A Douglasville man is behind bars, charged in connection with the recent shooting death of former Stephens County high school football star Tomas Colbert. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says 35-year old Marqkeela Lawain Hill was arrested Monday by GBI agents and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

He’s charged with one count of murder.

The 21-year old Colbert was found shot on February 7, 2016 at a residence on Falls Road in Toccoa.

According to WNEG news, police officers found Colbert alive and conscious with several gunshot wounds. He later died at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

In 2012, Colbert was named a standout athlete at Stephens County High School where he played football and basketball.

(PHOTO/GoFundMe)

Ninety-six Special Olympians took to the field at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy on Friday for the 44th Annual Habersham County Special Olympics. Eighty-nine of them competed in a dozen track and field events. Those too young to compete – you must be at least 8 years old to qualify for athletic competition – spent the day cheering on the others and learning the ropes.

This year’s theme was “Dream. Inspire. Achieve. Be Brave.”

During the opening ceremony, Olympians, volunteers, teachers and school administrators paraded around the newly-turfed John Larry Black Field amidst a rush of fanfare and excitement. Hundreds of people in the stands looked on and listened as Habersham Central High School Olympians Taylor King, Rosie Fernandez and Matthew Chitwood led their fellow athletes in the iconic Special Olympic Oath.

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

North Habersham Middle School student Gavin Moore was recognized for his winning design of this year’s Spring Games t-shirt. After Moore received a framed copy of his original artwork, Olympic torch runners Paul Hendrick, Maria Jiminez and Chris Dill made their way around the track and lit the flame to officially kick off the games.

It was a moment the athletes had looked forward to all year long. Habersham Special Olympics Coordinator Jenny Martin says, “I have numerous teachers who tell me they have to do countdowns on the calendars in the classrooms as the students ask everyday when special Olympics are.”

From all appearances, it was worth the wait.

The day was full of fun and inspiration with competition in a variety of events including the 100 meter dash, the 400 meter relay, wheelchair race, standing long jump, softball throw and bocce. Martin thanked those in attendance for “coming out to support these talented athletes as they showcase their individual strengths and talents.” She said the students trained hard all year to prepare for the games and she applauded their effort and spirit. “These exceptional students truly exemplify this year’s theme.”

RELATED: Champions in Life

Martin also extended a “huge thanks” to the volunteers and community sponsors who keep the non-profit running. “We could not have a successful event without the hours of time and generous donations they provide to our organization,” she says.

It’s that giving spirit that extended onto the field Friday and fueled the hopes and dreams of Habersham’s Special Olympians. Their tenacity, teamwork, achievements and “give it your best” attitudes were on full display throughout the day-long event. So were their smiles. Here’s a look back at those smiles in images captured by Now Habersham photographer Daniel Purcell.

To volunteer or learn more about Special Olympics, contact Jenny Martin at 706-754-2110 ext. 127 or email her at jmartin@habersham.k12.ga.us.

The teen suspect in a late night shooting Sunday in Cornelia also faces charges in connection with a local pawn shop break-in last month.

Cornelia Police Chief Chad Smith says 17-year old Tavaccea Davis was arrested and charged with burglary in the February 1 break-in at Gene’s Pawn Shop on Old Cleveland Road in Cornelia.

The burglary was captured by the store’s surveillance cameras. It shows two suspects running into the building, one is armed with an axe that was used to break through the door. The suspects go straight for the gun display case. When they see that it’s empty, they immediately turn and exit the shop.

READ: Reward Offered in Pawn Shop Break-In

Store owners say they were notified by mail that an arrest had been made. They say Davis visited the store after the break-in and became a suspect early on.

Davis briefly attended Habersham Central High School last fall after transferring in from Stephens County High. He was arrested on April 17, 2016 in connection with an attempted armed robbery and shooting on Chattahoochee Street near the Cornelia Library and Skate Park.

READ: Arrest Made in Attempted Robbery and Shooting

Davis is charged in that incident with two counts of aggravated assault, one count of aggravated battery, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery and possession of a firearm or knife during certain crimes.

Family members identified the shooting victim as Austin Wilbanks.

