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Pictured above, the bar/restaurant portion of WillaDeans-Tavern catches fire in the 5 a.m. hour Tuesday, Oct. 4. City of Hartwell firefighters work to put out the flames, doing so successfully. The fire, of which the cause is still under investigation, largely left the popular Reed Creek area restaurant in ruins. The fire occurred after-hours and none were injured.

Pictured above, the bar/restaurant portion of WillaDeans-Tavern catches fire in the 5 a.m. hour Tuesday, Oct. 4. City of Hartwell firefighters work to put out the flames, doing so successfully. The fire, of which the cause is still under investigation, largely left the popular Reed Creek area restaurant in ruins. The fire occurred after-hours and none were injured.

WillaDean’s Tavern burns down: Fire under investigation

Dan Hunt
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
The locally popular barbecue and southern restaurant WillaDean’s Tavern burned down between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Hartwell Fire Chief Alan Daniel said dispatch received a call reporting the fire at 5:17 a.m., with his unit responding from there.
Officer Michael Tyler

Officer Michael Tyler

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School resource officers ‘there to protect everyone’

Josh Brannen
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Children are among any nation’s most vulnerable population and need protecting. Hart County and Hartwell recognize that safety is a priority for children and provide it through school resource officers, who guard their schools like a castle under siege, ready to protect it from any invader.
Photo credit: Insung Yoon

Photo credit: Insung Yoon

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# Throwback Thursday

News Staff
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
1940: Minister William Edgar Brown drowned in the Tugaloo River while trying to save his brother Rev. J.H. Brown when he fell off the boat they were traveling on. Brown and his minister brothers Robert and J.H. were traveling on Tugaloo River when J.H.
Photo credit: David von Diemar

Photo credit: David von Diemar

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The Blotter

News Staff
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
The Hart County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:   Sept. 21 •Terri Lackey, 30, of Hartwell, was arrested and charged with probation violation, DUI and child endangerment.
Pictured above is the 2027 REACH Hart Scholar class. From left to right, Hart County Board of Education member Dennis Dowell, Superintendent Jennifer Carter, Tyler Bowers, Dalton Harris, Faustino Rangel, Alana Ramey, Alvin Franco-Gallegos, Edith Rico-Ortiz, and Hart County Education Foundation Executive Director Bobbie Busha.

Pictured above is the 2027 REACH Hart Scholar class. From left to right, Hart County Board of Education member Dennis Dowell, Superintendent Jennifer Carter, Tyler Bowers, Dalton Harris, Faustino Rangel, Alana Ramey, Alvin Franco-Gallegos, Edith Rico-Ortiz, and Hart County Education Foundation Executive Director Bobbie Busha.

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REACH scholars class signs contracts

News Staff
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Six 8th graders inked their names to become the newest class of REACH Hart scholars on Tuesday.
Pictured above, the Lunsford and Hordiichuk family together at The Way Church of Hartwell after the latter’s arrival.

Pictured above, the Lunsford and Hordiichuk family together at The Way Church of Hartwell after the latter’s arrival.

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Hartwell hosts displaced Ukrainian family of 4

News Staff
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
In recent months, some of Hartwell’s residents, and those of surrounding communities, have taken it upon themselves to rally behind a family of four that has been displaced by the ongoing conflict in western Europe. On Feb.
Photo credit: NASA

Photo credit: NASA

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Hurricane Ian

News Staff
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
By press time Wednesday morning, Ian had strengthened to a category 4 hurricane and its full impact was on schedule to hit the southwestern coast of Florida by Wednesday.
The Hartwell Dam releases its floodgates in June of 2021.

The Hartwell Dam releases its floodgates in June of 2021.

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Hydrologists discuss Lake Hartwell drought

Josh Brannen
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
On Tuesday, Sep 20, the Army Corps of Engineers addressed a crowd that gathered at the Western Carolina Sailing Club to discuss Lake Hartwell entering into drought “trigger level one” status starting Sept 1.
Ryleigh Jordan (left) and Alexis Walker (right) attempt a block against Cedar Shoals on Sept. 15.

Ryleigh Jordan (left) and Alexis Walker (right) attempt a block against Cedar Shoals on Sept. 15.

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Volleydogs undefeated in first region matches of season

Drew Dotson
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
The Volleydogs started the region schedule 2-0 after traveling to Franklin County on Tuesday. On Thursday, Sept. 15, the Hart County High School  volleyball team hosted Clarke Central and Jackson County. The Volleydogs beat the Gladiators easily in two sets, 25-12 and 25-18.