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TRAIN
DERAILMENT STILL BEING INVESTIGATED
According to Norfolk and Southern spokesman Susan Terpay, the car was on an interchange track where it was waiting to be picked up by Hartwell Railroad. Officials spent Thursday afternoon investigating the cause of the incident and sweeping up 30 tons of corn. Train authorities on the scene said they expect to have an answer to what happened within the week.
TOCCOA
CHRISTMAS PARADE TOMORROW For long time Toccoans, the official start to the holiday season begins tomorrow with the Christmas Parade. Sharon Crosby, Special Events Coordinator for the Main Street Program, says the annual event will have all the prerequisite parade fun. “We have over 50 floats and there will be fire engines and different kinds of vehicles all decorated nicely,” she said. At the front of the line will be the Toccoa City Commissioners who are acting as Grand Marshals, and at the back will be a special guest from the North Pole. Crosby says the parade begins at 4 p.m. on Doyle Street near Regions Bank, wind through the streets of down town and end at Boyd Field. One new item will be new Christmas tree gracing the courthouse hall lawn across from city hall. The 30-foot tree will have a 4-foot star on top. The Toccoa Christmas parade has been a holiday event for almost 20 years. WNEG AM 630 will be broadcasting live from the parade in a Pontiac G-6 convertible.
LITTLE
LEAGUE FIELD TO GET UPGRADE Toccoa is stepping up to the plate to improve baseball for today’s kids and tomorrow’s. The Toccoa Little League is beginning a three-phase renovation of the ball fields at the Doyle Street complex. They presented their plan to the Toccoa City Commission Monday. Toccoa Little League Board Member Lisa Hamby says the major work needed is to lengthen the field from 190 feet to 210 feet because of changes to the Little League regulations. “We are upgrading the field, making it 210 feet which is a little over the regulation size. We are also moving home-plate back 25 feet and adding all new dugouts,” she said. In addition, plans call for a new parking area and a playground. Phase three will see improvements to the rookie minor field in the upper part of the complex and a spruced up entrance. Total cost of all the work is estimated at $200,000. Hamby says when finally complete, the renovations could help Toccoa attract a state tournament. “In 2009, District 7 is having the state tournament,” she explained. “We hope to get this finished by April 1, so we can put in for the state tournament next year. We hope having a new field might put us in the running.” Volunteers with the Toccoa Little League are raising the money for each phase, rather than trying to get all the cash at once. Hamby pointed out that this all volunteer group is looking into the future and making upgrades which will affect future players. “People that are doing this aren’t just doing it for their children,” she said. “It doesn’t necessarily benefit my child 2 or 3 years down the road, but it’s going to benefit other children 5,6 or 10 years down the road.” At the commission meeting Monday, Toccoa Little League president Mickey Thomas told commissioners that work had already begun on phase 1 and they expect to begin grading soon. Commissioners informally approved the plans, with Mayor David Austin remarking that over the years, Little League events have been an economic boost to the city.
FROM THE
POLICE BLOTTER Three people are facing jail time after Toccoa Police allegedly found them with drugs at a local motel. Police were called to the Toccoa Motel about a man with a gun. When police got there, they found three people, one with a bb gun and a small amount of marijuana and Xanax. Matthew Ivester, Elise Wilbanks and April Jordan were all arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. The report says Jordan allegedly also had two methadone pills in her pocket. All three were taken to Stephens County Jail.
Police are investigating the theft of a motorcycle from a Toccoa home. The victim told police he noticed his black GSXR 1100 was missing from an outbuilding near the Hayes Street house between November 16 and 23. The motorcycle’s value is listed as almost $2400. The investigation continues.
At the same time, police are searching for a different type of bike. A Peachtree Street man reported that his red 10-speed bicycle was taken from his front porch last week. The bike had been chained to the porch. The case was turned over to detectives.
SEX
OFFENDER LAW CHANGES Georgia sex offenders have had certain restrictions lifted due to a recent Georgia Supreme Court case. A November 21st ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court held that the residency portion of the Georgia sex offender act is unconstitutional. That means that people who are required to register as sex offenders no longer have restrictions on where they live. Previously, the law stated sex offenders could not live within 1000 feet of a church, school, playground or any place where children gather. The Stephens County Sheriff’s office says in a press release that they will no longer enforce the residency requirements of the Georgia Sex Offender Act, but will enforce all other aspects of the law. In Lavonia, Police Chief Randy Shirley says he will enforce the law as mandated, but feels the law should include stronger penalties. “Child molesters, I believe, can be compared to terrorists in that they walk around and blend in with society. They see a target and act on it, and it’s too late then,” said Shirley. “I think our legislature really erred when they didn’t pass legislation that gives child molesters life without parole.” A person must register as a sex offender in Georgia if he or she was convicted of a criminal offense against a minor after July 1996, or was convicted of a dangerous sexual offense after July 2006. Not registering as a sex offender carries a potential sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison. The sex offender registry lists 53 offenders in Stephens County and 33 in Franklin County.
STILL
TIME TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT This week is national influenza vaccine week and a good way to observe it may be to go ahead and get that shot in the arm. Georgia Department of Human Resources Public Health Division reminds people that it is not too late to get your flu shot. “There are people that die from the flu each season because the flu brings on secondary complications,” said Donna Sisson, Stephens County Health Department Head Nurse. Flu hospitalizes more than 200,000 people in the United States each year and kills 36,000. Flu season typically peaks in Georgia around January or February; therefore, getting vaccinated in late November or December can still offer protection. Sisson says there are some people who should definitely make getting the flu shot a priority. “Anyone who has chronic diseases like pulmonary, cardio vascular, renal problems or immuno-suppressive problems definitely need to get it,” she said. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to begin protecting against the flu. Most flu shots contain inactivated virus and cannot make individuals sick. Sisson says the health department has plenty of flu vaccines and encourages those who need it to come in. The shot costs $25.
CITY OF
TOCCOA OFFICIALLY OPPOSES LEGISLATION The Toccoa City Commission is officially saying the fair tax isn’t so fair and Georgia state officials need to stay out of our water. In the commission meeting Monday, commissioners voted to approve sending two letters to state Representative Jeanette Jamieson and Senator Nancy Shafer in opposition to two pieces of legislation slated to come before the Georgia General Assembly next January. The first, opposing a resolution touted as “fair tax reform,” says “the plan removes local funding decisions from the hands of local citizens and local officials and places them in the hands of the state officials in Atlanta.” The letter goes on to say “the plan is not a tax cut and will be a tax increase for many Georgians.” The second letter addresses the statewide water plan, which by law, must come before the General Assembly for approval within the first 20 days of the session. The City Commission’s letter says local control of water resources is “ceded to the Environmental Protection Division of the State of Georgia.” The commissioners’ letter points out that over the past 30 years, Toccoa has “taken its responsibility of providing for the city’s future very seriously, and this plan seems to not only ignore that history, but to actually assume that the state government in Atlanta can perform this function better than the city can.” “We’ve done a good job of taken care of our water needs into the future. It’s a little unfair for anyone in Atlanta or wherever to come along and say we want some of your water now, when they haven’t done as good job in planning,” said Toccoa mayor David Austin. Both letters were signed by all the commissioners.
HONORING
THE TROOPS
The black and white clock is set to time in Baghdad with a small black plaque underneath reading Iraq. According to www,timeanddate.com. Baghdad is on the Atlantic Standard Time zone, which is 8 hours ahead of time here in Georgia.
TOCCOA POLICE SEARCH
FOR CIRCLE K ROBBER Toccoa police are asking for the public’s help in trying to find a man who robbed the Circle K Convenience store next to Huddle House on Big A Road Monday night. Police Chief Jackie Whitmire says around 6:30 p.m., the man went into the store and asked to change 5 pennies for a nickel. He left the store and returned, demanding the cash register’s money. The clerk believed he had a gun under his shirt, though police say, she never actually saw a weapon. Search dogs were brought in from the Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute in Alto, but they were only able to track the suspect to the back of the store. “We’ve got some surveillance footage that we are analyzing. We are just glad no one got hurt,” Chief Whitmire said. The suspect is described as a white male with a mustache and a goatee, in his late 30s, wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt.
