State senators on the Senate Impact of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Children and Platform Privacy Protection committee released their findings on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (Sarah Kallis/GPB News)
(GPB News) – State senators on the special committee studying the impacts of social media and artificial intelligence on children said they will file bipartisan legislation to regulate tech use in schools.
Senators on the committee said they will recommend extending the state’s cellphone ban to high school students, limiting the use of AI in schools to administrative tasks only, and strengthening recess and learning through play recommendations.
Huge help for parents
State Sen. Ed Setzler said the regulations would help parents.
“The best we have among us feel powerless in the face of the conditions that exist today in our culture,” he said. “To do nothing about that, to turn a blind eye to that, is to be derelict in our duties.”
State Sen. Sally Harrell, the co-chair of the committee, said that legislation will also include regulations around technology that makes video games addictive.
“They’re fighting a losing battle because what these the products these children are using are so incredibly addictive that if you try to intervene as a parent it causes all kinds of issues between the child parent relationship that can get quite painful,” she said.
Privacy laws discussed
Senators also discussed privacy laws around social media and AI. They’re recommending legislation to minimize how technology companies can use minors’ data, and prohibit them from using minors’ geolocation data.
Regulating AI chat bots was another top priority, senators said. They plan to recommend that minors be unable to access chatbots, and they want stronger privacy laws about using someone’s likeness in an AI chatbot.
Committee members also discussed an idea that would link children’s phones with their parents’ phones, requiring the child to get parental approval before opening an app.
Senators can introduce the legislation in January at the start of the legislative session.
A float in the Night of Lights parade in Jasper includes fire and demons. (City of Jasper, Georgia/Facebook)
JASPER, Ga. — Jasper opened its annual Night of Lights Parade with familiar scenes that residents expect each December. Families gathered along Main Street. Fire trucks wrapped strings of Christmas lights to the joy of small children and adults alike. Church groups and community organizations presented handmade floats that depicted the Nativity, classic holiday characters, and figures drawn from the theme “Your Favorite Christmas Movie.”
The procession shifted when a float from Paranoia Haunted House moved down the route. The float carried large demons with contorted limbs and flames that rose above the platform. Families later reported that children reacted with fear when the fire, skeleton figures, and anthropomorphic demons came into view. One grandmother wrote on Facebook, “Yeah, scared the grandchildren to death,” and other public posts described similar scenes as the float passed.
Locals calling the display ‘evil’ (Carly McCurry / Now Habersham)
Screenshots of public posts showed grandparents, parents, and parade-goers describing confusion when the float appeared, an unorthodox follow-up to the earlier presented Nativity and classic Christmas films. Residents said the sequence created an abrupt change in tone and made it difficult for some families to reassure children who looked for beloved symbols of the season, like Snoopy, Santa, or even the Nightmare Before Christmas (which was well received by the audience).
These accounts circulated across multiple community groups and contributed to a broader discussion about parade planning, holiday expectations, and sensory considerations for families with neurodivergent children who wish to take part in the local parade downtown.
Float consistent with previous years
The Jasper Merchants Association, which organizes the parade, responded to questions from Now Habersham in a written statement. The group said the float’s appearance was consistent with past years and pointed to its long history of varied parade entries, which include hot rods, motorcycles, loud music, and flashing lights.
(Photo by Gloria Wiliamson)
The organization noted that this is the third year Paranoia has participated and that the majority of the feedback they receive is positive. The group also said that roughly 15 to 20 people have voiced concerns across several discussion threads, while hundreds of comments across those forums supported the parade and its entries.
However, when reviewing the Facebook thread that drew the most local attention, one sees a near-even divide. A post that condemned the float drew roughly 717 laughing reactions at the gentlemen who expressed concern, and 715 reactions that signaled approval of the criticism and anger with the display.
Volunteer board not a ‘gatekeeper’
The Merchants Association detailed its mission as a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides free community events. The group said that it retains only three member businesses and relies on a small number of volunteers with decades of combined experience. It described the parade as an important tradition for Jasper and said it maintains content standards based on city rules regarding political messages and lewd displays. The board added that it does not serve as a gatekeeper.
After the parade, Paranoia Haunted House, located in Canton, posted a message that acknowledged the range of reactions to its appearance and noted that its float stood apart from the traditional themes in the lineup. The business described its participation in the Ball Ground and Jasper parades as part of its effort to join local holiday events. The post thanked those who supported the float.
Statement from Paranoia on their Facebook page (Carly McCurry / Now Habersham)
This year’s parade featured 55 entries and more than 130 vehicles. Pre-parade festivities included music from local school choirs and vendor booths. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted families on the courthouse lawn in a no-cost photo station.
