What Happened in the MONTH of FEBRUARY – 2010
Posted By Kate on April 2, 2010
What Happened in the MONTH of FEBRUARY – 2010
A long article, but a memory refresher of some of the major events that occurred in February.
Monday, February 1, 2010
“Taste of Oconee” Fundraiser. Last Saturday, the Oconee Civic Center was spilling over with people tasting the best food that Oconee has offer. It was the 4th annual “Taste of Oconee” event to raise money for the County’s Middle School’s band and chorus. About 23
Snow in Oconee in 2010
vendors with their favorite food, were set up to offer a tasty bite which was free. Tickets were $25. Some of the vendors were La Parrilla, Gnat’s Landing, Big Easy, Miss Gail’s Southern Cooking, Barberito’s, Chops & Hops, Chicken Express, Buffalo’s Southwest Café, Chick-Fil-A, Creative Cookies, Edible Arrangements, Gourmet BBQ & Catering, Jittery Joe’s, Scoops, Zaxby’s, Mirko Pasta, Brett’s Casual American Food, Giarsoles, The Granary and Fox’s Pizza Den. Band leader Byran Agan leaves most of the planning to the 7th and 8th grade band members which play some of their favorites during the event. Funds raised total between $10,000 and $15,000 each year and it is used to purchase new instruments, uniforms and sheet music. During the evening, raffle prizes were awarded and a special prize for the People’s choice – Giarsoles. The Kids Choice Award went to Brett’s Casual American Food.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bank Shares 50th Birthday Celebration. Oconee State Bank celebrated its 50th birthday Monday with a reception at its downtown Watkinsville branch and door prizes of $50 throughout the event. The bank started in 1960 with a little over $100,000 with depositors claiming a piece of the investment with $50 for one share. Deposits now are $285 million which is about 3,000 times that much. Their first office was located in the corner unit of Main and Court Street where Main Street Salon is now located. If you visit to have your hair cut, Nancy will show you the vault that was used then. The Bank moved to its current downtown location, about 2 blocks up from the old office in 1973. To further emphasize the age of the bank, cookies in the shape of 5s and Os were served. Today the bank employs 98 people in four branches in Oconee County and one in Athens-Clarke. The bank has an operations center in the county as well. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, in the June 30, 2009 deposit market share report, Oconee State had 37 percent of the market, compared to 23 percent for North Georgia Bank, 14 percent for AFB&T, 9 percent for Bank of America, 8 percent for Community Bank & Trust, 4 percent for First Georgia Banking, 3 percent for SunTrust and 2 percent for First American Banking. Oconee State Bank was profitable every year until 2008, when the company lost $3.2 million. The bank lost money in 2009 as well, but Harden said it was less than $600,000. Now they are coming back strong.
Monday, February 1, 2010
More Georgia Banks Going Under. The state Department of Banking and Finance shut down CB&T over the weekend and turned the institution over to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The FDIC, in turn, transferred control of the bank to SCBT National Association of Orangeburg, S.C. Community Bank & Trust branches throughout Northeast Georgia reopened this morning under new ownership after state regulators closed the banks late Friday. The company has six branches in Jackson County, four in Barrow County and one in Oconee County. CB&T had been operating under a cease-and-desist order from the FDIC and state banking department since May after it was cited for unsafe and unlawful banking practices such as operating without adequate board of directors oversight, maintaining too many bad loans, using lax underwriting and weak loan administration practices and not maintaining adequate financial liquidity and funds management. The FDIC estimates the bank failure will cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund $354.5 million.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Congressional Budget Talk. Obama makes remarks on the budget in the White House Grand Foyer at 10:45 am this morning. Then comes an online town hall, with the president getting asked questions submitted by YouTube users at 1:45 pm. The $3.8 trillion budget plan President Obama is submitting to Congress today calls for billions of dollars in new spending to combat persistently high unemployment. But it also would slash funding for hundreds of programs and raise taxes on banks and the wealthy to help rein in soaring budget deficits. The budget is also expected to revive a series of tax increases from last year, as well, including a cap on itemized deductions for families earning more than $250,000 a year and higher income taxes for hedge-fund managers. This tax increase, which will occur automatically, will bring in a projected $678 billion over the next 10 years, the administration says. The tax cuts are due to expire at the end of the 2010 calendar year. Cuts also include a cancellation of the NASA Constellation program to develop spacecraft to replace the Space Shuttle with the goal of sending astronauts to the Moon and perhaps even Mars. “The President’s budget more than doubles the debt, drives spending to a new record of $3.8 trillion in FY 2011, pushes the deficit to a new record of $1.6 trillion in FY 2010, and raises taxes by over $2 trillion through 2020,” cited by the Administration’s own estimates. He is trying to do the impossible: cut spending while spending more.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wrong Waste Disposal Cost UGA $20,000. The University of Georgia will pay $20,000 for burning medical and infectious waste in three on-campus incinerators, according to an order from the state Environmental Protection Division. The $20,000 is slightly less than the $24,000 EPD enforcement officers earlier proposed. UGA immediately stopped burning medical waste after an EPD inspector notified university officials last summer that the workers were burning medical waste in violation of state regulations. The EPD inspector issued a violation notice after UGA officials asked if the university’s permit covered burning horse manure in one of the incinerators. The university’s air-quality permit authorizes UGA workers to burn pathological waste, like animal bedding and animal remains. The permit does not allow UGA to burn medical and infectious waste, however, a category that includes materials such as the remains of animals with infectious diseases and bedding or waste from animals exposed to infectious diseases during research. Under state and federal law, agencies such as UGA may be allowed to burn up to 10 percent medical/infectious waste in their incinerators. But UGA never got permission to burn medical/infectious waste, according to the EPD order. UGA officials now have begun the application process to get permission to resume burning medical and infectious waste. UGA officials soon hope to put most animal parts and waste into tissue digesters for disposal. The machines use chemicals, pressure and heat to turn animal parts into a semi-liquid that can be flushed safely into the city’s sewer system. – Lee Shearer, ABH.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Test For Passage of Legislation. The Georgia GOP in the State Capitol have decided to convene a study group to test every piece of new legislation against the “does the bill do the following”:
* encourage personal responsibility by individuals and families to provide for themselves
* increase opportunity for individuals to conduct the business of their own lives
* stay within the limits of the proper role of government
* reduce the size of government
* reduce taxes or fees
Monday, February 1, 2010
Reform Property Tax Law. Observers at the Georgia Capitol say legislation will be introduced in the Senate today to reform property tax assessments, while House members this week will try to finish work on midyear budget adjustments. Assessments became an issue last year as land prices fell during the recession and homeowners complained local governments were slow in updating their tax digests to reflect new, lower values. Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, said his bill is designed to provide tax relief to homeowners without changes so sudden that they jar cash-strapped school systems or city and county governments. “Property owners are going to like it,” Rogers said, but local governments should be content with it. “We hope we’re not going to duke it out with them.” Meanwhile, the House plans to tackle the midyear budget, because state representatives know once they get through with that, they’ll face the much tougher job of fine-tuning the state budget for fiscal-year 2011, which starts July 1. Gov. Sonny Perdue has recommended his ideas for cutting spending and raising various taxes and fees, and legislators who don’t like them will have to come up with their own solutions for a revenue shortfall of more than $2 billion.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Obama’s Budget. As reported last Month’s (January 2010), Obama’s budget was exposed to light and found impossible to accomplish. If you remember, during the Bush years, his budget eased to just under the trillion mark by the time he left office. The Obama first year budget eased over the TRILLION amount – and is now (in only 1 year) $3.72 TRILLION. As many are saying: IT IS NOT SUSTAINABLE.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Race In Chicago For Obama’s Former Senate Seat. Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, and Republican Mark Kirk accepted their respective party nominations to run for the U.S. Senate once held by President Barack Obama. In the state where Barack Obama’s political career was born, voter enthusiasm as measured by turnout in the nation’s first election of the 2010 primary season, was anemic, well below the expected 30-35%. The fact that Obama’s old senate seat was at stake, and that government corruption under democratic control has run amuck here, wasn’t enough to avoid the record low turn out embarrassment. On the Republican side, it was a land slide for 5 term 10th district Congressman Mark Kirk. As the returns were tallied, he held a commanding 3 to 1 lead over his nearest republican rival. Kirk began channeling Scott Brown the day of the Massachusetts miracle two weeks ago and carried it right through to election night, hoping to continue the momentum for republicans in the Land of Lincoln. Kirk is the first serious GOP Senate nominee Illinois has seen in years. Seven of the last nine U.S. Senators elected from this state have been democrats. Democrats hold every major state office. But, while the president is personally popular here, his policies are not. Unemployment is over 10%, corruption runs rampant, and like the federal budget, the state budget has massive deficits. Taxes are sky high and voters are furious. The election to watch carefully. The Associated Press
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
“Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell” Repeal. Obama has asked that the Clinton policy rule for gays in the military be repealed satisfying a section of the gay voter support for the action as promised by Obama during his campaign. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has cautioned that Congress make a detailed study of the policy before changing the law by legislative action. Several Republican Senators have also expressed warning that it would not be wise while we are in the midst of fighting 2 wars stating that the policy has been successful since its implementation. Of course the gay community wishes to have immediate repeal.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
BOC Appoints Citizen to Advisory Committees. To the Board of Tax Assessors: Harvey Downs, Jr and Claire McDougald, 6 years; Industrial Development Authority: Charles Grimes to fill an unexpired term to end December 21, 2010; Animal Control Advisory Board: Maria Caudill, Susan Wells and Gail Wiley, for 2-year terms; Hard Labor Creek Management Board: Jim Luke – affiliate Chuck Horton; Hank Huckaby – alternate Chris Thomas; Jeff Benko – alternate Alan Theriault all for 2-year terms.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Athens Ground Hog, Gus, No Shadow. Gus, did not see his shadow this morning as he crawled from his burrow at Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail, therefore Athens residents will see an early spring this year. A crowd of about a dozen, including Athens-Clarke Mayor Heidi Davison, looked on as Gus walked out of the wooden box where he sleeps, took a slow lap around his cage and crawled back into his little straw-filled home. Gus is a 2-year old hog came out of his abode, circled a around and then disappeared back in his pen. It means, say weather forecasters, that Spring is on its way in about 6 more weeks. Gus saw his shadow last year, the first year for his prediction and we had a big snowstorm March 1. Might that mean another storm of some sort this March? Stay tuned.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Other Ground Hog Weather Predictions. Editors at the Farmers’ Almanac predicted the opposite, as did the famous Punxsutawney Phil groundhog in Pennsylvania. Phil saw his shadow this morning. And other renowned groundhogs in the Southeast – Gen. Beauregard Lee in Gwinnett County and Queen Charlotte in North Carolina – also predicted an early spring. State Climatologist David Stooksbury predicted Monday that the El Ni of winter that has brought colder temperatures and more rain to Northeast Georgia than usual will stick around for a while. A day like today will prove them right, said Jessica Fieux, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City, GA. Sunny skies and high temperatures near 60 will cover Northeast Georgia, she said. The furry forecasters’ victory should be short-lived, however. “We’ll have rain likely Thursday afternoon through Friday morning – we’re expecting 1 to 2 inches,” Fieux said. “We expect the highs to stay in the 40s through Sunday.”
