Home Blog Page 35

Early voting begins for May 19 primary

By
Patrick Fargason
-
(NowGeorgia.com)

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Early voting is now underway for Georgia’s May 19 General Primary and Special Elections.

While each county sets its own locations and hours, most are following a similar schedule, offering weekday voting through May 15 along with Saturday voting opportunities on May 2 and May 9.

Voters may choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot, in addition to participating in nonpartisan races.

County commission races draw strong interest

Two Habersham County Commission races are among the most closely watched contests on the local ballot.

In the special election for District 3, Danny McClellon and Jason Mark Smith are seeking to fill the remainder of the term vacated earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the Republican primary for District 2 features Andrea Harper and Shelley A. Tullis.

Both races have drawn heightened attention in recent weeks, as the outcomes could shape the direction of the board during a pivotal period for the county, including ongoing discussions surrounding growth, development and the proposed unified development code.

Congressional District 9 primary includes multiple challengers

At the federal level, voters in Georgia’s 9th Congressional District will see contested primaries in both parties.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde faces a crowded Republican primary against Hall County Commissioner Gregg Poole, and former Gainesville mayor Sam Couvillon.

On the Democratic side, Nick Alex and Caitlyn Gegen are competing for their party’s nomination.

The district, which spans much of Northeast Georgia, has historically leaned Republican, but both parties will be represented on the primary ballot.

What’s on the ballots

Sample ballots released by the county show a full slate of federal, state and local races, along with nonpartisan contests.

In addition to the local commission and congressional races, voters will decide a number of high-profile statewide primaries.

On the Republican ballot, the race for governor includes Chris Carr, Clark Dean, Kandiss Taylor Jackson, Burt Jones, Greg Kinnard Kirkpatrick, Brad Raffensperger, Tom Williams and Kent Yeager.

The Democratic gubernatorial primary features Keisha Lance Bottoms, Olu Brown, Jason Esteves, Derrick Jackson, Michael “Mike” Thurmond and others.

In the U.S. Senate race, Democrats will vote on incumbent Jon Ossoff, while the Republican ballot includes Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, John F. King, Derrick McCollum and others seeking the nomination.

Other statewide contests include:

  • Lieutenant governor: Republicans David Clark, Greg Dooley, Steve Gooch, John F. Kennedy, Brenda Lynn Nelson-Porter, Takosha Swan and Blake Tillery; Democrats Josh McLaurin, Nabilah Islam Parkes and Richard Wright
  • Secretary of state: Republicans Tim Fleming, Vernon Jones, Kelvin King, Ted Metz and Gabriel “Gabe” Sterling; Democrats Cam Ashling, Dana Barrett, Penny Brown Reynolds and Adrian Conyers Jr.
  • Attorney general: Republicans Bill Cowsert and Brian Strickland; Democrats Tanya Miller and Robert Trammell
  • Commissioner of agriculture: Republican incumbent Tyler Harper; Democrats including Katherine “Katy” Arnold, Derrick “Dee” Rowe, Jr., and others
  • Commissioner of insurance: Republican John King; Democrats including Clarence Blalock, Thomas Dean and others
  • State school superintendent: multiple candidates on both ballots, including incumbent Richard Woods on the Republican side

Voters will also see races for the Georgia General Assembly, including State House District 10 and State Senate District 50, depending on party ballot selection.

The nonpartisan ballot includes several judicial races, such as Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals seats, along with Superior Court contests in the Mountain Judicial Circuit.

Also on the ballot is a referendum on the continuation of the 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for education, which helps fund school construction, technology and other capital improvements.

Voters must select one party’s ballot in a primary but may vote in nonpartisan races regardless of party selection.

County-by-county early voting locations

Early voting is primarily being held at county elections offices, with some counties offering additional satellite locations.

Habersham County

Elections Office, 403 Habersham County Shopping Center in Cornelia
Weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays May 2 and May 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hall County

Hall County Government Center, 2875 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville
Multiple locations available; weekday hours generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Saturday voting.

