It is official.

The Stephens County Board of Education formally raised the millage rate to 18.4 mills in a called meeting Friday morning. After three public meetings in which only seven people came to comment on the proposal, the BOE voted unanimously to make the change.

The 10% increase was necessary after rising fuel costs and a reduction in property taxes for certain citizens cut the board’s budget by over $600,000, explained Board chair, Jerry Steele.

"Unfortunately, it’s a necessary evil that we have to do," he said. "The way the school board is, our hands are a little more tied than the city or the county because we have so many state mandates that we have to meet and things we have to provide. Our constitution says we will provide a free and public education.

Steele also pointed out that state budget cuts have been difficult on local finances.

"If we could get more help from our governor to give us back some of the money he’s taken away from us. He has taken about $5 million in the last 5 years and that hurts. If we had that back we wouldn’t have to raise any taxes," he said.

The new tax rate is set to be included in the tax notices scheduled to go out mid-September.

At 4 p.m. this afternoon, the County Commission will convene to set their millage.

Earlier this month, County Finance Director Phyllis Ayers recommended the county keep the millage at 9.75 mils. A public hearing will take place before the County Commission votes.

County commissioners have changed their minds again as to when they plan to pass a resolution for SPLOST V.

At this week’s called meeting Tuesday, commissioners had planned to pass the resolution next Tuesday. Then a notice was sent out they would pass the resolution this afternoon.

Late yesterday, another notice was sent out that the SPLOST V resolution would be considered next Tuesday after all.

Commission Chair Kenneth Peeples said an ongoing court case prevented County Attorney Brian Ranck from being there.

Commissioners will now meet Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. to pass the SPLOST V resolution.

According to County registrar Theresa Kelley, the county has until September 6 to get their final resolution into the State Justice Department for approval if they want it on the November ballot.

Three of the county’s volunteer fire departments responded to a barn fire about 4am this morning.

Reports indicated that the barn, located on Highway 184 at Gully Road, was full of hay and had been burning for some time before firemen were called out.

The Tate’s Creek, New Hope and Carnes Creek VFDs were called out to the scene and kept it under control for about one hour.

Firemen reported that the fire will have to burn itself out and could be visible for some time this morning.

There were no reports of any injuries.

It is one of the biggest drug busts in recent history in Lavonia.

On Wednesday, police arrested two men and charged with them with selling crack cocaine in the spring view heights area of town.

Lavonia Police Chief Randy Shirley said one of his officers was on routine patrol when he pulled a vehicle over for a routine traffic violation.

"After stopping the individual, he asked him for consent to search the vehicle and he agreed. The officer immediately called for the Franklin County Sheriff's drug K-9 and the Piedmont Northern MANS Unit, and they recovered 65 pieces of crack cocaine that was in a plastic container," Chief Shirley said.

Arrested was 25-year old Kenyta Green of Lavonia and 19-year old Javier R. Crump of Commerce. Both are charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute.

Spring View Heights is a high crime area in Lavonia according to Chief Shirley, and this is the one of the largest drug busts they’ve had in that neighborhood in recent months.

"For us this is a substantial amount of crack cocaine - 65 pieces with a street value of approximately $2,000. We just have not made this kind of arrest in quite some time. Our drug arrests have been on a downward trend so we were glad to get these two arrested and these drugs off the street," he said.

The arrests happened in front of the city gym where Chief Shirley said a large crowd of people had congregated. That gym remains closed after a fight broke out there earlier this summer.

Two more cases of shoplifting at major retailers in the area.

In the first, a Toccoa woman lost her job at Belk’s Department Store after she allegedly admitted to giving away the store.

It happened Tuesday.

Belk’s store security officer called police when he said he saw an employee allowing customers to leave the store with merchandise they did not pay for.

The officer said he confronted the employee who, he said, admitted she had given her friends over $700 in store merchandise.

Toccoa police arrested Louann Burtch of valley road in Toccoa and charged her with theft by shoplifting.

And Toccoa Police are looking for a man who walked out of the super Wal-Mart with a $798-dollar computer without paying for it.

Store security captured the incident on security cameras. Photos show a white male leaving the store with the computer and getting into his vehicle. The photos were turned over to Toccoa detectives.

Toccoa City Commissioners approved a new automated fluoride delivery system for the water treatment plant.

At this week’s regular meeting, bids from two companies were opened for the purchase and installation of the system.

The federal government requires that fluoride be added to the finished water before its distribution to customers.

Currently, water treatment plant operators must wheel over 55-gallon barrels to the up-take system, making it labor intensive and dangerous, according to Water/Wastewater Director Don Dye.

"This new system is an automated day use system. We go from a bulk tank into a day use tank to make sure that there is no over dosing and that it is easily applied. It fills up the silo maybe once every six weeks. This makes sure that we do not overdose fluoride. Some people have a concern about fluoride when it exceeds four parts per million. We never exceed two parts per million. In fact, we try to keep it at about .8 parts per million," explained Dye.

The new automated system was listed in the water master plan of 2002, which recommended the antiquated manual system be replaced with an automated bulk system. Dye said an automated system was also listed as one of the city’s SPLOST IV projects.

Commissioners are expected to approve the lowest bidder at their next meeting.

A national student exchange group is looking for local families to host foreign students.

Pacific Intercultural Exchange, a non-profit organization based in California, is looking for host families in the Northeast Georgia area.

