aPVOC-GA

Posted By Kate on August 4, 2010

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
St Mary’s in Oconee Opens Alzheimer Center.    After inspection by the Department of

St Mary's Hospice at Highland Hills

 Community Affairs, the 22,000 sq ft facility for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center opened for occupancy today. The Center is an addition to the Highland Hills Village assisted living facility and Hospice set in a beautiful wooded area just inside Oconee County on Jennings Mill Road. The new building will accommodate 34 patients. The assisted living area is occupied by 18 individuals and the independent quarter rents 77 apartments. The cost of the room with a garden view is
about $4,150 per month; the cost of a suite goes for $5,200 per month. The admission fee is $2,500. It is Oconee’s finest complete care for the elderly.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
John Gentry is Home From Afghanistan.    John is the Director of Oconee Parks and Recreation and was given a leave of absence to spend a year in the Middle East. He was on active duty with his National Guard Unit for the past year. He is glad to be home with his family of 2 young girls and their mother. This was John’s second tour to the war zone: he spent a year on active duty in Iraq several years ago. He says the 2 countries are vastly different in many ways and that Iraq is more modernized with good roads and traffic laws, but most roads in Afghanistan are dirt and no evidence of traffic signs. He corresponded with his family via the Internet with videos on a weekly basis. Lisa Davol was made Interim Director while John was away, but now that he is back, he will resume his responsibility. Will he be called for another stint of duty? Who knows?

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Fee for License Tag Diverted to General Fund.   If you have been paying $25 for a tag that depicts a picture of wildlife (deer, hummingbird, eagle, etc.) or some other cause thinking that the extra cost would go into a designated fund called the Non-Game Wildlife Conservation and Wildlife Habitat Acquisition Fund (NGC&WHAF) , for protection of wildlife, that has partially ended. Legislators in the last session approve a bill to put the extra money into the state’s general fund with other taxes to help fill the gap cause by the bleeding of state revenues. This is how it works: The tags will now cost $35 flat fee plus a $35 annual renewal fee. Of the $70, the NGC&WHAF will get $10 each year and the remainder will go into the general fund. Glen Dowling, Executive V-President of the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) is afraid that the new fee will discourage buyers especially in the hard economic times. The GWF program is not part of the state budget and most of their budget of $1.8 million comes from the tag sales. Other special fees paid by citizens and collected by the state such as the one on cell phones was designed to improve 911 communications but has been diverted to the general fund. Fees are collected on court proceedings to be returned to local governments to train police officers, but landed in the general fund instead. Another incident: Trash haulers are charged a fee each time they take trash to a state landfill, a fee which was designated to support the clean-up of toxic waste areas in the state, but ended up in the general fund. Fees are a tax, pure and simple and should not be used to cover the poor management of the state coffers especially in this drastic economic downturn.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Rotary Club Raises $6,600 for Projects.    The sure way to raise funds in Oconee County is to sponsor a meal – chicken or pork BBQ, Chicken Mull, Hot dogs & Hamburgers and various other menus. Parents and individuals are so busy with community activities, that they appreciate being able to drive by and pick up good food. The Oconee Rotary Club members stood long and steadfast to BBQ chickens on the grill at Harris Shoals Park recently. In addition to making a substantial amount of proceeds, they enjoyed meeting and greeting friends as they came by. Proceeds will be used for building handicap ramps, buying and distributing dictionaries for 5th graders, and awarding scholarships for Oconee High School Seniors. Oconee Rotary boasts of about 200 members.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Oconee Utility Department Receives Funds for Upgrade.   Chris Thomas, Director of the Oconee Utility Department (OUD) announced that the department received a $270,000 GEFA (Georgia Environmental Facilities Aid) grant the replacement of an effluent pump station and upgrading the main truck line going to the Calls Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. It also includes the upgrade of the county’s primary sewer transmission line to accommodate future projected flow. The significance in that action is that Oconee County has a high rating for affluence and is not usually awarded grants, but the application was graded by GEFA and found to rank 93 out of 100 points showing the highest score of all applications.  The project will be bid in August and start the work in October. Thomas said that if all goes well, the work should be completed by April 2011.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Oconee Enterprise Teams Up With Chamber to Encourage GO-Local.    Maridee Williams, Oconee Enterprise Business Manager, has introduced an initiative to help local residents to spend money in the county. A raffle will determine the winner of $25 each week that purchased receipts are brought to the newspaper office that add up to $25. Spend $25 and win $25. The contest will run from July 16 through July 19. The county will do a study to determine if the Chamber’s campaign makes a difference in the county sales tax revenue. If every citizen purchased $25 of good and services, it would generate an estimated $300,000 in sales tax.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Soap Maker To Expand in Oconee. Verdae Skin Therapy has been located in Clarke County for the last 5 years, but now the owner wants to move her business to Oconee County to a garage on her property on McRees Mill Road. She makes soaps and similar products. Good, no problem. But wait, the zoning ordinance for that area will only allow a home business to be conducted in the home. Susanne Bourgeois cannot continue to make her soaps, lotions and shampoos in a small kitchen, thus the reason for moving to a bigger square footage in Oconee County. The BOC did not approve her request but made the decision to perhaps modify the ordinance to allow her to bring her business to Oconee County. The Planning Staff will look at the zoning map for a modification and return with an answer for her at the next meeting.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Famous Politician Leaves Wife.    Former U S V President Al Gore and Tipper announced today that they have made a mutual agreement to live apart saying that their marriage had become boring and they had drifted apart since saying their vows 40 years ago. They said the agreement was friendly and that it was not a divorce – just a separation.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Cost of County Services.    Using the taxes collected, does a county come out ahead or behind when paying for services for its citizens? Probably few studies have been done to ascertain the actual cost even though the county budget is always made public. How, for instance, cost effective is the service of providing recycling centers for citizens to dispose of garbage and recyclables? The cost of the land, equipment (bins & fencing), signage for the area, staff to keep the area open, hauling the material to various locations would be included in the assessment and determines the cost paid by your taxes. What is the payback to the

Cost-Benefits Analysis - Dr Jeff Dorfman

county for this one service and is the investment worth it? Dr Jeff Dorfman of UGA’s Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics has created a software program to break down all the costs related to each of all county services. He presented his model to the Board of Commissioners last night and suggested that the county might see some revealing conclusions from applying his model. The cost for the county for the model is $15,000. Will  that service be cost effective? The BOC agreed to take the suggestion under consideration.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Oconee – 80% Response Rate to Census.    With all the data in, Oconee County residents filled out their census forms at a high rate – 80% above last year’s 71%. Oconee’s rate was higher than most surrounding counties: Greene County – 68%; Madison County – 78%; Clarke County – 70%. Overall, Georgia had a 70% response rate while the nation had a 72% rate. Illegals (non-citizens) are not prone to be counted; could that mean that about 28% of the nation’s people who were not counted are illegals?

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Georgia Water Stewardship Act of 2010.    Yesterday, Governor Sonny Perdue signed legislation that contains new rules for water conservation: allows watering everyday but prohibits watering via irrigation systems during the day (from 10 am to 4 pm). All counties must comply and if a county needs tighter restrictions, it must apply for approval to the State EPD. Also, the Act specifies that after 2012, all new construction must install efficiency plumbing systems and low –flow toilets. Also, any loss of water from leaks or pipe damage must be documented and submitted to the state EPD. The Act also stipulates that re-use water must be used where advisable by each Utility Department. The Act is the result of the lawsuit brought against the city of Atlanta by the federal government to show justification for continued use of water withdrawal from Lake Lanier near Rome, GA. It is also an effort to settle the dispute among the 3 states (Georgia, Alabama and Florida) concerning the scarcity of upstream Chattahoochee River water for Alabama and Florida.

Thursday, June 3, 2010
Obama and Governor Meet Over Arizona Immigration Law.    Arizona Governor Jan Brewer called the White House for a meeting with Obama to ask for most of the 1,200 National Guard to be sent to her state and stationed along the Arizona border and to give her state resources to finish the fence. They met and when she emerged, a crowd of about 200 protestors greeted her with “Shame On You” shouts. She said the 2 of them disagreed on how to secure the border and he asked her to “be his partner” in solving the immigration problem. She said the meeting was somewhat cordial, but she did not agree with his statement that the immigration law that she signed to take affect June 29, 2010 was unconstitutional or that it “interfered with his ability” to come up with a comprehensive policy to relieve the nation of the immigration problem.  Before June 29, the Arizona law may be challenged in court even though about 75% of the nation agrees with the law and as many as 85% of Arizonians agree with it.

NOTE: A word from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office: When the local Republican wanted to place a question on the Midterm ballot asking citizens if they would agree with the state of Georgia passing a similar law, the answer was “no” (to placing it on the ballot) because the Oconee law enforcement already checks each person arrested for legal or illegal status. If they are illegal, they are taken by an INS officer and arrangements made for deportation. If Georgia had such a law, all law enforcement would have to go through “unnecessary” federal mandated training which would require an additional cost to the citizens in the form of higher taxes. 