In an emailed response to questions about the shooting Chief Smith says, “This case is still an active investigation. No further information will be released about the case, in particular about the victim or the victim’s condition due (to) the family wanting privacy.”

Law enforcement says tips from the community lead them to suspects

Deputies with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) arrested three people on drug charges in Alto on Tuesday.

ARDEO issued a press release saying officers acted on multiple tips from the community. The investigation lead agents to a residence located at 638 Herrin Mill Road where they say they recovered suspected methamphetamine packaged for sale, suspected marijuana and suspected drug paraphernalia.

34-year old Christopher Allison and 34-year old Rebecca Patterson, both of Alto, were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce and possession of drug related objects.

Also arrested was 59-year old Randall Adams of Dahlonega. He’s charged with possession of methamphetamine.

All three were transported to the Habersham County Detention Center.

Don Carroll, age 84, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, following an extended illness.

Mr. Carroll was born on March 20, 1932 in Carrollton, Georgia to the late Frank and Floy T. Cole Carroll. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Carroll. Mr. Carroll was a member of Homer United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Marines having served his country during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Carroll served as president of The Bank of Duluth. Later, he was a national sales manager for Anheuser-Busch. After retiring, he worked at Innsbruck Golf Course.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie Carroll, Clarkesville, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Sherri (Richard) Behrens, Melbourne, FL, Lisa (Jim) Hancock, Clarkesville, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Brad (Angie) Carroll, Lilburn, GA; sister, Betty Tumlin, Carrollton, GA; sisters-in-law, Helen Caudell, Clarkesville, GA, Sandra Smith, Homer, GA; brothers-in-law, Mike Chadwick, Gainesville, GA, Ken Chadwick, Dacula, GA; grandchildren, Blake Sharpton, Shelli Brooks, Kaila Steele, Lindsay Carroll, Courtney Payne; great-grandchildren, Andrew Steele, Edie Sharpton, Savannah Steele, Cam Sharpton, Nolan Steele, Charlie Steele.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2016 at Homer United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall with Rev. Jim McLendon officiating.

All family and friends should meet at the church by 1:50 p. m. on Friday, April 22, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, State Office, 41 Perimeter Center, East, Suite 550, Atlanta, Ga. 30346

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Central Ave., Demorest, Georgia 706-778-1700

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Authorities say homemade explosive device recovered from dead man’s pocket

Authorities have released the name of the man wounded in a deadly double shooting on Garrison Road Tuesday morning.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Lt. Floyd Canup says 26-year old Brandon Stephens was shot along with 33-year old Jesse Robert Looney of Demorest. Stephens was shot in the arm. Looney was found dead at the scene.

In a press release issued late Tuesday, Canup says officers were dispatched to the scene around 3:50 a.m. on April 19 after Habersham 911 received a call about a shooting at 1718 Garrison Road in Alto. “Deputies responded to the caller’s location on Garrison Road to learn that another male was shot during the incident,” he explains. “The victim reported their friend was shot and believed dead at Savages’ residence.”

The shooting suspect, 56-year old Tommy Savage, was arrested without incident some six hours later inside his home. 

Details of what lead to the shooting have not been released but in an interview immediately following Savage’s arrest, Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell said officers had responded to a call about a domestic disturbance at Savage’s residence two hours before the shooting. When they arrived they were told everything was fine and left the scene. Lt. Canup identifies a woman who was with Looney and Stephens as 37-year old Amanda Jill Callahan. Terrell said she was not injured in the incident.

Lt. Canup says a Mossberg shotgun was recovered at the scene and determined to be the weapon used in the shooting. He adds, “A homemade explosive device was recovered from the deceased person’s pocket and was disposed of by the GBI Bomb Unit.”    

VIDEO: Suspect in Fatal Shooting Captured

Savage is being held at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office on one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

Terrell described Savage as a ‘survivalist’. His daughter Celia was arrested for making and possessing pipe bombs several years ago. Authorities say she had no involvement in or connection to Tuesday’s incident.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was asked to investigate the shooting, and the investigation is currently ongoing.

