Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Section
C
2015
Superintendent reflects on first school year.
Dawsonville’s Chase Elliott makes history.
Education | 4D
Sports | 1F
Arts & Community RECREATION
Rotary Island makes a splash Second season begins May 23 By Michele Hester
mhetser@dawsonnews.com
The Rotary Club of D aw s o n C o u n t y m a d e a splash in August with the grand opening of Rotary Island, an interactive water playground at Rock Creek Park. Hundreds of kids were lined up to be among the first to run through the sprinklers. The excitement continued throughout the Labor Day weekend as families enjoyed a break from the late summer heat and cooled off in the cascades of water. “This is unbelievable to see this thing happen,” said Vernon Smith, the club’s immediate past president. “This means a lot to the people of Dawson County.” The three-dimensional, interactive waterpark features a 40-foot diameter with five a b ove - g r o u n d wa t e r sprayers and six ground-level sprinklers. It’s adjacent to the park’s children’s playground and adjoins the pavilion. Funded by proceeds from its annual golf tournaments over three years, the attraction is the club’s biggest project since forming in 1992. “A lot of people really worked very, very hard ... thank you so much. Thank you again for all your hard work in raising the money
Hundreds of kids were on hand for the grand opening of Rotary Island, an interactive water attraction with free admission, at Rock Creek Park during its grand opening in August.
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
See SPLASH | 2C
Festivals rocks Dawsonville Thousands gather for beer, music By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
A new, local tradition continued to brew last year as a variety of country and rock bands took the stage behind city hall to entertain crowds of music enthusiasts. Rockin’ it in the Sticks kicked off the series in May with a tribute to the metal hairbands of the 80s. Laurie Chastain of Canton was among the sea of neon, spandex and teased hair as Bon Jovi, Journey, ZZ Top,
Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Motley Crue and Poison tribute bands rocked downtown Dawsonville. “I just love 1980s hairband metal. I’m reliving my youth,” Chastain said. “I love it. I’m having so much fun.” Then in August, the city’s second annual music and beer festival drew visitors from across the region for a day of live music. “It’s fun, it’s local music,” said organizer Donavan Hyder, owner of Castleberry A l e H o u s e i n Fo r s y t h
County. “They’re all good musicians ... they start drawing crowds. And the reason we started the festival is so they can get exposure and play in a bigger crowd and the bands can get seen.” The event was also a hit with fans, according to Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan. “I thought it went great,” he said. “It was a great crowd, much larger than we had last year. The music was excellent and the weather was fine. See FESTIVAL | 2C
File photo
Glam rockers and tribute artists Red, White and Crue entertain the crowds at Rockin’ it in the Sticks in May in downtown Dawsonville.
Charitable retail opens new location.
New officials take office.
Business | 1E
Government | 4E
2C | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Crossing, bridge memorialize Dawsonville residents By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
The memories of a businessman with deep community roots and a local youngster that touched many lives are now forever enshrined on monuments in their honor. “ I t ’s j u s t a n h o n o r for Daddy to be remembered like that,” said Sheila Holbrook, the youngest daughter of Marcus Byrd. During a January ceremony, family and friends, gathered near t h e E t owa h R ive r o n H w y. 5 3 , e a s t o f D aw s o nv i l l e t o c o m memorate the Marcus Byrd Memorial Bridge. A fa m i l y m a n w i t h deep roots in the community, Byrd and his business partner Don Stephens were responsible for much of the early development
‘It’s just an honor for Daddy to be remembered like that.’ Sheila Holbrook
Daughter of Marcus Byrd along the Ga. 400 corridor, according to State Rep. Kevin Tanner, who authored the legislation required to rename the bridge. “This is a special day for me personally, and I know it is for the family of Marcus Byrd,” Tanner said. Ta n n e r i n t r o d u c e d the legislation to rename the crossing of Perimeter Road and
FROM 1C
Splash a n d t h e e ff o r t t h a t ’s going to be spent building it,” Smith said. E t ow a h Wa t e r a n d S ew e r A u t h o r i t y h a s pledged to provide water free of charge, up to $5,000 annually. Mike Berg, chairman of the Dawson County commission, commend-
‘To know that a little boy moved, and had such an impact on, our community really blows me away.’ Anna Miles
Mother of Kenny Stewart Hwy. 53 after Kenneth Webster Stewart III. The official dedication was held last summer. “A l l o f u s h e r e , I t h i n k , k n ew Ke n ny,” Ta n n e r s a i d . “ H e touched our lives. He was an example of such a fine young man that was a fighter and just was an inspiration even with all the struggles he had personally in his life.” Stewart lost his fiveyear battle with cancer on March 11, 2013, just three months after his 12th birthday. Moments before the road signs were u nve i l e d , h i s m o t h e r Anna Miles addressed the group of more than 100 gathered for the dedication. “To know that a little b oy m ove d , a n d h a d such an impact on, our community really blows me away,” she said. “And to call him my son, I consider myself the lucky one. “He taught me something very valuable and that was not to take life for granted and to live every moment to the fullest.” ed all involved. “ I t ’s g r e a t t h a t s o many folks are here,” he said. “On behalf of the board of commissioners, the county manager and all our county employees ... thank you for what Rotary has given to the citizens of Dawson C o u n t y. A n d t h a t ’s what this is all about.” The project further demonstrates the club’s commitment to community, according to State
File photos
The family of the late Marcus Byrd, with his wife Thelma pulling the cord, unveils signage dedicating the Hwy. 53 bridge over the Etowah River in his honor in January. Below, Mayor James Grogan, from left, state Sen. Steve Gooch, state Rep. Kevin Tanner, Alex Stewart and Stewart’s mother Anna Miles stand near a sign dedicated to the late Kenny Stewart.
Rep. Kevin Tanner. “When I was president of Rotary in 2004, we built the reflection park here at Rock Creek. This has outdone that. I appreciate it and I’m glad to be a p a r t o f i t ,” h e s a i d . “This is something that Dawson County can be proud of for many years to come.” Rotary Island will reopen for the season on May 23. Admission is free.
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Across the Wide was one of three bands that performed in August night during the second annual Dawsonville Music and Beer Festival.
FROM 1C
Festival “I talked to a lot of people that came and everybody thought it was a great event.” Plans are currently in t h e wo r k s t o h ave a similar festival Aug. 21 and 22, though the details were unavailable at press time. Grogan added that he was pleased to see more families and children this year. “I think people have
a misconception about what goes on, but it’s really a good event,” he said. “I think anyone would enjoy coming, just to hear the music.” Darlene Davis of Cumming certainly did. “Oh, this is so much fun,” she said. “We’re having a great time.” Davis was wearing her “The Wrong Crowd” song shirt in support of Across the Wi d e , o n e o f t h r e e bands who performed Friday night. Jody Abernathy, lead vocalist, said he
enjoyed seeing a lot of friends at the festival “I tell everybody this. I moved [to D aw s o nv i l l e ] a y e a r ago … it’s been like what I would equate moving to Mayberry,” he said. “I mean hone s t l y, ev e r y b o d y u p here has taken me in. “ I d o n ’t t h i n k I ’l l ever move from here, and I don’t mean from Dawsonville. I mean from right here in this downtown area. I love it. I love living here and getting to play for everybody.”
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
New civic organization forms By David Renner
drenner@Dawsonnews.com
Dawson County has a new civic organization in town and its goal is to help those with disabilities. “Civitan is a charter club this year, meaning that it is in its first year i n D aw s o n C o u n t y,” said Civitan President Lisa Perry. “It is an international organization, and internationall y, w e s u p p o r t t h e Civi t an Internatio n al Research Center in Birmingham, Ala., where research is conducted on developmental disabilities and Alzheimer’s. “ L o c a l l y, w e s e r ve those in the community with physical or developmental disabilities.” Some of the events the new club hopes to
File Photo
Civitan International of Dawson County joined the chamber at its office in July to cut the ribbon on the new organization.
implement in Dawson County include: A Thanksgiving dinner, Valentine’s dance for teens and young adults, p r ov i d i n g C h r i s t m a s gift bags for senior citi-
zens, as well as a page a n t a n d m o t o r cy c l e ride throughout the year. “We would love to have anyone interested join us for lunch and
see what we are about,” P e r r y s a i d . “A s o u r C iv i t a n o rg a n i z a t i o n grows, we hope to be able to fund many more projects that make Dawson County a bet-
t e r p l a c e t o l ive f o r those people having a p hy s i c a l o r d eve l o p mental disability.” Civitan’s current offic e r s i n c l u d e P e r r y, President-Elect Sharon
Reagan, Secretary Shirley Hawkins, Treasurer Bryan Hendrix and Chaplain Sharon Smith. The board of directors include: Hershel Bennett, Jacqueline Daniel, Tiffany Muilenburg, Carla Boutin, Dianne Hansard, Ann Raines and Nancy Eason. The club meets the second and fourth Wednesday from noon t o 1 p . m . a t R y a n ’s S t e a k h o u s e o n H w y. 400. For more information about the club, contact Diane Hansard at (770) 5 4 0 - 0 4 4 7 o r Te r r y Crouch at (678) 4818474.