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Hollywood Video Store Closes. Hollywood Video on Barnett Shoals Road gave notice today that they have filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It is located in the Georgetown Square on Barnett Shoals Road. Another victim of this worst economic recession in 60 years. They are having a liquidation sale for those who go by and take advantage of some good buys on movies.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Forum For Democratic Candidates For Governor. Democratic candidates for Georgia governor gathered yesterday at the Journalism Auditorium to tell viewers about their platforms but showed more interest during the appearance in attacking the Republicans who’ve run state government for the past six years. The five candidates focused especially on cuts to education during the one-hour televised debate at the University of Georgia. Former Gov. Roy Barnes, who is leading other Democrats in the polls by a wide margin, said it was budget cuts to schools that drove him to return to politics last year after his 2002 defeat. Barnes also criticized Gov. Sonny Perdue’s $15 million “Go Fish” boat-ramp initiative and proposed $10 million equestrian facility for criticism. Perdue has said they’re both economic development projects. Republicans have cut $3.3 billion in school funding based on the Quality Basic Education formula the state uses to set funding levels for local school systems, Attorney General Thurbert Baker said. Republicans counter that they’ve
Candidates for Georgia Governor 2010
increased education funding, even though it is less than the formula calls for, and say Democrats never fully funded the formula, either, when they were in charge. Barnes also laid into a ban on embryonic stem cell research sponsored by state Sen. Ralph Hudgens, R-Hull. When asked how they would beef up education funding during a recession, Barnes, Baker and House Minority Leader DuBose Porter proposed reforming the way the state collects sales taxes, which they said would generate $250 million to $500 million.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Willow Oaks Replace Old Trees. The Select Tree Farm is located on Cole Springs Road in Bishop, Oconee County. They have given over 100 trees to the Veterans Memorial Park. Southern Transplanting, Inc., a company that plants large trees started today in removing the other less desirable trees in the Park and planting the new willow oak trees which are native to the Upper Ocmulgee Watershed. The Willow oak will grow to 60 to 80 feet tall rapidly and bears a bright yellow color in the fall. The Willow Oak tree, Quercus phellos, is one of the most popular trees for streets, parks, estates, and residential properties. A beautiful specimen oak, the Willow Oak is a relatively fast growing species, about 2’ a year. Willow Oak trees have moderate water requirements and a moderate tolerance to salt and alkali soils. This deciduous trees fall color is yellow to yellow-brown. The Willow Oak is a good street tree because it is tolerant of heat, drought, air pollution and standing water. Acorns are a good food source for birds and squirrels. The small leaves are easy to clean up in the fall.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
”Texting” While Driving. The Georgia House will consider a bill (HB – 944) to ban texting on a cell phone or iPod while driving, Rep Burke Day (R-Tybee Island) announced today. The bill will first go to a study committee to fine tune the language, and then to the House for a vote, he said. The bill is being pursued as a result of a tragic car accident on December 15, 2009 that killed a 18 year old from Morgan County High School while he was texting. The grandmother, Sallie Sorohan, of the youth is advocating for the legislation and was at the capitol today. She led a movement earlier on Facebook in which more than 2500 signed on to encourage the House to pass such a bill. She lives in Dahlonega and asked Amos Amerson (R-Delonega) to introduce the bill.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Governor Perdue Idea To Save Water. Perdue held a news conference today and said some of his proposals include incentives for participation in conservation. He is proposing conservation legislation, such as more efficient water fixtures, for all new construction in Georgia. If approved, the measures would be effective July 2012 coinciding with the deadline set by a federal judge for Georgia, Alabama and Florida to reach a compromise on the states’ long-standing stalemate over water use and, more specifically, the water in Lake Lanier. Perdue says talks with Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist are moving forward. Perdue said conservation efforts must be made regardless of whether the courts allow Atlanta to use Lake Lanier as a source of water. He left stricter measures to local leaders, saying a one-solution approach to conservation was not realistic. From The Associated Press
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A Regional Transportation Tax. Legislators are considering a bill that would allow several counties within a region of similar interest to set a 1 cent sales tax for road improvement within their region. It would allow parts of the state to build or repair roads without waiting on GA DOT to have the funds available for their transportation needs.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Georgia Technical College Enrollment Up. Additional student enrollment in Georgia’s technical colleges has grown 26 percent over this time last year. About 22,000 more students are taking classes at the state’s 28 technical college campuses this winter, with enrollment hitting 109,500. That just shy of the all-time record of 110,940 students. Technical System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson said Wednesday that much of the increase is from laid-off workers looking to train in another field or improve their skills. The number of students over the age of 40 increased 43 percent or 18,700 since this time last year. And there are significantly higher enrollment numbers across every age group:
* Over 40: increased by 43% to 18,726 students
* 36 – 40: increased by 40% to 9,808 students
* 31 – 35: increased by 30% to 11,639 students
* 26 – 30: increased by 30% to 16,137 students
* 21 – 25: increased by 23% to 26,202 students
* Under 21 age group increased by 12% to 27,036 students
Thursday, February 4, 2010
New Legislation for State Budget Formula. Today, the Georgia House Committee on Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight will hold a hearing, but won’t take a vote, on legislation to shift the state government from continuation budgets to zero-based budgeting. If it passes, it means that each state department must zero out its budget before submitting an increase for the following year’s budget.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Overpasses for 316 Needed. Citizens in Barrow County met with the Department of Transportation (State DOT) group today to discuss the possibility of constructing overpasses where traffic lights now exist on the much traveled SR 316 road. DOT had no time table for such work to began and some wondered why it is even being discussed. But in the DOT’s world, if a road job is not on the planning table no matter how far in the future, it will not even be considered for funding. Many believe that a history of accidents on 316 since its opening is impetus enough to justify lights be replaced with interchanges in the near future. Citizens left the meeting with no clear understanding of what the DOT will or can do.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Quik Trip Convenience Store at Oconee Connector. Some are ignoring the effects of the dire recession believing that it will improve rather quickly. A new Convenience and gas station (the county already has at least 1 dozen convenience-gas stores) is doing just that by the development of a convenience store at the corner of Daniels Bridge Road and Mars Hill Road near the Oconee Connector. It is adjacent to the Barber Creek Fire Station which is adjacent to the Marriott Spring Hill Hotel. The chain has stores in more than 10 other states with headquarters in Tulsa, OK. The business expects to open in June and will be hiring about 2 dozen people.
