2015 Business Card and Resource Directory JODMVEFEJOUIJTJTTVF Tallulah Gorge Skywalk Celebration continues SEE INSIDE The Clayton Tribune n THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 theclaytontribune.com Vol. 118, No. 26 $1.00 RABUN MAN FACES FEDERAL CHARGES By Klark Byrd Communications, and the News Editor information traced back to International child porn investigation Welcher’s address. The com- A 35-year-old Rabun County plaint states Welcher began man faces federal child por- his account with Windstream nography charges after his in September 2013 and he Friday arrest at his Clarkes- leads FBI, GBI to Clarkesville man used the name Auralextc with ville home by agents of the FBI internationally through the downloaded 15 images, two of Agent Mark Sewell states the his Windstream and Gmail and Georgia Bureau of Investi- Internet using file-sharing which the FBI suspected were New Zealand downloads came accounts. gations. network Gigatribe. An investi- pornographic photos of under- from the Gigatribe account The federal court document Christopher Michael gation into his online activities age females, a federal court “Auralextc.” An investigations also contains excerpts from Welcher of 64 Buckhorn Circle, began in July after an un- document states. unit in New Zealand subpoe- an online chat between Aura- Clarkesville, is accused of dercover New Zealand police A complaint filed in U.S. naed the account’s Internet trading child pornography officer accessed 10 folders and District Court by FBI Special service provider, Windstream Please see MAN, A11 Bleckley closes county career after 24 years By Mat Payne Staff Writer He might not be the tallest man in the courthouse, but for the last 24 years County Admin- istrator Jim Bleckley has cast the longest shadow in county Commission bids fond farewell government. When he retires at By Klark Byrd the end of the workday Tuesday, News Editor he will leave behind a big pair It was a heartfelt, tearful farewell the of cowboy boots to fill. Rabun County Board of Commissioners bid Since 1991, Bleckley has been retiring County Administrator Jim Bleckley the county’s top dog and the on Tuesday as he attended his last monthly only person in its history to meeting as the county’s top executive. hold the title of administrator. Board Chairman Greg James presented “It’s a wonderful county,” Bleckley with a plaque that read: “For 24 and Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune Bleckley said. “I’ve been lucky a half years of outstanding and dedicated Jail nurse Toni Shook takes a break from prepping medications Monday afternoon at Rabun Detention Center. to be here.” service, your commitment to excellence has Shook is employed by Southern Health Partners, the company responsible for inmate health care at the local jail. A graduate of Rabun County left a lasting mark on each of us. Thank you High School and the University for touching our lives in such a positive and of Georgia, Bleckley made the meaningful way. You will be missed. Have move from the private sector, fun and enjoy the years ahead.” where he worked as a real estate agent, to the public sector Please see FOND, A11 JAILHOUSE HEALTH CARE as a way to better provide for his family. By Megan Studdard “Those were days when it was feast or famine,” Bleckley said. Staff Writer t’s 2 o’clock in “We’re kind of a mental Health Partners, a Chatta- Please see YEARS, A11 health facility,” she said. nooga, Tennessee-based the afternoon Shook said 14 of the 17 inmate health care compa- and nurse inmates on medication ny, to handle all medical that day were taking some- issues at the jail. Southern Toni Shook thing for mental health Health Partners stafs a is counting problems. doctor and Shook, the pills. Elizabeth Norvell has nurse, in Rabun. None of I experienced the repercus- the health care workers are Her patients are sions of her mental illness county employees. frsthand. The Clayton Jail Administrator Maj. inmates locked woman sufers from Huck Ramey said the de- behind bars in- bipolar disorder and was partment budgets $150,000 recently arrested for DUI. per year for inmate health stead of tucked services through Southern She was sentenced to serve into hospital beds. Health Partners. 30 days in jail on week- Rabun is one of many And, at Rabun ends. During those times, small counties that con- County Detention the nurse station has been tracts its health services to empty. outside companies. Center, she admin- Shook said Monday she isters more psychi- was working about six Handling jail hours a day on weekdays, atric medication but was on call 24/7. Ramey health care Klark Byrd/The Clayton Tribune said that will soon change. than any other Rabun County sub- County Administrator Jim Bleckley, right, accepts a plaque honoring his 24-year kind. contracts with Southern Please see CARE, A11 career with the county from County Commission Chairman Greg James on Tuesday in the Rabun County Courthouse.
3 sections, 28 pages INDEX WEATHER
Calendar ...... B7 Obituaries ...... A6 High 77-94 Church ...... B4 Police Blotter ...... A9 Low 58-70 Classifeds ...... C5 Sports ...... C1 Medical Directory ...... B3 Your Pet ...... B5 Chance of storms. NASCAR ...... C3 Weather ...... A10 See page A10.
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Clayton, GA 30525 Staff Writer “Timewise, it really depends Email: thetribune@theclayton Nik Wallenda has a healthy on when things fall into place,” tribune.com dose of respect for danger, Wallenda said. “There are a lot Website: www.theclaytontribune.com admiration for the members of things that have to happen to of his family that made the art make that happen.” ADMINISTRATION of wire walking famous, and Having lost family members to accidents involving wire walk- a commitment to recreate his Publisher ing, including his great-grandfa- great-grandfather’s walk across Michael Leonard ther whom he credits as paving Tallulah Gorge. [email protected] the way for his career, Wallenda After more than a year of said he and his team had an planning, the Tallulah Gorge intense focus on safety and Accounting Skywalk Celebration began Fri- preparation for an event. Heidi Cook day morning with Nik Wallenda The technical aspect of each [email protected] making his first public appear- walk is designed by a three- ance in Rabun County on the tiered engineering team and Customer Service campus of Rabun Gap-Nacooch- five layers of safety protocol are ee School. He fielded questions Jeri McCall followed. [email protected] and took pictures with fans. He added he uses a specially During a press conference made cable for each event. ADVERTISING prior to the general public meet But all of that would be for and greet, Wallenda said walk- nothing if he did not possess the Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune ing the wire across Tallulah Rabun County Commissioner Stephen Arbitter and his sons Allen and Wyatt Arbitter Sales Associate talent to put one foot in front of Debbie Martin Gorge would be a dream come the other on a wire smaller than meet with Nik Wallenda on Saturday at Rabun County Public Library. [email protected] true. 1 inch in diameter. can remember,” Wallenda said. two hotels. “I have every intent of doing The physical training for the “I’ve had different emotions A sense of family history and this walk. It’s a dream of mine, walk begins about six weeks Sales Associate it’s on my bucket list,” Wallenda beforehand. Wallenda said he behind it, you know? Do I want legacy are prime motivators for Becky Berliner said. “It’s something I confident- runs through every scenario this to be my last professional Wallenda, and with that the love [email protected] ly believe that I will do.” and conditions that could occur walk of my career?” for walking the wire naturally Interest in the walk is high. during the walk to which he Henry Johnson, theater pro- formed. Wallenda began his n To place a display or However, Wallenda said there might have to adapt. fessor at Piedmont College, was wire training as a 2-year-old, classifed advertisement, is a series of hurdles he and his Karl’s walk over the gorge one of the people present at the playing on a wire in his back- call 782-3312. team would have to get over be- is arguably his most famous meet and greet. He said he was yard. fore he could take his first step performance, garnering an excited about the possibility of Since then, Wallenda has gone Graphic Design out over the gorge — namely audience of more than 30,000 Wallenda walking the wire and on to set nine world records for [email protected] sponsorship to support it. people lining the gorge to catch that he hoped to be involved in his aerial acts. He performs all A Wallenda walk does not a glimpse of the feat. the walk in some capacity. over the globe. NEWSROOM come cheap. He estimated the “He was a huge inspiration to Johnson worked as a crew “My great-grandfather said it cost of walking Tallulah Gorge me and to be able to recreate his member for Karl’s July 18, 1970, best, ‘Life is on the wire,’” Wal- News Editor at about $500,000, adding it cost greatest walk is something that walk across the gorge and again lenda said. “‘Everything else is Klark Byrd about $900,000 to walk across I’ve wanted to do ever since I for his walk in Miami between just waiting.’” [email protected] News Mat Payne County to receive $179K from Multitrade [email protected] News By Klark Byrd sion to approve this Multitrade was paying State’s Office, Scott Har- the contract was offered Megan Studdard News Editor agreement and also to more than what it would lan of Rockland Capital, at the same price as last [email protected] The Rabun County approve that amount. I cost for drinkable water. an investment company year. Board of Commissioners will send that to my folks “They fell behind, and based in New York City Bleckley said the com- n To submit a news item for unanimously approved … and as soon as they ap- fell behind substantially and The Woodlands, mission was free to bid publication, please call 706- an agreement with the prove it, I’ll write a check over time,” Stockton said. Texas, filed Multitrade’s out for auditing services. 782-3312, drop items of at new owners of Multitrade to the county,” Russell “The county’s worked 2015 corporation annual Commissioner Stephen 120 North Main St., Clayton, Rabun Gap that will near said. with them. They’ve registration. Harlan was Arbitter agreed it would fax items to 706-782-4230 instantly net the county County Attorney Allyn recently gone through listed as Rockland’s man- be a best practice for the or e-mail to: thetribune@ more than $179,000 of Stockton told commis- a merger or a sell out; aging partner. county to solicit bids ev- sioners the remainder of they’ve changed hands. In other business, com- ery four to five years. theclaytontribune.com. the company’s past due n the arrears — which end- There’s new owners now. missioners unanimously l A safety policy for It is our policy to correct all water bills. errors of fact that appear in Attorney Bruce Russell ed May 22 — will be paid We have an amendment approved: Rabun County. The via a $10,000 monthly to the agreement here l The appointment of policy states the county news columns. If you represented Multitrade, a are aware of an error, please power-producing com- payment accompanying signed by them awaiting outgoing County Admin- believes most accidents pany near the Rabun Multitrade’s future water our signature, which istrator Jim Bleckley, contact News Editor Klark Business Park, during bills. An agreement with basically lowers the rate Dillard City Councilman Please see $179K, A3 Byrd at 706-782-3312. the commission’s regular the company’s new own- that we are selling them and Senior Vice Presi- monthly meeting Tues- ers lowered the rate from water at. dent at Rabun County day at the Rabun County $3.50 per 1,000 gallons to “The water rate origi- Bank’s Dillard branch Randy would like you to meet Courthouse. He said a $2.60 per 1,000 gallons. nally arrived at was sub- Claude Dillard and Geor- payment of $179,088.19 — Multitrade uses around stantially over what our gia Power’s Greg Brown Keith NeSmith 25 percent of the arrears 354,000 gallons of indus- costs were at a time when to the Development Au- Comfort Specialist with on the company’s pre- trial water per day. the economy looked like thority of Rabun County; vious water purchase Stockton said the there was no end in sight l An engagement let- Northeast Georgia Heat and Air agreement with the county entered into an with what it was going to ter with auditor Rushton county — was in his “ambitious contract” do. In fairness to every- & Co. Debra Jacobs, escrow account. Future with the company years body, we’ve gone back county clerk and chief payments to complete ago regarding the rate it and reconfigured it.” financial officer, said the payment are to come would pay for non-pota- According to docu- company has worked with a lower water rate. ble water from the Little ments filed May 23 with well as the county’s “We ask the commis- Tennessee River. He said the Georgia Secretary of auditor. She added that Sky Valley talks marketing, upgrades
By Megan Studdard in April, gave several updates the on the Craft Beer Festival, which Staff Writer city’s marketing efforts to the 20 would come out of the marketing Give us a call! 706-782-7825 Sky Valley City Council reflected or so residents in attendance. She budget. on a year of marketing planning at said she is working to build an City officials agreed exposure its meeting Tuesday at Sky Valley email database to send out infor- from the event was well worth its Chapel. mation about the city. cost. Mayor Hughel Goodgame com- After hearing Gurley talk about “It was an investment. We have mended a citywide effort to raise the success of Sky Valley’s first great goodwill toward the commu- awareness and coordinate events Beer Fest on May 23, Councilman nity,” Gurley said. during the past year. Neil Howard asked if the event City Clerk Mandi Cantrell said Marketing Director Laura brought in a profit. Goodgame re- 1104 Old 441 South • Clayton, GA GA CL • 3000176 • NC 17279 • SCRBH 1043 Gurley, who was hired by the city ported the city lost around $4,000 Please see UPGRADES, A3 062515-170166 Rabun Dining Guide
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Lake Burton Grille & Grocery 062415-174463 7335 Hwy 76 West Clayton Ga 30525 • 706-782-4646 [email protected] [email protected] The Clayton Tribune RABUN COUNTY June 25, 2015 A3 BOE eyes career education future BOE denies out-of-state
By Megan Studdard E-SPLOST collection period. and local funds. RCHS will receive tuition fee waiver Staff Writer The facility will house state-of- $20,365 in federal Perkins grants Public school cost higher than local private school Plans are in motion for the new the-art training space for vocation- for the 2015-16 al education classes at the school. school year, Wil- Career, Technical and Agricultural By Megan Studdard Education facility that will be add- New assistant superintendent and liams said, along Staf Writer ed to Rabun County High School in vocational director Joi Woods said with $7,019 to pay she, CTAE teachers and RCHS coming years. for students’ end- A family moving to North Carolina will not be able to send their Assistant Principal Charles Wright Board members were updated of-pathway skills children to Rabun County schools next year free of charge after board Thursday on the more than $5 mil- toured schools in Hart, Madison, of education members on Thursday unanimously denied a request to Newton and Coweta counties earli- tests. lion wing that will be funded with Williams waive out-of-state tuition charges. Education Special Purpose Local er this month to check out facilities and programs. They will take what stressed the Superintendent Melissa Williams reported she had recently Option Sales Tax dollars. Voters received a letter from a Marietta mother planning to move to Otto, approved the one-percent sales tax they learned, she said, to help de- importance of velop plans for the new building. providing voca- North Carolina. Williams said the mother wanted her children to at- continuation March 17. Collections WILLIAMS will begin next June. Williams told the board she’s tional education tend school in Rabun County and requested the out-of-state tuition The green light for construction been meeting with community to Rabun County fee be waived. to begin in August 2016 was lit stakeholders about the new facili- students. Rabun County Schools bills out-of-state students at the per-pupil after board members unanimously ty, including representatives with “Everything in education in rate, according to Board Policy JBCB. The rate is calculated by divid- approved a bond resolution for the the Rabun County Chamber of cyclical. For a while, we went ing the total budget by the number of enrolled students. For FY 2015, project. Chairman David Smith and Commerce, Georgia Department of away from thinking CTAE, or the out-of-state rate was $11,414.12. For students living in Georgia Superintendent Melissa Williams Labor and North Georgia Techni- career technical education, was but outside the county, the rate was $1,000. cal College. She said plans are not said the system will take out bonds necessary,” she said. “We thought The policy says school system employees are exempt from fees, so construction can start before all only to provide