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Joann Thornton is finding joy as she continues loving life after the loss of her husband, Harry, a little over one year ago. Some of her joy is found fellowshipping with her fellow members at the Hart County Senior Center, where she used to serve as a driver. She now enjoys playing card games and the variety of activities at the center. Photo by Madison Linton.

Joann Thornton is finding joy as she continues loving life after the loss of her husband, Harry, a little over one year ago. Some of her joy is found fellowshipping with her fellow members at the Hart County Senior Center, where she used to serve as a driver. She now enjoys playing card games and the variety of activities at the center. Photo by Madison Linton.

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Joann Thornton is Loving Life

News Staff
Thursday, February 19, 2026
By Madison Linton news@thehartwellsun.com Joann Thornton’s happiest memories lie within the moments she spent with friends on buses as they went on trips – Florida, Myrtle Beach and the mountains were prime vacation spots. Before and not long after she met her husband, she traveled a lot.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Creating ongoing discussions

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Following a joint called meeting Feb. 5, the Hartwell City Council and Hart County Board of Commissioners are set to continue discussing items related to traffic, a potential transportation special purpose local option sales tax and housing issues during a pair of called meetings.
Georgia Power's Kevin McCraney (right) presents a donation to Hart County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Amanda Brown (left) to fund the first year of a Georgia Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial X-Perience (FLEX) Program at the Hart County College and Career Academy. Photo submitted by the Hart County Chamber of Commerce.

Georgia Power's Kevin McCraney (right) presents a donation to Hart County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Amanda Brown (left) to fund the first year of a Georgia Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial X-Perience (FLEX) Program at the Hart County College and Career Academy. Photo submitted by the Hart County Chamber of Commerce.

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Georgia Power donation brings new FLEX Student Entrepreneurship Program

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Submitted by Amanda Brown- Hart County Chamber of Commerce The Hart County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a recent investment from Georgia Power that will fully fund the first year of the Georgia Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial X-Perience (FLEX) Program at the Hart County...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Photo contest open for Lake Living magazine

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Kimberly Brown- CNI News Service Right now, it’s cold and icy in Northeast Georgia, but spring will be here soon. With warmer weather will come plans for boating, fishing, hiking and more at one of our area lakes. Lake Living magazine is looking for photos that represent springtime at the lake.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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County to pen letter to state on proposed tax bills

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Rose Scoggins  editor@thehartwellsun.com and Ty Tagami, Bureau Chief Capitol Beat News Service A letter is being penned on behalf of the Hart County Board of Commissioners to express concerns about the Georgia General Assembly's proposed bills regarding property tax elimination.
Historian Loretta King's Black History Month exhibit is open at the Hartwell Art Center through Feb. 15. A celebration reception will be held tonight at 6 p.m. Photo by Madison Linton.

Historian Loretta King's Black History Month exhibit is open at the Hartwell Art Center through Feb. 15. A celebration reception will be held tonight at 6 p.m. Photo by Madison Linton.

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Black History reception tonight

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Madison Linton- Lead news reporter Hartwell historian and Bell Family YMCA receptionist Loretta King is holding a celebration reception for her Black History Month exhibit at the Hartwell Art Center tonight at 6 p.m.  The exhibit, which opened on Feb. 10 and continues until Feb.
Joyce and Mike Wright are celebrating 58 years of marriage this year, and are still rooted in love, even despite all of life's obstacles. Photo submitted by Kerilee Pruitt.

Joyce and Mike Wright are celebrating 58 years of marriage this year, and are still rooted in love, even despite all of life's obstacles. Photo submitted by Kerilee Pruitt.

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Loving through life's obstacles: The Wrights

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Madison Linton- Lead news reporter Nearly 60 years ago, Joyce and Mike Wright snuck off to the Hart County courthouse to get married.  The only catch was that Joyce was only 17-years-old, meaning her father had to give his permission to give her away.
Brenda Spears, with her dog, Petey, remembers the life of her late husband, Buddy, through their mutual love of pottery and antiques. Photo by Madison Linton.

Brenda Spears, with her dog, Petey, remembers the life of her late husband, Buddy, through their mutual love of pottery and antiques. Photo by Madison Linton.

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Loving through life's obstacles: Brenda Spears

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Madison Linton- Lead news reporter Brenda Spears went with her late husband William “Buddy” Spears to the antique store every Saturday morning. In the early 1990s, the couple began collecting Blue Ridge Pottery dinnerware, known for its vibrant and unique designs.