Old Timers’ Parade kicks off Fourth of July celebrations

Community, Downtown Blue Ridge
Old Timers’ Parade

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Old Timers’ Parade made its way down Main Street at 10 a.m. on July 4, 2022. The event, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association, was the beginning of Independence Day celebrations.

Old Timers’ Parade

Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight attended the parade.

Old Timers’ Parade

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston also attended the Blue Ridge parade. 

 

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce notes that the parade has been a part of holiday celebrations in the city since the 1950s. Government officials, local businesses, and local organizations all made their way down Main Street for the event. The Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge and the Blue Ridge Community Theater were just some that had floats in the parade.

Old Timers’ Parade

 

 

After the Old Timers’ Parade, the Tri-State Community Band performed in downtown. The band performed several songs, including “Georgia on My Mind.”

 

Old Timers’ Parade

Local girls Shelby Belt and Allison Nuckolls wore festive outfits for the parade!

 

Parade attendee Shelby Belt told FYN: “I love the Fourth of July Parade because you see our community come together as one to celebrate freedom!”

 

 

Ralston and Gooch talk upcoming priorities at Eggs and Issues

Community, News
Ralston Gooch

BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston and State Senator Steve Gooch spoke and goals for the 2022 legislative session at the Fannin Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues.

Increasing crime rates across the state will be one area of focus for Speaker Ralston who’s presenting a $50 million plan to increase spending for law enforcement and mental health capabilities.

Ralston stated Georgia’s seen an “unprecedented spike in homicides” and “record numbers of police officers resigning or taking early retirement.”

Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge)

In the $50 million plan, $2 million would go toward accountability courts and a pay increase for those who work there. Accountability courts helps non-violent drug offenders through the rehabilitation process and resume a productive life in society. $7 million would be to help train those in crisis situations so they can properly respond to a mental health call.

$10 million would go toward a raise for state prosecutors.

$22 million would be delegated to the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) to speed up the processing of critical evidence. Additionally, the legislature will put forth a piece of legislation that gives the GBI original jurisdiction over election fraud cases.

“Currently, a county has to invite GBI in,” Ralston explained the election investigation process. “Tired of being told by Fulton County that the GBI isn’t welcome.”

Gooch added a lot of debate about crime in Georgia and how to resolve it will be a hot button issue.

“We have legislators who want to take money away from the police department in our state,” Gooch said. “I don’t believe the police departments are capable of enforcing their laws as long as their mayors and elected officials won’t back them up and support them.”

Redistricting

Ralston and Gooch discussed the upcoming special session for redistricting the state according to the 2020 Census Data. The session will begin on November 3 and could last two to three weeks.

They must adopt maps for the Federal and state offices which will most likely alter district sizes. North Georgia’s likely to see districts shrink due to more people moving into the area.

Ralston recounted 2011 when Georgia sent maps to a Democratic Justice Department, and they passed without one change. He also spoke about how in 1991 Fannin County was separated into two different districts with Hwy 515 as the dividing line.

“We have a model to go by and we’re going to follow that model, but you’re not going to hear much of that. You’ll hear all of the stuff of unfair politics, trying to pick your voters and all of that,” Ralston added.

Labor Shortage and Transportation

Gooch addressed Georgia’s ability to bounce back after the pandemic. In part, Governor Brian Kemp’s decision to reopen the state early aided in that comeback.

“At the Federal level, they saw fit to provide subsidies to sit at home instead of going back to work,” Gooch stated, “Georgia has cut some of those subsidies loose as of early Summer. We believe it’s time to go back to work.”

State Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega)

He added that employers across his district can’t find people to work and he doesn’t believe the federal government should be paying people to sit at home if they are capable of work.

“Next year is an election year. If you don’t like what you’re seeing in Washington right now, your recourse is to go vote,” Gooch stated.

Freight and logistics plans are also in the works.

“Literally hundreds of cargo ships are sitting out in the ocean waiting to be unloaded,” Gooch explained the freight problem in Georgia and across ports nationwide. Several Fannin County businesses rely on the port of Savannah and Brunswick for goods.

“We’re working on a logistics plan. It’s going to take several years to roll that out. It’s going to take a lot of funding, but we have to find ways to reduce the choke points in our traffic and congestion around the state. Also, we have to expand our Class One railroad capacity which is very important to us as we move that freight from Savannah up into north Georgia,” Gooch addressed.

The expansion of Hwy. 5 is moving forward according to Gooch. The bids have been taken on phase one of the project and contracts will soon be signed.

Ralston calls for GBI investigation into Fulton County elections

News
Richard Barron election investigation

ATLANTA, Ga – Elected officials are taking aim and Fulton County and its elections director Richard Barron, following new details regarding the 2020 election.

