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Hiker Rescued After Breaking Leg Near Raven Cliffs ( 6/24/09)
(Helen)- White County Fire and Rescue units were pressed into service Tuesday afternoon around 3:00 PM to assist a hiker who had suffered a broken leg in the Raven Cliffs area.
Travis Smith Fire Department spokesman said the male hiker had fallen from the trail near Raven Cliffs and broke his leg. Fellow hikers assisted him and summoned help.
Smith said it took about an hour to get the hiker out to an awaiting ground ambulance for transport to the hospital.
Record Crowd Attends Habersham Electric Annual Meeting (6/24/09)
(Mt. Airy)- A record crowd turned out Tuesday for the 71-annual meeting of Habersham Electric Members Corporation at Habersham Central High School. Todd Pealock, President/CEO of Habersham EMC said, “It was a fantastic crowd. We are proud that we had this many members to join us in an evening of business, fun and fellowship.” An estimated 25-hundred members and their families attended. An official 1,678 members registered, including absentee, which was the highest ever in the history of the cooperative. President Pealock gave an informative report regarding the status of the cooperative, future energy needs and cost along with recently achieved safety scores.
Long time HEMC Board member, Ray Meaders of Cleveland was recognized at the meeting for 50 years of service. It was announced last night that the community room at the HEMC headquarters office will be named in his honor. Meaders told us he has learned a lot serving on the board and counts it a great experience.
Ray Meaders, Cleveland, with 50 year service award
In addition to a nice barbeque meal several prizes were awarded to luck ticket holders. Two White County residents were awarded the top prizes. A $500 credit toward their power bill was awarded Grady Loggins of Cleveland. The on-line registration winner of a $250 credit was Fannie Grindle also of White County.
During the business session, George Fry, Jeff Ferguson and Hugh Rucker were re-elected to serve three-year terms. Boards of Director Officers for the upcoming year will be Dan Thurmond, Chairman; Frank McCrackin, Vice-Chairman, and Hugh Rucker, Secretary-Treasurer.
White County Rotary Contributes To White County Respite ( 6/23/09)\
(Cleveland)-White County Respite care in Cleveland has received a helping hand from the White County Rotary Club. The club has presented the respite care program with a $1,000 donation to help their operation. Respite Care program coordinator Nancy Gottschang accepted the donation at Tuesday’s meeting and said they will put the money to good use. Gottschang said they offer programs and activities for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia related problems and offers the care givers a few hours of rest away from their caregiving duties each week. If you would like more information about the White County Respite Care program call 706-865-1318.
W.C. Rotary members Jack Clark, Tim Thomas, Nancy Gottschang, Rotary President Rick Kimpling, Bill Francis Alzheimer support chair.
Summerfest At SNCA Center ( 6/24/09)
(Sautee)- The 20th annual SummerFest at the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association has an exciting program this weekend featuring the Sautee Nacoochee Community Chorale. This summer the chorale is producing a wonderful blend of Americana. The first half of the program is primarily a mix of African-American spirituals and Stephen Foster favorites, including “O Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” and Aaron Copland’s songs. Following cookies and beverages in the Crittenden Room the second half of the program will feature the extraordinary music of Cole Porter.
The Chorale is in its 21st season at the Center and is comprised of approximately 45 singers who are passionately devoted to choral music. Performances for this year’s SummerFest concert are this Friday and Saturday, June 26th and 27th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 28th at 2:00 p.m. in the Center Theatre. Tickets are $13.00 for SNCA members, $18.00 for non-members, kids 6-17 just $5.00.
Link for tickets: http://snca.tix.com/Schedule.asp?OrganizationNumber=1553
HEMC Holds Annual Meeting ( 6/23/09)
(Clarkesville)- The Habersham Electric Membership Corporation Annual Meeting is Tuesday, at Habersham Central High School in Mt. Airy. Susan Baker, Habersham Electric spokeswoman said, if you are unable to attend this year’s event they have something new for you they will be offering a video stream of the activities on their website.
Baker says, "We are proud to be one of the first EMCs in Georgia to provide live video. This was made possible through partnership with HEMC Business Member PathFinder Digital, located in Cleveland."
Quicktime video software player is required to view the video you may need to download it so log on the web page early.
Link : www.habershamemc.com
Commissioners Hold First Budget Hearing ( 6/23/09)
(Cleveland)- The White County Commissioners held the first of two budget hearings Monday at the White County Courthouse. The county’s Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk said working on next years budget, “has been quite a process, especially because of the downturn in the economy.” Neikirk said the county expects taxes to be lower as well as license and permit fees to continue to be down there wasn’t to many options, because the commissioners did not want to cut employees or reduce services. The 2009/2010 budget has been set at $13-million 255-thousand 700 dollars, a 6-point 7 percent decline from last year. Commission Chairman Travis Turner says they had to make some tough decision to make this budget work, but increasing taxes was something they wanted to avoid. The commissioners will hold the second budget hearing next Monday, with expected adoption following that public hearing. The commissioners have said they will not raise the tax millage rate for property owners this year.
W.C. Fire Department Activities ( 6/22/09)
(Cleveland)- White County Fire Department reports a motorcycle operator was seriously injured in an accident Saturday around 11:30 AM. Ana Newberry, fire department spokeswoman said the accident was on Richard Russell Scenic Highway near Dukes Creek Falls Road. Newberry said, the single rider had left the roadway and fell approximately 12 feet down an embankment and had hit a tree. The fire department set up a landing zone and the patient was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center with possible life threatening injuries.
On Sunday, the volunteers of the White County Fire Department assisted the City of Helen Fire Department with a young male subject that had a serious injury sustained while tubing in the Chattahoochee river. The patient was life flighted by Emory Flight to Scottish Rite hospital in Atlanta. He current condition is unknown.
Monday afternoon at 2:10pm at the intersection of Duncan Bridge Road and Highway 255, the White County Fire Department responded to a two vehicle accident. Newberry said, two patients were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the accident.
No Serious Injuries In Westmoreland Road Accident ( 6/19/09)
(Cleveland)- No one was seriously injured in a three vehicle accident Friday morning, at the intersection of Friendship Church and Westmoreland Roads, south of Cleveland. Ana Newberry, White County Fire Department Spokeswoman said the accident occurred just after 9:30 AM. Volunteers from the fire department were dispatched because one of the vehicles was reported to be on fire. There was one patient transported to North East Georgia medical Center with non life threatening injuries. The Georgia State Patrol investigated the accident.
Newberry said one of the vehicles was a classis 1931 Ford model A, which sustained considerable front and rear damage. The road was re-opened at approximately 10:00AM.
Health Department Inspection Scores (6/19/09)
(Cleveland)- The Environmental Health Division of the White County Health Department has released new inspection scores for food services and Tourist Accommodations that were inspected between June First and June 15th.
