Towns County Legal Organ of Towns County www.townscountyherald.net Your Hometown Newspaper Since 1928 50 Cents

Publication Number 635540 Volume 83 Number 51 Wednesday, October 24, 2012 Local Weather Lambert claims 2012 Fiddle By Libby Shook felt confidence, eyes closed, and Towns County Herald as if he were playing only for [email protected] his mother. Next up, Snoderly walked Lake Levels confidently out onto the stage. Two men were playing It should be noted that he is their fiddles and playing them Thur:Sunny 75 49 no newcomer to performing hot on Saturday night. in front of an audience as he Fri: Sunny 74 50 Only one walked away Sat: Clouds 70 46 was one of the fiddlers who Sun: Clouds 62 37 with the coveted title of Geor- performed in the movie Oh : Sunny 62 37 gia Mountain Fiddle King. Brother, Where Art Thou. Tue: Sunny 60 36 Junior Fiddle King Ken- He also told the au- Wed: Sunny 64 39 ny Lambert of Lawrencille, du- dience that the fiddle he was eled Senior Fiddle King Mack using for his performance had Snoderly of Clyde, NC. been handcrafted by none other Lambert emerged as the than Fiddlin’ Howard Cunning- 2012 title holder. ham, Hiawassee’s own. It all began with the toss Snoderly performed The of a coin, which Snoderly won Clarinet Polka and performed but opted to perform last. beautifully. He made the fiddle It may have been a mis- sound like it was singing the Kenny Lambert of Lawrenceville is the 2012 Georgia Mountain Fiddle King. Photo/Libby Shook take on Snoderly’s part, because song. once Lambert started playing, With both Snoderly and “I grew up in a musical of the fiddle,” said Lambert. ing and humbling experience to be here and hear some of Upstream Elevation he appeared to lull the judges Lambert putting on their finest family,” said Lambert. “I have “I am honored. I was up an older sister, Heidi Clare, against some great musicians the greatest musicians any- Predicted into his brand of fiddling. display of fiddling, there could Lambert performed a still be only one winner. who plays old-time fiddle and and they have been playing where. Watching some of them 10/24/12 stellar rendition of what he she got me interested in the a lot longer than me,” said grow up here on this stage and Lake Chatuge 1919.60 The judges’ votes had refers to as “my Momma’s fa- been tallied and the numbers fiddle. My younger sister, Mi- Lambert. watching them go on to do great Lake Nottely 1766.60 vorite tune that I play and I’m chelle, lives in Nashville and Emcee, Barry Palmer, things in the music world is just Blue Ridge 1672.21 were clear. The 2012 Fiddlin’ going to play this one for my King was Lambert. she sings, write songs, and charmed the audience with amazing,” said Palmer. Momma.” He threw his hands up in plays. I’m in the middle, and his quick wit and dry sense of Palmer recognized the It’s called Jerusalem the air in excitement and said, since they are both prettier than humor. INDEX Ridge. He played with heart- “Long live Bluegrass music.” me, I just practice the heck out “This is both an endear- See Fiddle King, page 16A 2 Sections, 22 Pages Arrests...... 2A Chamber News...... 13A Church/Obits...... 8A,9A Ellis is 2012 Homecoming Queen Festival comes to a Classifieds...... 2B Editorial...... 4 By Libby Shook Letters...... 4 Towns County Herald close for 2012 Legals ...... 3B [email protected]

Towns County High Sports School has a new reigning Homecoming Queen as senior Page 10A Meagan Ellis was chosen by the student body to be crowned 2012 Queen at Friday night’s TCSO Homecoming game. The game turned out The Georgia Police pretty good too as the Indians Accreditation Coalition claimed their first victory of the (GPAC) has awarded the Towns season over North Cobb Chris- County Sheriff’s Office state tian High School 38-6.. certification status. Meagan Ellis was escort- State certification ed by her father, David Ellis. represents a significant Meagan is the daughter professional of David and Vicki Ellis of and acknowledges the Hiawassee. accomplishment of policies and “I am shocked and sur- procedures that are conceptually prised and I feel so blessed to sound and effective on an have been voted Homecoming Meagan Ellis and Sonny Goodman are the 2012 Queen and operational level. Queen by my classmates,” King for Towns County High School. Photo/Libby Shook “The foundation said a very humble and elated The students had a great time Court was introduced