Amendments can confuse voters at the voting booth...continued from page 1A Proposed Amend- The bottom line: if ap- out this proposed amend- multi-year contracts which from energy costs being specifically zoned industrial. ment No. 2 asks “Shall the proved, this $10 tag tax ment. Chances are there will obligate state funds for en- the means of What the heck, let’s Constitution of Georgia be won’t ever go away. It is be many situations when ergy efficiency or conserva- payback. Vendors offering give them a yes. amended so as to impose an what it is, another tax drain GDOT is over extended, tion improvement projects?” these contracts must place The lone Statewide annual $10 trauma charge on on locals’ pocketbooks. Vot- like in the current economy. This proposal mirrors funds into escrow ac- Referendum Question certain passenger motor ve- ers will have to make this The proposal does al- Amendment No. 3 because counts and those funds asks “Shall the Act be ap- hicles in this state for the pur- call. We expect most will low for the cancellation of it allows the state to execute could be drafted if the proved which grants an ex- pose of funding trauma care?” vote no. any multi-year contracts due multi-year contracts to im- promised savings do not emption from state ad valo- This proposed amend- Proposed Amend- to insufficiency of funds. prove energy efficiency and materialize annually. rem taxation for inventory of ment would allow the collec- ment No. 3 asks “Shall the With or without, GDOT al- conservation. The contracts Again, the state a business?” tion of an additional $10 tag Constitution of Georgia be ready is faced with financial would be limited to 25 years. needs multi-year con- It’s a trick Freeport fee which would not go into amended so as to allow the hardships. What state Currently, the state is tracts to be competitive. question because this the state treasury, rather, it Georgia Department of agency isn’t? It’s your call, prohibited from entering You decide. past session the legisla- would be constitutionally di- Transportation to enter into but if it helps, awarding into multi-year contracts Proposed Amend- ture approved two tax rected to fund trauma hos- multi-year construction multi-year transportation with vendors. In this case, ment No. 5 asks “Shall the cuts, one of which pitals around the state. The agreements without requir- contracts is a fairly common for equipment and other Constitution of Georgia be phases out the quarter term certain passenger ing appropriations in the cur- practice in many states al- amenities would be guar- amended so as to allow the mill the state gets from motor vehicle means the rent fiscal year for the total though there are safeguards anteed through a contract owners of real property lo- local property taxes. car you drive every day, amount of payments that normally built in that limit the with vendors with the cated in industrial areas to So business inven- AKA, your personal vehicle. would be due under the en- total of funded long-term lease payments to be remove the property from tory and in fact, all prop- This proposal focuses tire agreement so as to re- projects. The state needs gained from increases in the industrial area?” erty will be freed from the on the fact that there are no duce long-term construction multi-year contracts to be energy efficiencies. Actually, this proposal state’s quarter mill tax by Level 1 trauma centers in costs paid by the state?” competitive. You decide. The state legislature applies only to Chatham and 2016. This one just speeds South Georgia. The fee is That’s a lot of long- Proposed Amend- has already approved en- Jeff Davis counties. It fixes up the process for busi- estimated to raise about $82 winded verbiage. It really ment No. 4 asks “Shall the acting legislation to allow a 1950s era constitutional nesses statewide. Word to million dollars annually, which doesn’t cost taxpayers any Georgia Constitution be for multi-year contracts for amendment, and allows the wise, every little bit would not be mixed in with extra unless GDOT over amended so as to provide state agencies for very nar- property owners in these two helps businesses in a tough the other state treasury funds, extends itself in the long run. for guaranteed cost savings row purposes involving counties to remove their market. Especially if it but be directed to a proposed However, GDOT’s financial for the state by authorizing generating energy savings property from an industrial means the creation of Trauma Commission. position isn’t that solid with- a state entity to enter into and with those savings zoning designation in areas more jobs statewide. Page 2A THE TOWNS COUNTY HERALD September 29, 2010
