What Happened in the MONTH of SEPTEMBER 2010
Posted By Kate on April 13, 2011
What Happened in the MONTH of SEPTEMBER 2010
A long article, but a memory refresher of some of the major events that occurred in September.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Agricultural Farming in Oconee County.
. The Clarke-Oconee County Cattleman’s Association held their annual meeting (about 100 attendees) several weeks ago at which time Awards were given to 4 Oconee County residents:
• Karl Berg – New President of the Association (Cattleman)
• Henry Hibbs – Outstanding Service to Farming Community (retired Oconee Ext Agent)
• Robert Hale – Environmental Stewardship Award (Dairy Farmer)
• Max Leibl – Recipients of Larry Risse Scholarship Awards (UGA)
• Josh Daniel – Scholarship (ABAC)
• Hunter Grayson – Scholarship (Oklahoma)
• Camille Odom – Scholarship (ABAC) Garrett Hibbs, the son of Henry was elected as the President of the Junior Cattleman’s Assn.
• Russ Page – Cattleman of the Year (Cattle Breeding)
Association Executive Vice President Josh White from Henry County was the guest speaker who urged members to give his office input on what the farmers think the Association should be doing to increase careers in farming and to double up on informing the public. New President of the local chapter, Berg wants help in bringing in more members to the Chapter.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Paint Removal Monitoring. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin this month to monitor workers in the paint removal industry to make sure they are following EPD regulations and that the workers have been trained – an activity that was once the sole responsibility of the state EPD under the guidance of the US EPA. DNR monitoring will start the process for 2 out of every 5 homes that have lead paint – those that were built and painted with lead paint before 1978, the year that the EPA banned the use of lead paint for new homes. Funds have been allocated for additional personnel at DNR to do the monitoring.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Generations Montessori School Opens in Watkinsville. The school officials, students and the Oconee Chamber held a ribbon cutting yesterday in front of their new location at 26 School Street Watkinsville. Generations Montessori School is a Primary Montessori program located in the historic district of Watkinsville, Georgia. In addition to the primary program, Generations will offer the “Great Minds” class, a Montessori program for seniors. These programs will be complementary. Generations Montessori School is a three-year program, which overlaps the free public kindergarten during the third year. The child is strongly encouraged to complete the three-year cycle. The third year is the culmination of the method and allows the child to experience the feeling of being a leader in the classroom; he becomes a “teacher”.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Hospitals Get Out of Ambulance Business. The 2 Athens Area hospitals announced they were relieving themselves of ambulance service to surrounding counties earlier last month because of lost revenue. Last night at the regular BOC meeting, a proposal was presented to the BOC Commissioners to obtain a license for Oconee to have its own ambulance service which would initially cost $3,900 for the first year and $2,500 yearly thereafter. Mark Melvin, Deputy Director of Emergency Management Services in the county explained that after obtaining the license, the county would be at liberty to explore and take bids from different vendors who perform the service and thereby be in complete control of the service. Commissioners approved the expenditure.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Steve Nedza’s Pottery Makes Statewide Debut. Oconee resident Steve Nedza, artist and potter and husband of Paula, Director of the County’s Informational Technology, made hundreds of fish spoon holders (ceramic) to be given to over 400 attendees at the Governor’s (Sonny Perdue) Tourism Conference held today. Oconee’s Tourism staff set up a booth among many at the Classic Center where the conference was held. Oconee’s booth theme: “Arts in the Heartland.” Dinner guests heard the CEO of the U S Travel Association, Roger Dow who summarized his agency as losing over 200,000 jobs since 2008 as a result of a decrease in corporate travel, corporate meetings, the Gulf Oil Spill and the sour economy. He remarked that this has put a damper on Tourism in general. His prediction that air travel is hurting and will continue to be so for several more years, was pitched as challenge for Tourism staff in the audience. The Oconee Tourism Office is supported by the Spring Hill Hotel tax – about $30,000 per year for this year which funds an office on Main Street, 2 staff members and support material.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
OCAF Perspectives Pottery Show Friday Night Sales. Joe Ruiz reported that the receipts from the Perspective event may be down a bit but the volume of pottery sales was great. He estimated that about 600 people attended the opening on Friday night. Sales on the first night (runs through Sept 15) usually indicate brisk activity during the 2 weeks. The Georgia Mudcats provided bluegrass music during the event and a video was made to post on YouTube. The potter workshop is September 11 and 12 from 10 am until 5 pm and the cost is $135 per person. Wheel throwing techniques will be demonstrated. For more details, one should log onto the OCAF Web site at www.ocaf.com
Wednesday, September 2, 2010
Interview for 3 Best Qualified. Wayne Bagley, Michael Burnette and Glen Townsend were interviewed at a 7 pm meeting of the School Board. The choice candidate will be announced sometime in October. The interviews were the only items on the Agenda. Each Board member asked questions of the 3 candidates and each gave their answers in a period of about 1 hour. All 3 are fully qualified for the post.
