Pictured, from left, are Command Sergeant Major Clint Cowser, Richard Thomas, and Terry Mulkey. (Dean Dyer/WRWH.com)
WoodmanLife Chapter 565 of Cleveland recently recognized local military personnel who received a Purple Heart. A total of seven recipients were recognized.
The featured speaker was Command Sergeant Major Clint Cowser with the Georgia Army National Guard. He thanked Woodmen of the World for the recognition and the military personnel and veterans who were wounded in service.
“To all the Purple Heart recipients in this community, those present today and those that have served before, we offer our deepest and most heartfelt thanks. Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to our nation. We are eternally indebted to you.”
Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner read the proclamation approved by the city council last November, designating the city as a Purple Heart City.
Leigh Ammons of Cleveland, who spearheaded efforts to get the City of Cleveland and White County listed on the Purple Heart registry, also shared with the group about how she and her husband, Chris, became involved in this effort.
The seven living Purple Heart recipients were then recognized. They are John Greene, Keith Kimsey, Terry Mulkey, Jack Norris, Cutbert “Cal” Riley, David Stowers, and Richard Thomas. Mulkey and Thomas were the only two recipients who could attend the ceremony.
In concluding the ceremony, Leigh Ammons read the names of deceased WoodmenLife members and relatives who received Purple Hearts. They included: Raymone Allen, Clyde Free, Jesse Lee Gilleland, Jason Harkins, John Thomas Jarrard, Sr., Charlie Robinson, Samuel Robinson, Dewey Turner, and G.W. Williams.
The White County Honor Guard paid tribute with a 21-gun salute, Taps, and raising the American and Purple Heart Flags.
A routine interaction between deputies and a bus, occupied by civilians, at a local gas station in Banks County led to an alleged drug discovery Thursday morning, according to the Banks County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies conducted a consensual encounter with the vehicle around 8:00 a.m. on May 9 at a BP gas station. During the interaction, according to authorities, occupants gave deputies permission to deploy a K9 unit for a narcotics sniff.
K9 Bruce was brought in to inspect the bus and gave a positive alert, which police say indicated possible presence of narcotics. Deputies then searched the area where the K9 alerted and allegedly located a suitcase containing approximately 11.1 pounds of suspected marijuana.
Suspects have not been named, and authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
Atlanta Falcons edge rushers James Pearce Jr.,(27) and Jalon Walker (11) run drills during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons’ commitment to boosting their pass rush was on display at their rookie minicamp on Friday, with edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., each drafted in the first round, on the practice field.
Free agent Leonard Floyd also was added to boost a pass rush that has been a persistent weak spot.
Atlanta finished next-to-last in sacks in 2024. It marked the third time in the past four years the Falcons ranked in the bottom two in the league in that category.
“I get beat up all year about not getting sacks, and that’s got to change,” coach Raheem Morris said Friday. “And the only way you can change that is to change that. And that was a part of the process. Very intentional, going out and trying to fix the edge room.”
After selecting Walker from Georgia at No. 15 overall, the Falcons traded back into the first round to take Tennessee’s Pearce at No. 26. The Falcons sent the Rams their 2026 first-round pick as well as second-round and seventh-round selections in this year’s draft. The Falcons also obtained a third-round selection from the Rams and then made another deal, moving up in the third round, to select Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts.
The Falcons were criticized for giving up too much to get Pearce after signing Floyd and drafting Walker, but Morris said Friday: “It’s very intentional to go out and fix our rush to find … pressure players.”
Morris said it was important for Atlanta “to be able to add three guys that were not here last year that you expect to have significant roles in your pass rush and your pressure players.”
The Falcons finished 8-9 last season, their seventh consecutive losing record. Their last playoff appearance came in 2017.
The Falcons had 41 players at the minicamp, with five draft picks joining undrafted free agents and players in camp on a tryout basis.
Cornelia City Commission (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)
Cornelia plans to continue to conduct a citywide inspection to identify lead pipes in the water system, in accordance with a federal EPA mandate.
The inspection effort stems from a nationwide initiative launched under former President Joe Biden’s administration, requiring municipalities to create a complete inventory of water lines. Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson said approximately 1,700 pipes still need to be examined.
Once the remaining lines are inspected, the findings will be reported to the federal government. It remains unclear whether the city will be responsible for funding any necessary pipe replacements or what the total cost might be.
In the upcoming phase, crews will excavate around targeted water lines to determine the materials used in their construction.
The federal effort is in response to crises in Flint, Mich. and Jackson, Miss. after widespread lead-poisoning of their water systems elevated the issue to the national stage.