learning space for that everyone needed a four-year meaning their children can attend Rabun County schools even if they the E-SPLOST funds are collected. Rabun youth, but also to open up live outside county or state lines. “The bonds will be bid out when the facility to NGTC to offer night college degree. Because of that, we don’t have a lot of skilled work- Board members agreed that waiving the out-of-state fees would they’re ready to be issued based on classes for adults. weaken the policy. Board members also approved force. The pendulum is swinging an interest rate at that time,” Smith “If you start it, it’s just going to continue and snowball,” board said. the CTAE budget for 2015-16, which back around. I’m excited about the Williams said the bonds will includes more than $27,000 in opportunities that can provide for member Betsy Smith said. be paid off after the five-year federal money and $49,000 in state Rabun County.” Rabun County’s out-of-state rate was higher than one local private school in the area. Tallulah Falls School charged 2014-15 day students $9,600 in tuition, with an additional $150 to $595 class trip fee and $100 activity fee. Rabun’s board policy required out-of-state students to provide their own transportation to school while TFS Rabun schools lauded on national level ofered a bus service for an additional $750. By Megan Studdard tunities Consortium of something figured out, together a written piece Nearby Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s tuition was signifcantly Staff Writer Idaho. She said Rabun they say.” on the system soon. higher than the public school’s per-pupil cost. It charged $16,980 for domestic middle school day students for 2014-15 and $18,390 for Rabun County Schools County was one of two Williams said she “It’s something really has caught the eye of Georgia systems identi- spoke to the representa- to be proud of,” she said. domestic high school day students. a national think tank fied by ROCI as “beating tive about Rabun Coun- “Not just in Georgia are Both private schools ofer scholarships and other options for focused on best practices the odds” systems. ty’s path to success and people looking at Rabun fnancing tuition. According to Finance Director Lois Burrell, the sys- County, but we’ve got in education. “A majority of our championed faculty, as tem doesn’t ofer scholarships to out-of-state students, but families people all the way over Superintendent Melis- students are economi- well as the state’s In- of out-of-county students can pay their fee per semester. sa Williams announced there in Idaho calling to cally disadvantaged, yet vesting in Educational Thursday during the see what we’re doing.” Rabun County Board of they are improving and Excellence accountabili- Williams added the Education meeting that outperforming most of ty program. other Georgia system she was recently contact- the other school districts The superintendent contacted by ROCI was ed by a representative in the state,” Williams told board members Dublin City Schools in UPGRADES from the Rural Oppor- said. “Obviously we have ROCI would be putting South Georgia. n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A2
she’s been approached by several individuals with businesses interested in sponsoring the event next year. City Manager Linda Lapeyrouse added that soliciting sponsorship is something the city should Cirque Tallulah work on for all its festivals. AT RIGHT: Forrest Baker and Hannah Fromknecht perform Friday Council members and residents also heard about evening at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s Rearden Theater in potential communications upgrades. Goodgame an- “Cirque Tallulah.” The show focused on songs and stories cele- nounced the city is looking into a mini cell network brating Northeast Georgia as part of the Tallulah Gorge Skywalk after communications with Verizon on a potential Celebration. BELOW: Jeremy Nash performs during the “New York’s tower have been put on hold. Not My Home” song in Cirque Tallulah on Friday. There will also be upgrades coming to Internet and television services. Clay Fisher, Georgia direc- Photos by Klark Byrd/The Clayton Tribune tor of business operations with Truvista, said the telecommunications company has finished its fiber network build up to Sky Valley. He reported resi- dents who were once serviced by Northland Com- munications could expect broadband Internet and enhanced, digital TV before late August. Sky Valley will be ready to update its streets after council members unanimously approved a $497,867 bid for paving from Colwell Construction of Blairs- ville. Goodgame said the city has identified 11 roads that need paving and have put them in order of priority. He added that only $469,150 has been budgeted for road paving. According to Lapeyrouse, the bids are based on a per ton unit, and she said the actual amount of material needed may be less depending on the curvature of the roads. Goodgame said spending on the roads would stop when they hit the $469,150, and roads would be paved based on their location on the priority list. $179K n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A2
are preventable and will work to provide a safe environment for employees and citizens. BOE approves budget, policies for 2015-16 l A position classification and compensation plan written by the University of Georgia. Jacobs said By Megan Studdard On the expenses side, Rabun month through attrition, choosing the plan describes how the county will implement Staff Writer County Schools plans to spend not to replace several jobs of those new pay scales, overtime pay, hiring and rehiring practices among other procedures. Upon its approv- $17,308,840 on instruction, its who retired. Two of the cut posi- The Rabun County Board of al, the plan became county policy. It will be includ- largest expenditure. Roughly tions — Title I and Title III direc- Education is one step closer to next ed in employee handbooks, Jacobs said. $1.5 million each is allotted for academic year after finalizing the tors — came at the system level. l A coordinated transportation contract for budget, personnel and policies for school administration and student The superintendent told board elderly transportation in Fiscal Year 2016. The 2015-16. transportation. Upkeep through members that Nutrition Director contract increases the amount the county receives Board members unanimously maintenance and operation is Cindi Dean will now handle Title I to provide transportation at the senior center from approved a $25,413,534 budget expected to cost the system around and new Assistant Superintendent $39,721 to $49,000, Jacobs said. for Fiscal Year 2016. The system $2.5 million. Joi Woods would take on Title III l Line item budget revisions for FY 2015. Jacobs plans to earn the most revenue Superintendent Melissa Wil- director duties. said there were plenty of revisions as the fiscal year in ad valorem taxes, scheduled liams said this year’s budget came School Social Worker Tammy was coming to a close. The agenda item was an an- for $14,822,259. It will also pick in $5,000 less than FY 2015, partly Wilbanks presented amendments nual shuffling of line items in the county’s overall up more than $100,000 in grant because of eight personnel cuts. budget to ensure no department exceeded its legal funding. The board pared the positions last Please see BUDGET, A11 liability for its own budget, Jacobs said.
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Price does not include land improvement. Prices subject to change without notice. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY A4 June 25, 2015 The Clayton Tribune VIEWPOINTS OUR OPINION Bleckley a rare breed, and he will be missed The best politician in Rabun County and probably all of North Georgia is a man who has never been elected to office. In fact, Jim Bleckley has never even run for office. But, as Rabun County’s first and only county administrator for the last 24-plus years, he has survived 12 county commis- sioner elections and held onto his generous head of hair to remain ■ the county’s top exec- ood luck, utive. That is quite a feat. “GJim.” Serving as the exec- ■ utive director charged with carrying out the wishes of a panel of politicians falls pretty low on the list of jobs with the most security. Ever a diplomat, Bleckley has been able to negotiate around the traps that catch most administrators and lead Rabun County through a period of tremendous change and growth. Part of Bleckley’s secret is that he never wanted to go anywhere else. County administrators average four years in the saddle across Georgia, turning over due to political pressure and changing tides, but also to voluntary job changes. Not so, Bleckley. Rabun County born and bred, this is his home. Helping shepherd Rabun County to a more prosperous future has been his life’s work. He has done it well. The county was on the financial ropes when Bleckley Tough question: Protect took over as administrator. Rabun now boasts a reserve of about $10 million. Not every resident agrees with such a healthy rainy day fund. There are valid points to either side of that argument. We believe a nice reserve beats looking into the abyss of financial ruin every time. bears or public safety County Commission voted wisely Tuesday evening to appoint Bleckley to the board of the Develpment Author- his past month on social u were the negligent ones. Their ity of Rabun County. Bleckley’s experience, breadth of media I saw a post- lack of education or laziness knowledge, contacts and passion for Rabun County will be T ing from our county could have contributed to this useful there. showing a mother bear with attack. A fed bear is a dead People like Jim Bleckley are a rare commodity. Com- four cubs walking up a paved bear. Once they lose their fear mitted, competent, careful and conscientious; all describe road. Like most folks, my first of humans, it’s usually an ear- instinct was to get excited Bleckley. He was what Rabun County needed when the ly death sentence. about how cute they all were There is a part of me that board of commissioners named him Rabun’s first admin- and how exciting to have them Michelle wants to side with the bears istrator in 1991. He has remained the county’s best choice living in our area. But, then Crawford also. We’re hiking, camping for a captain in the many years since. my good sense kicked in and I columnist and having fun in their area. Commissioner Kay Darnell described Bleckley as a began to wonder if any of them u We keep developing more “rare gem.” That is well put. The Tribune appreciates would get to live to be an old homes and destroying their Bleckley, wishes him well in retirement and urges him bear in a wild environment. The Great Smoky Mountains habitat. The bears are thriving to stay close where his experience and wisdom can be Major habitat loss, poach- National Park estimates they from good management, but as ing and unregulated hunting have about 1,500 bears within they need to spread out, their tapped. nearly made the black bear Good luck, Jim. the park. That is about two territories are becoming more nonexistent around the 1930s. bears per square miles. That populated with humans. Now, thanks to great man- area is where the most recent Many of the bear conflicts agement practices, black bear unprovoked attack happened could be avoided if people populations have rebounded back on June 7. A young man would follow the rules and well. Now it seems like they The Clayton Tribune was pulled from his hammock do the things suggested by are breeding more typical to by his skull and was being state officials. When conflicts the way we’ve described how dragged to the woods when his arise from people doing stupid theclaytontribune.com rabbits breed. Black bear father heard his screams. His things, I too think they should sightings are becoming very father jumped on the bear and leave the bear alone and fine Published: On Thursdays at 120 North Main St., common based on television Michael Leonard was successful in getting it to the humans and punish them P.O. Box 425, Clayton, GA 30525 reports and Internet postings. Publisher release his son. They were able more. But then, I’ve never Telephone: voice, 706-782-3312; In fact, for many in metro pop- Klark Byrd ulated areas, it’s too common. to get help and the boy is ex- been dragged by my skull nor fax, 706-782-4230 pected to make a full recovery. have I lost a loved one to a wild News Editor E-mail: [email protected] In the very near future, there is going to have to be Protecting the public being animal. a conversation about black the main priority, rangers So what’s the answer: OUR MISSION bear populations and the rise closed the camp sites in the protecting the bears or public area and posted additional safety? Should it depend on The Clayton Tribune is published with pride for the people of Rabun and adjoining in bear and human conflicts. Scanning social media con- warning signs. They did kill where an incident happens? In counties by Community Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 792, Athens, GA 30603. We believe a large bear that returned to the woods should it be too bad that strong newspapers build strong versations regarding prob- Tom Wood, Chairman lem black bears, you become the camp site. They did have for the human, in the city too communities, that: “Newspapers get Dink NeSmith, President quickly aware that most folks DNA to match, however, they bad for the bear? As cubs they things done!” Our primary goal is to Alan NeSmith, Regional Publisher disagree with the practice of killed the returning bear prior are so cute, but as a large wild publish distinguished and profitable killing a bear or bears that are to taking the time to compare animal we might look tasty. community oriented newspapers. Our believed to have been involved DNA. Many people were upset I don’t know. This is a tough mission will be accomplished through a teamwork of professionals dedicated to truth, with injuring someone in the that the time wasn’t taken to one. integrity, loyalty, quality and hard work. public. perform the tests to make sure Attacks are rare, but with they were killing the aggres- Michele Crawford is a In the event of errors in advertisements, The Clayton Tribune will be responsible more bears there are more sive bear. co-owner of Crawford Art Gal- only for the space occupied by the actual error. Original writing and artwork are incidents happening. Biolo- The campers did everything lery, involved in various con- copyrighted. © gists estimate Georgia has a right. But perhaps the campers servation groups and a former Member Georgia Press Association population around 5,100 bears. in that spot the night before Tribune writer. SUBSCRIPTION RATES In County: $27.50 per year Out of County: $34 per year USPS-117-000, Second Class Postage paid at Clayton, Georgia. POSTMASTER: Send 3579 to The Clayton Tribune, PO Box 425, Clayton, Georgia 30525 OUR LAWMAKERS Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia Washington ofce United States Senate 1504 Longworth H. O. B. www.isakson.senate.gov Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-9893 Georgia ofce Fax: 202-226-1224 One Overton Park 3625 Cumberland Boulevard, Suite 970 Rep. Stephen Allison, R-Blairsville Atlanta, GA 30339 House of Representatives, Phone: 770-661-0999, 8th District, Email: Stephen. Fax: 770-661-0768 [email protected] Washington ofce 131 Russell Senate Ofce Building Capitol ofce Washington, DC 20510 504-A Coverdell Legislative Ofce Building Phone: 202-224-3643 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Fax: 202-228-0724 Phone: 404-656-0189
Sen. David Perdue, R-Georgia District ofce United States Senate 103 Blue Ridge Street www.perdue.senate.gov Blairsville, Georgia 30512 Phone: 706-745-2210 Washington ofce B40D Dirksen Senate Ofce Building Sen. John Wilkinson, R-Toccoa Washington, DC 20510 Georgia Senate, 50th District Phone: 202-224-3521 E-mail: john.wilkinson Fax: 202-224-1031 @senate.ga.gov
Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville Capitol ofce United States House of 421-A State Capitol YOUR OPINION MATTERS Representatives, 9th District Atlanta, Georgia 30334 We encourage our readers to send us original letters, limited to 300 words or fewer, by: www.dougcollins.house.gov Phone: 404-463-5257 MAIL: Letter to the Editor, The Clayton Tribune, PO Box 425, Clayton, GA 30525 Fax: 404-651-6768 District ofce FAX: 706-782-4230 210 Washington St. NW, Suite 202 District ofce EMAIL: [email protected] Gainesville, GA 30501 P.O. Box 2227 Please include your name, full address and daytime telephone number so we can verify your letter and discuss any questions about it with you. Phone: 770-297-3388 Toccoa, Georgia 30577 Contributors are limited to one letter per person per four-week period. Fax: 770-297-3390 Phone: 706-886-1898 The Clayton Tribune VIEWPOINTS June 25, 2015 A5 The fag should come down — but it won’t t’s as if we stepped into a u tle flag to a nearby location. One of the most eloquent ranged persons to have access time machine and went 15 Mississippi held a referendum pleas came from Russell to firearms. I years back into the past. on whether to strike the Con- Moore, an official of the South- The gun laws will probably The governing body of a federate emblem from its state ern Baptist Convention. remain unchanged. If elected southern state displays a flag; the vote was 64 percent in “The Confederate battle flag officials would not change Confederate flag. The flag is favor of keeping it. may mean many things, but these laws after the slaughter denounced as being hurtful In Georgia, Gov. Roy Barnes with those things it represents of 20 school kids in Connecti- to black citizens. There are did some backroom maneu- a defiance against abolition cut three years ago, it’s not demands that the flag be taken Tom vering to secure legislative and against civil rights,” realistic to think they would down from its public place. Crawford approval of a new state flag Moore wrote. change them now. So it was in South Carolina columnist that greatly de-emphasized the “The symbol was used to The political fates of Barnes last week when a white terror- u Confederate emblem that had enslave the little brothers and and Zell Miller are examples ist shot and killed nine black been the central element of the sisters of Jesus, to bomb little of how dangerous it can be for people in Charleston, telling state that was the first to se- former flag. girls in church buildings, to a southern official to try to the victims, “you’ve raped our cede in the Civil War, but there “In the life of politics, you terrorize preachers of the get rid of the Confederate flag. women, and you are taking were indications on Monday have to do what you think is gospel and their families with Miller was one of Georgia’s over the country . . . I have to that it might be. Gov. Nikki best,” Barnes said after the burning crosses on front lawns most popular governors ever, do what I have to do.” Haley, several days after the legislative vote. “I found out by night. but he nearly lost his reelec- On the day after the killings, a long time ago people, even “That sort of symbolism is tion bid after he tried unsuc- shooting took place, asked the the Confederate flag on the though they may not agree out of step with the justice of cessfully to have the Georgia South Carolina legislature to capitol grounds in Columbia with you 100 percent, they will Jesus Christ. The cross and flag changed in 1993. was still flying high, even take it down. stay with you.” the Confederate flag cannot It’s sad that it would take the though American and state The controversy stirred Barnes could not have been co-exist without one setting murder of nine innocent peo- flags had been lowered. memories of 2000 and 2001, more wrong. Conservative the other on fire. White Chris- ple to bring about the removal There were outcries that the when there were heated politi- white voters, especially in tians, let’s listen to our Afri- of the controversial flag, but display was an insult to the cal struggles in three southern rural areas of Georgia, were can American brothers and that’s the way the world works. victims, but the flag stayed states over the display of the outraged by the flag change sisters.” up. State law provides that the Confederate banner: South and Barnes was defeated when Moore makes a compelling Tom Crawford is editor of Confederate flag at the South Carolina, Georgia, and Missis- he ran for reelection in 2002. argument for striking the The Georgia Report, an internet Carolina capitol can only be sippi. Which brings us back to the flag, as do those who say the news service at gareport.com lowered if there is a two-thirds South Carolina’s lawmakers present, where similar argu- Charleston shootings should that reports on state govern- vote by the Legislature. agreed back then to remove ments are being made that the encourage politicians to enact ment and politics. He can be I didn’t think the flag would the flag from atop the capitol flag in Columbia should be laws that would make it more reached at tcrawford@gareport. be removed in a conservative dome, but relocated the bat- taken down. difficult for terrorists and de- com. Heritage, not hate Move Rabun County’s ‘battle fag’ he terrible atrocity that transpired in fter a 21-year- u constructed the display appropriated since 1954 Charleston, South Carolina, deeply grieves old executed and dedicated it on April as code for white antag- T us all, but the Confederate flag is not A nine people in a Steve Woodall 24, 2010. A SCV officer onism toward African racist. It is a symbol of patriots who were will- Charleston, South Caro- Guest Column makes sure that all five Americans. ing to die to protect this country and make sure lina, church, Congress- flags are displayed on Freedom of expression it remained as the man James Clyburn u the flagpole for an equal is granted to all people founders intended. u urged us not to remain time each year. of these United States by Slavery was never silent in the face of evi- flagpole on the same When I grew up in authority of our Consti- the reason for the dence that race hatred property. Rabun County during tution, but that freedom war but only an Lana Cantrell is still being carefully As the entire nation the 1950s and 60s, there Guest Column was never extended to excuse to start one. taught to the youth of mourns over the tragic were then no monu- government bodies. The war was about u our nation. killings June 17, the bat- ments to the Confeder- Historical displays on states’ rights as it From a flagpole on tle flag still flies before acy in any public place painful subjects are still is and it was the lawn of the South the seat of government here. Until I first noticed best left for museums, Carolina statehouse flies the second war of independence fought in our for the people of South the courthouse flag in not for lawns of active nation. the “battle flag” of the 2011, I could and did pro- Carolina. government buildings Lincoln could care less if slavery remained Confederacy. A rectan- claim to the wider world I must break my four that should be equally and is on record stating such, even offering to gular form of that flag that my hometown was year silence about the welcoming to all comers. make slavery legal in the southern states in had flown from atop the battle flag that flies to- ready to put that tragic return for the South compromising their beliefs. building’s dome start- chapter behind us. The five flag display day a few steps from the In contrast, Jefferson Davis had a written plan ing in1962, creating an Indeed, we should should be moved from its front door of my Rabun to end slavery within five years. We are still instant and continuing remember and mourn current location on pub- County Courthouse. It is fighting the same battle as was fought back then. controversy. An econom- those who paid dearly lic property to private Freedom with as little interference from the fed- ic boycott of the state one of a five flag com- for fighting to protect property. eral government as possible. Teach children the was organized in 1999 memorative display that their homes and way of An alternative would truth about that war of northern aggression and by the NAACP, and the was proposed by Sons life from 1861-65. be to exclude from the it will set us all free. flag became an issue in of Confederate Veterans For many today, flag rotation any flag Kudos to our (county commission) for having the 2000 presidential and approved by the Rabun County natives, that prominently dis- the pride and moral bearing to fly the glorious campaign. Thus, on county commission in newcomers and guests plays the “Southern ensign in front of the Rabun courthouse. Long July 1, 2000, the state March 2010. whose heritage includes Cross” from the battle may it wave and long should freedom be our legislature and governor The five flags are those family origins in Africa, flag. watchword. took the flag down from that may have flown in and for their allies, we the dome — but raised the county during the see it a different way. Steve Woodall is a resi- Lana Cantrell is a resident of Lakemont. a square one on a new Confederacy. The SCV The battle flag has been dent of Clayton. No easy answers in troubling times y rule of thumb has u were in a church, at a prayer we would be God-directed We must become aware that always been that good service, in all innocence. puppets with strings attached, we can never lower our guard M news does not come There are no easy state- but God gave us a conscience, in the protection of others before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. ments, and it is difficult to the knowledge of a moral code, in our civilization, and their and it held true last Thursday draw consolation into this and the ability to live as broth- well-being, regardless of color morning. holocaust of treatment of one ers and sisters in his created or economic situation, be- At 6:45 a.m. I received a call human being to others. world. comes our God-given responsi- from one of the members of As the day played out and Since the beginning of time, bility. We cannot sit back and my congregation who lives John the young man was captured, there have been those who say, it doesn’t affect us; it’s just part-time in Charleston, South Erbelding it was made even more plain have obliterated the moral about them, because one day Carolina. She was sobbing Reverend that his premeditation and code and trampled on people’s it could be about us, and then uncontrollably and tried to great planning were for one wills to live in peace, and for who will defend us? express her emotion on the u reason and one reason only, long or short times, they seem May God bless those who are happening in her city late the and that reason was hate. to have succeeded, but then it now picking up pieces of their evening before. We had just black community in her city I was asked a number of ended, only to start again. shattered lives in Charleston, read the CNN report and were and great harmony, and then times since then a very simple We are in that period again and may we throw our arms in the process of reviewing the this unspeakable horror. question to ask a pastor. Why where the hate-mongers and of love around them and give story when her call came in. It is at a time like this that did God allow this to happen? those who distort relations them God’s peace. She knew the church and the the guidance of a pastor is The only answer I have is that between people of color seem people of that church and as a most tested. Who can make he has given us, his chosen hu- to try to generate discord Dr. John S. Erbelding is the teacher of little children, the sense of something as sense- man race, a commodity called where there is no discord, and reverend of the Chapel of Sky relationship of the white and less as this? Attacked as they free will. If it were not so, then it starts all over again. Valley.
Smoky RACE EVENTS Mountain 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) and OPEN HOUSE Condominiums 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) road races 55 and over community • under new ownerShip EVENT LOCATION The race start/ends at Fri. June 26 & Sat. June 27 villa #2 ready Lake Rabun Pavilion at for you to Hall’s Boathouse 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day pick colors! (with turn-around towards Lake Rabun Campground) OTHER ACTIVITIES Help kick off the Fourth of July weekend at Lake Rabun. Computerized race results. LAKE RABUN, GEORGIA 2015 Awards cermony for all Join us & view 2 remaining 3Br, 3b condos. division winners in 5K and 10K. All participants will receive view the clubhouse. Saturday, commemorative t-shirt our resale condos TO REGISTER July 4, 2015 Race applications are available online at www.rabun at 7:30 a.m. ramble.com or at Rabun Chamber of Commerce. Larry Jarrett For info call Sandy O’Brien 062515-173597 All proceeds will benefit Ofce: 706-212-0228 at 706.782.7043. Cell: 706-982-2265 The Lake Rabun Association Or email Sandy at Bldg. 2 Unit 307 Bldg. 2 Unit 203 [email protected] Scholarship Program [email protected] $264,900 (7454354) $204,000 (7461980) www.larry.jarrett.harrynorman.com A6 June 25, 2015 OBITUARIES/COMMUNITY The Clayton Tribune OBITUARIES Helen J. nois; daughter Elizabeth sa, Alexander, Tyler, of the arrangements. An Alice Stafford of Clarkes- Dylan and Baby Evariste. online memorial register VanDalsem Stokes ville; and four grandchil- Her nieces and nephews book is available at www. Graveside services for dren. will remember their beckfuneralhome.com. Helen Joan VanDalsem The family received fun-loving Aunt Norma. The Clayton Tribune, June 25, 2015 Stokes, 66, of Clarkes- friends at the funeral Norma lived a vibrant ville, were held Tuesday, home on Monday, June life. She created a lov- Death Notices June 23, 2015, at 3 p.m. 22, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. ing home wherever God from the Oak Grove Cem- Those wishing may placed her. She was a l Funeral services for etery in Americus. send condolences by woman of many talents. Denise Hicks Taylor, 52, Mrs. Stokes passed visiting www.hillsideme- Her favorite activity was morialchapel.com. cooking delicious meals of Clarkesville, were held away Saturday, June 20, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, 2015, at her residence. Funeral arrangements and treats for loved ones. She was an accomplished June 20, 2015, from the Born in Moultrie on by Hillside Memorial seamstress, a spotless Hillside Memorial Chap- May 8, 1949, Mrs. Stokes Chapel, Clarkesville. The Clayton Tribune, June 25, 2015 homemaker and gracious el. Interment followed the was the daughter of the hostess. Her God-given service in Clarkesville late Ben B. and Helen beauty was only sur- Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Phelan VanDalsem. Mrs. Norma J. Unger passed by her inner Taylor passed away June Stokes earned her Bache- Norma Jane Unger was beauty. 16, 2015, at Northeast lor of Arts in early child- embraced by the arms of She survived many Georgia Medical Center. hood education from Jesus on June 18, 2015. transitions in her life of l Sara Marquez Piedmont College. She She was born in Hills- 86 years with strength, Lankford Martin, 85, of retired from the Haber- boro, Kansas, on Sept. 28, courage, dignity and sham County Board of 1928. She is survived by Payne Hill Drive, Clay- faith. She loved to laugh ton, died peacefully June Education where she was her three beloved chil- and cherished the laugh- 11, 2015. The date of the a teacher at Level Grove dren, Teresa Ann Derr, ter of her loved ones. She Elementary School. Mrs. memorial service will be Sharon Kay Huckelberry; has touched many lives announced later. Stokes was a member her husband Bert; Ken- and her light will contin- of Clarkesville United neth Bradley Unger and ue to shine brightly in l Services for Blanche Methodist Church. partner Stephen Logue; those who knew her. Spivey Tallent, 86, of In addition to her and her sister, Joyce She was a member of Clarkesville, were held parents, Mrs. Stokes is Ann May. She adored her the Mountain City United Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune Saturday, June 20, 2015, preceded in death by a grandchildren Jonathan Methodist Church. at 11 a.m. from the Hills Foxfre Living History Days son, Jason Robert Stokes. (Leslie), Jennifer, Wendy, Donations may be giv- Crossing Baptist Church. Survivors include Angela, and Phil (Mi- en to the Mountain City Interment followed the John Huron of Bristol, Tennessee, plays a handmade banjo her husband, Gerald G. chelle). She was proud to United Methodist Church service in the church Tuesday during Living History Days at the Foxfre Museum & Her- Stokes Jr. of Clarkesville; be great-grandmother to van fund. cemetery. Mrs. Tallent itage Center. The event was part of the Tallulah Gorge Skywalk son Gerald G. “Tre`” Jonathan, Jayson, Leah, Beck Funeral Home, passed away June 17, Celebration. Stokes, III of Dixon, Illi- Jacob, Nathaniel, Odes- in Clayton, is in charge 2015. County clearing area behind public library
By Mat Payne county is removing a option. Staff Writers thicket of vines and “There’s a talk Bulldozers, dump kudzu as well as diseased amongst commissioners trees from the area. ... about making a park trucks, backhoes and “It’s a huge mess with there with maybe a pavil- motor graders are fired all the vine and kudzu,” ion area,” Bleckley said. up around the county Bleckley said. “(There are) all sorts of with multiple projects Though there is no things that can be done Submitted Photo on public land getting formal plan in place for there.” underway. the future use of the Before any further Five generations Workers from the space, Bleckley said the plans for the space can be Rabun County Road Rabun County Board of made, Bleckley said the Five generations of this Rabun County family recently enjoyed spending some time together. Kinley Department are clear- Commissioners hoped county needed to ensure Burtch, 3, and 6-month-old Hudson Hamby, visited with their great-great-grandmother Mildred ing a section of woods to demolish some old the property was drain- Donaldson, 94, of Mountain City, second from right. Also in the photo are their grandma, Pamela behind the library near buildings in the area ing properly. Hamby of Toccoa, left, great-grandma, Sandra Dickerson of Tiger, second from left, and mom Katie the curve on Highway 76 and eventually create Bleckley said there Hamby of Clayton. West to prepare the space a large green space for would be an opportunity for future development. public use. Parking for for public input before a County Administrator the Rabun County Civic final use for the property Jim Bleckley said the Center might also be an was determined.
