02.25.10 Towns Sentinel

Page 1

Sentinel TOWNS

70-6.& t *446&

WWW.GEORGIASENTINEL.COM | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010 | 50 CENTS

EMERGENCY

RESIDENCE ENGULFED

BY FIRE Towns County Fire Department Assisted in stopping the blaze at Ridges Home

A home located at The Ridges golf course community in Hayesville was lost Saturday to a fire that had likely been smoldering more than 20 hours in the basement. The investigation into a cause is continuing. Clay County Fire & Rescue reported that a neighbor observed smoke coming from the home on 48 Foxfire Drive and called 911 at around 2:40 p.m.

EDUCATION

GOAL Students honored at NGTC Twenty-One Students from three campuses are nominated as candidates for the award From across all three of North Georgia Technical College’s campuses, 21 students representing 13 programs were nominated as candidates for the Georgia Occupational Award for Leadership (GOAL). GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, was actually started at NGTC more than twenty years ago. It is a program that honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 26 technical colleges as well as the four Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions. Through a series of competitive interviews and speeches conducted by NGTC faculty and staff, a list of the top twelve were selected for an advanced competition. They were Kimberly Combs in Commercial Photography, Amy Rogers in Accounting, Hillary Adams in Horticulture, Mariah Holbrooks in Culinary Arts, Brian Jones in Practical Nursing, Rebecca Hurt in Clinical Laboratory Technology, Susan Huff in Pharmacy Technology, Julie Brown-Jenkins in Culinary Arts, Heath Lyles in Air Conditioning, See GOAL Page 8A

TOWNS

Sentinel PO BOX 172 Hiawassee, GA 30546

departments responded,” Bailey said. “That gave us adequate water supply, engines and firefighters on scene.” A team of four firefighters with two handheld attack lines tackled the downstairs of the home, directed by Shooting Creek Fire Chief Joe Davenport. An upstairs team of four Towns County firefighters with two attack lines was directed by Clay Central Assistant Fire

Homeowners Charlie & Debby Kohler had gone out of town Friday afternoon and had not returned by the time the fire began. Clay Central Fire Chief Brandon Bailey said he called for assistance from area departments since many Hayesville firefighters were attending a fire school out of the county. “Shooting Creek, Warne, Brasstown and Towns County, GA

Chief Andy Lundquist. Clay County EMS also responded. An initial size up found no flames or heavy smoke and doors and windows did not have abnormal temperatures. An interior search for the source of the fire was performed by a team of firefighters led by Assistant Fire Chief Adam Henry. See FIRE Page 8A

NEWS

Citizens decide to SPLOST

Ballot Issue

Data to be compiled using state of the art technology Commissioner Bill Kendall will abide by the will of the people by delegating authority to Towns County citizens to decide whether or not a 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) will be placed on the ballot of the July 20, 2010 General Primary. A decision must be made before May 3, 2010 in order to meet the deadline if the issue is to be placed on the ballot. A Town Hall style meeting will be held at a time to be announced, at which time citizens will be given an opportunity to speak in favor of or opposed to allowing citizens a vote on this issue. During the past four years citizens representing various groups and organizations have requested that voters be given an opportunity to decide this issue, and that the proceeds of a SPLOST be used to upgrade the infrastructure and other needs facing the county and cities. The City has had a moratorium in place for over two years on sewer hook-ups outside the city limits. If a SPLOST is approved the county will contribute $400,000 of SPLOST funds to upgrade the city’s waste water treatment plant. Without a SPLOST the sewer problem, the sewer moratorium and economic development in the county is without a solution. Acquiring property and developing park and recreational fields is a great need and a top priority for Commissioner Kendall. In some instances our children have to leave the county to find practice fields. Roads and bridges are high on the list of needs. Kendall stated since the economic downturn the county has reduced the number of Road Department employees from 16 to the present 9 workers who maintain approximately 400 miles of county roads. This includes mowing right of ways, cleaning ditches, clearing fallen trees, graveling and scraping gravel roads, re-capping and patching pavement, and removing ice and snow. The SPLOST would help provide equipment and materials for repairing and upgrading the road system. Other needs to be covered by the SPLOST are Fire Dept. equipment and fire hydrants. One fire hydrant will cover 2000 ft., 1000 ft. in each direction and homes owners will save a sub-

PATRIOTS

ECONOMY

Patriots traveling back The realities of our State Budget to Washington The senate will be in recess for two weeks working on the budget

Patriots will be attending two Marches and Rallies

By: Sen. Jim Butterworth

The Patriots are going back to Washington, D.C. in April to participate in two massive rallies and marches. The Tax Day March and the 2nd Amendment March. Nighta Davis, Founder of the groups, organized 3 buses for the September 2009 event and is organizing 8 buses that will pick up patriots from many cities in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Georgia counties for passenger pick up: Towns, Union, Gilmer,Pickens,Cherokee, Bartow,White, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall and Franklin. North Carolina cities for passenger pick up: Murphy and Asheville. Approximately 2.2 million

Patriots traveled to Washington to express their concern on 9/11. The Patriots are a group of concerned Americans who feel our freedom and liberties are in jeopardy. They are a civic organization that alerts the public to legislation that would infringe upon their liberty, freedoms and constitutional rights. The Patriots are non partisan and welcome everyone. They offer educational meetings and seminars regarding the constitution, upcoming legislation, etc. If you are interested in participating in a Patriots group, becoming a volunteer or going to Washington for the rallies, call Founder Nighta Davis at 706-896-9021.

Our top priority this session is enacting Contributing Writer policy focused on job creation and economic growth. But there is no debate; the 2011 budget is thebiggest challenge we have. Georgia’s budget is a paramount challenge and the unprecedented nature of the dire situation calls for a focused approach. Gov. Sonny Perdue has proposed a $18.2 billion budget for the Fiscal Year 2010 with a projected 4 percent revenue growth, which some now say may be far too optimistic. It only assumes a $1.35 billion shortfall. Unless revenue collections grow the remainder of the fiscal year, the state will end the year with a $235 million deficit. Therefore, the Senate will be in recess for two weeks, working and focusing on Georgia’s budget. Balancing the budget is our constitutional obligation and it must be done the right way in order to create an economic climate in Georgia that will provide more jobs - our top priority. We are in the process of adjusting FY11 budget back to 2005 revenue levels with approximately 600,000 more Georgians added to our population since then. Due to previous cuts in the 2009 and 2010 budgets, our budget makeSee BUDGET Page 8A

We e k l y We at h e r Fo re c a s t Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

40/16

51/12

54/23

57/ 25

54/29

53/29

Tuesday

46/25

Page 2A

TOWNS SENTINEL February 25, 2010

CA LE N D A R & C O MMU N IT Y Alzheimer's Support Alzheimer’s Support Group for caregivers and family members meet the first Tuesday of each month at 1:30 in the McConnell Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Society meets the second Monday of each month at the Hiawassee Senior Center (beside the Courthouse) at 5:00 pm. For info 706-896-1060, TCHS, PO Box 1182, Hiawassee, GA 30546 www. townshistory.org

Enotah Garden Club

Intermediate Bridge

Enotah Garden Club of Young Harris meets the 3rd Thursday of each month, at 1:45 pm. The meeting will be held at the Young Harris City Hall.

GWRRA MEETS Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month (except December) at Daniel's Steakhouse, Hiawassee, GA. We eat at 11 AM followed by the meeting at 12:00. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-896-7403

Mountain High Hikers Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasional specialty hikes, and regular trail maintaining trips- all in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Chattahoochee-Nantahala Trout Unlimited Chapter 692 Meets the second Thursday of every month at the Cadence Bank,336 Blue Ridge Street in Blairsville, Ga. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. with fly tying instructions beginning at 5 p.m. for both beginning and advanced tiers. For further information call 828-3893016.

Hiwassee River Valley Kennel Club Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Brother's Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.

Towns Co. Historical Society Towns

County

Historical

Location change: Bridge playing is held at the Towns County Recreation Department, on Monday and Fridays at 12:45 p.m. Contact Eden at 706-896-6921 with questions or more information.

Lions Club Meeting The Towns County Lions Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Anderson Music Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Single Parent Support Group Support Group to encourage uplift and change the lives of Moms, Dads and Grandparents who are raising children on there own. Introductory meetings will start every Second Tuesday of the month @ the Mountain Regional Young Harris Library at 6:30 pm. If you have any questions or if you need more information please Contact us at 706-379-9974

Mtn. Community Seniors Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Towns County Seniors Center. We invite and welcome all mountain seniors from Towns and Union Counties. Music, informative speakers, picnics, field trips. The local chapter of the AARP was discontinued in Dec. of 2009. The same fun-loving group still meets but is now called the Mountain Community Seniors.

Bereavement Support Group - Meeting Changes Welcome to a community bereavement support group. A place to share your thoughts and feelings and grow together with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one. First Thursday of every month at United Community Bank, Small Community Room, Blairsville from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will only meet once per month. Facilitator: Suzanne Repp, LCSW. The group is presented by Regency Hospice and is free of charge. Please call 1-800-5778791 or 706-896-1251 for more

The Army and Navy Garrison #66 meets the first Wednesday of each month. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Veterans meeting and Women's Auxiliary begin at 7 p.m. 2641 Hwy 66, Young Harris, Ga ( at the Ga/ NC State Line) Bill Curns, Commander

tion with the Towns County Recreation Department will be offering karate classes in the beginning of February. Sensei Scott Seyler will be teaching a Shudokan karate class. Sensei Scott holds a second degree black belt in Shudokan (Nidan). Shudokan is a traditional Japanese karate good for the mind, body and soul. Shudokan karate is perfect for exercise and self-defense. Sensei Scott has been teaching karate for the past decade. He has produced many AAU champions, and Jr. Olympians. He is Dedicated to his students, and the spread of traditional martial arts. Though Seyler Martial Arts isn't geared toward sport karate we do believe augmenting traditional training with tournament competition. Classes are scheduled for adults and teenagers thirteen and up. If interested you can contact Scott Seyler at 706-896-3786 or towns County Recreation Department at 706896-2600. Sensei Scott looks forward to seeing you there!!!

Towns County Republican Party

Youth explosion doesn't require fire

We meet the first Tuesday of every month at Daniel's Steakhouse at 6:30pm. Guest speakers regularly. Please make plans to attend.

Fellowship of Jesus Christ Apostolic Church at 591 sunnyside rd, Hiawassee, Ga will hold Youth Explosion 2010 at the church on January 30, at 6:00 p.m. Special youth speaker and youth band Any Questions call (706) 896-6435.

information.

Winter Storytime Sept.-March 2010 for Towns & Union Counties @ Mtn.Regional Library, Young Harris 379-3732, Wednesdays 11:00AM. Age open.