Wednesday, September 2, 2010
United Way Campaign Kick-Off In Oconee County. The United Way held its Kick-Off behind the Watkinsville Eagle Tavern today. Loren Smith was the Guest of Honor and he described the The Loren Smith Cancer Center in Athens that he started. He also shared some itimate moments with old friends that attended the event. Everybody enjoyed ham burgers and hot dogs made available by the Oconee Tourism office, Peggy Holcomb Director. The Chamber sponsored the event as their After Hours.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Teachers of the Year Named. Oconee has 10 public schools (including OC Primary). All have named their teacher of the year for 2009-10. They are as follows:
Oconee County Primary – Lori Mauldin, special education
Oconee County Elementary – Ellie DeSa, 5th grade teacher
Malcom Bridge Elementary – – Jill Wayne, 2nd grade teacher
Colham Ferry Elementary – Debby Arnold, 1st grade teacher
High Shoals Elementary – Randi Boykin, special education
Rocky Branch Elementary – Jolaine Whithead, 5th grade teacher
Oconee County Middle – Bonnie Harris, 6th grade teacher
Malcom Bridge Middle – Kimberly Griffith, special education
Oconee County High – Melaine Howard, English teacher
North Oconee High – Brad Tillery, Latin teacher
The Teacher of the Year for the entire School System will be announced on September 23 at an Awards Banquet at the Civic Center at 6:30 pm.
Friday, September 4, 2010
First Friday – Growing. The city’s firemen and policemen will be there with their special vehicles for attendees to have chats to find out the extent these people go to provide services and protect the city’s residents. Also, adults are available to help with making sock babies for care packages for preemies. A variety of other activities (moon walks, free popcorn, hayrides) are planned, some of which have not been featured before tonight. The fun starts at 6 pm and runs until 9 am.
Friday, September 4, 2010
Wizard, The Memorial Park Owl Stolen Last Night. The 12 year old owl at the Bear Hollow Wildlife Zoo at Memorial Park in Clarke County – the one that all the children love to talk too – he’s gone. It’s tragic because he can’t fly and won’t be able to find food in the wild. Zoo keepers are afraid for his life because he is shy of people and will not make a good pet. An investigation is underway and an appeal for his return has been made public.
Saturday, September 5, 2010
Georgia Tax Reform. Governor Perdue’s Special Council on Tax Reform has been on a tour around the state to gather facts and opinions about Georgia’s current Tax Code. They are looking to find a way to simplify the code and at the same time, reduce taxes for Georgians. If you have questions or suggestions for the Council, they invite you to log onto their Web site at: http://www.fiscalresearch.gsu.edu/taxcouncil/indes.htm One interesting focus of the group as they have stated is: their “goal is not to eliminate the personal income tax but rather to reduce it.” However, for the state to maintain its current level of services, they insist that with a reduction in income taxes for individuals, there must be an increase somewhere else, i.e. groceries or services or gasoline. The public has let it be known that food tax increases are not the best item to tax.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Water Usage Ordinance Questioned. Tom Collins, owner of Market Place, a cluster of retail store fronts, off Hwy 53 adjacent to the Oconee Funeral Home and Cemetery appeared before the BOC tonight and asked for a reduction in the amount of water capacity assigned to the Your Pie Restaurant. He said that the restaurant needed only about half the amount that had been reserved and purchased. He requested a refund for the un-used and over-estimated amount. He said that the business could not be expanded to need the full amount at this time. He stated that it would be more reasonable to estimate an amount, pay for that amount, but after a year of use, the amount needed to be adjusted to the actual amount used, otherwise, the county would have customers holding unused capacity that the county could use for new businesses. The Commissioners took the information under advisement for future action. Other restaurants were in a similar situation.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