Friday, February 5, 2010
TEA Party Convention in Tennessee. Couldn’t shell out $549 for this weekend’s Tea Party convention in Nashville? CSPAN is there with a video camera to help you get the gist. Georgia’s William Temple came dressed as Button Gwinnett, a Georgian signer of the Declaration of Independence from Temple’s own state. In a historical reenactment-type voice, Temple said he was there to “encourage the dissolution of this tyrannical government and kick them all in the butt in 2010. What say ye?” Temple also said he and all the other attendees would “give Sarah Palin a kiss.” Gwinnett, incidentally, died in a duel with a political rival after losing an election.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Flood Watch for Oconee. It started raining last night and continued throughout the night and into Friday. Forecasts state continued rain for several days with Sunday clearing and a wind advisory. The Athens area is under a flood watch alert especially around the Oconee River in the area of Clarke, Oconee and Greene County south of Oconee County in Greene County. So far, a little over 2 inches has fallen.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Jobs Bill Slowed By Hunt For GOP Votes. Wondering why the U S Senate doesn’t have a jobs bill ready yet? Two reasons — snow and Snowe. No, Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) is not actually holding up the measure. She isn’t even a key negotiator. But hers is the type of GOP vote Democrats are hoping to attract with their tax-credit-heavy package. And with the Snowpocalypse having begun in Washington, most senators have left town, putting off any announcement of a bipartisan deal until next week. Though the January unemployment rate dropped to 9.7 percent, boosting the job market remains the number one domestic priority for both President Obama and congressional Democrats. By Ben Pershing
Friday, February 5, 2010
Obama Offers Alternative Path On Health Care. Obama sketched out an alternative approach to passing health-care legislation that would enlist Republicans and potentially extend the congressional debate for months, but in an open forum that would allow the public to watch the process unfold. Speaking to members of the Democratic National Committee Thursday night, Obama vowed to continue his quest to overhaul the nation’s health-care system, to curb rising costs and extend coverage to millions of families and individuals who don’t have it. Democrats spent most of 2009 crafting comprehensive bills and had seemed on the verge of reaching consensus on final legislation when the party lost its filibuster-proof Senate supermajority in last month’s Massachusetts special election. Many moderate Democrats would just as soon shelve health-care reform for the time being, given how voters have soured on the current legislation, but liberals are just as determined to press ahead. By Shailagh Murray
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Obama Health Care Dead Before Arrival. Obama finally conceded today before a meeting of the Democratic National Committee that his sought-after high spending health care legislation is dead. After the election of Scott Brown in MA last month and his swearing in today, Obama perhaps sees the writing on the wall – KILL EXPENSIVE HEALTH CARE BILL. The voters of all 3 political philosophies (democrat, republican and independent) in MA did not agree with the bill. Many out-of-state residents help to fund Brown’s campaign and perhaps that is an indication that residents of all states are unhappy with the plan. The general outcry from the public is “Kill the Bill!”
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Perdue Announces Change In State Government. Governor Perdue announced today his proposal for an amendment to the state constitution to have the Governor’s office appoint 4 positions rather than leave them as elected positions. They are: 1) Commissioner of Ag, Commissioner of labor, Commissioner of insurance and the state school superintendent. The amendment would have to be approved by 2/3 of the legislature, approval by the citizens and approval of the U S Justice Department. It would not take effect until 2014. He said his reason was that the 4 individuals could do a better job at their posts rather than spending so much of their time vying for reelection. Not a good idea.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
“Super Speeders” Law. The Georgia law went into affect on January 1, 2010 and already 9 speeders have been cited in the Athens-Oconee Area. The law applies to drivers who exceed the stated limit by 75 mph on 2-lane roads and 85 mph on 4-lane highways. The fine is a “super” fine of $200 + the regular fine for speeding. If the violator does not pay the fine, the license is suspended and will cost an additional $50 to have the license reinstated. That could add up to about $450 for one citation. Each county has a different schedule for a standard fine based on the number of miles over the posted limit. For instance, $145 for 1 to 14 miles over the limit and 15 to 18 miles over the limit is $175 and so on. The super fine of $200 is added to that amount.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Severe Snow Storm Shut Down D C. The storm that was predicted yesterday to drop nearly 3 ft of snow on the District of Columbia (Washington, DC) has literally shut it down. Public announcements were begging people to stay in their homes because snow plows were having trouble keeping the snow off the streets. Too bad it was in the middle of the week when Congress was in session. So happens, all Congressmen and women had already flown out of town to their respective homes. Obama was in the city.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Don Norris’ M and K Foundation. For 24 years, former County Commissioner Don Norris attended a benefit for scholarships awards to high school students in the name of his teenage daughter, Melissa Norris and another teen, Karen Nasworthy, both of whom were killed in separate auto accidents 24 years ago. This year, he was absent – he died at age 72 recently of cancer shortly after retiring from the BOC. At this years’ event, his wife Donetta was surprised when Oconee resident and artist Joe Ruiz unveiled a portrait of Don and presented it to her. Over $17,000 was raised for the scholarship and leadership awards. The rotary club helped the 2 fathers create the scholarship fund.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
S Palin Keynote Speaker TEA Party Convention. It had been a while since we had seen Sarah Palin live and in person. And then she popped onto stage Saturday night at the National Tea Party convention in Nashville, and we made these observations: 1) She’s lost a lot of weight, perhaps 15 pounds. She looked trim and firm, like she’s hoisting the barbells or maybe chopping wood. Her chair at the head table was empty; if she had the shrimp and filet mignon served to attendees, she ate in her hotel room. 2) She wore a fitted black suit, black hose and high black platform heels. She had on three opera-length strands of pearls, two white and one multi-colored. In her lapel, a small pin with two flags — for Israel and the United States. 3) She was animated and full of energy. By Ann Gerhart
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Small Business Need Help To Create New Jobs. Obama renews call for Congress to act quickly to help small business. Obama said Saturday that Congress should move quickly to enact a series of proposals aimed at bolstering the ability of small businesses to create new jobs. In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama said he is open to other ideas for supporting small business, but warned lawmakers not to oppose his proposals strictly for political reasons. “My door is always open,” he said. “But I urge members of both parties: Do not oppose good ideas just because it’s good politics to do so. The proposals I’ve outlined are not Democratic or Republican; liberal or conservative. They are pro-business, they are pro-growth, and they are pro-job.” Obama has spelled out a list of ideas to support small business in recent weeks, as his administration has grown more urgent in its response to the nation’s unemployment rate, which is currently 9.7 percent. By Michael A. Fletcher
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Gov S Palin On FOX NEWS SUNDAY. Today on the Sunday talk shows – Palin said Obama could play ‘war card’ to win reelection. Former Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin said it would be “absurd” for her to rule out a run for the 2012 presidential election. “I won’t close a door that could perhaps be open for me in the future,” Palin said in the Fox News Sunday interview at the Tea Party convention in Nashville where she was the keynote speaker Saturday night. Palin is also a paid Fox News Channel contributor. Palin said if Obama continues on the path he’s on today, “He’s not going to win” as an incumbent candidate in 2012. Palin said Americans are becoming frustrated because he “expects us to sit down and shut up and accept” his policies. By John Amick and T. Rees Shapiro
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Obama Pleads For Republican Health Care Ideas – Bipartisanship. Obama made a dramatic attempt to jump-start the stalled health care debate today, inviting Republicans in Congress to a half-day summit on the subject to be televised live later this month. The president made the offer in an interview with CBS News anchor Katie Couric just hours before the Super Bowl. Obama challenged Republicans to come to the discussion armed with their best ideas for how to cover more Americans and fix the health insurance system. “I want to consult closely with our Republican colleagues,” Obama told Couric. “What I want to do is to ask them to put their ideas on the table… I want to come back and have a large meeting, Republicans and Democrats to go through, systematically, all the best ideas that are out there and move it forward.” By Michael D. Shear
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bad Weather Delays Senate Vote. The U S Senate has postponed its planned Monday legislative action, which was scheduled to include a key vote on President Obama’s nominee to a federal labor board, giving senators an additional 24 hours to travel back to the Capitol in the wake of this weekend’s massive snowstorm. Instead, the Senate now expects to delay votes until 5 p.m. Tuesday, presuming that the next blast of snow predicted to arrive that day does not cause additional travel problems. The votes will be on a nominee to the federal courts and the nomination of Craig Becker to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board. Becker, a counsel for the Service Employees International Union, has generated a large degree of GOP opposition and may end up being the first victim of Republican Sen. Scott Brown’s stunning victory in the Jan. 19 special election in Massachusetts. Brown’s win gave Republicans more clout in Congress than they had before. His presence and vote may hold up the vote on Obama’s nominee Becker. By Paul Kane
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Obama Politicizing Super Bowl. Obama plans to host Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families, nine Cabinet secretaries and a handful of lawmakers on Sunday at the White House to watch the Super Bowl. Before the big game, Obama will sit with CBS’s Katie Couric for a live interview to air during the network’s pregame show, an opportunity to reach pigskin fans less than two hours before kickoff. The president sat for a similar live interview last year during NBC’s Super Bowl pregame festivities. In addition to the injured veterans and their families, the First Family also will host Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and U.N. Ambassador Susan E. Rice, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. By Ed O’Keefe
