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Bikers make Christmas merry for children in need 

By
Mitzi Oxford
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Kick stands go up at Noon to ride to Rally Point Harley-Davidson with the toy delivery.

Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the Chattahoochee Valley will begin gathering at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning, December 7, at the Columbus Civic Center. They may be dressed in black leather and make lots of noise when those choppers pull in and later hit the road but more importantly, they share a big heart for underprivileged children. 

The 43rd annual Toys 4 Tots motorcycle parade runs tomorrow leaving the Civic Center and ending at Rally Point Harley-Davidson, 3230 Williams Road. Riders are asked to bring a new toy to enter. All proceeds are donated to the Valley Rescue Mission, and toys will be distributed to area children in need. 

Area bikers have a big heart and donate hundred of toys to be distributed by Valley Rescue Mission.

The toys provide comfort, joy, and hope for children and are sometimes their very first Christmas gift. It also fosters a sense of being seen and cared for while delivering a message of community support. 

Bikers, including the IronCross Motorcycle Club and the Painted Rock HOG Chapter, take part in toy drives, using the visual impact of large motorcycle convoys to raise awareness and funds for kids in need, turning a passion for riding into a powerful act of charity. 

Misty Gleason, the the Experiential Marketing Manager and Riding Academy Manager for Rally Point Harley Davidson is also a bike enthusiast.

“Every single year, I remember observing or participating in this event. In my current role, it humbles me and Rally Point is proud to be involved,” said Gleason.

The weather should be perfect tomorrow for a bike ride to help children.

Lee County deputies recognized as heroes  

By
Mitzi Oxford
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Lee County Sheriff's Deputies, Jeremy Brightwell and Jonathan Kennedy are recognized for heroic efforts.

Piedmont Columbus Regional has named deputies Jeremy Brightwell and Jonathan Kennedy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as First Friday Heroes for the month of December. 

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in October about a house fire on Lee Road 41 in Beauregard. The caller advised they briefly left the room while cooking and returned to the kitchen on fire. Deputies Brightwell and Kennedy responded and immediately entered the home. Both deputies encountered heavy smoke and crouched low to search for people still inside the home. 

During their search, the deputies located a 16-year-old girl unconscious on the floor, appearing to be overcome by smoke inhalation. Without hesitation, deputies Brightwell and Kennedy pulled the victim to safety where they initiated care until EMS arrived. They were also able to check the rest of the house to ensure no one else was inside. 

The Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department was able to put out the fire. EMS personnel reported the girl was conscious but unresponsive, with stable vital signs and symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. She has since been released from the hospital. 

“The actions of these deputies are yet another example of the type of men and women who are the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, selfless response to emergency situations resulting in the saving of the life of another,” Sheriff Jay Jones said. “The same level of courage and care is often displayed by our city police agencies, full-time and volunteer fire departments, EMS services and our EMA in their efforts to serve Lee County citizens.” 

A ceremony with Brightwell, Kennedy and hospital leadership will be held at 10 a.m. CT on Monday, December 8, at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to commend them for their response.  

Piedmont Columbus Regional created the First Friday Hero program in 2016 to recognize first responders and everyday heroes each month who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. 

City Councilor demands mayor release names of city manager finalists

By
Robbie Watson
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Councilwoman Toyia Tucker/Facebook

The city council meeting scheduled December 9, 2025, is shaping up to be a showdown between councilors and the mayor over the hiring process of a new city manager. Mayor Skip Henderson told Council he was putting a pause on the search for a city manager after five finalists failed to rise to the top. At least one councilor is demanding to know who those five finalists are by name.

In a Facebook post Councilwoman Toyia Tucker said she filed an open records request for the names of the city manager finalists citing the law and the city charter after her efforts to get transparency from the mayor failed. According to Tucker there were at least two “extremely, highly qualified candidates with one being from Fort Benning.”

Councilor Tucker wrote under the Georgia Open Records Act “there are clear provisions governing executive searches, including those for a City Manager. The statute allows early-stage applicant information to remain confidential; however, once a search firm or the City identifies three or more finalists, the law requires that their names be made public and available to the appointing authority which in this case is the City Council.”

