The Paper July 12 Edition

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SPORTS: Ryan Helms ready to dive into life, 1D

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THURSDAY, july 12, 2012

Decision on furloughs expected Monday Jackson County employees are no doubt eagerly awaiting the July 16 meeting of the Board of Commissioners to see whether the final three scheduled furlough days of the year will be eliminated.

County Manager Kevin Poe is recommending furlough days scheduled for October, November and December be eliminated. He made his case at the July 2 work session that employees could use morale boost and the economic picture of the county is better, although he cautions that a close eye must still be kept on the county’s fiscal matters.

Chairman Hunter Bicknell said commissioners would likely take the recommendation.

The board will convene at 6 p.m. on Monday in the grand jury assembly room of the

Jackson County Courthouse, and will also consider: ■ Whether or not to allow newly elected or newly hired employees working in the tax commissioner’s office to participate in the State’s retirement plan (ERS).

■ Approval of an agreement with Peace Place, Inc. to provide community services for qualifying citizens of Jackson County for $10,000 a year.

■ Authorization of the chairman to execute the lease renewal with Advantage Behavioral Health Systems for the property located at 383 General Jackson Drive in Jefferson, GA. ■ Approval of an agreement with the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County to provide community services for the qualifying

citizens of Jackson County for the annual sum of $10,000.

■ Authorization of the Community Services Contract with Food Bank of Northeast Georgia to provide services for the qualifying citizens of Jackson County for $15,000.

■ Authorization of an agreement between the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) and Jackson County for the transportation of senior citizens for FY2013.

■ Authorization of the contract with LESCO Restorations for construction of an industrial classroom at the Jackson County Campus of Lanier Technical College.

■ Approval of the reduction in the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph on the unincorporated portion of Wayne Poultry Road from Hwy. 129 to Bonnie Valentine Way.

■ Awarding the contract to Pittman Construction Company for the resurfacing of approximately 18 miles of county roadway as part of the County’s SPLOST 5 road and bridge improvement project.

■ Authorization of a bid award for the installation of wooden pasture fencing on Zion Church Road to the lowest qualified bidder, North Jackson Contractors, at $40,750.

■ Authorization of an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Jefferson for the SR 82 – Airport Road Realignment and East Jefferson By-Pass Phase I project.

■ Authorization for purchase of a 2012 fire truck in the amount not to exceed $321,594.21.

Repayment of the lease purchase will be made by the Maysville Area Volunteer Fire Department directly to SunTrust Bank.

It’s Better – and sweeter The Paper receives – in downtown Braselton General Excellence top honors and more

LeAnne Akin The Paper

The Independence Day celebration in Braselton meant lots of sweet treats – from the homemade ice cream dipped up and served from New Liberty UMC’s float which was enjoyed by Makayla Lockridge and Brooke Wilson – to candy tossed out along the parade route to funnel cakes at the festival. Rachel Gee, who celebrated her first birthday on July 3, was decked in red-white and blue. She was also sporting blue on her lips after enjoying one of the suckers thrown from the parade participants. See more parade and festival scenes on Page 5A and online.

The Paper of Braselton, Chateau Elan and Hoschton was judged the best among Georgia’s smaller weekly newspaper and awarded first place for the General Excellence in Division I. Winners in the Georgia Press Association Better Newspaper Contest were honored for their outstanding achievements in newspaper journalism on Saturday, July 7, at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort during the 126th annual convention and the first-ever Southeastern Press Convention alongside press associations from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Awards were given in nine divisions based on newspaper circulation figures, and The Paper competed with weekly newspapers with circulation of 15,000 or more and all media associate members.

In addition to first place in General Excellence, The Paper also took first place honors for Local News Coverage.

“It is certainly gratifying to be recognized by the Georgia Press Association as the best newspaper of our size in the state. While we are proud of that accomplishment, what is more important to us is the support we receive from our readers and advertisers,” said Publisher Dennis Stockton.

Former Sports Editor Matt Mauney collected a number of recognitions for his sports-related work. The Paper earned first-place honors for its Sports Section.

Judges said, “Nice layout, and great presentation. I love the volleyball photo – full of action. There’s plenty of variety and loads of information, all packaged very nicely. It’s very smoothing to the eye.”

The 2011 Prep Football Preview was the first-place winner in the Special Issues category. The Paper’s “Why We Remember” special section for 9/11 took secondplace honors.

In the Sports Writing category, Mauney took top honors. About his first-place entries, judges said, “Matt, I truly like your writing style. It’s concise and says so much in not that many words. The ‘Inspirational Touch’ story was truly compelling.

Keep up the great work.” Mauney is keeping up that work in his new position with a newspaper in Plant City, Fla. In addition, Mauney was also awarded second place for Best Photo Gallery on a Newspaper Web site. He also received second-place honors in the Sports Feature Photograph category.

Freelance photographer Graham Robson received a third-place finish for Sports Photography.

Other honors were also received for Religion Coverage, Lifestyle Coverage and in Hard News and Feature Writing.

Former staff writer Katie Dunn, who is now working in Virginia, earned firstplace honors for Religion Coverage.

Editor LeAnne Akin received second-place recognition for Education Coverage and third-place honors for Hard News Writing and Feature Writing. The Paper also took second place in Headline Writing and for Editorial Page in its division.

“Our goal each week is to provide a top quality, professionally produced newspaper to serve the communities of Braselton, Hoschton, Chateau Elan and portions of Jackson County. Our editor, LeAnne Akin, has decades of experience in community journalism, and understands how much a newspaper can mean to the community it serves,” said Stockton.

“We are proud of The Paper, and proud of the fact that we have become the news and information source that those we serve depend on,” said Stockton.

Renegotiating the Local Option Sales Tax as the clock is ticking

10-point margin separates county, cities on LOST

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com Jackson County and its municipalities are working to slice the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) pie, and the initial proposals by the sides are separated by just more than 10 percent.

Somewhere between the two current proposals will be a solution to be settled upon or the process will move into binding arbitration with a judge deciding the LOST divvy.

LOST is designed to give a tax rollback to property owners and to serve as a source of operating funds for cities and counties. State law requires counties and cities to develop a formula by which the collected tax revenues are distributed and this year’s renegotiation lays out eight criteria on which distribution can be factored. Those criteria are Central

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Business District, population, existing service delivery responsibilities, effect of the change in lost revenue on the government’s ability to fund its debt service, point of sale, intergovernmental agreements, tax equity and service delivery and funding strategy.

On June 19, the opening of the renegotiations began at the Jackson County Fire Training Center with County Manager Kevin Poe inviting all municipalities to open talks. All cities were represented at that session during which Poe explained the county’s contention that population, tax digest and general fund expenditures are three criteria which “most accurately reflects how the LOST should be distributed.”

The Jackson County proposal calls for 63.33 percent of the collections to go to the county with the remaining 36.67 percent being split between the cities.

Volume 6, Number 36 6A Forum Obituaries 4A Pastor’s Pen 4A Puzzles 3D Sports 1-2D

Phil Sutton of Sutton Consulting is representing the nine municipalities of Jackson County. He made the presentation at the July 2 meeting, the second gathering on the LOST issue, that seeks 46.8 percent for the cities with the county receiving 53.2 percent.

Currently, the distribution, agreed upon in a July 29, 2002 document, is 62.33 percent going to the county and the cities sharing the remaining 37.67 percent. That split is based primarily on population.

“Qualified municipalities” are eligible to receive LOST proceeds and each city’s legal counsel has been requested to provide a letter confirming the city’s qualifying status.

The county’s position The county contends city residents are receiving a higher per capita LOST benefit than

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unincorporated residents since they receive a double tax revenue advantage compared to those in the unincorporated area. According to Poe, city residents reap a $220 LOST benefit compared to the $88 enjoyed by those in the unincorporated area.

“Over the past 10 years, the cities in Jackson County and their residents have been able to take advantage of getting a double benefit from the LOST, a shirt of service delivery burden to the county through the service delivery agreement required by House Bill 489 and a deviation from a pure population formula in 2002 in favor of the cities in the order that they could balance the distribution of LOST funds more evenly amongst all the cities,” says the county’s assertion. The adjustment of 1.39 percent toward the cities

See RENEGOTIATIONS, page 2A

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Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Braselton council approves budget, rejecting 10% cut

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com Citing a general concern for the overall economy, Mayor Orr presented a motion to reduce the Fiscal Year 2013 budget by 10 percent with the cuts to be made at the discretion of Town Manager/ Clerk Jennifer Dees.

That would have Dees shaving more than $255,000 from the proposed budget.

With compromise, the council approved the budget, which began July 1,with $65,000 in reductions.

Council member Peggy Slappey, who seconded the motion for the sake of discussion, said some tightening of the belt may be in order but a 10 percent reduction appeared to be too “aggressive.”

Asked what she would do to trim the budget which is based on anticipated revenues of $3.2 million -- a 5 percent increase -- and expenditures of $2.6 million, representing at 3 percent increase, Dees said she didn’t know what she would do. A 3 percent pay increase for employees is included in the budget.

Closure of the Braselton Library and reduction of the police force were among the cuts Dees said would be on the table. Road repairs would be delayed to next year.

Dees also said a significant re-

duction in force would be anticipated and departments with only one or two employees could basically be gutted.

Orr said he preferred sacrificing projects over personnel. Dees said she was unsure what other project besides roadwork would be cut but the Town Green project cannot be eliminated.

Slappey said she was disturbed at the proposal and would like to see spending maintained at the 2012 level.

In an effort to reach a compromise, Councilman Richard Mayberry asked about a 2 percent reduction.

Councilman Tony Funari said a good bit of time has been invested into development of the budget and suggested a delay in final consideration to be sure “the right budget” was approved.

Councilman Dudley Ray noted the 10 percent budget reduction was almost a kick in the head.

