News

Why Every Small Business Needs a Data Governance Strategy

Data governance sounds like something reserved for large corporations with dedicated compliance teams. Yet for small businesses, managing data properly is just as critical. Without a clear system, risks compound: compliance penalties, customer mistrust, and inefficient operations. On the flip side, well-governed data builds trust, improves decision-making, and enables growth.    Securing Documents and Agreements with Digital Verification One practical entry point for small businesses is document

Hart County 4-H Pecan Sale

  It’s pecan season, and Hart County 4-H is once again holding their annual Pecan Sale! Fresh, shelled, and halved pecans are available for just $13 per pound—perfect for holiday baking, gift giving, or simply enjoying as a healthy snack. Orders are due by Friday, October 31, and pick-up will be on Wednesday, November 19 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Hart County 4-H Office. To place your order, stop by the 4-H office or mail a check to: Hart County 4-H 200 Arthur Street Hartwell, GA 30643 For more

Youth Basketball Registration NOW OPEN

  Youth Basketball Sign-Ups Open in Hart County The Hart County Recreation Department is gearing up for another exciting season of youth basketball! Registration is open October 1 through October 31 for boys and girls teams, ages 7–12. Don’t miss the chance for your child to learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy the fun of the game. For more information, contact Jim at the Hart County Recreation and Parks Department at 706-376-8528. Registration is available online at

Teen iPhone Photography Class/Contest

Legacy Boutique and Beyond Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

On Saturday, September 20th, the community gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Legacy Boutique and Beyond, owned by Tiffany Ballard. What started as a small dream has now grown into a powerhouse of style, serving both local shoppers and online customers with clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more. Guests at the ribbon cutting were greeted with delicious goodies and samples of the boutique’s popular skinny drink mixes. The celebration also included special giveaways, including a

Fishing University to Film on Lake Hartwell, Showcasing Hartwell to a National Audience

Hartwell, GA – Lake Hartwell is set to shine on national television as Fishing University, hosted by Charlie Ingram and Ben Ballou, comes to town this weekend to film an upcoming episode of their popular fishing program on the Outdoor Channel. The nationally recognized show, now in its 38th season, travels across the country to highlight top fishing destinations while sharing expert tips, local flavor, and the unique stories of the communities they visit. By choosing Hartwell, the producers are

Backstreet BBQ Earns Third Consecutive Nomination for “Best BBQ in Georgia''

Backstreet BBQ Earns Third Consecutive Nomination for “Best BBQ in Georgia” Hartwell, GA — Backstreet BBQ is honored to announce that we’ve been nominated once again for “Best BBQ in Georgia” by Georgia Business Journal for 2025. We have proudly held this title for the past two years, and we’re fired up to keep it for a third! This nomination is especially meaningful as we celebrate 25 years of serving up our signature slow-smoked meats, house-made sauces, and true Southern hospitality. Since opening our

No Budget, No Problem: How to Build a Marketing Plan That Still Hits

You don’t need deep pockets to build digital traction — just a clear plan and sharp execution. The myth that effective marketing requires big ad spend dies hard, but the truth is more nuanced. Strategic constraints can actually lead to better targeting, tighter messaging, and more creative traction. If you’re a solo founder, a scrappy team, or a local brand trying to scale smart, you’ve got leverage — but only if you focus your time and dollars where they move the needle. This isn’t about playing small;