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Crystal Looney

By
Now Habersham
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Crystal Looney, 44, of Toccoa, GA, passed away unexpectedly on September 14, 2023. She was born on March 13, 1979, in Griffin, GA, to Margaret Harris Polk and the late Marvin Franklin Polk. Crystal loved the water and enjoyed watching babies; being a grandmother was her whole world.

A visitation is planned for Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel from 12 to 1 p.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m.

Crystal is survived by her children Jessica Bishop (Roger), Curtis Love (MaKenzie), Allysia Love, and Dixie Love; grandchildren Titus Love, Braxton Bishop, Branden Bishop, Sabastian Bishop, McKinley Bishop; mother Margaret Polk; sisters Pamela Dunn (Wesley), Angela Gunter (Ed), Tammy Porter (George).

Vining Ivy Hill Chapel is located at 105 Lower Harmony Road in Eatonton, GA. 706-485-4144.

White County EMT class recognized as ‘High Performer’

By
Staff Report
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EMT graduates and trainers at the White County Fire Service Training Academy. (Bryce Barrett/White County Public Information)

In the Fall of 2022, White County Fire Service’s Training Academy started its first-ever Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) School. This program consisted of 220 hours of classroom training and 36 hours of clinical training. In April of 2023, the program graduated 17 students from White County Fire Services and other surrounding fire departments.

At the class graduation, White County Fire Service’s EMS Lead Instructor, Shad Sosebee, shared that the program received a 100% pass rate for both the classroom portion and the Psychomotor Exams. This was recognized as a major accomplishment for the program.

Now, the Georgia Department of Public Health has identified White County Fire Service’s Training Academy as a “High Performer” based on the success rate of their 2023 EMT Class.

This metric evaluated the success of the students who go on to pass the National Registry Exam, says White County Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett.

From the EMT Class of 2023, 15 of the 17 students passed the National Registry Exam within three attempts. This placed White County’s EMT class in the 88th percentile, distinguishing them as a “High Performing” class.

The White County success rate of 88% is significantly above the 77% success rate for EMT programs statewide.

“This distinction is a testament to the quality of instruction and the hard work put in by the students,” says David Murphy, Director of White County Public Safety.

White County Fire Service’s second EMT Class is currently underway and will hold graduation in early December.

First trials in October for 2020 election interference

By
Stanley Dunlap
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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. (Photos from Fulton County Sheriff’s Office)

(GA Recorder) — More than a month’s worth of lawyering has advanced the Fulton County 2020 election interference case since Aug. 14, the day when ex-President Donald Trump, members of his inner circle, and several Georgia residents were charged with racketeering conspiracy for allegedly trying to sabotage the 2020 election.

On Friday afternoon, state Sen. Shawn Still avoided being sanctioned by an appointed legislative panel. Still was one of the 16 alternate GOP electors in December 2020 who cast an illegitimate vote declaring Trump the winner over Joe Biden in Georgia’s presidential election contest.

The Norcross Republican is one of the 19 defendants accused by Fulton District Attorney’s Office of attempting to illegally overturn the state’s 2020 presidential election results.

Two weeks after the grand jury indicted Still in the election collusion probe, GOP Gov. Brian Kemp followed state law, appointing a three-member commission to review the charges against the Norcross senator. Republicans Attorney General Chris Carr, Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, and House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration did not recommend that Still face disciplinary action.

Freshman senator escapes punishment

Georgia Sen. Shawn Still. (Georgia General Assembly) 

Under Georgia law, a review panel must be appointed by the governor within 14 days of being formally informed that a state public official has been charged with a felony offense. Commissioners were required to notify Kemp if Still’s actions adversely affected his ability to represent Georgia residents.

Still’s attorneys argued he should not be suspended from office since the allegations against him stem from events that occurred before he was elected to the state Senate in 2022.

Still faces seven charges for allegedly violating Georgia’s RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations), impersonating a public officer, forgery and making false statements and writings.

A hearing on the sweeping criminal case that includes him has been scheduled for Wednesday as his attorney seeks to have Still’s criminal case transferred from state to federal court.

