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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.
Small cities deal with drivers coming in at high speeds

Small cities deal with drivers coming in at high speeds

Cities refute 'speed trap' report data

   As local drivers took to the roads this week for the official beginning to the holiday season, they had to watch their speedometer closely as they headed to grandmother’s house.
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.
Southern Tours & Charles Ernst/ Wineries have their own distinct style and wines to enjoy, and wine tours help guests experience multiple venues.

Southern Tours & Charles Ernst/ Wineries have their own distinct style and wines to enjoy, and wine tours help guests experience multiple venues.

MOUNTAIN TRAVELER: All aboard a wine tour

White County is in the heart of North Georgia wine country, and with plenty of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms, many visitors are turning to wine tours for a leisurely way to experience the area.
The Ritz Theatre's marquee lights up Doyle Street in downtown Toccoa

The Ritz Theatre's marquee lights up Doyle Street in downtown Toccoa

MOUNTAIN TRAVELER: Puttin' on the Ritz

Season 3 of the Night at the Ritz series will continue through May 2020, at Toccoa’s restored and historic Ritz Theatre.
Stephanie Hill/ The Folk Pottery Museum also houses a featured exhibit that changes twice a year. Shown is an exhibit from Dave Drake, an enslaved African-American master potter and poet from the 1800s.

Stephanie Hill/ The Folk Pottery Museum also houses a featured exhibit that changes twice a year. Shown is an exhibit from Dave Drake, an enslaved African-American master potter and poet from the 1800s.

MOUNTAIN TRAVELER: Pieces of the past

Pottery can tell a story, and the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is home to many tales. Located on the campus of the Sautee Nacoochee Center (SNC), the museum was built in 2006, and was a gift to the community from Kay and Dean Swanson, said Patrick Brennan, SNC executive director.