FOOD SERVICES Yonah Burger: Score: 93 Grade: A 06/02/09. Employee drink in food prep area uncovered. Drinks must be in single service cups with lid and straw. Plastic pans stacked wet. Ensure all pots, pans, utensils, etc., are air dried prior to stacking. Inspector: Jarrett
Yonah Bowl: Score: 93 Grade: A 06/02/09. Drink dispenser nozzles have grime build-up. Clean and sanitize every 24 hours, check for cleanliness before placing back on drink machine. COS (corrected on-site during inspection) – nozzles removed and cleaned. Need test strips to check sanitizer concentrations in buckets and 3 compartment sink. Inspector: Hoffhines
Woodlands Camp & Conference Center: Score: 90 Grade: A 06/04/09. Meat slicer has accumulation of food residue on and behind blade. Check all components to slicer for visible debris when cleaning and sanitizing before reassembling. Interior of ice machine has pink slime mold, clean baffle and interior of machine frequently. Bottles of chemicals have worn off labels or no labels. Keep bottles of cleaners and chemicals accurately labeled. Inspector: Hoffhines
The Watering Hole: Score: 93 Grade: A 06/04/09. Employee smoking at drink station, ashtrays at hand sink and countertop at coffee maker. No smoking allowed in food prep and storage areas. Keep ashtrays on tables and customer bar area only. Employee drinks in food prep and storage areas must be in single service cups with disposable lids and straws. COS (corrected on-site during inspection) – proper cup used and ashtrays moved. Frozen chicken wings thawing at room temperature in buckets and meat prep sink. Use approved thawing methods. COS – wings thawed in cold running water and moved to cooler. Inspector: Hoffhines Black Dog Bistro: Score: 99 Grade: A 06/04/09. Ware wash machine not reaching required final rinse temp of 180° F. Inspector: Jarrett
Cleveland Country Café: Score: 75 Grade: C 06/05/09. Uncovered drinks. Drinks in food prep and storage areas must be single service cups with tight fitting lids and straws. No paper towels available at front hand sink and no soap available at back hand sink. All hand washing sinks must be properly stocked at all times. Foods uncovered in WI cooler and freezer. Keep all foods covered to protect from contamination when stored. Utensils being cleaned in improper order. Clean utensils in the order of wash, rinse, sanitize, and air dry. Containers holding utensils have water and grime at bottom, store utensils so they stay clean and dry. Grease and residue build-up on knives stored in knife rack, clean and sanitize all knives and rack, reattach rack to a place that protects it from contamination. Food reside build-up on blade attachment to chopper, keep all pieces free of visible food debris when cleaning and sanitizing before reassembling machine. Keep ice machine baffle clean and sanitized. Clean drink machine nozzles every 24 hours. Fish out in pan at 67°F. Keep raw fish at 41°F or less until ready to prepare for cooking. Breakfast meats on front line at 109° - 114° F and being placed back in coolers if not used. Hot held foods must be held at 135° F or more if desire to keep over 4 hours and/or use later. No sanitizer registering on test strips for sanitizer buckets. Do not add soap to sanitizer buckets, keep cloths submerged in buckets between uses, do not leave cloths out on countertops and cutting boards. Pans stored wet nested. Allow pans and utensils to completely air dry before stacking. Peppers stored in original can in cooler. All canned food must be transferred to food grade containers after opening. Inspector: Hoffhine
El Fogonsito: Score: 86 Grade: B 06/08/09. All cold potentially hazardous foods must be kept below 41° F (.04(6)(f)) pg. 67. All toxic substances must be labeled once removed from their original container (.07(6)(b)) pg. 126. Reach in prep cooler does not seal on the left side, this must be fixed (.05(6)(a)) pg 92. Inspector: Sullivan
Huddle House (Cleveland): Score: 90 Grade: A 06/09/09. Meat drawer at cook line holding foods between 53° – 58°. Baked potatoes and cut veggies discarded, meats stored in drawer out of temp discarded. Pans stacked and stored wet nested, allow utensils to completely air dry before stacking. Inspector: Hoffhines
Creekside Deli: Score: 93 Grade: A 06/09/09. Several open employee drinks in food prep area. Employee drinks must be in single service cup with tight fitting lid and straw. No sanitizer in sani pail with wiping cloth. Ensure proper concentration of chlorine (50 – 100 ppm) is maintained in sani pail by regular checks with test strips. Change water when it becomes visibly soiled. Inspector: Jarrett
Strong Rock Camp and Retreat: Score: 100 Grade: A 06/11/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines
Camp Barney Medintz: Score: 89 Grade: B 06/11/09. Accumulation of food debris on detachable pieces and blades of slicers, veggie press, tomato slicer, can openers, and knives. Check surfaces for visible food debris when cleaning and sanitizing before storage (repeat violation). Bag of onions on floor. Fries stored beside raw meat and boxes of food stored on floors in WI coolers and freezer. Keep all ready to eat foods stored above raw animal foods. Keep boxes of produce with holes stored off floor in WI cooler. All boxes of food should be at least 6” off of the floor. No sanitizer buckets set up. Keep sanitizer buckets with cloths submerged set up in food prep areas and use cloths to wipe down countertops and surfaces after prepping foods. Accumulation of dust around condenser vent guard in some WI coolers, keep WI cooler ceilings free of dust and debris. Keep outsides of bulk food and storage containers free of dirt and debris (repeat violation). Inspector: Hoffhines
Sweetwater Coffee House: Score: 100 Grade: A 06/11/09. No violations. Inspector: Jarrett
Hofer’s Baker & Konditorei Café: Score: 83 Grade: B 06/12/09. Drinks in food prep areas not in approved containers. Must be single service cups with tight fitting lids and straws. Food residue on slicer, food and debris in utensil drawer. Foods on steam table and in hot holding cabinet held under 135°. Foods reheated to 165° and held above 135°. Peeled potatoes cooling on rack at 74° beyond 2 hours. When cooling foods must reach 135° to 70° in two hours and 70° to 41° in four hours (6 hours total). Potatoes discarded. Cheeses, cut melon, and egg batter out on countertops do not have time logs. Must keep record keeping with a posted time log labeling foods if using time as a control for potentially hazardous foods. Must discard foods once they reach maximum holding time. Inspector: Hoffhines
Burger King: Score: 96 Grade: A 06/15/09. Slime mold inside ice machine. Clean and sanitize more frequently to prevent growth of slime mold. Inspector: Jarrett
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Score: 100 06/02/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines
Alpine Village Inn: Score: 97 06/09/09. Fridge in rooms 19 & 20 have dirt and hair. Trash under bed in room 20. A/C unit dusty in room 20. Inspector: Hoffhines
Riverbend Motel & Cabins: Score: 92 06/10/09. Ceiling peeling in bathroom room 118, 119, 125. Wallpaper separating at shower room 15. Debris on carpet rooms 131, 115. Underwear under sofa cushion in cabin 8. Inspector: Jarrett
White County Farmers Market Opens Saturday (6/18/09)
(Cleveland)- White County Farmers Market will open for business Saturday in Cleveland at a new location. This years farmers market is being held under the guidance of the White County Master Gardeners and the market will be set up in the gravel parking lot behind the White County Courthouse on East Kytle Street.
The market will be held each Saturday from 7:30 AM till 12:00 Noon. Vendors must grow the items they sell at the market and there is a $10.00 fee to sell.
Wednesday Night Storms Roll Through The Area ( 6/18/09)
Lightening runs down tree to house
(Cleveland)- White County officials report the thunderstorms that moved through the area around midnight Wednesday night did some damage and one person was shocked when lightening hit a building he was working in.
Ana Newberry White County Fire Department Spokeswoman said one of the calls just after midnight was to a tree on fire at highway 115 East and Pless Road. Also at that same area a man was shocked when lightening struck a building he was working in at American’s Best Secured Storage. The man was not seriously hurt and refused transport to the hospital.
White County Assistant Fire Chief Norman Alexander responded to assist with those calls, when he arrived back home around 2:00AM he discovered that lightening had stuck a tree at his home damaging the homes air conditioning system, the building as well as cutting a trench in front of the house. No one was injured in that incident.
