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Mark Douglas Cole

By
Now Habersham
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Mark Douglas Cole, age 74, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Born on October 31, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Mark was the beloved son of the late James and Rose Hisle Cole.

Mark enjoyed an extraordinary and distinguished career in the racing industry. From the very beginning of Toyota’s involvement in motorsports, he played a vital role in the movement and operation of Toyota Racing’s motorcoaches and tractor trailers that supported its racing programs. His dedication spanned decades and numerous racing series, including IMSA in its early days, stadium truck racing, Baja off-road racing, CART, IRL, and NASCAR. Mark also took great pride in helping host Toyota dealers and VIP guests at racing events and was well known and respected by many Toyota associates across the country.

Above all else, Mark treasured time spent with his wife and family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a wonderful Papa/Poppa whose presence brought joy and stability to those around him. His faith was central to his life, and he was a faithful member of Hollywood Baptist Church, where he served as an Adult Sunday School teacher and contributed faithfully on the church’s maintenance committee.

In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Justin August Wren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Judy Falconer Cole; daughter and son-in-law, Dawn-Michelle Pappas (Ted); son and daughter-in-law, Kevin Erik Wren (Janine); brothers, James Cole and John Cole; sisters, Lynn Asp, Becky Yoder, and Susan Tribble; grandchildren, Michael Cole Wren, Jayden Pappas, Jessica Zornosa, Justine Ringor, Jayme Adling, and Julia Pappas; great-grandchildren, Okcana Miller, Vyktor Vidal, Archer Ringor, Rawley Ringor, Samuel Zornosa, Marco Zornosa, and Beatrice Adling; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, life-long friend since the age of 5, Benny White and many other friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Pastor Chuck Johnson and Dr. Don Samples officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Clarkesville.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Wednesday.

An online guest registry is available for the Cole family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Owen “Junior” Brady

By
Now Habersham
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Owen “Junior” Brady, age 81, of Baldwin, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Born in Banks County, Georgia, on November 17, 1944, Junior was the son of the late Owen Brady and Etheline Simmons Brady. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, Junior was deeply connected to the land and found joy in the simple, meaningful rhythms of country life. He was an avid farmer and gardener who took great pride in tending his crops and caring for his animals. One of his special passions was beekeeping, a pastime that reflected his patience, dedication, and appreciation for nature.

In quieter moments, Junior could often be found listening to his favorite country music or playing his guitar, sharing melodies that brought comfort and joy to those around him. Known for his gentle spirit and steady presence, he will be fondly remembered as a loving brother, devoted family man, and faithful friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wade Brady.

Survivors include his sisters, Joyce Blair, Cathy Stewart, Beverly Sterghos, and Judy Patterson; his brother, Bruce Brady; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Wendell Hanley officiating. Interment will follow in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Baldwin. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour on Sunday.

An online guest registry is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Two arrested for trafficking methamphetamine in Stephens County

By
Kevin Angell
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Earlier this month, investigators with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office received tips that Adam Douglas Greeson, 37, of Toccoa, was distributing methamphetamine.

According to a press release, authorities determined Greeson was traveling to metro-Atlanta to transport controlled substances back to the county.

On Thursday, deputies initiated a traffic stop on Greeson’s vehicle just after 9 p.m. along North Hill Street in Toccoa. During the stop, a K9 unit alerted to narcotics, and deputies found 2.15 ounces of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and other objects.

The passenger, Shandar Ivester, 41, of Toccoa, reportedly provided a false identity. Both were arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug related objects.

Greeson was also cited for failure to maintain lane. Ivester faces additional charges for providing false name and date of birth to law enforcement and obstructing or hindering law enforcement.Both were denied bond by a magistrate judge.

“Our mission is simple: to protect the citizens of Stephens County by aggressively pursuing those involved in the illegal drug trade,” said Sheriff Rusty Fulbright.