The conversation continues
This screenshot shows the breadth of the discussion in Jasper, Georgia over the Paranoia Haunted House float. (Carly McCurry / Now Habersham)
Discussion continues across Jasper as residents consider the purpose and procedure of holiday events and how those events serve families with young children, people with sensory needs, and those who attend for traditional Christmas themes. Some residents support a broad range of entries and describe the parade as a forum for varied forms of community expression, even when that approach limits participation for people whose age or sensory profiles make significant stimuli — in this instance, pyrotechnics and demonic imagery — difficult to withstand.
Comments range from calls to protect childhood innocence, to statements from pagans who say Krampus reflects their religion, to adults who argue that parades are not only for children and should include content for them, to others who point to broader issues in the community, including homelessness, and condemnations from individuals accusing critics of being ‘holier than thou.’
Floats were judged, and the winners were:
1st place – Amicalola EMC
2nd place- 1943 Hair Studio
3rd place- Angels on Horseback
Best in Show- Turner Tire
The Merchants Association said it has not decided whether Paranoia Haunted House will return next year. The board plans to speak with the business owner and review community input before confirming plans for the 2026 parade. As residents continue to post their views, the discussion now reaches questions of tradition, expectation, and the design of community events that draw large crowds to Main Street each December and shape a sense of unity.
The debate for 2026 now turns to a single issue: do monsters and demons deserve a place in the fam?
Dickens in Dillard cover photo, a Victorian styled design capturing the mood of a Victorian Christmas. (Photo by WordPress)
The community of Dillard, Georgia, marks the season with a new festival, Dickens in Dillard, built on the recognition that rural families hold the same regard for elegance, story, and Christmas magic as any big city.
It is an ambitious endeavor, grounded in the belief that communities in the North Georgia mountains welcome events built with intention and cultural depth. Organizers understand that local families expect quality, craft, and authenticity. The festival meets those expectations while staying true to the character and pride of Dillard.
A lovely photo of Dillard, Georgia (By Thomson200 – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.)
Sophisticated fun in an Appalachian setting
The old farming valley lies between the Blue Ridge Front Range and the steep folds of the scenic foothills of Rabun County. In short, the perfect backdrop to live out your ideal Victorian Christmas fantasy, with or without, a hoop skirt and bonnet.
Dickens in Dillard assumes the intelligence of its audience, including children.
There are no cartoon characters, no laugh tracks, no neon lights. Instead, the village draws from the world of Dickens and the quiet coziness readers recognize in Little Women. Every detail responds to that vision. Families walk through a Victorian-inspired setting without mascots or flashing signs. The colors stay natural. The textures come from wool, fir, candlelight, ribbon, and wood.
Two showings of Foxy Christmas — a magical puppet show by The Piccadilly Puppet Company (Photo by Dickens in Dillard)
Families gather at Cratchit’s Corner for stories and performances presented with panache. They watch a hand-crafted puppet show. They meet Santa without long lines or grumpy elves chivvying the kids along. They roast s’mores, handcrafted by the organizer, beside the fire pits, and listen to live music. They move through an environment that invites curiosity, family intimacy, and imagination.
“S’mores at the Firepit,” reads the graphic, pointing to the individual packets prepared by the organizer, Eliana Swanson. (Photo by Dickens at Dillard)
An authentic Victorian carriage stands at the forefront of the grounds, restored for the festival with the help of Steven Webster of the North Georgia Community Players. He scrubbed the wood, cleaned the fittings, and prepared the piece with the same care he brings to the Playhouse’s stage work.
The restored carriage sits at one edge of the village, where actors from across Rabun County and beyond move through scenes drawn from Dickens and the Victorian era. The North Georgia Community Players walk the grounds for photographs, caroling, and character work. Voices of Truth brings choral music to the field and leads the procession that closes the night. Students from Rabun Gap–Nacoochee School contribute a performance that links the festival to the county’s broader arts community, and the Dillard Family offers storytelling that connects the day to the town’s history. Their presence gives the field a sense of story rather than spectacle, and the restored carriage offers a physical link to the period that inspires the festival.
The live music line-up includes regional favorites who perform throughout the day. Breeze Cable, Eric Thurmond, Mueller/Webb/Willson, and Steven Bryson each bring their own sound to the event, giving the festival a broad musical presence.
A graphic advertises all-day performances in Cratchit’s Corner. (Photo by Dickens in Dillard)
Built through sheer determination
Eliana Swanson stands at the center of this effort, guiding the festival with resolve, a clear plan, and the willingness to carry a project that leaves no room for excuses. With focus and organization worthy of a masterclass, she manages vendors, staging, logistics, and the hundred small decisions that determine whether a rural festival can rise beyond its rustic setting. The work demands long hours, steady coordination, and a willingness to take a real risk in a small city with a big vision.
