Local

The scene at WillaDean’s about an hour after it initially went up in flames on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

The scene at WillaDean’s about an hour after it initially went up in flames on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Fire chief: Blaze at WillaDean’s likely accidental

Dan Hunt
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Hartwell Fire Chief Alan Daniel said Tuesday that he believes “it’s safe to say” last week’s fire which burned down the majority of WillaDean’s Tavern along Reed Creek Highway did not involve foul play. “We’re just looking at accidental causes right now,” Daniel said.
Hartwell City Hall

Hartwell City Hall

City budgets 7 percent raises for all employees

Josh Brannen
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Hartwell City Council’s 2023 budget includes a 7 percent “cost of living” raise for all city employees and a “payment plan” for the new sewer. The total fiscal year 2023 budget for the city of Hartwell is $6.1 million – an $11,000 increase from 2022’s budget, which was $6,089,685.
Photo credit: BP Miller

Photo credit: BP Miller

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

The Dawg Bark: Hart County needs more sports for adults

Drew Dotson
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
From the time many of us first started walking, some sport or physical activity was a staple of our childhood. From little league to dance, kids have the opportunity to get a break from school and homework to play and exercise with friends.
Hart County helmet (left) and Oconee County helmet (right).

Hart County helmet (left) and Oconee County helmet (right).

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Hart football to travel to Oconee County to start road stretch

Drew Dotson
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
The Bulldogs will be facing the Warriors in Watkinsvill in their second regional game of the season. The Hart County High School football team will be traveling to Oconee County High School for a tough region match-up on Friday, Oct. 7. The Oconee County Warriors are currently 3-3 on the season.
Lydia Burroughs makes contact in Hart’s last home game against Franklin on Sept. 27.

Lydia Burroughs makes contact in Hart’s last home game against Franklin on Sept. 27.

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Lady Diamond Dogs still have chance for state playoffs

Drew Dotson
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
The Hart County High School softball team lost one game and had another rescheduled over the past week. The Lady Diamond Dogs were set to play Stephens County on Thursday, Sept. 29, but the game was rescheduled to this Thursday, Oct. 6. Hart then faced Oconee County on the road and lost, 14-6.
Braydon Lane runs at the Reservation Run on Sept. 20.

Braydon Lane runs at the Reservation Run on Sept. 20.

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Cross Country teams run in Helen

Drew Dotson
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
The Hart County High School cross-country team competed at the Mountain Invitational 2022 on Tuesday. The teams traveled to Helen and raced against teams from 31 different schools on Oct. 4. The Hart County girls team did not have enough runners finish to place as a team.
Lillie Rogers goes for the kill in the loss to Oconee County on Oct. 4.

Lillie Rogers goes for the kill in the loss to Oconee County on Oct. 4.

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Volleydogs place second in region after losing to Oconee

Drew Dotson
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
The Volleydogs finished their regular season with a loss to rival Oconee County to end as second seed in the region tournament. On Thursday, Sept. 29, the Hart County High School volleyball team traveled to Mt. Airy to play Habersham Central and Athens Christian.
Photo credit: Insung Yoon

Photo credit: Insung Yoon

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

#Throwback Thursday

News Staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
1956: A massive wildfire destroyed 25 acres of forest in Hart County between Hartwell and Lavonia. Ranger Harold Payne discovered a burnt cigarette where the blaze had originated and claimed that it was what started the inferno.
Photo credit: David von Diemar

Photo credit: David von Diemar

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

The Blotter

News Staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
The Hart County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:   Sept. 27 •Gregory Eaves, 31, of Hartwell, was arrested and charged with interference with government property (broke door window), possession and use of drug related objects and possession of methamphetamine.