State Senate passes farmland preservation constitutional change

ATLANTA - Legislation doubling the acreage Georgia farmers can set aside for conservation in exchange for a property tax break easily cleared the state Senate Feb. 19.

Senate passes measure to review and revoke state agency rules

The Georgia Senate adopted legislation Feb. 24 that would enhance lawmakers’ authority to overrule the results of the process that agencies use to enact laws.

Agencies investigating accident on Royston Highway

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), are investigating an early morning multi-vehicle accident on Royston Highway Feb. 23.

Georgia lawmakers target fentanyl

Legislation that would enhance the criminal penalties for trafficking fentanyl cleared a state Senate committee Feb. 20.

The Blotter

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:   The following is a list of names entered into the booking computer at Hart County Jail for Feb. 18-24, 2025. Names, ages and towns are listed as they appear in the computer. Offenses listed are charges; guilt has not been proven.

Georgia lawmakers seek more regulation of drones

Drones would be subject to more restrictions under a couple of pieces of legislation that passed the Georgia House of Representatives Friday. House Bill 58 would prohibit flights over public gatherings.

Senior center seeing upgrades thanks to community support

The Hart County Senior Center has been undergoing some much-needed upgrades for nearly two years thanks to support from around the community.

Extension to host Farmer Resources Workshop

The Hart County Extension/4-H office will hold a Farmer Resources Workshop March 13 from noon until 1 p.m. at the Adult Learning Center.

Lake Hartwell Association’s annual meeting streaming March 11

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.

29th annual Polar Bear Plunge, Winter Festival coming Saturday

The Northeast Georgia (NEGA) Council on Domestic Violence’s 29th annual Polar Bear Plunge and Winter Festival will be held Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gum Branch Mega Ramp located at 1352 Vanna Waller Road.