Regency Hospice Regency Hospice announces new Men's Morning Coffee Group: New location: Victoria's Bake Shop 2386 Young Harris Hwy. Blairsville, Ga 30512 Dates: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month 10 a.m. to Noon

Army & Navy Garrison #66

Enchanted Squares The Enchanted Valley Square dance the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at the Towns County Elementary Cafeteria from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ray Mauney is our caller.

Animals at the bank Mountain Shelter Humane Society will meet January 28th at the Cadence Bank at 6 p.m.

Prayer meetings

Moonshine mixer

Everyone is welcome and invited to attend! Prayer meeting every Tuesday morning 10 a.m. until service ends at Eagle Wing Deliverance Church and Out Reach Ministries!

Towns County Tourism Association and the Georgia Mountain Fair sponsored the 1st GA Mountain Moonshine Cruize-in car show in August 2009. The show brought approximately 5000 visitors to our area and was a tremendous success. The car show will be back in August 12,13,14, 2010 for three days and the promoter Rakes Parrish will be speaking on Thursday, February 11 at 5:30 PM in the Anderson Music Hall at the fairground. Please plan to attend this important community meeting, as your ideas are very important. If you have any questions, please contact Jane Holland at janehollland@brmemc.net

1591 Fire Tower Rd S.E. Fairmont, GA 30139 Free lunch after service with desert and tea Its time America turns back to much prayer like never before. Matthew: 26:41 Thessalonians: 5:17

and

Our 24-hour prayer line is always open: 706-337-3241 Anytime you would like for me to come to your home or church to ministries Call:706-337-3241 Anytime! Let's all pray for our nation, Soldiers and Leaders.

Martial arts is swift Seyler Martial Arts in conjunc-

Why go out to eat? There will be a free food distribution Tuesday, January 26th, 2010. The distribution will be held at The Towns County Food Pantry

Conservatives should rejoin our democracy By: Jim Fitzgerald Columnist

As I sit in Guam, half the world away from the American South, I realize the power of the internet and satellite television. The political debates in the US are evident even here. After watching Fox News and reading several letters to the editor that were posted online, I am reminded that conservatives continue to present themselves as little more than hysterical children throwing a temper tantrum. Temper tantrums require little more than pique over not getting ones way. They bear little relationship to reason or fact, just anger, pure unadulterated anger. For more than two years, I have been arguing that people who complain about the decline of America should provide specific examples and cease speaking in broad, general terms. As one example of the latter, a recent letter writer sounded the alarm about DC– but offered not one ounce of proof. It was an emotional argument totally lacking reason or common sense. The writer wrote, “Washington has been hijacked by a group of ungodly, self-seeking, antiAmerican’s bent on destroying our country and the Constitution upon which it was formed under God.” The letter went downhill from there. Obviously, Democrats were the tar-

get of this vacuous diatribe. For example, John Adams is quoted It is so easy to rant and rave. as saying: "This would be the best of However, it is another thing entirely all possible worlds if there were no to support such meaningless drivel religion in it." Then we have with concrete examples that a rea- Benjamin Franklin who is quoted as sonable person would agree but- saying: "Lighthouses are more usetresses the complaint. But then, it is ful than churches." Thomas very difficult to study an issue and Jefferson, a Deist, is quoted as sayunderstand its complexity. ing, "Christianity is the most perOne has to wonder who verted system that ever shone on hijacked Washington. Obama was man." These men were not opposed elected by a wide, uncontested mar- to Christianity but they understood gin. His or her constituents duly the evils of merging church and elected every Representative and state. Modern conservatives, espeSenator. A majority of the Senate cially Southern conservatives, seem duly confirmed every Supreme to believe just the opposite. They Court Justice. In seem to forother words, "They seem to forget that the get that the W a s h i n g t o n constitution grants minorities Constitution reflects the elecgrants minorthe same rights..." t o r a t e . ities the same Wa s h i n g t o n rights as the reflects the form of government our majority. Conservatives have all the ancestors thought would be best for earmarks of wanting to force their the country. Is the letter writer sug- views on everyone, an arrogant gesting our ancestors made a terrible stance that defies the basic principles mistake? I suppose the writer wants of our Democracy. So, who is trying to “take back America,” a phrase to hijack the Constitution and pervert often heard from conservatives, but it with their prescription for life? from whom? As for destroying our country, The writer asserts that the the conservative temper tantrums Constitution was founded on and obstructionism appear to be Christian principles. As I have said doing more to cripple this country before, if you look at what some of than anything progressives have our founding fathers said, it becomes done, either now or in the past. Their clear that they were more interested hypocrisy is appalling; too bold to be in freedom of, and from, religion. believed. For example, Sarah Palin

Get involved. Become a fan today at:

rails against government health care, equating it to death panels and big government’s intrusion into our lives. All the while, her grandson, Tripp, is on government health insurance. If she felt so strongly against government-sponsored health insurance, she could surely afford to enroll him in private insurance. Alternatively, consider the conservative congressional representatives who vote against the recovery act and then took credit for funding local projects in their districts. Finally, as I have pointed out before, watch the tea party rail against career politicians while re-electing them. I would suggest that conservatives rejoin our Democracy by realizing that at least half of the country has ideas that are different then conservative views. They should realize that what has prevented a second civil war has been the wisdom of Washington in giving different views a place at the table and melding disparate ideas so that everyone gets something. To demand it all is to destroy the compromises that have made this country the greatest nation on earth. Moreover, they will fail to gain credibility until they are able to better articulate and support their concerns. Until they do, there cannot be an intelligent national discussion that leads to constructive solutions.

from 2pm-6pm. All that are in need of food assistance are encouraged to attend. If you are unable to pick up your food please contact the pantry at 706-896-4783, prior to distribution day so arrangements can be made to deliver your food. All clients and inquiries are confidential.

Camp meeting, no marshmallows From January 31st-February 5th at 6 p.m. Sunday Night-7pm Weeknights. Speakers Rev. Jonathan Ziegler II & Rev. Tommy Bates. Held at North Mt. Zion Church of God, 423 Scataway Rd., Hiawassee, Georgia. For more information call 706-896-3809 or www.northmtzioncog.org

Be brave and berave Welcome to a community bereavement support group! Here you will find a place to share your thoughts and feelings and grow together with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one - This group is presented by Regency Hospice. It is free of charge. For more information, please call 1-800-577-8791 or 706896-1251 and ask for Suzanne Repp, LCSW/Bereavement Counselor, or leave a message on her voicemail. Your phone call will be returned. We meet two times a month in Blairsville, GA. On the 1st Thursday at 4 PM at United Community Bank in Blairsville, GA in the Community Room and the 3rd Thursday at 3:30 PM at Bank of Blairsville in the Community Room to the right of the main entrance.

Learn about theft! The Institute for Continuing Learning at Young Harris College is sponsoring a series of three twohour seminars on Saturdays at 10 am beginning January 23 in the Wilson Lecture Hall on the campus

of the college. The public is invited to attend – the seminars are free of charge and membership in ICL is not required. Rod Springer from United Community Bank will discuss theft, fraud, scams, elder abuse, and banking security on the 23rd. Then on the 30th Robert Hicks, owner of Computer Connection in Hayesville, will talk about Internet security, scams, phishing, and virus protection, and Tom Rothkopf and Ryan Anderson from Blue Ridge Mountain EMC will discuss Internet security, setting up e-mail accounts, changing e-mail addresses, and other services offered by BRMEMC. Finally, on February 6, Jamie Evans from Bank of Hiawassee will discuss all phases of banking security and Kay Lake will wrap up with a discussion on Internet security, including iPhone, Facebook, Twitter, and other “socially friendly” sites. Contact Bob Langenbacher at 706379-2660 for additional information.

Democrat meeting The Towns County Democratic Party meets at 6 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at Crossroads Restaurant. Please call Kim Bailey at 706-994-2727 or 706-896-6747 for further information.

GWRRA Meeting Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association ( GWRRA) meets on the fourth Saturday of each month ( excluding December) at Daniel's Steakhouse, Hiawassee, Ga. Fellowship and good food at 11 a.m. with the meeting commencing at Noon. We welcome riders of all brands of motorcycles and welcome participants of the other GWRRA chapters, For further information please contact Chapter Director: Peg Jones 678-464-7340.

Apply now! Temporary, P/T & F/T positions now available. Census Takers Crew Leaders Crew Leader Assts. Recruiting Assts. Census Clerks

Census jobs offer: 9 Competitive Pay 9 flex hrs up to 40/wk 9 mileage reimbursement 9 work near home

You may qualify if you: 9 are 18 or older 9 have a valid SSN 9 pass a background check 9 take a written test 9 can work up to 40 hrs per week during the day

Call

1-866-861-2010 or visit

www.2010censusjobs.gov

FACEBOOK.COM/NEWSSENTINEL US Census Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer

February 25, 2010 TOWNS SENTINEL

Sentinel

DEBBIE WALKER, Subscriptions/ Circulation

OPINION

A Balanced Budget is Crucial to our economic growth By: Chip Pearson Senator

Halfway through session, the Senate and House have passed a Fiscal Year 2010 Amended budget that takes us to July 1 and has been reduced to $15.5 billion. We’re operating on 23 % less than we were in 2009, and still trying to provide the same level of government service to an evergrowing population. If this isn’t bad enough, the FY11 numbers look even worse. The legislature has decided to recess for 10 days until March 8 to allow lawmakers and budget writers time to grapple with how to balance next year’s budget that could have a more than $1 billion gap. Producing a balanced budget is our constitutional obligation, and with collapsing revenues, it’s going to be a tough job. This is the people’s money we’re spending, and we need to do it right. Our goal is to develop a spending plan that uses every dollar wisely and efficiently. We are in the process of adjusting the FY11 budget back to 2005 revenue levels with approximately 600,000 more Georgians added to our population since then. Due to previous cuts in the 2009 and 2010 budgets, our budget make-up consists of 57% education (K-12 and universities combined), 15% health services, 6% Department of Corrections, 3% for human services (DFCS, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance), and 11% for all other agencies. To say that we have some “tough choices” ahead is a colossal understatement. Some suggest that raising taxes and fees is a simple and quick fix to adjusting revenues. This band-aid approach could not come at a worse time for hardworking families around the state already struggling to make due with less and businesses that are being forced to cut jobs and trim payroll. Creating more jobs and getting people back to work remains our top priority. The best way to turn Georgia’s economy around is to cultivate the right environment for businesses to grow and expand so people can get back to work. The state budget is an important part of that climate, and must focus on less spending, lower taxes, providing business growth incentives and finding government efficiencies to spur

economic development. The national economy is beginning to show signs of stabilization, but we won’t begin to feel the relief in Georgia for a while. Thousands of Georgians are still looking for work amid one of the most severe recessions our state has seen. Permanent job creation is the best catalyst for Georgia’s economic recovery. That recovery also hinges on how we utilize public funds to operate the state. Part of the budgeting process is looking at every area of every agency to analyze where the best efficiencies can be found. In that same vein, I’ve sponsored a bill that will help us look at state dollars spent on growing Georgia’s economy. Funding for economic development projects and programs is scattered throughout state government, and we need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to promote job creation and growth. Senate Bill 374 creates a legislative oversight council to review all state funds and programs associated with economic development. The council will oversee the state’s overall economic development strategy and ensure that funds, policies, programs and regulation are aligned to maximize job creation and business growth. Essentially, we’ll be able to keep our finger on the pulse of economic development throughout the state. There are currently at least five state entities that dispense dollars for economic development, including the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, One Georgia Authority and the University System of Georgia. The council will undertake an annual review of the Department of Economic Development’s activities and expenditures, as well as all related economic development funds and programs in other departments and authorities, to see how they work together to advance the state’s overall strategic vision for Economic Development. As we move through the budget process, we’ll continue to look for conservative solutions that grow our economy. I’m confident that we’ll produce a budget that aligns our efforts to promote job creation so that we can get Georgians back to work as quickly as possible.