White County

Elections Office, 1241 Helen Highway, Cleveland

Lumpkin County

Elections Office, 56 Short St., Dahlonega

Union County

Elections Office, 65 Courthouse St., Suite 4, Blairsville

Rabun County

Elections Office, 125 Lake Rabun Road, Suite C, Lakemont

Stephens County

Historic Courthouse, 37 West Tugalo St., Toccoa

Banks County

Elections Office, 226 Candler St., Homer

Franklin County

Elections Office, 300 Tugaloo St., Suite 215, Carnesville

Hart County

Administrative Office Building, 165 West Franklin St., Hartwell

Elbert County

Elections Office, 45 Forest Ave., Elberton

Madison County

Elections Office, 20 Albany Ave., Danielsville

Clarke County

Board of Elections, 155 E. Washington St., Athens, along with additional early voting sites

Oconee County

Elections Office, 10 Court St., Watkinsville

Jackson County

Elections Office, 441 Gordon St., Jefferson

Barrow County

Elections Office, 233 E. Broad St., Winder

Voting information

Early voting runs through May 15. Election Day is May 19, when voters must cast ballots at their assigned precincts.

Residents are encouraged to review sample ballots ahead of time and confirm their voter registration status before voting.

Early voting begins in Muscogee County

By
Robbie Watson
-
Early voting begins in Muscogee County (Robbie Watson/NowGeorgia.com)

Early voting for the primary/nonpartisan election starts today in Muscogee County. Voters have three locations to choose from to cast their ballots. Registered voters can participate in the Community Room of the City Services Center off Macon Road. The Northside Rec Center at 2010 American Way and the Shirley Winston Rec Center at 5025 Steam Mill Road will also be open.

Voting hours are from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday thru Friday. A ballot collection drop box is located outside the City Services Center location.

Muscogee County Elections and Registration posted a notice to voters that ballots are long this primary. Voters should allow time for the ballot to print front and back before removing it from the printer. Removing it too early may result in an incomplete ballot. The Elections office warned to carefully review the front and back of your printed ballot before casting your vote. Once your ballot is cast it cannot be changed.

Advance voting ends Friday May 15. Election day is May 19, 2026.

Phenix City man shot dead after altercation with brother

By
Robbie Watson
-
Columbus man shot and killed at Phenix City hotel (Daniel Purcell/NowGeorgia.com)

A Phenix City man has died after being shot during an altercation with his brother according to Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry. The incident happened at a residence at Old State Dock Road in Phenix City.

Timothy Harris was pronounced dead from a fatal gunshot wound at 9:12 am inside Piedmont ICU in Columbus Sunday morning. The body of the 33-year-old victim will be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery for an autopsy on Tuesday.

The case is under investigation by the Phenix City Police Department.

Columbus River Dragons end Commissioners Cup run

By
Robbie Watson
-
Season ends for Columbus River Dragons after overtime loss (Corry Black/Facebook)

The Columbus River Dragons season is over after losing 4-3 in overtime to the Pee Dee Ice Cats Sunday evening. The loss in game three of the series at the Civic Center ends the Dragons run in the Commissioners Cup semifinals.

The River Dragons posted a message to their fans after the heartbreaking loss. “To our incredible fans, words truly aren’t enough. This season has been an unforgettable journey, and your unwavering energy was the heartbeat behind every single moment on the ice. You stood by us through every battle, proving time and again why you’re the most passionate supporters in the league.”

“We are endlessly grateful for the way you showed up for this team. We will see you back in the stands this October!”

As early voting starts, GOP Senate hopefuls make appeals to Georgia voters, spar with each other

By
Ross Williams
-
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Jackson, second left, speaks at the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young primary election debate for the U.S. Senate at Georgia Public Broadcasting, Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Midtown Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

ATLANTA (Georgia Recorder) — Five men seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff shared a debate stage Sunday, each seeking to distinguish himself to Georgia voters.

