Local

Photo by Benjamin London.

Photo by Benjamin London.

Shocked and shining

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hart County High School (HCHS) senior Esther Chin was shocked when hearing her name called as the 2026 HCHS Homecoming Queen during halftime of the Sept. 25 football game against Lumpkin County. Chin is pictured with her father. 
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

School system seeking input for strategic plan

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Submitted byGrayson WilliamsHart County Charter System The Hart County Charter System is beginning the development of its next Strategic Improvement Plan, and community members are invited to play an important role in shaping the future direction of Hart County schools.To ensure the plan reflects...
Scarecrows have been spotted around Hartwell, signaling the beginning of Main Street's annual contest. This year's theme is "Stars, Stripes and Scarecrows." Photo by Bill Powell.

Scarecrows have been spotted around Hartwell, signaling the beginning of Main Street's annual contest. This year's theme is "Stars, Stripes and Scarecrows." Photo by Bill Powell.

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Scarecrows return to downtown

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hartwell Main Street is proud to announce the annual Scarecrow on the Square contest in downtown Hartwell.
Hartwell photographer and Barking Dog Studios owner John Cumming won first place in the 2026 Annual Regional Juried Art Show for “Soon, Oh Soon the Light”, a carefully constructed photograph inspired by “The Gates of Delirium,” a 22-minute battle depiction in song form by the English rock band Yes. Photo by Madison Linton.

Hartwell photographer and Barking Dog Studios owner John Cumming won first place in the 2026 Annual Regional Juried Art Show for “Soon, Oh Soon the Light”, a carefully constructed photograph inspired by “The Gates of Delirium,” a 22-minute battle depiction in song form by the English rock band Yes. Photo by Madison Linton.

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Meet the Arts Center’s 2026 Annual Juried Exhibit winners

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
By Madison Linton- news@thehartwellsun.com The Arts Center of Hartwell is displaying works from the 2026 Annual Regional Juried Art Show until Oct. 31.Winners of the show were announced during the opening reception Sept. 17.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Saturday to include Hartwell Helps Expo, Oktoberfest

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
A trio of events will take place around Hartwell Saturday, Oct. 3.The day kicks off with the annual Hartwell Helps Expo, by the Hart Interdenominational Ministry, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bell Family YMCA.The event brings together over 50 agencies and non-profits that provide needed assistance...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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'Dispelling myths'

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
By Madison Lintonnews@thehartwellsun.comand Rose Scogginseditor@thehartwellsun.comThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District, emphasized their desire to "dispel myths" surrounding the issues at the Clemson Saddle Dike that caused them to place restrictions on the levels of Hartwell...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Single vehicle accident on Lankford Road results in fatality

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
LAVONIA – A Lavonia man died in a single-vehicle accident Monday.Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell responded to an accident Monday at 10:42 a.m. on Lankford Road near Floyd Road right outside Lavonia in Hart County.“The preliminary crash investigation revealed a silver 2002...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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HCHS graduation rate increases, among top in state

News Staff
Thursday, October 1, 2026
By Grayson WilliamsHart County Charter System Hart County Charter System’s Class of 2026 has once again demonstrated a strong tradition of academic achievement, posting a 97.6 percent four-year graduation rate, according to graduation results released Monday by the Georgia Department of...
The 2026 Homecoming Court includes (above, first row, L-R) seniors Carly Dutton, Kamryn McIntosh, Yukira Montgomery, Scarlett Lewis and Esther Chin; (second row, L-R) Jordynn Ashmore, Peyton Barrow, Morgan Carter, E'Lasia Bowen and Ava Shiflet; and (third row, L-R) Kendall Mewborn, Bella Beck, Aliza Beeson and Maci Dudley. Photo submitted by Megan Milford.

The 2026 Homecoming Court includes (above, first row, L-R) seniors Carly Dutton, Kamryn McIntosh, Yukira Montgomery, Scarlett Lewis and Esther Chin; (second row, L-R) Jordynn Ashmore, Peyton Barrow, Morgan Carter, E'Lasia Bowen and Ava Shiflet; and (third row, L-R) Kendall Mewborn, Bella Beck, Aliza Beeson and Maci Dudley. Photo submitted by Megan Milford.

Preparing for the crowns

News Staff
Thursday, September 24, 2026
A new Homecoming Queen and Miss Bulldog will be crowned Friday night as the Hart County Bulldogs host the Lumpkin County Indians for the annual homecoming game at 7:30 p.m. Miss Bulldog will be crowned prior to the game. The Homecoming Queen will be crowned at halftime.