For decades, Circle of Hope has served as a frontline resource for victims of domestic violence across Habersham, White, and Stephens counties.
What began in the late 1980s with a single emergency shelter, housed in a farmhouse that accepted its first victim within hours of opening, has grown into a multi-layered support system addressing the complex realities of domestic violence. Today, the organization provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, outreach services, and prevention education throughout the region.
The need continues to grow
Over the past year alone, Circle of Hope’s 24-hour crisis line assisted more than 1,100 individuals. The organization’s shelter operated above capacity, providing thousands of bed nights to adults and children while also placing additional families in hotels when space ran out. Services extend beyond immediate shelter, including help with protective orders, support groups, and long-term housing assistance.
Domestic violence, as outlined in the conversation with Resource Development Director Crystal Youngblood, is not limited to one demographic. It affects individuals regardless of age, gender, financial status, or background. Many cases involve layers of control: financial, emotional, and social, that make leaving difficult and, in many cases, dangerous.
Housing remains one of the most significant barriers
According to Circle of Hope, the average monthly income of individuals they serve is around $1,500, while the cost of a typical two-bedroom rental in the area can exceed $1,400 per month. This gap creates ongoing challenges for survivors attempting to move from immediate safety into long-term stability.
In response, the organization is working toward a 60-unit supportive housing development designed specifically for survivors of domestic violence. The project will include on-site services aimed at helping individuals and families rebuild independence in a stable, secure environment.
Efforts like these rely heavily on community support
Fundraisers play a key role in bridging the gap between grant funding and real-time need; whether that means covering transportation, counseling, or basic necessities not otherwise funded.
One of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers, Denim & Diamonds, is scheduled for May 2. The event will feature dinner, live music, auctions, and community engagement, with proceeds directly supporting services for victims of domestic violence.
While the event provides an opportunity for the community to gather, its purpose is rooted in sustaining the day-to-day operations that allow Circle of Hope to respond when individuals reach out for help.
The conversation in this episode of Now We’re Talking offers a closer look at that work; providing context behind the services, the challenges, and the ongoing need across Northeast Georgia.
Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rebecca Noble)
ATLANTA (AP) — Martín Pérez threw five scoreless innings and the Atlanta Braves beat Detroit 5-2 on Tuesday night for their 11th win in their last 13 games as the Tigers lost starter Casey Mize to an injury in the third inning.
Ozzie Albies hit a two-run homer and Ronald Acuña Jr. was 2 for 3 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored. Mike Yastrzemski was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored.
Pérez (2-1), who was designated for assignment by the Braves earlier this season but then re-signed, gave up two hits and four walks while striking out five. He lowered his ERA to 2.22.
Mize (2-2) was removed after straining his groin covering first base on a ground ball to first baseman Spencer Torkelson. He lasted 2 1/3 innings during which he gave up two runs, three hits and a walk while striking out three.
Atlanta’s Didier Fuentes pitched two scoreless innings, Tyler Kinley stranded two runners in a scoreless eighth and Aaron Bummer gave up a two-run home run to Wenceel Pérez in the ninth.
The Braves took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Yastrzemski led off with a double that landed on the right field foul line. Acuña plated him with a double to left field and Matt Olson knocked in Acuña with a line drive to center field. Albies added a two-run home run in the eighth inning.
Tigers center fielder Javier Báez left on a cart after injuring his right foot on a play at first base in the fifth inning. He hit the base awkwardly with his left foot and his right foot folded under his leg while he fell.
Up next
Two-time American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.72) faces Braves rookie RHP JR Ritchie (1-0, 2.57) in the second game of a three-game set Wednesday.
Sarah Lundy tracks the ball during action for the Lady Indians this season. (photo submitted)
TALLULAH FALLS — The Tallulah Falls School boys soccer team extended its winning streak to 14 games Tuesday with a dominant 9-0 road win over Lakeview, while the Lady Indians dropped a close region match before bouncing back in dramatic fashion to reach the Tri-State Championship game.
Indians stay unbeaten in region
Ryan Kelsick advances the ball upfield for Tallulah Falls during the Indians’ win over Lakeview. (photo submitted)
Six different players scored for the No. 5-ranked Indians, who improved to 11-0 in region play.