The frontrunners are Congressman Mike Collins, Congressman Buddy Carter and former football coach Derek Dooley. Jonathan McColumn, a pastor and retired brigadier general in the U.S. Army reserve, and real estate developer John Coyne were also at the debate.

Early voting starts Monday for the May 19 primaries, which will determine the Democratic and Republican party candidates up and down the ballot in November’s general election.

The debate was hosted at Georgia Public Broadcasting as part of the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. To watch the full hour-long debate along with other 2026 debates, visit the Atlanta Press Club’s YouTube Channel.

Dooley seeks to walk abortion tightrope

Former football coach Derek Dooley, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, responds to a question at the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young primary election debate for the U.S. Senate at Georgia Public Broadcasting, Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Midtown, Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Without going after his opponents by name, Dooley focused his criticism on Congress as a whole.

“It’s time we start sending a different kind of leadership to Washington, because Congress is not working for the people the way it used to,” he said. “We’ve seen a rise in careerism. We’ve seen a rise in corruption, but mostly it’s the inaction, where we’re yelling and screaming, and we’re not working together to deliver results for the people of Georgia.”

Dooley is the son of famed University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, a legend among Bulldog fans. He spent his career in the coaching field, but did not achieve the same kind of record his dad did.

He’s sought to run as a middle ground candidate who can appeal both to Trump-supporting Republicans and more moderate members of both parties.

This Senate run is his first foray into the political world. He entered the race with the support and backing of Gov. Brian Kemp, who enjoys high approval ratings in Georgia but who decided not to run for the seat.

Supporters say Dooley’s blank slate nature puts him above the two sitting congressmen, who general election voters may view as too closely tied to the Trump administration’s unpopular policies.

But before he can test that theory, he’ll have to make it to a general election. Opponents call him a Johnny-come-lately to the MAGA movement. He did not vote in the 2016 or 2020 elections when Trump was on the ballot.

A debate question about abortion highlighted the balancing act between appealing to rightwing GOP primary voters and a more balanced general electorate.

When asked about abortion, Dooley said he supports the decision being left up to states but appeared uneasy to give his opinion on Georgia’s six-week abortion ban.

“What I can tell you is, as a federal U.S. senator, that I think that the federal government has no role,” he said. “The heartbeat bill has been the law of the land for six years, and it’s going to continue that way, and the federal government shouldn’t intervene.”

When pressed, Dooley indicated that he would have handled things differently, but did not elaborate.

“It’s not the way I would have written it … but listen, that’s the law of the land. It’s been that way for six years, and I just don’t think the U.S. Senate and federal government should weigh in.”

Fireworks over ethics investigation

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-St. Simons Island, left, responds to U.S. Rep Mike Collins, R-Jackson, during the Atlanta Press Club’s Republican Loudermilk-Young primary election debate for the U.S. Senate at Georgia Public Broadcasting, Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Midtown Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Collins and Carter mostly trained their attacks on Ossoff, except for a couple of heated moments in which Carter brought up a congressional investigation into allegations that Collins used government funds to benefit a top aide.

“If taxpayers can’t trust you to properly steward their money, how can they trust you to be a U.S. senator?” Carter said.

Collins called the allegation a “nothing burger.”

“It’s a mindless complaint that anyone can file,” Collins said. “But I find it ironic that a career politician is talking about ethics.”

Collins accused Carter of supporting liberal policies and of enriching himself in office. According to data from OpenSecrets, Carter’s net worth grew from $20.8 million when he took office in 2015 to $33.2 million in 2019.

“If you want a conservative, he’s not your buddy,” Collins added.

Carter said he’s the candidate with the best chance to win.

“Mike, if you’re our candidate, we lose,” he said. “You’re under federal investigation, I’m telling you, and the Democrats will eat that up, and we will lose again.”

Collins, who is the president of a trucking business, was first elected in 2022 to the 10th District, which includes suburbs east of Atlanta, Athens and much of rural and suburban east Georgia.