The organizers, including the City of Dillard and the iconic Dillard House, built this festival with a level of care that stands out in a crowded event landscape. Families in many towns pay high prices for small activities held in community rooms with plastic tablecloths, or they attend markets promoted as full events but offering little more than outdoor shopping, a food truck, and a bouncy house. In contrast, Dickens in Dillard genuinely respects its visitors.
Eliana Swanson (right) stands with a friend in their Victorian-era clothing, holding flyers advertising the event. (Photo by Eliana Swanson)
The booths and vendors follow a shared plan that treats the grounds as a unified setting rather than a row of stalls. Decorations carry the same visual language, and the layout encourages people to move through the village at an even pace. The festival aims for connection instead of stimulation. A child who walks toward the puppet stage finds hand-built figures instead of television characters dressed in nylon.
World-class food and wine — No, really
The elegance and quality extend to the food. Blue Hound Barbecue, known across the region for competition-level craft and national recognition for its smoked meats, brings its pit team to Dillard for the day. The menu stands beside a lineup of vineyards that elevate the event even further. Stonewall Creek, Tiger Mountain, and Terra Incognita pour award-winning wines into attractive goblets. Their presence signals that this festival belongs not only to the season but also to the geography of Rabun County and its growing farm-to-fork identity.
The vineyards in participation with Dickens in Dillard (Photo by Dickens in Dillard)
The festival reaches its heights of elegance in the Ebenezer VIP Lounge, where the interior space shifts into a Victorian winter parlor. Rabun Hospitality Group curates a full meal with the precision expected of its restaurants, including Stekoa Creek Steakhouse and Fortify. Wines accompany each course under the guidance of Highroad’s Tasting Room’s Matt Price, a Level III Sommelier whose pairings reflect the regional vineyards and the seasonal menu. The room functions as a holiday table rather than a formal service, and guests settle into it with a sense of belonging. The lounge overlooks the grounds, offering a view of the mountains as the light changes and the winter sky settles behind them.
Charity & Details
The festival directs part of its proceeds to Mountain Learning Enrichment and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, two organizations that support families across the region. Their work gives the event a sense of responsibility beyond the holiday setting. Sponsors include: Gallery 441 North in the Heart of Dillard, Rabun Hospitality Group, RAIN Pure Mountain Spring Water, United Community Bank, Clayton Motor-Vault Luxury Toy Garages, The Home Depot, Clayton Shady Creek Expeditions, Rabun County Bank
The festival takes place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on the grounds of Dillard City Hall, located at 892 Franklin Street in Dillard, Georgia. To make attendance easier for everyone, the organizers run a free shuttle throughout the day from Downtown Clayton and the old Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Dillard. The service reduces traffic near the field and brings visitors into the center of town without the strain of limited parking.
Conclusion
So, check out the links below and make sure to book your ticket in advance. In the words of Tiny Tim, God bless us, everyone.
Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, argues in support of a redistricting bill in the Senate Chamber on Dec. 11, 2025. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
(Indiana Capital Chronicle) — The Republican-dominated Indiana Senate spurned months of demands from President Donald Trump as it voted 31-19 on Thursday to reject a redrawing of the state’s congressional maps.
The final outcome remained uncertain until 21 Republicans joined all 10 Democratic senators in blocking the redistricting plan. The proposal didn’t even win support from a majority of the 40 Republican senators.
With that tally, Indiana became the first Republican-led state Legislature to vote down Trump’s wish to squeeze out more GOP-friendly congressional seats in hopes of improving the party’s chances of keeping its slim U.S. House majority after the 2026 midterm elections.
Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, speaks during the Senate redistricting debate on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.(Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
“I am very disappointed that a small group of misguided State Senators have partnered with Democrats to reject this opportunity to protect Hoosiers with fair maps and to reject the leadership of President Trump,” Braun said in a statement following the vote. “Ultimately, decisions like this carry political consequences. I will be working with the President to challenge these people who do not represent the best interests of Hoosiers.”
The Indiana House last week approved the new maps crafted by the National Republican Redistricting Trust to produce a 9-0 Republican delegation. It did so by carving up the two districts currently held by Democratic Reps. André Carson in Indianapolis and Frank Mrvan in the area along Lake Michigan near Chicago.
“This is an extremely important issue that we’ve taken very seriously,” Bray told reporters after the bill’s defeat.
Bray downplayed the prospect of retribution from the White House after Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized him and other Republican senators.
“It’s their prerogative to have opinions about what we’re doing here. So, that’s fair,” he said.
Protesters celebrate outside the Senate chamber when a redistricting bill is defeated on Dec. 11, 2025. (Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Asked whether he was concerned about possible loss of federal funding or other consequences, Bray appeared unmoved.