Versean Turnquest and Fabricio Turner Sandoval each scored twice, with Sandoval also adding two assists. Simon Gainzarain Hernando, Tyson Hall, Ryan Kelsick and Ky Thompson each added a goal.
“The team played well tonight,” coach Jeremy Stille said. “Lakeview has an amazing field and the early rains helped to make it a great playing surface. The boys moved the ball well and kept possession in our attacking half for the majority of the game.”
Turnquest finished with two goals and an assist, while Kelsick and Thompson each recorded a goal and an assist. Francisco Moreira Cardosa Mori Vierira and Avery Chatman also contributed assists.
Tallulah Falls will close the regular season Friday against Loganville Christian on senior night.
Lady Indians rally falls short at Lakeview
The Lady Indians came up just short in a 3-2 loss at Lakeview earlier in the week despite rallying from a two-goal deficit.
Lakeview built a 2-0 halftime lead before LB Kafsky put Tallulah Falls on the board. Marta Beltran later scored the equalizer, but Lakeview responded late to secure the win.
“Big loss tonight,” coach Erin Jimenez said. “We got in our heads in the first half and had a hard time recovering, but I am proud of how we turned it around. I have never been so proud of the fight we showed.”
McCoy’s heroics send TFS to title game
Addisyn McCoy clears the ball from the goal during Tallulah Falls School’s match. McCoy later delivered the game-winning penalty kick in the Lady Indians’ Tri-State semifinal victory. (photo submitted)
Tallulah Falls answered with a dramatic postseason victory, defeating Summit Charter 2-1 in penalty kicks to advance to the Tri-State Championship game.
Maizee Fleming scored five minutes into the match to give the Lady Indians an early lead before Summit Charter equalized late in regulation. Neither team scored through the second half or overtime, sending the match to penalty kicks.
Goalkeeper Addisyn McCoy delivered a standout performance in the shootout, recording multiple saves before converting the decisive kick.
After both teams battled through a tense best-of-five shootout, McCoy stepped up for the final attempt and buried a shot in the top left corner to secure the win.
“With everything on the line, Addisyn stepped up to kick,” coach Vinny Correa said. “Calm, composed, and confident, she approached the ball like it was just another goal kick — and buried it.”
The Lady Indians will play for the Tri-State Championship on Friday.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 39 points, nearly extending his own franchise record for 40-point playoff games, and the New York Knicks routed the Atlanta Hawks 126-97 on Tuesday night for a 3-2 lead in the first-round playoff series.
With their second straight lopsided victory, the Knicks positioned themselves to win the series Thursday night in Atlanta. They would have another chance at home in Game 7 if they need it — and it’s getting harder to picture why they should.
The Hawks took a 2-1 lead in the series with one-point victories in Games 2 and 3, but a pretty sizable gap between the teams has appeared since. The Knicks led by 24 on their way to a 114-98 win in Game 4 in Atlanta and by 32 on Tuesday, when the lead was never below double digits in the second half.
“I know they’re going to try to bring a lot of force down there,” Knicks reserve Jordan Clarkson said. “So we’ve got to be prepared and we know what’s coming, so we’ll be ready.”
Brunson already had eight 40-point games in his first three postseasons with the Knicks. He hadn’t even cracked 30 in this series until pouring in 17 points in the fourth quarter to prevent any chance of Atlanta making it a game.
Brunson said the Knicks have picked up their play in the last two games and said they were confident, but also cautious.
“Anything can happen in this series, so we’ve just got to be locked in for Game 6,” he said.
OG Anunoby added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. The Knicks need one more victory to reach the second round for the fourth straight season, which would continue their longest streak since advancing nine straight times from 1991-92 through 1999-2000.
Jalen Johnson had 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Hawks. Dyson Daniels scored 17, but CJ McCollum, the catalyst of both Atlanta victories, had just six.
The Knicks outrebounded the Hawks 48-27 and had a 13-4 advantage in fast-break points against an Atlanta team that needs to win the transition game.
“I just think that their mindset was to come out and try to bully us and be physical, and they did that,” Daniels said.
The Knicks made eight of their first 12 shots, then broke free with a 9-0 run late in the first quarter and were ahead 35-22 at the end of the period. Brunson had the last two baskets of an 8-0 surge in the second that pushed it to 59-37, and the Knicks led 64-48 at the break after making 58.5% their shots.
