Page 12 THE TOWNS COUNTY HERALD September 17, 2014 September 17, 2014 THE TOWNS COUNTY HERALD Page 12 Meeting...from Page 1 EMC...from Page 1 “I want to tell you, shame more than $48,000, asked the run for these seats. And that’s off my suit and tie now,” Logan on the board for charging that membership for forgiveness. a bunch of bull.” said regarding his election to the poor woman $50 to get her “I will work hard to re- Phillips added that the Board of Directors. “I think the power cut back on,” Heiman- gain the trust of the member- monthly and annual meet- biggest thing that comes from son said. ship,” Akins said. “The Board ings of the Board of Directors this election is transparency. “Oh, and one more thing, of Directors has worked hard to should have large crowds on “Once things become when I asked Mr. Akins why get to the bottom of this, and get hand. more transparent to the mem- they had to build the headquar- back on track.” “People need to be in- bership, a lot of this stuff will ters so grand, he commented to Akins concluded by volved in the monthly meet- take care of itself,” Logan said. me that it was to be in confor- thanking the membership for ings,” he said. “Anderson “A lot of the issues have already mity with Brasstown Valley, supporting the cooperative. Music Hall seats 2,900 people. started being addressed. There that tourists who come by and Director Jerry Nichols Next year’s annual meeting, are some more things that need want to see the EMC,” she said. also apologized on behalf of I’d love to see 2,900 people to be addressed.” “When people go on vacation, the board of directors. here.” Logan said that the mem- I don’t think the EMC is their “We make mistakes, Phillips said he hopes bership sent a strong message destination. some were made over the last the clean sweep of directors’ with the election results. How- “I hope today, that we few years,” Nichols said. “It seats sends a message to the ever, he said he still had the get three new board members,” became a problem as soon as remaining members of the utmost respect for his defeated she said. we found out about it (April Board of Directors. opponent. Heimanson got her wish; 8, 2014). “We’ve got to work with Barbara Heimanson gives the EMC board an earful at the Annual “I’d like to say this, Brian there are three new board mem- “There’s a lot of informa- the existing members of this Meeting in Hiawassee on Saturday. Photos/Lowell Nicholson Trout is a fine fellow,” Logan bers, Charles Jenkins, Steven tion out there,” he said. “Bad board of directors,” Phillips able to talk to board members have been resolved years ago said. “Brian was on the board Phillips, and Chris Logan. And news is what people look at. said. “One of my highest pri- and not feel their jobs are threat- if people didn’t feel like their just a few months. I think he lost her speech drew a rousing round We’re regretful of how this has orities is to look out for the 191 ened,” Phillips said. “I’m on the jobs were in jeopardy.” this election more by circum- of applause. played out. We regret that it employees of the EMC. They board and I should be one of the As for Logan, he de- stance than his character. Though Heimanson was happened; your cooperative is do the job, they put their lives ones that they should call. You feated Trout with 69.5 percent “It’s time for the healing a tough act to follow, Karen going to change because of this. on the line, and they shouldn’t don’t know what is going on of the vote compared to Trout’s process to begin within the Kelley, wife of former EMC Please, have an open mind.” be in fear for their jobs. unless someone tells you. This 27 percent. EMC,” Logan said. Operations Director Chris Kel- Some members called for “I think they should be ordeal with Terry Taylor could “I guess I’ll have to dust ley, who was demoted for alert- term limits, and others urged ing Board of Directors about the Akins and the board to resign. long-term debt of former EMC EMC Member Mary Jean BOE...from Page 1 Board of Directors’ President Boyette, of Towns County, said football fields, and didn’t have any of the expenditures,” said Dr. leaves a heavier burden on lo- viously published dates have Terry Taylor, had some choice some things are unforgivable. other major projects in the works. Behrens. cal taxpayers to make up the been moved up one week, and words for the Board. “Matthew Akins knew And even with raising But the state of Georgia difference in funding. public hearings will occur on “The reason you’re hav- this was going on when he took the millage rate now, Towns only covers about 28 percent The Georgia Department Thursday, Sept. 25, at 12 p.m. ing all the problems you’re over,” she said. “He should County taxpayers are saving of Towns County’s school ex- of Revenue rejected the initial and 6 p.m. having is not because Chris have the grace to resign. The money, as a cycle of SPLOST penditures in a measure of printing of the notice of public The BOE will hold a Kelley