STEPHENS COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS TO APPLY FOR TRAILS GRANT A local group is one step closer to taking steps on a new nature trail in Stephens County. Stephens County Commissioners voted Tuesday to apply for a Recreational Trails Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the Stephens Foundation. If awarded, the $100,000 grant would help pay for an outdoor classroom and educational nature trail on the Tugaloo Corridor property. The project would be handicapped accessible and include restrooms and viewing platforms. “The first phase is a quarter mile or so, with viewing platforms, “said Joe Ferguson, the Foundation’s chairman. “Eventually the trail will go around a couple of beaver ponds and down to the river.” The Recreational Trails program provides federal money to build and maintain recreational trails throughout the state. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources administers the grant and recipients must be a governmental entity, which is why the Stephens County Commission was asked to apply for the grant. It is an 80/20 match grant, which means it pays for 80 percent of the total project cost. The Stephens Foundation will pay the additional 20 percent. In addition, the Foundation is raising money to build a caretakers cottage on the property. Ferguson says they have confirmation of a local matching grant and need $40,000 to begin that project. If you would like to make a donation to the Tugaloo Corridor Project you can send it to P.O. Box 23 or take it to Stephens Federal Bank.
CITY OF TOCCOA AUDIT
SHOWS PROGRESS Making progress. That’s what the audit for the City of Toccoa showed for its fiscal year 2007. Ken Murray, of Amos and Company, gave the audit report to City Commissioners at Monday’s meeting. “I feel like we received a very good and clean audit for the last fiscal year. It’s nice to hear the auditors say there’s been a trend of improvement over the last 5 years,” said Billy Morse, Toccoa’s City Manager. “We’ve been able to purchase capital items and pay cash for them while maintaining our cash balance. At the same time, we have been able to lower the millage rate during that same period.” Murray reported that the city ended its fiscal year with $1.17 million of unrestricted cash in the bank. That number has steadily risen over the last several years, he says. However, Murray pointed out that $1.17 million is only enough cash for one month’s expenses. He recommended the city aim for having 2 months worth. Overall, the city had less revenue in the general fund, Murray says, but that was due to less grant money coming into the coffers. Morse says that is simply a case of the city not needing so many projects funded by grants, such as the downtown streetscape and the airport expansion. Other numbers from the audit also showed positive progress. Property tax and sales tax showed small increases in revenues. Morse points out that taxes have not been raised saying those numbers show that more people are moving into the city. Gas sales showed a profit despite a loss in sales, a result of the complicated fluctuations of the national gas market. And finally, water revenues were also up.
MOUNTAIN MART BURGLAR
CAUGHT A burglar’s familiar face got him in trouble last weekend. Guy Alewine Jr, age 42, of Garland Road in Toccoa, was charged with burglary after allegedly breaking into the Mountain Mart convenience store at Jeanette Jamieson intersection. Chief Deputy Mike Crozier, with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Department, says Alewine broke the front door glass and stole money from the register. A surveillance video caught the burglar in action and deputies quickly identified the man as Alewine. Crozier said he was arrested at his home within hours of the break-in. The money has not been recovered.
CORPS INITIATES FURTHER
RESTRICTIONS The water restrictions at Lake Hartwell are tightening and because of it, lakeside lawns may be less green. Home owners who pump water from the lake to irrigate their lawns will no longer be able to do so, according to a new restriction by the army corps of engineers. Home owners who have such pumping systems must have a permit. This restriction applies to all of Lake Hartwell and will be in effect as long as the existing outdoor watering ban in Georgia remains in effect. The move comes in an effort to conserve water as this historic drought continues. Violations of this restriction could result in stiff fines. If you have questions concerning this matter, contact Park Ranger Sandy Campbell toll free at (888) 893-0678, ext. 315.
CITY COMMISSIONERS VOTE TO
TURN OVER GOLF MANAGEMENT Hopefully, by the end of the week, the Pines Golf Course will be under new management. After months of back and forth discussion, the Toccoa City Commission voted Monday to turn over the management to SMS Management Group. City Manager, Billy Morse says the move was made to help the city stop subsidizing the facility at almost $50,000 per year. " SMS Management Group will lease The Pines Golf Course to operate it as a golf course open to the public," he said. "They will take over management December 1st; this includes the entire golf course, the pro shop, the maintenance building and the parking lot. They have agreed the protection of Lake Toccoa is a primary priority."In addition, SMS will honor the current golf memberships at The Pines. Two sticking points raised during the commission meeting involved local school golf teams using the course for practice and the cost of pumping water out of Lake Yonah to irrigate the course. Currently, the golf teams at Stephens county high school, Stephens county middle school and Toccoa falls college practice for free or at a reduced price. Commissioner A.J. Pavliscsak asked SMS representatives if those teams would now be required to pay regular prices. James Mullikan, one of the partners of SMS Management Group, told commissioners that the group wanted to be fair, but would need more details before could commit to a firm agreement on that issue. "We want to be good stewards in the community," he said. "We want to work with the high school, the middle school and Toccoa Falls College. As a business, we need to know what their needs are and how that works with our needs to provide access to everyone." The other issue focused on the city’s cost of pumping raw water out of Lake Yonah to irrigate the golf course. When the city pumps water from Lake Yonah, it has to pay the electrical cost of running the pump. Commissioner Ferrell Morgan questioned whether the city should recoup some of that cost. Commissioners voted to charge SMS a fee for that electrical cost and will add an approximate amount to the contract once city staff provides an estimate. City leaders expect to work out those final details this week and officially sign the paperwork before the next commission meeting.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO GET
NEW BOOKS Today’s Stephens County Elementary School students are reaping the benefits of a good relationship between a former school student and his teachers. The McCay-Hayes foundation has awarded $500 to all four Elementary Schools so they can purchase books that will help students and teachers reach new Georgia education standards. The Foundation was established by P.F. Brock to assist education in Stephens County by focusing on strengthening media centers. Brock named the foundation after two former teachers: Walter McCay, who encouraged him as a pupil, and Daisy Hayes, because of her diligent work as a school librarian at Eastanollee High School. P.F. Brock went on to become an attorney for the Coco-Cola Bottling Company.
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ISSUES BOND With 5 inches of paperwork Monday, the Stephens County Development Authority officially helped finance more jobs in Stephens County. Authority board members voted to approve a $3.16 million bond resolution for the Gem Southeast Global project, making official a project that’s been in the works for over a year. A bond resolution is a unique financing tool that allows entities such as industrial companies to finance a project at a cheaper rate. According to Development Authority Executive Director, Mitch Griggs, this particular bond helped Gem Southeast buy the old Gilbert and Bennett building on Highway 145, upgrade it and install equipment used to make bathroom partitions. The plant now employees close to 100 people. This deal is similar to one Gem Southeast did in 2004, where they used a bond to finance building the plastics plant in Meadowbrook Industrial Park. Griggs says bonds promote trade and industry, thus helping the community, which is why the Development Authority agrees to participate. The Development Authority acts only as a facilitator between the borrower and the lender for the transaction, therefore not pledging credit from the authority or the county. Bonds are governed by federal, state and internal revenue laws.
HOSPITAL
GETS NEW EQUIPMENT Two pieces of equipment that do delicate surgery are being upgraded at Stephens County Hospital. The hospital’s Authority Board approved spending just over $31,000 to upgrade a CO2 laser and some arthroscopy equipment in the surgery arena. Connie Rice, surgical services manager, told board members that the current CO2 laser no longer calibrates correctly and is difficult to get replacement parts for. A CO2 laser is used to remove genital warts. Rice requested $12,500 to buy a refurbished model that comes with a 1-year warranty. A brand-new laser costs up to $80,000. The second piece of equipment, the arthroscopy, is used to do surgery on joints such as knees, shoulders and elbows. “The arthroscopy equipment we have needs upgrading. Some of the monitors we use are old. We will keep the basic core, but upgrade it to make it function better,” said Ed Gambrel, hospital administrator. The price tag on the upgraded arthroscopy equipment is $18000. That equipment also connects to the laparoscopy equipment in the operating room, which allows surgeons to make a smaller incision and allows patients to experience less pain and quicker healing.
CITY
COMMISSION MEETS TONIGHT Golf, cable and little league will take center stage on the Toccoa City Commission’s agenda tonight. In their regular meeting, commissioners are also slated to discuss two letters of opposition for upcoming legislation in the Georgia General Assembly. The Fair Tax Resolution and the State Wide Water Management Plan are two topics commissioners have spent several weeks discussing and have been asked to publicly oppose. Other agenda items include considering the terms of an agreement with SMS management group for them to take over the running of The Pines golf course. Another consideration commissioners face tonight is the approval of the transfer of the cable television franchise from Northland Cable to Green River Media. Both the golf agreement and the cable transfer were tabled at the last City Commission meeting so attorneys could review the paperwork. Finally, the commissioners will also hear a report from the Toccoa Little League about the improvements to the Doyle Street park. The commission meeting is in City Hall at 5 p.m. It is open to the public.