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Georgia Law Makers Working On “Short Budget”. According to Georgia Law, yearly budgets are reviewed after 6 months and the legislators are just about finished with this budget which covers the first half of 2010 (January 1 through June 30), as announced today. Georgia County governments do the same especially during a time of drastically reduced revenues. Then the Assemblymen will begin discussing cuts for FY 2010-11 budget (from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011). They will be looking at the Governor’s budget and making cuts – anything is fair game to bring the budget within the projected total. Bills that will be considered this week are: HB 1054 which would allow the purchase of food over the internet with food stamps; HB 345 to allow bike races on local roads if local governments approve and control traffic for the duration of a race.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Military Vote – More Time Needed. A bill (HB 1073) is being considered to allow Georgia military personnel stationed or serving overseas a total of 45 days before an election date to cast their absentee vote. The 30 days allowed now is not time for turnaround of mailing and these citizens sometimes feel deprived of their legal right to vote (disenfranchised) when the ballots are not received in time to be counted.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Biking on Sidewalk Against the Law. If the rider is under 13 or older, it is against Georgia law to ride on sidewalks. In the past, riding on sidewalks was legal in rural area only, but the law had no clear distinction between the rural and urban. Now the law has been written clearer – against the law to ride bikes on sidewalks anywhere.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Elbert County to Get an Incinerator. It was a unanimous vote at the Elbert County Board of Commissioners meeting to agree for GreenFirst Inc to build a 40,000 sq ft incinerator to burn solid waste and tree trimmings to generate steam that will be used to generate electricity to sell to utilities companies like Georgia Power. The opposition had worked quickly to turn in a petition with the required number of signatures to put the question on the ballot in a referendum for the voters to decide, but the yes vote came so quickly and without any discussion – as if their minds were made up before the meeting began. The incinerator would burn as much as 1000 tons of waste each day. What to do with the leftover ash which can contain many pollutants? A special landfill with a liner will be built adjacent to the incinerator to hold the ash. The site is off Georgia Hwy 72 which would see more than 100 trucks coming and going each day to the area. It should bring in much needed revenue for Elbert County. And the amount of solid waste is increasing to the point that landfills all over NE Georgia are filling to the limit.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Matt Forshee Coming Home. Matt was the Director of Oconee County’s Planning Department for years and then the Economic Development Director before he was hired out by Fayette County to handle their economic development at a very attractive salary. He stayed with Oconee for 6 years and then with Fayette County for 4 years and now he is back in the territory as the new Director of the Athens Clarke County Industrial Development Foundation probably at a very lucrative salary. With Matt in that position in Clarke County and with him knowing so much about Oconee County, will he be instrumental in a joint venture of an industrial development on the Gateway property? The Gateway 50 acres is just about to undergo construction of a winding road, infrastructure installed and power placed – “something on the ground” for a prospective buyer. Many have expressed delight that Matt is back in town.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Greene County Commissioners vs Sheriff. It started with a suggestion that the Commissioner establish a special tax district that would take in the whole county paying a special tax just for the Sheriff’s office. Sheriff Chris Houston felt it was unfair and believes the county commissioners must fund the sheriff’s office out of the general budget. They sued each other and appealed and now the argument has reached the Georgia Supreme Court. It’s an unusual situation, for citizens usually don’t mind an extra tax for law enforcement because citizens believe safety takes priority over everything else, so they probably would pass a referendum to fund the office separately. But that could stir up trouble down the road when the Commissioner’s budget needs a little necessary padding and starts to take from the stand-alone budget of law enforcement. It was argued by both sides today and will be decided within the next 4 to 6 months stated by the Judges.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tammy Gilland Anounces Candidacy. Ms Gilland announced as a candidate for Post 3, the seat held by Commissioner Margaret Hale in Oconee County. Esther Porter, CEO of American Building Products indicated she was interested in running for the same seat last week. Mack Guest, CEO of Ladd Trucking Company located on Barnett Shoals Road has not announced formally but hinted he might run for a commission seat or some higher seat. A 3-way race for Post 3 will no doubt called for a Run-off between to 2 highest vote earners. No one has announced a challenge to Commissioner John Daniell, but he is new as of 2008 and may be vulnerable.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
More Snow in Oconee in 2010
More Snow for NE Georgia on Top of Last Week’s Snow.
Just as most were enjoying the first real nice snow of the year in Virginia, Maryland and the DC area, last night brought on another foot and a half to 3 feet all on top of last weekend’s storm that fell nearly 5 feet in some places. Baltimore has seen nearly 6 feet (72.3 inches) of snow total this year. The storm brought a mild snow cover (3 to 5 inches) to NE Georgia in comparison.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Senior Citizen Valentine Gala Dinner. Beginning at 6 pm at the Oconee County Civic Center, senior citizens are arriving with their sweethearts on arm to attend the annual Valentine Gala sponsored by the Oconee Senior Center. The Classic City Band (about 25 instruments) will play your favorites for 4 hours. They specialize in music from the ‘60s and ‘70s but will play contemporary music as will. About 45 couples attend each year and enjoy dining, dancing and socializing.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Oconee Man Dies of Swine Flu. Rollie Jack Smith died today shortly after being admitted to the hospital. He was 56. He was an employee of Power Building Products in Oconee. His boss said that he died 2 weeks after coming down with the H1N1 flu. His is the first death accorded to the new flu virus in this county.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Snow Covered the Area as Predicted. In some places it was a little more than an inch, in other locations in the NE Georgia it was 3 to 4 inches around Athens. By lunchtime, schools were closing to get the students home before the roads were too dangerous for school buses. Crews were out early searching for fallen limbs, road blockades and looking for injured pedestrians who might have underestimated the danger while playing and enjoying the white stuff. Weather forecasters had observed by late Friday that Middle and South Georgia was getting more than the NE Area due to the unusual cold front pattern and the abundance of warm air over the middle of the state. Oconee received a few downed limbs and about 2 inches of snow.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Legislators See Tax Fraud. All sale taxes in Georgia are sent to the state Department of Revenue which them allocates a certain percentage to the counties from which they are derived. Records show that the department is lax in it’s effort to return the correct amount back to the county treasury or even to send them back to the correct county. Mix-ups occur enough that there is an effort underway to introduce legislation to have the reverse travel of funds – all sales taxes collected and calculated in the counties and the county would then send the amount that is due to the Department of Revenue to end up in the state’s general fund. This would be more efficient and would probably see an increase in the state’s general fund. However, another argument stems from data that show all businesses do not bother to even send their sales tax to the Revenue Department. State revenues would probably increase considerably if the state went after and caught the tax thieves. The Department tried that last year by sending out 45,000 letters to businesses that were not filing and scored $4.9 million. Further studies showed that some businesses had not even requested a business license and 600 were non-fliers. Democrats want to get the Department of Revenue out of the business of collecting taxes. Both parties believe that cleaning up the inefficiency would net the state about $275 million – enough to avoid furloughing teachers this year. But who would perform the processing of data upon receiving the sales tax? The 2 parties can’t agree on that point. Information compiled from an ABH article, Sunday, Feb 14, 2010.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Snow Predicted Again. Again, before the first snow has melted, a light dusting has been predicted for tonight and into Monday with a little heavier blanket for extreme NE Georgia. The sun shone a bit on Saturday just enough to melt the better part of Friday’s snow and enough for the freezing temps tonight to create a sheet of ice on the roads. Crews are out around the Watkinsville area trying to anticipate any falling trees or large limbs. A lot of minor wrecks (37) have been reported since Friday, a few with injuries but no fatalities.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Obama Has Failed As a Transformer. Obama took office with FDR as his model and he wanted to transform this country in the same manner. His idea to usher in a new liberal era with major new policies and an attempt to change the attitude of the Ronald Reagan conservative is not panning out as he planned. “Health care? No sign of success yet. Global warming? Stalled in the Senate. Forging peace in the Middle East? Stalled. Ending partisanship in Washington? It’s the worst its ever been. Leading his party to a permanent majority? Right now it’s leading in the other direction. Americans do not like to see one party dominate all 3 branches of government.” These words spoken by George Edwards, presidency scholar at Texas A&M. Richard Shenkman, George Mason University historian said, “If I were making bets at this point, I would very much doubt that he’s going to be much of a transforming figure.” But Obama is a shred politician willing to say and do anything to hold the power that would allow his to complete his agenda. However, many Democrats are keeping their distance from Obama. He has promised he will campaign for their midterm re-election and they are turning a deaf ear. So are many of the Independents who voted him in office – having second thoughts.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Jefferson Crisis Center Gets Approval to Expand. It’s called the Atlanta Union Mission’s Potter House, located on U S Hwy 29 near Athens but in Jefferson County which treats addiction. Officials at the Center asked the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to approve a rezone of 139 acres adjacent to the center from agriculture to special use. The center was founded in 1968 and now fills only 180 beds. More are needed as the client rolls increase. The project will cost $5.4 million. The center has a kitty of about $1.5 million and hopes to start fundraising in the Spring and start construction of the buildings next year. A new program to be added at completion is called START and its function is to place men who have maintained sobriety for a year or more to be hired to participate in the operation of the Center – a jobs creation project and having a job offers stability and encourages clients to stay sober.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Clarification of the “Gun Permit” Law. The Georgia Legislature is in its 20 day of meeting and the gun law modification bill is still in committee. Where should the 300,000 gun owners be permitted to carry their weapons? Most people, even gun owners object to carrying guns in public places like ball games or any public event where large crowds are gathered. Others say the individual has the right to protect himself anywhere he travels and must not be restricted on where. But where can the line be drawn that would protect the most people? Legislators may not be able to solve this one.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Political Left Frustrated With Obama. In the weeks since the Massachusetts election gave the White House a wake-up call, Obama has made a series of gestures toward the middle even as liberals have grown increasingly frustrated. Bloomberg writes that “Obama’s politics may be drawing inspiration from an unlikely source: Ronald Reagan. The late Republican president may become Democrat Obama’s most relevant role model as the U.S. economic and political climate mirrors Reagan’s first term, which began in 1981.” The Wall Street Journal reports “Obama’s willingness to keep Bush-era policies on government-backed religious charities opposed by many liberals is helping to woo traditionally Republican evangelical leaders who can influence key blocs of voters. The approach, according to conservative leaders and liberal critics alike, is part of a broader strategy by Obama and fellow Democrats to regain credibility with centrist and conservative voters who tend to be more religious. By Ben Pershing
Monday, February 15, 2010
Chop House Closes in Athens. The popular restaurant, Southeastern Chop House on East Washington Street closed today after being open for only about a year. Owner of the restaurant, Trinidad Faragoza III said that the eatery was just a victim of the bad economy. Owner of the building, Warren Southall said that he will try to lease the space for different restaurant by summer.
