Local

An aerial photo of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp. Photo credit: Shutterstock, Inc.

An aerial photo of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp. Photo credit: Shutterstock, Inc.

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Okefenokee tug-o-war is long way from over

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
The opposing sides are not barefoot on Jekyll Island’s beach, but there’s a definite line drawn in the sand. Feet are dug in, and muscles are straining. On one side is an Alabama mining company and its fleet of high-powered lobbyists.
Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland (left) and Capt. Chris Carroll stand with the seized “Jail Break Hell Cat” Dodge Challenger, drugs and weapons.

Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland (left) and Capt. Chris Carroll stand with the seized “Jail Break Hell Cat” Dodge Challenger, drugs and weapons.

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Bond hearings held for Jan. 17 gang arrests

Josh Brannen
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Bond hearings were held for six individuals arrested in connection to a drug sting operation conducted by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office; two arrestees were denied bond. Bryson De’Mone Jordan Jr.
New York Times bestselling author John Cribb (left) signs a copy of his latest book, “The Rail Splitter” for Gwen Walters (right), of Hartwell, during a book signing and talk at the Hart County Library Jan. 26.

New York Times bestselling author John Cribb (left) signs a copy of his latest book, “The Rail Splitter” for Gwen Walters (right), of Hartwell, during a book signing and talk at the Hart County Library Jan. 26.

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Library hosts NYT bestseller

News Staff
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
The Hart County Library hosted New York Times bestselling author, John Cribb, on Jan. 26 to talk about his new book, “The Rail Splitter,” which was released in 2022.
Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

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Rome revitalization committee crafted

Josh Brannen
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
On Feb. 4, the Hart County Library hosted a community discussion with Rome residents and community leaders about the revitalization efforts currently underway through the federal grant money that was awarded to the city of Hartwell to restore the historic Rome community.
Photo credit: Adam Wilson

Photo credit: Adam Wilson

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Liquor stores?

Josh Brannen
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
On Monday, the Hartwell City Council heard arguments from city residents stating their cases for or against liquor stores being established within city limits. The council also discussed and voted on a water and sewer tap fee increase for incoming homes and buildings.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the current crisis of avian flu, or more commonly known as bird flu, is the worst on record with over 58 million chickens culled due to the infection.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the current crisis of avian flu, or more commonly known as bird flu, is the worst on record with over 58 million chickens culled due to the infection.

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Local poultry industry spared from record avian flu cases

Josh Brannen
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
If you’ve purchased a dozen eggs lately, you’ve probably winced with a quick case of sticker shock. The highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) has forced poultry farmers across the United States to kill large swaths of their egg-laying hens, causing prices to quickly rise.