In addition to the lightening some areas of the county received substantial amounts of rain. Here at WRWH we recorded 81-hundredths of an inch and Blackstock Vineyards picked up one inch of rain.
Representative Austin Receives Legislative Service Award ( 6/18/09)
(Atlanta)- Tenth District State Representative Rick Austin who represents Habersham County and part of White County, has received a 2009 Legislative Service Award from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) for his efforts to ensure that local governments continue to receive all of the unidentifiable sales tax proceeds. Representative Austin accepted the award on Monday, during the Habersham County Commission meeting.
During the 2009 legislative session, Representative Austin authored HB 181 which allows the Georgia Department of Revenue to continue to remit unidentifiable sales tax proceeds back to the local governments. Approximately $18- million dollars in unidentifiable sales taxes are expected to be distributed to local governments on a pro rata basis each year.
The pro rata allocation of unidentifiable local sales tax proceeds has proven to be an efficient and equitable method for ensuring local taxing jurisdictions receive the proceeds of a tax local voters agreed to levy.
White County Camp Deals With Swine Flu (6/17/09)
(Cleveland)- A White County summer camp is listed as one of four in Northeast Georgia that has been hit with an outbreak of swine flu. This announcement comes a day after an outbreak at a Boy Scout camp in Asheville, N.C.
State health officials are confirming sicknesses at Ramah Damon in Rabun County and URJ Camp Coleman in White County.
Bears On The Move ( 6/16/09)
(Sautee)- Bears are on the move, Bill Kinsland of Sautee encountered three different bears during a hike at Raven Cliffs Monday afternoon. Kinsland said, “ inside of 45 minutes this afternoon from 3:45 to 4:30 PM, I encountered three different Bears....a huge one in the 300 to 400 lb range....a medium-sized one about 200 - 300 lb range and finally a "baby" bear who had long spindly legs and probably weighed around 100-200 lbs....maybe a year old.”
Kinsland advises the bears don't usually pose....these guys were all three on the move and if you encounter a bear be careful and do not approach them, but Kinsland says in most cases they will run from you.
Turner Resigns As White County Republican Party Chair ( 6/16/09)
(Cleveland)- White County Republican Party Chairman Josh Turner has resigned his position with the county organization. Turner announced his resignation Monday night at a meeting of the party. Turner told the group, “since March of 2007, it has been my privilege to serve as the Chairman of the White County Republican Party. Over the past two and half years, our party has grown and prospered more than I could have ever imagined.”
Jeff Hunt accepts Presidents gavel from Josh Turner.
Turner further said, he is stepping down to accept a Field Representative position with the gubernatorial campaign of Nathan Deal.
State party rules prohibit Turner, as chairman to endorse a candidate. Turner shared with his fellow republicans, over the years he estimated 60 plus candidates that he had worked for in some way or another, either as party chairman, a volunteer, or a staffer, saying, “ I can count on one hand the number of candidates that I can truly say that I believed in 100%. Too often, we have to settle for the best alternative. I can honestly say that I have found another one of those candidates that I truly believe in: this is a person that I respect. This person is Nathan Deal.”
Turner handed over the gavel to First Vice Chairman Jeff Hunt who will serve as Acting Chairman until my replacement is elected.
WCFD Weekend Calls ( 6/15/09)
(Cleveland)- The White County Fire Department reports the following activities for this past weekend. Saturday, at 5:09 in the morning, the White County Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle on fire; fully involved. The incident occurred on Cattle Farm Straits near Skitts Mountain Rd. Ana Newberry fire department spokeswoman said, the vehicle was a Mini-Cooper which was driven by visitors from Florida. Station four volunteers responded and extinguished the fire. Firefighter/Investigator Robbie Wilkins from Station five will be in charge of the fire investigation to determine the cause. No one was hurt in this incident.
Also Saturday, at 1:18pm, there was a report of a pedestrian that was hit by a vehicle in front of Nora Mill Granary. City of Helen provided Automatic Aide to the White County Fire Department. Newberry said, fire department volunteers assisted White County Emergency Medical Services with preparing the patient for transport to Habersham Medical Center.
Saturday evening at 6:08pm, there was a collision on Wilson Rd near Post White Hill Road between a vehicle and an ATV. According to Newberry, two young adults on the ATV were injured and transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The driver and passenger of the vehicle were not injured but shaken up. The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the accident.
Better Home Town Presents Facade Grant Check ( 6/12/09)
(Cleveland)- Cleveland Better Home Town had a Façade Grant check presentation Friday to a downtown business that has made improvements to the front of their business. Josh Kinsey with Cleveland Pharmacy & Gifts and Soda Fountain Café has completed the brick façade on his building located next to the White County News.
Maria Flynn, Executive Director for Cleveland Better Home Town shared the good news with Josh at an official check presentation. Flynn said Josh was awarded a level one grant of $1,500 and a level two grant an additional $1,000 because Kinsey did extra work putting a brick facade on the building.
Flynn says, this is the largest grant we have ever presented and the first level two grant. The façade grant funds were made available initially by donations by six local banks and funds raised during last years fall leaf festival.
Enotah CASA Says Thank You To Volunteers (6/12/09)
(Helen)- Enotah CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, volunteers were recognized Friday for their many hours of service. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers donate their time to represent the interest of children involved in court cases by watching over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system. Enotah Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court Judge David Turk says these volunteers are very important to the court system and they do it a no cost to the taxpayers. Susan Zeally, Enotah CASA Director said the luncheon held at Magnolia Terrace in Helen was a time to pamper the volunteers and let them know how much they are appreciated. The volunteers were treated no only to lunch but some extras including a free chair massage from a massage therapist. Zeally says more volunteers are always needed, in fact they have a new training session planned later this summer. If you would like more information check their website www.enotahcasa.org .