“I’ve had lots of conversations with folks in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “Indiana will continue to function.”
A bill needs 26 votes for passage or defeat. Because a constitutional majority — 25 votes or more — voted against the measure, it can’t be taken up by state lawmakers again until the 2027 session.
Trump was calling individual senators this week seeking support and took to social media Wednesday night to seethe over Bray and other Indiana Republicans who weren’t following his demands.
Senator says ‘we can’t be bullied’
A crowd of about 100 protesters outside the Senate chamber echoed throughout the three-hour debate, chanting, “Fair maps now!” and “Vote no!” and “Cheaters!” and “Liars!” and “Just vote no!”
Brooke Isaac of Columbus and other protesters cheered the outcome, saying she was “very surprised and so very thankful.”
Isaac said she believed Trump was trying to use Indiana as a “pawn” to acquire power.
“I’m just really relieved that the Republicans and our government have decided to show integrity and to stand up for what the people in our state care about,” Isaac said.
Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, was among the senators voting against the new maps and said she believed the pressure and threats from Washington backfired.
“You have to know Hoosiers, we can’t be bullied,” Glick said. “We don’t want that. And the instant reaction is we dig in our heels and say, why?”
Indiana House Republicans pushed the proposed maps through that chamber last week by a 57-41 margin, with 12 GOP members joining Democrats in voting “no.”
Several Republican senators against the redistricting plan cited what they described as overwhelming public opposition. Others said they didn’t believe it was proper to overhaul the Republican-drawn maps approved in 2021 for such blatant political purposes, with some objecting to the overt gerrymandering of Indianapolis among four districts spanning as far away as the Ohio River.
Trump started the national redistricting fight by pushing Texas Republicans to redraw its congressional map this summer, followed by Republican redistricting moves in Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. An attempt by Kansas Republicans for a special session on redistricting stalled this fall.
Democrats responded with their own redistricting in California and possible moves in Illinois and Virginia.
Bill sponsor called for Republicans to ‘fight’
Redistricting bill sponsor Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, used all of his 30-minute speaking time to argue in support of it after all 10 Democratic senators and three Republicans spoke in opposition.
“They want you to play by a different set of rules,” Gaskill said, referring to Democrats.
The 21 Senate Republicans who voted no are:
Sen. Eric Bassler Sen. Vaneta Becker Sen. Mike Bohecek Sen. Rodric Bray Sen. Brian Buchanan Sen. Jim Buck Sen. Ed Charbonneau Sen. Brett Clark Sen. Mike Crider Sen. Spencer Deery Sen. Dan Dernulc Sen. Blake Doriot Sen. Sue Glick Sen. Greg Goode Sen. Travis Holdman Sen. Jean Leising Sen. Ryan Mishler Sen. Rick Niemeyer Sen. Linda Rogers Sen. Greg Walker Sen. Kyle Walker
He called on his colleagues “to step up and do the right thing.”
“I want to see us on the Republican side fight as hard for our side as they do,” Gaskill said.
“I cannot, myself, support the bill for which there must be a legal injunction in order for it to be found constitutional,” he said.
Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, had not announced a position before Thursday’s vote but told the chamber that “overwhelming feedback” from his constituents — “regardless of political leaning, or party affiliation” — influenced his decision. He ultimately voted no on the bill.
“I’ve done my very best to quietly and respectfully listen to the people I represent,” Goode said, “and I’m confident that my vote reflects the will of my constituents.”
At least a dozen legislators, many Senate Republicans — including Goode — have publicly disclosed being targeted in swatting attempts, bomb threats and more. The incidents have prompted an ongoing investigation now led by the Indiana State Police.
“Whether we realize it or not — whether we accept it or not — the forces that define these vitriolic political affairs in places outside of Indiana have gradually, and now very blatantly, infiltrated the political affairs in Indiana,” Goode said. “Misinformation, cruel social media posts, over-the-top pressure from within the Statehouse and outside. Threats of primaries. Threats of violence. Acts of violence. Friends, we’re better than this, are we not?”
Three Republicans — Sens. Liz Brown, Tyler Johnson and Chris Garten — all spoke in staunch support.
“The vote we are about to take is not just about lines on a map — it’s a vote of critical, epic proportion,” Garten said in his passionate remarks. “We’re not here to be neutral arbiters of decline. We’re here to be active agents of American greats.”
Investigators from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 22 individuals as part of Operation Gang Shield. This seven-month, multi-agency investigation targeted criminal activity associated with the violent street gang known as “Sex, Money, Murder”.