Young singer excited to see what future holds By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews. com
Looking back, Peytan Porter remembers herself as a shy 12-year-old hesitant to sing a solo at church camp. “I’ve always sang, but I never really saw singing as something I would pursue,” said the Dawsonville teen. Now 17, Porter’s career as a country music singer has kicked off, with her recently released self-titled debut demo CD featuring the original single “Your Boyfriend.” It was a friend and mentor that encouraged Porter to follow her talent as a singer.
Kevin Woody said Porter blew his mind the first time he heard her sing. “When she began to sing, I know that my jaw hit the ground. I knew that God had a plan for her life in music, and I hoped that I could simply encourage her to use those talents to their fullest,” he said. With family roots that go back many generat i o n s i n D aw s o n County, the singer said she is honored that her career is allowing her to be an ambassador for her hometown. “I don’t take it lightly. It means a lot to me growing up here and knowing all the people,”
she said. “I definitely respect that people think of me as someone to look to in representing the county. I’m proud of my town.” She’s also thankful for the support she has received from the community. “I’m really blessed with a lot of support and a lot of great people to keep me grounded and a lot of people to point me in the right direction,” she said. Her parents, Tanya and Kirk Porter, said her determination and sheer will to succeed continues to amaze them. “She’s come such a long way from the shy young girl singing in
the background at church camp to the talented and confident performer she is today,” her mom said. A junior at Dawson County High School where she plays basketball, the teen is excited to see what the future holds for her. “We’re now working on getting a lot more live performances this year,” she said after taking a few months off following the CD release for her voice to mature and to gain more confidence in performing. “So now this year, we’re really looking to get out more and get my name out there more,” she said.
Peytan Porter got her start as a country music singer by playing local events like last year’s Mountain Moonshine Festival in downtown Dawsonville.
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Good weather, moonshine nostalgia draws crowds By David Renner
NASCAR legend Bill Elliott signs one of his new signature Dawsonville Distillery moonshine flavors for James Evans of Gainesville during last year’s Mountain Moonshine Festival.
drenner@dawsonnews.com
The more than 100,000 visitors that flocked to Dawsonville last year couldn’t have asked for better weather for the 47th annual Mountain Moonshine Festival. The “birthplace of NASCAR” celebrates its heritage by holding the annual festival right on the crossroads of the highway that made its illegal liquor business famous. The festival isn’t just to celebrate the past, however. It is also the largest fundraiser for c h a r i t y o rg a n i z a t i o n Kids are Really Equal, or K.A.R.E. for Kids. K.A.R.E. for Kids President Calvin Byrd said the group, which organizes the festival in support of raising funds for local children at Christmas, is proud of the partnership. The festival goers are a l s o h a p py w i t h t h e setup. “It’s wonderful. Even though this is a moonshine festival, there is still a lot of kid-friendly things, as well as the C h r i s t m a s d r iv e f o r k i d s ,” s a i d M a r y Frederick of Toccoa. “We were friends with [late famous moonshiner] Popcorn Sutton. We came to visit with his wife, and she’s here, so we came with her.” The festivities kick off the Friday morning o f t h e eve n t w i t h a “moonshine run” through the north Georgia mountains, followed by a cruise-in that night in the parking lot of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. The next day, a parade of antique race cars and
File Photo
moonshine haulers take center stage to officially begin the festival. The festival is also no stranger to celebrities, w ith p r ev io u s y ear s ’ appearance including famous TV moonshiners. Last year, two NASCAR drivers signed autographs. Rising star Chase Elliott signed autographs at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, with lines of eager fans stretching around the building. Also signing autog r a p h s w a s E l l i o t t ’s father, NASCAR legend Bill Elliott. The elder Elliott signed autographs to a packed city block, promoting his new moonshine label. “We were going to Cades Cove and found this festival,” said Amy Davis of Dalton. “My husband is a huge Bill Elliott fan, so [the sign-
ing] worked out. This is the first time I’ve been here and I love it, here in the mountains.” Also debuting at the festival was this year’s class of the National Moonshine Hall of Fame. Guy Rouse, Roy “Snuffy” Jones and Ben Chastain of Dawsonville are among five bootleggers inducted to the 2014 class. Rouse “probably hauled more whiskey out of Dawson County than anybody else,” said Gordon Pirkle, who helped establish the hall in 2013. Jones, Pirkle said, was one of the biggest manufacturers of moons h i n e i n t h e c o u n t y, while Chastain can take credit for shipping truckloads of the illegal spirits to other Southern states. This year’s festival is scheduled for Oct. 24-25.
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Progress 2015
Section
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Health & Education COMMUNITY OUTREACH
D
Backpacks filled with food that go home with nearly 70 local children each week line the walls at New Life Church. The bags are distributed at local schools each Friday.
‘Backpack Buddies’ Program provides snacks for youth By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
A new collaboration is making sure local children are not going hungry when they leave school and are home on the weekends. Known as Backpack Buddies, the initiative provides snacks and easyto-serve food to children of lowincome families in Dawson County. “The food will be items the kids can eat without having to prepare it, stuff they can snack on,” said Tony Wooten with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. “The kids take home the book bags on Fridays and bring them back on Mondays.” The idea emerged after a resource o ffi c e r s p o t t e d a n e l e m e n t a r y school student eating from a trash can at the school. “We’ve had both our resource officers and our school staff that have seen kids eating out of the trash can,” Wooten said. “If there are kids that need fo o d , we’re going to try to do what we can to meet that need.” Funded entirely by donations, the new program is receiving support from the community. Churches, individuals and businesses have made donations. “I have people that donate each week,” Wooten said. Currently, the program is sending home backpacks with nearly 70 children. As of early this month, 10,000 pounds of food has been distributed. Vo l u n t e e r s w i t h N e w L i f e Church’s youth group spend each Wednesday afternoon packing the backpacks with a variety of kidfriendly foods, like juice boxes, snack crackers and Ramen noodles, among others. “It just fills good to be able to help,” said teen volunteer Allie Loggins. “To know that we are making sure the kids have food to eat over the weekend when they aren’t in school is very rewarding.” Donations can be made to Dawson County Family Connection, which is serving as the fiscal agent for the program. Director Nancy Stites said similar programs have been successful elsewhere. “There are other communities
Photos by Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Teen volunteers Matthew Brauda and Terry Porter, along with others from New Life Church’s youth group, fill the backpacks each Wednesday afternoon. Lauren Rider, from left, Allie Loggins and Charlotte Wooden, along with others from New Life Church’s youth group, fill the backpacks each Wednesday afternoon.
See BUDDIES | 2D
Free clinic expands to offer new services Good Shepherd adds dental work to roster By David Renner
drenner@dawsonnews.com
The past year has been a good one for the Good Shepherd Clinic. Follow a move in 2013 that allowed the clinic a new space and the offering of vision services, the Good Shepherd Clinic now also offers dental work. Operating out of its Dawson Commons office, the clinic provides free, non-emergency medical care for adults who live, work or go to school in Dawson County and fall at 200 percent or below the federal guidelines for poverty. A general practice facility, the clinic also offers specialty care, ranging from gynecology and surgical consultations to ear, nose and throat exams.
“We’ve been working with this project for about two and a half years, building up donations and volunteers,” said Donald Johnson, the dental clinic’s director. “We didn’t have the space at our original location for a clinic of this nature.” The volunteer staff of doctors, nurses, medical technicians and administrative personnel operates the clinic entirely on donations. T h e n ew d e n t a l c l i n i c , announced in October, is scheduled for different hours than the medical clinic to “ ke e p d ow n c o n g e s t i o n ,” according to Johnson. “We’re excited to meet the tremendous amount of need for dental care this county has,” Johnson said. “Most insurance programs don’t
‘Anybody that comes in, we will render the care to the best of our extent.’ Donald Johnson
Good Shepherd dental clinic director
David Renner Dawson Community News
Dr. Phillip Bonner, Good Shepherd board member, from left, Nursing Director and Board Chairwoman Jane Stuckey, board member Betty Mallernee and Dr. Donald Johnson, Dental Clinic Director, display the new dental clinic facility at the Good Shepherd Clinic.
cover extensive dental work, so we know what the need is and we want to meet it.” The dental clinic will, however, require the same guidelines as the medical clinic for treatment. “The patient pool will come through the medical clinic for dental, as well,” said Johnson.
