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AGRICULTURE INSPECTORS SHUT DOWN LOCAL
BREEDER
A puppy mill is a kennel where dogs are used for breeding only, usually in filthy conditions, and the puppies sold at flea markets and other places. Authorities say the dogs’ owner, R.V. Martin used the dogs for breeding and sells the puppies at the Jockey Lot Flea Market in Anderson, SC. Martin was recently hospitalized and a woman hired to care
and feed the dogs allegedly never did. When State Department of Agriculture
inspector Michael Lurey and an assistant arrived Tuesday morning to inspect the Also called to the scene to help remove the dogs was veterinarian Dr. Amber Polvere and members of the Stephens County Humane Society. Before being released to rescue groups, each dog was photographed and given an ID number. None of the dogs, which were all small breed dogs, were taken to the Stephens County Animal Shelter. Inspector Lurey says they plan to prosecute Martin. In Georgia, misdemeanor cruelty to animals carries a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail. If convicted of felony animal cruelty, Martin could get up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for each animal. CITIZENS LEARN OF
REVITALIZATION PLAN Plans are in the works to revitalize one of the original sections of Toccoa with the help of the Georgia Mountains Regional Development Authority. Last night, only about a handful of residents showed up to a meeting at the Boys and Girls Club to learn more about the City’s plan, but those who did said they like the idea. This week, surveyors with the RDA, began looking at housing conditions in several neighborhoods, including Avon, Edwards, Owens, Vernon, and Spring Streets and the west side of North Broad Street. Regional planner Bryan flower says that is the first step towards obtaining funding. From there, flower says they will develop a plan for that part of Toccoa which will help appropriate grants and other funding to help redevelop the area. "The plan is not to clear out the neighborhoods, but to revitalize them by providing new housing and other improvements, " Flower said. The next public meeting on the plan will be held January 12 at 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club on Whitman Street. HABERSHAM SHERIFF
RECOVERING AFTER ACCIDENT Habersham County Sheriff DeRay Fincher is in Grady Memorial Hospital after being involved in a serious car wreck. According to the Georgia State Patrol, it appears Fincher was traveling at a high rate of speed down Highway 115 Clarkesville Tuesday when he slammed into the back of an 18-wheeler. What is not clear is whether he was in pursuit of anyone. The accident happened Tuesday afternoon just after 2 p.m. Tuesday. Fincher was life-flighted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta where he underwent a series of tests. Sources tell WNEG Fincher was alert and talking when he was put into the helicopter. He is currently listed in serious condition. The State Patrol continues to investigate. STEPHENS COUNTY EMA BEGINS
RESCUE UNIT FUNDRAISER If you get a knock at your door from someone saying they are taking donations for the Stephens County Rescue Unit, it is ok, they’re legit. Becky Wall with the Stephens County Emergency Management Agency says they’ve hired a company to help with the fundraiser. "We have hired the firm of Excalibur to go door to door for us to collect funds to help support the Rescue Unit," Wall said. "We are aware that there are scam artists out there, and people are understandably wary in this day and age. We want people to know that this is legitimate so as not to cause anyone any worry. Anyone donating $35 or more will receive a certificate for a free family portrait," Wall said. All donation amounts are welcome, according to wall and anyone who does donate will receive a receipt. If you are still not sure or need more information, you can call Joe Anderson or Becky Wall at the EMA office at 886-8711. LAVONIA LOW ON MOTORCADE
DONATIONS The City of Lavonia is joining with other Georgia communities, including Toccoa, to take part in the Mayor’s Christmas Motorcade, but according to Lavonia City clerk Angie Greer, who is coordinating Lavonia’s drive, they have had very few donations. "We usually get everything in by December 9th, and people like to wait until the last minute, but so far we’ve only gotten one package," Greer said. The program, begun by the Georgia Municipal Association and the late Governor Ernest Vandiver, relies on citizen participation in each city to donate gifts for patients of the state’s eight mental health hospitals. According to hospital staff, many of the patients have lived in the hospitals most of their lives and have little, if any, support or contact with family. Gifts provided by cities each year are the only gifts many patients will receive at Christmas. Greer says they need donations of clothing, slippers, robes, and other items, such as underwear, socks, toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream, body lotion, and other personal care items. Also, board games, cards, Walkman, G-rated videos, and music is accepted. Donations may dropped off at Lavonia City Hall. Here in Toccoa, donations may be dropped off at either Toccoa Fire Department. POLICE NEWS Stephens County authorities have recovered a trailer belonging to City commissioner Ferrell Morgan. Doyle Simpson called Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies when he found the trailer in a ditch at the bottom of his yard. Morgan tells WNEG the trailer broke from its tether and rolled down the hill. Deputies recovered the trailer and Morgan picked it up the next day. Leonard Sheriff of Eastanollee notified authorities recently regarding some stolen batteries. Sheriff said when he arrived at his business, Sheriff’s Fertilizer, he noticed someone had cut the lock off the door and taken two batteries out of his son’s John Deere dozer. Also taken from a home on Rock Quarry Road was a generator from a house. Robert Terrell told deputies that when he woke up Thanksgiving morning, he found the generator missing. Deputies have no suspects. The Stephens County Sheriff’s office was investigating a burglary at a residence on Harbert Valley Road. Bryan Pace told offices that when he returned home from work, he discovered that the front door had been kicked in. A 12 gauge shotgun, a .38 special pistol and some tools had been taken from the residence. The manager of Ike’s Food Mart told offices that a white male pumped $10 worth of gas and then took off without paying for it. The suspect was driving a 1990s model maroon Toyota pick-up. He did manage to get the license number, which was a South Carolina tag. Bernard Louis said that he made contact with the man on Red Rock Road and the two went back to the store. When the man said he was going back to his truck to get his wallet, he took off again, heading back toward South Carolina. Officers have a name and address of a man from Seneca, South Carolina from the license tag. A woman on Red Hollow Road told officers that a subject told her that he was going to hurt her animals. A short time later she came back home and found that someone had shot her dog in the head with an air rifle. Vanessa Stamps was advised to seek legal counsel on the matter. WETLANDS/HABITAT FUNDS
STILL AVAILABLE There’s still time for landowners and farmers to apply for grant money to help protect wildlife habitat and wetlands. James Tillman, state conservationist for the USDA announced all applications received by December 2 for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program will be considered for funding. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program provides financial incentives to develop habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands. Participants agree to implement a wildlife habitat development plan and NRCS agrees to provide cost-share assistance for the initial implementation of habitat. The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program to restore wetlands. Participating landowners can establish conservation easements of either permanent or 30-year duration, or can enter into restoration cost-share agreements. Those interested in applying for funding or learning more should go online to www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov. STUDY
COMMITTEE HEARS FROM COLUMBUS REPORTER Words of encouragement for the Toccoa-Stephens County Consolidation Study Committee from a reporter who has covered consolidations across the state. Yesterday, the Committee heard from Harry Franklin, a reporter with the Columbus Ledger-Inquirer newspaper. Franklin has covered at least three city-county government consolidations and at the meeting, handed the Committee a list of guidelines he said will help them clarify their goals. The most important aspect of consolidation, Franklin said, is a politician who put the interests of the community first. “The only good government is the government that has good people in it,” Franklin said. “You have to make sure you get people who are capable, qualified and they need to be almost what I would call ‘states people.’” They need to put their own interests aside and work for the betterment of the community. That is the only way it will work. You gotta have people who don’t have a personal agenda that they’re going to cram down everybody’s throats or it’ll never work,” he said. Other tips Franklin offered included being as open with the public as possible. “Tell the public everything you can so they can digest it. The more you tell people, the better off you’ll be,” noted Franklin. Of Georgia’s 159 counties, only four have consolidated with their biggest cities. Only Athens-Clarke County has consolidated its governments in North Georgia, and Franklin said a Toccoa-Stephens County consolidation could serve as an example to other counties in North Georgia. “If it is done right, it is going to save the community money,” Franklin explained. “You can be the leaders in this part of Georgia, showing the other counties and cities the way to go,” he said. Franklin is one of several outside experts who have come to Toccoa to speak to the committee. He urged the group to visit counties where consolidation has taken place as part of their study. HEARING
PLANNED FOR PROPOSED LAKE COMMUNITY The citizens of Toccoa and Stephens County will have a chance to voice their opinions regarding a plan by an Atlanta developer to build a gated subdivision around Lake Toccoa. Alan Nix and Sean Harrington are proposing to build over 200 resort-type homes, town homes and condos around the lake next to the Pines Golf course. The plan also calls for a club house/community center, pool, and expanded golf course. Two weeks ago, local businessmen Buddy Lawson and Bill Good expressed their concern over the plan. Last night, Toccoa City mayor Ken Davis announced he will hold a public hearing on the matter at the next City commission meeting in December. “There are people in the community who are concerned about whether the property around the lake should be developed in any way or be retained as it is,” Davis said. “And it seems very reasonable and indeed incumbent on the City commission to offer these people an opportunity to speak their minds,” Davis said. The City is aware of the development plan, but has not agreed to it. A planned presentation to commissioners by Nix and Harrington two weeks ago was cancelled at the last minute. Davis says he is concerned not only about the affect on the City’s only water supply, but the amount of lost green space. “Twenty years ago, you could have bought all of Gwinnett County for $1.98,” Davis opined. “Now, they’re looking at spending phenomenal amounts of money for parks. If we develop the property by the lake, it is gone for good. So I wonder if twenty years hence, WE may be thrashing around for green space and I think it’s something we need to think about,” he concluded. The public hearing is open to both City and County residents and will be part of the December 9 commission meeting. JURY