W.C. Health Department Inspection Scores (6/12/09)
(Cleveland)- The Environmental Health Division of the White County Health Department has released new inspections scores of food service and tourist accommodations in the county. The inspections were conducted between May 16th thru May 31st. FOOD SERVICE: Chattahoochee Diner: Score: 95 Grade: A 05/16/09. No sanitizer bucket set up. Have bucket with wiping cloths kept submerged before preparing food. Lights in food prep areas must be properly shielded. Inspector: Hoffhines
Old Bavaria Inn: Score: 97 Grade: A 05/19/09. Drying pans with towel. All pots, pans, utensils, etc., should be air dried. Plywood next to vent hood unpainted. Should be painted so that surface is smooth, non-absorbent, and cleanable. Plywood next to vent hood has residue build-up. Small amount of grease and food residue under fryer and cook line equipment. Inspector: Jarrett
Festhalle: Score: 95 Grade: A 05/21/09. Utensils have rust and debris. Check utensils for visible debris before storing and use. All utensils including beer pitchers must be cleaned at the 3 compartment sink in the sink order of wash, rinse, sanitize, and air dry. Do not skip the wash step. Interior of popcorn machine has an accumulation of butter grime. Keep all parts clean of food residue. Lid to trash can has dried food debris, keep clean to help prevent the attraction of pests. Inspector: Hoffhines
El Fogonsito: Score: 96 Grade: A 05/21/09. Permitting inspection for new owner of establishment formerly used as food service. Permit issued. Reach in prep cooler does not seal on left side, this must be fixed (pg 92 .05(6)(a)). All exterior and bathroom doors must be self-closing. (pg 120-121 .07(2)(m)). Inspector: Sullivan
Viele Margaritas: Score: 100 Grade: A 05/21/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines
Dynasty Chinese Restaurant: Score: 92 Grade: A 05/21/09. Drink dispenser nozzles have grime build-up, need cleaned and sanitized every 24 hrs. Keep food probe thermometers clean and free of food debris after use before storing. Condenser leaking in prep cooler. Needs repaired to prevent water from accumulating on bottom. Inspector: Hoffhines
El Campesino Mexican Restaurant: Score: 88 Grade: B 05/26/09. Employee placing chips from hot drawer to basket with bare hands. Must maintain no bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Sacks of onions sitting on floor of WI cooler. Foods must be kept at least 6” off of floor. Inspector: Hoffhines
Dairy Queen of Cleveland: Score: 97 Grade: A 05/26/09. Keep all boxes in dry storage area at least 6” off the floor. Check racks, interior doors, walls, and bottoms of coolers for food debris. Keep clean of sticky syrups and accumulation of crumbs. Accumulation of grease, dirt, and food debris along floor/wall juncture of ware washing area. Keep floors clean throughout facility. Repair water leak in dry storage area and keep floor clean. Fix ceiling tile in prep area. Inspector: Hoffhines
Black Forest Bed and Breakfast: Score: 96 Grade: A 05/26/09. No thermometer in refrigerator. Ensure refrigerator has working internal mechanical thermometer at all times. Light shield missing for lights over 3 compartment sink. Inspector: Jarrett
Country Inn & Suites: Score: 96 Grade: A 05/27/09. Container of cinnamon sugar not labeled. Label foods not stored in original container. Inspector: Jarrett
Alpine Hot Dog: Score: 97 Grade: A 05/28/09. Containers used for storing slaw made on-site must be date labeled if held more than 24 hours and labeled with common name of product stored in container. Slaw made approximately every 3 days as per manager. Inspector: Jarrett
Subway (Helen): Score: 99 Grade: A 05/28/09. Baseboards behind prep tables need more frequent attention. Inspector: Sullivan
Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Score: 96 Grade: A 05/29/09. Fish thawed in sink full of ice water. Foods must be thawed in cooler, in microwave if immediately cooked, or in cold running water with enough velocity to flush food particles. Keep thawing foods under 41° F. Check pans to ensure completely air dry before stacking. Inspector: Hoffhines
Sweets R Land Blimpie, Inc.: Score: 86 Grade: B 05/29/09. Hotdogs hot held at 119°- 125°. Keep foods held at 135° or more for hot holding. Hotdogs discarded per manager. Cut lemons and hotdogs at 47°F in RI cooler, items discarded per manager. Keep foods at 41°F or less in coolers. Multiple coolers and freezers missing thermometers. Keep accurate and highly visible thermometers in all freezers and coolers. No hot water available at faucets on Sweets R Land side. Hot and cold water leaky at prep sink on Blimpie side. Repair so hot and cold water available w/o leaking at faucets. Inspector: Hoffhines
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION:
Alpine Mountain Cabins: Score: 100 05/15/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines
Country Inn & Suites: Score: 98 05/27/09. Rooms 210 and 228 need window screens. All windows that open must have screens. Inspector: Jarrett
Black Forest Bed and Breakfast: Score: 99 05/27/09. Need to re-caulk over shower in room 11. Inspector: Jarrett
Thundering Thursday's Continue At Mt. Yonah Baptist Church ( 6/9/09)
(Cleveland)- Mt. Yonah Baptist Church of Cleveland invites everyone to join them for the third of 14 Thundering Thursday nights this Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 PM. Music and worship will be led by Joe and Kim Stanley, of Fayeville, Georgia.
Dr. Robert "Bob" Reccord will be the guest speaker this Thursday. Bob Reccord is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and business consultant. He presently serves as the Founder of Total Life Impact, Inc., a business providing coaching, communication and team development, consulting services, and vision-casting messages challenging people to Live a Life that Matters. He also serves as President of Total Life Impact Ministries.
White County Officials Join Evans For Congress Team (6/9/09)
 (Cumming)–
Mike Evans, Republican candidate for the 9th
Congressional District in Georgia, announced Monday the
founding members of his campaign Steering
Committee. State Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga)
will co-chair the Steering Committee with Georgia
Department Of Transportation Board Member, 9th
Congressional District and Former State Senator Steve
Farrow.
Mullis said, “Local elected officials and community leaders across the entire 9th Congressional District are strongly supporting Mike Evans for Congress because he is a proven conservative leader we trust. His support across the 9th is overwhelming and we are proud to lead his grassroots army of supporters across north Georgia.” Top leaders from across the 9th district that have joined Evans steering committee include: Travis Turner, Chairman of White County Board of Commissioners; Craig Bryant, White County Commissioner and Helen Mayor Pro Term “Mully” Ash.
Safety Check Nets 23 Arrests ( 6/9/09)
(Cleveland)- A weekend safety check in White County resulted in 23 arrest. Chief Deputy John O’Brien, with the White County Sheriff’s Office said the safety check was headed up by the Georgia State Patrol with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office HEAT units.
O’Brien said of the 23 people arrested 19 were charged with driving under the influence and four on drug charges.
According to O’Brien most of those charged were people visiting the area for the weekend.
BRAG Ride Across Georgia Begins This Weekend ( 6/5/09)
(Hiawassee)- Hundreds of bicycle riders will be riding across Northeast Georgia this weekend as part of the 2009 30th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Georgia. The BRAG ride, is not a race but a fun ride with an emphasis on bicycling safety, fun and education. Riders will gather in Hiawassee Saturday at the Towns County High School.
The first day of the actual ride will be Sunday as they leave Hiawassee traveling through Helen and Cleveland the riders will have a stop in Cleveland at Babyland General. The riders will spend Sunday night in Dahlonega at Lumpkin County Middle School.
Monday riders will travel from Dahlonega to Mt. Airy and stop for the day at Habersham Central High School.
BRAG Riders will average 54 miles each day, with the total ride 381 miles running from Hiawassee to Clarks Hill Lake.
City Of Cleveland Holds Budget Hearing
(6/5/09)
(Cleveland)-The Cleveland City Council has announced they will hold a called meeting Monday June 8th at 7:00 PM for the purpose of conducting a hearing and first consideration of the 2009/2010 city budget.
The regular City Council Meeting will begin immediately after the called meeting. Both meetings will be at City Hall Annex, just south of the Square on Main Street.
DOT Awards Road Projects In The Area (6/4/09) (ATLANTA) - The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded more stimulus funds to Georgia's 9th and 10th Congressional Districts. DOT officials said the funds will go toward the following road projects.
In Habersham and White Counties…resurfacing of 10-point 8 miles of state route 356 from State Route 17 to State Route 197. The $1-point seven million dollar project was awarded to C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. Inc.
In Dawson County resurfacing of 6-point seven miles of State Route 53 from Pickens County Line to State Route183. The $1-point one million dollar project was awarded to C.W Matthews Contracting Co. Inc.
Construction should begin next month on these projects.
Annual Balloon Race On Hold
(6/4/09) Photo by Bill Kinsland
(Cleveland)- Weather conditions are keeping the balloons on the ground in Helen as they await better conditions and the start of the 36th Annual Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race. The South's oldest balloon event and the United State’s only long distance hot air balloon race was set to begin Thursday morning but race spokeswoman Catherine Cleiman says they hope to get the balloon in the air this afternoon, it all depends on the weather.
Six to ten balloons are expected to compete in the cross country race. Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race begins in Helen and the finish line is I-95, anywhere between Maine and Miami. The shortest distance is 225 miles and the race usually takes two days.
