Local

Elbert County Graphic

Elbert County Graphic

Hulme sheds light on upcoming FLOST measure

In the upcoming election, Elbert County voters will have the opportunity to decide on enacting a new one-percent sales tax, titled "Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST)," for the sole purpose of reducing property taxes within the county.
Elbert County freshman Alexa Vargas (10) hits the ball over the net during a match against Rabun County on Sept. 16. (Photo by Bo Underwood).

Elbert County freshman Alexa Vargas (10) hits the ball over the net during a match against Rabun County on Sept. 16. (Photo by Bo Underwood).

Elbert County volleyball aiming to rebound before playoffs

It’s getting to be crunch time for the Elbert County volleyball team, as the Lady Devils have just two matches remaining before area playoffs begin next Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Elbert County catcher Ky Dubose slides into home plate in Elbert County’s 8-4 win over Commerce on Sept. 18. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Elbert County catcher Ky Dubose slides into home plate in Elbert County’s 8-4 win over Commerce on Sept. 18. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Elbert softball still rolling ahead of Banks showdown

Elbert County softball continues to take care of business, extending their winning streak to seven games to improve to 19-3 on the season. The Lady Devils only have one loss in the month of September and are 9-0 in region play.
Cornerback Runt Mattox makes a tackle in Elbert County’s 27-0 win over Oglethorpe County on Sept. 19. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Cornerback Runt Mattox makes a tackle in Elbert County’s 27-0 win over Oglethorpe County on Sept. 19. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Elbert County football shuts out Oglethorpe for first win

Elbert County football started its region schedule with an emphatic 27-0 shutout of Oglethorpe County for the Blue Devils’ first win of 2025. “I think the story goes to the defense,” head coach Andy Dyer said. “Any time you throw a goose egg up, that’s a big deal.
Mayor Scott Harpold, John Beucler, Lera Ray, council member Henrietta Maxwell and city clerk Tiffany Verdell pose at the ribbon cutting for Bowman's new playground. (Photo by Mark Wells)

Mayor Scott Harpold, John Beucler, Lera Ray, council member Henrietta Maxwell and city clerk Tiffany Verdell pose at the ribbon cutting for Bowman's new playground. (Photo by Mark Wells)

Bowman gets playground thanks to 'generous' donation

The City of Bowman was recently the beneficiary of a donation from Bowman citizens John Beucler and Lera Ray, which allowed them to construct a new playground in the city park.
Jaslyn Huff (right) sports her homecoming queen crown alongside her father Jasper Huff (left) . (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Jaslyn Huff (right) sports her homecoming queen crown alongside her father Jasper Huff (left) . (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Elbert County crowns a queen on homecoming

Elbert County's newest queen is Jaslyn Huff after she was crowned homecoming queen during the halftime homecoming ceremony that took place during Elbert County's football game against Oglethorpe County in the Granite Bowl Sept. 19.
Robert "Buddy" Winborne is the new principal at Elbert County Comprehensive High School. (Photo courtesy of ECCHS)

Robert "Buddy" Winborne is the new principal at Elbert County Comprehensive High School. (Photo courtesy of ECCHS)

New Elbert County Comprehensive High School principal Buddy Winborne looks to connect with students

Inside Elbert County Comprehensive High School principal Buddy Winborne’s office, there are a series of poster sheets with colorful sticky notes peppered all over. The sheets pose questions like “What is the current culture of the school?”
A host of Blue Devils brings down the ballcarrier in Elbert’s 24-17 loss to Lincoln on Sept. 12. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

A host of Blue Devils brings down the ballcarrier in Elbert’s 24-17 loss to Lincoln on Sept. 12. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Blue Devils’ late push falls short against Lincoln County

Friday night saw another hard-fought slugfest in the Granite Bowl, with Lincoln County outlasting Elbert County 24-17. The Blue Devils’ defense battled hard all night and consistently stifled a Red Devil offense that had averaged 46.5 points per game in its last two contests.
Bryleigh Dickerson hits her second of two home runs during Elbert County’s 15-0 win over Oglethorpe. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Bryleigh Dickerson hits her second of two home runs during Elbert County’s 15-0 win over Oglethorpe. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Offensive outbursts continue for Lady Devils softball team

Elbert County softball had another prolific week on the diamond, rebounding from a loss to Prince Avenue last Monday to rip off five straight wins and a combined 58 runs in that stretch. “We’ve been swinging it well all year, so I mean that’s just our girls,” head coach Bryce Bowen said.
Cadence Noggle (13) rises up for a block in Elbert’s match against Banks County on Sept. 11. (Photo by Bo  Underwood)

Cadence Noggle (13) rises up for a block in Elbert’s match against Banks County on Sept. 11. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Elbert County volleyball ramps up region play

The final stretch of the regular season is on the horizon for Elbert County volleyball, who are currently 15-10 and sixth in 1A Area 8 with a 3-3 record in area play. The Lady Devils went 1-3 in their four matches last week and 1-1 this Tuesday.