It was noted the sales tax projections in the budget are “extremely conservative,” suggesting that revenues could indeed be higher than budgeted. Dees anticipates Braselton will see a substantial increase in Local Option Sales Tax revenues. LOST renegotiations are currently under way for cities and counties to determine how sales tax collected for property tax relief and to provide general fund

dollars to counties and cities will be divvied up.

Based on a population share of Hall County LOST revenue, Braselton could expect $376,200 a year although the budget shows only half that amount in anticipated revenues. Proceeds from Barrow are expected to more than double to $80,000 and LOST funds from Jackson County should also grow as should those from Gwinnett County.

Funari suggested a look at the council’s wish list of projects developed at its annual retreat. The project list included technology upgrades related to the town’s website and a downtown study to identify how to better enhance downtown with parking and expanding the needed tenant base.

Also proposed was an emergency notification system after concerns when a tornado was projected to hit the town and citizens said they felt ill-informed.

While there remain some financial unknowns, Orr withdrew his motion and countered with a move to eliminate a total of $65,000 earmarked for technology, the emergency notification system and the downtown study. Dees said that move would not have a significant detrimental impact on town services. Should revenues exceed expectations, those eliminated projects could be pursued.

RENEGOTIATIONS from page 1A

Next meeting between parties to iron out an agreement will be held July 26 since 2002 “resulted in a shift of over $1,000,000 of revenue in favor of the cities,” the county’s proposal maintains.

“For all these reasons, Jackson County feels that a 1 percent increase in the LOST distribution formula from 62.33 percent to 63.33 percent is both reasonable and justified,” the county’s proposal says.

Poe also maintains the county’s overall population increase has increased the demand on mandated services, and any reduction in the county’s LOST distribution will have a negative impact on the general fund and the ability to meet debt service payments on the significant infrastructure which serves all residents of the county, especially the courthouse and jail. Debt payments also exist on projects designed to stimulate countywide economic development.

The county’s general fund expenditures make up 69.7 percent of the total general fund expenditure countywide, and the 45 percent population increase of the past decade brought a significant increase in service demand, especially for transportation, court services, health and welfare and public safety. To accommodate that growth, the county built a new courthouse, senior center, health department and jail, and improved and built numerous roads. Longterm debt was incurred for the new infrastructure that benefits all residents.

Commission Chairman Hunter Bicknell reminds that much of the county’s expenditures are for mandated services. “We don’t have the option to spend what we are spending,” he said.

Related to the tax digest, the county considers that share a reliable measure on the infrastructure requiring services and the unincorporated area contains 58.5 percent of the tax digest. Cities have been able to annex valuable industrial property to substantially increase their

tax base but not necessarily increase service demand responsibilities.

The county also points to residential property taxes not typically covering the cost of services demanded, and the unincorporated residential tax base is roughly 70 greater than that of the cities.

The county’s opinion is that tax digest and general fund expenditures are two of the major elements that should be considered in making the LOST determination since those two address five of the eight criteria: service delivery responsibilities of each political subdivision to the population served; service delivery responsibilities of each political subdivision to the resident population; existing service delivery strategies; tax and fiscal equity; and service delivery strategies.

For 2000-10, Jackson County collected $52,532,226.41 in LOST revenues. Collections reached an annual high of $6.4 million in 2007.

The cities’ position Representatives of the municipalities convened after the June 19 session and have determined how the cities’ portion will be divided, and the cities countered the county proposal with a 53.2 percent county and 46.8 percent cities divvy of the LOST pie.

According to Phil Sutton, representing the cities, some measurements were used to favor Jackson County, such as population and general fund expenses. Census data and financial reports from the cities and county were used to develop the city proposal.

From the cities’ standpoint, other factors must be considered, however, including central business district and point of sale.

Sutton points to Jackson County as a regional retail center. Much of the retail is in the municipalities.

“The cities of Jackson

County have established a favorable environment for job creation,” says the summary provided by Sutton, who examined daytime population which is 40.1 percent of total countywide daytime population. Businesses in the cities employ 55.7 percent of all workers employed in Jackson County and the retail businesses in the cities bring in sales tax dollars on an estimated $1.135 billion in retail sales.

“Daytime population is used to illustrate the more intense service demands placed on the cities of Jackson County,” the city summary states. The total daytime 2005-09 population, according to the Census, was 53,814, with 44.3 percent in unincorporated Jackson County.

Sutton also notes that the cities have a disproportionate burden on services with the high level of commercial and retail development, shopping, restaurants, medical, legal and banking services. Those centers also increase sales tax collection for the entire county.

“LOST can be used to compensate cities for the higher level of city services needed to support the services required by more intense development,” says the cities’ summary, which proposes using the commercial property tax digest in the distribution formula. The cities have 72.5 percent of the commercial tax digest – $214,581,540 of the total $296,176,940.

According to the cities, comparing local governments’ general fund expenditures is one way to measure the level of service delivery responsibility of each jurisdiction. Cities provide increased police service and fire protection, roads and transportation, storm water management, code enforcement, animal control, land use planning and building development services along with other municipal services. Looking at total gen-

BRIEFLY Outdoor watering restricted to 1 day Members of the Bear Creek Reservoir have voted to limit outdoor water usage to one day per week for customers. The restriction applies to Jackson, Barrow, Oconee and Clarke counties. Reservoir levels are of concern.

Customers with an even ending address may water on Saturdays and those with odd ending addresses may water on Sundays. Watering is to be limited to start no earlier than 4 p.m. and must end by 10 a.m.

Any water customer whose supplier obtains water from the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority is covered by the once a week limitation. For example, the Town of Braselton purchases water from Bear Creek members and is contractually obligated to follow water restrictions they impose. Questions can be directed to your water provider.

If there is not additional rainfall and conservation measures under the Level 2 of the Drought Management Plan are not effective, the authority may be moving to a more restrictive level.

Town hall meeting will be July 19 at Depot Jackson County District 3 Commissioner Bruce Yates will hold a Town Hall Meeting at the Hoschton Depot on Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. to discuss the county budget, voting districts, EMS locations/fire districts and an economic development update. The public is invited to attend.

‘Meet and greet’ sessions slated for community to get acquainted with Jackson Co. superintendent The Jackson County School System will host two “Meet and Greet” opportunities for the community to welcome Dr. John Green, new superintendent.

The first gathering will be from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, July, 22, at the Nicholson Civic Center.

Another “Meet and Greet: will be on Sunday, Aug. 12, from 3-5 p.m. at West Jackson Primary.

eral fund.

The general fund comparisons were made without transfers, which Poe and Chairman Hunter Bicknell questioned. Poe said there are a lot of different transfers, some related to intergovernmental agreements, and taking them totally out doesn’t accurately represent the general fund.

“I think we are relatively close,” said Sutton, referring to the general fund numbers of the cities and county.

“We’re talking about 4 percent.”

“Let’s compare our number to your numbers,” said Poe, who also expressed his opinion that some criteria should be weighted more heavily than others, such as the tax digest and population. “We don’t have to use all eight; we just have to consider that there are eight.”

Sutton said the cities tried to be moderate. Employment numbers, for example, favored the cities. Sixty-six percent of the employment is in the cities.

The cities maintain they have disproportionate service delivery responsibilities as the primary center of economic activity and sales tax generation within Jackson County, and an increased collection of sales tax revenue can compensate the cities for that inequity.

The solution Somewhere between the two proposals is the solution, and Jefferson Mayor Jim Joiner said he sees no reason the cities and county can’t agree on a new renegotiated certificate for LOST distribution. He said there has been a real sense of cooperation between the county and cities in the past four years.

Arcade Mayor Doug Haynie said his city would be losing shares in the LOST renegotiation. “But we’ll adjust and try to make it,” said Haynie. “We’re all reasonable people.”

Poe said the county would have definite challenges is its share was even as low as the mid 50-percent range.

The cities are suggesting just 53.2 percent for the county but the proposal is a starting point for further talks.

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Pendergrass Mayor Monk Tolbert, Hoschton Mayor Erma Denney, Hoschton City Clerk Cindy George, Arcade City Administrator Deborah L. Mockus and Arcade Mayor Doug Haynie look over the proposal made

by Jackson County at the first LOST renegotiation session held June 19. The cities presented a counterproposal on July 2. The parties meet again July 26.

Bicknell reminds that all government have been under budgetary restraints and the county’s 12 furlough days for employees is just one of the cost-cutting measures the county has implemented along with cuts in employee benefits and retirement contributions. He made the point that the current budget doesn’t really reflect a normal county budget.

The shrinking tax digest is also compounding the issue with reductions year after year.

Some positive news is that sales tax collections are improving from 2008 and 2009 numbers.

Some counties and their cities are far apart in their renegotiations, Sutton noted.

Braselton City Manager Jennifer Dees, whose town will be involved in talks with fellow cities in four counties, said one of her renegotiations has already gone to mediation.

Another meeting has been set for 3 p.m. on July 24 at the Jefferson Civic Center.

Tax equity will be a concern to be presented in the service delivery strategy discussion at the conclusion of LOST renegotiations. The middle of August is the tar-

get date for a renegotiated certificate or mediation will begin.

Jefferson City Manager John Ward is optimistic about a new certificate.

“I am very confident that a negotiated split will be reached. The history of the county and cities working together has never been better,” said Ward. “These two initial proposals are part of the process and were what was needed so that a compromise can be reached.

“The new changes in the law do warrant some altering of the thought process and do require a change in the methodology of how the split is calculated,” said Ward. “Adjusting to the new law and the eight criteria will be our main focus moving forward.”

According to Ward, all assumptions are being based on the same total collections as prior years which was a total of $8,492,625 per year.