According to John Doty, PIE’s Executive Director, the students come from 40 countries, including the Soviet Union and Middle Eastern countries,

They stay with families for either a school semester or a full academic year. To be included in the program, Doty says a teenager must go through a rigorous application process.

"We are assessing their motivation, their maturity, and their English level. Of course, they have to come from families’ that are able to send their children abroad for a year. By the time we get the applications, we know a lot about the students, he said."

Families who host the students provide room and board, as well as hospitality and fun. Doty says it’s the intangible rewards that students appreciate the most.

"What they really like is the feeling of fitting in to an American family and being treated as a family member," he said. "And of course, they enjoy participating in all the extra-curricular activities that go on in a typical American high school."

Toccoa Police responded to a report of a theft at Badcock Home Furnishings on South Big A Road. A matching recliner chair, recliner sofa and love seat were taken from the outside of the back of the building. The furniture items were valued at about $1000.

Police investigated another theft of some copper pipe. The pipe and a heat pump and several doors were taken from a residence while the victim was in the hospital. The theft, at a residence on W. Tugalo Street, netted thieves some $4250 in material.

An employee of Morgan Concrete on Locust Street told officers that he found one of the company’s tool boxes off an embankment back behind the business. The scene was processed at the investigation is continuing.

In Oconee County, Duke Energy has lowered the electric generation production of unit two at Oconee Nuclear Station. 

Spokeswoman Sandra Magee says a vibration on a pump was discovered, and the company decided to reduce unit two to 73 percent generation for the next couple of days. 

Crews are working to resolve the pump problem.

Magee says units one and three are at full capacity, during what locals complain is one of the warmest periods the area has experienced in several years.

Toccoa City residents do not have to worry about paying more property tax this year. This week, city commissioners voted to roll back the millage rate to 7.19 mils. With the recent property re-assessment, property values have risen over the past year.

According to City Finance Director Emory Stephens, the decision to lower the millage was to avoid having to raise property taxes.

"If we do have a tax increase then we have to advertise it, we have to say how much, we have to hold three public hearings, and we have to jump through a bunch of hoops. However, if we set millage so it brings in the same tax as it did last year, it makes life a lot easier for everyone and it sounds better too, politically" Stephens said.

Still, the roll back is not all good news for new residents moving into the city. According to Stephens, the City still expects to see a 4.51% growth rate over last year, which is expected to bring in another $61,000 more than last year in property tax revenue.

"If there’s an existing house that was there last year, we don’t want to collect any more tax than we did last year, but if somebody builds a new house and we didn’t collect tax on it last year, we can collect tax on it this year. So that brings in more revenue, but there’s not tax increase," he explained.

Stephens said the City hopes to get the tax bills out by the end of September. The County plans to set their millage rate Friday afternoon in a called meeting.

One more person signed up to run for one of the city commission seats. Wednesday, real estate agent Janice English qualified for the Post 1 seat being vacated by Commissioner Ferrell Morgan.

She is the second person to qualify for the Post 1 seat. On Tuesday, Charles White also qualified for Post One.

Besides English and White, incumbent Commissioner and current Mayor David Austin has qualified for the Post 2 seat. In addition, incumbent commissioner Bob Troup qualified Monday for the Post 4 seat.

Gleason tells WNEG that a number of people have called or stopped by her office expressing interest in running. Both Inger Neal and Elliott Caudell have indicated they intend to run, but so far, neither has qualified.

Qualifying for Posts 1, 2, and 4 began Monday morning at the Toccoa City Clerk’s office and ends Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

Qualifying for the Post 5 seat, being vacated by Commissioner Billy Chism, takes place next month.

Meantime, qualifying for two city council seats in the City of Martin is also underway. So far, current mayor Don Foster has qualified for re-election and Harold Alexander has qualified for one of two city council seats. Anyone wishing to run in the Martin races may sign up at the Martin Community Center.

The search for a new Assistant District Attorney for Stephens County is on and an announcement on a replacement for Rick Bridgeman is expected soon.

"I think it’s going very well," noted Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Mike Crawford. "I’ve interviewed two or three people and I’ve got on in particular that’s interested. I can’t release her name, but I think she would do a good job if she decides to take it. If she does, she will start around the first of October. So, hopefully I’m going to be able to fill that spot fairly quickly," he concluded.

Last week, Governor Sonny Perdue announced Bridgeman’s appointment as the New District Attorney for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit in Jackson County.

"We’re certainly going to miss Rick. He’s done an excellent job for us and I think he’ll do a super job as the DA down in the Piedmont Circuit," Crawford said.

Bridgeman leaves Stephens County officially, on September first, leaving behind two major trials coming up next month and in October.

Next month, Judge James Cornwell will hear the trial of Roger Gary Jackson, who is accused in the shooting death of 39-year old Wayne Calvin Wilson, Jr. of Toccoa last December.

Then in October, Judge Ernest Woods III will hear the case of Van Allen Caffee who is charged with the July 2006 murder of 57-year old James Robert Lewis in Toccoa.

Crawford said Bridgeman might return to help try those cases.

"I don’t know we haven’t worked that out yet. That is a possibility but we have not discussed it yet. Nothing’s written in stone on that," he said.

Crawford said he hopes to make an announcement regarding the new ADA for Stephens County in the next two weeks.

Are you prepared for an emergency?

To help you get better prepared, the Department of Homeland Security announces that September is National Preparedness Month.

This month-long focus reminds citizens to take simple steps to be prepared for emergencies both in home and at work. During the next four weeks, Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of local, state, and federal organizations to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness.

