NEWS

Arizona Authorities Apprehend Man Wanted in Stephens County

2010-03-09T14:14:00.001-05:00

A man wanted in Stephens County on sexual molestation charges now sits in custody in Arizona.

46-year-old Mark Alan Miller was apprehended in Cochise County, Arizona recently.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said Miller has been on the run from authorities for a number of years since the accusations were first made.

“From October 2000 to January 2001, the warrants have alleged that he sexually molested an eight-year-old girl on three different occasions,” said Shirley. “A forensic interview was done back then and he knew the warrants were forthcoming and had fled Stephens County.”

The sheriff explained that authorities lost track of Miller once he left northeast Georgia and he remained a free man until police stopped and arrested him in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Now, Shirley said Miller remains in custody in Arizona, awaiting extradition back to Stephens County for his day in court.

“I will be flying out Thursday to pick him and bring him back Friday,” added the sheriff. “We will bring him back here to face these charges in Stephens County.”

According to the sheriff, authorities in Arizona were able to apprehend Miller because the warrants from Stephens County were entered into the national database and when Miller’s name was entered, the computer brought up the warrants.

City Commission Approves City Pool Management Agreement With YMCA

2010-03-09T05:44:00.001-05:00

A discussion about the Doyle Street Pool brings up short-term and long-term concerns, but yields a short-term solution.

Monday, Toccoa City Commissioners met in a work session with Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA Program Director Robin Dake to discuss the pool management agreement between the city and YMCA.

In past years, the city of Toccoa has paid the YMCA to operate the pool. That was the request again from the YMCA.

This year, the pool must undergo a series of repairs before it can be opened. Those repairs include replacing cracking and flaking plaster on the pool walls at a cost of $5,000 to $10,000. Other repairs include installing fencing, patching decking, cleaning the pool, and repainting the pool.

However, it was noted that the cost of the cracking plaster on the pool walls could be more if the structural damage runs deeper than thought.

Commissioners, including Mayor Bob Troup, said that is a concern.

“My only concern is that we do not spend $50,000 or $100,000 on that pool and still not have what we want in a pool,” said Troup.

Dake said it would not be that much, but there was no solid estimate as to what it could run if repairs were more extensive than first thought.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Ron Seib took a more long-term view.

Last year, Seib called for the city and county to work together on a vision for recreation.

He said that has not happened, but that vision is still needed.

“I do not feel like we are answering the bigger question of where we as a community want to go with this thing,” said Seib. “I think that recreation now needs to be on the front burner and we need to decide where we want to take this thing.”

Dake agreed, saying though that is a topic for more extensive discussion.

“I think that question is a year-long question,” said Dake. “That is a long-term discussion, where you look at what it really takes.”

In the end, during the business meeting Monday, commissioners unanimously approved a proposal from Seib that the city fund up to, but no more than $15,000 towards repairs needed to open the pool, but that in the next year, meetings be held to discuss that recreation vision.

Toccoa Commission Continues Preparations For City Manager Interviews

2010-03-09T05:41:00.001-05:00

Toccoa City Commissioners continue final preparations for interviews this Thursday with the three finalists for the city manager’s position.

Last week, the city named its finalists.

Monday, Mayor Bob Troup thanked Commissioner Ron Seib for helping to lead the search process.

Seib said he is happy with the three finalists.

“All three of the candidates are just spectacular, as were the six that we originally selected, so we were very fortunate,” said Seib.

After telephone interviews with five individuals last Thursday, the city voted to name Jack Allison Butler, Jr., James Al Crace, and James R. Johnson as its three finalists.

Butler, from Orlando, Florida, was a finalist in 2008 for the position of Stephens County Administrator that eventually went to John Rutan. Currently the Capital Improvement Program Manager for Ocoee, Florida, Butler has also worked in multiple positions for the Florida Department of Transportation, served as Department Director in the Chattanooga area, and spent time as a senior developer with the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Commission.

Crace, from Roswell, Georgia, has most recently served as the Program Manager and Assistant City Manager for the city of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Crace has also served as Jackson County Manager, Manager of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, and as a city manager in numerous places, including Gainesville, Athens, Waycross, and Rome.

Johnson, from Gulf Shores, Alabama, most recently served as City Administrator in Franklin, Tennessee from 1993 to 2008. He has also served as a city manager in Ponca City, Oklahoma and Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, as well as Chief Administrative Officer in Collierville, Tennessee and Assistant to the City Manager in Largo, Florida.