Local restaurant inspection scores
The following are restaurant inspection l Mountain Lakes Medical Center — 100 scores released by the Rabun County Health l Mountain Main Grill — 96 Department for March and April: l Mountain Man Pizza — 91 l Mountain View Health Care — 100 l Alpha Dog Enterprises, LLC — 95 l Pizza Hut — 97 l Annette’s — 99 l Quality Inn & Suites — 96 l Bellas Steaks, Pasta and More, LLC — 92 l Rabun County High School — 100 l Cannonwood Village — 95 l Rabun County Primary School — 96 l Celebrate Clayton — 100, 100, 100 l Rabun County Senior Center — 100 l Chic-fl-A — 100 l Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School — 96 l Fortify Clayton — 97 l Subway – Clayton — 100 l Greene Moon Events — 100, 100 l Subway – Dillard — 96 l Huddle House — 99 l Subway – Walmart — 96 l Ishy’s Grill — 100 l The Wicked Pig — 83 l La Cabana – Dillard — 96 l Valley Café — 97 l Main Stage Pizzeria — 99 l Warrior Dash @ Camp Blue Ridge — 100 l Mishima Japanese Express — 100 l Wendy’s — 95 WANT TO SAVE ENERGY? CHECK UNDER YOUR ROOF. Local artist exhibits works in Cartersville GET UP TO A $300 REBATE* FOR INSULATING YOUR ATTIC. Staff Reports Western Art Museum in A Taino Elder with Internationally recog- Cartersville. the United Confedera- nized Rabun County art- Her latest pastel paint- tion of Taino People, she ist Mildred Torres-Speeg ing “Blackfoot Elder” has lived and painted of Mountain City is now was selected and is being throughout the U.S., Cen- exhibiting with the Booth exhibited May through tral America, Asia and Artist Guild at the Booth August. the Caribbean.
Medical Society to Meet The next meeting of the Stephens-Rabun County Medical Society will be held on Tuesday, June 30th at Hawg Wild BBQ in Clarkesville. Social time begins at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6, and there will be a short business meeting. The highlight of the event will be guest speaker State Senator John .GV«WU«UJQY«[QW«QWT«EQORNGVG UGNGEVKQP QH«DGCWVKHWN«OQPWOGPV Wilkinson. Any active or retired physician who FGUKIPU«OCFG«HTQO«EJQKEG lives or works in Stephens or Rabun County, GA is 'NDGTVQP«)TCPKVG«CPF«VJQTQWIJN[ KPURGEVGF«CPF«IWCTCPVGGF welcome to attend and consider membership. More energy escapes your home through the attic &RUQHUVWRQH0HPRULDOV For more details or to RSVP for the meeting, send than anywhere else. .QECVGF«CV«tJG«4CDWP«(NGC«/CTMGV an email message to [email protected] That’s why Georgia Power wants to give you a rebate up to $300 for upgrading the 041014-72346 031215-149595 insulation in your attic with qualifying materials. You’ll feel more comfortable and save money all year long. Learn more about qualifying products and rebate details at georgiapower.com/homeimprovements or call 1-877-310-5607.
*Georgia Power customers may be eligible to receive a rebate of 50% of the installed cost up to $300 on qualified Dr. Grady C. Campbell, DDS insulation upgrades. Rebate available through December 2015. Application and receipt/invoice must be submitted Personalized Denture Service within 60 days of purchase or installation. Installation of dense pack or wet cellulose and spray foam insulation (also considered an air sealing improvement) must be installed by a Program Participating Contractor. Certain preconditions Service Repairs & Relines and requirements must be met in order to qualify for this rebate. © 2015 Georgia Power. All rights reserved. In-House Full Service Laboratory
Let the expert help you today! 042215-158970 Make your appointment for a complimentary consultation 618 West Louise St., Clarkesville, GA 30523 We offer the Most Competitive
706.754.0106 Rates in the Region 062415-162819 The Clayton Tribune COMMUNITY June 25, 2015 A7 Authorities strike against suspected drug dealers
By Klark Byrd Fountain continues with two investigation, News Editor was charged and other counts of an ARDEO Local authorities and the with pos- arrests are second-de- press release expected. Appalachian Regional Drug En- session of a gree cruelty states. Two more forcement Office cracked down Schedule II to children, Feldman Clayton res- this month on suspected drug substance illegal pos- and Clemons idents were dealers, arresting four Clayton with intent session of a were arrested to distribute. arrested controlled as the result residents in two separate inves- June 18 after tigations. Although substance, of a one- Fountain was the ARDEO, possession month inves- Joyce Michelle Winn, 43, and RCSO, Clay- Thomas Fountain were arrest- WINN arrested on FELDMAN of drug-re- CLEMONS tigation into his charge FOUNTAIN ton police lated objects, suspected ed June 12 as a result of an un- and the and, accord- possession drug activity dercover drug investigation by Clayton Mar- ing to RCSO of metham- in the home. the ARDEO, the Rabun County shal’s Office executed a search Sheriff’s Office and the Clayton Chief Investigator Capt. Jack warrant at 697 Valley Street. phetamine and possession of The investigation continues, Police Department. Tanksley, was rearrested for a Kevin Earl Feldman, 54, was methamphetamine with intent authorities said. Winn was charged with probation violation, he was not arrested for possession of meth- to distribute. She remained The ARDEO is a multi-agency possession of a Schedule II listed among the inmates of the amphetamine with intent to dis- jailed at the detention center unit consisting of the sheriff’s substance with intent to distrib- detention center Wednesday tribute, possession of drug-re- Wednesday morning with bond offices of White, Lumpkin, ute and use of a communication morning. lated objects and maintaining set at $13,500. Towns, Banks, Habersham, facility in committing an act Task force agents seized a disorderly house. He was not Sheriff Frank Andrews Stephens and Rabun counties, which constitutes a felony. He methamphetamine, drug para- listed among the inmates at the confirmed Tuesday there were along with the Georgia Nation- remained jailed in the Rabun phernalia and drug packaging detention center Wednesday two young children in the al Guard Counter Drug Task County Detention Center on materials found with Winn and morning. Valley Street home. The Divi- Force, the Department of Public Wednesday morning with bond Fountain. An ARDEO press Also arrested was Anita Ruth sion of Family and Children Safety and the Georgia Bureau set at $16,500. release said the investigation Clemons, 32. She was charged Services is assisting with the of Investigation. By Hand pizza opens at Lake Burton
By Mat Payne the standard that Williams set for Staff Writer himself with a menu of four pizzas, Tyler Williams was sick of the grind one of which will change each week in Atlanta, putting in endless hours depending on the season and desires of in kitchens that weren’t his to try and the chef. make a name for himself. A Best Chef “It’s the niche that was needed for America designee, Williams heard the lake. You know a pizza place is very about Rabun County being the Farm approachable, very kid friendly and to Table Capital of Georgia and knew very family friendly,” Williams said. that now was the time and this was the “That’s the best thing for the marina, place to make his first big move. to be family friendly.” Last week, Williams opened the Anzo said he had heard many cus- doors to his first restaurant, By Hand, tomers speak highly of the restaurant. a Neapolitan-style pizzeria at LaPrade’s The restaurant itself is housed in a Marina, to a near capacity crowd. cabin on the south side of the LaPrade’s “It was just such a relief to get away compound, close behind the new boat from the rat race in Atlanta,” Williams shop. said. “Being an executive chef and hav- But By Hand is just the first step for ing a publicist telling you what to do at Williams in a larger plan to make his all times…. it’s just neverending. You’re mark on the culinary scene of North- not living for yourself.” east Georgia. Backed by financial support from Williams is in the process of starting Robbi Raitt of Empire Tickets, By Hand a 26-acre organic farm that will include Submitted Photo is a far cry from the world of upscale a farm to table restaurant on a parcel of Atlanta dining. For right now, that’s land across the street from Black Bear Indigo open in downtown exactly what Williams is looking for. Antiques on Highway 76 West. “I wanted to find a place where I “We want it to be so diverse in the Members of the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce, the business community and shoppers joined could stop jumping around and doing amount of things that we grow that the Indigo shop owners Dart Fifer and Kea Fifer, both holding scissors, on Saturday at the store to so many thing that are distracting restaurant will be able to sustain itself commemorate its alliance with the Chamber of Commerce. The shop has been open at its location from what I really love to do — which is as much as possible,” he said. on North Main Street for several months ofering men’s and women’s casual and prep apparel and cook, delicious food,” Williams said. The first seeds of the farm are being accessories. The last few weeks have been a whirl- sown this week and work will be ongo- wind for Williams, only beginning ing with a goal of opening his restau- talks with LaPrade’s Manager Peter rant by next spring. Anzo about a month before the restau- rant’s soft opening. We Believe in Rabun Just a week into business, the menu is simple and accessible but maintains The Clayton Tribune A8 June 25, 2015 COMMUNITY The Clayton Tribune La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant Ted Terry visits Rabun Dems Try Our “Lite” Menu 0% Carbs % 1010% off with this ad Visit Our “New” Dillard Location By Mat Payne ing about running for office to run have a detrimental effect on senior OFF*Excluding With Staff Writer — to get information,” Dunham citizens and Alcohol.Ad Open 7 Days A Week Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry said. other retirees 128 Duvall St. 7052 Hwy 441 N. spoke to a gathering of about 40 Terry said most municipal elec- who would find Clayton, GA Dillard, GA Democrats June 18 at the Rabun tions are nonpartisan and the job themselves 706-212-2834 706-746-0058 County Democratic Party barbe- itself typically transcended many burdened with Full FullBar bar - atEven both locations. on Sunday Full bar on Sunday (Clayton Location) cue at the Rabun County Civic of the issues that have the state an increased 021215-143979 Only at Clayton Location Center regarding his entrance into and the country divided such as percentage of politics and his experiences as gun control. Instead, he said the their assets go- the second youngest mayor in the most common issues that he faces ing toward their state. as a mayor are hyperlocal, ones tax bill. With the election cycle slowly that include how the community Though he starting to wind up for the 2016 polices itself. took stances races, Terry, 32, encouraged Dem- Along with encouraging people TERRY against many ocrats to field candidates in every to get involved in local elections, conservative possible race, even those where the Terry also spoke to more partisan positions, Terry odds of winning seemed incompre- issues that he had encountered championed the work of state hensibly low. both as a mayor and as a lobbyist officials to work across the aisle to Democratic Party President for the AFL-CIO. bar a bill that would have banned Nathan Dunham said Terry was Terry voiced his opposition cities from restricting the use of a wealth of knowledge for anyone, against the fair tax movement plastic bags. regardless of party, who might be that has grown increasing sup- With the makeup of the audience interested in running for a seat in port around the state in the past in attendance teetering closer municipal government. few years, claiming that it’s name toward the age of retirement than “I think his message of local was the only thing that was fair of starting a family, Dunham said government and helping out there about it. Terry said he believed the Terry’s energy and passion could wasn’t so much a Democratic move to eliminate income tax and be an inspiration for young people Party event so much as it was to supplement it with an increased to become involved in politics at an encourage people who are think- sales tax and millage rates would earlier age. Food hub breaks ground Friday
Staff Reports President John Becker and members of Members of the public are invited to the board of directors. The food hub’s objective is to be a the groundbreaking ceremony at the multi-pronged approach to fighting Food Bank of Northeast Georgia’s food hunger in the region while doubling as hub at the Covered Bridge Shopping an economic stimulator. The hub will Center. include a production facility, teaching The ceremony will take place at 9 kitchen, commercial kitchen and food a.m. Friday and will be overseen by bank.