...from page 1A ...page 1A Arrest and Fire Reports Poker Run a success Kenny ...from page 1A Local law enforcement provides the following information for publication. Over the last 12 Early Voting pivotal part in the organiza- medical professionals. Chil- Members of the Towns ballots can be cast from 8:30 Names are spelled as they were when received from the law enforcement months The Hall has played as the next state represen- agencies. It is important to remember that the following individuals have tion and spirit of the event. dren up to age 18 with or- County Tourism Association, tative in House District 8. a.m. to 7 p.m. Towns including City Manager Rick host to such music legends been charged only and are presumed innocent until such time as they are The auction (run by Rob) thopedic conditions, burns, Last but not least, things County voters also can cast found guilty by a court or enter a guilty plea. was a huge success also. spinal cord injuries, and cleft Stancil, will make a presen- as Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt, Atlanta Rhythm Section, have gotten easier for vot- ballots on Saturday, from 9 “Al Craig at The lip and palate are eligible for tation on Towns County’s ers choosing a replacement a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last Ridges Marina worked very care and receive all services behalf at a Shriners’ meet- Bad Company, Marshall ARREST REPORT Tucker Band, Sandi Patty, for outgoing Towns County opportunity to vote on Sat- Towns County Jail closely with the Shriners to in a family-centered envi- ing in Atlanta in October. Board of Education mem- urday prior to the general make sure that the event ronment, regardless of the Stancil also will present a Patty Loveless, Sara Evans, Sheriff-Chris Clinton Blake Shelton, Ray Stevens ber Bob Gibby, who has met election is Oct.30, from 9 would benefit the many chil- patients’ ability to pay. proclamation honoring his term limits on the BOE. a.m. to noon. Early voting in 9/25/10 Thomas Chad Brown, age 37, Winder, GA dren they help. He worked The Poker Run event Shriners and their charitable and The Temptations. Probation violation Also on Oct. 8 Deana Ledford has the race for Hiawassee City and worried over every de- was a prelude to a future works at that meeting. withdrawn from the Post 3 Council Post 5 will be deter- 9/24/10 Cory Charles Collins, age 22, Blairsville, GA tail,” Hooper said. long-term partnership be- “We are really trying to through Oct. 16, the annual Housed for Union County Fall Festival welcomes mu- election, leaving Jerry Tay- mined after qualifying has 9/25/10 Steven Ryan Doucette, age 27, Blairsville, GA Shriners’ Hospitals for tween the Shriners and let the Shriners know that lor uncontested in that race. ended, the candidates have Children is a health care sys- Hiawassee/Towns County. their business is important to sic legends Crystal Gayle, Probation violation Marty Stuart, John Conlee, Incumbent BOE members qualified and the ballots for 9/22/10 Tonya Fay Ensley, age 33, Blairsvile, GA tem of 22 hospitals dedicated Hiawassee Mayor us and that we want to help,” Michael Anderson and the election are printed. This Hold for state to improving the lives of Barbara Mathis announced Hooper said. “I think this Janie Fricke, T.G. Sheppard, 9/24/10 Jerry Ledan Goolsby, age 39, Gainesville, GA Connie Smith and Percy Emily Phillips also are run- week’s Towns County Her- children by providing pedi- recently that the Georgia event will be a big plus for ning unopposed for their re- ald features a Sample Elec- Housed for Union County atric specialty care, innova- Shriners Convention would the community next summer. Sledge. 9/24/10 Sean Pierce Rea, age 21, Blairsville, GA Tickets for the Fall spective seats. tion Ballot in addition to a Housed for Union County tive research, and outstand- be held in Hiawassee and Incidentally, there will be an- Opportunities to cast break down of the constitu- ing teaching programs for Towns County in June 2011. other Poker Run in June.” Festival are $9 per person 9/24/10 Kevin William Rogers, age 30, Blairsville, GA and $2 for parking. ballots are plentiful – Mon- tional amendments and the Housed for Union County day, Wednesday, Thursday statewide referendum on 9/25/10 Sherry Heather Segars, age 42, Hiawassee, GA and Friday from 8:30 a.m. Freeport exemptions for Theft by deception to 4:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, businesses. 9/24/10 Richard Lee Brooks, age 55, Young Harris, GA Four charged in drug bust License required, surrender of, Driving under the The Towns County The Towns County Four individuals were influence Sheriff’s Office Drug Grant Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit had charged with Possession of 9/22/10 Kelvin Clay Burch, age 43, Hiawassee, GA Unit recently conducted a arrived on scene and at the Marijuana. In addition to the Pedestrian under influence request of Deputy Dyer, a 9/24/10 Robert Jeremy Dale, age 26, Hiawassee, GA traffic stop which resulted in drug charges, one of the in- Serve weekend several individuals being ar- free-air sniff was conducted dividuals was found to have 9/22/10 Sally Maria Garnett, age 41, Hiawassee, GA rested for Possession of around the vehicle. K9 an outstanding arrest war- Pedestrian under the influence Marijuana, and two arrested Darth gave a positive indi- rant from Gwinnett County 9/23/10 Nicolas Tapia Huerta, age 26, Hiawassee, GA on outstanding warrants. cation of the presence of an and another was wanted out License required, surrender of Deputy Shawn Dyer illegal narcotic odor coming of North Carolina. 