He touts passage of the Laken Riley Act, which requires immigration officials to detain immigrants without bail for specific crimes. Riley was a 22-year-old student who was killed in Collins’ district by a man who was in the country illegally. It was the first bill Trump signed in his second term.

Polling consistently places Collins at the top, but below the 50%-plus-one threshold to win the primary without a runoff.

Collins’ supporters call him a conservative workhorse with an avuncular personality, but opponents say the current investigation, his closeness to Trump and a history of divisive social media posts makes him vulnerable in a general election.

Carter is a pharmacist who operated Carter’s Pharmacy Inc. for over 30 years.

He took office in 2015 after previously serving as mayor of Pooler and in the Georgia House and Senate.

The 1st District includes the Georgia coast from Savannah past Brunswick to the border with Florida and runs west past Waycross.

Carter’s proponents say his years of previous experience in elected office make him the most qualified candidate.

Opponents say the fact that he has spent significant sums of his own money on the race but remains in a fairly distant second in most polls suggests he won’t be able to catch on with voters. His alignment with Trump could also spell trouble in a general election with a voter base more opposed to the administration.

Democratic Party of Georgia spokesman Devon Cruz called the debate an “audition” for President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

“Carter, Collins, and Dooley have spent their entire campaigns posturing as Trump’s puppets, backing his harmful agenda that has Georgians struggling with higher costs on everything from groceries to health care,” Cruz said in a statement. “Georgians deserve so much better, and we’ll work to make sure none of the candidates on stage get anywhere near a United States Senate seat.”

Despite endorsing in Georgia races including for the next governor and the successors for Carter and Collins’ congressional seats, the president has not picked a favorite in Georgia’s U.S. Senate race.

Georgia Dems push for ‘28 national convention, Ossoff tries to tamp down presidential talk and more

By
Jill Nolin and Ross Williams
-
DNC Chairman Ken Martin visited Atlanta this week as part of the city’s bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Martin spoke briefly at a press conference Thursday at the Hotel Phoenix in the Centennial Yards area of downtown Atlanta, which has been the focus of recent revitalization efforts. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)

ATLANTA (Georgia Recorder) — Death and destruction dominated the headlines in Georgia this week.

The political world mourned the death of long-time Congressman David Scott, whose passing is set to bring about yet another special election.

At the same time, firefighters are working hard to contain massive wildfires in south Georgia, where drought conditions have turned part of the landscape to tinder.

With such weighty news dominating headlines, you may have missed some of the week’s other developments.

We’ve got the latest on Atlanta’s effort to woo the 2028 Democratic National Convention. And a former Democratic presidential candidate has weighed in on a surprising Georgia race, while a prominent Georgia Democrat says he’s not going to be a presidential candidate in 2028.

DNC in ATL?

National Democrats visited Atlanta this week as Georgia’s capital city makes its pitch to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, where the party faithful will officially name that year’s presidential nominee.

Atlanta is one of five finalists for the job, and it’s competing against Boston, Chicago, Denver and Philadelphia.

“While we are here to tour and discuss the various logistical and administrative requirements for hosting the Democratic National Convention, we also seek a city that shares our values and will be a true partner with us as we plan this once-in-a-lifetime event,” Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, said in brief remarks to reporters Thursday.

“The process of selecting our convention host city is a serious and deliberative one. We have five great cities bidding for this opportunity, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with each of them as we select a host for our 2028 and potentially for our 2032 convention,” he added.

If Atlanta comes out on top, it would be the first time in 40 years since the city hosted the convention. Its bid for the party’s major event fell short in 2024, when Chicago was selected.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Charlie Bailey, who chairs the Democratic Party of Georgia, are making the case that choosing Atlanta would not just provide a good convention experience, but it would also be a boost for the party in a battleground state that they argue could help them retake the White House and make gains in a purple state.