Toccoa city officials said they hope to have a manager in place as soon as possible.

Toccoa City Commissioners Approve Bid For Work At Doyle Street Fire Station

2010-03-09T05:38:00.001-05:00

Work will begin soon on construction of a new generator, building, and associated accessories at the Doyle Street Fire Station in Toccoa.

Monday, Toccoa City Commissioners unanimously approved a bid for that project.

The winning bid was the low bid, submitted last month by Andrews Construction, was for $23,860.

That particular bid was lower than two other bids, submitted by Dawson Construction at $34,400 and William L. Hicks at $58,559.

Monies for this project are covered by available SPLOST funds.

Toccoa Fire Chief Tommy Ayers told commissioners during the meeting that the work is expected to be completed by June 30.

Stephens County Commission To Meet Today

2010-03-09T05:34:00.001-05:00

Seven new fire trucks highlight the agenda for today’s Stephens County Commission meeting.

On the agenda for today’s meeting, county commissioners will consider a motion to award the lease purchase financing bid for seven new fire trucks from SPLOST V funds and authorize the chairman to sign the related documents.

Also on today’s agenda is consideration of a motion to award a bid for an addition to Big Smith Fire Department and of a motion for the board to approve and accept purchase of property from the Department of Transportation for parcels off of the Eastanollee By-pass.

Stephens County Commissioners will also consider adoption of two resolutions, one regarding the 2010 Census, which is getting underway, and one considering the declaration of Pet Day.

The commission will also consider budget amendments and individual tax payment issues.

The Stephens County Commission meeting begins with a work session to discuss the agenda at 5 p.m., followed by the business meeting where votes are conducted at 5:30 p.m.

Both the work session and the meeting take place in the second-floor courtroom of the historic Stephens County Courthouse in downtown Toccoa. Both are open to the public.

Organizers Say Friday's CASA Benefit Magic Show Was Success

2010-03-09T05:30:00.001-05:00

A magical night in Toccoa raises money for a group that helps children.

Friday, hundreds gathered at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center for a benefit magic show to raise money for the area’s Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, Program.

The crowd enjoyed not only the magic show from Carson Entertainment, but a meal was also offered prior to the performance.

CASA Executive Director Melissa Mitchell said the event went well.

“We are very excited to do this,” said Mitchell. “This is the first time we are having a magic show and we have done a golf tournament for two years in a row as a fundraiser and we are still doing the golf tournament this year, but we wanted to do something different about children, which is our mission. We are excited to have a magic show, which reaches a different audience and particularly children.”

According to Mitchell, the event raised $6,000 to $7,000 for the CASA program.

She said that money will go towards the program’s services.

“To help us make sure that every child that is abused and neglected that comes before the court has an advocate to speak up for them in court, to be their voice,” said Mitchell. “That is our mission. The money will help us recruit and train folks to do that. They are volunteers, but we need the funding to make sure that we can screen them, train them, and provide them the support that they need in their advocacy.”

Mitchell also thanked the committee members and volunteers who helped with the magic show on Friday.

For more information on the CASA program or volunteering, call 706-886-1098.

Police Blotter

2010-03-09T05:26:00.001-05:00

A Martin man is the victim of an alleged armed robbery on Tugalo Street in Toccoa. According to a report filed with the Toccoa Police Department on March 5, the man told authorities he was walking up Tugalo Street near First Baptist Church and said a male subject ran up to him with a handgun and demanded his wallet. The investigation continues.

A Peachtree Street man tells police that two bicycles were stolen from his residence. According to the report filed on March 6 with Toccoa Police, the man told authorities that his bikes had been placed at the rear of the residence and when he went to retrieve them, they were gone. One is described as a blue, black, and white 18-speed Roadmaster with 26-inch spoke wheels. The other is identical, except it is purple, black, and white. Police continue to investigate.

Police are also investigating a burglary on Hill Place in Toccoa. According to the report filed on March 6, someone entered a locked building, stole an old antique, sewing machine, and damaged an old couch by cutting up the cushions.

Elsewhere, a Big A Road business falls victim to a shoplifter. According to the report filed with Toccoa Police on March 6, two individuals are believed to have taken finger nail polish. In the report, the victim states nobody witnessed the women take anything, but after they left, wrappers were on the floor where they had been. The investigation continues.