Thursday, June 3, 2010
Chamber Holds Political Forum.   Candidates for the Oconee BOC and the BOE faced an audience of about 100 voters tonight in the plush auditorium of the NO Hi Sch. Tim Bryant from 1340 talk radio was the moderator. Incumbent Commissioner Margret Hale and newcomer Tammy Gilland squared off in a civil debate with most of their answers very similar. Exception: Gilland seems to have more experience on a bigger scale having been employed for the last 20 years at UGA as the Senior Director of Constituent Programs. The BOE candidates were Mack Guest (R), Mark Thomas (R) and Carter Strickland (D) vying for Post 2. All gave good answers to the questions although they were similar. Exception: Mark Thomas is making his first run for public office and he seemed to have a little different take on the issues. Strickland answered the questions with very pronounced difference with the other candidates. The State level candidates running for the seat vacated by Rep Bob Smith were: Tommy Malcom (R), Hank Huckabee (R), Kirk Shook and Suzy Compere (D).  

Thursday, June 3, 2010
Happier Ending For 12-year Old Abused Boy.   The boy’s mother and step father were sentenced to 40 years behind bars. The abused boy and his 6-year old brother were placed in a foster home in Oconee County during the trial, but they had only 2 changes of clothes.  UGA co-ed Emily Duncan posted a plea for help for the young boys and asked that donations be sent to a Healing Heart Fund set up for them. However, if goods were to be donated, she had no place for collection. The Oconee Sheriff’s Office on Experiment Station Road in Watkinsville  in conjunction with the Victim Witness Assistance Program at their office on E Clayton St in Clarke County agreed today to be collection points for donated goods. The older brother wears a size 28 waist pants and is a Michael Jackson fan. The 6-year old wears size 8 clothes, size 4 shoes and likes fishing and other water activities.

Friday, June 4, 2010
Barrow County Gets 100 New Jobs.   Schultz Container Systems, a company that manufactures plastic containers for liquids (drinks and water) will relocate its Doraville Plant to Barrow County. The company will first build a 300,000 sq ft facility and add more space late to conclude with 580 sq ft. The news was announced by Linda Moore, Vice President of the Barrow County Development Council. The move has been in the planning stage for about 4 years and will cost the company about $50 million. When completed within the next 5 years, more than 300 jobs are expected to be available. Barrow County Commission Chairman Danny Yearwood is encouraging a $10 million sewer up-grade to accommodate the new plant but also to give the residents in all of Auburn all the capacity that they will need.

Friday, June 4, 2010
Sam’s Club Remodeling.   Although Sam’s Club is located in Clarke County, residents from the surrounding counties shop regularly at the Big Box store including many from Oconee County. The 18-year old, 136,000 sq ft facility is being remodeled at a cost of $1.5 million. Most items are sold wholesale and accommodate small businesses who purchase for re-sale. The store has 10 managers and employs about 200 people.

Friday, June 4, 2010
Politics & BBQ & Norm Grayson.   For about 40 years now, Norm Grayson of Grayson Realty, Inc. has offered his beautiful home and surroundings to the community for BBQ and other gatherings. This annual Spring BBQ today at his home off Hodges Mill Road may be the final event as Norm contemplates retiring the tradition. About 125 people attended to hear public office candidates lay out their goals and commitments to serving the voters who were present. Special guests were US Senator Johnny Isakson, former Athens Mayor, Upshaw Bentley, Secretary of State Brian Kemp and Athens Mayor Heidi Davidson. 

Saturday. June 5, 2010
Oconee Rotary Builds 25^th Ramp.   Oconee resident, Joe Parrish, 90, needed a way to get in and out of his home easily. Rotary members came to the rescue by building a handicap/wheelchair ramp at his home. Ed Ogletree, Joe Chaffin, Seth Taylor, Todd Whitaker, Art Zimmerman, Bob Marable, Jerry Coker, Leonard Meyers and Jay Hubert put the ramp together which is number 25 for the local Rotary Club. Oconee Rotary was chartered in 1980 with 11 charter members and grew to 77 members currently. About 60 members are active. The first and oldest service club, Rotary was formed in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris. The Rotary name was derived from the members rotating their meetings among the offices of the membership and their purpose was community service. The club idea grew and by 1925, there were 20,000 members nationwide. The clubs must adhere to 4 criteria: Service must 1) be the truth, 2) must be fair, 3) must build goodwill and enhance friendships and 4) must be beneficial to all concerned. As it grew, their work expanded to include addressing illiteracy, world hunger, children at risk, environmental degradation and more. The club motto is “service above self.” Along the way, Rotary International was created and now Rotary is known and exists worldwide. Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to over 32,000 Rotary Clubs in 200 countries. The Oconee Club meets every Tuesday morning at 7 am at the Watkinsville Community Center on VFW Drive. Our own Judge Lawton Stephens is president this yea. To join, go to their Web site at www.oconeecountyrotary.org and click on Joining Rotary.

Saturday. June 5, 2010
Saturday Strolls In Nature.    Dr Pat Priest organized a walk around Harris Shoals Park today. Anyone who wishes to join her can pay the $5 that is donated to the favorite charity of the tour guide, Dr Ann Stone Burner and Dr Tony Glenn, who will describe mosses and mushrooms as they with stroll participants along the banks of the stream. They will state that there are 4 main groups of plants – mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants. In general. People do not understand mosses and mushrooms which are considered lower on the plant chain. Mosses belong to a group that does not have an elaborate root system, grow low on the ground and can hold moisture for long periods of time. They are usually found in mounds and are rich in nitrogen, an element that is vital to plant growth. Mosses may also be a symbol like the “canary in the coal mines” – an indicator of the health of soil ecology.  Stoneburner studied botany ecology at Duke and branched out into moss ecology while Glenn studied ecology at UGA and then branched out into plant pathology. The area is rich in natural beauty starting with a spring that flows into a small lake and continues flowing over large rocks and then winds along the edge of the park and under a walking bridge before flowing under Experiment Station Road as Calls Creek. The project was started last year with history as the theme and walkers concentrated on the history of various markers in the city, visiting the Oconee Farmer’s Market behind the historic Eagle Tavern and hearing the history of a naturalist William Bartram who identified many native plants in the North Georgia area in late 1770s.  Strolls in the past have attracted about a dozen people. Today, about 18 people attended. Strolls will take place around Harris Shoals Park each Saturday during the summer months through July 31.

Saturday. June 5, 2010
School Budget Comparisons in Athens Area.    The 10 counties surrounding Athens that have been dubbed the “Athens Surrounding Area,” have a population similar to each other when each is compared to the population of Clarke County. However, the school systems are very different depending on the demographics (race, economic level, age, etc). Below are the school budgets for the current year for 8 of the counties:
Clarke: $122 million
Barrow: $99 million
Commerce City: $12 million
Madison: $39 million
Oglethorpe: $20 million
Jefferson City: $18 million
Jefferson County: $86 million
Oconee: $56 million
Note that a combination of the schools in Jefferson County (county and both cities) is almost equal to Clarke County’s budget. Funds have been cut from all Georgia school systems by an amount of almost $1 BILLION ($900 million) for the coming year to fill the gap of the lowest revenue intake at the state level in over 40 years. And now, these systems may be asked to make further budget reductions in the face of projections for a worse economy for the FY 2011 than we experienced for FY 2010.

Sunday, June 6, 2010
Matt Alexander Gives Tips On the “Interview.”    Oconee resident Matt Alexander wants to save you some time in seeking a job – “Forget the job – Nail the Interview.”  With many looking for work during this economic slump, the advice is valuable and timely. If you pass the interview, most likely you can handle the job, but if the interview screening rules you out, you won’t have the chance. Alexander has more than 25 years of experience on both sides – interviewer and interviewee.  He has written a book by that title which presents some good tips on how to ace the interview. He says a key factor that carries more weight with the Interviewer then most folks realize, is the answer to the question: “Can you tell me about yourself?” The book is available through Amazon.com and can be ordered by e-mailing interviewman@yaaho.com.

Sunday, June 6, 2010
Conservation Use Permit (CUP) Investigated.   Having land in a CUP is a tremendous savings in tax dollars for Oconee taxpayers. If the land is being used for some type of agriculture or conservation of nature, animal habitat or to grow a garden, it partially qualifies for a CUP. If the acreage is 10 or more acres, it partially qualifies. And if the land is not changed for a period of 10 years, it partially qualifies. A failure to abide by any one of these covenants will revoke the CUP permit. Employees of the Tax Assessors’ office have been checking with land owners in the county to assess an update. Recently a few landowners were in violation; the permits were revoked and a fine paid (the fine amounts to twice the amount of taxes that would have been paid with no CUP for each year in violation). Each year, tax payers apply for the CUP; this year a total of 125 parcels were added to the list. To date, there are 1,845 parcels with CUPs. How much land is that? It is 10% of all the CUPs in Oconee County which is a total of about 70,000 acres.