Monday, February 15, 2010
U S Senator Evan Bayh Says Congress “Broke”. Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh (D) will not seek re-election this year, a decision that hands Republicans a prime pickup opportunity in the middle of the country. He is another Democrat that has seen the writing on the wall, citing partisan rancor in Congress. Bayh said today at a news conference he will not seek a third term this year, opening a potentially huge battleground in the conservative Hoosier State, The Indianapolis Star reports. Bayh, a moderate who has never lost an election and occasionally flirted with running for president, faced a challenge from Dan Coats, a former Republican senator. According to USA TODAY’s Fredreka Schouten, Bayh’s bankroll put him in third place for campaign money among senators up for election this year. Two Republicans are vying for the seat.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Council to Study Economic Development Funds. Last week, State Senate Bill 374 passed and is now awaiting House Approval. It was introduced by Lt Casey Cagle who would appoint a cadre of leaders from each state department that funds economic development (read as job creation) to investigate redundancy or lack thereof for efficient creation of jobs for Georgians. The departments are: Department of Community Affairs which awards grants for community development; the Department of Agriculture which awards similar grants for creating jobs in the Ag sector; Department of Economic Development; One Georgia Authority and the University System of Georgia. The Council will be charged with reporting to the Legislature the status of a jobs creation strategy and that all departments are working in coordination rather than in some haphazard redundant way. Cagle announced today that “….. there are 5 departments in state government that dispense dollars for economic development” and this council is charged with giving the Legislature a mechanism for assuring that Georgians tax dollars are being spend judiciously and wisely. The upcoming budget will spend about “$158 million on economic development projects.” Council members are also charged with presenting a report on tax credits – how each was used and how many jobs were created as a result – and how much revenue was lost due to tax exemptions. It would have been wise to appoint to the Council a few leaders who are closer to job creation in the community such as the Chambers of Commerce or economic development professionals on the county level. This may be another media blitz in an attempt to assuage economic fears without a lot of success.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Gateway Land – Many Uses. The subcommittee that was appointed by Oconee Development Authority Chair Chuck Williams met today to implement the charge he had given them – come up with suggestions of use for the 50-acre Gateway property on SR 316 in Oconee County and how we can move on any particular idea. B R White brought a list of possibilities that met the conditions of the zoned property. The helicopter landing pad was thrown out as were a few other similar ideas such as a school (too much land needed for campus parking). A show arena with a barn for horses did not get a pass either. There were 17 of the 138 ideas that were kept on the table, but obviously will need to be further culled before plans can be approved. Further discussions will take place in future meetings.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Oconee Commission Seat Candidates Announce. At the Town Hall Meeting tonight, Commissioners Hale and Daniell were asked if they plan to run again for their seats and both said yes. The upcoming election in November will be for a 4-year term. No challengers have announced at this time but speculation is that candidates will announce for both seats. Two seats on the Oconee Board of Education are open. One is held by Kim Argo who has indicated that she will run for reelection. The other is held by Mack Guest who has not decided yet if he will run again. Guest is contemplating a run for Commissioner Daniell’s seat. Candidate Qualifying will begin on April 26 and run through April 30. The qualifying fee for County Commission is $594.42 and for Board of Education – $54.00. Tammy Gilland of Bishop announced her bid for Hale’s seat yesterday. The primary election will be held on July 20 and a run-off (if needed) will be held on August 10.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
First Nuclear Loan Set For Burke, GA Plant. Obama has announced the recipient of the first conditional nuclear loan guarantee this morning: Southern Co., which will get $8.3 billion to build two reactors in Burke, Ga. The construction is estimated to create 3000 jobs in the beginning and 350 permanent. The plants will take 2 years to build and won’t deliver power until 2017 – 7 years hence.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Talking Taxes. Georgia Legislators are talking taxes – GOP members want to reduce them and Dems want to increase them. Dems put up the argument that states that have increased taxes on their businesses have had good growth and those states that have decreased taxes have been mired in slow or no growth. Rep members said the data may show that result, but the economy is not going to get better until small business begins hiring again and it’s the “small business that we should give a break.” Many bills keep pouring in to cut taxes and some have moved forward out of committee and into one of the chambers, but proposals to increase taxes have been stuck in committees.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Grass-roots Activists Rebuked by GOP Chairman Steele. As the grass-roots activists meet with the Republican National Committee, the New York Times takes a look at them, deciding they are bitter people clinging to their guns. Meanwhile, leading Democrats plot their destruction. No doubt the meeting between representatives of the Tea Party movement and RNC Chairman Michael Steele will be seen by urban-liberals as confirmation that the Tea Party movement is merely a franchise of the vast right-wing conspiracy. In fact, Steele was merely doing what the Democrats still refuse to do — listen to Americans frustrated by a government that ignores their wishes and dismisses their concerns while bulking up with power. They are the “we the people” part of the Constitution the Democrats continually try to make end runs around, the health care overhaul being a prime example. The meeting between the Tea Partyers and the RNC was not an attempt to provide a forum for their voices to be heard. And heard they were. Government is supposed to operate with the consent of the governed. The Tea Party movement hardly consents to runaway spending and debt that will burden our children and grandchildren. Steele spent nearly four hours Tuesday at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., listening to average Americans petition for a redress of their grievances. Judging from recent elections, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are ignoring them at their peril.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
ABH’s Morris Publishing Emerges from Bankruptcy. About 3 weeks after Morris Publishing Company filed for Chapter 11, a federal judge has cleared the way for releasing the giant publisher. They have come up with a plan to dissolve a $288.5 million debt which won approval from its creditors. Morris presented a plan that would get the company our of debt and no creditors who were present objected so the Judge approved the plan. The company owns 13 daily newspapers scattered throughout Georgia and as subscribers turned to online news, dailies had to cut their cost and consequently fell behind in debt payments. As more people drop their subscriptions, newspapers are turning to other sources of revenue to stay afloat.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Mount Vernon Statement. About 100 conservative leaders came together under the title of Conservative Action Project (CAP) today at the estate of America’s first president, George Washington, to sign what could become an historic political document that points to the direction of the conservative movement in America. They call the document – The Mount Vernon Statement. Despite the mainstream media and the left proclaiming the death of conservatism, it looks like the right is back, and intends to fight. CAP is chaired by one of Ronald Reagan’s closest and most influential advisors, former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese. CAP consists of leaders from all three parts of the so-called Reagan coalition: economic conservatives, social conservatives and national security conservatives. CAP has become a major force in the nation’s capital over the past year, calling on the GOP to return back to its conservative principles and bringing various groups together to oppose Barack Obama’s agenda. One of CAP’s top priorities was to develop a document that defined conservatism today, to make the case that all three types of conservative—economic, social and national security—need each other and will either sink or swim together. Their declaration was unveiled today at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The resulting Mount Vernon Statement is subtitled “Constitutional Conservatism: A Statement for the 21st Century,” and is meant to be an umbrella declaration for conservatives in modern America. The Mount Vernon Statement makes the case that America needs to return to its founding principles, which at heart means limited government based on the rule of law. It argues for government policies based on natural rights, governing through the consent of the governed, and for elected leaders to be responsible trustees acting for the long-term best interests of the voters that elected them. What’s especially important about the Mount Vernon Statement from a political perspective is it makes the case that all three types of conservatives—national security, social and economic—must do more than stick together for political advantage. The conservative movement will sink or swim as one. The statement argues that the highest goals of each of these three groups can only be achieved if the other two are successful. The statement says that economic prosperity requires a virtuous society, that big government is a threat to personal morality, and that national security needs an honest citizenry and a thriving economy. Meese and other speakers stated that a fusion of the three is needed to advance the movement. These leaders (over 100) signed the statement and pledging to find new ways to collaborate. They agreed to work together to elect conservatives to both houses of Congress in 2010, to support conservative candidates to challenge President Obama in 2012, and to formulate long-term solutions to the major problems facing the country. Whether the Mount Vernon Statement will survive versus a landmark moment for American politics is uncertain . But if that signing event is any indication, the conservatives are back, and they intend to fight.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Both Oconee High Schools Excell in College Course Scores. The Georgia Department of Education recognized 115 high schools that teach college level courses, 6 of which are in the Athens Area. Both the Oconee high schools were named, Cedar Shoals in Clarke, Commerce High, Jefferson High and Oglethorpe County. Oconee high schools were recognized as having the most students who took the AP (Advanced Placement) courses and the highest percentage (50%) of those who took the courses to score a 3 or higher on a scale of 1 to 5. Cedar Shoals High was the next highest with at least 30% of the group scoring a 3 or above. These scores allow the students to receive college credit for these courses. These are called “AP Honor Schools” according to Cathy Cox, State School Superintendent. Georgia has the 11th highest percent of seniors who take AP courses while in high school according to the College Board’s “AP Report to the Nation.”