Sex, Money, Murder (SMM) is a faction of the United Blood Nation, originally founded in the late 1980’s in New York City. The gang is known for its hierarchical structure and involvement in violent crime, narcotics offenses, and organized criminal conspiracies across multiple states. In recent years, SMM has expanded its footprint into smaller communities throughout the southeastern United States.
Beginning in May 2025, Investigators from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into SMM. Working with state and federal partners, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Investigators worked to identify key participants, disrupt criminal networks, and restore safety to affected neighborhoods.
The 22 individuals arrested through Operation Gang Shield are collectively facing 79 criminal charges including violations under the Alabama Criminal Enterprise Prevention Act, violent offenses, firearms related offenses, fraud related offenses, and narcotics related offenses. Search warrants executed as part of the operation resulted in the seizure of eight firearms, some of which have been connected to various shootings in Alabama, and other evidence of ongoing organized criminal activity.
As a result, the following individuals have been arrested:
Khalif Da’Quan Kellum, 26, Kellyton, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership
Identity Theft x3
Attempted Theft of Property 1st x2
Theft of Property 3rd
Damien Antwon Goodwin, 25, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x2 (Currently being held in the Chambers County Jail pending charges of Attempted Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle
Braylon Isayah Meadows, 18, Opelika, AL
Robbery 1st
Use of a Firearm to Further Interest a Criminal Enterprise
Compelling Street Gang Membership
Armod Kiante Reynolds, 29, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership
Antonio Cordell Finley, 33, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership
Kentavious Armoni Thomas, 26, Opelika, AL
Robbery 1st
Compelling Street Gang Membership x5
Probation Violation x2
Darrick Duran Hunter Jr, 24, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x5
Derrion Damon Malik Brock, 25, Lanett, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership
Ramil Emmanuel Saqaun Dickerson, 23, Phenix City, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
Jawahski La’Ted Dickerson, 19, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
Un-named Juvenile, 17, Opelika, AL
Robbery 1st
T’Harra Jarnevious Brunson, 21, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
Kejuan Jermichael Gopher, 19, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x5
Possession of Marijuana 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Petronius Javon Bailey, 18, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x2
Possession of Marijuana 2nd
Jayden Kamarious Buchannon, 24, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x2
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Jar’ki Recell Brooks, 24, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
Ty’Shawn Durrell Wright, 23, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x7
Devin Kyle Roberson, 20, Opelika, AL
Robbery 1st
Compelling Street Gang Membership
Tamia Monae Sharnell Patrick, 27, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership
Radrekius Tykel Smith, 26, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x2
Damontae Martez Martin, 27, Opelika, AL
Compelling Street Gang Membership x3
Jer’myah Caro’linda-Irulan Wood, 22, Auburn, AL
Identity Theft x3
Attempted Theft of Property 1st
Theft of Property 3rd
This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the numerous agencies whose assistance made Operation Gang Shield possible. This collective effort was supported by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Valley Police Department, Lanett Police Department, Tallapoosa County Drug Task Force, Dekalb County Gang Unit, Georgia Gang Investigators Association, and Alabama Gang Investigators Association. Their collaboration was instrumental in the success of this operation.
The Columbus River Dragons announced the total number of stuffed animals collected during Saturday night’s Teddy Bear Toss game was 3,728.
Throughout the next several weeks, the club will be distributing the furry friends to those in need throughout the Greater Columbus Area. The organizations the River Dragons will donate to are Hope Harbor, Project Greenlight, Valley Rescue Mission, Fort Benning Santa’s Castle, and Local Fire & Police Departments.
“These stuffed animals will be an immense help to military families,” said Elizabeth Perez, the Treasurer of Santa’s Castle. “We are proud to help those who are struggling during the holidays to make ends meet and still make Christmas happen.”
“The bears will benefit the Valley Rescue Mission by providing gifts to the children in our shelter and the children of our recovery program participants,” said Taylor Bruhn, Marketing Specialist for the Valley Rescue Mission. “The bears will also be placed in our ‘toy store’ in the Women and Children’s Center for any child that initially enters our shelter. On their first night they get to choose a toy from this room, and it provides them comfort during a confusing time.”
The Teddy Bear Toss goal came on a second-period power play, scored by the club’s leading goal-getter, Ryan Hunter. He ripped a cross-ice pass into the back of the net, with Tyler Barrow picking up the assist to extend his point streak to 14 straight games.
Columbus is back home on Friday, December 19th, when the club hosts the Athens Rock Lobsters at 7:35PM. You won’t want to miss this intense rivalry, renewed!
Claudia Marie Byars Bell, age 73, of Cornelia, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Born in Clinton, South Carolina on March 21, 1952, Claudia was the beloved daughter of the late James R. Byars, Sr. and the late Margaret Eugenia Barker Stankewich. She was also lovingly shaped by her aunt and uncle, Louise and Wendy Hall, who helped raise her. A proud graduate of Baker High School’s Class of 1970, Claudia went on to build a meaningful career first as a phlebotomist and later as a medical technician. Her care for others—so central to who she was—shone through every step of her work.
