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The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Exceeding the state average

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Hart County is one of just 60 school districts across the state to report a graduation rate of 95 percent or higher, the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) announced Tuesday.    At 97 percent, Hart County’s rate for the class of 2025 comes in nearly 10 points above the state average of 87.
AARP Chapter #2006 members (front row, L-R) Ida Hartland, Mary Lewis, Sandy Mariacher, Deb Caudle, Nancy Sturm, Vonda Smith, Ophelia Craft and Milli Teasley; (back row, L-R) Claire Bramlette, Jan Doten, Bonnie Fracy, Rick Fracy, Alice Worthan, Al Burch, Steve Brown and Hand Sturm gather for the group’s annual picnic on Sept. 17. With 35 members, the chapter is the only AARP within the Northeast region, and it primarily serves the people of Hart and Franklin counties. (Photo by Adriana Cascio)

AARP Chapter #2006 members (front row, L-R) Ida Hartland, Mary Lewis, Sandy Mariacher, Deb Caudle, Nancy Sturm, Vonda Smith, Ophelia Craft and Milli Teasley; (back row, L-R) Claire Bramlette, Jan Doten, Bonnie Fracy, Rick Fracy, Alice Worthan, Al Burch, Steve Brown and Hand Sturm gather for the group’s annual picnic on Sept. 17. With 35 members, the chapter is the only AARP within the Northeast region, and it primarily serves the people of Hart and Franklin counties. (Photo by Adriana Cascio)

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AARP Chapter #2006 celebrates 50th anniversary

Adriana Cascio – Leading News Reporter
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The Hart County Chapter #2006 of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), is celebrating a significant milestone this year: its 50th anniversary of serving the local community and assisting senior citizens.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Throwback Thursday - October 2

News Staff
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
25 years ago (2000)    Oct. 4, 2000 – City-county consolidation may be a step closer if Monday night’s vote by the Hartwell City council is any indication.    The council voted 5-1 to pursue a centralized dispatch of emergency services.
Scarecrows, like the one from HYDRA, have begun to pop up all over town. Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open through Oct. 29. Ballots can be found on page 2 of this week’s paper. (Photo by Adriana Cascio)

Scarecrows, like the one from HYDRA, have begun to pop up all over town. Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open through Oct. 29. Ballots can be found on page 2 of this week’s paper. (Photo by Adriana Cascio)

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Scarecrow voting open

News Staff
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Downtown Hartwell is once again getting into the spirit of the season with the return of Hartwell Main Street’s “Scarecrows on the Square” contest!
The 2025 Homecoming Court includes (first row, L-R) seniors Briana Blewitt, Hannah Carey, Isabella Ayers, Kinsley Duncan and Mareli Fajardo-Bacilio; (second row, L-R) juniors Chastyn Haynie, Carly Dutton and Ayla Sanders and sophomores Peyton Kaiser, Trinity Freeman and Peyton Barrow; and (third row, L-R) freshmen Miya Spears, Bella Beck and Aliza Jo Beeson. (Submitted by Megan Millford)

The 2025 Homecoming Court includes (first row, L-R) seniors Briana Blewitt, Hannah Carey, Isabella Ayers, Kinsley Duncan and Mareli Fajardo-Bacilio; (second row, L-R) juniors Chastyn Haynie, Carly Dutton and Ayla Sanders and sophomores Peyton Kaiser, Trinity Freeman and Peyton Barrow; and (third row, L-R) freshmen Miya Spears, Bella Beck and Aliza Jo Beeson. (Submitted by Megan Millford)

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Courting the crowns

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
CORRECTION: The print edition of today's paper says both Miss Bulldog and the homecoming queen will be crowned during halftime of tomorrow night's game. Only the homecoming queen will be crowned during halftime. Miss Bulldog court festivities will take place prior to the game.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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IBA to hold manufacturing reception Oct. 3

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Hart County Industrial Building Authority (IBA) will hold a Manufacturing Appreciation Reception Friday, Oct. 3 to kick off Manufacturing Appreciation Week.    The event will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Adult Learning Center downstairs meeting room located at 110 Benson St.
Nurse Lisa Walters (left) and Dr. JoDon Garringer (right) pose together in front of Hartwell Family Practice, located at 229 Athens St., on Sept. 3. Garringer said he and Walters have developed a brother-sister relationship, after watching their families and careers grow alongside each other. (Photo by Adriana Cascio)

Nurse Lisa Walters (left) and Dr. JoDon Garringer (right) pose together in front of Hartwell Family Practice, located at 229 Athens St., on Sept. 3. Garringer said he and Walters have developed a brother-sister relationship, after watching their families and careers grow alongside each other. (Photo by Adriana Cascio)

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Garringer celebrates 25 years at HFP

Adriana Cascio – Leading News Reporter
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
It all began years ago in Albany, Indiana, when a young JoDon Garringer was captivated by his grandmother, Sara Washburn, a nurse whose career inspired him to follow in her footsteps.    He didn’t just like the idea of medicine—he fell in love with it.