Nearly six decades after his death, King’s vision for equality is still a ‘living challenge’ for all

By
Maya Homan
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A statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Georgia state Capitol. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

ATLANTA, Ga. — Legislators, religious leaders and community members gathered at Georgia’s state Capitol in Atlanta Friday to commemorate civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. the day after what would have been his 97th birthday.

The ceremony, held amid a nationwide backlash to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and growing calls for increased affordability, highlighted King’s efforts to fight for racial equality and economic justice.

In this year’s keynote address, John Hope Bryant, the founder, CEO and chair of Operation HOPE, highlighted King’s efforts to expand economic empowerment, calling him the “embodiment” of what it means to have financial freedom.

John Hope Bryant, the founder, CEO and chair of Operation HOPE, delivered the keynote address at Georgia’s state Capitol to commemorate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder)

King’s family was able to send him to the historically Black Morehouse College in Atlanta when he was 15 years old in the 1940s. He would go on to earn advanced degrees.

“That took economic freedom. That took the ability to have a voice,” Bryant said.

Bryant also called on lawmakers, advocates and everyday Georgians to work toward improving financial literacy, calling it “the civil rights issue of this generation.”

“What good is it to get the lunch counter access if you can’t pay the bill for the burger?” he said.

The ceremony was also attended by some of King’s surviving family members, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and other elected officials.

Government facilities across the state will be closed Monday in observance of King’s birthday, celebrated every third Monday in January. In 1968, King was slain at the age of 39 after becoming the face of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement fighting the systemic racism Black people endured across the deep South and other parts of America.

But this year, the celebration for some might look slightly different: visitors to national parks across the nation will no longer be granted free access on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday after the U.S. Department of the Interior removed the holiday from the calendar of fee-free days. Free access to national parks was also revoked on Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the official end of slavery in America.

Trump has also recently made comments to the New York Times criticizing the Civil Rights Movement, claiming that it led to white people being “very badly treated.”

But in Georgia, where King was born and lived for much of his life, representatives from both sides of the aisle were united in commemorating his birthday. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp celebrated King’s advocacy and legacy of nonviolence in his remarks to the crowd Friday.

“It goes without saying that one of the towering figures of America’s rich history is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Kemp said. “He did as much — if not more than anyone — to ensure we work toward fulfilling those founding principles that inspired the very birth of the United States: liberty, truth and justice for all.”

Sen. Nikki Merritt, a Grayson Democrat and chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, spoke at a ceremony celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder)

Sen. Nikki Merritt, a Grayson Democrat and chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, urged attendees to continue fighting for King’s message of equality.

“Dr. King envisioned a world where children of all backgrounds could join hands as equals, and that vision is not a relic of the past,” Merritt said. “It is a living challenge to each of us every day.”

MLK Day celebrations across metro Atlanta will continue throughout the weekend, with a commemorative service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King once served as a pastor, as well as a parade, a 5K race, and numerous community service events.

Wayne Seaborn Andrews

By
Now Habersham
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne Seaborn Andrews, age 78, of Baldwin. A man of unwavering faith, Wayne lived a life rooted in love for Jesus Christ and dedication to doing what was right.

He believed deeply in the value of honest work and gave his best in all he did. Through long days and steady hands, he provided for his family and showed by example that integrity, perseverance, and humility matter. He never sought recognition, yet his life spoke volumes through kindness, reliability, and service to others. This showed greatly in his 66-year membership at Lamar Christian Church, including over 50 years of perfect Sunday School attendance. Additionaly he had 58 years of dedicated service to Banks County Road Department and was a long-time member of the Wells Shoals Sportsman Club.

He was the son of the late Carmon & Elsie Mae Wilbanks Andrews.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Linda Brock Andrews; sons, Keith (Rhonda) Andrews, Scott (Libby) Andrews; grandchildren, Andee (Ben) Elrod, Nia Andrews, Jabe Andrews, Nolan Andrews, John (Lisa) Benfiel, Sam (Kori) Benfiel; six great-grandchildren and one on the way; brothers, Dwight (Trudy) Andrews, Carroll (Becky) Andrews, special uncle, Garner White and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Lamar Christian Church, 3247 GA Highway 105, Baldwin, GA 30511.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Lamar Christian Church with Elder Tommy Wilkinson, Mr. Sam Benfiel, and Minister Deron Crocker officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Andrews will lie in state from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour at the church as family receives friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.