CONVICTS TOCCOA MAN A Stephens’s County jury took only about 30 minutes to find a Toccoa man guilty of carrying a concealed weapon by a convicted felon. It happened at the Wal-mart on Big A Road August fifth, when Toccoa police pulled 41-year old Kevin Yarborough over for a broken tail light. Yarborough finally admitted during his trial yesterday to hiding the loaded 8-mm silver Rugar handgun under the front seat of a borrowed pick up truck. After agreeing to a search of the truck, officers found the handgun. Yarborough had previously served a year in the state penitentiary for manufacture of methamphetamine in Murray County and was released in 2003. PUBLIC
HEARING TONIGHT ON CITY REVITALIZATION PLAN People living in some inner city neighborhoods in Toccoa are invited to attend a town hall meeting today at the Boys and Girls Club about the future of their neighborhoods. Beginning today, surveyors will be out and about looking at housing conditions in several neighborhoods, including Avon, Edwards, Owens, Vernon, and Spring streets and the west side of North Broad Street. Toccoa planning director Connie Tabor says its part of a long-range planning project for that part of Toccoa. Tabor says the City will be applying for redevelopment grants through the Appalachian Regional Development Authority to help revitalize those neighborhoods. “This is the first step in the process of being able to apply for these redevelopment grants,” Tabor said. “It could be ten years before we actually begin working on that part of town, but we do want to revitalize that area and this is the first step,” she said. Tonight’s meeting takes place at 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club on Whitman Street. OPERATION
CLICK IT OR TICKET EXTENDED Because the number of fatalities and crashed on Georgia roadways this past holiday weekend exceeded expectations, the State Department of Highway and Public Safety has extended the “Click It or Ticket” program. Spokesman Jim Shuler tells WNEG the number of crashes and deaths actually exceeded GSP predictions by 46%. The Georgia State Patrol had predicted 13 fatalities, but 16 people lost their lives on state roadways between Wednesday evening and Sunday midnight night. Shuler says the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is warning Georgia motorists that law enforcement will continue to crack down on drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seatbelts. Shuler says they are waiting for the longer term analysis to reveal just how many traffic deaths this Thanksgiving may be been associated with failure to wear safety belts. BANKS
COUNTY TO RECEIVE EMPLOYMENT GRANT Banks County will receive $160,000 from the state for an employment incentive program. The grant from the State Department of Community Affairs was announced yesterday by commissioner Mike Beatty. Banks County officials will leverage the grant funds with a $1.6 million dollars in private investment from Ward Brothers Concrete Company to cover costs for planned road improvements to North County Line Road. Company officials project that this project will support the creation of 16 new full-time positions with more than half designated for low- and moderate-income citizens. Since 2000, the DCA has provided approximately $1.7 million in funding to Banks County through community development block grants and other sources. GARBAGE,
TREES ON TONIGHT’S CITY COMMISSION AGENDA It looks like a light agenda tonight for Toccoa City Commissioners. Under new business, commissioners will hold a public hearing on the adoption of a codified starter tree ordinance for public property. The City planning commission has been working on the tree ordinance for some months. City manager Billy Morse says the ordinance will help the City maintain trees in public places. Commissioners will also look at a staff recommendation to increase the amount the city pays carter’s royal disposal to take its trash. According to Morse, the City’s contract with Carter’s is up at the end of the year and carter has requested an increase per ton for next year. “It’s a two year contract,” noted Morse. “We have been paying $33 per ton and Carter is asked for an increase of $35 a ton. I’m going to recommend that the City accept his offer since he is the only such company around to work with,” he said. Commissioners will also discuss several requests for zoning variances. Tonight’s meeting starts at 5p.m. in City Hall. COLLISION
OVERNIGHT DELAYS AMTRAK ARRIVAL People in Toccoa waiting for friends and loved ones riding Amtrak to get back home Sunday morning had a three-hour wait. Around 2 a.m. Sunday morning, the train hit a car parked on the tracks about nine miles north of high point North Carolina. Amtrak authorities say two men purposely parked the vehicles on the tracks to quote, “see what would happen.” The suspect stood by to watch the collision and were arrested by Amtrak officials about 75-feet down the track. Stephens County resident Art Sutton said he was asleep in his compartment at the time of the collision and did not hear or feel the impact. None of the passengers on the train were injured in the incident. MAIN
STREET CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS NOW ON SALE The 2005 limited edition Main Street Christmas ornaments are now available at several locations in Toccoa. This year, the main street ornament is a golden mist with blue imprint depicting a map outline of Stephens County with images of Lake Hartwell. Main Street director Connie Tabor says the design was chosen in celebration of the County’s centennial year, and is titled, “Celebrating 100 Years.” This is the fifteenth year for the Main Street ornament series and the last in this series and style of ornament. Ornaments are $6 each and may be purchased at Frames & Things, First Citizens downtown, First Franklin Financial Investment Center, Stephens Federal Bank – both locations, regions bank – both locations, Gate Cottage Gift Shop, and Troup’s Studio & Gold Crown Hallmark. DAHLONEGA
SOLDIER DROWNS A north Georgia native, serving his country overseas, died last weekend in a freak drowning accident. 23-year old petty officer third class Emory J. Turpin of Dahlonega died November 20 when he drowns in the Seychelles. Turpin was assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 – currently deployed to the Seychelles. TOURISM
WORKSHOP CANCELLED The tourism workshop set for tomorrow at North Georgia Tech’s Currahee campus has been rescheduled. Sponsored by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, the workshop has been postponed until April 10. According to Chamber director Cynthia Brown, scheduling for this time of year became a problem and the workshop had to be postponed. Anyone who was signed up for tomorrow should contact Brown at the Chamber office. STEPHENS WORKS MEETS TONIGHT One meeting that will go on as planned at the Currahee Campus as scheduled is “Stephens Works.” The meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. will update local businesses and organizations on the state of education in Stephens County. Chamber director Cynthia Brown tells WNEG a number of special guests will make presentations concerning community involvement in education and the strides being made by our students. Local agencies and volunteer organizations that work with children and families have also been invited to share their information at tables before the meeting, according to Brown. They will also be available afterwards during dessert and coffee. STEPHENS COUNTY HOSPITAL TO BE REIMBURSED
FOR TREATMENT OF HURRICANE EVACUEES Stephens County Hospital’s Authority has made arrangements to be reimbursed for the treatment of some Hurricane Katrina evacuees . Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell said that the state of Texas needs certain documents for that to happen. "As you know, the Georgia Baptist Assembly didn’t get as many Hurricane Katrina evacuees as they first thought," Gambrell explained. "But they did get some and some of those people needed hospital treatment. The authority has to fill out papers and prepare documents for the state of Texas so that we can be reimbursed for the care given to some patients from that state. Other states like Louisiana and Mississippi did not require any documents." The Hospital Authority also agreed this week to enter into a contract with Jerry Collins of Eastanollee to install new roofs on both the Clary Center and the Wilkinson Center. The project will cost about $46,000 plus the authority will purchase the materials, saving money because they do not pay sales tax. NEW MARTIN WATER TOWER A STEP CLOSER TO
REALIZATION The construction of a new water tower for the City of Martin will take a step forward this week with the approval of a government loan and the signing of a contract with the builders. Mayor Don Foster said he has a meeting scheduled for Thursday at 1PM… "We’re going to meet with the contractor on Thursday, right after the loan is signed which I have been assured was going to be on Tuesday," Foster said. "After that, construction on the new tower should begin within about 30 days." The GEFA loan is in the amount of $300,000 and will go toward enhancing the expanded water system for the town of Martin. City Clerk Bob Stovall announced that water bills with the new rate will be in the mail soon. For some consumers there will be a $2-$3 increase in their bill, but Mayor Foster said that even with the new water rate, the citizens of Martin are getting the best bargain in Northeast Georgia for their water. BLACK FRIDAY HITS TOCCOA-STEPHENS COUNTY Thousands of Georgians have descended on shopping malls and centers this day after Thanksgiving – commonly called "Black Friday" to pick up some early Christmas bargains. That is right in line with a recent survey that said Southerners will spend more this holiday season than anywhere else in the country. According to the annual holiday shopping survey conducted by MyVesta, a nonprofit consumer education organization, people in the South will spend the most on holiday purchases this year averaging $847 per person. The survey also found the average American plans to spend $747 on holiday gifts in 2005, up 4.3 percent from the average of $716 in 2004. 49.5 percent plan to spend $500 or less. Other results of interest: • Those in the West will spend the least with an average of $660. The survey was conducted November 4-6 in a random telephone survey of 1,000 people. CONSUMER REPORTS SAYS BLACK FRIDAY NOT THE