Finally, police are keeping extra watch on a Hayes Street property after a reported criminal trespass. The report filed with Toccoa Police on March 7 states that the victim reported someone destroying lights in her driveway, and kicking in the screen door and breaking the lock. The victim states the incidents seem to happen on the weekend. There are no suspects.

Stephens Co. Voter Rolls Still Littered With Invalid Addresses

2010-03-08T05:49:00.001-05:00

Months after beginning a review of the county’s voter rolls, the Stephens County Board of Elections continues to remove names with invalid addresses.

As of this week, the Board has removed almost 250 names since January.

However, Stephens County Registrar Theresa Kelley said around 1600 names remain on the voter rolls with invalid or outdated addresses.

Kelley said they are continuing to see many of the same problems.

“We still have route and box numbers listed on our rolls and Stephens County no longer has route and box numbers,” said Kelley. “We have people that have moved in Stephens County and have not changed their addresses with us. Forwarding addresses’ times have expired and it is all coming back to us.”

Kelley said another problem they are seeing is people with post office boxes listed as addresses that no longer have that post office box.

As Kelley explained, the problem with an incorrect address comes when her office tries to contact a voter.

“When we receive mail back, according to the Election Code section, we have to set up a hearing and notify you that you are to appear before the Board so we can get all this straightened out,” she said. “If we send out a letter to the address that we have on the rolls, it is going to come back to us. Therefore, we have no choice when it comes time for that hearing to delete you from the rolls and send you notification that you have been deleted from the rolls, which you will not receive because we do not have your correct address.”

Kelley said this problem is magnified this year because it is an election year.

“The election comes up in July,” said Kelley. “It is a primary election and if you have been removed from the rolls and you are not aware of it because we do not have a correct address to contact you, you will not get to vote in July and I do not want that to happen, so we need everybody to make sure that we have your correct address.”

To fix the problem, Kelley said all people have to do is contact her office.

She added that the solution is very simple.

“All they have to do is call us,” said Kelley. “We can verify over the phone whether we have someone’s correct address. If we do not, I can send them a registration card to fill out to get their correct address. All they have to do is fill it out and mail it back or drop it off at the office. It is postage paid.”

The Stephens County Registrar’s Office is located in the Stephens County Government Building in downtown Toccoa. The phone number is 706-886-8954.

Local Lawmakers Respond To 4-H Issue

2010-03-08T05:46:00.001-05:00

Area lawmakers are reacting to concerns raised about talk of cuts to the 4-H and cooperative extension programs in Georgia.

Last week, in response to a request from state legislators for an additional $300 million or so in budget cuts for next fiscal year, the University System of Georgia came back with a number of suggestions. One of those theorized that the state’s 4-H program could be eliminated and up to half of the state’s cooperative extension offices closed.

That suggestion caused many to raise concerns.

Stephens County’s state representative, Michael Harden, said he shares those concerns and was not pleased to hear ideas like that thrown about.

“I was appalled,” said Harden. “We asked the university system, and the University of Georgia being the largest university in the system, to trim their budget, as we have every state agency. It was not a huge amount that we asked of them. We have asked a lot of agencies to do that and a lot of them have prioritized what they needed. We did that to the university system and thought they would cut some overhead and some administrative costs, but instead, they decided to go after 4-H and extension. I am a product of 4-H and agriculture education in general and that is an amazing resource that we have in Georgia.”

Harden said he is confident that the Legislature will not allow such severe cuts to affect the 4-H and cooperative extension programs.

Meanwhile, 50^th District State Senator Jim Butterworth echoed those thoughts.

Butterworth said this is not an official proposal and is not on the table for a vote.

The state senator said that while cuts are coming, it will likely not involve these programs in any major way.

“I think that is something that folks are extremely concerned about and I will further state that in a state like Georgia, where agriculture is the cornerstone of our industry and rural communities depend on extension services and 4-H programs, that is not something that is on the chopping block.”

The Georgia General Assembly will re-convene Monday to continue its session after a two-week break to further examine the budget situation.

Police Blotter

2010-03-08T05:42:00.001-05:00

A reported burglary at Stephens County High School results in missing change and thousands of dollars worth of damage. According to a report on file with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, the break-in was discovered on the morning of March 3. Damage was discovered by a school employee to the vending machines, as well as numerous offices in the front lobby. The lock was also cut to the school cafeteria and security cameras in the area were damaged. The report indicates that an estimated $3,000 was stolen and thousands of dollars in damage was done to the vending machines. The investigation continues.