2 charged with meth trafficking in Stephens County

By
Kevin Angell
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(NowHabersham.com)

TOCCOA, Ga. — Deputies arrested two Toccoa residents on methamphetamine trafficking charges following a narcotics investigation by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a press release, investigators began looking into Adam Douglas Greeson earlier this month after receiving multiple tips that he was distributing methamphetamine in Stephens County.

According to authorities, investigators determined the 37-year-old Greeson was traveling to the metro Atlanta area to pick up large quantities of meth and then transporting it back to Stephens County for distribution, the release said.

Traffic stop and a drug-sniffing dog

On Thursday, Jan. 15, deputies stopped Greeson’s vehicle at about 9:03 p.m. on North Hill Street in Toccoa after he returned to the county. A sheriff’s office K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics during the traffic stop. Deputies searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 2.15 ounces of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and other drug-related items, officials said.

Deputies said the passenger, 41-year-old Shandar Ivester of Toccoa, provided them with a false name and date of birth during the stop.

Both Greeson and Ivester were arrested and booked into the Stephens County Jail.

In addition to meth trafficking, they are charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug-related objects. Greeson was also cited for failure to maintain lane. Ivester faces additional charges of providing false information to law enforcement and obstructing or hindering law enforcement.

A Stephens County magistrate judge denied bond for both suspects on Friday, Jan. 16. They remain in jail.

‘Our mission is simple’

Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright thanked the deputies and GBI ARDEO drug task force agents who were involved in the arrests for their “tireless work on this case.” He added, “Our mission is simple: to protect the citizens of Stephens County by aggressively pursuing those involved in the illegal drug trade.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in Stephens County is encouraged to contact the criminal investigations division tip line at 706-886-7048, submit a tip through the sheriff’s office mobile app, or report anonymously through the GBI’s See Something, Send Something app.

Mother arrested after 4-year-old found walking alone on busy street

By
Staff Report
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File photo (NowHabersham.com)

BALDWIN, Ga. — A Baldwin mother was arrested Wednesday after her four-year-old son was found wandering alone on a busy street.

At approximately 3:50 p.m. on Jan. 14, Habersham County E-911 received multiple reports of a young child walking without adult supervision on Willingham Avenue, according to police. Two bystanders intervened, staying with the boy at a nearby business until officers from the Baldwin Police Department arrived.

The child informed officers he had left his home at the Heritage Garden complex to find his mother, who he said had gone shopping. Because the child could not provide his parents’ full names or identify his residence, the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) was called to the scene.

According to Baldwin Police Chief Chris Jones, “the child was not properly dressed.” The temperatures on Wednesday were in the 40s.

The mother, identified as Miranda Perry, arrived 30 to 45 minutes later. According to police, Perry stated she had left the child at home to pick up her other children from a bus stop and visit a local clothing store. She told investigators that the child’s father was asleep at the residence following a night shift and was unaware the boy was in the apartment.

Following an investigation, Perry was arrested and charged with reckless conduct. DFCS has assumed responsibility for the child’s welfare and is conducting an inquiry.

The Baldwin Police Department noted that this is the second recent incident involving a child found on a major roadway while left with a sleeping caregiver. Officials are reminding parents that safety devices, such as doorknob covers, are not foolproof and that caregivers must be awake and aware to provide adequate supervision.

GSP releases detail of serious-injury wreck on Camp Creek Road

By
Daniel Purcell
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A Georgia State trooper takes photos of the scene while investigating the crash on Camp Creek Road on Jan. 15, 2026. (Daniel Purcell/NowGeorgia.com)

DEMOREST, Ga. — A Cornelia man was seriously injured Thursday evening after his pickup truck overturned on Camp Creek Road, according to officials. The accident happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, just south of Camp Creek Baptist Church.