Monday, June 7, 2010
Georgia Bankers Association Installs Oconee’s Chuck Williams As Chairman.   Chuck is the CEO and President of the Community North Georgia Bank located on US 441 adjacent to the RaceTrack petro station.  He started NGBank 10 years ago selling shares to the Oconee Community and it has served Oconee citizens well. As Chairman of the state organization, he will serve as the liaison between the public and the banking organizations to stay abreast of the latest in the banking industry. He will coordinate the industry’s government relationship, supervise the grassroots advocacy projects and effectively monitor the GBA’s services to other banks. He will also help Georgia banks increase profitability. The industry will be well served by his leadership, experience and commitment.  Chuck is an Oconee native with degrees from UGA. The GBA is a 117-year old organization that promotes the health and optimal performance of Georgia’s banks.

Monday, June 7, 2010
Prince Avenue School Names Outstanding Teachers.   They call it the 2010 Colossians 3:23 Educator of the Year Awards. Theresa Bettis, Sue Nell Smeltzer and Joann Drake were each presented the award which was given by an entity that wishes to remain unknown. “It is recognition of the Best of The Best,” said the head master. The award is named in reference to the Bible Verse which reads “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ that you are serving.”

Monday, June 7, 2010
Governor Perdue Visits Havana, Cuba – Trade Prospects.   The Governor and a crew of officials delegates (about 40) from the farming, law makers, pot authorities and UGA researchers to assess the degree of trade for food products to the communist island. The delegation did not plan to meet with the Cuban President, Raul Castro or Fidel. Trade of agricultural items has been allowed since 2000 when the 50-year old embargo was lifted for essential items. According to the Department of Commerce, Georgia is 3^rd in a list of states that trade with Cuba and the communist country has been engaged in heavy buying of food products since 2004. Perdue thinks that one day, the embargo could be lifted on all goods and services and that Georgia should be ready to take travelers at Atlanta’s International airport. His visit was as much to establish a rapport with Cuban officials as to further and increase the current trading agreements.

Monday, June 7, 2010
   Jimmy Parker of Precision Planning, Inc gave the BOC an update of the work progress on the Hard Labor Creek Reservoir that Walton County and Oconee County are sharing. Oconee’s share of the total cost of the Reservoir is about 29% of the $400 million. The amount budgeted for land acquisition is $35 million and so far about 1/3 of that fund has been spent to acquire 1,191 acres of the total land needed (2,389 acres). Of the 165 parcels to be acquired, 80 have been closed, 14 are being negotiated and 71 are yet to be approached, he said. Most of the land yet to be acquired lies in 3 large farms. Parker said that the project is under budget and on time. The big hurdle in any large development is acquiring the many permits that must be approved by the state. He reminded that all

Hard Labor Creek Outline

Hard Labor Creek Up-date.

Hard Labor Crrek Reservoir Stats

 permits have been approved: the withdrawal permit from the Apalachee River; the general water withdrawal permit in the immediate area and the wetlands mitigation from the Corps of Engineers. The Reservoir Management Board consists of 3 Oconee officials (Commissioner Jim Luke, County Finance Officer Jeff Benko and retired UGA Accountant Hank Hucklebee) with 4 Walton County Officials. Parker states that the slowdown in the economy has had little effect on the progress with bids from sub-contractors coming in lower than previously predicted. At completion date, 2015, the Reservoir will supply about 12 million gallons per day to Oconee citizens and about 30 million gallons per day for Walton citizens.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Early Voting Slim.   Yesterday (June 7), was the first day for a period of 45 days (ends July 16) to vote early and skip the hassles of crowds. Pat Hayes, Director of Elections & Registration Office said that she “expected it to be slow in the beginning, but she felt that it would pick up later on.” The only place set up for early voting is in her office. If the crowd gets big at some point, she said she would open up the Civic Center as a second place to cast a vote. A few votes drifted in for the first 2 days.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday State Primary Elections Most Revealing.   For a few States, Primary elections were held to eliminate the many candidates for one office down to 1 for each party. All the seats in the US House are up for re-election with many incumbent Democrats being challenged by Republicans. Although, the electorate is angry with incumbents on the Republican side as well, not as many of them are being challenged.  In Nevada, State Rep Sharon Angle, with the backing of the TEA Party votes, won the nomination for the Republican to run against US Sen Harry Reid. In Arkansas, the Democrats wanted Democratic Sen Blanche Lincoln out and put in a more liberal Democrat, but Lincoln won the Democratic nomination. She will face  Republican Rep. John Boozman in November. In South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary, Rep Nikki Haley (running for Governor of SC) had 49 percent of the vote with returns counted from 90 percent of the precincts. Barrett trailed with 22 percent. She will face Rep. Gresham Barrett in a June 22 runoff. In California, Meg Whitman emerged as the Republican to challenge the Democratic nominee, Jerry Brown for Governor of California.  HP CEO Carly Fiorina, the female billionaire, won the primary to challenge Sen Barbara Boxer. The Conservatives are doing well in all primary elections. More to come from the rest of the nation on July 20.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Governor Perdue Vetoes Golf Cart Bill.    The bill was to allow golf carts on the road if the driver had a driver’s license with a section attached that would make it a violation of the road speed if a motorist going too slow in the fast lane refused to move over or speed up in line with the speed limit. It was introduced by Sen Jeff Mullins from Chickamauga who was trying to boost cart sales in his district, but the unintended consequence (non-licensed drivers – kids and senior citizens would have to get a legitimate license) were not thought wise so a veto was expected.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
UGA Regents Set to Impose Surcharge On Health Insurance.   The committee that oversees health insurance for all employees in the State’s public University Education System is meeting today to determine how much more to charge employees on their health insurance. The ball park figure is $50 for spouses, an additional $50 for a tobacco user and increasing the number of hours an employee must work per week (from 20 to 30 hours) to qualify for the insurance. And they will consider whether to eliminate health care for retirees that are hired in the future and requiring new employees to take out a higher deductible insurance plan. They will meet again tomorrow and their decision may not be forthcoming until August when they normally make such changes to the system.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Governor Perdue Vetoes Tax Break Legislation.    House Bill 1023 was meant to relieve the tax burden on individuals’ personal income tax and had passed both chambers, but it would have cost the state about $350 million in lost revenue. Instead, the Governor appointed a team called the Tax Reform Study Committee to look at Georgia’s tax laws during this coming year, and simplify them with a recommendation in January to the 2011 Session of Legislators for major changes. Signs indicate that state tax revenues will be down even more for year 2011 and “a tax decrease would not have been wise at this time,” said Perdue. Bill 1023 would have cut the capital gains tax in half.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Candidate Forum Organized by Citizens.   Citizens Russ Page and Lee Becker were on hand to moderate the forum with BOE, BOC and District 113 (former Rep Bob Smith’s seat) candidates taking questions from the audience. The event was held at the Oconee Veterans Park in the large room (cafeteria/conference) and began at 7 pm. About 80 residents filled the room and asked questions impromptu. Question asked of candidates (Hank Huckabee, Tommy Malcom, Kirk Shook and Suzzy ) running for District 113: what piece of legislation would you introduce if elected? Each had their favorite issue but all wanted to send up a bill that would help education and transportation. All said they would not sign a pledge to never increase taxes except Kirk Shook who signed the pledge. When asked if the Georgia Constitution should be amended to allow the Governor to appoint the offices of School Superintendent, Agriculture Commissioner, Secretary of State and Insurance Commissioner, all said “no” and that they should be elected officials that had to answer to the voters. When asked of the 3 candidates running for the school board (Mark Thomas and Mack Guest), if the current Oconee School Superintendent should be retained or fired since the debacle concerning the firing of North Oconee High School Principal John Osborne, both Republicans replied “should be retained” while the only Democrat (Carter Strickland) said, “he should be fired.”

Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Sharing – Ribbon Cutting for Trails at Heritage Park.   The bikers and the horseback riders needed a place to enjoy their riding excursions. Heritage Park is about 400 acres, the greater portion is covered in hardwoods and pines, so it was the perfect place to construct a long winding trail that would satisfy both groups. The ribbon cutting today signified the 2 groups have worked together to make the trail a reality with a cleared path suitable for both horse foot and bike tire with various plant varieties marked along the way. The cyclists have been using their path for about 10 years almost daily for some 35 cyclists. They invited the equestrians (about 15) to map out a plan with some modification and the 2 groups jelled. Both are responsible for keeping the path clear of fallen limbs and overgrown brush while the Parks & Rec personnel actually do the work. The Chamber sponsored the ribbon cutting which lasted about 15 minutes.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Oconee Courthouse Blues.   After recommending that the county build a separate building from the courthouse to hold judicial proceedings, the Land Use & Transportation Citizen Advisory Committee discussed the cost of such a venture. The main courthouse is bursting at the seams – everybody needs more space (county business has grown in the last several years). The problem is the unsafe situation created when court is in session and prisoners, families, lawyers, deputies and judges must be shuffled through the front entrance and sometimes through crowds of people that visit the courthouse for non-court business. The courthouse must be renovated and expanded within the next 5 to 10 years at a cost of about $50 per sq ft to total about $2.4 million. The cost of land and a new judicial building per sq ft is about $220 (at today’s prices). Together, the cost would be a total of nearly $22 million to bring both parts of the courthouse business up to sufficient space. The Advisory Committee will present a power point presentation to the Board of Commissioners at their next regular meeting. Without funds to follow up on the Committee’s recommendation, the project may be 10 years before implementation begins. By then, the needs may have multiplied and a new study will probably be conducted.