Becky Wall, Director of Stephens County Emergency Management Agency said her agency is supporting the national agency by reminding citizens that one of the most important things families can do is make a plan which includes a designated meeting area and contact numbers for all family members.

"What we really try to teach folks is to be aware of what hazards may potentially affect the community in which you live," explained Wall. "What would do in that situation? Do you have a contact list set up of folks away from here where your family members could check in? Do you have an emergency supplies kit where you could sustain your family for the first 72 hours? We try to teach those things in emergency preparedness," she said.

In addition, the Department of Homeland Security urges citizens to create an emergency kit with basic items such as water, food, a battery-operated radio, and a flashlight.

Wall says the major threats to Stephens County now include wild fires and weather emergencies.

"Right now our biggest concern because of the drought is wildfires. There is a much larger potential for that now than what you would normally see if we had average rainfall. The overall type of planning we do is for flash flood, tornados, and winter storms," Wall said.

Authorities are reporting capers that are more copper. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Department says thieves struck three more places last week in search of copper. 

The Martin Volunteer Fire Department had copper wiring taken from the propane tank. In that instance, approximately 20-feet of wiring was taken. 

In a separate incident, a homeowner reported someone had taken copper wiring from his air conditioning unit. Almost $300 worth of wiring was removed from the DeFoor Road home.

Finally, another Toccoa homeowner told Sheriff’s deputies that someone had taken about 25-feet of power cable after flipping the switch on the power box.

Stephens County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy, Mike Crozier said earlier copper is a favorite item for thieves because it is in high demand. Crozier said as China becomes industrialized, legitimate copper mining operations cannot keep up with the demand; therefore, black market copper sells like gold.

Crozier calls the situation frustrating because identifying copper as stolen is difficult since it has no unique markings or serial numbers. Authorities are continuing to investigate all these latest incidents.

The numbers are in for this year’s labor day travel weekend and the Georgia Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol are predicting 1,897 traffic crashes, 995 injuries and 18 traffic deaths on Georgia roads during the 78-hour holiday period. 

Heavy traffic is expected throughout the weekend across the state as holiday vacation travel combines with holiday festivals and the start of the high school and college football seasons

The Labor Day holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m., Friday, August 31 and ends at midnight, Labor Day. 

Last year, there were 2,063 crashes, 1,018 injuries, and 22 deaths reported during a similar 78-hour period.

The highest number of traffic deaths recorded over the Labor Day holiday period was in 1968 when 35 traffic deaths occurred and the lowest was in 1939 and 1995 with seven fatalities.

According to Colonel Bill Hitchens with the Georgia State Patrol, the Labor Day holiday period is traditionally the end of the summer travel season, so traffic will be heavy.

It is also a time when law enforcement officers see an increase in the number of alcohol-impaired drivers on the roads.

Hitchens said troopers, motor carrier officers and capitol police officers will be out in full force during the heaviest travel times of the period in an effort to reduce the number of traffic crashes across the state. 

He reminds motorists who will be on the roads during the holiday period to plan their trips carefully by allowing ample time to reach their destination, plan for rest stops along the way.

Hitchens also said it’s important to obey the posted speed limit, don’t drive if you have consumed alcohol, and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained.

The City of Toccoa is taking steps to secure the safety and well being of its animals – particularly its dogs. This week, commissioners voted to approve tough new amendments to the current animal control ordinance.

The move comes after numerous complaints from citizens regarding animal neglect in their neighborhoods and the number of stray dogs on city streets.

Earlier this summer, City commissioners appointed a group of citizens to research the problems and make recommendations.

New amendments for adequate food, shelter, space and water for animals were outlined by city manager Billy Morse at Monday night’s meeting. They include:

Commissioner Bob Troup objected to the tethering amendment, but later agreed to it when it was explained the move applied to dogs kept tied up at all times with no access to water, food, and proper shelter. It does not apply to temporary tethering for short periods.

In a related move, the City of Toccoa also adopted the rules of the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Protection Division, which deals with the operation of animal shelters, kennels, pet dealers, and stables.

That move will allow the city to enforce state law with regard to humane treatment of animals, according to Morse.

Animal control officers will now have the authority to write citations to citizens in violation of the ordinance.

"We think the new rules and regulations will give the animal control officers the resources they need to do their job better. Right now, the ordinance is too loose and allows for too much discrepancy and interpretation. These amendments that have been proposed will clearly define what is a shelter; that you have to have adequate food, shelter, water, and space to roam," Morse noted.

Research committee representative Angie Garland praised the city and the commission’s work.

"The committee is delighted with what the City has come up with. There are a few things that will need to be reworded or explained a little better, but by adopting the Georgia Animal Protection Act, that is a start. We are just delighted and the City seems to be very very responsive. They want to enforce the rules so that we'll have better animal control in the City," Garland commented.

Garland said she hopes the county will adopt a similar ordinance. A second reading of the ordinance will take place at the next city commission meeting on September 10 before becoming law.

The City of Toccoa has accepted the county’s offer regarding how to split $24-million dollars in proposed special option local sales tax revenue. City manager Billy Morse says the move came yesterday afternoon.

"We have accepted their intergovernmental agreement, Exhibit A, and the mayor has signed the document. We are in the process of returning that document to the County. Now it's time to move forward with the SPLOST V and hopefully it will be approved (by the voters) and some good economic development projects will be in our future," Morse said.