Revitalization Project Begins at Cleveland Historic Cemetery (6/3/09)
(Cleveland)- The Cleveland Better Home Town Historic Preservation Committee has broken ground on a new entrance for the Cleveland Historic Cemetery. For more than a year the organization has been raising funds for a formal entrance.
Judy Lovell, the chair of the Historic Preservation Committee, has spearheaded the project and design for the new entrance. George Hlavenka, who serves on our board and is a professional architect, donated his services to create a design of the cemetery entrance. “We had enough money for the rock columns and our committee accepted a bid from Mark Irvin to begin the work,” said Judy Lovell.
The Committee also partnered with the Trustees who are responsible for the care and maintenance of the historic cemetery. “There is a misconception that because it’s the “Cleveland” Historic Cemetery that the City of Cleveland is responsible for it, which is not correct,” said Lovell. A board of trustees made up of Bill Black, Shirley McDonald, Barbara Chambers, Aubrey McIntyre, Betty Highsmith and Judy Lovell are responsible for the grass being cut regularly and recently removed an area of overgrown trees that had covered some of the graves. “It was only natural that Cleveland Better Home Town partner with the trustees on the cemetery project,” she said.
The Cleveland Better Home Town board has received two donations recently. The Telford Foundation donated $1,000 in support of the cemetery revitalization and Pinky Black, k donated an additional $1,000 to the project. Speaking for the Trustees, Bill Black informed the board that the Trustees had decided to make up the difference of the cost to install the rod iron arch bearing the name of the cemetery. Cleveland Better Home Town had raised enough money for the pillars, but did not have the funds yet for the arch. The committee also reported that two companies submitted bids to do the iron work and the committee accepted the bid from a local company, Owens Welding. In his bid, Mr. Owens reduced the price of the by $1500 as his contribution to this project.
The plans for the cemetery revitalization call for a paved driveway with brick pavers lining each side and a beautiful rod iron fence around the entire cemetery. The committee also hopes to work with the RDC to clean and possibly repair some of the leaning or broken stone markers, as well as catalog the cemetery and create a historic brochure. “It’s a tremendous undertaking and we are proud to have partnered with the trustees on this historic revitalization project,” said Garrison Baker, Chairman for Cleveland Better Home Town. “Our Better Home Town program is all about creating partnerships that help the community and these contributions will help us to give the Cleveland Historic Cemetery the dignity it deserves. It’s part of our history as a community and we owe it to the people that founded our community and who are buried there,” Baker went on to say.
 Cleveland Better Home Town is a Nationally Accredited “Award Winning” Main Street Program. As a non-profit 501 (C) 3 charitable organization, all donations to Cleveland Better Home Town are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and assist with the organization’s revitalization projects. If you would like to donate to the Cleveland Historic Cemetery revitalization please contact, Cleveland Better Home Town at (706) 969-3336.
May A Very Wet Month ( 6/1/09) (Cleveland)- We don’t have to tell you that May was a rainy month. Information provided by WRWH weather reporter Bill Kinsland shows Helen received 10 inches of rain, Blackstock Vineyards and Sautee 9 inches and here at WRWH we recorded six and one half inches.
Kinsland said with the nine inches received at Sautee that almost erases any year to date deficit for that location. Here at WRWH we still show a deficit of 1.54 inches. It was just a month ago Cleveland had a small surplus of rainfall for the year and Sautee was in the same position as Cleveland is today. Fire And Ambulance Service Have Busy Weekend (6/1/09) (Cleveland)- White County Fire and Emergency Medical Services had a very active weekend. Ana Newberry spokeswoman for the White County Fire Department said they had a total of 29 call from Friday afternoon until Monday morning. EMS had several more call, in fact a few times all ambulances were out of the county transporting victims and White County officials had to request mutual aid service from Hall and Habersham County.
Newberry said among the calls, a young man fell 100 feet down Raven Cliff Falls on Saturday, he was not seriously injured also Saturday a man suffered a serious foot injury when a tractor he was operating overturned on Abb Helton Road. Another victim of a motorcycle accident was injured and was transported to the hospital by helicopter.
Commissioners Approve Ordinance Dealing with Land Application Of Human Waste ( 5/29/09)
(Cleveland)- The White County Board of Commissioners have approved an ordinance that sets the guidelines for the location of facilities that engage in land application of human waste in the county. The commissioners have been working on the regulations for some time following the announced plans by Mote Pumping Service of Cleveland to set up such operation on Paradise Valley Road north of Cleveland and an outcry from neighbors of the proposed facility.
Chris Mote, Mote Pumping Service
The approval came Thursday at a special called meeting of the commissioners at the White County Courthouse. The ordinance outlines stiff guidelines such as minimum buffers, road frontage and setbacks from waterways. The regulations will not allow operations on less than 100 acres and such businesses can operate only during daylight hours.
Chris Mote, owner of Mote Pumping Service was at the meeting Thursday night, when the ordinance was approved he told the commissioners that he knows this was a regulatory scheme targeted at him.
The commissioners say this is phase one in the process they are working on, next they want to approve operation and monitoring guidelines for this kind of operation.
BOE Selects Charles Black Construction For Construction Management ( 5/29/09) (Cleveland)- The White County Board of Education has agreed to continue to use Charles Black Construction Company for Construction Management Services for the school system. The Board has worked with the firm to construct several schools in the county and after hearing presentations from three different companies the board decided to go with Charles Black Construction.
The current contract with the system had expired so the board has sought proposals for the business. The board received proposals form M.B Kahn Construction of Smyrna and Ra-Lin and Associates of Carrollton and Charles Black.
Board member Cliff Hood said construction management is definitely the way to go, It has brought down the cost of the projects.
The school system plans to use the construction management services in the proposed building of a new middle school in Cleveland provided residents approve a continuation of the one cent Special Purpose Option Sales Tax. White County Sheriff's Department Report (5/29/09) (Cleveland)-The White County Sheriff’s Office received a total of 697 calls during the month of April. That’s part of the information contained in the monthly activities report from that office. Captain Jim Couch, with the Sheriff’s office said during April a total of 116 arrest were made. Five people were arrested for Driving Under the Influence, 36 traffic accidents, 160 civil papers, 66 subpoenas served, 123 traffic stops made with 73 citations issued. The investigative division had the following new cases to probe, 1 death, 6 assault/battery, 2 forgery, 2 sex offences, and 8 burglaries. During the month officers spent 210 hours in court and 58 hours in training.
Overheating Dryer At Gateway Health And Rehab ( 5/29/09)
(Cleveland)- An overheating clothes dryer at Gateway Health and Rehab Center South of Cleveland prompted a call to White County 9-1-1 Thursday. Ana Newberry, White County Fire Department Public Information Officer said, “As fire units arrived, no smoke was showing from the structure.”
According to Newberry, the dryer overheated earlier in the morning and a workers at the facility turned off the dryer and cleaned out the lint collection area and then started using it again. The dryer began to overheat and light smoke started coming from the unit. Station four volunteers were on scene in about four minutes and they determined that there was no fire.
Firefighter Travis Smith used a Thermal Imaging Camera at the dryer to determine if there were any extensions or possible fire, none was found. Newberry said the building was ventilated to remove any smoke and it was recommended the unit NOT be used until serviced by a qualified technician.