Willard Wesley Cook, age 90, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went to be with The Lord on, Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

Mr. Cook was born on January 17, 1926 in Dacula, Georgia to the late Robert Hawley and Ella Matilda Harvey Cook. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Pearlie Ann Cook; second wife, Janell H. Cook; daughter, Pamela Ann Cook; brothers, William H. Cook and James Winton Cook. Mr. Cook was a United States Navy Veteran having served his country during World War II. He was a member of Hollywood Baptist Church. Mr. Cook was retired from Rubber Masters with 19 years of loyal and dedicated service.

Mr. Cook was the last survivor of his immediate family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Central Ave., Demorest, Georgia 706-778-1700

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Debbie Kay Taylor, age 55 of Clarkesville passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at her residence.

Born in Demorest, Georgia on July 17, 1960, Debbie was the daughter of Evelyn Allen Sweeten and the late R. L. Taylor. Before moving to Georgia Debbie worked for Best Buy at their headquarters office in Minnesota. She had been disabled for the last 17 years. Debbie was an avid reader and writer. She collected foreign artwork and recipes.

Survivors include her mother Evelyn Allen Sweeten of Demorest, daughter Ivory Katese Taylor of Minnesota, son Michael “Josh” Taylor of Minnesota, brother Jeffery “Scott” Taylor of Demorest, sisters Cindy Lynn Taylor of Cornelia and Martha Jean Taylor of Demorest, grandchildren Anthony Michael Taylor, Juno Kupcis-Taylor, and Miles Kupcis-Taylor, as well as a large extended family.

The family will receive friends at Hillside Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/8dz7ptdx

An online guest registry is available at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256

Parents looking to enroll their children in Georgia’s lottery funded Pre-K Program for the upcoming school year will have a chance to apply in May. That’s when Habersham County Schools will hold a Lottery Drawing Registration.

Director of Elementary Schools Rhonda Andrews says pre-k students are chosen by lottery because of limited space. “We usually have more students wanting a spot in the program than actual spaces available,” she explains. “For example, we have 44 spaces for Cornelia but usually have 50 to 60 students who want a spot. We do a lottery drawing for those available 44 spaces.”

Children must be four (4) years old on or before September 1, 2016 to be eligible. GA Pre-K classrooms are currently located at Baldwin, Clarkesville, Cornelia and Level Grove Elementary Schools. A new class is being added at Demorest Elementary for the 2016-2017 school year.

Here’s how it works

A lottery drawing will be held for children who reside in these school districts. Habersham children who do not reside in these five school districts will be drawn by lottery to fill any remaining openings. Children’s names not drawn will be placed on a waiting list along with any registrations received after May 13, 2016.

All parents will be notified by letter of lottery drawing results. GA Pre-K Registration is open to Habersham County residents only. Lottery registration dates are as follows:

Monday, May 2, 2016: Cornelia Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016: Baldwin Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 5, 2016: Clarkeville Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016: Demorest Elementary 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 12, 2016: Level Grove Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Friday, May 13, 2016: Out-of-District 3–4:30 p.m. Board of Education Central Office, Clarkesville, GA

Be sure to bring the following with you on registration day:

• GA Pre-K Enrollment Form. This form is available at www.habershamschools.com or at all elementary schools.
• The child’s original birth certificate with the Seal, File Number, and Signature of the Registrar (Copies cannot be accepted.)
• Georgia Certificate of Immunization – Form 3231. Please bring your child’s current immunization Form 3231.
• The Child’s Social Security Card
• Proof of Current 911 Address (Current Utility Bill:  Power Bill, Water Bill, Natural Gas Bill, Cable/Satellite Bill with the physical 911 address listed)

          OR

If you do not have proof of current 911 in your name, you must:

• Complete the Statement of Legal Residence Form w/Notarized Signatures(this form is available at www.habershamschools.com or at all elementary schools)

         AND

• Attach the current proof of 911 in the owner/lessor name listed on the Statement of Legal Residence Form

Who should attend the Out-of-District registration?

If you’re unable to make it to your child’s school to register, Andrews says you should apply during the Out-of-District registration on May 13. Also, Residents of Fairview, Hazel Grove and Woodville Elementary Schools should register at that time, as well.