Leading by 18 after three, they put it away when Brunson had a three-point play and 3-pointer to ignite a 12-0 spurt that made it 110-82.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu both had 16 points for the Hawks.
From left, Jason Wood, Shanda Wood, George Sudderth and Andy Sudderth pose inside the R.M. Rose & Co. tasting room in Helen ahead of its opening. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
HELEN, Ga. — R.M. Rose & Company Distillery is bringing more than just spirits to downtown Helen this weekend — it’s bringing generations of North Georgia history.
The family-run distillery will open its new tasting room this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to Jason Wood, at its new location at 8016 S Main St., Suite A1 in Helen.
For the Sudderth family, the opening represents the next chapter in a story that began decades ago in the woods of North Georgia.
The R.M. Rose & Co. Distillers sign is displayed outside the new tasting room in Helen. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
A tradition passed down
Andy Sudderth learned the craft of moonshining from his father, George Sudderth, who made liquor in Gwinnett County, particularly in the Sugar Hill area.
Andy Sudderth discusses the distillery’s spirits inside the new R.M. Rose & Co. tasting room in Helen ahead of its opening weekend. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
“He’s the one that got me started in moonshine,” Sudderth said. “I grew up around it — seeing stills in the woods and learning how it was done back in the day.”
After working as a carpenter and in metalwork, Sudderth said he felt called back to the family tradition.
“As I got older, I said we needed to get back to the old family tradition and start making moonshine,” he said. “That’s when we came out with our products, including Fire on the Mountain, and that’s where we really took off.”
George Sudderth, now in his late 80s, said he is proud to see what the business has become.
“Good — very good,” he said. “That wasn’t the plan when it started, but it’s great.”
Reviving a historic brand
A variety of flavored moonshines are displayed inside the R.M. Rose & Co. tasting room in Helen. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
Sudderth launched the modern business in Dillard, drawn by its appeal as a destination for travelers.
At the same time, he revived the R.M. Rose name — a historic distillery brand that originated in Atlanta in 1867 and disappeared during Prohibition in 1917.
“About 100 years later, we brought it back,” Sudderth said.
The operation later moved its distilling to Mt. Airy, where production continues today, while the brand has grown through word of mouth and a loyal customer base across the Southeast.
Why Helen — and why now
Bottles of Forefathers 101 bourbon are displayed on shelves inside the R.M. Rose & Co. tasting room in Helen. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
The move to Helen came after the distillery left its original Dillard location following a change in property ownership. From there, the family focused on production while searching for the right place to expand.
“It took almost two years just to find a spot,” Wood said. “Getting connected with property owners was a challenge, and even when we did, there weren’t any available locations at first.”
The eventual location — a former grocery store on Main Street — stood out immediately.
“When that opened up, we knew that was the spot,” Wood said. “For this part of town, it’s about as good as you’re going to get.”
Even after securing the space, it took another year to navigate permitting and licensing requirements.
“In Georgia, you can’t apply for liquor licenses until you have a location,” Wood said. “So we had to secure the building before we could even start that process.”
Helen itself played a major role in the decision.
“It’s the third most popular tourist destination in Georgia — Atlanta, Savannah and Helen,” Wood said. “We thought if we could bring something like this here, where you have the foot traffic plus people who already know the brand, it would be a good spot.”
A new generation steps in
George Sudderth pours samples while Jason Wood looks on inside the R.M. Rose & Co. tasting room in Helen. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
Wood, who is married to Sudderth’s daughter, Shanda Wood, said the expansion also reflects a generational handoff within the family.
“Andy’s looking toward retirement, and we’re trying to carry that forward,” he said. “He picked it up from his father, and now it’s our turn to pick it up from him.”
Shanda Wood said the distillery’s local roots are a key part of its identity.
“It’s all Northeast Georgia — the family history, the R.M. Rose history,” she said. “Locals appreciate that, and people visiting can take a piece of that Georgia history with them.”
A different kind of experience
In a town known for lively bars and entertainment, the R.M. Rose tasting room aims to offer something different.
“When you walk in here, it’s about stepping back in time,” Jason Wood said. “It’s not going to be a sports bar. You’re not going to see a bunch of TVs.”
Instead, visitors will find a space designed to feel like an old saloon, with country music, vintage-style décor and walls lined with photos telling the family’s story.
“We want people to feel like they’re tasting that history,” Wood said. “Everything you’re drinking here, we make. It all comes from that family tradition.”