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Environmentalists Outraged Over Burke Nuclear Plant. The Southern Company who is building the Nuclear Plant at Vogel Park in Burke, GA and who will receive over $8.3 BILLION to build it was the strongest opponent of the Cap and Trade legislation that the Obama is pushing. Obama is awarding billions to his enemy, say environmentalists. The Southern Company spent more than $16.5 million on lobbyists last year in an effort to kill cap and trade. The Obama officials say that Southern Company got the award (federal loan guarantees) because they were “shovel ready” – already started the process of obtaining some of the 13 permits necessary to build. The Sierra Club is the strongest opponent to the award.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Rainwater Harvesting. After Governor Perdue advocating water conservation for the whole state as a way to assure enough water for all residents, Van Giesen, a Watkinsville resident, appeared before the state House Natural Resource Committee to demonstrate his idea – how Georgians could harvest as much as 300 gallons of rain water per day using his devise. “Every time you flush a toilet with drinking water, you waste money and precious potable water,” he said. Using rainwater for all water uses in a household or business might be the answer to Atlanta’s shortage of water, he suggested. And he said it might be cheaper to install receiving tanks at all places than trying to pipe water into Atlanta from all over the state. We should be using the water that falls from the sky rather than loosing it to the ocean, he reminded. He also suggested that tax credits be given to those that install rainwater tanks. Representative Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) believes in Giesen’s idea and may insert it in a bill he is sponsoring.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Georgia Senate Approves $17.4 BILLION Budget. $1.2 BILLION was cut from the budget for the next 6 months (for FY 2009-2010; FY2010-2011 starts on July 1). Most state agencies were cut about 8% except the mental hospitals which are under fire from the Federal Justice System to clean up their act. They received an increase. The $17.4 must now be reconciled with the House before it is signed by Perdue. This budget includes more furloughs days for teachers and state government workers.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
System-wide STARR Student Named. STARR Students from the 5 high schools (2 public and 3 private) were honored at a Breakfast at the Family Life Enrichment Center on High Shoals Raod. Michael Lai from Athens Academy won the system-wide STARR Student from Oconee County. He will go on to compete with other system-wide students from other schools systems for the State-wide winner.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
CPAC Annual Meeting All Weekend. Strengthened by a feeling that their political fortunes are coming back, conservative activists descended Thursday on the capital city, looking to excite what they consider a grass-roots uprising against President Obama and Democrats in Congress. The annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is a place for presidential aspirants to prove their conservative credentials. This year’s CPAC, which began today and will run through Saturday, had a festival atmosphere, as thousands of jubilant activists showed their festive side at the Marriott Wardman Park ballroom. The “tea partyers” are hungry for new leaders and messages that can carry the GOP out of their political slump. Featured speakers in the opening session included former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, introduced by newly elected Senator Scott Brown. Romney sought to turn the page on his 2008 presidential campaign by casting himself as a populist and every bit the conservative standard-bearer. He defended the policies of former president George W. Bush and his party’s lockstep opposition to Obama’s agenda, saying that Obama had “failed” and that the Democratic majority in Congress would “soon be out the door.” Former vice president Dick Cheney also made an unscheduled appearance, bounding out from behind the dark curtain with his daughter Liz. He received a hero’s welcome. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Rep. Mike Pence (Ind.) will speak Friday, while former senator Rick Santorum (Pa.) and former House speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) will speak Saturday, before the results of a presidential straw poll are released. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin is not expected to attend. Washington Post Staff Writer, Philip Rucker.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Some Legislators Take 2 Weeks Off. Georgia House Speaker David Ralston authorized all Legislators NOT on the 3 Committees that flush out a budget to stay home for 2 weeks. These men and women would not receive the $173 per day for serving as legislators. Members of the Transportation, Ways & Means and the Natural Resources Committees will continue to meet at the capitol and face the task of devising a budget that is about $1 BILLION in the hole. State revenues for the month of January were down 8.7%, making it the 14th consecutive month with no increases. Some believe the slack will be more than $1 BILLION. For the next 2 weeks, they will tackle creating a budget that is balanced at no more than $18.2 BILLION for next year.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Who is Marco Rubio? Rubio is the 38-year-old former speaker of the Florida House and conservative challenger to the state’s Republican governor, Charlie Crist, in the GOP Senate primary. Introduced by South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint (R), a man he has described as his favorite senator, Rubio made the most of his good opportunity. When some in the ecstatic crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference, broke into a chant of “Marco, Marco,” Rubio flashed his winning smile and said, “I’m always afraid someone’s going to start screaming ‘Polo’ and then it will ruin my speech.” And he added his format for fixing this country’s mess: “Reduce tax rates across the board., abolish taxes on capital gains and dividends. While we’re at it, let’s eliminate the one on death, too and significantly lower the corporate tax rate.” Rubio’s message matches with the take-our-country-back chant of the Tea Party movement. He is a man to watch during the coming 3 years.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Oconee High School Artists At High Museum. Student Artists from North Oconee High, Oconee County High and Athens Academy High help to make Oconee County shine in the Art Community today – their pieces of art were exhibited right along side of artists like Leonardo de Vinci and famous Georgia Artists at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. It is the 3rd year that Oconee Students have been invited and the exhibit will stay through March 19, 2010.
Friday, February 19, 2010
30 New Jobs in Athens. Reinicke Athens Inc announced today that they will expand their steel manufacturing facilities on 43 acres off Hwy 441 next to the company’s office in Clarke County. The company is about 15 years old and manufactures industrial construction equipment that includes electrical and mechanical, industrial beams for large companies such as General Mills, Lockheed, Caterpillar and Noramco. The 104,000 sq ft building will giving them an edge to produce more faster. Ground breaking for the new $8 million facility is set for next Tuesday, February 23.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Obama Stomping for Senator Reid. Obama was in Nevada today at a high school meeting to campaign for Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev) who is in a tight race with a newcomer Republican. Obama stated how Reid had been treated pretty badly during this year of working on his universal health care plan. He tried to convince the audience that not another year should go by without a plan that covers everybody. The meeting was billed by Obama as an opportunity to expand on his major pieces of change for the county, but it turned out to be one large plug for Reid to boost his chances to be reelected.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Ronald Reagan $10,000 Award Presented at CPAC. The highest award given by the Conference is usually presented to well known persons, but this year, it is being awarded to a group – the group that has done the extraordinary for our country to take it back from the “progressives” – the tea party folks and the Town Hall folks and the Patriots and the 9/12 folks and Freedom Works folks…….. The money will be used to help those awakened activists do it again and again until Nov 3 when you can say, “I’m glad I did it. We won.”
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Athens Tech Added Over 5,000 to Rolls. Since the economic fallout, a record number of people are going back to the classroom and Athens Tech College is one of the technical colleges that is bursting at the seams. This is a 30% increase for this quarter. The middle aged group have doubled since last year. The younger aged group (36 years to 40 years) are up 60% from a year ago. State-wide, technical colleges have enrolled nearly 18,000 of the 40 and above age group – a 43% increase over a year ago. Most of these students are workers who have lost their jobs during the past year. Among enrollees are about 148 Veterans at Athens Tech; 132 at Gainesville State College and 300 at the University of GA. They are using their GI Bill to attend. The unemployment rate in NE Georgia is 9.8% according to the State Labor Department.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Many Candidates for Insurance Commissioner. A record number of Georgians have decided to qualify to run for the office of Insurance Commissioner since the current office holder, Commissioner John Oxendine will step down to try a run for the Governor of Georgia as a Republican. Gerry Purcell who lives in Alpharetta is a health care consultant was a guest of the UGA College Republicans at their regular meeting. He stated that he would fight to the death any democratic health care policy. He is sponsor of a bill going through the Georgia Legislature that would bar the federal government from enforcing a federal health care in Georgia. “I happen to believe that it is unconstitutional for the federal government to dictate to us what our consumers here in Georgia chose as their health care,” he stated. He said he would find a way to insure 1.7 million Georgians by funding a high-risk pool of people with a pre-existing condition. Harold Hogsdon and Stephen Northington are also running for Insurance Commissioner. About 45 students and their families attended the discussion. Six (6) other candidates are running for the same office – 9 total.