St Mary’s Ribbon Cutting-Center for Alzheimer & Dementia. The new Center was constructed on the 55 acres of Highland Hills just inside Oconee County. It was designed to maximize safety and comfort, decrease stress and confusion and encourage visits from family and loved ones with spacious, open layout allowing staff to monitor residents at all times. The building houses 34 private rooms, including six suites for couples. Apartments are unfurnished with plenty of space for personnel furniture, belongings and reminders of family. Included is the unobtrusive, state of the art security system to help protect patients prone to wandering. The staff offers three meals a day plus snacks, with a kitchen staff experienced in preparing meals for residents who have special dietary needs. Resident care is coordinated by a Registered Nurse and staff fully trained in providing care with dignity and respect. Activities include structured activities designed to increase stimulation and reduce agitation. It is an enclosed, all-weather connection to Highland Hills retirement community. The staff offers care with dignity and compassion. St. Mary’s Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care at Highland Hills Retirement Village is now open and accepting residents. Incorporating the latest innovations in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, this new facility is available for those who require assistance with daily living. Designed to maximize safety and comfort, St. Mary’s Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care helps to decrease stress and confusion, as well as encourage visits from family members and loved ones. This new community expands our area’s options for safe, compassionate care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Amenities include:
• Three delicious meals and two nutritious snacks served daily
• Guest meals available
• Rooms have individually controlled heating and air conditioning
• Emergency call systems in bedrooms and bathrooms
• Full baths in all apartments
• Assistance with bathing and dressing
• All utilities included
• Full service beauty salon available
• Regularly scheduled social, educational, cultural and recreational activities for those with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
• Medication supervision included
• Personal Care Assistants available 24 hours a day
• All rooms wheelchair accessible
• Transportation for medical appointments and activities available at no cost
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Oconee Waste Transport (OWT) Finally Gets Re-zone Approval. Because the Commission Chamber room was too small to hold the crowd, the meeting had to be moved to the large court room upstairs. The controversy was so strong that the opponents wore the same special “STOP” tag that was used 5 years ago when the same rezone came before the BOC and was denied. Commissioners discussed the consequences for nearly an hour before a decision was reached. Jon Williams spoke for brothers Matt and Cokey Elder whose transport business is located on Experiment Station Road across from Watkinsville’s U S Post Office. They wish to move the business to Hwy 15. Many complaints about the area being an “eye sore” were made over the years and some residents were delighted that, finally, a move out of the city was possible. Others felt the 6.2 acres in a new location – off Greensboro Hwy just past the city limits and adjacent to a small neighborhood would lower their property values, be a constant irritating noise, and attract rats and insect infestation and the smell would be intolerable. The request was to rezone from A-1 (agriculture) to OPB (office-professional-business) which is not allowed in the Rezone Map created by the county and is considered “spot zoning”. In the final words, after Mr Williams gave the amount of yearly taxes paid by OWT – $1.3 million, the BOC was convinced, the rezone should be approved. All Commissioners voted for the rezone except Commissioner Chuck Horton.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Race To The Top (RTTT) Federal Funding. Federal funding is available from a program called “Race to the Top” for states that agreed to the reform criteria. TN won about $900 million in the most recent round of awards. Georgia was awarded $400 million that will go to the 26 schools around the State with the highest rate of students receiving free or reduced school lunches. The Oconee System does not fit into that category. However, the innovative system reforms that come out of the RTTT program will no doubt be adopted by other non-participating systems if they prove to increase graduation rates.
Friday, September 10, 2010
School Calendar Input For Adjustment. Today was the last day for teachers, businesses, parents and students to give input for changes to the school system calendar for 2001-12. Items such as the beginning school day and the ending day and holidays and yearly breaks were listed. The announcement was given on the school Web site with a survey, but paper copies were available at all schools. Nailing down these dates can have an impact on the community economy. Many of Oconee’s students have parents that are employed by the University of Georgia who would like to have the school schedule coincide with the University’s calendar. One good suggestion has come from parents who would like the start date to be a little later in August because of the extreme heat. The school administrators have assured the community that the best schedule for the academic progress of the students will be chosen. The results will be published in the local paper later this year.