Monday night, Toccoa voted to approve a SPLOST V revenue split based on more than $25-million dollars in anticipated revenue - $1.6 million more than the county is projecting.

However, Tuesday morning, County Commission Chair Kenneth Peeples said the county’s original offer outlined in what he called "Exhibit A," was fair.

"As one-third of this commission I am willing to go with Exhibit A, which was presented to the City Commission on the 23rd of August," Peeples said.

Under Exhibit A – which is based on $24-million dollars in SPLOST revenue - the county would receive 65% or $15.3 million, Toccoa would receive 35% or $8.4 million.

County Finance Director Phyllis Ayers said the city is overly optimistic about the amount of revenue that could be generated over the next six years from another SPLOST.

Ayers cited the past three SPLOSTS as the basis for her current projections and said in each case, revenues never exceeded more than 16-percent.

City Manager Billy Morse, and Commissioners Bob Troup and Ferrell Morgan attended Tuesday’s meeting. After some discussion and counter offers by the city, county commissioners voted to make "Exhibit A" their final offer to the City of Toccoa, citing time constraints.

According to County Registrar Theresa Kelley, the County has until September 6 to get their final resolution into the Georgia Department of Justice for approval if they want it on the November ballot.

Commissioners also voted to table passing a resolution for SPLOST V until Friday afternoon in a called meeting.

Georgia Department of Education says Georgia's 2007 high school seniors held their ground versus the nation on the Student Achievement Test (SAT).

The College Board' released its annual SAT report yesterday and also indicated that many of Georgia's minority students continue to score as well as -- or better -- than their peers.

About 69 % of Georgia's seniors took the SAT, the 13th highest participation rate in the nation.

In Stephens County, 148 high school seniors took the SAT’s in 2007, with an overall school score of 1387.

More than 26 percent of Georgia's SAT test-takers were African American, the highest participation of any state. Over 15,550 African American students took the SAT, up 6.6 percent from 2006. That represents more than one-tenth of all African American sat test takers nationwide.

Georgia also saw participation among Hispanic students increase more than 17 percent in 2007.

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox said Georgia's high school seniors kept pace with the nation on the sat last year, but said she won’t be satisfied until Georgia is a leader in SAT performance.

Former Stephens County Assistant District Attorney Rick Bridgeman will have a lot of fence mending to do in his new position as District Attorney for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit.

Yesterday, his predecessor Tim Madison, along with two others was indicted by a Banks County Grand Jury, according to a report in the Jackson Herald.

Madison was indicted on felony theft by taking, theft by receiving, violation of oath of office, conspiracy to defraud the state, and four counts of making false statements and writings.

Arrest warrants have been issued for all three. Madison resigned as the Piedmont District Attorney in June.

Last week, Governor Sonny Perdue named Bridgeman as the new District Attorney for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, which serves Banks, Jackson, and Barrow counties, effective September 1.

Banks County authorities and investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are trying to determine who killed a Maysville man. It happened sometime over the weekend.

According to GBI special investigator in charge Mike Ayers, 47-year old Randy Rilee’s body was discovered Sunday.

"Randy Rilee was discovered by family members in the camper he was living in. He died of an apparent gunshot wound," Ayers said.

Ayers said detectives have been working around the clock to solve the case and they are asking for the public’s help.

"Anybody who might have information, we would request the Banks County Sheriff's Office so that we could talk with them about it," he said.

That number is 706-677-2248. So far, authorities have no idea who might have killed Rilee or why.

Authorities have responded to several recent cases of vehicle break-ins.

An Eastanollee woman told deputies when she came out of the movies at the Toccoa Cinema she found someone had smashed the glass on the front right passenger side of her car. Missing from inside was her yellow handbag and a checkbook.

A woman on Skyview Lane told Toccoa Police someone took her pocketbook from inside her car. The purse contained her driver’s license, identification, bankcards, and about $80 in cash.

An employee at a business in Meadowbrook Industrial Park told deputies someone broke out the window of her vehicle last Saturday, but she found nothing missing.

In addition, a man who went hiking in Panther Creek over the weekend told deputies when got back to his car, he discovered a window in his car had been smashed out. Taken was his wallet and cell phone.

Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a burglary at a home on Memorial Drive. The victim told authorities he left home for about an hour and when he returned he discovered his window was open and the screen was torn off. Missing from his home is a pair of stereo speakers valued at $1,900. The victim gave deputies the name of a possible suspect.

The City of Toccoa has until Thursday to decide whether to accept the County’s original split of some $24-million dollars in proposed special option local sales tax.

Monday night, Toccoa commissioners met for a special work session to go over how more than $25-million dollars in SPLOST V monies would be divided. Commissioners voted to approve a SPLOST V revenue split based on $25,640,000 in revenue.

Toccoa added an extra $1.6 million to the original revenue projection citing expected growth over the next five years. City Manager Billy Morse explains how the City would like to see it work.

"The County will get $16,380,000 of that, the City will get $9,060,000, and Martin will get $200,000," Morse noted. "If the sales tax comes in less than the $25,640,000 then the difference will be made lost based on population. In other words, the City would lose 38% and the county would lose 63%. If collections exceed the $25,640,000 then the excess would be shared at a 50-50 rate," he concluded.

However, this morning, County Commission Chair Kenneth Peeples said their offer made August 23 a 65/35 split with Toccoa and with a lump sum of $200,000 going to Martin is fair and the commission agreed.

City Manager Billy Morse, and Commissioners Bob Troup and Ferrell Morgan attended this morning’s meeting.