Unemployment Information Released ( 5/28/09) (GAINESVILLE)- The jobless rates in Northeast Georgia area are either down or unchanged from a month ago. The state Department of Labor also reports that initial unemployment insurance claims for the 13-county Georgia Mountains Region, which includes White County, the rate is down three tenths of a percent to 8.8 percent.
White County was among those showing the smallest drop... Habersham had the biggest decline. The unemployment rate there is down 1.6 percent to 8.4. Rucker Elected To GSOC Board (5/28/09) (Undated)- Habersham Electric Membership Corporation Director Hugh Rucker was recently re-elected as Vice-Chairman of the Georgia System Operations Corporation (GSOC) board where he has served for five years. In addition, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
GSOC, based in Tucker, is an independent, not-for-profit corporation owned by 38 of Georgia’s electric membership corporations, including Habersham EMC. The company provides operation services required to dispatch generation and operate the transmission system for cooperatives, including power accounting services.
Rucker, a Habersham County resident, has served on the HEMC board since 1982. Stephens To Run For 9th District Congressional Seat ( 5/28/09)
(Cumming)– Former State Senator Bill Stephens has formally filed papers with the Federal Election Commission to be a candidate for Georgia’s 9th Congressional District. The Campaign also announced the formation of the first part of a Regional Finance Committee. The Campaign will be chaired by businessman Virgil R. Williams.
A Finance Committee is being formed of prominent business and community leaders from across North Georgia, including former U.S. Senator and Georgia Governor, Zell Miller, and his wife Shirley.
Stephens said in making the announcement, “Strong, proven leadership is essential in the challenging times we face today. North Georgia deserves a member of Congress who knows them, will represent their interests and knows how to take on the power structure--and win.”
Former State Senator Bill Stephens is the son of a welder and a teacher and a sixth generation native of Fannin County in the North Georgia Mountains.
Cleveland Man Pleads Guilty To Death Of Clermont Minister (5/27/09)
(CLEVELAND) - A Cleveland man who was accused of killing a Clermont minister last December has been ordered by Superior Court Judge Murphy Miller to spend the rest of his life in prison. Enota Judicial Circuit District Attorney Stan Gunter said the sentence was handed down Tuesday morning, as part of a plea agreement, in White County Superior Court against 20-year-old William Joseph Dyer. Dyer admitted to stabbing 44-year-old Rev. Frank Harris, Jr. and then running over him after Harris gave him and his girlfriend, Jennifer Lineberger, a ride home from church.
DA Gunter also said, 29-year-old Lineberger received a negotiated sentence of 10 years in prison as part of the plea agreement. According to Gunter she was ordered to serve three years with the remainder on probation. Gunter said a gag order issued by the court earlier prevented him from discussing the case in detail at this time.
Health Department Inspection Scores Released ( 5/26/09) (Cleveland)- The White County Environmental Health division of the White County Health Department has released a list of the latest Food Service and Tourism Accommodation. The inspections were made between May first and May 15th. FOOD SERVICE: Mossy Creek Smokehouse Grill: Score: 86 Grade: B 05/01/09. Drinks uncovered in food prep areas. All drinks must be in single service cups with disposable lids and straws. Accumulation of slime mold behind baffle and along interior of ice machine. Need to clean and sanitize machine. Multiple foods not date labeled. All potentially hazardous ready to eat foods opened or prepared and kept over 24 hours must be date labeled and discarded after a maximum of 7 days. Inspector: Hoffhines Nacoochee Grill Score: 92 Grade: A 05/05/09. Residue on slicer. Slicer cleaned after each use as per MOD. Ensure slicer is fully disassembled, cleaned, and sanitized after each use or at least every 4 hours. Residue build-up in utensils drawers .05(7)(b) pgs. 96 – 99. Bare wood over veg. prep sink. Bare wood must be painted or removed. Some plastic cutting boards are getting build-up of deep scratches and should be replaced or reconditioned so they are smooth and easily cleanable .05(1)(a) pg. 80. Nozzle at pre rinse sink hangs below flood rim at sink. Repair so that nozzle hangs above flood rim of sink to prevent potential backflow contamination .06(2)(d) pg. 108. Several floor tiles missing. Repair floor so that it is smooth and easily cleanable .07(2)(a) pg. 118. Inspector: Jarrett Subway (Helen): Score: 100 Grade: A 05/07/09. Permitting inspection for new establishment. Permit issued. Inspector: Sullivan Mandala Retreat & Spa: Score: 100 Grade: A 05/07/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines Scoop De Scoop Ice Cream Parlor: Score: 96 Grade: A 05/07/09. Scoop rinsed and set on air drying rack. Utensils must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized before air dried. Set up 3 compartment sink in the order of wash, rinse, and sanitize. Inspector: Hoffhines Java Sun: Score: 93 Grade: A 05/11/09. Accumulation of food debris along interior lid pieces of blender. Remove all visible food from utensils when cleaning and sanitizing. No sanitizer bucket setup. COS – (corrected on-site during inspection) sanitizer bucket with cloth kept submerged prepared. Inspector: Hoffhines The Cure Smokehouse (Mobile Unit): Score: 96 Grade: A 05/12/09. A Certified Food Safety Manager is required on staff within 90 days of the issue of the Food Service Permit. The deadline for your required CFSM was 04/29/09. Inspector: Sullivan Zaxby’s: Score: 96 Grade: A 05/12/09. Egg rolls not properly covered in walk-in cooler. Manager corrected immediately. Small amount of food residue on lettuce rinsing bin and lemon slicer. Keep clean and free of residue to prevent potential contamination. Manager had items washed, rinsed, and sanitized. Inspector: Jarrett Sautee Nacoochee Community Assoc: Score: 100 Grade: A 05/12/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines Black Dog Bistro: Score: 100 Grade: A 05/13/09. New owner of existing food service facility. Permit issued. Inspector: Sullivan Unicoi Springs Camp Resort: Score: 99 Grade: A 05/14/09. No sanitizer test strips. Must have proper test strips to ensure correct sanitizer concentration for ware washing. Inspector: Jarrett Rib Country: Score: 91 Grade: A 05/11/09. No paper towels available at employee bathroom. Hand washing sink removed from designated area in wait station. Slime mold along interior walls, ceiling, and dispenser of ice machine. Food debris in containers holding clean utensils. Accumulation of food residue on can opener blade. Keep handle ends of scoops out of bulk foods. Use fresh/clean utensils to scoop ice cream. Bins, pans, and containers stacked wet nested. Allow utensils and containers to completely air dry before stacking. Inspector: Hoffhines TOURIST ACCOMMODATION Creekwood Cabins & Campground: Score: 100 05/05/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines Sautee Inn Bed and Breakfast: Score: 100 05/07/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn: Score: 100 05/12/09. No violations. Inspector: Hoffhines
White County Honors The Sacrifice Of Those Served ( 5/25/09)
(Cleveland)- White County paused Monday to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our county at a Memorial Day observance at the White County Courthouse.
A large crowd was on hand for the music, a poem and prayer. Mike Allen Commander of American Legion Post 16 in Cleveland said there are many who deserve the recognition shown.
The activities were held at the service monuments in front of the White County Courthouse in Cleveland.