Meanwhile, a theft is also being reported on Camp Toccoa Drive. The victim filed a report with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office on March 3 stating that a Husqvarna backpack leaf blower was missing. According to the report, the blower was stored in a separate building. The blower is valued at approximately $410. That investigation also continues.

The investigation also continues into a reported burglary on Circle M Drive. The victim told the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office in a report filed on March 4 that someone had entered his home and taken a gold plated pocket watch and $700 in cash. In all, over $1000 in cash and items were taken.

Finally, Toccoa Police have arrested a Lavonia man on a drug charge after a traffic stop. The report filed on March 5 states that police conducted a traffic stop early that morning at the intersection of Sage and Franklin streets. As a result of the traffic stop, police arrested Jeffery McGee of Lavonia for possession of cocaine.

Toccoa City Commission to Meet Today

2010-03-08T05:38:00.001-05:00

Toccoa City Commissioners will meet once again with the Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA today to further discuss operations of the Doyle Street Pool this summer.

The city commission has a work session scheduled with the YMCA for today beginning at 2 p.m.

At its meeting two weeks ago, the Toccoa City Commission was presented with a pool management agreement from Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA Program Director Robin Dake.

Commissioners said they needed to discuss the matter further before making a decision on whether to pay the YMCA to manage the pool again this summer. That would include ensuring funding is provided for a number of repairs needed before the pool could open.

Then, at 3 p.m., the city commission is scheduled to meet for a work session with the planning commission.

At 5 p.m., city commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled meeting.

All of the work sessions and meetings will take place in Toccoa City Hall and all are open to the public.

Franklin Co. Arrests Maryland Man Wanted for Attempted Murder

2010-03-08T05:33:00.001-05:00

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

A Maryland man is headed back to his home state after his arrest in Franklin County last week.

33 year old Anthony Soligny has waived extradition after his arrest by Franklin County sheriff’s deputies last Wednesday, according to Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas.

Thomas said his department received a look out request on a silver Dodge pick up with Maryland tags. The driver was wanted for questioning involving a crime in Carroll County, MD.

Thomas said while on routine patrol on I-85, his officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle.

“The officer observed the vehicle shortly after we received the look out. He got up to the vehicle and checked the tag, which was the tag referenced in the look out. He called for back up and then conducted a felony stop on the vehicle on I-85. They found Anthony Soligny, 33, to be driving the vehicle, who was the subject that Maryland wanted for questioning,” Thomas said.

Authorities in Baltimore claim Soligny allegedly bludgeoned his wife, Dr. Michelle Nanda, a doctor, with a hammer last Tuesday night.

Nanda is a family physician who practices in Westminster, Maryland outside of Baltimore.

She is currently hospitalized.

Thomas said a crime scene task force from Maryland was headed to Franklin County to pick up both Soligny and his vehicle.

In Maryland, he faces charges of attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment.

Toccoa Names Finalists for City Manager

2010-03-05T16:35:00.001-05:00

Toccoa City Commissioners have announced their three finalists for the position of city manager.

Friday afternoon, the city issued a press release naming the three finalists to take over the position.

Those finalists are James Al Crace from Roswell, Georgia, Jack Allison Butler, Jr. from Orlando, Florida, and James R. Johnson from Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The city commission reviewed 106 resumes received for the position of Toccoa City Manager. On Thursday, the commission conducted telephone interviews with 5 of the 6 finalists. A sixth finalist withdrew from consideration.

The three finalists will be personally interviewed in Toccoa this coming Thursday.

WNEG Radio, TV Founder Roy Gaines Honored by Boy Scouts

2010-03-05T05:58:00.001-05:00

Northeast Georgia honors a Stephens County community leader and broadcast pioneer.

Former Toccoa Mayor and WNEG Radio and TV Founder Roy Gaines was one of three men honored Thursday at the Boy Scouts of America Northeast Georgia Council’s American Values Dinner on the campus of Piedmont College.

Gaines was recognized for his service to the community, both professionally and through non-profit and civic groups.

Gaines said he is honored by the award.

“It was a bit of a surprise when I was notified that I was to receive this honor, but I cannot think of a better organization to have your name associated with than the Boy Scouts,” said Gaines. “I appreciate this honor.”

Gaines was introduced by former Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber and Development Authority leader Bob Evans, who talked about the many things that Mr. Gaines has done.

However, Gaines said it is a team effort.

