The Stephens County Development Authority will be looking for a new director as 2008 begins. Executive Director Mitch Griggs announced his resignation Thursday to pursue other opportunities with another government agency in Georgia.

"We are regretful that Mitch resigned. He was doing a great job for us and we feel he was making a lot of progress and did a lot for our community, so obviously we are sorry he decided to leave and seek another opportunity," said Board Chairman, Bob Defenbaugh. "On the flip side, he is a very qualified young man and we wish him and his family the best."

He says the Development Authority will be discussing their plan to find a replacement in the board meeting on January 3. Griggs has been executive director for 2 and ½ years.

If you plan on voting in the Georgia Presidential Primary in February, you only have one week to register. "The first thing is make sure you are registered to vote. The deadline for registration to vote in the Presidential Preference Primary is January 7. If you are not registered to vote by then, you can’t vote in the primary which is February 5," said Teresa Kelly, Stephens County Registrar. "If you are not sure of you are registered, then the best thing to do is call the office and we can look you up."

Kelly reminds voters that since the February 5 election is a Primary Election, you will have to vote either Democratic or Republican. However, when the General Election comes around in November, you will not be held to the Democrat or Republican choice, but instead will be able to vote for the person you want to regardless of party.

In addition, if you think you won’t be able to vote on February 5th, Kelly says you can vote with an absentee ballot. "You can vote absentee by paper ballot. You don’t need a reason to vote absentee. I just need an application on file and then we will send you out an absentee ballot," she explained. "We also have he machines set up so if you have a reason right now, you can vote absentee on the touch screens, anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m."

Applications for absentee ballots are available at the registrar’s office in the Stephens county government building. Kelly says early voting will be begin January 28th and is a good option for people who want to avoid long lines on election days. "This year is going to be a really big election year with it being a presidential election year," she said. "The lines are probably going to get busy on election day, so if you can take advantage of early voting, we are here t o help you out."

And finally, you should remember that you must have a photo ID to vote in any election. Acceptable identification includes a driver’s license, military ID, passport, a tribal identification card, or a photo ID issued by the registrar’s office. Kelly says if you don’t have a photo ID, her office can make one for you free of charge.

Lavonia police are investigating a gas theft on steroids. Normally, police are called to gas drive-offs where around 10 to 15 gallons of gas are stolen. On December 14, Lavonia police were called to investigate the theft of 100 gallons of diesel fuel. "A truck driver reported that someone had siphoned 100 gallons of gasoline from his tractor trailer sometime during the night," explained Shirley. "We did not see any evidence of spilled fuel; however, this is still under investigation.

Shirley says the truck driver was asleep in the Sleep Inn Motel and his rig was parked in the parking lot behind the motel. He points out that while it is not difficult to siphon gas from a vehicle, storing 100 gallons of fuel would be trickier. Shirley suggests the motive may be pure economics. "Gasoline is very expensive. We have quite a few gas drive-offs right up by the interstate," he said. Lavonia police detectives continue to investigate.

HOME DEPOT BEGINS HIRING
December 28, 2007

If getting a new job is your New Year’s resolution, then here’s an opportunity for you. Home Depot is now taking applications online for the new Toccoa store being built on Memorial Drive behind Wal-Mart.

“Anyone who is interested in working for Home Depot needs to go to www.homedepot.com and apply online. We are only accepting online applications. We no longer accepting paper copies,” said Mark Stephens, the Regional Human Resource Manager for Home Depot.

Applicants must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED. Stephens said Home Depot is looking for 50 to 60 people with various skills, especially in customer service and contractor services, such as plumbing or electrical. After the applications are reviewed, interviews will begin the first week in January.

“Of those candidates that fit the minimum qualifications and have the skills we are looking for, they will be contacted for an interview,” Stephens explained. “The interview process will consist of two interviews; one with the HR manager and a second with the store manager of that store location.”

Stephens said the interviews will take place at the Home Depot site. Salaries will depend on the job applied for and the candidates experience. Both full time and part time positions are available. The Toccoa Home Depot will be opening March 6.

SHIRLEY COMBS FEATURED IN REGIONAL MAGAZINE
December 28, 2007

Local Restaurant Owner, Shirley Combs is becoming a media darling, but believes it is simply God using other voices to spread her message.

Combs, who appeared on The Food Network last year, is now featured in the winter issue of Northeast Georgia Living Magazine. The full page article features color photographs and mouth watering details of Shirley’s cooking. Yet what is most dear to her heart is the work she does for other people.

“Being in this magazine is exciting, but I give God praises. Being in this book only gives me more business and lets people know what I am doing; not only in the restaurant, but also outside the restaurant,” she said.

Shirley closes her restaurant at 2 p.m., then invites hungry people in to be fed.  Yesterday, she fed 15 people, handing out a donated coat to a boy who smiled broadly at his unexpected gift.

In addition, she runs two transitional housing shelters – one for men and one for women. All of the needs of those shelters – from the homes themselves to the furnishings -- have been donated. Now she is looking for a van to help transport the shelters’ residents to jobs and church.

“One big need I have is a van. I am trying to find a van at a decent cost so I can continue to take them to bible study, church and to their jobs,” she said.

Shirley said she hopes all the attention she has received will be an inspiration to others to help people.

“Someday I won’t be here and I hope someone will take a hold of what I have started and continue to help the less fortunate,” she said.

If you would like to help Shirley in her efforts you can visit her restaurant, Shirley’s Soul Food, on Currahee Street to make a donation or either cash, or of a coat to be given away.

REP. BROUN TO MEET WITH VETERANS JANUARY 4
December 28, 2007

If you have concerns about Veterans’ issues, then here’s your chance to talk face to face with a member of Congress.

U.S. Representative Paul Broun will be meeting with local Veterans at the American Legion Post 104 on January 4^th at 6 p.m. Jessica Morris, the Congressman’s Press Secretary, said it is a way for Broun to learn firsthand what issues concern North Georgia citizens.

“It’s open to the public but we are mainly addressing Veterans concerns. We want to be able to get in one room and hear from everyone at one time and let them have that face to face time with Congressman Broun,” she explained.

Morris says the meeting’s format will be a town hall format where citizens can directly ask questions.

“The Congressmen will address the crowd and talk about the things he is doing. Then he will take questions from members of the audience. We will try to get to everyone; we will go as long as we need to go,” she said.

This meeting is the first of three face to face meetings with the others being held in Athens and Augusta.

The Toccoa meeting will be Friday January 4 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post on East Doyle Street.

FROM THE POLICE BLOTTER
December 28, 2007    

Police are still investigating a home invasion that left an elderly Toccoa man injured.

Authorities say around 6 p.m. on December 12, a Sage Street man was sitting in a recliner in his home when a man wearing a ski mask broke into the house. The victim told police the suspect choked him, knocked the chair over and took his wallet from his pants pocket.

The wallet contained $220 plus a credit card. Authorities say the victim was left with cuts to his face and handprints on his neck.  Police are looking for a black man about 5 feet 7 inches tall with a slender build.

            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And police continue to investigate a theft at the China Buffet at the Wal-Mart shopping center.

The victim, one of the restaurants employees, told police on December 14 she had her purse behind the counter under the register. Around 7:30 p.m. during the dinner hour, she noticed it was gone. It contained $2300, and her passport and citizenship papers.

The restaurant management and police officers searched the restaurant and the area outside the restaurant, but could not find. Authorities say they have no suspects, but are continuing to investigate.

THREE HURT IN WEEKEND ACCIDENT
December 27, 2007

A two car accident in Stephens County Saturday left three people injured.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, around 6 p.m., James Riley Watt, 51, of Eastanollee was pulling out at the intersection of Highway 17 and Eastanollee Bypass.

He turned his 1994 Toyota pickup truck left into the path of a 1995 Nissan Maxima driven by 21-year-old Jennifer Nicole Sellars of Martin. The State Patrol report said she was unable to avoid hitting him.

Sellars and her two passengers were injured and taken to Stephens County Hospital. Watt was charged with failure to yield.

Statewide, the Georgia Department of Public Safety reports there were over 3800 crashes which resulted in 12 deaths and 893 injuries during the Christmas holiday period. While there were more crashes this year than last year, the good news is less people died in those crashes. In 2006, 22 people lost their life during the Christmas holiday period.

LOCAL SWIMMER EYES BEIJING
December 27, 2007

Two small seconds is all McKenzie Coan needs to start learning the Chinese phrase for “ready set go.”

McKenzie is a Paralympics athlete in swimming, and is 1.87 seconds away from qualifying in the breaststroke to go the U.S. trials for the Paralympics Games. Those games will be held in conjunction with the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China during September 2008.