blew the whistle on a di- Board should have the grace funding generates about $10 equalization based on the higher hearings because it said the meeting to set the millage rate rector,” Karen Kelley said. “It’s to resign.” million in revenue. property values assessed here, notice needed to be larger in the at the Towns County Board of because someone who used to EMC Member Richard “By law, the state is which is considered a rich Towns County Herald. Education Office on Thursday, sit on that stage wouldn’t pay Botting concurred with Boy- supposed to pay for over half county compared to others. That Because of this, all pre- Oct. 2, at 9 a.m. their bill.” ette’s assessment. Former EMC Director “Don’t believe that we of Operations Chris Kelley ac- have fallen off the proverbial Water...from Page 1 cording to the $30,000 opinion turnip truck,” Botting told the the Georgia Environmental the city just replaced was put “By being able to go and this city council, for the last of EMC Attorney Steven Minor board. “Matthew Akins’ ac- Finance Authority to be spread in about 25 years ago, but was down deeper with our new five years, has been very aggres- first reported the long overdue tions are incomprehensible. over the next 20 years, and only meant to last two years and pumps, we get a better quality sive in addressing issues.” debt of Taylor and Taylor Con- The Board of Directors should they’ve been very, very good needed frequent repairs. of water, which reduces the Mayor Barbara Mathis is struction to board member Greg be held equally responsible for to us over the years,” said “The operation of the wa- addition of chemicals,” said known for her fiscally conserva- Owenby. incompetency.” Stancil. ter intake does several things,” Stancil. “It gets us below al- tive nature and ability to make Chris Kelley’s reward The meeting concluded The water tank is an ex- Stancil said. “It drought proofs gae blooms, which is an issue money last. She, the city coun- was a demotion, a significant with the election of three new tremely important addition for us, because we’re able to adjust nationally right now.” cil, Stancil and engineers in the pay cut and personnel rep- board members: Jenkins, Phil- the community, and has been as the water goes down. And the Funding these projects employ of the city have worked rimands that included being lips and Logan. The member- part of a comprehensive plan important thing is that operating with state and federal assis- hard over the years to cultivate cited for insubordination, the ship left with a feeling of satis- dating back several years. costs should be significantly tance was not only a boon to the sort of relationships that North Georgia News and Towns faction and empowerment. “We realized that if any- reduced. The operating cost in taxpayers – it was a necessity bring this kind of funding to County Herald have learned. The other six EMC board thing happened to the plant years past is driven by the qual- to get the jobs done. the table. Chris Kelley resigned members must now wait to pumps or the water line leading ity of the water.” “We can’t make im- “We’ve not had to bor- his position at BRMEMC in see if a circulating petition to the school that we had lim- Water quality with the provements just because they row any additional money, and late August. seeking their recall from the ited ability to supply water to old intake was nowhere near as need to be made – we have to for these times and conditions, The membership crowd EMC Board of Directors is the schools,” said Stancil. “We good as with the new intake, as make improvements when we not many cities can say that,” screamed for Chris Kelley’s successful. were also concerned about it could only draw water from a can afford to make improve- said Stancil. “So, we’ve made, reinstatement. Without a doubt, the 75th having water for fire protection couple of feet below the surface. ments,” said Stancil. “And so I think, significant progress at a Earlier in the meeting, annual meeting of Blue Ridge at the school.” The new intake can draw water many cities in the past have put very, very difficult time.” Akins, who knew about Tay- Mountain EMC was one for And the water intake from as far down as 15 feet. off improvements or repairs, lor’s outstanding debt when he the record books, as Jenkins, took over as EMC general man- Phillips and Logan became the ager in 2010 and knew about it first petitioning candidates to Dr. Berrong speaks to Movers and Shakers when the bill was paid off July successfully gain seats on the 2011 and then grew again to board of directors. By Shawn Jarrard ting named a School of Excel- Towns County Herald lence in Georgia.” Staff Writer And test scores improved Gift...from Page 1 from 2013 to 2014. Towns County Middle “Four years in a row, we body’s heart.” conduct longer searches. had at least one subject that The Abrahams hold deep “I’m just so pleased to School Principal Dr. Darren Berrong spoke Friday at the was the top school in