Clayton loses 500K gallons of water Tuesday spirit Night Staff Reports could not be accurately diagnosed. Meal Dealz Many water customers in downtown Reports of water outages began trick- $4.99 Clayton experienced a temporary water ling in around 6 a.m. and Barrick said night outage Friday morning after a fire the water to the hydrant was shut off by Call hydrant near the Food Bank of North- 7:30 a.m. OpEnings east Georgia’s food hub malfunctioned, Based on the estimated amount of 212-0088 causing about 500,000 gallons of water water lost and corrective measures, 706- to be lost. Barrick said the incident likely cost the Clayton Public Works Director city thousands of dollars. Moody Barrick said he believed the A shut off valve will be installed on hydrant came loose from its concrete the line to make future leaks on the housing adjacent to a large hole recent- line easier to contain. ly dug during construction at the hub. Micah McCracken with Highland “I guess just the force of the water Design and Build said the water leak P.O. Box 425 • 120 North Main Street • Clayton, GA 30525 moved the concrete enough to pull the caused his company to lose a day of pipe loose, but it’s underwater,” Barrick work on excavating a portion of poor www.theclaytontribune.com said. soil for the food hub. He added that until the water drained McCracken added the leak occurred from the hole and he could inspect the overnight during a time when his work- hydrant the cause of the malfunction ers were not on the job site. www.facebook.com/ news Health Dept. ofers free HIV testing
Staff Reports One in seven people in the United States who are HIV positive do not HONOR ROLL The Rabun County Health Depart- ment will be offering free HIV testing know they are infected. The CDC rec- ommends that everyone between the Straight A’s A’s & B’s Friday with test results available in ages of 13 and 64 be tested at least once about 20 minutes. Name ...... School ....Grade Name ...... School ...... Grade for HIV. People who are at higher risk The testing will take place at 184 S. for HIV infection should be tested more Guy Gober ...... RCMS ...... 8 Moranel Gober ...... RCHS...... 11 Main Street, Suite 200, from 9-11 a.m. often. These groups include: Isaac Dachtyl ...... RCES ...... 3 Brandon Berweiler ...... RCMS ...... 10 Brittney Berweiler ...... RCMS ...... 8 and 1-3 p.m. l People who inject drugs, Ethan Dachtyl ...... RCMS ...... 7 The test for HIV requires a finger l Individuals who have had several stick. If an individual has a positive Brittany Buchanan ...... RCMS ...... 7 sex partners, 2nd Grade Hannah Watts ...... RCMS ...... 7 reading, follow up diagnostic testing l Men who have sex with men, Name ...... School ....Grade Haylie Bailey ...... RCES ...... 6 might be necessary to determine if the l People who have had a sexually Casey Buchanan ...... RCES ...... 6 Skyler Bailey ...... RCPS ...... 2 person is HIV positive. Each person transmitted disease, or Aaliyah Doddridge ...... RCES ...... 6 Katanna Bowyer ...... RCPS ...... 2 Michael Flinchum ...... RCES ...... 6 tested will receive education and coun- l Those who have sought treatment Owen Dachtyl ...... RCPS ...... 2 Crysta Duncan ...... RCES ...... 5 seling about HIV and the test. for hepatitis or tuberculosis. Foster Duquette ...... RCPS ...... 2 Dawson Bailey ...... RCES ...... 4 Nicolas Merino ...... RCPS ...... 2 Kirsten Merino...... RCES ...... 4 Dominick Webb ...... RCPS ...... 2 Kaiden Nixon ...... RCES ...... 4 Isabel Craine ...... RCES ...... 3 Georgia Mountains Farm Tour coming up Destiny Johnson ...... RCES ...... 3 Brooklyn Ramey ...... RCES ...... 3 Staff Reports around local foods, for purchase. Weekend 1st Grade The fourth annual farming and sustain- passes are available. For Name ...... School ....Grade Georgia Mountains Farm ability. Farmers will more information, visit Benjamin Blackwell ...... RCPS ...... 1 Tour is scheduled for answer questions and www.eatwellbuylocal.org. Saturday, June 27, and demonstrate sustainable The farm tour is a proj- Sunday, June 28, from 1-6 practices used in produc- ect of Georgia Mountains p.m. ing food in the region. Farmers Network, a non- Kindergarten Organizers said the Sixteen farms will be profit in association with Name ...... School ....Grade Must present event is a unique op- participating this year Soque River Watershed When you bring your and food will be available Association. Taylor Bush ...... RCPS ...... K proof of your portunity for the public Frankie Dachtyl ...... RCPS ...... K child’s honor roll to visit working farms Karleigh Nixon ...... RCPS ...... K contributing to the local Ana Ramey ...... RCPS ...... K child'sreport honorcard in toroll food culture through the Theto get Clayton a coupon Tribune North Georgia moun- It’s so easy... If your name is in here it's tains. ...to subscribe to your local newspaper. receivefor a couponone for Tours are self-guided The Clayton Tribune worth a FREE for a movie pass at and promote a mix of Call 706-782-3312. Serving Rabun for 1158 years TIGER KIDDIE MEAL education and culture DRIVE IN! Enjoy! for your K-6 grade student Pick up yours at Drive-In The Clayton Tribune Office -or- MEAL DEAL Millenium forDine-In your 7-12 Only student
G2 9mm Limited Supply. 3.2" 12 $ Expires barrel Round 6/27/15 LICENSED FIREARM MANUFACTURERS220“Carrying a gun is a social responsibility.” A citizen who shirks his duty to contribute to the Glock authorized for law enforcement, mili- security of his family and community is little tary, fi re and EMS sales at special pricing. better than the criminal who threatens it.
783 Caudell Road, Homer congratulates you! 041015-136105 COUNTRY BOY SPORTS 706-677-3394 COUNTRYBOYSPORTS.COM 062415-174365 The Clayton Tribune BLOTTER June 25, 2015 A9 POLICE BLOTTER Police were warned looking at her radio while with the Clayton police a second-degree arson l A Clayton woman in to be on the lookout for negotiating a turn. No at 2:45 p.m. The woman complaint on River Valley the 100 block of Brandon To get a the man’s Mazda after a injuries were reported. said a person drives a Lane in Dillard. A neigh- Lane reported a theft by collision occurred at the “two-wheel scooter” up bor said he went outside taking to the sheriff’s intersection of Highway and down Screamer Road to smoke a cigarette and office. She said missing breath of 441 and Chechero Street. Tuesday, June 9 near her house. When he heard car alarms items included wood The car was located at l A Clayton wom- it gets close, it takes off going off. He looked over planks, black drain pipes Ramey Boulevard and a an filed a complaint of and makes a loud noise, and saw flames in the cab and a set of steps. She fresh air traffic stop was initiated. criminal trespass with she said. In 13 days, she of his neighbor’s truck said the theft occurred documented 32 instances The man said he fled the police after finding and asked his wife to call sometime between Clayton police assisted of the noise. She attempt- 911. He attempted to alert scene because he was damaged tomato plants October and this day, a EMS in the 100 block of ed to follow the driver the neighbors but no one scared. When asked how in her garden. An officer period of time in which Stavemill Street at 12:37 once, but said she was was home. A butane tank much he had to drink, said there was a windy she was not at the home. a.m. June 6 after emer- unable to catch up to “the was found in the seat of the man initially said thunderstorm that passed The sheriff’s office was gency personnel were motorcycle.” When asked the burned vehicle. alerted to a woman who nothing. He later said through, but the wom- investigating. he drank two beers at to describe the driver or possibly broke her arm an said it has happened the motorcycle, she said l a Mexican restaurant. A Clayton woman l A Dillard man re- when she jumped out of a before. She requested a she couldn’t because it A roadside breath test reported lost keys to the ported a lost or stolen tag window to get some fresh report so she could show was traveling so fast it revealed a blood-alcohol police at 11:09 a.m. at the after going to retrieve his air. a male neighbor that she appeared as a streak. Clayton post office. She content level of .115. trailer in the 300 block When officers arrived, called police. said she set her keys on “You got me, man,” of York House Road in it was visually apparent l Police responded to the counter, spoke with the man said, adding he Rabun Gap and noticing that the woman’s right the 300 block of Payne a gentleman about how would save the officer the missing tag. arm was broken. A man Thursday, June 11 Hill Drive at 8:28 p.m. for her cellphone looked from having to do field in the apartment said l A 27-year-old Clay- a child custody dispute. like his and then left. sobriety tests. “You got l he was cooking when he ton woman was arrested A child’s grandmother When she got outside, she A homeless Clayton me, bro.” The officer said heard something out- by police at 11:15 p.m. came to the residence to realized she didn’t have man filed a child cus- he wanted to go through side. He said the woman on Warwoman Road for visit the child, who is in her keys. She went back tody dispute complaint the tests to be sure and with the sheriff’s office walked in the front door DUI-alcohol, weaving the care of the father. The inside, but couldn’t find the man agreed. He then because he said he had and said she thought she over the road and posses- father asked the grand- the keys. The employee at failed the sobriety tests. not been allowed to see broke her arm. A bush sion of an open alcohol mother to leave and she the counter said no one He was taken to Moun- his daughter in a year. under the second story container. Officers were attempted to leave with turned in a set of keys. tain Lakes Medical Cen- He said he was to have window was damaged. dispatched to the scene the child. The grand- The woman was advised ter for a blood/toxicol- visitation and he wanted Later, EMS said the for a one-vehicle crash at mother was warned not to have her car moved ogy test and then to the to return to the property it, but he felt intimidated woman informed them Hunter Funeral Home. A from the area in case of Rabun County Detention without permission. by his daughter’s moth- she jumped out the state trooper approached foul play. Center. er’s boyfriend and the window because the man the vehicle and saw the l A Clayton woman’s boyfriend’s cousin. The was chasing her during a woman passed out behind 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix mother said the man fight and she was afraid the wheel with a small Sunday, June 14 Arrests bottle of whiskey in her struck a Clayton wom- was to have supervised of him. Officers observed l The sheriff’s office lap. A later search of the an’s 1997 Ford Explorer visitation and given his a mark on the woman’s The following were was investigating a felony arrested for felony proba- vehicle found eight empty at 2:09 p.m. on Highway actions and lifestyle, she neck, which was deter- 441 at Bethel Road when first-degree burglary in tion violations: bottles and one full bottle the 100 block of Robin- did not want him to have mined to be a hickey of whiskey in the center she attempted to enter l Michael Timothy son Mountain Road in unsupervised visitation. from the man. She had no console. the highway. No injuries Crane, 38, of Franklin, Tiger. A woman reported She provided a copy of the other visible markings to When an officer asked were reported. North Carolina; missing a leaf blower and court’s custody order. suggest a confrontation the woman what hap- and neither did the man. l Gabrielle Elaine Gil- a chainsaw after return- ley, 20, of Clayton. pened, she responded, Dispatch confirmed the “Please don’t call him.” Friday, June 12 ing from a camping trip. Tuesday, June 16 woman called and said The missing items were She argued with the l A 40-year-old Clayton l A 54-year-old Clay- she needed fresh air. She officer about exiting her valued at $1,050. Saturday, June 6 woman was arrested at ton man was arrested at also told them she fell vehicle and continued to l Movie Time Video at 11:10 4:30 p.m. at Walmart for from a ladder. An officer A 37-year-old Mable- repeat her request. She p.m. for driving while theft by shoplifting. Store informed the hospital ton man was arrested fell to the ground once Monday, June 15 license withdrawn. An security witnessed the of what the woman was by police at 9:20 p.m. on before the officer placed l A Westminster, South Highway 441 North for officer conducted a traffic man place $61 worth of saying and suggested a her in the back seat of stop because the woman’s Carolina, man who owns mental evaluation. speeding and driving his patrol vehicle. While property in the 900 block merchandise in a bag in while license withdrawn. car had a brake light out. being read an implied of North Billy Branch his buggy and then try to Police clocked the man’s The woman’s license was consent card, the woman Road in Rabun Gap filed leave the store. A depu- vehicle traveling 65 suspended for failure to told the officer that he a complaint of littering ty took the man to the mph in a 45 mph zone. A appear on a previous traf- Rabun County Detention Too drunk “was better than this.” fic citation. She was taken and criminal trespass license check showed it After a nonverbal refusal Center. was suspended and the to the Rabun County after someone dumped to the consent card, she bags of trash and other man was wanted. He was Detention Center. l A Clayton woman was taken to the Rabun debris on his property. to walk taken to the Rabun Coun- on Great Oak Lane filed County Detention Center. l Mail was inside the trash ty Detention Center. Police investigated a a complaint with the report of suspicious activ- with a man’s name on it. l A 21-year-old Clay- sheriff’s office for stolen l A 50-year-old Tiger ity on Paris Street at 1:59 The name was given to the dog ton man was arrested at medication after her man was arrested by p.m. A neighbor reported another officer, who said 7:12 p.m. on Wall Street prescription, valued at A 27-year-old Hopewell, police at 11:01 p.m. on seeing a man removing he would look into the for DUI-drugs, speed- $100, disappeared from Virginia, man was ar- Rickman Street at Polly situation. ing, possession and use bags of items from the inside the Bible in which rested at 8:14 p.m. June Gap for DUI-alcohol and of drug-related objects, residence before walking she had placed it. She said 14 on Highway 441 North weaving over the road. l A Dillard man in the possessing prescrip- to the bottom of the yard two people had been to at Plaza Way for pedes- After police stopped 300 block of Harry Brown tion drugs outside their and making a phone call. her residence. She wasn’t trian under the influence him for crossing the original containers and A silver Honda Civic or Lane filed a civil dispute double-yellow lines on sure who might have of alcohol or drugs and possession of less than Accord picked the man complaint with the sher- Rickman Street, the man taken it. littering. an ounce of marijuana. up. Officers visited the iff’s office at 8 p.m. The An anonymous call- admitted to drinking man said he and his sister The man was pulled over residence and noticed no l A Clayton woman er reported seeing the alcoholic beverages ear- have been in disagree- for driving 45 mph in a signs of forced entry. The filed a complaint of finan- man stumbling around lier in the day. He agreed ment regarding their fa- 25 mph zone. During the residence was cleared cial card fraud with the while drinking a beer to and then failed three ther’s estate, however, she traffic stop and sobriety and officers returned to sheriff’s office after dis- and walking a dog. When roadside sobriety tests. is the executor. He said he tests, the man exhibited patrol. covering an $87.18 charge police arrived, the man The man was taken to the