“It’ll put the battery in our back for sure,” Dickens said. “Make us knock on a few more doors, make us make a few more phone calls, make us chip in five, 10 more dollars. It’ll make us more electrified, energetic about it.”

Former VP endorses in Georgia Supreme Court races

Kamala Harris rallies voters in Atlanta on Nov. 2, 2024. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

Two candidates in a pair of important but down-ballot races got a boost from a big name at the last Democratic National Convention Friday.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris released a video urging Georgians to vote in the state Supreme Court races for attorney and former state Sen. Jen Jordan and Miracle Rankin, a personal injury attorney and former president of the Georgia Association of Black Women.

“It’s going to be about who’s going to maintain and protect your rights and your freedoms, who’s going to stand for the rule of law,” said Harris, who ran for president in 2024. “And there are two candidates who are extraordinary, Miracle Rankin and Jen Jordan, and I urge you to please go to the polls and support them in their election to be on the Georgia Supreme Court.”

Jordan is challenging Justice Sarah Warren and Rankin is facing Justice Charlie Bethel.

The seats are nonpartisan, but Rankin and Jordan are both associated with the Democratic Party, and Jordan served as a Democrat in the state Senate.

Bethel served as a Republican state senator, and Warren and Bethel were both appointed to the bench by former Republican Gov. Nathan Deal and have been endorsed by current Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.

Because they are, on paper, nonpartisan races, the Supreme Court race will be settled next month rather than continuing to November like the partisan races which will take up most of the ballot.

Bottoms touts new poll, releases memoir

Gubernatorial candidate and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms met with CDC workers affected by mass layoffs in Clarkston on July 24, 2025. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

A new poll by Echelon Insights, a research firm headed by a Republican pollster, showed Democratic former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is seen as Georgia’s Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner, as having a slight edge against Republican candidates Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson.

Bottoms and Raffensperger quickly touted the poll, with Raffensperger saying in a press release that he is the strongest Republican in the primary positioned to beat Bottoms in November, saying that “the data shows my blueprint for the future is resonating with voters.” The poll showed that 46% of voters surveyed would pick Bottoms, compared to 44% who would pick Raffensperger. Bottoms fared better with voters against Jackson and Jones, who both got 43% of the voters polled, compared to 49% who went for Bottoms.

But every Republican candidate’s chances are well within the survey’s margin of error, indicating the governor’s race is still competitive for Republicans, and the race is still a toss-up, according to the Cook Political Report.

Bottoms’ campaign manager Rashad Taylor said in a press release that voters “want lower costs, more opportunity, and a governor who will stand up to the Trump Administration’s chaos and failed policies that have driven costs higher for Georgia families.”

A majority of surveyed Georgia voters disapprove of how President Donald Trump is handling his job, with 57% either strongly or somewhat disapproving and 40% strongly or somewhat approving. The poll indicated that 52% of Georgia voters feel the country is headed in the wrong direction, with 37% saying it is on the right track.

Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Brad Raffensperger at the state Capitol after signing up to run for governor. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

The survey also indicated that the issues most concerning to Georgia voters are the economy and inflation, with healthcare coming in second. A majority said that food prices are straining their finances, followed by utilities.

Bottoms also released a memoir this week titled The Rough Side of the Mountain. In a social media post, she said that she doesn’t want “anybody to look at this book as something on a political ladder.” She said she started writing it before she planned to run for office, but it’s not uncommon for political candidates to publish books ahead of an election, as it gives them a profile and financial boost.

“It just really was timed this way, in divine order that the book is out today, just one week from early voting. But I wanted to be able to tell the story of my family in its totality, and just for people to be able to know that they don’t have to leave parts of (themselves) behind,” Bottoms said.

Ossoff seeks to tamp down recent White House speculation

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, rallies supporters in Atlanta on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Julia Beverly for the Georgia Recorder)

As of Friday afternoon, prediction marketplace site Kalshi lists Democratic U.S. Sen Ossoff as the No. 3 pick to be the 2028 Democratic nominee for president. With a 9% chance to accept the nomination, Ossoff comes behind only California Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

But in a recent appearance on MS NOW, the senator indicated he hasn’t placed any orders for Ossoff ‘28 stickers.