to the All roads led to Hiawassee for the Annual Fall Festival. of certification lies in the Meagan Ellis. participating in spirit week and wares. crowd and were escorted by By Libby Shook promulgation of standards Senior Erin Westberry our first parade and bonfire was the lovely ladies of the 2012 People seemed to enjoy containing a clear statement of was First runner-up. Erin was a tremendous success.” Towns County Herald the “step back in time” as they Homecoming Court. [email protected] professional objectives.” escorted by her father, Johnny “This year’s homecom- Before beginning the walked through the Pioneer State certification has Pyle. She is the daughter of ing court was a great group of introductions of the boys, last Village to experience life as it Johnny and Jeannie Pyle. students to work with. All were The Georgia Mountain been a dream for Sheriff year’s Homecoming King and Fairgrounds’ Fall Festival came used to be. They stood mesmer- Clinton; he alluded to it in the Towns County High enthusiastic to be a part of the Queen, Zack Stroud and Felicia ized as they watched educa- School was very well repre- 2012 Football Homecoming to a close on Sunday, Oct. special election in 2007. “I was Baker were introduced to the 21st, with many folks sad to tional demonstrations such as concerned that state certification sented and all the girls were Court,” said Morrison. crowd. blacksmithing, moonshining, beautiful and worthy candi- Spirit week kicked off see it go. would be impossible to achieve The boys court was made The Festival was action- soap-making, hominy-making, in an agency that had been in dates for . with the first ever Football up of the following and their and quilting in the Georgia Candidates included Da- Homecoming Parade Thursday, filled from the day it opened such disarray,” he said. “I’ve escorts, Wesley Bloodworth with 30,000-plus folks passing Mountain Fairgrounds’ very always said I would give the vilyn Blythe, Dadrian Blythe, Oct. 18th with more than 30 escorted by Erin Westberry, own Pioneer Village. Christa Hamill, Kayla, Olin, participants. through the gate during the 10- citizens of Towns County a Dillon Diehl escorted by Da- day event. Visitors to the Festival professional sheriff’s office, Meagan Ellis, Erin Westberry, Elvis was the Grand vilyn Blythe, Sonny Goodman were able to walk through and Claire Wilson, Alex Fagin, Marshal of the parade and once This was a wonderful one that they can be proud of, escorted by Brittany Boyer way for folks to enjoy all that enjoy restored authentic and one that has restored their trust, Brittany Ledford, and Brittany again, as seems to be common and Brittany Ledford, Tyler antique buildings including a Boyer. whenever Elvis comes to town, the beautiful North Georgia and this stamp of approval from Hoffman escorted by Kayla Mountains has to offer during one-room schoolhouse, a gen- the state of Georgia means you Senior Sonny Goodman Towns County High School Olin, Luke Parker escorted by eral store, a blacksmith shop, was crowned 2012 Homecom- Principal Roy Perren was no this beautiful fall season. don’t have to take my word Meagan Ellis, Bradley Smith The weather was very and an old mountain home for it. Georgia’s professional ing King Thursday evening at where to be found. It’s almost escorted by Claire Wilson, moved to the Fairgrounds to the community-wide pep rally starting to look suspicious. cooperative all 10 days with law enforcement community Ryan Tallent escorted by Dadri- mild temperatures and beautiful preserve the area’s rich history. has said that your sheriff’s and bonfire. The parade began at the an Blythe, Dillon Thompson While visitors had the oppor- Senior Sponsor and Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds fall colors. office is providing you with escorted by Christa Hamill, The Fall Festival offered tunity to experience North Homecoming Sponsor Sar- and ended up in front of the and Austin Wood escorted by Georgia’s past first-hand, they the best accepted practices school where a large crowd many fabulous attractions in- in law enforcement,” Sheriff ah Morrison said, “Tonight’s Alex Fagin. also enjoyed listening to tales homecoming ceremony was a turned out to show their support cluding the Pioneer and Craft Clinton said. When Sonny Goodman Village with over 50 ven- great end to a spirit-filled week of the Towns County Football See Festival, page 16A “I