SOUP
KITCHEN ALSO GIVES CLOTHING More people in Toccoa are hungry. So says Henry Cook, the manager for the Toccoa Soup Kitchen, who sees the need up close. He says hunger and unemployment go hand in hand. “It’s jobs,” Cook said. “A lot of people don’t have jobs right now. People are losing jobs as plants are shutting down, and they need food.” In the last 7 months, cook says he has seen a greater number of people get in line at the soup kitchen when they open up every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. He estimates he has served 3000 people since April. But the soup kitchen gives more than just a meal three times a week. Cook and his volunteers also try to clothe the people who need it. “We have a clothing room that people get stuff out of. We see elderly people, mothers with children, teens that just had babies,” he explained. “We need help with extra clothing.” If you would like to donate clothing to the Toccoa soup kitchen, you can take it to Whitman street facility on Mondays, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you would like to volunteer, just show up and ask for Henry.
YMCA TO
HOLD GRAND RE-OPENING DECEMBER 6, 2007 Give yourself a Christmas present this year by checking out the Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA. The YMCA will hold a grand-reopening on December 6 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. YMCA board member, Jennifer Mangiapone, says it is a great opportunity to see what all the organization has to offer. “We will be running specials on the joining membership fee that day.. It will be waived on December 6 only,” she said. In addition, doctors, personal trainers and physical therapists will be on hand to give information on health and wellness. Mangiapone says good health is not only a gift you give yourself, but also to your family. “Working out and being healthy allows you a better quality of life. It gives you more time with your children, your grandchildren and your spouse,” she explained. ”It gives you more energy, reduces stress and even alleviates some of the symptoms of depression.” Mangiapone says for those who remember the ‘Save the YMCA” campaign a few years ago, a visit to the new and improved Y is a must. “If come by on December 6 and see the changes you would be amazed by this facility,” she said. The Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA offers karate classes, gymnastics, after school programs as well as a workout facility with free child care.
SANDHILL
CRANES COME TO GEORGIA Have you heard a laced-in bass-call lately? Then you may
have heard the call of a Sandhill Crane as it migrates through Georgia. Adults
stand more than 4-feet tall, sport a nearly 7-foot wingspan and emit a loud,
rattling trumpet called laced-in-bass. But these big, gray birds often fly at
almost out-of-sight altitudes during the day and when heard or seen are
occasionally mistaken as Canada geese by people not familiar with them.
BOARD OF
EDUCATION APPOINTS NEW MEMBER The Stephens County Board of Education is once again a full board. Sandra Childs, a retired Stephens County teacher, was chosen unanimously by the board Tuesday to fill the position left vacant by James Thomas in September. “I am absolutely elated,” she said. “Kids are my passion and I want to give back to my community.” Childs taught in the Stephens County school system for 22 years, in both a special education classroom and regular classroom. She says her priorities are the new high school construction, improving the graduation rate and supporting the vocational school at Stephens County High School. “That is a wonderful way to keep kids in school and help inspire them to get an education,” she explained. Thomas resigned after moving out of the district he represented. Three people applied for the position, but one dropped out leaving Childs and Henry Fields, retired pastor of First Baptist Church. The board interviewed the two candidates on Thursday, and made the final decision in a closed executive session Tuesday night. Board Chair Jerry Steele called the decision difficult. “Both candidates were excellent,” he said. “They would have both been good.” Childs will be sworn in during the December meeting.
SANTA
CLAUS COMING TO TOWN Santa Claus is making an early swing through town beginning tonight and running through the weekend. The Aisling Group in downtown Toccoa will be hosting Mr. Claus and children are invited to come talk with him and get their picture taken. Jessica Handwork, of the Aisling Group, says kids should be prepared to ‘fess up to being naughty or nice. “We have Santa Claus coming. He will talk with the children about what they want and if they have been bad or good this year, and they can have their picture taken with them,” she said. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight, then on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Aisling Group’s office is just down from The Rebel Café. For more information, visit the website www.christmasintoccoa.com or call 866-484-8014.
MARTIN
TO GET 1ST CUT OF SPLOST Martin officials are smiling broadly these days since Stephens County voters approved the SPLOST V referendum. That’s because the City of Martin will be the first entity to get a cut of the one percent special local option sales tax. According to the terms of the intergovernmental agreement, the city will be getting $200,000 to improve parts of its water system. That money will come in one lump sum. Mayor Don Foster says the upgrade will be good for Martin’s residents. “We are going to change some water lines from 2 inch lines to 6 inches lines. It’s not good for fire protection; they need to be 6 inch lines,” he explained. SPLOST V is expected to bring in almost $26 million in 4 years. The revenue will be divided among City of Toccoa, City of Martin and Stephens County projects.
RIGHT
WHALES COMING TO GEORGIA COASTLINE While you may not see many whales here in Toccoa, Georgia is the home of one of the most endangered whale species. The North Atlantic Right Whale comes to the Georgia coast every year to have their calves. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the calving season started November 15 and will run through April. Collisions with ships and entanglement in fixed fishing gear are the two greatest threats to the recovery of North Atlantic Right Whales. There are strict regulations designed to protect these unique creatures. For instance ships are asked to slow down in channels known to have whales, and it is illegal to come within 500 feet of a whale. Right whales can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh 100 tons. Distinctive roughened patches called callosities give them a face only a mother can love. They got the name “right whales” because whalers considered them the right whales to hunt because they swim slowly near shore and float when killed.
PROBATION VIOLATION NETS
DRUG ARREST The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Piedmont Northern MANS Unit have arrested a Toccoa man on drug charges. Robert Tremayne Davis, age 29, of Defoor Road Toccoa was arrest on a probation violation. Seized during a search of his residence were six individual rocks and a half-dollar sized cookie of crack cocaine. Davis is currently in the Stephens County Jail charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and with Probation Violation. No bond was set on either charge.
STEPHENS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
DOWN SLIGHTLY The unemployment rage for Stephens County in October was 4.7 percent, down slightly from the 4.8 percent recorded in September. The rate was far better than the 5.2 percent reported in October of 2006. The state unemployment rate for October was also 4.7 percent, slightly high than the 4.6 percent in September. The state rate last October was 4.5 percent. Stephens County’s labor force was 13, 606 with 12,969 employed and 637 unemployed.
TURKEY
FACTS! While you are digging into that turkey today, you may want to ponder some interesting facts about these provincial poultry.
Sounds a bit like us on Thanksgiving. Do you think after feeding, the turkeys watch football?
TOP 10
WAYS TO STAY OUT OF DEBT Tomorrow is what has become known as “black friday.” Consumer Credit Counseling Service (cccs) of greater Atlanta, Inc., is offering a top list of ways to avoid holiday debt. #10: Make a holiday spending plan—Decide how much you can comfortably spend on gifts this year. Be sure to include the costs of decorations, wrapping, and cards in your spending plan. #9: Create sentimental gifts—Keep in mind that some of the most appreciated gifts are not those that cost the most money, but are the most meaningful. Handmade gifts. And never underestimate the power of a sentimental letter, song, or poem for that special person on your list. These heartfelt gifts are often the perfect choice. #8: Earn extra income—You still have time to earn extra income to finance your holiday purchases. Many retailers need seasonal help to accommodate holiday shoppers. Taking a part time job on the weekends will let you earn enough cash to avoid financing your purchases with credit cards. #7: Keep the change—Save the leftover change from your everyday purchases. Over time, your piggy bank could grow enough to finance your holiday shopping. #6: Do your research online—Shop around online for the best deals. Sites such as www.fatwallet.com or www.slickdeals.net alert consumers to sales, rebates, and coupons that most people would not know about. Since online retailers may run free shipping promotions, you might just save time and money ordering online. #5: Get to know your favorite retailer—Retailers often send monthly e-mails advertising special sales or promotions to their shoppers that are not available to the general public. Take advantage of these special offers, but read the fine print in case terms or conditions apply to your purchases. #4: Leave your credit cards at home— Studies have shown that people who use credit cards to buy gifts spend an average of 30 percent more than people who use cash. #3: Don’t forget about "cyber monday"—The Monday after Thanksgiving is expected to be a busy shopping day for online retailers. Online stores may be offering special deals with the hopes of increasing their sales. #2: Shop before the big sales—Avoid the black Friday mall crowds by shopping a day or two earlier. Many stores will refund the price difference if the item goes on sale within days of purchase. This policy may not apply to all black Friday specials. #1: Check the black Friday ads early--f you are planning to brave the crowds on black Friday, make the most of it. Preview the sale ads and make a plan. Work with friends to cover the early morning specials at many stores. And don’t be tempted to overspend simply because things are on sale. Above all stick to your list.