“Anybody that comes in, we will render the care to the best of our extent. We cover emergency care and we get people out of pain, but we don’t do crowns or bridges or things like that.” “Continuing Education credits for maintaining professional licensure are available
to volunteers who work in charitable facilities such as Good Shepherd Clinic,” said board member Betty Mallernee. “Retired hygienists and assistants are welcome. Several dentists have volunteered their services, but additional dentist volunteers are needed.” Those interested in volunteering or receiving services can contact the clinic at (706) 429-9914. The Good Shepherd Clinic is located in Dawson Commons on Hwy. 53 East.
2D | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
HEALTH
Northeast Georgia Medical Center ranked No. 2 behind Mayo Clinic By Jeff Gill
tals in the nation, between other industry icons like Mayo Clinic’s flagship campus in Rochester, Minn., and University of For tops in overall hospital care in the Michigan Health System is quite an honor,” United States, there’s the globally known said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and then, Northeast Georgia Health System. there’s Northeast Georgia Medical Center in “Our clinical staff, support staff, providers, Gainesville. board members, volunteers and leaders That’s according to CareChex, an inde- bring a passion for excellence to the table pendent health care quality rating service, each day — striving to be better tomorrow which has ranked NGMC No. 2 in a recent than we are today — and it shows,” she said. study of “America’s Top Quality Providers.” The only other Georgia hospitals in the The CareChex study includes virtually all top 100 of the 342 hospitals that were general, acute, nonfederal hospitals in the judged in overall hospital care are University U.S. and measures them across several cate- Hospital in Augusta, at No. 43; Redmond gories, including quality of medical care, Regional Medical Center in Rome, at No. outcomes of care and patient satisfaction, 57; and Gwinnett Medical Center in according to its website. Lawrenceville, at No. 93. “To be named one of the top three hospiThe study also ranked NGMC No. 1 in Georgia for overall medical care and overDCN regional file photo all surgical care, as well as tops in cardiac care, orthopedic sur- Mark Leimbach, an interventional cardiologist with The Heart Center of gery, vascular surgery, wom- Northeast Georgia Medical Center, performs a diagnostic heart catheterizaen’s health, neurological care tion in Gainesville. and pulmonary care. From staff reports Hospital-Forsyth. “I think that understanding cardiologist with NGMC’s Heart Center. admitted with heart attacks, how many Northside is highly how the rankings are done is Noting specifically cardiac care, he people had angioplasty and heart surgery, Northside/Dawson respected in the commuimportant,” said Dr. Jeffrey said that “by looking at Medicare data, and then they can trace how those people Imaging has expanded nity for its state-of-theMarshall, an interventional they can look at how many people were did.” its MRI (magnetic reso- art imaging services and nance imaging) services is ranked No. 1 by metro to five days a week. Atlanta consumers in the Northside offers MRI National Research for brain, spine and Corporation’s annual orthopedic exams. Healthcare Market Since 2 0 0 8 , Guide. landscape,” he said. “I was at a we’ve moved in here. They just go By David Renner N o r t h s i d e / D aw s o n Annually, nearly Northside hospital…and Skip down the elevator,” he said. “When drenner@dawsonnews.com Imaging has offered 500,000 imaging procePutnam [CEO of Northside Hospital- we have fractures or other injuries, high-quality radiology/ dures are performed at After 10 years of private practice, a Forsyth] was in my room. Northside we can actually see the x-rays from imaging services for Northside Hospital’s netDawson County doctor signed on has a policy that, when anybody the imaging center before the patient patients of all ages. work of imaging facililast year to partner with a regional leaves the room, they ask: ‘Is there even gets back to the office.” The facility, which ties in Dawsonville, hospital. anything else I can do for you.’ When Anderson is also on the Dawson moved to the new Cumming, Alpharetta, Dr. Larry Anderson and his prac- he said that, I told him he could buy County Board of Health. N o r t h s i d e / D aw s o n Lawrenceville, Canton tice, Anderson Family Medicine, my practice and he sent people over “Mike Berg has been a close friend Medical Campus in and other locations signed a contract with the Northside to my office to talk to me.” of mine for nearly 30 years now, so 2012, also offers CT, across north metro Hospital system to provide a wider Anderson said that the move has he convinced me to move to Dawson digital screening mam- Atlanta. range of coverage for his patients. been a boon to him and that he is fitCounty and got me to join the health mography, digital X-ray, The hospital’s staff of “We worked with Northside for ting in nicely. board,” he said. bone densitometry and registered technologists about five months before the move,” “It’s been a very good fit,” he said. Anderson is also a member of mulultrasound exams. provides high-quality, Anderson said. “I’ve been utilizing “We’ve been very happy with tiple civic groups, such as the local “The additional MRI advanced imaging serNorthside services for a good many Northside and they have been very Rotary club. service gives patients in vices for all age groups, years, so I had a good rapport with pleased with us. We chose to move to “Northside has been very supportthe Dawsonville area a with the highest level of them.” the Northside building (on Hwy. 400) ive of the community here, in supmore convenient service customer service. Anderson said that since he regu- in April.” through the Northside Board certified, sublarly referred patients to Northside He said that some of the benefits of porting a lot of the civic and charitaHospital system, without specialized radiologists services, the hospital put him on their being in a centralized location with ble organizations here,” he said. having to go to the hos- read and interpret all physician’s portal online. other services is the speed in which “They have been very gracious to send me out as their representative pital,” said Lisa Gilman- exams performed at “It became a natural fit when my he can provide care. Lowery, manager of N o r t h s i d e / D aw s o n wife and I decided to align ourselves “It’s a lot easier for my patients to here outside the scope of practice of radiology, Northside Imaging. with a hospital based on the medical get services such as imaging since medicine.” DCN regional staff
Northside expands MRI service in Dawson
Local family physician joins regional hospital
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A variety of kid-friendly foods, like juice boxes, snack crackers and Ramen noodles, go home with students each Friday afternoon.
FROM 1D
Buddies that are doing this across the state ... and most of the time churches are involved.
And it’s working just beautifully,” she said. “It’s just overall positive results when you aren’t hungry, especially for the young kids. “Nutrition is monumental in their development, so if we can
g iv e t h e m j u s t t h a t right there, what a gift you’re giving them.” For more information about the program, or to donate, contact Family Connection at (706) 265-1981.
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4D | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
EDUCATION
Voters approve education tax extension By David Renner drenner@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County voters decided to extend the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for a fifth time March 17. “Dawson County has a longstanding tradition of supporting the school system and the children of this community,” said Dawson County School Superintendent Damon Gibbs. “The support of E-SPLOST V is one more example of the overwhelming confidence our community places in our school system and our Board of Education.” Voters approved a five-year extension of the 1-cent sales tax in November 2009, which passed with 77.7 percent of
the vote and was projected to generate about $30 million over five years. “That money is very restrictive on how it can be spent,” Gibbs said. “We cannot pay salaries, pay benefits or maintain our facilities with that.” The ESPLOST allows the school system to use the funds for building works, including repair and renovations, acquiring land for school projects, equipment such as tablets and computers for students, fleet m a i n t e n a n c e a n d , n ew t o ESPLOST V, acquire books, digital resources and other media for students. “The current ESPLOST is set to run through March 2 0 1 6 ,” G i b b s s a i d i n a n address at a Dawson County Chamber of Commerce lunc h e o n i n J a n u a r y. “ T h e
ESPLOST runs until the projected end or until you hit the amount in the referendum, which was $30 million. We are expecting to hit that number in the fall of 2015.” With part of ESPLOST V’s funds, the board plans to immediately bond out $15 million of the projected $36.5 million for a performing arts center on the Dawson County High School. The tax received 398 votes (83.44 percent) in favor to 79 votes (16.56 percent) against it. Dawson County has 14,972 registered voters, according to the Dawson County Board of Elections. Only 3.21 percent of the Dawson County voters cast their opinion on the tax. The election office said that of those, 194 voters cast ballots early.
First year for new superintendent By David Renner
drenner@dawsonnews.com
Now a year into his three-year contract, Dawson County’s new school superintendent is already implementing plans for the betterment of the district. “I’m optimistic for t h e f u t u r e ,” s a i d Dawson County School Superintendent Damon Gibbs. “We still have some challenges to focus on for the next year.” Gibbs, Hall County Gibbs Schools’ former executive director of facilities succeeded former superintendent Keith Porter. “I feel like I’ve blinked and a year has gone by. It has been a whirlwind, but a lot of good in it,” he said. “I walked in the door to a resigning high school principal and no millage approved, so I came in at a strange time for a superintendent.” One of the first tasks Gibbs set out to do was the creation of a new comprehensive five year plan for the school system.