After some discussion and counter offers by the city, County Commissioners voted to make what they call, "exhibit a" their final offer to city of Toccoa, citing time constraints.

City Commissioner Bob Troup assured the county he would have an answer from the city by later today.

According to County registrar Theresa Kelley, the County has until September 6 to get their final resolution into the State Justice Department for approval if they want it on the November ballot.

Commissioners also voted to table passing a resolution for SPLOST V until next Tuesday morning or until they hear from the City.

A Boston couple on the run after robbing their father in Rabun County and leaving him alone and unable to care for himself are now behind bars.

Rabun County Sheriff’s investigators tell WNEG 30-year old Caitrin Aileen Wheat and 39-year old Frank Richard Wheat were arrested in Boston over the weekend after police responded to a domestic dispute.

During their investigation, Boston authorities discovered the couple’s Chrysler PT Cruiser was reported stolen in Rabun County and that the pair had outstanding warrants there.

Earlier this month, relatives discovered Frank Wheat’s partially blind father, alone in his home.

The victim told authorities the pair had cleaned out his bank account weeks earlier and stolen his car, but he was not able to call for help.

Rabun investigators said the couple faces 74 charges in Rabun County, including 71 counts of fraud, motor vehicle theft, theft of an ATM card, and abuse of the elderly, with more charges pending.

They are currently being held in Boston waiting extradition.

If the couple fights extradition, a governor’s warrant will be issued.

Meantime, the 70-year old victim said he is doing much better after members of the community stepped in to help him.

Two Columbus, Georgia men face a host of shoplifting and theft charges in Stephens and Rabun Counties.

Authorities say 44-year old Craig Allen Tarvin and 43-year old Todd Roy Nelson attempted to steal $1,700 worth of electronics from the Toccoa Wal-Mart on August 5, but abandoned the merchandise when employees approached them.

The pair then drove up to the Clayton Wal-Mart in Rabun County where they successfully shoplifted two flat-screen TVs valued at over $1,300.

Store surveillance cameras captured the theft, which was turned over to Rabun County Sheriff's investigators. On August 17, Tarvin and Nelson again hit the Clayton Wal-Mart, but were run off by store employees.

A look out for their vehicle as well as for a third suspect was put out in Rabun, Habersham, White and Stephens Counties.

That same day, authorities say the suspects again entered the Toccoa Wal-Mart and tried steal a shopping cart filled with electronics, but store security caught them and they fled in a green Chevy Blazer.

Lavonia Police later spotted the blazer and arrested the pair. Rabun County Sheriff's investigator Marty Talley said they have charged Craig Allen Tarvin with theft by taking, criminal intent to commit theft by taking, and probation violation.

Todd Roy Nelson is charged in Rabun County with criminal intent to commit theft by taking and giving a false name to an officer.  They are currently being held in Stephens County.

In Stephens County, Tarvin is charged with theft by taking. Nelson has not yet been charged in Stephens County.

Qualifying for three Toccoa City Commission seats continues. It began Monday morning and ends through Friday at the Toccoa City Clerk’s office.

So far, City Clerk Jo Gleason reports incumbent commissioner and current mayor David Austin has qualified for the Post 2 seat.

Additionally, incumbent commissioner Bob Troup qualified Monday for the post four seat, and the reverend Charles White has qualified to run for the post one seat being vacated by commissioner Ferrell Morgan who has chosen not to run for re-election.

Gleason tells WNEG Radio that a number of people have called or stopped by her office expressing interest in running. Gleason said she expects most candidates will qualify towards the end of the week.

Qualifying for a fourth seat, the one being vacated by commissioner Billy Chism, takes place next month. According to Kelley, Chism's seat will be advertised in the local paper beginning September 6^th.

"With Mr. Chism's resignation going into effect as of September first, we will hold a special election in conjunction with the city general election in November. We will call the Special Election and do the qualifying through the City of Toccoa on September 10th - 12th. It will start at 8:30a.m. in the morning and end at twelve noon," explained County Registrar Theresa Kelley.

Meantime, qualifying for two city council seats in the city of martin is also underway. So far, Martin City spokeswoman Rebecca Kennemur said no one has qualified for those races.

Two council seats and the mayor’s seat are up for grabs. Anyone wishing to run in that race may sign up at the Martin Community Center.

City Commissioners and staff bid a fond farewell to Commissioner Billy Chism last night. At his last meeting as commissioner, David Austin presented Chism with a resolution honoring his service to the citizens of Toccoa.

Chism resigned his commission to take a new job in Cleveland, Georgia as the editor of the White County News. And because he will not be serving out his entire four-year term, he will not have a chance to serve as mayor for a year, Chism was also awarded a plaque that made him mayor for a day.

Mayor Austin also presented Chism with a key to the city. Afterwards, Chism said he will miss Toccoa and its citizens.

"I just want to say it's been my privilege to serve the citizens of Toccoa and Stephens County. The most wonderful people in the world live right here and this is a wonderful community. And I just want to say it's been my privilege to share a small part of it," Chism explained.

Billy Chism's last day as commissioner is Friday.

POST 4346 MEMBERS ATTEND NATIONAL VFW CONVENTION
August 28, 2007

Former National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, R.D. "Bulldog" Smith of Toccoa was in Kansas City, Missouri last week at the National Convention of the VFW. Several members of the local VFW Post Ladies Auxiliary were also in attendance

Smith is a member of the National Securities Committee of the VFW and he and his fellow veterans met to pass several resolutions on behalf of veterans.

