Local

Photo submitted by David Saliba.

Photo submitted by David Saliba.

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Bear sighted, hit in town

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Thursday, January 15, 2026
A bear was sighted, and later hit by a truck, in the heart of Hartwell Tuesday evening.  Hartwell Police Chief Anthony Davis said officers received reports of sightings on Athens, Arthur, Benson and Depot streets.
Hart County Botanical Garden celebrates 25 years.

Hart County Botanical Garden celebrates 25 years.

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Botanical Garden celebrates 25 years of blooms

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By Madison Linton In the beginning of this century, Hart County established its botanical garden. 25 years later, the volunteer-run, eight-acre space is still blooming.
Redwine church members Barry (left) and Theresa Summey (right) pose with their granddaughter, Olivia Summey (center), in front of the new stained glass window Barry completed for the church. Barry credited Olivia for doing the lettering, which features the name of the church, under the cross. Photo submitted by Barry Summey.

Redwine church members Barry (left) and Theresa Summey (right) pose with their granddaughter, Olivia Summey (center), in front of the new stained glass window Barry completed for the church. Barry credited Olivia for doing the lettering, which features the name of the church, under the cross. Photo submitted by Barry Summey.

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Reflecting on the changes of Redwine

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By Madison Linton As one of the oldest churches in the state, Redwine Church in Canon is maintaining itself as it ages. The church, which remains simple in its interior, was established in 1789 and rebuilt for the fourth time in 1906.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Local students receive collegiate degrees, honors

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Piedmont confers degrees On Friday, Dec. 12, during a 10 a.m. Commencement ceremony, Piedmont University conferred degrees to more than 190 students, including approximately 75 undergraduate, 70 master's, 40 Education Specialist and four Doctor of Education degrees.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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St. Andrew's to host visiting priests

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Submitted by  Rhea Dignam  St. Andrew's Episcopal Church With the retirement of Rev. Reid Hamilton, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is scheduled to host guest priests for Sunday worship services over the coming weeks.  Rev. Scott Kidd will be the visiting celebrant and preacher Jan. 11 at 10:30 a.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Purina, through the Purple Leash Project, helped to bring a dog park to the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence shelter that includes benches and interactive equipment for both pets and owners to enjoy while seeking shelter. Photo submitted by Lauren Baker.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Purina, through the Purple Leash Project, helped to bring a dog park to the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence shelter that includes benches and interactive equipment for both pets and owners to enjoy while seeking shelter. Photo submitted by Lauren Baker.

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Purina's Purple Lease Project benefits NEGACDV

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Submitted by Lauren Baker  FleishmanHillard In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Nestlé Purina Hartwell took action close to home – spotlighting the urgent need for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters through the Purple Leash Project.
Photo courtesy of the Hart County Chamber of Commerce.

Photo courtesy of the Hart County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber announces new exec committee

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Hart County Chamber of Commerce has announced new leadership team as part of its Executive Committee for 2026. Jennifer O'Neal will lead the group as chair and is joined by vice chair Jeff Loggins.
The turf field at Herndon Stadium, which is nearing 10 years old, is set to be replaced following the 2026 football season with ESPLOST funds. Rendering courtesy of the Hart County Charter System.

The turf field at Herndon Stadium, which is nearing 10 years old, is set to be replaced following the 2026 football season with ESPLOST funds. Rendering courtesy of the Hart County Charter System.

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New fieldhouse, field upgrades coming at HCHS

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Thursday, January 8, 2026
A trio of upgrades, to include a new fieldhouse and replacing the turf field and scoreboard, is slated to be on the horizon at Herndon Stadium.