Local

Photo credit: David von Diemar

Photo credit: David von Diemar

The Blotter

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:   Oct. 18 •George Thornton, 47, of Lavonia, was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, driving while license withdrawn, probation violation and burglary in the first degree.
Photo credit: Cristina Gottardi

Photo credit: Cristina Gottardi

Observing Residents’ Rights Month

Last month, a representative reached out to us from the advocacy group, Ombudsman North Georgia Programs and Services Long-Term Care. Regional coordinator Liz Schulze asked if we’d be interested in spreading awareness about Long-Term Care Residents Rights Month, which is October.
Photo credit: Caleb Ruiter

Photo credit: Caleb Ruiter

Bowersville council removes through truck ordinance

On Thursday, October 20, the Bowersville City Council unanimously voted in favor of ridding the city’s 2017 no through truck ordinance, claiming the city is “liable” for damages due to lack of enforcement.
Peyton Gaines, left, and Hudson Milner, right, are pictured after being selected by State Superintendent Richard Woods to serve on his 2022-2023 Student Advisory Council.

Peyton Gaines, left, and Hudson Milner, right, are pictured after being selected by State Superintendent Richard Woods to serve on his 2022-2023 Student Advisory Council.

High schoolers named to state advisory council

State School Superintendent Richard Woods selected two Hart County High School students to serve on his 2022-2023 Student Advisory Council.
Photo credit: Leon Wu

Photo credit: Leon Wu

Schools report 97% grad rate

Earlier this month, the Georgia Department of Education released graduation rates for the 2021-2022 school year, with the Hart County Charter System recording a 96.6 percent graduation rate. The mark is the 20th highest system rate in the state out of 185 reporting districts.
The second place team: left side front - Kristine Freehand, Pam McGovern, Pam Eisele and Mary Strycholski; right side front - Marilyn Bowman, Melissa Houston, Ann McSpadden, Deb Collado and Shannon Vanskike.

The second place team: left side front - Kristine Freehand, Pam McGovern, Pam Eisele and Mary Strycholski; right side front - Marilyn Bowman, Melissa Houston, Ann McSpadden, Deb Collado and Shannon Vanskike.

Pink Partini raises $16K for women, children battling cancer

On Oct. 20, the Nancy Hart Foundation hosted one of the area’s largest annual singular event fundraiser in the battle against cancer, Pink Partini.
A rendering of the proposed subdivision along Liberty Hill and Fairview Roads in Hartwell.

A rendering of the proposed subdivision along Liberty Hill and Fairview Roads in Hartwell.

Tempers flare during subdivision discussion: Attorney accuses commissioners of ‘bias’, swaying public opinion online

A discussion stemming from a development proposal for the applicants’ subdivision to be annexed into the city of Hartwell led to a series of animated exchanges between commissioners and lawyers representing the applicant at the Hart County Board of Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Davis

Davis

Carolina man arrested after high speed chase

An Anderson man allegedly led Georgia State Patrol and Hart County Sheriff’s deputies on a high speed chase near Lavonia on Saturday night, which caused non life-threatening injuries to a pair of troopers and led to his arrest.
McLendon

McLendon

Hartwell woman charged with murder

Hartwell resident Lakeisha McLendon, 37, was arrested last week and charged with the murder of Matthew Boyd, 43, according to Walhalla (South Carolina) Police Chief Tim Rice. McLendon was booked at the Oconee County Detention Center on Oct. 19 and is being held without bond.