Thursday, June 10, 2010
 City Park to Grow Bigger.  The Watkinsville City Council is in the process of discussing the addition of acreage for Harris Shoals Park, the largest park in the city. The only other park is Rocket Ball Field. Mayor Joe Walter says that Harris Shoals is being used more and more and sometimes it lacks enough space for the event. He and Council propose enlarging the park by annexing land (about 8 acres) that is adjacent to the park beyond the small lake. The group heard Ms Nina Butler from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission talk about how to apply for a grant to extend the park area. Many funding sources are out there and application should be made to more than one source, she said. Mayor Walter said that plans were tentative and certainly long range; “we’re only in the discussion stage now, but so far, everybody I have talked to, gave a positive response.”

Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Oil Spill: What Would the Tea Party Do?    They object to Obama. Fine—but it’s worth asking how they would handle something like the gulf oil spill. The Tea Party movement is premised on love for the Constitution. Activists carry a pocket-size copy of the document to underscore their commitment to a strict application of its wise words. They believe that what Obama is putting in place tramples on the Constitution and sacrifice American individuality and ingenuity on the altar of a misplaced view of social justice. The Founding Fathers never envisioned dealing with a hole in the bottom of the ocean causing such havoc that the president would feel compelled to get directly involved in stemming the leak and adjudicating whatever claims might arise. Judging from remarks made Wednesday in Washington by Tea Party adviser and booster Republican Dick Armey, Obama’s demand that BP pony up $20 billion (one year’s worth of profits) for a fund to compensate victims of the spill is so out of line with the Constitution that it’s another cardinal sin against the liberty and freedom of the populist movement aligned on the right against big government in Washington. Armey says there’s nothing in the Constitution that permits a president to decide what compensation should be elicited from a private corporation and how that money is distributed. TEA Partiers are trying to hijack the Constitution, as though their reading of the Founders’ intent is the only true one. At a panel in Washington on Wednesday morning titled “Tea Time: Can There Be a Conservative Populism?” The moment of conception, they agreed, was when President Bush endorsed Arlen Specter, then a Republican, over Club for Growth conservative Pat Toomey. Specter was already seen as a turncoat and emblematic of a party that had lost its conservative moorings. The moment of birth was CNBC commentator Rick Santelli’s February ’09 rant, when he called for a Chicago Tea Party dumping to protest the bank bailout. Santelli is the patron saint of the movement for daring to raise what they call “the moral argument” of taking from the deserving to redistribute to the undeserving, or as one panelist put it, paying for the extra bathroom your neighbor built and couldn’t pay for.
“Let me do one of these nuisance things,” Armey interjected, suggesting Social Security be made voluntary. “If you did that, it would go away. People would not choose to put their hard-earned money into a corrupt government Ponzi scheme.” Cutting back the size of government is great in theory, but if the Tea Party crowd actually succeeded, mused panelist Barone, “will it prove just as unpopular as what these guys [members of the Obama administration] are doing?” Obama is struggling to get command of the crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, and what he’s doing is far from perfect. But when voters consider the alternative, they should ask all these born-again property-rights proponents what it is they would do, besides call their lawyer. Written by Eleanor Clift. But paraphrased by this Web site.

Thursday, June 10, 2010
Oconee BOC Town Hall Meeting.   Note: The following report was written by Gina Lindsey, County Clerk and recorded as minutes of the meeting and presented here verbatim since its written structure could not be improved upon. It gives you a taste of the exchange between citizen and elected official.
A Public “Town Hall” Meeting was held by the Oconee County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at the Oconee County Civic Center. Vice-Chairman Daniell called the meeting to order and welcomed the public.  He explained Chairman Davis was on vacation with his family and passed on his regrets for not being able to attend.  Commissioner Daniell stated the purpose of the public meeting was to discuss economic development in Oconee County. Administrative Officer Alan Theriault served as moderator of the meeting and explained the procedures for making statements and asking questions of the Board of Commissioners. Tammy Gilland spoke on a previous recommendation by the Oconee Athens-Clarke Regional Economic Development Task Force to merge economic development efforts in Oconee County with Athens-Clarke County.  Commissioner Daniell said the money Oconee County is currently spending on economic development is not effective.  Commissioner Luke said the proposal was not set up as an equal partnership and Athens-Clarke County has recognized Oconee County will not join them in the proposed development efforts.  Commissioner Horton stated he is not in favor of any joint endeavor unless it has a positive impact on the citizens of Oconee County.  Commissioner Hale recalled the proposal required Oconee County to give up its local economic development office.  She recognized the importance of the county’s economic development office working with local businesses. Citizen Flynn Warren asked if the county has a system or policy for offering tax abatements to businesses looking to come into Oconee County.  Commissioner Hale stated she would not consider offering tax abatements unless there would be a positive result to the citizens in a short time period.  Commissioner Horton said there is a limit to what can be given.  He noted the county could give up more than the school system.  Commissioner Luke remarked there is no “magic formula” and good judgment would need to be used.  Commissioner Daniell said each business would be looked at on an individual basis. Monica Ali spoke on the lack of land zoned for business or industrial.  Commissioner Daniell stated this is a deterrent for Oconee County and something that needs serious consideration.  Commissioner Luke said he supported appropriate zoning of properties.  Commissioner Horton agreed, and said the county has probably lost some businesses because they do not want to fight a zoning battle.  Commissioner Hale noted the adoption of the Unified Development Code was the first step in the process.  She stated the Board of Commissioners needs to know what the citizens want in the county. Chuck Williams said the Development Authority is concerned over the lack of locations for “blue collar” companies.  Commissioner Luke stated he is in favor of identifying and zoning properties for lower-end industrial and asked for recommendations from the Development Authority and other groups.  He noted the county may need additional zoning classifications.  Commissioner Horton explained the location issue becomes a problem when there are adjoining residential areas.  Commissioner Hale said she supports working with the Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority. Chuck Williams asked if property could be rezoned but taxed at the current use.  The Commissioners said this would be a question for the County Attorney. Matt Elder asked what areas of the county would be appropriate for “blue collar” industrial companies.  Commissioner Luke said the areas backing toward the 316 Corridor and along Hwy. 78 toward the outskirts of the county would be good for industrial zoning.  Commissioner Horton questioned if there are any available properties adjacent to existing industrial uses.  Commissioner Hale said the Board would have to look where infrastructure was in place. Sarah Bell asked the Commissioners to define Economic Development.  Commissioner Daniell replied the county needs more jobs and tax diversification.  Commissioner Luke said the county needs jobs that pay well and development that brings good opportunities to Oconee County.  Commissioner Horton stated the county cannot rely on retail businesses alone and noted it is important to have a good balance.  Commissioner Hale said businesses are needed that will enhance our community, become involved and support the community.  She noted agricultural businesses and small businesses are also important. Larry Ward spoke on the need for industrial zoned areas and economic growth that will not place a burden on taxpayers.  Commissioner Hale recalled the efforts the Board has made over the years to hold down taxes.  Commissioner Horton noted the Board has reduced millage rates and reduced the government’s budget.  Commissioners Daniell said a diversified tax base is a benefit to the community. Andrew Malcom asked if the sale of beer and wine has helped economic development.  Commissioner Daniell explained with the economic downturn, it would be hard to determine.  Commissioner Luke said alcohol license applications have come in slowly, but the county has retained good, stable restaurants.  Commissioner Horton noted some restaurants have opened and some have closed.  Commissioner Hale said she has not seen the detrimental effects that were originally projected. Franklin Shumake said that in his observation, most voters are not interested in economic growth.  He likes the county as it is now and asked the Board to be careful in their decisions regarding growth. Chuck Williams asked if there was a plan in place to keep the “big box” stores in their current buildings/locations.  Commissioner Horton said the commercial corridor along Epps Bridge Parkway is in its infancy and the businesses are there because they attract shoppers from 5-6 counties.  Commissioner Hale noted the Economic Development Staff does a good job in personally keeping in touch with local businesses.  She contended this was another reason not to go to with a regional economic development approach.   Commissioner Luke said if we continue to provide customers, the “big box” stores will not leave. Commissioner Daniell stated he was in favor of regional economic development.  He said the Board will continue to look at the efficiency of the local government. John Caudill asked what the county will do to entice high tech businesses to locate in Oconee County.  Commissioner Daniell said the first step is to have zoning in place.  Commissioner Luke noted the county has a lot to offer, as well as the 316 Corridor.  Commissioner Horton explained the state government is not participating and it is hard to get companies to locate anywhere in the state.  Commissioner Hale agreed a collaboration of state and local governments is necessary. Kenneth Mann asked if Gateway Business Park is the right area to put money into for marketing.  Commissioner Hale stated Gateway Business Park is an asset to the county and expressed the importance of having infrastructure in place.  Commissioner Horton said it is all the county has at this time.  Commissioner Luke suggested if infrastructure was in place it would benefit the surrounding properties for development as well.  Commissioner Daniell said the Board needs a clear picture of what they want to locate there. Flynn Warren asked how the county stands on workforce readiness.  Economic Development Director Rusty Haygood spoke on the Certified Work Ready Community Program and said the county is making progress in identifying its workforce readiness. Chuck Williams said the Land Use Plan directs development to the north end of the county and expressed concerns with the fairness of land values.  Commissioner Daniell said he had no desire to change the Land Use Plan.  Commissioner Luke recalled the majority of the citizens have said that is what they wanted.  Commissioner Horton agreed the majority of the citizens responded positively to the plan.  Commissioner Hale said she has been assured this is the desire of the citizens in the south end of the county.  Commissioner Luke remarked he was in favor of the transfer of development rights if there was a way to do it without requiring taxpayer dollars. Russ Page stated the TDR Committee studied programs around the U.S. and recommended the Board move forward with a TDR Program.  Commissioner Daniell said he was not opposed to the transfer of development rights, but there is no funding at this time to bring in a consultant. Tom Little asked how the county was going to market itself and what grade the Board would give on how it’s marketing now. Commissioner Daniell answered once the Board has a vision and direction, it can determine its marketing plans.  Commissioner Luke said there are different subjects to be graded on, but those that know Oconee County perceive it well.  Commissioner Horton pointed out the amenities of the county and suggested looking at the University of Georgia as a “gift.” He reiterated the state needs to work with the local governments.  Commissioner Hale noted the Board has made great strides in marketing the county.  She said the Board is looking to find out how citizens want the county to be marketed. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Thursday, June 10, 2010
TEA Partyers Doing Any Good?    “The people that are sad and angry with the direction our country is headed since Obama took office are determined to get involved and reverse some of the misguided policies that are suffocating our freedoms. How? By standing up and being heard and voting to replace a Congress that is out of touch with the majority of Americans especially on the economy.” The above is their bottom line and their goal. But you wouldn’t know that by reading or listening to any news media. They get it wrong by not doing a thorough investigation and telling the truth about the movement. Instead when the movement is mentioned, it is couched in negative language and downplaying the effect on the political scene as minor. The movement, a good 6 million strong to date, consists of many 2-parent working families who have been busy with raising a family and have had little time for politics thus far. Obama has awakened their interest because of the radical policies he is putting in place. They are playing “catch up” education-wise and many are even appalled at the current political happenings. Some are even afraid that it is too late to make a difference; others say they will do what they can in November at the polls. Whether the TEA Partyers are making headway in their quest, time will tell, but it’s for certain they are not doing any harm.

