Athens District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez gets an election challenger

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October 23, 2023

Kalki Yalamanchili announced his candidacy for district attorney in Georgia's Western Judicial Circuit, based in Athens, on Oct. 3, 2023. (Credit: Kalki Yalamanchili for District Attorney via Facebook)

The election for Athens-Clarke County District Attorney is more than a year away. But the embattled incumbent, Deborah Gonzalez, already has opposition.

Earlier this month, a former county prosecutor, Kalki Yalamanchili, announced that he was running to replace Gonzalez, whose office has been plagued by reports of staffing shortages.

“We are facing a crisis,” Yalamanchili said. “The inability to maintain a fully staffed office of well-trained prosecutors is leading to cases being lost at trial — meaning that violent criminals are not being held accountable and are being released to victimize others again.”

Yalamanchili said that his experience as an assistant district attorney and his time in private practice make him the right person to ensure that the district attorney’s office is adequately staffed.

“I look forward to rebuilding the reputation of the district attorney’s office by ensuring that once again, victims in this circuit have an office that will seek justice for them with competency and compassion,” Yalamanchili said.

But his candidacy isn’t the only challenge facing Gonzalez.

A lawsuit filed earlier this year by an Athens business owner alleges that she is unable and unwilling to perform her duties.

She also is the target of Republican state lawmakers who passed a law earlier this year that created an oversight commission that could remove her and other elected prosecutors from office.

Democrats have criticized the law as a tool for Republicans to remove district attorneys elected as Democrats, especially women of color, from office.

Yalamanchili, who is running as a non-partisan candidate, would not elaborate on his opinion of that law.

“I understand, given the circumstances that my community is facing, why the legislature and the governor felt it necessary to take action in the method that they are able to,” he said. “But for me, my focus is not on the oversight law. My focus is on what I can do to give my community a district attorney that does the right thing, in the right way, regardless of whether anybody’s watching.”

In response to GPB’s request for comment on this story, Gonzalez wrote:

“My focus remains with the people of Clarke and Oconee counties, who I will continue to fight for every day to achieve the Justice all people deserve. I am proud of the programs we have developed, like the Juvenile Restorative Justice Program, offering a real chance for rehabilitation. Working through the COVID backlog and continuing to train and develop attorneys and staff to protect the people of Clark and Oconee counties. There have been and will continue to be critics of my work. I will not be distracted by the detractors who would jeopardize the safety of this community for their political benefit. This community elected me, and that is where my attention will always be, with the community.”

This article appears on Now Habersham through a news partnership with GPB News

Alma Diane Chapman

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Now Habersham

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October 23, 2023

Alma Diane Chapman, age 76, of Clarkesville, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Born on November 10, 1946, in Gastonia, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late J.C. Tench and Fannie Elrod Tench. Over the years, Mrs. Chapman was employed as a nurse’s aide with Chenocetah Assisted Living, Habersham Home, and Glen Ella Springs. She was of the Christian faith and enjoyed making crafts in her spare time. She also enjoyed animals, especially her dogs and cats, as well as taking walks in nature, spending time at the lake or having a picnic.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Tench, and sisters, Barbara Hellard and Virginia Thompson.

Survivors include husband of 32 years, Jerry E. Chapman of Clarkesville; sons, Jeffery Clark of Turnerville and David Clark of Athens; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Johnny Tench of Dahlonega; seven nieces and nephews.

No formal service is planned, but per Mrs. Chapman’s wish, just simply cherish her memory.

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.

Eight Republicans are running for U.S. House speaker. Here’s your guide to the field.

By

Jacob Fischler

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October 23, 2023

WASHINGTON (GA Recorder) –– The eight Republican candidates to be speaker of the U.S. House were set to make their cases to their colleagues Monday evening as the House Republican Conference restarted its process to choose a candidate.

Nine had filed on Sunday to run for speaker, but on Monday night, Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Meuser dropped out after announcing just the day before he would make a bid for the post. Meuser cited his promise to run former President Donald Trump’s campaign in Pennsylvania as one of the reasons he exited the race.

The chamber has been in turmoil since eight Republicans voted with all House Democrats to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the post last month. The conference has been unable to unite behind a single candidate.

After Monday night’s speeches, the conference was expected to hold a vote or likely multiple votes behind closed doors Tuesday to try to settle on a nominee, then bring that nominee to the floor.

With the exception of Minnesota’s Tom Emmer, the House majority whip, the group is not particularly well known outside of their districts.

Six of the eight voted to object to certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election, in line with Trump’s position.

With Republicans holding only a 221-212 majority, any would-be speaker will need near-unanimous support from Republicans — a tall order for a deeply divided conference largely still loyal to the former president but with some members in vulnerable seats.

“It’s a nearly impossible task,” Peter Loge, a professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, told States Newsroom. “Because you have to be as conservative and angry and election-denying as Matt Gaetz but as reasonable and a believer in compromise and democratic institutions as the New York moderates. And you can’t be both at the same time.”

In hopes that Republicans will rally around whoever the party nominates this time, Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska introduced a “unity pledge” for members to sign. As of Monday afternoon, eight of the nine original candidates — all but Gary Palmer of Alabama — have signed the pledge, according to Flood’s office.

“Everyone running for Speaker should sign this,” Michigan Republican Jack Bergman, one of the contenders, wrote on X.

Loge said the field can be divided into long-term members with institutionalist tendencies — Emmer and Texas’ Pete Sessions, for example — and newer members such as Florida’s Byron Donalds, who are more in line with the conference’s anti-establishment wing.

The next speaker will immediately face a challenge in passing spending bills or a short-term funding measure to keep the government open past a Nov. 17 deadline, as well as an aid package to Israel and Ukraine amid ongoing wars and a farm bill reauthorization.

States Newsroom put together the guide below to help readers get to know the candidates:

Jack Bergman of Michigan

First elected in 2016, Bergman is a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general. He sits on the Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs and Budget committees.

He’s said his priorities as speaker would include funding the government, especially the military, homeland security and aid to foreign allies.

In announcing his candidacy, Bergman suggested he would stay in the position only through the end of the current Congress,

“We need a leader who shuns permanent power and recognizes the current crisis of leadership,” he said.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: No
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes

Who’s supporting him: Other members of Michigan’s House GOP delegation. They are John James, John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg and Lisa McClain.

Byron Donalds of Florida

A member of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, Donalds is a favorite of the Trump wing of the party. He voted against certifying the 2020 election and has said as recently as July that President Joe Biden is not legitimate.

First elected in 2020, Donalds, 44, is the youngest to join the field and has been in the House for the shortest time.

He has said his priorities would be to improve border security and “responsibly” pass funding bills.

He sits on the Financial Services Committee. Before coming to Congress, he worked in the finance industry.

The only non-white Republican candidate for speaker, Donalds would be the first Black speaker.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: No
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Did not vote
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No

Who’s supporting him: fellow Florida Republicans Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart and Mike Waltz.

Tom Emmer of Minnesota

Currently the No. 3 House Republican, Emmer is considered by some the frontrunner for the top spot and has McCarthy’s endorsement.

In an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, McCarthy praised Emmer’s experience as part of his leadership team.

“He sets himself, head and shoulders, above all those others who want to run,” McCarthy said.

Emmer also developed relationships across the conference when he chaired the House Republican campaign operation in the 2020 and 2022 cycles.

Emmer is one of only two candidates for speaker who voted consistently to certify the 2020 election results. That could make his path harder with the most fervent Trump supporters in the House GOP.

Emmer posted a video of Trump on Monday saying that he had “always gotten along” with Emmer and saying he would stay out of the speaker race. Emmer wrote that as speaker he would continue their “strong working relationship.”

He won his House seat in 2014 following an unsuccessful run for Minnesota governor.

In his letter to colleagues announcing his candidacy, Emmer highlighted national debt and spending, national security and border security as major issues.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: Yes
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes

Who’s supporting him: McCarthy.

Kevin Hern of Oklahoma

The chair of the conservative House Republican Study Committee, Hern could seek support from budget hawks.

The Institute for Legislative Analysis, a limited-government group, gave Hern the highest marks of any candidate for fiscal and tax issues.

Hern has not been shy about his leadership aspirations. He publicly weighed a run for speaker shortly after McCarthy stepped down but opted not to join that race. He has said he at one time dreamed of being an astronaut.

In a letter to colleagues, Hern said Congress has not run well for decades, citing the number of unauthorized programs and a lack of regular order for spending bills. He also listed illegal immigration and drug overdose deaths as problems that Congress should address.

Hern won a special election for his House seat in 2018. Hern owns several McDonald’s franchises in Oklahoma.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: No
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: No
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No

Mike Johnson of Louisiana

As the vice chairman of the House Republican Conference, Johnson is something of an establishment candidate. He’s also a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, which Rep. Jim Jordan, the conference’s previous nominee, chairs.

But Johnson also has conservative bonafides, having previously chaired the House Republican Study Committee.

In his letter to colleagues asking for support, Johnson highlighted the national debt, border security, crime, and inflation as major issues.

An attorney, Johnson was on Trump’s defense team for the former president’s Senate impeachment trials in 2019 and 2020.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: No
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: No
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No

Gary Palmer of Alabama

Palmer called for GOP unity in his speaker candidacy announcement.

“There is a distinct difference between our vision for a prosperous and strong America and the vision of the Democrats that has done so much harm,” Palmer said in his statement on X.

Palmer said he “decided to step forward” as a candidate “to do what I can to put our differences behind us and unite Republicans behind a clear path forward, so we can do our job for the benefit of the American people.”

His statement also cited the concerns American families have about the cost of living, child safety, crime in urban areas, fentanyl, federal bankruptcy and national security.

Palmer was first elected to the House in 2014.

Palmer serves as the chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. He also sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

He led the Alabama Policy Institute for 24 years before joining Congress. The Alabama Policy Institute is a conservative think tank with core values surrounding free markets, limited government and “strong families,” according to the organization’s website.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: No
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: No
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No

Austin Scott of Georgia

Scott received 81 votes when he ran for speaker earlier this month against Jordan, an Ohio Republican.

“If we are going to be the majority we need to act like the majority, and that means we have to do the right things the right way,” Scott said in his announcement Friday that he will run again for speaker of the House following Jordan’s withdrawal.

He is one of only two members to vote consistently to certify the 2020 presidential election.

Scott has been a House member since 2011.

Scott sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture Committee. He chairs the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: Yes
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes

Pete Sessions of Texas

Sessions has been in Congress the longest of any of the candidates.

Sessions was initially elected to represent the eastern Dallas district in 1999 and continued to serve until he lost to Rep. Colin Allred in 2018. Sessions was then reelected in 2020, this time to represent the district surrounding Waco.

He chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee from 2009 to 2012. Republicans regained control of the House in 2010. He also chaired the House Rules Committee from 2013 to 2019.

Sessions voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act last year, as well as the codification of same-sex marriage.

In 2019, Sessions was caught in a scandal when he was referred to in an indictment of two men charged with violating campaign finance rules.

How he’s voted:

Certifying the 2020 election: No
Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes
Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes

Ashley Murray contributed to this report.

18-year-old killed in weekend Hall County wreck

By

Joy Purcell

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October 23, 2023

The Georgia State Patrol says speed may have been a factor in the weekend death of an Oakwood teenager.

18-year-old Daniel Reyes died Saturday evening, Oct. 21, in a wreck on McEver Road near Vineyard Way.

Around 7:38 p.m., troopers from Post 6 in Gainesville responded to the crash. Their preliminary investigation revealed Reyes was driving a Toyota Scion south on McEver Road, attempting to negotiate a curve.

“While traveling too fast for the roadway conditions, the Scion struck the concrete median and began traveling across the northbound lanes of McEver Road,” the crash report states.

The Scion crashed into a power pole in front of Sycamore Ridge Apartments, killing the driver, 18-year-old Daniel Reyes of Oakwood. (Photo by Bryan Landers)

The Scion traveled off the west shoulder of the road, where it struck a DOT road sign and power pole. The car came to an uncontrolled final rest on an access road.

Reyes died at the scene.

The crash shut down a section of McEver Road for several hours Saturday night as troopers investigated the crash and crews cleared the scene.

The wreck caused electrical and internet outages in the area. Georgia Power and Jackson EMC were notified to repair the downed power lines and broken pole.

Fireball spotted over North Georgia

By

Staff Report

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October 23, 2023

North Georgians witnessed an impressive celestial site Sunday evening around dusk. An Earth grazer meteor – or fireball – streaked across the northern sky and then flamed out.

People reported seeing it in the skies above Banks County, Clarkesville, Cleveland, Ellijay, Dalton, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Lafayette, Milton, Rabun County, and Rocky Face in Whitfield County.

The American Meteor Society also reported sightings in Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The bright flash appeared shortly before 7 p.m. and lasted just a few seconds.

“Earth grazer meteors around twilight hit the atmosphere at a shallower angle, so they tend to be much longer and brighter since they burn a little slower,” says Now Habersham weather forecaster and astronomer Tyler Penland.

The meteor may have been part of the Orionid meteor shower that peaked Sunday night.

The Orionid meteors come from Halley’s Comet, which is currently near the middle of its 76-year orbit around the sun. While the comet won’t make its appearance in Earth’s night sky until 2061, it leaves a trail of debris behind that our planet passes through every year, resulting in the Orionids, NASA explains.

Although the Orionids peaked this past weekend, you may still catch a view of these meteors now through Nov 22.

Teddy Guyer reaches 400-career win mark

By

Joseph Garwood

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October 23, 2023

Piedmont University Swim Coach Teddy Guyer (Mooreshots LLC)

DEMOREST, Ga. – With Saturday’s Piedmont double dual sweep on both the men’s and women’s side on Saturday, Piedmont Head Swim Coach Teddy Guyer reached the 400-career win mark.

So far this fall, Guyer has led the men’s team to a perfect 4-0 record, while the women have delivered a 3-1 mark through the first two double duals of the campaign.

Against those 400 career victories are just 79 total losses, good for an incredible .835 winning percentage.

In a coaching career that dates back to 1993, Guyer has never had a losing season on the men’s or women’s side.

Up next, the Lions will look to continue their winning ways as they head back to Asheville, North Carolina, next Saturday, October 28, against Warren Wilson and William Peace.

Self-inflicted wounds doom Raiders vs North Forsyth on senior night

By

Zack Myers

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October 23, 2023

Habersham vs NoFo — Habersham Central High School running back Antonio Cantrell stiff arms a defender while running the ball in a 36-19 loss to North Forsyth High School on Oct. 20, 2023, at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy. (Zack Myers/NowHabersham.com)

North Forsyth High School spoiled the celebration of senior night as the road Raiders topped the home Raiders of Habersham Central High School, 36-19, Friday in Mt. Airy.

Habersham Central (3-5, 1-3 Region 8-AAAAAA), only down 15-12 at the halftime break, came back out of the locker room and got a defensive stop inside its own 20-yard line.

Two plays later, a disconnect between receiver and quarterback resulted in an interception.

North Forsyth (4-4, 3-1 8-AAAAAA) then scored on a 7-yard run from Darron Parry (26 carries, 134 yards, 2 TD; 3 rec, 30 yards). The touchdown, and successful extra point, extended the lead to 10.

“The second half did not start at all the way we needed it to,” Habersham Central Head Coach Benji Harrison said. “But I thought, as bad as that was, we withstood it. We went down and made it a one score game. Then, we just had trouble getting a stop when we needed to.”

On the following drive, Habersham Central quarterback DJ Pass (9-of-21, 198 yds) played Houdini and escaped from a collapsing pocket on 3rd-and-23 to find a streaking Zeke Whittington.

Whittington (6 rec, 144 yds) got the ball to the North Forsyth 19-yard line after a 60-yard gain flipped the field for the Habersham Central offense.

Antonio Cantrell (13 car, 35 yds, 2 TD) punched in the score on a 2-yard play to cut the lead back down to three, 22-19.

The fourth quarter was all North Forsyth though.

“Things started snowballing a little on us in the fourth quarter when we were trying to press it,” Harrison said. “When you get down two scores, you’re way off schedule on what you’re trying to do.”

After the Habersham Central defense held its own inside the 10-yard line, North Forsyth ran a misdirection – sending the whole team to the right side of the end zone except for one player. Quarterback Elijah Seaney found Walker Roberts for the 4-yard touchdown pass to go back up 10 with just under 12 minutes left to play.

Parry added his final touchdown of the night on a 19-yard run with 4:08 remaining to seal the victory.

Defensively, Habersham Central allowed North Forsyth to convert on 8-of-13 third down opportunities. Almost 62 percent of the time, North Forsyth was able to keep its offense on the field after facing a third down.

“We were bad on third down. When you’re trying to make a little comeback, you’ve got to get off the field and we weren’t able to do that,” Harrison said.

Pass opened the scoring in the game with a 25-yard run up the middle. Habersham Central made the call to go for a two-point conversion, but it was stopped by North Forsyth.

“We said if they gave it to us, we were going to do it,” Harrison said. “We’ve worked it all year. Our kids believed in it and they kept saying every week, ‘When are we going to run it? We didn’t practice it to look at it.’”

Harrison said the decision to go for two was to take the opportunity to “be the aggressors.”

“If you get that, there’s something – I know, because I’ve been on both sides of it – when you can go up eight instead of seven from the get-go, it just does something for the morale of your team, it shows you’ve got confidence in your team and that sideline across from you looks at you different,” Harrison said.

With 7:55 left in the second quarter, Cantrell punched in his first touchdown of the contest from one yard out.

Again, Habersham Central attempted the two-point conversion. This time, it was there, but Pass’s throw was low, dropping Whittington to the ground short of the goal line.

The final score of the first half came on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Seaney (20-of-31, 217 yds, 3 TD, 1 Int) to Brady Holbrook. Parry punched in a run to complete the two-point conversion, giving North Forsyth its eventual 15-12 lead at the half.

Despite only being down three at the break, Harrison said he was more frustrated than he’s been this season at that point.

The head coach said he challenged his players in the locker room and was so frustrated because he felt like his team “left a lot of opportunities out there.”

“I thought we had not done a lot of things like we were capable of doing how we prepared to do them,” Harrison said .”I think you have to get off to a fast start. I think that’s how it is with high school kids. We missed the opportunity to get off to a fast start because we just didn’t do some things we should have done for whatever reason.”

A win against North Forsyth would have all-but-guaranteed a playoff spot for Habersham Central. Now, Harrison and his squad will go on the road for the final two games of the regular season to try to get that playoff spot.

“We’ve got two more (games) ahead of us that are very important,” Harrison said. “I think that’s the message moving forward. I think, if we do what we’re capable of doing the next two weeks, I’m convinced the spot we’ll go in is the best one. That’s the message. Let’s make the most of where we’re at. Let’s find a way to get in the playoffs.”

Habersham Central will travel to Winder to play Apalachee High School next Friday night. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m.