Sudderth, who helped build out the interior, said the look is intentional.
“I like to make everything look old,” he said. “I don’t want it all polished up where nobody can touch it. I like something people can come in and feel comfortable around.”
Built on story — and spirits
A historic photograph of George Sudderth is displayed inside the R.M. Rose & Co. tasting room in Helen. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
The tasting room will feature a wide range of products, from traditional moonshines to flavored offerings and bourbons.
Some, including newer releases, are currently exclusive to the Helen location.
Sudderth said many of the recipes are tied to family history, including flavors inspired by his grandmother and others passed down through generations.
“The moonshine brands come from him,” Sudderth said of his father. “But the newer products — that’s something we came up with as we built the company.”
Fitting into Helen’s tourism scene
ottles of sipping cream are displayed inside the R.M. Rose & Co. tasting room in Helen. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
The family believes the tasting room will complement Helen’s tourism-driven economy by offering visitors a more immersive experience.
“It’s something fun you can do with your friends or family,” Wood said. “You come in, you sample the whiskeys, and you hear the history.”
Sudderth said storytelling often becomes part of the experience.
“When people come in, they want that experience,” he said. “Once we start telling the stories, people gather around and listen. They’ll stay 30 minutes to an hour just hearing the history.”
The concept, Wood added, has proven successful in other destinations.
“We’ve seen it work in places like Gatlinburg,” he said. “We think it fits here too.”
Looking ahead
While production remains in Mt. Airy, Wood said the Helen location could expand in the future.
“If things go well, maybe next year or the year after, we could put a still here,” he said.
For now, the focus is on opening the doors and sharing the family’s story with visitors.
From backwoods stills to a Main Street storefront, the Sudderths say the mission remains the same.
“It’s all about family and history,” Wood said. “If people can feel that when they walk in, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — A school bus crash Tuesday morning in White County left four students with minor injuries and prompted a multi-agency emergency response.
White County 911 began receiving calls around 6:26 a.m. April 28, reporting a motor vehicle accident involving a school bus near Highway 115 West and Highway 284.
Deputies, firefighters, and EMS crews responded alongside the Cleveland Fire Department, which provided mutual aid, and the Georgia State Patrol.
When first responders arrived, they found the bus off the roadway with occupants still inside, said White County Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett. Crews entered the bus, assessed students for injuries, and evacuated them through the rear emergency hatch.
Ten students were on board at the time of the crash. White County EMS evaluated four students who reported minor injuries. All four were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville and were accompanied by school system administrators.
According to preliminary information from Georgia State Patrol Public Information Officer Courtney Lund, the crash occurred around 6:56 a.m. as a 2022 Blue Bird school bus operated by the White County Board of Education was traveling west on Ga. 115. The driver, identified as Henri Romane Kinson, 73, of Sautee Nacoochee, attempted to make a left turn onto Shoal Creek Church Road, misjudged the turn and traveled off the south shoulder of the roadway, striking a ditch with the front end of the bus.
Kinson was cited for a lane violation, Lund said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all involved,” White County Superintendent of Schools Jonathan Stribling told Now Georgia.
Stribling said the students were all “middle and high school-aged.” He added that the bus was on its morning route and parents were notified of the accident after it happened.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as new information is released.
More than 35,000 voters cast their ballots on the first day of early voting ahead of the May 19 primary.
ATLANTA — Georgia election officials reported a record turnout on the first day of early voting for the state’s 2026 primary, with more than 35,000 voters casting ballots in person.
According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, 35,352 Georgians voted in person on the opening day of early voting. That marks a 29% increase compared to the first day of early voting in the 2022 primary, when 27,298 ballots were cast. In 2018, the first day total was 9,266.
“This record-breaking turnout is proof that Georgians trust our election process,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “My office is in constant coordination with county election officials to ensure early voting continues to run smoothly.”
In addition to in-person voting, officials said 1,732 absentee ballots have been accepted so far.
Voters can find early voting locations, hours and additional election information through the state’s My Voter Page.
1,539 early voters cast ballot in Muscogee County Monday April 27, 2026 (Robbie Watson/NowGeorgia.com)
More than 1,500 voters cast their ballot on the first day of early voting in Muscogee County according to the office of Elections and Registration. Wanda Jenkins told Now Georgia she was in line early to “beat the crowds and to make sure that I got it done so nothing else would get in the way of that.”