Monday, February 22, 2010.
Charities Abound. Oconee County is known for its charitable activity. There are multiple fundraisers and projects going on constantly. A few at this time of year are: The Big Hearts Pageant (mentally challenged on stage); the Food Bank of NE Georgia ($15,000 check received from Eaton Corp); benefit auction for pets (Veterinary School); Athens Area Habitat for Humanity (doll house raffle).
Monday, February 22, 2010.
Juvenile Cost. There are many children in Georgia who go astray and need help and the Georgia Juvenile Justice System is there for them, supported by the tax payer in the amount of an average of $63,000 per permanent bed per individual for the 49,000 teens going through the system per year. Some offenders are mild cases and do not stay long at the facilities, others may stay a year or longer. The average per child per year for a few other states are: Kentucky’s cost is $72,000; Florida is $78,000 and Virginia is $82,000. Some child advocates believe that the system could prevent teen criminal behavior if they were treated at home at a younger age at the cost of about $3,000 per child per year. Georgia is not doing enough but State Senator Jack Hill from Reidsville, GA who is Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee said with state revenues down so drastically, his committee is looking to decrease spending rather than increasing it for any department.
Monday, February 22, 2010.
New State Republican Web Site. The State Republican Party went public with their new Web site aimed at defeating the front-runner in the group of Democratic candidates for Governor of Georgia – former Democratic Governor Roy Barnes. The message on the site refers to an ad that called Barnes “King Roy” the year he was defeated by current Republican Governor Sonny Perdue. What really pulled Barnes behind that year (2000) was his stance on cutting teachers’ salaries. All teachers evidently turned against him and voted him out after one term. He is now trying to reclaim his title as King Roy and will probably be the leading Democratic candidate among 5 others that are running to challenge the Republican candidate.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
UGA Becoming a Mixed Race University. In 2000, the number of races other than white was less than 4,000. An increase of Hispanics and Asians are in the mix. Today, that number has increased to more than 7,000 totaling a 20% increase in a student body of over 34,000 – this accomplishment without affirmative action.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
TIM Costs the Oconee County $1.6 Million. Tim is the state program for Transportation Improvement and Maintenance and the Oconee Road Department’s Director, Emil Beshara gave a list to the BOC tonight of the roads that would be resurfaced or patched during the next year. His budget was to keep it under $1.2 million, but he assured them that the sales tax receipts would take care of the excess. There is no input from the BOC; choice of roads to be updated are selected by a GA DOT engineer. The road list can be obtained from Mr Beshara and his staff.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010.
U S Jobs Bill Passes with Sen Scott Brown’s Vote. An up or down vote with Brown’s vote put the Jobs Bill over the necessary votes needed to pass. Most Republicans voted against the bill in the first round because they said it needed to be discussed further and so they went after the filibuster which in the long run failed. A filibuster would have allowed some Republican amendments to be considered. The bill included a $1,000 tax credit for small businesses although data indicates that businesses do not generally hire new employees based on tax breaks. Obama’s Democrats insisted that it would create 250,000 new jobs which is about 4% of the 8.4 million out of work.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Apology for Slavery. State Representative Al Williams (D-Midway) submitted a resolution to the Georgia House asking for an official apology for the state’s role in slavery. House Speaker David Ralston told the Atlanta Public radio station WABE-FM that Williams is focused in the wrong direction. “I’m about looking to the future, not looking to the past,” he said. “Looking back invites a whole lot of issues and we have too much work to do” now to be distracted. Williams had tried to get the former House Speaker, Glenn Richardson to do the same, but with no luck. This year is the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War and Williams thought it would be good to have some healing take place at this time.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Job Growth for Georgia. The Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State College has predicted that more jobs will be available in 2011 at a 1% level increase because the number of individuals out of work is predicted to decrease by 1.4%. Economists believe the recovery will be painfully slow. At the same time, the feds are saying that interest rates should stay low to spur the recovery.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Kim Kraeling Becomes High Shoals Mayor by Default. After resignation of former Mayor Jeff Thomas, Kim Kraeling was the only one to run for the office. She becomes Mayor by default and it saved money for the small city on the Appalachee River in the southern part of the county. Councilman Eddie Cape resigned and an election was thought to be imminent until only one person, Jason Wisniewski was left to run and that only because Scott Wilson withdrew his candidacy yesterday. Now Mayor Kraeling says her main goal is to unite the council and the community. “I would like to lead by making sure that the interests of residents are properly represented on the council.”
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sea World Killer Whale Takes Third Victim. At a Sea World show in Orlando, Fla, a whale snatched a trainer off the pool platform and holding her in his powerful jaws, slung her around under the water, killing her while a large audience watched in horror. This was the third (3rd) death he had caused in the same pool. Dawn Brancheau, a 40-year old trainer who had interacted with the 30-year old killer whale on numerous occasions was caught off guard when the whale suddenly turned aggressive. The crowd was hurried outside the venue and the park closed. Now park officials must decide what to do with a 3-time killer on their hands. Wasn’t the first and possibly the second and certainly the third time enough to put him away?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Safe America Campaign “Exit 2 Text It”. The Safe America Foundation located in Marietta, GA is directing a state-wide campaign to encourage drivers to stop driving, pull off the road and do the “texting” since to do so while driving has become a traffic hazard. Those supporters of the campaign include: Pepsi, 100 Black Men of Georgia, the Governor’s office, the Georgia Parent-Teachers Association and Publix. Radio stations in a couple of the larger Georgia cities will broadcast a 30-second segment directed at young drivers. A television ad is being planned for the Atlanta stations and will be available to other TV stations in the state later. They hope to concentrate the broadcasts at about the time proms start their planning. That is when the most teens are on the road during proms. The Georgia General Assembly is considering legislations that would ban texting while driving, but the SA Foundations said they could not wait on a law. Several Legislators are in opposition to a law because they state that it cannot be enforced.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Southwire Layoffs Again. One of the former largest employers in the County was Southwire on Barnett Shoals Road which manufacturers electrical wiring. After cutting about 80 employees in their job force in 2009, it is again reducing its workforce by 18 jobs of the remaining 38. Southwire is spread across the Southeast and employs about 4,000 total number of employees. Company officials in the headquarters in Carrolton, GA have studied the trends in the economy and see the need to downsize further. The purchase of their electrical products is almost at a standstill (non-existent housing development in this area). The Watkinsville branch will have to survive on just 20 employees for the time being. And the 18 jobless people will be looking for work elsewhere. Because of the complete halt of construction in Oconee County, the Watkinsville plant is the slow mover and the only location site of the Company to lay off workers for now.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Washington Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform. The bipartisan health care meeting on February 25th offered something you rarely see in Washington: an open, honest, productive discussion between the political parties. Leaders from across the political spectrum gathered at Blair House at Obama’s invitation to exchange thoughts about an issue that touches all of us. But there were also important areas of disagreement. The President believes we should set some common sense rules to protect American families and small businesses from insurance company abuses, and he believes that a problem this big cannot be addressed incrementally. And while insuring 30 million people is going to cost money, it’s important to remember that most of this money is going to tax credits that will reduce premiums and help people get better coverage. And while the President appreciated the participation and input of everyone involved, he doesn’t think we can just scrap a year’s worth of work and start over. There’s too much at stake. Review a few of the Republican initiatives included in legislation passed by Congress:
- Includes personal responsibility incentives: Allows health insurance premium to vary based on participation in proven employer wellness programs
- Advances medical liability reform through grants to States: Provides grants to States to jump-start and evaluate promising medical liability reform ideas to put patient safety first, prevent medical errors, and reduce liability premiums.
- Extends dependent coverage to age 26: Gives young adults new options.
- Allows automatic enrollment by employers in health insurance: Allows employee to opt-out.
- Mechanisms to improve quality.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Other Lay-offs in Oconee Area. Pilgrims Pride closed one of its 2 Athens processing plants in October last year; After Six – an Athens company that sells formal wear closed its North Chase Street operation in August of last year; and Power Partners laid off 58 productions workers and 15 salaried workers last month, January 2010.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Health Reform Summit with Both Parties and Obama – Failed. The public insisted, so Obama scheduled a meeting of both party leaders to try to gain some support from the Republicans for the Reid-Obama Health Care bill going through the Senate. He promised TV broadcast so the transparency was evident, but the Republican ideas were ignored as all the world could see. So it was a complete failure as for as including Republican ideas into the bill. After today’s “debate” they go back to the House and Senate floors to continue ignoring any better ideas for health care. What a waste of time and money to be at the same standstill as before the summit. But it will be classified in the history books as a reach-out President who achieved the greatest piece of legislation in American history by having a bi-partisan summit. This presupposes that the ObamaCare health care bill will pass and he will sign it into law.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Oconee School System Retirements. A total of 4 principals will retire at the end of the school year, it was announced today. They are: Tom Odom (Malcom Bridge Middle), Jackie Carson (Colham Ferry Elementary), Pat Points (Oconee Primary) and John Osborne. At the end of 30 years of service, retirement is certainly earned said Board Member Tom Breedlove. Finding 4 new principals will be no problem at all said Board Chairman David Weeks. The Oconee School System has a standing waiting list of qualified people who wish to sign on with the system, he said. They will began shifting through the applications soon and should have all positions filled by the beginning of the next school year.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Extreme Cuts In Georgia Budget. Extreme budget cuts were announced today by the Governor’s Office. The Chanselor of UGA Regents, Erroll Davis told UGA Officials and the other 34 colleges under the state educational system to cut $300 million from next year’s FY 2011 (beginning July 1, 2010) budget. For last year’s budget which began July 1, 2009, Governor Sonny Perdue said “Cutting the budget has forced a number of difficult decisions, but we have managed the state in a thoughtful, conservative way to ensure Georgians are receiving value for their tax dollars. We have maintained triple-a bond ratings, saving the state tens of millions of dollars, and funded our top priorities to ensure the basic responsibilities of state government are being met.” It was cut $2.5 BILLION then. Now comes another BILLION cut for this year with 3 major entities hit hardest: UGA, the State Botanical Gardens and public radio station WUGA broadcasting. Under these additional severe cuts, can the state still give citizens “value for their tax dollar”?