Submit your opinion at

Georgiasentinel.com

The Towns Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor. Letter should be typed and no longer than 500 words. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number for verification. Letters that cannot be confirmed with the writer cannot be printed. Mail to: TownSentinel@gmail.com

RANDAL MACCREA, Editor The Towns Sentinel (USPS 015364) is published weekly each Thursday. Subscriptions are $25 a year in Towns County; $45 out of area. Single copy price $.50. Periodical postage paid at Hiawassee, Ga. Call 706-896-6397 to subscribe. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Towns Sentinel P.O. Box 172, Hiawassee, GA 30546

Ask Lulabelle Fairness and Grace

Dear Lula Belle, I have a problem with my brother. He is a trouble maker through and through. He has had a few run-ins with the law and has recently had a D.U.I. Our parents bail him out of his troubles every time. I, on the other hand, have always been a responsible person. I have a steady job, a wife and children. My brother is a loser. He cannot keep a job and he never sees his kids. When me and my wife hit some hard times financially, I asked my father if he would loan me some money until we get back on our feet. My father refused and told me the tough lesson would be good for me. It is a huge double standard. This is totally and completely unfair. It makes me so angry I feel like I will probably beat the crap out of my brother the next time I see him. Am I wrong to feel this angry? – Bothered Brother Dear Brother, No one is ever wrong to feel whatever they are feeling. We are emotional creatures. If you feel

angry, that is O.K. and it is also understandable. Anger is not just one emotion. It comes as an extra value combo meal. Mix a little bit of sadness, a dash of resentment, a pinch of frustration, and a large dose of a sense of unfairness, blend it all together and you get anger. It is what you do with this extraordinary emotion that matters. You could take it out on your brother. Becoming violent is one way to release this feeling. It will give you a temporary yet momentarily satisfying release. However, the emotion will unfortunately creep right back and you will be adding the burden of your consequence if you do indeed hurt him. He could press charges against you. It is illegal to hurt somebody, ya know. Luckily, there is another option here. You can talk to someone about your feelings. (I am serious. Not trying to scare you with mushy words here.) Talk therapy is about the best thing going in my opinion. It is amazing what just openly talking about feelings can do for a person. You can talk to a counselor,

a minister or a good, objective friend. When anger has a hold on you, talking about it tends to release its suffocating grasp. You can turn your other cheek if you would like a religious perspective. Through sincere, heartfelt prayer, you can ask your higher power to take your anger away and replace it with peace. I know it doesn’t seem fair your parents help your brother and not you in your time of need. But who are we really to judge what is fair? It does not seem fair that you are able to be so responsible when your brother has so much trouble keeping his life in order. Life simply is not about keeping a tally of fairness. If we were to really examine our lives, we would plainly see that we have many blessings in our lives which we did not even rightfully earn. This is called grace. Instead of focusing on how angry you are, focus on the grace and don’t make me see you in the police blotter. Dear Lula Belle, My daughter wants her belly button pierced for her sixteenth birthday. I think it would be all right but my husband does not. It is not like it is permanent. If at any time she does not like it, all she’ll have to do is take it out and it will heal up good as new. This is not like a tattoo which she will always have to live with. I promised my husband I would write

CORRECTIONS If you find a mistake of fact in the Towns Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call 706-896-6397, fax 706-896-7036 or e-mail townsentinel@ gmail.com ADVERTISEMENTS In case of errors, the Towns Sentinel is responsible only for the cost of the actual advertisement. Customers are encouraged to check their advertisements the first week of run. In case of errors, the Towns Sentinel will not credit advertisements for more than one week.

you and ask what your opinion is. He says he loves you and will do whatever you say. Please, please, for our daughter’s happiness, say yes! I love you too, by the way. –Big Fan Dear Big Fan, Thanks for trying to sugar coat me. You almost made me want to throw caution to the wind and say I think body piercings are so darn cute on teenagers. I must tell you I think your daughter is really lucky to have such a protective father in her life. Not every girl has a father who cares. That in itself is a gift. I am a simple girl who believes the only attractive piercings are the ones in each earlobe of a woman. I am not judging others who pierce their lips, nose, eyebrows, tongue, belly button and places where the sun don’t shine. If folks want to look like a freak show, it is none of my business. But since you asked me to my opinion, I’ll tell you what: I can think of a million better birthday gifts for a sixteen year old. When she becomes an adult and still wants some bling in her belly button, then it is her decision. For now, let her stay Daddy’s girl a little while longer. Need Advice? Ask Lula Belle by sending your questions to: asklulabelle@windstream.net or mail them to: P.O. Box 311, Cleveland, GA 30528.

EDITOR’S INBOX

In Response to Jim Fitzgeralds 2.11.10 Column

Editor: I'd like to respond to Mr. Fitzgerald's February 11th column. Although he plays the old " blame game" ( much like sibling toddlers when spilled Kool Aid is found) and some of his comments are illogical ( Obama's plunging approval rating is NOT the fault of the Tea Party). He is entirely correct that Senators Chambliss and Issakson need to go. But so does Obama. Pelosi, Reid, McConnell and a lot of others. I add that I am not a ember of the Tea Party and don't want to be. But many do the sediments accurately reflect he dissatisfactions of the American people. And it's not just the Feds at Fault, please see the final paragraph below. So, Mr. Fitzgerald, I invite you to " man up" on a non-partisan basis and understand that Obama's biggest shortcoming currently is that no one trusts him/ And he ( the same guy who is the middle of his State of the Union address said "Let's try common sense." just doesn't get it. Americans want jobs,- JOBS- not the further humongous deficit the result of health care " reform". Even Jesse Jackson is telling him this. And to quote Bill Clinton, " It's the economy, stupid!" And Mr. Fitzgerald, while you in your February 11th column were quick to parse Bill CLinton and disparage George W. Busk, the absolute fact is that Obama's budgetary deficit is the largest of all time. Furthermore, his economic theory of " because we're in debt we need to go further indent to get out of bet," is like saying " we're deep in quicksand, but let's go deeper to see if we can hit solid ground." Mr. Fitzgerald, while I am not a Tea Party ember, I accept your challenge to suggest a meaningful long-tern solution and invite you to share eight us any concrete, non-rhetorical, non-partisan ideas you may have had. Please note, sir, that many of my thoughts coincide with the ones expressed in your February 11th column. So here's my proposal for a possible solution for some of the nonsense going on in Washington: &RQVWLWXWLRQDOO\ LPSRVHG WHUP OLPLWV IRU 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV DQG Senators. (There are, via the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution. already Constitutionally-imposed term limits for Presidents; so there is a Constitutional precedent for imposing term limits on members of Congress). Six elected terms of 2 years. Two elected terms of 6 years each for Senators equals 12 years. That would return power to where it belongs: with the people, and take it away from the entrenched

Where did our sense of personal responsibility go? I'm afraid that our sense of personal responsibility in this great country of ours has evaporated in the minds of many citizens, as evidenced by our craze for consumer debt, the mood of consumerism (promoted by our gum't) and lack of savings. When misfortune strikes we always look out side of self to lay the blame, always someone with deep pockets!! I lay most of this at the feet of the "Ad Men", the pervasive bombardment of our sensibilities by endless advertising urging us to "call now", "hurry" or voices yelling "limited time offer" and intimidating statements like,"what are you waiting for"? I have discovered two wonderful buttons on my TV remote, the Mute and Off buttons! The AD Men are people that make a career out of cleverly shaping our thought processes. They are employed by all businesses, politicians, credit card companies etc. to bend our thoughts to their will. You may be way under water on your credit card but your feelings are soothed by statements that absolve you

The Towns Sentinel is in the 11th year of publication.

RAINER ARNOLD, Sports

LETTERS WELCOME

Page 3A

from responsibily like "it's not your fault". Logically then the next step is for the government to bail you out or to magically negotiate your debt down to pennies on the dollar. Instead of knuckling down and working for the things we desire many people have developed a "jackpot mentality" looking for a quick fix in the form of a large cash settlement from lawsuits or winning at the gambling table or lottery or handouts from that bottomless pit called government!! I am old enough to remember quite a bit about the "dirty thirties". People in that day and time were proud, self sufficient people who helped their neighbors, who fed "bums" that traveled the country riding in box cars, who would harvest the crops of a farmer who was ill who would be at your door with food and clothing if the breadwinner was ill, but would never consider turning to the "gumt" for a hand out! We are infested today with people that make a career out of milking the "gumt" from cradle to grave. We have developed into a

special interests and lobbyists and their incumbent Congressional puppets. ( Via re-election money. which equals influence.) And I dare say that if our current elected officials in Washington oppose this idea. let's vote them out of office NOW. And don't let those pompous officials tell us that then they'd lose their self-proclaimed important and valuable committee positions where upon we. the constants, would suffer, because there would always be a turnover and all would be bound by those term limits. Finally , ( a) if a politician tells you that he / she is a liar and ( b) if a lobbyist or special interest organization tells you that its number one priority is not to get its guy/gal re-elected, that's an even bigger lie. If theirs elected officials can't look out for the people who employ them, then let's let them , via our votes, beam unemployed, party affiliation, race, gender, etc.. notwithstanding. But, here's a welcome breath of fresh air: Republican U.S. Scott Brown ( he very recently replaced the late Democrat Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts, a Senate seat held by the Kennedy family for decades) has told the Republican Minority leaders that they won't always be able to count on his vote strict party lines, but he rather will listen to his constituents and his own perception of what's right and what;s wrong. What a novel idea! Think Obama, Pelosi, Reid, McConnell and others will do likewise? As Mr. Fitzgerald said in his February 11th column, ( but only in speaking out against Republicans and not at all likewise against democrats a part of this snafu)" … do not hold your breath! But let;s leave Washington for moment and, as Mr. Fitzgerald suggests, focus on Georgia for a moment. What's wrong with this picture? I recently heard an assistant school superintendent ( not from Towns County) justify a Las Vegas trip fro school administrators by saying, " It's not the state or local funding, it's federal money." Where does she think those funds came from? You and me! Look, I'm all for money for education, but for hard costs like teacher's salaries and supplies, not soft costs (like an excuse for non-classroom personnel to party and play big shot.) Thank you for the opportunity to be heard. I hope others will kiwis contribute their thoughts, because we all need ti be involved. -Claudos G. Spears

nation with a Champagne appetite on a Beer budget. I call this the Californianizing of the nation. California is a great state but the people have voted for all manner of government spending yet refuse to vote for the taxes to pay for it. As a consequence the state is bankrupt and I expect them to be at the door of the federal government begging for a bail out! We no longer have any sense of what the socialologists like to call "deferred gratification" instead it is all "instant gratification"!! Our federal government has taken us down this same path to where we as a nation are bankrupt as well, we just haven't admitted it yet. When half the people of this nation get the idea that they don't have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and the remaining half get the idea that it does no good to work because someone else is going reap the benefit of their labors; that my dear friend is the beginning of the end of the nation!! Respectfully submitted Gordon Held MD

