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Lani Sessoms, Hart County Community Theatre president, (far left) speaks to Hart County High School students (L-R) Ryley Hill, Kelley Rosage, Kaylee Dutton and Deborah Ingram about costume choices at Backstage Experience Day April 25. The group of students got to design their own Miss Argentina costumes as practice for the Hart County Community Theatre’s upcoming “Beetlejuice Junior” performances June 7. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

Lani Sessoms, Hart County Community Theatre president, (far left) speaks to Hart County High School students (L-R) Ryley Hill, Kelley Rosage, Kaylee Dutton and Deborah Ingram about costume choices at Backstage Experience Day April 25. The group of students got to design their own Miss Argentina costumes as practice for the Hart County Community Theatre’s upcoming “Beetlejuice Junior” performances June 7. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

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Bringing community theatre to life

Adriana Cascio – Leading News Reporter
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Through a partnership with the Fox Theatre’s All Access Pass Program, Hart County High School (HCHS) theatre students gained hands-on experience in various aspects of community theatre during Backstage Experience Day April 25 at Hart County Community Theatre (HCCT).
Pictured during the Hart County Board of Education’s April 21 meeting are (L-R) Superintendent Jennifer Carter, BOE Chair Kim Pierce, Support Services Administrative Assistant Brittany Geraty and Director of Special Services Julie Franklin. (Photo submitted by Grayson Williams)

Pictured during the Hart County Board of Education’s April 21 meeting are (L-R) Superintendent Jennifer Carter, BOE Chair Kim Pierce, Support Services Administrative Assistant Brittany Geraty and Director of Special Services Julie Franklin. (Photo submitted by Grayson Williams)

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Geraty named Philip Wright Award winner

Adriana Cascio – Leading News Reporter
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Brittany Geraty, administrative assistant of special services for the Hart County Charter School System, received this year’s Philip Wright Award, honoring her friendly demeanor and commitment to the families and students with disabilities of Hart County.
Superintendant Jennifer Carter pointing to a Fiscal Year 2026 tentative budget spreadsheet at Tuesday's budget work session. The Board of Education anticipates a projected $3.2 million total increase from the previous year’s budget. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

Superintendant Jennifer Carter pointing to a Fiscal Year 2026 tentative budget spreadsheet at Tuesday's budget work session. The Board of Education anticipates a projected $3.2 million total increase from the previous year’s budget. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

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BOE gets first look at FY26 budget

News Staff
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
By Adriana Cascio Leading News Reporter and Rose Scoggins Editor/Publisher   The Hart County Charter School System is expecting to see increases in both expenditures and state revenues in the tentative 2026 fiscal year (FY) budget. Superintendent Jennifer Carter presented a projected $3.
Students from Hart, Franklin, White, and Union counties competed in real-world machining challenges. The top three participants received prizes, and all participants were offered paid internship or work-based learning opportunities at Haering Precision. (Photo submitted by Emma Durfee)

Students from Hart, Franklin, White, and Union counties competed in real-world machining challenges. The top three participants received prizes, and all participants were offered paid internship or work-based learning opportunities at Haering Precision. (Photo submitted by Emma Durfee)

2025 Haering Precision Skills Invitational showcases local talent

News Staff
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Submitted by Emma Durfee Haering Precision   Haering Precision USA LP, in partnership with North Georgia Technical College (NGTC), proudly hosted the second annual Haering Precision Skills Invitational in March 2025 at NGTC’s Clarkesville campus.
Pine Tree Garden Club members (L-R) Sandra Brown, Donna Grant and Peggy Tucker work on the pollinator garden outside of the Hart County Historical Museum April 21. (Photo/Rose Scoggins)

Pine Tree Garden Club members (L-R) Sandra Brown, Donna Grant and Peggy Tucker work on the pollinator garden outside of the Hart County Historical Museum April 21. (Photo/Rose Scoggins)

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Gardening tips for beginners

Adriana Cascio – Leading News Reporter
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Aspiring gardeners don’t need vast plots or deep pockets to cultivate a thriving garden. Peggy Tucker, Pine Tree Garden Club parliamentarian and advisor, said starting small and selecting easy-to-grow crops can lead to a rewarding harvest for even the most novice.
Doug Mackney’s Quality Work Service offers home renovation services like deck work and dock work. Mackney said a new trend in dock work includes using composite boards that require less maintenance and last longer than wooden docks. (Photo submitted by Doug Mackney)

Doug Mackney’s Quality Work Service offers home renovation services like deck work and dock work. Mackney said a new trend in dock work includes using composite boards that require less maintenance and last longer than wooden docks. (Photo submitted by Doug Mackney)

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Q&A: Planning, knowing your budget are key to renovations

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Spring has officially been in full bloom for over a month. While many have already, or are working on, planting their garden for the year, many have also begun the “spring cleaning” process in their homes. With cleaning often comes the desire to do renovation projects.
Adam Hazell, Georgia Mountains Regional Commission planning director, discusses the basics of a comprehensive plan during the public hearing Tuesday. A second public input session will be held May 20 at 6 p.m. at city hall. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

Adam Hazell, Georgia Mountains Regional Commission planning director, discusses the basics of a comprehensive plan during the public hearing Tuesday. A second public input session will be held May 20 at 6 p.m. at city hall. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

City holds public hearing for comprehensive plan

Adriana Cascio – Leading News Reporter
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Hartwell launched its first comprehensive plan public input session on April 22 following the survey opening March 5.