BEST DAY FOR BARGAINS And some words of advice from Consumer Reports for those of you hitting the stores today. 1. Don't Assume That The Best Deals Are On Black Friday. Yes, many retailers will offer huge discounts the morning after Thanksgiving. However, the reality is that retailers typically offer even steeper discounts as you get closer to Christmas.2. Shop Early. Consumer Reports advises shoppers to avoid the frenzy and to arrive before the stores open, when there may be early-bird specials and other enticing discounts and a greater availability of products in stock.3. Check Out The Retailer's Web Site. Most retailers offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase the item online and allow for a pick-up at the store, which can also save time.4. Be Mindful Of Return Policies And Restocking Fees. Retailers are becoming stricter when it comes to enforcing return policies.5. Get Extra Savings Through Instant Charge Cards. If you plan a big-ticket purchase, consider opening up an instant charge card to receive the extra 10-percent off at the point of purchase.Most importantly, C onsumer Reports advises shoppers to "buy only what you can afford."TFC ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT NEXT WEEK The Toccoa Falls College School of Music will hold its annual Christmas Candlelight Service, next Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. This annual event begins the Christmas celebration for many in Northeast Georgia. Several of the TFC ensembles will participate in the concert, including the Handbell Choir, the Ladies Choir, and the Flute Ensemble. Also, a new multi-cultural ensemble, "Las Casadas" will present a Bolivian folk song and a Peruvian song. The popular Jazz Ensemble will close out the evening with several traditional pieces. The concert is free and takes place at Grace Chapel and Performing Arts center. Before the concert, a candlelight dinner will be offered at Gate Cottage, but reservations are necessary by calling: 886-7014. LIGHT AGENDA FOR CITY COMMISSIONERS MONDAY It looks like a light agenda next week for Toccoa City commissioners. Under new business, commissioners will hold a public hearing on the adoption of a codified starter tree ordinance for public property. The City Planning Commission has been working on the tree ordinance for some months. City manager Billy Morse says the ordinance will help the city maintain trees in public places. The City commission meeting gets underway at 5 p.m. in City Hall. HALL TEEN RULED DELINQUENT A Hall County Judge has ruled that a 15-year-old boy who skipped school to marry a 37-year-old woman who is pregnant with the boy's child is a delinquent. The Associated Press reports, the boy, identified only by his initials "A.S.G.," admitted in a juvenile court hearing late Wednesday to violating his probation on a previous burglary conviction by not missing school and leaving home November 8 to marry Lisa Lynnette Clark of Gainesville. Clark has been charged with child molestation. After the ruling, Judge Careen closed the hearing because of the "unusual circumstances of the case in which we have a minor who is married." a sentence was not immediately announced. Hall County prosecutors alleged that the boy violated his probation by leaving home on November 8 without the knowledge of his grandmother, Judy Hayles, who is his guardian. Hayles, who said she did not have any comment on Wednesday, broke into tears and hugged her grandson when deputies escorted him into the courtroom. Prosecutors also said the teen violated the conditions of his probation by not attending school for eight days between October 20 and November 8 and for not contacting his probation officer for six days during the same period. The boy was supposed to provide a doctor's note to the probation officer if he missed school, Carden said. FESTIVAL OF TREES DEBUTS SATURDAY AT UNICOI
PARK If you’re looking for something to do this weekend to put you in the holiday spirit, Unicoi State Park will host their annual holiday "Festival of Trees" beginning tomorrow. The Festival of Trees is a gift to the community and a fundraiser for White County United Way. Visitors can choose their favorite tree and place a bid on it. The winning bids can take the tree with its decorations home. The decorated trees will be on display through Saturday, December 10. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DOWN IN STEPHENS COUNTY Georgia’s unemployment rate was down in October but jobs were up. That is according to the State Department of Labor, which reported the unemployment rate declined to 5.3% in October – that is down two-tenths of a percent from 5.5% in September. For Stephens County, the unemployment rate last month was also 5.3% down from 5.7% in September. The labor force in Stephens County last month was 13,158. Of that number, 702 were unemployed. In the Georgia mountains region, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Georgia added 23,400 new jobs in October, many of those among seasonal workers in retail and service-related industries. STATE PATROL OUT IN FORCE THIS HOLIDAY
TRAVEL WEEKEND It is the day before Thanksgiving and thousands of Georgians are taking to the roadways and the skies to get to family and friends in time for that turkey dinner. The Thanksgiving holiday starts this evening at 6 p.m. and goes through midnight Sunday. This year, the Georgia State Patrol estimates 2,798 traffic accidents, 1,238 injuries, and 13 deaths on Georgia roadways during the 102-hour period. GSP spokesman trooper Larry Schnall says about 300 officers will be out on state roads beginning today to make sure everyone reaches their destination safely. In addition, officers with the Department of Motor Vehicles will join troopers to conduct patrols and safety checks at checkpoints around the state. And as in years past, shall say GSP’s "Operation Click It or Ticket" seatbelt safety program will be in full force. Georgia law requires children under six be in a child safety seat, children 7 to 17 must wear a seatbelt, as well as all adults over the age of 18. In years past, operation click it or ticket has resulted in the arrests of fugitives, drunk drivers, and in the recovery of stolen vehicles. WEATHER COULD CAUSE TRAVEL DELAYS TODAY This is the busiest travel time of the year and whether you are driving or flying, the weather could be a concern – especially if you are headed northeast or into the mountains. Travelers who fly could see flight delays due to snowstorms and that could spell delays at airports here. The National Weather Service reports a fast-moving Alberta Clipper is expected to bring snow from the great lakes to New England today along with bitterly cold temperatures. Meteorologist Harry Gerapetritis says snowfall is also expected from the Mid-Atlantic States northward today. For the southeast, snow fall last night from Blue Ridge, Georgia into the Great Smokies of Tennessee and Kentucky could make driving dicey for motorists today. Snowfall of up to 6 inches fell in the mountains from the Tennessee/North Carolina State line overnight. But by Thanksgiving Day, sunshine and milder temperatures should return. Here in Stephens County, we can expect to see sun with temperatures in the low 60s tomorrow. DOT KEEPS NORTHERN-MOST ROADS CLOSED And for the second time this winter, the Georgia Department of Transportation has closed some roads in extreme North Georgia. Wintry conditions on State Route 180 Spur in Brasstown Bald in Towns County are keeping that stretch of road closed, according to DOT spokeswoman Teri Pope. The dot closed 180 yesterday morning along with state route 348 in white county. Pope said 348 was re-opened about noon yesterday. Conditions on 180 will continue to be monitored on both roads throughout the day today. Pope tells WNEG both roads can become very dangerous very quickly because of their steep grades when temperatures turn cold. FRANKLIN COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH IDENTITY
THEFT For some 15 years, a Franklin County man operated several businesses under a stolen identity. Now he is behind bars. Many in Northeast Georgia knew Fontages Guerrier, an illegal alien from Jamaica, as Robert "Pops" Thomas. Last week, Lavonia investigators arrested him on charges of identity theft. Lavonia police chief Randy Shirley says the break came when the real Robert Thomas walked into the station. "The real owner of that name came down last year from Brooklyn, New York to file a report in Lavonia that his identity had been stolen. It was then that we were able to launch an investigation," Shirley said. Because of that report, Lavonia detective Bruce Carlisle, working with the GBI, began a seven-month investigation. They found Guerrier had completely taken over the victim’s identity and had ruined the real Thomas’ credit by running up thousands of dollars in medical bills. Shirley says for years, the fake Thomas operated a number of businesses in several counties, including Stephens County where he ran a used car dealership. The investigation also found that Guerrier had used many aliases over the years. In addition to the Lavonia charges, Guerrier is charged in three other Northeast Georgia counties with identity theft. SUSPECTED BURGLARY TRIO FACES MORE CHARGES More charges for three suspects caught breaking into a vending machine at Lavonia foods over the weekend. Police chief Randy Shirley says some stolen chain saws and tree climbing equipment found in their possession was traced to Cobb County. Shirley says the equipment had been stolen out of a truck in Smyrna. 40-year old Robert Robertson of Dalzell, South Carolina, 33-year old Amos Alberton and 22-year old Patricia Smallwood both of Big Sandy, Tennessee were arrested Saturday as they attempted to break into a Coke machine. Since then, Lavonia investigators have uncovered a string of break ins and thefts in Tennessee and South Carolina and traced much of the stolen tools found in their vehicle to cases in those states as well as in Georgia. GUNBY COMMUNICATIONS WINS FOREST SERVICE CONTRACT A local communications firm has been contracted by the U.S. Forest Service to help rebuild its internal communications system in Mississippi. The infrastructure of towers and radio equipment suffered severe damage from Hurricane Katrina. Gunby Communications of Toccoa will install seven radio communications towers for the Forest Service to replace towers that have either been destroyed or damaged due to Katrina. Last week, a crew from Gunby was in Wiggins, Mississippi surveying, excavating, and pouring concrete bases for the replacement towers. A second crew will be dispatched after those concrete bases have had time to cure. That crew will actually erect the new towers and install antennas and cables for the Forest Service’s radio equipment. Here in Stephens County, Gunby recently received the contract to install the equipment at the new e-911 dispatch center and erect the communications tower. MARTIN MAN LOSES $1,500
IN TOOLS TO BURGLARS Stephens County Sheriff’s investigators are looking into a theft from a home in Martin. It happened on century drive and was discovered by the home owner on Saturday. The victim, Tommy Harris told deputies he drove a truck and had been away for two weeks. During that time, someone stole a Fisher black and red roll-away tool box that was filled with Craftsman hand tools and power tools. The tool box had the number "53" painted on the top and etched inside. Total value of the tool box and tools is estimated at $1,500. Also, taken was a four-horsepower Hausfeld air compressor valued at $297. Deputies put Harris’ house on extra watch. POLICE BLOTTER The Mountain Mart on the bypass reported two gas drive offs recently. Last Friday, an employee told deputies a white male driving a white 1991 to 1993 Ford Mustang pumped $10 worth of gas and sped off. Then on Monday, a man pumped over $20 worth of premium gasoline and sped off up 365 towards the Habersham County line. The employee was able to get a tag number, which was traced to a Toccoa residence. Sheriff’s deputies are looking into a case of vandalism at the old middle school. Paula Phillips told deputies that someone had gotten into the gym at the school sometime over the weekend. Phillips said windows had been broken out, toilet paper spread around and trophies destroyed. And a man must have wanted the four tires L.D. Pitts of Toccoa had for sale pretty badly. Pitts told deputies the suspect, identified as Buddy Mooney asked to buy a set of wheels and tires but was told he would have to come back later. When Pitts came back to his shop after being away for the weekend, he discovered the wheels and tires missing. Deputies say they found the wheels and tires on a truck belonging to Mooney. The truck was confiscated. LAVONIA ARRESTS TRIO