Strickland Named Master Teacher ( 5/24/09) (ATLANTA) – Margaret Strickland a White County teacher is among Sixteen North Georgia teachers who have earned the "Master Teacher" certification. Governor Perdue announced Friday that a total of 112 Georgia teachers have earned the designation based on appreciable gains in student achievement. They include teachers in Banks, Dawson, Gwinnett and White counties as well as a teacher in the Jefferson City School System. Georgia's
Master Teacher Certification Program was championed by Governor Perdue during the 2005 legislation session and is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). It provides statewide recognition to certified public school teachers in Georgia who have at least three years of teaching experience and who consistently demonstrate instructional excellence through student achievement. WCHS Holds Graduation Exercise ( 5/23/09)
(Cleveland)-It was a memorable time Friday night at White County High School stadium as the graduating class of 2009 reached an education milestone and received their diplomas. The weather cooperated with the event and 233 students made that last walk as students at the high school.
The class Salutatorian James McInvale talked about their education journey they have been on from their first day of school until now. Jennifer Whitaker in her Valedictorian address talked about the success of the class of 2009.
Jennifer Whitiker James McInvale
After each of the class members received their diploma High School Principal Bryan Dorsey said the words that made the night complete as he presented the class of 2009 to the public.
School Lunch Price Increase Approved By The Board ( 5/22/09) (Cleveland)- The White County Board of Education has reluctantly approved a ten cent increase in price students pay for lunch. At the board meeting Thursday the board was asked to up the price by 20 cents, but many board members said this is not a good time to increase the cost for lunch, but School Nutrition Director Sheryl Fletcher said it’s been four years since the last increase and the extra funds are need to meet the demands of her department. Next year elementary students will pay $1.40 and Middle and High students $1.65 for lunch.
The school system has seen a recent increase in the number of students receiving free or reduced lunches. Some board members wondered out loud if this latest increase might prompt more to seek the free and reduced status. W.C. Holds Graduation Ceremony ( 5/22/09) (Cleveland)- White County High School holds graduation ceremony is Friday night at the High School Stadium. High School Principal Bryan Dorsey said 233 students have earned their right to walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Dorsey said this is the largest graduation class for the high school and that can pose it’s own challenges but they have everything worked out for the event.
Congratulations to all the graduates especially Valedictorian Jennifer Whitaker and Salutatorian James Michael McInvale. Dorsey said they have been working to avoid any repeat of last years graduation antics that was disrespectful of the speakers.
According to Dorsey there were three students who did not pass their high school graduation test and will not be among those honored tonight. Miller Holds Book Signing In Helen ( 5/18/09)
(Helen)-Sunday, former Governor , U.S. Senator and North Georgia native Zell miller held a book signing in Helen at Betty’s Country Store.
The 77-year old Miller, just released his latest book entitled Purt Nigh Gone, The old Mountain Ways where he talks about many of the disappearing mountain ways.
The book has chapters about In the Beginning, The Cherokees, Gold in the Hills, The Way Life Was, Making 'Shine, Mountain Food, A Disappearing Dialect, Old-Time Religion, Mountain Music and Mountain Humor. The book ends with Millers "101 Reasons Why I Live in Appalachia."
Relay For Life And Fifties Festival Battle With Rain (5/18/09
(Cleveland)- Weekend rain threatened most planned events in the area, but they were held despite the inclement weather. Friday night the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at the White County High School stadium drew the usual large crowd who came together to raise fund for cancer research. Co-Chair for the event Marshall Anderson said in excess of $150,000 was raised and Anderson said this was much better than was expected due to the economic conditions.
The event got
underway as planned but had to be moved to the high
school gymnasium because of the threat of rain and high
winds. Several people received special recognition.. The
Brandon Young award went to Verdell Woodall, the Midge
Cathy Spirit of Relay award went Pam Walden and Brenda
Shaw. Heart and Soul of Relay award was presented to
Marshall Anderson, Kyle Parish was honored with the Ray
Ann Reed Survivorship award and Lillian Shelnut
Humanitarian Award went to Donna McKay.
Saturday Cleveland Better Home Town’s annual Fifties Festival had to deal with rain showers but the rains eventually stop the activities, but nor before Cleveland Better Home Town recognized service men and women and volunteers.
Cleveland Postmaster Louise Nix was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Cleveland Home Town unveiled plans for a special brick paver area in front of the White County courthouse in honor of Sgt. Jason Harkins.
Deal Picks Up Endorsements (5/15/09)
(Gainesville)-Nathan Deal of Gainesville, an announced candidate for governor, has picked up the endorsement of five Republican members of the Georgia Congressional delegation.U.S. Representatives Phil Gingrey, Tom Price, Lynn Westmoreland, John Linder and Paul Broun have given their support for Deal’s bid.
Gingrey, who is chairman of the group of Republican House lawmakers from Georgia said, “Nathan has been an outstanding member of Congress and he is going to be a great governor for Georgia.”
Price said, “Nathan has been instrumental in getting sweeping reforms for Medicare and Medicaid through Congress." Deal, who served as president pro tempore of the Georgia State Senate before being elected to Congress is the only candidate for governor with both state and federal elected experience.
Graduation Test Scores Released (5/14/09) (Cleveland)- White County High School Juniors who took the state graduation test this spring scored higher than the state average in all areas except Language Arts.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Shaw said, test results in this week showed 97 percent passed the math portion, 90 percent science and 90 percent Social Studies. In the area of Language Arts 88 percent of White County students passed compared to 90 percent for the state. The tests identify students who may need additional instruction in the concepts and skills required for a diploma.
All students seeking a Georgia high school diploma must pass the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) in four content areas as well as the Georgia High School Writing Assessment. These assessments ensure that students qualifying for a diploma. Students who do not pass on the first attempt of the tests have multiple opportunities to receive additional instruction, retest, and qualify for graduation before the spring of the twelfth grade.
Mt. Yonah Announces Thundering Thursday's (5/14/09) (Cleveland) Mt. Yonah Baptist Church of Cleveland has announced 14 summer Thursday evenings services designed to inspire, celebrate and worship. Pastor Dr. John Yarbrough says, from Memorial Day through Labor Day our Thursday evening services, we’re calling “Thundering Thursdays”, will feature some of America’s most listened to Christian preachers and Christian artists in gatherings that focus on celebration, encouragement and answers for facing the challenges for life in the 21st century.
Special guests include: two former presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention, James Merritt & Bailey Smith, the current president Johnny Hunt, three former presidents of the Georgia Baptist Convention, Larry Wynn, Ike Reighard, & Nelson Price and others. In addition to the gatherings each Thursday, special events will be promoted around each weeks gathering. At some of the events the church will make health screenings available, and some will have free groceries to help hurting families in hard times. One week the service will be preceded with a job fair to assist job seekers and employers. A Children’s camp will meet each Thursday night and quality preschool care will be provided.
For additional information about the special summer activities visit the church’s website at www.mtyonahbc.org, call the church at (706)-865-5044. Cow Hit By Two Vehicles (5/13/09) (Cleveland)- White County Sheriff’s office reports at least two vehicles received damage after they struck a cow that was in the roadway north of Cleveland yesterday.
Chief Deputy John O’Brien said the accident happened around 5:45 AM on the Helen highway near Gabby’s Cabins.
According to O’Brien neither driver was injured in the accident but the cow was not as fortunate. Pilot Of Ultra Light Makes Emergency Landing(2/13/09) (Cleveland)- A Franklin North Carolina man was forced to make an emergency landing of his ultra-light craft in White County Tuesday.
White County Sheriff Chief Deputy John O’Brien said the unidentified pilot reported he began experiencing engine trouble and was forced to land in a field on Allen Anderson Road around 7:30 AM.
O’Brien said the was not injured and received assistance from fellow pilots at the White County Airport to get his craft out of the field.