The Lottery Drawing Registration does not guarantee your child will be placed in a class. Your arrival time for registration does not determine your child’s placement in the lottery drawing.

Failure to submit the registration form, valid birth certificate or proof of 911 at the time of registration will exclude your child from the lottery drawing.

My dad had a toolbox to conquer any issue that came his way. Even the most avid enthusiast would drool over the shiny red chest filled with instruments to solve any problem. And I was his helper. “Mr. Fix-It Man!” my mom would call out, and he’d show up carrying the over-sized box full of treasures.  At the time, it didn’t occur to me he was any different from any other dad. Didn’t everyone have the ability to fix everything? It wasn’t until later in life that I realized how blessed we were to have him. From electrical issues to mechanical issues to squeaking doors, my dad was on it.

Most of his gadgets came from research. Back then we didn’t have access to what we have now. A simple Google search and YouTube video and we’re in business; but, for him, it was reading and collecting magazines and books. It was television shows on PBS. It was growing up on a farm and listening to what his dad did and his dad’s dad did.

I remember one Saturday morning in particular, he and I were replacing the electrical fencing on the hog’s pen. I acted as his surgical assistant. He would stick out his hand and murmur the words of what he needed; I would find the exact tool, and pop it in his hand; and we could quickly or not-so-quickly repair just about anything. As he was working, he asked me, “Bug, do you know why it is important to know how to fix things?”

The question seemed simple enough, although I didn’t really have an answer.

He wiped the sweat dripping from his brow and looked up from where he was kneeling, “Because when we are prepared, nothing can ever really keep us out of commission for long.”

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, listening intently.

“My granddaddy told me when I was about your age, the Bible is the same way. If you know what God’s answers are, you can prevent and repair just about anything that comes your way.”

The answers are there, we just have to study them and know them.

Jeremiah 29:13 tells us, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” The scripture comes on the heels of the one most people know and memorize, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We tend to stop at verse 11 content and confident that everything will work out; but when we read a bit further, we understand what it is we have to do – seek Him and find Him using ALL our heart.

The answers are there for those who earnestly research and learn His word.

Today, I challenge you to study God’s Word so that your toolbox, like my dad’s, is filled with what you need to conquer any issue that comes your way.

Habersham County Republican Party Chairman, Carl Blackburn, has been elected as an Alternate to represent Georgia at the Republican National Convention to be held in Cleveland, Ohio in July. Blackburn was elected by the Delegates to the GA GOP 9th District Convention that was held last Saturday, April 16, in Dillard.

Chairman Blackburn’s name was placed into nomination by the Nominating Committee of the GA GOP 9th District and was elected unanimously on the first round of Delegate/Alternate voting without opposition.

The 9th District delegates are Bruce Azevedo, Carol Mahoney and Ashely Bell. Alternates are Blackburn, Tommy Bennett and Andrew Clyde

“I’m humbled and honored to represent Georgia, the GA 9th District and Habersham County at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio in July. I want to thank the Delegates and the Nominating Committee of the GA GOP 9th District for bestowing me with this great honor,” says Blackburn.

The 2016 Republican National Convention, in which delegates of the United States Republican Party will choose the party’s nominees for President and Vice President of the United States, will be held July 18–21 at the  Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

Jesse Robert Looney, age 33, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Central Ave., Demorest, Georgia 706-778-1700

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Keith Whiten, age 48, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016.

Mr. Whiten was born November 10, 1967 in Toccoa, GA. He was a member of Revive Church and was employed with Penske Logistics. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Simpson Whiten.

Mr. Whiten is survived by his wife, Angie Johnson Whiten; son, Cody Johnson and daughter, Presley Johnson Whiten, all of Clarkesville; father, Billy Joe Whiten of Toccoa; step-mother, Pat Whiten, of Toccoa; and sister, Shanda Whiten of Atlanta.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Pastor Michael Welborn and Pastor Richard Wright officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah
Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 22, 2016 from 5:00 – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Central Ave., Demorest, Georgia 706-778-1700

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

The Region 6-AAAAAA Championship saw a pair of Habersham Central athletes named region champions at West Forsyth High School this week.