The Councilwoman is requesting the names of the finalists identified by the Mercer Group, the dates the finalists were identified and any offers made to any of the finalists for city manager. Mayor Henderson has declined multiple calls for comment on the hiring process from Now Network News.

Geminid Meteor Shower peaks December 13-14

By
Tyler Penland
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There are numerous meteor showers throughout the year, but one stands above all the rest: the Geminids. They are expected to peak across the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday and Sunday nights, December 13th and 14th.  This year’s shower promises to be a great one with an only 30% full moon hindering the viewing.

The Geminids are a fairly new shower, first observed by R.P. Greg in Manchester, England, in 1862. During the first few years of its existence, the shower only produced a handful of meteors, but by the turn of the century, 20-30 meteors per hour were observed. Since then, the shower has continued to strengthen, with over 100 meteors per hour recorded regularly since the early 2000s.

I observed over 300 meteors in just three hours outside Dahlonega at the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory in the great shower year of 2014. That year, like this one, there was an extended period without moonlight which enhanced the celestial show.

A peculiar origin

The Geminid Shower is quite peculiar in its origin, which was not fully understood until 1983. That’s when astronomers found an asteroid that followed the same orbit as the observed meteors. This asteroid was eventually given the name 3200 Pantheon and is the only asteroid known to cause a meteor shower. The fact that this shower comes from an asteroid creates the numerous “fireball” (very bright) meteors that are observed.

The good news for 2025 is that it is another exceptional year to view this meteor shower. The moon is only 30% full, which means it won’t rise until the early hours of the morning.

This year you should easily be able to see 40-60 meteors per hour from a dark sky site. The farther away from city lights, the better the show will be. In perfect conditions, over 100 meteors per hour may be seen. I’ve personally watched this shower from the parking lot at Brasstown Bald, Richard Russell Highway and the UNG Observatory over the years.

Best viewing times

You should be able to see the meteors anytime after dark. This year’s peak is expected to occur around 10PM on Saturday night.

The radiant in the constellation Gemini will reach its highest point in the sky around 2 a.m., which is generally when rates will peak locally, but the whole night should be fantastic. You can easily find the radiant this year as the very bright planet Jupiter will be nearby. You don’t have to have a view of the radiant to see the meteors, but they will all trace back towards it. Also, don’t worry if you have to be up early for work and can’t stay out that late; you can still see plenty of meteors even as early as 7-8 p.m. thanks to the early sunsets.

If you do head outdoors to watch the meteor shower, bundle up -it’s going to be a bit chilly. Fortunately the extreme cold won’t be in until Sunday, but temperatures will still fall into the 40s after dark. Current weather models are showing increasing clouds, but there should be periods of plentiful clear sky to catch some of the shower before we really cloud up after midnight.

(Source: Greg Smye-Rumsby/ Astronomy Now/ Royal Astronomical Society)

You don’t have to have a view of the radiant to see plenty of meteors, but the eastern parts of the sky will see the highest meteor count.

So, grab a coat or a sleeping bag and get outside to enjoy this spectacular event!

Piedmont late rally falls short in 52-49 home loss to LaGrange

By
Joseph Garwood
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(Photo by Logan Creekmur)

DEMOREST, Ga. – Despite an outstanding second-half defensive effort, Piedmont women’s basketball saw its rally fall short in a 52-49 home loss to LaGrange on Saturday afternoon in Cave Arena.

In the Collegiate Conference of the South opener, the Lions fell behind by 18 points in the early going and clawed their way back into the game late. Unfortunately, time ran out on the comeback.

The defensive effort in the second half was strong, as the Lions held the Panthers to just eight second half points.

Ava Hunter and Kylie Watkins led the way for Piedmont on the offensive end. The duo were the only two Lions in double figures and kept the Lions in the game. Watkins contributed all over the box score, leading the team with 17 points while also adding six rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Hunter earned the start and totaled 16 points to go with four rebounds and three steals. Gracie Deetz delivered offensive support in the second half, with eight points and eight rebounds off the bench.

After the Lions led 6-4 early in the opening quarter, LaGrange reeled off a game altering 20-0 run to build a 24-6 lead.

From there, Piedmont was in catch-up mode the rest of the way, trailing by 16 at the break.

Out of halftime, the Lions turned up the defensive intensity in the third quarter holding the Panthers to just three points and cutting their deficit to 47-41 heading to the final quarter.