Saturday, September 1, 2010
Open House for Church of Latter Day Saints. Today at 10 am to 2 pm, the doors opened to the public for a look-see at the new Church at 1080 Julian Drive, Watkinsville. The congregation of more than 500 outgrew the Church in Athens and they moved to 15 acres in Oconee County to build a bigger tabernacle that will accommodate 3 Wards. Most of their members are from the Barrow County (Winder), Walton (Monroe) and Athens area. The church is about 25,000 sq feet and cost in the neighborhood of $5 million. It is beautiful inside.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ACCG Recent Rule Favored County Commission Chairmen. However, the ACCG Policy Committee removed from its proposed platform wording that would have re-instated the Oconee County Commission Board Chairman’s duties and responsibilities that were taken from him by the 4 Oconee Commissioners last summer in a contention debate. The proposed rule stated that any changes in a Chairman’s duties would not take effect until the next election and would, in addition have to be approved by the General Assembly.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Old Trees on Main Come Down. Watkinsville’s Main Street was once a wagon path through hardwood oaks on both sides and then it was paved leaving a few beautiful majestic oaks near the edge of the pavement. As a matter of fact, they grew too large between the edge of street and the sidewalk, a very narrow strip of earth. When trees are constrained in such a way, over the years they become so stressed that disease easily takes over. The 3 oaks in front of Southern Belles & Beaus directly across the street to the Oconee State Bank on Main street in Watkinsville came down today. The tree removal crew (Georgia Department of Transportation and Georgia Power) took most of the day cutting away each limb one at a time. Traffic was blocked and detoured for part of the day. City engineers said that the overhang of the limbs on the street, the power lines close by and the age and disease of the tree were all factors for the decision to remove them. Main Street will never look the same at that section.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Natural Resource Management Plan for the Region. The purpose of the document is intended to serve an advocacy guide to educate and guide citizens, local government, regional, state, and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and land trusts as they work for the protection and management of the many important natural, cultural, and historic resources found throughout the 12-county Northeast Georgia region. The resources, called Regionally Important
Resources (RIR), are those determined to be of value to the region and thus the state, and vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled or incompatible development. The plan was prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (effective July 1, 2009) for the identification of RIRs, the development of a plan for protection and management of the RIRs, and for review of activities potentially impacting the RIRs. The plan contains three categories of resources; Conservation, Heritage, and Water. However, many resources may provide benefits to more than one resource category. Each individual resource is identified by its primary resource category and reflects snapshot data, a description of the resource’s value to the region, and an explanation of its vulnerability to new development. Each category concludes with appropriate development practices recommended for developers when designing new developments to be located near RIRs, and general policies and protection measures recommended for use by local governments in making decisions that affect RIRs. The Regionally Important Resources Map, in addition to designated resources, includes areas vital to the state — wetlands, buffers for Protected Rivers, state and national parks, wildlife management areas, and conservation easements. These resources have been linked, as much as possible, to form a Green Infrastructure Network for the region and it is linked, to the extent possible, to similar networks for other regional commissions. Check out the document at http://negplanning.org/rir/resource
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Water Use by Oconee Residents Holding Steady. Chairman of the Operations Committee for the Bear Creek Reservoir, Chris Thomas said at this meeting that “people have become very aware of the cost of water and therefore, the amount they use. During the last 2 weeks, we’ve had no rain but we haven’t seen a big jump in water use.” The discussion at this meeting revolved around what the state expects on how counties plan to manage droughts. Droughts remind people of the need for conserving water – even a mini-drought, he said. The curtail in the housing market resulted in less fees for water connections as they saw income for the self-supporting utility department, drop drastically – this led to the rise in water rates – not much, but significant to the department. He reminds that years ago, the State published a drought emergency plan which lay un-implemented until the recent prolonged drought. Now, that the state has mandated 13 regional water councils covering Georgia, counties are more aware of emergency plans and can advise those counties within the council’s jurisdiction. Oconee belongs to the Upper Oconee Water Planning Council. These member counties are keeping a close watch on weather conditions. Also, recently, the State passed the Water Stewardship Act that governs outdoor water use which most residents are very familiar.