overheard a conversation body tremors consistent from a Home Depot in was shirtless and walk- Rabun County Detention l between his nephew and with signs of ingesting A Clayton woman’s Palatine, Illinois, on her ing along Highway 441 Center. his mother in which the narcotics. The man said 2004 Toyota Avalon was bank card. The woman North. When an officer he was taking methadone damaged in the Home nephew said an uncle was l Police conducted a said she recently moved approached, the man for withdrawals and his Depot parking lot around in the process of selling death investigation in the to the county and had threw his beer bottle doctor doubled the dosage 3:30 p.m. The other driver a saw mill located on 200 block of Dunlap Street used her card at several next to the guardrail. He Bettys Creek Road by at 7:22 p.m. after a land- that day. During a strip left the scene before she locations. She said she was unsteady on his feet, search at the Rabun lord found a tenant de- came out of the store and Andy’s Trout Farm. The closed that bank account. had red, watery eyes and ceased. The landlord said County Detention Center, saw the damage. No inju- man said the mill was his slurred speech. an officer found a small she hadn’t heard from ries were reported. and is in his name. He l A Rockton, Pennsyl- The officer asked for baggie containing sus- the tenant since June 3 said the selling of the mill vania, man filed a com- a roadside breath test, pected marijuana and and multiple attempts was speculation, but he plaint of financial card which revealed a blood-al- three small green pills, Saturday, June 13 to contact her via phone wanted a report filed. fraud with the sheriff’s cohol content level of .246. which were identified as were unsuccessful. The l A 17-year-old Rabun office after using his card clonazepam. l The man and the dog tenant was found in bed Gap man was arrested The sheriff’s office at Walmart, then days were taken to the Rabun and unresponsive. The by police at 12:27 a.m. on responded to the 8500 l later receiving a call from County Detention Center. scene was turned over to A 63-year-old Duvall Street for DUI- block of Bridge Creek Lakemont woman was his bank that a charge for After the man was turned the coroner’s office. drugs, possession of less Road in Tiger at 11:30 p.m. arrested by police at 11:56 68 cents and subsequent over to jail staff, Animal than an ounce of marijua- to assist EMS. A man said p.m. on Rickman Street charges totaling thou- Control took possession na, possession and use of his wife drank a lot while sands were attempted on of the dog at Paws 4 Life. Sunday, June 7 at Warwoman Road for they were watching a DUI-alcohol and weaving drug-related objects and his account. He said he movie and after he went l A Mountain City over the road. She partici- tag light requirements. closed the account. to bed, he heard a crash woman’s 2008 Chev- pated in roadside sobriety The man participated in in the living room. He rolet Silverado struck tests after informing the roadside sobriety tests l The sheriff’s office ‘You an unoccupied parked officer she had a glass of after being stopped on went to check and found conducted a death investi- 2005 Chevrolet Envoy in white wine with dinner. a tag light requirement. his wife laying on the gation in the 600 block of the St. Helena Catholic A breath test revealed a After marijuana and floor with injuries to her Long Laurel Ridge Drive got me, Church parking lot at 3:24 blood-alcohol content lev- drug-related objects were forehead, lip and the back in Lakemont at 5:55 p.m. p.m. while attempting to el of .105. Animal Control found in the car, the man of her head. The woman The daughter of the de- park. No injuries were took possession of her dog admitted to smoking said she didn’t remem- ceased said she was trying bro’ reported. prior to her transport to the drug an hour before ber what happened aside to reach him and when Mountain Lakes Medical driving. He was taken to from her husband saying she couldn’t she came to A 21-year-old Clayton Center for a blood test. Mountain Lakes Medical he was calling 911. She his home and found him man was arrested by Monday, June 8 She was then taken to the Center for a blood test said he has never been unresponsive in bed. The police at 6:50 p.m. June l A Clayton wom- Rabun County Detention and then to the Rabun abusive to her and she scene was turned over to 13 at Main Street and an’s 2003 Honda Accord Center. County Detention Center. wasn’t in fear of him. She the coroner. Ramey Boulevard for hit struck a pole in the was taken to Mountain and run, DUI-alcohol and Plaza Way parking lot at l A Clayton woman l The sheriff’s of- Lakes Medical Center for expired license. 6:28 p.m. while she was filed a noise complaint fice was investigating treatment. Please see BLOTTER, A10 HomesteadHouse SPRING 2015 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ONE MONTH COMPLIMENTARY Annual TENT Sale! PREVIEW SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP, Saturday, June 27th 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. RAIN or SHINE JOIN BEFORE JUNE 30TH & PAY NO SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP Several sellers of DUES FOR SIX MONTHS! SAVE UP TO $570 Antiques, Country Goods, Household & Crafts
FOR MORE INFORMATION, IN STORE - ONE DAY ONLY SALE! CONTACT: GENERAL MANAGER: ANDY POTTER 511 Grant Street, Clarkesville AT 706-746-5304 706-754-0789 [email protected] 062415-170540 www.skyvalleycountryclub.com www.homesteadhouseprimitives.com A10 June 25, 2015 BLOTTER The Clayton Tribune slid off the shoulder of the her forehead. Both were l A Clayton man’s 2006 road and down an em- taken to the Rabun Coun- Chevrolet Tahoe struck TToday'sODAY Weather’S WEATHER BLOTTER bankment. The man com- ty Detention Center. a deer on Bridge Creek n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A9 plained of injuries to his Road at 5:23 p.m. No inju- Local 5-Day Forecast chest and abdomen and l Police investigated ries were reported. was taken to Mountain suicide threats in the 200 Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue l A Lakemont man in 6/26 6/27 6/28 6/29 6/30 Lakes Medical Center for block of Pruitt Lane in l A Canon man driving the 300 block of Ray Point evaluation. He was then Lakemont at 2:30 p.m. A a 2001 Saturn 4S said the Lane reported a lost decal taken to Northeast Geor- 73-year-old woman was brakes went out on High- to the sheriff’s office at 2 gia Medical Center. found on her bed pass- way 28 North at 1:42 p.m. p.m. He said he thought ing out. There were two He exited the road but 94/70 85/67 77/62 80/59 81/58 it was thrown out in the empty bottles of vodka was able to stop before trash. Plenty of Afternoon Scattered Chance of Clouds giv- Friday, June 19 on the floor and one half going over an embank- sun. Highs showers thunder- afternoon ing way to l A missing Carnesville empty bottle on the night ment. No injuries were in the mid and thun- storms pos- showers. sun . Highs l A Clayton man driv- stand. She told emergency 90s and derstorms. sible. Highs in the in the low woman was located at reported. lows in the low 80s and 80s and ing a 2014 Buick LaCrosse Tuckaleech Store the day personnel and a deputy struck a Clayton woman’s low 70s. lows in the lows in the after she was reported that she just wanted to die l A Tiger man’s 2009 upper 50s. upper 50s. parked 2004 Lexus RX330 missing between Earl’s down at the lake. She was Chevrolet Silverado slid in the Ingles parking lot taken to the hospital and Ford and Sandy Ford. The into a ditch on Carlton Sunrise: Sunrise: Sunrise: Sunrise: Sunrise: at 4:18 p.m. and left the woman said she returned turned over to staff for 6:21 AM 6:21 AM 6:21 AM 6:22 AM 6:22 AM English Road at 1:14 p.m. scene. At his residence, evaluation. Sunset: Sunset: Sunset: Sunset: Sunset: to her vehicle to retrieve after he was flagged 8:51 PM 8:51 PM 8:51 PM 8:51 PM 8:51 PM he told an officer he didn’t a floating tube but got through a work zone by know he struck the other lost when trying to get l The sheriff’s office a city worker. The driver vehicle. No injuries were back to the river. She was was investigating a hit said there was no room www.theclaytontribune.com reported. brought to the store by an and run in the 500 block to pass and he had to go unidentified man from a of John Houck Road after l Mountain City police campsite somewhere on a couple reported damage up on a pile of dirt, which Georgia At A Glance arrested a 50-year-old the river. Family members to their electronic gate. slid his vehicle into the Commerce man at 9:30 said they would take her The man said the gate’s ditch. The city worker Clayton p.m. for possession of less to get checked out. opener was so damaged said there was plenty of 94/70 than an ounce of marijua- it was jammed and not room for him to pass. No na and possession of an l A Lakemont man con- working. A deputy at- injuries were reported. Atlanta open alcohol container. firmed an abandoned kay- tempted to locate a man who visited at 8:30 p.m. 97/74 Augusta ak found in the 600 block of Bear Gap Road was his the night prior but was Fire Blotter 97/76 Wednesday, June 17 after the sheriff’s office unsuccessful. l A 32-year-old Clayton followed up on a report Rabun County Fire Macon man was arrested by the of felony second-degree l The sheriff’s office Services responded to the 96/74 police at 8 p.m. on Main burglary in the 1400 block investigated a dog com- following incidents from plaint in the 200 block of Street at Hamby Street of Tame Turkey Road. The June 15 through Sunday: for driving without a kayak, a fan and miscel- Bull Frog Lane at 8 p.m. Savannah license and passing in a laneous other items were A Clayton man said his 95/76 no passing zone. While returned to him. miniature schnauzer was Monday, June 15 an officer was instructing attacked by other dog another driver to park l A Clayton woman in and was injured. Animal l Four medical re- within a single parking the 700 block of Watkins Control determined the sponder or assist EMS space along Main Street, Field Road filed a com- dog belonged to a neigh- calls Valdosta the Clayton man went plaint of harassing phone bor, who said he hadn’t around the officer’s calls with the sheriff’s seen his dog in hours. He 93/73 vehicle by crossing the office. She said her daugh- said he would pay for the Tuesday, June 16 double-yellow line. The ter had been calling and damages to the other dog l Four medical re- man said he thought the texting mean messages and expressed his sympa- sponder or assist EMS Area Cities officer motioned him to after losing custody of her thy for the injury. calls City Hi Lo Cond. City Hi Lo Cond. go around. He was taken children to the Clayton l Brush fire — Europe Albany 93 75 t-storm Helen 95 69 mst sunny to the Rabun County woman. The woman said l Dillard police arrest- Athens 95 74 pt sunny Lagrange 97 75 t-storm Lane Detention Center. she believed her daughter ed a 23-year-old Fairview, l Smoke investigation Atlanta 97 74 mst sunny Macon 96 74 t-storm North Carolina, man at Augusta 97 76 t-storm Marietta 96 74 mst sunny to be on drugs and that — 1100 block of Tame Bainbridge 95 77 t-storm Milledgeville 97 74 t-storm l Walmart security 1:03 p.m. for possession her daughter had been vi- Turkey Road Brunswick 93 75 t-storm Peachtree City 95 72 t-storm filed a theft by shoplift- olent in the past. She was of less than an ounce of Cartersville 96 72 mst sunny Perry 97 76 t-storm Chattanooga,TN 94 70 sunny Rome 96 73 mst sunny ing complaint with the advised to visit magistrate marijuana, possession Columbus 94 74 t-storm Savannah 95 76 t-storm sheriff’s office at 5:30 a.m. court for a temporary and use of drug-related Wednesday, June 17 Cordele 97 76 t-storm St. Simons Island93 75 t-storm An employee said a man restraining order. She objects, possession of an l Dalton 97 74 sunny Statesboro 97 74 t-storm took an Ion camera and a said she would take the open alcohol container Two medical re- Dillard 94 70 mst sunny Thomasville 92 73 t-storm sponder or assist EMS Dublin 97 73 t-storm Valdosta 93 73 t-storm flashlight without pay- weekend to think about and no tag. Duluth 97 73 mst sunny Warner Robins 96 74 t-storm ing for them. The items what she would like to do. calls Gainesville 97 74 mst sunny Waycross 95 76 t-storm were valued at $359. The l Mountain City police sheriff’s office was inves- l A Tiger man reported arrested a 35-year-old Sky National Cities tigating. the theft by taking of his Valley woman at 10:25 Thursday, June 18 City Hi Lo Cond. City Hi Lo Cond. military-issued Ka-Bar, a.m. for giving a false l Two medical re- Atlanta 97 74 mst sunny Minneapolis 83 61 mst sunny Boston 81 62 pt sunny New York 81 68 mst sunny l A deputy responded possibly taken in Decem- name, address or birth sponder or assist EMS Chicago 72 56 t-storm Phoenix 108 78 pt sunny to Walmart at 5:01 p.m. ber or January when he date to law enforcement calls Dallas 95 75 pt sunny San Francisco 74 56 pt sunny for a cruelty to animal was moving. He said he officers. l Motor vehicle colli- Denver 89 59 mst sunny Seattle 84 60 sunny Houston 92 77 t-storm St. Louis 95 73 t-storm complaint. A Clayton noticed the knife was gone sion — Bridge Creek Road Los Angeles 82 63 pt sunny Washington, DC 90 71 cloudy woman had left her dog after a friend told him he l The Georgia State Pa- at Coalley Lane Miami 91 79 t-storm in the car, which was saw it at a pawn store in trol arrested a 28-year-old l Landing zone stand- noticeably panting when Franklin, North Carolina. Tiger woman at 10 p.m. by — 100 block of Ridge- Moon Phases the deputy arrived. The He said he suspected a for DUI-drugs. crest Circle deputy explained that the friend’s son who helped dog could not be left in him move. The knife was the car in the heat with- valued at $100. Sunday, June 21 Friday, June 19 out circulating air. She l A Deatsville, Al- l Five medical re- said she would leave the l Dillard police ar- abama, man’s Dodge sponder or assist EMS dog at home next time. rested a 45-year-old Otto, Durango was damaged calls First Full Last New North Carolina, woman at extensively when a tree Jun 24 Jul 2 Jul 8 Jul 16 l A Clayton man 6:22 p.m. for driving with- fell on it in the 200 block UV Index traveling about 50 mph out a license, knowingly of Blanche Place Road at Saturday, June 20 on Warwoman Road lost driving a motor vehicle 1 a.m. The man said he Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue control of his 2014 Kawa- on suspended, canceled or thought it was thunder l Three medical 6/26 6/27 6/28 6/29 6/30 responder or assist EMS 10 10 7 8 8 saki EX650 motorcycle in revoked registration and when he heard the crash. calls Very High Very High High Very High Very High the curve at Rose Circle no proof of insurance. The tree also damaged at 10:15 p.m., ran off the the roof of the residence l Motor vehicle colli- The UV Index is measured on a 0 - 11 number scale, with a higher UV Index showing the need for greater 0 11 road, traveled through a l A Kalamazoo, Mich- and a carport. The man sion — Highway 28 North skin protection. ditch and ended up in the igan, man driving a 2015 said he let the homeown- at Pine Mountain creek. No injuries were Ford 350XLT struck a ers know of the damage. l Motor vehicle col- Recorded Weather: reported. Scaly Mountain, North lision — Highway 441 June 17 to June 23, 2015 Carolina, man’s 1987 l The sheriff’s office South at Highway 76 Chevrolet Blazer on High- investigated an illegal Intersection ...... Hi°F . . Lo°F . . . Rain" ...... Hi°F . . Lo°F . . . . Rain" Thursday, June 18 way 441 at 11:36 a.m. when burn in the 100 block of l Transformer fire — he failed to yield the right Wed . . . 90 . . . 64 . . . . . 0.00 Wed . . . 85 . . . 64 . . . . . 0.02 l A Dillard woman re- Bull Frog Lane at noon. A 300 block of Stonewall of way to the Blazer while ported a dog bite on Shope neighbor reported smell- Estates Thur . . . 