Gibbs set up meetings with both the Georgia School Board Association and local parents to get ideas for what was being sought after for the district. “The feedback we got from our community has driven the decisions that have been made putting that plan in place, so we feel like it’s started in the right place, he said. “The plan is almost ready to take before the board. We still need to change a few things here and there, but it should be ready to take before the board in May to implement in July.” Another planning item is a centralized registration location. “We’ll still keep the traditional kindergarten roundup, but we do want to start digitizing records and giving parents a single location to come to for registering new students,” Gibb said. Gibbs said there has also been implementation of system-wide scheduling programs for teachers, new ESPLOST projects and school programs on the horizon.
“We have not stopped talking about the possibility of the realignment of our grades 6-12,” he said. “We will be consulting the community over that, because it’s not a decision the superintendent needs to make alone – it needs input from all the stakeholders.” A University of Georgia graduate with a doctorate in educational leadership, Gibbs served as a principal at Johnson High and Spout Springs Elementary in southern Hall County and as assistant principal at Flowery Branch High School. Gibbs also served as a Flowery Branch city councilman before his resignation to move to Dawson County. “There’s been some surprises and expectations met since I came here. They are both nothing but positive,” he said. “We have a great school system and staff. Coming in as a new superintendent, you evaluate your district leaders and I can’t find a weakness in this system. We have a sold group of people that work hard for the students of Dawson County.”
Changing work force Non-traditional courses embraced by tech students By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Growing up, Tesela Dutton wanted her first car to be a truck and her first job to be in a garage. “I’ve always wanted to work on cars or drive a big truck ever since I was a little girl,” she said. Last year, she enrolled in Lanier Technical College’s automotive technology program and will become a certified mechanic within the next year. “My mom is a certified mechanic and she works on cars all the time,” the 22-year-old said. “It was something I really wanted to do. “I didn’t want to be the girl that was stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and have to call her dad to come fix it.” In the generally male-dominant program, Dutton is one of two women taking the courses at the tech school’s Dawson campus. She admitted it can be a trying experience at times. “Last semester, I had a really hard time and had to keep my cool,” she said. “A group of guys said I shouldn’t be here and that I should be at home with my daughter cooking and cleaning. “I feel like I should be able to be here and be comfortable because this is something that I want to do and I feel like I can do it just as good as they can do it.” Misty Thiltgen, a 44-year-old mother of four girls, wasn’t going to let any stereotypical misconceptions sway her from pursuing a career in welding. An artist by trade, Thiltgen sees welding as a twofold philosophy that allows her to channel creativity while making a salary to support her family. “’Starving artist’ is a true term. It doesn’t pay well,” she said. Alternatively, welding is one
of the most in-demand trades for manufacturers nationwide, according to Troy Lindsey, dean of the local campus. “Welding is one of the careers that there’s a national shortage of. In our service area - with Impulse here in Dawson, Kubota, Caterpillar, America Boa [nearby] -we have those huge manufacturing companies, and they’re looking for welders,” he said. “Our primary mission is work force development and helping the employers in our area have a good work force.” With additional funds available for students taking on nontraditional college coursework, Lindsey said Lanier Tech has encouraged men and women to consider programs typically considered gender based. “Because we are a state school, every program has always been open to everyone,” he said. “We’ve encouraged females to take those courses of study and the same with the traditionally female courses. “In cosmetology, we have very little crossover. But in general, males make more in cosmetology careers than females do.” Christopher Ahrendt recently graduated from the cosmetology program. Initially, he felt awkward in class with just women, but said it didn’t take long for classmates to embrace his passion. “It was a great experience for me, so I would definitely encourage anyone that was thinking about doing it to go ahead and follow what they want to do and not to let any of the stigmas that they might see or they might feel to hold them back,” he said. “I am very grateful I went through the program and I’m very happy with my decision.”
6 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
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Progress 2015
Section
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Government, Business & Industry
E
BUSINESS
Goodwill opens New store brings jobs to county By David Renner
drenner@dawsonnews.com
Judging from the line waiting for the doors to open and the steady customer flow all that day, Dawson County residents welcomed the opening of a new Goodwill store last July near Ga. 400. But with the business comes not only savings, but job opportunities. “Our mission is to put people to work,” s a i d J a m e s Caponigro, vice president of marketing for Goodwill of North Georgia. “Any money that we get from sales of these donations all help people in this community go to work. We’ve put over 14,000 people to work last year in north Georgia.” According to Caponigro, the D a w s o nv i l l e s t o r e created 40 jobs, with 29 of the new hires serving as sales associates. “The call for workers was decent, but not great her e,” h e said. “The hard part of filling these stores with workers is pub-
File Photo
Customers rush in as soon as the doors were opened at the new Goodwill location on Hwy. 400 in Dawsonville last summer.
lic transportation.” While the response from job-seekers may have been somewhat low, Goodwill manag emen t s aid th o s e hired are more than ready. “We call our sales team ‘the Mighty 2 9 ,’ ” s a i d H e r b M i l l e r, p e r s o n n e l t r a i n e r. “ T h e y a r e magnificent. They never give up and do whatever we ask them to do. They are amazing.” With a combination of strong employees and a giving commu-
‘Our mission is to put people to work. Any money that we get from sales of these donations all help people in this community go to work. We’ve put over 14,000 people to work last year in north Georgia.’
nity, Caponigro said that Dawsonville is a strong location for Goodwill. “Our donor base is very strong here,” he said. “All the donations here came from the local community.” And it’s from those donations that Goodwill is able to keep providing jobs. “The proceeds from our stores are used for job assistance, placement and traini n g p r o g r a m s ,” Caponigro said. “ We ’ v e g o t n i n e career centers around
north Georgia ... if you or I or anyone wanted help to find a job, they can go into our career centers and we sponsor programs to help you get to work.” The “secret sauce” of the operation is open communication with businesses in the area, Caponigro said. “We communicate with over 4,000 employers in this region and we know what they are hiring f o r,” h e s a i d . “ We train those people for those jobs and put
those people into those jobs in the community. We are one of the largest job placement companies in the state of Georgia.” T h e D a w s o nv i l l e store, located at 66 South 400 Center Lane, is Goodwill of North Georgia’s 48th. “We have 45 counties that we cover in n o r t h G e o r g i a ,” Caponigro said. We noticed that a presence was needed here and there were a lot of people that need work and good values, so we decided
to come here.” The local site is the first of six stores and career training centers the organization is slated to open last fiscal year. “I’m excited about this being open. It’s closer to home,” said Dawsonville resident Christy Kimbral, who wa s s h o p p i n g w i t h her young daughter. “ T h e y ’v e g o t a l l kinds of things here, like clothes for the kids, and - something we both love books.”
Goodwill touted a staff of 29 service employees, part of 40 total staff, at the Dawsonville location.
James Caponigro
Vice President of marketing, Goodwill of North America
File Photo
Impulse expands local plan, acquires new sites By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Impulse Manufacturing announced last spring the acquisition of MSM Holding Company, a move that could more than double the Dawsonville-based steel fabricator’s work force within the next year. The manufacturer bought Bellwright Industries in Summerville, S.C., and Mid-State Machine in Ulla, N.C., on April 24. Both specialize in machine castings and support a variety of Fortune 100 and 500 companies. “The combined operations currently employ over 400 people. We believe this number will grow rapidly to over 550 people in under 12 months,” said Karl Baysden, director of sales and marketing for Impulse. According to Baysden, the merger gives Impulse a presence
in a region the fabricator was previously unable to serve. “It’s two different facilities, and there’s a lot of customers and prospects in the North Carolina and South Carolina areas that we really have not been able to sell products to because they felt like we were just too far away from them geographically,” he said. Companies in the Carolinas have expressed interest in products manufactured at the Dawsonville plant. “It will allow us to sell our products and services made in Dawsonville to companies up in this area,” Baysden said. “And likewise, our customers that we deal with make byproducts and services that these other companies manufacture as well. “With this merger, hopefully we’ll be able to grow all three businesses with our existing customer base and expand through
their customer bases.” With the addition of the two affiliates, the Impulse brand has grown to employ more than 400 workers across three sites. “We believe that the customers are really going to like this combination of capabilities and skill sets that the three companies offer,” Baysden said. “If it works out the way we think it will, it should result in increased employment opportunities for all three facilities in the coming years.” The merger came as Impulse began a major expansion that will add nearly 50,000 square feet to its manufacturing operation off G.W. Taffer Road at 55 Impulse Industrial Drive, near Ga. 400. Baysden said the $7.5 million expansion adds 50,000 square feet of plant workspace that See IMPULSE | 2E
File Photo
Jacob Villanueva, a robotic programmer at Impulse Manufacturing, examines the grill of the Caterpillar bulldozer that was produced at the Dawsonville plant. Impulse makes 235 parts for the Athens Caterpillar plant.
2E | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Legislators representing Dawson recognized By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Each member of Dawson County’s state delegation was recognized in the last few months for their legislative work. House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, was once again selected as one of the state’s 100 most influential leaders in an annual directory composed by Georgia Trend magazine.
