Cornelia woman killed in structure fire

News
Cornelia woman fire

ATLANTA – The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a Habersham County woman was found dead in a structure fire around 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19. The fire occurred at 1689 Heads Ferry Road in Cornelia.

When Habersham County officials arrived at the scene, the 22-year-old, 4,367-square-foot home had been enveloped in flames. Eyewitnesses say that the fire started on the home’s main level. The deceased woman, 64, was renting the residence and her body was found in the fire debris of the basement area. Upon further investigation, Habersham County officials discovered that she had been in a second-floor bedroom at the time of the fire.

“We are thankful for the bravery and hard work shown by Habersham County officials in this case,” said Commissioner King. “Because the home was on a hill side, the Habersham County Fire Department had to hand pull their lines to extinguish the fire.”

The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is withholding the victim’s name at this time. Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit will continue assisting the Habersham County Fire Department and Habersham County Sheriff’s Office in this case. All authorities ask for prayers for the victim’s loved ones.

This death marks the 66th fire fatality in Georgia in 2020.

North Georgia Technical College President dies of COVID-19

Community, News
North Georgia Technical College

CLARKESVILLE, Ga – On September 13 at 8:17 a.m., North Georgia Technical College announced on social media that its President Dr. Mark Ivester passed away from COVID-19 on September 12, 2020.

Ivester, 57, battled the virus for several weeks before passing away late Saturday evening in a Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, Ga. The Acree-Davis Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements. Anyone wishing to send condolences or flowers can do so on the funeral home’s website.

Ivester dedicated his life to the technical college for almost 20 years. He became president of North Georgia Technical College in 2016. Previously, he served as the vice president of economic development. Additionally, Ivester earned a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Brenau University, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Condolences are pouring in from the community and across the state either on social media or the Acree-Davis Funeral Home condolence wall. One individual wrote:

“Had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Ivester working at NGTC and he was always so sweet and had a vibrant smile upon his face. Prayers for the family, friends, and colleagues during this time. Sorry for the loss.”

North Georgia Technical College has not released details about an interim president or memorial services at this time. The technical college has campuses in Clarkesville, Blairsville, and Toccoa.

Ivester is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and their children.

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