Today, Speaker of the House David Ralston (R – Blue Ridge) released the letter he sent to Fulton Elections Director Richard Barron. In the letter, Ralston requests Barron ask the GBI to investigate November 2020 election. He cited the mounting allegations against Fulton County as his reasoning behind the need for an investigation.

ralston

Georgia Speaker of the House of Representatives David Ralston

“Recently, media reports have surfaced which call into question the way in which Fulton County conducted, counted and audited the November 2020 Presidential Election. These reports have been accompanied by video and other evidence which is part of on-going litigation and requires thorough examination and explanation. Given the seriousness of this situation and the possible repercussions for our state and nation, it is time we have an independent investigation – once and for all – of the way in which Fulton County conducted, counted and audited the November 2020 Presidential Election,” Ralston wrote.

 

Raffensperger calls for Barron’s firing

Throughout the week, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R-Ga) has issued several tweets, and last month, he held a press conference in front of headlines concerning Fulton’s lengthy history of election problems.

primary Raffensperger georgia lawsuits

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger

Most recently, a report of the double-counting of 200 absentee ballots came to light after the new voting law made it public.

“Fulton County’s continued failures have gone on long enough with no accountability. Rick Barron and Ralph Jones, Fulton’s registration chief, must be fired and removed from Fulton’s elections leadership immediately. Fulton’s voters and the people of Georgia deserve better,” one of Raffensperger’s tweets read.

Earlier this year, the Fulton County Elections Board voted to fire Barron, but the commissioners rejected the termination.

Another tweet stated, “Long before November, I had been working to get Fulton to clean up their decades of election mismanagement.  Restoring confidence in our elections should be a bipartisan concern. Fulton County’s poor elections management is making that impossible.”

Raffensperger’s also gone on record urging Republicans to take “the lead on election regulation reform” and that the SOS assigned monitor found “significant management issues.”

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts (D – Fulton) described Raffensperger’s call to fire Barron and Jones as a “sell out to conspiracy theorists.”

“His ultimate goal is based on the provisions of Senate Bill 202, he would like to take over the elections in Fulton County, that is not going to happen, period,” Pitts told Fox 5 Atlanta.

Under the Election Integrity Act (SB 202), the Secretary of State’s Office does have the authority to take over a county’s elections process if numerous instances of problems are documented. The Department of Justice is currently suing Georgia over the bill on the grounds that it violates voter’s civil rights.

Read the entirety of Ralston’s call for an election investigation below:

Kemp issues 1,000 bonus for state employees

Featured Stories, News, Politics

ATLANTA, Ga. – On February 10, Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to pay nearly 60,000 state employees a one-time bonus of $1,000.

Speaker David Ralston (R – Blue Ridge), flanked by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan (R) and other lawmakers, said that the proposal was actually an extension to Kemp’s plan outlined in the State of the State speech last month.

“We wanted to extend that $1,000 bonus beyond our teachers to many of our frontline state employees who have also served our citizens through the worst days of this pandemic,” said Ralston.

Kemp reiterated that this bonus couldn’t come at a better time for many families that struggled through the pandemic.

Georgia State Capitol

“Our state employees have worked incredibly hard despite a global pandemic.  They have been going above and beyond the call of duty to deliver essential services to our most vulnerable, keeping our businesses open and delivering financial assistance to those who quite honestly many days were losing hope,” said Kemp.  “Like so many hardworking Georgians, they juggled jobs and school and the new normal for their kids and their families like we all have and to those of [you] here today we just simply cannot thank you enough.”

Much of the flexibility that allows Georgia to have an opportunity to propose legislation like this comes from the federal CARES Act passed by Congress and a 6.1% increase in state revenue compared to this time last year.

In total, $59 million will be set aside to cover the bonuses.

Not all state employees will be eligible. Those making over $80,000 a year or who work for the Board of Regents may not see these bonuses.

State law still requires that both the House and Senate have to agree on the proposed amendment before it moves to the Governor’s desk.

Ralston urges caution amid election fraud concerns

News, State & National
David Ralston election

BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) advised prudence before superseding the state constitution. Mayor Giuliani presented a witness in last week’s Georgia Senate hearings who urged the General Assembly to convene under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. The move would overrule state law that a special session can only be called the governor or three-fifths majority from both legislative bodies.

https://youtu.be/ZdN5vNOl6F4

Previously, Ralston and Giuliani spoke about the Article II option are looking into it. If a constitutional method surfaces, Ralston confirmed that he would be open to it.

“I’m not sure what that would look like,” Ralston stated. “We’ve got to be very, very careful because whatever we do will set a precedent. This issue of can we come into a session and disregard the fact that there’s been two or three certifications, whether we agree with them or not…that’s something I think we’ve want to tread very, very carefully around because that could be used against us someday.”

During a phone call with President Trump, Ralston relayed that the President was “upbeat” and wants a special session of the General Assembly. The Speaker warned it would be an “uphill battle.”

Governor Brian Kemp (R) released a statement on Sunday, December 6, stating that calling a special session to establish “a separate slate of presidential electors is not an option that is allowed under state or federal law.”

Also, the General Assembly doesn’t have the required three-fifths majority to convene. According to Ralston, the House is two votes short.