While the Lions held the Panthers to just five fourth quarter points, they were unable to complete the comeback, falling by three points despite a valiant effort.

Up next, Piedmont will play another CCS contest, with a trip to Asbury next Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
– LaGrange’s 20-0 first quarter run proved to be the difference, putting the Lions in a hole that was just a little too deep.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Watkins continued her outstanding freshman season, scoring 17 points and adding six rebounds, four steals, four assists and two blocks.

Lions clinch 88-78 win over Baptist University of Florida

By
Eric Edmonson
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(Piedmont University Athletic Communications)

DEMOREST, Ga.— The Lions came away with a big home win over the Baptist University of Florida Eagles Saturday night, led by a career-high 18 points from sophomore Jackson Houston.

Out of the gate both sides matched each other with speed and intensity, with no team being held down for long. The Lions adapted quickly to a fast presence from their opposition with several players rotating in off the bench. Jackson Houston came off the bench and built a strong first half that kept the Lions to within a possession entering the locker room with a score of 34-44 in favor of the Eagles.

Piedmont would enter the second half on fire as they rode a 24-17 run to not only take the lead but also create separation. A large part of the run was Israel Hall and Dylan Patrick bringing the heat as the duo rallied for 14 points between each other.

Piedmont would officially pull away from the Eagles with eight minutes left on the clock after another Houston three-pointer. The Eagles would chip into the lead little by little with the clock winding down, but the consistent surge of the Lions’ offense would lead Piedmont to an eventual ten-point victory with a final score of 88-78.

While the Lions’ offense once again started slow, their propensity for explosive plays proves to be a strength.

Jackson Houston had a career night as he led the Lions with 18 points, while Dylan Patrick and Israel Hall turned it on in the second half and collected 16 and 14 points, respectively.

The Lions will see action once again when they travel to Young Harris on Dec. 10 for a DII Exhibition at 2:00 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
– A three pointer by Jackson Houston late in the second half that created the final separation

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Jackson Houston scored a career-high 18 points in the victory.
– Israel Hall continues to impress finishing with 14 points while playing the most minutes on the night.
– Freshman Parker Renault showed out again posting another double-double performance with 12 points and 13 rebounds which led the team.

Betty Virginia Ramey Brown

By
Now Habersham
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Betty Virginia Ramey Brown, age 70, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, on June 8, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Ruth Thompson Ramey. Betty worked for many years in various roles, including in the bakery department at Ingles in Clarkesville. She loved spending her spare time caring for her animals, tending to her flower gardens, and cooking for those she loved.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Angel Nicole Ramey.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, James Rollins “Buster” Brown; sons James Kenneth Brown, Christopher Lee Brown, Paul Matthew Brown, Albert Buford Brown, Robert Lee Brown, and Jeremy Brown; special daughter Raven Adams; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date.

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

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

Crowds pack downtown Clarkesville for annual Christmas celebration

By
Patrick Fargason
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Musician Mat Fried opened up the Christmas celebration with a set of Christmas favorites. (Patrick Fargason/Now Habersham)

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. – Hundreds filled the downtown square Friday evening for the annual Downtown Clarkesville Christmas celebration, an event that blended small-town tradition with festive lights, music, and community spirit

Early in the evening, the Clarkesville Fire Department set up a public fire pit, where visitors gathered to roast marshmallows and warm their hands on a very chilly December evening. The crackling flames quickly became a gathering spot for families working their way through the festivities.

The Clarkesville Fire Department opened up the fire pit so visitors could roast marshmallows. (Patrick Fargason/Now Habersham)

Regional musician Mat Fried opened the night’s stage entertainment with a set of Christmas favorites, his acoustic sound between storefronts lined with lights and inflatable holiday characters. His performance helped set the tone as the square grew steadily more crowded.

The line for pictures with Santa stretched down Monroe St.

Pictures with Santa

One of the longest lines of the night stretched down Monroe St., where families waited for free professional photos with Santa.

Children bundled in blankets and parents carrying hot chocolate inched towards the festively decorated gazebo, where Santa greeted each visitor with a smile beneath strings of lights.

Christmas tree lighting

As dusk gave way to night, the Clarkesville mayor and city council stepped onto the square for the community’s annual Christmas tree lighting.