“As an individual, you cannot accomplish a whole lot, but if you can get people enthused and you have a family standing behind you and citizens ready to get things moving, then many great things can be accomplished,” he explained. “I am fortunate to have been a part of some things that are good for our community. I appreciate all of the help and devotion of people in Toccoa and Stephens County, who supported the things I undertook.”

Joining Gaines as award recipients Thursday night were Gus Arrendale and Judge Garrison Baker.

Northeast Georgia Boy Scout Council Field Director Foy Todd said these three men are very deserving of the recognition.

“All three men are outstanding team leaders and also are great citizens of the community and have done a lot for charities in this area,” Todd said. “We are very proud to honor these three men.”

The crowd in attendance also heard a keynote address from former Atlanta Falcon coach Dan Reeves.

Reeves talked about hard work, perseverance, and leadership and the importance of those qualities in everyday life.

SCMS Hosts Career Fair

2010-03-05T05:54:00.001-05:00

A career fair gives local students a chance to see what their future could hold.

Thursday, Stephens County Middle School hosted the annual Stephens County Schools Career Fair.

Eighth graders had a chance to visit with local businesses and learn more about possible careers in a number of different fields.

The businesses were divided into sections based on the career clusters at the high school.

Stephens County High School Assistant Principal Kevin Gaines said it also allowed the high school to show the eighth graders what was available next year entering the high school.

“We also allowed our vocational areas to come and set up our booths, so the middle schoolers can find out different things that we have to offer at the high school, the different CTAE classes, and we also allowed the CTAE teachers to send over a couple of students to talk with kids about what they do in those classes,” said Gaines.

Gaines added that the fair also serves a head start for the eighth graders on planning in some cases.

“It is certainly to their advantage if they already have an idea of what they want to study,” Gaines added. “They have the opportunity to study different things when they come in, but if they have a particular interest when they come in, they can get more involved in that particular area.”

Representatives from North Georgia Technical College were also on hand to talk about opportunities available in higher education in the fields represented at the fair.

The fair is a combined effort of the school system and the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce’s education committee, Stephens WORKS.

Ninth District Opportunity Has Additional Assistance Programs Available

2010-03-05T05:39:00.001-05:00

As times remain tight, a local agency is announcing additional financial aid available to those in need.

Ninth District Opportunity in Stephens County has announced that Congress appropriated additional funds for heating assistance this year.

Stephens County Ninth District Opportunity Community Services Manager Di Hiller said the agency received $1.3 million in additional funding.

“Last week, we saw over 300 people at Glad Tidings Church off the waiting list of the ones that we could get in touch with,” said Hiller. “We still have plenty of funding available. We have started another waiting list and those folks will be seen by the end of next week and we will continue to see heating clients until we have seen everyone that we think may need it.”

This assistance is only for those who did not receive assistance between November 2009 and the current time.

Ninth District Opportunity also has other assistance programs available for those in need.

Two of them are related to housing.

Hiller said one of them is a new program funded through stimulus monies that will help pay mortgages or other housing costs.

“This recovery money is for folks who lost their job or been laid off due to a lack of work, or were self-employed and business went downhill,” said Hiller. “We do have funding that can pay for rental deposits, utility deposits, rent, and past due utilities.”

The other, Hiller explained, is a more targeted program.

“We have another program called Homeless Prevention/Rapid Re-housing that can pay for deposits for rental assistance, deposits for utilities, medications, some car repairs,” she said. “We have a list of individuals and families that we can assist with that program.”

Unlike the stimulus funded program, the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program will not pay for mortgages, only rental assistance.

For more information on any of these programs, call Ninth District Opportunity at 706-886-0211.

Better Business Bureau Warns Of Data Breaches

2010-03-05T05:36:00.001-05:00

Statistics nationwide show that data breaches are on the rise in the private sector and the Better Business Bureau wants businesses to be on the lookout.

According to statistics provided by the Identity Theft Resource Center, data breaches were down, but the share of those in the business sector increased to 41 percent.

The Northeast Georgia branch of the Better Business Bureau said such breaches can happen even when a company takes all of the necessary precautions because of a malicious attack or a simple employee error.

Such breaches can prove costly to a business, according to Better Business Bureau Spokesman Mike Boynton.

He said that cost is especially great to small businesses.

“Especially for small businesses, you have a limited amount of resources so it makes sense to take some precautionary steps to prepare in the event there is a data breach,” said Boynton.

