the second set and give Piedmont complete control of the match.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Hubbard’s 15 kills marks her second time in double figures in kills this season.
– Ashcraft’s six service aces gives her 34 for the season, tops in the CCS.
– Ash’s 10 kills marks her third time in double figures this season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– Piedmont’s .313 hitting percentage is its best of the 2023 season.
– The team’s 50 kills is tied for the second-most this season.

HEMC to reopen Clarkesville office Thursday after small fire forced it to close

By
Joy Purcell
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FILE PHOTO - Habersham EMC headquarters on Hwy. 115 in Clarkesville, GA. (Joy Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

Habersham EMC headquarters in Clarkesville will be back open for business on Thursday after temporarily closing its doors due to a fire. The fire broke out early Wednesday, September 20, inside the building at 6135 Highway 115.

“There was a small fire in one of the back room areas. Everyone is safe and the fire department has everything under control,” HEMC posted to social media at 8:09 a.m. Wednesday.

About thirty minutes earlier, Habersham E-911 had dispatched county and Clarkesville firefighters to a report of a fire alarm at the HEMC building. When firefighters arrived, someone advised them that a fire had broken out in a service room and was out.

Firefighters investigated to make sure the building was safe and turned it back over to HEMC staff at 8:19 a.m., says Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore. He says the fire was isolated to the service room.

HEMC later announced it would be closed for the remainder of the day.

“No one was injured and the fire was contained in a small specific area,” says HEMC Director of Communications Nicole Dover. She adds, “We closed the Clarkesville office today out of an abundance of caution. We will reopen in the morning, Sept. 21st, with business as usual.”

HEMC and fire officials have not said what caused the fire.

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