The towering tree burst to life with hundreds of white lights and red ornaments, drawing cheers and marking the official start of the Christmas season downtown.

Local businesses also took part in the celebration, decorating storefronts for the city’s annual door contest. Century 21 Community Realty claimed this year’s top honor, attracting visitors who stopped to admire its bright display of garland, ornaments, and glowing Christmas scenes framed in its windows.

Century 21 Community Realty won the contest for best decorated door in the downtown square. (Patrick Fargason/Now Habersham)

Food vendors lined the streets as families made their way to the Habersham 4-H Office for the Gingerbread House Palooza where visitors viewed entries and voted for their favorite designs. The Grinch made an appearance there as well, posing for free photos with children throughout the evening.

Christmas in the Mountains returns to Cleveland Dec. 6

By
Patrick Fargason
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Sabrina’s Upscale Resale was awarded the Most Creative Theme award at the 2024 Christmas in the Mountains Lighted Parade in Cleveland, GA. The parade and festival drew over 8,000 people to downtown Cleveland last year. (wrwh.com)

CLEVELAND, Ga.- Downtown Cleveland will come alive Saturday for the annual Christmas in the Mountains festival, a full day of holiday events capped by the city’s popular nighttime lighted parade.

The schedule of events for the 2025 Christmas in the Mountains event hosted by the White County Chamber of Commerce (photo submitted)

Hosted by the White County Chamber of Commerce, this year’s celebration will feature an expanded holiday market on the courthouse square, photos with Santa, a community tree lighting at Freedom Park, and a parade expected to draw thousands to the downtown area.

The holiday market opens at noon and runs until 7 p.m., offering handmade goods, food vendors, and local crafts throughout the afternoon. Photos with Santa will be available from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the chamber office. The community tree lighting is scheduled for approximately 5:45 p.m. prior to the start of the parade at 6 p.m.

Parade route and parking

This year’s parade will begin at Jack P. Nix Elementary School, turning north at the courthouse square on N. Main Street before traveling along Wilford Ash Parkway before ending at White County Middle School. Spectators are encouraged to line the route early.

The Christmas parade route. (photo submitted)

The chamber has also released guidance on where visitors can park. Recommended locations include United Community Bank, Cleveland First Methodist Church, Freedom Park, the White County Courthouse, the White County Chamber of Commerce, First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland, United Bankshares, and First Baptist Church of Cleveland.

To accommodate the market and parade, several downtown streets and parking areas will close. Courthouse Square parking lots will be closed from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hwy. 129 from the square to Ingles, Hwy. 115 from the square to Jack P. Nix Elementary, and Wilford Ash Pkwy. will all close at 5:45 p.m. and remain closed until the parade concludes. Motorists should expect delays and plan alternate routes around downtown during that time.

Several streets will be blocked off during the day to make way for the festival. (photo submitted)

Officials recommend arriving early to secure parking and allow time to navigate closures. The chamber also advises parade participants and spectators to monitor its social media channels for any weather-related updates.

This festival is one of White County’s largest annual events, drawing families from across Northeast Georgia to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

For more information, please visit the White County Chamber of Commerce website.

James Carl Gilbert, Sr.

By
Now Habersham
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James Carl Gilbert, Sr., age 76, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Born in Heidelberg, Mississippi, on October 9, 1949, James was the beloved son of the late Rev. Wyatt Malcolm Gilbert, Sr. and Susie Irene Hightower Gilbert. From his earliest days, James embodied the warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit that would define his life. Those who knew James will remember him as a man who never met a stranger. With a gift of gab and a heart eager to connect, he brought laughter, comfort, and companionship wherever he went. His love for learning and his passion for music guided his life’s work. A proud graduate of Truett McConnell College and Piedmont College, he earned his master’s degree in music education before later completing a Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Through these pursuits, James united his love of music with his deep and enduring faith.

James shared his musical talent generously, serving as a music teacher in the Habersham County School System and directing music in several churches throughout Habersham County and South Carolina. His leadership extended beyond the classroom and sanctuaries—James also dedicated many years to shaping young lives as the Boy Scout Leader of Troop #5. Whether guiding a scout, directing a choir, or chaperoning countless chorus and band trips, James poured his heart into helping others grow.