Jenkins said she was focused on ballot questions and key races. “Some of the city referendums like the data center and getting the citizens input on that, the mayor’s race of course and the city council seats,” she said. Non-binding County Democratic Party questions include “Prior to placing a Data center in Muscogee County, should this be a question on the ballot for voters to decide?”
Tony Phillips cast his ballot first thing Monday morning at the Shirley Winston Recreation Center in Columbus. Phillips said “a voteless people is a hopeless people. If you don’t get out there and vote there’s no hope.” Like others, Phillips was there to vote in key state and local races. “I think the governor and the senate race and the race for mayor were probably the most important ones I was thinking about today you know because that guy what’s his name Jackson that’s an idiot. I’m sorry I’m just being blunt. So, the governor’s race is really important. All the positions are important, but those particular ones are the ones that were more catching.”
Early voting continues from 7am to 7pm at three locations-City Services Center, Northside Rec Center, and the Shirley Winston Rec Center until May 15, 2026. Election day is May 19, 2026.
On April 27, 2026, after consideration of the drought severity and the water resource impacts, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) declared a state-wide Drought Response Level 1 for public water systems using surface water and/or groundwater.
EPD has been closely monitoring drought conditions in Georgia for months, and on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, EPD held conference calls with public water systems to discuss current water supply and EPD’s consideration of issuing a Level 1 drought response. Following the conference calls, the public water systems had three days to submit any additional feedback before EPD could proceed with a drought response declaration.
As a result of the Level 1 Drought Response, public water systems must implement a public information campaign including, at a minimum, notice regarding drought conditions and drought-specific announcements in one or more of the following ways: newspaper or online ads, bill inserts, social media, and notices in public libraries. This public information campaign is designed to help citizens better understand drought, its impact on water supplies, and the need for water conservation.
Outdoor water use between the hours of 4 PM and 10 A.M. is still allowable and unaffected by a Drought Response Level 1. Public water systems may not impose restrictions on outdoor watering that are different from state requirements unless they obtain a variance from EPD.
As required by state law and rules, EPD determines whether specific environmental conditions warrant a drought response declaration based upon the severity of drought conditions and the impacts to water supply. One tool used to monitor and inform drought conditions is the U.S. Drought Monitor, issued weekly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Factors that may potentially impact water supply include precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, reservoir levels, short-term climate predictions, and soil moisture. EPD monitors and produces reports on these conditions on a regular basis. These reports are published on the EPD website, along with information regarding drought indicators, current variances, and EPD actions regarding drought: https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/drought-management. More information on water conservation is available at https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation.
Anne Purcell listens during a University of North Georgia event in Dahlonega on April 17, 2026, where she was announced as the recipient of an honorary degree. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Seventy-seven years after first enrolling in college, Anne Purcell is finally receiving her degree.
The University of North Georgia will award an honorary bachelor’s degree to the 93-year-old Clarkesville resident in May, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, service and sacrifice.
UNG President Michael Shannon announced the honor April 17 during the university’s annual Gathering of Generals. The event took place on the Dahlonega campus, where Purcell met her late husband, Ben Purcell, in 1950.
Purcell will receive an honorary Bachelor of Business Administration during the Mike Cottrell College of Business commencement ceremony on May 14. The degree was approved unanimously in January by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.
University of North Georgia President Michael Shannon speaks during the Gathering of Generals on April 17, 2026, in Dahlonega, where he announced an honorary degree for Anne Purcell. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
“Today, we honor Anne Purcell not simply for what she endured, but for how she lived,” Shannon said. “She lived with strength, grace and unwavering commitment to her family, her faith, her husband and her country.”
Love and duty
Purcell began her studies at North Georgia College in 1949 but left before completing her degree to marry into military life.
Over the next three decades, the Purcells faced repeated separations, first during the Korean War and later during Ben Purcell’s five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Not knowing if she was a wife or a widow, Anne raised their five children on her own.
“There were, in truth, two battlefields,” Shannon said. “One a prison camp in Vietnam. The other was at home.”
Purcell became a founding member of the Columbus, Georgia, chapter of the National League of Families, advocating for the humane treatment and the release of American prisoners of war. She organized awareness campaigns and worked to keep their stories in the public eye.