SUSPECTED OF TRI-STATE BURGLARY SPREE It looked like a routine arrest in Lavonia over the weekend, but it is turning out to be a much bigger bust. On Saturday, an alert employee of Lavonia Foods called police when he spotted three people trying to break into a soda machine. Two officers responded and caught the suspects in the act, according to Lavonia Police Chief Randy Shirley. "These suspects are very professional," Shirley noted. "They used a crow bar to force back the cash compartment far enough that they could reach in and take the dollar bills. They had taken about $80 - $100 and were able to do it in such a way that you couldn’t tell the machine had been forced open," he said. Officers arrested 40-year old Robert Robertson of Dalzell, South Carolina, 33-year old Amos Alberton, and 22-year old Patricia Smallwood both of Big Sandy, Tennessee. Breaking into vending machines is not all the trio is apparently involved with, Shirley said. When officers searched their vehicle, Shirley says they also found a number of stolen tools, such as chain saws, which they believe were stolen from construction sites across a three-state area. "We just want to alert local businesses and construction companies in the WNEG listening area that if they have had any tools stolen recently, they need to contact us. So far, we’ve put out a tri-state law enforcement email and have gotten one hit on a chain saw and expect to be getting more hits in the coming days," he said. All three are being held without bond in the Franklin County jail. COUNTY EXPECTED TO PASS
MILLAGE TONIGHT If you have questions or comments regarding the proposed County millage rate, tonight is your last chance to speak up. County commissioners will wrap up the process of setting the fiscal 2005 millage rate today with the third and final public hearing on the matter. Last week, the County held two public hearings, however County administrator Darrell Hampton said public participation was low. "For both hearings we had a total of nine people show up," Hampton said. Hampton said even though turnout was low, most of the comments last week involved questions regarding the retirees paying school millage and the lack of jobs in the county. Tonight’s hearing takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the commission meeting room of the Courthouse Annex. Immediately afterwards commissioners will hold a called meeting for establishing the millage for 2005. LEGACY LINK OFFERING
MEDICARE DRUG PLAN HELP TODAY For those struggling to afford the medications their doctors prescribe, help is finally here. Last week, Medicare beneficiaries began enrolling in the new Medicare prescription drug program. However, the program is also bringing some confusion about which prescription drug plan to choose. Today, volunteers with Legacy Link will be available at North Georgia Tech in Clarkesville to help beneficiaries sign up. Sign up will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. All you need to bring is your medication or write them down with their dosages, so volunteers can help you compare plans to find the one that is best for your needs. This is the first time in Medicare’s history that the costs of prescription drugs are covered. Moreover, although savings begin January 1, the enrollment deadline is not until may 15, 2006. IRS LOOKING FOR TAX
ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEERS You would not think volunteers are an integral part of the Internal Revenue Service’s tax assistance program but they are. The IRS is once again calling for volunteers to help with the 2005 tax season, which starts in February. IRS spokesman Eric Erickson says the primary goal of volunteers is to help with low-income and elderly filers. The IRS will provide free training in tax law and all the necessary materials needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns. Training classes are December 3, and 10 in Atlanta, and again on January 7 and 14. To volunteer or get more information, contact Gloria Carithers at 404-338-8527. TOCCOA MAN CLAIMS ASSAULT
WAS RACIALLY MOTIVATED A Toccoa man told police he was shot at by group of blacks over the weekend. It happened Friday night on north Broad Street near the American Veterans Club. Phillip Heath of West Doyle street told officers that as he walked along a small group of black males and females started cursing at him and asking him a quote, what "whitey" was doing on their side of town. Heath claims the group then took his wallet, stole $100 out of it, and threw it on the ground. He said as he ran away, shots were fired behind him. Officers arriving on the scene say people they talked to did not know of any assault. Meantime, a check by police found Heath had warrants out of Effingham County, but they did not want to extradite. Heath was advised a report on the incident would be filed. DNR TO RESTOCK LOCAL
STREAMS AND RIVERS FOR HOLIDAYS Just before Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will be restocking eight popular streams so anglers will have a chance to fish over the holidays. Streams to be stocked with nine-inch trout include Panther Creek in Habersham and Stephens counties, the Broad River in Stephens County, and the Lake Hartwell tail water in Hart County. Other streams in North Georgia that will be stocked include the Tallulah River in Rabun and Towns counties, and the Chattahoochee River in Gwinnett County. Michelle Cummings with the DNR tells WNEG anglers must possess both a current Georgia fishing license as well as trout license and there is a daily limit of eight trout. WRD rangers will be out over the holiday weekend patrolling all trout streams to enforce stream rules and regulations. SALVATION ARMY LOOKING
FOR BELL RINGERS If you are looking to pick up some extra holiday cash this season, the Salvation Army might be the place for you. Today, the Army is taking applications for bell ringers for the three county area, including Stephens, Rabun and Franklin counties. Sign up is this evening at 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army church on Franklin Street. This year, the Army hopes to hire some 15-bell ringers. All those hired will undergo a brief training session involving what to wear, and exactly how to ring that bell. Those planning to apply this evening should remember to bring a photo ID and their Social Security card. HEAVIEST TRAVEL TIME OF
YEAR BRINGS OUT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT Facing the heaviest traveled and longest holiday period of the year, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is making plans for stepped up enforcement during the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday period. The Thanksgiving holiday starts Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. and goes through midnight Sunday, November 27. This year, the Georgia State Patrol estimates 2,798 traffic accidents, 1,238 injuries, and 13 deaths on Georgia roadways during that time. During the same time last year, nine people died. The highest number of traffic deaths ever recorded for the Thanksgiving holiday was 43 in 1969. Meantime, Lavonia Police will be cracking down on seatbelt violators this week. Police chief Randy Shirley tells WNEG that beginning today, officers will enforce seat belt and child safety seat laws as part of their "Operation Zero Tolerance" program. THIRD COUNTY MILLAGE
HEARING SET FOR TUESDAY County commissioners will once again hold a public hearing tomorrow on the proposed millage rate. This will be the third and final public hearing on the matter before the millage is officially adopted. Last week, two hearings were held on Tuesday. The County is proposing a drop in its millage to 9.95 mils from 10.62 mils last year. For 2004, the value of a County mill was $574,218. For 2005, the value is $655,519, which accounts for a growth of 14.16%, according to County administrator Darrell Hampton. The projected tax revenues generated for 2005 will be $6.5 million. Some citizens at last week’s hearings wanted to know why the County would not roll back the millage to what was needed last year. Hampton says it has to do with the higher costs of fuel, salaries, and equipment maintenance. Tomorrow’s final hearing takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Courthouse Annex. Immediately afterwards at 6 p.m. commissioners will hold a called meeting for establishing the millage for 2005. "THE BOOK" NOT YOUR
TYPICAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT It isn’t often a Christmas drama comes with the phrase "parental guidance suggested," but the one First Alliance church is doing next month, does. It is called "The Book," and director Chris Watkins says it is not your traditional holiday pageant. "It covers the entire life of Christ through the millennium," Watkins said. "There will be music and the story of the birth of Christ, but there will also be fire, and other things that you don’t normally see in a Christmas drama," he said. The play covers the entire life of Christ as well as the end times and according to Watkins is designed for more the non-Christian. When asked why First Alliance chose this sort of holiday play, Watkins said, "That’s a good question. Basically, we wanted to present the life of Christ and His mission on earth, and give people an opportunity to choose Him this holiday season," Watkins explained. "The Book" will run for eight days from December 11 through the 18th. Performances will be at 7p.m. nightly at the church and admission is free. LOCAL REALTOR COLLECTS
COATS FOR SALVATION ARMY Now that the cold weather is here, the Salvation Army is accepting donations of coats and sweaters. One local business decided they would get involved in the project by taking donations at their office. Remax Northview started accepting coats and sweaters last month after broker Joanne Bruner stopped by the Salvation Army and discovered the need. "They were talking about how donations had dropped off since Katrina because everyone has been sending their money and other items to help hurricane victims," Bruner noted. "So I asked them, ‘What do you need?’ and they said there was need in our area for winter coats and sweaters. And I said, ‘Ok, that’s what we’ll do then,’" she said. Bruner says they have already taken over one delivery to the Salvation Army and are working on another. Remax Northview is located on South Big A Road. For more information, contact them at 282-0303.
TOCCOA COUPLE CHARGED WITH BEATING DANIELSVILLE
MAN A Toccoa couple is charged in the armed robbery and beating of a Danielsville man. Sheriff Gene Sorrells says 29-year old Patricia Whitehead and 50-year old Tony Ray Whitehead allegedly lured the 61-year old victim to their home on Dicks Hill Parkway. Once there, they beat and robbed him. The name of the victim has not been released and his condition is not known. Tony Whitehead is charged with battery and robbery and is free on $21,000 bond. Patricia Whitehead is charged with being a party to a crime and is free on bond.
FORGERY PREVENTION WORKSHOP CANCELLED A forgery prevention workshop scheduled for today at the train depot has been cancelled. Sponsored by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, the workshop did not have enough participation, according to Chamber director Cynthia Brown. However, Brown says every business owner and merchant should take the class. Toccoa-Stephens County merchants have seen a lot of cases of forged checks and counterfeit bills come through recently. And with the Christmas shopping season about to start, law enforcement authorities expect to see even more. Brown says the forgery prevention workshop will be rescheduled for sometime after the holidays. “The class will be taught by Stephens County Assistant District Attorney Rick Bridgeman,” Brown said. “We will be rescheduling the class for sometime after the first of the year,” she said. The cost of the seminar is $5. More information may be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce office.