He also had a fun-loving side and a deep sense of curiosity. James was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan—cheering them on through every season—and a devoted Bigfoot enthusiast, always ready with a story, a theory, or a laugh. In his spare moments, he enjoyed woodworking, finding peace and purpose in crafting with his hands.

But above all else, James cherished his family and friends. They were the true joy of his life. His love was steady, his support unwavering, and his encouragement often punctuated with his signature phrase: “Keep on trucking.” These words—simple yet full of hope—reflected the resilient spirit with which he lived.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings Susan Gilbert Fagan, Dr. Stewart Gilbert, and W.M. Gilbert, Jr.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Janice Grindle Gilbert; his daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer Kristen Gilbert Frost (Michael Jason “Frosty”) and Josette LeAnn Gilbert Warren (Nathan); his sons and daughter-in-law, Joshua Beau Gilbert (April) and James Carl “J.J.” Gilbert, Jr. James leaves behind six treasured grandchildren—Jonathan Clark, Joseph Clark, Jael Esther Frost, Lillian Grace Warren, Elijah Davis Warren, and Noah James Lee Warren—who will forever cherish his stories, his warmth, and his love. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and countless friends who were touched by his presence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. James Phillips Gilbert officiating.

Following the service, and in accordance with his wishes, James will be cremated.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In honor of James’s joyful, welcoming spirit, the family invites you to come as you are to help celebrate his life—whether in Georgia Bulldog red and black or with a nod to his love of Bigfoot lore. They hope this gathering will reflect the warmth, humor, and authenticity that James carried with him every day.

James Carl Gilbert, Sr. lived a life filled with faith, music, service, and love. His legacy will resonate in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. May his memory be a song that continues to inspire, comfort, and encourage us to “keep on trucking,” just as he always said.

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

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

G. Donald Quinn

By
Now Habersham
-

G. Donald Quinn, age 91 of Clarkesville, passed away December 4, 2025.

Born on September 13, 1934, in Atlanta, Georgia, Donald was the son of the late Sterling and Alice Trimbel Quinn. He spent his entire career in public safety, serving the community of East Point, Georgia, in the fire service. Don retired as the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of East Point. He was an avid fisherman who loved to trout fish, and he was an animal lover. Donald was a member of Fairfield Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Quinn is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Lynn Quinn and sons John Allen Harris and Ronald Lee Harris. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Don and Maria Harris of Flowery Branch, grandchildren Crystal Tirado (Miguel), Robert Harris (Kayla), and great-grandchildren Landon Roberson, Hayden Roberson, Summer Cloud, and Anna Harris.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Fairfield Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Wheeler and Dr. Keith Allison, officiating. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 7-9 PM.

An online guestbook is available and may be viewed at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256

Christmas in Cornelia celebration Dec. 6

By
Staff Report
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Hayrides through Cornelia's City Park will allow visitors to come check out the light display. (photo submitted)

CORNELIA, Ga. – Downtown Cornelia will glow with Christmas lights, music, and family activities Saturday as the city hosts its annual Christmas in Cornelia festival from 4 to 9 p.m. The popular holiday celebration is expected to draw large crowds and will include food vendors, shopping, children’s activities and several festive photo opportunities.

RELATED Cornelia welcomes holiday season with annual tree lighting

Santa Claus will be available for pictures during the Christmas in Cornelia festival Saturday. (photo submitted)

This year’s festival features as holiday vendor market, themed treats and drinks, and a variety of local food vendors along North Main and Front streets. A dedicated kids zone will be set up near Clarkesville St., while hayrides through the Christmas lights at Cornelia City Park will depart from the Train Depot area.

Families will also have several opportunities for photos with favorite holiday characters. Santa, the Grinch, and the Ice Queen will each have  designated meet-and-greet areas throughout downtown.

City officials say Christmas in Cornelia remains one of the community’s most anticipated traditions, bringing residents and visitors together for an evening of local shopping, seasonal entertainment, and holiday cheer.

Road closures

To prepare for the event, the Cornelia Police Department will begin shutting down portions of downtown at 1 p.m.Hodges St., Clarkesville St., and the Train Depot parking lot will be closed for the remainder of the day, and drivers are encouraged to adjust travel plans and use alternate routes. Parking will be available in several lots surrounding downtown.

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