He added that President Donald Trump (R) could make a case that he won Georgia, and Ralston has reviewed “enough evidence to raise questions that need to be answered.” For this reason, Ralston hasn’t signed any statements supporting the outcome of the Georgia election.

“I’ve never seen in my public career the level of anger and concern that’s out there now. People are very upset, and I get that. I’m upset,” Ralston said. “I believe it’s vital he be reelected. His policies are good for this country, particularly when compared to policies of the other party.”

The Speaker admonished anyone considering not voting in the January 5 runoff, calling it “handing over the keys of the U.S. Senate to Chuck Schumer.”

Hear from Senator David Perdue (R). 

On Thursday, the House of Representatives Governmental Affairs Committee will convene to discuss Georgia’s elections.

Georgia House of Representatives schedule election hearing

Featured Stories, News, Press Release
Georgia capitol election hearing

ATLANTA – House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) and House Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire) announced today that the committee will hold a hearing next week on voting processes and elections in Georgia.

“Ahead of the critical Jan. 5 U.S. Senate runoff, it is imperative that we ensure free and fair elections that inspire confidence and certainty in the result,” said Speaker Ralston. “For that reason, I’m asking Chairman Blackmon and his committee to act swiftly and aggressively and follow the facts wherever they may lead so as to reassure Georgia voters their vote will count in January. Over the last year, I have been outspoken regarding my concerns with election processes like jungle primaries and mail-in voting, and I will continue to advocate for transparent and secure elections.”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee will convene on Thursday, Dec. 10 to continue the work they began earlier this year when Speaker Ralston asked them to look into irregularities with the June 2020 primary election. The House of Representatives spent much of the 2020 legislative session discussing election laws, including serious concerns about the legality of the Secretary of State’s decision to send out unsolicited mail-in ballot applications without legislative input or oversight.

Read Trump team’s alleged voter fraud evidence in Georgia.

The focus of the committee’s work next week will be to ensure the security and efficiency of the January 2021 U.S. Senate runoff and other future elections.

“We appreciate Speaker Ralston’s support of this effort, and take seriously the trust placed in us to conduct this inquiry in a thorough and expeditious fashion,” said Chairman Blackmon. “Our committee will seek any credible evidence of fraud or wrong-doing and determine what, if any, legislative action may be necessary to preserve the sanctity of the ballot box. When our Democratic colleagues had concerns earlier this year, Speaker Ralston asked our committee to investigate, and he has done so again now in light of current concerns. I know our members will welcome the opportunity to examine and debate this crucial topic.”

Further details about the hearing will be released next week. The House Governmental Affairs Committee report on the June 2020 primary election may be found here:   http://www.house.ga.gov/Documents/CommitteeDocuments/2020/GovernmentalAffairs/Elections_Investigation_Report.pdf.

Blackmon’s committee has established an email for Georgians to report voting irregularities at [email protected].

Fannin and Gilmer arts organizations awarded vibrant communities grants

Community, Press Release
arts organizations

ATLANTA – Speaker David Ralston and the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Georgia Council for the Arts announced that arts organizations in Fannin and Gilmer counties received Vibrant Communities grant awards to support arts programming for fiscal year 2021.

In Fannin County, the Blue Ridge Community Theater received a $5,000 grant to support its 2021 production of “It’s Time for Laughter: Trouble in the Tropicabana.” The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association received a $5,000 grant to support the 2021 Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference. In Gilmer County, the Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association received a $5,000 grant to support its production of “Good Rockin’ Tonight Christmas Show.”

“Our area is rich with creative arts and cultural opportunities, and I am very proud of these organizations and the contributions they make to our community,” said Speaker David Ralston. “These grants demonstrate our continuing commitment to the arts and the opportunities for enrichment and entertainment they provide.”

Image of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association

“A thriving arts community creates thousands of jobs and contributes to a healthy and diverse economy. The Georgia Council for the Arts is proud to continue to support our state’s arts organizations through the distribution of Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grants,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The arts community needs our support more than ever, and this funding offers immediate assistance in housing and facilitating arts programs that provide meaningful experiences for Georgians.”

Following precedent set by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Georgia Council for the Arts used Peer Review Panels to adjudicate applications. These panels included fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are Georgia citizens with a record of involvement in arts activities, experience and knowledge.

Georgia’s creative industries have a reported $62.5 billion impact on the economy, generating roughly $37 billion in revenue and accounting for about 200,000 jobs in the state.

Image courtesy of Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development whose mission is to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding, programs and services statewide that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state’s cultural heritage, increase tourism and nurture strong communities. Funding for Georgia Council for the Arts is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Feature image courtesy of the Blue Ridge Community Theater.

BKP has a Call-In With House Speaker David Ralston

Politics

This morning, BKP has House speaker David Ralston on the show to discuss the state budget.House Speaker  Ralston discusses the revenue we lost just in April. He also discusses budget cuts, the rainy day fund, and tells BKP thathe hopes they won’t have to touch the rainy day fund again. House Speaker Ralston finishes by saying we live around the best people and that he is proud to be from the area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HApohZi0xN0&t=1201s

Ralston announces funding for Highway 515 to improve UNG campus access

News, Press Release
UNG 515

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today announced $150,000 in Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve access to the new University of North Georgia at Blue Ridge campus from Georgia Highway 515.