I-85 ACCIDENT TIES UP
TOCCOA TRAFFIC A major accident on I-85 at the Georgia South Carolina line impacted traffic in Toccoa yesterday afternoon. The accident involved 5 vehicles including at least one tractor trailer rig. According to Toccoa police, traffic from the I-85 accident was routed down Highway 123 to Highway 17, snarling downtown traffic. Even the Toccoa Fire Department was called out to help with traffic. According to the South Carolina State Patrol, the 5-vehicle pile-up on I-85 was as a chain-like accident that began around 1 p.m. when a tractor-trailer truck with mechanical trouble slowed to pull off the highway. Four people were hurt, one seriously. This morning a spokeswoman for the patrol says charges are pending. Lance Corporal Kathy Hile listed the drivers in the order they were headed southbound: · *Victor Smith of Woodstock, Georgia in a Chevy pickup. Smith was not hurt. · *Linda McFarland of Taylors in an Oldsmobile. She was taken to the Anderson Hospital with minor injuries. · New Jersey resident Robert Munyon in a Chrysler. He suffered non-life threatening injuries. · A passenger, Donna Munyon, was air-lifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital and reported in serious condition. · Ledessa Brown of College Park, Georgia in a Lincoln. Brown was taken to the Hart County Hospital. · And California freightline driver Gurwinger Sinkh. He escaped injury. Oconee county “hazmat” workers were called out to clean up gasoline, diesel, and transmission fluid spilled in the accident. Traffic in South Carolina was backed up for over 5 hours.
NO ROAD
CONSTRUCTION DURING HOLIDAY On this busiest of traveling holidays, the Georgia department of transportation has a present of sorts for frustrated drivers. Starting at 5 a.m. this morning and running through Sunday at midnight, there will be no road construction on any state routes or interstates. Teri Pope, DOT spokesman, says the policy helps keep traffic flowing better. During the holiday weekends where we expect large traffic volumes, dot makes it a policy to exclude all lane closures during the holidays. It’s part of our contracts that contractors cannot be out there working. Makes traffic flow better and makes it safer when we have so many people using our roadways. According to bureau of transportation statistics, 91 percent of holiday travel is by car. Officials expect long-distance trips to increase by 54 percent during the next 6 days.
BURGLARY AT
LAVONIA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Someone recently made a donation to the Lavonia Habitat for Humanity, but he or she could face jail time for it. Lavonia Police Chief Randy Shirley says a burglar broke into the Habitat office through the rear door. “They entered the rear door using a screwdriver. Once inside they went through a desk and took two money bags but the money bags were empty,” he explained. “They left the money bags near the back door and left the screw driver on a chair. Nothing was reported missing.” Shirley says they are working on some leads with the case and hope to have an arrest soon. Habitat for Humanity is international is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry which seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world by building affordable homes which are sold to owners at no profit and financed through affordable loans. Habitat has built more than 225,000 houses around the world.
CITY OF MARTIN
TO GET WINDSTREAM FEES It seems the communications mix-up between a communications company and the City of Martin is finally over. Martin Mayor Don Foster says a representative of Windstream Communications has sent him a contract and will be paying the city the back franchise fees it owes. “Windstream has sent me a contract for the franchise agreement for the town of martin,” he said. “They were very cooperative and very nice about the whole thing.” It seems when Alltel changed their telephone franchise to Windstream, the annual franchise fees normally paid to Martin got forgotten. In a previous city council meeting, Mayor Foster told council members he contacted Windstream but had gotten no response. Now, the matter is finally resolved. Foster says the back fees come to around $18,000. In other news from Martin, this weekend will be when the switch for the Christmas lights will be thrown. City officials have bought 1000 new bulbs for the festive display and a bucket truck will be brought in later this week to put the finishing touches on the decorations attached to the light posts.
OFFICIALS
PREDICT WARM AND DRY WINTER Warm and dry. That’s the long-term forecast out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for our part of the nation. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, the Southeast is expected to stay drier than average, while temperatures are expected to stay warmer than average. This comes from a weather phenomenon known as “La-Nina” which is characterized by unusually cold temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Oddly, all that cold water creates warm dry conditions here in northeast Georgia. Authorities at NOAA remind people, that while the prediction is for warmer, dryer weather on average, there still could be winter storms and precautions should be taken. The U.S. winter outlook is produced by a team of scientists at the climate prediction center in association with NOAA-funded partners. Scientists base this forecast on long-term climate trends and a variety of forecast tools from statistical techniques to extremely complex dynamical ocean-atmosphere coupled models and composites. NOAA will announce the U.S. spring outlook in March 2008.
SOUP KITCHEN GIVES AWAY TURKEYS Usually turkeys are not very fast, but yesterday they were flying out of the Toccoa Soup Kitchen. About 300 turkeys were given away when the James Brown Family Group and the Toccoa Soup Kitchen partnered with area businesses to put on the give-away. "We gave 300 turkeys away. We had to turn some people away because we ran out of turkeys, but we had a good turnout," said Henry Cook, the Soup Kitchen’s manager. Next for Cook, is a Thanksgiving Feast on Wednesday that feeds a large crowd. Cook says it will have all the holiday fixing's. "We will have turkey, dressing and of course, collard greens," he said. "It’s a traditional meal." He expects 300 people to come to the meal and those who come eat their fill and then go home with extra plates. Cook says in the last 7 months, the Toccoa soup kitchen has served over 3000 people.
HOSPITAL STEADILY INCREASES PATIENTS I npatient services and the Emergency Room are bringing more and more people to Stephens County Hospital. At Monday’s meeting of the Stephens County Hospital Authority, board members got a look at healthcare by the numbers. Administrator Ed Gambrell told the board that in the last four years, the hospital has made a steady increase in the amount of people it serves."It started in 2004. It just means our citizens are using Stephens County Hospital as their main hospital. In the past year, many of our inpatient numbers have gone up. We knew that would happen because we can feel it. It just feels busy," he said. In 2004, the hospital had 5,168 adult admissions, while in 2007, that number had risen to 5,754. Emergency room visits followed national trends by increasing by more than 4200 people in 4 years. Gambrell says the ER is one of the busiest places in the hospital. "[Increasing ER visits] is a national trend. It’s not unique to Stephens County. We have emergency patients who may not really have an emergency, or don’t have a regular physician. Some times they think they are having an emergency but fortunately, they are not. At the same time, we do see a large number of cardiac patients and trauma patients down there. At times it can be a very busy area," he explained. Another busy place is the lab where 2007 saw 148,000 lab tests performed. Increasing patients may translate into an increase in revenue too. The financial report at the Monday meeting included a note that revenue had increased by 4 percent over last year.
TWO KILLED IN HABERSHAM COUNTY OVER THE
WEEKEND Authorities are waiting on a coroner’s report to determine if a heart attack led to a fatal wreck this weekend. According to State Patrol Operator Jesse Lewis, Randy Bolding, 53 from Pelzer South Carolina, was driving a flatbed trailer loaded with industrial equipment south on Highway 365 in Habersham County on Saturday. Near the intersection with Level Grove Road, Bolding’s truck crossed the median and the two northbound lanes before crashing into several trees. Lewis says it appears Bolding suffered a heart attack just before the truck went out of control, but they are waiting on confirmation from the coroner. In another fatal accident, Adrian Harper, 26, of Gainesville, lost control of his 2000 Lincoln Town car on a curve on Highway 60 near the Hall-Jackson County line according to State Patrol Operator Donna Garrett. The car flipped several times and Harper was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Garrett said it appeared he was not wearing a seatbelt.
JAIL CONSTRUCTION ON SCHEDULE As the holiday season nears, the sheriff’s department is giving thanks that the new jail is closer to being completed. In last week’s Stephens County commission meeting, Interim County Administrator Phyllis Ayers told commissioners that the jail is exactly on schedule to be completed next summer. In addition, the commissioners paid an installment of just over $1 million to Peter Brown Construction. While commissioners winced at writing such a large check, Ayers says the November installment was just what they expected. So far, $4.7 million of the $11 million price-tag has been paid. When completed, the jail will house 192 inmates. The current facility has 98 beds and is frequently over-full.
BOWERSVILLE MAN SOUGHT FOR THEFT BY
DECEPTION Warrants have been issued for a Bowersville man who allegedly used a family member’s account to buy items for himself. Lavonia police chief Randy Shirley says Fredrick Cleveland, age 35, went to Morgan Hardware in Lavonia three separate times and used his father’s old account to make purchases. "Starting on August the 24, a gentleman went in to Morgan Hardware and used his father’s old account to purchase items. He then used them for his own use," Shirley explained. Shirley says Morgan Hardware’s owner called police after the purchases were made, and after a brief investigation, Lavonia detectives charged Cleveland with theft by deception. Chief Shirley expects an arrest soon.
