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Soon-to-be U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler is introduced by Gov. Brian Kemp at a press conference Wednesday announcing her appointment to Congress for one year. Photo courtesy of Gov. Brian Kemp's office.

Soon-to-be U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler is introduced by Gov. Brian Kemp at a press conference Wednesday announcing her appointment to Congress for one year. Photo courtesy of Gov. Brian Kemp's office.

Loeffler tapped over Collins as new Georgia Senator

Gov. Brian Kemp went against President Trump’s recommendation Wednesday when he selected businesswoman Kelly Loeffler over U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Gainesville) to fill the U.S. Senate seat left by the retiring Johnny Isakson.
Chaz Parks jumped into married life alongside his team of groomsmen at Yonah Mountain Vineyards. THE TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHER

Chaz Parks jumped into married life alongside his team of groomsmen at Yonah Mountain Vineyards. THE TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHER

UNWIND: Finding a happily ever after among the vines

Our local wineries go out of their way to prevent Bridezilla meltdowns. They start with picture-perfect views of rolling hills crosshatched with vines that lend a spirit of symmetrical harmony to the scene, along with a liberal pouring policy with their homegrown libations.
Matt Aiken/ Tantrum Brewery

Matt Aiken/ Tantrum Brewery

UNWIND: Brew Gurus. Business is hopping at Tantrum

Ross Crumpton just couldn’t bring himself to sign on the dotted line. It was 2016 and the White County native was about to start a life in Oklahoma with a longterm career in natural gas power generation.  There was only one problem. “I absolutely hated it,” he said.
Moonrise DIstillery owner Doug Nassaur shows some of the many bourbon-related products offered for sale at the Clayton distillery.

Moonrise DIstillery owner Doug Nassaur shows some of the many bourbon-related products offered for sale at the Clayton distillery.

UNWIND: Man and the moonrise

A small, family-operated craft distillery in Rabun County is poised to make a big splash in the world of artisanal whiskey. Moonrise Distillery is not just another company seeking to cash in on the growing craft distillery business in Georgia.
Deer TB Graphic

Deer TB Graphic

Be wary of TB in deer

Earlier this month and in the thick of deer season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that deer “can transmit certain strains of tuberculosis to hunters.”  The danger comes during the field-dressing process.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Elizabeth Harper is now cancer free after being diagnosed in December 2018. She said that it was detected in its early stages and strongly encourages women to get routine mammograms.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Elizabeth Harper is now cancer free after being diagnosed in December 2018. She said that it was detected in its early stages and strongly encourages women to get routine mammograms.

Early detection is vital, cancer survivor says

Just because you can’t see or feel something, doesn’t mean it’s not there and Elizabeth Harper learned this first-hand when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last December at age 59. “When they found my cancer, it was very small and in the beginning stages,” Harper said.
Wayne Knuckles/ The views from Rabun Bald are said to stretch for more than 100 miles when conditions are favorable.

Wayne Knuckles/ The views from Rabun Bald are said to stretch for more than 100 miles when conditions are favorable.

Mountain Traveler: Be Impressed by Rabun Bald

According to Native American legend, Rabun Bald is inhabited by fire-breathing demon people, and some campers still report hearing strange sounds at night. But the spectacular views from the summit stretching more than 100 miles on a clear day are no myth.
The Lake House Tavern burns Saturday morning on Rock Springs Road.

The Lake House Tavern burns Saturday morning on Rock Springs Road.

Lake House Tavern lost to fire

By Michael Hall The Hartwell Sun A second Hart County restaurant in less than a month was lost to a fire Saturday morning. The Hart County Fire Department responded at around 10 a.m. Saturday to The Lake House Tavern on Rock Springs Road.
James Colby Chastain

James Colby Chastain

Elusive Vanna arson suspect arrested in Columbia, S.C.

Authorities captured a Vanna man Aug. 13 who was wanted for arson. James Colby Chastain, 25, of Vanna, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Columbia, S.C., according Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland. “We don’t know how he wound up in South Carolina,” Cleveland said.