Among the resolution passed by the committee was the support of the Global War on Terrorism, increasing the defense budget and raising the base military pay to equal some pay in the private sector.

Another resolution, if approved by the Defense Department, would be the creation of the "Cold War Defense Foreign Service Medal" for those veterans who served from September 1946 until 1991.

President George W. Bush was the special guest speaker at the convention and Smith said the President got a wonderful reception from the group.

"The President got a tremendous reception" .Smith said. " We veterans understand what’s going on. A lot of people try to make this a political war like we had in Viet Nam. He’s very determined to try to bring some kind of resolution so that these people in Iraq can have their freedom. But with what we have going on in this country, it has the country divided . We regret that and he regrets that as well. We all do. We’ll just have to wait and see what will happen."

On the local scene, Smith announced a special dinner to be held on Tuesday, September 4^th at the Post Home.

"Commander Darrell Smith, of Post 4346 is inviting all post members and the ladies auxiliary and their guests to attend a dinner of Tuesday September 4^th. This is to honor Ted Taylor for the outstanding work he has performed over these last 31 years in the radio news business. We really appreciate his support and this is just a small, small tribute for what he has done and how you’ve supported us throughout the years."

All VFW members and Auxiliary members should make their reservation for that dinner no later than this coming Friday, August 31.You can make you reservations by call Commander Darrell Smith at 491-2454 or the Post Home at 886-2283.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is warning consumers about some ricotta cheese that may be contaminated with the bacteria, listeria.

The organism was found in a sample of ricotta salata cheese with the brand name "Locatelli" and the marking "Sell by 01/21/08."

According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, this particular sample was imported from Italy by the Ambriola Company of New Jersey.

Phil Marfuggi, Ambriola’s vice president of direct sales and marketing, says he had not yet been notified of this potential contamination from either the Food and Drug Administration or the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

He went on to say that it is possible the potential contamination came from a distributor, rather than the import company.

"Our product doesn't come with a "Sell by" date because we sell in bulk form. So, what I imagine happened is somebody took the product, precut it, put a label on it, and put a "Sell by" date on there. That's where sometimes you can have a problem as far as the facility is concerned. I'm not saying it was Ambriola, but it could also have been at the store level," he said.

The listeria bacterium can cause the disease listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, infants and the elderly. It can also cause meningitis, miscarriages, or fatal infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control’s Web site, animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill and can contaminate food such as meats and dairy products.

Processed foods, like ricotta cheese, can become contaminated after processing, however the bacterium can be killed by pasteurizing or cooking.

So far, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has not said whether they plan to recall the cheese and could not be reached for comment on a possible source of contamination.

It’s very rare that any building or renovation project comes in under budget and on time. But the Stephens County Board of Education managed to accomplish that fact with a couple of projects at the Liberty Elementary School and at the new location for the CrossRoads Success Academy.

Superintendent Gary Steppe said that Bowen and Watson Contractors were extremely helpful in working with the board to complete the work.

"We had two QZAB projects, one was renovating the old Big A, for our Success Academy." Steppe said. "The other was the renovating of Liberty Elementary. Both of those projects went very smoothly. Bowen and Watson did a good job with managing those projects for us and we had good contractors on those projects. They cooperated and worked well and had good oversight by folks here at the office to make sure things were going they way they should. We came in on time. We got Liberty finished by the time school started. Some folks didn’t think we could do it, but we did. It went really well and the money worked out real well as well."

The original figure for the project was estimated to be about $700,000 but actually came in at between $200,000 and $300,000.

Governor Sonny Perdue announced Thursday that Applegate Insulation plans to open a new plant in Stephens County, creating up to 80 jobs and investing $4 million in the Eastanollee facility.

Governor Perdue said," The state of Georgia continues to be an attractive place for manufacturers to invest their capital. Our talented workforce, low start-up costs and connected transportation network means companies can make a quality product at a competitive price."

Applegate purchased a facility in Meadowbrook Industrial Park and is in the process of renovations. The company expects to begin manufacturing by September. Applegate will invest over $4 million in the facility during the first phase and expects to employ up to 80 people as new lines of production are added.

Terry Applegate, owner and CEO of Applegate Insulation said. "We are excited about our expansion in Toccoa-Stephens County. Our new facility will allow us to increase production of our cellulose insulation product as well as create opportunities for new product lines. We appreciate the assistance we received from the Stephens County Development Authority and are anxious to become a part of the community."

Established in 1952, Applegate Insulation is the largest privately owned cellulose insulation manufacturer in the US. Headquartered in Webberville, Michigan, Applegate Insulation has seven plants with locations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Kentucky and Georgia.

The Stephens County Hospital Authority has approved its budget for fiscal 2008.

Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell indicated that the budget is up by about four percent, but basically, is about the same as last year’s budget.

"The budgeted gross income is around $84 million." Gambrell told WNEG News. "So going up to 90 million is just some price increase and some is increased volume. For instance, our emergency room is expected to be busier next year than it is this year. Just as it was busier this year than it was last year. So some of it is price drive, and some of it is volume driven."

Stephens County Hospital is one of the largest employers in Stephens county with approximately 650 employees.

The Hospital’s Service Awards Banquet has been scheduled for September 11th at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center.