JAMES BROWN’S GRANDSON CONTINUES LEGACY The grandson of Toccoa native and R & B superstar, James Brown says free turkeys honor the legacy of his famous grandfather. “From the Brown family to yours we want to extend that hand and say we are thinking about you and we love you, said Forlando Brown. Forlando, who grew up in Toccoa, is heading up an effort to give away Thanksgiving turkeys today at the Boys and Girls club from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m. Quality foods and Just Right Catering are two of the local business partnering with Brown’s group to provide the turkeys. Brown says this is a way to continue what his grandfather taught him about helping others. “It has touched base with me to get out there, get in the trenches, get your hands dirty and make something happen because you truly are your brother’s keeper. If you have the resources to give back that’s what you ought to do,” he explained. For years, the Godfather of Soul handed out 1,000 turkeys at thanksgiving and 1,000 toys at Christmas. In addition to today’s event, a Thanksgiving meal will be served for homeless people at the Whitman street site on Wednesday from 10 a.m. To 1 p.m.
IRS HAS WAYWARD REFUNDS With Christmas just around the corner, I bet you can use a little extra cash. Well from some area residents, that money may be waiting for you at the Internal Revenue Service. An average refund of $1,082 is waiting for more than 4,000 Georgia taxpayers whose refund checks have been returned to the internal revenue service as undeliverable. The checks, worth a total of $4.3 million, can be claimed as soon as their owners update their addresses with the IRS. In some cases, a taxpayer has more than one check waiting. IRS spokesman, Mark Green said, "Our web site makes it easy for taxpayers to track undelivered refund checks. Our goal is to get this money back in the hands of the people it belongs to as quickly as possible. “Taxpayers can update their addresses and claim their refunds online or by phone,” said Green. Taxpayers can use the "where's my refund?" feature on the home page of the irs.gov web site to learn the status of their refunds. To use it, a taxpayer must enter a social security number, filing status (such as single or married filing jointly) and the refund amount shown on the taxpayer’s 2006 tax return. When the information is submitted, “where’s my refund?” will display the status of a refund and, in some cases, provide instructions on how to resolve potential account issues. Taxpayers can access a telephone version of “where’s my refund?” By calling 1-800-829-1954. Area Residents on the List are: Lois Gibby Barbara J. Mayfield Surrea Oglesby Scott A. Terrell Joseph Wilbanks Thomas and Christine Gannon Anthony King
CAR TAKES LONG STRANGE JOURNEY Stephens County authorities are still trying to figure out if a 1989 Buick LeSabre was actually stolen when it went on a strange journey recently. Sheriff deputies noticed the gray car driving on Brookhaven Road without a tag last Saturday. Sheriff Gene Sorrells told WNEG that when the deputy tried to pull it over, the driver continued on, and slow chase began. The car turned on to whispering pines road, then on to DeFoor road, where it turned into a driveway. The driver got out of the car, apparently in such a hurry, he forgot to put it in park, because the car rolled into the house. Sheriff Sorrells says the deputy chased the man over a fence and through several yards before losing him. A check revealed the car had been reported stolen earlier by a woman who was borrowing it and had left the keys in it while was parked in her driveway. Deputies are still looking for the driver, who is described as a black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall with dreadlocks.
RT. 17 FROM SILO CENTER TO FAIRVIEW ROAD OPEN Going over the bridge and through the woods is now a bit easier. Part of State Route 17 between Stephens and Franklin County that is being widened to a 4-lane divided highway is now open. Teri Pope, Communications Director for the Department of Transportation says the change took place on Thursday. “We are very excited that this part of Highway 17 is open to a four-lane divided highway. We are not quite done yet, but we are getting there so please bear with us as we finish up construction,” she said. The new section runs from the Silo Center in Lavonia, across the I-85 bridge and down to Caudell Road which is near Fairview Road. The overall project will widen State Route 17 from Ross Place to Clark Creek Road. Pope says she hopes the rest of the project will be completed by Christmas, but that will depend on the weather. This 3.93 mile long project has a contract construction cost of $16.1 million.
SPLOST 5 COLLECTIONS WILL BEGIN IN APRIL Now that SPLOST V has been approved by Stephens County voters, when do we get to spend the money? That’s the question County Finance Director, Phyllis Ayers answered in an intergovernmental meeting between city and county leaders last week. Ayers explained the laws around special purpose local option sales tax levies, as well as the agreement between Toccoa and Stephens County dictate when money is collected and dispersed. So, the SPLOST that was just past not will start until the old SPLOST collection has been completed. “We will probably complete collection on SPLOST IV in February or March. It looks like we will begin the SPLOST V collection on April 1 2008,” ayers said. Of course, the average citizen won’t notice a difference, since SPLOST V is simply a continuation of the additional 1 penny sales tax that has been part of the tax base in Stephens County for over 15 years. According to the city-county agreement, the first $200,000 collected will go to the City of Martin for water system improvements. Next, the city and county will begin getting their divided share of the revenues and will be working towards meeting a $2 million match to a grant which will upgrade the sewer system. After that, Ayers says, the county portion of the funds will be divided by commissioners. “Commissioners will be diving up the remaining checks by percentages on which goes to fire and which goes to the Sheriff’s Department vehicles. I’m certain there will be some questions about it and all that will come before the commissioners to vote on it,” she said. On the city level, the Toccoa City Commission will prioritize the city projects slated for funding. SPLOST V is expected to collect over $26 million during the next six years.
FORMER STEPHENS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AT JACKSON COUNTY A former Stephens County administrator is taking his skills to a new arena. Darryl Hampton began work yesterday as the Jackson County manager. He will be drawing a $105,000 salary. Hampton abruptly resigned from Stephens County in August after 5 years of service. He was given a generous severance package. Jackson County has a population of about 55,000 people and encompasses cities such as Commerce, Jefferson and Braselton.
SENIOR CENTER HAS INTERIM DIRECTOR The Stephens county Senior Center now officially has an interim director, but she is not a stranger. Debbie Woody, who serves as the Meals on Wheels Coordinator for the center, was confirmed as interim director by the County Commission on Tuesday. Woody has served as interim twice before. She will receive a pay raise for the extra responsibilities, but will have to go back to her normal pay when a full-time director is hired. Phyllis Ayers, interim County Administrator says, they are currently taking applications and will begin interviewing soon. “The commission and I will review the applications and see who we want to interview,” Ayers explained. “We will have a certain period of waiting, because it is a department head. So, it should be by January or February (that we have a director).” Former Senior Center director, Haley Knight, resigned last month to take a job managing the personal care homes at the hospital, including the Clary Care Center and the Wilkinson Center. Applications for the senior center director position must be in by November 20.
WOMAN CHARGED WITH ALTERING PRESCRIPTION A Clarkesville woman faces felony charges after allegedly trying to get extra Lortabs at a Stephens County pharmacy. Sheriff Gene Sorrells tells WNEG that 39-year-old Angela Grier took a prescription to Jerry White’s Pharmacy that had a discrepancy in the amount of pills prescribed. The pharmacist called the doctor who had prescribed the medication. The doctor reported it appeared the prescription had been changed. Sheriff Sorrells said the doctor faxed a copy of his prescription to the pharmacy, and after comparing the two copies, the pharmacist called sheriff’s deputies. Grier was arrested and taken to the Stephens County jail, where she was charged with altering a prescription. Her bond was set at $5000. Lortab is a common name for a painkiller that combines a narcotic with acetaminophen. Altering a prescription is a felony.
DROUGHT NOT AFFECTING LOCAL NURSERIES Drought is being blamed for the financial troubles of an Atlanta-based nursery, but here in Stephens County, plant lovers are finding ways to manage the dry conditions. Wednesday, Pike Nursery, which has 22 locations across the Southeast, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Donna Grafton, owner of Donna’s Budding Babies here in Stephens County, says despite weather that’s not so plant-friendly, she hasn’t seen a lot of business drop off. “We are still selling plants,” she said. “People are not buying as many, but they are selling.” Instead, Grafton says, customers are buying more plants for containers, which are easier to water. Grafton suggests collecting water from a running shower, or after hand-washing dishes to use to water plants without running a sprinkler. Running a sprinkler is no longer an option, since a state-wide outdoor watering ban was put in place last month. Grafton strongly advices mulching newly planted plants, using containers, or using specialized products to conserve water. “You can save a lot of water just by doing little things, “she reminds people. Other water saving tips includes: - Install low flow appliances such as toilets and shower heads. - Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full. - Compost vegetables instead of using a garbage disposal. - Install a rainbarrel under your downspout to collect water running off your roof. You can use this water to water outdoor plants. For this and other water saving tips, go to www.wateruseitwisely.com.