At 11-years-old, the Habersham County 6th grader seems to have a firm grasp on the real treasure of sports.

“I like swimming because its fun and I wouldn’t be doing if it wasn’t fun. I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t fun; that’s the bottom line,” she explained.

McKenzie has a rare condition called osteogensis imperfecta, which makes her bones extremely fragile and easily breakable. For this reason, she qualifies for the Paralympics games.

Two weeks ago, McKenzie won a gold medal in the 100 breaststroke and placed in several other events in an international competition held at college park Maryland. She says at that meet, as always, her main competition was the clock.

“I did really well. I beat all my times,” she said. “That’s what it is all about; not getting first or second, but doing the best you can.”

McKenzie has been swimming for 4 years and says her favorite stroke is the breaststroke.

The Olympic Qualifying Meet will be held in April.

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE FISH
December 27, 2007

That tired Christmas tree in your living room could be getting a new job.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting real Christmas trees for a program that recycles them into homes, nurseries and restaurants for the fish that live in the lake. Corp spokesman Billy Birdwell says when weighted and place correctly the trees offer fish just what they need.

“We use these as fish attractors because the trees form shade in the lake which attracts fish for breeding and eating the insects which are also attracted to those trees,” he explained.

You can drop your tree off at several locations including the Poplar Springs Boat Ramp, Big Oaks Recreation Area in Hartwell, and the Twin Lakes Boat Ramp or Coneross Boat Ramp in South Carolina. Birdwell says volunteers help place the trees.

“As soon as the trees arrive, volunteers pick those up, add weights to them and take them to areas where they can anchor them in 8 to 12 feet of water,” he said.

Birdwell says trees must be away from the main channel of the lake and private docks. The trees should be completely bare – no tinsel, no ornaments or lights can be attached.

For information you can contact Park Ranger Jess Fleming at Lake Hartwell at 1-888-893-0678, ex. 335.

RECENT RAIN HELPFUL
December 27, 2007

Area rivers and lakes are reaping the benefits of a Christmas gift from Mother Nature over the past few weeks.

“In  the month of December around Anderson, they have had around 2.5 inches. In Northeast Georgia, we have reports of a ½ inch to over an inch around Hartwell,” said Neil Dickson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport.

While this certainly doesn’t mean an end to the ongoing drought, Dickson says the wet stuff has helped water flow in area creeks and rivers.

“Looking at the river gauges we have already seen a rebound in flow rates and water levels in the rivers. That will be good for the lakes,” he said. “As far as a long term improvement in the drought we will need these weather systems more frequently.”

Dickson says a wetter December is not unusual and the forecast for the next few weeks calls for more rain.

“When you look at the forecasting for the rest of the week, we have two systems coming from the southwest. Both of them have the potential to bring us an inch or more,” he said.

In addition, getting this rain during the winter allows the groundwater to recharge without losing water to precipitation.

And as far as northeast Georgia becoming a winter wonderland, Dickson says while the overall forecast calls for January and February to be warmer and dryer than normal, there is always a chance for snow or ice.

The presents have been opened; the Christmas feast eaten and now you may be ready for some outdoor time.

Well, we are lucky here in Northeast Georgia to live close to one of the top hiking trails in the country. Backpacker Magazine has named Panther Creek Trail as Top 100 Readers’ Choice Award Trail.

"It is kind of eye opening to see it compared to trails like the Grand Canyon. To actually have a trail here on our doorstep to be ranked nationally by such a well known publication is unbelievable," said Ty Wheeler, Director of Adventure for the Currahee Club.

Beginning just off of Highway 441 in Habersham County and running 5.5 miles to near Yonah Dam in Stephens County, the trail follows Panther Creek through stands of white pines and hemlocks. Wheeler says the trail offers convenience and a hiker-friendly grade that allows walkers of all skill levels to enjoy the beautiful area.

"It’s really quite beautiful with the rhododendron, the hemlock trees and the old oaks that grow along the stream. And of course you have Panther Creek Falls at about the 3.5 mile mark from the Habersham County end," he said.

In addition to reminding Northeast Georgians of the wonderful resource in our own backyard, Wheeler says the ranking by Backpacker Magazine could have an economic impact by attracting hikers from further away.

"Being as well received as it is nationally, I would think anyone that is within 3 states would put Panther Creek on their radar," he said. "If they have never been here before, I would say if they have the time, they would definitely make it a point to visit the trail."

To get to the Panther Creek trailhead, take U.S. 441 North. Turn left onto Glen Hardman Road, then right onto Old 441 for 1 mile to the parking lot.

The holiday season may not be so jolly for one father son team.

Luther Carlton Ramey, 66 years old and Luther Ramey Jr., 33 years old, were both arrested at their home last week for possession of cocaine and possession of drug related objects. Chief Deputy Mike Crozier of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, says the arrest came after a search warrant was served at the men’s Braswell Street home.

"A small quantity of cocaine and several drug relation objects such as pipes were seized from the home," he said. "Mr. Ramey, Sr., currently has a bond of $20,000 from the Stephens County Jail."

The younger Ramey was not given a bond because of a previous probation warrant. He remains in the Stephens county jail. The warrant was served after an investigation between the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Piedmont Northern MANS Unit.

"Wear your seatbelt, plan ahead to find a designated driver and don’t drink and drive."

That’s the message law enforcement wants you to hear this holiday season. Last week Georgia State patrol investigated two accidents caused by alleged drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1,000 people were killed nationwide in December last year in crashes involving drunk drivers. To try to combat this problem the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has been running Operation Zero Tolerance since December 14.

This crackdown will involve thousands of local and state law enforcement agencies statewide where more than 500 police departments, sheriff’s offices and state patrol posts will set up sobriety checkpoints and run concentrated patrols on our roadways and interstates.

Locally, law enforcement has been highly visible too. Stephens County Sheriff Gene Sorrells tells WNEG that his deputies are out "in full force" during this holiday period and drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints. The Toccoa City Police is working in conjunction with Operation Zero Tolerance, and will have their own checkpoints in place.

And in Lavonia, Chief Randy Shirley says his officers are on "saturation patrol." Shirley reminds citizens to get a designated driver who won’t drink at all during the evening.

TWO INJURED IN TWO CAR ACCIDENT
December 21, 2007     

Drunk driving most likely caused a two-car accident Wednesday night which injured two Toccoa men. According to the Georgia State Patrol, Julius Smith, age 26 of Toccoa, lost control of his 1983 Buick Regal while driving south on Brookhaven Circle around 7:30 p.m.

He went off the shoulder of the road, and then swerved back on the road, crossing the center lane, running head on into a 1983 Nissan pickup driven by 30-year-old Jason Grafton of Toccoa. Troopers say both men were injured and taken to Stephens County Hospital.  Smith, who refused to take an on-scene breathalyzer test, was charged with driving under the influence, open container, driving without a seatbelt and failure to maintain lane.

MAN CHARGED AFTER CHASE WITH STATE TROOPERS
December 21, 2007            

A Toccoa man who tried to run from the Georgia State Patrol is now in Stephens County jail facing multiple charges. 32-year-old Willie Gibson is charged with 11 violations after he tried to outrun a trooper in his 1990 Chevy Corsica Wednesday night around 10 p.m. At the intersection of Falls Road and Remsdale Road, the officer performed a “pit” maneuver, spinning Gibson’s car, and putting a stop to the chase. Neither the Gibson, nor the trooper were injured in the incident.

Georgia State Patrol officials were unable to tell WNEG what began the chase. Gibson is charged with driving under the influence, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, aggrevatated assault, obstruction of an officer, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, fleeing, driving with a withdrawn license, driving on the wrong side of the road, not using a turn signal and failure to pay child support.

TOCCOA HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
December 21, 2007

Toccoa City Hall’s schedule for December 25 and December 26: Toccoa City Hall will be closed December 24^th and 25^th in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Routes for garbage and recyclables scheduled to be picked up on Monday, December 24^th will be picked up on Wednesday, December 26^th and routes for garbage and recyclables scheduled to be picked up on Tuesday, December 25^th will be picked up on Thursday December 27^th.

Commercial garbage that is scheduled for Tuesday December 25^th, will be picked up on Wednesday December 26^th, but yard waste and other items will not be picked up. The Toccoa Police and Fire Departments will be on duty. Utility department employees as well as employees from the Public Works Department will be on call for emergency situations.