Friday, September 16, 2010
Armadillos Here To Stay. Henry Hibbs, Oconee’s Extension Agent tells us that the South American Armadillo has invaded Oconee “big time” and we need to watch out for them especially on the road. They are dumb when it comes to avoiding traffic and will sometimes head toward the lights of a moving vehicle. They are part of the family of anteaters and may have followed them into Georgia looking for food and a warm climate. They tend to group as a “family” and will sometimes appear in as many as 6 or more. As little armadillos, they are somewhat helpless until their outer covering dries and affords a more flexible movement. The pregnant female takes about 8 months to birth the little ones. They love insects especially grubs. The ant population has somewhat subsided in the last year perhaps because the armadillo will eat them which is of no significance unless they eat the queen ant. More and more of them are making an appearance and may need a controlled management at some point. Meanwhile, get rid of grubs in your yard and you just might not be bothered with the little fellows.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Early Voting Begins Today. Early voting for the November Mid Term Election begins today and runs through October 29 – giving voters 45 days to vote. Voting is allowed only at the Elections Office where the voting machines are set up rather than at all 13 precincts. If the number of voters increases significantly (more than the office can handle), machines will be set up at the Civic Center. Voting hours are from 8 am to 5 pm. A sample ballot is available at their Web site: http://www.vote.ga.gov Voters will choose a Governor, Lt Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Ag Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, Labor Commissioner, Public Service Commissioner and State School Superintendent. Also voters will choose the State Representative: Hank Huckaby (R) or Suzy Compere (D); US Congressman (R) Paul Broun or Russell Edwards (D); Mark Thomas (R) or Carter Strickland (D) for a seat on the Education Board; Judge David Sweat (NP) or Attorney Pamela Hendrix (NP) for Superior Court Judge for the Western Judicial Circuit.
Monday, September 20, 2010
New Logo for Oconee School System. The letters “O C S” appear on a darkened silhouette outline of Oconee County with the words on the rim of the circle that read “Oconee County Schools” and the words “Committed to Student Success” to finish the circle. The sign was uncovered at the work session at which Super John Jackson revealed that Board Member Mack Guest had donated over $1,000 to have the new sign made. The new sign will appear everywhere that the old Logo appeared.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
National Health Care Reduces Personal Freedom. By Terence P. Jeffrey. Last Spring (March 2010) The U.S. House of Representatives voted 219-212 on Sunday night to socialize health care in the United States, making the government the paymaster of, and giving it sweeping regulatory authority over, the U.S. health care industry which represents one-sixth of the U.S. economy. The legislation also enacts a dramatic and unprecedented diminution in the individual liberty of citizens. It does so by mandating that all Americans buy a government-approved health care plan while redistributing wealth on a massive scale by promising annual federal insurance subsidies to all Americans who earn less than 400 percent of the poverty level, which is currently $88,200 for a family of four. The new health-care system amounts to a massive and mandatory new welfare program that will ensnare middle-class and middle-aged Americans in dependency on the federal government for a vital element of their lives. The health care legislation approved by Congress Sunday gives the administration sweeping power to regulate health insurance companies. These regulations will include instructing insurance companies on what benefits they must provide and what rates they can charge. The mandate that all Americans buy health insurance represents a fundamental change in the relationship between individuals and the federal government in the United States. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this is the first time in the history of the country that the federal government has ever ordered American citizens to buy any good or service. Many members of Congress, including former Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin Hatch (R.-Utah), have argued that this unprecedented mandate is unconstitutional. Hatch told CNSNews.com last fall that if the federal government could constitutionally force individuals to buy health insurance there wasn’t anything the federal government could not force individuals to do. The final votes that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama needed to push the legislation through the House came on Sunday when Rep. Bart Stupak (D.-Mich.) and a small group of other Democrats abandoned their insistence that congressional health care legislation include language that would prevent any federal dollars from going to any health care plan that covers abortion. Instead, Stupak and his allies accepted President Obama’s promise that he would sign a draft Executive Order that simply instructs federal agencies to set accounting rules for how the health care plans that people purchase with federal funds will theoretically “segregate” the federal money they receive from other dollars that would theoretically pay for abortions. President Obama’s draft Executive Order speaks of this “segregation” mechanism as if it were the effective equivalent of the Hyde Amendment. However, the Hyde Amendment prohibits any federal funds funneled through various annual appropriations bills from going to any health plan that covers abortion. The health care bill that Congress passed Sunday and the Executive Order that Obama is promising to sign will allow federal funds to go to health care plans that cover abortion. It will only theoretically “segregate” these fungible funds from other dollars going to the same insurance plans that pay for abortion.