would like to thank the at Towns County High School. team. The boys Homecoming dors selling their handcrafted current staff for their hard work See Homecoming, page 16A and dedication, without which none of this would’ve been Early voting underway possible. State certification Halloween on the Square returns By Libby Shook demonstrates our commitment By Libby Shook to professionalism at Towns Towns County Herald Towns County Herald [email protected] County Sheriff’s Office.” [email protected] An official ceremony is planned and will be announced Early voting commenced at a later date. The City of Hiawassee is Monday, Oct. 15th with a re- pleased to announce their an- cord turnout according to nual Halloween on the Square Towns County Registrar Irma on Saturday, Oct. 27th and the Nichols. Rep.... Broun 2nd Annual North Georgia Towns County Super- Jeepers Trunk--Treat. intendent of Elections Jonni U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, The fun will start on the Marie Shook said early voting who represents the current square at 5:30 p.m. and will end has been popular. 10th District, will bade at 8 p.m. “It has been a great start farewell to Towns County According to Mayor for our first week of early vot- at the weekly Mountain Barbara Mathis there will be ing in Towns County,” said Movers and Shakers meeting about 50 jeeps decorated and Shook. at Mary’s Southern Grill. filled with candy with for the According to Shook, Rep. Broun will be at little ones. 1,308 voters have turned out the 8 a.m. meeting on Friday, She encourages everyone for “in person voting” and an Irma Nichols Oct. 26th. to come out and enjoy a fun- additional 289 have returned Many voters expressed Rep. Broun will filled family evening and a safe their absentee ballots. what a simple and convenient continue to represent the way for your children to enjoy “This has been a record process it is and how helpful the 10th District, however, Halloween. setting week and we still have folks at the polls are. some counties like Towns Expect the Funworld mascots to be on hand for Halloween Shook wanted to make The Jeepers will kick On the Square. Photo/Lowell Nicholson two more weeks of voting to have shifted into another off the festivities with a parade go,” said Shook. sure that folks know what a Congressional District. starting at the Georgia Moun- children and we are expecting judging contest. Shook encourages voters demanding process this is for Towns will become a member tain Fairgrounds at 4:45 p.m. a great turnout.” The costume judging to “Please tell your friends and workers at the voting precinct. of the 9th Congressional They will travel from the The American Red will be held at 6 p.m. The neighbors and bring them with “Hats off to Irma Nich- District in January 2013. Fairgrounds traveling East into will be there with a food booth age categories for the contest you to vote.” ols and her crew. They have Dr. Don Maynard will Hiawassee to the Hiawassee for those that need a fill-up or will include the following age The hours for early vot- been burning the midnight oil deliver the invocation, State Square. beverage. They will sell ham- groups: 0-2 years; 3-5 years; ing are Monday, Wednesday, keeping all the necessary paper- 6-7 years; and 9-10 years. Rep. Stephen Allison will The Hiawassee Police burgers and hot dogs plus cof- Thursday, Friday, and Saturday See Early page 16A introduce Rep. Broun. Towns Department will have roads fee and hot chocolate to take off Prizes will be awarded to from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. the winners. County Sheriff Chris Clinton roped off so you may want to the inevitable chill that comes The office will be open TOWNS COUNTY HERALD will serve as the morning’s get there early to find a parking with fall weather. “This is just a real big until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. For emcee. place to enjoy the fun. In addition to the many event for the City of Hiawassee. all you working folks who find Mary’s Southern Grill Mathis said, “We will treats for the kids, Mathis re- We’re real excited about being it inconvenient to try to get out is at 1615 Hwy. 17 N, Tower have local businesses partici- ports that they will also have able to do this for the kids of to the polls during scheduled Plaza, Hiawassee. pating with lots of candy for the a bounce house and a costume Towns County,” said Mathis. week day hours.