90 . . . 64 . . . . . 0.23 Thur . . . 84 . . . 65 . . . . . 0.00 exiting a driveway. No Lane at 11:25 a.m. She ing smoke and hearing l Fri . . . . 87 . . . 64 . . . . . 0.01 Fri . . . . 85 . . . 64 . . . . . 0.18 injuries were reported. Landing zone stand- said a stray blue heeler bit something explode. A by — 7900 block of Old Sat . . . . 84 . . . 66 . . . . . 0.16 Sat . . . . 81 . . . 65 . . . . . 0.00 man at the residence said her grandson on the ear, Highway 441 South Sun . . . 88 . . . 63 . . . . .0.00 Sun . . . 78 . . . 65 ...... 0.21 leaving a bruise. At the he was burning trash l Structure fire (mu- Mon . . . 90 . . . 62 . . . . .0.00 Mon . . . 85 . . . 62 ...... 0.00 time, the grandson was Saturday, June 20 and a paint can exploded. tual aid for Otto, North Tue . . . 89 . . . 63 . . . . .0.00 Tues . . . 87 . . . 63 ...... 0.00 walking his female dog, l A 46-year-old Cleve- He was warned that it Courtesy of Courtesy of which was in heat. The land man and a 47-year- was illegal to burn trash Carolina, Fire Dept.) — Bridge Creek Road, Tiger Germany Valley NWS Station woman was advised to old Alto woman were and doing so could bring Little Mountain Road Elevation 1,998 ft. Elevation 2,832 ft. keep her dog inside while arrested at 5:50 p.m. on charges against him. He Total Rainfall this year: 25.97" Total Rainfall this year: 29.70" in heat. Animal Control East Wildcat Road in said he would haul his was called and took pos- Clarkesville for bat- trash away from now on. Sunday, June 21 Rainfall/Recorded Weather 2014 session of the blue heeler. tery-family violence. The l Two medical re- pair were trying to work l A bent debit card was sponder or assist EMS Total Rainfall for 2014 06/17/14 – 06/23/14 l A Clayton woman out relationship woes recovered by the sheriff’s calls Tiger ...... 60.43" Hi: 86°F/Lo: 61°F filed a complaint for crim- when the woman told the office in the 200 block of l Smoke investigation Germany Valley . . 63.93" Rain: 0.05 inal trespass in the 1000 man he needed to make Charlie Mountain Road — Kaolin Lane Rainfall year to date 2014 06/10/14 – 06/16/14 block of Warwoman Road up his mind about getting after a woman walking l Illegal burn — 200 Tiger ...... 27.09" Hi: 81°F/Lo: 59°F after her lawn service back with her. He said his there found it near a block of Bullfrog Lane Germany Valley . . . 26.54" Rain: 2.23 man told her someone mind was made up and driveway. The card was drove through her front the answer was no. He placed into evidence. yard causing damage. A said she broke his neck- deputy determined the lace, threw his sunglass- l Mountain City police EMS Blotter vehicle made a U-turn es out the car window arrested a 39-year-old Rabun History and entered the yard. and bit him on the arm. Cherokee, North Caroli- Rabun County EMS The woman said she was He said he pushed her na, woman at 4:44 p.m. for responded to 52 calls unsure who would have when she bit him and she driving without a license between 8:01 a.m. June 16 Fascinating Facts done it or whether it was hit her head. She said he and speeding. and 8 a.m. Tuesday. accidental or intentional. started throwing papers out of her glove box so l A Riverview, Florida, she threw his sunglasses World War I Draft man’s 2009 Honda GL1800 out the window. She said “GEORGIA MOUNTAINS BOOK HAVEN” motorcycle hit gravel on he started slamming her Bridge Creek Road near head into the gear shift. Larry V. Johnson, local author Hopkins Lane at 2:03 p.m., She had a visible knot on is pleased to announce that his books can be found at In June of 1917, The several local shops and you can also order on Amazon. Clayton Tribune Dial–An–Inspiration headline was “Not Laprade’s Marina - Lake Burton 706-782-2767 a Single Slacker in Guidelines for Inspired Living Christmas and More - Clayton Rabun County.” Four Selected from the writings of Roy Eugene Davis. Center NEW RELEASE: PRINCESS DE WANNA BEAR- hundred and four for Spiritual Awareness, FOOT AND ‘THE MIST’ FROM THE WATER FALLS Lakemont, Georgia. young men had www.larryvjohnson.com enrolled for the draft. Request free literature: amazon.com/author/lvjohnson 706-782-4723 www.csa-davis.org 706-947-1948 The Clayton Tribune COMMUNITY June 25, 2015 A11
Bleckley said. “In fact, for years and years after YEARS I got here and for years n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 and years before that we were on such a tight budget that the county “You were making a would literally have to living ... there were good bor- years or there were row bad years and it was so money uncertain. My daughter by the was just born in 1990 middle and I needed something of the more reliable.” sum- Though he might be mer able to do the job with or the his eyes closed and one late hand tied behind his sum- back today, Bleckley mer said it wasn’t always BLECKLEY just that easy. As the first to pay county administrator, bills Bleckley had to carve until taxes came in.” out the specifics of his The county currently job description and has a fund balance of work diligently to build more than $10 million. the authority behind his Bleckley said one of title. his most difficult tasks Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune During the first few is managing the respon- years, Bleckley said sible growth of the coun- ‘Risktakers’ art show celebrates Wallenda walk anniversary some of the commis- ty while maintaining its Chala Salisbury of Smithville, Tennessee, takes a photo of her husband Dale Salisbury’s welded sculpture “Enchanted Peril” during the sioners struggled with character and spirit. opening of “Risktakers… the art of living life on a wire” on Saturday afternoon at The Root Cellar Gallery. The show features work from the idea of an employee The title of admin- local and national artists. It will run until July 31. making decisions for the istrator might sound county. He also said it broad to some and took time for the public Bleckley might make accessed unprotected June 18. It was executed were located on a Galaxy to believe in his author- many choices for the files through Auralextc’s around 9 a.m. Friday. The Note 3 smartphone in ity. county. However, he MAN Gigatribe account and complaint states Welcher Welcher’s possession. “People elect county said a large portion of downloaded 71 images of admitted to possessing More than 255,000 images commissioners and his time is spent fielding n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 that’s who they want suspected child pornog- child pornography on his of adult and child pornog- residents’ questions and to deal with,” Bleckley raphy, according to the computer and said he pre- raphy were found on one working with depart- said. “They don’t want lextc and the undercover complaint. Authorities ferred images of females external hard drive, the ment heads to make to deal with employees.” officer in which Welcher estimated some of females ages 10-14 years old. document states. sure services are being reportedly said: “For me, But as time passed delivered efficiently. depicted in sexual activ- Welcher also reportedly Welcher was detained and commissioners it is the girls who are just ities were as young as told agents he first came in Hall County Jail with- When Wednesday starting to grow” and changed, Bleckley’s role morning rolls around, 3-6 years old. The court into possession of child out bond Wednesday. He grew from making daily “I keep it hidden well as document states the agent pornography while work- was scheduled to appear Bleckley said he’s going society believes those that decisions to also mento- to enjoy not making the also subpoenaed Wind- ing in computer repair. for a detention hearing ring new commissioners think like me are sick drive to the courthouse. stream Communications “During repairs, he in U.S. District Court in in their roles as commu- perverts.” It also states In retirement, Bleckley and received Welcher’s would steal child pornog- Gainesville on Wednes- nity leaders. Welcher claimed to have Clarkesville address in raphy from a customer’s day after press time. The said he hopes to spend “I feel like he’s been a more time on other in- more than 54,000 photos return. computer” if the comput- Clayton Tribune will strong administrator,” terests such as golfing, in a locked file accessible According to the com- er contained such images, update the online version Chairman Greg James hiking and a long list on Gigatribe, the pass- plaint, the bureaus sought the document states. of this story on www.the said. “I’ve been told that of projects around his word to which he provid- and received a search Sewell said in his claytontribune.com with the average tenure for house. ed the undercover officer. warrant from Mountain complaint that in excess the results of that hear- somebody in his posi- Though, he admitted In April, an FBI special Judicial Circuit Judge of 300 images of suspect- ing when they become tion is about 4.5 years, it will be strange not to agent in Minneapolis also Russell “Rusty” Smith on ed child pornography available. which, if you think have to worry about all about it, is an election of the county’s prob- cycle. And with Jim lems, Bleckley said he having been there for felt confident that his CARE almost 25 years I think successor, Darrin Giles, it says something about n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 would be able to hit the his character.” ground running. A self-described low- “He’s been a huge He said by July 1 a nurse will be in key manager, Bleckley asset,” Giles said of house on weekends. makes every effort to Bleckley. “Just the his- “We’ve got to get back to that,” fly under the radar, tory that he carries with he said. Ramey said it will be keep his head down and him. That’s the biggest helpful to have someone in the jail get the job done. When thing ...he’s done it, seen to prepare medications for inmates asked what his greatest it and knows how to taken in on Saturday or Sunday. accomplishment as ad- handle it.” Shook deals with everything ministrator is, Bleckley Giles has trained from inmate sickness to adminis- dodges the question, under Bleckley for the tering and preparing medications. diverting any credit to last six months and has She said when a person is booked, a combination of com- served as the county’s she and an officer count the pills. missioners and county roads director for many Then she coordinates with the employees. years. inmate’s doctor and the jail doctor. There are efforts “Darrin has the When an inmate is sick, they Bleckley is proud to advantage of already head straight to the booking area have been a part of, being a veteran county to the nurse’s station. Ramey said and none more so than employee in a very high Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune helping the county move he has inmates who wipe down The Rabun County Detention Center is seen Tuesday. Inside are inmates requiring medi- profile position,” Bleck- door handles daily to prevent the from financially foun- ley said. “To be able to cation for mental health conditions. The center contracts with an outside source to staf a dering to a firm fiscal spread of germs. Holding cells are doctor and nurse. do that great (of a) job he used to quarantine inmates who footing. had to have the people might spread illnesses to the gen- “We weren’t bankrupt skills because that’s ambulance will be called just to be she said. eral population. Shook will assess by any means, but we what it’s all about… safe. Ramey said Monday the jail the inmate, then refer to the jail’s never had any money,” dealing with the public.” “We have sent people that are doctor makes decisions on when doctor for treatment. faking strokes, but you still have medications are administered and Sometimes, Ramey said, medi- to get them there,” Andrews said. they usually come at 9 a.m. and 9 cal emergencies happen at the jail Ramey added that officers will p.m. unless provisions are made. and, depending on the situation, accompany inmates to doctor’s ap- He also added that many mental FOND the county might have to foot the pointments, which are often paid illness medications aren’t nar- n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 bill. through the individual’s or work- cotics. For those that are, he said, “Some might come in here and man’s compensation insurance. alternatives can be prescribed. Bleckley accepted the award before a crowd that have a heart attack here. That’d He said though the county might “The ones that are narcotic are included county department heads, a former com- be on us. If they come in and they not pay for the medical expense, generally the ones they really missioner and former county attorney, friends and say “Well I’m just going to commit it foots the bill for transportation want to continue in abundance community members. suicide,’ that’s self-inflicted, that’s and the supervising officer’s pay. on them,” he said. because that gives them the happy “Thank y’all very much,” Bleckley said. “Thank For law enforcement officials, feeling,” Ramey said. “It’s those y’all for coming. I appreciate it.” the validity of inmates’ illnesses ‘as needed’ medications. (This is) a “Just don’t turn that cellphone off,” James said are sometimes unclear. Ramey de- Medicating the incarcerated nurse and a doctor in a small med with a laugh. scribed how some prisoners might Ramey and Shook said many facility here. It’s not a pain clinic.” Commissioner Kay Darnell took a moment to re- fake an ailment. Other times, he mental health patients have is- Andrews, Ramey and Shook flect on Bleckley’s length of service, saying Bleckley said, it’s anxiety. sues when they are incarcerated agreed dealing with the medical “is really a rare gem.” “It’s a scary thing to be brought because Rabun County Detention needs of mental health patients “About the average term for a county manager is to jail. A lot of people who come in Center is a non-narcotic facility. has become an issue in Rabun about four years across the state,” she said. “And he here either think they’re going to According to the U.S. Library County and in jails across the has been recognized statewide. get out of jail and fake something of Medicine, narcotics work by nation. “The wealth of knowledge he has will be hard to or a lot of times they just have a blocking the feeling of pain. They “We’re not set up for mental come by.” little bit of panic,” he said. include medications like oxyco- health. If we were, can you imag- Debra Jacobs, county clerk and chief financial Ramey and Sheriff Frank An- done, hydrocodone and tramadol. ine the staff we’d need for that?” officer, said she and her co-workers were going to drews said several officers work- Norvell told The Tribune on Andrews said. miss Bleckley. The two have worked together for 20 ing in the jail have been through June 12 that she was concerned “When this jail was built in 2005, years, she said. first responder training and know about the administration of her you still had all the mental health “I was county attorney when we passed the res- how to take blood pressure, check medications in jail. She said some facilities open all around the state. olution to hire a county manager,” Bruce Russell for heart problems and do CPR. of her “as needed” medications Rome and all these other plac- said. “We hired Jimmy Bleckley and never had They can assess an inmate and were not available and she had to es have since then closed down. anybody else — 24 years of outstanding service.” better report symptoms to an on- take her pills at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. That burden has been dumped off Bleckley will leave his post as county administra- call nurse after hours, they said. “It throws me off when I don’t onto the counties,” Ramey said. tor Tuesday. County Roads Director Darren Giles Oftentimes in an emergency, an have my medicine when I need it,” “There’s no good answer for it.” will become Rabun County’s second administrator.