Representing the state’s 7th House District, that includes an area of northern Dawson County, Ralston was listed alongside Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Gov. Nathan Deal and other newsmakers across the state. According to the magazine, Ralston was recognized for his attempt to increase accountability in regards to the state’s forfeiture laws. An accompanying list of
SPLOST extension overwhelmingly passes 1-cent tax expected to generate $46 million over six years By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Vo t e r s i n D aw s o n County overwhelmingly approved extending the current 1-cent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). The November referendum passed by 70.35 percent, or 5,066 votes, to 29.65 percent, or 2,135 votes. It is expected to generate an estimated $46 million over the next six years. “The $46 million projected revenue will help our community be better positioned for future economic development and continue to support and improve the quality of life that we all hold dear,” said Christie Haynes, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. Clint Bearden chaired the chamber’s initiative to promote SPLOST. “It’s a great result for Dawson County and a real testament to the wisdom of our voters, as it [SPLOST] will allow our county and city leaders to continue improving our community without a tax increase and with a clear majority of the funding coming from visitors to our county,” he said. “I’m very proud of the work of the chamber and our chamber members to help ensure such a strong level of support.”
‘The $46 million projected revenue will help our community be better positioned for future economic development and continue to support and improve the quality of life that we all hold dear.’ Christie Haynes
President, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce An agreement would split the funds at a ratio of 85 percent to Dawson County, whose officials say roads are top priority, and 15 percent to the city of Dawsonville, where a park on Main Street is planned. The county’s project list also includes park improvements and the purchase of public safety vehicles such as patrol cars and an ambulance, while city officials say collections could fund water and sewer improvements. The current sales tax p r o g r a m , k n ow n a s SPLOST V, was approved by voters in 2007. It started in 2009 and runs through May. SPLOST VI is expected to begin in June.
Notable Georgians recognized Sen. Steve Gooch. The Dahlonega republican represents the 51st senate district, which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and White counties and portions of Forsyth and Pickens. In November, Gooch was named Majority Whip, the third ranking leadership position in the Senate Republican Caucus for the current legislative session.
His primary responsibilities include researching legislation, educating and informing caucus members and ensuring a full caucus presence during important legislative votes. In August, The Georgia Municipal Association recognized local lawmaker Kevin Tanner with the group’s 2014 Champion of Georgia’s Cities award. The association recognized Tanner for supporting
House Bill 741, which gives local governments and residents a say in where sludge (partially treated wastewater) can be placed in their communities. It also requires any public hearings on matters of sludge application to be held in the county where the land is located, contrary to prior law that did not regulate such a criteria. He was also recently recognized by the Brain &
Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission for his leadership in passing legislation that could transfer additional funding to help those with traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, Tanner was named legislator of the year by the Brain Injury Association of Georgia. Tanner, R-Dawsonville, represents Lumpkin, most of Dawson and part of Forsyth in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Governor approves sludge bill New law limits application of treated waste By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
A grassroots effort to stop a developer from dumping partially treated wastewater in Dawson County was realized last April when Gov. Nathan Deal signed the bill to regulate sludge application. “House Bill 741 simply says the logical things that you would think we would want it to do,” Deal said. “It is a piece of legislation that ensures both local and state jurisdictions have the ability to work together to find the problems that are associated with wastewater treatment and the disposition of sludge coming from those wastewater plants.” Surrounded by local leaders and residents who spearheaded the initiative, Deal signed House Bill 741 into law April 23 at the Dawson County Government Center. The bill stemmed from an issue Dawson County faced about two years ago when a developer petitioned to dump partially treated waste on property near the North Georgia Premium Outlets. State Rep. Kevin Tanner of Dawsonville authored the bill, which passed 161-1 in the House and 52-2 in the Senate, where it was carried by Sen. Steve Gooch, whose 51st District includes Dawson County. “When they realized that the local government, the
File Photo
Surrounded by local leaders and residents who spearheaded a grassroots effort to stop the application of sludge in Dawson County, Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 741 into law last April at the Dawson County Government Center.
local citizens, had no power and no control over this effort, the citizens came together with the commission and set out to change that, and through the hard work of folks ... this particular application was denied,” Tanner said. The debate over sludge application started nearly two years ago when developer Ken Curren filed an application with the state Environmental Protection Division to spread partially treated liquid waste from the Forsyth County plant on about 65 acres at Lumpkin Campground and Harry Sosebee roads in
Dawson County. The measure gives local governments and residents a say in where sludge can be placed in their communities. It also requires any public hearings on matters of sludge application to be held in the county where the land is located, contrary to prior law that did not regulate such a criteria. According to the application, The site is about one mile away from the busy Ga. 400 corridor, which includes the North Georgia Premium Outlets, the county’s largest source of sales tax revenue.
‘[House Bill 741] is a piece of legislation that ensures both local and state jurisdictions have the ability to work together to find the problems that are associated with wastewater treatment and the disposition of sludge coming from those wastewater plants.” Nathan Deal
Governor of Georgia
Dawson County gets two new ambulances From staff reports
Dawson County Emergency Services recently placed two new ambulances in service. “We are grateful to the board of commissioners and the taxpayers of Dawson
FROM 1E
Impulse
County for making opportunities to enhance service delivery possible,” said Chief Lanier Swafford. The department operates three advanced life-support medical units daily, while a fourth ambu-
lance is often available during periods of heavy call volume. Calls for emergency medical services have been on a steady, annual increase, according to Swafford. “Having a dependable fleet available to meet the needs of the
h o u s e s a n ew p a i n t line and more than $5 million in equipment. The 150,000-square-
community is critical,” he said. The new units were designed by a committee of employees within the department, constructed by Osage Ambulances in Linn, MO. and sold by Ten 8 Fire and Emergency Equipment.
foot plant currently employs more than 200 workers over three shifts. It produc-
es p art s fo r s everal small excavator models, including a new Caterpillar production
Dawson County Emergency Services has added two new ambulances to its fleet.
For the Dawson Community News
facility in Athens. T h e D aw s o nv i l l e manufacturer produces 235 individual
parts, from brackets a n d fi t t i n g s t o fi x tures, for the Caterpillar plant.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 3
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
AMERICAN PROTEINS STARTED MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS AGO WHEN LELAND BAGWELL BEGAN OPERATING A SMALL RENDERING PLANT IN NORTHEAST FORSYTH COUNTY. AT THAT TIME THE POULTRY INDUSTRY WAS JUST GETTING STARTED IN NORTH GEORGIA, AND THE BY-PRODUCTS FROM THE PROCESSING PLANTS HAD TO BE HAULED AWAY AND BURIED. AS A VISIONARY, MR. BAGWELL SAW A NEED AND WAS DETERMINED TO FILL IT. HE RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO RECYCLE BY-PRODUCTS GENERATED BY THE INTEGRATED POULTRY INDUSTRY. TODAY HIS VISION, AMERICAN PROTEINS, IS VERY MUCH ALIVE AND AN ESTABLISHED, INTEGRAL PART OF THE MODERN POULTRY INDUSTRY. THE COMPANY HAS GROWN FROM A SMALL, SINGLE PLANT OPERATION TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT POULTRY RENDERER WITH DIVISIONS IN 4 STATES.
12
4
CURRENTLY. AMERICAN PROTEINS RECYCLES OVER BILLION POUNDS OF INEDIBLE POULTRY EACH YEAR USING THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY SECURE METHODS AVAILABLE. WITHOUT THIS RECYCLING PROCESS, THE REMAINS OF OVER 34 MILLION CHICKENS PER WEEK WOULD BE BURIED IN LANDFILLS, CONSUMING SIX ACRES A DAY.
Growing together and depending on each other.
American Proteins Inc.
4E | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Phillips fills vacated city council seat By David Renner
drenner@dawsonnews.com
Newly appointed council member Caleb Phillips took his seat on the Dawsonville City Council, following a brief swearing-in ceremony in December at city hall. Phillips, 27, was appointed to temporarily fill the unexpired seat previously held by Chris Gaines, who resigned the position when he moved outside the Dawsonville city limits last month. Gaines had made an attempt to have the home he purchased annexed into the city, but the measure failed to pass. Phillips has previously served on the council as an appointed member. He and current councilwoman Angie Smith were selected to fill seats left
open by current-mayor James Grogan and former city councilman Calvin Byrd when they stepped down to run for mayor upon the death of Joe Lane Cox. “I’ve enjoyed serving on the council both times I was appointed,” Phillips said. “A lot of people encouraged me to run, so I did. As a resident of the city, what happens here is important to me, so I want to do what I can to make it a better place.” However, it was a short election season for Phillips. With just one candidate qualifying for a city council seat, the City of Dawsonville did not need to hold an election to make Phillips official. “Pursuant to O.C.G.A. [section] 21-2-291, notice is hereby given that the
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
City Attorney Dana Miles administers the oath of office for newlyappointed Councilman Caleb Phillips, who took his seat on the Dawsonville City Council in December.