On January 10, 1972, Claudia married the love of her life, Roy E. Bell. Together they shared 53 ½ wonderful years, a marriage grounded in unwavering devotion, mutual respect, and a love that radiated into every part of their lives.
Claudia had a heart that overflowed with generosity and compassion. She freely offered her time, support, and love to family, friends, and anyone blessed enough to cross her path. She had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. Claudia also poured her care into rehabilitating animals, nurturing the vulnerable creatures who found their way to her gentle hands.
More than anything, Claudia treasured her roles as a devoted wife, beloved mom, and cherished “Oma.” Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she delighted in every moment spent with them. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and boundless love will forever echo through the generations she leaves behind.
In addition to her parents, Claudia was preceded in death by her aunt and uncle, Louise and Wendy Hall; her step-father, Robert Stankewich; and her niece, Carissa Byars.
She is survived by her loving husband, Roy E. Bell; daughters and sons-in-law, Selina Yearty (Skip), Kayla Frederick (Josh), and Kristi Howard (Todd); brothers and sisters-in-law, James R. Byars, Jr. (Nadine) and Levis Joe Byars (Dorothy); grandchildren, Trent Atha (Peyton), Fallon Yearty, Madison Frederick, and Braxton Frederick; great-grandchildren, Eviana, Alaya, Liam, Easton, and Tatum Atha; nephews, Justin Byars and Aidan Byars; and many other beloved relatives and special friends who will hold her memory close.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Cornelia, with Pastor Mike Franklin and Dr. Nathan LaShoto officiating. Interment will follow in Habersham Cemetery.
Claudia lived a life filled with grace, generosity, and deep devotion to her family. Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her love, spirit, and faith will continue to light the way for all who knew her. May she rest in the everlasting peace of her heavenly home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again at the church on Wednesday, from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour.
Flowers are welcome. Those wishing to honor Claudia’s memory may also make donations to ALS United of Georgia by visiting alsgeorgia.org.
Baldwin's annual "Shop with a Hero" event is slated for Dec. 16. (photo submitted)
BALDWIN, Ga.- The holiday season is about to get a little brighter for nearly two dozen local children, as the Baldwin Fire Department and Baldwin Police Department team up for their annual “Shop with a Hero” event. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16 at 9 a.m. at the Walmart in Cornelia.
This year, 18 children from Baldwin have been selected to participate. Each child will have the opportunity to walk the aisles with a local firefighter or police officer, picking out gifts and building positive relationships with the community’s first responders.
According to officials, this year’s shopping spree was made possible by the overwhelming success of the department’s “Shop With a Hero” gun raffle. Organizers extended their gratitude to everyone in the community who purchased a ticket, noting that the fundraising efforts directly fund the children’s holiday experience.
The departments also highlighted the crucial role of the local school system in making this event happen.
“We would like to say thank you to the staff at Baldwin Elementary School, who is instrumental in enduring the events’ success,” the departments made in a joint statement.
The annual tradition connotes to be a highlight for the departments, fostering goodwill and ensuring that families in the Baldwin area can enjoy a festive holiday season.
Alto Chief Josh Ivey (right) and newly appointed interim chief, Sean Rogers accept the Governor's Challenge Award during the Alto Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Carly McCurry/Now Habersham)
ALTO, Ga. — For nearly nine years, the Alto Police Department (APD) operated under the steady hand of Chief Josh Ivey. From his appointment as Interim Chief in early 2017 to his departure in December 2025, Ivey’s administration represented a definitive era in the municipality’s history—one marked by a relentless drive to professionalize a small-town agency through advanced training, fiscal creativity, and community-focused policing.
As Chief Ivey transitions to a new full-time role as a Captain and Training Officer with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Alto is looking back on a tenure defined by growth, accolades, and a commitment to excellence that placed the department on par with much larger agencies.
Stabilizing and modernizing the force
When Ivey took the helm in 2017, the APD was in a state of transition, facing the classic challenges of rural policing: limited budgets and aging equipment. Ivey immediately set to work stabilizing the department’s infrastructure. Recognizing that a police force is only as effective as its tools, he implemented a comprehensive fleet maintenance program to extend the life of patrol vehicles—a move that signaled his dedication to being a responsible steward of taxpayer resources.
Beyond maintenance, Ivey aggressively pursued modernization. Under his leadership, Alto became the first agency in Habersham County to deploy both body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras across its fleet. This 2017 initiative placed Alto ahead of the curve on transparency and officer safety, ensuring the department met contemporary policing standards long before they became mandatory in many jurisdictions.