Friday, February 26, 2010
Son of Marie Osmond Commits Suicide. Marie Osmond’s son, Michael, left a suicide note tonight for a woman who lived in his apartment building, and shortly after she retrieved it she heard the ominous sirens below according to law enforcement in California. Michael Blosil was supposed to hang out with the woman Friday night, but left her a text just before 9 PM, telling her he had left a note for her in his apartment. The woman went to Michael’s apartment and his roommates let her in. Sources say the group found the note, which said, among other things the woman was his only good friend in L.A. and he was very unhappy.
The note also mentioned things he would be doing for the very last time. It did not mention suicide. The roommates, who up until that point knew nothing was wrong, and the woman became alarmed, but very shortly thereafter they heard sirens and saw emergency vehicles on the street and figured out what happened. An autopsy is being conducted. He was her 20-year old adopted son.
Saturday, February 27, 2010.
U S Congressman John Linder Retires. Linder (67) announced today that he will finish out this year (2010) in Congress and say goodbye to the U S House. Linder has represented 7th Congressional District in Georgia and has been the chief proponent and sponsor of the Fair Tax in the United States Congress. The 7th District changed slightly over the 19 years he has served due to the census and redistricting from each of the parties in control, but the main counties have remained: Barrow, Walton and Gwinnett. He introduced the Fair Tax bill 10 years ago. He teamed up with talk radio host Neal Boortz and wrote several books to educate the public on what the tax would mean. It’s focus was on getting everybody that participated in consumerism to contribute no more than 23% sales tax for the common good with no personal federal income tax. The public is still trying to figure out how it would work and consequently the idea has lost some of it’s appeal. Linder plans to move to Mississippi to be near his children and grandchildren. No one has announced to run in the solidly conservative district but a few have shown interest: State Senators David Shafer (R-Duluth) and Don Balfour (R-Snellville).
Saturday, February 27, 2010.
Town Center Retail Store Closes Doors. Emma Laura, a Watkinsville retail for unusual gifts whose owner Tanner Thornton said she is closing because she wants to assist her husband, Jeremy Thornton with the opening of his second Zaxby’s fast food restaurant. She
Town Center Shops on Main
is a natural in the retail business having both parents running businesses and a husband owning a business. Being a bride for just over a year, she said she looks forward to working along side her husband. “Emma Laura is not in financial trouble,” she said, its just time to renew the lease on the Town Center space and it was good timing to close shop and work in marketing the new Zaxby’s.” Tanner’s father-in-law, Mike Thornton owns Town Center.
Saturday, February 27, 2010.
Miss Legend Pageant. The competition was held tonight at the Oconee County Civic Center for 21 contestants who displayed a lot of talent in their performance that was cast in the ‘60s. The young ladies were all so beautiful with varied talents – Cate Cpodonico guided her prize-winning cow across the stage. All proceeds will go to Relay for Life.
Saturday, February 27, 2010.
Earthquake Hits Chile. The 8.8-magnitude quake on Saturday destroyed or seriously damaged hundreds of thousands of homes, wrecked bridges and highways, cracked modern buildings in the capital’s suburbs, shattered vats at Chile’s famous vineyards and briefly shut down some of the world’s richest copper mines. The government initially said it would be able to cope with reconstruction costs out of its budget. But it misjudged the scale of the damage, which according to one estimate could reach $30 billion, or about 15 percent of the South American country’s gross domestic product. The quake and the ensuing tsunamis it triggered demolished coastal towns and villages and caused serious damage across a large area of south-central Chile, including the country’s second-largest city, Concepcion. Terrified by dozens of powerful aftershocks, survivors in some of the worst-hit towns are living in makeshift shelters and abandoned cars on hillsides as rescue workers search the rubble for survivors and troops patrol to quell looting. Corpses have started to wash ashore in the wrecked coastal town of Constitucion and search teams with dogs scoured a tsunami-battered island where hundreds of people had been camping. The receding tide left a mangled waterfront and dark stains up to six feet (1.8 meters) on the sides of buildings. So far, 802 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more are feared missing; the death toll is likely to rise. Officials in some areas said they had called off the search for survivors and were focusing on distributing aid.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Big Hearts Pageant Featuring ESP Campers. Big Hearts is a program created many years ago by the International Civitan Club to enhance the life of mentally challenged individuals. Camp Big Heart: on an international level, Civitan is devoted to improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. This focus began in the 1950s when Civitan funded some of the first special education training for school teachers. That commitment continues today through local and international efforts such as summer camps, vocational programs, special Olympic games and cutting-edge research, therapies and clinical services at the Civitan International Research Center. Locally, the Winterville and Oconee Civitan Club donate funds toward the research at the UAB Civitan International Research Center and also supports Camp Big Heart each year. Georgia Civitan Clubs sponsored 37 campers this year. Camp Big Heart in Oconee is held at the ESP (Extra Special People) building on VFW Drive in Watkinsville. It has been in existence since 1984, is a boarding summer camp offering a broad range of recreation activities designed specifically for children and adults who are mildly to moderately mentally challenged and who are ambulatory. The Big Heart Pageant not only benefits the camper, but the whole family. About 500 people attended the event to see the 40 ESP participants shine on stage in their “sunday” best at the 3rd Annual event. They all sang theme from “Love Story”. About $5,000 was received from the $8 tickets.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Georgia Drivers Waiting Longer. The wait at the Driver Services to renew or get a new license is longer since the budget cut-backs this year in the Department of Public Safety. Last year in 2008, the average wait time was 5 minutes – 22 seconds. In 2009, it increased to 10 minutes – 54 seconds. The Department has increased the many services that can be completed online at their Web site. However, for that renewal or new license, one must still wait in line for the testing. With further cuts on the horizon, longer waiting times may become the norm.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Reading Book Club List for 2010 Announced. The Oconee Democrats sponsor a book club whereby the Democratic members select the book to read each month and then have a meeting at 5-Points Deli to discuss the book content. The list includes:
* March 31 – Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
* April 28 – Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
* May 28 – A People’s History of the United States: 1492 to Present by Howard Zinn Part I
* June 30 – A People’s History of the United States: 1492 to 2010 by Howard Zinn Part II
* July 28 – Engaging the Muslim World by Juan Cole
* August 25 – Race & Reunion: The Civil War by David Blight
* September 29 – The Limits of Power: End of Am. Exceptionalism by Andrew Bacevich
* October 27 – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
* November TBA – There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Faye Green
* December TBA –
The Club president encourages Republicans to attend and engage themselves in the discussion. Note that the title of most books are written by men and women of the progressive persuasion (the titles suggest so).
Sunday, February 28, 2010.
Winter Olympics – U S Brought 37 Medals Home. Germany won the most Gold Metals – 10. The final ceremony was fantastic – beautiful extravaganza. A tribute was paid to the Greeks although they did not win any medals. As the originator of all the World Olympic Games, they are always recognized in some fashion at each of the Games. In 4 years, the 22nd Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia. The final and most watched event this year was the Gold Medal Hockey Game which was between the USA and Canada. Hockey is the home sport of Canada and they really wanted to win the Gold. Last weekend a young USA team beat the Canadian team and that set up a really great final. The Canadians broke to a two-zip lead. The US team fought back to make it 2-1 after two periods. Then, with only 24 seconds left in the third period, the US tied the score. In the end the Canadians won the Gold by scoring in overtime.
The End.
The “What Happened” in the Month is a collection of short descriptions for the events that took place within the most recent month, but may not be inclusive. Information listed is from various sources: personal attendance at events, paraphrasing of newscasts; Washington Post, Associated Press, various Web sites, Fox News TV, George Will and other writers, the Atlanta Constitution, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the Oconee Enterprise, the Athens Banner Herald, the Augusta Chronicle, the Bainbridge Searchlight News, NewsMax, USA Today, the Patriot and Talk Radio (1340). For details on any item, go to the long write-up under the heading ARTICLE. However, some items on this page may not have a corresponding longer Article.
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