“This $150,000 in state funds will make it easier and safer to drive to our new UNG Blue Ridge campus,” said Speaker David Ralston. “This campus will be a beacon for our community for generations to come and ensuring a safe commute is key to how this campus will serve the needs of our citizens. I appreciate the help of Mayor Donna Whitener and the members of the City Council in bringing these funds to Blue Ridge.”

The $150,000 will fund a portion of the cost of modifying Highway 515 to include a Reduced Conflict U-Turn (RCUT) intersection. This new intersection will allow cars traveling north from downtown Blue Ridge to turn left across Highway 515 to drive onto campus.

A full description of a typical RCUT intersection from the Georgia Department of Transportation may be found here:  http://www.dot.ga.gov/DriveSmart/SafetyOperation/Documents/RCut/RCUT%20Brochure.pdf.

Kemp, Duncan, Ralston announce plans to extend Public Health State of Emergency

Press Release, State & National
public health emergency

Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston announced plans to extend Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Under state law, the Governor may renew the public health state of emergency, which was otherwise set to expire on April 13, 2020. Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston agree it is necessary for the public health emergency to be renewed and will not be requesting a special legislative session, which was tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2020.

“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” said Governor Kemp. “I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”

“We must continue our aggressive fight against COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “By extending the public health state of emergency, we can ensure Georgians have access to every available state resource during this crisis. Together, Speaker Ralston and I are working closely with Governor Kemp to do all we can to make sure we are meeting the needs of every Georgian. The General Assembly will continue to remain vigilant and available to assist our citizens in any way possible.”

“The entirety of our state government is working to protect the health and safety of our citizens, and I appreciate the work of our state personnel and first responders during this challenging time,” said Speaker David Ralston. “While we have difficult days ahead, we continue to coordinate with both local and federal partners in responding to needs as they arise. As Georgians, we will persevere and emerge stronger on the other side.”

City attorney decision discussed by Whitener, Thomas-Haight

News

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Following the recent hiring of new Blue Ridge city attorney, James A. Balli, at the Jan. 9 city council meeting, Mayor Donna Whitener and Councilwoman Rhonda Thomas-Haight spoke with FetchYourNews about some of the details regarding the city’s decision to replace former city attorney David Syfan with Balli.

Providing specific reasons for replacing Syfan, both Whitener and Thomas-Haight expressed the need for a change in representation.  “(Syfan’s) been with the city for 20 years,” Thomas-Haight stated. “It’s time for a change. Of course, every four years, we appoint that position, and (with) the new council, we just felt like it was time for a change.”

“As I’ve mentioned several times, I felt like (Syfan) didn’t represent the entire group (of the mayor and council members),” Whitener added. “I want a city attorney that works for all six of us and for the city and the citizens.”

The mayor went on to clarify that Balli has not represented any of the city council members or herself previously. She said, “Of course, that became a little bit of an issue … (The new council) felt like they wanted somebody that represented all of us on an equal playing field.”

Mayor Donna Whitener, left, City Attorney James Balli and Councilwoman Rhonda Thomas-Haight attend the Jan. 9 Blue Ridge City Council meeting.

During the city council meeting, in which Balli was hired, Whitener explained that four candidates, in addition to Syfan, applied for the position of city attorney. Balli was inevitably hired at a reduced rate of $175 per hour with a rate of $200 per hour for time spent representing the city in court. Among the other attorneys who applied for the position were local attorneys Lynn Doss and Cortney Stuart, whose clients include Fannin County and city of McCaysville, respectively, and Atlanta attorney Kelly Michael Hundley, who currently represents the city of Hiram, Georgia, according to information obtained from the city of Blue Ridge.

Doss, who, according to Whitener and Thomas-Haight, withdrew her application from consideration prior to the council meeting, had offered her services to the city at the per-hour rate of $175. Stuart offered a rate of $150 per hour with a $100 monthly retainer fee. Hundley proposed a rate of $150 per hour with a $175 per hour rate for legal proceeding representation.

Though Syfan’s previous per-hour rate of $95 was considerably lower than that of Balli’s current rate, Thomas-Haight explained, “I know sometimes it appeared, in my opinion, as if projects seemed to take a long time.”

In regard to the potential hiring of Stuart, Whitener explained that the Georgia Municipal Association, which provides legislative advocacy and consulting services to member cities, had advised the city against such a relationship citing a potential representational conflict of interest.

The mayor further explained that the proper channels of advertisement for the position were utilized through publication in the legal organ. Whitener also stated that she, as well as all incoming city council members except Harold Herndon, had a chance to meet with Balli individually ahead of the meeting in order to make a determination to hire Balli. Whitener stated Herndon was unable to meet with Balli during any of the attorney’s trips to Blue Ridge due to illness.