Fiscal responsibility and grant success
One of the hallmarks of Ivey’s administration was his ability to “do more with less.” Leading a department in a town of approximately 1,200 residents requires fiscal ingenuity, and Ivey excelled in reducing the burden on local taxpayers.
Through a strategic focus on grant acquisition and alternative revenue streams, he successfully funded critical upgrades without relying solely on the town’s general fund. This included offering probation services to three other local agencies—an innovative approach that generated revenue while strengthening regional cooperation.
City of Alto Chief Financial Officer Lisa Turner praised Ivey’s dedication to the town and his colleagues.
“It was not a surprise to receive Chief Ivey’s resignation. He had foretold us that he would be giving it in the future when he accepted a full-time position at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Krockum’s administration,” Turner said. “Josh is a good friend and co-worker and even though I already miss him, I can only give him the very best heartfelt wishes for the next seasons of his life, career, and future. He will succeed in any endeavor that he puts his mind and heart toward. He is truly one of a kind and I can only speak very highly of him, his work, and the lasting impression he has made to me and the Town of Alto!”
A commitment to executive excellence
Chief Ivey’s tenure was also distinguished by his pursuit of high-level professional credentialing. He brought “big city” management practices to Alto, most notably through his graduation from the prestigious School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University in 2022.
Completing the rigorous 22-week program alongside commanders from major agencies, Ivey mastered advanced concepts in resource allocation and organizational behavior. His commitment to education didn’t stop there; he also completed the Professional Management Program (PMP), the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) delegation, and is currently enrolled in Command College.
This dedication to professional growth paid dividends for the department. The APD became a perennial contender for the Governor’s Challenge Award, securing 1st Place in its size category in both 2023 and 2025. These awards recognized the department’s excellence in traffic safety, including significant achievements in DUI enforcement which earned recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Building bridges beyond the badge
Ivey’s influence extended beyond the police station. As a certified firefighter and EMT—who also works part-time at the Cleveland Fire Department—he fostered unique relationships with other public safety agencies. His cross-disciplinary background allowed for seamless cooperation during emergencies, enhancing the safety net for all Alto residents.
This spirit of cooperation was evident in 2019 during the successful “Harrison Trail” narcotics operation. By partnering with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) and the GBI, Ivey’s department played a crucial role in disrupting a sophisticated distribution network, proving that the APD was a capable partner in serious criminal interdiction.
Looking to the future
Following Chief Ivey’s resignation, the Town Council appointed Sean Rogers as Interim Chief. As the department prepares for its next chapter, Rogers offered a reflection on leadership inspired by author John C. Maxwell, which seems to echo the spirit of the transition.
“You don’t have to be a ‘natural’ to become a great leader; you simply need a heart for God and a teachable spirit,” Rogers said.
Chief Ivey leaves behind a department that is better equipped, better trained, and more fiscally sound than the one he inherited. His work at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as Captain and Training Officer ensures that his expertise will continue to benefit the broader community for years to come.
The Habersham County Board of Education will hold a work session Jan. 8. (Patrick Fargason/Now Habersham)
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. – The Habersham County Board of Education will take up a series of operational and planning items Thursday as part of its Dec. 11 work session, including a proposed fuel-purchase agreement with the City of Baldwin and an update on the school system’s strategic plan.
The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. and will spend with a faculties report from district staff David Leenman, Staci Newsome, and Denise Gunn.
One of the key discussion items is a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Baldwin that would allow the school district to purchase gasoline fuel through the city. Baldwin’s City Council unanimously approved the agreement during its November meeting, clearing the way for the school board to consider joining the partnership. The arrangement is expected to lower fuel costs and streamline purchasing for the district’s transportation fleet.
Board members also will hear a strategic plan progress report and hold a literacy discussion led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Susan Davis. The update is a part of the system’s ongoing work to track academic performance, align instructional priorities, and monitor key benchmarks.
Additionally, board members will review the proposed 2026-27 school calendar, and hold a discussion of the 2026 board meeting dates.
The board is expected to enter executive session at the end of the meeting to discussion personnel and real estate matters. The work session will be held at the district office in Clarkesville.
Jason Shaw, chair of the Georgia Public Service Commission, at a commission meeting in Atlanta on Oct. 22, 2025. (Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder)
(Georgia Recorder)- Police escorted demonstrators from a Georgia Public Service Commission meeting on Wednesday morning following the introduction of a surprise agreement between commission staff and Georgia Power, the utility the commissioners are charged with regulating.