the state ties with fire departments. have a good cause,” said Peggy, of Georgia,” said Dr. Berrong, “I had two uncles who who said she would have sunk Mountain Movers and Shak- ers weekly meeting at Mary’s who was clearly proud of his were fire chiefs,” said Peggy. the boat before selling it. students and faculty. “My son was a fireman. And The donation came at Southern Grill. Topics ranged from Present at the meeting now my grandson is with the a time of great remembering, were special guests and recent fire department and taking his both of Stubby and Sept. 11th, middle school scholastic per- formance to the open super- Movers and Shakers speech paramedic exam. So, we are the day America will never contest winners Adam Penland very close with the fire depart- forget. intendent position of Towns County Schools. and Josie Bradley. ment.” “Getting this boat on “I just want to let ev- Stubby and Peggy got 9/11 – I think this day and get- “Currently, I have not sent my application in,” said eryone to know to congratu- to know their local firemen ting a donation of this magni- late Josie, because she is the well, and Stubby never wasted tude is pretty cool,” said Towns Dr. Berrong in response to a question about what he would middle school FFA president as an opportunity to give back to County Assistant Fire Chief a seventh-grader,” said Adam them. Harold Copeland, who helped bring to the role. “I do have my Josie Bradley, Dr. Darren Berrong, and Adam Penland spoke to the application prepared and ready Mountain Movers and Shakers last week at Mary’s Southern Grill. Penland, who is the high school “Every Thanksgiving coordinate the donation. FFA president. and Christmas, he took dinner And Stubby wouldn’t to send in, but it’s something credits in high school,” said Dr. said Dr. Berrong. “What you I’m still speaking with my Berrong. don’t hear very much is what Josie delivered a stirring for all the shifts,” said Peggy. have had it any other way. speech on the importance of “He’d take ham and turkey for “He’d be the one to do wife about and my kids, just He elaborated on this state championships we win in to make sure that at this time statement by giving an ex- academic programs. For some farming and her concern over them to have – that’s the kind it, too, if he was here,” said the dying breed. of person he was.” Peggy. that’s something that’s right for ample of a program currently reason, that’s not celebrated my family to do.” at the middle school that allows nearly as much as an athletic “Farming is one thing The boat will be a tre- Towns County Fire & that we can never let go of. It is mendous asset to the Towns Rescue has two boats in ad- The middle school prin- eighth-graders to obtain high accomplishment.” cipal spoke candidly about the school credits, and said that he According to test scores, something that a machine could County Fire Department. It dition to the Sun Tracker cur- never take the place of. It is up to comes equipped with a Hum- rently in use for search and possibility of his superinten- would like to take the program Towns County Middle School dent candidacy. further with more high school- held four number one spots us, the youth of America, to con- mingbird depth finder and rescue and the dive team. The tinue farming, and provide food Garmin GPS. A closed cockpit Sun Tracker, being the best of “More than likely, I am ers getting college credits. for subjects in the state for the going to send my application Dr. Berrong’s message 2011 school year. And students for not only ourselves, but for the area will help in winter opera- the three, will replace one of the rest of the world,” said Bradley. tions on the lake, and a viewing boats, which will be sold. in,” said Dr. Berrong. “But focused on performance of produced even better scores as far as what can I bring? If Towns County Schools, how- in 2012. “A farmer has the toughest job platform above the cockpit will “Thank you from the on Earth, but he also has the most give greater visibility. It even bottom of my heart from the that happened – I think we ever, and he only spoke on the “Out of the 15 scores lose focus sometimes, and the superintendent position when that you can get, 13 of those important one.” comes with a chemical toilet, whole fire department,” said Sam Fullerton, co-found- which will allow firemen to Copeland. thing that I focus on is student directly asked toward the end were in the top 15 systems in achievement, and that would of the meeting. the entire state of Georgia,” er of the Movers and Shakers, be my focus.” “What I’m going to said Dr. Berrong. “That is a enumerates the three priorities Talley at Odom Springs Vineyards Dr. Berrong highlighted talk about today is mainly the huge accomplishment.” of the organization. Blairsville - Odom T.G. Shepard. his relationships with the deans middle school and how suc- Also in 2012, Towns “Student success, politi- Springs Vineyard plays host to Talley has played of education for both North