Five (5) self-professedly “pro-life” Democratic congressmen joined Stupak at a Sunday press conference to say that they would vote for the health care plan after President Obama promised he would sign this Executive Order dealing with the accounting mechanisms that will be used by abortion-providing, federally subsidized health insurance plans. These congressmen were Rep. Marcy Kaptur (Ohio), Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (Pa.), Rep. Steve Driehaus (Ohio), Rep. Alan Mollohan (W.V.), Rep. Nick Rahal (W.V.) According to the CBO, by 2016, the cheapest family health care plan that Americans will be required to buy under the law will cost $12,000 per year. The average family plan will cost $15,200. A family of four making $88,201 per year—or more than 400 percent of the poverty level—will not receive any federal subsidy to purchase such a plan. They will pay taxes, however, to subsidize the health care purchases of people earning less than 400 percent of poverty. According to the Treasury Department the Medicare system faced about $37 trillion in unfunded liabilities before Sunday’s bill was passed.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
System Wide Teacher of the Year. Bonnie Harris was surprised at the Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet when she learned and was honored as the System Wide Teacher. Harris is a 6th grade language arts teacher at Oconee County Middle School. Harris earned her BS in education from UGA. She has been teaching for 5 years at the Oconee Middle School.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Teacher-Of-The-Year Award Banquet. One teacher from each of the 9 public schools was chosen by his/her peers as the teacher-model to be admired and recognized. Then from the 9, one is chosen to represent all the others but represents the system and not just one school. The System-wide winner – her name is Bonnie Harris and she teaches 6th grade at Oconee County Middle School. She was visited and observed in the classroom by her peers. Not only is she good with her 6th grade students but is an experienced professional and veteran leader as proven by her many leadership seminars – talking on the adult level. One person remarked that Bonnie loves to “think outside the box” and comes up with ideas that nobody has ever thought of. Bonnie says that teaching is “such a great adventure.” She stated that her recognition was a result of the company she keeps – association with the excellent caliber of teachers and administrators in the Oconee Schools.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Historic Documents Found at Eagle Tavern. More than a year ago, newly hired Peggy Holcomb as Tourism Director found in an empty office a large envelope containing documents dating as far back as 1861 and leading up to 1962. These documents included personal letters, post cards, insurance policies, ledgers, flyers and deeds. The Booth Family was mentioned most often. Commissioner Hale who works in a UGA Library said that she would like to see the documents preserved in a controlled environment in the Athens facility, but Chairman Davis preferred that they remain in Oconee County. She then suggested that they could be scanned and the copies kept in the county. No decision was made.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Bogart Festival Bigger This Year. The “Celebrate Bogart” Parade will start at 10 am, but there will be an hour (starting at 9 am) of entertainment and food. Scout Troop #567 will act as the color guard parading the flag to the stage; many different bands and chorus groups will entertain with their music specialty all day. The North Oconee HiSch Marching Band will perform by leading the parade. The Classic City Twirlers will perform, many cars and heavy county trucks be on display; and “Little Miss and Mister Bogart” will ride before the crowd. Donations from the “Little” contest will go to the Marine’s Toys For Tots project. Car show winners will be announced at 3:15pm. The Baptist and Christian Churches of Bogart will have booths; friends of the Bogart Library will hold a book sale. This is the 15th year of the event in Bogart and it just keeps growing. The motto for the city community is “Believe in Bogart”.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Jackson County – Camera Ready. Actor Robert Duvall’s new film “Get Low” was partially filmed in Jackson County at Hurricane Shoals Park. Jackson County was designated as ‘camera ready” by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Camera Ready is a program that offers film and television production companies an easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. This is achieved by the community designating a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on the local level and also provides a series of location – with photographs of the locations – that could be good locations for filming within the community. Georgia has been a hotbed of activity for film, music & digital entertainment over the past few years. Not surprisingly, this activity was boosted by the 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act which resulted in very rapid expansion of the number of films and shows that were shot in Georgia. During Fiscal Year 2010, it is estimated that the film industry brought in more than $759 million in investment to Georgia from 335 productions, bringing Georgia to one of the top five states in the nation for film and TV production. Perhaps Oconee County will take up the offer and we will be designated as ready for the film industry to make more films in Georgia and boost our economy.