STEPHENS BOE HOLDS TAX MEETINGS FOR COMMENTS
August 23, 2007

HOSPITAL PONDERS ENACTMENT OF SMOKING BAN
August 23, 2007

BRIDGEMANS' DUTIES WILL CHANGE WITH NEW POST
August 23, 2007

ST. MATTHIAS' FOOD PANTRY FEEDING HUNGRY IN THE COMMUNITY
August 23, 2007

Well the new lights are working just fine on Big A Road, but traffic is still not flowing as smoothly as motorists had hoped.

Last month, crews with the Georgia Department of Transportation endured heat and thunderstorms to take down the old traffic signals and turn on the new ones.

But there’s one thing still left to do, according to D-O-T spokeswoman Teri Pope and that is to time them. One piece of equipment remains to be installed before the lights can "communicate" with one another.

The LED signals replace the old light bulb system. With a longer life and improved brightness, Pope says safety should also improve along Big A.

Ice cream, balloons and dancing are not the usual rewards for academic success, but they were for Stephens County Middle School students on Friday.

The middle school scored the highest scores on the CRCT test for the entire 14-county RESA agency and the administration rewarded the students with a special event. Assistant principal Donna Collins said that the achievement is far-reaching.

The students seemed to enjoy themselves, cheering loudly when the scores were posted in each academic area. They were served ice creamed and allowed to hang out, enjoying the music and social time. Morgan Akridge, a 7^th grade student, said she enjoyed the special event. Another 7^th grader, Dalton Mitchell, said he found the CRCT easy, but that he is proud of his school.

Toccoa City Mayor, David Austin stopped by to congratulate the students, telling them that their hard work in middle school will pay off in their adult life.

The rise in test scores was a team effort, according to Collins. She said the students are given high expectations and teachers work together so they can reach those goals.

The CRCT, also know as the criterion reference competency test, is given annually in the spring. Stephens County Middle School scored an average of 90.4 percent.

Five Stephens County men have been indicted on separate charges involving child molestation. The Stephens County Grand Jury issued a true bill against Allen Patrick York. The indictment alleges York molested three children over the past three years.

Another Toccoa man was indicted on charges relating to an incident at St. Mary’s Catholic Church involving a child under the age of 16. David Gene Grisby, of Oak Valley Road, was charged with sexual battery and ordered not to go near St. Mary’s Church.

A third indictment involves a Hill Street man who is charged with aggravated sexual battery for allegedly molesting a 4 year old girl. James Jerome McIntyre has pled not guilty to the charges stemming from an incident in June 2005.

And two men have been indicted for failing to register as a sex offender.

Gary Spencer Holcomb and Anthony Gerrard Jackson were both convicted of sexual offenses against children, and therefore must register their address and other information with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Holcomb was convicted of a lewd act on a child in South Carolina in 1995. He is now a Stephens County resident, and is accused of changing jobs and not notifying the Stephens County Sheriff’s Department.

Jackson was convicted of aggravated child molestation in 1993, and allegedly did not notify the sheriff’s department when he changed his home address.

Both Holcomb and Jackson pled not guilty.

The Stephens County Grand Jury recently indicted several people for separate incidents of alleged drug trafficking.

In the first, the indictment alleges Ralph Edward Dean had 27 marijuana plants growing in a camper on his East Silver Shoals property. Dean was arrested last November.

Authorities testified before the Grand Jury that they found 10 handguns and rifles in his possession, leading to additional charges of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Dean pled not guilty to both charges.

The Stephens County Grand Jury also indicted Ralph Brown of Toccoa for trafficking cocaine. Authorities say he fled from police and when captured, gave a false name.

Another Stephens County resident is complaining about the trash problem along county roads and he has a plan to end it. Tim Hale approached county commissioners last week with his concerns.

Hale is originally from Stephens County, but has been gone for some forty years. He recently moved back and said he was shocked by the problems he saw plaguing our community, the worst of which is litter.

Hale told commissioners that littering is a problem that can be easily solved and presented a multi-pronged approach for the commission to consider. It involves education of young people through programs in the schools, as well as getting civic group to speak out. He also called on commissioners to speak out against litter themselves. Finally, Hale recommended forming a committee.

Commissioner Harold Andrews asked if Hale was interested in taking on that project himself and he said he would. Hale and his committee are expected to report back to the commission next month.

Habersham County will build a new high school. Last week the Habersham County School Board voted to build a new campus for Habersham Central High.

The move came after a written recommendation from Habersham School Superintendent Dr. Judy Forbes, according to a report in the Northeast Georgian.

When Habersham voters passed a SPLOST resolution in 2005, it included funding for a new high school. The new facility is slated to be built on 30 acres at the corner of Camp Creek Road and Old Highway 197.

Habersham Board Members said the current Habersham Central campus will become the new ninth grade academy and the current ninth grade academy will become a new middle school.

The extreme heat of the past few weeks coupled with the ongoing drought situation is forcing the closure of at least one north Georgia trout stream – Duke’s Creek at Smithgall Woods Conservation Center in Helen.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, high water temperatures and low stream flows caused the closure. The high water temperatures are lethal to trout.

Fisheries Biologist Lee Keefer tells WNEG the ideal temperature for trout streams is between 55 degrees and 65 degrees and biologists become concerned when the water temperature gets to 73 and above.

At this time, only Duke’s Creek trout stream is closed to trout fishing. Even though this particular stream is managed with “catch and release” rules, angling stress combined with hot water can kill the trophy trout that anglers value. Re-opening of Duke’s Creek to the public will remain contingent on stream conditions.