According to the Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary investigation, 63-year-old Terry Loudermilk of Cornelia was southbound in a Toyota Tacoma when the truck ran off the road in a curve. State troopers said Loudermilk overcorrected, crossed both lanes of the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned. The pickup wound up on its side in a private yard.

Firefighters and police work to free the injured driver from the pickup after it crashed into a yard at 1678 Camp Creek Road in Cornelia on Jan. 15, 2026. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

Loudermilk sustained serious injuries. Habersham EMS transported him to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for treatment. Authorities said charges are pending.

The wreck shut down Camp Creek Road between Chase Road and Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway for nearly an hour as crews cleared the wreckage.

Anti-ICE protesters gather in Clarkesville for peaceful Blue Wave demonstration

By
Staff Report
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(Joshua M. Peck/NowGeorgia.com)

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Approximately two dozen demonstrators gathered on the Clarkesville square Thursday afternoon for a peaceful protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The “Sign Waving” event, organized by the 9th District Congressional Democrats with support from the Habersham County Democratic Party, was part of a broader series of “Blue Wave” gatherings. Organizers stated the events are intended to affirm constitutional principles, reject authoritarianism, and demonstrate the role of peaceful protest in a democratic society.

Participants stood at the intersection of Highways 115 and Historic US 441, displaying American flags and placards with slogans such as “Melt ICE for GOOD,” “Stop violence by ICE,” and “No secret police.” One demonstrator displayed a Greenland flag, citing opposition to presidential rhetoric regarding the potential acquisition of the Danish territory.
The demonstration occurred amid heightened national tensions following the shooting death of Renee Good, which has sparked ongoing confrontations between protesters and ICE agents in Minneapolis.

Despite the presence of a counter-protester across the street, the gathering remained civil. Organizers urged participants to remain “positive and respectful,” emphasizing a community-focused approach. “Remember, we are speaking to our neighbors,” the Habersham County Democratic Party noted in a social media post.

The event drew participants from Habersham and neighboring counties, including Stephens and White. Additional demonstrations are scheduled to continue on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Clarkesville and other locations throughout Georgia’s 9th Congressional District.

Two tributes coming up on MLK Day 

By
Mitzi Oxford
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January 19 is a federal holiday marking the observance of Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The third Monday of January was chosen for MLK Day to keep the holiday as close as possible to King’s birthday, which was January 15.  

Banks and local government offices will be closed, but celebrations of Dr. King’s legacy are planned, and both encourage giving back.

The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Award Breakfast hosted by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Iota Lambda Chapter kicks off at 7:06 am Monday morning at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.  The success of the event over the last 32 years afforded Alpha Phi Alpha the ability to present hundreds of high school seniors in the Fountain City and surrounding areas with hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships.  

The Unity Award Breakfast also recognizes an individual or an organization that has consistently promoted unity in our community.  

Then at Noon, Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Pastoral Care department will host an MLK Day Chapel Service at the hospital’s conference center, located at 710 Center Street.  

The service will feature special music, a word of inspiration and a rendition of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech will be performed by Senior Chaplain Marlon Scott. The event is free and open to the public; participants must wear a mask. 

Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) council is also honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by collecting items for Valley Rescue Mission and the Stewart Community Home. Hygiene products, hair supplies, toiletry items, laundry detergent, bedding, blankets, winter clothing, toys and baby supplies may be dropped off at the chapel service or in donation boxes at the lobbies of Piedmont Columbus Midtown and Northside. 

Both events reflect one of Dr. King’s favorite quotes, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” 

Man arrested on drug charges after leaving bag in bathroom

By
Kevin Angell
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A Cornelia man was arrested on January 7 after a deputy stopped his vehicle and linked him to drugs found in a gas station bathroom, officials said.

Deputies charged 30-year-old Austin Orien Rhodes with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, abandonment of a dangerous drug, and defective tires.