TOY FOR TOTS HAS BANNER YEAR
December 21, 2007

Want to see a Marine cry? Then stop by Ebenezer Baptist church on Saturday and watch the folks with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots hand out their bounty.  “If you come down on Saturday you will see a bunch of old Marine’s with tears in their eyes, said Dan Angel, Chairman for the Stephens County Toys for Tots. “It will melt your heart, the way these kids react when they get these toys.”

Angel – who seems to be appropriately named – says the local effort had a banner year, raising over $1200 and collecting almost 1600 toys. The toys will go to 365 Stephens County children who may not have had a Merry Christmas without this effort. Angel said the Toys for Tots effort could not have been possible without the help of many community businesses.  “We appreciate all the industry and all the people in the community who donated their pennies, nickels dimes and dollars. We especially thank the plants that went out of their way to collect money and toys in the plants. It certainly made us have a banner year,” he said. The toy hand out will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Project Poinsettia Sharing the Spirit of the Holidays
December 20, 2007

Toccoa, Ga.  Sharing the spirit of the Christmas season, the staff of WNEG AM630 along with Sauls Greenhouse and Donna’s Budding Babies & The Rental Stop, delivered a variety of poinsettias to senior adults living in The Wilkinson Center and The Clary Care Center. WNEG General Manager Phil Hobbs says the mission of the project is simple, “We have the opportunity to share the spirit of Christmas with those that, in many cases are often forgotten, and these caring local businesses help us brighten someone’s day and let them know that they are important.”

This year’s sponsors include Stephens County Hospital, First Franklin Financial, Convalescent Home Equipment, Donna’s Budding Babies & The Rental Stop, WNEG AM630 and Sauls Greenhouse.

CITY TRYING TO REPLACE WATER FILTERS
December 20, 2007

The City of Toccoa is having trouble buying water filters. In Monday’s City Commission meeting, commissioners rejected the sole bid for upgrades to the filter system in the water treatment plant. The upgrades are part of the master plan for the treatment facility. In November, commissioners opened the bid which was just over $1.5 million, twice what the city had planned on spending.  At that time, commissioners asked City Manager Billy Morse to try to work with the bidder to lower the price.

On Monday, a re-negotiated bid of $1.4 million was presented and commissioners voted to reject the bid and re-bid the entire filter project. Morse said he hopes the re-bidding process will result in a more reasonable price. “There’re some minor items that city staff can do that will cut the cost a bit. Then we will re-bid it and hopefully in early 2008, we can open those bids and the commissioners will be able to move forward with that project,” he said. Water project engineer Stuart Jeffcoat suggested bidding the job to a broader audience in hopes of getting a more competitive price.

REP. PAUL BROUN ACCUSES CORPS OF MISMANAGEMENT
December 20, 2007

“The Corps of Engineers is mismanaging the water resources in Georgia.” That’s the opinion of U.S. Representative Paul Broun on the water crisis in our state. Broun made his remarks at the opening of his district office in Toccoa last week. “All you have to do is look at Lake Hartwell, Lake Allatoona, Lake Lanier to see how badly they are mismanaging the water resources,” he said.

He said he has met with representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as President George Bush on the water issue. One local concern is the possibility of interbasin transfers, that is moving water from one river basin to another. Toccoa lies in the Savannah River Basin, with the major lake being Lake Hartwell, and Atlanta lies in the Chattahoochee River Basin, with its major lake being Lake Lanier.

Since much of the metropolitan Atlanta area gets its water from Lake Lanier, the current drought has been a greater strain on that particular resource. Here in Stephens County, local officials have expressed concern that authorities in Atlanta might look to the Savannah River Basin to try to recharge the supply in Lake Lanier. Broun says he is against that idea. “I am not for interbasin transfers, and I will be fighting against that. We have to manage the resources that we have,” he said. In addition, Broun says he has begun work to make sure a water war does not begin with South Carolina, as has been ongoing with Alabama and Florida.

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY EYES FISHING PIERS
December 20, 2007

With temperatures hovering in the 50 this week, standing lakeside and fishing, may not be your first thought. However, the Stephens County Development Authority is pondering fishing in Stephens County, specifically, upgrades to the Bruce Creek boat ramp and Yonah Dam. In last week’s Development Authority meeting, Executive Director Mitch Griggs described the proposed facilities. “It’s going to be what is called a fishing trail at Bruce Creek. We are going to create a semi-pervious walking trail around that peninsula and then have fishing piers so we can have fishing form the shore,” he explained.

In addition, plans call for a courtesy dock at Holcomb Access boat ramp and a 1500 foot long fishing pier at Yonah Dam. All of this is the legacy of a lawsuit over 12 years ago when a company dumped PCBs into Seven Mile Creek, which found its way in to Lake Hartwell, causing a fish kill. The states of Georgia and South Carolina sued the company and eventually the settlement included money for improved recreational areas.

MOUNTAIN CITY WOMAN KILLED BY PIT BULL
December 20, 2007

An elderly Mountain City Woman is dead after a dog attack late Monday afternoon.  According to our sister station, WGHC in Clayton, Rabun sheriff deputies said  a 911call came in about 5:00p.m. Monday, saying a woman was seen lying on the ground near a trailer on Parker Robinson Road. When officers arrived they say a body of a woman was about 10-12 feet from a pit bull dog on a chain, and the animal would not let anyone approach her. 

Sheriff’s officers destroyed the pit bull after discovering that the victim had been mauled to death by the animal. Rabun County Coroner Lloyd Hunter says the victim was 77-year-old Blanch Bodeur.  Investigator lt. Jack Tanksley of Rabun sheriff office says there were at least three pit bulls on chains outside and two inside the home, but only one animal was believed to be responsible for the attack and destroyed. The home was Brodeur’s son-in-law’s resident.  She had apparently gone to feed the dogs when the attack occurred.

TWO CAR ACCIDENT RESULTS IN THREE INJURIES
December 19, 2007               

An outing for lunch turned into a trip to Stephens County Hospital for a Sautee Couple Tuesday. According to Toccoa Police, 77-year-old Lester Hood and his wife, Virginia, were turning right from Big A Road into Quincy’s when they were rear-ended by Jimmy Robinson, 27, of Toccoa. Robinson’s 97 Ford Explorer knocked Hood’s ’97 Isuzu truck on its side, trapping both occupants. Emergency officials had to cut the top off the Isuzu to free Mr. And Mrs. Hood. All three people were taken to Stephens county hospital. Robinson was charged with driving too fast for conditions.

LAVONIA POLICE ARREST THIRD SUSPECT IN TACO BELL BURGLARY
December 19, 2007

Like a well-wrapped burrito, Lavonia police are on their way to wrapping up a case of burglary at Taco Bell. Fredrick Maurice Norman, 25, of Randall Street, was arrested Friday at his home. Lavonia Police Chief Randy Shirley calls him "a regular customer of law enforcement,' noting several arrests for minor drug charges and criminal trespass. Norman joins Christopher Robert Lewis, of Lavonia, and Mario Demetrious Mitchell of Carnesville in the Franklin County Detention Center charged with burglary. Lewis and Mitchell were also charged with battery and obstruction of an officer after a Lavonia police officer was injured in a foot chase.

The three men allegedly worked together to steal money from the popular Jones Street restaurant. Shirley says Lewis was an employee at taco bell and deliberately left a window open.  After the restaurant had closed for the evening, the three climbed through the window, jimmied three cash registers and took an undisclosed amount of money. Shirley says through surveillance video, witness statements and other physical evidence, police were able to figure out who the men were. He says there is a fourth man wanted in the burglary and authorities hope to arrest him soon.

HOSPITAL DEDICATES INTERMEDIATE CARE UNIT
December 19, 2007

With the first phase of the renovation project completed, The Intermediate Care Unit at Stephens County Hospital has re-opened in a new location on the third floor. Thanks to the generosity of a medical family in Stephens County, the IMCU has state-of-the-art equipment and luxurious furnishings all in a totally new floor plan design. The donation was made in memory of Dr. Emory Franklin Chaffin by his family. Dr. Chaffin had a medical practice in Stephens County from 1916 until his death in 1957.  As a general practitioner, Dr. Chaffin delivered babies, performed office surgeries, made house calls after hours and treated emergency cases. 

Ed Gambrell, the hospital’s administer says “Dr. Chaffin worked tirelessly and was known for his devotion to his patients and their families.  Dr. Chaffin had a relaxed bedside manner and an air of competence that put his patients at ease.  He had a broad impact on the entire community and worked to make people’s lives better, richer and more fulfilling.” A plaque has been installed which reads  “this area has been equipped in part through a generous donation from Mr. And Mrs. Verner F. Chaffin in memory of Emory Franklin Chaffin, MD (1886-1957).” 