“I felt good about (meeting with Balli) because he took the time to reach out to us and wanted to meet us and make sure we all could mesh together if we did choose his firm,” Thomas-Haight said.

“Mr. Balli seems to be a good fit for our city,” Thomas-Haight continued. “He is anxious to work with us, and we seem to all be on the same page with how we want to move forward with the city. He wants to be involved in our council meetings and that was a definite plus because Mr. Syfan, even though the charter states that the (city) attorney shall attend the meetings, he had only been to – to my recollection – five (meetings) in eight years.”

Whitener stated Balli has municipal experience and familiarity with water management. According to Balli’s submitted resume to the city, he currently serves as a board member on the Cobb-Marietta Water Authority.

“Becky (Harkins, director of Blue Ridge Water and Utilities department) was extremely impressed because of his water knowledge, and we’re really working on our policies and procedures, so she felt like he would be very beneficial to us in getting those standards to where they need to be,” Mayor Whitener continued.

So who is James A. Balli?

According to Balli’s resume, he received a B.S. in political science from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, in 1996 and later received his Juris Doctorate from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in 1999. Also in 1999, Balli was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia and in 2000 was admitted to the State Bar of Alabama.

Balli served in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1992 to 2000 at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

Balli currently serves as commissioner on the seven-member Judicial Qualifications Commission of Georgia, which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct of all judges in the state of Georgia. He also currently serves as a board member of the Kennesaw State University Masters of Public Administration Advisory Board where he provides advice and direction to masters’ program students and faculty. Balli has been admitted to practice before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Alabama Supreme Court, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, the Middle Districts of Georgia and Alabama, and the Northern District of Georgia.

Among his recent experience, Balli represented the Atlanta Braves during the organization’s recent move from Fulton County to Cobb County, and his other recent clients have included (David) Ralston for Representative, Inc., BrandsMart USA, and the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

Balli is a partner at the Marietta law firm Sams, Larkin, Huff & Balli, LLP, which has represented both county governments on related development issues and commercial and private interests on a variety of issues involving elected officials from state, county and municipal governments.

Commenting on his new position with the city, Balli stated, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Blue Ridge and to work with the mayor and city council as they work to serve the citizens as well. I think Blue Ridge is the best small town in the state of Georgia, and I am excited to be a part of it moving forward.”

Continue to follow FetchYourNews as we plan to produce a six-month financial comparison of the previous city attorney fees to that of the current city attorney in mid-July.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

Hundreds gather for Fannin County Senior Homestead Exemption town hall

Politics

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The crowd spilled into the hall outside the Jury Assembly Room of the Fannin County Courthouse for a town hall meeting addressing a potential Homestead Property Tax Exemption for seniors Thursday, Nov. 16, as hundreds attended, mostly to oppose the exemption.

The change would exempt Fannin property owners 65 and older from paying the school property tax.

The meeting began with brief addresses from Georgia House Speaker and Fannin County resident David Ralston and Georgia State Senator Steve Gooch who were present to hear arguments for and against the exemption.

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston attended a town hall meeting Thursday night over a potential school tax exemption for Fannin seniors.

Ralston explained the exemption would have to pass with a two-thirds majority vote in both the Georgia House of Representatives and State Senate before being placed on the ballot for the 2018 Fannin County General Election. The speaker added neither he nor Senator Gooch had come to a position yet concerning the potential change for Fannin taxpayers.

“It’s a big issue,” Ralston said at the town hall, “and big issues have big consequences. Consequences for people that are on fixed incomes having to pay property taxes that are seniors and big consequences for our public schools here in the county.”

Senator Gooch told of his experience with the exemption during his tenure as Sole Commissioner of Lumpkin County. “I warned people at the time that there were good and bad consequences to legislation like that, and I hope whatever happens here in Fannin County, people will get the facts before they make their decisions on whether they support something or not support something.”

Gooch stated he was not in favor of property taxes and would like to see a shift to a consumption tax to allow property tax relief for all taxpayers. The senator also stated, “Every time you create an exemption for any kind of a tax, you’re shifting the burden to everyone else that’s not getting these exemptions.”

State Senator Steve Gooch heard arguments for and against a potential senior school tax exemption Thursday night.

Following Gooch was Blake Doss, policy analyst for the Georgia House Budget and Research office. Doss gave a short presentation and told that Fannin has a population of 6,523 age 65 and older, which accounts for approximately 26 percent of the county’s total population of 24,985. Doss also said the local school system received $18,501,250 (55 percent) of its 2016-17 revenue from property taxes while the remainder derived from state and federal funding.

Doss estimated a senior tax exemption would shift the burden to 40 to 45 percent of the county population. Later, Doss also said 33 to 35 percent of the county’s population would fall under the exemption eligibility in the next few years. He further stated the county currently has two tax exemptions in place available for seniors. One such exemption, Doss said, gives taxpayers 62 and older an up to $30,000 exemption of their 40 percent assessed property if they meet income qualifications. Another, again based on income qualifications, provides a property valuation freeze for taxpayers 70 and older.