In 1969, she traveled with other military spouses to the Paris peace talks to confront Vietnamese representatives about the mistreatment of POWs. She balanced that advocacy with raising her children, teaching preschool and volunteering in ministry at Southside Baptist Church in Columbus.
Col. Ben and Anne Purcell hug for the first time in nearly six years during his POW Homecoming in Augusta, GA, on March 30, 1973.
After his release in 1973, Col. Purcell returned home and resumed his military career. Seven years later, it came full circle in Dahlonega, where he served as commandant of cadets and professor of military science at North Georgia College, now UNG.
University leaders said Anne Purcell’s role at home made that service possible.
After retirement, the couple operated a Christmas tree farm in Habersham County, and Anne returned to the classroom as a paraprofessional at Clarkesville Elementary School. A dedicated church and community member, she devoted countless hours to serving others through missions and local charities, including Sharing and Caring, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals on Wheels.
In 1993, the Purcells co-authored Love & Duty, a book about their Vietnam experience. That same year, Ben was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives and Anne embraced the role of a legislator’s wife. Upon his exit from politics, the Purcells spent their remaining years traveling the world, sharing their story of resilience and faith with civilian and military audiences.
The honorary degree recognizes those contributions.
Newest graduate
At Shannon’s request, a faculty committee representing all UNG campuses reviewed Purcell’s academic record and lifetime achievements. The review was led by Rachel Clapp-Smith and received unanimous support.
“As an author, advocate, coordinator, leader, volunteer and family business owner, Mrs. Purcell has demonstrated the very skills associated with a business degree,” Shannon said, citing her work in leadership, financial stewardship and organizational management.
He said the recognition reflects the university’s mission to develop leaders of character.
Cadets with the University of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Rifles drill team march during the Gathering of Generals on April 17, 2026, in Dahlonega. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
“You remind us that leadership is not confined to position, that courage is not always seen, and that the most powerful force in the world is not authority, but love sustained by duty,” Shannon said.
Members of the Purcell family attended the announcement, including her oldest son, David Purcell, a United States Military Academy graduate and former U.S. Army officer. Also present were her daughters: Debbie Purcell, a retired social worker; Sherri Purcell, a retired Fieldale employee; and Joy Purcell, owner and publisher of Now Georgia.
Shannon said the university will formally confer the degree during commencement, inviting Purcell back to campus for the ceremony.
“It is my privilege to now recommend to you and to offer to you the newest graduate of the University of North Georgia,” he said.
Anne Purcell listens during a University of North Georgia event in Dahlonega on April 17, 2026, where she was announced as the recipient of an honorary degree. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The widow of a former Fort Benning soldier and POW is being honored for a lifetime of service in Georgia. Seventy-seven years after first enrolling in college, Anne Purcell is finally receiving her degree.
The University of North Georgia will award an honorary bachelor’s degree to the 93-year-old Clarkesville resident in May, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, service and sacrifice.
UNG President Michael Shannon announced the honor April 17 during the university’s annual Gathering of Generals. The event took place on the Dahlonega campus, where Purcell met her late husband, Ben Purcell, in 1950.
Purcell will receive an honorary Bachelor of Business Administration during the Mike Cottrell College of Business commencement ceremony on May 14. The degree was approved unanimously in January by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.
University of North Georgia President Michael Shannon speaks during the Gathering of Generals on April 17, 2026, in Dahlonega, where he announced an honorary degree for Anne Purcell. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
“Today, we honor Anne Purcell not simply for what she endured, but for how she lived,” Shannon said. “She lived with strength, grace and unwavering commitment to her family, her faith, her husband and her country.”
Love and duty
Purcell began her studies at North Georgia College in 1949 but left before completing her degree to marry into military life.
Over the next three decades, the Purcells faced repeated separations, first during the Korean War and later during Ben Purcell’s five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Not knowing if she was a wife or a widow, Anne raised their five children on her own.
“There were, in truth, two battlefields,” Shannon said. “One a prison camp in Vietnam. The other was at home.”
Purcell became a founding member of the Columbus, Georgia, chapter of the National League of Families, advocating for the humane treatment and the release of American prisoners of war. She organized awareness campaigns and worked to keep their stories in the public eye.