Page 4A

TOWNS SENTINEL February 25, 2010

C O MMU N IT Y

"Catch em" being good

Mountain Christian Ashram 2010 Retreat The Mountain Christian Ashram planning committee is busy finalizing details for the 2010 retreat to be held June 18-20 at Young Harris College and Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, Georgia. Mr. James Wilson, Director of MCA and resident of Marietta, GA announces that Rev. Dr. Stuart Greene, Senior Pastor at Sugarloaf UMC in Duluth will be the weekend evangelist. Dr. Greene earned degrees from Reinhardt College, Huntingdon College and Doctor of Divinity at Emory University. He was the founding pastor of Mountain View UMC in Marietta and served as national President of the United Methodist Council on Evangelism from 1977-2001.

Greene received the Circuit Rider Award from the UMC, one of 12 given each year to pastors in the United States for effectiveness in Ministry. He is the past president of the Reinhardt College Board of Governors and the Reinhardt College Ministerial Association. Sunday, June 20th, Dr. Greene will preach both morning services at Sharp UMC on the campus of Young Harris College. Mountain Christian Ashram is a Christ-centered ministry. It is a retreat where barriers of race, age, class and title are broken. It is here that obstacles of fear, worry, anxiety, and emptiness are shattered. E. Stanley Jones was elected bishop in the UMC and resigned to go to India as a Christian

Missionary. There he became familiar with the concept of their Ashram. The word “Ashram� is from Sanskrit and means “retreat from hard work.� The Indians have Ashram retreats where they meet to study holy men in their Hindu religion. Jones Christianized their program and in 1940 brought the ministry to the United States. Young Harris College has hosted the MCA for more than 20 years. It is sponsored by the Board On Global Ministries and sanctioned by the Gainesville District of the United Methodist Church. The Christian Ashram is worldwide and interdenominational. For more details, please go to our web-site: www. MountainChristianAshram.org.

Contributed Photo

Back Row: L-R: Kennedi Henson, Aidan Berrong, Holly Griffiths, Alyson Dayton, Kyle Oakes, Dillon Barrett Front Row: L-R: Will Moyer and Jozie King

Creation of New Economic Towns County Fire Report

Development Council Passes Senate

The Georgia State Senate today voted in favor of creating an economic development council of state lawmakers to evaluate all state-funded activities that support Georgia’s economic development strategy. Chairman Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) of the Senate Economic Development Committee will carry Senate Bill 374, which has the strong support of the Lt. Governor. “As stewards of taxpayer dollars, it’s our responsibility to ensure that money used for economic development is utilized effectively to promote job creation and growth,� said Sen. Pearson. “The council is an important tool to align our efforts on a coordinated economic development strategy that will increase efficiencies and encourage job creation.�

The council will be comprised of Senate and House legislators and will be charged with reviewing current goals, tax exemptions and credits, as well as the Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) activities and expenditures and other entities. The council will also analyze legislative proposals relating to economic development, as well as researching legislation and policies from other states. In conjunction with the GDEcD, the council must provide an annual report to the governor detailing the state’s programs and activities related to job creation and economic development in Georgia. Currently, economic development initiatives are scattered throughout the budget and across agencies. A sound economic development strategy will gener-

ate new opportunities and make Georgia an attractive business destination. Additionally, an ongoing review of state rules, regulations and red tape will further position the state as a prime location for growing businesses. “The Legislative Economic Development Council will provide a forum to empower the General Assembly to work together in looking at the state’s overall economic development strategy and making sure that the money, the policies, the programs and rules are all aligned in order to maximize job creation and business growth in Georgia. Senator Pearson has been a strong leader on this issue and a tireless advocate for economic development and I thank him for his efforts on this bill,� said Lt Governor Casey Cagle.

Does your business need more

exposure?

02/16/2010 00:06 R-1            Hwy 75 N       Auto Accident          02:12 R-2            Y/H College      Medical 02/17/2010 13:58 R-1            Chatuge Circle   Medical 02/18/2010 08:30 R-2            Marshall Rd      Medical          08:47 R-1            Big Sky Dr      Medical          11:01 R-1            Cresent Dr      Medical 02/19/2010 13:17 R-1             Upper Bell Crk.  Medical          16:21 R-2            Ashland Cove    Co2 Alarm          21:43 R-1            Lakeview Dr     Medical 02/20/2010 14:53 E-6,T-1          Clay Co        Mutual Aid / Fire

CITY OF YOUNG HARRIS CALLED MEETING - MARCH 2, 2010 A meeting has been called by the Mayor and City Council of Young Harris to discuss the Commissioner’s proposed SPLOST plan. The meeting will be held in the Council Room of City Hall located at 5187 Maple Street on Tuesday, March 2nd at 6:30 P.M. The Regular Meeting will follow. -Shirley

Jarrard City Clerk/Finance Officer

Advertise Here - Call 706.896.6397

Now Accepting Patients in Blairsville! Neurologist Shaena Blevins, MD, of Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Neurology, is now accepting patients in two locations: BLAIRSVILLE 77 Weaver Road, Suite B Blairsville, GA 30512 Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. GAINESVILLE 1315 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Suite 300 Gainesville, GA 30501 Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 770-219-6520 to schedule appointments.

Shaena B levins, M Georgia P D hysic

Northeast

ians Group

www.ngp g.org

With a combined experience of 84 years in tax preparation and an individual average of 6 years each, the TAXAIDES are prepared to complete your return in almost any individual tax situation. We do have some limits imposed by AARP, such as no Preachers and no Farmers. But generally we can prepare most individual returns we are asked to prepare. The locations and times of preparation are: BLAIRSVILLE – TUE and THURS 9 AM – 2 PM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BLDG H And HIAWASSEE – MONDAY 9 AM – 2 PM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEXT TO THE GA MOUNT FAIR GRND Please bring last year’s tax return and all your normal tax information and include the real estate tax paid in 2009 and information on any new car or home you purchased.

Neurology

www.ngp g.org

Free Tax Help

The AARP TAXAIDE sites in Blairsville and Hiawassee are open and in full operation preparing your tax return and EFILING your return for FREE. This service is open to all ages and is designed for middle and low income tax payers.

Public Notice The City of Young Harris Planning Commission will hold their monthly meeting Thursday, February 24, 2010, at 4:00 P.M.in the Council Room of Young Harris City Hall located at 5187 Maple Street.

Page 5A

TOWNS SENTINEL February 25, 2010

& 2 008 1 ,7 <

Isakson and Chambliss declared hypocrites Both voted against Economic Recovery Act bill, yet lobbied for stimulus funds behind closed doors

0DUNLQJ WKH RQH \HDU DQQLYHUVDU\ RI WKH $PHULFDQ 5HFRYHU\ DQG 5HLQYHVWPHQW $FW WKH 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ RI *HRUJLD FDOOV DWWHQWLRQ WR WKH K\SRFULV\ RI 6HQDWRU 6D[E\ &KDPEOLVV DQG 6HQDWRU -RKQQ\ ,VDNVRQ ZKR YRWHG DJDLQVW WKH $FW EXW SULYDWHO\ OREELHG IRU VWLPXOXV IXQGV ,Q VHSDUDWH SUHVV UHOHDVHV ODVW )HEUXDU\ 6HQDWRU ,VDNVRQ

FODLPHG WKDW WKH 5HFRYHU\ $FW ZDV DQ H[DPSOH RI ´WKURZLQJ PRQH\ DW WKH V\PSWRPVµ RI WKH UHFHVVLRQ ZKLOH 6HQDWRU &KDPEOLVV VDLG LW ZDV SURRI WKDW ´:DVKLQJWRQ LV PRUH FRQFHUQHG ZLWK SHW SURMHFWV WKDQ ZLWK WKH ZHOIDUH RI WD[SD\HUV µ +RZHYHU ERWK VHQDWRUV ODWHU WULHG WR VWHHU PLOOLRQ LQ VWLPXOXV PRQH\ IRU D ELR HQHUJ\

SURMHFW LQ 7LIWRQ D SURMHFW WKDW ERWK VHQDWRUV YRWHG DJDLQVW ZLWK WKH 5HFRYHU\ $FW 7KH $PHULFDQ 5HFRYHU\ DQG 5HLQYHVWPHQW $FW DOORFDWHV IHGHUDO PRQH\ IRU QXPHURXV SURMHFWV WKDW EHQHILW *HRUJLD LQFOXGLQJ )LQDQFLDO DLG IRU QHHG EDVHG VWXGHQWV DW PDMRU XQLYHUVLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI

S.A.F.E Column 8VH QDWXUDO DQG ORJLFDO FRQVHTXHQFHV WR WHDFK DERXW FRQVHTXHQFHV RI EHKDYLRUV 8VH WKHP LPPHGLDWHO\ DIWHU WKH PLVEHKDYLRU ([DPSOHV $ FKLOG EUHDNV D WR\ DQG GRHVQ·W JHW DQRWKHU RQH $ FKLOG FRORUV WKH ZDOO DQG KDV WR FOHDQ LW XS 7DNH DZD\ VRPH SULYLOHJHV DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH FKLOGUHQ·V DJHV )RU H[DPSOH $JH )LJKWV UHSHDWHGO\ LQ WKH VDQGER[ 6WRSV JRLQJ WR WKH SOD\JURXQG $JH 'URSV VLVWHU·V GROO LQ WKH WRLOHW &DQ·W SOD\ ZLWK VLVWHU·V WR\V $JH 6SLWV RQ ROGHU EURWKHU 1R VWRULHV DW EHGWLPH $JH 5LSV XS D VLEOLQJ·V SX]]OH 6WD\V LQGRRUV ZKLOH VLEOLQJ SOD\V RXWVLGH $JH 7DONV EDFN WR SDUHQWV 'RHVQ·W ZDWFK IDYRULWH 79 VKRZ 6 $ ) ( ·V 9LROHQFH 3UHYHQWLRQ 3URJUDP KDV PDQ\ HGXFDWLRQDO UHVHDUFK EDVHG SURJUDPV WDLORUHG WR PHHW WKH QHHGV