The U.S. Supreme Court, as seen on Oct. 9, 2024. (Jane Norman/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — The Trump administration Thursday made an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the deportation of more than half a million immigrants granted humanitarian protections under the Biden administration.
A federal judge in Massachusetts in April blocked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from ending the humanitarian parole program for 532,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. An appeals court rejected the request from the Trump administration to stay the lower court’s order.
In the filing to the high court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argues that the Immigration Nationality Act bars judicial review of discretionary decisions, such as humanitarian parole.
Sauer adds that Noem terminated the program because it does not align with the interests of the Trump administration.
“The district court’s order stymies the government’s ability to terminate parole grants that the Secretary has determined undermine U.S. interests, and thus it inhibits the government’s pursuit of its foreign policy goals,” according to the brief.
Presidents for decades have used their parole authority to allow for migrants to obtain protected status.
President Joe Biden created the program in 2023 that temporarily grants work permits and allows nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to remain in the country if they are sponsored by someone in the United States.
Thursday’s emergency request is one of several immigration related challenges the Trump administration is asking the high court to intervene in after district courts and appeals courts have ruled against the administration.
The Demorest City Council will hold a called meeting Monday, May 12, that will include a work session and a regular meeting. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
The Demorest City Council will meet for a special called meeting and public hearing on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. Prior to the regular meeting, the council will hold a work session at 6 p.m.
A key item on the agenda is a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the City of Demorest’s zoning ordinance. Citizens are encouraged to attend and provide input. In accordance with Georgia law (OCGA 36-81-5), individuals wishing to comment on the zoning amendments may appear and be heard during the hearing.
Following the public hearing, the council will consider taking action on the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance as well as address several other important matters, including:
Restoration estimates from Pro Restoration Services:
Fire Department ($18,994)
Police Department ($18,940)
Engineering services contract for the City Hall complex:
Proposed agreement with Blake Rainwater ($19,600)
Additional fire alarm devices for City Hall:
Quote from ACG Solutions ($11,147.28)
Purchase of a new truck for the Water Department:
Ford F-150 ($41,301)
Invoices from MPE Services for lift station repairs:
Demorest Elementary School Lift Station ($28,220.48)
South Habersham Middle School Lift Station ($41,576.28)
NPS Grant affidavit consideration:
Related to park development on Parcel 079 021
The meeting will conclude with the City Manager’s report and a financial review.
Both meetings will be held at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center, located at 250 Alabama Street in Demorest.
Clarkesville City Council (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)
The city of Clarkesville is cracking down on developers accused of stealing thousands of gallons of water by implementing a tougher ordinance designed to hold violators accountable.
On Monday, May 5, city council members approved an updated ordinance that lends law enforcement greater authority to cite individuals or companies suspected of water theft – a problem city officials say has persisted for years.
“We have people who illegally tap water,” Clarkesville City Manager Keith Dickerson said. “They know it’s wrong, but this (ordinance) has the ability to write them a ticket.”
Because the stolen water bypasses metering systems, the city cannot provide an exact figure for how much is being taken. Officials say perpetrators are known to damage meters to gain unauthorized access.
“Now, if they damage a meter and cut the lock off, they can also get a ticket for that,” Dickerson said. “Other people use the fire hydrant, and they get a meter from us, but they don’t put the meter on it. Now they get a ticket for that.”
Under the revised ordinance, fines start at $250 for a first offense, increase to $500 for a second and can reach as high as $1,000 for a fourth violation.
Clarkesville Project Manager Joe Deputy said the issue isn’t unique to Clarkesville but affects water systems across the region. He said most of the offenders are contractors who pay the initial tap fee but not for the water they consume.
“There’s not necessarily an account established at that juncture, especially if it’s just a developer,” Deputy said. “You have all these people working in and out of the house when it’s being built, and if (water) is available, they’re going to use it.”
Deputy expressed uncertainty about the ordinance’s effectiveness in curbing the problem.
“They’re changing some of the verbiage more associated with having authorization for (water usage) before – now it states that it has to be authorization from the city,” he said. “I don’t know if that changes a whole lot.”
16-year-old high school student Riley Hembree is being treated for a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The local community is rallying around him to help him and his family with financial support. (GoFundMe)
On Friday, May 9, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the community of Habersham County will come together to help a local family facing the fight of their lives. The event, Cruise In with Purpose, will donate 100% of its proceeds to Riley Hembree and his family, offering much-needed support during his battle with cancer.
Riley, a courageous 16-year-old local tenth-grade student at Habersham Central High School, was recently diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting soft tissue and muscle. Riley’s journey ahead includes multiple treatments and many challenges, but thanks to the strength of his faith and the unwavering support of his community, he is not walking alone.
