4.22.10 Fannin Sentinel

Sentinel FANNIN

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 14 | THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2010 | WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM

Fannin tea patriots rally on tax day By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

April 15 was not just the deadline for filing taxes. In Fannin County, it was the occasion for a rally on the court house steps when 70-75 "teapartiers" gathered to express their frustration with unemployment, taxes and a Washington that does not listen.

Organized just two months ago, the Fannin County Tea Party Patriots’ goal is to replace big-spending politicians from both political parties with common-sense, fiscally responsible leaders. They say America has moved away from the Constitution and the vision of our Founding Fathers who believed in a balance between federal and state power. As America has drifted from constitutional values, federal power has grown.

And that doesn’t set well with the Patriots.

According to Gina Adams, one of the organizers, "We have gone from

a nation of self-sufficient workers to a nation divided between taxpaying citizens and those who expect the government to solve all their problems."

Therein lies the problem. According to the Patriots, the government is trying to solve all their problems... and giving them little incentive to figure out their own solutions. Elected representatives no longer "represent" but go to Washington and forget the voters who sent them there.

Lane Bishop, vice president of the Fannin County group said, "It’s time to cut back on federal spending. Our children and grandchildren will never be able to pay off the debt we have right now. It’s got to stop."

Illegal immigration is another problem, and several tea partiers carried signs about sealing the borders and keeping America legal.

"What we’re trying to do," said Tom Ledford, president of the Tea Party Patriots, " is to get our elected See Rally, page 2A

Courtesy of Louis DePaemelaere, Flickr

A US Navy T-39 Sabreliner, the same fleet of aircraft that crashed in Fannin County Monday.

County takes giant step toward water By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer When Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law House Bill 1176, legislation to create the Fannin County Water Authority, April 7, the county took a "giant step" toward a county-wide water system, according to commission Chairman Bill Simonds.

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston introduced the bill. "I am pleased that this measure has now become law. This legislation will allow Fannin County to meet major infrastructure challenges well into the future. This much-needed authority has been the result of a lot of hard work over a long period of time," he remarked.

The Fannin County Water Authority is now an official governmental body with the ability to make contracts, issue bonds, borrow money, and

operate a water system.

The Water Authority will consist of seven voting members, three appointed by the Commission Chairman, two by the Post 1 Commissioner and two by the Post 2 Commissioner. After the initial appointment, the Water Authority Chairman will serve for three years, but only the first year as chairman; then the Authority's other members shall vote on the chairman. The other two members appointed by the Commission Chairman shall serve one- and two-year terms.

Members appointed by the Post Commissioners shall serve two- and three-year terms.

All members shall continue to be appointed by county commission members, and all new members will serve three-year terms. The Fannin County Development Authority's executive director will serve as a nonvoting member of the Water Authority.

According to the text of H.B. 1176, the Authority will hire a director.

"The next step for the water authority is pursuing financial support through the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture grant/loan for $4 million). Now that the water authority is legal, they're able to go into debt now. Once we're able to do that, the groundbreaking...will start," said Stephanie Scearce, the county's Development Authority director.

"There are other avenues to go through for financial support...but the USDA really seemed to fit the route we wanted to take with the money they offered," she explained.

Once funding has been secured, the next step will be putting in pipelines along Highway 515, according to Chief Land Development Officer Marie Woody.

Council saves city $14,000 By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

Contributed photo

Tonya Ingle has sold the weight loss product LimuLean for two years at at the Blue Ridge Spring Fest. See more photos on 8A.

Crowds, vendors bloom at Spring Fest By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Approximately 30 vendors at Saturday's Spring Fest attracted a regular stream of customers to the Blue Ridge Farmer's Market despite occasional sprinkles of rain. They came for the music. They came to see the square dancers. But mostly, they came to buy.

"I did very well today. I'm very happy," said Charlie Williamson of Lazy Lizard Crafts. He said he sold so much that he probably won't return for this coming weekend, because it takes him time to replenish his stock.

Merle Long, a longtime Spring Fest vendor, displayed his booth full of canned goods, honey and promotional items for his Alpine Valley Complex in Helen. "We're probably the biggest

Fannin

exhibitor here," he said.

Fire Station 13 was selling raffle tickets for a quilt and pillow, as well as selling bricks at $50. Arlene Johnston and Susan Marsh reminded those who bought raffle tickets that the drawing will be at 1 p.m. May 8, the same day as the station's garage sale.

The River Park Band was playing old-time music while a square dancer who had just finished performing skipped along in time to the music.

This is the sixth year for the annual arts and crafts sale that benefits Fannin County Fire Explorer Post 401.

Those looking for a good deal and a good time can visit the Blue Ridge Farmer's Market next Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (706) 946-6003.

Sentin el P.O. Box 799 Blue Ridge, GA 30513

"We can save at least $14,000 a year if the officers don’t drive their cars home," said Mayor Donna Whitener at the city council meeting April 13.

That savings didn’t seem to make a difference to four of the five council members when Rhonda Thomas made a motion to support the Mayor’s savings strategy. The four other council members sat speechless as the motion was not seconded.

"I want to go on record that I am opposed to the police department taking their cars home," said Thomas.

After some discussion among council members and the mayor, questioning statistics, savings and budget items, the audience responded.

"I am a business owner in Blue Ridge and I pay taxes. There are a lot of things we could use this money for...it does not belong to this council and it does not belong to the police department. It’s taxpayers money," said Lane Bishop.

The mayor agreed. "It is the taxpayers money and Blue Ridge is a small city. The police department was over budget last year and it’s over budget this year."

Other members of the audience addressed the council, with questions about what officers were doing sitting in their cars, drinking coffee or talking on cell phones.

Nathan Fitts said, "I drop my kids off at school every morning and I see two police cruisers, parked at each end and the officers are in their cars. What are they doing there? If they’re just going to sit in their cars, why be there?"

Council member Rodney Kendall saw where the discussion was going and quickly made a motion to have the officers, except Police Chief Johnny Scearce, park their cars at the end of their shifts. He added, "Let’s do this for three months and look at the numbers."

That motion, including the three month trial, was passed 4-1 with Thomas voting against the motion.

The Council then dispensed with other matters, including: Accepting responsibility for a portion of a low presser sewer system at the Big Jake subdivision.

Tabled an offer from Neal Sidwell to take over the former Better Hometown office near the depot.

Heard a presentation from architect Rick LaRosa regarding plans for phase 3 of the Streetscape project.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

70/46

79/53

72/56

70/47 78/50

75/47

Recommended that employees Denny Cook, Randy Kaylor and Steve Mull be made full-time employees.

Adopted the 5 year update for the 2005 Solid Waste Management Plan of Blue Ridge.

Heard the first reading of the Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Ordinance Update.

Tabled a decision on the Oak Forest Water Lines.

Agreed to request bids from garbage service companies for a contract with the city.

Agreed to ask for bids on resurfacing the tennis courts and basketball courts at the Blue Ridge Recreation Park.

Agreed to employ Sally Smith, Megan Queen, Holly Cochran and Amber Watkins to work at the swimming pool.

Agreed to set aside $1,800 to repair or replace a lawn mower for the water plant.

Added rifle operating procedures to the Police Department manual.

Authorized funds for the Police Department to purchase a Taser and two cartridges for Office Jason White.

Blue Ridge City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at City Hall.

Tuesday

70/47

Wednesday

70/46

School April Fools comes a little late By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer Parents of Fannin County students were surprised to hear a recorded message from Karen Walton, director of curriculum & school improvement, the evening of Thursday, April 15. The recording said that school would be called off March 3 because of dangerous conditions, including freezing temperatures and ice.

Too soon for the children to begin celebrating, the first message was followed within a couple of hours by a second one from the school district's rapid notification system, indicating the first message was in error.

"An AlertNow message was scheduled to go out last night about our upcoming spring break and a message from our nutrition director.

An old AlertNow message, dated March 3, 2010, was sent out due to a technical error. The AlertNow retraction was issued from the AlertNow message center," explained Superintendent Mark Henson.

Page 2A

April 22

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WHATโ S GOING ON?

Submit calendar events to Fannin@GeorgiaSentinel.com

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April 29

C A L E NDA R LATER Deal: tax cut will bring jobs

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"As governor, Iโ ll fight for this tax policy that will bring in new industry and spur economic development.

These new businesses will quickly share our opinion that Georgia is a great place to call home."