MORE COUNTY DRUG BUSTS Two more Toccoa men are in jail on drug charges. The Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies in conjunction with the piedmont northern mans unit arrested 58-year old Willie Martin of DeFoor Road. Martin was found with over 20 grams of cocaine in his possession. He is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Also arrested Wednesday was 21-year old Demetrius Irby of Albine Court. Irby is already in the Hall County jail on unrelated charges, but faces these new charges in Stephens County. He is being held without bond pending his extradition to Stephens County.
TOCCOA BAKERY CLOSES The Toccoa Bakery is closed. Toccoa-Stephens County’s only bakery shut its doors the first weekend of November. Owners Guy and Jeanette Mougul retired and closed the shop on Pond Street right after the Toccoa Harvest Festival. Since at least the early 1950’s, the Toccoa Bakery has been an institution downtown. The Mouguls bought the shop from Dale Williams and ran it for about 14 years. A source tells WNEG the couple has had the shop up for sale for some time, but they have not been able to find a buyer. SCHOOL BOARD VOWS TO HELP
RECOVERY ACADEMY STAY OPEN Things might be looking up for the Stephens County Recovery Academy now that the School Board has made a commitment to find money to keep it open. The Academy - an independent non-profit group that works with students who have been expelled from school – will run out of money at the end of the year. For the past five years, it has operated on federal money, but has had no luck in finding new grant money or funding to continue for another year. Yesterday, director John Gailor spoke once again to civil and municipal leaders, pleading for help. At that meeting, school board member Dr. Beth Pinkerton said the BOE is committed to keeping the Academy open. County Commission chairman Steve Chitwood said he will take the matter before the full commission, but does not think there is any money in the budget this year to give to the academy. “There needs to be a contingency fund,” Chitwood said. “Right now, because the tax bills didn’t go out on time, it’s going to be tough until after the first of the year for the County, but I’ll bring it up to the other two commissioners and see what they say. It’s certainly cheaper to keep kids out of jail than it is to pay for them when they’re in jail,” he said. One of the speakers was Juvenile Court Judge Joanna Temple, who told those attending that Stephens County has the highest juvenile delinquency rate of the entire Mountain Judicial Circuit and the fewest programs to deal with it. Temple said without a student going through the Recovery Academy, she would not let them into her court. Gailor said afterwards he was encouraged by the response from those who attended. Gailor says he now plans to go to local businesses to solicit funding.
TOCCOA ELEMENTARY NEEDS HELP MAILING SOLIDER
GIFTS A Christmas project at Toccoa Elementary School has turned a little pricey. Recently, the student body was asked to donate items to send to the troops overseas for Christmas. School bookkeeper Tanya Hardin spearheaded the project, which she says turned out to be more expensive than predicted. “These kids just opened their hearts and brought in so much stuff we now have several large boxes to send and more to pack,” Hardin said. “We took what we had ready to the post office and found out it will cost $12 for every three pounds. We have large several boxes so it’s going to cost us around $400,” she said. The school is asking the community’s help to raise the $400 necessary to pay for the postage. Hardin says she never expected there to be such an outpouring of generosity from the students. The boxes of Christmas gifts must be sent by December 3 in order for them to arrive in Iraq by Christmas. If you can donate some money for the postage, stop by Toccoa Elementary and ask for Tanya.
RECOVERY ACADEMY CLOSES TO STUDENTS It is the 11th hour for the Stephens County Recovery Academy and this morning, director John Gailor is hoping someone will come forward with some funding for next year. The Academy is an independent non-profit group that works with students who have been expelled from school – helping them resolve issues, keep up with their studies; get back in school and graduate. It is one of only two such programs in the country and has been successful in helping 89% of the expelled students who come to them. Gailor says they have not been able to find any new source of funding for next year and they plan to close their doors to students tomorrow. “We haven’t been able to find any funding so far,” Gailor said. “We have been hoping somebody would come forward but so far, we have not found that somebody,” he said. Gailor has already taken his request for financial support to the County and the School Board. The BOE said they could not help financially since the expelled students are no longer part of the school system. However, they did say they would try to help in other ways. This morning, Gailor met with members of the School Board and other local City and County officials to see what can be done to keep the Academy doors open. The Recovery Academy employs four full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $300,000. One of the biggest losses, according to Gailor will be the loss of the Academy’s staff, some of which have been with the program since it started five years ago. The Recovery Academy has enough funds to operate until the end of the year. Gailor says they will spend that time searching for new sources of funding.
GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE OUT TODAY November is American Diabetes Awareness Month and today is the Great American Smoke out. These two health observances go hand-in-hand, according to North Health District Two spokesman Dave Palmer and the American Diabetes Association. The ADA says people who smoke are nearly three times as likely to develop diabetes as those who have never smoked. A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences found that 25% of current smokers developed diabetes after five years – compared to 14% of people who had never smoked. Palmer tells WNEG other studies have found that increased blood glucose levels, increased insulin levels, and increased blood pressure are all associated with a higher risk of diabetes. Palmer encourages smokers who want to quit to call Georgia’s Tobacco Quit Line toll-free at 1- 877-270-7867.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO SIGN 50-YEAR DEPOT LEASE The City of Toccoa is working to secure a longer lease at the newly renovated train depot for the Stephens County Historical Society. Originally, the City had agreed to lease space in the depot to the Society for 30 years at a dollar a year. However, City attorney John Dickerson recently discovered a state law limits the number of years a municipality can enter into a lease to ten years. “The historical society has mad e a huge financial investment over there,” noted City manger Billy Morse. Plus, they have applied for several grants and what most grantors want to see is some indication that they are going to be there for a very long time. So what the City has agreed to do is work with the Downtown Development Authority to secure a 50-year lease,” he said. The Historical Society has already invested over $50,000 of its own money into constructing the military museum extension. They are also applying for grants to finish the rest of the museum, which president Brenda Owens says they hope to have open in early 2006.
FLU VACCINES AT HEALTH DEPARTMENT FRIDAY The Stephens County Health Department will be offering flu vaccines again tomorrow. According to Health Department nurse manager Donna Cisson, the Department received another 100 doses of vaccine. Cisson says delivery of flu vaccine to the North Health District Two, of which Stephens County is a part, continues to be delayed. “We aren’t exactly sure why there has been a delay,” Cisson said. “This will be the third 100-dose delivery we’ve had so far. For some reason they’re only sending a small amount at a time,” she said. Because there has not been a lot of flu vaccine available, Cisson says they are still focusing on administering the shots to those who are considered high-risk. “Because we have not gotten a full supply of vaccine this year, we are still trying to vaccinate those in Stephens County who are considered high risk. We will begin vaccinations at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hopefully, we will be getting more vaccine soon and will be able to vaccinate everyone who wants one,” she said. According to Dave Palmer with North Health District Two, delivery delays of vaccine could continue through the end of November and into early December. But the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta says late vaccinations are still beneficial because the flu season typically does not peak until January.
AZUZA STREET MISSION HANDS OUT HOLIDAY FOOD
BASKETS Hundreds of people now have a little more in their cupboards today, thanks to the kindness of local businesses and Azuza Street Missions. The line stretched out the door and into the street yesterday afternoon at the church on East Currahee with people waiting for a box of food. This time the boxes contained frozen meat, canned vegetables, and dry goods. This is the last food giveaway at the mission until after thanksgiving. Everyone said they were grateful for the help. Pastor Lennie Cannon and his wife, Jackie have been holding food giveaways every month since the mission opened. Local grocery stores and restaurants donate most of the food. The mission also delivers food and hot meals to shut-ins that is prepared by Jackie Cannon.
LEAVES THE TOWELS, TAKES THE TV It is not uncommon for hotel and motel guests to leave with a couple of towels and those cute little bottles of shampoo and bars of soap. But the manager of the Budget Inn on West Currahee never expected to lose furniture. Rick Belz told Toccoa police a guest in one of the motel rooms checked out and took the TV with him. The suspect isn’t the brightest light bulb in the pack, apparently. He used his real name to check in and to pay for the room. Gregory Brown of Alexander Street in Toccoa was arrested a short time later and charged with theft. COUNTY AND SCHOOL BOARD
HOLD MILLAGE HEARINGS Two of three public hearings on the County’s proposed millage rate passed yesterday with little discussion. The County is proposing a drop in its millage to 9.95 mils from 10.62 mils last year. For 2004, the value of a County mill was $574,218. For 2005, the value is $655,519, which accounts for a growth of 14.16%, according to County administrator Darrell Hampton. Even with the drop in the millage rate, Hampton says the projected tax revenues generated for 2005 will be $6.5 million. Some citizens at the noon hearing yesterday wanted to know why the County would not roll back the millage to what was needed last year. Hampton says it has to do with inflation. “A lot of expenses have gone up over the past year,” Hampton explained. “We have to pay more for gas for the 100 county service vehicles, increased funding for economic development, increases in insurance. We also had to give our employees a raise and cost-of-living adjustment, and we had to pay for the recent Thomason murder trial,” he said. The County will hold their third public hearing on the 22nd also at 5:30 p.m. They expect to officially vote on the millage rate at their regular meeting in December. Meantime, the Stephens County School Board has set a tentative millage of 16.9 mills – the same as last year. Yesterday, they held a public hearing at 8 a.m. and again at their regular monthly meeting last night. The BOE has kept the millage at 16.9 for the past two years. In July, they approved a $31.2 million dollar budget with almost $11 million coming from local taxes – that is up from $9.7 million from local taxes last year. Most of the increased revenue will go towards teacher salaries and general instruction expenses. This year, the state mandated teacher pay rises. The school system is also receiving just over $18-million from the state – up from $17.8 million a year ago. They will have a final public hearing at 8 a.m. on November 22.