Thursday, June 10, 2010
New Study on Oil Spill Amount.   At the 52 day mark, with the most recent attempt at plugging the spewing pipe still not a complete success, a study shows that more has been leaking than first estimated. New estimate suggests that, if the flow has been more or less consistent since the April 20 blowout, approximately 53.6 million to 64.3 million gallons of oil have emerged from the well. That is roughly five to six times the amount spilled in Alaskan waters in 1989 by the Exxon Valdez. The new figures, obtained Thursday by The Washington Post and soon to be officially announced by the U.S. Geological Survey, indicate that early estimates of the flow rate by the federal government and oil giant BP were not even close to the mark.

Friday, June 11, 2010
Oconee County Nursery Donates Over 1000 Trees to Area.   Select Trees, Inc. located on Cole Springs Road, is part of The Select Sustainable Tree Trust (SSTT). They have made a $1 million donation of various oak trees to the UGA campus and areas around Oconee County. Select Trees was created by UGA Alumni and pledged to supply 1000 trees for the next 10 years to the area. The 10-year old trees are about 6 to 8 inches across and will replace some very old and diseased trees and some that have been damaged by storms. There are about 6,000 trees on all of the main campus and the grounds department staff spends all year monitoring their health, pruning and replacing. A few young trees were replaced by the older Select oaks at the Veterans Memorial Park in Oconee at a cost of $86,400 but at no cost to the county. However, the Commission approved $33,000 SPLOST funds to remove the existing young trees and replant them near the backside of the park plus $1,500 for water bags placed around each tree.

Friday, June 11, 2010
Oconee County Pilot Club Sponsors Positive Behaviors Workshop.  The Club held the workshop for teachers, parents and families in the Oconee Civic Center who interact with Special Needs Children. They were informed by several speakers from Emory University in Atlanta who gave many points on skill sets to entice positive behaviors from these children. The Club donates to the Special Olympics and to Extra Special People regularly. About 200 people attended the 1-day workshop including about a dozen Pilot Club members.

Monday, June 14, 2010
Oconee Board Approves Timeline for Filling Vacant BOE Post 5 Seat.    Chairman David Weeks said, “To fill the vacancy for Post 5, I would like to propose the following: that we have an open application process to fill this vacancy. This will allow the public the opportunity to apply for this position. We will then select from the pool of candidates a person to fill this vacant post. I propose the following timeline: June 15 – July 15: BOE will accept applications. Any citizen that is willing to apply can fill out an application at the Board office. Early August: We will have a special called meeting and allow every citizen that has applied the opportunity to address the board in open session about why they want to be on the BOE. Each candidate will be given three minutes to address the Board. Early September: We will narrow the list down to three candidates. We will have a called meeting and have an interview session in the open meeting with the three candidates. Late September – Early October: We will select a candidate to fill the vacant post. We would like the public to know the qualities that we are looking for in a potential  Board member. Weeks continued with what the application would inform the Board:

•  Must bring a system-wide approach to the board – not a particular school
  agenda or “what part of the county you are from” agenda
•  Must understand the “team” philosophy. Every one of us on this board
  has differing opinions on topics, but we always try to do what is in the
  best interest of the children of our county. We respect each other’s
  opinion and understand that there will be differing opinions.
•  Must not be afraid to take heat for tough decisions. Being on the BOE,
  there will be some tough decisions that need to be made that, in the eye of
  public opinion, might be criticized. You need to have thick skin.
•  We are not here to run the school system; we are here to make sure that
  the school system is run well. We work through the Superintendent. We
  cannot fire a math teacher or a coach; we have to work within the
  guidelines of the system.
•  Must be able to stay in communication with the other board members
  either by phone or email. It is important that you can always be in touch
  with your other board members.”

Monday, June 14, 2010
Town of Bishop Approves Budget. Mayor Johnny Pritchett and the Bishop Town Council approved a $35,100 budget for FY 2011  tonight. Major projected expenditures are as follows:

• $4,300 – GA Power for Street Lights
• $4,000 – City Park Maintenance
• $3,600 – Insurance
• $3,000 – Council Compensation ($600/yr)
• $3,000 – City Projects & Expenses
• $2,600 – Professional Fees
• $2,500 – City Lawn Care
• $2,400 – Training & Meetings Expense
• $9,700 – Small amount for other items for a total of:$35,100
  The town has less than 500 residents and is located on US 441 south of Watkinsville. The major income for the town is projected to be the following: property taxes ($14,000), insurance licenses ($11,300), franchise fees ($8,000) and ad valorem taxes ($1,000) and other small fees.

Monday, June 14, 2010
Watkinsville Mayor Awarded Certificate.   This day – Flag Day – the Sons of the American Revolution, Athens Chapter, presented a certificate to Mayor Joe Walter for the proper display of the flag that waves over Watkinsville City Hall.

Monday, June 14, 2010
Department of Defense (DOD) Awards Funds to Barrow County ROTC Program.   The Barrow County School System had financed the program last year with home money for 130 registered students, but needed to have financial support to continue. In a crowded application competition of more than 220, Barrow’s need was seen as justified for a grant of $90,000. Funds were made available from the DOD to fund only 43 programs of the 85 eligible this year. Both Barrow High Schools will conduct the program – Junior Officer Training Cadet Corps – for a total of 300 students. Students learn the history of the armed forces, proper marching decorum, handling of the flag, personal finance skills and building personal confidence skills.  Some students have turned their lives completely around to become better prepared for life after high school graduation. The program is also a stimulus for staying in school to graduate.