RI RXU FRPPXQLW\ PHPEHUV 2XU DGXOW SURJUDPV LQFOXGH $GXOWV DQG &KLOGUHQ 7RJHWKHU $&7 $JDLQVW 9LROHQFH 6WRS ,W 1RZ *HRUJLD 'DUNQHVV WR /LJKW DQG WKH 0HQ·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

5 Ways to Landscape without going broke By: Robert N. Brewer, Jr. Contributing Writer

'R \RX ZDQW WR KDYH WKH ´\DUG RI WKH PRQWKµ EXW GRQ·W ZDQW WR EX\ DOO WKRVH ODQGVFDSLQJ PDWHULDOV DQG ZDVWH UHVRXUFHV" +HUH DUH ZD\V WR VDYH VRPH JUHHQ DQG VWLOO EH JUHHQ -RLQ D JDUGHQ FOXE :DQW IUHH SODQW FXWWLQJV" 7KHQ VZDS \RXUV ZLWK RWKHU ORFDO JDUGHQHUV DQG VKDUH WKHLU FRVW FXWWLQJ VHFUHWV $OVR FRQVLGHU VWDUWLQJ RU MRLQLQJ \RXU DUHD·V :LOG 2QHV 1DWXUDO /DQGVFDSHUV /WG FKDSWHU D JURXS WKDW UHVFXHV QDWLYH SODQWV IURP EXLOGLQJ DQG URDG FRQVWUXFWLRQ VLWHV ZZZ IRU ZLOG RUJ $GRSW

Christ mas

1 0DLQ 6WUHHW +LDZDVVHH *$

ALWAYS

Year Round Christmas and Fine Collectables

www.alwayschristmas.com Mon.-­Sat. 10am-­5pm

HQFH OHYHOV -HDQQLH KDV D %DFKHORUV 'HJUHH LQ (GXFDWLRQ DQG KHDOWK VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ 3K\VLFDO (GXFDWLRQ 6KH KDV RYHU \HDUV RI DHURELF SHUVRQDO WUDLQLQJ JURXS H[HUFLVH WUDLQLQJ DQG FRDFKLQJ H[SHULHQFH &ODVVHV ZLOO EH KHOG 7XHVGD\ V DQG 7KXUVGD\ V IURP S P RQ WKH PDLQ IORRU RI WKH 5HFUHDWLRQ &HQWHU 7KH FRVW LV

&UXGH RLO FORVHG DW LWV KLJKHVW SULFH LQ ILYH ZHHNV DPLG FRQFHUQV IXWXUH JDVROLQH VXSSOLHV PD\ WLJKWHQ LQ UHVSRQVH WR DQ RQJRLQJ VWULNH E\ 7RWDO 6 $ )UHQFK UHILQHU\ ZRUNHUV WKDW EHJDQ :HGQHVGD\ )HE 7KH ORFDO XQLRQ DOVR FDOOHG IRU VWULNHV DW SHU FODVV &OLHQWV FDQ SD\ ([[RQ 0RELO &RUS ·V SODQWV LQ E\ WKH PRQWK DQG UHFHLYH D FODVV 1RUPDQG\ DQG 6RXWKHUQ )UDQFH IUHH &RPH DQG EH D SDUW RI WKLV WR EHJLQ 7XHVGD\ )HE KRZDQQXDO WUDGLWLRQV HYHU QRWKLQJ KDV EHHQ FRQILUPHG ´'HSHQGLQJ RQ KRZ ORQJ WKH VWULNH LQ )UDQFH ODVWV LW FRXOG

Since 1949—

W.N.C. Marble & Granite

Dance Classes Register Now!

www.americaninhomeblinds.com

“Ballet”, “Tap”, “Jazz” and MORE! Ages 3 to Adult, Beginner to Expert

Brasstown Dance Academy Now Accepting New Students 706-379-2651

1034<RXU &RPSOHWH :LQGRZ 7UHDWPHQW 6WRUH Young Harris Hwy (Hwy 76E) Blairsville, GA 30512 (706) 745-1020 www.americanhomeblinds.com

)UHH (VWLPDWHV Young Harris Hwy., Blairsville

BENNY’S Sanitation Residential and Commercial Garbage Service 706-896-2573

Tugaloo Home Health Agency

KB HEALTH Technology, Inc. Private Pay and Insurance Services Personal Care and Respite Celebrating 21 Years

BRASSTOWN MANOR

Your ad here!

1RUWK 0DLQ 6WUHHW +LDZDVVHH *$

Call 389-8338

Jacky Jones

706-896-4285 ZZZ EUDVVWRZQ PDQRU FRP

CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH DODGE JEEP

+D\HVYLOOH 1&

Law Office

Friends Moving Company

of Gayle Graziano

&ULPLQDO 'HIHQVH )DPLO\ /DZ Wills and Probates

+LDZDVVHH

HIAWASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The “Come As You Are” Church

706 896-2818 & 706 896-3678 Fax 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO ««««««« $0 :RUVKLS 6HUYLFH ««««« $0 1XUVHU\ 3URYLGHG $GXOW %LEOH 6WXG\ :HGQHVGD\ $0

::: 07135(6 25*

$$ 0HHWV +HUH

Mossy Bottoms Cafe 1620 Hwy 76 W Hiawassee, GA 706-896-0553

706-896-6222

<RXQJ +DUULV +Z\ +Z\ . 7UDYLV $GDPV 0LQLVWHU

Subject to our liberal credit policy and limitations, if any.

EULWWDQGFDSUL#ZLQGVWUHDP QHW

5HVLGHQWLDO DQG &RPPHUFLDO Local and Long Distance 706-896-7720

Georgia Licensed Medicaid Agency also providing:

%OXH 5LGJH 6W %ODLUVYLOOH

Britt & Capri

Women’s Boutique

'HÀQLQJ 4XDOLW\ RI /LIH Independent and Assisted Living +Z\ 8QLW +LDZDVVHH *$ ZZZ DPHGLV\V FRP

1<0(; DW D EDUUHO 7KH QDWLRQDO DYHUDJH SULFH RI XQOHDGHG UHJXODU JDVROLQH LV SHU JDOORQ DQG 7HQQHVVHH·V DYHUDJH SULFH LV SHU JDOORQ ERWK UHIOHFWLQJ D WZR FHQW LQFUHDVH IURP ODVW ZHHN *HRUJLD·V DYHUDJH SULFH RI LQFUHDVHG E\ ILYH FHQWV LQ WKH SDVW ZHHN DQG )ORULGD·V DYHUDJH SULFH RI LQFUHDVHG WKUHH FHQWV UHVSHFWLYHO\

Strut’s Shoe Store

1374 US Hwy, 76E - Hiawassee GA

294 Old State Road Marble, N.C. Buy Monuments—Direct 1-800-621-1279

VKRUWHQ IXWXUH VXSSOLHV DW WKH VDPH WLPH GHPDQG VWDUWV WR SLFN XS LQ WKH FRPLQJ PRQWKV µ VDLG -HVVLFD %UDG\ $$$ SXEOLF UHODWLRQV VSHFLDOLVW ´:H VDZ UHWDLO JDVROLQH SULFHV LQFK XS VOLJKWO\ LQ WKH ODWWHU KDOI RI ODVW ZHHN DQG LW·V YHU\ OLNHO\ ZH ZLOO VHH SULFHV FRQWLQXH WR LQFUHDVH LQ WKH FRPLQJ ZHHN µ &UXGH RLO FORVHG RQ WKH 1HZ <RUN 0HUFDQWLOH ([FKDQJH

706-896-2002

On US 76 on the hill across from the EMC in Young Harris

+XPPLQJELUG /DQH +LDZDVVHH *HRUJLD GHVWLQL#DORKDZHOOQHVV RUJ

WKHP XS LQWR ILUHZRRG 5HGXFH \RXU ODZQ VL]H 5HGXFH WKH DPRXQW RI JUDVV \RX KDYH WR PRZ E\ FUHDWLQJ ODUJHU SODQW EHGV LQVWHDG <RX·OO VDYH H[SHQVLYH JDV RU HOHFWULFLW\ DQG WKH HQYLURQPHQW ZLOO WKDQN \RX IRU UHGXFLQJ WKH XVH RI IHUWLOL]HUV DQG SRWHQWLDOO\ KDUPIXO SHVWLFLGHV 'RQ·W IHHO EDG IRU WKH QHLJKERUKRRG NLG WKDW HDUQV PRQH\ PRZLQJ ODZQV ² SXW KLP WR ZRUN SODQWLQJ IORZHUV 3D\ IRU OHVV ZDWHU &ROOHFW IUHH UDLQZDWHU LQ ODUJH EDUUHOV 3ODFH WKHP DW WKH ERWWRP RI GRZQVSRXWV DQG ZDWHU \RXU SODQWV ZLWK WKH ERXQW\ 2U EULQJ \RXU JDUGHQ ULJKW WR WKH VRXUFH 'LJ D VKDOORZ SLW WR IHHW DURXQG DW WKH EDVH RI \RXU GRZQVSRXW 3ODQW 1HZ (QJODQG DVWHU UHG PLONZHHG JD\IHDWKHU DQG QRGGLQJ ZLOG RQLRQ DPRQJ URFN IRUPDWLRQV WR FDWFK WKH UXQRII

Men - Women - Children Come in and browse: Jewlery, Socks, Tees, Handbags, & Belts

Aloha Wellness Look good and feel even better! 706-­896-­3300 2I¿FH 706-­896-­1050 -­ Fax

WKHVH RUSKDQV DQG WUDQVSODQW WKHP LQ \RXU RZQ EHGV 6WUHWFK \RXU SHUHQQLDO EXGJHW 6SOLW FOXPSV RI \RXU PDWXUH SHUHQQLDO SODQWV WR PDNH DQ LQH[SHQVLYH JURXQG FRYHU 5HSODQW WKH GLYLVLRQV WR HQMR\ PRUH VXPPHU EORRPV 7KLV QHDW WULFN DOVR ZRUNV ZHOO ZLWK SHRQLHV EODFN H\HG 6XVDQ·V $XWXPQ -R\ VHGXPV DQG PRUH )LQG IUHH PXOFK <RXU WRZQ PD\ KDYH D FRPSRVW IDFLOLW\ WKDW DFFHSWV JUDVV FOLSSLQJV DQG WUHH SUXQLQJV &KHFN WKH VLWH IUHTXHQWO\ IRU IUHH KDUGZRRG FKLS PXOFK ULFK FRPSRVWHG VRLO DQG GLVFDUGHG WUHHV 7UHH VWXPSV FDQ EH XVHG DV SODQW VWDQGV DQG ZKHQ WKH\·YH VHUYHG WKHLU GXW\ VSOLW