Judge provides glimpse into potential daily trial schedule

Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee has some key decisions to make ahead of the speedy trial set to begin on Oct. 23 for defendants Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro.

Powell and Chesebro are expected to be the first co-defendants to wade through a marathon trial that prosecutors anticipate will eventually involve 150 witnesses taking the stand over the course of four months.

Attorney Scott Grubman, who represents Chesebro, recommended a modified schedule that ends earlier in the afternoon on each day. He said that there appears to be evidence that shaving off a couple hours daily does not slow down the trial while also keeping jurors engaged during lengthy arguments.

McAfee, however, said that he’s favoring holding the trials during the regular business hours that the courts are open. He suggested holding the proceedings four days a week, with Friday being an off day.

McAfee ruled Thursday in favor of severing the trials for 17 of the defendants, including Trump, from that of Powell and Chesebro.

The judge also ruled on Thursday against Fulton prosecutors’ request to try all 19 defendants at the same time.

Defense asks for the release of names of alleged co-conspirators, grand jury transcripts

The 19 defendants could find out the names of about 30 alleged unindicted co-conspirators referenced in the 98-page indictment. Additionally, they may be able to access witness transcripts related to a special grand jury’s recommendation that prosecutors pursue charges against several dozen people connected to the election interference probe.

The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office opposes Chesebro and Powell’s attorneys’ request for transcripts of many of the 75 witnesses who testified last year as a Fulton County special purpose grand jury heard the evidence.

McAfee said last week that releasing transcripts of the testimony would assist defense attorneys in cross-examining witnesses.

Jury questionnaires garner support

Prior to attorneys making their opening arguments in the trials, the two sides will have to settle on a panel of jurors who will decide the innocence or guilt of the defendants being tried.

The jury selection process needs to be figured out later this month. But prosecutors and the attorneys representing Powell and Chesebro both said they planned to submit questions for the jury questionnaire.

The questionnaires are used by attorneys for both sides as they consider who they want to disqualify as jurors.

McAfee agreed to a jury questionnaire that could speed up jury selection.

“I don’t know if there is anyone in Fulton County who hasn’t heard of this case and I don’t think there is anyone in the country that doesn’t have a strong opinion about the former president and the people connected to him,” Chesebro’s attorney Grubman said during a Thursday court hearing.

High-speed chase leads to theft arrests in Banks County

By
Joy Purcell
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Banks County deputies arrested two people following a brief high-speed chase that ended in a wreck and foot pursuit.

The incident started on September 15 when a license plate reader picked up a stolen vehicle entering the county.

Deputies located the vehicle in the area of Yonah Homer Road at Rock Springs Road and initiated a traffic stop.

“The driver failed to yield and fled at a high rate of speed,” says Banks County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Austin Bond. “The driver lost control of the vehicle while traveling on Peyton Road and crashed into a ditch near the area of Sample Scales Road.”

After wrecking, the driver and passenger fled on foot in opposite directions.

Deputies quickly apprehended the driver, Justin Sailors, 26, of Commerce.

The K9 team was deployed and located the passenger, Alisha Buice, 33, of Maysville.

Both suspects were placed under arrest. Deputies charged them with theft by receiving stolen property, fleeing and eluding, obstruction of justice, and possession of marijuana.

Charles Ray Clore

By
Now Habersham
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Charles Ray Clore, age 88, of Gainesville, entered heaven Saturday evening, September 16, 2023, at the Chestnut Ridge Nursing Home.

Charles was born in Harlan County, Kentucky, to the late Abe & Addie Nix Clore. He retired as a truck driver from Overnight Transport with a number of years of service. He was a member of the Union Baptist Church, Mineral Bluff, and was preceded in death by a son, Donald Clore; brother, Gene Clore; sisters, Christine Winkler & Gertrude Nichols.

Left to cherish precious memories, wife of 67 years, Dorothy Clore; sons, Junior Clore & Johnny Clore; daughter, Charlene (Charles) Cross; brothers, Earl Clore, Abraham Clore & Henry Clore; sister, JoAnn Clore; 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren & a host of nieces, nephews & other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Ward’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hoyt Winkler officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Mineral Bluff. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the funeral home.

You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville, is honored to serve the family of Charles Ray Clore.

Piedmont men’s soccer drops non-conference bout to Oglethorpe

By
Piedmont University Sports Information
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(Photo by Dale Zanine)

The Piedmont University men’s soccer team dropped a non-conference contest at home to Oglethorpe University by a score of 4-0.

The Stormy Petrels started the scoring early, finding the back of the net off a set piece in the 5th minute of the contest. Things worsened for the Lions as Oglethorpe once again cracked the defense, scoring their second in the 14th minute.

Trialing for nearly the entire half, Piedmont struggled to generate offense as they were out shot 12-4 in the first 45.

Out of the break, it did not take long for Oglethorpe to extend their lead once again as they scored in the 53rd minute, making it 3-0.

Just before the conclusion, the Stormy Petrels scored once more, closing the contest 4-0.

Up next, Piedmont welcomes Southern Virginia to Demorest on Friday, September 22 with kickoff set for 3 p.m.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– Piedmont was out shot 23-5.
– There were a total of 18 fouls in the contest.

Talk to the Shepherd

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
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The Family Circus cartoon depicted little Jeffy lying in bed counting sheep. He turns to his sister, Dolly, and declares, “I can’t sleep, Dolly, and I’ve been countin’ sheep like Billy told me to.”

Dolly, who is a bit older, comes to Jeffy’s aid. “Grandma always says forget the sheep and talk to the Shepherd.” At the end of the cartoon, we see Jeffy asleep and smiling.

Boy, does that speak volumes to humans of every age? When we can’t sleep or solve a problem and feel nothing is left to do, it is time to talk to the Shepherd. Seems so simple, so basic. So, why are we often reluctant to ask for help?

It has a bunch to do with our sinful natures. Also, our parents encouraged us to be self-reliant, strong, successful, and competent adults. “We don’t need anybody to help us fix our problems because it is up to us to mend.”

And yes, God wants us to try, but when we find ourselves stuck in a corner, we must talk to the Shepherd.

Dealing with lifelong clinical depression, I asked my doctor once when I was going through a dark period, “You don’t seem worried about me, and I feel as if I am breaking!”

He calmly answered, “Well, I learned long ago that you would never completely break.”

“Why do you believe such a thing?” I retorted.

“Because in the end, you call on God just before you reach the bottom of an abyss.”  He smiled as he took my hand. “Your faith saves you and always will.”

I didn’t realize it at the time, but he was right. In the end, it’s always God who comes to my rescue.

Life is just downright fraught with sorrow, turmoil, and despair. And it can be challenging to manage when we face such tribulation. Sometimes, we can’t see how we will make it to tomorrow.

Many years ago, as an interior designer, I worked with builders to help them with their new home designs and their buyers. I decorated many models around Atlanta during those days.

A prominent Atlanta construction company hired me as an outside contractor to work with their clients when they purchased a home. Since I was independent and the developer built many houses, they provided half my yearly income.

The company failed to inform me they were building an in-house design studio and employing a decorator to staff it until the day it opened. I lost half my income in one day with two children in college, and as a single parent, I saw no solution.

I vividly recall sitting on my sofa, staring at the ceiling, uncontrollably crying, not knowing what to do. Darkness settled in the room, and as the day turned to night, I was frozen in such fear that I didn’t turn on a light.

Finally, I called on God. I prayed hard but thought even the Lord didn’t know how to fix this mess.

Two days later, a physician called to ask if I would be interested in helping his large medical group redesign their enormous facility.

My whole career changed after that. I eased my way out of working with builders and instead worked with only private clients.

By the end of the year, I earned more income than I had in the twenty-plus years prior.  God, indeed, found a way to fix the mess.

Looking back on my life, I realize the Shepherd always helped me navigate my path. It is always God who turns the darkness into light.

Sometimes, we feel the Lord does not hear our prayers. Since He is the most intelligent guy on the block, we must remember He knows what He is doing.

We are tested each day with the decisions and the temptations we face. We will make mistakes, but the Savior shows us how to find solutions if only we desire His guidance.

I remind myself daily we do not live in paradise but must seek it.  Our wishes will not come to fruition here but in eternity if we only trust the Shepherd’s wise ways and discernment.