“Since the final calculation is based on whether or not a city chooses to go absentee or not it would be a little premature to give set percentages,” said Ward. “We have only talked about draft percentages for agreement purposes and scenarios.”

I am very confident that a negotiated split will be reached.

John Ward, Jefferson City Manager

•HOW TO CONTACT US• 169 Towne Center Parkway, Hoschton, GA 30548 P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548 News: 706-658-2683, editor@clickthepaper.com Display Advertising: 770-535-6333, dpurvis@clickthepaper.com Classified Advertising: 770-535-6371, cellem@gainesvilletimes.com Circulation: 770-535-6353, dmontgomery@gainesvilletimes.com Office hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday

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CMYK Business

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Jackson County seems to be in lead economically

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com Jackson County is Georgia’s leading job creator, with 2,455 new jobs and nearly $650 million in investments to be made announced since the fourth quarter of 2011.

For Jackson County and the State of Georgia, southern hospitality and a favorable business climate have made this the place to be for Japanese companies, particularly Toyota, with $1 billion invested in Toyota Automotive Compressor Georgia (TACG) and the new Toyota Industries Compressor Parts America (TICA), which Gov. Nathan Deal and Georgia Department of Economic Development officials attended June 18.

To facilitate the expansion of industrial ventures in the Valentine Industrial Park area, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners agreed to add road improvements on Wayne Poultry Road for a deceleration lane and a left turn lane at the new Toyota plant.

TACG is expanding its operations with another 35 jobs to be added.

According to Courtney Bernardi, director of economic development for the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce, Bojangles, coming to “restaurant row” Jefferson at Highway 129 and Hog Mountain Road, is among the latest retail, commercial and industrial feather in the county’s cap.

Dollar General will be constructing another store on Highway 124 near Publix and a Shane’s Rib Shack is now open off Highway 129 in Arcade.

“And there is still much ahead,” Bernardi shared with the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in June.

Additional retail announcements are also expected.

Bernardi told directors that Jackson County is being eyed by 20 “amazing” projects, most of which are manufacturing and some related to support of Caterpillar, Kubota and Toyota.

Bernardi says, “We are top on Japan’s list,” according to Scott McMurray, director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Logistics industry team. It was McMurray who also worked to get Carter’s, the largest branded marketer of baby and young children’s apparel in the nation, to pick Braselton for its $50 million investment in a new multi-channel distribution center.

Bernardi also points to Kubota as well as

the opportunity for Jackson County companies to grow in support of the new Caterpillar development coming to Oconee and Clarke counties.

Tran South Logistics, a third-party logistics company, is expanding its presence in Braselton as it readies to be a Caterpillar supplier for the company’s. The Caterpillar project will likely have huge benefits for Jackson County.

Another connection between businesses which will help build locally is the partnership between Whole Foods and Aldi. Bernardi says that partnership will be huge for Jackson County.

Kubota Industrial Equipment has cranes up as it proceeds with its $80 million expansion which got under way with a February groundbreaking. The manufacturing plant produces tractor implements and will be adding 200 new jobs when its new 600,000-squarefoot facility is completed this fall. Production is set to begin next January.

Resilux, which produces polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preforms and bottles and is located on John B. Brooks Road in Jefferson, “has great things going on and “we’ll be hearing a lot in the near future,” said Bernardi. “Resilux is growing.”

Jackson County may be prime for construction of new speculative buildings, Bernardi suggests. If Resilux’ contract on the former Caterpillar building goes through, only one building would be available for showcasing to potential industrial prospects.

It was last December when Pattillo Industrial Real Estate began the first spec building built in the Southeast in the last three or four years. That building 77,100-square-foot is in Gainesville Business Park.

Carter’s is occupying a million-square-foot distribution center in Park 85 and plans to bring about 1,000 jobs to Jackson County. At its May job fair, more than 2,400 applied for the first 250 jobs to be filled. Those workers are already on the job as Carter’s plans to ship its first order in August.

Bed Bath & Beyond, which is also investing $50 million in Jackson County, also held a May job fair which was limited to 700 because of overwhelming interest. A total of 900 jobs will be created for the “e-fulfillment” center on John B. Brooks Road.

Both Carter’s and Bed Bath & Beyond will be hiring more employees see check their website often, Bernardi says.

BUSINESS NOTES SBDC presents common business contracts workshop ATHENS – The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will present a workshop on “A Review of Common Business Contracts.”

Running a business is all about relationships, and contracts lie at the heart of many of the most important business relationships.

Explicitly defining goals, rights, and obligations in a business relationship is the key to avoiding conflict and achieving your business goals. Attorney Adam L. Hebbard will present four common corporate contracts (an operating agreement, employment agreement, a lease and a sales contract) and cover common issues in those agreements, as well as issues common to all business contracts, focusing on drafting complete contracts, interpreting contract language and avoiding conflict in business contracting.

This class is a part of the SDBC’s Summer Lunch & Learn Series. The session will be held on Wednesday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Athens SBDC, Chicopee Complex, located at 1180 E.

Broad St. in Athens. It is $29 and includes a catered lunch.

Pre-registration required by visiting www.athenssbdc. org, calling 706-542-7436 or e-mailing kmurray@georgiasbdc.org.

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For The Paper

B. Jan Cooley of Pro View Foods and Ben Barkley of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton of Association for Corporate Growth at the “Fast 40” banquet when Pro View Foods was honored for growth in revenue, jobs.

Pro View Foods recognized for global corporate growth Pro View Foods founder B. Jan Cooley accepted the prestigious designation from the Association for Corporate Growth’s (ACG) Atlanta chapter for global growth in revenue and employment.

ACG was founded in 1954 as a networking and promotional business association for middle-market companies and professionals. The Atlanta chapter’s award is numerically calculated based on sustained growth over a three-year period for companies headquartered in Georgia. Awards were presented at its “Fast 40” banquet in Atlanta recently, and Pro View ranked 10th of the 40 fastest-growing companies in the small-to-medium size range.

B. J. Cooley founded Pro View Foods in

2007. The company is a complete food service poultry provider for school nutrition food service, institutional, private label and commodity exports. It operates three plants in Gainesville and Braselton, and employs 350.

Cooley said, “Real credit goes to Pro View’s leadership, Richard Reeves and Jerry Shockley, who are the driving forces in our success. Their entire careers are in poultry, so the award is a tribute to them and all company associates.” An industry veteran, Cooley founded and managed Kings Delight, Ltd., from 1987-2002.

Full company information is available on the Pro View Web site at twww.proviewfoods.com .

CMYK 4A

Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

See it in nature: God is working in our lives Dark clouds, strong wind, most parents have learned, the storm is coming. teenagers live on a differOn several afternoons ent cloud, one that is always I have watched from my changing shapes and direcback porch as a storm tions. began to develop. My A couple of bible passages parched lawn was crying came to mind as I reflected out for a shower, but no on these life lessons and obrain came, not one drop. served the stirring clouds.

Mike Day Later that evening, I heard The Pastor’s Pen from other friends who got Psalm 8 a drenching. I waited for O Lord, our Lord, how mathe next day hoping the rain would come jestic is your name in all the earth! You my way. have set your glory above the heavens.

Unfortunately, this disappointing exWhen I look at your heavens, the work perience has led me to interpret the local of your fingers, the moon and the stars, weather forecast for “isolated thunderwhich you have set in place, what is man storms” to mean I’m isolated from the that you are mindful of him, and the son rain. My mind is beginning to think these of man that you care for him? Yet you clouds see my back yard and intentionhave made him a little lower than the ally steer to the left or right to avoid sharheavenly beings and crowned him with ing any water on my plants and grass. glory and honor. You have given him doWatching these storm clouds come and minion over the works of your hands. go this summer has caused me to ponder other areas in my life where what I exRomans 8:28 pect or want to happen does not always And we know that for those who love take place. While I waited for rain, I reGod all things work together for good, flected on two life lessons. for those who are called according to his First, I can’t always predict what will purpose. happen. Often my predictions on how people will respond or how a situation So this summer while I watch the storm will play out concludes in a similar way to clouds come and go from my back porch, my dry summer afternoons as the storm I worship an awesome God who has creclouds move on without sharing one drop ated an amazing universe. I know from of water. I assume people will respond these Bible verses that He loves me and as I would or understand as I do only to every person more than anything else in be surprised by a completely different the world. I also grow in trust that even outcome. though I may not get the rain when I want Second, I can’t always control what will it, I know He is working in my life, storms happen. One friend told me that she has and all, to bring about his plan. her husband wash her car because it alI have a pool party today. You and I ways rains after she has her car washed. both know what will happen this afterI washed my car twice one morning hopnoon. ing to entice the clouds to open up. Still no rain.

Life is that way as well. I can plan, Mike Day, who holds a Master of Divinplan, plan, but I cannot make events ality and Ph.D. from Southern Seminary in ways go the way I intend. While, I believe Louisville, Ky., is pastor of Celebration strongly in planning and the motto that Church, located on Thompson Mill Road luck is good planning combined with near Reunion, Deaton Creek and Chateau opportunity, I do, however, understand Elan Subdivisions. In addition to his rethe element of mystery. As a parent of sponsibilites with Celebration, he works teenagers, I have learned that all my with Positive Management Leadership years of planning for my children’s Inc., a leadership development company future does not mean they will walk the that motivates and inspires leaders in path I have placed in front of them. I can many of the top Fortune 100 companies. instruct, discipline, coach and guide but Reach him at mday@celebrationfamily.

I cannot manipulate their life course. As com

CHURCH NEWS The HomeLand Boys will be singing at Clemons Chapel United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 14.