Trout anglers can still visit nearby waters creek on the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area (WMA), as it currently remains cold enough for trout survival

Severe drought and high temperatures have caused Lake Hartwell to reach Drought Contingency Level Two.

On Thursday, hydrologists with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced both lakes Hartwell and Thurmond had reached the second drought trigger level.

"We have now entered Drought Contingency Level 2, which means that we will further limit the outflow from the three-lake system through Thurmond Dam to an average of 4,000 cubic feet per second over the week. We were at 4,200 cfs," explained Billy Birdwell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman.

Currently Hartwell averages approximately 20 percent of normal inflow while Thurmond’s inflow is about 40 percent of normal. The pool elevation yesterday on Lake Hartwell was 653.9 feet above mean sea level – that is about 8 feet below normal. Drought contingency level 2 is 654 ft-msl for Hartwell and 324 ft-msl for Thurmond.

"The lakes reach a certain level and in this case when Hartwell Lake reached 654-feet above mean sea level, our Drought Contingency Plan requires that we start restricting our outflow from all three lakes. The way our plan is set up, when any of the lakes reach level two, that sends the entire lake system into level two. In this case, Hartwell reached the level before Thurmond did and so that triggered the Trigger Level Two for the entire system," Birdwell said.

Now if you plan to be on the lake this weekend, Corps officials urge the public to use extreme caution when boating, swimming, or fishing during the next weeks. 

As the reservoir levels decline, underwater obstructions will be closer to the surface or already exposed.  This is particularly dangerous for boaters and skiers.  Park rangers report that designated swimming areas have lost most of their water. 

However, swimming outside these areas can be dangerous. Additionally, all visitors should wear a life jacket when swimming, boating, or fishing.  Dock owners may need to adjust their docks even further as water levels recede. 

Volunteers are needed to help clean up lake Hartwell. The 27^th annual Hartwell Lake clean up campaign begins today and runs through the end of September.

Park ranger Tanya grant said volunteers are needed throughout the month.

"This way people can clean up litter at their own convenience, such as on the weekends," Park ranger Tanya Grant explained. "Also, a lot of people like to wait until the end of September to do it," she said.

Grant said groups such as scout troops, businesses, families, and civic organizations are encouraged to get involved. Trash bags will be provided and the first 100 participants will receive a free sports bottle. All registered participants will also be treated to a free picnic on September 29.

"On September 29th, which is National Public Lands Day, we have a picnic at Big Oaks Recreation Area. We will have free food and many door prizes donated from many area businesses. We also have children's activities. We will be making bird feeders and we will have somebody there with live snakes. We will also have several other activities for children and for adults too," Grant said.

To sign up, Grant says just call the Hartwell Lake office at 1-888-893-0678 extension 323.

County commissioners have approved a financing plan to pay the balance of the new county jail.

Last month, requests for financing proposals were sent to various financial institutions. This week, commissioners accepted County Finance Director Phyllis Ayer’s recommendation.

"Bank of America came in at the lowest with 3.93% interest and a total interest cost of $1,581,196," Ayers told the commission. "This office is located in Duluth, Georgia," she said.

Since July 2003, the county has collected about $4.5 million dollars in SPLOST four revenue for the new jail. With the total cost now at $11 million dollars, that leaves another $7- million to raise to pay for the entire project.

Ayers said financing the balance is the best way to pay for the new jail.

"This type of borrowing is a creative governmental borrowing instrument," Ayers said. "It's an installment sale agreement and it is going to allow us to borrow less than 100% of the cost of the jail. So, on the amortization schedule on paper it will state that we borrowed $7.1 million. However, the first 14 months will be very high principle and interest, paying with our SPLOST funds. So in essence, we will only be borrowing about $3.7 million," she concluded.

So far, crews have poured the concrete slab. Work to put the jail pods in place and begin constructing the administrative building should begin next week.

You may have noticed all the work going on downtown this week. According to Planning Commission Director Connie Tabor the next phase of the StreetScape project – the re-opening of Doyle Street is now underway.

"Martin construction and grading began the Streetscape project on Monday, August 13 with staging, layout and saw cutting for the project," noted Toccoa Planning Commission Director Connie Tabor. "Those items will be completed first. Then the next portion will be looking at storm drainage and bringing in some more equipment to address that. Also there will be some more utility work going on in one of the alleys as well," she said.

Re-opening Doyle Street is Phase II of the total StreetScape Project and is expected to take several months to complete. During that time, tabor said every effort will be made to ensure the public’s safety.

"Business owners will continue to have access to their buildings as well as their customers. We will maintain a safe access to the streets and walkways, as well as the adjacent properties to the construction site. We will be coordinating with businesses as the Streetscape project approaches their building. Hopefully, there will be minimal disruption," she said.

According to architect Robert Benson, plans are for the current sidewalks to be replaced with brick pavers and old-fashioned streetlights. Tabor said earlier that the city is hoping to have a re-opening celebration downtown when the work is finished.

The City received a total of 954,275 dollars in combined grants for the downtown restoration project. That amount, coupled with another $100,000 in city matching funds brings the total amount for the downtown revitalization project to about $1.5 million.

A Cornelia man, charged with child molestation in Habersham County, now also faces charges in Stephens County. 23-year old Matthew Allen Wyrick is a former coach with the North Georgia Soccer Association.

Last week, he was arrested in Clarkesville on charges in Habersham County. This week, investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation added charges in Banks, White, and Stephens Counties.

"There was