CITY BUYS TRUCKS
December 19, 2007

The City of Toccoa commissioners have figuratively kicked the tires and are now buying the truck. Or rather, 3 trucks, to be precise. In Monday’s City Commission meeting, commissioners voted to approve buying three 2008 trucks from Toccoa Ford for the water department to use. In an earlier meeting, bids from all three local dealerships were opened and passed on to city staff to evaluate.  City Manager, Billy Morse told commissioners he and his staff recommended buying from Ford since the vehicles were new and the price was reasonable. The decision did not come without questions from new commissioner Ron Seib. “My understanding is we have ordered some police vehicles from Toccoa Ford. Are we still waiting for those, and are they past what we anticipated,” he asked Morse.

Morse told commissioners he wasn’t totally sure what the delay was, but felt it could be because the city decided to upgrade the police cars from 2007 models to 2008. “We had ordered some police cars several months ago. The bid was for 2007 police cars. We found out we could get 2008 models for the same price, so we opted to do that,” he explained. “Obviously, it wasn’t quite in the 2008 year model, so it has taken a little bit of time to get them. We still don’t have them, but I imagine they will be in any week now.”  Total cost was $56,000 for an F-350 one ton, an F-150-half ton and a Ford Ranger. Delivery time should be 8 weeks.

PROPOSED WELCOME CENTER CAUSES CONTROVERSY
December 19, 2007

A proposed welcome center may not be so welcomed by some North Georgia residents. A state welcome center proposed by State Senator Nancy Schaefer for the town of Tallulah Falls is causing controversy in the bucolic town. According to Councilman Don Bundrick, after one initial meeting, the community of 200 people has felt left out of the planning process. “After that we were pretty much left out of the loop. My wife contacted the QVC board, which is a tourism board in Rabun County, and asked to be on the committee. She was told since there was no motel or hotel in Tallulah Falls, we couldn’t have a representative on it,” he said.

Schaefer first proposed building a welcome center in 2006, but she says it was vetoed by Governor Sonny Perdue.  She plans to revisit the idea in the coming General Assembly, noting that North Georgia has no center welcoming visitors from out of state. She says the $3 million welcome center would be an asset to the area. “I think it’s going to improve our economy. Certainly it will improve the economy for the town of Tallulah Falls. And also it will bring jobs into the area,” she said.

Bundrick doesn’t dispute Schaefer’s belief that it could be financially beneficial, but counters that it could also be a drain on the local resources. “Will we end up with basically a pink elephant in the middle of town with no money to fund it or run it or keep it going?” he asked. Other concerns Bundrick lists include locating the building near the Highway 441 bridge, which has seen its fair share of truck accidents, as well as impacts on the endangered species in the gorge.

When asked about the residents’ concerns Schaefer said she thinks towns people don’t see the larger picture. “I feel like maybe they don’t quite understand the whole big purpose of what’s going on,” she said. “I think once they really see what it is going to do for the area, for economic development and jobs; you can’t possibly go along with it.” Bundrick says there is a meeting schedule with Schaefer for January 7 and he hopes the communication issues can be cleared up.

CITY OF TOCCOA TO INSTALL WATER PUMPS
December 18, 2007

The City of Toccoa is spending another municipality’s money. At Monday’s City Commission meeting, commissioners authorized the city staff to facilitate installing two high service pumps to help pump water to Habersham County. City Manager Billy Morse says Habersham County will be paying for these specialized pumps. ”High service pumps are pumps on our clear well that take our treated water. That water is pumped north of the water treatment plant and that is where Habersham County will be taking their water,” he explained.

The intergovernmental agreement between Habersham County and the City of Toccoa stipulates that Habersham County pay for the installation of all the components it takes to move water from the city to Habersham County. Currently they are installing water lines up Highway 17, between Stephens and Habersham Counties. Morse says the pumps cost around $40,000 each. When installation cost is added, it will be around a $250,000 project to put the pumps in. The City expects to begin selling 1 million gallons of water per day to Habersham County beginning in May.

TIME TO REGISTER TO VOTE
December 18, 2007

The 2008 Presidential election is less than a year away and it is time for you to get prepared to take part in this important process. The Presidential Preference Primary will come to Georgia on February 5, 2008. Teresa Kelly, Stephens County Registrar, reminds citizens that if you are not registered to vote, you must register before January 7 to be able to vote in that primary. In addition, if you are going to be away on February 5, you may be eligible to vote absentee. “We do have absentee ballots available at this time. We also have machines set up for you to vote absentee, but you do have to have a reason to vote absentee,” she said.

Kelly says some reasons one can vote absentee are if you will be away because of military service or other reasons, or if you are disabled or elderly. To register to vote, you simply go by the registrar’s office in the Stephens County Government Building and register. Kelly says it is possible to register to vote when you renew your driver’s license, but this close to the deadline, you should check with her office to make sure she received the information. “With it being close to a deadline, sometimes we don’t get those registrations (from driver’s services) in time. If you are not sure whether you are registered to vote, you need to come by or give us a call so we can make sure you are registered,” she said.

In addition, Kelly says, since photo identification is required to vote, if you need an ID, you can get one at the registrar’s office as well. High school students who are 17 and a half can register to vote, but must be 18 before the primary day to vote in it.

OFFICIALS ATTEND WATER MEETING
December 18, 2007      

Even as cold weather comes to Georgia, water continues to be a hot topic. About 60 community leaders from across northeast Georgia gathered in Habersham County Monday to hear from state authorities on the proposed statewide water plan. Gail Cowie, a senior policy advisor for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division reviewed the complicated plan for the group, pointing out that the plan is a long-term view and doesn’t address emergency issues such as drought. There is a separate drought emergency plan in place which actually sets policies such as the outdoor water ban in times of drought. State Senator Nancy Schaefer organized Monday’s event. “It’s important to me to have everybody in the 50^th district to be on the same page and be looking at everything from the same point of view. We come together and I think it’s good for our district and our region,” she said.

The Comprehensive Statewide Water Plan is already creating controversy even before the Georgia General Assembly convenes. It has been created by a water council who spent two years creating the 5-point plan, then spent another year holding a series of public meeting for input. Both the Toccoa City Commissioners and the Stephens County Commission have sent letters of opposition to both Schaefer and State Representative Jeanette Jamieson. In November, Jamieson was opposed to the plan as written, citing the section which seems to give the EPD director control of water resources decisions. Schaefer was less clear cut, saying she believes the state needs a water plan and is confident one will be passed. “We’ve got to work up a water plan and we’ve got to look at the future for Georgia. I know everyone is anxious to get it done and wants to get it done the right way. There is a lot of planning going on and in the end I know we will vote on the right policy,” she explained. The Georgia General Assembly convenes January 14, 2008.

CAMPAIGN WORKER ARRESTED
December 18, 2007

A former worker for U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has been arrested in Oconee County for allegedly stealing from the senator’s re-election campaign. Mary Jennifer Adams, of Westminster, was charged with financial identity fraud and 5 counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent. She was a deputy press secretary for the senator. Adams is accused of using Senator Graham’s identification without his permission as well as using a credit card to take money from the campaign’s coffers during a year-long period.

According to a statement by Kevin hall, the senator’s treasurer, Adams took over $215,000. She was fired last summer when financial inconsistencies came to light. The statement goes on to say “the campaign has filed amended financial reports with the federal election commission to provide an accurate campaign account for the public record.  We continue to cooperate fully with the FEC and local law enforcement to see this matter to its conclusion." Adams was released on a personal recognizance bond.

Water department items will take up a good bit of the Toccoa City Commission’s time at tonight’s meeting. Commissioners will be considering bids on new trucks for the department, plus a bid for filter upgrades at the water treatment plant. Both of these items have come before commissioners previously. The filter upgrades were discussed in last months meeting.  A sole bidder proposed a bid for filters that improve the chlorine system that is almost twice as much as the city had planned on spending. So commissioners asked City Manager Billy Morse to work with the bidder and see what kind of compromise could be worked out. Morse said he has a solution to offer commissioners tonight.

In last week’s meeting, bids for three different types of trucks for the water department were opened. The city is planning to buy a one ton truck, a ½ ton truck and a smaller truck. All three local car dealerships bid on the vehicles and commissioners asked city staff to review the bids and make recommendations at tonight’s meeting.

Finally, commissioners will be asked to consider a resolution which authorizes the city staff to begin the process to apply for a grant to revitalize the Avon Street neighborhood. Morse says the city has spent several years planning how best to rejuvenate this area. He has met with neighborhood leaders and city planners to plan a complete revitalization. Now, the next step is to apply for community block grants which would help with the costs.