cessful we’ve been,” said Dr. County Schools received the cal awareness, and community a Saturday of musical enjoy- events with acts that include Georgia College and Young Berrong, who then went on to School of Excellence Award, needs,” said Fullterton. ment from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Billy Preston, Sam Moore, Harris. list achievements over the past which is a prestigious honor The Movers and Shakers The event features the Pam Tillis, Brenda Lee, Tim “If I was in that position, four years. bestowed upon only the top line students up each week to Box Tops’ Gary Talley, a cel- McGraw, Bobby Bare and I feel like there are things I “We all know how great systems in the state. speak publicly at different ven- ebrated guitarist, singer, song- many others. In 1999, he cre- could bring to our school that the athletic programs are when “I publicize that as much ues within the community, the writer, and author. ated the instructional video are going to open up opportu- we see a team win a state cham- as humanly possible,” said Dr. goal of which is to prepare them Talley began his musi- Guitar Playing for Songwriters nities for our high achieving pionship. We all celebrate that, Berrong. “There is no other for college and future careers in cal career in the 1960s as lead and he has instructed students, students to get more college how awesome that team was,” award that is greater than get- leadership. guitarist for the Grammy-nomi- including Pam Tillis, Sherrie nated group The Box Tops, who Austin, and Rory Bourke. NGTC Board of Directors Chair Chan Caudell passes reins to Martha Reabold were famous for hits like The The event also includes At the August Board Letter and Cry Like a Baby. Moses Cotton, a Georgia song- Completing his two-year improvements required to carry meeting, Dr. Thaxton presented Today, Talley continues writer, who plays regularly on term as Chairman of the North the college into the future. New him with a token of apprecia- touring as a solo artist and has the Nashville writers’ circuit. Georgia Technical College programs including the Associ- tion sporting the NGTC logo. recorded with celebrated art- Moses Cotton’s songs, which Board of Directors, Judge Chan ate of Science in Nursing, Early “Thank you, Chan; you have ists that include Willie Nelson, include Junkie Friend and Ten Caudell has passed the reins into Childhood Care and Education, served us so well,” she said. Tammy Wynette, and Waylon Cent Redemption, are true the capable hands of Martha Re- and Engineering Technology “And thank you, Martha Re- Jennings. Americana. Moses Cotton has abold who has served as Vice were added. Several facilities ex- abold, for stepping up to this As a songwriter, he has been featured on television and Chair since 2012. pansion projects were managed additional responsibility. We written songs for Country Mu- radio for his unique songwrit- “We have been so hon- including the Welding Building, are delighted to have you, and ored to have Chan serve as our Currahee Campus Health Wing, appreciate the continuity of sic legend Keith Whitley, The ing ability and outside the box Board Chair,” said NGTC Pres- Box Tops, James Cotton, and style of music. and the Parker Nellis Renova- leadership that you bring to the ident Dr. Gail Thaxton. “His tion, and more projects have board.” knowledge and leadership have been started. Ms. Reabold, an execu- guided us through a time of ex- Internally, there were tive for South State Bank, has tensive changes and improve- changes to NGTC executive per- an extensive background in The Towns County ments these past few years.” sonnel including two new vice strategic management. She During his tenure as Board presidents, a new executive assis- serves on the boards of several Chair, the college received full tant and a new president. regional institutions and is an President Dr. Gail Thaxton pres- Herald accreditation from the South- In July, 2013, the NGTC active member in local com- ern Association of Colleges and ents outgoing Board Chair Chan Board of Directors earned cer- munity organizations. She will Caudell with a gift in apprecia- Schools, Commission on Col- tification by the Technical Col- be supported by Rebecca King tion for his service – a chair! is here for all your leges (SACS/COC). The college lege Directors Association who has accepted the role of also navigated difficult budget- (TCDA) when the two newest strategic direction of the col- NGTC Board Vice Chair. lege. ary constraints which required a members completed their train- The NGTC Board of Di- advertising needs! reduction in force and the closing ing. Judge Caudell was elected For more information rectors meets the third Wednes- on programs of study at North of some programs which had to to serve on the TCDA board for day of every month and is re- be balanced against the constant the State of Georgia. Georgia Technical College, Just call 706-896-4454 sponsible for overseeing the contact 706-754-7700