THE PLAYOFF PICTURE: With a 55-0 win over Shiloh Friday night, Gainesville remains undefeated at 8-0 with a 4-0 region record and has locked up a playoff spot. The region championship is also likely wrapped up as well. The Red Elephants go to North Forsyth next week, then travel to Shiloh for the final game of the season.

Lanier, a 31-7 winner over Jackson County Friday, is now 7-2 with a 4-1 region record. The only remaining team on their schedule is 2-6 Shiloh, which the Longhorns will host next week. Lanier has locked in its playoff spot as well.

North Forsyth takes a clear third place in the region standings with the win over Habersham Central. The Raiders are 4-4 with a 3-1 region record. With Gainesville next week and Apalachee the following week, North Forsyth likely finishes 5-5 with a 4-2 region record and takes the third playoff spot.

Jackson County’s loss to Lanier Friday still currently has the Panthers in fourth place in the region. With a 4-5 record and a 2-3 region slate, Jackson County is entering a BYE week before hosting Gainesville. The power of Gainesville should roll against the Panthers, leaving them a 4-6 team with a 2-4 region record.

Habersham Central is on the outside looking in just now with a 3-5 record and 1-3 region tally. With winless Apalachee and two-win Shiloh the remaining contenders, the Raiders could conceivably finish 2023 with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-3 mark within the region. That should leave them just clear of Jackson County and sliding into that final playoff spot. It is possible, assuming that Gainesville beats Jackson County in the final game of the year for both teams, Habersham Central finds its way in with just one win in the final two contests. For that to be the case, the win would have to come against Shiloh.

Shiloh could still find its way into the playoffs. The Generals would need to defeat both Lanier and Habersham Central at home (and Jackson County would have to lose to Gainesville), boosting itself to a 4-6 overall and 3-3 region record to slide into that final playoff spot.

Apalachee, at 0-8 on the season and 0-4 in region play, is already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Area scoreboard: Week 10

By

Zack Myers

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October 23, 2023

HABERSHAM CENTRAL (3-5, 1-3 Region 8-AAAAAA) VS NORTH FORSYTH (4-4, 3-1 8-AAAAAA)

Habersham Central fell 36-19 to North Forsyth as the latter played spoiler to senior night celebrations.

Next up, Habersham Central travels to Apalachee, while North Forsyth hosts Gainesville.

RABUN COUNTY (7-2, 1-1 8-A D1) AT ATHENS CHRISTIAN (0-8, 0-2 8-A D1)

Rabun County topped Athens Christian 38-0 on the road.

The Wildcats will travel to Commerce next week, while Athens Christian travels to Elbert County.

HART COUNTY (3-4, 2-1 8-AAA) VS STEPHENS COUNTY (8-0, 3-0 8-AAA)

Stephens County shutout Hart County 35-0 in Hartwell Friday.

Next week, the Bulldogs host Hebron Christian. The Indians will welcome Oconee County to The Reservation.

LUMPKIN COUNTY (8-0, 4-0 7-AAA) VS WHITE COUNTY (4-4, 2-2 7-AAA)

The Indians escaped with a 61-55 win in four overtime periods against the Warriors.

Next week, Lumpkin County travels to Dawson County. White County will play host to the Pickens Dragons.

BANKS COUNTY (4-4, 0-3 8-AA) VS ATHENS ACADEMY (5-3, 2-1 8-AA)

The Leopards fell at home to the Spartans, 56-27.

Next week, Banks County hosts Fellowship Christian. Athens Academy will travel to Union County.

FRANKLIN COUNTY (1-7, 0-3 8-AAA) AT HEBRON CHRISTIAN (4-4, 1-2 8-AAA)

In a clash of the Lions, it was Hebron Christian emerging victorious, 65-7.

Next week Franklin County hosts Monroe Area. Hebron Christian will travel to Hart County.

ELBERT COUNTY (7-2, 1-1 8-A D1) VS COMMERCE (8-1, 2-0 8-A D1)

The Blue Devils were on the losing end, 49-21, against the Tigers on Friday.