IRU WKHP EHKLQG FORVHG GRRUV µ VDLG -DQH .LGG FKDLU RI WKH 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ RI *HRUJLD ´7KH\ FRQWLQXH WR SOD\ :DVKLQJWRQ JDPHV ZLWK RXU VWDWH·V IXWXUH µ

Gas Price overview

Aerobics classes with Coach Stephens %HJLQQLQJ 7XHVGD\ 0DUFK QG -HDQQLH /HGIRUG 6WHSKHQV ZLOO EULQJ KHU FKDOOHQJLQJ IXQ PRWLYDWLRQDO DQG VXSSRUWLYH DHURELF FODVVHV EDFN WR 7RZQV &RXQW\ 5HFUHDWLRQDO 'HSDUWPHQW *\P &ODVVHV DUH D KLJK HQHUJ\ PL[ RI VWHS ERG\ WRQLQJ ZHLJKW WUDLQLQJ FDUGLR WUDLQLQJ FLUFXLW WUDLQLQJ NLFN ER[LQJ \RJD SLODWHV DQG VWUHWFK 7KHVH FODVVHV DUH IRU $// ILWQHVV DQG H[SHUL-

7HDFKHU UHWHQWLRQ DQG KLULQJ LQ WKH FRXQWLHV RI &ODUNH DQG +DQFRFN DPRQJ RWKHUV 8SNHHS RQ WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LQFOXGLQJ EULGJH FRQVWUXFWLRQ DQG UHSODFHPHQW WKURXJKRXW WKH VWDWH ´6HQDWRUV &KDPEOLVV DQG ,VDNVRQ KDYH FDOOHG WKH 5HFRYHU\ $FW ZDVWHIXO \HW DJUHH WKDW WKHVH IXQGV EHQHILW RXU VWDWH E\ DVNLQJ

Extension Tips

A Lesson in proper child discipline

7KH GLVFLSOLQH PHWKRGV \RX XVH ZLWK \RXU FKLOGUHQ VKRXOG EH DFFRUGLQJ WR WKHLU DJHV DQG VWDJHV RI GHYHORSPHQW &KLOGUHQ IURP ELUWK WR \HDUV ROG $OZD\V VXSHUYLVH \RXU FKLOGUHQ 6WRS GLIILFXOW EHKDYLRU ZLWK D FOHDU DQG ILUP YRLFH 'LVWUDFW \RXU FKLOGUHQ ZLWK RWKHU WKLQJV &KLOGUHQ IURP WR \HDUV ROG ([SODLQ UHSHDWHGO\ \RXU UXOHV DQG WKH H[SHFWHG EHKDYLRUV *LYH RQH FRPPDQG DW D WLPH XVH FOHDU YRLFH DQG NHHS LW VKRUW ,JQRUH EHKDYLRUV WKDW DUH QRW GDQJHURXV 'LVWUDFW FKLOGUHQ ZLWK VRPHWKLQJ GLIIHUHQW 8VH ´ZKHQµ DQG ´WKHQµ QRW DV D WKUHDW 8VH WLPH RXW WR FDOP FKLOGUHQ GRZQ 8VH PLQXWH IRU HDFK \HDU RI DJH ,JQRUH WKH FKLOGUHQ LQ WLPH RXW

*HRUJLD *HRUJLD 7HFK (PRU\ 8QLYHUVLW\ *HRUJLD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ DQG RWKHUV 3XUFKDVH RI YHKLFOHV RU LQFUHDVHG WHFKQRORJ\ IRU SROLFH LQ WKH FRXQWLHV RI &RIIHH )RUV\WK *ZLQQHWW :DOWRQ :KLWILHOG DQG WKH FLWLHV RI $FZRUWK 'XEOLQ )RUHVW 3DUN +HOHQ 0DFRQ 0RXOWULH 3RZGHU 6SULQJV DQG 7LIWRQ DPRQJ RWKHUV

Sunday School . . . . 9:30 AM Worship Service . . . 10:45 AM Wed. Bible Study . . 6:00 PM

Senior Pastor Jim Blair Director of Music and Worship Hope Horkavy

Praise God Together With Us! P. O. Box 609 Hiawassee, GA 30546

1139 US Highway 76, West “ On the Hill “ www.hiawasseeumc.org

Dust Bunnies

+RXUO\ 5DWHV 2IÀ FH &OHDQLQJ 0RYH ,Q 0RYH 2XWV 678-697-3276 TURPIN’S WRECKER SERVICE Local & Long Distance Towing Light & Heavy Duty Towing 706-896-4138 828-389-0832 (NC) Available 24/7

Page 6A TOWNS SENTINEL

February 25th, 2010

L O CA L

Tributes

Towns County Arrest Report February 6th - February 24th 02/07/10 David Baron Burrell, of Blairsville, GA, DOB 11/04/84 arrested for driving under the influence of; failure to maintain; driving while H V. Nathan Christopher Rose, of Hayesville, NC, DOB 12/28/75 arrested for public drunkenness; open container/passenger area of. 02/08/10 Amber Sue Burrell, of Blairsville, GA, DOB 10/14/81 arrested for driving on roadways land for; driving under the influence of. 02/09/10 Michael Leroy Dills, of Hiawassee, GA, DOB 07/13/58 arrested for 48 hours to serve jail time 02/10/10 Daniel Roy McGaha, of Young Harris, GA, DOB 10/22/81 arrested for public drunkenness Jason Matthew Phillips, of Hiawassee, GA, DOB 02/28/83 arrested

02/11/10 Joy Demarieous Lawler, Winston, GA, DOB 12/30/67 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs-1st offense; license to be carried & exhibited on demand; drugs to be kept in original container; possession, manna, disturb., etc. of control subs. or maja;penile ( 2 counts). Rigoberto Vega Salcido, of Hiawassee, GA, DOB 06/23/68 arrested Enrique Jonathan Trejo, of Hiawassee, GA, DOB 01/27/82 arrested for license required. 02/12/10 James Eugene Crisp, of Andrews, NC, DOB 10/14/74 arrested for DUI/Drugs; driving wehile license suspense or revoked. Stevenson Weston Croft, of Charlotte, NC, DOB 04/15/84 arrested Greg Mosds, of Hayesville, NC, DOB 06/13/76 arrested for possession, manna, disturb, etc. of control, subs. or maja, penal (2 counts); possession of marijuanamisdemeanor; possession & use

of drug re-lated objects; driving on roadways land for traffic. 02/13/10 Phillip Emmett McCurdy, of Hiawassee, GA, DOB 04/27/54 arrested Daniel Scott Carver, of Hiawassee, GA, DOB 08/10/63 arrested for terroristic threats and acts Katherine rimy Cook, of Gainesville, GA, DOB 07/13/56 arrested for traffic in cocaine, illegal drug or marijuana, penalties; possession, manna, disturb, etc of control subs or maja; penal. Debroah Kay Smith, of Jackson, GA, DOB 10.02/54 arrested for simple battery 02/14/10 Stevenson Weston Croft, of Charlotte, NC, DOB 04/15/84 arrested for 48 hours to serve jail time Paris Andrew Nichols, of Hiawassee, GA, DOB 03/08/68 arrested for speeding-35 zone, 15-19 over; driving while license suspended.

Rick Perkins Honor Bestowed on Walt Dundore

Walt Dundore, Computer ,QIRUPDWLRQ 6\VWHPV &,6 instructor at North Georgia Technical College, has earned the honor of competing with other top instructors in the Technical College System of *HRUJLD 7&6* IRU WKH 5LFN 3HUNLQV $ZDUG IRU ([FHOOHQFH LQ 7HFKQLFDO (GXFDWLRQ LQ 0DUFK This award is the technical college equivalent to “teacher of the year.� Four other instructors were also considered for the 2010 award including Alex Bladowski in Culinary Arts, Angie Cowart in Applied Business Technology, Dorothy Hansen in General Studies, and Ruth King in Work%DVHG 6WXG\ DQG (FRQRPLF Development programs. The Rick Perkins Award for ([FHOOHQFH LQ 7HFKQLFDO

nominated are worthy contenders and we are proud to have Walt represent us at the state level.â€? Dundore holds a BA from 3LHGPRQW &ROOHJH LQ (QJOLVK with a minor in Computer Science. Recently he completed his MS in Computer Information Systems from Columbus State University. As an instructor, he searches and devises a variety of motivational techniques for his students. For example, he created a competition for extra credit points in which students had to Instruction has been an ongoing study a local business situation statewide event since 1991 and is and propose a viable solution. In designed to recognize technical addition, he was instrumental in college instructors who make creating the flagship student significant contributions to tech- helpdesk which harnesses the nical education through innova- power of his the CIS students by tion and leadership in their fields. essentially apprenticing them to Formerly known as the the IT staff at the college. “It is Commissioner’s Award of the epitome of hands-on training ([FHOOHQFH WKH DZDUG ZDV which is the hallmark of technirenamed in honor and memory of cal training,â€? he said. “We have such a great pool Thomas “Rickâ€? Perkins, an of teachers here,â€? Walt said. instructor at West Central “I’m just humbled to be singled Technical College, who received out for this award.â€? His wife, the Commissioner’s Award of Fran, who was recently named ([FHOOHQFH SULRU WR KLV XQWLPHO\ Teacher of the Year at Stephens death. “I had the privilege of work- County, understands completely. ing with Rick Perkins several “He will be a great ambassador years ago, and this award is for the school,â€? she asserted. indeed an honor,â€? noted Steve Walt and Fran live in Habersham Dougherty, North Georgia County with their two daughters, Technical College President. Jenna and Ansley. ´(DFK RI RXU IDFXOW\ PHPEHUV

Helping the Food Pantry

John Frank Abernathy

John Frank Abernathy, age 43, of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, February 18, 2010 at his residence. He was a native of Towns County, GA but had lived his entire life in Cherokee County, NC. John was the son of Retheal Bell Abernathy of Murphy, NC and the late Paul Burnell Abernathy. -RKQ HQMR\HG ÀVKLQJ KXQWLQJ and working on cars. He worked as a cook for Murphy Medical Center and John C. Campbell Folk School. John delivered furniture for Bell-

view Home Furnishings and HeiligMyers Furniture. He was a member of the River Valley Baptist Church. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by two brothers, Tim Abernathy and Gregory Abernathy. He is survived by in addition to his mother; two sons, Justin Abernathy and Jeremy Abernathy both RI $QGUHZV 1& ÀYH VLVWHUV (YD Abernathy of Murphy, NC, Paula Abernathy of Hendersonville, NC, Brenda Abernathy of Maryville, TN,