North Georgia citizens now have a new way to participate in the federal government. Representative Paul Broun, of the 10th congressional district, opened an office in Toccoa Friday, saying he intends to be a representative for all the citizens. "I think it is critical for the people of Northeast Georgia to have an office so they can have some communication with the Federal Government," Broun said. Broun says the opening is the fulfillment of a campaign promise he made to open offices in Augusta, Athens and Toccoa.

Sitting on the corner of Falls Road and Remsdale Road across from The City Cemetery, Broun’s office will be open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Broun says it will be a way for ordinary citizens to address their federal government. "People can come in and talk about any issue they have on their mind. If they have problems with the federal government we can try to straighten those problems out," he explained. "That’s what we are here to do, represent the people’s interest."

Almost 50 community leaders attended the event, including state representative Jeanette Jamieson, Toccoa Mayor David Austin, Martin Mayor Don Foster and several others. Stephens County Commission Chairman, Kenneth Peeples says having a congressional district office here in town is good for the community. "It’s absolute great to have Rep. Broun’s office here. It puts us on the map and we are always glad to get on the map, here in Toccoa and Stephens County," he said. The 10th Congressional District covers a large portion of the Northeast Georgia, from Rabun and Towns Counties all the way down to McDuffie and Richmond counties. It includes cities such as Augusta, Athens and of course, Toccoa. Representative Broun was elected in July, filling a spot left vacant after the death of Representative Charlie Norwood.

Normally, at a fast food restaurant, the money goes in the drive through window, but last week, at one Lavonia Restaurant, the money went out. Police chief Randy Shirley tells WNEG that two people were arrested and charged with multiple charges after a burglary Thursday night at Taco Bell on Jones Street. Arrested were Mario Demetrious Mitchell, 21, of Carnesville, and Christopher Robert Lewis, 20, of Third Street.  "These two individual are suspects in some other criminal activity that has been occurring here in Lavonia," Shirley said.

Roberts was an employee at the restaurant and allegedly left the drive thru window open so he and his accomplices could access the store. Shirley says Roberts, Mitchell and a third person crawled through the window, forced open three cash registers and took the money.

Not long after the investigation began, police officers coincidently responded to a fight the alleged burglars were involved in. When the suspects saw the officers, they ran. During the chase, a Lavonia police officer injured his hand and foot. He was treated and released. Mitchell was arrested at the scene and Roberts was arrested at his home early Friday morning. Both have been charged with burglary, battery and obstruction of a police officer. They are awaiting a bond hearing at the Franklin County Detention Center. Shirley says authorities hope to arrest the third suspect soon.

Four middle school students are facing charges after they were found to have  marijuana at the middle school last week. According to Stephens County Sheriff Gene Sorrells, School Resource Officer, Todd Mayfield spotted one the boys with a bag of a green leafy substance and watched him hand it to another boy. It was unclear whether the drugs were being bought or given away. Sorrells said further investigation revealed that four students were involved. One of the boys told Sheriff’s deputies that he stole the marijuana from his uncle. Sorrells, said that detail is still being investigated. All four boys were charged with possession of marijuana on school property. The matter was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Acting from what they believe is their Biblical Mission, one local group will literally be feeding the hungry tonight. Step of Faith Outreach Ministry will be giving away 5 tons of food tonight from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. They expect to feed 400 people. The give-away will take place in the lower level of the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Step of Faith, a nonprofit organization which serves Stephens, Franklin, Hart and Habersham counties, gives needy people food, clothing and occasionally shelter.  "Our mission statement from Matthew: 25-36. Jesus said for I was hungry and you gave me eat; I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me. And that’s what we do. We try to help anybody that’s in need," said Patsy Watkins, a Step of Faith board member.  The funding for the food came from a donation from Eaton Corporation as well as local fundraisers. The ministry will be getting the food from the Northeast Georgia Food Bank. Watkins says there are no eligibility requirements. The food distribution will be tonight from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Holiday parties are happening all over the community, but one special Christmas party puts people first. The People First organization will be holding its annual Christmas party on Monday night and will be doing what it does best – celebrating people with disabilities. People First is an advocacy group for people with disabilities that is it is run by people with disabilities. It offers training and technical support to help with issues such as discrimination, independent living and support.

Geraldine Hayes, the group’s spokesperson says the local chapter buys ramps and other items to help its members, as well as offers activities for them to participate in. "We also try to provide different activities that these individuals that are disabled can share in," she said. Several community groups are helping with the Christmas party, including Eastanollee Elementary, the Stephens County Middle School FFA and teachers from both the middle school and high school. "These individuals that are invited are those that may not get anything at all for Christmas," she explained. "They are very excited to get gifts and things they need."  There 15 chapters of People First in Georgia.

Fire trucks will be fixed, concrete will be bought and a whole group of convenience stores can sell alcohol in 2008 after a swift handling of county business Tuesday night In a meeting that lasted 16 minutes, the Stephens County commissioners awarded the job of pouring a concrete apron at the new jail to a local company. William Hicks Construction was awarded the work after its bid of just over $21,000 was almost half of what the only other bidder proposed.

In other business, commissioners approved spending $14,000 on equipment for two of the volunteer fire departments. Eastanollee Fire Department had to have their pumper repaired after it failed a pump test, and New Hope Fire Department ordered almost $7,000 work of special firefighting equipment.

Phyllis Ayers, interim County Administrator tells WNEG that normally, a large purchase such as this one would have been bid out, but the volunteer fire departments are trying to standardize their equipment, and the company from which New Hope bought the equipment is the only authorized supplier. And finally, commissioners approved renewing the alcohol licenses for 10 county convenience stores and the Currahee Club.

A local author and entertainer has gone international. The book "Snake oil, superstars and me" written by Stephens County native "Doc" Tommy Scott is showing great popularity in Great Britain and Canada. Scott says the book which only went on sale a few months ago, is a detail of his amazing life. "The book has got 700 pages in it and 800 pictures," he said. "I tell in the book about all these superstars."  At 90 years old, Scott has worked with a wide variety of well-know people including Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Oprah Winfrey and Charles Kuralt. He has traveled all around the world and written more than 300 songs. The book, which weighs over 4 pounds, includes stories, photos, and poems.

Scott says his friends and family encouraged him to write a book about his life, and he is careful to remain positive about the many characters he has met. "I don’t say bad things about them. I’ve tried to say something good and maybe something funny," he explained. Scott says though he has traveled all around the world, his favorite place is Stephens County. "On the second or third page I talk about Toccoa, GA. It’s always good to go out to all these places, but coming home and going over the mountain, it always looks better," he said. You can pick "Snake oil, superstars and me" at the Toccoa Historical Museum.

This Saturday, the streets of Toccoa will light up with roaring trucks and giving hearts as the annual Truckers for Kids Toy Run goes through town. Truckers who participate must bring four toys, 2 for a girl and 2 for a boy. All the toys go to children in Stephens County. Organizer Bear Weaver says what began with a dozen trucks has grown into an event with over 80 trucks. "We started out with 12 trucks. In the last 12 years, we have grown to 80 trucks where it generates 2 16-foot trailers plumb full of toys," he said. For the community, it’s a great way to celebrate the season since the drivers decorate their trucks with lights and holiday finery.

Weaver says it is a unique sight for citizens to enjoy. "It’s been really successful with the nighttime run. We get a lot of people come out just to tailgate. Not many people get to see $150,000 to $200,000 trucks," he said. The trucks gather at the high school, and then head out down Big A Road, winding their way through town. Trucks can get to the high school at 1 p.m. to begin decorating, and the run starts at 5:30 p.m.

STREETSCAPE PROJECT MOVING FORWARD
December 12, 2007

If you are in downtown Toccoa and walk down Sage Street toward Foreacre Street, you might think you see a mess. Actually, that’s work in progress. All that torn up sidewalk and caution tape is part of the ongoing downtown Streetscape project.

Main Street Director, Connie Tabor says the project is moving along. The new infrastructure will be new storm drains and wiring for the new light posts. Tabor tells wneg the section on Sage Street should be complete by Christmas. After that, workers will turn their attention to another section of Doyle Street.

The showcase part of the project is the section of Doyle Street in the middle of downtown which is being turned back into a road. Just this week, workers have begun installing brick pavers on the sidewalk.

Tabor says they hope to have the road open by March.

SANTA CHECKS HIS LIST TWICE BECAUSE HE LOVES TO READ
December 12, 2007

Santa is coming to town and bringing a love of reading with him.