PROPERTY TAXES DUE TODAY Do you have a vague feeling you’ve forgotten something? It could be paying your property taxes. They are due today. According to Deputy Tax Commissioner, Dean Hicks, if you haven’t paid your taxes yet, you have until 4:30 to get them in. Any bill paid after that will have 1 percent interest added to the bill each month it’s not paid. Hicks says after 90 days, the penalties get tougher. “If people are going to pay late, they need to pay before 90 days because after 90 days there is a tax lien that’s file against the property,” she explained. “There is also a penalty that’s applied to bill that’s 10 percent.” This year, the county sent out bills for over $15 million in property taxes, Hicks says. Most people pay the taxes on time, Hicks says, with last Friday being the biggest day for folks going to the tax office to pay their bill. Some property taxes are paid through Citizens’ Mortgage Companies. Hicks says, though her office has received most payments from mortgage companies, you might want to double check with your company to make sure that payment has been made on time. If you still need to pay, you can go to the tax commissioners office in the new County Government Building on Alexander Street. And remember, you have to get there before 4:30 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE SET FOR OCONEE TEENS A candlelight vigil will be held tomorrow in remembrance of three Oconee South Carolina high school students killed in a car accident Monday. Investigators say the driver of the SUV the teens were in ran a stop sign on Highway 59, and was hit by a truck. The SUV flipped over and came to rest in a nearby parking lot. The victims, Daniel Branton, Blake Heaton and Kimberly Brewer, were all students at West-Oak High school. “Outstanding kids,” said Scott Smith, the school’s principal. “They were not in a cliché; they were friends to a lot of other kids here. It affects a lot of people. We have 1000 students here and I don’t think there is one not affected. They were just great kids for us.” According to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration, car accidents are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. Two out of three teens killed in cars are boys. Audio in this story is courtesy of our sister station in Walhalla, WGOG.
GOVERNOR'S GRANT TARGETS TEEN DRIVING Georgia teens are getting more lessons in safe driving. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety recently awarded a grant to the Department of Drivers’ Services to fund an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program. The grant was over $153,000. "We are grateful for the continued grant support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety,” said DDS Commissioner Gregory Dozier. “This particular funding will enhance our efforts to provide effective Alcohol and Drug Awareness Programs for teens throughout the state." All Georgia teens must successfully pass The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program before applying for their class d driver's license. The course is designed to educate teens on the consequences of operating a motor vehicle while impaired. Over 135,000 students complete the program annually.
GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE-OUT TODAY The air may be a bit clearer today because today is the Great American Smoke-out. Each year, November 15 is the day the American Cancer Society has set aside to encourage smokers across the nation to quit. This year will be the 31st annual smoke-out. According to the U.S. Surgeon General in 1990, people who quit smoking, regardless of age, live longer than people who continue to smoke, and quitting smoking substantially decreases the risk of lung, laryngeal, esophageal, oral, pancreatic, bladder , and cervical cancers. If you would like help with quitting smoking, you can call the American Cancer Society’s Quit line at 1-800-ACS-2345. The society’s Quit line is a clinically proven, free telephone-based counseling program that is available in 12 states. Quit line staff have provided support to more than 280,000 smokers since its inception in 2000. Studies have shown that more than 40 percent of people who were contacted six months after completing the Quit line program remained smoke-free, which puts the society’s quit rates among the highest in the industry.
TWO INJURED IN ACCIDENT ON BROOKHAVEN Not wearing a seatbelt proved dangerous to a driver involved in a one car accident Monday night. According to Operator Dean Wood with the Georgia State Patrol office in Toccoa, 20-year-old Timothy Wilmot, lost control of his 1998 Ford Mustang while going around a curve on Brookhaven Road. The car hit a culvert, injuring Wilmot and his 14-year-old passenger, Ashley Mealor. Wilmot was life-flighted to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he remains in intensive care. Wood said, Wilmot will be charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and two seatbelt charges.
LOCAL LEADERS LEARNING ABOUT LEGISLATION Become educated about State Legislation that could significantly affect Stephens County is what local leaders hope to do in the coming weeks. After hearing from Rep. Jeanette Jamieson Monday night, they continued to learn about the upcoming legislative session with a presentation Tuesday from a representative of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. Clint Mueller talked with City and County Commissioners, Board of Education Representatives and members of the Stephens County Development Authority about tax reform and The Statewide Water Management Plan. Both of those issues are slated to come before the Georgia General Assembly in January. While leaders expressed concern about both pieces of legislation, County Commission chair, Kenneth Peeples says it is too early for local leaders to take a public stand. “I don’t know of any other commissioner, city or county, that say they are ready to take a solid position about this,” he said. “We are in an information gathering mode at this time.” Peeples says he expects to attend several more meetings designed to help commissioners fully understand the complex issues facing legislators. He feels it is important to be completely informed. “It’s very important to the citizens of Stephens County, especially, the property owners,” Peeples explained. “We need major information on this to take a position.” The Fair Tax Reform Resolution and The Statewide Water Management Plan are expected to be the top issues in January’s General Assembly.
TOCCOA FINANCE DIRECTOR GIVES POSITIVE PREDICTION With one-third of the fiscal year over, Toccoa’s Finance Director has almost rosy predictions for Toccoa’s financial future. Emory Stephens, City Finance Director, told commissioners Monday that he expects the city to break even financially by the end of the year. “I am predicting basically a break-even point for this fiscal year,” he said. “Trying to forecast what’s going to happen in the next 8 months, I am predicting tonight, we will end the fiscal year with about the same amount of money we started with.” As of October, the city treasury had a balance of $1.5 million, which is about the same as it was this time last year, despite the fact that the city had to pay almost $250,000 worth of un-budgeted expenses. He said over the last several years, the city has been able to increase its cash flow little by little. Stephens said the positive prediction hinges on two of Toccoa’s revenue streams: gas and water sales. “Two of the biggest revenue items on our budget are gas sales and water sales,” he said. “So I am predicting here that we will sell as much gas as we did last year, so our profits will be as much. Also, I am predicting that water revenues will equal budgeted revenues. If either of those variables change, then I will change my forecast.” In all, Stephens told commissioners that the city is where is should be with revenue and almost on budget for expenses.
JOB FAIR TO BE HELD FRIDAY Are you looking for a job? Then Friday, you should head over to the 2007 Northeast Georgia job Fair/Career Expo at North Georgia Technical College’s Currahee Campus. Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor, the fair will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. “We have confirmed more than 50 businesses that will be on hand. They will be interviewing, they’ll have jobs to talk with people about,” said Greg Pitts, Manager of the Career Center at the Department of Labor. “We encourage people to come dressed for interviews; to bring resumes and come prepared to talk seriously with employers about going to work.” Pitts says a variety of types of employment will be up for grabs including production jobs, service industry and clerical work. The job fair comes at a good time, as rising unemployment numbers were just released. Pitts says this is a hard time for workers in Northeast Georgia. “In the Northeast Georgia area, there have been over 2000 people who have lost their job,” he said. Besides just talking with employers, participants at the Friday event can also get help with other aspects of job hunting. “People from the Georgia Department of Labor will there to assist people with doing or updating resumes. We will have some workshops on interviewing skills, how to correctly fill out a job application and those types of things,” Pitts said. There will also be a computer lab in which job hunters can get assistance with looking for employment online. For more information you can call the Department of Labor at 282-4514.
FROM THE POLICE BLOTTER Copper theft continues to frustrate deputies in the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. A Clarkesville man told deputies that $800 worth of copper gas lines and piping had been taken from a mobile home on some property he owns on Maple Road. Authorities say the man is not sure when the theft occurred since the mobile home is not being lived in. He noticed the copper missing when he began to remodel it. In an earlier report, Chief Deputy Mike Crozier said copper is difficult to track because it has no identifying marks. As China becomes more industrialized, copper mines can’t keep up with the world-wide demand, so stolen black-market copper is highly valued. Here in Stephens County, authorities continue to try to hunt down copper thieves.
One Toccoa woman is learning the hard way the wisdom of the old adage “neither a lender nor a borrower be. ”The woman told sheriff’s deputies that she loaned her Play station 2 game to a friend. Now, she has requested her friend return the game, and that hasn’t happened. Authorities told the woman to see the Magistrate Judge about the matter. A moment of forgetfulness cost a Toccoa man over $400. The man told police that he left the cash box in his business’s office and when he returned, $409 in cash was missing. He told police he suspects an employee took the money. Authorities continue to investigate. And another Stephens county man also lost $400 cash to a burglar last week. The Eastanollee man told sheriff’s deputies that someone broke into his home last week and took the money. According to Sheriff’s report, deputies found evidence that the burglar pried open the back door to the Ridge Road house. Authorities were able to get a partial fingerprint and continue the investigation.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH CONTINUES The search for a new County Administrator is moving along. At Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, Interim County Administrator, Phyllis Ayers gave commissioners a slate of names of appropriate candidates and asked them to identify the ones they want to interview. Commissioners will begin interviews on December 10th and hope to find a suitable person to fill the spot. The administrator’s position became available after Darryl Hampton abruptly resigned in August. If all goes well, Ayers said a new Administrator could be in place after the 1st of the year.