Senior Carson Ivester dominated in discus, registering a 138-10 to the second place individual’s 125-04. Ivester also placed second in the shot put with a 46-02, while a senior from Lambert won with a 49-04.

Senior Scarlett Mayes led the girls with a first place finish in the high jump, barely edging out a Lambert junior for the top spot. Mayes also placed sixth in the long jump and eighth in the pole vault.

Among the other notable finishes for Habersham included seniors Shantelle Maxwell, who placed fourth in discus and seventh in shot put, and Kelly Carruth, who came in 15th in the long jump. Fellow senior Dagan Cabbagestalk was region runner-up in shot put, just seven inches shy of first place.

Juniors Maya Banks (100 M Dash; 6th), Kate Holbrook (1,600 M; 16th), Natalie Thompson (High Jump; 9th) also performed well for the girls.

Sophomore Brandon Barrs finished in eighth place in the 110 meter hurdles, while junior Will Hatchett (1,600 M; 8th) and sophomore Will Chastain (1,600 M; 20th) competed with the leaders. Hatchett finished 17th in the 3,200, while sophomore Jaron Stover came in just above him at 16th.

Sophomore Karl Fail had a big day as well as his 97-08 in the discus placed him 13th, while also taking tenth in the high jump. Sophomores Jonathan Gragg (Shot Put; 11th) and Reyburn Ross (Triple Jump; 12th), along with freshman Matthew Benton (Triple Jump; 14th) rounded out the Habersham athletes who competed in the finals.

GA Milesplit has the full Region Championship results.

Rachel Moon Hooper, age 78 of Alto, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday, April 21, 2016.

Born in Burlington, North Carolina, on April 3, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Rev. R.C. and Kathleen Dalton Moon.  Ms. Hooper was a member of Alto Congregational Holiness Church and had been active in several area churches over the years, serving in many different capacities.  Some of these included pianist (having begun playing at age 9), singing, Sunday School teacher and minister.  Ms. Hooper also sang with the Full Gospel Trio for several years.  A highlight of her life was when she made mission trips to Costa Rica and Mexico.  She was known by her family, church family and friends for her musical talent, cooking, hospitality, compassion, generosity and kindness.  She was a loving mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren and to anyone who needed a friend or mother.  Ms. Hooper was employed in the floral industry for approximately 20 years. During that time she worked for Joseph Markovitz as a floral designer, was co-owner of Heaven’s Touch Florist and then was the owner and operator of Rachel’s Flowers and Gifts.  Prior to that, she was employed with Yonah Realty.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a sister, Betty Tapp.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Becky Hooper of Lawrenceville; daughters and son-in-law, Vicki and Wendell Sullens and LaDonna Plum all of Alto; grandchildren, Courtney Plum of Alto, Brandon Hooper of Kingsville, Texas and Lindsay Hooper of Tallahassee, Florida; sister and brother-in-law, Glenda and Rev. Jeff Gailey of Talmo; sister-in-law, Dorothy Owens of Alto; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 pm Sunday, April 24, 2016, at Alto Congregational Holiness Church with Pastor Scott Ledbetter officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday and from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Saturday at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made in memory of Rachel Moon Hooper to Alto Congregational Holiness Church, P.O. Box 335, Alto Georgia 30510.

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

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

The U.S. Forest Service says a wildfire that burned 32 acres northwest of Clarkesville was caused by someone burning debris. 

Firefighters with the USFS, Georgia Forestry Commission and Habersham Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire in the Oakey Mountain area Thursday morning. It took them several hours to fully contain the fire. By the time it was out, 19 acres of U.S. forest land and 13 acres of privately owned property had burned.

This is the second wildfire in our area this week. Another “human caused” fire burned 22 acres northwest of Helen on April 17.

READ: Wildfire Burns 22 Acres Northwest of Helen

The Forestry Service warns, “Extreme fire danger currently exists across much of the north Georgia mountains.” Officials urge you to be smart with fire outdoors by checking local burn regulations, weather forecasts, and remaining with a debris burn at all times.