9/22/10 Misty Nicole Shook, age 32, Hiawassee, GA from the vehicle. A subse- These alleged fugitives Driving while license suspended initially stopped the vehicle 9/21/10 Karen Webber Struchko, age 60, Hayesville, NC for an equipment violation, quent search of the vehicle were held for pick-up. Driving on roadways laned for, Drugs to be kept in and during the traffic stop produced an amount of sus- Names are being withheld original container, Possession, manu., distrib., etc. deputies became suspicious pected marijuana in a plas- until the investigation is com- 9/25/10 Davis Lee Sutton, age 61, Hiawassee, GA that the vehicle contained tic bag hidden under the rear plete, Towns County DUI - drugs, Driving on roadways laned for contraband. passenger seat. Sheriff’s reports show. TC Fire Department RESPONSE REPORT One charged in burglary From: Fire Chief Mitchell Floyd During the late The burglar took a ports show.. evening hours of Thursday, small amount of cash, ciga- The suspect had alleg- 9/20/10 10:20 R-1 Lakeview Dr Medical Sept. 23, the Windy Hill BP rettes, lighters, beer and 10:34 Utility-1 Deer Run Dr. Medical edly been staying at a residence 11:23 E-1 Hwy 76 W Grass Fire Station on Hwy. 66 was bur- other items from the store. near the store on Hwy. 66. 12:04 E-1,R-1 Chatuge Reg. Hosp. Landing Zone glarized. Based on video and Within 24 hours, the sus- 13:50 R-1 Lakeside Terrace Medical The perpetrator had other evidence gathered pect was picked up by Tennes- 17:12 R-1 Justus Rd Medical broken a window and climbed from the scene, Sheriff’s In- see authorities after an arrest 18:48 R-1 Cross Creek Rd Medical into the business. After discov- vestigators obtained a war- warrant had been obtained. 19:08 E-1 Hwy 76 E Landing Zone 21:40 R-1 Cottage Hill Dr. Medical ering the break-in, the owner rant for the arrest of Crista Cook currently is be- ...continued from page 1A called 911, and Towns County Cook, age 40, who had been Amendments can confuse9/21/10 03:18 R-1 voters Hill Crest Spurat Medicalthe voting booth ing held in a Polk County, 08:00 R-1 Hwy 76 E Medical Sheriff’s Deputies were called living close to the store, Tenn. detention center Proposed Amend- The bottom line: if ap- out this 09:46 proposed R-1 amend- Graycemulti-year Ln contractsMedical which from energy costs being specifically zoned industrial. to the scene. Towns County Sheriff’s re- awaiting extradition. ment No. 2 asks “Shall the proved, this $10 tag tax ment. Chances 20:50 R-2 are there willPlottownobligate Rd state Medical funds for en- the means of What the heck, let’s Constitution of Georgia be won’t ever go away. It is be many 22:44 situations R-5 when Hwy ergy75 S efficiency Medical or conserva- payback. Vendors offering give them a yes. amended so as to impose an what it is, another tax drain 9/22/10GDOT 23:31 is over R-4 extended, Laureltion Rd improvement Medical projects?” these contracts must place The lone Statewide annual $10 trauma charge on on locals’ pocketbooks. Vot- 11:20 R-2 King Cove ThisRd proposalMedical mirrors funds into escrow ac- Referendum Question like in the13:35 current R-1 economy. Cedar Cliff Rd Medical certain passenger motor ve- ers will have to make this The proposal does al- Amendment No. 3 because counts and those funds asks “Shall the Act be ap- hicles in this state for the pur- 15:38 R-2 Hwy 76 W Auto Accident call. We expect most will 9/23/10low for 02:03 the cancellation R-1 Chatugeof it allows OverlookMedical the state to execute could be drafted if the proved which grants an ex- pose of funding trauma care?” vote no. any multi-year 04:33 R-2 contracts dueMurphymulti-year St. contractsMedical to im- promised savings do not emption from state ad valo- This proposed amend- Proposed Amend- to insufficiency 08:41 E-1,2 of T-1 funds. Brasstownprove Resort energy Fire efficiency Alarm and materialize annually. rem taxation for inventory of ment would allow the collec- ment No. 3 asks “Shall the With or 09:03 without, R-2 GDOT al-Summerwoodconservation. Ln. Medical The contracts Again, the state a business?” tion of an additional $10 tag Constitution of Georgia be ready is 13:00 faced R-1 with financial Chatugewould Way be limited Medical to 25 years. needs multi-year con- It’s a trick Freeport fee which would not go into amended so as to allow the hardships. 