Several steps businesses can take include creating a data breach notification policy and if one occurs, notifying affected customers.

In addition, Boynton said a business must immediately gather all of the facts available about the breach.

“All of your employees need to be able to identify breaches in the system,” he added. “They need to know how to spot it and report this type of event. You need the details. Then, you need to notify those financial institutions that are going to be impacted.”

In addition, Boynton said businesses that suffer a data breach should seek outside counsel to protect interests.

For other small business advice, go to www.bbb.org.

Toccoa Signs Paperwork On Tree Grant

2010-03-05T05:32:00.001-05:00

The city of Toccoa makes a downtown tree grant official.

Main Street Toccoa officials, Toccoa Mayor Bob Troup, and State Representative Michael Harden joined with the Georgia Forestry Commission to sign the paperwork Thursday, officially awarding the city thousands of dollars in federal stimulus money.

The city will use the grant to plant new dogwood trees throughout areas of downtown, replacing a number of them that are dying after being planted years ago.

City officials first announced the grant award at last month’s Arbor Day Ceremony.

The total amount of the grant is around $25,700.

Work on the re-planting effort will start later this year.

State Considering Deep Budget Cuts to 4-H, Cooperative Extension

2010-03-04T05:37:00.001-05:00

A budget cut proposal currently on the table in Atlanta could potentially affect children across Georgia if passed.

This week, University System of Georgia officials proposed different ideas for hundreds of millions of dollars in additional budget cuts, as requested by the state.

$60 million of the almost $300 million in additional cuts would come from the University of Georgia itself.

To find those funds, some system officials have proposed cutting the Cooperative Extension budgets by 20 percent.

Stephens County Extension Agent Forrest Connelly said such a cut would be devastating.

“That would mean completely eliminating 4-H in the state of Georgia, including all of the 4-H county agents, staff, and 4-H centers,” said Connolly. “They would also like to close 50 percent of the extension offices, which would probably lay off around 169 more people on that side.”

The deepest of those cuts would be the elimination of the 4-H program. Hundreds of children participate in that program in Stephens County alone.

Connelly said the program teaches children a lot of skills.

“We have the Forestry team, archery team, consumer judging team, and our big thing is district project achievement, which is public speaking, where we will take anywhere from 85 to 110 4-H’ers to compete in competition with that,” he explained. “The thing about 4-H is these are things not necessarily school activities. Kids go above and beyond what they are going to get a grade for. This is preparing kids for services later on in life.”

Those are not the only programs 4-H offers.

“The other part of our program is the Livestock program, where the 4-H’ers start out young and get an animal, like a goat or a hog, and raise that animal, take care of it, and show it at the end of the year,” said Connolly. “There is just so much responsibility a child can learn from that.”

Connelly emphasized that the cuts are only proposals.

However, he said the proposal is troubling nonetheless.

“We know it’s tough, but it looks disproportionate to be 7.6 percent of the budget and take 20 percent of the burden,” said Connolly.

According to Connelly, some in the Legislature have questioned the severity and balance of the cuts proposed.

He said anyone with concerns should contact a state lawmaker, such as State Representative Michael Harden or State Senator Jim Butterworth.

No NDO Commodity Food Distribution This Year

2010-03-04T05:31:00.001-05:00

A popular and much-used program within Stephens County Ninth District Opportunity will not take place this year.

Stephens County Ninth District Opportunity Community Services Coordinator Di Hiller said the agency has decided not to hold commodity food distributions this year.

Hiller said the decision was made by the agency’s executive board recently.

“That was voted on by our executive board and has to do with the numbers of food banks coming into the area and the number of churches providing food,” said Hiller.

Hiller said she feels for the people who took advantage of the program, as well as the many volunteers who helped with the distributions of USDA food, which took place multiple times yearly.

However, Hiller did say there are other avenues of assistance available in Stephens County to those who formerly received USDA food through Ninth District Opportunity.

“They need to contact their local churches and then, the Stephens County Food Bank,” she explained. “It is located in the Courthouse Annex and is open on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. The food bank has USDA food, so people should be able to receive USDA food on a monthly basis.”

Hiller went on to say that it is possible that the decision not to do distributions will remain in effect beyond this year.

Ninth District Opportunity Issues Scam Alert

2010-03-04T05:28:00.001-05:00

Ninth District Opportunity’s regional office in Gainesville wants people on the lookout for an alleged scam artist using the agency as a cover.