For more tips on how to prevent wildfires, visit www.smokeybear.com/be-smart-outdoors.asp.

Showers and a couple of storms are likely today, but beautiful weather awaits for the weekend.

Widespread showers have been ongoing since mid yesterday across portions of Northeast Georgia, and more rain is likely today. Expect showers and a few storms to develop on and off through the day. Rainfall amounts should be generally light, but if you get under a thunderstorm you could see up to 1″ of rain, which would help immensely to put a dent in our recent below-normal precip. In addition, a couple of storms could become strong this afternoon and produce gusty winds and/or small hail. No widespread severe is expected, and the Storm Prediction Center has the region under a marginal risk only.

Beyond today, we’ll see clearing overnight with lots of sunshine on Saturday and Sunday and highs returning well into the 70’s. We’ll reach 80 by Monday and head into the low-80’s by Tue/Wed. Quite a bit of uncertainty remains in the extended forecast thanks to model differences, however it appears a few afternoon pop-up showers/storms could work into the forecast as early as next Tuesday, becoming more widespread by Wednesday afternoon. A cold front may approach the region by next Thursday, however the GFS/Euro handle this time period pretty differently so I’ve just gone with a 50% chance of rain for now. Temps will remain warm, however, with early summer-like temps hanging around for the foreseeable future.

As people around the globe celebrate Earth Day today, folks in Baldwin are preparing to do their part. The city will hold its annual Clean-Up Day this Saturday, April 23 beginning at 9 a.m. at Mitchell Gailey Park.

The event kicks off with breakfast in the park. After that, City Manager Tommie Perry says volunteers will be divided into groups and assigned projects. They’ll meet back up in the park at noon for lunch. Meals will be provided and everyone who participates in the clean-up will receive a free t-shirt.

This year’s winning t-shirt design was created by Baldwin Elementary School student Hailley Ramirez. She won a contest run by BES teacher Dylan James who asked his class to draw designs depicting what Clean-Up Day means to them. Hailley won a $25 gift certificate for her winning design. The runners-up are: Melissa Miguel, Abigail Taylor, Karsen Wade and Breana Alvarado. They each received a $10 gift certificate.

In addition to free food and t-shirts, volunteers will have a chance to win prizes. Perry says there will be a drawing for prizes donated by local businesses.

In the event of rain, Clean-Up Day will be postponed until Saturday, April 30.

Perry urges the community to turn out for this special event. “Being a part of this day is taking pride in your community,” she says, adding, “We hope to see you there!”

Going solar just got easier for HEMC consumers

(Clarkesville, Ga)  – Consumers served by Habersham EMC will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without the costs and complications of rooftop solar panels, thanks to a new program announced today by HEMC in partnership with Green Power EMC, a renewable energy cooperative.

Jonathan Cantrell, HEMC President/CEO, said that under the Cooperative Solar program, HEMC member-consumers can receive energy from an offsite solar array that distributes energy to individual residences while avoiding the inconvenience of rooftop solar.

“Our new program allows members to subscribe to just the amount of available solar capacity that they need, while eliminating barriers such as improper roof orientation, shaded roofs, subdivision restrictions, landlord prohibitions and long-term contracts for solar panels,” said Cantrell.

“Habersham EMC takes on the risk of ownership and maintenance, while you receive your share of the sun without the hassle,” he added.

HEMC’s Cooperative Solar program subscriptions are limited and participation is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  To determine if the program is suited for their specific needs, consumers should contact Habersham EMC online at habershamemc.com, or by phone: (706)754-2114, (706)865-4362 or (800)640-6812.

Habersham EMC was established in 1938 to provide affordable and reliable electricity in northeast Georgia. HEMC serves more than 25,000 members in Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens and White counties.

Green Power EMC was the first green energy provider in the state. It was created by Georgia’s EMCs in 2001 and has been selling green energy since 2003. In addition to solar power, Green Power EMC obtains electricity from renewable facilities all over the state, including landfill gas generation, low-impact hydroelectric, and biomass from wood waste.

EMCs that own Green Power EMC serve more than 4.2 million Georgia residents.