The church is located on Highway 52 west of Lula. Call 770-983-3080. sss A benefit concert for Alison Gaines will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 15, at Central Baptist Church, featuring The Stephens Sisters. Gaines is a Hall County deputy Sheriff’s marshal who will soon undergo a liver transplant. Due to her health condition, she is unable to work, but she is not eligible for her pension until later this year. In the meantime, she has daily expenses to be paid, such as rent, utilities, food, etc. An offering will be taken at the concert to help defray some of her expenses. If you are unable to attend the concert, but would like to help, make checks payable to Central Baptist Church and specify “Alison Gaines Fundraiser” on the memo section of the check. Mail to Central Baptist Church, 785 Main St. SW, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Gainesville Seventh-Day Adventist Church will be having Vacation Bible School, themed “Go Fishin,” on July 16-20 from 6-8 p.m. See www.gainesvilleadventist.org. The church is located at 2695 Old Cornelia Highway, Gainesville, GA 30507. sss Homecoming at Hoschton United Methodist will feature new District Superintendent Richard Chewning as the featured speaker during the 11 a.m.

Homecoming service on July 15. There will be no 9 a.m. service and no Sunday school on that day. A covered dish luncheon will follow service.

The Rev. Luis Ortiz is pastor of Hoschton United Methodist Church, located at 12 Mulberry St., three blocks behind Hoschton City Hall. Visit www.hoschtonumc.org, or email hoschtonumc@windstream.net or call the church at 706-654-1422. sss The Church of Hoschton announces service times. Bible Study begins at 9:30 a.m. with worship service following at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Sunday

night service begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, midweek service begins at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 3849 Highway 53 in Hoschton. sss Northeast Church is holding Vacation Bible School from 6-8 p.m. through July 13. The theme is “Sky VBS 2012: Everything is Possible with God,” based on Mark 10:27. Wild Blue Bible Adventures, Up & Away Sing and Play, Imagination Station, Sky High Movie and Missions, All-Star Games and snacks at the Skydive Diner are featured. Family Fun Night will be Friday, July 13. All children in the community are encouraged to come. VBS will be held at Northeast Church, 2001 Cherry Drive, Braselton. For more information, or to inquire about church van pick-up, contact the church at 706-654-3205, admin@mynortheastchurch.com, or www.mynortheastchurch.com. sss Corner-Stone Church Preschool is accepting registration for fall classes for ages 2-5. For information call Kimberly Rewis, director, at 678-524-6986 or visit www.corner-stone.org/preschool.

Call to schedule a tour of the facilities at 6933 Hwy. 11 in Jefferson. sss Sharon Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School from 6-8 p.m. through July 13. The school is for ages 3 through fifth grade and the theme is, “God’s Amazing Wonders.” Participants are asked to bring a food item for the church’s collection to go to the Mulberry Baptist Food Bank. The church is at 1059 Dee Kennedy Road in Auburn.

The Rev. Le Gibson can be reached at 770-867-1107. sss Crossroads Church of Jackson County will host a celebration on its new property at 828 Highway 124, less than a mile from Highway 11, starting at 4 p.m. on July 28. The fun will include face painting, tattoos, inflatables and games along with live music. The event will be capped off with a family movie night with the huge screen set up outdoors. The community is invited to attend the day of fun.

OBITUARIES Douglas Charles Bell

Died July 4, 2012 Douglas Charles Bell, 60, of Winder, died Wednesday July, 4, 2012, at his residence.

Born in Gainesville, he was a son of Geraldine “Gerry” Bell of Hoschton and the late Jesse Dean Bell Sr. He graduated from Jackson County High School and retired from General Motors after 31 years of service. He was a member of Free Chapel Worship Center in Gainesville. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Jesse Dean Bell Jr. Survivors, in addition to his mother, are his wife, Pamela Elizabeth Antley Bell; sons, Russell (Maria) Bell of Hoschton, Daniel Bell of Covington and Garth (Melissa) Antley of Alto; brother, Jeffery (Jean) Bell of Hoschton; sister, Patty (Bobby) Wheeler of Suwanee; grandchildren, Mason Levi Bell and Paige Nichole Antley; and a number of other relatives.

A memorial service was Sunday, July 8, 2012, in Evans Funeral Home Chapel.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 12, 2012

Onnie Mae Marlow Covington

Died July 3, 2012 Mrs. Onnie Mae Marlow Covington, 90, of Jefferson, died Tuesday, July 3, 2012.

Born in Jackson County, she was a daughter of the late C.E. Charlie Marlow and the late Donnie Mae Sims Marlow. She was also preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Covington. She worked at Jefferson Mill and was a member of the Center Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda Coleman of Jefferson; son, Danny Covington; grandchildren, Wendi Allen, Stacey (Kerry) Gheesling and Tracey (Jeremy) Stevens; and great-

grandchildren, Avery Stevens, Morgan Stevens and Kerry Gheesling.

A funeral service was held Saturday, July 7, 2012, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home. The burial followed in the Center Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 12, 2012

Jackie A. Orr

Died July 9, 2012 Mrs. Jackie A. Orr, 79, of Winder, died Monday, July 9, 2012.

Born in Statesboro, she was a daughter of the late Hamp Arnett Nessmith and Elizabeth Jane Carroll Nessmith. She was also preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Orr, and a son, Michael Edward Orr. She was a member of Union Baptist Church, a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, a member of the Ladies 500 Club Bowling Club, Holsenbeck Ladies Basketball, National Red Hat Society, the Black Hatters, a Bunco group and a Causasta or Canasta group.

She was the owner/operator of Orr’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant and Orr’s Apartments. She raised four children and two grandchildren and was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her sons, John William “Johnny” Orr III and wife Tammy and Richard Arnet “Arnie” Orr and wife Glenda, all of Winder; daughter, Beverly and Lamar Manders of Winder; grandchildren, Brandy Manders and Skip Freeman, Misty and Chris Freeman, Haley and Quinn Bridges, Michelle Orr and Dylan Orr; great-grandchildren, Andrew Freeman and Lauren Freeman; and sister, Inogene Hendrix of Wilmington Island, Savannah.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 11,

2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Ronald Hewatt and Mrs. Susan Kiley officiating. Interment was in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, July 12, 2012

Jerry D. Maddox

Died July 7, 2012 Jerry D. Maddox, 60, of Winder, died Saturday, July 7, 2012.

A lifelong resident of Barrow County, he was a son of the Late Hoyt Sr., and Marie Page Maddox. He was a truck driver for C.M.C. Metals of Lawrenceville.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home. Interment was in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Survivors are his wife, Faye Still Maddox; sons, Jamie Allen Maddox of Arizona and Justin Dean Maddox of Winder; three grandchildren; and brother, Billy Ray Maddox of Hoschton.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, July 12, 2012

Nicolas Stephan Overbey

Died July 5, 2012 Nicolas Stephan Overbey, 47, of Winder, died Thursday, July 5, 2012.

Arrangements will be announced by Lawson Funeral Home, 35 First St., Hoschton, GA 30548, 706-654-0966, www.lawsonfuneralhome. org.

The Paper, July 12, 2012

Carolyn Jeanette Roberts

Died July 6, 2012 Carolyn Jeanette Roberts, 82,of Monroe, died Friday, July 6, 2012.

Born in Barrow County, she was a daughter of the late

Leon Helton and Erma Parr Helton. She was marrued to the late Luluon V. Roberts.

She lived in Barrow County her whole life and was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include her children, Wayne Roberts and wife Elaine of Monroe, David Roberts and wife Phyllis of Ellijay, Jeff Roberts and wife Judy of Statham and Time Roberts of Monroe; brothers, James Helton of Winder and Terry Helton of Bethlehem; sister, Linda Perry of Winder; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 9, 2012, at Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Blount officiating. Interment followed in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, July 12, 2012

Lillian W. Thornton

Died July 5, 2012 Mrs. Lillian W. Thornton, 63, of Winder, died Thursday, July 5, 2012, at her residence.

A lifelong resident of Barrow County, she was a daughter of the late Royce Jackson Wheeler and Corrine Sauls Wheeler. She was preceded by a sister, Jean Wheeler.

Mrs. Thornton was a member of Union Baptist Church and was employed as office manager at Barrow Memorial Gardens.

A funeral service was held Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Union Baptist Church with the Rev. Rudy Camp officiating.

Survivors are her husband Donald Thornton; daughter, Kathy Cater of Ball Ground; stepsons, Mickey Thornton and Scott Thornton, both of Winder; brothers, Billy Wheeler and Jerry Wheeler, both of Winder; grandchil-

dren, Alexandra Cater and Samuel Cater; and stepgrandchildren, Katie and Kerianne Thornton.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, July 12, 2012

Eddie Lee Wall

Died July 3, 2012 Eddie Lee Wall, 94, of Statham, died Tuesday, July 3, 2012.

A native and lifelong resident of Barrow County, he was a son of the late Z. A. and Lillie Wall. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Wall, and son, James Wall. He was a retired farmer and a member of Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church.

A funeral service was held Friday, July 6, 2012, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Jennifer Horton officiating. Interment was in Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Survivors include his brother, Alvin Wall of Twin City; nephew, Ray (Judy) Fowler of Auburn; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Carter Funeral Home,

Winder The Paper, July 12, 2012

Charlie Webb

Died July 7, 2012 Charles “Charlie” Walter Webb, 70, of Jefferson, died Saturday, July 7, 2012.

Born in Dublin, he was a son of the late Delmas Linder and Mary Beckham Webb. He was a member of Jefferson United Methodist Church. He earned an AS in Industrial Engineering from Southern Tech. He was a United States Army veteran.

He worked for H.S. Feldman and Associates.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Shields Webb of Jefferson; son, James Christopher Webb; brother, Buddy Webb of Atlanta; and sister, Lucy Markwalter of Macon.

Services will be held at a later date. The family requests that memorials be made to the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support, 1199 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30606.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, July 12, 2012 See more on Page 7A

CMYK Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

5A

Scenes from Celebrate Braselton

LeAnne Akin The Paper

The Kinchafoonee Cowboys provided musical entertainment and the Braselton Police Department provided a watchful eye over the events including fireworks.

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Sammy Smith handed out American flags to people along the parade route including 2-year-old Logan Amos whose older brother Blake was riding in the parade; Mia Rodriquez handed out materials for the Hoschton Heritage Arts Council and Karen Mayberry was among those getting updated on the council’s offerings.

Photo by Doug Chellew

Don’t fall prey to scammers Utility customers around Georgia are reporting a rash of scams designed to obtain personal information for illegal profit.

“Unfortunately, there are a number of scams going on right now that we need to warn utility customers about,” says Jackson EMC Director of Customer Service Brent Cochran. “We’ve had business customers reporting that people posing as the ‘the power company’ have threatened to turn off their power during business hours for allegedly unpaid bills unless they make a payment with a credit card. Similar contacts, some by phone and some in person, have occurred with residential customers. We’re also hearing of another scam where customers are told that they have been awarded an ‘Obama Stimulus Package’ that will help pay their electric bill using a special check routing number and their Social Security number, as well as a scam that involves calls offering ‘free energy audits’ to get into customers’ homes.

In at least one instance, the person was wearing a shirt with ‘Jackson EMC’ on it. All of these contacts are bogus and the intent is simply to defraud.”

Cochran has some simple advice for those who receive such contacts: If you receive a call, hang up and call the number on your utility bill; you’ll know you’re talking to a legitimate representative.

If you receive a visit, tell the person that you’d prefer to call your utility company about the matter and close the door.

If the person at your door says they represent ‘your power company,’ don’t look at the shirt – ask for an I.D. badge.

If you’re provided with any information by the scammers, pass that information along to local law enforcement.

Be aware that utilities don’t call customers and request personal information, such as Social Security and credit card numbers, over the phone.

If you feel threatened in any way, call local law enforcement immediately.

CMYK

forum PAGE 6A | THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

Make effort to help veterans Many of us are not directly affected by the devastation that war can have on a family. Often the brave men and women who sacrifice everything for us all are just people in uniforms or wounded warriors who are plagued with a plethora of seen or unseen medical conditions, causing us to feel bad for them and their families.

As we celebrate our nation’s 236th year of independence, we need to not only be aware of the sacrifice of our service members and veterans but to also feel that sacrifice. Aren’t we all Americans who depend on our armed services to protect what it means to be an American? Don’t we all enjoy the freedoms, often taken for granted, that they protect for us on a daily basis?

Do we ever take the time to feel their sacrifice?

Can you imagine leaving your family behind your spouse, children, parents, friends and freedoms here to go into a situation where you know you may be maimed or killed? Do you love your country as much as these men and women do?

Not all of us are equipped to fight for our country or defend the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness endowed to us by our creator. But there are some simple things we can do to help our service members and veterans greatly.

As our economy has caused us to have financial difficulties, veterans — who often are on fixed incomes due to disability — are hurting more than ever. Consider making a charitable contribution to one of the organizations who support veterans, such as Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars or their auxiliaries.

Often the members of these organizations are the only people that consistently support veterans and their families. These organizations are functioning on limited budgets with many needs that exceed available funds.

As we celebrate Independence Day and reflect on the freedoms we have, take a moment to thank a service member, a veteran, a wounded warrior and their family members who never hesitated to go into the fight regardless of the outcome.

Feel their sacrifice.

Even more so, put your words into action by offering your time or funds to help these patriots. Whether you agree with the political decisions made in war or the moral issues associated with war, remember that our soldiers don’t make any those decisions. They are there to take action and execute the skills they have been trained to do when the order is given. That’s what they do for all of us who enjoy the freedoms they preserve.

Respect our heroes and offer them your support today; it’s the very least we can do. Make this Fourth of July week a memorable celebration through your actions in lightening the load of the sacrifice that our nation’s heroes have made for each of us.

Traci McBride Braselton

Remembering a gentler place, despite its flaws I was born in Atlanta and we lived there until I was 8.

I was born in the middle of the time when racial tensions were rising. In my boyhood, the Vietnam War began to escalate and that created a different kind of tension.

My parents moved to Social Circle because it was a lot like Mayberry. I could ride my bike to town and visit places like Bessie and Clarence Morrow’s dime store or Lester Malcom’s hardware store.

In the daytime, Chief Louis Shepherd was the lone policeman on duty. There was no dispatcher, except for Minnie Lee, who was the city clerk and answered the phone during the day. When she wasn’t there, a bell rang down by the barbershop and a horn sounded over by the bank, where they parked the police car. There was a box mounted on a utility pole that contained an extension of the police phone.

To the best of my memory, the phone number for city hall, the water department and the police department was the same.

The only place in town with any kind of alarm was the bank. Someone decided that the best location for the alarm was in the drug store.

If someone were robbing the bank, the druggist would take appropriate action, which meant finding Chief Shepherd.

There were three white churches and two black ones. Your denominational choices were Baptist or Methodist.

The closest thing to fast food was “The Grill,” a dimly lit poolroom that was smack in the middle of the business district. Mama never cared for me to go there. You could look in through the window and see older boys smoking cigarettes and shooting a game of 8-ball or rotation.

There was no street delivery of mail in the city limits and everyone had a post office box. Harry Adams became the postmaster while

Harris Blackwood we lived there. Mr. Harry was also the correspondent on the Social Circle page of “The Walton Tribune.”

He reported on important events, like upcoming meetings of mission circles at the church or the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

When I was baptized, I had a pretty significant headline on the Social Circle page. After the Sunday school social at our house, there were two pictures published courtesy of Tom Baccus, who lived in Social Circle and worked for the Tribune’s printing department.

In the summers, we went swimming in the pool beside the Bertha Upshaw house. It had been donated to the city for the use of white citizens.

When the federal government found out, the city had to give it back. The house, incidentally, is now the home of the famed Blue Willow restaurant.

My boyhood in Social Circle was as close to Mayberry as many people will ever get.

Looking back, I can see the flaws of my little town and realize it was not the utopia that I thought.

I was reminded of this when I heard of the passing of Andy Griffith.

There have been stories that Griffith, the actor, was not as congenial as Andy Taylor, the fictional sheriff he portrayed.

I’m glad that the continual series of reruns of “The Andy Griffith Show” will only show us the kind, gentle father and sheriff that we all loved.

Just like my boyhood vision of Social Circle, the Mayberry of my life.

Harris Blackwood is a Gainesville resident whose columns appear weekly.

Steve Kelley Creators Syndicate

Continuing a legacy of compassion Daddy and Mama both spent a lot of time seeing after the needs of others.

They comforted, called and cooked for those who were, in some way, suffering.

And if it came down to it, and sometimes it did indeed, Daddy gave away the last dollar in his pocket to someone in need.

“He needed it more than I did,” he would say. “Never turn your back on a soul in need.”

As he was oft to say, “You can only help someone when they need help. All the other times that you think you’re helping, you’re just pretending for the sake of your own conscience.”

What he meant by that is simple: If you buy a meal for someone who can afford her own meal, you have been thoughtful. But if you buy it for someone who cannot afford food, you have been kind. There is a difference.

On Sunday afternoons, Mama and Daddy faithfully visited the elderly and the infirm, paying special attention to give one of the greatest kindnesses of all: the gift of time to those who

Ronda Rich are lonely.

It is a legacy that I and my family take seriously.

Mama and Daddy did not leave us imbued with tremendous wealth but rather with the responsibility to continue what they had long practiced — putting others before ourselves.

“Don’t think more of yourself than you do of others,” Daddy intoned.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about this and wondering: Are we born with compassion or do we learn it? Is it inbred in us or is it taught to us? Possibly a combination of both but I surmise that the majority of it is taught to us by our parents and to them by their parents. We inherit goodwill.

My sister visits the funeral home so much to pay respects that she has her own VIP parking place. And rightly so. My niece takes

her children to the nursing home to visit, knowing that nothing cheers the ones who are there more than babies and dogs.

My brother-in-law is a quick call away from anyone who needs a helping hand. One day I was cutting grass when I hit a piece of wood that lodged in the blade so tightly that I couldn’t remove it. I called Rodney.

“I’m eating lunch so I’ll be down there as soon as I’m finished,” he said. He was as good as his promise.

As he worked on the mower, I asked, “What have you been doin’ today?”

“Well,” he began, “I planned on workin’ on my pasture but so far I’ve just been helpin’ everybody else.”

He ran through a list of five people, including me, who had called for help and he answered. He didn’t mind because as he says, “A man likes to feel needed by others. Nothin’ tickles me more than to help someone out.”

He looked at his watch.

“It’s one o’clock now so I guess I’ll see if I can do

something to help Rodney this afternoon.”

I keep a running list of people who need a note, a visit, a call or a cake. It is my intention every day to do a kindness for someone, to make sure that day is not all about me. I have a friend who is kind and sweet but every decision is based on what she and her family wants.

Her world is small and doesn’t stretch out to see the needs, small or large, of others. Her heart is warm and compassionate but she fails to put muscle and time behind that compassion.

On the occasions that she helps, it is when it is convenient and requires little energy.

I am puzzled by that. But more than puzzlement, it makes me grateful. I love the legacy from my parents.

I couldn’t ask for a better inheritance.

Ronda Rich is the bestselling author of several books, including the forthcoming “There’s A Better Day A-Comin’.” Sign up for her newsletter at www. rondarich.com. Her column appears weekly.

And if it came down to it, and sometimes it did indeed, Daddy gave away the last dollar in his pocket to someone in need.

Getting an F in Radio Frequencies 101 When my children were younger, in this very space, I detailed how I attempted to teach them how to tell time.

I failed — miserably.

Thank God for teachers.

My children are older now. They know how to tell time. Other things, they don’t know.

“Daddy, turn it to 101.9, please,” my oldest son, 10, requested from the back seat on our way to a beach vacation. The kids’ favorite Top 40 Pop station at home is 101.9.

“Son, we’re about 90 miles from home now,” I explained. “I doubt we can pick it up.”

Half a minute later — “Huh?” I turned to 101.9. Nothing but static.

“See, you can’t hear it,” I said, peering into the rearview mirror to see if he recognized my attempt. He didn’t. Instead, he looked straight ahead with a familiar glazed expression.

An hour later, I was listening to the cool song stylings of Steely Dan when a disturbance from behind

Len Robbins interrupted my fern bar experience.

“Daddy, can you turn it to 101.9, please?”

I turned down “Deacon Blues” to deliver the news.

“Son, we’re 150 miles from home. We can’t pick up that station,” I said.

Fifteen seconds later — “Huh?” “Let me explain something,” I began. “Radio stations have frequencies that travel a certain distance.

Once you go past that distance, you can’t pick those stations up any longer, unless you have satellite radio or something?”

“Why don’t we have satellite radio, Daddy?” my 13-year-old daughter asked.

“Because cable television isn’t free, dear,” was my retort.

I peered into the mirror

to see if my son was listening to my explanation, and understood the concept of radio frequencies. He was asleep.

Thirty minutes later, my other son, who is eight, started getting chatty. This interrupted my enjoyment of the cool song stylings of the Beastie Boys (RIP, MCA).

“Daddy, can you turn the DVD to 101.9?,” he inquired.

“Weren’t you listening to me earlier? You can’t pick up 101.9 here...”

Before I could finish my explanation, or listen to the stirring ending of “Body Movin’,” he had moved the radio dial to 101.9 — from the backseat. How? I don’t know.

“What do you mean? It’s on 101.9 now,” he said, tuning in to Freddie Fender’s “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.”

I took another stab at a teaching moment.

“No, son, see, this isn’t the 101.9 you are used to hearing. It’s another station that is using that frequency.

As I explained earlier, ra-

Publisher Dennis L. Stockton

P.O. Box 430 Hoschton, GA 30548 www.clickthepaper.com

General Manager Norman Baggs Editor LeAnne Akin

dio stations have frequencies that travel a certain distance. Once you go past that...”

The confusion had already set in as he interrupted me with “Huh?” We were 30 minutes away from the freaking fun park when my oldest son awoke from his radiofrequency-lecture-inspired nap. I wasn’t enjoying the cool song stylings of Men Without Hats.

“Daddy, can you try 101.9 again? Maybe that static will be gone now.”

“Son, I don’t think you understand,” I started.

“Listen closely. There are towers that rise into the sky that...”

My wife touched my arm. “Kids, we’re almost there!” she said excitedly, saving herself from witnessing failure once more.

Again, thank God for teachers. They do teach about radio technology in fifth grade, don’t they?

Len Robbins is editor and publisher of the Clinch County News in Homerville. His column appears weekly.

CMYK Local

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

7A

YouTube aids in 2 arrests for theft of landscaping

By SHANNON CASAS Regional staff A humorous video on YouTube helped catch two men last week week who are accused of stealing shrubbery from a Braselton orthodontics office earlier this summer.

Cary Tilotta, 47, and Steven Masters, 42, both of Buford, are charged with felony theft by taking in a May 18 incident at Wilson Orthodontics, 7316 Spout Springs Road.

Ron Wilson, owner of the practice, said he discovered holes in the back of his practice where Tilotta shrubbery, val-

Orthodontist hopes judge will order plant replacement ued at $1,200, recently had been installed. After checking his surveillance video, he found the date of the incident, filed a police report and put together a video detailing the crime in order to find those who were responsible.

Masters

The video, posted on YouTube, includes the surveillance footage of the building and shows a white truck circling the office before pulling up to the curb and a man getting out.

The man wiggles a few plants from the ground and throws them in the back of his truck. Later he’s seen again with another man and they load more plants into the truck. It also includes a humorous commentator and music.

It’s that video and the media attention surrounding it that led Braselton police to the suspects, Assistant Police Chief Lou Solis said.

“The thing that helped us out was the social media,” he said. “The doctor putting up the camera and doing that helped us tremendously.

That was awesome.”

OBITUARIES Kenneth Gerald Douglas

Died June 29, 2012 Kenneth Gerald Douglas, 52, of Monroe passed away Friday, June 29, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his, father J.B. Douglas.

Survivors are his wife Martisha Douglas; son, Austin Doylan of Monroe; daughters, Destinee Parks of Monroe and Megan Douglas of Gainesville; mother, Norma Andrews of Winder; brothers, Jay Douglas of Tennessee and Larry Grant of Texas; sisters, Cindy Sullivan of Tennessee, Becky Cooper of Winder and Connie Booker of Tennessee.

Funeral services were held Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Lawson Funeral Home. Graveside services were held Monday, July 2, 2012, in the Almond Family Cemetery in Madison County.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, July 12, 2012

Thomas Lee Davis

Died July 2, 2012 Thomas Lee Davis, 56, of Monroe, died Monday, July 2, 2012.

Arrangements will be announced by Lawson Funeral Home, 35 First St., Hoschton, GA 30548, 706-654-0966, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org The Paper, July 12, 2012

Ethel V. Garrett

Died June 29, 2012 Ethel V. Garrett, 71, of Winder, died Friday, June 29, 2012.

A memorial service as held Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Lawson Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Jackson officiating.

Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, July 12, 2012

Jerry Lester Gravitt Jr.

Died July 4, 2012 Jerry Lester Gravitt Jr., age 40, of Commerce, died Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

Arrangements will be announced by Lawson Funeral Home, 35 First St., Hoschton, GA 30548, 706-654-0966, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org The Paper, July 12, 2012

Judy B. Richardson

Died July 9, 2012 Judy B. Richardson, 61, of Hoschton, died on Monday evening, July 9, 2012.

Born in Atlanta, she was a daughter of Jack Henley and Sarah Murphy Borders of Commerce. Mrs. Richardson was a member of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth. She was the office manager at Smith Studios Photography.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2012, in the Evans Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Merritt officiating. Interment will follow at Evans Memory Gardens.

Survivors, in addition to her parents, are her husband, James Richardson; children, Andrew Michael (Melinda) Coker of Carrollton, Georgia, Jennifer (Charlton) Clayton of Jefferson and Jonathan (Jennie) Coker of Carrollton; granddaughters, Hali Clayton and Katie Coker; brother, Otis Steven Borders of Maysville; and a number of other relatives.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, July 12, 2012

Wilson said Thursday that he was mostly glad the crime wouldn’t be happening again in the area, mentioning that a couple of other businesses came forward about landscaping thefts after he posted his video.

Solis said the department had people calling in with tips after seeing the video, and a couple of those tips mentioned the same man.

Police then staked out the house looking for the white truck featured in the video. On July 2, a detective spotted the truck.

“When he was about to leave, he saw the truck pull out of the garage and we followed the truck and pulled the lady over,” Solis said.

“And she admitted that, yeah, that was her husband, and we followed her back to the house.”

Braselton police officers and members of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office went to the house and asked Tilotta to come back to the police department, Solis said.

When there, they showed Tilotta the evidence. Solis said Tilotta then confessed to stealing the shrubs.

Tilotta owns Cedar Creek Nursery, listed under his home address, according to Solis, but he gave police a couple of different stories about what he planned to do with the shrubs, including giving them to his friend Masters.

Police then found Masters already booked into the Hall County Jail on another charge.

The shrubbery was not recovered.

Wilson said he is waiting to replace the shrubbery until the two men go to court, hoping the judge will order them to pay back the $1,200.

New license law brings frustration for renewers

By LEE JOHNSON Regional staff A week after new requirements for receiving, renewing or replacing driver’s licenses went into effect, many Georgians are still confused and frustrated with the changes.

As of July 1, the state requires those seeking a new license or to renew one to show more documents proving identification and residency.

But state lawmakers say their hands are tied because federal law.

A week after new requirements for receiving, renewing or replacing driver’s licenses went into effect, many Georgians are still confused and frustrated with the changes.

As of July 1, the state requires those seeking a new license or to renew one to show more documents proving identification and residency.

But state lawmakers

say their hands are tied because federal law mandates the change.

They do say, however, that the implementation of the requirements could be more streamlined.

“I have had some calls on it and it is of some significant concern,” said Sen. Butch Miller, R-Flowery Branch.

“The change in Georgia’s process and procedure is really to be in compliance with the federal regulation.

Could it have been executed better? Certainly. Could it have been executed with more advanced notification? Certainly.”

The changes require patrons of Department of Driver Services offices to show an original birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, two proofs of residency and documents supporting any legal name changes. Visit www.dds. ga.gov.

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FEATURES PAGE 1B | THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

Habitat fundraiser 5K run is Saturday This Saturday, July 14, come out to the Jefferson Civic Center to support one of the biggest charities in the nation, Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to gather volunteers and people who are willing to sacrifice time and energy to build decent homes for those who are less fortuFarah nate. It is an Bohannon excellent way Columnist to give back to the community and help others who are in need.

This Saturday’s 5K race will take place to support Jackson County Habitat for Humanity and hopefully raise more awareness about this amazing cause.

This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids, as well as the rest of the family and friends.

The race events will start at the Jefferson Civic Center located at 65 Kissam St. Packet pickup and race day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. The actual race begins at 7:30 a.m., so be sure to arrive early in order to get settled before the 5K. Registration is now $20. T-shirts will be available but there is a no T-shirt option. The no T-shirt option registration fee is now $17 and on race day.

Participants can either mail a registration form or register online.

Awards will be given to overall male and female, masters male and female and top three male and female in age groups beginning 10 and under through 75 and older.

For additional information, contact Winston White at wwhite@ tran-south.com or Carole Black at classicraceservices@gmail.com

LeAnne Akin The Paper

Craig Heighton, center, recognized Erma Denney, David Gussio, Jim Joedecke, Pam Dunlap, Rotarian of the Year Brenda Branch and Greg Wilson, who chaired the successful Wine, Cheese & Chocolate event at the Braselton-Stover House.

Recognizing Rotarians

Braselton Rotary Club celebrates a successful year, transitions new leaders

By LEANNE AKIN lakin@clickthepaper.com Brenda Branch was honored June 27 as Rotarian of the Year when the Rotary of Club of Braselton held its end-of-year celebration at Houndstooth Grill.

President Craig Heighton made the presentation of Branch as Rotarian of the Year.

Branch served as secretary of the club for the 2011-12 Rotary year and also co-chaired the successful April fundraiser golf tournament the club jointly hosted with the South Hall Rotary Club.

Heighton commented on the count-

less hours of behind-the-scenes efforts Branch put forth for the benefit of Rotary and the community. She and and golf co-chair Paul Maney also served as the club’s liaisons for the tournament.

Branch’s was just one of the recognitions made by Heighton at the gathering. Heighton used the occasion to express appreciation to the Rotarians who served on his board of directors.

He thanked Jim Joedecke, who served as President-elect, Branch who served as secretary, Treasurer Pam Dunlap, David Gussio, Erma Denney and Greg Wilson.

See ROTARIANS, page 3B

For more information about registering, visit http://www. runningintheusa.com/CRS/docs/ 12JACKSONHABITAT5K.pdf This form provides the address if participants prefer to mail registration.

Online registration is available at www.active.com Please come out and support this amazing cause. Every dollar counts — just remember that any contribution goes toward those who cannot afford a decent home.

Farah Bohannon is a freelance writer living in Winder. She loves to utilize her writing and marketing skills with inspiring stories. Reach her at farah.bohannon@gmail.com

Jim Joedecke, who will serve as President for the 2012-13 Rotary year, receives the President’s pin from outgoing President Craig Heighton. Joedecke served as President-elect under Heighton. Joedecke thanked Heighton for his leadership of the club.

Turtles are available for adoption for Aug. 11 trek

By CARMAN PETERSON Regional staff The Tree House, a children’s advocacy center dedicated to reducing child abuse in Barrow, Banks, and Jackson Counties, is back in the turtle adoption business.

Each toy turtle that is “adopted” will be raced across Crow’s Lake in Jefferson Saturday, Aug. 11, during the seventh annual Turtle Trek. Owners of the first 10 turtles to reach the finish line will win a prize.

This year’s prizes are: First place: $2,000 Second place: iPad 2 - Donated by The Tree House Board of Directors and the Turtle Trek Committee Third place: Stone Mountain Family Getaway - Overnight stay for two adults and two children at Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort. Includes breakfast and two-day Stone Mountain Park Adventure passes for four. Donated by First American Bank & Trust, Winder Fourth place: iPod Touch - Donated

by Strickland, Chesnutt, & Lindsay, LLP Fifth place: one free Johnny’s Pizza once a month for a year featuring a two-topping pizza, two regular salads and two soft drinks - Donated by Johnny’s New York Style Pizza and Subs in Winder Sixth place: four free oil changes for

two cars Donated by Stop & Ride Auto Service Center in Jefferson Seventh place: NOOK Color - Donated by Wing Foot Farm Eighth place: four Lake Lanier Islands Water Park passes (two adults and two children) - Donated by Lake Lanier Islands Ninth place: $100 gas card - Donated by Janis and Jerry Mangum 10th place: $75 shopping spree - Donated by Giftworks at the Joy Shoppe in Commerce “Plans are under way for making the 2012 Turtle Trek the best one yet,” said Turtle Trek chair Sandra Holliday. “Hopefully the community of Barrow, Banks and Jackson will show their support by adopting turtles.”

According to Tree House director Becky Lee, the Turtle Trek is the agency’s biggest fundraiser and is essential to its mission.

“We have to fundraise community matching dollars to keep our grants, and that’s what allows us to keep our services free,” Lee said.

Lee said her goal is to raise $15,000 – after expenses – during the fundraiser. That money could come from business sponsors, which the agency is still seeking, or through turtle adoptions.

Community members can purchase one turtle for $5; a Snap Pack for $25; a Snapper’s

See TURTLE TREK, page 3B

Brenda Branch was presented Rotarian of the Year honors by President Craig Heighton; below, Heighton was presented with a gravel plaque for his service as 2011-12 President.

CMYK 2B

Schools

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

COLLEGE HONORS Brenau University GAINESVILLE – Some local area students earned Dean’s List honors at Brenau University for the 2012 spring term. They are: Brittany Michelle Aikens from Braselton, a sophomore majoring in early childhood education.

Renass Najeeb Amedi from Flowery Branch, a senior majoring in biology.

Danielle Leigh Boyd from Braselton, a senior majoring in occupational therapy.

Halee B. Carter from Maysville, a senior majoring in psychology.

Alan Douglas Clark from Flowery Branch, a senior majoring in middle grades education.

Matthew Wayne Cowgill from Buford, a senior majoring in accounting.

Christina Mae Davis from Oakwood, a senior majoring in nursing.

Christin Alicia Gonzales from Oakwood, a senior majoring in middle grades education and organizational leadership.

Paul Deacon Johnson from Flowery Branch, a junior majoring in middle grades education.

Savannah R. Long from Buford, a sophomore majoring in dance studies.

Ana Maria Lopera from Flowery Branch, a junior majoring in early childhood education.

Amanda Elise Maddox from Flowery Branch, a senior majoring in fashion design.

Ashley N. McCoy from Maysville, a senior majoring in occupational therapy.

Fallon Jayde Mills from Flowery Branch, a sophomore majoring in pre-nursing.

Megan Lauren-Ashley Pinter from Buford, a junior majoring in early childhood education.

Hannah Ruth Scheel from Jefferson, a junior majoring in early childhood education.

Madison R. Strickland from Flowery Branch, a sophomore majoring in biology.

Kassandra Barbara Thomas from Jefferson, a sophomore majoring in mass communication.

Amy E. Walls from Braselton, a sophomore majoring in early childhood education.

Elke Marie Yath from Bogart, a senior majoring in business.Brenau collaborates with Gainesville State College in the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, which for three decades has brought high-level drama and musical performances involving students, community theater amateurs and professionals to stages at the two institutions.

Georgia College MILLEDGEVILLE – The following local students completed courses with exemplary marks and made the Dean’s List for 2012 spring semester at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Ga., announced Interim President Stas Preczewski.

From Bogart: Melissa Cobb, Robert Kittle, Christopher Ranieri of Bogart and Shelby Williams Megan Winter of Braselton From Buford: Regan Carr, Colleen Foy, Haley Jandrlich,Westley Kaye, Cami Lawson, Baxter Smith and Curtis Stream of Buford Alexandria Pace of Commerce From Flowery Branch: Natalie Compton,Brianna Mauro and Jacquelin Rocke From Hoschton: Kelsey Bagwell, Kayla Turner, Stephanie Vincent and Jeffrey Wagoner of Hoschton Joshua Harper of Jefferson

Georgia College MILLEDGEVILLE – The following area residents completed courses with exemplary marks and made the President’s List for spring semester 2012 from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, announced Interim President Stas Preczewski.

From Buford, Lindsey Lee, Miriam McDonald, Maureen Rhodes of Buford From Flowery Branch, Danielle Bechtold, Mary Bendin, Avery Piperato and Ellie Smith Alyssa D’Addieco of Hoschton Jessica Johnson of Jeffer-

son Jocelyn Maysville

Jones

of

Berry College ROME – The following local students have been named to the spring 2012 Dean’s List at Berry College: From Bogart: Shelley Killeen and Austin Marlow Abby Dollar of Braselton From Buford: Emily Nicholson, Melissa Vogt, Mike Shaw and Everett Reiff From Flowery Branch: Chelsea Wegesin and Karleigh Calhoun From Hoschton: Ashley Douglas and Brittany Farmer To be eligible for Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 or better.

Western New England University SPRINGFIELD, MA – Anthony Bender of Buford has been named to the President’s List at Western New England for the spring semester of 2012. Bender is a Junior working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Students are named to the President’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.80 or higher.

Georgia Tech ATLANTA – The following students have earned the distinction of Dean’s List at The Georgia Institute of Technology for spring semester 2012.

Nolan Alexander of Jefferson Marius Balla of Buford Hillary Beck of Buford Shauna Burnette of Buford Jonathan Callura of Flowery Branch David Claxton of Buford Suk Hyun Hahm of Buford, Benjamin Knight of Jefferson, David Lyle of Pendergrass Daniel Miller of Jefferson Anna Morocco of Bogart Lindsey Nelms of Jefferson, Kyle Roberds of Jefferson Alexandria Skeete of Hoschton

Georgia Tech ATLANTA – The following students earned the distinction of Faculty Honors for Spring 2012 at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Brandon Chastain of Buford Melinda Dolphyn of Buford Nedeljko Karaulac of Buford David Miculescu of Buford Riley Winton of Flowery Branch Undergraduate students earning a 4.00 academic average for the semester gain the distinction of Faculty Honors at Georgia Tech.

DePaul University CHICAGO, IL -- Devon Zwald of Flowery Branch made the Dean’s List at DePaul University for the winter quarter of 2012. In order to qualify for the Dean’s List at DePaul, students must earn above a 3.0 grade point average on a four point scale.

Piedmont College DEMOREST – The following students have been awarded academic honors for the recently completed spring semester at Piedmont College.

Students named as Dean’s Scholars for the semester have earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, and students named to the Dean’s List have earned a gradepoint average of 3.5 to 3.99.