The Toccoa Stephens County Literacy Center will be holding "Story Time with Santa" on Thursday December 13 at 7 p.m.

Coordinator Karen Ledford says this will be a fun event for kids of all ages. Youngsters will get the chance to go over their Christmas lists with Santa and will receive snacks and a free book.

This is the first year the Literacy Council has offered such a special event and Ledford says seeing Santa read sets a good example for his young fans. The evening is free and open to the public.

You can find Santa at the Literacy Center, located at the corner of Broad and Whitman Streets, next to Head Start.

Story time with Santa begins at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.

CITY OF TOCCOA HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE
December 12, 2007

In this season of giving, today is a perfect opportunity to give the gift of life. The City of Toccoa is holding its annual December blood drive today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Police Department on Doyle Street.

Brenda Yearwood, Human Resources Director for the city, says December often is a month when blood banks run low on blood supply. Yearwood says giving blood is not difficult or painful and can save lives. To give blood, you need to be in good health and bring a picture id.

The City of Toccoa sponsors four blood drives a year.

OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE STARTS FRIDAY
December 12, 2007

As the holiday season cranks up, so does the number of drunken driving accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1,000 people were killed nationwide in December last year in crashes involving drunk drivers.

To try to combat this problem the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is implementing Operation Zero Tolerance.

Starting Friday and running through January 1st, this crackdown will involve thousands of local and state law enforcement agencies statewide.

More than 500 police departments, sheriff’s offices and state patrol posts will set up sobriety checkpoints and run concentrated patrols on our roadways and interstates.

Locally, law enforcement is planning on being highly visible too.

Stephens County Sheriff Gene Sorrells tells WNEG Radio that his deputies will be out "in full force" during the holiday period and drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints.

The Toccoa City Police will be working in conjunction with Operation Zero Tolerance, and will have their own checkpoints in place.

And in Lavonia, Chief Randy Shirley says his officers will be on "saturation patrol."

Shirley reminds citizens to get a designated driver who won’t drink at all during the evening.

A Tallulah Falls man was killed in a one-car accident over the weekend. According the Operator Dean Wood, of the Georgia State Patrol, around midnight Friday, James Andrew Wall, age 57, was going down Georgia 17 Alternate near Stephens County Hospital. He lost control of his 1995 Chevy f-10 as he rounded a curve and flipped the truck several times. Wall was ejected and taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital. He died the next day. State Patrol authorities are still investigating the accident.

The Georgia State Patrol is also investigating two other weekend accidents, though neither resulted in injuries. A South Carolina man was charged with driving under the influence and failure to stop at a stop sign when he not only failed to stop, but actual ran over the stop sign at the intersection of the Highway 17 and the Toccoa Bypass.

According to Operator Dean Wood, with the Georgia State Patrol, Eric Snider, of Inman S.C., drove his 2005 Jeep Cherokee through the intersection, over the sign and hit some trees on the far side of the road around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. The accident was not reported until around 8 a.m. In a second accident on Saturday morning, a Toccoa woman was charged with failure to maintain lane when she hit another car coming her way.

Operator Wood says around 10 a.m., Becky Bohannon, age 31, was driving her 2004 Ford Escape north on Cauthorn Road while Benjamin Millwood, age 19 was driving south in his 2002 Hyundai Accent. Bohannon apparently crossed the middle line and struck Millwood’s car. Operator Wood says the drivers complained of injuries, but they were not serious enough to be transported to the hospital.

The City of Toccoa dipped its collective toe into a substantial update to the city’s alcohol ordinance. In the City Commission meeting Monday, the commission decided to schedule a work session specifically for going over the detailed proposal City Attorney John Dickerson put before them on making changes to the 22-year-old ordinance.

High on the list was a change to the amount of food a restaurant must serve before it can apply for an alcohol license. Right now, businesses must take in 30 percent of their revenue from food sales to sell alcohol. Dickerson proposes raising that amount to 50 percent of gross annual income. A second major issue Dickerson listed is the consideration of allowing motels and hotels to sell liquor by the glass.

Other changes include:

City manager Billy Morse said once commissioners approve the final proposal, public hearings will be held to give the public a chance to comment on Toccoa’s alcohol policy.

A Lavonia woman faces multiple charges after being nabbed with illegal prescription drugs. According to Lavonia police Chief Randy Shirley, Nikki Lynn Hayes, age 20, was spotted driving erratically near the intersection of Highway 328 and Highway 59 in Franklin County. Shirley says Lavonia police followed her to a convenience store, where she tried to drive away but was trapped by police. "Once they stopped her, they could see there was something not right with her. She failed the field sobriety test and admitted to being under the influence of prescription hydrocodone, also known as Lortabs," he said.

Police officers found Hayes had several types of prescription medicine in her car, Shirley says, and she was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act. In recent years, law enforcement has seen a rise in the number of prescription drugs being obtained and used illegally. "It is certainly not unique to Lavonia. It’s a nation-wide trend that’s been on the rise for several years now. We are certainly seeing more arrests, not only by police officers, but by the multi-agency narcotics squad," Shirley said. Hydrocodone, commonly called Lortab, and Oxycontin, are two of the most widely abused prescription drugs. Shirley says Hydrocodone is highly addictive and the law enforcement groups have lobbied Congress to try to get it taken off the market.

A man, who has spent a year in jail, will have to wait three more months to have his day in court. Roger Gary Jackson is accused of murdering Wayne Calvin Wilson Jr. last December.  The trial was originally scheduled for October, but was delayed until today. Last week, the trial was once again pushed back until March. Assistant District Attorney Edward Staples says the delay comes because the DA’s office is trying to accommodate a new prosecutor. Former Assistant District Attorney Rick Bridgeman was originally suppose to prosecute the case, but resigned in September to become the district attorney for the piedmont judicial circuit.

Jackson is accused of shooting Wilson, though the events leading up to the shooting are unclear. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene after someone in the home called 911 and after interviewing Jackson, arrested him. He was indicted in January on charges of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony. Jackson is still being held in the Stephens County jail.

Right now, the new Stephens County High School is simply colored pieces of paper pinned to a white board. This is part of the design process that architects of James Buckley and Associates are using to try to meet the needs of all the users of the building. The architects spent last week in a room at the high school listening, explaining, drawing and re-drawing plans. They used small colored pieces of paper to represent various types of space -- such as classrooms, media center and hallways -- pinning them to a white board so they could be moved around as the plan took shape.

"We bring our design team to the school system and design the new facility while we are exposed to the school. We want to make sure we have maximum involvement of all the people that will be using it," said Greg Smith, Executive Vice President of the firm. "Every facility operates differently and every group of teachers teaches differently. The only way we can make sure it works for you is to involve the teachers." In his presentation to the Stephens County Board of Education Thursday, Smith said the initial plans are to build a new structure which will feature new classrooms, a lecture hall, an auditorium, and a new upgraded gymnasium. The building will be re-oriented so the current back of the building will become the front. Smith says this takes advantage of the view and the ridge-top orientation.

The second phase of the work would then completely gut, then rebuild the current building. Smith acknowledges the current high school is unattractive and poorly laid out, but says the structure is sound and it would make financial sense to re-use it. He assured the school board that when completed, the new building and the old building would flow together seamlessly.  "The direction of this project has taken some turns as most projects do as they develop," he said. "The direction is a positive one; it’s a very exciting building and we are able to use what’s here and improve upon it." Buckley and Associates hopes to present a final concept plan to the school board by the end of the year.

The Toccoa City Commission will be looking at changes to the city’s alcohol ordinance in tonight’s city commission meeting. City Manager Billy Morse says the 22-year-old ordinance has been tweaked over the years, but now needs a significant updating. This is to keep up with changes to state law and judicial cases which affect alcohol licensing. City Attorney, John Dickerson will be presenting commissioners with a detailed proposal for tweaking, clarifying and adding two significant changes to the current policy.

One of those changes is the amount of food an establishment must sell before it can also sell alcohol. Currently, a business only has to have 30 percent of their annual income be from food sales. The proposed change takes that amount up to 50 percent of revenue from food.  Another decision commissioners will face is whether to allow hotels and motels to sell drinks by the glass. Morse points out that tonight’s meeting is only the first discussion of the proposal. If commissioners agree with the proposed changes, then a public hearing on the complete proposal will be held after the first of the year.

Good food and a good cause came together Friday to raise money for kids. The Boys and Girls Club of Toccoa-Stephens County held a barbeque fundraiser which netted almost$1500. "This supports all our programs. During after school hours we offer Power Hour, which is homework help. What we are doing now is measuring our kids’ success in their homework. Once we get the results we will put it out to the community," said Oliver Dorsey, the Club’s Chief Professional Officer.

In addition, Dorsey says the Boys and Girls club offers arts and crafts, sports and recreational programs to almost 90 kids per day, who range in age from 6 to 12 years old. The organization operates at a budget of $185,000 to $200,000, and gets most of its funding from the United Way. However, to make up the difference, board members hold area fundraisers such the one on Friday. "Next year we are hoping to serve teens in our community," Oliver explained. "We know once we do that we will average 30-40 teens a day." The Boys and Girls Club is located on Whitman Street.

And now there are seven. Sandra Childs was sworn in as the new school board member at the Stephens County Board of Education’s work session Thursday night. Childs was appointed by the board on November 23 to fill the position left vacant by James Thomas, who resigned in September.

Thomas resigned after he moved out of his district. Childs is a former teacher in the Stephens County school system, who taught in both special education and regular classrooms. "I’ve been to 3 days of training in Atlanta, and I found out it is even more of an awesome responsibility than I thought. That’s okay, though," said Childs. "I’m excited about this. Childs will represent District 2 Post 1.

Love literally lit up at Stephens County Hospital last night, as the Hospital Auxiliary held its Annual Love Light Tree Program. The large pine tree outside the hospital was lit in holiday decorations in honor of Daphene Herring, a long-time Auxiliary member, who died this year. Sue Moore, President of the Auxiliary, says Daphene was a loyal Auxiliary member.

"She was an Auxiliary member who worked in the gift shop and front desk. She was a very conscientious member, always where she was needed and always doing what needed to be done," Moore remembered, even when she was not able to come in weekly, she still helped us by making phone calls and bringing food in when it was needed. We appreciated her very much." The money raised from the Love Light Program goes to buy needed equipment for the hospital.

This year’s donations will buy:

In addition, Dr. David Yates presented the auxiliary with a check from the Toccoa clinic, saying it was the volunteers’ human touch that meant the most to the patients and staff of the hospital. The evening ended with a round of "Silent Night" and the glowing lights brightening the cold night.

A new system of inspection and regulation focuses on reducing food borne illnesses. As of December 1, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, which oversees restaurant inspections, has implemented new food service regulations. Giles Roberts, DHR Program Manager of Food Service, says the new regulations bring the inspection process up to date with current science about food borne illnesses and make it easier for customers to know how safe it is to eat at a certain restaurant.  "Instead of focusing on minor things such as floors, walls and ceilings, we are shifting our focus to those things that can cause illness," he explained. "When [consumers] go into an establishment, they can see at a glance, how well that establishment is doing." The new inspection report Roberts refers to, includes both a letter grade and a numeric score.  This form should be posted along with the restaurant’s two most recent inspections.

In addition to a new focus and new reporting, the regulations also require restaurants to have a certified food safety manager. "The basic requirement for them is to pass a certified test in food safety," he said. "Their responsibility is to monitor food safety within the establishment. They have to train food employees in proper food handling and make sure they know the rules and regulations as it applies to their duties."  The changes to Georgia’s Food Code were modeled after the Food and Drug Administration’s 2005 Food Code.

Today is a day to remember the horrific event which propelled our country into World War II. Sixty-six years ago today just before 8 a.m., the Japanese aircraft attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor sinking or damaging 21ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Seven of the 8 battleships moored there were destroyed. In addition to the naval fleet, Navy, Marine, and Army bases were also attacked at the same time, intending to destroy the American planes before they could rise to intercept the Japanese. 188 aircraft were destroyed and 159 were damaged.

Over 2400 Americans were killed that day, with more than half of those occurring when the USS Arizona was hit by a bomb which ignited its ammunition stores. The day following the attack, Congress voted to approve declaring war on Japan and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a declaration of war. Three days later, Germany declared war on the United States and the American people were on the road to a world war which ultimately killed 60 million people, both soldiers and civilians.

A 2-car accident seriously injured a Toccoa man Monday. According to Operator Dennis Pauley with the Georgia State Patrol, around 1:15 p.m., 39-year-old James Hallick Jr., of Piedmont South Carolina, was driving his 2007 Chevy Avalanche north on Highway 106. He turned left on to Highway 17 into the path of a truck driven by Harold Keller of Toccoa. Keller, age 71, was driving a 1987 Ford Ranger. Pauley says Keller was seriously injured and taken to Stephens County Hospital, where he was flown to Athens Regional Medical Center. A family member said he remains there in stable condition with head injuries. Hallick was charged with failure to yield.

Police and fire are still not sure what started a brush fire that threatened The Tractor Supply Company Wednesday afternoon. Two fire engines were called to the South Big A Road store around 1:15 p.m. An employee had noticed the smoke on her way to lunch and a witness said he saw flames 4 -5 feet high. It took firefighters about 20 minutes to douse the flames which charred a long area less than 10 feet from the building. Inside the store, Christmas music played, while employees calmly waited on customers. At the scene, Toccoa Fire Chief Tommy Ayers said officials could not yet determine a cause.

Drought and low humidity levels make a dangerous combination when it comes to forest fires. The Stephens County Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Toccoa Fire Department has responded to several outdoor fires and two house fires this week. Shawn Alexander, fire management officer with the Georgia Forestry Commission, calls the current fire danger level "fairly critical. "What really roles a big role in fire danger is relative humidity," he explained. "The last few days we have been running humidity’s in the 20s, which gets fairly critical. Any time you get below 25 or 30 percent, the likely hood of an ember starting a wildfire increases significantly."

Humidity levels have been relatively low this week. Alexander says the ongoing drought has affected the danger level as well, but that the occasional rain lately has helped some. The Georgia Forestry Commission has made it a policy not to issue burn permits when humidity levels are forecasted below 30 percent. Alexander credits this policy for reducing the amount of fires the commission has seen. "Our fire activity has really been very slow because of that. The only fires we have had is where folks have intentionally set them or from machine use," he said.

Homeowners must get a permit before having any kind of burn go on, such as leaf burning. Alexander says the best way to check if permits are being offered on a particular day is to visit the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website at www.gatrees.org. You can also call the local office in Stephens County at 282-4528.

In a related story, the Toccoa Fire Department is offering some space heater safety tips. Twice this week, the fire department responded to a house fire that was begun by heating units. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires year are associated with space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires. Fire chief Tommy ayers says to be safest, folks should do the following when using space heaters:

And as always, Ayers reminds everyone to have at least two working smoke alarms in your home.

If you find yourself up in Habersham County on Saturday, you might want to stop by The Orchard for the 2007 Christmas Tour of Homes. Organizer Gwynne Goodlett says the tour is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. "We are very excited about the Tour because it features 7 gorgeous homes that are wonderfully decorated," she said. "There’s a collection of over 100 Santa Claus’ and there’s a collection of glass ornaments that will be put on a big tree. We’ve got people who have gone all out to give people great ideas for the holidays."

Besides the beautiful homes and holiday decorations, this tour has another gift for tour-goers. The program features individual drawings or photographs of each home donated by local artists, including two from Toccoa. "Bill Silvernail has graciously donated his artwork for the tour booklet. Also Deborah Hartley who is a well-known artist in the community has done a rendition of a home," Goodlett says. "We are so thankful to them for donating their time for this."

Other artists include famed Clarkesville artist John Kollock and an amateur teenage photographer, Angela Ruhlman. All the money raised from this tour goes to support The Little School in Clarkesville, a private school which offers education from preschool to the 5th grade. Tickets bought in advance cost $15 and can be picked up at First Citizens Bank or Habersham Bank. Tickets at the gate will cost $20. The tour begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

TOCCOA CHRISTMAS PARADE WINNERS
December 5, 2007

Liberty Elementary School has been named the overall winner of the Toccoa Christmas Parade Float contest, but in reality, it was the citizens of Toccoa who were the winners. Event organizer Sharon Crosby says the parade was a great success. “We had a wonderful parade. We had many floats and they were very creatively done. We had several with a streetscape off downtown Toccoa and those were beautiful as well,” she said. Liberty Elementary’s float was one that featured a rendition of the downtown streetscape, which fit perfectly with the theme of “Christmas on Main Street.”

With the weather clear and cool, parade goers got to enjoy over 50 floats, bands, and decorated vehicles on Saturday.  “The Currahee Squares were the first place winners. The interesting part about their float is the dancers who walk along with the vehicles,” Crosby said. “And the Holcomb Family Christmas had vintage tractors which belonged to their grandfathers”

The parade float winning entries are as follows:

Civic Group:                  1st: Pack 68 Eastanollee cub scouts          

                                    2nd: Rotary Club

School Group:                1st: Liberty Elementary      

                                     2nd; Stephens County Middle School FFA

Bands:                          1st: Stephens County High School marching band

                                    2nd: Stephens County Middle School marching band

Church Groups:             1st: Tom’s Creek Baptist Church

                                    2nd: Providence United Methodist Church

Business/ Indust.             1st: Learning Tree

                                    2nd: Rhythm Academy

Decorated                     1st: Currahee s Squares

Vehicles                       2nd: Holcomb Family Christmas

Congratulations to all!

SECOND HOUSE FIRE IN TOCCOA
December 5, 2007

For the second time this week, a house fire was started by a heating unit. The family who lives at 1710 East Doyle Street Extension returned home Monday afternoon to find two Toccoa fire trucks and a cadre of firemen in front of their house. Toccoa Fire Chief Tommy Ayers says a fire began on the floor. “It looks like they had an LP tank hooked to a heater in the living room. It may have malfunction and set the floor on fire and then spread to the rest of the house,” he said. He says the fire spread to the attic as well. The inside of the home suffered heavy damage. Ayers said the family had left to go to work in the morning and knew nothing of the damage until they came home that evening around 5 p.m.

WOMAN USES CHILD TO GET ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
December 5, 2007     

Toccoa police are still investigating the case of a woman who allegedly tried to use her own child to get prescription drugs illegally. Authorities tell WNEG that Karen Michelle Roberson is facing multiple charges after a shoplifting arrest led to a larger drug case. Roberson, of Braswell Street, was arrested for shoplifting from Wal-Mart on November 19. Police say when she was taken into custody, they found bottles of Xanax and Lortab on her that had been prescribed to her 3-year-old daughter.

Further investigation revealed, she had allegedly stolen a prescription pad from a doctor at The Toccoa Clinic and forged his name to get the drugs. She was arrested at her home and charged with control substance distributed without a form, violation of the Georgia controlled substance act and theft by taking. Police authorities say the investigation is still ongoing.                                                        

MARTIN TOUR OF HOMES THIS SATURDAY
December 5, 2007

Looking for an old time holiday experience? Just what you are looking for may be waiting for you in Martin this weekend. The Martin Woman’s Club is holding an “Ole Tyme Christmas Tour of Homes” Saturday complete with Christmas caroling and a marshmallow roast. “We think it will be really fun,” said Diane Yow Cole, of the Martin Woman’s Club. “We have 8 homes that will be open and the Community Center makes 9 and then the 6 drive-bys.”

One of the homes on the tour, Cole says, is being restored by a former Martin resident whose grandfather was the first doctor in Martin. “We have someone we are pleased to have back in Martin with us. Dawn McCall is the president and CEO of The Discovery Channel. She has come back and restored her grandparent’s house. Her grandfather was the first physician in Martin.”

After oohing and aahing at the historical homes and beautiful decorations, you can then enjoy singing by the Martin Baptist Church choir at 3:00 p.m. and by, Martin native, Martha Matthews Hunt at 5 p.m. At the end of the evening, at 8 p.m., there will be a marshmallow roast at the Martin Community Center. This event is a fundraiser for the Martin Woman’s Club and Cole says the money raised is put back into the community. Tickets are $12 and can be picked up at the Martin Community Center.

NO ONE HURT IN CLARK STREET FIRE
December 4, 2007

A kerosene heater is being blamed for a house fire Monday afternoon that left a Toccoa woman shaken and scared. The Clark Street woman said she had just started the heater, which was in the kitchen, and gone into an adjoining room, when she smelled smoke and discovered the fire. Toccoa Fire Chief Tommy Ayers says the back porch caught fire after the woman dragged the heater outside. The flames then traveled into the walls and attic, forcing firefighters to do some damage to put it out. “We had to tear out some walls upstairs to get to the fire, but we got it knocked out pretty quick,” said Ayers.

Three Toccoa fire engines responded. After dousing the flames, firefighters carefully checked the rest of the home for any lingering heat.  According the U.S. Fire Association, heating devices caused 11 percent of all house fires, second only to cooking.

GEMA AWARDED NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
December 4, 2007

Georgia’s emergency preparedness ranks at the top of the nation and now, the agency responsible for it has the paper to prove it. GEMA, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, has received accreditation from the National Emergency Management Accreditation Program.

Buzz Weiss, GEMA Public Affairs Officer, says only 16 states and 3 local jurisdictions have received the accreditation. “This accreditation is a national program that recognizes local and state emergency preparedness organizations for reaching a high set of standards to enhance their ability to ensure the safety of the people in their community,” Weiss explained.

The voluntary accreditation process looks at a wide range of emergency management functions and include a rigorous evaluation of documentation and on-site assessment. “In order to meet this, there were a number of standards in areas that deal with planning, training and carrying out exercises which evaluate how we are able to provide the services to the public,” Weiss said. The accreditation is valid for 5 years.

LAVONIA ANIMAL SHELTER BROKEN IN TO
December 4, 2007

A suspicious bicycle is being credited with helping Lavonia police discover a break-in at the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter. “We received a call from a passing motorist who saw a bicycle parked at the animal shelter. When the officer arrived, the bicycle was gone,” said Police Chief Randy Shirley. “The officer noticed a window had been broken out and entry had been gained.”

The burglar apparently got into the office and found some money bags. Shirley said the burglar got away with about $150 from the Beaver Creek Road building. However, none of the animals house there were injured. Police are following leads and hope to have an arrest soon.

HANUKKAH BEGINS TODAY
December 4, 2007

For our Jewish neighbors, tonight begins the 8 days of Hanukkah. Also called the Festival of Rededication or the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem by Judas Maccabee in 165 B.C., according to jewfaqs.org. Tradition states that at the time of the rededication, the oil needed to light the menorah, or candelabrum, was running low. There was only enough to burn for one night, but miraculously, it burned for 8 nights.

Today, this 8-day festival commemorates the miracle of the oil. Jews observe the holiday by lighting a menorah. This candelabrum holds 9 candles – 8 for the 8 days of oil, and a 9^th used to light the others from right to left. One candle is progressively lit each evening and allowed to burn out naturally.

It is also traditional to eat fried foods such as latkes, or potato pancakes, and to play with a children’s toy called a dreidal. The web site jewfaqs.org says for Jews, this holiday has less religious significance than others like Passover or Yom Kippur. Christians generally are more aware of it because of its proximity to Christmas.

Some High School Club Members are determined to anchor a happy holiday for some less fortunate children. The Stephens County High School Anchor Club is seeking donations for their "Christmas Shoeboxes for Toccoa" project. Anchor Club sponsor Lauren Anderson says club members got the idea from a guest speaker who told them about Operation Christmas Child, a program where shoeboxes of supplies are sent to children overseas.

"Some of the girls in the club wanted to do something like that for the kids in Toccoa," she explained. "I have coordinated with Toccoa Elementary School. Hopefully, we will get enough money to work with the other Elementary Schools as well." Once, they have raised enough money, they will buy small hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and combs, as well as small toys. The club will then gather, pack the gifts in shoe boxes and deliver them to the school.

"The Anchor Club is all about community service," said Anderson. "they wanted to do something that would really help the community." The Anchor Club is a service club mostly made up of girls at the High School. To be a member, students must have an A average and must be recommended by a teacher. To make a donation to the Christmas shoeboxes for Toccoa, contact Lauren Anderson at Stephen County High School at 886-6825.

A Lavonia woman is still in jail after breaking the law with her cell phone. Shatwana Delores Johnson of 17 Henry Street Extension, in Lavonia, was charged with computer pornography after an incident last week. "We got a tip from a man who said an acquaintance of his took a revealing picture of his lower extremities with her cell phone and emailed it to his 14-year-old daughter," said Lavonia Police Chief Randy Shirley.

Shirley said Johnson admitted to sending the email. He said the police department met with the district attorney before settling on the computer pornography charge. That charge is a felony.

If you are turning 18, then the Secretary of State wants you. Secretary of State Karen Handel has initiated a "Georgia votes" high school voter registration drive. The drive is an effort to get more high school students registered to vote when they are eligible.

"Only 7 percent of registered Georgians 18-24 years old voted in the last Presidential Election," Handel said. "So, this is one way we can put the responsibility of voting, which is such a precious right, right in the forefront of young peoples’ minds." To try to increase those numbers, the secretary of state has mailed a "Georgia Votes" kit to public high schools across Georgia.

She says the kit is designed to speak to high school students in their language, and her office even turned to its younger interns to design the product. Handel points out that vo