City of Dawsonville, Municipal Special Election scheduled for March 17,
2015, is canceled,” said Dawson County Election Superintendent Glenda
Ferguson in an advertisement placed in local news media.
According to section of Georgia law for dealing with unopposed candidates, “in the event there is no opposed candidate in a precinct in a special or general election, no special or general election shall be held in such precinct unless a write-in candidate has qualified as provided by law or unless there are issues to be submitted to the electorate. “The candidate will be assumed to have voted for him or herself, making the sole runner the winner.” Phillips will be officially sworn in as an elected council member during the city’s April meeting. Staff writer Michele Hester contributed to this story.
Officials sworn in for a new year By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County’s newest elected officials were installed into their respective offices in December. Probate Judge Jennifer Burt administered the oaths of office in December for several officials taking office on Jan. 1, including newcomers to county politics; District 1 Commissioner Sharon Fausett and School board member Karen Armstrong. “I look forward to working with each and every one of you,” Burt said. “I thank you for the opportunity to do this. It’s such an honor to be able to work here in our county with such great people.” Fausett, 63, secured the District 1 seat when she came out the victor in a three-way race during the Republican Primary in May. With more than 58 percent of the vote over runner-up Corey Gutherie’s 24.7 percent and Kevin Ellison, who received 16.8 percent of the vote, Fausett takes office on
Jan. 1. There were no Democrats vying for the seat. A D aw s o n C o u n t y native and former school teacher, Fausett served as director for the Dawson County Department of Family and Children Services for nearly a decade. She and her husband Danny currently operate an agri-tourism destination on the county’s west side. Fausett, who served on the county tax assessor’s board and comprehensive land-use committee, succeeds two-term Commissioner Gary Pichon, who chose not to seek re-election. She has opted to delay speaking publicly on her goals as commissioner until after her first meeting, which will be held at 4 p.m. Jan. 8 on the second floor of the Dawson County Government Center. Armstrong’s first meeting as a member of the board of education is at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6. “I’m so excited to finally be on the board. I’ve
got a lot to learn in the next year, but I can’t wait to learn from their [the current board’s] knowledge,” she said. Armstrong, who ran unopposed, will be replacing retiring 25-year board of education veteran Cecil Bennett following his term that wraps up at the end of the month. A n a t ive o f n o r t h Georgia, Armstrong is currently employed as the administration officer at the University of North G e o r g i a ’s M i l i t a r y Science Department. She previously held the position as the assistant registrar at the Dawson County Board of Elections and has held numerous volunteer positions, such as PTSO President for Dawson County Middle School, a founding member of Dawson County High School PTSO in 2009 and an overall PTSO member since 2006. D i s t r i c t 3 Commissioner Jimmy Hamby and board of education member Will Wade were also sworn-in for their new terms during the ceremony.
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Dawson County Probate Judge Jennifer Burt administers the oath of office to new District 1 Commissioner Sharon Fausett. Her son, Brett, holds the Bible.
Government employees promoted to key positions By Michele Hester
“Dawson County is home to my family and me. I challenge myself A p a i r o f c o u n t y anytime I am presented employees was recently with an opportunity to promoted to key posi- help make this a better t i o n s w i t h i n t h e place to live or work,” Dawson County gov- he said. “I look forward ernment system. to assisting David McKee, County Manager 32, who most Campbell in recently served working to fulas director of fill the goals and planning and expectations of development the board of since 2008, is commissioners now the county McKee and citizens.” director of Rachel Burton, administration. former zooming “David McKee is a administrator, replaced great fit for the director McKee as the county’s of administration posi- new planning director. tion. His extensive “I am honored to knowledge of county c o n t i n u e t o s e r v e government operations, Dawson County in the educational new capacity as background, director of planprior experining and developence and strong ment,” she said. work ethic “I could not ask m a de him the for a better comclear choice for munity to work t he j ob,” said for and group of C o u n t y individuals to Manager Cindy Burton work with. I look Campbell. forward to this As director of admin- new opportunity to furistration, McKee will ther assist both resio v e r s e e t h e h u m a n dents and county offiresources and informa- c i a l s w i t h p l a n n i n g tion technology depart- requests.” ments, in addition to Burton will be managing special pur- responsible for zoning, pose local option sales p e r m i t t i n g , bu s i n e s s tax projects. licensing, code mhester@dawsonnews.com
‘David McKee is a great fit for the director of administration position.’ Cindy Campbell County Manager
en force me nt , in sp ec tions and alcohol licensing. “Rachel Burton has been a huge asset to the county, and to the planning and development department,” Campbell said. “Her strong work ethic, experience and diverse skill-set make her a great fit for the director of planning and development position.”
‘Rachel Burton has been a huge asset to the county, and to the planning and development department.’ Cindy Campbell County Manager
OPEN FOR THE 2015 SEASON
‘The Most Stunning Daffodil Garden Ever!’ Gibbs Gardens Fourth Annual Daffodil Festival bursts on the scene when more than 50 acres of blooming daffodils create a feast for the senses—beginning in March and continuing through mid-April. Gibbs Gardens has the distinction of being recognized as an American Daffodil Society Display Garden, one of only 25 in the USA. Over 20 million blooms, including 60 different varieties make up what Southern Living calls “the most spectacular display of blooms this side of Holland.”
www.gibbsgardens.com
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dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 5E
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Intersection changes to begin soon By Michele Hester mhester@dawsonnews.com
Construction is set to begin in spring on the state’s first continuous flow intersection at Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53. Similar in principle to diverging diamond interchanges like those now in place at some busy Interstate 85 and 285 interchanges, the project is designed to move left-turning vehicles out of traffic’s main flow by using a series of access roads and longer left-turn lanes. According to information released in a Georgia
Department of Transportation video, motorists traveling on Ga. 400 would follow traffic signaling devices directing them to drive across the oncoming lanes into new lanes on the far left side of the road. Another left-turn signal then will prompt drivers to complete the left turn on Hwy. 53. While transportation officials are saying the plan is the most economical and practical for the cross, several businesses in the area have many concerns. “We are looking to move,” said Jamie Smith,
manager at the McDonalds located at 50 Hwy. 400 South. “No land has been purchased yet, but McDonalds Corporate is planning to move the restaurant.” The changes would make getting to McDonalds from Ga. 400 more difficult, according to Smith. “There would be no entrance,” he said. Darin Muenchow, who owns Big D’s Barbecue, has a similar complaint. “You’re taking my main entrance,” he told state transportation representatives on March 12, during a Dawson County Chamber of
Commerce meeting. “You can’t get in to my restaurant.” Described as the most economic option at an estimated $9.5 million, the department of transportation has purchased 32 plots of land needed to complete the crossing. A single business, according to DOT district spokeswoman Teri Pope, will be displaced by the changes. “Only one of the parcels was a commercial relocation. GDOT purchased the entire parcel and building from the owner,” she said. While she would not name the business that will
move, Pope did say it sits on the corner of Lumpkin Campground Road and Ga. 53. There have been discussions about Kroger relocating south on Ga. 400 to one of the future retail centers planned on Dawson Forest Road, though officials with the grocer declined to comment on the matter. “I...cannot comment on speculation and rumors regarding a new Dawsonville store,” Public Relations Director Glynn Jenkins wrote in an email on Monday. Additionally, the GDOT is currently in a legal battle
with the businesses in the Ingles shopping center regarding right-of-way acquisition, according to court records. Teri Pope, transportation spokeswoman, said she could not comment “on right-of-way acquisition except with the property owner until after construction of the project is complete.” Once complete, DOT predicts traffic congestion will be reduced by 85 percent. Construction is expected to take 18 months to complete and would be staged so as not to disrupt traffic.
Retail center expected to break ground By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Construction is expected to begin on a new retail center along Ga. 400 this year. During his annual state of the county address in February, Dawson County Commission Chairman Mike Berg said both retail developments planned on
Dawson Forest Road should break ground in the coming months. “I expect probably...that you’ll see some construction activity in March,” he said during the Jan. 27 Dawson County Republican Party meeting. Retail centers are planned to go up along Dawson Forest Road, on the east and
west sides of Ga. 400. Several chain restaurants and national retailers have signed on to open new stores in one of two developments. At least six retail shops, including three restaurants, have contracts or commitments in place to be among the first to open in the new Blanchard Real Estate
Capital development, just south of North Georgia Premium Outlets. Dawson Marketplace is a 350,000 square feet retail “power center” that will bring national retail and restaurants to Dawson County. There are also plans for a second retail center that includes a major grocery store chain at the southeast
intersection of Ga. 400 and Dawson Forest Road. While Berg said he could not officially name them, he said they would be similar to stores found in Cumming on Market Place Boulevard. The developments would bring “about 450 jobs and about $90 million worth of construction and expansion. That’s a great thing for our
tax base,” he said. Housing permits have also increased in recent months, according to Berg. “Right now we have about a 15 percent increase in building permits, which is kind of nice. We have some residential going on in the county, not a lot of it. It’s still in South Forsyth, but it’s moving this way,” he said.