Within the district, officials have reported that for reasons undetermined, an elderly resident was recently robbed by a suspect who identified himself as an employee of Ninth District Opportunity who accessed the person’s home pretending to be inspecting for potential assistance from the agency.

Stephens County Ninth District Opportunity Community Services Coordinator Di Hiller said that one of the main programs that requires the agency visiting homes is the weatherization assistance effort.

Hiller said though in that case, the person will have filled out an application for assistance and would be expecting someone.

According to Hiller, people in that program are given a great deal of information preparing them for the visit in a list.

“This has phone numbers on it,” said Hiller. “It tells them the person coming to their home will be wearing a Ninth District Opportunity T-shirt and our logo. The van will have a logo on the side and they will have an identification card.”

Hiller said if anyone was unsure about the identity of a Ninth District Opportunity employee in Stephens County, people could call the local office at 706-886-0211.

Police Blotter

2010-03-04T05:25:00.001-05:00

A local concrete business falls victim to a theft.

According to the report filed on Monday with the Toccoa Police Department, sometime between 5:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday, the gate to the business was taken off its hinges and someone came in, used the company’s forklift to load three pallets of block on a flatbed, and then took the truck, block, and forklift.

Meanwhile, Toccoa Police also responded to Lily Lane on Monday where someone reported a stolen vehicle and last month, someone reported to Toccoa Police that someone stole a stove from a back porch on Rock Drive in Toccoa. That incident was believed to have occurred between February 22 and 25.

The incidents remain under investigation.

Meanwhile, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft on Riverbend Road.

According to the report filed on February 24, someone had come to check in on a residence for someone else who was moving away. When the person checked in, he found the front door kicked in and several items removed from the residence. The missing items include a 19-inch TV, 13-inch TV, DVD player, Playstation, and pellet rifle. The value of the missing items is estimated at around $940.

Finally, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is also looking into a theft at a Highway 123 home.

The report states that between February 24 and 26, someone broke in through the back door and stole a number of items, including a washer and dryer, sander, skill saw, chop saw, and cordless drill. The value of the missing items is estimated at around $895.

Sen. Isakson's NE Georgia Field Rep Visits Toccoa

2010-03-04T05:22:00.001-05:00

A regional staffer for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson visits Toccoa.

Isakson’s northeast Georgia field representative, Tate Izlar, visited the area Tuesday. She held a meet and greet in the snow at the Mitchell Allen Meeting Room.

Izlar said Sen. Isakson wants to hear from his constituents both here and throughout the state.

She added the senator and his staff are always available to help with any number of issues.

“He wants to hear about the concerns that citizens have about what is going on in Washington,” said Izlar. “Also, we offer constituent services out of our Atlanta but I can coordinate those. We help with social security and VA benefits, Medicare issues, passport issues. We can help with all of those and well as be a sounding board between the Toccoa area and the senator.”

To reach Izlar about an issue, call 706-889-2438.

Snow Begins To Melt in Stephens County

2010-03-03T09:37:00.001-05:00

The snow is melting away in Stephens County.

Temperatures warming today into the upper 40s will continue that process.

There is quite a bit of snow to melt. While temperatures that hovered in the mid 30s Tuesday kept only about 2.5 inches of snow on the ground, 6.8 inches of snow fell according to our measurements in downtown Toccoa.

That follows reports from areas throughout north Georgia, especially north of Gainesville.

The weather did result in a number of delays over the past couple of days.

That includes Stephens County High School Lady Indian basketball.

The Lady Indians’ second-round playoff game at the Reservation against East Hall will now take place at 7 p.m. Thursday. Air time on AM 630 WNEG is 6:45 p.m.

Shoal Creek Baptist Church Has New Pastor

2010-03-03T09:34:00.001-05:00

By MJ Kneiser, Lavonia

Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Lavonia has a new pastor – six months after their former pastor, the late Rev. Jonathan Ayers was shot and killed by undercover drug agents in Toccoa.

On Sunday, the church voted to hire local minister and business owner, Mike Smith for the post of pastor. Smith had preached at several Sunday services there recently before the vote on Sunday.

Meantime, the members of the church and community are gearing up for a large yard sale and fundraiser for Ayers’ widow Abbey. Last month, she gave birth to their son, Jonathan Isaiah. Both currently live with her parents in Gainesville.

The large yard sale and Gospel singing will take place March 27^th at the Gazebo in downtown Lavonia.