Nathan Deal has championed tax relief for Americans throughout his career in public service and voted against every tax increase and for every tax cut that came to a vote in Congress. His proven record as a tax-cutter has won him top ratings from the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Tax Reform, Club for Growth, Americans For Prosperity and the American Conservative Union.

Paving begins at recreation center

May 8

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Deal says business tax cut will attract jobs to Georgia As Georgians scramble today to meet the deadline to file their 2009 taxes, Republican candidate for governor Nathan Deal called for reducing Georgiaโ s corporate tax rate to 4 percent from 6 percent to send a signal to employers that Georgia is a great place to do business.

"For many years, weโ ve reaped the benefits of industry moving into our state and bringing in goodpaying jobs because we offer a much more competitive business climate than many high-tax, high-regulation states in other parts of the country," Deal said.

"We have a formula that we know works. By cutting our corporate tax rate by a third, we can lessen the burden on businesses struggling during tough times to keep Georgians on the payroll and we can attract new businesses that will help our return to prosperity.

"During this economic downturn, Georgia has faced tough, painful decisions on cutting spending. But thatโ s what responsible governing is about, as opposed to what weโ ve seen in Washington where I fought against the stimulus and health care bills that just pass the hard decisions off to the next generation of Americans. As Republicans, weโ ve talked for many years about cutting the size of government and promoting personal responsibility.

"We tackled the tough responsibilities of cutting government. The next governor of Georgia will face the tough job of saying "NO" when the good times return and money starts coming back into the treasury. The best way to keep the government from finding new ways to spend money is to cut taxes and let Georgians keep more of the money they earn.

representatives to listen to us. We elected them to represent us and they stopped listening. We need to get their attention."

Other speakers expressed concern about where the country is headed and fear for the future, including Bob Schuren from Epworth, Delane Dills from Mineral Bluff, John Mason from Blue Ridge, Faron Barton from Morganton, David Campbell, John Foster and Lillian Stevens.

Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener said, "I understand your concerns. The economy is affecting all of us and I know your frustrations. I want to hear from you, whether you live in the city or not, if I can help you."

The Fannin County Tea Party Patriots is a non-partisan group that meets at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of $POUSJCVUFE 1IPUP every month at Fannin County Mid- -FEGPSE #JTIPQ BOE "EBNT TQFBL XIJMF IPMEJOH BO "NFSJDBO รธBH BU UIF TQFDJBM FWFOU dle School cafeteria.

Wednesday, April 14 marked a historic day for Fannin County and the board of commissioners. Thatโ s when paving began at the Recreation building.

Just one year after the contract was signed for construction to begin, the center is getting ready to open.

The 30,000 square foot building houses four basketball courts, a walking track, a kitchen and a multitude

of amenities.

"Itโ s a multi-purpose facility that we are very proud of and that every resident should see," said commission chairman Bill Simonds.

Fannin County will get a chance to do just that at the grand opening planned for May 15.

(FPSHJB T $SJUJDBM 3PMF JO PVS /BUJPO T &OFSHZ BOE &DPOPNJD 'VUVSF By: Senator Chip Pearson Columnist Georgians applaud President Obamaโ s decision to allow offshore drilling along the mid-Atlantic coast. With the state unemployment rate at 10.6 percent, we understand that tapping into U.S. oil and natural gas resources offshore would create hundreds of thousands of new, well-paying jobs, boost the state and local economies, and help secure our energy future. We also know many factors play a role in whether or not development will ever occur. If the president has our best interest in mind, he needs to act quickly and prudently on his words.

The oil and natural gas industry supports 9.2 million American jobs, and more than 145,000 of those jobs are right here in Georgia, according to a PricewaterhouseCooper study. The same study also found that the oil and natural gas industry contributes a critical $12 billion to our stateโ s economy. If we were to develop Canadian oil sands, the state

could see an additional 10,000 jobs created between 2011 and 2015, according to the Canadian Energy Research Institute. These are well-paying jobs in refining, among other indirect employment opportunities in construction, manufacturing and agriculture.

Not only could Georgians use the additional jobs, we could use the extra energy. We are high energy consumers. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Georgiaโ s industrial sector is the largest energyconsuming sector in the state.

Our energy-intensive wood and paper products industry requires a growing energy portfolio to produce goods that all Americans rely on.

Expanded oil and natural gas access just makes sense. It would create desperately-needed American jobs, secure our future energy supplies, and help stabilize Georgiaโ s and the nationโ s economy. President Obama should understand this. Yet his support for punitive policies, including

cap-and-trade and $80 billion in new taxes on U.S. energy companies, suggests otherwise. Excessive regulation and taxation would only impede economic recovery, force companies to send jobs overseas, and jeopardize our energy security.

The president is on the right track by opening sections of the mid-Atlantic coast for offshore energy development. But without action to back up his words, Georgia and the rest of the country will continue to rely on foreign oil as the state and national economies remain dangerously unstable. So while we applaud the president today, we ask that he takes us forwardโ rather than leading us backward.

Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.

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Library seeks USDA grant By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer The Fannin County Public Library may be eligible for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities grant, according to Tammy C. Decker, USDA area specialist.

She informed Mountain Regional Library System Director Donna Howell, Librarian Teresa Haymore, Board Chairman Mike England and Vice-Chair Keith Jones, Friends of the Library Liaison Earnest Arp, and Post 1 Commissioner Garnett Webb about the opportunity at an April 15 meeting.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), up to $100 million in loans and grants has been designated for public libraries nationwide. USDA Rural Development can provide up to $500,000 statewide for library projects.

The funding can be used "to construct, enlarge or improve public libraries," according to a USDA news release. This includes land purchase, equipment and facility renovation.

Howell explained that the funds could be used to purchase land for a free-standing library or renovation of the library's present space to have a different handicap-accessible entrance so the library could be open more hours. Because of security issues, the library has been forced to curtail its hours, eliminat-

ing evening and weekend hours.

Georgia Public Libraries Facilities Coordinator Nate Rall recently inspected the present library to determine whether it would meet state standards if the entrance via the front courthouse doors were closed, Howell reported. One concern is that the library itself only has one bathroom. "I'm not sure that's enough to meet code," she said.

Howell stated several reasons why finding a solution to keep the library's doors open after the courthouse is closed is important to the library and the community. The regional library system has received a broadband expansion grant, but the new technology can't be implemented until the library's fate-whether to build a free-standing library, renovate the existing library or do nothing--is determined.

She added that since the library's been closed after courthouse hours, the Fannin County Library and the city are losing patrons.

"They're voting with their feet. They're driving all the way to Blairsville at night and on the weekends," she said. In all probability, many are probably also traveling to Ellijay, which means they are eating, drinking and buying items in those towns, not in Blue Ridge, she added.

Grants require matching funds, and the percentage is based on population levels and

median household income, Decker said.

"We determine percentage of grant eligibility on two factors. The first (is) population levels and the second is median household income (MHI). We use the lesser percentage of grant for each. Based on Blue Ridge’s population (1,210) they are eligible for a 75 percent grant. However, based on the MHI ($28,214) they are eligible for the 55 percent grant. Any project would be eligible for up to 55 percent," she noted.

She explained that it was better to use statistics from the city of Blue Ridge, as opposed to Fannin County, in order to get a bigger match.

The program also may provide or guarantee loans. Tax assessments, revenues, fees or other sources are sources for loan repayment, according to the USDA release.

"We like to do a combination loan and grant," Decker said. She added that libraries have a number of options, including grant only, grant and loan, or loan only.

Donna Howell, director of the Mountain Regional Library System, asked if it was better to apply for grants and loans for the entire system or individual libraries.

Decker replied that if individual libraries had different qualifying statistics, it would probably be better for individual libraries to apply. "The loans are not something the library can apply for (because it is not an au-

Contributed Photo

USDA Rural Development Area Specialist Tammy C. Decker and Mountain Regional Library System Director Donna Howell explained funding options for renovating the library or building a new one.

thority or governmental body), Howell said.

"So the loan would have to be applied for by the county or the city," Decker commented.

Howell then turned to Webb and asked if the county could help the library with matching funds.

"I think Chairman Simonds is receptive to it," he said.

Haymore then asked if a $2.25 county loan--the same amount as free-standing library proponents have estimated it would receive if it received funding from the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST)-would be available.

Webb said it might be an option to specify capital improvements in the SPLOST, then use that money for a new library.

Howell noted that if the library were part

of the SPLOST, it would give the library priority in receiving state funding, which might also provide a match for the grant.