Dolly Parton Becomes Cabbage Patch Kid Parent ( 5/11/09)
L-R: Rotary District Governor Gary Moore, Dolly Parton, Margaret McLean and Maria Jurado-Flynn
(Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)– During the Rotary District 6910 annual Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this past weekend, the Rotary Club of White County presented a special Cabbage Patch Kid to Dolly Parton. This one of a kind "Baby Dolly" which was made in the likeness of Dolly Parton was approved and signed by Cabbage Patch Kids Founder, Xavier Roberts.
In March Rotary International announced a partnership with Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library where they mail one book per month to each enrolled child from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten.
During a special presentation Director of Communications for Babyland General Hospital and the Cabbage Patch Kids, Margaret McLean presented the Cabbage Patch Kid to Dolly and had her sign the official adoption paper plus administered the "Oath of Adoption," making he the newest Cabbage Patch parent. McLean said, “ We are very selective when we agree to do a one-of-a-kind, celebrity Cabbage Patch Kid.” “Dolly Parton’s support of child literacy and her loyalty to her community, mirrors the philosophy of BabyLand General® Hospital and Cabbage Patch Kids. She is an excellent role model for our young “adoptive parents,” who learn that love comes with commitment and responsibilities.
Maria Jurado-Flynn, White County Rotary Club President Elect said, “This was our Club's way to say thank you to Dolly for inspiring so many children to learn to read.” The program distributes more than 2.5 million free books to children annually. Rotary is known worldwide as a leader in community service and through its actions, the local club is committed to Rotary’s motto of, “Service Above Self.”
Cancer Survivors Celebrate ( 5/8/09)
(Cleveland)- We’re just a week away from the biggest social event in White County, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Thursday night cancer survivors gathered at Mt. Yonah Baptist Church for a special time together and meal prior the big event next Friday.
Marshall Anderson, Co-Chair for the relay for life in the county said the gathering last night is more than just a time to come out and eat.
Second Annual Radio Cake Auction ( 5/8/09)
(Cleveland)- Over $800-dollars was raised for the American Cancer Society Relay for Live Thursday as the White County Public Safety Relay for Life team held their second annual cake auction on WRWH. A variety of homemade cakes were described on the air and listeners called in bid for the cakes.
Linda Canup, Leah Sullen and Bonnie Dyer
Leah Sullens, 9-1-1 Chief Communications Officer spearheaded the event, she said a total of $830 was raised and thanked all those who participated.
National Day Of Prayer Observed ( 5/8/09)
(Cleveland)-White Countians took time Thursday at noon to observe National Day of Prayer. The event was organized by the White County Ministerial Alliance and the ministers and several others gathered at the flag pole in front of the White County Courthouse.
Ministers from different churches prayed for government leaders, businesses, families and the churches in the county. Rev. Randy Hester Chairman of the Ministerial alliance said this is something White County should be proud of.
In addition to the observance in Cleveland, a special noontime prayer service was held at the First Baptist Church in Helen.
Historical Documents Displayed In W.C. Courthouse ( 5/8/09)
(Cleveland) White County officially joined just a hand full of counties in the state that have agreed to display the Ten Commandments and several historic documents in their courthouse. The Georgia general assembly in 2006 overwhelming approved legislation allowing the display of documents like the Mayflower Document,
Rev. Jim Holmes- Commission Chairman Travis Turner
Declaration of Independence and Ten Commandments.
At a dedication ceremony Thursday morning White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner said, it’s important that we display documents like these because they are the foundation of our country. Rev. Jim Holmes, Pastor of Helen First Baptist Church and member of the Ten Commandments Georgia, spearheaded efforts for the display the told the crowd that it’s a unique honor for the county.
The documents are displayed in the front lobby of the courthouse at the entrance to the Courtroom. Boil Water Notice Lifted ( 5/7/09) (Cleveland)- The city of Cleveland has lifted their boil water notice for water customers in the Woods Subdivision in the city. The notice was issued on April 30th following a water line break.
Tom Guy, Water Distribution Operator for the city of Cleveland said, to make proper repairs, the city public works department had to shut off the water supply to the line. The affected area was in the Woods Subdivision only.
The notice was required by the Environmental Protection Division in the event of possible contaminant entering the system. The city received noticed Thursday from EPD that all test are clear and the boil water notice has been lifted.
Caring Hands Health Clinic Gets Helping Hand ( 5/5/09)
Caring Hands Board Members Jim Hires, Louise Nix, Rotary President Rick Kipling and Board Member Donny Parker
(Cleveland)-The Caring Hands Health Clinic in Cleveland is there to help people in need, Tuesday they got a helping hand as the Rotary Club of White County presented the the clinic with two checks. One from the Club for $2,000 to show support of the local healthcare initiative and the second was from the Rotary District for $2,000, which was awarded after the club board members applied for and received a district simplified grant.
Rotary’s worldwide initiatives are Hunger, Healthcare and Literacy. Rick Kimpling, President of the White County club said, “Without a doubt, the Caring Hands Health Clinic is exactly the type of community program we like to support.”
Rotarians, Donny Parker and Jack Craig helped with the build-out of the clinic. Rotarian and retired attorney Jim Hires serves on the board of directors, as does Donny Parker.
Kimpling went on to say “We are extremely honored to support the free clinic. We know that it serves a critical need in the community and that’s why Rotarians are supporting it. ” Commissioners Propose Regulations To Deal With Land Application Of Human Waste ( 5/5/09) (Cleveland)- The White County Board of Commissioners have developed some very stringent regulation governing the location of facilities engaging in the land application of human waste. The regulations are designed to stop a septage waste lands application operation that is proposed for the Paradise Valley Road area north of Cleveland.
Mote Pumping Service has asked the State Environmental Protection Division for approval for the facility and an outcry of citizen protest has prompted the latest action by the commissioners.
The commissioners had the first reading of the ordinance at yesterdays county commission meeting. Commission Chairman Travis Turner said, “ I feel confident this addresses most of the concerns." The commissioners plan a second reading and adoption at a May 28th meeting. That is prior to a hearing that the EPD wants to hold in the county in regards issuing a permit for the facility.
The proposed regulation requires that any operation seeking approval must be on at least 100 acres and meet monitoring and reporting requirements. The commissioners set an application and regulatory fee for such operation at $5,000. Commissioners And Board Of Education Meet ( 5/5/09) (Cleveland)-The White County Board of Commissioners and County Board of Education met in joint session Monday to discuss a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for education. The board of Education presented information to the commissioners about the cost savings the county would receive if the county held a special vote this November on the SPLOST rather than waiting until next July for a regular election. The new SPLOST would not go into effect until the current one ends in 2013. Superintendent Dr. Paul Shaw advised the commissioners with construction cost down as well as interest rates the county could save up to $800, 000 by going ahead with a vote early and get the building project underway. Commission Chairman Travis Turner and Commissioner Craig Bryant said they did not want to spend the $12,000 for the vote, based on the citizen input they have received. The commissioners suggested to the Board of Education that they get out and educate the public on the serious need for the funds and the cost savings and early vote would bring. Turner says they need to do some work educating the people. The commissioners agreed to reassess the issue in July and if the public sentiment changes they could change their minds. Board of Education Chair Kendyl Brock-Hunter said they need to communicate the same message they presented to he commissioners to the tax payers.
Mesothelioma Treatment
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(Atlanta)-
White and Banks counties among the latest designated by
the state as Entrepreneur Friendly counties; Each gets
a five thousand dollar grant through the OneGeorgia
Authority that was created to assist the state's most
economically challenged areas. 
.JPG)