In Lahaina, Maui, a woman stood among the burned ruins. All she had was gone. A reporter asked her, “How will you deal with such a monumental tragedy, and where will you go?”

With a slight smile on her ash-smudged face, she said, “God knows the answer, and He will find a way. He always does.”

The fire did not destroy her most valuable possession: her faith.

When we face seemingly impossible hurdles we alone can’t cross, it is time to talk to the Shepherd.

We will sleep better when we do.

__________

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.

A Haunting in Venice

By
Justin Hall
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A Haunting in Venice marks the third of Kenneth Branagh’s mystery series based on the novels of Agatha Christie. I compare this series to the more recent Equalizer movies: I think they’re both a franchise that’s not particularly demanding from audiences, but I guess studios saw potential in them.

Branagh returns again as director and stars as Hercule Poirot, now retired from solving crimes and has become a faithless recluse in Venice in 1947. He’s convinced to come out of his self-imposed isolation by an old friend, Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), a mystery writer who wants to invite Poirot to a Halloween party.

The two attend the party and then are invited to a seance lorded over by a medium named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh). Poirot immediately suspects she’s a fake. During the seance, it isn’t long before someone is murdered and Poirot reluctantly takes on the case to find out who did it.

The suspects in the murder range from two assistants of the writer (Ali Khan and Emma Laird); the fiance (Kyle Allen) of the dead daughter during the seance; the housemaid (Camile Cottin); the family doctor (Jamie Dornan); and even Poirot’s bodyguard (Ricardo Scamarcio, John Wick Chapter 2).

This is where Branagh’s abilities take center stage and where his mustache does just as much acting as he does. The movie follows its predictable formula to a T: Each suspect is interrogated. They establish their alibis during the crime and supposedly have just cause as to why some of the others might’ve done it.

Branagh is once again effective in his role as Poirot, occasionally hamming up his performance to borderline unintentional comedy, again with the mustache still doing most of the work.

The actors seem engaged just enough and they inhabit their roles with relative ease, although I do think Yeoh’s character is the one not really used.

I’m mildly recommending this movie because Branagh does have a certain style and flair to help bring Christie’s novels to life, both with his performance and direction, and that’s really what saved the movie. Any other actor or director would’ve made the material interminable.

The execution of the material doesn’t exactly make a compelling argument for this film, but again I guess the studio saw something in it.

Grade: B

(Rated PG-13 for some strong violence, disturbing images and thematic elements.)

Andy W. Turner

By
Now Habersham
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Andy W. Turner, age 44 of Mt. Airy, took his heavenly flight home on Friday, September 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Andy was born in Gainesville, Georgia, on January 17, 1979. Andy was a jack of all trades and could operate anything with a motor regardless if it had wheels, tracks, or other. He was the owner and operator of Turner and Son Grading, where he used his God-given skills to serve his many loyal customers alongside his son Wyatt. Andy’s greatest joys were his children and family. He proudly taught them and many other family members how to first ride a bicycle. Andy simply loved people and never met a stranger; he had the heart of a true servant. He loved his Level Grove Church family, where he enjoyed serving as an usher and co-teacher with his wife Beth in a young couples Sunday School class. Andy was preceded in death by grandparents Clay Beck and Hugh and Nellie Cantrell, brother Chance Cantrell, mother-in-law Gloria Quarles, aunt Diane Witherspoon, and uncle Dwayne “Punk” Cantrell.

Survivors include his wife Beth Quarles Turner; children Wyatt Turner, Lana Turner, Alyssa Chitwood, Annabelle Chitwood, and Gemma Turner; parents Phyllis and Jack Cantrell; siblings Corey Cantrell (Haley), Clay Cantrell (Mandy) and Kelly Echols (Judah); grandmother Clara Lee Beck Petrie; father-in-law Rick Quarles; brother-in-law Ben Quarles; aunts and uncles Janet and Bro. Phillip Yarber, Sammy and Debbie Beck, Kathy and Jeff Herrin, Judy and Terry Barrett, Garnelle Holcomb, Don and Teresa Cantrell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM, Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Level Grove Baptist Church with Bro. Phillip Yarber, Dr. Brian James, and Rev. Ron Glaze officiating. The family will receive friends at Level Grove Baptist Church prior to the funeral service on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the church foyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Level Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 416, Cornelia, GA 30531.