Tuesday. June 15, 2010
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Area. The rain was strong and heavy, the wind was all over the place, thunder and lightning kept piercing the air and put everybody on alert. When it was all over, fires were sparked, trees were downed in the roads and on top of some homes and power lines were altered putting thousands in the dark. About 2.5 inches of rain were recorded at the Ben Epps Airport. However, no deaths have been reported.

Mack Guest - Member Bd of Education

Tuesday. June 15, 2010
BOE Board Member Questions County’s Fee For TAX Collection.    Oconee BOE Board member,  Mack Guest revealed that the county government charges the Board of Education $700,000 for the County Tax Collection Office to send out tax notices and collect the funds and then disperse them to the BOE. He said that the amount seems out of reason and that the money is needed for the School System Budget. However, as explained by the County Administrator, Allen Theriault, it would cost the BOE much more if they had to hire someone to make the collections for them. “In times of a sour economy, we search any and everywhere to find needed funds,” he said. The County and the School District will continue their current agreement as it has been for many years.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Perdue Appoints Brad Bryant as School Board Superintendent.  Georgia School Superintendent Kathy Cox resigned the position to take a job in the Washington DC area and Governor Perdue needed an interim until an election could be held. Brad Bryant has been an educator for his entire career life having worked in several school systems at different levels of responsibility. He currently sits on the State Board of Education and his appointment will insure some amount of continuity. If he wishes to enter the race, he will be required to gather a large number of signatures to run as an independent since the qualifying date had passed when the seat became vacant. Bryant is a conservative Republican but must run as an independent if he enters the race at all. Two other Republicans, John Barge and Richard Woods have already qualified seeking the Republican nomination to go against predicted Democratic nominee, Jim Martin in the November election.

Thursday, June 17, 2010
Google Charged With Illegal Spamming?    Google, Inc. has been sued by AIT, a “two-time” INC 500 Company, who has advertised with Google for years, as the representative plaintiff in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit is based on fraudulent clicks and Google’s refusal to take steps against it even though the company is well aware of the practice and allegedly capable of preventing it. The suit is seeking for class action status. “Google is able to block spamming efforts from its own Google Gmail service and should do the same to protect its pay-per-click advertising clients. However, Google chooses to do nothing because substantive action would both invalidate the current paid search model and because a lot of people are making a lot of money from this,” said Clarence Briggs, AIT’s Chief Executive.

Saturday, June 19, 2010
Local Newspaper OE Wins Awards.   A Newspaper of General Excellence – 3^rd in the State as judged by the Georgia Press Association at a Jekyll Island annual meeting this weekend competing in a group of about 4000 newspapers. The Madison County Citizen finished at 1^st Place for the second year. The Blackshear Times was runner-up. The Oconee Enterprise staff won 4 individual recognition awards: Sports Editor Erik Schmidt finished 1^st in sports category; the Editorial Page was judged second for overall writing; in the special sections category, the write-up of Watkinsville Mayor Jim Luken won 1^st place; Business Coverage category was rated 2^nd; for an innovative marketing campaign ideas, Maridee Williams was recognized; and the feature of the 125-year anniversary of the paper with repeat front page pictures of many of the issues from the past reflected the essence of a weekly for a community received many compliments.

Sunday, June 20, 2010
Chamber Recruiting for Leadership Oconee Class of 2011.    About this time each year, the Oconee Chamber starts its advertisement for citizens to sign up for Leadership Oconee, a year-long program to make leaders out of regular citizens. Class members meet once each month for an intense study of some segment of the county (county government, county charities, judicial activity, school projects, small business and county recreation. The class will participate in activities to learn team skills as well as individual skills and problem solving. Members sign up in August and graduate in May and are encouraged to volunteer for the many committees in the Chamber as well as some segment of the community. The class size is usually between 15 and 22 and the cost is $200 per person. Many of its graduates have since been engaged in community leadership that puts Oconee County on the leading edge of accomplishments.

Monday, June 21, 2010
Last Day to Register to Vote.     Today, Posted by Brook WhitmireJune 21 is the last day to get your name on the voter list to vote in the July 20 Primary. The Elections & Registration Office on Court Street in Watkinsville is open from 8 to 5 pm and will assist you in the process. Potential voters can also go to the Secretary of State’s Web site (www.sos.georgia.gov) to check the list to see if you are registered already (may have registered years ago and have forgotten when). The Web site also allows the form to be downloaded. Other information such as where to vote is also included. It is a sad commentary that so many citizens don’t bother to vote when the Founding Fathers of our country said “We give you a Republic, if you can keep it,” meaning our sovereign country will be replaced by a different kind of government if we failed to keep tabs on what laws the government is passing by not voting for those who truly represent our beliefs. It is a privilege to vote and every vote counts. Register today.
 
Monday, June 21, 2010
NOHS & OCHS High Schools Named 2 Of Best In The Nation.    Posted by Brook Whitmire – North Oconee High School (NOHS) and Oconee County High School (OCHS) were recently recognized as two of the top high schools in the nation by Newsweek magazine. This is the third consecutive year NOHS has made the list and the first time for OCHS. Newsweek recently released its list of the top public high schools in the United States. Out of just over 1600 schools named to the list, North Oconee was ranked No. 959 and OCHS was ranked No. 1293 in the top 6%. The magazine bases its rankings on an index that rewards schools for the participation of their students in Advanced Placement (AP) exams, as compared to the number of graduating seniors. There are approximately 27,000 public high schools in the United States. Both high schools were also honored earlier this year by former State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox for excellence in AP performance. OCHS and NOHS were two of only 33 high schools statewide to be named AP Merit Schools. These schools have at least 20 percent of their students taking AP exams, and at least half of those exams scoring a 3 or higher. Advanced Placement classes and exams are administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT. These classes offer rigorous college-level learning options to high school students. Students who receive a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams may receive college credit.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Local Banks Need Help.   There are 9 banks in Oconee County and most of them are under the Bank regulators thumb with demand to show improved performance or else. All have outstanding loans of varying amounts and most of those loans are for houses or land that has gone down in value since the housing bust and now the financial crisis. It’s not very encouraging. Georgia now has 39 banks that have closed or have been taken over by another bank since the housing bust. Oconee’s newest bank, the North Georgia Bank is trying to recover by issuing additional shares to the community for half the price of the original cost ($5 versus $10). Bank officials have said that they need to raise at least 6 million to avoid a closure. Many shareholders and non-shareholders are looking closely at the bank’s books to determine if the offer is worthy of success. To date, about 50,000 shares ($250,000) have been sold. Oconee State Bank, the first and oldest bank in Oconee has been losing money for 2 years straight, but bank President, Amrey Harden is confident that the bank’s performance will return to a profit next year. Evidence? Sheer optimism and plenty of confidence.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Georgia Bioscience Joint Development Authority (GBJDA) Receives Grant.   The GBJDA is a joint effort of 4 local counties: Oconee, Clarke, Gwinnett and Barrow. The group received a $50,000 matching grant to study the possibility of attracting bioscience companies to the area. Oconee would give $12,500 to the effort along with a portion from the other counties and all would reap the advantage of a $100,000 study. The area of focus is the 55 mile 316 corridor. The study will determine what infrastructure is currently available and what additional elements are needed to attract desirable businesses developing the life sciences and it will benefit all 4 counties. The group consists of leaders from all 4 counties; the Gwinnett County BOC Chairman is the Chairman of the group; members from Oconee are Commissioner Chuck Horton and Chamber President JR Whitfield. The study is estimated to be complete by the end of the calendar year 2010.

Thursday, June 24, 2010
Rabid Fox Bites an Oconee Resident.   A resident on the Rocky Branch Farm was bit on the leg. After several charges by the fox, it was shot and killed.  The victim immediately called 911 and the Oconee Animal Control Unit responded. The dead fox was sent to the National Communicable Disease Center in Decatur, GA for testing. If the results prove positive ID for rabies, the bitten person will undergo a serious of shots. Another case was reported earlier in the same month when a young boy was riding his bike on Hill Street when a fox jumped out from behind a mobile home and scratched his leg. That fox was rabid also. In Jackson County, 5 wild animals tested positive for rabies last year and that same number tested positive this year – in cats, fox, skunks, raccoons and a bat. Veterinaries have cautioned residents to beware of the suspected wild animal and stay inside and call for help.

Thursday, June 24, 2010
Famous Speaker for Veterans Day in November.   At the Veterans Memorial monthly meeting tonight, discussion whirled around a speaker for the next event on Veterans Day on November 11 sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Foundation and held at the Oconee Veterans Park. Several names came up but one that created a lot of interest was Max Cleland, the quadriplegic who lost both arms and legs in the Viet Nam Conflict in 1966. He served as the Secretary of State in the span from 1982 to 1996, appointed by former Georgia Governor Zell Miller; served as a US Senator from Georgia from 1996 to 2003. He will be invited and the committee will wait for an answer.