Forecaster predicts Dawson’s population at 100,000 by 2030 By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
Community leaders are both hopeful and hesitant after hearing a north Georgia real estate forecaster say he expects the county’s population to quadruple in the next 15 years. “Our plan has always been to have 50,000 folks in 2030,” said Dawson County Commission Chairman Mike Berg. Renowned across the region for his economic predictions, Frank Norton in February said he believes Dawson County’s popula-
tion will rocket to 100,000 people by 2030, thanks to ease of travel to Atlanta along Ga. 400 and the current growth in Forsyth County that’s going to continue north. “They’re growing at the rate of some 9-10 thousand people a year, and they’re next door,” he said speaking at a Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week. Norton said communities like Dawson County must focus on development that will drive the economy to stay ahead of the growth. “I agree with Frank that
we need to make sure we have a proper vision for the future and we have the infrastructure to serve,” Berg said. We do have a good commercial base. I’d rather see the commercial piece that brings in the tax base than the residential piece that takes away from the infrastructure.” General Manager Brooke Anderson said Etowah Water and Sewer Authority has been working for years in preparation for such anticipated growth. “When you look at the population today of 22,000 people, some people have a
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hard time visualizing 50,000, which is twice as many as what we have today,” he said. “With the work we’ve done on Russell Creek Reservoir, we have projected a population out to 2063, and we’re projecting based on that a population of Dawson County at 115,000 people.” Hearing that Norton’s numbers are similar in scope to the authority’s predictions, Anderson said it shows that Etowah is planning properly. “But it’s also a bit intimidating, because it could be a larger number than what
we’re planning for,” he said. “I think it’s incumbent upon the authority to always be vigilant in not only looking at what our next answer is, but as we’re developing that answer, what is the next opportunity beyond that.” Charlie Auvermann, director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, believes the county is positioned well for the growth Norton said is coming this way. “Frank always has a tremendous amount of data to back up his observations, and I think he’s spot-on on what he’s saying,” he said,
adding that Dawson County’s access to highspeed fiber is a plus for the community. “I think we’re incredibly fortunate that several years ago we got the North Georgia Network fiber system. People don’t realize that today, we can get the same capacity, right here today, that Google is promising Atlanta three years from now. “I look very much forward to the growth and I think we’re well-positioned to manage that.”
6E | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
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Progress 2015
Section
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Sports & Leisure
F
NASCAR
Chase Elliott makes history
Gets fulltime ‘Cup’ ride in 2016 By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews. com
‘The biggest thing is not losing track of this season, realizing 2016 is a long ways off. Knowing that you’ve got to make sure your priorities stay straight.’
There was already speculation that Dawsonville’s Chase Elliott would take over the No. 24 when four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon announced he planned to retire at the end of the 2015 season. So it was really no big surprise for fa n s w h e n E l l i o t t joined the Hendrick Chase Elliott Motorsports team of NASCAR driver drivers on the stage at Charlotte in January for the offiSpeedway as part of a cial announcement. five-race schedule. It was, however, a Driving the No. 25 surprise for the reign- N A PA A u t o P a r t s i n g X f i n i t y S e r i e s C h ev y, h e w i l l b e champion, who said entered in 2015 Cup he got a phone call eve n t s A p r i l 2 5 a t from owner Rick R i c h m o n d Hendrick not long I n t e r n a t i o n a l after Gordon’s retire- Raceway, May 24 at ment plans were Charlotte Motor released. Speedway, July 26 at “That was a phone I n d i a n a p o l i s M o t o r call I was not expect- Speedway and Sept. 6 ing that day,” he said a t Darlington o n t h e l a s t d a y o f Raceway. Charlotte Motor “The biggest thing S p e e d w a y ’s m e d i a is not losing track of t o u r. “ I k n ow h ow this season, realizing rare this opportunity 2016 is a long ways is and will work as o ff . K n ow i n g t h a t hard as I can to make you’ve got to make everyone proud.” sure your priorities H e n d r i c k c a l l s stay straight,” Elliott Elliott a “great fit” said. “Just trying to for the organization. make the most of “Chase brings the t h i s s e a s o n a n d k i n d o f i n t a n g i b l e s learn. Just kind of t h a t m a k e h i m t h e realizing that the job total package as a t h a t I ’v e d o n e , driver,” s a i d you’ve got to step Hendrick. “Not only t h a t u p a n d k n ow is he a special talent that it’s got to be inside the race car, better to compete at but there’s a natural that next level.” combination of comElliott, who broke p e t i t i v e n e s s , w o r k records, set records ethic and smarts that a n d l i t e r a l l y p u t you rarely see.” Dawsonville back in E l l i o t t w i l l m a ke the racing spotlight his Sprint Cup debut in 2014, fast-tracked S u n d a y a t his way to NASCAR M a r t i n s v i l l e stardom with back-
to-back wins at T e x a s a n d Darlington, followed by a third win at Chicagoland in his first year competing in the now Xfinity Series. At the age of 18, Elliott made history by being named rookie of the year and most popular driver in his inaugural championship year. “So many people have been behind me, and the first thing I want to do is thank them,” he said. “ M y p a re n t s e s p ecially have believed in me every step of the way, and I know this wouldn’t be possible without all the s a c r i f i c e s t h e y ’v e made to focus on my racing career.” The fulltime cup ride announcement came a day before Bill Elliott was to be inducted into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame.
Photos for the Dawson Community News
Chase Elliott made history last year by being named rookie of the year and most popular driver on top of winning the Nationwide Cup series, all at the age of 18. Below, Elliott’s race crew works its fastest to get the young champion back on the track during a pit stop.
Bill Elliott’s ‘Awesome’ career celebrated Legendary racer inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame By Michele Hester
mhester@dawsonnews.com
The legend of Bill Elliott’s awesome racing career culminated in early February when the Dawsonville native was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “You go through your career and certain things lead you in certain directions and you do certain things and all of a sudden, it’s nights like this just put everything in a total perspective,” he said. “That’s what’s so overwhelming about the whole night.” Known for his calm demeanor and southern charm, Elliott thanked those who helped him along the way. “You’ve got so many people that have done so many things for racing. When you do it week in and week out and you’re into it, you don’t really realize how those guys
‘It’s hard to say that I was the person...I was the one in the limelight, but it was the other guys [on the race team] that were holding me up there. I just try not to lose sight of those guys.’ Bill Elliott
NASCAR driver paved the road for you as you continue through your career,” he said. The 1988 Winston Cup Champion raced to 44 series victories, including two Daytona 500 wins and a record four consecutive first-place finishes at Michigan International Speedway. He humbly said he could not have accomplished all he did without the support he received
from family and his racing crew members, many who were in Charlotte Friday for the ceremony. “It was fantastic having all those guys that showed up that were a part of that deal and wanted to be a part of it,” he said. “And there were a lot of people that wasn’t there. “It’s hard to say that I was the person...I was the one in the limelight, but it was the other guys that were holding me up there. I just try not to lose sight of those guys.” Affectionately known as “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” by his legion of fans, Elliott’s induction cemented the town’s status in motorsports history even if he refuses to take the credit for himself. Instead, that praise goes
‘Awesome Bill [Elliott] from Dawsonville’ was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in February. Elliott’s career spans a 1988 Winston Cup Championship, 44 series victories including 2 Daytona 500 wins and a record four consecutive firstplace finishes at Michigan International Speedway
For the Dawson Community News
to “all the guys like the Raymond Parks and the Lloyd Seays and all the guys that really were on the cutting and leading edge of everything that transpires from this point on,” he said. “Dawsonville to me has more racing history than
anywhere else, especially in the early days, and that’s what people just don’t understand. They don’t understand how instrumental this little town was and what all came out of it.” That legacy lives on with the champ’s son
Chase Elliott, who exploded onto the NASCAR scene in 2014 when he won three races, most popular driver, rookie of the year and the Xfinity Series championship in his first year of contention.
2F | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Motorsports park breaks ground on expansion
Ryan Coker Dawson Community News
Tiger Gavin Brown grapples with Elbert County’s AJ Edmond for third and fourth place during the State Traditional tournament in Macon.