“I have zero interest in running for president in 2028,” he said. “I love serving the state of Georgia. I’ve got two young daughters, and to be honest, I think that the 2028 fantasy football risks distracting us from the urgent task at hand. If we do not restore checks and balances in these midterm elections, I don’t know that we have a free and fair presidential election in 2028.”

At 39 years old, Ossoff is practically a schoolboy compared to the average U.S. senator. And with no term limits in the Senate, he could continue to serve there for as long as he can get Georgians to re-elect him every six years.

If Ossoff were considering a run for president, he wouldn’t be likely to announce it now, when he’s months away from what is expected to be a tough election campaign.

Endorsements continue apace as early voting is set to begin Monday

Georgia Conservation Voters, a left-leaning environmental advocacy group, endorsed the following candidates this week:

  • Former Sen. Jason Esteves for governor
  • Penny Brown Reynolds for secretary of state
  • Peter Hubbard for Public Service Commission, District 3
  • Former Sen. Jen Jordan for Georgia Supreme Court
  • Miracle Rankin for Georgia Supreme Court
  • Will Wooten for Georgia Court of Appeals

The Georgia AFL-CIO also put out its list of endorsements this week. The coalition of labor unions is not endorsing in the governor’s race during the primary, but named its picks on a slew of down-ballot races including the following:

  • State Sen. Josh McLaurin for lieutenant governor
  • Reynolds for secretary of state
  • Bob Trammell for attorney general
  • Brett Hulme for labor commissioner
  • Jordan and Rankin for Georgia Supreme Court
  • Wooten for Court of Appeals
  • U.S. Congressional District 3, Maura Keller
  • US Congressional District 4, Congressman Hank Johnson
  • US Congressional District 5, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (i)
  • US Congressional District 9, Nick Alex
  • US Congressional District 11, Chris Harden
  • US Congressional District 12, Ceretta Smith
  • US Congressional District 14, Shawn Harris

The AFL-CIO had planned to endorse Congressman David Scott in the 13th District, but are not currently endorsing a candidate following Scott’s death.

Endorsements from state legislators continued to trickle in for GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson this week, from Republicans including state Reps. Lehman Franklin of Statesboro, Jaclyn Ford of Tifton and Derrick McColumn of Chestnut Mountain.

Jackson is set to compete with Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is running with the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

Alander Rocha contributed to this report

Clarence Gyer Mason, Jr.

By
Now Georgia
-

Clarence Gyer Mason, Jr., age 78, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the legacy of a life well lived.

Born on May 30, 1947, in Clarkesville, Clarence was the son of the late Clarence Gyer Mason, Sr., and Annie Elizabeth Senkbeil Mason. A proud patriot, he answered the call to serve his country when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1967. He served honorably until 1973 and continued his commitment to service through the United States Army National Guard until his retirement in 1998. His dedication to duty and country was a defining part of his life.

Clarence was also a hardworking and loyal employee, working for Clarkesville Mill and later retiring from Ten Cate Nicolon in Cornelia after many years of faithful service. Beyond his work and military life, he found his greatest joys in the simple pleasures of the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, searching for arrowheads, and pursuing his passion as a “rockhound.” A lifelong student of American history, Clarence held a deep appreciation for the stories and heritage that shaped the nation he loved.

He was an active member of several organizations that reflected his interests and values, including the Sons of the Confederate Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, and the Northeast Georgia Rock & Mineral Society. He was also a life member of the National Rifle Association. Above all, Clarence was of the Pentecostal faith.

More than any title or accomplishment, Clarence will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Carlean Littleton Mason, whose love and companionship were the cornerstone of his life. He leaves behind his daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Randy Garrett, and Anna and Rick Smith. His grandchildren, Spencer Garrett, Avery Garrett, and Jarod Smith, were a source of immense pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Clarence’s steady presence, kind spirit, and deep love for his family and community will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Dr. Kenneth Franklin officiating. Interment will follow at Clarkesville City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the funeral home.