13:41 R-1 What stateRice St. Currently, Funeral the Assist state is tracts to be competitive. question because this the state treasury, rather, it Georgia Department of 14:37 R-1 Hwy 288 Medical agency 17:41 isn’t? R-1 It’s your call, Dill’sprohibited Food City Dumpsterfrom entering Fire You decide. past session the legisla- would be constitutionally di- Transportation to enter into but if 17:51it helps, R-1 awarding Fergusoninto Twn multi-year Rd Medical contracts Proposed Amend- ture approved two tax rected to fund trauma hos- multi-year construction multi-year 18:04 transportationR-1 T/C Schoolwith vendors. Medical In this case, ment No. 5 asks “Shall the cuts, one of which pitals around the state. The agreements without requir- 9/24/10contracts 12:47 is a R-1,Utility-1Ricefairly common forSt. equipment Funeral and Assist other Constitution of Georgia be phases out the quarter term certain passenger ing appropriations in the cur- practice 20:56 in many Utility-1 states al-Popularamenities Ridge Rd would Medical be guar- amended so as to allow the mill the state gets from motor vehicle means the rent fiscal year for the total 9/25/10though 04:58there R-1are safeguards Hiawasseeanteed Inn through Medical a contract owners of real property lo- local property taxes. 11:36 Utility-1 River St Medical car you drive every day, amount of payments that normally built in that limit the with vendors with the cated in industrial areas to So business inven- AKA, your personal vehicle. 14:10 R-1 Tay Walk Way Medical would be due under the en- total of 14:32 funded Utility-1 long-term Tater leaseRidge paymentsSmoke to be remove the property from tory and in fact, all prop- This proposal focuses tire agreement so as to re- projects. The state needs gained fromInvestigation increases in the industrial area?” erty will be freed from the on the fact that there are no duce long-term construction multi-year 15:01 contracts R-1 to Hwybe energy76 E efficiencies. Auto Accident Actually, this proposal state’s quarter mill tax by Level 1 trauma centers in costs paid by the state?” competitive. 16:04 T-1You decide. Jones Gap RdThe stateBrush legislature Fire applies only to Chatham and 2016. This one just speeds South Georgia. The fee is That’s a lot of long- Proposed 22:16 R-1 Amend- Riverhas St. already Medical approved en- Jeff Davis counties. It fixes up the process for busi- estimated to raise about $82 winded verbiage. It really 22:47 R-2 Craneacting Creek legislationRd Auto Accident to allow a 1950s era constitutional nesses statewide. Word to 9/26/10ment No. 05:04 4 asksE-1,6 “Shall theBeech Cove Dr. Fire Alarm million dollars annually, which doesn’t cost taxpayers any Georgia Constitution be for multi-year contracts for amendment, and allows the wise, every little bit would not be mixed in with 05:56 E-1,4,6 T-1,4Rocky Ln. Structure Fire extra unless GDOT over amended 07:54 so Utility-1as to provide Lake stateChatuge agencies Triathlon for very nar- property owners in these two helps businesses in a tough the other state treasury funds, extends itself in the long run. for guaranteed 13:53 E-1,4 cost savings Rockyrow Ln. purposes Rekindle involving counties to remove their market. Especially if it but be directed to a proposed However, GDOT’s financial for the state by authorizing generating energyStructure savings Fire property from an industrial means the creation of Trauma Commission. position isn’t that solid with- a state 14:22entity Utility-1 to enter intoLake andChatuge with thoseTriathlon savings zoning designation in areas more jobs statewide. 14:33 T-1,4 Upper Hightower Power Line/ Tree Fire Poker Run a success...from page 1A Kenny...page 1A ...from page 1A Over the last 12 Early Voting pivotal part in the organiza- medical professionals. Chil- Members of the Towns as the next state represen- ballots can be cast from 8:30 tion and spirit of the event. dren up to age 18 with or- County Tourism Association, months The Hall has played host to such music legends tative in House District 8. a.m. to 7 p.m. Towns The auction (run by Rob) thopedic conditions, burns, including City Manager Rick Last but not least, things County voters also can cast was a huge success also. spinal cord injuries, and cleft Stancil, will make a presen- as Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt, Atlanta Rhythm Section, have gotten easier for vot- ballots on Saturday, from 9 “Al Craig at The lip and palate are eligible for tation on Towns County’s ers choosing a replacement a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last Ridges Marina worked very care and receive all services behalf at a Shriners’ meet- Bad Company, Marshall Tucker Band, Sandi Patty, for outgoing Towns County opportunity to vote on Sat- closely with the Shriners to in a family-centered envi- ing in Atlanta in October. Board of Education mem- urday prior to the general make sure that the event ronment, regardless