Thursday, June 24, 2010
Lamar’s Furniture Store Takes a Hit.   The appliance store on Hwy 78 in Oconee County got a surprise when a driver drove her car into the store front breaking the big glass window and smashing some small items inside the store. No one was hurt. Gerry Dailey drove her car going about 10 miles per hour into the building accidentally. She said the brakes slipped from under her feet and all she could do was go along for the ride. The store owner was absent but Steve Sells, sales associate was present to hear the loud noise and witness the intrusion. Mrs Dailey’s Honda was barely scratched and only a few pieces of table-top nick-knacks were damaged. However, the window and surrounding structure will need major repair.

Friday, June 25, 2010
Oconee – 15,000 Chicks Burn In Lightening Fire.    Frank and Carla Horne who owned the broiler house at 2820 on Barnett Shoals Road believe that it caught fire when lightning struck nearby during the afternoon’s severe thunder storm. Horne said that the tunnel fan was on to cool the chicks and the first spark spread rapidly with the fan going. The other 9 houses were not damaged. He cut the power as soon as he saw it, but was too late. By the time the fire department got there, it was hopeless for house # 10. The couple’s business is to grow out little chicks for the Harrison Poultry, Inc which is a processing plant for the purchase of meats by fast food restaurants and grocery stores. Their insurance will cover most of the cost of the loss. Other damage from the night’s storm was mostly fallen trees and debris on the roads and some gully washing.

Friday, June 25, 2010
Rabid Fox Sends Robert Hale to Emergency.    Yesterday, on the Rocky Branch Farm owned by Hale, a fox came running across the road when he and his grandchildren were about to get in his truck and leave. He thought it strange to see the fox come toward him so his defenses lit up. He came closer and actually attacked Hale on the leg – a slight nip but deep enough to bleed. But he didn’t stop there, the fox ran a short distance away from Hale and came running at him again, at least 6 times. By this time, he had his gun in hand and shot the animal 3 times before he was downed. Hale called 911, animal control and the animal was sent to Communicable Disease Control in Decatur, GA for testing. A few hours later, tests came back positive and he was told to get to emergency immediately. He said the shots have not been so bad – not like the tales of the old shots that were once given for rabbis. He is recovering and cautions citizens to be aware of unusual behavior in any animal nearby. It is the season for rabbis.

Friday, June 25, 2010
Oconee Gymnastics Center Holds Grand Opening.   For 5 years now, the non-profit Center has served the Oconee area’s children (from age 6 months to 14 years) once located on School Street near the downtown barber shop. It moved to a new location this week and is now located at 1071 Jamestown Blvd on Hwy 53 near the Presbyterian Church and Oconee County High School. Katrina Buffa, Director welcomed visitors with door prizes, snacks and hot dogs for this their Grand Opening at the new location.  

Friday, June 25, 2010
Bank Regulators Close 3 Banks To Total 86 For This Year (1 in Savannah, GA).    Regulators on Friday closed three small banks, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp said, bringing the tally of total U.S. bank failures so far this year to 86, another one in Georgia today. Even as an economic recovery buoys profits for big banks, smaller banks continue to struggle with bad commercial real estate loans. The FDIC has said it expects failures will peak in the third quarter, but warned this week that economic threats could cloud recovery for the bank industry, such as concerns about the economic effects of the BP oil spill and European debt problems. Nationally, the following shows the trend:
2010 – 86 closed
2009 – 140 closed
2008 – 25 closed and
2007 – 2 closed
On Friday, the FDIC said Peninsula Bank of Englewood, Florida was closed, with $644.3 million in assets. Premier American Bank in Miami will assume the deposits of the failed institution.
In Savannah, Georgia, First National Bank was shut down. It had about $252.5 million in assets. The Savannah Bank, National Association, agreed to assume its deposits, the FDIC said. In New Mexico regulators closed High Desert State Bank in Albuquerque, which had about $80.3 million in assets. First American Bank, in Artesia, New Mexico, agreed to assume its deposits.
The newest failures on Friday were expected to cost the FDIC’s insurance fund a combined total of $284.6 million. The FDIC said this week it expects bank failures to cost its insurance fund $60 billion from 2010 through 2014.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
OCAF Auction 2010 Total Success.    It was their first try at conducting an auction as a fundraiser and Peggy Pitts (Auction 2010 Coordinator) pulled it off with a lot of help from many volunteers. OCAF has been collecting donated items for 4 or 5 years for their fundraisers and each time some pieces that remain in their possession, are featured in another idea to make the extras count. Auctioneer Sam Williamson stayed with taking bids for 4 hours – the duration and was excited his donated time was a success. The most expensive piece sold Saturday, was a table lamp supported by 3 porcelain figures of naked women – went for $500. The total for the 4-hour event for over 400 art pieces was not available at this writing because the proceeds are being summarized. Items not sold will be used in a future fundraiser.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday Stroll – Stream Life.     UGA Ecologist Dr Amy Rosemond is the tour guide today. During the hours of 9 am to noon, Dr Rosemond waded in the stream and centered her talk around the micro and macro biodiversity of a typical stream. She was equipped with boots, nets, meters, chemical tests and thermometers. Water temperature, pH and turbidity are indicators of a stream’s good or bad health. Asked if the stream was contained with any bacteria and her answer was “yes”. Wild and domesticated animals that frequent the waters most likely deposit feces that are loaded with the bacterium Ecoli. Most surface waters are contaminated with Ecoli, but at a minimum to be harmful to the life of the stream or to humans from normal use (stream walking), she said. About 13 people attended the event at a cost of $5 which is donated to the Tour guide’s choice of charity. Harris Shoals Park is destined to be renovated and enlarged which will disturb the stream life slightly but which will recover to normal after a few months.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Class of 1960 Hosts All Alumni Banquet.   The Oconee Civic Center was packed – it holds about 500 people – for the “Memories Were Made of This” banquet tonight. The Oconee County High School Alumni Banquet is held each year with one particular Class acting as host. This year it was the ’60 class, aged around 68, who had about 15 graduates present. Music was enjoyed by all at the planning of Ms Linda Chandler and Jan Smith of that class. Door prizes of historic prints created in 1974q by resident Kate McDaniel were awarded to many attendees.

Sunday, June 27, 2010
Oconee’s Black Bear Hit by Car.   At 1740 Whippoorwill Road, an auto slightly hit the bear that seemed confused in the middle of the road but wobbled off into the woods afterwards. The sheriff’s office warned of leaving food out in the open – an excellent target for any bear nose. The Office of Natural Resources reported that no bear attacks on humans have ever been recorded in Georgia although several years ago, an Oconee Grandmother baby-sitting 3 grandchildren,  shot a bear that came up on her porch – an incident in which an attack on humans might have happened. The best we can do is keep all food scraps and animal food inside and be on the lookout for the bear and immediately call 911 if spotted.

Sunday, June 27, 2010
Art Boards From “Artland of Georgia.”  About 10 years ago, Art in Oconee was discovered and it blossomed from there on several fronts, generating a title for the county that has been advertised all over Georgia as – Oconee, “Artland of Georgia.” Last year, OCAF introduced the Art Board – a 6 x 4 ft board with art work, placed them around town, suspended between 2 post secured in the earth. They are located on School Street, on the Oconee State Bank lawn and in front of the Dolvin building. They represent different styles or art from different artists for the pleasure of citizens to study and enjoy. A grant was awarded to the city of Watkinsville to fund the project.

Sunday, June 27, 2010
Drug Testing at Oconee’s 2 High School.   The tests were administrated last for 8 months of the school year. Students in a school sports program or one who drives a car to school made up the population for testing. Of the 30 students randomly selected and tested (15 from each high school), only 4 were found to be positive and they were first offender kids. When selecting, if the student was absent that day, another name was selected. Same for a student who had been tested in a previous month. First offenders will lose 10% of their participation in a sports program or 10% of their driving privileges. Students with a second positive test will be suspended from their sports team or lose their driver’s privileges for 4 weeks. Students with a third positive will be removed from the sports team or lose their driving privileges for one year – the difference is in the time. Mark Channell who is in charge of the program said that its purpose is to help students who otherwise might continue to use drugs and put their lives in danger down the road. And, he said, “it acts as a deterrent to say ‘no’ to the temptation to take that first potion.” School officials believe that the school system does not have a drug problem and this program has been implemented to curb any trend in that direction before developing into a serious problem.

Monday, June 28, 2010
Oconee Teachers Named as “Master Teachers.” To see their students reach their potential is at the heart of a teacher and 2 Teachers in the Oconee School System have earned the right to be called Masters – at it. They are 5^th grade teacher Linda Hendren and 5^th grade teacher Jolaine Whitehead, both at Rocky Branch Elementary School. Their students improved on the CRCT test from the last time. It is given only to teachers in the public schools who have taught at least 3 years and have an uninterrupted period of student improvement for those years. Governor Perdue signed the legislation honoring teachers in Georgia in 2005 and so far, 600 teachers have earned the Masters designation. The designation does not pay a bonus or a pay increase – just the distinction of excelling in their profession.