An online guest book is available at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville, GA. 706-754-6256

Funeral Sunday for Alto woman killed in pedestrian accident

By
Staff Report
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Family and friends will gather this weekend for a memorial service for Crystal Ann Thomas. The 37-year-old Alto woman died Wednesday after being struck by a pickup truck as she walked along the Level Grove exit ramp in Cornelia.

Thomas was employed at Wendy’s. In her obituary, her family described her as a “people person” with a “humorous personality.”

According to the Georgia State Patrol, Thomas was walking south on the Level Grove northbound exit ramp shortly after 6 p.m. on September 13 when the truck hit her. State troopers did not file any charges against the driver.

Ashley Sutton says she was Thomas’ next-door neighbor. She was on her way to pick up Thomas after work when the accident happened.

“She had just got off work. She said she needed a ride. I told her I was on my way,” said Sutton. “I feel so bad. I got there, and she had got hit. My heart is so broken.”

Many in the community knew Thomas from her work at local restaurants.

“She was such a sweet person,” says Stacy Owenby, one of many who paid tribute to the mother of three on social media following the news of her death.

Thomas is survived by her son and two daughters. A memorial service is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, at New Vision Worship Center in Baldwin.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Crystal Ann Thomas obituary

 

Area scoreboard: Week 5

By
Zack Myers
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(Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

HABERSHAM CENTRAL (2-2) VS FORSYTH CENTRAL (1-3)

The Raiders picked up their second win of the season with a 28-10 performance against the Bulldogs on Friday night in Mt. Airy.

Up next, Habersham Central has its first region game on the road against Lanier in Suwanee. Forsyth Central will host Seckinger. Both games will be on Friday, Sept. 22.

WHITE COUNTY (2-2) VS STEPHENS COUNTY (5-0)

The Indians remained perfect on the season Friday night with a 56-26 win over White County.

Both teams have a bye week upcoming.

Then the Warriors will travel to Dawson County for their first region game of the year, while Stephens County will host Monroe Area to open its region slate on Friday, Sept. 29.

RABUN COUNTY (3-1) VS HEARD COUNTY (0-4)

Rabun County’s only loss is still at the hands of an unbeaten Stephens County team after a 45-13 win over Heard County Friday night.

The Wildcats will travel to Smyrna to take on Whitefield Academy and the Braves will host Clarkston on Friday, Sept. 22.

BANKS COUNTY (4-0) VS GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY (2-3)

The Leopards are still flying high with another victory this season, this time a 19-7 contest against George Walton Academy.

Both the Bulldogs and the Leopards will be on the road next week as George Walton travels to Brentwood and Banks County rolls down the street to Commerce on Friday, Sept. 22.

FRANKLIN COUNTY (1-4) VS EAST JACKSON (4-0)

East Jackson holds onto its perfect records with a 53-10 win over Franklin County Friday night.

The Eagles will travel to Johnson (Gainesville) next week, while the Lions will get a bye week before starting region play at home against Hart County on Friday, Sept. 29.

LUMPKIN COUNTY (4-0) VS HART COUNTY (1-3)

The Burial Grounds remains a fortress as the Indians top the Bulldogs 30-10 in Dahlonega Friday night.

Next up, Lumpkin County starts its region slate on the road against Pickens. Hart County will host Cross Creek. Both contests will be on Friday, Sept. 22.

ELBERT COUNTY (3-1) VS WASHINGTON-WILKES (2-2)
The Blue Devils got past the Tigers, 36-27, at the Granite Bowl Friday night.

Next, Elbert County will host Jefferson County, while Washington-Wilkes will host Hancock Central on Friday, Sept. 22.

NORTH HALL (4-0, 2-0 Region 8A-AAAA) VS EAST HALL (2-2, 1-2 Region 8A-AAAA)

The Trojans put up over 500 yards of offense against the Vikings at The Brickyard in a 49-14 win Friday night.

North Hall will go on the road to Cherokee Bluff and East Hall will host Cedar Shoals on Friday, Sept. 22.

