Senate votes to increase prison time for possessing or trafficking fentanyl

People caught with a quarter gram of fentanyl would face one to five years in prison if a measure that passed the Georgia Senate Wednesday goes on to become law. It’s a tiny amount, but it’s enough to kill 120 people, said Sen. Russ Goodman, R-Cogdell, in explaining why he sponsored Senate Bill 79.

Humane Society to hold Second Saturday adoption event March 8

The Hart County Humane Society will hold its monthly “Second Saturday” event Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the J. Robert Mauldin Animal Sanctuary located at 1364 Reed Creek Highway. Stop by to discuss adoptions, fostering and volunteering with the shelter.

House OKs bill easing burden of proof of intellectual disability in capital cases

ATLANTA - The state House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday to make it easier for defendants in death penalty cases to establish intellectual disability as a defense.

Tort reform 2.0 clears Georgia Senate

ATLANTA - The state Senate unanimously passed a narrowly tailored tort reform bill Thursday, a week after approving broader, more controversial legislation encompassing most of a civil justice system overhaul Gov. Brian Kemp has made his top priority for 2025.

Georgia lawmakers adopt record mid-year budget

ATLANTA - The General Assembly gave final passage March 3 to a record $40.5 billion mid-year budget that prioritizes hurricane relief and prisons.

CNI’s Spring Lake Living photo contest open through April 4

Temperatures are rising and spring is in the air. It’s time to take your boat out of storage and make plans to visit one of Northeast Georgia’s beautiful lakes. Lake Living magazine is looking for photos that represent this scenic time of year at the lake.

New Georgia Public Service Commission elections set for June

ATLANTA - For the first time since 2020, Georgia voters, including those in Hart County, will elect members of the state Public Service Commission (PSC) this year. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger issued a call Wednesday for special elections on Nov. 4 to fill two seats on the PSC.

CASA of Northern Judicial Circuit to now serve Hart County

The Northeast Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (NEGA CASA) program is pleased to announce a critical junction in their agency’s history with a change in service area and the establishment of a new CASA program effective March 1.

Elbert Memorial Hospital opens Hartwell primary care office

Hartwell Family Clinic, a new primary care office is now open in Hartwell, offering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the local community. The practice, an affiliate of Elbert Memorial Hospital, opened March 3. The clinic is led by Dr.

Lake Hartwell Association’s annual meeting streaming at Art Center Tuesday

Current and perspective members of the Lake Hartwell Association will have the opportunity to participate in the organization’s annual meeting March 11 by watching the live stream at the Hartwell Art Center. The actual event will take place at the Civic Center of Anderson.