Next week, Elbert County will host Athens Christian, while Commerce travels to Rabun County.

CHEROKEE BLUFF (4-5, 4-3 8A-AAAA) VS EAST HALL (2-6, 1-6 8A-AAAA)

The Bears raced by the Vikings, 49-0, Friday in Flowery Branch.

Cherokee Bluff will now have a BYE week before traveling to North Oconee on Nov. 3. East Hall will host North Oconee next week.

WEST HALL (1-7, 0-4 7-AAA) AT PICKENS (2-6, 1-3 7-AAA)

The Dragons knocked off the Spartans, 35-12, Friday in Jasper.

Next up, West Hall will play on Thursday, Oct. 26 as it hosts Wesleyan. Pickens will travel to White County.

JOHNSON (3-5, 1-1 8A-AAAA) AT DRUID HILLS (6-1-1)

The Knights were handed a 41-0 loss to the Red Devils Friday.

Next week, Johnson will host Clarkston. Druid Hills will host Lakeside.

GAINESVILLE (8-0, 4-0 8-AAAAAA) VS SHILOH (2-6, 1-3 8-AAAAAA)

The Generals were run over by the Red Elephants, 55-0, at City Park.

Next week, Gainesville travels to North Forsyth, while Shiloh hosts Lanier.

CHESTATEE (0-8, 0-4 8A-AAAA) VS CEDAR SHOALS (4-5, 3-3 8B-AAAA)

The War Eagles will head into their last two contests looking for a win after dropping a 45-21 affair at home against the Panthers.

Next up, Chestatee travels to East Forsyth, while Cedar Shoals hosts North Hall.

RIVERSIDE MILITARY (0-8, 0-3 GIAA 4A/3A District 4) VS LAKEVIEW ACADEMY (4-4, 1-1 GIAA 4A/3A District 4)

The Lions knocked off the Eagles 41-0.

Next week, Riverside Military will travel to Loganville Christian Academy. Lakeview will travel to George Walton Academy.

Roy Gilliland

By

Now Habersham

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October 22, 2023

Roy Gilliland, age 92, of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Mr. Gilliland was born on December 5, 1930, in Barrow County, Georgia, to the late Henry M. Gilliland and Dora Ethridge Gilliland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all of his siblings. Mr. Gilliland was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Mr. Gilliland retired from A&P Tea Company with 41 years of service. Following retirement, he worked with Ingles Grocery in Cleveland for several years. Outside of his career, he had a great interest in United States History, especially World War II and US Presidents, which led him to volunteer with Gwinnett County Historical Society. He also enjoyed the outdoors, including gardening, bird watching, and even making walking trails near his home. Mr. Gilliland was of the Baptist Faith and lived his life that way. Roy will be remembered for his love, devotion, and commitment to his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was known to his granddaughters as “Pa,” and he deeply loved and very proud of them.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Delia Singleton Gilliland, of Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Melissa Gilliland, of Rydal, GA; granddaughters, Julie Daniels and her husband, Sam; Emily Gilliland and her boyfriend, Chandler Lowe; step-granddaughters, Raven and Hunter; great-granddaughter, Rogan; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Inurnment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2023, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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

Howl-Ween Pawty raises nearly $5,000 for county animal shelter

By

Joy Purcell

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October 22, 2023

Halloween -02 — Costumed partiers take a turn in the photo booth at the inaugural Howl-Ween Pawty at Fender's Alley in Cornelia on Oct. 21, 2023. (Photo by Jessica Dunne/Striking Dunne Photography)

It was a successful night of fundraising at Fenders Alley in Cornelia Saturday, as a crowd turned out to support the local animal shelter.

“We packed out the place!” says Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Nix.

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Children and adults – some in costume, many not – showed up for the HCACC’s first-ever ‘Howl-Ween Pawty.’ The event featured live entertainment, a silent auction, contests, and door prizes. The event raised $4,695 toward the purchase of two neonatal kitten incubators.

