Local

Residents turned out to help install plants in a new garden, part of a downtown streetscape in Hartwell, designed by UGA engineering students.

Residents turned out to help install plants in a new garden, part of a downtown streetscape in Hartwell, designed by UGA engineering students.

Student-designed park inspired by area’s history

Editor’s Note: The following article was published in the University of Georgia’s magazine, UGA Today. When Hartwell residents turned out in May to install plants at the site of a new downtown park, University of Georgia alumna Elizabeth Crimmins was right there alongside them in the dirt.
Royston Police Officer Rodney Pilgrim (right) suffered a stroke on May 27.

Royston Police Officer Rodney Pilgrim (right) suffered a stroke on May 27.

GoFundMe created for Royton police officer

On May 27, Royston Police Officer, Rodney Pilgrim, suffered a stroke as a result of high blood pressure. “He is needing time to heal,” Kayla Williams, organizer of a fundraiser for Pilgrim said. “He is slowly waking up and following some commands and trying to talk.
Photo credit: Insung Yoon

Photo credit: Insung Yoon

#Throwback Thursday

1912: Again the “auto fever” had its grip on some of Hartwell’s citizens. “It looked like no one was going to invest in one of the ‘honk wagons’ any time soon,” The Hartwell Sun reported. “An agent from Anderson, S.C. brought a machine over here and started things going again.
Photo credit: David von Diemar

Photo credit: David von Diemar

The Blotter

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:   June 28 •Tiffaney Shanta Allen, 34, of Hartwell, was arrested and charged with felony theft by shoplifting. •A man was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing and three counts of reckless conduct.
From left to right, Mary Lynn Johnson, DDA director Jason Ford, Daniel Craft, , Jackson Ford, Earl Johnson, Rob, and Dixie Northrup.  Dixie was in charge of the project.

From left to right, Mary Lynn Johnson, DDA director Jason Ford, Daniel Craft, , Jackson Ford, Earl Johnson, Rob, and Dixie Northrup.  Dixie was in charge of the project.

Hartwell Main Street unveils public piano

On Saturday, Hartwell Main Street cut the ribbon for the town’s new public piano. “Hartwell Main street thought it would be a great idea to have a piano on the sidewalk for folks to play and enjoy,” Main Street chair Peggy Vickery said.
Georgette gives Liam Munore a velvety thank-you kiss for her new, cooler summer haircut.

Georgette gives Liam Munore a velvety thank-you kiss for her new, cooler summer haircut.

Llamas add adventure to the farm

Llamas get a bad rap as spitters. Yes, if provoked, they will spit. If a llama’s banana-shaped ears go back, and it starts gurling, watch out. I should have known better than to get too close to Georgette’s new baby, Dalai. But in 25 years—just once—have I had a water-hose shower in the barnyard.
Photo credit: MChe Lee

Photo credit: MChe Lee

Something old could help a new problem in the school system

The Hart County Board of Education recently voted to approve the purchase of about 67 acres of land off Bowman Highway. The land, located between the Agriscience Center and South Hart Elementary could be used for a number of possibilities.
Photo credit: krakenimages

Photo credit: krakenimages

Development authority vying for childcare center at industrial park

Workers in the Gateway Industrial Park near Lavonia may soon have a new childcare facility close to where they work. The Joint Development Authority of Northeast Georgia is looking for a way to build a new facility in the industrial park in Hart County to provide childcare for workers in the park.
Photo credit: Antenna

Photo credit: Antenna

Officials seeking public input for Hart County comprehensive plan

In the coming weeks, Hart County will begin to update the Hart County Comprehensive Plan with the assistance of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC). This is a state required document that helps shape and coordinate local work programs for the community.
Photo credit: Joshua Eckstein

Photo credit: Joshua Eckstein

Pastors respond to poll indicating low rates of religiosity

Pastors in Hart County shared their thoughts this week about a new Gallup poll that finds belief in God down to 81 percent amongst Americans. According to Gallup, belief in God has dropped six percentage points since 2017 to 81 percent – the largest drop recorded since the poll began in 1945.