The overwhelming majority of citizens in attendance opposed the issue as evidenced by wearing bright orange stickers reading “Support Education.”

Among those, Rita VanOrsdal stated, “Without adequate funding, schools will send (students) out less prepared … I believe that cutting my age group’s taxes will do nothing but denigrate the quality of education of those coming after.”

Mike Queen, former Fannin School Board chairman, said he understood both arguments concerning the issue but added the exemption would put a burden on younger taxpayers and families. “I pay a hefty tax … Every dollar I spend on education is an investment in the future of this county,” Queen said.

Current Fannin School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney informed the audience Fannin County spends more per capita on students -$10,923.20 per student – than the state average – $9,020.46 – despite having the sixth lowest school millage rate in the state (11.23 mills). According to Gwatney, the state average for school millage rates is 16.36 mills. Gwatney estimates Fannin County Schools would lose $1.4 million dollars annually if the exemption is passed.

“Education is an investment, and it’s a good investment,” Gwatney said.

Gwatney also alluded to the struggles Gilmer County Schools have had since that county instituted a similar exemption in recent years. “History has a tendency to repeat itself. The showing in this room tonight does not want to repeat the history of Gilmer County,” Gwatney said.

Chief Executive Officer of Fannin Regional Hospital David Sanders also opposed the exemption and explained that the exemption would affect more than just the school system. Sanders stated during his seven years as CEO of the hospital he has recruited over 25 new physicians.

“Every time I recruit a new physician here, the first question they ask is ‘What’s the school system like?'” Sanders said. “And every time it is a privilege to be able to say we’ve got one of the best public school systems in the country.”

Another exemption opponent told Ralston and Gooch, “I feel like our opinion has been voiced … and if our opinion has not been voiced and (the exemption) makes it to the ballot, that will be on the same ballot as the election you guys will be campaigning for.”

Among those in favor of the senior exemption was Fannin County citizen Jim Klack who explained he had lived in Fannin for over 20 years and in that time has paid approximately $100,000 in school taxes. Klack added he currently pays $500 a month in school taxes.

“I’m 85 years old. When do I get any (tax) relief?” Klack asked. “I support the schools and I give them money, but I should not be paying school taxes – $500 a month – when I’m 85  years old and never had a kid in school in Fannin County.”

Also, Klack said 28 counties in Georgia offered a senior tax exemption for taxpayers 65 and older.

Another supporter of the exemption pointed out the majority of opponents and claimed older taxpayers were not notified of the town hall meeting to the same level of publicity that opponents of the exemption were.

To this, Speaker Ralston told the lady he had sent out personal letters over the last two weeks to supporters of the exemption for whom he had contact information, inviting their attendance and participation, and also sent out proper notifications to newspapers informing all residents of the meeting.

In a follow-up interview with Ralston, the speaker described the meeting as “very helpful and very spirited” and said he saw “intense feelings on both sides of the issue.”

“There are certain issues that a community needs to have a discussion about,” Ralston said, “and this meeting helped me to gauge the sense of the community on this exemption.”

The speaker added that he and Senator Gooch would take their time to digest what was said at the town hall before moving forward with the senior tax exemption.

Continue to follow FetchYourNews for more on the status of the senior tax exemption.

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

Official Trout Festival of Georgia Returns to Celebrate Trout Fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia

Community

Blue Ridge Trout Fest

 Official Trout Festival of Georgia Returns to Celebrate Trout Fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia (Jan. 11, 2017)

BLUE RIDGE, GA – The official Trout Festival of Georgia returns to Blue Ridge this spring when thousands of outdoors enthusiasts descend upon Georgia’s top trout-fishing destination – Fannin County, the Trout Capital of Georgia – to benefit cold-water education, service, conservation and recreation in North Georgia via the mission of Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter 696. “The Festival is built around the fact that Fannin County has become a trout-fishing destination for fishermen from all over the nation,” says House Speaker David Ralston (representative, 7th District) about the Blue Ridge Trout Festival & Outdoor Adventures event, April 28-29, in Blue Ridge, Georgia. In 2016 Ralston led the effort behind House Resolution 1039 that gave the Festival its official status when the declaration was passed by the Georgia Legislature.

Click Below for Complete Press Release

press release 01-11-2017

Blue Ridge Trout 2

Local Residents, Elected Officials and GDOT Comment on Hwy. 5 Improvement Project

News

GDOT’s Oct. 19th public hearing on the Hwy. 5 Improvement and McCaysville Truck Bypass began at 4 pm.  By 5:30, GDOT already had a count of 354 attendees and the hearing still had two and one-half hours to go.  GDOT did not give any formal announcements during the public hearing.  Its role was to explain the project and listen to people’s reactions.  To explain the project, GDOT placed five large scale maps of the roads’ routes throughout West Fannin Elementary School gymnasium.  It also gave a handout containing GDOT contact numbers, project information and route maps to attendees. Altogether, GDOT brought 17 staff connected to the project to listen to the public and answer questions. GDOT also collected written comments and attendee’s verbal comments.