J.B. Nichols

Mr. J.B. Nichols age 94, of Young Harris, GA passed away on Friday, February 19, 2010 at his residence. He was born to the late Doc and Ora (OOHU 1LFKROV RQ -XO\ LQ Tate City, GA; He was preceded in death by a sister, Velma Ree Kendall and a brother, James Willis Nichols. He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Mrs. Lattie Belle Nichols, Of Young Harris, GA; one niece, Barbara Goolsby, of Monticello, GA; two nephews, Jerry Kendall and Dennis Nichols, both of Young Harris, GA; and a number of grand nieces and nephews also survive. Mr. Nichols was an active member of the GA Mountain Fair for 41 years, In-

stumental in setting up the Pioneer Village at the GA Mountain Fair, a lifetime member of Lions Club, Member of the DAV and American Legion, a deacon at Woods Grove Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher and also served on the Build-

My name is Kara Mejia‌.. and what do I love?... What am I passionate about?‌.. Food‌ Whole Food‌ Food that feeds the greatest gift I have been given‌my body. The vehicle that must carry me throughout all my days and depending on how I care for it will greatly determine how productive I am, how long I have, and how much JOY I am able to experience. After personally changing the quality of foods I chose to eat to overcome my own debilitating LOOQHVV \HDUV DJR LW KDV EHFRPH my passion to share my experience with others so they may realize the same. A Natural

Health Advocate (A person who believes that we are Naturally supposed to be healthy and to live a life free of chronic pain, LOOQHVV DQG GLV HDVH , LQVSLUH RWKers to take control of their health and their own condition with delicious whole foods recipes and basic body care. After much success in Clay County I am very excited about being able to now share my passion with the folks of Towns and Union County’s. New to the scene, I hope that over the coming weeks and months I am able to impart on you the reader some great information that will inspire you to return to whole foods as a

Linda Abernathy of Cleveland, TN and Mary Abernathy of Murphy, NC; two brothers, Bryan Abernathy of Murphy, NC and Mark Abernathy of Cleveland, TN and several nieces and nephews. No Funeral Services are planned at this time. You may send tributes to the John Frank Abernathy family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ing Committee at Woods Grove Baptist Church. He was a recipient of Melvin Jones Fellow in 1993. Funeral services were on Monday, February 22, 2010 at 2:00 PM from Woods Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Darryl Dale and Rev. Larry 7UXORYH RIĂ€FLDWLQJ 0XVLFLDQV ZHUH Mary Lou Connell, Kevin Kendall, Larry and Marilyn Berrong. Pallbearers were: Bennie Connell, Morris Neal, Scott Neal, J.D. Ledford, Dan Trulove and Wade Nichols. Interment will be in the Woods Grove Baptist Church cemetery. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.

Let me introduce myself...

key ingredient to a life free of dis-ease. If you living a life hampered with pain and medication or are just interested in the deliciousness that is whole foods look for me “Cooking with Karaâ€? Beginning March 1st I will be ORFDWHG EHKLQG WKH ([LW 5HDOW\ RQ Rt. 76 in Hiawassee in the old “Let’s get Cooking locationâ€? Take a moment and please stop by to introduce yourselves. I will be offering free mini-cooking demonstrations during the week and full cooking classes on Saturdays throughout the coming months. Until then, I’ll look forZDUG WR PHHWLQJ \RXÂŤ(QMR\

Announcing Camp Neverland By Popular request, Robbie Deruehl, Children's Director, will produce and direct "Peter Pan Our Way" as the show for this summer's Hiawassee Performing Arts Camp, June 14th thru the 27th. The camp had tremendous success with its productions of the " Little Mermaid Our Way"

in 2008 and " Alice in Wonderland Our Way" in 2009. The story will have unique twists and turns incorporated by Robbie, and many musical surprises. Children will enjoy classes of singing, dancing, acting and art in week one, and spend week two rehearsing for 2 shows at the end of the camp, complete with

costumes,lighting and misc. FKLOGUHQ IURP \HDUV thru 13 years will be accepted. Auditions for Pan, pirates, ,Mermaids, fairies, indians, etc. will be held on Saturday, March 27th at the Towns County Recreation Center from 1 - 3 p.m. For more information call Robbie Deruehl 706-897-1041.

Towns County Student of the Month

Contributed Photo

This week Unicoi Masonic Lodge and Hiawassee Eastern Star Chapter pitched in at the Towns County Food Pantry. Pictured (L to R) are James Hooper, Shirley Stallings, Frances Shook, Ralph Grady and Chris Swett. Organizations wishing to schedule a day to help at the Food Pantry should call 706-896-4783.

Towns County High School would like to congratulate our February Student of the Month, Cody Partin, on a job well done. Cody has been active in football, golf, wrestling and FBLA. He is currently a member of United Community Bank’s Junior Board of Directors. Cody’s future plans include attending Valdosta State and becoming an athletic trainer.

CLASSIFIEDS

Reminder:

Place your ad in our classifieds and reach thousands of North Georgia readers. Cost is only $5 for the first 10 words for one week in Union, Towns and Fannin Counties. Call (828) 389-8338

Subscribe to the Sentinel

Deadline for classifieds is Monday at 3 p.m. All classifieds received after this time will be printed the following Thursday. 200 - Employment Store Manager Kerr Drug has an immediate opening for a Store Manager in our Hayesville, NC location. Full-time position with benefits. Management experience preferred, retail experience required. Please fax resume to (828) 236-3328. Attn: Dennis Seeney RV Campground Host Needed for Hiawassee. Must be able to do light chores Call Robbie 706-897-1041 CNA’s needed for Cherokee and Clay County. Please call Helen @ (828) 835-8147

300 - For Sale Seasoned firewood for sale: $55 a load, delivered. 706-7817590 For Sale 1996 Kubota 1700 Tractor, only 383 hours, excellent condition.4 ft. Finish Mower, small garden plow. 706-8963548 Dining Table with 4 chairs, Early American Maple, Clean, excellent condition. Oval table with Drop leafs measures 42� x 63� $225.00 Call 706-896-3383

400 - Animals Free beagle to good home 678-520-2863

500 - Services Professional Remodeling. All

Georgia Gold Buyers Trusted Since 1976

Now Open to the Public In our NEW LOCATION in Hiawassee Get all the CASH for YOUR GOLD & SILVER

Be Smart Sell your GOLD & Silver where the Gold Buyer’s Sell Eliminate the Middle-Man and GET ALL THE MONEY! Now Paying the Highest Prices Ever! We Buy Jewelry In Any Condition Coins Silver - Gold - US or Foreign Watches Wristwatches - Pocket Watches Open Daily Georgia Gold Buyers 375 N Main St. Hiawassee, GA 1-877-465-3919 Next t0 Georgia Mountain Restaurant

“Drive a Little... and Get a Whole Lot More�

types of remodel, and /or repair. Wood work, sheetrock, plumbing, electrical, flooring, etc. Call Richard at 706-851-6268 Meow Meals on Wheels. Joy/ Glen. $15 per visit- your home; 706-896-9521. A and R Landscape Residential and Commercial Lawn Care. Plant, tur f and grassing, lot clean-up, mulching and retaining walls. 706-994-2457 Tile installer your tile or mine, 26 years experience have references and liability insurance. Ask for Don at 828-389-9394 D&L Painting & drywall INC. 1BJOUJOH 4UBJOJOH *OUFSJPS t &YUFSJPS t 3FTJEFOUJBM t $PNNFSDJBM %3:8"-- )BOH t 'JOJTI t 5FYUVSF all types of finishes & textures 100% Quality Driven. Free Estimates cell: 828-508-5270 office(1): 828-321-2111 office(2): 828-479-4052 Housing Crisis hitting home? Payments straining your wallet? Call 877-835-8904 to lower your Mortgage payments. Walker Storage Corner of Old Highway 64 West and West Cherry Road. Convenient to Warne, NC. and Western Clay County. Variety of sizes. Concrete block Construction 828-389-4926 Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Will baby sit your child or children: Any age. Reasonable rates.References available. Call 706-299-1614

700 - Miscellaneous Paying cash for gold! Rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.In most cases, paying at least DOUBLE what any pawn shop will pay. Gold tested, weighed and you are paid on the spot! 706-896-1380We buy junk, wrecked, rusted old cars and trucks. Call George 706-455-1129

800 - Wanted

just sitting around gathering dust? Donate old iPods and computers, even if they don’t work anymore, to Harrison by contacting hkeely@gmail.com. Wanted : Old Pinball Machines, Electro-mechanical, Call 828-389-6459

900 - Lost & Found Black and white Australian Shepherd lost on Gum Log near county line. Bob tail dog, no collar, male. Please call 706-8978150 or 706-781-3974.

990 - Real Estate Investment Property near YH College? 3 BR Brick House , remodeled on 1.24 acres in city limits. City water & sewer. Located below Elementary School. $195,000.00 Steve 201-315-9818

1000 - Rentals 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath partially furnished home, Lakeview, Hwy 175 $850.00 per month. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath $450.00 per month. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath furnished $35.00 per month. References and Security deposit required. 828-507-1617 Property Rental: Lakefront on Lake Chatuge 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Trailer, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Guest house. Screen porch, Deck and Dock. Unfurnished. $600 a month + Security deposit. Call 706-896-7668 BEAUTIFUL CREEK FRONT CABIN – 2 Bedroom, 1 bath cabin on rush-

AD Your classified advertisement will be seen in 4LGML 3MULQ ?LB %?LLGL Counties all for one low price (828) 389-8338

ing creek just minutes from marina and downtown Hiawassee. Very private, end of lane location. Updated kitchen, hardwoods throughout and large wood burning fireplace in great room. Being offered fully furnished, or will consider offering unfurnished or partially furnished if desired. Must have references and good credit. Small pet ok with pet deposit. Prefer year lease, but will consider 6 month lease with good references. Call Scott at 404-5422152. $675.00/mo. plus 1 month security. FOR RENT – 2 BR/2.5 BA, Mountain Home w/ long range views. LR, eat-in Kit., Appliances & W/D, Wood burning fireplace., carport, deck, & shed. $700.00 month. 706-897-1734 NEW NAME, NEW DEALS! NOW Renting 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 2 Bedroom, 1 1/2 Bath from $475 to $595, includes all appliances, free water and trash disposal. NO steps and Pet friendly. Ridgeline Apartments, 3346 Highway 64 East, Hayesville, NC. 828-389-1545 Small lake house on Lake Chatuge with dock. 2BR/1BA, partialy furnished, $600 plus deposit. Annual lease, no smoking, no pets. Valerie 404-849-9010. Available January 9th. 1 BR, 1 1/2 BA Large Duplex Apt. + Bonus Room in Blairsville. Flp., jacuzzi, custom kitchen. $550/ mo. + deposit. 706-745-2297 or 770-7122107 Mobile Home for Rent Two bedroom, one bath Mobile Home for rent in Hiawassee, Ga.,$125 per week or $400 per month, plus $200 Deposit. No Pets. Call 706-835-6561

SENTINEL NEWSGROUP (828) 389 - 8338

Have any old Mac/Apple products

VERTISE

Local Subscriptions in

g3MULQ "MSLRW g4LGML "MSLRW g%?LLGL "MSLRW

only $25 / year 706-896-6397

Hughes Pool & Stone Carries a full line of Landscaping products including: t 0BL $ZQSFTT 3FE BOE #SPXO .VMDI t #SPXO 8IJUF BOE (SBZ %FDPSBUJWF 1FB (SBWFM t 4UBOEBSE (SBZ (SBWFM BOE 3JQ 3BQ t 8IJUF 4BOE BOE 3JWFS 3PDL Located behind Downtown Pizza in Murphy on Church St.

Call (828) 837-6222

Complete Piano Tuning $100

Moving away in a few weeks, Call before it’s too late! (832) 239 2644

The following positions are available

0853+< 0(',&$/ &(17(5 ‡ 0HG 6XUJ 51 37 30 $0 ‡ 0HG 6XUJ 51 37 $0 30 ‡ 0HG 6XUJ 51 )7 $0 30 ‡,&8 51 )7 30 $0 ‡ &HQWHU IRU :RPHQ¡V +HDOWK 0HGLFDO $VVLVWDQW )7 'D\V ‡ 3K\VLFLDQV 6HUYLFHV 5HLPEXUVHPHQW 6SHFLDOLVW )7 ‡ 0XUSK\ *URXS 3UDFWLFH 51 )7

0853+< 0(',&$/ &(17(5 1856,1* +20( ‡ 51 /31 $OO 6KLIWV 7R DSSO\ JR WR ZZZ PXUSK\PHGLFDO RUJ DQG FOLFN RQ HPSOR\PHQW WR XVH RXU HOHFWURQLF DSSOLFDWLRQ V\VWHP 3DSHU DSSOLFDWLRQV ZLOO QR ORQJHU EH DFFHSWHG +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV 'HSDUWPHQW 0XUSK\ 0HGLFDO &HQWHU (DVW 86 $OW 0XUSK\ 1&

Page 8A

TOWNS SENTINEL February 25, 2010

C O MMU N IT Y Fire: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " When the team found no source for the fire on the first search, the decision was made to reenter the house. Henry found a small fire in a downstairs wall and quickly

attacked the spot. Within seconds a blast occurred, sending a fireball rocketing through the home, propelling a firefighter onto the lawn surrounded by fire. The blast shot out of the home’s doorways and within minutes the entire 4,000 square feet home was engulfed in flames. The fire department then determined the structure was unsafe to reenter and the home was declared a total loss. One firefight-

er was treated and released from Murphy Medical Center. Bailey reviewed photos and critiqued the fire with members of the department Monday afternoon. Studying the unusual behavior of the fire and the resulting events could assist professional associations nationwide in providing safety training, those familiar with the local incident said.

nominees. The top twelve were named and then the four finalists from this group were announced. They are Kimberly Combs who lives in Marietta, Lori Lesher who lives in Cleveland, Mariah Holbrooks who lives in Cornelia, and Brian Jones who lives in Clarkesville. These four will engage in yet one more round of interviews, this time with representatives from the professional community including Chamber of Commerce representatives. The winner will be announced at the February 25th meeting of the Rotary Club of Habersham and will then advance to represent NGTC at the region level which will be held March 17th. Also nominated for 2010 GOAL consideration were Roderick Wood in Cosmetology, Angelica Blackburn in Medical

Assisting, Brian Dodd in Industrial Systems Technology, Glinda Pilling in Medical Assisting, Robbie Turner in Practical Nursing, Roman Rider in Welding and Joining, Jeffrey Bennett in Air Conditioning, Michael Mays in Turf & Golf Course Management, and Stevi Clack in Commercial Photography. GOAL candidates are nominated by an instructor and must carry at least a 3.0 GPA with a 2.0 in the Work Ethics category. “This was an exceptional group of students this year,” noted event organizer Trudy Ayers. “Seven of the entrants were carrying a 4.0 GPA.” For more information on programs of study at North Georgia Technical College, www.northgatech.edu or call 706-754-7700.

Budget:

Force of top business and economic experts around the state, are working toward identifying wasteful government spending while protecting vital areas such as education and public safety. It is a long process that must allow every idea and avenue to be laid on the table for discussion. Our state’s future is too important to rush through this budget and not identify common-sense, fiscally responsible solutions that will move Georgia toward a prosperous and bright tomorrow. While the budget is the top challenge, our top priority must be job creation and economic growth for Georgia. The national economy is beginning to show signs of stabilization, but we won’t begin to feel the relief in Georgia for a while. Thousands of Georgians are still looking for work amid one of the most severe recessions our state has seen. The best way to turn Georgia’s economy around is to cultivate the right environment for businesses to grow and expand so people can get back to work. Permanent job creation is the best catalyst for Georgia’s economic recovery. We must continue our conservative leadership of less spending,

lower taxes, providing business growth incentives and finding government efficiencies to spur economic development. Conservative leadership in Georgia has a proven record of reducing inefficiencies, while increasing investments in those limited areas where state government has a fiscal responsibility – particularly education. However, as I’ve noted, this is increasingly more difficult when education is 57 percent of the overall state budget. As this budget process continues, I will continue to work with my colleagues in finding conservative solutions to growing our economy and reducing our state budget. We must continue to evaluate the role of government in our daily lives and how to get government out of the way to let the citizens of Georgia grow and prosper. Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate. ga.gov.

SPLOST:

applied for to upgrade the library in Hiawassee. This $100,000 from property tax would be replaced by SPLOST with some funding going to upgrade the equipment and Young Harris library. The remaining payments on the jail of $488,478 and $40,000 fencing request would be paid from SPLOST instead of property tax. Creation of jobs through Infrastructure, sewer and expansion of Industrial Park is a much needed project. If there is no SPLOST some of the projects would have to be funded by property tax and some would have to remain on hold. Kendall stated another property tax savings of over 2 million dollars through a property tax cut could be made over the life of the SPLOST. The

SPLOST would be a tax shift from what would have to be paid by property tax to being paid by the SPLOST. A high percentage of the SPLOST would be paid by non residents and tourist visiting our county. When Towns County citizens go to other counties such as Clayton in Rabun County, Cleveland in White County, Blairsville in Union County as well as most other counties and cities, we help fund their city and county projects, but those coming to Towns County do not help with Towns County, Hiawassee and Young Harris needy projects.

GOAL: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

Rosheenah Oglesby in Medical Assisting, Tim McMichen in Commercial Photography, and Lori Lesher in Practical Nursing. “I am always incredibly impressed with the quality of our students and their many accomplishments,” said NGTC President Steve Dougherty. “These that we honor here tonight are the ones who will take up their place in industry and entrepreneurship, leading our communities as we come out of the economic crisis.” At a special GOAL Banquet, all of the students can identify where the hidden leaks received certificates and lapel are. Computer software can be used pins recognizing them as GOAL to create an energy model of the structure to help them calculate the best ways to save energy for that specific building. There is also a need for radon remediation. Home inspections often uncover unhealthy levels of radon in our local homes, and this can stand in the way of a sale. Study areas outside your field. Understanding how all the systems of a building work together is very important for everyone working on green projects. It can also put you ahead of the line for re-employment, and you will be more proud of your work. There are many other possibilities. Maybe you are ingenious enough to discover a new way to help people reduce energy costs. The next column will be about Radon, a radioactive gas in our buildings. Richard C. MacCrea is the director of The Greening of Andrews Valley, a program of Andrews Valley Initiative. He works in the field of t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " energy efficient, green building. up consists of 57 percent education (k-12 & universities combined), 15 percent health services, 6 percent Department of Corrections, 3 percent for human services (DFCS, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and 11 percent for all other Agencies. To say we have some “tough choices” ahead is a colossal understatement. The 2011 budget may very well have to go beyond the appropriations process and statutory changes may have to be considered. Some suggest that raising taxes and fees is a simple and quick fix to adjusting revenues. This band-aid approach could not come at worse time for hard-working families around the state already struggling to make due with less and businesses that are being forced to cut jobs and trim payroll. It is paramount we take time to go over every area of every agency to analyze where the best efficiencies can be found. Our Senate budget team, alongside our Budget Task

The Green Column #004 Green jobs created through education

By: Richard C. MacCrea Andrews Valley Initiative rmaccrea@mountainhomeshow.com

In order for the green movement to create jobs, a long bridge must be crossed, that of education. Local green builders deal with a lack of training among their workers. Organizations like the Southern Appalachian Sustainable Building Council and local builders associations have approached local high schools and community colleges about creating green building programs. The schools are interested in helping people fit into the local job market. But the colleges have a valid concern. Setting up a program like this, organizing a curriculum, and hiring teachers is all very expensive. What if they build it and no one comes? They need to see an interest in taking these courses. Are you a laid off construction worker? Are you tired of watching TV reruns? Can you invest some of this time learning about green building? Is there financial aid for your job training? Research on line, ask the employment office, the local colleges.

Meanwhile do your own self education. The Internet has a mountain of information. If you are not on line, do your research for free at the library. Start on these web sites: buildingscience.com, southface.org, healthybuilthomes.org. epa.gov/ greenbuilding/, and usgbc.org. Research phrases like green construction, energy efficient buildings, etc. There are many promising fields in green construction: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) systems consume more energy in our buildings than anything else. Learning how to design and install more efficient systems could help people reduce their cost of living while keeping them more comfortable. Insulation installers are key to making buildings efficient. There is a huge need to bring older buildings up to standard. This is our largest potential for reducing energy consumption. Many times the energy savings can pay for the improvements. Energy raters are trained experts at finding ways to reduce energy loss. They might pressure test the building and its HVAC system for leaks. Thermal imaging photography

t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " stantial amount on their fire insurance. Ambulances for the Emergency Medical Services would be purchased by SPLOST instead of with property tax. We must have good dependable ambulances stated Kendall – a breakdown in a faulty ambulance could cost a life in delaying time getting to the hospital. Minutes and seconds save lives in some emergencies. The county has committed $100,000 funding from property tax to match a $900,000 State grant

&NFSHFODZ CJDZDMF SFQBJS DMBTT Blairsville Bikes & Boards Thursday evening April 1st. 7 PM The class is free and will be approx. 1 ½ hours long. Topics covered will be basic bicycle repairs for trail or road, like fixing a flat, broken chain, minor brake & shifter adjustments, and a proactive pre-ride check over. The necessary tools you will need & how to use them. So you will hope-

fully never have to push your bike out. For more info call the shop @ 706 745 8141 Or stop by @ 49 Blue Ridge St. Blairsville GA. Located in historic downtown Bring your bike if you like (optional) & and what ever beverage you want to drink. Coffee & Soft Drinks are available at the shop. SABA member & supporter offering 10% discounts to SABA members

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.