SENIOR CENTER ANNOUNCES FLU VACCINATION DATE A new supply of flu vaccine will soon be available at the Stephens County Senior Center on Rose Lane. Senior Center director Haley Knight says they expect to offer the vaccine on the 30th. “We finally heard from our supplier,” Knight said. “They will be getting in a new shipment on the 28th and we will be holding a vaccination day on November 30th. If you had an appointment for the original November 1 date, you do not have to reschedule. There are still a few openings left so if anyone would like to make an appointment, they can call the Senior Center and we’ll try to work them in,” she said. About 400 people had signed up to receive flu shots at the Senior Center November 1. However, the company supplying the vaccine did not get their shipment on time. Last week, the Stephens County Health Department received another 100 doses, but they were dispensed within two hours.
MAN FOUND DEAD IN TRAILER PARK An autopsy is being performed on the body of a man found dead in his trailer Monday. Police were called to the Skyview Lane trailer park about noon Monday. The victim is identified as 32-year old Christopher Douglas wood of 234 Skyview Lane. Wood’s roommates told police they came home and found him dead. Detective Westbrook with the Toccoa Police Department was called to the scene for an evaluation. Westbrook tells WNEG it did not look like there was any foul play involved in Wood’s death.
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY DISCUSSES REPAIRS, RENOVATIONS The Stephens County Hospital Authority met this morning with the hospital’s building and grounds committee to discuss a couple of impending projects. Two items on the agenda include repairing the roofs on the both the Wilkinson and Clary Care Centers; and remodeling the hospital’s front lobby. Last month, the Authority learned the roofs on both retirement homes were in bad need of repair. Since then, the building and grounds committee has solicited and received several bids, which were discussed today. Hospital administrator Ed Gambrell says the roofs are old and have never been repaired. “The buildings have settled and that’s caused a lot of leaks,” Gambrell noted. “These are the original roofs and they’re old and its just time to take care of them,” he said. The Authority also discussed remodeling the front lobby. The hospital lobby has not been given an overhaul in many years, and Gambrell says it’s due for a face-lift. “It’s dark, so we would like to brighten it up and make it more appealing,” he said. All of the work on the lobby will be done by hospital staff and will not be contracted out.
ATLANTA FIRM PROPOSES RESORT COMMUNITY AT TOCCOA
LAKE An Atlanta development firm is looking at building a multi-level swim/tennis community around Lake Toccoa. The plan by Alan Nix and Sean Harrington calls for over 200 resort-type homes, town homes and condos around the lake next to the Pines golf course in a gated, restricted community. Under the deal, according to Harrington, the City would retain ownership of the land, which would be leased by the developers. The deal also calls for additional holes to the pines golf course to make it a full 18-hole course that would continue to be available to the public. Residents would use a separate clubhouse, pool tennis courts, and jogging trails only. Harrington called it a quote, “win-win situation” for all concerned because of the expanded tax base it will bring to the City, but some local residents do not see it that way and this week they expressed their concern to City commissioners. Local businessman Bill Good said the people should have a say. “It surprises me that an outside developer would just come here and start telling people what they’re going to do,” Good told commissioners. “That land was paid for with taxpayer money and I don’t think anything should be done until the people have had a chance to look over the plans and have their input considered,” he said. Another local businessman, Buddy Lawson says he is worried about contamination to our watershed. “I’m just concerned that they’re planning to build around our watershed,” Lawson said. “I would like to know what they’re going to do to protect our only source of water from contamination,” he said. Harrington tells WNEG their plan calls for a barrier to be built around the lake preventing its use. He also says covenants, such as no car washing on the property would also preserve the watershed. So far, the City has made no decision on the proposed development.
CITY USES NEW ONLINE SERVICE FOR EQUIPMENT
BIDDING The City of Toccoa is going high tech in its bidding process. Yesterday, City staff took to the Internet to receive real-time bids for the purchase of a residential front loading garbage truck. A service of the Georgia Municipal Association, the electronic sealed bidding process is an alternative to the traditional paper sealed bid method. It also brings live competition to the sealed bidding process. City manager Billy Morse said the entire process went very well. “I liked it,” Morse said. “I had hoped there would have been more bidding in order to get a lower price, but I’m very pleased with what happened,” he said. The City had budgeted $185,000 for a new garbage truck. Yesterday, Morse and mayor Ken Davis watched as two companies submitted bids online through Asset Management, LLC’s Web site. The winning bid came from the Heil Company south. “We had budgeted a certain amount for the truck and considering the way the cost of everything has gone up over the past year, I think we got a good price,” Morse said. The City will pay just over $183,000 for the newer, reconditioned garbage truck. Morse says the City will now use the online bid process as often as possible in the future.
WOMAN ARRESTED FOR PROSTITUTION A Toccoa woman is charged with prostitution after propositioning an undercover police officer. Authorities say the officer saw the woman loitering on the corner of Broad and Franklin streets about 2 p.m. Monday and asked her what they could do for fun. The officer says the woman, identified as 43-year old Norma Dee Wilson, allegedly offered to perform sexual favors for $40 cash. Wilson was arrested and charged with prostitution. POLICE INVESTIGATE
FIVE-THOUSAND DOLLAR THEFT Toccoa investigators are looking into a theft from a home on Addington Drive involving thousands of dollars. Christa Pritchett called police Monday when she discovered $5,000 she had hidden in her home was missing. After Pritchett showed police where the money had been kept, a crime scene technician was called in to dust the area for fingerprints. The victim told police she believes juveniles are involved in the theft and has given authorities the name and phone numbers of those suspects. CITY PURSUES EXPANDED
SEWER CAPACITY PERMIT Water capacity is the primary stumbling block to growth in Toccoa and Stephens County, according to a study by a Stephens County Development Authority Sewer Committee. Last night, Authority president Bob Defenbaugh and Authority executive director Mitch Griggs approached the city commission with a request to apply for a permit with the state Environmental Protection Division to expand the City’s water/sewage capacity by an extra 500,000 gallons for a total of 2-million gallons. Defenbaugh said the committee’s study showed the economy in Toccoa-Stephens County could not move forward without the extra capacity. Defenbaugh requested a decision from commissioners last night or within two weeks at the latest. However, mayor Ken Davis said there was no need to make a quick decision since the authority had no immediate industrial prospects needing that much capacity. Other commissioners, however, agreed with Mitch Griggs who said there needs to be capacity available should prospects look our way. Commissioners voted to pursue upgrading the water permit at a cost of $175,000 to $200,000. Defenbaugh and Griggs said the Development Authority will help find funding to cover the cost of the permit and it will very likely not cost Toccoa any money. CITY WILL END THE FISCAL
YEAR SHORT – AGAIN "Cautiously optimistic" is once again the phrase used by Toccoa finance director Emory Stephens to describe the City’s financial status. In his monthly finance report to commissioners Monday night, Stephens said the City’s cash flow declined this year from a year ago and he predicted Toccoa would end the fiscal year in the red. As of July 1, 2005, the City’s operating cash balance was $961,000. Stephens says he expects the operating cash balance to be $860,000 by June 30, 2006. However, he says the cash projection for the remainder of the fiscal year should be ok. Stephens said over the next several months, it would be a struggle for the City to pay its bills. “Because the City was late sending out its property tax bills due to the revaluation, it’s going to be a bit of a struggle for the next several months until about February when we are back where we ought to be,” Stephens explained. Stephens did say that receivables had doubled from a year ago due to the higher cost of gas. However, delinquent gas accounts remained unchanged. Stephens reported the General Fund is on track with the projected budget, the Water Fund is 1% ahead of budget.
AUDITORS PRAISE CITY FOR HOLDING THE LINE ON
SPENDING Stephens’ report tracked with another financial report delivered Monday night by Kent Murray, CPA with the firm of Amos & Co. Murray gave an overview of the City audit for F2005 and began by commending the City for not incurring any more debt for the past three years. That is the good news. The bad news is Toccoa is not really making any financial headway, according to Murray. Murray reported revenue for F2005 basically stayed the same, but there was a $90,000 increase in the Enterprise Fund over last year – primarily due to the higher cost of gas. As for recommendations for new revenue, Murray said he did not have much to offer. He told commissioners the sale of gas is one area where they should focus on increasing sales – especially to North Carolina. Murray also exhorted commissioners to continue looking for belt-tightening opportunities. After his report, commissioners gave City manager Billy Morse and City finance director Emory Stephens a round of applause for their hard work.
NORWOOD OUT OF OFFICE, FIGHTS FOR DEFICIT
REDUCTION U.S. Congressman Charlie Norwood is out of the hospital and back at work demanding the House reschedules its deficit reduction vote. Charlie Norwood (R-GA9) checked out of his hospital room last Friday morning and was ready to vote to pass the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, HR 4251. Norwood blasted democrats for blocking a vote on the bill this next week at the earliest, calling it the height of hypocrisy. The former dentist from Augusta was the author of major provisions in the bill. Norwood had successfully amended the bill to preserve Medicaid dental benefits for low-income children, which had been subject to substantial reductions. He also collaborated with fellow Georgia Congressman Nathan Deal (R-GA10) to add a section that cracks down on the theft of Medicaid benefits by illegal aliens. Last week, physicians at Inova Fairfax hospital in Falls Church, Virginia removed a small malignant tumor from Norwood’s left lung. Norwood’s doctors say they were able to cure the malignancy surgically due to having found the stage 1 tumor so quickly, and that no follow-up chemo or radiation therapy is necessary.
MISSING FED EX DRIVER FOUND SAFE A Federal Express driver, reported missing Monday evening, was found safe. A lookout was placed early Monday night for a Fed Ex carrier and his delivery truck who were reported missing from their distribution center. Fed Ex called Toccoa Police around 7:30 p.m. To report he was over three hours late returning to the distribution center. Authorities say Wayne Payton and his truck were last seen in Toccoa on Pond Street at about 6 p.m. No word on where Payton was nor why he had not reported in.
AUTHORITIES LOOK INTO GUN THEFTS Authorities are looking into a couple cases of gun thefts in the County. Jeffery Willis told Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies someone took his Glock 17 firearm from inside his residence. Willis said he is not sure when the gun went missing because there has been no forced entry to his home. And Matthew Stamey told deputies his 22-caliber handgun has been missing for at least two weeks. Stamey said the gun had been taken from his truck.
OTHER POLICE NEWS A Toccoa man told police he paid back a debt with a personal check only to have it cashed for four times the amount. Michael Moore told police he paid back the debt with a check written in the amount of $70. He said the person he wrote the check to added the number four in front of the 70 and tried to cash it for $470.00. Moore also said he believes the suspect took a blank check from his checkbook when he left the room and signed his name to it. He told police he contacted his bank and stopped both checks.
A man who tried to pay for gas with a debit card ended up driving off without paying at all. It happened at Stan's Service Station on Currahee Street. Stuart Gaines told police the man tried to pay for $20 worth of gas with his debit card, but it would not go through. The suspect then jumped into his truck and drove off. Police are looking for a light blue Dodge Dakota pick up. They were also able to get the name of the suspect from his debit card.
Police were called to the old Coats and Clark building on west Doyle Street on a report of damage to property. When officers arrived, they found that several out buildings had been entered and several windows broken out. A fire extinguisher had been taken from one building. Officers found it emptied in another of the out buildings. Estimated damage to the property is around $500.
MORE MEETINGS FOR CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMITTEE
THIS WEEK The Stephens County Consolidation Study Committee will meet twice this week to continue getting input from representatives of other counties and cities where they consolidated some or all of their services. Today, the group meets at noon for a work session to discuss what has been accomplished so far and what they need to concentrate on next. Then on Wednesday, the committee will hear from a representative from Columbus, Georgia where the city combined governments and services will Cosetta County. On the 28th, the group will hear from a Columbus, Georgia reporter who covered that consolidation. Today’s meeting will be held at the Fernside Drive fire station.
CITY OF TOCCOA HOLDING ITS OWN The City of Toccoa is not getting any richer, but it’s not going further into debt, either. That’s the conclusion of the firm that performed the City’s 2005 audit, according to City manager Billy Morse. “There have been no new sources of revenue, but we’re holding our own,” Morse said. “From everything they told us it was a clear audit,” he said. The firm of Amos & Co. will present their findings tonight at the City commission meeting. One thing they will not present tonight, Morse says, is any recommendations for getting out of the red. “I asked them that and they really don’t have anything to offer in terms of recommendations only to keep doing what we’re doing,” he said. The City will also set its millage rate tonight for Fiscal 2005. Morse says he expects it to be set at 7.22 mils. City finance director Emory Stephens will also be presenting the monthly financial report tonight. Last month, Stephens said he expected the Toccoa to end the fiscal year breaking even.
STEPHENS COUNTY EMS RECEIVES LARGEST AMBULANCE SO
FAR Stephens County Emergency Medical Services recently received yet another new ambulance. The newest vehicle was on display last week at the County commission meeting. According to EMS director Ray Willis, this is the largest ambulance so far, and will be used for transports to other medical facilities. “This is a refurbished box on a Ford F-450 chassis,” Willis said. “It’s our biggest ambulance and will be used to transport patients to other hospitals. It’s big enough to fit more medical personnel such as an extra nurse or EMT,” he said. EMS is also looking at buying another rescue vehicle. Later this month, Willis and an assistant will be going to McDonough to price rescue trucks. Willis says the current 1978 mini pickup is not adequate to serve the needs of the county. “We’ll be going down to McDonough to the same company that is putting together our ambulances to look at what kinds of rescue vehicles they have available,” Willis said. “Our 1978 pick up is not big enough to handle all of the equipment we have. Plus, if we have to rescue someone off the cliffside of Currahee Mountain and there’s a call for another rescue in the County, right now we can’t go. This way, we’ll have two vehicles. The newer one will be bigger and will be able to handle the bigger equipment such as the Jaws of Life,” he said. In addition to the new rescue truck, EMS plans to purchase two more ambulances, according to Willis, which will complete the new fleet.
TIME FOR HOME HEATING SAFETY CHECK With the cold weather officially setting in now, it’s time to start winterizing your home and doing some safety checks. Toccoa police chief Rodney Burdette, speaking on “Radio Forum” yesterday, said the first thing people should do this time of year is check their smoke detectors. “We recommend changing the batteries in your smoke detector every six months, and we typically recommend this time of year to do that,” he said. With home heating bills going higher this winter, many people are turning to electric space heaters and kerosene heaters to supplement their heating. Burdette says kerosene heaters are safe if used correctly, but it’s important to not let the fuel get too low. “What happens is when the fuel runs out, there are still fumes left behind that can ignite,” he explained. Also popular this time of year are scented candles. Burdette says he doesn’t like candles because of how easily they can start a fire. “I don’t recommend them because I’ve seen what they can do, but they’re pretty and smell nice and a lot of people like to have them this time of year,” Burdette noted. “If you do burn candles, you need to make sure there is always someone in the room monitoring them. Also, don’t let them get close to curtains or furniture or in a place where they can be easily knocked over. And never leave the house or go to bed with lit candles still burning,” he said.
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS DECLINE IN OCTOBER Georgia’s initial unemployment insurance claims went down in October. According to the State Labor Department, 36,252 laid-off workers filed for first-time claims for unemployment benefits last month. That’s down 8.9% from September. In Stephens County, 149 workers filed for first-time unemployment – down from 156 in September. Initial claims for unemployment are considered a leading economic indicator because they measured newly laid-off workers. VETERAN'S DAY
OBSERVED IN TOCCOA The local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4346 in Toccoa welcomed about 100 visitors Friday morning as the post held it’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. New Post Commander Ken McKimm greeted the visitors. Representatives of veterans and civic groups in the county presented wreaths in honor of the vets. The special guest speaker for the occasion was the vice chairman of the Stephens County Commissioners, Kenneth Peeples, an Air Force veteran. Peeples spoke about this very day that the post was remembering. "This very day, on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, we honor those Veterans of World War One and are here today." Peeples said. There is an inscription on the Confederate Monument at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia that Peeples felt appropriately described the service of veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice. "The inscription reads. ’Not for fame or reward, not for place or for rank, not lured by ambition, nor goaded by necessity, but in simple obedience to duty, they undertook it," he repeated. "These men sacrificed it all, bared all and died." Commander McKimm thanked those who attended the ceremony and asked them to thank veterans, where ever they were, for their service to their country. "Thank you very much for coming out this morning, " McKimm told the audience. "Sometime when you’re going about your business today or any day, take time to thank a veteran by shaking their hand and thanking them for their service. They sometimes feel that people forget and have short memories. That’s part of today’s society, I guess". The ceremony ended with the playing of Taps. STEPHENS COUNTY
EMA DISASTER PLAN COMPLETE The Stephens County Emergency Management Agency is just about done with compiling their disaster mitigation plan. The state Department of Homeland Security mandated that plan last year after hurricane Ivan tore through the state. Each county must come up with and submit a plan that identifies their primary potential natural disasters, such as floods or tornadoes. It then must list the exact plan of action it will take before, during, and after the event. For the past year, a committee made up of EMS agents, law enforcement, and medical personnel have been working on the plan. EMA project coordinator Becky Wall says they hope to send it to the State for approval this month. Meantime, the EMA offices may be moving over to the new dispatch center. This week, County commissioners approved a request from Joe Anderson to look at possible office space over there. Wall says they hope to occupy space in what was the original classroom building at the old middle school. At this week’s meeting, commissioners noted that if the EMA does move there, the cost of renovating the office space would not be covered by SPLOST IV funds. County attorney Rusty Smith said SPLOST monies were only approved for constructing the e-911 center and nothing else. GEMA: GEORGIA CAN
TAKE A LESSON FROM INDIANA TORNADO Georgians could take a lesson from the deadly tornado that ripped through Indiana and Kentucky last week. That is according to the state Department of Homeland Security that issued a statement saying Georgians need to be better prepared for tornadoes. 22 people were killed in the Indiana tornado that struck around 2 a.m. as people slept. Gema spokesman Buzz Weiss says the most important thing Georgians can do is purchase a NOAA weather radio. The National Weather Service has drastically expanded the Georgia NOAA weather radio network over the past seven years and now 90% of the state’s population, including Stephens County, is covered by the service. Weiss says it is also important to have a severe weather plan for those times of the year when tornadoes strike here. "If you live in a house with no basement, you need to get into the center of the house," Weiss said. "If you are in your car, you need get out and run to a low-lying area, such as a ditch. If you live in a mobile home, you need to get out and get into a solid structure building or into a low lying area," he said. WOMEN’S CLUB TO