FetchYourNews caught up with various attendees – homeowners, elected officials and GDOT employees – to hear their comments about the Hwy. 5 project.  To read specifics about the project, please see accompanying article “GDOT Unveils Hwy. 5 Improvement Project”.

Fannin Residents

Joyce Mitchell (yellow) and Laney Mason (grey)

Joyce Mitchell (yellow) and Laney Mason (grey)

Joyce Mitchell – Mitchell came to find out information for herself and her son.  Mitchell lives in Epworth and travels Hwy. 5 nearly every day.  Mitchell’s son has a home on Blue Ridge Drive.  Mitchell said it will be nice to have the highway widened because there is a real need.  Her concerns are over what property will be purchased and how close the road will be to her son’s front door.  Mitchell  also commented that the satellite images GDOT is using for maps are too old because they don’t show buildings like Dollar General and Nicholson Tire.

John and Laney Mason – John Mason came with two ideas in mind.  He is not pro- or anti-road; he just doesn’t want to be “hoo-dooed” by the government during road construction.  The Mason’s bought property between the Insurance Mart and Abernathy’s Furniture two years ago for $200,000.  Mason wants to make sure they can get their money’s worth out of the property.  Laney Mason has a slightly different take on the construction.  She enjoys watching the wildlife – deer, bears, coyotes and beautiful rabbits when she sits on the front porch to her house.  She wonders how road construction will affect how the animals show up at her house.

 

 

Sam and Donna Walker

Sam and Donna Walker

Sam and Donna Walker – The Walkers live off George Curtis Rd.  Sam Walker is the owner of Alpha Surveying Group.  His work requires him to travel north and south on Hwy. 5 all the time.  Walker said that the highway improvement, especially the McCaysville/Copperhill bypass, will free up travel time.  Walker is waiting until GDOT has its firm and actual plans before commenting on how Hwy. 5 improvements will affect his daily life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elected Officials

Post-Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee and House Speaker David Ralston

Post-Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee and House Speaker David Ralston

Larry Jo Sosebee, Post-Two Commissioner – “As soon as we break dirt, I’ll believe it.  I remember my parents talking about it (Hwy. 5 widening).”

House Speaker David Ralston – “It’s not a matter of me wanting to get the project for the district.  There has been community interest in this for over 25 years,” said Ralston.  He reiterated what GDOT was telling all attendees, that the current route design is a proposal and not a definite plan. The definite plan will be the outcome of public comments and future hearings.

FetchYourNews asked Ralston about adding a stoplight to the intersection of Tom Boyd Road and Hwy. 5.  Safety concerns about this intersection have been brought up in Board of Commissioners meetings this year.  Ralston said he supports the request for a stoplight at Tom Boyd Road and has expressed this to GDOT and asked them to make a consideration for the Tom Boyd Hwy. 5 intersection.

 

 

 

State Senator Steve Gooch and Chair-Elect Stan Helton

State Senator Steve Gooch and Chair-Elect Stan Helton

State Senator Steve Gooch – Gooch has been hearing about Hwy. 5 since before he was a State Senator.  Gooch served on the State Transportation Board which oversees GDOT and state-wide road improvements before becoming State Senator.  Gooch said that the Hwy. 5 project is primarily safety improvement which will also have a positive impact on jobs and businesses in the community.  Gooch continued that Hwy. 5 is one of the busiest routes in the county and needs intersection improvements along the way.  Gooch encouraged residents to give GDOT information about the roads’ route because residents have information about specifics, like graveyards or intersection improvements, that GDOT doesn’t have.

Board of Commissioners Chair-Elect Stan Helton – Helton would also like to see a light at Tom Boyd Road.  He recounted passing through the intersection one day and seeing the look of “sheer terror” on a mother’s face as she, with her young child strapped in the car seat in back, was trying to turn onto Hwy. 5.

 

 

Georgia Department of Transportation

Mohamed Arafa

Mohamed Arafa

Mohamed Arafa, GDOT Public Relations Manager for the Hwy. 5 project – Over and over again Arafa stated that nothing has been set in stone. GDOT really wants public involvement in the planning process and public involvement makes a big difference in a project’s outcome because “Fannin residents are the best to express what serves them better.”  Arafa added, “GDOT strongly believes that the project belongs to the public.

The Hwy. 5 project serves two purposes, to enhance safety and support Georgia’s economy said Arafa. Speaking about the McCaysville Truck Bypass, Arafa said that most of the trucks that currently go through McCaysville is not for McCaysville, it is for destinations beyond McCaysville.  The bypass will ease congestion within McCaysville and make the city safer for pedestrians.

Arafa emphasized that GDOT wants to minimize impact of roads on social resources, like community integrity and historic locations, and natural resources, like trout streams, noise level and air quality.  Each transportation project conducts environmental studies about these concerns and welcomes the public’s input about environmental impact said Arafa.