days. The other removes note would be needed. board: Dalewin Speed, RCHS professional; Wanda the “good attendance” Wilbanks reported l Entered executive social studies teacher; Justus, RCPS custodian; BUDGET requirement for a driv- average daily attendance session to discuss per- Sandy Wheeler, Rabun and Jenna Hinkel, Skye n CONTINUED FROM PAGE A3 er’s licence or permit. at all schools was in the sonnel and unanimously County Primary School Slagle Coalley, Mary Now, Wilbanks said, mid- to upper-90 percent approved the following: teacher; Brad Holcombe, Beth Burrell, and Carrie to the system’s student students need to only be range. However, she and resignations of Greg Rabun County Elemen- Cann Poss, RCPS para- attendance protocol. She enrolled in a school to get Williams said the system Stephens, Rabun Coun- tary School physical professionals; transfer said several laws have a license or permit. is focusing on attendance ty High School social education teacher; of Marsha Smith from been passed or changed According to Wil- and enforcing the policy. studies teacher; Jim Alexia Clutter, Rabun RCPS secretary to cen- and they need to be banks, another stipula- “Although our (atten- Horn, RCHS teacher; County Middle School tral office receptionist. reflected in the policy. tion added to the protocol dance) percentages are Beth Horn, instructional teacher; Jared Shaw, l Unanimously award- These laws, she said, involves excused absenc- high, … the same stu- technology specialist and RCHS media paraprofes- ed the following bids for established Children es. She said from now on, dents are missing many Aimee Whittle, Rabun sional; Danette Irving, transportation services: in Need of Service and no more than seven days days of school. We want County Primary School RCES special education Acree Oil, diesel fuel; seek to offer services to can be excused with a to stay ahead of that,” paraprofessional; hiring paraprofessional; Shel- Jim Whitehead, tires families for children who parent note. After that, she said. of Daniele Cragg, alter- ley Drummond, RCPS and James Paint & Body have missed too many Wilbanks said, a doctor’s In other business, the native school teacher; special education para- Shop, wrecker service. A12 June 25, 2015 ADVERTISEMENT The Clayton Tribune
AI 062615-173141 tHe ClAyton triBune presents 2015 Answer Book B June 25, 2015 The Clayton Tribune & HeAltH CAre Guide theclaytontribune.com EVENTS Find your favorite free publications featuring Rabun County HEALTH and beyond on the community’s most-visited website. Go to YOUR PET LIVING our home page and click on “Our free local publications.”
tallulah GorGe Skywalk Celebration
Photos by Mat Payne and Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune
MAIN PHOTO: Nik Wallenda signs his book “Balance” for Joseph and Mitchell McGahee of Clarkesville on Saturday morning at Rabun County Public Library. Around 100 people came to meet Wallenda during the book signing. Some brought memorabilia from the walk of his great grandfather, Karl Wallenda, across Tallulah Gorge 45 years ago. SECOND ROW, FROM LEFT: (1) John Michael Montgomery strikes a rock star pose during his show Saturday night at Clayton City Hall. Montgomery blew the crowd away during the concert that saw him play a variety of hits and favorite B-sides. (2) Sandra Hood as Annie Nations tries to fgure out how to get the eye out of a pig’s head during the “Foxfre” play Monday night at Dillard City Hall. The play was acted by the North Georgia Community Players and was preceded by a concert by local bluegrass legends, The Foxfre Boys. THIRD ROW, FROM LEFT: (1) T. Graham Brown rocks the stage Friday night at the opening concert of the Tallulah Gorge Skywalk Celebration. The Grammy-nominated artist played his hits to a small but receptive crowd, including “Memphis Women and Fried Chicken” and “I Tell It Like It Used To Be.” (2) Clayton photographer Peter McIntosh talks with Nik Wallenda on Friday at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School before a public meet and greet to get the Tallulah Gorge Skywalk Celebration underway. AT LEFT: Local country singer Jeb Gipson of Lakemont serenades the crowd with songs from his newly released album Friday night at Rabun Arena. Gipson played from the back of an old pickup truck for a concert preceding the Bar W Rodeo. B2 June 25, 2015 CELEBRATIONS/EDUCATION The Clayton Tribune
Benefit Luncheon FOR Jarred Phillips Saturday, June 27th 1 PM to 4 PM at Valley Cafe in Dillard
Submitted Photo RCHS students pass CNA exam $5.00 per plate Four students at Rabun County High School received their Certifed Nursing Assistant credentials after passing a written and skills test May BBQ Sandwich 26. The students took the Patient Care Fundamentals class at RCHS last year. It is the third course in the therapeutic services-patient care Baked Beans pathway. Pictured, from left, are Hali DaConceicao, Amber Ray, health care science teacher Cathie NeSmith, Garrett Mitchem and Trevor Dearborn. Potato Salad
Award winning SCHOOL HONORS Valley Cafe Georgia Tech names included: Dills receives ag scholarship desserts will be l Grant Coan of Clarkesville, auctioned. two to Dean’s List Bachelor of Science in biochemis- Christina Dills, a University try; of Georgia student from Rabun Cole Buchanan and John Staf- l | Viral Patel of Clayton, County studying agricultural All donations will go to help with current and ford, both of Clayton, were named Bachelor of Science in computer education, has been selected to future medical expences. Jarred, father of to the Dean’s List at the Georgia science; receive the College of Agricultural Institute of Technology for Spring l Leah Gober of Tiger, Bachelor and Environmental Sciences Fred three was the victim of senseless gun violence. 2015. of Science in biomedical engineer- Voigt Scholarship for the 2015-16 This designation is awarded to ing. undergraduate students who have school year. a 3.0 or higher academic average Each year the College of Ag- for the semester. VSU announces Dean’s ricultural and Environmen- List for spring 2015 tal Sciences at Miller graduates UGA awards Register with us Valdosta State University has scholarships to for your upcoming wedding! from Georgia College announced the names of five local eligible students students who earned Dean’s List enrolled in ma- Hannah Miller of Tiger grad- status. Students who achieve a jors within the Kelsie Royal & Luke Cross uated from Georgia College at semester grade point average of college. the spring 2015 commencement 3.50 or higher on nine or more se- June 27, 2015 Funding for ceremony. mester hours with an institutional scholarships Courtney Watts & Mitch Attaway grade point average of 3.00 or high- DILLS er are recognized by being placed comes from a July 11, 2015 Three graduate on the Dean’s List. Developmental diverse assort- Brianna Beck & Justin Mahaffey studies, transients, and graduate ment of sources from Georgia Tech students are not eligible for Dean’s and donors and is offered to help August 7, 2015 The Georgia Institute of Tech- List status. This list includes: with college-related expenses. Mindy Hunter & Kendall Parker nology presented degrees to ap- l James Burch of Lakemont; Scholarships allow students in the proximately 2,700 undergraduate l Christopher Dinofrio of CAES to take advantage of oppor- August 8, 2015 and graduate students during the Lakemont; tunities they may only have while Institute’s 249th commencement l Karen Krivsky of Tiger; in college. Mollie Patterson & Charlie Speed exercises on May 1-2 at the Mc- l Tyrell Ruffin of Riverdale; Christy is the daughter of John August 22, 2015 l and Donna Dills. Camish Pavilion. Local students Cassandra Stowe of Clayton. Leslie Turpin & Wes Scott August 22, 2015 RGNS Honor Society Inductees Jenna Shearon & Tyler Butler Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School recently announced the 2015 October 10, 2015 National Honor Society inductees. Inductees must maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA, as well as have documented service Allisha Travis & Steve Mason and leadership positions. Pictured front row from left are November 21, 2015 Anna Armfeld of Franklin, North Carolina, 10th grade; John- ny Donald of Nassau, Bahamas, 11th grade; Tutu Adedun of Lagos, Nigeria, 11th grade; Isabelle Mo of Shanghai, China, 10th grade; Abigail Gilbert of Scaly Mountain, North Caroli- na, 10th grade; Aleks Sharer of Hayesville, North Carolina, Main StreetReeves • Clayton GA 30525 • 706-782-4253 10th grade; Jodi Lian of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 10th Visit our Registry at www.reeveshomefurnishing.com. grade; and Kinley Mitchell of Mountain City, 10th grade. Guide to Fine Gifts: Linens, Accessories, China & Crystal, Pictured back row from left are Spencer Stone of Cullowhee, Pictures, Lamps & Furniture, Housewares & Small Appliances. 062515-174824 North Carolina, 10th grade; Kevin Young of Highlands, North Carolina, 10th grade; Niko Harrell of Pearland, Texas, 12th Design consultants available. grade; Juan Jose Espinosa Cuetos of Oaxaca, Mexico, 11th Complimentary gift for each grade; and Ali Wilkins of Franklin, 10th grade. registry from Reeves. Submitted Photo
BEVERLY E. GERARD, M.D. Now accepting New Patients NaturalTherapies.MD A BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND WOMEN’S WELLNESS MEDICAL PRACTICE
Take control of your hormones, Empowering Improve your health, and women optimize your quality of life to make through a combination of changes traditional and natural medicine therapies. in their lives! Are you are experiencing the symptoms of Menopause/Perimenopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Hypothyroidism or Adrenal Fatigue? Call for an Appointment at 706-782-1300 | Fee for Service www.naturaltherapiesmd.com facebook.com/BioidenticalHormoneReplacementTherapyMDClaytonGA Nutritional Planning and Neurotransmitter Analysis available The Clayton Tribune HEALTH & HISTORY June 25, 2015 B3 RABUN MEMORIES Are you astonished at the greed? he greed that has u played such an im- T portant part in our country’s economic woes is spectacular. It is aston- ishing. My early morning reflec- tions recently found me Rabun’s Oldest House reading verse 3 of Psalm Bob 60: “Thou hast shown thy Hatcher Gen. Andrew Miller, who people hard things: thou columnist acquired his rank fghting in hast made us drink the u the Indian Wars, bought nearly wine of astonishment.” 1,000 acres of land in the Little The phrase “the wine of as- million of bonuses Friday, Tennessee River Valley when he tonishment” in these hard March 13, 2009, follow the moved to the brand new Rabun times got me thinking. often repeated phrase in County in the early 1820s. His- Our economy has shown Japan: “Make an an- torian Andrew Ritchie said, “His Americans and people nouncement, bow humbly, most enduring monument in our throughout the world a say ‘I’m sorry’ then resign midst is the house he built while number of hard things: or commit suicide.” living in the Valley.” It is said loss of jobs; young people And just how bad was to have had originally 10 or 12 unable to continue their John Thain at Merrill rooms and four great chimneys education; thousands Lynch, giving himself made of granite when the house graduating from college a multi-million dollar was built circa 1823. The house and still looking for jobs a bonus and a $25,000 toilet still stands at the corner of year or even several years in his office just before Highway 441 and South Wolfork later; foreclosure of homes his company tanked and Road. Many called it the Fisher and the inability to obtain was taken over by Bank of House for the family who lived necessary medical care. America — meaning Thain there for decades in the 20th Entire segments of received a huge bonus century. our society were almost while shareholders saw the brought to their knees, value of their stock fall to including the real estate close to zero. Photo courtesy of Rabun County Historical Society and homebuilding indus- We have also seen top Visit www.rabunhistory.org tries; scores of banks; and, level athletes like Manny of course, the struggles of Ramirez, Barry Bonds, many retail stores. Alex Rodriguez, Jose Can- Stories of the greed that seco, Mark McGuire, Sam- fueled the recent recession my Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, amaze us over and over Roger Clements and Andy again. It’s not just Bernie Petit, who have abused Madoff raking in more their bodies with drugs than $50 billion without that make them stronger ever investing a penny of it and better able to bargain in securities for his clients. for insanely high salaries All of this during a 20 year to play (and disgrace) our period in spite of repeated national pastime. This warnings by the Securities while the cost of tickets to and Exchange Commis- see these blown up, distort- LIBRARY NEWS sion. ed bodies do their thing New items available: she never knew ends her only accessible collection of daily prac- Elie Wiesel said: “I prevents ordinary people The Book of Speculation by friendships, Cat Coombs achieves tices that help alleviate a number would like to see him be in from going out to a game Erika Swyler — Simon Watson, sobriety and resolves to make of health and mental health con- a solitary cell with only a with their families. a young librarian on the verge amends to those she has hurt ditions, including stress, anxiety, screen and on that screen Greed is not unknown to of losing his job, finds a mysteri- during a revelatory Nantucket depression and chronic pain. for at least five years of his physicians, laboratories, ous book that holds the key to a summer. LaFosse & Alexander’s Ori- life every day and every pharmaceutical houses, curse that has haunted a family Truth or Die by James Pat- gami Jewelry: Easy-to-Make night there should be hospitals or insurance of traveling circus performers for terson & Howard Roughan — Paper Pendants, Bracelets, pictures of his victims, one companies providing generations. When his journalist girlfriend’s Necklaces, and Earrings by Mi- after the other after the medical insurance. Greed The Little Paris Bookshop latest scoop leads to a violent chael LaFosse — Two renowned other, all the time a voice contributes significantly by Nina George — Prescribing confrontation, attorney Trevor origami artists provide easy- saying, ‘Look at what you to the cost of medical care books that offer therapeutic ben- Mann discovers a shocking secret to-follow instructions and clear have done to this old lady, in the United States, by far efits to his customers, a literary that governments and terrorist diagrams for creating three-di- look at what you have done the highest in the world. apothecary in a floating bookstore organizations would do anything mensional jewelry including to that child, look at what on the Seine struggles with pri- to possess. pendants, medallions, charms, you have done,’ nothing A resident of Tiger, vate heartbreak before embarking MBSR Every Day: Daily Prac- bracelets, necklaces, and earrings else.” Robert A. Hatcher, M.D., is on a journey of healing at the side tices From the Heart of Mind- all through the Japanese art of Sen. Chuck Grassley sug- professor of obstetrics and of a blocked writer and a lovelorn fulness-Based Stress Reduction paper folding. gested that the disgraceful gynecology at the Emory chef. by Bob Stahl — A companion to To check the availability for leader of AIG, who accept- University School of Medi- Summer Secrets by Jane the “A Mindfulness-Based Stress these or other items, call or stop ed $175 billion from the cine. He also can be heard Green — Years after hard party- Reduction Workbook” features a by the library or visit us online at government and turned each week on Sky 104 and ing and the discovery of the father clinically proven program and an www.rabuncountylibrary.org. around and mailed $160 100.3 FM radio.
YourHealth guide to providers & Wellness close to home. Audiology Chiropractic Dermatology
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