The extent of Riley’s treatment involves 40 weeks of travel for chemotherapy to Arthur M. Blank Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as six additional weeks of radiation at Emory. He just completed his 7th week, having to spend the night at the hospital to ensure his numbers were good, which are miraculously going up.
Riley Hembree with his family at the start of his cancer journey. (GoFundMe)
Cruise In with Purpose
Cruise In with Purpose is held on the second Friday of every month at Sam Pitts Park in Clarkesville.
The meaning behind Cruise In with Purpose is more than just its name. It represents a heartfelt mission: to serve others, share the love of Jesus Christ, and lift up neighbors when they need it most. Purpose Church sponsors this event as an avenue to serve the community’s needs.
Cruise-In with Purpose, in partnership with Cole Cleiman, WCHM 94.3FM, and the City of Clarkesville, will host a classic car show and family-friendly fundraiser, bringing together people from across the county. The goal is simple: to provide financial and emotional relief to the Hembree family as they navigate this battle.
Cruise in with Purpose, Friday, May 9, at Sam Pitts Park in Clarkesville, GA to raise funds for Rylee Hembree. (Cruise In with Purpose)
Dawsonville local and NASCAR Cup Champion, Chase Elliott, has kindly offered for his team to bring one of his amazing cars to the Cruise In.
It is an opportunity for car enthusiasts to check out one of his incredible rides up close. He cannot be there in person, but you will have the chance to see one of his amazing cars.
Food and fun will also be part of the event. Hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and boiled peanuts will be available for purchase, as well as delicious food from El Patron’s food truck.
Over 35 local businesses have already stepped up as sponsors, showing incredible generosity and love. But there’s still room for more to join in.
More than a car show
This is more than just a car show—it’s a show of faith, love, and solidarity. Let’s stand together and let Riley and his family know that the community is behind them.
Mark your calendar for May 9, and come out to make a difference. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and purpose to a young man who needs us now more than ever.
Rylee Hembree at Arthur M Blank Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is receiving chemo. He is on his 7th week of 40. (Crystal Sims Hembree)
If it rains, Cruise In with Purpose will move to the following Friday, ensuring everyone still has the incredible experience of a car show. Should the grounds be too wet, the cruise will relocate to the lovely Woods Mercantile parking lot on the square, providing a perfect alternative.
Whether you want to sponsor, donate, or show up in support, every effort makes a difference. For those looking to get involved, contact Rick Whiting at (706) 499-3710 for sponsorship opportunities or donation information.
Also, friends have set up a GoFundMe account for Riley and his family. Click here to donate.
Authorities say a routine traffic stop in Franklin County on Wednesday, May 7, led to the arrest of a Commerce man on multiple drug-related charges.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy initiated the stop after they observed a Ford F-250, allegedly driven by Steven Roberts of Commerce, with an expired registration. During the encounter, Roberts allegedly informed the deputy that he was on felony probation. Police say he admitted to possessing drug-related objects.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered approximately 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine, according to authorities.
Roberts was taken into custody and transported to the Franklin County Detention Center. He now faces charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession and use of drug-related objects, and operating a vehicle with expired registration.
Thunderbolts* is the latest effort from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it marks somewhat of a return to form for this juggernaut franchise. It offers what fans have come to expect: Entertaining characters, high-octane action, moments of sly humor, but it also has a story with some emotionally resonant scenes that hold it together very effectively.
The movie title contains an asterisk signaling that the Avengers are not available to save the world, so now the CIA, led by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Drefyus) who faces being impeached, enlists a series of individuals under the guise of a special mission.
Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova. Wyatt Russell is John Walker a.k.a. U.S. Agent, but he’s also referred to as the “dime store Captain America.” Other characters include Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster who has the gift of mimicry. Hannah John-Kamen is Ghost who can go through any object, and then there’s Lewis Pullman’s Bob. He is this movie’s equivalent of Peter from the Deadpool movies. However, there may be more to him than meets the eye.
David Harbour reprises his role as Yelena’s father, the Red Guardian, who is desperately trying to reconcile with her when he’s not busy running his limo service. Sebastian Shaw is back as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier who may be on the side of the Thunderbolts*…or maybe not.
The movie has a lot of fun with its premise of a disorganized team putting their differences aside to achieve their mission. This is punctuated by action sequences, such as a car chase in which multiple vehicles are flipped over, similar to the 18-wheeler in The Dark Knight.
All these actors embrace their roles with the right amount of spunk and attitude. Pugh’s Yelena is very cynical toward life and desires to know if there’s something more for her than her duties. She does it with a winning incredulity that makes her likable.