Increase in capacity
The commission is set to discuss a request from Georgia Power to increase the state’s energy capacity by nearly 10,000 megawatts, equal to about five Hoover Dams, to meet an expected spike in demand because of the projected growth of energy-hungry data centers. Staff initially recommended approving only about one-third of the utility’s request and granting conditional approval to another third but changed their recommendation to agree with Georgia Power to move forward with the full request.
Several people disrupted the start of Wednesday’s proceedings with chants of “Rein in Georgia Power” and “Power to the people, not Georgia Power,” and were escorted out. According to law enforcement, no one was arrested, and some people were allowed to return to the hearing.
Georgia Power spokesperson Matthew Kent said in a statement that the company welcomes “all public comment during this important process, but these public hearings are in professional settings that require an amount of decorum.”
In exchange for allowing Georgia Power’s energy buildout of at least $16 billion, with 90% of it intended to power data center growth, Georgia Power promised to lower power bills by about $100 a year in its subsequent rate case proceedings. Because Georgia Power and the commission agreed to a three-year rate freeze, the promised savings wouldn’t be considered by the commission until after 2028.
“This plan means more money stays in your pocket while we power Georgia’s future,” said Georgia Power’s head, Kim Greene, in a statement.
But environmental organizations involved in the proceedings weren’t convinced Georgia Power’s promise would lead to “downward pressure” on customers’ power bills. Jennifer Whitfield, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said Wednesday that there is no guarantee the decrease will ever materialize.
“It doesn’t mean that in 2029 residential customers will see their bills go down. What it means is that when they do all the various accounting, they promise that if we have a rate case — which we may not — that this class of customers (data centers) will put downward pressure on the costs otherwise attributed to residential customers, which is just a really long, complicated way of saying, ‘we don’t know what’s going to happen,’” Whitfield said.
‘Misleading the public’
Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said in a statement that Georgia Power is misleading the public about the agreement’s potential savings. According to an analysis by the organization that cited the PSC staff’s previous recommendations, the new power plants would raise power bills by an average of $20 per month.
“It’s outrageous that Georgia Power has conspired with Georgia Public Service Commission staff to institute a multi-decade, massive rate increase for all Georgia Power customers and then say that they are helping lower energy costs,” Smith said.
Smith added that these figures do not account for pass-through fuel costs, which would appear as additional charges on customer bills.
“It is a misrepresentation when Georgia Power says that larger users like data centers are paying more when, in actuality, these larger users are causing the new investments that will increase rates for families and businesses,” Smith said.
At the start of the hearing, Whitfield asked commissioners for additional time to review the agreement, saying they had not had enough time because they became aware of it on their commute to the hearing Wednesday morning. Commission Chairman Jason Shaw said that, because of the public hearings, lawyers for the advocacy organizations had the morning to review the agreement and could leave the room if they wished to digest the deal.
“There’ll be some more time there,” Shaw said.
Deal a ‘slap in the face’
Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, called the deal a “slap in the face” to voters who recently supported candidates campaigning on affordable energy.
“Georgia Power gets everything it asked for. Instead, Georgia families get decades of higher bills and a hollow promise to lower bills years from now,” McCorkle said.
McCorkle suggested the utility pushed for an agreement to finalize its massive expansion request before commissioners-elect Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson take office in January, and ahead of the next PSC election in 2026.
“We’re talking about the biggest, most expensive energy decision in state history, and almost none of the cost falls on the companies driving the demand,” McCorkle said. “Today’s stipulation is the result of pressure and heavy lobbying from Georgia Power.”
Arguing that better alternatives exist, Hubbard said in a statement that Georgia can meet the energy demand from data center growth by turning to clean energy options like net metering and requiring data centers to adjust their usage during peak times.
“The people spoke clearly last month. They want affordable, reliable, clean energy in Georgia. We absolutely can provide that here in our great state,” Hubbard said.
The commission is set to make a final decision on the plan on Dec. 19.
Greg "Mully' Ash, owner of Mully's Nachoochee Grill, announced on Dec. 9 that his restaurant will close Dec. 27, 2025. (Mully's Nachoochee Grill/Facebook)
HELEN, Ga. – After thirteen years in business, Greg “Mully” Ash has announced that he is closing down Mully’s Nacoochee Grill. In a social media post, Ash said he will be closing his doors on December 27.
In the post, he said, “When we opened in June 2013, Mully’s Nacoochee Grill was more than a restaurant in my mind; it was a dream to build a place with heart, where friendship and camaraderie were the main ingredients.”
Thanks to our employees and patrons, that hope grew into something greater than I ever envisioned. These thirteen years have truly been a special dance. He further commented, “My family has lived in this county for over 150 years, and my locals mean the world to me. Thank you so much for your support.”
Ash advised that the restaurant will not be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but we will be open on December 26th and 27th, for the final two days of operation.”