of the Stancil also will present a Patty Loveless, Sara Evans, Blake Shelton, Ray Stevens ber Bob Gibby, who has met election is Oct.30, from 9 would benefit the many chil- patients’ ability to pay. proclamation honoring his term limits on the BOE. a.m. to noon. Early voting in dren they help. He worked The Poker Run event Shriners and their charitable and The Temptations. Also on Oct. 8 Deana Ledford has the race for Hiawassee City and worried over every de- was a prelude to a future works at that meeting. withdrawn from the Post 3 Council Post 5 will be deter- tail,” Hooper said. long-term partnership be- “We are really trying to through Oct. 16, the annual Fall Festival welcomes mu- election, leaving Jerry Tay- mined after qualifying has Shriners’ Hospitals for tween the Shriners and let the Shriners know that lor uncontested in that race. ended, the candidates have Children is a health care sys- Hiawassee/Towns County. their business is important to sic legends Crystal Gayle, Marty Stuart, John Conlee, Incumbent BOE members qualified and the ballots for tem of 22 hospitals dedicated Hiawassee Mayor us and that we want to help,” Michael Anderson and the election are printed. This to improving the lives of Barbara Mathis announced Hooper said. “I think this Janie Fricke, T.G. Sheppard, Connie Smith and Percy Emily Phillips also are run- week’s Towns County Her- children by providing pedi- recently that the Georgia event will be a big plus for ning unopposed for their re- ald features a Sample Elec- atric specialty care, innova- Shriners Convention would the community next summer. Sledge. Tickets for the Fall spective seats. tion Ballot in addition to a tive research, and outstand- be held in Hiawassee and Incidentally, there will be an- Opportunities to cast break down of the constitu- ing teaching programs for Towns County in June 2011. other Poker Run in June.” Festival are $9 per person and $2 for parking. ballots are plentiful – Mon- tional amendments and the day, Wednesday, Thursday statewide referendum on and Friday from 8:30 a.m. Freeport exemptions for Four charged in drug bust Free to 4:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, businesses. The Towns County food distribution The Towns County Four individuals were The Towns County Sheriff’s Office Drug Grant Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit had charged with Possession of Food Pantry will hold a free Unit recently conducted a arrived on scene and at the Marijuana. In addition to the food distribution on Tuesday, traffic stop which resulted in request of Deputy Dyer, a drug charges, one of the in- October 5, 2010. The distribu- several individuals being ar- free-air sniff was conducted dividuals was found to have tion will be held at the Towns rested for Possession of around the vehicle. K9 an outstanding arrest war- County Food Pantry on Jack Darth gave a positive indi- rant from Gwinnett County Dayton Circle from 2 p.m.- Marijuana, and two arrested 6 p.m. All that are in need of on outstanding warrants. cation of the presence of an and another was wanted out food assistance are encour- Deputy Shawn Dyer illegal narcotic odor coming of North Carolina. aged to attend. For more infor- initially stopped the vehicle from the vehicle. A subse- These alleged fugitives mation call 706-896-4783. All for an equipment violation, quent search of the vehicle were held for pick-up. inquiries and clients are confi- and during the traffic stop produced an amount of sus- Names are being withheld dential. T(Sep29,F1)SH deputies became suspicious pected marijuana in a plas- until the investigation is com- that the vehicle contained tic bag hidden under the rear plete, Towns County Class of contraband. passenger seat. Sheriff’s reports show. 1975 reunion The class of 1975 will be holding their reunion on Satur- day, October 23. Please leave One charged in burglary a message at 706-896-3456 for During the late The burglar took a ports show.. details. T(Sep29-Oct20,H2)SH evening hours of Thursday, small amount of cash, ciga- The suspect had alleg-
9_30_2A.indd 1 Sept. 23, the Windy Hill BP rettes, lighters, beer and edly been staying at a residence 9/28/10 4:00:43 PM Station on Hwy. 66 was bur- other items from the store. near the store on Hwy. 66. glarized. Based on video and Within 24 hours, the sus- The perpetrator had other evidence gathered pect was picked up by Tennes- broken a window and climbed from the scene, Sheriff’s In- see authorities after an arrest into the business. After discov- vestigators obtained a war- warrant had been obtained. ering the break-in, the owner rant for the arrest of Crista Cook currently is be- called 911, and Towns County Cook, age 40, who had been ing held in a Polk County, Sheriff’s Deputies were called living close to the store, Tenn. detention center to the scene. Towns County Sheriff’s re- awaiting extradition.