BATS MISUNDERSTOOD IN GEORGIA Whether or not you have a belfry, you still might have bats. Bats are common in Georgia, but often misunderstood, says Jim Ozier, Program Manager with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “Many people perceive bats to be aggressive carriers of disease,” he says. “While bats can transmit rabies to people, such incidences are extremely rare.” Georgia is home to 16 species of the flying mammals. Depending on species, they roost in different places such as caves or trees or buildings. While they are great at getting rid of mosquitoes, they are not so great if they chose your attic to roost in. Bats are protected species, says Ozier, which means it is illegal to harm them. Instead, they should be excluded from the
structure by sealing openings and using one-way doors that allow the bats to
come out in the evening to feed, but do not allow them to re-enter. Exclusions
should only be done during early spring and late summer/fall to avoid trapping
young that cannot yet fly, says Ozier. He suggests finding a permitted
professional to help with bat problems. For more information on bats, you can
call the Georgia DNR at 478-994-1438.
STEPHENS COUNTY STUDENTS EXCEL The Stephens County High School Cross Country boys’ and girls’ team competed for the state title over the weekend. The girls finished 19th and the boys finished 24th out a field of 83 teams from throughout the state. A little over a week ago, the girls took 2nd place and the boys took fourth place in the region finals. The State competition was held at Carrolton High School this past Saturday. Two Stephens County high school students took home acting awards from a recent One-Act Play region competition. Maria Zhuno and Michael were both winners of the 8-AAA All Star Cast Member Award. In a recent region Academic Bowl, members of the Stephens County High Academic Team finished fourth in the 8-AAA region, knocking off top seeded Franklin County along the way. Stephens County students will appear in the State Championship Academic Bowl to be held in January. The Stephens County High School Band Auxiliary has been invited to perform during half time of the University of Georgia Lady Bulldogs basketball team Tuesday night. The 40-plus Member Auxiliary Team consists of flagettes, majorettes and silks.
WATER FILTER BID HIGHER THAN EXPECTED Prosperity of sorts may cost the city of Toccoa big bucks. The sole bidder for improvements at the water treatment facility come in with a bid almost twice what the city planned on spending. The bid was opened at the Monday’s city commission meeting. City manager Billy Morse says the city staff will have to negotiate with the bidder for a lower price or outright reject the bid. “It was much higher than anticipated,” said Morse. “Obviously, it’s time for the staff and engineering firm to go back and reevaluate the situation and see if we can work out something with the funding we have in place.” That bid offered by Rehab Construction was $1.5 million. The city has budgeted $800,000 of SPLOST four money to spend on the improved water filters. This change is part of the master plan for
the improvements at the city water treatment facility. The filters will be
improved with a change to the chlorine system as well as the addition of an
automatic flow control. Morse told the commissioners that there is a lot of this
type of work available for companies such as Rehab Construction, which may
account for the city receiving only one bid and such a high bid.
In other business, a new commissioner was sworn in and took his place at the dais. Ron Seib, who beat out Ingar Neal, for the Post 5 seat, took his seat at the commission meeting. Seib is finishing out the term left unfinished by Billy Chism. The commission also discussed leasing out The Pines golf course and changing cable companies. Both decisions were tabled until the next meeting so details of each agreement could be hammered out.
JAMIESON ADDRESSES LOCAL LEADERS Water and taxes are the major issues before the next Georgia General Assembly, and decisions made in Atlanta on those issues will strongly affect Stephens County. This is what State Representative Jeanette Jamieson told city and county leaders at an intergovernmental meeting Monday night. Jamieson updated leaders from the Toccoa City Commission, the Stephens County Development Authority and the County Commission on two pieces of legislation slated to come before the General Assembly in January. Taxes will be the subject of House Resolution 900, introduced by Speaker Glen Richardson. This resolution, commonly referred to as the “fair tax bill” proposes replacing property taxes with a state-wide sales tax. Jamieson’s opposition to the bill comes from several questions about fair distribution of revenue, and the mechanisms of making such a dramatic change in governmental funding. Local leaders questioned her on details of the plan including what exactly would the percentage of tax be, how would the power shift from local to state government, and how exactly education would be funded. The second piece of pivotal legislation, Jamieson explained is the Statewide Water Management Plan. Protecting North Georgia’s water supply is a concern both Jamieson and local leaders share about this plan. Under the plan as it is currently proposed, the director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division would have the authority to make the final decision about water distribution and supply. Jamieson said North Georgia should not have to pay for Atlanta’s water crisis after the metropolitan area has wasted water for years because they failed to maintain their infrastructure. She also admonished the city and county leaders for not publically taking a stand on these issues, telling them she was willing to take a political risk on the state level to do what was best for the community, and she deserved some political backup on the local level.
HAMPTON FINALIST FOR JACKSON COUNTY MANAGER A former Stephens county administrator may have a new job in Jackson County. Darrell Hampton, who served as administrator in Stephens County for five years, is one of three finalists for county manager in Jackson County. According to the Gainesville Times, Hampton joins Oakwood city manager Stan Brown, and former Upson county manager Bob Zellner on the slate of candidates. The job came open in February after Hoschton resident Crandall Jones was fired. About 80 people applied for the job the first time it was advertised, but the commissioners were not able to fill the spot. Hampton resigned from Stephens County in August. Though he worked only two days after resigning, the Stephens county commissioners said he was not forced to resign. Hampton was given a severance package that included at least $25,000, a rental vehicle, continued health insurance and $1500 in gas expenses.
THE CELLULAR STORE CELEBRATES RIBBON CUTTING A local cellular store is hoping to be more than just a cell phone place. At the ribbon cutting for The Cellular Store, which represents Verizon, Steve Carmichael, the store’s new owner said he would like the store to be a community minded place. “We really want to be a local partner to all the businesses and the community in this area. We want you to know this is locally owned and operated. We plan to be active in community endeavors, so we are not just a service provider, but a community service provider,” Carmichael said. The Cellular Store is in 8 locations in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
TIME TO PLAN CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT Are you ready to float on into the holiday season? Now’s the time to begin planning for your organization’s float in the annual Christmas parade. Main Street Director, Connie Tabor, says the parade is a great way to get involved in the community. “The Christmas Parade is an annual event that we have held for many years,” said tabor. “It brings our community together, for children and all ages.” This year’s theme is “Christmas on Main Street” and the grand marshal will be City of Toccoa leaders. Organizations can enter floats under several categories. Tabor says floats are judged. “We do give out awards for the best float and the best overall category,” she said. “We have several categories of floats: business, school, civic, church, industry, band and decorated vehicles.” For more information and a complete list of rules and requirements, contact the Main Street office at 282-3309.
HIGHWAY 441 SHIFTS AGAIN In the ever continuing dance of the highway, highway 441 in Rabun County will shift again today. In the northbound lanes from Boggs Mountain Road to north of the Tiger connector, will shift to the newly constructed lanes so work can begin on the old lanes. Teri Pope, D-O-T communications officer, says when completed, the “old” lanes will eventually be the southbound lanes She cautions drivers to slow down in the work zone and urges folks to call 511 for updated information on this project. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, construction, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
LEAF BURNING REQUIRES PERMIT A number of counties in the Metro Atlanta area have banned all outdoor leaf burning during this drought. However, that’s not the case in all of North Georgia. According to Ken Masten with the Georgia Forestry Commission in Gainesville, Regional County Offices are taking requests for permits on an individual basis. “Right now there are individual counties, primarily in the metro Atlanta area, who have banned outdoor burning. Most of the counties in the Northeast Georgia, there is no ban. We are selectively issuing permits on a day by day basis,” he said. Masten said the commission gauges whether to issue permits on a number of factors, including humidity levels. If the humidity gets below 35%, no permits will be issued. Another factor is the wind speed that day. The concern is that with the extremely dry conditions, forest fires are more likely to start and to get away from firefighters. Normally at this time of year with leaves falling, the number of forest fires increase and so do the requests for burn permits. But Masten said people seem to understand that drought and leaf burning don’t mix. “Given the dry weather, folks are using discretion. Our calls are down,” he said. “Fortunately folks have been very good to work with us on that.” Masten advises to call the Eastanollee Forestry Commission office to find out if permits are being issued on the day you plan to burn leaves. Another option is to mulch the dry leaves or bag them and have them picked up.