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

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia, is in charge of arrangements.

Chris Sale works 6 shutout innings for 150th career win as Braves beat Phillies 6-2

By
Bill Trocchi
-
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

ATLANTA (AP) — Chris Sale shut down the Phillies for the second time in nine days and won his 150th career game as the Atlanta Braves built an early lead and beat Philadelphia 6-2 on Sunday.

Sale (5-1) threw six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out a season-high nine. In his previous start on against the slumping Phillies on April 18, Sale gave up one run in seven innings.

The Phillies, who snapped a 10-game losing streak Saturday, dropped to 0-10 against left-handed non-opener starters and fell to 9-19 overall.

Matt Olson hit a three-run home run in the first inning and Eli White added a two-run homer in the second for the Braves, who won for the 10th time in 12 games. Olson’s homer was his eighth of the season and fourth in his career off Phillies starer Aaron Nola (1-3).

Ronald Acuña Jr. was 2 for 3 with two runs scored and a steal. Drake Baldwin was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Ozzie Albies extended his hitting streak to nine games with a single in the seventh inning.

Nola gave up a season-high six runs on seven hits and has now allowed 11 earned runs in his last two starts. Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer run in the eighth inning as the Phillies avoided the shutout.

Sale’s only difficulty came in the third inning, when a hit by pitch, a single and a walk loaded the bases for Phillies slugger Bryce Harper. After falling behind 3–0, Sale struck out Harper to end the threat.

The Braves are 8-0-1 in nine series this season and are the only team not to lose a series.

UGA awarded $8.8 million to lead Southeast farm conservation and water restoration effort

By
Kate Regan
-
Farmland in Clarke County's greenbelt. (Emma Auer/WUGA)

(WUGA) – The University of Georgia will receive $8.8 million over three years to support farmers across the Southeast in restoring streams and rivers through the Working Lands for Wildlife Southern Waters Framework.

The initiative brings together the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the Odum School of Ecology, and the College of Engineering, along with the River Basin Center and the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems.

Teams of wildlife biologists and engineers will work directly with landowners to improve water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Efforts include streambank restoration, better grazing and crop management, and invasive species control.

The program will also coordinate with local U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service offices to access federal funding for conservation improvements.

Nearly two dozen specialists will be deployed across the region to address erosion, habitat degradation, and other challenges on working lands, expanding conservation support for rural communities and ecosystems.

Grand opening announced for new White County fire station

By
Dean Dyer, WRWH Radio
-
The new fire station, seen here on April 22, 2026, is located at 271 Sonnys Circle in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. It is due to open on June 11, 2026. (White County Public Safety)

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County officials have announced the grand opening date for the county’s newest fire station, located on Duncan Bridge Road. The White County Board of Commissioners and the White County Office of Public Safety advised that a grand opening ceremony for White County Fire Station 9 will be held on Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m.

The new station, located on Sonnys Circle off Duncan Bridge Road in the Mount Yonah community, represents a continued investment in public safety for one of the county’s fastest-growing areas.

Fire Station 9 is fully funded through White County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program, meaning the project was completed without placing any additional property tax burden on residents. The project was constructed under the management of Precision United of Cleveland.

“The addition of Station 9 is a direct result of the community’s investment back into itself,” states David Murphy, Director, White County Public Safety. “It will allow us to better serve the Mount Yonah area with faster response times and enhanced fire protection.”

The new 3-bay fire station will also house office space and sleeping/living quarters for fire personnel. (White County Public Safety photo)
Hallway leading to offices and living space in White County Fire Station 9. (White County Public Safety)

The addition of Station 9 will improve fire protection coverage for more than 1,500 structures in the surrounding area. Many properties will now benefit from improved fire protection classifications, which can positively affect property owners’ insurance rates.