For more on this game, click here

WEST HALL (1-3) VS UNION COUNTY (4-1)

The Panthers proved to be too much for the Spartans in a 42-7 result Friday night.

West Hall will play its first region game of the season at Dawson County next week. Union County will take two weeks off and come back in its first region contest against Banks County at home on Friday, Oct. 6.

JOHNSON (1-3, 1-0 Region 8A-AAAA) VS EAST FORSYTH (3-0, 1-0 Region 8A-AAAA)

The Broncos remained perfect on the season with a 49-7 dispatching of the Knights on Friday in Gainesville.

Johnson will take on another tough test when they host East Jackson, while East Forsyth goes on the road against Walnut Grove on Friday, Sept. 22.

GAINESVILLE (5-0, 1-0 Region 8 AAAAAA) vs APALACHEE (0-5, 0-1 Region 8 AAAAAA)

The Red Elephant train kept on rolling as it stampeded over the Wildcats, 70-6, at City Park Friday.

Gainesville will take a break with a bye week before coming back on Sept. 29 against Lanier in a region matchup. Apalachee will continue its region schedule next week on the road at Jackson County.

FLOWERY BRANCH (2-2) AT LAMBERT (4-0)

The Longhorns continued the trend of tough non-region opponents for the Falcons as the home team won 49-33 to remain perfect through four games.

Flowery Branch will kick off its region schedule against Eastside at home, while Lambert hosts East Coweta on Friday, Sept. 22.

CHESTATEE (0-4, 0-2 Region 8A-AAAA) VS CHEROKEE BLUFF (1-3, 1-1 Region 8A-AAAA)

Something had to give with these two winless teams coming together and it worked out in the Bears favor as they topped the War Eagles, 48-0.

Next, Chestatee will go on the road to North Oconee, while Cherokee Bluff will host a hot North Hall squad on Friday, Sept. 22.

RIVERSIDE MILITARY (0-4) VS GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE (1-4)

The Bulldogs picked up their first win with a 46-12 defeat of the Eagles Friday in Gainesville.

Riverside Military will travel to Oglethorpe County next week, while Georgia Military College will get a bye before hosting Johnson County on Friday, Sept. 29.

Rodeo rides into town for the weekend; special needs students get preview

By
Jerry Neace
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A barrel racer prepares her horse for the turn around a barrel during the barrel racing demonstration Friday morning. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

It’s ropin’ and ridin’ time at the Habersham County Fairgrounds. The highly-anticipated rodeo has arrived for the final two days of the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair.

The fair committee is offering the largest payout in its history and the largest payout for a rodeo in Northeast Georgia this year. The $18,000 purse is partly thanks to the generous support from Hayes Chevrolet of Baldwin and other event sponsors.

The rodeo is scheduled at the Habersham County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday nights, September 15 and 16. It begins at 8 o’clock on both nights.

Bull riding will be one of many events during the rodeo this Friday and Saturday evening at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The cost to get into the fair is $15 per person on Friday and Saturday and includes rodeo admission.

The fair closes both nights at 10 p.m.

Saturday is the last day of the fair. Gates will open at 11 a.m.

Rodeo preview

The special needs students from Habersham Central High School and the Ninth Grade Academy got to preview the rodeo Friday morning.

The Chattahoochee Mountain Fair Committee hosted the students earlier this week at the fairgrounds and arranged for an afternoon rodeo exhibition. The students got to experience some of the action crowds will see tonight and Saturday night during the rodeo.

The students saw live demonstrations of calf roping, barrel racing, and head and heel team roping.

A cowgirl ropes a calf during the calf roping demonstration. Special needs students from HCHS and Ninth Grade Academy watch in the foreground. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

“Many of these students wouldn’t have an opportunity to come out here and see this rodeo if it were not for the partnership between the school system and the fair,” said Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper.

Cooper thanked the fair committee for making Friday’s rodeo field trip possible.

“I am so grateful to the fair committee for their generosity and hospitality to these special needs students. I want to say thank you to them and to all of the other people behind the scenes that make this happen.” He added, “For these students here, they’re happy right now. To me, that’s part of being successful.”

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