9TH DISTRICT HAS WAITING LIST FOR
HEATING ASSISTANCE With oil prices reaching $100 a barrel, more and more people are going to need help paying their heating bills if they use gas or propane. This year’s heating assistance for low-income families age 65 and up or the homebound has already run out for people in Stephens County. When you contact the Ninth District office, you will hear this message: “if you are calling about the heating program, we are now taking a waiting list since all appointment slots have been filled.” Director Di Irvin tells WNEG all of the funding for those low-income families age 65 and up has been allocated even though funding was supposed to run through the end of November. Heating assistance for everyone else begins December 1. In order to apply for an appointment, you can contact the Ninth District Opportunity by calling 706-886-0211. Irvin said now is a good time to pull together what you will need when you come to your appointment. That includes a 30-day income proof, social security card, and heating bills. Heating bills from last year will do from the gas company or propane company will do, or from their electric company if they heat with electricity. The bill must show the account number and current address.
JOINT LEADERSHIP MEETING TO BE
HELD Two important joint leadership meetings are taking place this week – tonight and one tomorrow morning. Immediately after tonight’s Toccoa City Commission meeting, County and City Commissioners will hold an Intergovernmental Dinner Meeting at The Gate Cottage Inn at Toccoa Falls College. Commissioners will hear from State Representative Jeanette Jamison who will discuss state tax reform. A Fair Tax bill will go before the General Assembly in January, which proposes eliminating the ad valorem tax in favor of a tax on goods and services. Jamieson is for the bill, but is worried about how the revenue would be distributed. And now that SPLOST V has passed, Commissioners will also hear from County Finance Director Phyllis Ayers on how that money will be used. At 8 a.m. tomorrow morning in the Courthouse Annex, members of the County Commission, Development Authority Board, City Commission, and Stephens County Board of Education will gather to discuss the upcoming legislative session. The group will hear from Clint Mueller, Legislative Director with the Association of City and County Governments. Mueller will review their legislative priorities for the 2008 General Assembly in January. Both joint meetings are open to the public.
COMMERCE POTTER BUSINESS CLOSING It’s the business that put the rural town of Commerce on the map 20 years ago – now The Pottery is set to close for good today. Owner Joe Craven and an unnamed developer, plan to redevelop the 140-acres The Pottery sits on. Pottery General Manager Gilbert Martin said Craven also plans to open another store as part of the development. The new store will sell pottery, home décor and lawn and garden items and is slated to open either in the fall of 2008 or the spring of 2009.fIn 1983, Gillsville potter Jo Craven opened the first phase of what would eventually grow to 378,000 square feet facility that included campgrounds. Most doubted The Pottery would be a success, but today The Pottery is credited with the start of what is now called Banks Crossing and is home to two outlet malls, a super Wal-Mart, a host of restaurants, and motels as well a new Home Depot. There will be an auction of any remaining inventory and assets on December 12 at 10:30 a.m. on the site.
LITERACY PROGRAMS REAL WINNER AT
SPELLING BEE W-I-n-n-e-r-s. That’s what the team from First Franklin Financial is spelling after their big win last week at the Literacy Foundation’s Annual Bee-Smart Spelling Bee. The three-person team won out over 17 other teams that ranged from elementary school students to the Rotary Club. Mike Haynie, Pam Rickman, and Jim Simmons made up the First Franklin team. All said winning was a team effort. “What we did was we all tried to spell the word as a separate individual, then voted on which one looked the best,” said Jim Simmons. Runners up were the team from Toccoa Elementary School, which was sponsored by Georgia Power of Toccoa. All proceeds from the spelling bee go towards literacy programs in Stephens County.
JAMIESON SAYS WATER BILL COULD
AFFECT WATER SUPPLY Water is a topic talked about in many settings these days, and the Georgia Capital is no different. State Representative Jeanette Jamieson says one of the most important pieces of legislation facing the General Assembly in January is the Statewide Comprehensive Water Management Plan. “That bill is going to affect every man, woman, child, cat and dog in this state,” she said. “It will absolutely determine where water is used, where the priorities are set and what authority the state or another municipality will have to dip into our water supply” Mandated by a 2004 state law, the plan addresses issues such as water withdrawals, interbasin transfers and pollution reduction. By law, the water plan has to be passed within the first 20 days of the General Assembly. Jamieson says the plan must include protections for counties like ours that have a good water supply. “We do not need to have a plan in Georgia where one area can just arbitrarily draw water from another area’s river basin, for example the Chattahoochee draw water from the Savannah River Basin which is our river basin,” she said. Jamieson specifically points to the current water crisis in Atlanta, saying lack of infrastructure maintenance is partially responsible for the crisis. “Every community in this state has an obligation to maintain a healthy infrastructure,” she said. “That way they use less water. There won’t be that overall waste that’s gone on in the metropolitan area for so many years. Jamieson says she has been in touch with the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee and is prepared to write amendments to bill if she is not happy with the protection for Stephens County. The general assembly convenes in January.
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS UP The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that 41,506 laid-off workers filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits in October, up 29.1 percent from September. The increase in claims came mostly in trade and manufacturing. While initial claims were up from September to October, they were also up 5.2 percent from October of 2006 when 39,456 were filed.
STAND-OFF WITH POLICE ENDS IN ARREST Charges are pending against a Toccoa man who allegedly fired shots at a police office. It happened Thursday afternoon at a home on Mulkey Road. Authorities say the incident started with a family argument and ended after 30-minute police standoff. Police chief, Jackie Whitmire, says the man, who is in his early 60s and wheelchair bound, began fighting with family members and home health aids. "He had a pistol and started shooting up the house. We feel like he probably fired one shot at the first police officer that responded but we are not 100% sure about that. Captain Newkirk and some of the SWAT team people came and started a dialogue with him though a window. Once they got his attention, some of them got inside and we got him out safely and nobody is hurt," Chief Whitmire said. The man was taken to Stephens County Hospital for evaluation. Since the man has not yet been charged with anything, police are not releasing his name.
ELECTION RESULTS CERTIFIED The results of Tuesday’s election are now official. In the City Commission races, Janice English won over Reverend Charles White 637 to 397 for Post One. Ken Davis, who pulled out of the race for Post One, received 139 votes. For Post Four, incumbent Bob Troup won easily over challenger Elliot Caudell 706 to 464. For Post 5, business advisor Ron Seib beat out Inger Neal 734 votes to 442 votes. Incumbent Commissioner and current Toccoa Mayor David Austin ran unopposed for the Post Two seat receiving 926 votes. Voter turnout for the City Commission race was a low 30.46%. Of the 4,025 registered voters in Toccoa, only 1,226 cast a ballot. In addition, of the more than 12,000 registered voters in Stephens County, only 2,363 bothered to cast a ballot in the SPLOST V referendum. However, most of those who voted, voted for the continuation of the 1% sales tax. It passed, 1.679 to 663.
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY PLANNED AT VFW Veterans Day is Sunday and as they do every year, the Toccoa VFW will hold a special remembrance ceremony at their Post on Savannah Street. Hundreds are expected to attend the ceremony that begins at 11 a.m. – the 11th hour on the 11th day. Local VFW member and former commander R.D. “Bulldog” Smith says even though it takes place on a Sunday at a time when most are in church, everyone should come out to honor our local veterans. "Veterans have defended this country during times of war and I don't know why people don't understand that freedom isn't free. Somebody paid the supreme sacrifice by giving their lives in order that you and I can walk around today and enjoy the freedom that millions of young Americans never had. They died for this kind of freedom," Smith said. In addition to a wreath laying ceremony and the posting of the colors, special speaker will be Alan Coker. Coker is a U.S. Air Force veteran who flew 28 combat missions over Iraq and holds over 20 military awards and decorations. During his military career, Coker accrued over 2,000 hours in fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. He is currently Assistant to the President for Operations at Toccoa Falls College and is a licensed Baptist Minister.
WAL-MART HONORS VETERAN EMPLOYEES Dozens of veterans who are also Wal-mart employees were treated yesterday to a cookout on the campus of the Stephens County Historical Society. The veterans, who work at Wal-mart stores in the Northeast Georgia region, enjoyed grilled chicken and all the cookout goodies that go with it. Tim Brown, co-manager, Toccoa Wal-Mart said t |
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Today, the
corn has been swept up and the tipped train removed after a train derailment
near Sage Street Wednesday evening. “We have witnesses that saw the train
backing up then the car in the rear of the train just started tilting over off
the track. It fell off the track and spilled a whole load of corn. The train was
moving slowly at the time,” said Toccoa Police Chief Jackie Whitmire.
Police and fire responded to the scene, but Whitmire says no one was hurt and
the street wasn’t even blocked.
Here at
WNEG AM 630, we have a new way of showing our support for our troops fighting in
Iraq. In the newsroom, we have the traditional bank of clocks showing times for
various cities. Recently, we have changed one to show Iraq time. “It’s our
small way of supporting the troops, especially here at the holiday season,” said
station General Manager, Phil Hobbs. “We are hoping folks can still think of
them, the people who work here, and people who come into our radio station, can
remember them during this holiday season because it’s very important.”