The area continues to see growth and increased tourism activity. Station 9 places dedicated fire personnel and equipment closer to the community, reducing response times and strengthening overall emergency response capabilities.

On September 4, 2025, White County broke ground on the new fire station, seen here six months later on March 19, 2026. (White County Public Safety)
The new fire station is expected to improve response times in the Mt. Yonah area of White County. (White County Public Safety)

“This station positions us to meet both current and future needs,” adds Murphy, “It enhances our ability to protect lives and property while supporting the continued growth of White County.”

Residents, community partners, and stakeholders are invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and tour the new facility.

Accused gunman at correspondents’ dinner was likely targeting Trump and top officials, Blanche says

By
Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer
-

WASHINGTON (AP) — The accused gunman who tried to storm the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives traveled across the country before the event and is believed to have been targeting members of the Trump administration, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday.

Blanche also said officials believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then on to Washington, where in recent days he checked in as a guest to the hotel where one of Washington’s glitziest events was being held Saturday night.

Investigators have not publicly named the suspect, but two law enforcement officials familiar with the matter have identified him to The Associated Press as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California.

Law enforcement officials who have examined the gunman’s electronic devices and his writings preliminarily believe he intended to target administration members in attendance at the dinner. He attempted to charge into the cavernous ballroom at the Washington Hilton but was tackled to the ground in a chaotic scene that resulted in shots being fired, President Donald Trump being hurried off the stage and guests ducking for cover beneath their tables.

“It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president,” Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

The suspect is believed to have purchased the firearms he carried within the last couple of years, Blanche said. He is not being cooperative and is expected to face multiple charges on Monday.

Video posted by Trump showed the suspect running past security barricades as Secret Service agents ran toward him. One officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but was recovering, officials said. The gunman was taken into custody and was not injured, but was being evaluated at a hospital, police said.

“He failed,” Blanche said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” “Law enforcement did their jobs.”

Social media posts that appear to match the suspect show he is a highly educated tutor and amateur video game developer.

A May 2025 profile photo of Allen appears to match the appearance of the man in a photo of the alleged attacker being taken into custody that was posted Saturday night by Trump. The photo, posted to the social networking site LinkedIn, shows him in a cap and gown after graduating with a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in 2017 in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. He listed his involvement there in a Christian student fellowship and a campus group that battled with Nerf guns.

The shooting at the security barricades happened minutes after the event got underway.

The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the room as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds. Gasps echoed through the ballroom as guests realized something was happening. Hundreds of journalists immediately got on phones to call in information.

“Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck. From one corner, a “God Bless America” chant began as the president was escorted offstage. Outside the hotel, members of the National Guard and other authorities flooded the area as helicopters circled overhead.

After an initial attempt to resume the event, it was scrapped for the night and will be rescheduled.

Georgia leaders react to shooting at White House Correspondents Dinner

By
Robbie Watson
-
Georgia leaders react to White House Correspondents Dinner shooting (AP Photo)

Georgia leaders are expressing gratitude for law enforcement who stopped a shooter from entering the White House Correspondents Dinner Saturday night. Shots were fired outside the ballroom where the dinner was scheduled to take place. The suspect Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.

Governor Brian Kemp posted on Facebook shortly after the incident. “Marty, the girls and I are grateful that President Trump, First Lady Trump, Vice President Vance, cabinet members and all guests at the White House Correspondents Dinner tonight are safe. They and the brave Secret Service agent who rushed towards danger and was shot in the vest are all in our thoughts and prayers tonight.”

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, a frequent critic of Trump also took to social media to respond to the shooting. “Thank you to law enforcement for stopping the gunman at tonight’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Political violence has no place in America. Praying for healing in our nation.”

The suspect was armed with guns and knives when he stormed the lobby of the hotel and opened fire. Cole Tomas Allen, identified as a teacher from California is now facing weapons and assault charges in connection to the shooting.

1...343536...3,075Page 35 of 3,075