The other characters follow suit but for different reasons, especially Pullman’s Bob, who thinks his life is devoid of purpose without the Thunderbolts*. These scenes work well because the characters are given time to establish themselves, instead of just being used as a clothesline for special effects.
The humor also works, including a physical comedy scene where the heroes first meet and have to escape from a facility.
The movie’s biggest weakness is its climax, when characters have to go into each other’s consciousness and extract whatever information they can to save the world. It’s a little Inception-esque and tends to drag.
Of course, with this being an MCU movie, there are two post-credit scenes. One has the capacity to lead to something fantastic in the future.
Thunderbolts* somewhat revitalizes the MCU from some of its mediocre offerings and could restore faith for Phase Six.
Grade: A-
(Rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references.)
Atlanta Braves shortstop Nick Allen throws to first base for the out on Cincinnati Reds' Santiago Espinal during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
ATLANTA (AP) — Drake Baldwin hit an RBI single in the 11th inning to drive in automatic runner Ozzie Albies and give the Braves their fourth win in their last five games, 5-4 over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night.
Scott Blewett (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings to pick up the win.
The Braves forced extra innings with a two-run rally in the ninth inning. Eli White bunted home Albies with the first run and Michael Harris II drove in pinch runner Eddie Rosario with a single to left field. Harris was 3 for 5 with two RBIs.
Taylor Rogers (1-1) took the loss.
Rookie Rece Hinds hit a tie-breaking two-run homer off Raisel Iglesias in the ninth inning to give the Reds a 4-2 lead. He was 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a walk in his second game of the season with the Reds.
Reds catcher Jose Trevino was 3 for 4 with three doubles and an RBI.
Spencer Schwellenbach lasted six innings and gave up five hits, one run, two walks, five strikeouts. It was his sixth quality start of the season in eight outings and came after he struggled against the Dodgers in his last start.
Reds manager Terry Francona was ejected in the 11th inning for arguing a caught stealing call at second base.
Key moment
In the 11th, Baldwin threw out Blake Dunn stealing to end the inning and gives the Braves a chance to win.
Key stat
Braves reliever Pierce Johnson has retired 25 straight batters in his last eight appearances covering 8 1/3 innings. He has nine strikeouts during that stretch.
Up next
RHP Bryce Elder (2-1, 5.06 ERA) opens a three-game series for the Braves at Pittsburgh against LHP Bailey Falter (1-3, 5.06) on Friday. The Reds will continue their seven-game road trip at Houston where RHP Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.19) will face Astros RHP Hunter Brown (5-1, 1.67) on Friday.
The site of Cornelia's future park and amphitheater adjacent to the string of warehouse properties (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6, Cornelia’s City Commission took another step to re-envision citywide parks after approving a comprehensive study aimed at long-term improvements.
In March, city officials announced a decision to bring in third-party consultant SPG to collaborate with Carter and Sloope, the city’s engineering firm, on a thorough assessment of Cornelia’s eight parks. The study will evaluate park layouts, equipment, safety features and lighting needs, forming the foundation for a broader masterplan.
On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved entering into the $78,500 study, which will be funded through the city’s reserve funds.
“We’ve already done some preliminary work,” Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson said. “We’ve had a survey of Oak Street Park done and the landscape architect has looked at all the parks. We’ve had a meeting to go over our vision and wish list. We’re hoping to make that a future SPLOST project, as far as the work.”
Cornelia Mayor John Borrow said the future masterplan will lay a foundation for the city to see that parks meet the needs of all residents.
“We want to inventory the equipment and make sure everything is nice, functional and safe,” he said. “…not just on playgrounds, but surrounding areas – playgrounds, walking trails, and helping to provide a safe, family-friendly environment for recreation. We want to get a cohesive plan for our park system and make them the best they are.”
Cornelia City Attorney Steve Campbell described such long-term plans as a powerful tool for future development of the city as a whole, providing current and even future leaders with “a reference to what is possible.”
“When it’s time to make a decision, it kind of just opens you up to the idea,” he said. “Having something you can see and touch and put together helps, so, even after you’re gone, somebody else can come in and say, ‘That’s a really good idea – let’s put money behind that.’ Just putting that together really helps development going forward…it’s a planning tool, and it’s a vision tool.”
SPG is also designing Cornelia’s new three-acre city park off Grant Place, which will feature a 5,000-seat amphitheater. The park’s first phase, costing $2.1 million, is funded by a $1 million Appalachian Regional Commission grant, SPLOST funds, and the city’s general fund, and is set for completion by December 2025. Phase II, costing $1.5 million, is planned for 2026, with full amphitheater completion expected in early 2027.