According to the incident report from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was conducting a business check at the RaceTrac in Cornelia around 1 a.m. He observed a woman and Rhodes at the coffee station. The deputy noted the smell of marijuana coming from the pair.

The two left the store in a gray Jeep Wrangler. The deputy inside the convenience store said he observed the vehicle had tires with “wires and metal showing in places” and pulled the vehicle over.

During a search of Rhodes, the deputy found a jewelry bag containing a box and a black metal container.

“Austin stated it contained cocaine,” the deputy wrote in the report regarding the box. “Austin stated this contained cocaine as well as some pills,” he added regarding the metal container.

Deputies said they found drug paraphernalia, suspected marijuana and various pills, including hydrocodone and alprazolam, on Rhodes.

While conducting the investigation, the deputy who stopped Rhodes learned that another deputy had found a bag of methamphetamine in the RaceTrac bathroom. The deputy with Rhodes noted that he had used the restroom just before Rhodes and knew no one else had entered or exited in that time.

When asked about the drugs found in the store, Rhodes reportedly admitted they were his.

“Austin stated he thought he had bought cocaine,” according to deputies. “Austin stated he stuck his finger in the bag while in the bathroom, and it burned his gums, so he left it there.”

Rhodes was arrested and transported to the Habersham County Detention Center.

Trump threatens tariffs on Greenland, countries that oppose US takeover

By
Jennifer Shutt
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People walk on a street in Nuuk, Greenland, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — President Donald Trump threatened Friday to place tariffs on Greenland and any country that opposes his efforts to take over the Arctic island, as members of Congress from both political parties were in Europe to assure allied nations that lawmakers won’t go along with his plans.

“I may do that for Greenland too. I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security,” Trump said. “So I may do that.”

Trump has been increasingly focused on acquiring Greenland during his second term in the Oval Office and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier this month that “utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal.”

Lawmakers not on board

Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been skeptical or outright opposed to Trump’s aspirations for Greenland, a territory of Denmark, which is a NATO ally.

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Maine independent Sen. Angus King, co-chairs of the Senate Arctic Caucus, met with officials from Denmark this week to try to reassure the country’s leaders.

King wrote in a statement after the meeting that “the Denmark and Greenland coalition reiterated to us that they are fully prepared to cooperate with the United States in any way to expand our national security presence in Greenland – an agreement which goes back 75 years.”

“It was a very productive meeting and I’m hopeful that the administration will finally realize that taking Greenland over by a military force is almost unthinkable — to attack essentially a NATO ally,” King added. “That would be the greatest gift to (Russian President) Vladimir Putin that this country could possibly bestow.”

Murkowski wrote that the “United States, Denmark and Greenland should be able to count on each other as partners in diplomacy and national security.”

“Respect for the sovereignty of the people of Greenland should be non-negotiable, which is why I was grateful for the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with Foreign Ministers from Denmark and Greenland,” Murkowski wrote. “Meetings like the one held today are integral to building stronger relationships with our allies that will continue to endure amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.”

House speaker derides ‘media narrative’

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said during a press conference this week that he hasn’t heard any plans for military action in Greenland at any briefings he’s attended and that he believes “this is a media narrative that’s been created.”

Johnson said he doesn’t “anticipate any boots on the ground anywhere anytime soon,” though he added the United States does have national security and critical mineral interests in Greenland.

“Greenland is of strategic importance, its geography and everything else. So look, again, you have to wait for that to play out. I’m going to leave it to the administration to articulate it how they will,” Johnson said. “But I think what the president is articulating is something that everybody objectively has to acknowledge, that Greenland has strategic significance to us and also to other countries around the world, so we need to play that very seriously.”

A bipartisan congressional delegation was in Denmark on Friday to communicate to leaders of that country and Greenland that they don’t support Trump’s efforts.

Lawmakers on the trip include Delaware Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, Murkowski, New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, as well as Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean, Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, California Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs, Delaware Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride and New York Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks.

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