"Local commitments,such as the SPLOST, set a timeline to use (state) money. It moves you up in priority in state grant consideration," she said.

Howell added that if the SPLOST passes, then there would also be the option of getting the USDA loan at a low interest rate, with the SPLOST money being the local match.

Howell then asked about a deadline for the funds.

"As far as the stimulus (ARRA) funding, we'd have to have everything applied for by September 30," Decker replied.

Division of Family and Children Services pleads for foster parents By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

"It's four more children that are going to have to live outside the county," lamented Kathy Henson, interim director at the Fannin County Division of Family and Children Services. She had just informed members of the Board of Directors during the April 16 meeting that even though two children had been adopted and five children from two sibling groups had returned home, the county had taken into care six more children, several of them infants, that very day.

Henson said it's especially important to keep infants and young children in the county so they can bond with their parents. "The closer

we can keep the little ones, because of the bonding with the mothers and fathers, the better," she said.

Children under 12 can't go into group homes, so if foster care isn't available in Fannin County, they must go to foster homes in other counties.

"We are in desperate need of foster parents," she added.

Henson reported that Food Stamp, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Family Medicaid, and ABD-Medicaid (Aged, Blind or Disabled) totals had risen again in March.

Food Stamp applications in March rose to 113, compared to February's 107, and March Food Stamp expenditures rose to $457,002, compared to February's $450,702. The greatest number of

Contributed Photo

Amanda Woody Murphy is the newest caseworker at the Fannin County Division of Family and Children Services

applications for this fiscal year so far was 143 in January.

TANF applications increased to 13 in March from three in February, although costs decreased to $4,522 compared to $5,009 in February. The highest number of TANF applications for the fiscal year was 22 in August.

Family Medicaid applications jumped from 67 in February to 117 in March, the highest number, so far, of this fiscal year.

Similarly, ABD-Medicaid jumped from 63 in February to its highest level of 69 in March.

On April 1, Amanda Woody Murphy was hired to fill the caseworker position at DFCS. She will perform CPS (child protective services) intake and ongoing family preservation duties, Henson said.

Caseworkers Theresa Ross and Brenda Gibbs, who review ABDMedicaid applications, will expand their duties to reviewing those from Pickens County, Henson noted.

Henson thanked board member Ruth Burns for four bags of clean, pressed children's clothing she received from Geraldine Healy's granddaughter.

She acknowledged the work of the McCaysville Church of Christ, Epworth First Baptist Church, Blue Ridge United Methodist Church, and the Faith and Hope Fund, which receives donated items from many other area churches, in providing items for children in DFCS care.

The Foster and Adoptive Parents Association is holding its annual Foster Family Yard Sale May 1 on

the south side of the Dairy Queen restaurant off of Highway 5, she said. Proceeds will help provide foster and adoptive parents with Christmas gifts and other needed items.

Henson said that the Fannin County office will have an OFI (Office of Financial Independence) review May 17. The review will last for approximately a week. "I'm sure our staff will do well," Henson said.

Foster Parent Appreciation Day will take place at 6 p.m. May 24 at the Bank of Blue Ridge Community Room.

The next meeting of the DFCS board of directors is May 20 at 4 p.m. at 990 East Main Street, Suite 10, in Blue Ridge.

Webb pushes highway program Bradshaw speaks at Democratic Party's local April meeting By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Several months ago Post 1 Commissioner Garnett Webb suggested using an adopt-a-highway program for county roads to save money, prevent litter, and promote local organizations.

Last Tuesday at the commissioners meeting, he read a resolution establishing the program, and all three commissioners quickly voted for it.

Groups made up of "(a)ny civicminded organization, business, individual, family, city, county, state, or federal agency" may adopt a minimum of a "one-mile stretch of highway and agree to remove litter from both sides of the road at least four times a year for a twoyear period," according to program information distributed during the meeting.

Webb said that although, in the future, a specific official may be responsible for supervising the program, presently, he is handling the administrative aspects of the program.

"I'm going to temporarily do that until we can find a volunteer to do it," he said.

The county road department will provide litter bags and safety vests after the designated group leaders gives a three-day notice. Once the litter has been placed in the bags, the road department will pick up the bags.

The group's leader must return the vests to the department and submit a status report within a week after the pickup.

When asked about offering gloves and litter sticks to volunteers, Webb said he was definitely

Garnett Webb

Contributed Photo

in favor of giving volunteers gloves, and he'd talk to administrators at the road department regarding the sticks.

"It's not on there (the resolution), but I don't see why it can't be added," he said.

Assistant Road Superintendent Phillip Collis said the litter sticks cost the department approximately $20 each, so the department wanted to keep track of them.

After the group's first pick-up, the county will place two signs with the group's name on each side at the beginning of the adopted portion.

Collis said each sign and post would cost approximately $57.

"I'm sure it would save money in the long run," he said.

He noted that beer cans and bottles and fast food trash comprise the major portion of the litter along roads.

Webb said the genesis of his idea

occurred when he was traveling in Gwinnett County and saw adopta-road signs sponsored by local groups, such as the Boy Scouts, Lions Club and Kiwanis Club.

"If something like that can be successful in Gwinnett County, why can't we do something like that in Fannin County? Everybody knows we have a problem with litter in Fannin County," Webb said.

He said he hopes that by involving community members and children, beginning at age 10, the next generation will become educated about the damaging effects of litter.

"To show that my heart's in the right place, I've talked to my wife, Eugenia, (about joining the program)," Webb said. He said the couple plans to adopt a portion of Mountain View Road, County Road 178, from Red Road to White Pine Road.

Webb added that the Sheriff 's Department's commitment of four jail inmates who have been sentenced to community service once a week will help the effort against roadside litter. Captain Greg Newman said that four or five inmates have been picking up litter on county roads on Wednesdays for the last few weeks, according to an agreement between the Sheriff 's Department and the county.

Collis commended the Sheriff 's Department and inmates for their work, which he said has temporarily improved the litter problem.

Permit applications and waivers are available at commission offices at the Fannin County courthouse.

For more information, contact the commissioners office at (706) 6322203 or the Road Department at (706) 632-5481.

Jane Bradshaw, president of the Young Democrats of Georgia (YDG), spoke at the Democratic Party’s April meeting.

Bradshaw explained that "young democrats" include those from 14 to 40 so the younger group can benefit from the wisdom of the older democrats to continue the legacy built by the more experienced democrats who laid the foundation for their party.

YDG is a partisan youth organization that involves young people in the Democratic Party. Chapters are set up around the state at the high school, college and university levels in all counties where there is an interest.

Some of the goals for YDG include setting up new chapters in key areas to influence specific elections where the youth vote (18-34) will make a difference. Admitting that it won’t be easy in Fannin County, Bradshaw said, "I know it is more difficult in conservative areas but if you target young people who are willing to get involved, those 14 to 18 years old, we will have an informed base before they vote."

The Young Democrats presently have 55 chapters on Georgia college campuses. To get interest to form a new club of Young Democrats, Bradshaw says one idea might be to sponsor a movie night. Another idea is to have a pizza party. "Food always tends to get people out and if we reach out to political science professors who are friendly to democratic causes, we could identify those students who are interested in democratic issues," she said. Once a discussion begins on issues, the young people usually take over and

Harrison, a juice machine, and Bradshaw

"really get interested."

In answer to questions about how to set up a YDG chapter, Bradshaw stated the structure of the organization is chartered under the state.

Each club has its own documents under the chapter guidelines. A club must have at least five members ages 14 to 40 and elect four officers, including a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

Another important function of new Young Democrats is to get out the vote. Young democrats are encouraged to find five of their friends to register and go vote in the July Primary and the November General Election. According to Bradshaw, "If we find 20 Young Democrats who till talk and engage five friends each, we’ve got the base of a Democratic takeover at the local level. It’s not difficult, but it does take resources."

Contributed Photo Bradshaw concluded her talk with information about the 2010 convention to be held on the campus of the University of Georgia and at the Classic Center Friday, April 16 through Sunday, April 18.

Events include committee meetings, luncheon meetings with statewide candidates, caucus meetings, elections and workshops. For more information about the convention, visit http://georgiayds.org/blog/index.cfm?Fuseaction=ViewBlog&Bl ogTopicID=5438.

The Fannin County Democratic Party meets at 6:30 p.m. every first Tuesday at the Comfort Inn in Blue Ridge. The next meeting will be May 4; speaker will be Carol Porter, candidate for Lieutenant Governor. For more information, call Chairman Bill Harrison at 706-632-4653.

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J. E. Carpenter

T R I BU TE S

Small business group needs name By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

Mr. J. E. Carpenter, Jr., age 84, of McCaysville, GA, passed away Wednesday morning, April 14, 2010 at the Fannin Regional Hospital. Mr. Carpenter was born in Fannin County, GA to James E. Sr. and Nora Carpenter . He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, J. C. Carpenter; sister, Marie Carpenter Bowen; and step-mother, Elsie Bice Carpenter.

J. E. retired after 37 years and 8 months from the TN Chemical Company. He attended the McCaysville Church of God and had read the Bible through over 50 times. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed gardening, yard work and reading.

Survivors include: wife of 61 years, Jeanette Carpenter, son, Jerry Carpenter, daughter & son-in-law, Sandra & Louis Schubert, daughter & son-in-law, Patt & Terry Whitlow, grandchildren, Stacy & Heather Whitlow, grandchildren, Jason & Joanna Whitlow, great grandchildren, Brody, Brayden, Jack & Eli Whitlow, brother-in-law & sisterin-law, Tommy & Rachel Davis, sister, Lucille Deal, sister-in-law, Ruby Carpenter, step-brother, George Williams, step-sister , Lavelle Letsinger, stepbrother, W.T. Sanland, step-sister, Judy Sanland Patrick, nieces & nephews.

Funeral services: The Finch-Cochran Funeral; Home Chapel, on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Steve Lamb officiating. Burial was in the Copper Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers: Stacy Whitlow, Jason Whitlow, Max Housley, Bobby Davis, Johnny Bearden, Jeff Taylor, Tim Verner, and Larry Dilbeck.

Honorary pallbearers: Quinton Helton, Gay Hamby, Don Mahan, Cleve Oliver, James Hood, Larry Moreau, Winston Davenport, James Elvin Deal, and Danny Carpenter.

The Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA in charge of arrangements. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Michael Steve Thomas

Michael Steve Thomas, 54 years old of Morganton, GA, passed away, Monday, April 12, 2010 at Fannin Regional Hospital.

He was born February 8, 1956 in Polk County, TN, son of Raymond Thomas and Mildred Geneva Thomas.

He worked as a lineman with Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, a member of New Union Baptist Church of Blairsville, GA . He enjoyed dirt track racing, camping & hunting.

Surviving are wife, Gizelle (Gigi) Thomas, father, Raymond Thomas, mother, Mildred Geneva Thomas, son & daughter-in-law, Brad & Trish Thomas, son, Justin Thomas, daughter, Brittany Thomas, brother & sister in law, Ronald & Rhonda Thomas, sister & brother in law, Gail & Larry Sutton, sister & brother in law, Jo Ann & Don McClure, granddaughters, Hailee & Hannah Mealer, granddaughter, Emilee Thomas, mother in law, Willa Mae Stephens, neices & nephews.

He was preceded in death by brother, Larry Thomas, sister, Linda Addington.

Services were held Friday, April 16, 2010 from the Henry Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenny Beavers and Rev. Dell Tanner officiating. Serving as pallbearers were: Dan Chastain, Jeff Odom, Leslie Groves, Daniel Nelson, Jason Stewart, Bruce Davenport. Honorary Pallbearers were employees of Blue Ridge Mountain EMC. Interment followed in theNew Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Henry Cochran Funeral Home.

Friends can send condolences and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Farmers market, agribusiness, small business, Route 515 Small Growers Cluster--a new group formed by local farmers, artisans, the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market, and Feed Fannin members is looking for a name and a future. Over 75 area farmers were present at the meeting.

David Campbell, Fannin County's representative to the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission (NWGRC), opened the April 13 meeting by explaining the purpose of the NWGRC. The 15-county organization, in part, provides planning and development assistant to local governments and functions as an area development commission.

Campbell spoke about the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) which can grant up to $100,000 per proposal for agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities and tribal governments to develop or improve direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities such as farmers markets.

He suggested the funds could begin the renovation of the Blue Ridge Farmers Market at its former site near the Swan Drive-In in Blue Ridge, as well as link other farmers markets in Fannin and neighboring counties.

Ideally, he suggested, the Blue Ridge Cannery would be renovated to meet the USDA requirements for resale to the public. The next phase, he remarked, would be installing a spiral freezer, which would use liquid nitrogen to flash freeze products for sale.

A restaurant and commercial kitchen would also be in the plans for the facility. That could then be leased to an owner-operator, who would sell food. "This is a perfect market for it right now," he said.

In addition, the Blue Ridge Farmers Market would be renovated and reopen, with the downtown Mountain Fresh Farmers Market remaining in business. Both would operate under the umbrella of the new organization, Campbell said.

Fees for both would be reasonable. In 2009,

Luke Dilbeck

Contributed Photo

the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market, which had moved out of downtown Blue Ridge to the parking lot of the Cohutta Grill, charged $3 to sell handmade items and produce each day.

The initial grant would link farmers markets in counties along Highway 515--Gilmer, Pickens, Fannin and, later, Union.

"The grant being filed on Thursday (April 15) involves only Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens.

If granted, it will be amended to include Union.

Union County is not in the 15-county NWGRC and requires a bit more paperwork than we have time for now. Commissioner Lamar Paris of Union is agreeable to this," Campbell noted.

Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener and city council member Rhonda Thomas said the city will support the effort. "The city of Blue Ridge is definitely on board. Anything we can do, we're there," Whitener said.

Tim Mercier, owner of Mercier Orchards, remarked that his family's experience in agritourism has been very successful. He said that any such venture would need to be consistent in offering sufficient, quality products.

"They like to know how their food is grown.

They want to see who grows it," he added.

He advised that local farmers and artisans should not consider others competition; instead, they should appreciate the synergy that occurs when many people work toward the same goals.

"Everybody here is on the same boat...There's more than enough customers for all of us. We really need to get a concept of forming a group...

If we can get a group together and get the right concept....there'll be markets," he said.

Mercier added that his business is "clamoring for people to grow fresh vegetables."

Feed Fannin's Luke Dilbeck spoke about the heritage of the people of Fannin County that should be passed on to new generations. "That's something we've got to pass on from generation to generation. One of the things we really want to do is to help connect with people--people who want to buy our products," he said.

Dilbeck added that farmers aren't the only ones who can benefit from such an organization; artisans and crafters are also part of the area's culture.

"I truly believe in this...It's something I want my children to enjoy," he said.

Cheryl Starke, co-owner of Noontootla Valley Farms, spoke of how the organization would include fruit, vegetable and animal farmers, as well as artisans and crafters. She said that an organization that crossed county lines would provide exceptional benefits for fruit and vegetable farmers, because their products are perishable.

She, too, spoke about how the county's heritage is in danger of disappearing. Although two-thirds of the county is national forest land, there are over 500 subdivisions in Fannin County.

"People who come up to see our county do not come up to see subdivisions. The children need to know how to plant. The children need to know how to grow. If they don't know, then our heritage is lost," she said.

Starke was adamant about the folly of depending on industry to improve the area's economy.

She added that there are too many factors stacked against gaining a substantial industrial base.

"We need to address the economic needs of our region," said NWGRC Executive Director Bill Steiner.

Steiner said the goals of the organization would be to reopen the farmers market space, develop

and implement a regional marketing plan and evaluate the feasibility of a USDA-certified commercial kitchen and processing and packaging facility.

"One hundred thousand dollars isn't going to go that far," he cautioned. Another grant, the USDA Rural Business Opportunity Grant, would offer up to $250,000 for rural cooperatives, non-profit corporations and public bodies.

He added that even if the initial $100,000 grant is approved, the money won't arrive until September.

Starke advised a "soft opening" of the farmers market space. "The cost of the booth, the spaces will be very affordable for the farmers and the artisans and the crafters. We're working to go five or six days a week. In the future, I'd like to see it to the point we're going to be taking orders from restaurants, from supermarkets and from schools.

One farmer may not have that total amount that needs to be filled," she said.

Several in the audience asked about competition between the downtown Mountain Fresh Farmers Market and the one in the former space.

Steiner, Mercier, Stark and others advised that the situation shouldn't be considered competition.

"You want to work toward getting to that unified place," Mercier said.

"The proposal's ready to be submitted if you want it to be submitted," Steiner said.

Campbell then called for a vote to form the still-unnamed organization and to apply for the initial $100,000 USDA grant. The vote was unanimous.

He then called for volunteers for a steering committee, adding that he would help out initially.

Bill Marsh, Richard Stanley, April Holcombe, Hannah Queen, Catherine Sugg, and Pat Corker all volunteered.

Dilbeck noted that the new organization requires a name, slogan and logo.

Campbell then said unnamed prizes would be offered for those who come up with winning names. He requested suggestions be submitted to him at his business phone at (706) 632-8076 or dc@campbell-assoc.com. Interested persons may also contact him for more information.

Planting by the signs By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer "My grandfather had bad knees so he couldn’t get down and till the soil and plant like he wanted to," began Luke Dilbeck, "but he could tell me what to do. He taught me how to plant by the signs."

Dilbeck was talking about something he learned years ago...and he was talking to a group that wanted to learn from him.

Like most young people who grow up in the mountains, Dilbeck said he left and went to Atlanta to live just after he graduated. But he returned to the mountains where he now lives off the farm with his wife and two children.

"My grandfather based everything on the signs as the proper way to plant and harvest his crops." He said he might not have listened then to everything his grandfather told him about the signs, but he knows that method works.

The "signs" Dilbeck talked about are based on the Zodiac and come around every 28 days. They are divided into elements: fire, earth, air, and water; and body parts: head, neck, breast, bowels, loins, knees, feet, legs, thighs, kidneys, heart, and arms.

Using a calendar or almanac that shows the days of the month by signs, Dilbeck picks the days with the most favorable signs for planting or harvesting his crops. He says the best time to plant crops with yields above ground is while the moon is waxing, and plant those crops with yields below ground (root crops like potatoes, radishes, peanuts, etc.) while the moon is waning.

There are many other rules for planting, harvesting, plowing, transplanting, cutting trees, cutting your hair, setting of eggs or forecasting the weather.

"Setting the eggs" raised questions and Dilbeck gave an illustration of how he stops using eggs for consumption and allows the hen to "set" them, or incubates them to hatch. With proper care, when he consults the almanac and uses the signs, he gets more healthy chickens for the number of eggs set than if he just lets incubation begin at any time.

Luke Dilbeck (right) talks to Sue Campbell and Bob Schueren about planting by the signs

The most fertile signs are the water and earth signs.These signs are optimal times for planting crops and pruning to promote growth. The air and fire signs are thought to be barren signs and chores such as weeding, tiling the soil, and pruning to control growth can be done while the moon is in one of these signs.

Using the Farmer’s Almanac and the Almanack, Dilbeck gave the following tips: Aries is good for cultivating the ground, planting beets and onions, and hunting. Bad for planting and transplanting other crops.

Taurus is good for all root crops and above ground crops, hunting and fishing.

Gemini is good for planting all crops, and for preserving jellies and pickles.

Cancer is best for planting above ground and root crops. Also good for cooking and fishing.

Leo is good for sports, romancing, job hunting, and hunting. Bad for planting or transplanting.

Virgo is good for trading. Bad for planting.

Libra is good for planting above ground crops and flowering plants.

Scorpio is best for flowers and above ground crops. Good for all other crops, fishing and hunting.

Sagittarius is good for hunting jobs,

trading, baking and preserving. Bad for transplanting.

Capricorn is best for root crops.

Good for flowers and above ground crops.

Aquarius is good for above ground crops and social events.

Pisces. In addition to the astrological signs, Dilbeck says there are proper lunar phases to plant and harvest the crops. A few of these are listed below.

The moon is waxing (getting bigger) if its "horns" are pointing to the left (east), and waning (getting smaller) if pointed to the right (west).

Another consideration is the zone.

Fannin County is at the cusp of several zones and planting times are different for each zone. Most people think we are in Zone 3, but others use Zones 4 or 8. "Use common sense and take an average...you’ll soon learn," said Dilbeck.

Dilbeck's other tips included: Plant fruits, seed flowers, and vegetables that bear above the ground when the moon is waxing. That is, from the day after the moon is new to the day before the moon is full.

Plant flowering bulbs and vegetables that bear below the ground when the moon is waning. That is, from the day after the moon is full to the day before it is new again.

First and second quarter when moon

Contributed Photo

is waxing, plant above ground yields.

Do not plant on the day the moon is new, full or changing quarters. Graft trees just before the sap flows.

Third and Fourth quarter when moon is waning, plant crops that grow underground. A waning moon is good for harvesting most crops, canning and preserving vegetables and jams. This is also a good time to kill weeds and trees and till the soil.

Dilbeck related how he planted a test garden by his house. One side was planted "just when he had time." The other side was done strictly by the signs.

In this effort, his daughter was always by his side.

"We should start early to teach our children. Even if it seems they’re not listening and they seem to be doing everything wrong, it comes out right.

Children just have a natural way to get things to grow," said Dilbeck.

As for dates to plant in Fannin County, Dilbeck pointed again to the Almanac. "To be safe from frost, use May 10 as your guide. And check the chart (in the Almanac) about when to put peppers and tomatoes in the ground."

Potatoes, a root crop, should be planted "on a dark night in March," during a new moon for the most abundance. If you miss that date, check the Almanac for the next best time. Dilbeck then explained his "topsy turvy" method vs. the 5 gallon bucket. "You must remember to water every day," he cautioned.

The Almanac can also aid in predicting weather and accurately predicted major storms, including Hurricane Katrina (not by name). "Weather, just like life, goes in cycles," he said, "and once you get used to using the Almanac, you will rely on that to plan what you do."

This class was the third in a series sponsored by Feed Fannin at Family Connection. The next course, "Eating well and Inexpensively" is scheduled for April 22.

Feed Fannin is a volunteer organization whose mission is to create a community of individuals, families, schools, churches and other groups who work together to eliminate hunger in Fannin County through education, community gardening, shared resources, and promotion of agricultural sustainability.

Fannin

Sentinel

PUBLISHER: Frank Bradley EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Debbie Walker CIRCULATION: Debbie Walker

The Fannin Sentinel (USPS # 024-582) is published weekly each Thursday by Sentinel News Group at P.O. Box 799, Blue Ridge, GA 30153. Subscriptions are $25 for 1 year in Fannin County; $45 out of area. Single copy rate is 50¢. Periodical postage is paid at Blue Ridge, GA. To subscribe: call 706.632.6397.

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7KXUVGD\ $SULO ‡ FANNIN SENTINEL Page 5A

Census forms not returned Library, security concern commissioners Sentinel Writer

One day after the official deadline to return the Census form, nearly 3 in 10 Americans had failed to do so, according to the Census Bureau.

As of Saturday, the official national participation rate stood at 69 percent. Georgia’s participation rate is less than 66% and Fannin County’s is 47%.

That’s a problem in several ways and some residents might not know the full extent of what it means. Returning the census forms helps the county and the state in several ways.

First of all, it affects the numbers of seats Georgia occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives.

And census data is used by groups like Alzheimer's, the American Cancer Society, and others to advocate for causes. It is used by other groups to rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, locate pools of skilled workers and more.

An accurate count of residents can

do a lot of good for Fannin County.

In fact, the information the census collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services like hospitals, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other public work projects, job training and emergency services.

Residents who fail to return the form by mail can expect a home visit from a census worker, with visits set

to begin in early May. The Census Bureau urges Fannin County residents who still have the form that was mailed to take 10 minutes now to fill it out and mail it back.

If 100% of households mailed back their forms, taxpayers would save $1.5 BILLION dollars. Save money for your county and save a visit from a census worker. Mail back the census forms today!

Rabies clinic returns to county

Contributed Photo

Ocoee Animal Hospital Veterinarian Deanna Belyeu, with the aid of Registered Veterinary Technician Donna Sneed, gave a rabies vaccination to Bandit, who was rescued by the Blue Ridge Humane Society and adopted by Toni and Frank Gallo. Bandit and his siblings' adoption to good homes was the dying wish of a young child with cancer. Belyeu and Sneed will be among many volunteers participating in a traveling rabies clinic April 24.

By: Lisa Gagnon

ing to Ringle. A 45-day quarantine for animals that were current on their vacRabies is an ever-present danger in cinations was imposed on 11 dogs and the north Georgia mountains, accord- one cat.

In 2010, the department has already ing to local health officials and veterihad five specimens confirmed positive, narians. as well as a raccoon they were unable "The biggest thing is the awareness to test.

Five dogs were put in 45-day of people having their pets vaccinated quarantine, and three dogs were put in annually against rabies," Shannon six-month isolation.

Bradburn, a county environmental "Last year was a record, and this health inspector, said. year, if we, of course, stay on pace to do Already this year, rabies has touched five or six positives every month, we'll the lives of residents and their pets. surpass what we did last year," Ringle Cheryl Cannaverde, a program assaid. sistant with Fannin County EnvironAlready this year in Ellijay, two mental Health, reported six rabiesunvaccinated family pets were euthapositive cases in 2009. Five dogs were nized because they were exposed to euthanized, because they had not been rabies March 14.

The two dogs were vaccinated, as well as the raccoon they exposed to a raccoon at their owner's fought. home on Henry Evans Road off Clear Bradburn said Fannin County has Creek Road.

Another dog brought the had only one confirmed case of rabies raccoon onto the property.

The dogs this year--a raccoon found in Blue were injured during the attack, and the Ridge in January. "As far as rabies itproperty owner killed the raccoon. self, we seem to be in the down cycle. It The property owner then submitusually comes in waves," he said. ted the raccoon for rabies testing. On Union County Environmental March 18, it tested positive.

Health Manager Bill Ringle said 2009 The owner permitted both injured was a record-breaking year for rabies in female Pomeranian mix dogs to be Union County. Fifteen positive specieuthanized

by Gilmer Animal Conmens--12 raccoons, two foxes and one trol.

The loose dog that brought the skunk--were tested, and eight dogs raccoon onto the property was trapped and 10 cats were euthanized. A herd and euthanized. of cattle and two dogs were placed on The owner of the two Pomeranian six-month isolation, which is normal mixes had four unexposed animals procedure for animals that haven't vaccinated against rabies after the inbeen inoculated against rabies, accordcident.

A skunk also tested positive for rabies in 2010, according to Andrea Lanier Contracting Company, Su- Wheeler, Gilmer County Environwanee, GA will be soliciting bids mental Health county manager. for Town of Murphy, NC, Contract Environmental Health statistics re2 – Wastewater Treatment Plant Im- veal that four dogs are being kept in provements project, which bids April strict isolation for six months, in addi27, 2010. Subcontractor opportution to the three dogs from the above nities are: Electrical, Painting and incident that were euthanized.

Concrete. All quotes must be to LaIn 2009, Gilmer County reported nier by April 26, 12PM. This project 11 rabies-positive cases involving eight is a MBE participation opportunity. raccoons, two skunks and a fox. That 3URMHFW VSHFLĂ€FDWLRQ DQG GUDZLQJV same year, three humans were treated Sentinel Writer

Legal Notice

available; please contact Brian Tieslau at Lanier Contracting Company, 770-932-1800 or email: btieslau@ laniercontracting.com.

He explained that a free-standing library would cost the same as buying and shelving two more books and $10 per Sentinel Writer year. He urged the commissioners to fund the library with a At the beginning of the April 13 Fannin County Board special purpose local option tax (SPLOST).

Webb then requested a workshop so the people of Fanof Commissioners meeting, Commission Chairman Bill Simonds requested a moment of silence for those who lost nin County--not the media--could express their opinions regarding support of a free-standing library. their lives in the April 12 aircraft crash near Morganton.

The commissioners also adopted a resolution for the FiveLater in the meeting, as part of the public comments, Don Carter and Joe Webb voiced their opinions and requested Year Solid Waste Update, which was originally published in 2004. This affects the county and cities. Based on average per action.

Carter, who was born in McCaysville and was a deep sea capita waste disposal figures from 2007 through February 2010, each person in Fannin County gendiver in the Navy, remarked he was conerates 8.65 pounds of waste per day and cerned about the courthouse security sys1.58 tons of waste per year, according to tem, because employees do not have to go updated plan statistics. through the metal detector.

The 2009 Report of Accomplishments He said that when he asked, he was of the Fannin County Joint Solid Waste told that the deputies and other employManagement Plan lists how the failure to ees who manned the metal detector know establish a Keep Fannin Beautiful Organiall county employees. zation negatively impacted education, reCarter, who was employed as a postal use programs, and business recycling proworker, said that others could observe, just grams. It did note that many large retailers as he'd done, and exploit that weakness. have developed recycling programs and the He said he feels so strongly because he's extension service is promoting composting lost friends in the U.S. Postal Service. education efforts.

"Sometimes, I'm a little bit afraid for One suggestion of the plan, an adoptmy safety at the courthouse...If we're goContributed Photo a-road program, was suggested by Post 1 ing to have a security system, let's have a Commissioner Garnett Webb, and a resosecurity system that treats all of us equal," Don Carter lution approved that evening. he said.

The board also approved the adoption of the ConservaWebb made his feelings about the county commissioners clear: "When running for election, all three commission- tion Use Minimum Acreage Resolution, which sets the ers stated conceptual support for a state standard library for minimum acreage at 10 acres.

The board also approved a variance request from Ronald the people of Fannin County. We know this was an election Gene and Joanne Howard. promise."

The Fannin County Board of Commissioners meets the He said that if they were playing "Jeopardy," the answer would be "two books and $10 more per citizen." The ques- second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. on the tion would be "What is a state standard library for Fannin third floor of the courthouse.

County?"

By: Lisa Gagnon

By: Elaine Owen

with post-exposure rabies precautions, and eight dogs and one cat were euthanized. Another dog and a horse were kept in six-month quarantine, because they had not been vaccinated.

When asked why Fannin County appears to have fewer problems with rabies than neighboring counties, Bradburn said there could be a number of reasons, including migration of rabies vectors.

Bradburn advised those who suspect an animal is rabid to be cautious.

"The most important thing is to avoid contact. If you suspect a potential rabid animal, by all means, don't come into contact with it. Don't put yourself or your pets in danger. Either contact our office or animal control," he recommended.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office in Fannin County and the Ocoee Animal Hospital, in association with the Fannin County Public Health Department, is holding its annual rabies clinic on Saturday, May 1.

In addition to rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs, the clinic offers yearly boosters for distemper-parvo for dogs and distemper-leukemia for cats at a reduced rate.

The clinic will be offered from 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. at Morganton Baptist Church, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at FinchCochran Funeral Home, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at West Fannin Elementary School, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at VanZandt's Store in Dial, and from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market.

Rabies shots are $10. The canine combo, which includes distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvo, and lepto but not rabies is $15. The feline combo, which includes leukemia, rhinotracheitis, and calici-panleukopeniachlamydia but not rabies, is $20. Cash and checks are accepted. Make checks payable to Ocoee Animal Hospital.

Please keep the animals in the vehicle.

For more information, call the Ocoee Animal Hospital at (706) 6327387 or the Fannin County Extension Office at (706) 632-3061.

Appalachian Animal Hospital is also hosting a traveling rabies clinic April 24 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at the Cherry Log Community Center; from 9:15 a.m.11:15 a.m. at Gilmer County Animal Control; from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Mount Vernon Church; from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. at Southwestern SchoolRESA and from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Church.

All rabies vaccinations are $10. For dogs, combination distemper, hepatitis, lepto, parvo and parainfluenza shots are $15, kennel cough shots are $10, and Lyme Disease shots are $18. For cats, feline distemper shots are $12, and leukemia shots are $15. All dogs must be leashed, and all cats must be in a carrier. For more information, contact (706) 635-7357.

Correction: In the April 8 edition of the Fannin Sentinel, the incorrect caption was printed with a photo for 'Cruise-in benefits the Relay' on page 8A. The correct $25 winner pictured is Evan Bradburn.

Girl Scouts recite the pledge as part of the Georgia Mountain Girl Scouts Earth Day celebration.

Contributed Photo

Girl Scouts honor Earth Day By: Lisa Gagnon Sentinel Writer

McCaysville–Girl Scouts from Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens counties celebrated Earth Day Saturday with crafts and ecological activities.

"The Cadettes have planned this all themselves," said Robin Brodowsky, service unit leader.

Cadettes are scouts in sixth through ninth grades. Brodowsky said that they planned and led all

Everyone a winner at contest

Seven teenagers from Towns County participated this past weekend in the annual Youth Leadership Development Speech Contest.

Everyone attending was a winner as the participants gained valuable experience in developing and presenting a speech and those in the audience gained a better appreciation of the workings of American government.

Winner in the Senior Division and a $500 scholarship was Austin Arrowood who addressed the following topic: How did the religious beliefs of America’s founding fathers affect the creation of our nation.

Second place and a $300 scholarship went to Jeff Stewart who compared the merits of capitalism vs. socialism. Third place winner was

the activities.

"The Girl Scouts is getting the mindset of everything going green.

We try to teach the girls to think globally," Brodowsky said.

After saying the Pledge of Allegiance and reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law, the Cadettes separated the younger Scouts into groups.

Activities included making batiking and tie-dyeing shirts, making marble paper, planting seeds, finding and painting pet rocks, and

making a do-si-do book.

"We try to make the girls aware of recycling and things they can do," said Robin Taylor, Troop 8038 leader.

Brodowsky said the Girl Scouts in this area are very active. She mentioned that the Junior Girl Scouts, in grades four and five, will be visiting Savannah, the birthplace of founder Juliet Gordon Low. For more information, visit www. gamtngirlscouts.org or e-mail info@ gamtngirlscouts.org.

Contributed Photo

Junior Division: Levi Sherman, Caden Smith. Senior Division: Austin Arrowood, Jonathan Trenton Carver, Marjorie Hatfield , Heather Poole, Morgan Ricketson, Becca Sheffield, Jeff Stewart

Heather Poole who spoke on why America has become the greatest nation in history.

Levi Sherman was awarded a $100 stipend for winning the Junior Division competition with his speech on the functions and limits of our government and how they have been abrogated.

The ultimate objective of the Speech Contest is to involve the

youth of our county in the government and political process of America by encouraging them to think about and appreciate what makes this country the best country in the world.

After listening to the future leaders of our country present their speeches, those in attendance agreed this first Speech Contest was a big step in the right direction.

Page 6A

FANNIN SENTINEL ‡ 7KXUVGD\ $SULO

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LEFT

Do you recall the Producers?

By: Jim Fitzgerald Columnist Do you remember the movie called The Producers? The down-andout director was fleecing little old women by selling them shares in his next play. Of course, he grossly oversold the number of shares and had to look for a play that was sure to fail. That way, he got to pocket the money and “comfort� the little women over their poor luck. They never knew the game was rigged – until the play turned out to be wildly successful.

I was reminded of this play upon finding that Goldman Sachs, the most trusted and admired Wall Street investment firm, was charged with rigging the investment game against its own clients. The firm has been charged with bundling very poor investment grade debt and selling it to their clients, all the while collaborating with a hedge fund manager, with whom they jointly selected the poor investments to bundle, and knowing this manager was betting the debt would go into default.

The hedge fund manager made over one billion dollars in 2008 while Goldman Sachs clients took a severe beating in the financial markets.

According to the Wall Street Journal, these charges may prove to be the tip of the iceberg for many of the top investment firms on Wall Street. Most people are probably not surprised by this reckless and unethical behavior as we have come to expect our financial system to be overloaded with greed. Since the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act in 1999, institutions that previously were prohibited from engaging in both commercial and investment banking were allowed to merge and expand into any type of financial transaction. The floodgates of hell were opened and it only took ten years before they brought this country to its knees.

The Democrats are trying to address the financial abuses of Wall Street and to prevent another financial collapse. After the banking collapse of 1929, Congress passed the Glass-Steagall Act in 1932 and 1933 (two different acts addressing the banking system and named after the sponsors, Carter Glass, D-VA, and Henry Steagall, D-AL) and the effect was to regulate banking. The provisions of both acts were successful until its shortsighted repeal in 1999. For what appear to be specious reasons, Republicans are opposed to the Democratic plans to re-regulate the financial industry.

The main reason Republicans say they oppose the proposed regulations is that they will lead to more taxpayer bailouts of Wall Street. They are referring to a provision that requires financial firms to pay into a $50 billion fund that would be used to wind down any too-big-to-fail firm that was collapsing, thus preventing a taxpayer bailout. The industry is being charged to bail itself out so that taxpayers no longer are forced to repeat the bailouts of 2008, a most distasteful matter. This “bailout fund� is little different from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that was created in 1932. Banks pay into the FDIC and that money is used to handle failing banks, of which Georgia has had an abundance since 2008. The FDIC is no more a taxpayer bailout for the banks than is the proposed bailout fund for large financial institutions.

In my opinion, too many Democrats and Republicans in Congress are beholding to Wall Street. It will be a miracle is substantial re-regulation is passed but at least the Democratic plan, though weak, is stronger than the Republican plan. Republicans have decided, even on important matters like this, to continue to be the Party of No, or as Sarah Palin says, hell no. They are making a big mistake taking the side of Wall Street – and make no mistake about it, that is exactly what they are doing. Main Street plays second fiddle in the Republican Party.

For the life of me, I cannot understand the Republican worship of free markets. They speak of the wisdom of the markets and how free markets will regulate themselves, as if free markets have a mind of their own. However, men run the markets, rig the markets, defraud the markets, and pursue greed without regard to ethics or morality. We must have the markets, but we need transparency, honesty, and ethical behavior. It is a sad commentary on man that regulations are necessary to curb unbridled greed. I would hope Congress would re-pass the GlassSteagall Acts of 1932 and 1933 and be done with it. These acts worked well for over 60 years; bring them back. Let us separate commercial from investment banking for the last time.

SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE

Lies and the Next Supreme Internet Court Justice?

By: James F. Davis

By: Paula Canup Columnist

Columnist

In last week’s column, I urged both Democrats and Republicans to tone down the rhetoric, stick to the facts, and have civil debates about the serious challenges we face as a nation. I also mentioned that people should stop the spread of false and malicious emails. Well, it so happened I was on the receiving end of two such emails this week. I seem to get a lot of those in my inbox, and since most, though by no means all of my friends and family are quite conservative, the vast majority of what I receive is aimed at Obama and the Democrats in Congress.

The first email suggested that Barack Obama never actually attended Columbia University where he claims to have graduated in 1983 before attending Harvard Law School. It said that NO ONE has ever come forward who actually remembers being there with him. Mysteriously, Obama has refused to release his transcript from the school or any of the papers he wrote while in attendance. This dearth of information has led to wild speculation on the part of ultraconservatives. Did he lie about his education? It took me less than three minutes to type “Obama Columbia University� into Google, and right away, I was directed to a web site that debunks urban legends and other falsehoods. It turns out it is true that Obama has never released any papers from his time at Columbia, making it appear that he has something to hide. However, it is NOT true that no one remembers him from his time at the school. Columbia claims him as one of their graduates. A former professor remembers that he easily aced the class he taught in foreign affairs. A school publication contained an article written by Obama. A former roommate has also come forward with information about their time there. And finally, there is no way Obama would have been admitted to Harvard Law School without having graduated from somewhere!

The second email claimed that Obama had cancelled the 2009 National Day of Prayer, held each year by Christians throughout the country, and then sanctioned a National Day of Prayer for Muslims on Capitol Hill.

This time I went to www.snopes.com and checked it out. The National Day of Prayer was not cancelled. Obama did decide not to have the public White House ceremony which was held annually during the eight years of the Bush administration. Instead, he signed a proclamation announcing the day of prayer and urged Americans everywhere to pray for their country and leaders. There was never a publicly-sanctioned National Day of Prayer for Muslims. There was a privately organized event for Muslims to pray for America that took place in the nation’s capital in September of 2009. A little something called freedom of speech allows them to do that, just as it allows Christians to gather around the flagpoles in communities all over America on the National Day of Prayer. We Christians had better not try to take that right away from others, because if we do, it will soon be taken away from us.

Frankly, what we know about Obama is enough to worry me – I don’t need people going around making stuff up! I don’t buy all these conspiracy theories and outlandish accusations. There are well-respected conservative journalists like George Will and William Kristol who would be all over these stories if there were anything to them. Occasionally, bloggers do uncover stories that turn out to be true and eventually get picked up by the mainstream media (like the ACORN scandal). Until that happens, it seems to me we should ignore rumors and speculation.

Such falsehoods are spread by members of both political parties. Another email that made the rounds a few years ago claimed that President George W. Bush had the lowest IQ of any president from the past fifty years. This information supposedly came from a study by an organization that does not even exist. It listed the twelve presidents that have served in the past 50 years in their order of IQ. Interestingly, all those with top IQ’s were Democrats, with Bill Clinton having the highest one of all!

I used to just delete these emails, but I am now engaged in a campaign to stamp out ignorance. As soon as I get one, I check it out on sites such as Snopes or www.factcheck.org. Then I send the link to the person who forwarded me the email and suggest that they check out future emails for themselves.

The Internet provides a wealth of valuable information. Unfortunately, it is also the source of rumors and outright lies. We all need to make it our personal responsibility to verify information before we pass it on to others.

Leah Ward Sears is believed to be on President Obama’s short list for the US Supreme Court due to the recently announced retirement plans of Justice Stevens. I was invited by my daughter to a reception for Sears, then Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. Ward Sears is the first female chief justice in the United States and the first African American in Georgia to be elected to state wide office.

My daughter works for Cornell University and was arranging a meeting of Alumni in the Atlanta area with the Chief Justice, a Cornell graduate.

My daughter’s invitation was contingent on my promising to NOT ask any questions until the cameras were off.

Ward Sears gave a passionate discussion including the breakdown of the black family and the need for more government funding to teach black fathers to be more responsible. During her presentation, she blamed Ronald Reagan for the breakdown of the black family.

I asked her why she blamed Ronald Reagan. She said that he was governor of California when no-fault divorce was passed by the CA state legislature.

I replied, “The breakdown of the family is not just a black problem. You mentioned in your speech that by 1972, 70 percent of all black children were being born out of wedlock. Well today more than 25% of all white children are also born out of wedlock.� “In 1965, the year that the Great Society legislation was passed, less than 10% of black children were born out of wedlock and 80% of all black children lived in a home with two parents. But that legislation destroyed that because the government gave a 14-year-old girl who got pregnant and had a child out of wedlock, a free separate dwelling away from her parents, free food, medical and dental services plus money for expenditures. It gave an incentive to be irresponsible.� “Until people recognize what caused the problem, it will never be fixed.�She actually fell back and put her hands up as if to protect herself and kept repeating, “I could not disagree with you more!� But it appeared to me that she had never heard that argument and was processing it.

One of the biggest problems I find with Liberals is that they have been so indoctrinated and self-isolated that they are not even aware that philosophical opponents might have a fact based logical point of view. They really have no idea what conservatives actually think.

Typical of many Liberals, the topic was immediately changed and I was interrogated. Being the only white person left in the group, I was asked “What do you think the about the Reverends Jackson and Sharpton?�

I replied without hesitation, “They are pimp extortionists and if I were black I would be ashamed to think that anyone would consider that they represent me!� There was a long uncomfortable silence until a black woman blurted out, “Thank you, thank you, finally a white man who is not afraid to speak the truth.�

You would be surprised what will happen when you refuse to keep quiet about politically incorrect off limit topics. Someone might learn something.

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LIVING GREEN

Green building code published By: Richard C. MacCrea Columnist What is the International Code Council? The organization that publishes the codes that our states have adopted. Your building inspector enforces these codes when inspecting your construction.

Does this mean we will all have to build by this new code? Not unless the state government or local county adopts this code as law. The International Code Council writes many different codes, and our governments choose which ones they want to make law. They also might revise them to suit their own jurisdiction. Perhaps the government could make this an option instead of a requirement.

Why is this news important to us? First because it can substantially change green building here in the mountains and throughout the rest of our country. At this time, if you want to build and you want your building certified green, you must choose between several green building programs like Tennessee Valley Authority's Energyright Program, Western North Carolina's HealthyBuilt Home Program, Southface Institute's Earthcraft House Program, or LEED. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages. Usually you must find a builder that is approved to build under this program. You also need someone to inspect and certify that your building meets the program's requirements during various stages of construction.

If the new green building code is adopted where you live, it would be

enforced by your building inspectors. This would make green building certification much more accessible to all. But this would come at a cost. The inspectors would need extensive training. The local building departments would need access to expensive testing equipment to test the home and the ductwork for air leaks.

There is another reason this is important to us. Right now the International Code Council has published a draft of this code on their web site for public review and comment. If you are concerned with this issue, you can download your own copy, study it, and email back the changes you would like to see.

People in the construction industry like to complain about building codes. But if they have a valid complaint they can do something about it. They can submit their idea to the International Code Council.

If the council's engineers see that the complaint has merit, if a change would not raise building costs too much, if it would improve construction, they just might change the code.

For your copy of this new code: www.iccsafe.org Click on “Codes, Standards, and Guidelines� then “International Green Construction Code.� Download your own copy.

This column also invites your input. Email me your questions and ideas.

Richard C. MacCrea is the director of The Greening of Andrews Valley, a program of Andrews Valley Initiative. He works in the field of energy efficient, green building design. rmaccrea1@gmail.com

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Page 8A

FANNIN SENTINEL Â&#x2021; 7KXUVGD\ $SULO

CO M MUN I T Y 120 mile Rumble for Relay route raises funds for life By: Elaine Owen Sentinel Writer

Contributed photo

Butch Murray leads Rumble For Relay County Monday.

Contributed photo

Ben Rutschilling admires the Trikes

Contributed photo

GA Cancer Specialists (not in order): Adrienne Mason, Shelley Keaton, Nicole Peak, Carol Thomas, A man stands next to his bike.

Vicki Whittenbarger, Dana Peak, Ricky Peak

Contributed photo

Registration began at 8 a.m. and by 9 the parking lot at RiverStone was full of bikes of all kinds and colors. They were there to make a 120 mile ride to raise money for Relay For Life.

Employees, spouses and family of Fannin Regional Hospital and RiverStone Medical made up most of the group.

Looking at the cloudy sky, organizer Michelle Murray said, "Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m afraid some people wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come because they have heard itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to rain. We were hoping to have 200 riders."

And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just about the number of riders, with 167 registered and some riding double.

Escorted by a Blue Ridge police car, Butch Murray led the group of riders out of the parking lot just after 10 a.m. Their route took them South on 515 with a first stop at Hot Rods & Harleys, then to 52 E towards Amicalola Falls with a stop at Dahlonega, onto SR 60, through Suches, Skeenah Gap, by

Notley Dam, a stop at Copperhead Lodge, to 325 N, across 515 to 129 N to 64 W and ending at the RV Resort.

The first riders got there before 3 p.m., tired and sweaty.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where food and comfort waited--BBQ sandwiches, soft drinks, water and desserts. Sponsor tents dotted the campground with T-shirts, jewelry, crafts, free samples and cold lemonade.

Sponsors, in addition to Fannin Regional and RiverStone, included ETC, Titan Sign, Ace Hardware, North Georgia Physical Therapy Associates, E-Z Pay Home Furnishings, CopperHead Lodge, Hospice, The News Observer and the Fitness Center.

"Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something we wanted to do," said Michelle Murray. "Cancer could strike any one of us at any time and we want to do whatever we can to find a cure."

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about.

The RiverStone Yard Sale will be Saturday, April 24 at 8 a.m. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relay For Life.

Contributed photo

Rumble organizer (at right) Michelle Murray with Michelle Born and Mandy MitchellCounty Monday.

Enjoying all that Spring Fest has to offer Cameron speaking Saturday

Contributed photo

Merle Long has been selling honey and other canned goods and promoting his family's Alpine Valley Complex in Helen for four years at the Blue Ridge Spring Fest.

The River Park Band performed during Spring Fest Saturday.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo

Contributed photo During Spring Fest, Steve Brackin bought six tickets for $5 from Arlene Johnston for the Fire Station 13 Quilt Raffle. The drawing will take place at 1 p.m. May 8, during the station's garage sale. Johnston was also selling bricks for $50 to raise On Saturday, Reece and Will Marsh enjoyed vendor Ron Berneburg's handfunds for the station. made wooden rocking horses while he looked on.

Kirk Cameron will be in the Blue Ridge performing Arts center Saturday, April 24th.

Known for his work on TV in the sitcom "Growing Pains", The Left Behind Movies and more recently "Fireproof "â&#x20AC;Ś Kirk is an actor and a devoted Christian.

Kirk will be the speaker at The "Prepare to Share" Youth Rally and for the Evening Gala and Auction. Tickets are available three waysâ&#x20AC;Ś Reserved seating online (www.ngca.net), General Admission by calling NGCA or at the ticket window prior to the event.

Youth Rally seats begin at $10 and Gala/Auction seats begin at $25.

Auction items include a 50" flat screen HDTV, Dell Laptop computer, Spa packages, Luxury accommodations, and MUCH MORE! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this great event hosted by North Georgia Christian Academyâ&#x20AC;Śwww. ngca.net.