Although HCACC did not meet its $7,500 fundraising goal, the outcome still pleased Nix. She was unsure of what to expect from this first-year event but says it went “great!”

“We may not have reached the numerical goal, but I’d say we reached the goal!”

With the money they raised, the shelter can purchase the two incubators and provide free spay and neuter services for approximately 20 low-income pet owners. Nix adds she’s grateful to everyone in the community who made the evening a success.

Donald Lee Herron

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Now Habersham

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October 22, 2023

Donald Lee Herron, age 65, of Fairview Community in Demorest, Georgia, passed away on October 20, 2023.

Mr. Herron was born on January 10, 1958, in Swain County, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his father, Wilburn Odell Herron; sister, Sue Chastain; and brother, Clayton Herron. He leaves behind his mother, Matilda Jane Herron; son, Nathaniel Herron; daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Jeremy Osborne; and sisters, Mildred Ramey, Jean Hilderhoff, Judy Brown, and Carolyn Whitworth.

Mr. Herron goes home as the victor of a 34-year war with cancer. In November 1989, his oncologists gave him a terminal deadline of three months. Every day since that day has been a battle won. As a Christian, Mr. Herron believed he is eternally healed through his faith in Jesus Christ.

Throughout his life, Mr. Herron worked hard across a range of professions, including farming, construction, real estate, and rock masonry. He loved to hunt and fish and to spend time with friends and family by the Chattahoochee River. His greatest passion and accomplishment in life was that of a father.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel.

Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Rev. Terry Rice officiating.

Following his wishes, Mr. Herron will be cremated and his ashes returned to the woods and land he loved. His wishes are for everyone who loved him to remember him in their own way but not to dwell on his passing too long. His prayer for all those who loved him was always, “May the spirits be with you as you ride the wings of angels.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial funds be sent in his honor to The Museum of the Cherokee People, as he was a lifelong advocate of indigenous rights and had close ties to the Qualla tribe of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

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

Bonnie Chastain Martin

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Now Habersham

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October 22, 2023

Bonnie Chastain Martin, age 80, of Alto, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 21, 2023, following an extended illness.

Mrs. Martin was born October 24, 1942, in Habersham County, Georgia, to the late Luke Chastain and Jessie Lee Williams Chastain. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Boyce “Bugs” Martin; son, Bruce Martin; brothers, L.M. Chastain, Thomas Chastain and his spouse, Frances; sister, Mary Baker and her husband, Norman; sisters-in-law, Betty Chastain, Mary Chastain; brothers-in-law, Albert Thomas, John Clardy, Everage Caudell; niece, Brenda Franklin; and nephew, Harry Caudell.

Mrs. Martin was of the Baptist Faith and had a deep love for her Lord and Savior. She had attended both Antioch Baptist Church and Alto Baptist Church. Bonnie will be remembered as a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The greatest joy of her life was her home, her family, and especially the honor of being “Grandmother.” She will be greatly missed by her whole family, and the empty void that has been left will be filled with the memory of the love she shared with those she cared about.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Brent Dalton, of Baldwin; grandchildren and their spouses, Amanda and Alex Wilbanks, of Gainesville; Blake and Lauren Dalton, of Gainesville; great-grandchildren, Austin Wilbanks, Dalton Wilbanks, Caroline Grace Wilbanks, and Baylor Dalton; sisters, Lucy Clardy, of Baldwin; Barbara Caudell, of Mt. Airy; brothers, T.R. Chastain, of McDonough; David Chastain and his spouse, Patricia, of Mt. Airy; Robert Chastain and his spouse, Sue, of Mt. Airy; sister-in-law, Marie Chastain; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Bonnie’s 81st Birthday at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 23, 2023 at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Alto Baptist Church, 210 BC Grant Road, Alto, Georgia, 30510 or to the church of one’s choice.

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