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Gov. Brian Kemp signs HB 993 into law April 24 at the Georgia state Capitol. The bill was sponsored by Hartwell’s state Rep. Alan Powell.

Gov. Brian Kemp signs HB 993 into law April 24 at the Georgia state Capitol. The bill was sponsored by Hartwell’s state Rep. Alan Powell.

Grooming to be a felony in Georgia

News Staff
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
During an April 24 bill signing event dedicated to human trafficking-related issues, Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 993, officially making the grooming of a minor for sex a felony in the State of Georgia punishable with one to five years of prison time.
Pictured from left is sophomore Special Olympic athlete Abigal Kent alongside senior Sage Robach and junior Katie Sanders at the ball throw at the Special Olympics April 17.

Pictured from left is sophomore Special Olympic athlete Abigal Kent alongside senior Sage Robach and junior Katie Sanders at the ball throw at the Special Olympics April 17.

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2024 Special Olympics

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
A community of volunteers look past disabilities to find the abilities in athletes competing in the 2024 Special Olympics. On April 17, hundreds gathered at the new recreation department fields for a day of athletic events for the 2024 Special Olympics.
The Hart County High School baseball team shows off their “April Dawgs” shirts after sweeping the Patriots of Sandy Creek on April 23, 9-3 and 12-2, to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

The Hart County High School baseball team shows off their “April Dawgs” shirts after sweeping the Patriots of Sandy Creek on April 23, 9-3 and 12-2, to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

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“April Dawgs” sweep Sandy Creek to advance to Sweet Sixteen

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
After splitting the final two regular season games of the season, the “April Dawgs” continued their hot streak in the month of April by sweeping Sandy Creek in the first round of the GHSA AAA state playoffs to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Henry Keith Johnson was arrested by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office HCSO on March 13.

Henry Keith Johnson was arrested by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office HCSO on March 13.

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Hart County man charged with child molestation

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Hart County resident Henry Keith Johnson, 43, was arrested by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) on March 13 and charged with child molestation and aggravated child molestation.
St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital is lit up in teal in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital is lit up in teal in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

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Sacred Heart, Harmony House team up against sexual assault

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia is working with the Harmony House to call attention to the need to improve prevention and assist victims in the local community by lighting up the hospital in teal.
Photo by Kenneth Schipper Vera

Photo by Kenneth Schipper Vera

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Local animal sanctuary needs piglet adopters

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Bowersville’s Outsiders Farm & Sanctuary (OFAS) is looking for adopters for more than 50 pig and piglets needing vet care, spay and neutering, and rehoming adoption placement assistance.
The Essentials, presented by the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, held its program April 9 in Athens.

The Essentials, presented by the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, held its program April 9 in Athens.

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Hartwell’s Brown and Dye named to The Essentials

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
The Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development recently announced its participants from The Essentials program held April 9 in Athens. Two of those participants, Amanda Brown and Caitlin Dye, hail from Hart County.
Saddler was named the first African American to serve as post commander for post 7 of the Georgia Highway Patrol. A native of Elbert County, Saddler has had an impressive career in law enforcement.

Saddler was named the first African American to serve as post commander for post 7 of the Georgia Highway Patrol. A native of Elbert County, Saddler has had an impressive career in law enforcement.

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Saddler promoted to lieutenant

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Sergeant First Class Donnie O’Neal Saddler from the Georgia State Patrol’s Post 7 in Toccoa was recently promoted to Lieutenant. Saddler is the first African American to serve as post commander for post 7. A native of Elbert County, Saddler has had an impressive career in law enforcement.
Mac Arnold (center) and his band Plate Full O’ Blues will perform at High Cotton Music Hall this Saturday.

Mac Arnold (center) and his band Plate Full O’ Blues will perform at High Cotton Music Hall this Saturday.

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Legendary blues man Mac Arnold plays Hartwell this Saturday

News Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Legendary blues musician Mac Arnold and his band Plate Full O’ Blues will take over High Cotton Music Hall on Depot St. in Hartwell this Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Sixty years ago, Arnold formed his first blues band which featured a young Georgian by the name of James Brown on piano.