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Library Book Donation Far Exceeded Last Year. Every year since 2007, the Oconee Library has held a book sale to help support the cost of new books for the Library and each year, the asked for donations of already read books. The number of this year’s collections was so overwhelming that not enough space was available at the Library. Books were boxed and moved to OCAF large Gym-room and the sale will be held there on September 30 and run for 3 days. Items donated other than books were: paper back and hard copy books, books on CDs, books on tape, movies and lots of children’s books. Text books will not be received.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Horton Upset Again With Chairman Davis. The September 14 release of the ACCG platform in Macon was the highlight of the meeting tonight. Even though the ACCG removed the change in the home rule platform that would have restored the previous duties and responsibilities of Chairman Davis, Commissioner Horton wanted to know and asked the question specifically of Chairman Davis if he knew about the rule that was an advantage for him and said nothing and if he had influenced the ACCG to include it in their platform. Davis replied that he had nothing to do with the action by the ACCG. Was Horton satisfied or did he make a public statement (with an accusatory question) to allow others to draw a negative attitude toward the Chairman? You decide. No action was taken.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Gov’t Annex Renovation Strongly Opposed. Commissioners were speaking against the renovation in the last special meeting that was held to discuss the plans presented by the designers, but tonight, they voiced strong statements about the need to even renovate at all and the unexpected high cost (from $1.4 million to $2 million) – a topic that Commissioner Luke will not even discuss if it cost more money than the county has. Luke said that for the cost of renovation, a new building could be constructed that would eliminate another move by county employees down the road. The other commissioners were reluctant to agree to any specific design. Commissioner Daniell was the only one who insisted that the renovation should take place with any spill-over employee office could find space for re-location in several empty places in the county. This didn’t sit well with the others commissioners who have tried to plan to put all county employees in one location or as near as possible to the courthouse. No official decision was made tonight. It will be discussed at a later scheduled meeting.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Oconee Utility Department Records Inconsistent. Some local business owners were concerned with the sewage capacity fee they were charged and questioned if the amount was equitable for all recipients and took the issue before the BOC. That caused a closer look at the records in the Department. What was found was a mess of record keeping with some information found scribbled on something similar to a “napkin.” All Commissioners were a bit angry at the management of records after Director Chris Thomas explained what he found after looking further into the matter. Chairman Davis explained that with the boom in the building industry in Oconee County, in the beginning there was no conformity, then an ordinance was created but had undergone several changes. He said that he knew of no audit being performed on the records. County Administrator Alan Theriault explained that the state encourages a formula that counties can use to determine the fee amount and that of late it has been used. All concluded that an audit is perhaps in order, not to indicate any illegal activity, but to make some sense of the records and to install better management of them and to review the fees charged to ascertain if fairness is missing.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
North Georgia Bank-Stock Offering Deadline. Earlier this month, bank President Chuck Williams offered to stock holders and to the community at large, capital stock at $5 per share in hopes of selling enough to total $5 million – the amount needed to cover the losses in delinquent loans which are about ¼ of all loans. So far, citizens answered the call in the amount of about 1 ½ million – not enough. The FDIC Web site lists weak banks and North Georgia was among them. In a Weiss Bank Rating of 1 star to 5 stars (5 being the healthiest), First Madison in Colbert rated 5 stars, First American rated 4 stars, Athens first rated 2 stars, Oconee state Bank rated 1 star and North Georgia Bank rated 0 stars. FDIC regulators have not made that fearsome visit yet to close North Georgia, but it doesn’t look good.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Oconee The Magazine. The Magazine, published by the weekly news – the Oconee Enterprise (OE) made its first appearance today delivered between the newspaper fold. It was impressive: slick quality paper, vivid multi-colors, hometown feature stories, and just the right number of pages for small Oconee County. The different sections are: Around Main Street, Active Living, Agrarian Life, Art Speak and Academia. Publishing an expensive Magazine in this economy may seem foolish, but the OE Manager believes the readers will be many and pleased.
The End
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