Brown has good state showing By Pam Jacobs pjacobs@dawsonnews.com
Coach Arron Haynes’ Dawson County High School wrestling team competed at the State Traditional tournament in Macon Feb. 12-14. The Tigers took six wrestlers to the meet, l e d b y G av i n B r ow n (195 pounds), Harrison Adams (138 pounds), Jeremy Whalen (145 pounds), Brett Whalen ( 1 8 2 p o u n d s ) , Ty Williams (heavyweight) and Justin Evans (113 pounds). All six wrestlers finished in the top 10. Two-time state champion, Gavin Brown, fin-
ished in fourth place at state. Brown moved up a weight class this season and completed the season with a 44-8 record. B r ow n s t a r t e d t h e tournament with two wins over Daniel Lopez (Coahulla Creek) in a 15-3 major decision and nemesis Matt Dilbeck, (Banks County) winning 3-0. The Tiger senior then lost his next match to eventual state champion Marlon Morales (Rockmart) 12-5. Brown bounced back to defeat region rival Zach Matthews (Lumpkin County) in a 6-3 decision before los-
ing to AJ Edmond (Elbert County) 8-3. Harrison Adams (3519) also had a good tournament. Adams opened with a pin over Ian Spittler from Blessed Trinity before losing his next match against Griffin Green (Ringgold) 9-4 putting him in the wrestle backs. Adams picked up another win over Drake Dawson from Oconee County in an exciting 1-0 win. The Tiger was then ousted from the tournament after losing to A u s t i n Ti l l m a n f r o m Sonoraville in a close 5-3 decision.
going Somewhere?
For the Dawson Community News
Members at Atlanta Motorsports Park on Duck Thurmond Road in western Dawson County broke ground Sept. 20 for the facility’s new pool and conference center. By David Renner
car launches, fitness c e n t e r, p l a y r o o m , wine room, bar, catering kitchen, meeting facility, offices, is 20k square f eet , contr ol tower, car elevator” and more. Porter said that the new building has something for everybody, even those that aren’t members of the park. “This building will bring more jobs to the community,” he said. “For members, it will offer a better, more c o m p l e t e f a c i l i t y, pool, amenities, more events and a place to host parties.“
drenner@dawsonnews.com
With plans for expansion approved, Atlanta Motorsports Park recently broke g r o u n d o n i t s n ew conference center and pool. T h e D aw s o nv i l l e Planning Commission heard a presentation from park representat iv e s r e g a r d i n g t h e expansion during its Aug. 18 regular meeting. According to founder and CEO Jeremy Porter, the new center will be used for “garages, classrooms,
City officials welcome the expansion. “I think what the park is doing is good for the community and the Dawsonville area,” said planning commission member Ken Breeden during the m e e t i n g . “ We a r e pleased that you are here and in business. It’s commendable that you are working on expanding and ... improving the property.” Atlanta Motorsports Pa r k i s a t 2 0 D u c k Thurmond Road, off of Hwy 53 West.
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Over 18 years dedicated to caring for your Pets! Day, Long-term, and/or holiday boarding Wonderful grooms and baths available Country Living at its best! Heated/cooled indoor runs Large, grassy outdoor paddocks for play Doggie outerwear, collars and leashes, toys and treats WELLNESS food for dogs and cats
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4F | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Lady Tigers finish regular season with perfect record
By Pam Jacobs
pjacobs@dawsonnews.com
In what was arguably considered a “state final” caliber game, the Dawson County High School Lady Tigers’ basketball team ended its season with a heart breaking 70-64 loss at Laney High School in Augusta on Feb. 24. Dawson County was well represented by fans in a packed house at Laney. The Lady Tigers fans traveled more than three hours to support their team in the mid-week Elite Eight game. Cheyenne Seabolt put the Lady Tigers up 54-53 with 3:35 left in the game. The lead was Dawson’s last of the game. Karlie Bearden and Seabolt tried to carry the team in the fourth quarter. Bearden had seven of her 14 total points, while Seabolt scored 11 of her 22 points in the final eight minutes of the game. Laney was 13-for-17 in the final quarter from the free throw line. The Wildcats were 20-for30 for the contest from the charity stripe. “It was as good of a high
Photos by Ryan Coker Dawson Community News
Michele Hester Dawson Community News
Senior guard Jordan Moore goes for a lay up in the 70-64 season ender against Laney. Below, Sheyenne Seabolt pulls down a rebound against Elbert County.
The Dawson County Lady Tigers celebrate their victory over West Hall with a crowd of supporters that filled the Ford E. Phillip’s gymnasium.
school girl’s game as you will ever see,” said Lady Tigers’ Head Coach Steve Sweat. “Both teams had the lead on many different occasions throughout the game.” There were nine different lead changes in the ball game. “We had an unbelievable season, setting many school records along the way. This group of girls made their mark in the history books of Dawson County basketball. It was a great season that ended with a tough loss,”
Sweat said. The Lady Tigers set many school records, which includes most wins (29), longest winning streak (29 games) and fewest losses (one). The team has three 1,000-point scorers in Bearden, Seabolt and Parker. The team also won its first region championship since 1991. Scoring for Dawson County were Seabolt with 22 points, Bearden added 14 points and Haley Burgess with 10 points. Jordan
Moore scored nine points. Ashley Parker scored six points, Peytan Porter added two points and Katelynn Simpson contributed with one point. Leading rebounders were Seabolt and Parker with 11 apiece and Bearden with nine boards. Laney (28-3) defeated
Beach, from Savannah, in the state Class AAA championship the next weekend. Playing their last game for Dawson County were
seniors Seabolt, Parker, Moore and Mikaela Egan. Dawson County finished the season with a 29-1 record.
Middle school Tigers have perfect regular season By Pam Jacobs pjacobs@dawsonnews.com
The Dawson County Middle School football Tigers finished the regular season with a perfect 5-0 record after defeating Union County, 24-0, in late September. “I thought we started off kind of sluggish on offense. Union was bring-
ing a lot of blitzes that we were struggling to pick up,” Edwards said. “The defense had a huge shut out. They had several sacks and tackles for loss all night. We had people in the backfield causing all kinds of confusion for Union.” The Tigers lost the first round of the playoffs to White County the next week, 14-6, to close out
their season. Dawson County came into the game as the No. 1 seed, while the Warriors were the No. 2 seed from the other sub region. The game was played at Riverview Middle School. With the loss, Coach Benjy Edwards’ team finished the season with a 5-1 overall record. “I wish I knew the
answer to the turnovers,” Edwards said. “It has not been a problem all year. We have won the turnover battle all year except for [this game].” Seventh grade running back Shawn Thomas played exceptionally well for the Tigers all afternoon. Thomas finished the game with 10 rushes for 93 yards a n d s c o r e d D aw s o n
County’s lone touchdown. “Shawn (Thomas) stepped up big for us yesterday. He ran the ball great. He still has another year with us and I am looking forward to having him b a c k n e x t s e a s o n ,” Edwards said. Luke Smith completed the game with 61 yards on 15 carries. Despite the turnovers on
offense the Tigers defense played well all afternoon. “I can’t complain about this season,” Edwards said. “We only had six kids returning from last year’s team. It was a very successful year. Unfortunately, it did not end the way we wanted, but these kids need to keep their heads up and stick together next year at the high school.”
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Dawson County High School names new football coach By David Renner
drenner@dawsonnews.com
Dawson County High School has a new head football coach. Sid Maxwell, who brings with him a 133-75 career winning record, starts April 1, according to Superintendent Damon Gibbs. “Mr. Maxwell will also assume the responsibilities of head football coach,” Gibbs said March 11. Following an executive session during a March 10 work session, the Dawson County Board of Education voted to approve Maxwell as a t e a c h e r a t D aw s o n County High School. Maxwell’s approval and hiring was necessary following former Tigers head football c o a c h J e f f L e e ’s announcement earlier this week that he has accepted a new head coaching position at North Bay Haven Charter Academy in Panama City, Fla. The board approved Lee’s retirement from Dawson County High School unanimously during its March voting session. “We wish [Lee] well in retirement,” said board chairman Will Wade. “He’s off to the beaches of Florida and gets to coach football during his retirement. We are happy for him.” Lee had been with the Tigers for 12 seasons. His last day with the high school is March 31. A 20-year head coaching veteran, Maxwell has led programs at both Sequoyah High School in Cherokee County and Lambert High School in Forsyth County.
“His career record is 133-75 finishing every season since 1999 with a winning record,” Gibbs said. “Coach Maxwell is ranked 37th amongst 470 active coaches in Georgia in all-time wins.” While at Lambert, Maxwell gained 36 wins in four seasons, qualifying for the playoffs in three seasons. He held a 97-59 record while leading the program at Sequoyah, while making eight playoff appearances. “Coach Maxwell has more wins than any other coach in Cherokee County
football history,” Gibbs said. “Dawson County is very excited about Coach Maxwell joining the Tiger family.” Maxwell holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Emory & Henry College in Emory, Va. He also holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from J a c k s o nv i l l e S t a t e University in Jacksonville, Ala., as well as an Education Specialist degree in Administrative Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn.
File Photo
Sid Maxwell is Dawson County High School’s new head football coach.
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6 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
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