HOLD BBQ AND AUCTION SATURDAY If you are looking for some good food and a great deal this weekend, you should check out the Toccoa Women’s Club Barbeque and auction at the Stephens County Middle School on Rose Lane. The BBQ and auction takes place tomorrow beginning at 4 p.m. with the auction to start at 7 p.m. Women’s club member Brenda Chapman says the proceeds will go to benefit Powerhouse for Kids. "This is the first time we’ve done anything like this, but we think that so far it’s going real well," Chapman said. Special guest host for the auction will be WXIA-TV’s Wes Sargenson from Atlanta. Chapman says merchants and businesses from across Northeast Georgia are donating items for the auction. If you would like to buy tickets or get more information, contact Chapman at 886-6649. THOMASON
SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON A Stephens County Superior Court Jury has sentenced convicted murderer Robert Eugene Thomason to life in prison. The jury, consisting of seven women and five men took about three hours of deliberation before bringing their verdict back to Judge Ernest Woods. That same jury had convicted Thomason of capital murder in the shooting death two years ago of his estranged wife, Deborah on Wednesday. Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Mike Crawford said that Thomason will spend the rest of his life behind bars. "The judge sentenced the defendant to life without parole, "Crawford said. "Based on the jury’s recommendations, he was sentenced to 20 years consecutive on aggravated battery and three other 20 years sentences concurrent and a five year sentence concurrent. So he’s going to spend the rest of his life in prison." Thomason was represented by attorney Chris Elrod from Gainesville and Walter Harvey of Jefferson. Harvey said that while disappointed in the verdict, they were relieved in the sentencing phase of the trial. "Well, we’re very much relieved that the jury didn’t bring back a death penalty sentence," Harvey stated. "And of course, my client was disappointed in the verdict of the trial, but relieved at the sentence of the trial. Harvey said that his client will appeal the sentence. That appeal must be filed within the next 30 days. COUNTY APPROVES
FIVE-MEMBER COMMISSION, MORE MEETINGS County administrator Darrell Hampton is forwarding a letter requesting the County change the number of members on its commission from three to five. The letter, written by commissioner Rex Anderson, is now on its way to State Representative Jeanette Jamieson as local legislation to be introduced at the next General Assembly in January. Anderson says he decided to write the letter because of complaints he is received from his constituents. "I’ve had a lot of people tell me that they don’t feel like having three commissioners is enough," he said. "Now I’m not saying they’re always right and I’m not saying I’m always right, but there’s got to be more input," he said. This week, the full commission approved Anderson’s idea at their regular meeting. If the five-member request is approved in Atlanta, Stephens County citizens will vote on the matter in a referendum next November. Special elections will then be held in March, 2007. Another letter written by Anderson was also approved and will be submitted for local legislation. That is the number of meetings the County Commission holds every month. Currently the number is two – a work session and a regular meeting. Anderson wants that changed to three – a work session and two regular meetings and commissioners Ken Peeples and Steve Chitwood agreed. Anderson hopes more regular meetings will cut down on the number of called sessions. "This month we’ve had five work sessions," Anderson noted. "I feel like if we can expand the number of regular meetings to two, then we’ll be able to cut down on the number of called meetings," he said. COUNTY AND CITY
WORK OUT LANDFILL ARRANGEMENT As the City of Toccoa moves forward with its code enforcement, more property owners are being told to clean up or tear down run down buildings. Last month, Toccoa commissioners asked the County waive the dumping fees at the C&D landfill in order to ease the burden of clean up on those property owners. While not agreeing to waive the fees, this week, the County did agree to reduce them by 50% per tonnage. City manger Billy Morse said the agreement would help with their city beautification plan. "We’re grateful to the County for working with us on this," Morse said. "This will go a long way towards helping our citizens clean up their properties and the City continue with its beautification program," he said. Under the terms of the intergovernmental agreement, the County will allow no more than eight hauls at the reduced rate per year. Some owners are tearing down their houses, while others are renovating. Morse is not sure if the agreement will immediately benefit those owners who are tearing homes down. Currently, Toccoa has told some 25 owners to clean up their properties. SILVER SPA
CLOSED, BUILDING EMPTY There was no need for Lavonia Police chief Randy Shirley to ask the City Council to close the Silver Spa on Highway 17 this week. According to City manager Gary Fesperman, the owner of the building closed it voluntarily. The Silver Spa was the scene last month of a prostitution ring bust on the part of Lavonia Police and the Anderson, South Carolina Sheriff’s department. Two Korean women, both illegal immigrants were arrested. During the raid, agents found thousands of dollars in cash hidden in a secret room and taped under the sink. Chief Shirley had planned to ask the city to shut it down under the town’s nuisance laws. However, Fesperman said once the two Korean employees were arrested, the building owner was there the next day and changed the locks. The building is now empty and for rent. Both women have since fled the state after posting bond in Franklin County Superior Court. COUNTY PASSES
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ORDINANCE It is problems like the Silver Spa and the topless bar in Lavonia that prompted County commissioners to pass an ordinance that severely restricts the operation of adult businesses in Stephens County. After a public hearing Monday night, commissioners passed the ordinance unanimously on Tuesday. Under the Stephens County Adult Entertainment Ordinance, adult businesses may not sell alcohol or be located near churches, schools, or daycare centers. It will also require the business owner and all employees to be licensed and undergo background checks. However, it cannot stop adult businesses from setting up shop in Stephens County. County attorney Rusty Smith has repeatedly indicated to commissioners the ordinance would hold more weight if it were backed up by a land use plan. Additionally federal law also requires such ordinances must be part of a zoning code that designates their location within the county. County commission chair Steve Chitwood says it would take at least two years to come up with an adequate land use or zoning plan for Stephens County. STEPHENS COUNTY
WOMAN RECEIVES REWARD FOR REPORTING
ARSON State Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John Oxendine recently honored a local citizen recently with a check for $5,000 for reporting a case of arson to authorities. In August 2004, Pamela Hendrix’s cousin, Brian Dodd, set fire to his rental home on Rumsey Avenue and completely destroyed it. Information she provided authorities lead to his arrest and conviction. Hendrix lost everything she and her children owned in the fire, according to Toccoa Fire chief Rodney Burdette. "She was storing her belongings there and she lost everything she owned, plus all of her children’s things," Burdette explained. "She never expected to get a reward, but the money will go a long way towards helping her replace what she lost," he said. The money Hendrix received last week is part of a state program through the Insurance Commissioners office that rewards persons whose information leads to the conviction of an arsonist. Chief Burdette says his department investigates all fires. "We investigate every fire as a matter of routine," Burdette said. "If we determine a fire was set deliberately, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," he said. Burdette says one of his captains is also a certified police officer who works closely with the State Fire Marshal’s office to look at the cause of all blazes within the city limits. THOMASON
FOUND GUILTY Whether Robert Eugene Thomason lives or dies is now up to the jury. This afternoon, a Stephens County Superior Court jury found Thomason guilty on all counts in the shooting death of his wife two years ago. Tomorrow, they will decide whether he gets the death penalty. Immediately after the verdict was read this afternoon the sentencing phase of this death penalty trial began. Jurors heard from about a dozen witnesses regarding Thomason’s character and state of mind before and after the murder. The last to testify for the defense were Thomason’s own parents. Jean Thomason told the court everyone loved Deborah Sanders Thomason and they had had a happy marriage for the first ten years, but then her son began to change. Thomason wept as his father told the court they knew their son was mentally ill but they did nothing because they did not know what to do to help him. On Tuesday, Thomason testified in his own defense, but the jury apparently did not believe his story that the shots that killed his estranged wife, came from a passing car. Thomason testified he believed his wife was having an affair and he had only gone to her house to spy on her. After the sentencing testimony ended, Judge Ernest Woods III released the jury until 9 a.m. tomorrow when they will return to finish the sentencing phase of this trial.
PAVLISCSAK AND CHISM WIN SEATS ON
TOCCOA CITY COMMISSION When the Toccoa City Commission convenes in January of 2006, there will be two new faces on the board. Incumbent Post 3 Commissioner Ken Davis, who has been serving as Mayor of Toccoa this year, was defeated by challenger Andy Pavliscsak. Pavliscsak, who entered the political ring for the first time this year, received 709 votes to 397 for Ken Davis. He told the WNEG audience that he was very thankful for the people that came out in support of his candidacy. "I want to thank all of the people who came out and supported me," Pavliscsak told the WNEG audience. The returns were carried live from the Grand Jury Room of the Stephens County Governmental Building. "I’d like to particularly thank my wife, Marissa who was very supportive. Sixty four per cent of the voters felt like it was time for a change and I want to assure the voters that I am aware of their concerns. Davis said that he thought that Pavliscsak would do a good job as well as Billy Chism, who won Post Number 5 ob the commission. "I have no reason to believe that either Mr. Chism or Mr. Pavliscsak will not do a good job working with the other members of the Toccoa City Commission," Davis said. "I don’t think that the voting means that any of us are any less capable of doing the job, so I’m not predicting any type of catastrophe since I didn’t win. Tomorrow will be another regular Wednesday in Toccoa. I hope that a year from now, even ten years from now, it will be a better Wednesday." In the Post Five voting, challenger Billy Chism received 841 votes to incumbent Claude Smith’s 285 votes. Chism was out of town last night and WNEG was not able to contact Claude Smith last night.</ |
Dozens of small dogs from Stephens County are now in the
hands of the Atlanta Humane Society and other rescue groups after a local
breeder's puppy mill was shut down by the state yesterday. The bust happened at
the R.V. Martin trailer park off Prather Bridge Road.
kennel, they found the dogs in filthy, inhumane condition and shut the facility
down. Martin’s wife, identified as Choowevan Martin signed the dogs over
Stephens County Animal Control.