Monday, June 28, 2010
Arizona Governor Endorses Handel for Georgia Governor. Governor Jan Brewer endorsed Karen Handel for Governor saying that serving in the office of Secretary of State (Handel served 3 years in that office in Georgia) is excellent experience for the Governor’s job. Under Brewer’s leadership, Arizona’s legislature passed a bill to curtail immigration – a bill that allows local law enforcement to inquire about the status of citizenship of a person who has already committed a crime or broken the law. If the person is a non-citizen or an illegal alien, he/she can be sent back to their home country. Handel has indicated that Georgians like the law and if she is elected, she would approve a similar law for Georgia.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
UGA’s WNEG-TV Received Short Term Funds. The UGA Research Foundation (RF) purchased Channel 32-TV station in 2008 from the city of Toccoa, GA. It was funded to assist the school of Journalism students in their various studies. The Research Foundation has been carrying the station since on short term basis. The Foundation committee approve another $389,000 for the beginning of the next fiscal year (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011), but will probably last only a few months into that year so another meeting is planned in August to consider a full year funding. The Journalism School has said that the station would turn a profit for the University within 5 years. How much would be invested in the station and its programing and how much profit was expected was not revealed by RF officials. Purchase of the station was a major investment but is not turning a profit; however, it is valuable as a learning lab for journalism students.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Long Awaited Quik Trip Opens.    The Convenience Store, Quik Trip at the corner of Daniels Bridge Road and Mars Hill Road has opened for business. The grand opening coincided with the completion of the modification and construction of the road at the interaction. New turn lanes and some widening assure better and smoother traffic flow for the intersection although the traffic light needs some adjusting. Quik Trip is similar to the many Golden Pantry convenience stores scattered around the county with an inventory of last-minute needs and 6 gas pumps. Quik, in this location (near the Spring Hill Hotel and just off Hwy 316 leading to the huge Alps Shopping Center) will be a nice convenience for out of town folks staying at the hotel. The upgrade of the roads at this previously congested intersection is nice for the home folks to enjoy also.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
V.I.P.E.R. in Barrow County.     The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Unit, otherwise known as V.I.P.E.R., is comprised of departmental employees from various units within the sheriff’s office. The desire of this unit is to better serve the community by reducing the incidents of domestic violence within Barrow County, respond aggressively to acts of family violence, act as family victim advocates following violent encounters and train other law enforcement officers to respond similarly. Together, they are striking back at Domestic Violence. “It may not be widely known but women who have experienced domestic violence are 80 percent more likely to have a stroke, 70 percent more likely to have heart disease, 60 percent more likely to have asthma and 70 percent more likely to drink heavily than women who have not experienced intimate partner violence. Members of the Group are:

• Lieutenant Wayne Driggers (Uniformed Patrol) – Chairperson/President
• Deputy Chris Jackson (Uniformed Patrol) – Co-Chairperson/Vice President
• Deputy Kathy Smith (School Resource) – Secretary/Keeper of the Minutes
• Investigator Lisa Farlow (Criminal Investigations) – Treasurer
• Deputy Vince Schmidt (Training Division) – Unit Training Coordinator
• Major Todd Druse (Uniformed Patrol) – Member
• Captain Mark Peak (Uniformed Patrol) – Member
• Sergeant Faye Spaulding (Criminal Investigations) – Member
• Corporal James “Buck” Stover (School Resource/Crime Prevention) – Member
• Deputy Andra Bush (Civil) – Member
• Deputy William Myers (Uniformed Patrol) – Member
• Melanie Robertson (Criminal Investigations) – Member

Tasks the unit is responsible for are:

• Have a thorough understanding of Georgia law pertaining to domestic violence.
• Seek and obtain advanced domestic violence training for all committee members.
• Review current BCSO policy pertaining to domestic violence & update policy.
• Conduct ongoing monthly reviews of domestic violence cases from the previous month.
• Conduct shift monthly briefing training for the entire Uniform Patrol Division deputies.
• Formulate & maintain positive relationships with other law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office and social service providers related to domestic violence response.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
US Supreme Court Expands Gun Rights.    The court ruled that a citizen has the right to own a gun to defend himself anywhere he lives. Local courts had banned the right in Chicago for the past 28 years and now the court’s decision may reverse that ban. However, the wording of the court ruling left the authority up to local governments to put restrictions on that right if the community deems it necessary. Strange. Ed Stone’s blog – GeorgiaCarry.org has more information about Georgia’s “Carry” law. The group that follows the blog is a forceful entity in Georgia politics and was successful in the recent legislation passed to give Georgians the right to carry their weapons in their vehicles in the care’s pocket unloaded in public places.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
BOC Interviews 20 Applicants for 15 Vacancies.   Oconee Citizens jump at the opportunity to serve the county in a volunteer capacity. Oconee County Government has about 12 Advisory Committees, Boards or Commissions on which many can lend their expertise. County officials make liberal use of advice from these citizens especially when an issue arises that needs further study to determine a decision or when the county is short on funds for hiring consultants.
Vacancies include:
 Land Use and Transportation (7 vacancies)

• Abe Abouhamdan
• Robert Isaac
• James Morris
• Emily Givens
• Kyle Martin
• Bob Sanders

Cultural Affairs and Tourism (3 vacancies)

• Al Cuming
• Elizabeth Ho
• Vicky Moody
• Ramona Lord

Oconee Planning Commission (2 vacancies)

• Marie Caudill
• Travis Marshall
• Don Webber
• Emily Givens
• Penny Mills

Rec Affairs Committee (3 vacancies)

• Tony Glenn
• Elizabeth Hovell
• Ryan House
• Mike Streetman

 Candidates will be selected, approved and announced at the next BOC meeting. Some vacancies are for 2 years and some are for 4 years.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Work-Study Funding Phasing Out. The Feds are cutting the funds for jobs that allow students to work and study at the same time. There will be jobs but as the stimulus money runs out, so do the additional jobs. Area Colleges stack up as follows: Gainesville State College will receive $120,000 (the college puts in about 25% of the total cost of the program); Athens Tech will receive $122,000 which also puts in matching funds. The US Congress allocated $1.2 BILLION for work-study and $32  BILLION for Pell Grants nationwide last year. A typical job is tutoring younger students in the 10-county area schools.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Board of Education Approves FY 2011 Budget.     (Excerpted from Dr John Jackson’s Column in the Oconee Enterprise.) The Oconee County Board of Education approved the fiscal year 2011 budget for Oconee County Schools (OCS) at the end of June FY 2010. Information regarding the budget is provided below in a “Question and Answer” format. How much is the budget in comparison to last year’s?  The FY 2011 budget is based on $53.4 million in expenses and $52.1 million in revenues (the difference being made up from the Fund Equity balance). Expenditures have been reduced by nearly $3 million, or approximately 5.3 percent. Although local revenue numbers are still being finalized, a 5 percent reduction in the local property tax digest is anticipated. How does state revenue compare to local sources?  For the first time, to my knowledge, local revenue sources will equal or exceed state sources. Last school year state revenues provided 51 percent of the General Fund. The portion for FY 11 is projected to be 49.8 percent, or almost the same as anticipated local revenues.  Why are state funds for public education in Oconee County decreasing? The declining state participation is due to several factors: austerity reduction due to decreasing state revenues in general, and an increase in the local fair share (explained below). The total austerity reduction for next year is $4.6 million. These are funds that, based on the state’s funding formula known as the Quality Basic Education (or QBE) formula, should have come to our county. The formula takes into account the number of students enrolled in the school system as well as funding levels for the various programs (for example, special education, gifted, remedial, etc.) in which students participate. In recent years, enrollment has been flat  What is the “local fair share” and how does it affect state funding for OCS?  The QBE formula requires each school system to contribute the equivalent of five (5) mills of local property taxes to the state through what is known as the “local fair share.” For Oconee County, that amounts to approximately $7.3 million for FY 11. School systems in lower income areas may receive some of that money in the form of an “equalization” grant. Since Oconee is a relatively affluent county, we contribute but do not receive equalization funds.    How will the school system budget affect me personally in terms of property taxes?  The current budget is based on local property taxes in the amount of $25.5 million. That amount anticipates a 5 percent decrease in the local digest, which reflects property values. The Board of Education has indicated that it plans to maintain the General Fund millage rate at 16.5 mills, the same as it has done for the last four years. Your property tax bill consists of funding for schools, county government and, in some cases, local government/municipality. Based on these factors, most Oconee County residents should see a slight decrease in the school portion of their property tax bill.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Angel Food Ministries Cut Back Employees.    Over the past month of June, the small business that distributes discounted groceries through Churches, had to trim back its full time employees by 30 and its part time employees by 20. Last year, the company had over 200 employees.

The End

Categories: General
Tags: