The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be coming down this morning after being visited by thousands of people over the weekend. This traveling wall’s builder, Greg Welsh, says almost 8000 people came by.

However, he adds, the most important measure of success comes from the individual stories. "There were a couple of guys that showed up on Friday and one, it took him two days to finally get to the wall,’ says Welsh. "When he did and he was able to touch the wall, that makes Toccoa a successful event. I do not measure it on the number of people, as is the number of lives that are changed." The outpouring of visitors began Friday morning when over 3000 Stephens County students were bused to Boyd Field for their chance to see a part of American history.

Then over the next three days, people came steadily to visit, to see, to learn, and to remember. The official opening came Friday night with a solemn wreath laying and opening ceremonies. Representatives of several veterans’ organizations escorted family members of Stephens County soldiers listed on the wall in laying wreaths. Flags snapped in the wind and audience members softly sniffled during the quiet service. The mother of captain William L. Philips was escorted by her grandson, Specialist 4 Cody Philips. William Philips’ brother, Ken Philips, says having the traveling wall in Toccoa is very special. "It was very special for my mom and for all of us brothers and sisters," says Philips. "We were all here this evening in attendance. It was very moving, very touching, and very special."

Sunday, the observance was repeated in an honorable closing ceremony.  Retired Col. Ben Purcell told the audience how faith and a bit of mischievousness helped him endure over five years in captivity as a prisoner of war. And as the flags were ceremoniously retired, Toccoa quietly said her goodbyes to the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.

Transition is underway at the Stephens County Tax Commissioner’s office. After over 27 years on the job, Vickie Whitworth has retired as Stephens County Tax Commissioner. Whitworth spent her last day in the office Friday visiting with colleagues and friends. On her last day, she took some time to speak to WNEG.

Whitworth says the last day brought up mixed emotions. "Well, it feels strange in a way," says Whitworth. "It feels exciting in a way and sad in a way. I am going to miss all of the people that I see every day and it is just time for me to go home." Whitworth says she has had the opportunity to experience many changes in the office over her time in the position and more importantly, work with great people. "It has just been a great pleasure for me personally to be up here," adds Whitworth. "I have had some wonderful people to work with and some wonderful people that have worked for me. I appreciate everything that they have done to help me along the way. I started out very young and I had to have a lot of people that I could depend on to get answers from and be there for me and those people all know who they are and what they did and I could not thank them enough."

Her deputy, Dene Hicks, who has worked in the office for 14 years, replaces Whitworth. As for what she will do next, Whitworth says she is not sure. She says she is looking forward to what the future holds for both her and her family.

Some former local students receive an honor for work they started years ago. State Senator Nancy Schaefer introduced a resolution recently, one passed by the State Senate, honoring the work of the class that began the idea for the Paul Anderson Park nearing completion now in Toccoa. That class, in fourth grade at the time, was honored last week at the state capitol for their work.

One of those students is Danielle Wisotzke, who is now a freshman at Georgia Tech. Wisotzke says the honor is greatly appreciated. "It was a wonderful experience," says Wisotzke. "It was a great honor. It was really great to see Paula Anderson Schaefer there and also the boys of the Vidalia Youth Home that Paul Anderson started were all there, so that was really great."

The idea started back in 1999, when Wisotzke’s fourth grade class came up with the idea to honor a local citizen. They focused in on Paul Anderson and came up with the idea for the park. Wisotzke says back then, they did not really grasp how big it has become. "I mean, really and truly, as fourth graders, you just think, ‘Oh, we are going to go clean up a park and we are going to make it look pretty, but we really wanted to do something to honor him, something really special, and Ms. Cynthia Sanders just took this idea and she used our original plans and she just went with it and she has done an amazing job," adds Wisotzke.

Wisotzke also thanks Betsey Hodges for her efforts as president of the park’s foundation. She says the students stay involved as much as possible along with their other responsibilities. Work on Paul Anderson Park continues.

A man wanted for an armed robbery last year is finally back in Stephens County. Toccoa Police Chief Jackie Whitmire says 30-year-old Joshua Kenneth Sparks was identified by detectives as the lead suspect in a November armed robbery. "We had enough evidence to issue a warrant for his arrest," says Whitmire. "He had fled Toccoa, so we posted a nationwide lookout for him and last month, he was apprehended in Augusta, Maine. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office brought him back to Toccoa and he is now in the Stephens County Jail, facing felony armed robbery charges and awaiting his court date."

That robbery occurred at the Circle K convenience store next to the Huddle House on South Big A Road when a man wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt demanded money from the cash register. At the time, police said the clerk believed the robber had a gun. No word on a court date yet.

Paul Broun will run for re-election. The first-term congressional Representative, who is serving out the term of the late Representative Charlie Norwood, has announced he is running for re-election He toured the district to kick off his tour late last week and over the weekend. He visited Toccoa Saturday, stopping at the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall and some businesses as well. He also made stops in Clayton, Royston, Commerce, Cornelia, and Hartwell, among other towns in the district on the bus tour, which covered from last Thursday to Saturday.

One of Broun’s opponents in the Republican primary will be 50^th District State Senator Nancy Schaefer. Georgia House Majority Whip Barry Fleming will also run in the Republican primary. One Democrat has announced his intention to run for the seat. That is Bobby Saxon of Jackson County, Georgia.  The primary elections in Georgia will be on July 15. Qualifying begins on April 28 and continues through May 2.

The Stephens County High School band continues their trip Monday in Washington, D.C. A large crowd turned out to see the band perform Sunday at the World War II Memorial for 45 minutes. It is part of a five-day trip to Washington that concludes with their return Tuesday. There are 140 members of the band and auxiliary on the trip, along with 25 chaperones and directors. The band is also scheduled to visit the Vietnam, Korean, and Lincoln memorials, along with Arlington Cemetery.

The Toccoa Police Department says foul play is not suspected in an incident Thursday morning on West Currahee Street. Authorities were called Thursday to the Relax Inn Motel, known as the old Taj Motel or old Peck’s Motel, on West Currahee Street for an incident of a yet unreleased nature. According to authorities, the incident is believed to be medical in nature and no foul play is suspected. Police said Thursday there was not a fatality and add more information should be forthcoming as the investigation into the matter continues.

Official festivities begin today in commemoration of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall’s appearance in Toccoa. The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall was constructed Thursday at Boyd Field and will remain up for viewing all weekend long. The wall was escorted in Wednesday in preparation of the events this weekend. Stephens County Historical Society Director Brenda Carlan says eight of the over 58,000 names listed are from here in Stephens County.

Those names are:

Emory Franklin Johnson, Gregorio Meno Camacho, Jacky Lee Drury, Larry Eugene Collier, Marshall Howard Isbell, Tommy Calvin Heaton, William Herschel Ayers, and William Leroy Phillips.

Today’s opening ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. with a laying of the wreath preceding it at 6 p.m.

There will be a banquet tomorrow at 7 p.m. and closing ceremonies are Sunday at 6 p.m.

For more information on the wall, call the Stephens County Historical Society at 282-5055.

There is an announcement this morning from Stephens County Clerk of Superior Court Aubre Grafton. Grafton’s office says jurors summoned for March 31 do not have to report. This week of jury trials have been cancelled.

Stephens County Commissioners approve plat recording for a local subdivision. The Rolling Hills Land Company, LLC came back to commissioners this week, requesting plat approval for their section of a subdivision on Lake Hartwell, the Highlands of Lake Hartwell. The developers first came to commissioners at the first March meeting for approval to record one-acre lots, the county minimum.

However, commissioners expressed concern then about smaller lots, previously approved on conditions under a previous owner of the land, Woods of Lake Oconee, LLC, that had not yet been met. County Attorney Brian Ranck says he and the attorneys for the subdivision were able to negotiate an agreement he could recommend that would allow plat approval under certain conditions. "They will have 120 days from today to apply for the EPD permitting requirement for the sewer system and if they fail to get that permit within 120 days, they will come back before you with all the small lots re-platted at one acre," says Ranck. "If they get the EPD permit for the system, they will have until September 30, 2008 to get the system implemented and fully operational. Again, if they fail to do that, they will come back before you requesting to have plat recording approval with lots again brought up to one acre minimum lot size."

The agreement also states that none of the smaller lots can be sold until the agreement is met. In addition, Ranck says the new agreement does not change any of the conditions of the previous agreement, regarding things like roads. Roads were the concern of one resident in that subdivision and Commissioner Kenneth Peeples told developers that they need to keep that in mind as they move forward. "I might add one thing," says Peeples. "If you ever expect those streets and roads to be taken over by this county, you better be sure that our Public Works Director and engineer approves work on those roads." The developers agreed with Peeples’ comments. Commissioners approved the agreement contingent on Ranck confirming the owners of the property and making sure all of the legalities on that end were in order.

Unemployment continues to rise in Stephens County. The Georgia Department of Labor recently released unemployment statistics for February 2008 for the state and all of its counties. The unemployment rate in Stephens County was 5.7 percent in February. That is up from 5.3 percent in January. It is also up from February 2007, when the unemployment rate was at 5.4 percent. The Stephens County labor force was 13,574 people. Of those, 12,087 were employed and 767 were unemployed.

Stephens County unemployment is also above the state average. For the whole state of Georgia, unemployment in February was at 5.3 percent, up from 5.1 percent in January. Since February 2007, Georgia’s unemployment has risen a whole percentage point, from 4.3 to 5.3 percent.

The Stephens County Extension Office will conduct a series of informational workshops Saturday for the public. It is all part of the annual WNEG Home and Outdoor Show. Stephens County Extension Coordinator Forrest Connelly says they have tried to mix things up with a new workshop this year. "At 1:00, we are going to have basic bee keeping and bee keeping biology," says Connelly. "We have got Robert Brewer coming in. He is the Towns County Extension Coordinator and he is also the Georgia Master Beekeepers’ state director for that program."

That is only one of four workshops, according to Connelly, who says the programs get started at 10 a.m. "That will be tree selection for the North Georgia landscape," adds Connelly. "We have Justin Tyson. He is the extension coordinator in Rabun County. At 11 a.m., we are going to have native plants and wildflowers and that will be Dan Ross, one of Stephens County’s master gardeners and then at noon, we will have day lilies and landscape design with Russell Paxton. He is president of the master gardeners for Stephens County. He will be doing that program." Connelly adds they will have a 4-H booth set up as well with information and activities for that organization. Again, the workshops at the WNEG Home and Outdoor Show begin at 10 a.m. The entire home show begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. at the Stephens County Recreation Department facility on Rose Lane in Toccoa.

Rabies is in north Georgia. No reports of the disease in Stephens County have been given to WNEG, but Hall County has seen 13 cases. The latest was a fox that was found on March 24 in the Flat Creek Road area. Although the incidence of rabies among humans has declined markedly in recent years, the disease continues among wild animals.

A long-time local business owner is throwing his hat in the ring for Stephens County Commissioner. Dean Scarborough, the owner and operator of Scarborough’s Men’s Store in downtown Toccoa for 25 years, says he will seek one of the open posts for Stephens County Commissioner.

Scarborough says he feels compelled to give something back to the community. "I feel so strongly about the positive future of Stephens County," says Scarborough. "I will use my leadership experience and business expertise to help direct the future growth of Stephens County in a manner that benefits all of its citizens. We need growth and the jobs that come with it. I want to foster the changes needed to make quality growth come to Stephens County."

Scarborough is currently on the board of directors of the Downtown Development Authority, where he served as chairman for six years. In addition, he is a past president of both the Toccoa Rotary Club and the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce. He also has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Business Forum on Health, and the Georgia Health Policy Center.

Scarborough is not announcing at this time what post he is running for on the commission. Two current posts will be open, along with two new, vacant seats on the board being added this year.

A group of people representing areas on both sides of Lake Hartwell want to study the economic effects of the lake on local communities and the region. The Lake Hartwell Coalition appeared before the Stephens County Board of Commissioners Tuesday to ask for money to match funds available through the Army Corps of Engineers for an economic study.

Georgia’s Co-Chair on the Lake Hartwell Coalition, Tom Coley, says the study will look at figures such as sales tax revenue, property sales, and other numbers to try and quantify what effect the lake has on the economies of northeast Georgia and upstate South Carolina. "Any congressperson or senator at the federal level has said, ‘You say you are hurting, but how much," says Coley. "This is what we are trying to do is to create a platform and open a debate."

Coley says they feel it is apparent that a full lake means full financial coffers. "When that lake goes down, there are just millions of dollars in tax revenue, from Mom and Pop selling ice and bait at the Crossroads Grocery to marinas to boat repair shops to banks," adds Coley. "Everyone is in this together." The coalition says they will need $100,000 from local municipalities and counties to match $100,000 available from the Army Corps of Engineers.

They are requesting Stephens County, based on how much shoreline in the county borders the lake, contribute just over $7800. They said the money could be paid as necessary to fit in with county budget needs. Stephens County Commissioner Harold Andrews says it seems like a good idea, but they need to table it for now. "Definitely, I think we will all be in favor of it," says Andrews. "It is just a matter of tabling it and seeing how it fits in our budget until the next meeting." The issue will be back on the agenda for the commission’s first meeting in April.

With a new season of Little League baseball in Toccoa right around the corner, work continues on renovations to the main field at the Doyle Street Park. Toccoa Little League officials say the renovations are moving along nicely. Currently, sod is going down and fences are going up.

Officials say the goal is to have the field ready to go by the District All-Star Tournaments in the middle of June. However, Toccoa Little League board member Lisa Hamby says they would like to have it done by the end of May or the beginning of June. "These 12-year olds have played for years on this field, so what we would like to do is at least let them play their last few games before they graduate from Little League on the new field with the extended footage and all that," says Hamby.

The field used to be 190 feet to the outfield fences and will now be 210 feet. Toccoa Little League Rookie and Minor League Vice President Tim Quick says the new field is going to be something special. However, before that, the season gets started on April 12 and the opening parade is April 11.

Quick says there is a special treat after the parade this year at the fields. That surprise, he says, is the Atlanta Braves’ promotional team. "We are going to have all kinds of Braves’ interactive inflatable games," says Quick. "They are actually going to have raffle items and ticket information, so we are just absolutely thrilled about having the Atlanta Braves come down and it is free. That is the best price." The parade on April 11 starts downtown at 6:30 p.m. and moves down Doyle Street before arriving at the fields for all of the free activities the night before opening day for the Toccoa Little League. Quick and Hamby both say the Little League appreciates all of the community’s support with the renovations and the whole program.

The wall is here. Yesterday, a motorcade of police cars and motorcycles escorted the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall through the streets of Toccoa. Beginning at Wal-Mart, the motorcade made its way down Big A Road, turned left onto Currahee, then moved on to Broad Street, and Falls Road. The Vietnam Memorial Wall is going to be erected on Boyd Field this morning.

It will be available for viewing beginning this afternoon and will remain up until Monday morning. The traveling wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end.

A Toccoa man is facing multiple charges after the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office charges him with the sale of cocaine. Captain Jimmy Mize of the Sheriff’s Office says 38-year-old Robert Lee Bryant was arrested yesterday on Doyle Street. "We had information that he would be at the residence or location there on Doyle Street and we performed a felony stop with him there on Doyle Street to affect the arrest of sale of cocaine," says Mize.

Immediately after his arrest, Mize says sheriff’s deputies searched his Norwood Avenue home and allegedly found crack cocaine. "There was cocaine found at the residence, along with firearms and weapons," adds Mize. Bryant was charged with possession of cocaine, sale of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and obstruction of an officer.

Mize says Bryant’s acquaintance, Tammy Jean Hanners of Parkway Drive, was charged with obstruction of an officer after she allegedly lied to deputies. Hanners has posted bond. Bryant’s bond was set at $45,000 on all the charges except for sale of cocaine charge. A Superior Court judge must set that bond. This arrest comes after a dual investigation between the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and the Piedmont Northern MANS Unit.

A group of young authors is speaking about the vision they see for their community. Six middle school students were recognized at the Toccoa City Commission meeting Monday for their essays titled "If I Were The Mayor." With simple eloquence, the students all focused on similar subjects such as reducing litter and increasing job opportunities.

Third place winner, Stephen Whitworth suggested building a homeless shelter complete with a vegetable garden to feed the residents, while the second place author, Conner Roberts, told commissions he would not waste tax money if he were the mayor. "I would also clean up scum," says Roberts. "I do not think anybody else wants to live in some rundown and dirty town. I would also put taxes to good use and not waste them. First, I think if we could get some fancy and nice restaurants instead of fast food restaurants, more people would come here to eat."

Overall winner Richard Hobbs gave concrete suggestions. "If I were the mayor of the commission, I would encourage businesses to display ‘Take Pride’ signs," says Hobbs. "I would also borrow from industry to provide a free American flag for every citizen." Richard envisions creating a "shop at home" campaign to encourage Stephens County citizens to support local businesses. Commissioners applauded their efforts and agreed to consider their suggestions.

A five dollar transaction is getting a local business into a world of trouble. At the Toccoa City Commission meeting Monday, city commissioners voted to suspend the alcohol license at Zebo’s Convenience Store on Pond Street. The suspension comes in response to alleged illegal gambling activity. Toccoa Police Officer Tim Morgan told commissioners what happened when he went undercover to investigate complaints about store employees paying out cash for video poker tickets. "She said ‘ok,’ says Morgan. "She took the ticket from me, reached behind the counter into a cigar box, and handed me a $5 bill. I exited the building, contacted Captain Newkirk, and advised him that I had been paid cash money for that ticket." The clerk, Mary Ann Hulsey, was arrested after police responded. She told commissioners she was busy with lottery tickets that day and inadvertently paid him for his video poker ticket.

It is illegal to give cash for such tickets, but stores can redeem them with gas, or food. Captain Butch Newkirk of the Toccoa Police Department, testified that officers found multiple video poker tickets and money at the scene. Commissioners agreed with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board’s recommendation to suspend the store’s alcohol license for 30 days and fine it $500.

In another alcohol license issue, a local nightspot finds itself facing a 30-day probation. The Station Restaurant was facing suspension of its alcohol license after alleged violations of the city’s alcohol ordinance. Toccoa City Marshal Ken Cox read from the report by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board in which they heard about repeated calls to the police about activity at the West Currahee Street business. "Assistant Chief (Tim) Jarrel told the board that the police had received 19 calls to the Station from November 20, 2007 to present," says Morgan. "He went on to say the calls range from no action taken to aggravated assault."

In addition, the business had failed to meet the ordinance’s mandate that 30 percent of its revenue must come from food sales. The attorney representing business owner Tony Martin told commissioners he was taking steps to change the atmosphere by hiring a doorman and installing security.

In addition, he has made changes intended to raise the food sales. "He has hired a cook," says his attorney. "He has another refrigerator. He already had one. He has gotten a new one. He’s got one of his other grills operational and he has a new menu." Commissioners voted to put the station on 30 days probation in which there can be no police calls of significance and must raise food sales to 30 percent of revenue.

There is still no contract in place for the next Stephens County Administrator. Commissioners went into executive session for personnel, but did not take any action, according to Interim Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers.

However, as these negotiations continue with the county’s top candidate, John Rutan, one county commissioner is speaking out about the debate over the future of that post.

Kenneth Peeples spoke at Tuesday’s meeting about what he says is unfair questioning of his thoughts on the position.

"At the same time, I have always respected that person’s decision and I have never, never in my life questioned that decision person’s wisdom and I must say that I am thoroughly disappointed that, as a sitting commissioner, that my wisdom has been questioned on a decision," says Peeples.

Peeples goes on to say that a county administrator does not receive licensing like some other positions, so it is up to leaders to pick the best person available.

"I am proposing that we drop this obsessive fixation with obtaining some infinite-minded individual with more than natural attributes and powers to serve as the county administrator," adds Peeples.

The vote to offer the job to John Rutan was 2 to 1 in favor, with Commissioner Rex Anderson voting against that motion.

Commissioner Peeples is also upset over a published report last week detailing requests made by Rutan regarding the administrator’s position.

Last week, a published report indicated various requests Rutan made of commissioners. Those requests were discussed in executive session during previous commissioners’ meetings.

Peeples says those discussions should have stayed right there.

"May I remind everyone involved, be it staff, elected officials, anyone that would leave executive session and discuss or reveal any parts of those proceedings is not using good ethics and can cause irreparable damage to the persons and the intended process," says Peeples.

Peeples says they have not and will not make decisions regarding the county administrator or other executive session matters in closed session. However, according to state law, those decisions must be voted upon in open session.

As National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month winds down this week, the Georgia Department of Human Resources is urging people to get screened for colon cancer.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation says almost 50,000 will die from the disease in 2008. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men and women in the United States.

More than 90 percent of the cases occur in adults age 50 and older. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention say regular screening of all men and women aged 50 and older would prevent about 60 percent of deaths from colon cancer.

Other than getting screened, especially for those 50 years of age or older, officials advise people to eat a healthy diet, remain smoke free and engage in moderate physical activity as further prevention.

Some risk factors are age and family history of having the disease.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov and search for "colorectal cancer" or call the Division of Aging Services at 1-866-552-4464.

Finances at Stephens County Hospital are doing well. That is according to the recent financial report at the latest Stephens County Hospital Authority meeting.

Elliot Caudell says that it was a good report overall.

"Our revenue continues to climb," says Caudell. "The hospital has been full, extra full considering that we have been under construction and missing a few rooms."

Caudell says the Clary and Wilkinson centers have picked up patients as well.

"I am happy to report that the Clary-Wilkinson Center has picked up patients and is doing the best it has done in quite some time," adds Caudell.

In a previous meeting, the authority had talked about ways to increase the number of patients at the two centers. New Director Hayley Knight told the board in January that they had started some new activities and made some changes.

In addition, over the past three months, numerous repairs have taken place at those facilities.

WALGREEN’S GETS VARIANCE FROM TOCCOA CITY COMMISSION
March 25, 2008

If a new drug store comes to Toccoa, it will have skinnier parking spaces. At the Toccoa City Commission meeting Monday, commissioners voted unanimously to approve a variance to the ordinance governing parking lots. CAT Toccoa LLC, representing Walgreen’s, requested that when building a new store at the corner of Big A Road and Collins Road, they be allowed to have smaller parking spaces and less than the minimum required by Toccoa’s ordinance. The ordinance requires stores to have at least 73 spaces and Walgreen’s was requesting 56 spaces.

In addition, the individual spaces are required to be 9 ½’ x 19’ and the company is asking they be allowed spaces measuring 9’ x 18’. At the public hearing held during the regular city commission meeting, no one spoke for or against the measure. City Planner Kay Morgan told commissioners the planning commission had reviewed the request and recommended it be approved. Commissioners approved the variance unanimously.

AUTHORITIES URGE CAUTION ON DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESMEN
March 25, 2008

Be cautious, but not panicky, about door to door salesmen. That is the message from both Stephens County Sheriff’s authorities and Toccoa Police. Authorities acknowledge they have had complaints about a van in which the occupants are reportedly offering carpet-cleaning services. In an e-mail circulating among residents, the van is described a light blue Ford van. Toccoa Police say they have not had any reports of illegal activity, but do say that anyone offering such services in the city limits would have to register as a business with Toccoa City Hall.

In the county, where most of the complaints have originated, one does not have to have a business license to go door-to-door selling goods or services. Authorities with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office say they are aware of the calls on the van, but they have not had any reports of illegal activity, so there is nothing for them to investigate.

POLICE BLOTTER
March 25, 2008

A Toccoa man reported to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office that someone broke into his Yearwood Street home and stole some food from the refrigerator. He told deputies that when he returned from an out of town trip Thursday, he discovered his back door had been broken into and his fridge raided.

In an incident with a similar theme, someone took a dining room set to go with the stolen food. Last week, a Toccoa woman reported that when she went to a home on Meeks Road she is preparing to sell, she noticed the dining room set and living room set was missing. The furniture is valued at $500. Police are still investigating.

LAVONIA POLICE INVESTIGATE WAFFLE HOUSE THEFT
March 25, 2008

One local restaurant employee is no longer scattered, smothered, and covered. Lavonia Police say they were called to the Waffle House near I-85 after one of the registers came up short. "We were called by Waffle House management in the early morning hours of last Thursday regarding a drawer that came up short when the receipts were being counted," says Police Chief Randy Shirley. Shirley says just over $82 was taken. Police interviewed two employees.  One quickly became a suspect and was fired. Shirley says the detectives are working with Waffle House management to determine whether charges will be filed.

VIETNAM WALL COMING TO TOCCOA THIS WEEKEND
March 25, 2008

This weekend will feature two military honors for the City of Toccoa. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be in Toccoa for three days beginning Friday and going through Monday. In addition, a notable sculptor will be putting his talents on display through the weekend. Bruce Everly of Buford, known for Civil War sculptures, has agreed to sculpt life-sized bronze statues of five different World War II paratroopers, which will be put around the city.

Historical Society Director Brenda Carlan says Everly first came to Toccoa when a Camp Toccoa veteran asked him to cast two busts to donate to the museum. "Just in conversation one day, I mentioned to him that had been a dream since we opened, to have life-size bronze statues in and around the downtown area of our paratroopers and I could tell he was thinking, but he left and he thought about it for about a week or so," says Carlan. "He called me back and he said he truly believed we could make that happen." To raise money for the life-size statues, Everly will be sculpting and selling smaller busts of famous figures from Camp Toccoa, beginning with Major Dick Winters.

This weekend, visitors will be able to see Everly in action. "He will be set up in the museum, right when you enter into the military section," adds Carlan. "He will be there with his clay and his platform and he will be working and actually doing the original Dick Winters in clay." Carlan estimates the life-sized statues will cost almost $45,000 each. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be set up on Boyd Field starting Thursday, March 27 and will be available for public viewing through Sunday, March 30. For a complete list of events, call the Stephens County Historical Society at 282-5055.

NEW EQUINE LICENSE PLATE
March 25, 2008

Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Terry Coleman wants you to put the car before the horse. A new equine license plate, called the Horse License Plate, was unveiled at the Georgia State Capitol on March 11. The artwork for the plate was created by Andrea Howell of Marietta. Commissioner Coleman says proceeds from sales of the specialty tag will provide needed funds for promotion, research, and educational programs for the state’s equine industry. A total of 1,000 license plates will have to be pre-sold in order for the manufacturing process to begin. The equine license plate can be ordered by filling out an application for a special interest license plate (specifying "Georgia Equine Industry") at any motor vehicle tag office. A one-time manufacturing fee of $25 will be required at the time of order. Those who order the tag should be sure to obtain a receipt after payment.

Visitors to the Toccoa City Commission meeting tonight will get a view of local Government in all its variety. Three public hearings are scheduled for this evening’s meeting as well as two hearings on suspensions by the Alcohol Beverage and Control Board. Also in the agenda is a bid opening for water plant filter improvements.

In the public hearings, City Commissioners will hear from residents on applying for grants, reviving a blighted area and welcoming a new drugstore. One hearing will address a request for a parking variance for a Walgreen’s store, which is being proposed for the corner of Big A Road and Collins Road.

Two other hearings will deal with the city’s plans to revive the area being called the Trogdon Mill Heritage District, which includes the site of the old Trogdon Furniture Company and the residential area on Avon and Spring streets. One public hearing will address a consideration of adopting the Trogdon District Urban Redevelopment Plan, and the other will offer citizens a chance to have input on applications for a community block grant. In other business, representatives of Zebo’s gas stations on Pond Street and The Station on West Currahee Street will come before Commissioners to argue their cases about having their alcohol licenses suspended.

Finally, city commissioners will hear from the four finalists in the "If I Were The Mayor" essay contests. The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. in the city commission room in city hall. It is open to the public.

Two local businesses may face sanctions related to their alcohol beverage control licenses at tonight’s Toccoa City Commission meeting. Last week, the Toccoa ABC Board met in relation to two cases and alleged violations of ABC regulations in town.

The first business was Zebo’s Convenience Store on Pond Street. The Toccoa Police Department alleges Zebo’s was caught illegally paying out from video poker machines in the store. According to police, they were paying out money, which is not allowed. Authorities state charges have been filed in relation to the incident. No representatives from Zebo’s were on hand at the ABC Board meeting to dispute the charges. City Marshal Ken Cox says this is the second violation for Zebo’s. "That is a minimum fine of $1000 and license suspension of 90 days and of course, the city commission has the option to revoke their license," says Cox. The board approved Cox’s recommendation. The city commission will have the final say as to the penalties.

As for the second business, the Station Restaurant on Currahee Street is accused of multiple violations against ABC regulations, according to Cox’s letter to the business, which he read at the meeting. "The first is due to the high number of calls for police to your business for fights and other related issues," says Cox. "Your business is a hazard to public safety. Section 3-27a states that at least 30 percent of gross income shall come from the sale of food. Your business has not exceeded nine percent in any of the given months." An attorney for the Station Restaurant says there are explanations. She says the owners were not reporting food sales properly, so that number will go up. As for the police calls, the attorney says the owner tries to keep things under control and run a reputable business. "He was not aware that there were so many calls," says the attorney. "He realizes a couple of things have happened there. He has tried to take care of any occurrence of violence or anything on his premises." Police officers at the meeting say they make many trips to the Station Restaurant during the course of a weekend.

The ABC Board recommended to the city commission that the restaurant go on a 30-day probation where there can be no calls to the police for incidents inside the building and food sales must go up 30 percent. Again, final rulings on both matters will come from the city commission at their meeting tonight.

Stephens County Schools will have to wait another month to get their grass cut. At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Board of Education was unable to come to a decision on which lawn service to use to maintain the grounds at school system property. System Director Brenda Kelly presented bids from nine companies ranging from $17,760 to $200,000 on two separate parcels. She recommended going with the two lowest bids -- $23,000 from Curbco for parcel 1 and $17,000 from Lesley Lawn Service for parcel 2. Lesley Lawn currently maintains part of the system’s property.

Board members Curtis Waters and Jeff Webb expressed concern with switching to a service not previously used, though Kelly said the references had come back clean. Board member George Payne disagreed saying it was the best move financially to go with the lowest bid, and if there were problems to deal with them later. Board member David Fricks said he felt the board should honor the bid process and reminded the group that "we are talking about grass." When the decision was put to a vote, it was 3 to 3, since board member Beth Pinkerton was absent. In the end, the board decided to table the motion until the April meeting.

Did you file your 2004 tax return? If you did not, the IRS says they have your unclaimed refund. A press release issued by the Internal Revenue Service states unclaimed refunds totaling $1.2 billion are awaiting 1.3 million people who failed to file a federal income tax return for 2004. In Georgia, nearly $38 million in unclaimed refunds awaits about 44,000 individuals. In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

IRS Spokesman Mark Green says for that reason, time is running out to get those unclaimed refunds. The window closes for this on April 15, 2008. According to the IRS, the law requires that the return be properly addressed, postmarked, and mailed by that date. There is no penalty assessed by the IRS for filing a late return qualifying for a refund. Green says taxpayers should make sure they are all caught up, adding they want all Georgia taxpayers to get the refund they are due. For more information about this and other tax-related issues, people can visit www.irs.gov on the World Wide Web or call toll-free to 1-800-829-1040.

A new local business will work to help people recover from their injuries. Flexx Sports and Rehab is now open in the Wal-Mart Shopping Center in Toccoa. Last Thursday, they celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting sponsored by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce. WNEG’s Tracy Burt was there and spoke with owner Adrian Prather. "What we are going to be doing is we are going to be seeing a variety of different things," says Prather. "We will be specializing in sports injuries, but we will also see a variety of different things like post-op and pre-op programs for knee replacements and joint replacements, along with back, knee, and ankle pain. We will also be looking at getting a therapy program started to serve individuals with special needs like cerebral palsy and we will also have a wellness program available." Prather says the business will operate off referrals from doctors. Prather grew up in Stephens County, graduating from Stephens County High School in 1993. He says he is excited to be back in Toccoa serving the residents of this area.

STEPHENS CO. BOARD OF EDUCATION LOOKS AT HEAT POLICY
March 21, 2008

The Stephens County Indians are hoping to turn the heat up on their opponents next fall, but practice sessions may not be so hot.

In their meeting Tuesday, the Board of Education voted to approve a new heat policy that will regulate when athletes can and cannot practice in the intense August heat.

Systems Director Brenda Kelly says one of the main differences between the previous policy and the new policy is the heat index.

"We looked at all of the policies across the state of Georgia and the heat index is what we measure and we use a special instrument to do that in," says Kelly. "The heat index where we actually were to alter practice uniforms, water breaks, that sort of thing, or even cancel practice is 130 degrees."

Previously, the heat index limit was 150 degrees.

The policy now reads that if the heat index reaches that level, practice should be adjusted or cancelled.

She goes on to say it will be the responsibility of the coaches, the principals, and the county office officials to assure the policy is followed.

In addition, Kelly says, coaches must log the daily temperature and send that to the administration building.

"Not only do they have to meet beforehand and make every student aware of what could happen or that they can ask for water or whatever without any fear of recrimination or anything, but they have to keep a log and that log will be available and we will even post it on the website on what each day is as far as the heat index," adds Kelly.

Both Stephens County High School and Middle School have a device called a digital psychrometer that measures heat index on the practice fields.

For a copy of the policy, you can go to www.stephenscountyschools.com.

SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION WEEK THIS WEEK
March 21, 2008

We want to remind you that it is School Board Appreciation Week.

This is a week set aside to publicly thank the folks that give their time and energy to help run community school systems.

"You know, too often we forget that these men and women are our neighbors and our community members," says Kelly. "Most school board members have full-time jobs outside of being a school board member and we just need to take a moment during this week to say ‘thank you’ to our school board members. During this week, please join with me and others throughout the entire state of Georgia to salute the men and women who provide grassroots government of public schools."

The Stephens County School Board members are Chair Jerry Steele, Vice Chair David Fricks, Sandra Childs, George Payne, Elizabeth Pinkerton, Curtis Waters and Jeff Webb.

TOCCOA MAN FEATURED ON NATIONAL PROGRAM
March 21, 2008

A national television program spends time in Stephens County to feature a local man.

Daniel Thomas of Toccoa was recently featured on the nationally syndicated "700 Club" program.

Thomas was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

He says he struggled with for years, until one day, he says his condition began improving rapidly. Now, he is married, driving, and working in the Toccoa area.

Thomas credits his faith for helping him to heal and that is why he told "The 700 Club" his story.

Thomas says after talking to them, he did not know when it was going to air, if at all.

"And then a funny thing happened," says Thomas. "My wife was going to this dinner at North Georgia Technical College and she almost insisted, ‘You have to stay home, do whatever you want tonight,’ so I did. All of a sudden, I fell asleep watching ‘The 700 Club’ on my computer and I hear my voice, and I am going, ‘What?" and all of a sudden, (they say) ‘Tomorrow on the 700 Club.’"

Thomas says he hopes his story can give people hope.

"I am really excited about that, not because I want it is an entertainment type of thing, but I want to see people touched the way I was touched," adds Thomas.

The program aired on March 14. It can be viewed online by going to the website for "The 700 Club" at www.cbn.com and clicking on the link for "The 700 Club."

DRIVERS CAN USE "511" ON GEORGIA ROADS THIS EASTER WEEKEND
March 21, 2008

As drivers prepare to travel this weekend for Easter, the Georgia Department of Transportation wants to remind motorists of an easy way to stay ahead of any traffic jams on the roads.

D-O-T Spokesperson Teri Pope says Georgia drivers can always take advantage of the free "511" traffic information service to find out real-time road conditions for where they are headed this weekend.

Pope says you can access "511" from any landline or cell phone in Georgia.

"It is a free call from anywhere in Georgia and you can get real-time information on traffic," says Pope. "That includes information on construction that is underway and any crashes that might have impacted the travel lanes of our state routes and interstates."

According to Pope, the program has been up and running for six months now and it is working well.

She says it is voice-activated and will respond to landmarks callers say over the phone. Pope says all a driver has to do is dial in and state a landmark near their location to get the traffic information for that particular area.

EXPERTS SAY TO MAKE SURE TIRES ARE PROPERLY REPAIRED ON HIGHWAYS
March 21, 2008

Meanwhile, if you are heading out on the highways this weekend to travel, experts say to watch out for flat tires.

Experts also remind motorists to make sure that if you get a flat, make sure you fix it properly.

A recent tire industry study shows nearly 88 percent of tire repairs are performed improperly.

Dan Zielinski of the Rubber Manufacturers’ Association says it is a safety issue, adding there are guidelines for proper tire repair.

"First, the tire must be removed from the rim to inspect for damage," says Zielinski. "Only punctures within the tread area are repairable, never the shoulder or the sidewall. Those punctures to the tread area must be patched from the inside of the tire and plugged from the outside."

Zielinski says properly repairing a tire can prevent crashes and even possibly protect a tire’s warranty.

Stephens County Tax Commissioner Vickie Whitworth is retiring. In a press release issued this morning to WNEG, Whitworth says her retirement will take effect on April 1. Whitworth cites health issues as the reason for her retirement. Whitworth has served as tax commissioner since September of 1980, having worked for former tax commissioner Elizabeth Williams for two years prior to that. According to Whitworth, deputy Dene Hicks will take over the rest of Whitworth’s term, set to expire on December 31, 2008. Hicks, a 1989 graduate of Stephens County High School, started as Deputy Tax Commissioner in July 2004. Whitworth says her last day in the office will be March 28.

Stephens County officials continue negotiations with the potential new county administrator, in light of a published report regarding his requests. The published report states various proposals that Rutan made in a letter to commissioners after it was announced he was their top candidate for the position. According to a letter from County Attorney Brian Ranck, commissioners have accepted none of the proposals in Rutan’s request at this time. County officials state a formal contract has not been submitted to Rutan as of this time.

Furthermore, the document prepared by Rutan did not have input from any county staff or any of the Stephens County Commissioners. County officials say they continue to work on a formal offer. The terms and requests in relation to Rutan’s job were discussed in executive session during commissioners’ meetings recently. Those discussions are not part of the public record normally. As soon as an offer is made available from Stephens County officials and released for public view, we will have that offer and the details from it right here.

Some classes at Stephens County Middle School may look a bit different next year. Principal Tony Crunkleton proposes dividing the 7^th grade next year by gender which would mean one academic team would be all boys, one all girls and co-ed.

He says research shows middle schoolers learn better when divided. "They react differently," says Crunkleton. "Research has shown that. Girls react differently than boys and there is a difference physically and also in the brain, how they learn and if you look at the research, you will see that the research validates every bit of that."

In a letter sent home to parents Tuesday, Crunkleton explained that the divide would only apply to academic classes. Boys and girls would still take connections classes together. Crunkleton first began considering such an arrangement after seeing a presentation from other schools at the Georgia Middle School Association Conference.

He says after researching it himself, he felt it would be worth a try. "Some schools have even gone school-wide and have entire middle school academies for boys and girls," adds Crunkleton. "We are not ready to go quite that far with it yet because I would like to have my own data first for Stephens County."

Eva Aderholdt, a parent of a 6^th grader, came to the Board of Education meeting Tuesday to express her concerns about the plan.  She told board members she was not necessarily against the plan, but did feel that parents should have a voice in it. Board members assured her that there would be an opportunity for parents to convey their opinions because the board had not yet approved the arrangement. However, in the letter sent to middle school parents and in comments made to WNEG, Crunkleton seem to suggest the plan had been approved and would be moving forward next year.

Stephens County Hospital will purchase a new X-ray room. The hospital’s radiology manager, Michelle Chitwood, spoke to the Hospital Authority Monday about the current situation. Chitwood says one of their basic X-ray rooms just stopped working recently. "It has lived its life out now so we need to replace it," says Chitwood. "There are no parts available to repair what is wrong with it right now. I am requesting the purchase of a new diagnostic X-ray room."

The Hospital Authority approved the purchase of a new room upon the request. The room will cost $83,000 in equipment and about $58,000 in construction costs. Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell says it is hard to predict a completion date, but he hopes to have the room up and running by the middle of May.

He says until, the lack of one X-ray room would not have a large effect on their operation. "But we also have other rooms," says Gambrell. "We still have MRI and CT scan and then nuclear medicine and mammograms, so we still have all of the other services, but we only have one basic diagnostic machine in use instead of the two we normally have in use." The Hospital Authority approved the purchase unanimously.

With officials in Habersham County raising talk of eventually wanting to purchase more water from the city of Toccoa, the question becomes how much can the city of Toccoa sell them. Toccoa Water/Wastewater Director Don Dye says Toccoa is in good shape with water and has it to sell, but there is a limit.

Dye says they could probably sell three million gallons of water to Habersham if that was agreed to. However, he does say it would not be as cut-and-dry as one million gallons a day. "The permit that we have with the state of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division, we can withdraw and treat nine million gallons a day and right now we are selling 3.5 to 4 million gallons on a year-round basis," says Dye. "So if you take another three (million gallons) to Habersham, that is maybe 6.5 to 7 million gallons."

Dye says there may be the possibility of expanding that, but any possible expansion would cost a significant amount of money. Habersham County officials have raised the possibility of buying more water at some point because of the demand for it in their county. Officials there say this plan has gone over better than they thought it would. Toccoa Mayor Andy Pavliscsak says he is glad their expectations have been exceeded and officials with the city of Toccoa say they are willing to talk about the issue. However, Dye says any increase in the amount of water heading over to Habersham County from one million gallons a day, which starts in May, would be at least a couple of years away.

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is using this week’s declaration as National Flood Safety Awareness Week to remind residents about looking into flood coverage. Oxendine says purchasing flood insurance can be important, even if people think a flood is unlikely. "If you want to know how important it is, go ask people in Mississippi and Louisiana and Alabama that had their entire lives destroyed because they either did not have flood insurance or did not have adequate flood insurance," says Oxendine.

According to Oxendine, between 20 and 25 percent of flood claims occur in areas considered medium or low-risk for floods. He goes on to say homeowners’ insurance alone may not work as protection if a home were to flood. "It only covers fire, wind, and other perils," adds Oxendine. "It does not cover flooding. If the water is from rain coming in through the roof, or it is a pipe that breaks or something of that nature, it is covered. But, any kinds of rising waters on the ground, that is not covered by homeowners’ insurance." Officials say an individual’s insurance agent or insurance company can confirm whether flood insurance is available and what it would cost for an individual.

Administrators say a newly established Board of Visitors at Toccoa Falls College will help the college in developing relationships to assist the college in reaching future goals. The First Annual Board of Visitors met recently at Toccoa Falls College. Dereck Addison is on the board. "Well, it was a group of people that was invited to come to the College and gather information on the college, things that they have done in the past and things that they are planning to do," says Addison. "They are just trying to become more community-minded."

Addison also says the college discussed their future plans for growth with the board, informing them of plans to continue increasing enrollment and building new facilities to accommodate those additional students. Toccoa Falls College President Dr. Wayne Gardner says they are establishing the board in order to strengthen ties with community leaders and friends. College officials say the board will also facilitate interaction between community leaders and the leadership of Toccoa Falls College and work with the college’s leadership to better foster support for the College.

Stephens County Commissioners are divided over their preference for county administrator. In separate statements to WNEG, Commissioners Kenneth Peeples and Rex Anderson both explained where they stood on the man the county is offering the job to, John Rutan of Baldwin, Georgia.

Peeples voted for Rutan, along with Commissioner Harold Andrews. Peeples says his experience and background in Professional Civil Engineering is his strongest asset and is just what the County needs. "This goes a long way in constructing the projects that we have coming up," says Peeples. "The sewer projects, the Hayestone-Brady project, completing our jail, building a new airport terminal, I could just go on and on. We do have a lot of money in our SPLOST V program to do roads and highways here in the county. We will be building a couple of new fire stations and all these things will just fall right into line with his expertise and his professional ability."

However, Commissioner Rex Anderson voted against making an offer to Rutan. He says he is not sure whether Rutan would be able to hit the ground running. "A few weeks ago, he applied for the Road Superintendent position and he did not get that position and now he applied for the County Administrator position and he has no previous experience in County Administration," says Anderson. "There were some other people that were interviewed that had quite a bit of experience in County Administration and to pay the kind of salary for a ‘number one’ position in Stephens County, I felt that it was necessary that we had someone that met the qualifications for doing this position." Anderson says he does not mean to indicate that Rutan is not capable of perhaps doing the job, he just does not have as much experience. Anderson also says he will support the County Administrator, whoever that may be, to the best of his ability.

Rutan was a Solid Waste Director, GIS Coordinator, and Surveyor for Henry County between 1984 and 1997. In 1998, he was a plan reviewer for Fulton County. Since 1998, he has been a Project Manager for a number of firms, directing projects such as roads and rezonings.

The other finalist for the job was Jack A. Butler of Orlando, Florida. Butler has worked as a Department Director in the Chattanooga area, as well as with Department of Transportations in both Georgia and Florida, along with the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Centers. Currently, his work involves planning, development, and consulting services to governments and the private sector.As of last report, negotiations are still ongoing between Stephens County and Rutan regarding the job.

Officials on all sides say everything is on schedule with the sale of water from Toccoa to Habersham County, a sale that may increase in amount sooner rather than later. At a work session Tuesday, the two boards and staff members sat down and talked about progress on the project.

Officials say the plan is still to start selling water to Habersham County in May, once work is complete on the water line. Work is also moving along towards installing new, high-service pumps, which were recently purchased to improve the water flow from Toccoa into Habersham County. Eventually, Habersham County will buy up to one million gallons of water a day from Toccoa, at least to start with.

During the work session, Habersham County expressed an interest in beginning to look at increasing that as high as three million gallons a day right now. Toccoa Mayor Andy Pavliscsak says the city wants to meet the demand as best they can. Officials say further improvements to the system would have to take place before that could happen though. Both sides say they will sit down to talk about the matter.

In a celebration of reading, Stephens County school officials are celebrating excellence. The 2008 Young Georgia Author Award winners were announced Tuesday at a ceremony at Stephens County Middle School. Sherri Whiten told students to continue to use their writing talent so they would someday be prepared for the workplace. "Students, time spent writing actually pays off," says Whiten. "Good writers are better readers and better thinkers and that is what we want for each one of you so congratulations and keep up the good work. It does pay off."

In this Annual Contest, students from each grade submit an original work to be judged first at the School Level, then at the System Level. System winners go on to the state level to be judged along with young authors across Georgia. Last year, Stephens County student Morgan Akridge won at the State Level for 6^th grade.

One of this year’s system winners, High School senior Joey Dunn wrote a short story about the end of the world. "It is pretty cool," says Dunn of winning. "it is really exciting just because you wrote something and you are getting to find out that other people like it and so you are getting praise for what you like to do."

Stephens County School Superintendent Gary Steppe says students across the county are doing more writing and improving their abilities. "It is great," says Steppe. "It is the only group we have got their scores back this year and they made an overall 11 percent, almost a 12 percent improvement on their writing scores this year, so I am seeing that kind of thing system wide so I think our kids are really writing well. I know we are writing a lot more than we used to, so I am really proud of them."

A complete list of winners follows:

Big A Elementary                                Eastanollee Elementary

K: Kaitlin Quick                                       Lexey Pitts

1: Austin Van Pelt                                  Alma Conway

2: Hope Cooper                                      Hannah Watkins

3: Kiley Rossler                                     Jordan Foster

4: Faith Cooper                                      Jake Murray

5: Mary Hannah Pyeatt                           Lilly House

Liberty Elementary                              Toccoa Elementary

K: Kaitlyn Hicks                                      Creed Nichols

1: Emily Goff                                           Zach Bohannon

2: Cole Roberts                                       Clara Woodfield

3: Haley Partain                                      Tanner Howard

4: Casey Ramsey                                    Lydia Terrell

5: Alissa Phelps                                      Kari Knickerbocker

6: Ian York, Katherine Hunt, Taylor Ertzberger, Caitlyn Holmer

7: Morgan Akridge, Kaley Bray, Emerald Thurmond, Ben Byrd

8: Lauren Poole, Callie Rades, Carolyn Collins, Adam Blalock

9: Brittany Currans, Hannah Mulkey

10: Samantha Eubanks, Inna Polyakova

11: Ariel Seehorn, James Keane, and Stephanie McCroskey

12: Joey Dunn, Ashley Jordan

Kindergarten: Kaitlyn Hicks 1^st grade: Emily Goff

2^nd grade: Hannah Watkins 3^rd grade: Haley Partain

4^th grade: Jake Murray 5^th grade: Mary Hannah Pyeatt

6^th grade: Ian York 7^th grade: Morgan Akridge

8^th grade: Carolyn Collins 9^th grade: Hannah Mulkey

10^th grade: Samantha Eubanks 11^th grade: Ariel Seehorn

12^th grade: Joey Dunn

The Director of Stephens County’s EMS says despite a number of planned upgrades to their fleet of ambulances, they have the county covered well. Ray Willis says that having one of their six ambulances out of service for upgrades at a time does not affect their normal operations to any great degree. That is why Willis says it is important to get the engine rebuilt on one of his vehicles quickly.

Otherwise, Willis says, operations would prove more difficult. "We could not release this truck to go to be serviced for 60 to 90 days until we got this other one fixed and back on the road, so I could not do without two of my ambulances," says Willis.

Willis says the call volume they have now prohibits it from being wise to run on four ambulances. Monday, the Hospital Authority approved a motion to pay for $7500 of the one ambulance’s engine rebuild. That should pave the way for the rebuild to be completed in two weeks or so. Meanwhile, the other ambulance, the one bought back in 1998, could then go out to be remodeled. During that process, the old box of the ambulance will be put on the new chassis and then sent back. Willis says he hopes to have his full fleet of ambulances back in action by this summer.

A slight change to the construction itinerary for renovations at Stephens County Hospital will not affect the timeline for completion. Monday, Hank Hayes with the Hospital Authority explained that a minor change is taking place in the construction agenda. "They are going to have to add a Phase Four, which is just a little bit of work outside the elevators, which will not take long," says Hayes. "It should not delay the overall completion date very much."

Stephens County Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell echoes that sentiment, stating that everything is still on schedule. Gambrell says Phase Three is well underway. "Everything is really flowing very smoothly right now," says Gambrell. "I am glad to say that all of the old patient rooms are gone because they are either renovated in Phases One and Two, or they have been taken out of service in Phase Three."

Gambrell says the project should wrap up in late June or early July, right on schedule. He says though it may be the middle of July until they can use the renovated third phase because the state must come in and inspect the renovations before use.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office continues to look for suspects in two thefts in one day on Brookhaven Circle. Both thefts involve utility trailers and are reported to have taken place on March 17. In the first one, a man reports his 2007 homemade black 10 x 12 utility trailer went missing from his home while he was at work, sometime between 8:40 a.m. and 3:20 p.m.

The trailer is valued at $1000. In the second report, a Toccoa woman states she was inside her residence when she looked out and saw people taking her John Deere lawn mower and her utility trailer. The mower is valued at $2500. The trailer is valued at $1000. The items were recovered, but no arrests have been made yet in the case. The investigation into both thefts continues.

Meanwhile, a local business is missing a piece of equipment after a reported theft. Toccoa Police report that they responded to Seminole Civil on South Big A Road in response to a stolen industrial pump. The pump is valued at $1,320. The investigation continues.

Stephens County officials continue efforts today to finalize a deal with the man commissioners voted to offer the job of county administrator to. County commissioners formally voted to approve a decision announced last Tuesday to offer the job to John Rutan of Baldwin, Georgia. A called meeting was held Monday to hold the vote after that was missed due to an oversight last week. The vote to offer the job to Rutan was 2-1. Commissioners Kenneth Peeples and Harold Andrews voted to offer him the position. Commissioner Rex Anderson voted "no" on the motion.

With a top candidate identified, Interim Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers says the job now is to get a deal in place between the county and their man. "After the executive session today, the Board of Commissioners authorized the staff and the county attorney, Brian Ranck, to enter into some negotiations to the finalist that was made an offer named John Rutan for the county administrator," says Ayers. Ayers says they hope negotiations may wrap up and an offer accepted and ready to approve by the county by the end of the week. If Rutan accepts the position, he will fill the post vacated last August by Darrell Hampton.

The Stephens County Hospital Authority will team up with county commissioners to purchase an engine rebuild for one of the county’s EMS trucks. It all started last week when Stephens County Commissioners discussed purchasing the engine rebuild at their meeting. The rebuild would cost $15,000 in all and Interim Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers says that would put them over their budget in that area.

Ayers says under the contract with the hospital, the county gives $25,000 for maintenance and upkeep of the vehicles. "If you do approve it, it will take this budget and this contract over its amount for the rest of the year and we are in March now, and they have April, May, and June for us to repair and upkeep the vehicle," says Ayers.

Commissioners told ambulance officials they would get what they requested. However, first they wanted to discuss the matter with officials at the hospital. Then, Monday, the Hospital Authority put the issue on the table. Elliot Caudell made the motion to help out, suggesting they could pay at least part of the cost. "I would like to make a motion that we make a proposition to the county commission that we pay up to $7500 or whichever is lower, the cost of a Caterpillar diesel engine, including installation," says Caudell. The Hospital Authority approved the motion unanimously.

Three Toccoa men are facing felony charges after being caught red handed with a stolen railroad rail. Captain Jimmy Mize of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office says David Hill, Joseph Henderson and Allan Gregory, all of Collins Road in Toccoa, have all been charged with theft by taking after trying to sell the rail at Carter’s Dispose All on Brookhaven Circle.

Mize says the trio was spotted in the act last week by a railroad worker. "Deputies responded to Carter’s Dispose All at the request of a railroad worker, who had actually followed three men from a railroad location who had loaded a railroad rail strip into the back of a pick-up truck," says Mize. He says the 20-foot rail is worth up to $2,000 in scrap metal prices. In a similar incident, two Stephens County men are facing misdemeanor charges for attempting to steal a railroad tie.

Mize says deputies found the pair on the tracks near Ayersville Road, but only one of the bandits was caught. "Caught at the scene was Steven Harold Welch," says Mize. "Roger Dale Littleton actually fled from the scene on officers’ arrival." Welch was charged with criminal trespass and criminal attempt at theft by taking. He was taken to Stephens County Jail where he posted a $2,000 bond. Authorities are still looking for Littleton, who will face the same charges.

Three Lavonia residents are finding out that "Mama" was right – you shouldn’t tell a lie. Nicolas Crocker, 30, Waylan Pearson, 32, and Stacy Pearce, 24, all of Lavonia, were arrested last week after lying to Lavonia police officers.

Police Chief Randy Shirley says the arrests came after police went to a Poole Street home on an unrelated investigation. "When the officers arrived, Stacy Pearce, came to the door and advised my officers that neither one of the gentlemen were there," says Shirley. "We asked if we could come inside and take a look around and she consented and both individuals were there."

Crocker and Pearson already were wanted for charges in Hart County and racked up additional charges after giving the police officers false names. Crocker was charged with giving a false name. Pearson was charged with obstruction of an officer and hindering the apprehension of a fugitive.

In addition, Shirley says police found marijuana on him, so he was also charged with possession of marijuana. Stacy Pearce, the resident of the home, was charged with obstruction of an officer and hindering the apprehension of a fugitive. Shirley says all three bonded out quickly, but for Crocker and Pearson, freedom was short-lived. "All three were arrested and were bonded out here," says Shirley. "Mr. Crocker and Mr. Pearson were subsequently arrested later by Hart County authorities." In Hart County, Crocker was wanted for a probation violation and Pearson was facing felony drug charges.

A new week brings another gas drive-off. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office reports on Saturday, deputies responded to Buck’s Superette in response to a complaint. In the report, a white male driving a white Z71 pumped $91.81 in gas and drove off without paying. The vehicle was last seen headed north towards Toccoa. At the time, the suspect was allegedly wearing tan shorts, a white T-shirt, and had a dog in the vehicle with him. Authorities say they put out a lookout for the vehicle. The investigation continues.

Meanwhile, a Toccoa woman has filed a report stating she believes she is the victim of possible fraudulent activity in light of recent media reports. The woman claims she believes she is the victim of a phone operation attempting to get her to buy a car warranty. According to the report, the woman claims she received calls on the matter from January 8 to February 25 asking her to buy a new warranty for her vehicle. WNEG News reported last week that a local car dealer and police were aware of such cases taking place throughout the community.

The advice from Toccoa Police Chief Jackie Whitmire was to be aware of what people were being asked to buy before purchasing anything.

Happy Belated "Pi" Day. March 14, or 3.14, was "Pi" Day, so named because that is the number that always comes out when one divides the circumference of an object with its diameter. At Stephens County Middle School, sixth grade students celebrated with, well, pie. Four lunchroom tables were laden with all flavors of pie, donated by parents. The treat went along with activities that included round or circular objects like hula hoops, basketballs, and beaded necklaces, even "duck, duck, goose." Math Teacher Amanda Powell says the day was a great way to remember that math is something to celebrate. A physicist named Larry Shaw began the original "Pi" Day 20 years ago.

Skies are clearer this morning after a wild weekend of weather in north Georgia. Saturday afternoon, a series of storms moved through north Georgia, all the way from the Alabama line through Atlanta and into this area. Stephens County was under a tornado watch and saw strong storms. More severe warnings were issued just miles from here though. Franklin and Hart counties were under a tornado warning for a time Saturday afternoon from the National Weather Service. There is no word on if an actual tornado touched down in that area. Hart EMC says over 1,000 customers in its service area were without power during the peak outage time Saturday afternoon, but there is no word at this time as to where those outages were.

Stephens County Commissioners want more time to ponder proposed changes to an area subdivision. A group calling themselves, Rolling Hills Land Company, LLC came before commissioners last week at their meeting to ask permission to record plats at their part of the subdivision, Highlands of Lake Hartwell. This group says they are affiliated with the original organization with the subdivision, Woods of Lake Oconee, LLC. They want to take their third of the subdivision and subdivide into one-acre plats, which is allowed under county rules.

Stephens County Attorney Brian Ranck says that would be okay, but some previously recorded plats of less than an acre each, granted to the Woods of Lake Oconee group, are not up to a prior agreement and would not likely be buildable. "My assumption is that it is going to be difficult to get septic approval because it was conditioned upon a community sewer system and that is not there," says Ranck. "I understand what you are saying. I do not think anyone has any real heartburn over the one-acre tracts. Obviously, the crux of the problem is the small lots on the corner on the lake."

One of the developers, Gene Hopper, says they do not plan on doing anything with those smaller lots at this time. Hopper says they just need plat approval to move forward with their loan process. "We are asking to amend the plat," says Hopper. "It does not change the first plat conditions. You are still going to require that if we ever do anything with those lots, we have to have a sewer system. I understand that. I am admitting that to everybody here, but that should not stop someone who has money invested from recording a simple plat with one-acre tracts."

A compromise was suggested that would allow the one-acre tracts to be recorded on the condition the smaller lots would be redrawn to one acre as well. Commissioners expressed initial hesitation because they say this is the first they knew of a separate group. All previous communication had come through the heading of Woods of Lake Oconee.

For that reason, Commissioner Harold Andrews agreed with the idea of tabling it for two weeks and looking over it more. "It is my feeling that we have kind of been surprised," says Andrews. "I think we have come to a solution, but I would like to be more confident that we have, and I would like to take the two weeks to do so." Commissioners may bring the issue back to the table at their March 25 meeting.

Public Health Departments in northeast Georgia want people to learn more about diabetes and how it could affect their lives. That is why District Two Health Department Public Information Coordinator Dave Palmer says they will observe Diabetes Alert Day later this month. "Diabetes Alert Day is a day where people are encouraged to understand their risk for diabetes and they can find out their risk by going to the diabetes.org web site, answering seven simple questions, and they will receive a score based on the answers they provide," says Palmer. In addition to that opportunity online, Palmer says a number of the health departments throughout the district, including Stephens County, will host free diabetes screenings.

Palmer says the screenings will alert people to their risk for diabetes. "The free screenings that are being held at the Health Department are folks who are wanting to find out if they have diabetes," adds Palmer. It is not just for people who want to have their blood sugar and already know they are diabetics." Stephens County will host their free diabetes screening at the Health Department on March 25 from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Diabetes affects 21 million people in the United States. As many as six million of those with diabetes do not know they have it. The American Diabetes Association says one in five Americans is at risk for developing diabetes. Health officials say many people ignore the signs for diabetes and go as long as seven to ten years before being diagnosed with the disease, causing the need for Diabetes Alert Day.

An Eastanollee Elementary School teacher will be on the way to the windy city next month to accept a nationwide award. Melissa Johnson, a 5^th grade teacher at Eastanollee, is one of 16 teachers from across the country to receive a 2008 "Great Books, Great Teachers" award.  "When I found out I got the award was on Tuesday and I just was on cloud nine most of the afternoon," says Johnson. "I did not expect it."

The award comes from the Great Books Foundation, which features the Junior Great Books program, where students study specific pieces of literature, then hold discussion groups about them. "It is a program where you ask the kids questions and they have to have a discussion among themselves and it is a way to teach that their opinions are important and they can share with each other and not argue with each other, but actually have their opinions and be able to justify why they believe what they believe," adds Johnson.

Johnson says the curriculum gives kids skills such as respecting others in a discussion and arguing a specific point. She says she has seen a difference in her students’ mastery of vocabulary. "It is amazing, some of the vocabulary, the rich vocabulary that is in those stories and when they figure out what they mean it is just like, oh I can replace my normal, boring word with this really cool word," says Johnson.

Johnson will be traveling to Chicago in April to attend the awards dinner and a weekend of cultural activities. She says one of the things she is most excited about her trip is the chance to participate in an adult version of the great books discussion program.

A new business helps you build a home for yourself. Kokoon Homes held a ribbon cutting with the Toccoa/Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Friday at their location on Jordan Road. Owner John Rades says his business provides you with everything to build the outside of your home. "We make panelized things," says Rades. "We make panelized homes and they are in increments of 2, 4, 6, and 8. The components are interchangeable and you can basically can mix and match them out of inventory and bolt together your own house and they already have the outside sheeting on them, the windows in place, and they are insulated."

Rades goes on to say his homes differ from manufactured homes. "Well, these right here, once they are assembled and up and on location, they appraise just like a regular house, the difference being that these will be in a controlled environment where they are assembled," says Rades. "These are built to building codes, not manufactured housing standards, which are two separate standards." For more information on Kokoon Homes, call 706-344-7528 or visit www.kokoonhomes.com.

A 21-year-old Toccoa woman is facing multiple drug charges after an extremely large drug bust. Toccoa Police arrested Lafarraih P. Barmore for two counts of trafficking in illegal drugs, two counts of forgery, and two counts of theft of dangerous drugs. All of these charges are felonies.

Toccoa Police Chief Jackie Whitmire says the investigation began after the United Pharmacy in Toccoa contacted them. "The personnel at United Pharmacy requested that we look at the medicine accounting records, that something appeared to be amiss, and when the detectives went through all these records, they found out something was wrong there and it all pointed to one employee," says Whitmire.

Whitmire says they seized 800 Oxycodone tablets, 1000 Alprazolem tablets, 3200 Hydrocodone tablets, and 700 Endocet tablets, with a street value of over half a million dollars. "This is one of the largest amounts of drugs that I have ever seen seized by the police in Toccoa, Georgia and we are glad to get them off the streets," adds the chief. He says the pharmacy was very cooperative in the investigation. There is no word on a court date yet.

The Stephens County Development Authority is moving a road. In their monthly meeting Thursday, the board voted to adjust the plans for the Haystone-Brady Industrial Park. Advisory Committee Member Cam Parker says the committee recommended moving one of the entrances to the park south a few hundred yards. "As we study that more and more, we decided that it might be better for us to move one of the entrance roads coming from existing Highway 17 to the park, move it south away from Hayes-Wilbanks Road," says Parker.

Parker says the initial plan showed the entrance road coming in at the crest of the hill on Highway 17, which could be "cumbersome" for traffic. In addition, the original road paralleled the proposed railway spur which Parker says does not fit the aesthetics envisioned for the park. The change does not come without a price. Estimates for the change are up to $10,000 in engineering expenses.

Parker says the board’s vote did have some caveats. "It is contingent on Carter and Sloop being able to do the work within the financial boundaries they said they could do it in and also it is on Georgia Power property so the power company would need to approve the location," adds Parker. He told authority members the process for getting Georgia Power’s approval had begun.

Drivers are not just paying higher gas prices at their pumps. With oil prices at record levels, it is costing more money in the city of Toccoa budget to fill up its tanks. Toccoa City Manager Billy Morse says over the last few years, the gas budget has risen quite a bit. "I have compared 2004 to the last year, 2007, and we are seeing that gasoline costs for the city of Toccoa have more than doubled and some cases tripled during that time period," says Morse.

Morse goes on to say that looking at those same budget figures shows the town is prepared for the rising costs of gas. "We have actually budgeted for that increase so as we stand now, we are on track with our budgets," adds Morse. "We have got the money. It is just a shame that it is costing so much more." The city of Toccoa buys their gasoline wholesale, according to Morse. For the rest of us paying at the pump, AAA says the average price of regular unleaded is at $3.23 a gallon in Georgia. Right across the border in South Carolina, it is at $3.13 a gallon.

A new store on Lake Hartwell wants people to know that the water still provides many recreational opportunities. That is the message from "John’s Bait ‘n Stuff" at Jenkins Ferry on Lake Hartwell. The store held a Toccoa/Stephens County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting Thursday and WNEG’s Tracy Burt was there to speak with owner John Van Pelt.

Van Pelt says they offer a number of services to help you enjoy all the lake has to offer. "We are a bait store. We have boat storage, a full line of bait," says Van Pelt. "We have got everything you need to go fishing. All you have to do is show up. The lake is right here across the street. We are at Jenkins Ferry Landing, which is one of the few landings still open. It should be open until the water is completely gone." He says the fishing is good and they are in good shape with the water there.

As for the hours, Van Pelt says they are available much of the week for customers. "I am open every day but Tuesday and a ½ day on Sunday, we open at 1 p.m. on Sunday," adds Van Pelt. "You can give us a call. Sometimes we are open on Tuesdays. That is my day for running around, so if I am not running around, I am open. I live here on the property, so just blow the horn and if I don’t come out, then I’m closed." The phone number for "John’s Bait ‘n Stuff" is 706-779-6769.

The Internal Revenue Service says some rumors out there regarding the upcoming economic stimulus payments. IRS Spokesman Mark Green says one major myth out there refers to whether your rebates will be taxed in the future. "The biggest myth we have received in relation to the stimulus payments is that it will be taxable and that is not true," says Green. "There will be no tax on this amount that is given to recipients."

Green goes on to say another myth about possible effects of the rebate on other benefits is also simply not true. "In addition, the other myth is that it will affect one’s Social Security benefits or their veterans’ benefits," adds Green. "In no shape, form, or fashion will this affect your benefits." IRS officials add that the stimulus payment will not affect a taxpayer’s 2008 refund, and no phone calls or e-mails will come about the payments.

In addition, for those who normally do not file a tax return, they now have another option for filing. Green says "free file" is an option now for those customers who must file a return this time to get the payment. "That is a new program that we have just put into place and this is going to benefit those senior citizens in particular, those individuals who generally do not file a return, those normally are senior citizens who receive Social Security, railroad retirement workers, veterans, and low income wage earners," says Green. The Internal Revenue Service will start issuing payments in May.

State highway safety officials say drivers should not depend on dumb luck, but instead designate a sober driver this St. Patrick’s Day. The Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety says about half of the fatal crashes on the nation’s highways for St. Patrick’s Day is alcohol-related. He goes on to say one of every three crash fatalities in Georgia all year long is alcohol-related.

The director says people should be responsible about their own limits. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has three tips for staying safe on the highways this St. Patrick’s Day. First, plan for a designated driver. Second, do not drink and drive. Third, make sure to buckle up. In addition, those hosting parties should make sure guests have designated drivers, serve plenty of food, and stop serving alcohol before the party ends. St. Patrick’s Day is Monday.

In a reverse of an earlier decision, the schedule at the high school will not be changing next year. In February, the Stephens County Board of Education voted to change the current "b