In 1969, she traveled with other military spouses to the Paris peace talks to confront Vietnamese representatives about the mistreatment of POWs. She balanced that advocacy with raising her children, teaching preschool and volunteering in ministry at Southside Baptist Church in Columbus.
Col. Ben and Anne Purcell hug for the first time in nearly six years during his POW Homecoming in Augusta, GA, on March 30, 1973.
After his release in 1973, Col. Purcell returned home and resumed his military career. Seven years later, it came full circle in Dahlonega, where he served as commandant of cadets and professor of military science at North Georgia College, now UNG.
University leaders said Anne Purcell’s role at home made that service possible.
After retirement, the couple operated a Christmas tree farm in Habersham County, and Anne returned to the classroom as a paraprofessional at Clarkesville Elementary School. A dedicated church and community member, she devoted countless hours to serving others through missions and local charities, including Sharing and Caring, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals on Wheels.
In 1993, the Purcells co-authored Love & Duty, a book about their Vietnam experience. That same year, Ben was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives and Anne embraced the role of a legislator’s wife. Upon his exit from politics, the Purcells spent their remaining years traveling the world, sharing their story of resilience and faith with civilian and military audiences.
The honorary degree recognizes those contributions.
Newest graduate
At Shannon’s request, a faculty committee representing all UNG campuses reviewed Purcell’s academic record and lifetime achievements. The review was led by Rachel Clapp-Smith and received unanimous support.
“As an author, advocate, coordinator, leader, volunteer and family business owner, Mrs. Purcell has demonstrated the very skills associated with a business degree,” Shannon said, citing her work in leadership, financial stewardship and organizational management.
He said the recognition reflects the university’s mission to develop leaders of character.
Cadets with the University of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Rifles drill team march during the Gathering of Generals on April 17, 2026, in Dahlonega. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)
“You remind us that leadership is not confined to position, that courage is not always seen, and that the most powerful force in the world is not authority, but love sustained by duty,” Shannon said.
Members of the Purcell family attended the announcement, including her oldest son, David Purcell, a United States Military Academy graduate and former U.S. Army officer. Also present were her daughters: Debbie Purcell, a retired social worker; Sherri Purcell, a retired Fieldale employee; and Joy Purcell, owner and publisher of Now Georgia.
Shannon said the university will formally confer the degree during commencement, inviting Purcell back to campus for the ceremony.
“It is my privilege to now recommend to you and to offer to you the newest graduate of the University of North Georgia,” he said.
Chance Parker leads law enforcement on high-speed chase across state lines (Muscogee County Sheriff's Office)
A high-speed chase that crossed state lines ended with the arrest of a local fugitive wanted for stalking according to Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.
On April 27, 2026, Deputies with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Services Bureau observed a white Toyota Rav4 operated by wanted fugitive Chance Parker. Parker was being sought by the MCSO for Felony Aggravated Stalking. A traffic stop was initiated, but Parker refused to comply. The pursuit was terminated by the pursuing Deputies after Parker showed absolutely no regard for public safety.
A short time later, Parker was observed operating the same vehicle and immediately fled once he observed Deputies approaching his location. Parker continued to flee at a high rate of speed into Alabama, where our agency’s pursuit was once again terminated. However, the Phenix City Police Department was able to locate Parker, and he fled in his vehicle from them as well.
Parker was pursued by PCPD back into Muscogee County, where the pursuit was once again terminated when Parker began to operate his vehicle at an extremely high rate of speed on the wrong side of the highway with absolutely no regard for public safety.
The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office then involved our Collaborative Intelligence Group, who located the suspect immediately in a parking lot at the intersection of Macon Rd. and University Ave., where he was arrested without further incident.
Chance Parker was transported to the Muscogee County Jail, where he was charged with the following:
-Felony Aggravated Stalking
-Felony Fleeing to Elude – 2 Counts
-Driving Off-Roadway – 6 Counts
-Improper Passing – 6 Counts
-Failure To Signal – 6 Counts
-Speeding in Excess of 100 mph
-Reckless Driving – 2 Counts
-Driving On the Wrong Side of the Highway
-Driving On a Gore or Median
-Too Fast for Conditions
-Driving On a Gore or An Emergency Lane
-Failure To Obey a Traffic Control Device
Chance Parker also had an additional Hold for Alabama for Fleeing from Law Enforcement Officials in their state. Parker is scheduled to appear in Municipal Court on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. This case remains under investigation.