 

Nicole Law

Nicole Law

Nicole Law, GDOT Project Manager for Hwy. 5 Improvement and McCaysville Truck Bypass – Law will be overseeing the project both from her office in Atlanta and on the ground in Fannin County.  Her responsibility is to keep the project moving and on schedule.  Law says that GDOT will be communicating general information about the project timeline and property purchases through its website.  Residents can contact Law at 404-631-1723.

Law said that she and GDOT won’t be able to give any specifics about property purchase until a year or more from now.  Property owners will be informed through letters and phone calls. Law’s phone

 

Aaron Burgess, GDOT Environmental Analyst for the Hwy. 5 project – Burgess is responsible for putting together a synopsis of the ecology, history, archeology, cultural assessment, air quality and noise impact for areas affected by the project.  Burgess said that residents who are concerned about the routes’ passage through historic property or other environmental concerns should contact him.  Burgess’ phone number is 404-631-1159.

 

At this time, no other public hearings are scheduled.  After the public comment period closes, GDOT will compile comments and GDOT’s answers to the comments.  Then, Law will determine if and when more public hearings will be held.

A large scale map of the project is on display at Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.  There is not any map on display at the Fannin County Court House or McCaysville City Hall. To view the map online, go to  http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Public/PublicOutreach. Once on the page, search projects by county, choose Fannin County, click on SR 5 Improvements and McCaysville Truck Bypass.  There are several maps.  One shows road width, one the entire project and one concentrates more on the bypass.

There are two ways you can make public comments. One, go to  http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Public/PublicOutreach. Once on the page, search projects by county, choose Fannin County, click on SR 5 Improvements and McCaysville Truck Bypass.  The comment option appears in small green letters above the project details.  You can also send comments by mail.  Address comments to

Mr. Eric Duff, State Environmental Administrator

Georgia Department of Transportation

Office of Environmental Services

16th Floor

One Georgia Center

600 West Peachtree Street, N.W.

Atlanta, GA 30308

 

FetchYourNews will give an analysis of the comments and GDOT’s response when those become available. GDOT believes this will be by mid-November.

 

 

 

FCHS Vows to Crush Carrollton High School in Political Competition

Community, Rebel's Corner No Comments on FCHS Vows to Crush Carrollton High School in Political Competition 125

Student Ambassadors Amanda McDaniels, Isabel Wanner and Logan Fitts with the Fannin County School Board.

 

In a bruising upset last year, first place Fannin County High School was trounced by  Carrollton High School at the last minute. Up until the last day of competition, FCHS was ahead by 18,000 points.  On that day, Carrollton High School dumped 48,000 points into their coffers, beating FCHS by 30,000 points.  Carrollton High School (take a glimpse of the Carrollton team here) had a slight lead going into the competition. At 1,526 students, it has 546 more students than FCHS’ 980.  As you can see by the scores, in this game, numbers are everything.

The two high schools are competing with around 100 schools state-wide in the Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassadors.  Teams earn points through civic participation and voter registration.  Last year, FCHS Student Ambassadors attended local government meetings, observed at polls, registered voters, and visited the General Assembly.

Student Ambassador Logan Fitts said Speaker Ralston is a big help and a big fan.  “Last year he recognized us as outstanding Georgia citizens.”

The stakes couldn’t be higher in this game. Teens learn how individual actions influence local and state governments.  They learn how street potholes get fixed.  And, this November, teens will vote on whether potholes will get fixed when they vote on SPLOST 2016.  In 15 years, they could be the ones deciding what goes on Fannin County’s  SPLOST 2031.

“We are going to take ‘em down,” said Student Ambassador Amanda McDaniels.  Their strategy is being involved in lots of meeting, volunteering and community events.  The team is  looking for more community partners that they can work with to earn points.

Most of FCHS Student Ambassadors are seniors.  They are recruiting juniors and sophomores to create an FCHS dynasty in the Secretary of State’s Student Ambassador’s Program.

 

 

 

 

 

City of Blue Ridge Awarded $500,000 Grant
 for Water System Improvements

News
Press Release from Speaker David Ralston’s office
ATLANTA — Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced that the City of Blue Ridge has been awarded a $500,000 grant to make improvements to its public water system. The grant award is made through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Georgia’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).
“Blue Ridge is one of Georgia’s great small towns and it continually attracts new visitors and residents each year,” said Speaker David Ralston. “This grant will go toward maintaining and improving our public water system, and I appreciate the work of state officials and local partners in making this possible.”
The grant will fund water improvements in the Orchard Boulevard Neighborhood and will benefit more than 150 people. The project includes looping dead end water lines, installation of the new six-inch PVC water main, fire hydrants, valves, meters, and service connections.
“As Blue Ridge continues to grow and prosper, we are constantly planning for the future and making strategic investments in our infrastructure,” said Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener. “By working with state and federal partners, we leverage our investment and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
This CBDG grant is one of 68 awarded to communities across the state this week. Georgia’s CDBG program annually supports projects in small and rural communities that create jobs. Awards will be used for specific projects such as water, sewer, drainage or street improvements, revitalization of targeted neighborhoods, and construction of facilities such as health, youth and senior centers.

 

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