Politics

One of the scary scenes created by Helene’s rain and wind is the Westminster street corner of SC 183 and Mountain View Street. But the city administrator says although the sagging lines, so close to 183, look like a mess the area is not as dangerous in present condition. Multiple, large-diameter trees fell across the top of electric lines and broke several poles. Westminster crews restored the power and replaced the poles. The mess left hanging is communication equipment, Kevin Bronson, city administrator, says, “Once the communication companies are able to come in and retention and attach their lines to the new poles, it will look normal.”

The Toccoa City Commission will meet twice today; once at 4 p.m. for a work session, and once at 5 p.m. for a regularly scheduled meeting. Both meetings will take place at City Hall, 92 N. Alexander Street. On the agenda for the work session is discussion of multiple City...

The Stephens County Hospital Fall Plant Sale is taking place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Sept. 30, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 1, on the Stephens County Hospital campus. The sale will be held at the first building on your left as you enter the hospital grounds from Kincaid Drive. Cash or Check accepted, and there will be a variety of plants, including mums, pansies and ornamental cabbage. All proceeds go to the Love Light Campaign.

Due to severe weather impacting road conditions at Yonah Dam, the 6th Annual SCSO Bushbond 5K/10K Walk & Run was rescheduled. Originally scheduled to occur this past Saturday, Sept. 28, the new race date will be Saturday, Oct. 12. The race will still take place at Yonah Dam, beginning at 8 a.m., conditions permitting.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Cedar Lane Road and Tyezack Drive in Westminster, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The skunk was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing on Sept. 25, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on Sept. 26, 2024. This skunk is the sixth animal in Oconee County to test positive for rabies in 2024. There have been 63 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. In 2023, four of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Oconee County.

Local – More than 75,000 customers across Northeast Georgia had power knocked out at some point during Tropical Storm Helene when it blew through the region Friday morning. As of Sunday morning, Habersham EMC reports that 2,106 residents remain without power. This is down from 6,885 Saturday morning, with the top three counties being Rabun, Habersham, and White counties.

Franklin County students are back in class beginning today after the tropical storm Helene. Because of the closing of most schools last Thursday and Friday, the Franklin County school system rescheduled its Intruder Alert Drill. In June 2023, Georgia HB147 was amended to require every public school to conduct an...

Habersham County, in conjunction with Georgia Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) is collecting supplies to be sent to some of the hardest-hit areas of Georgia. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Habersham County Emergency Management Agency/E-911 Director Lynn Smith. “The loss of lives and the devastation are unimaginable, and we extend our deepest sympathies. We are incredibly grateful to the men and women who continue to serve their communities, especially the Communications Officers who are still answering calls despite suffering personal losses.” Georgia APCO is coordinating supply deliveries to some of the 911 centers most affected in Georgia, including those in Augusta-Richmond County, Columbia County (Evans area), Burke County, and others. In Habersham County, donations may be dropped off at the Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center, 120 Paul Franklin Road, Clarkesville, or to the Habersham County E-911 Center, 175 EOC Drive (off Chase Road), Cornelia. Collections will take place for about the next two weeks as those affected await power restoration and work to get their lives and homes back in order, and those who live in the cities also are welcome to donate. Donors may feel free to include cards or messages of support for the dispatchers who continue to work despite personal crises. Reminder that no clothes or linens are being accepted.

The Franklin County Health Dept will hold drive-thru flu shots this month. According to the CDC, everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot, especially those with certain medical conditions who may experience more severe illnesses from the flu virus. The Franklin County Health Department has...

While the United States Postal Service (USPS) prides itself on delivering the mail through all types of conditions, even its distribution centers and carriers can be slowed by nature. The USPS has recently announced service disruptions and delays to many smaller facilities in areas affected by Helene late last week....

Habersham County Schools will be closed on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 amid road conditions in the area. The school system said Sunday officials consulted with the County Road Department regarding current road conditions prior to making the decision. “If one more day of caution and verification saves one life, it's...