James B. Bellamy of Braselton was named as a Dean’s Scholar Kyle M. Bellamy of Braselton was named as a Dean’s Scholar Theresa Blackwell of Jefferson was named to the Dean’s List Lindsey M. Brakhage of Flowery Branch was named to the Dean’s List Abbie B. Bryant of Commerce was named as a

Dean’s Scholar Kristen H. Bryant of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Michele O. Carlson of Jefferson was named as a Dean’s Scholar Melanie K. Cassiday of Maysville was named to the Dean’s List Jessica Leigh Channell of Bogart was named to the Dean’s List Joann Cromer of Commerce was named to the Dean’s List Kathryn T. Dague of Flowery Branch was named to the Dean’s List Tonjia Gillespie of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Lauren R. Hamel of Hoschton was named as a Dean’s Scholar Britt S Hensley of Flowery Branch was named as a Dean’s Scholar Chelsea I. Jenkins of Hoschton was named to the Dean’s List Hallye E. Jerkins of Buford was named to the Dean’s List Shannon Johnson of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Jamie J Kull of Braselton was named as a Dean’s Scholar Brandi A. Lee of Flowery Branch was named to the Dean’s List Ellen C Mayfield of Bogart was named to the Dean’s List Victoria K. McDowell of Flowery Branch was named to the Dean’s List Kelli I. Miller of Commerce was named to the Dean’s List Wesley T. Milton of Jefferson was named to the Dean’s List Martha E. Monreal of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Katelyn T. Nevil of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Thomas G. Parker of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Carsey A. Pilcher of Flowery Branch was named to the Dean’s List Micah D. Poston of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Briana C. Powers of Jefferson was named as a Dean’s Scholar Timothy S. Rice of Commerce was named to the Dean’s List Benton M. Rikeman of Jefferson was named to the Dean’s List Kyle Mariel Singco of Bogart was named as a Dean’s Scholar Tiffany Slaughter of Buford was named to the Dean’s List Donna Lynn Smith of Bra-

selton was named as a Dean’s Scholar Amber L. Smith of Commerce was named as a Dean’s Scholar Carrie W. Sorrow of Commerce was named to the Dean’s List Abigail L. Sutton of Buford was named as a Dean’s Scholar Jessica A. Sutton of Buford was named as a Dean’s Scholar Samuel D. Thomas of Jefferson was named to the Dean’s List Brandi N. Turpin of Commerce was named to the Dean’s List Chase A. Weaver of Braselton was named to the Dean’s List Julie P. Wood of Nicholson was named to the Dean’s List Mai K. Xiong of Statham was named to the Dean’s List

Brenau University GAINESVILLE – Brenau University has inducted some local students into the university’s chapter of the National Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for First Year Students. The local students are: Brittany Aikens from Braselton. She is the daughter of David and Carolyn Aikens.

Kari Diane Smith-Murphy from Flowery Branch. She is the wife of Blake Murphy.

Madison Strickland from Flowery Branch. She is the daughter of Greg and Lisa Strickland.

Brenau collaborates with Gainesville State College in the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, which for three decades has brought highlevel drama and musical performances involving students, community theater amateurs and professionals to stages at the two institutions. Membership in Alpha Lambda Delta is open to fulltime freshmen students who earn a scholastic average of 3.5 or better at a four-year college or university.

Founded in the spring of 1924 at the University of Illinois, the honor society recognizes and encourages academic excellence among first-year students. Today, Alpha Lambda Delta has more than 270 chapters throughout the United States. During its history, more than 850,000 students have been initiated into membership.

The local students were among 29 first-year students at Brenau who were offered – and accepted – membership in the national honor society during the 2012 aca-

demic year.

Mercer University MACON – The following students from this area were named to the Dean’s List of their college or school at Mercer University for the spring 2012 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous grade-point-average standards specific to their school within the University.

Heather Uhrinek of Braselton, a senior, was named to the Dean’s List of the Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics.

Mary Parker of Flowery Branch, a senior, was named to the Dean’s List of the College of Liberal Arts.

Kathryn DeLuise of Flowery Branch, a senior, was named to the Dean’s List of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing.

Joshua Deremer of Jefferson, a senior, was named to the Dean’s List of the School of Engineering.

Ethan Trice of Bogart, a senior, was named to the Dean’s List of the College of Liberal Arts.

Caris Bozeman of Flowery Branch, a sophomore, was named to the Dean’s List of the College of Liberal Arts.

Laila Wise of Flowery Branch, a sophomore, was named to the Dean’s List of the School of Engineering.

Monica Grimes of Hoschton, a sophomore, was named to the Dean’s List of the College of Liberal Arts.

Valdosta State VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University has announced the names of students from Spring 2012 who have earned the academic status of Dean’s List.

Students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher on nine or more semester hours with an institutional (VSU) GPA of 3.00 or higher are recognized by being placed on the Dean’s List. Developmental Studies, transients and graduate students are not eligible for Dean’s List status.

Area students include: Kasey Marie Barber, of Flowery Branch Grace Merle Donohue, of Flowery Branch Joshua Landers Preston, of Flowery Branch Nicole Michelle Wartko, of Flowery Branch Marissa Autumn Flanigan, of Hoschton Rebecca Layne Hanson, of Braselton Philip J Liotta, of Hoschton

Bridgett Loutrella Muckle, of Bogart

Clemson University CLEMSON, SC – The following local residents have been named to the President’s List at Clemson University for the spring 2012 semester: Elizabeth Marie Harpe of Athens, who is majoring in Architecture (BA).

Lauren Michelle Mosshart of Bogart, who is majoring in Nursing.

To be named to the President’s List, a student must achieve a 4.0 (all As) gradepoint average.

Mercer University MACON – The following students from the area were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists of their college or school at Mercer University for the spring 2012 semester.

Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous grade-point-average standards specific to their school within the University.

Robyn Wood of Hoschton, a junior, was named to the President’s and Dean’s lists of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing.

Joshua Whitfield of Jefferson, a junior, was named to the President’s and Dean’s lists of the College of Liberal Arts.

Wake Forest WINSTON SALEM, NC – The following local residents were among more than1900 students from Wake Forest University who made the Spring 2012 Dean’s List: McKay Matthew of Bogart and Di Chung of Flowery Branch

Emory College ATLANTA – The following students were named to the Dean’s List of Emory College, the undergraduate, liberal arts college of Emory University in Atlanta, for the 2012 spring semester.

Students must be in the top 20 percent of Emory College or have approximately a 3.859 grade point average or higher to be named to the Dean’s List.

Samuel Cochran of Bogart Stephanie Llanes of Flowery Branch Julia Ouellette of Jefferson Meghan Purohit of Buford

CMYK Features

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Downtown Jefferson holds a Farmers Market every Saturday through September, 7-10 a.m.

Come early for the best selection. Vendors have vegetables, plants, baked goods and other homemade items. For information call 706367-5714. sss Leftover Pets offers low cost spay/neuter surgeries every other week at the clinic in Winder, 610 Barrow Park Dr. The remaining July dates are 16, 17, 23, 24 and 26. Prices are $75 for a female dog over 25 pounds, $60 for a female dog up to 25 pounds, $50 for a male dog, $50 for a female cat, $30 for a male cat.

All surgery prices include a free rabies vaccination.

For more information on clinic services, visit www. leftoverpets.org. Appointments are required and must be made by calling 800-978-5226. sss Braselton Library’s Water Day with the West Jackson Fire Department will be held at the Braselton Park on Friday, July 13, at 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. For information call 706-654-1992. sss The Hoschton Heritage

Arts Council will present Concerts from the Veranda every second Saturday night through September. The concerts will be held on the veranda of the Arts Centers at 74 White St. behind Hoschton City Hall 8 -10 p.m. The Chattahoochee Chain Gang will perform on July 14.

This Habersham County group is made up of five young men who perform bluegrass/country in a unique style. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Concerts are free to the public; food and drinks will be sold by the HHAC to cover the cost. Sponsors for the series are being sought.

Visit www.hoschtonheritageartscouncil.com or e-mail hhac55@yahoo. com for more information. sss Discover Jackson County Gems on Thursdays this summer with a combined tour of the Crawford Long Museum and Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm. The guided tour of the historic farm is held in the mornings 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and includes family stories and viewing historic documents. The afternoon is spent at the museum 1-3 p.m. and participants will

plant an herbal remedy pot to take home, complete with tea recipe for headaches or sore throats. Youth groups are welcome to bring sack lunches; senior citizen groups have the option to include a catered lunch in the tour fee. Reservations are required in advance and groups must provide transportation between venues. Tour dates are July 19 and 26 and Aug. 2 and 9.

Price per student is $12; seniors is $22 with learning activity at the Museum and $20 without learning activity.

Tour dates are subject to weather constraints.

Contact the museum at 706-367-5307. sss On-going programs at the Jefferson Library include Storytime for Children, for ages 5 and under, which includes stories, songs and fingerplays on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Reading with “Doggie Tales,” held on the second Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m., is open to kids of reading age and helps them practice reading skills while helping Smoky the pug and Pia the afghan hound. For information call 706-367-8012. sss

ROTARIANS from page 1B

The Rotary Club of Braselton earned Gold Level Award, other district honors Heighton also highlighted the contributions of other members of the club who worked together to earn the club district honors.

Under Heighton’s presidency, the club received the Gold Level Award of Achievement Ribbon at the 2012 Rotary International District 6910 Conference in Hilton Head Island in May. The Braselton Club was third place (unofficial) Small Club of the Year for District 6910. The club also received the Rotary International Presidential Citation for completing a balanced program in all the avenues of service. The club received the Rotary Foundation $100 per capita award chevron as well as the Georgia Rotary Student Program Endowment $100 per capita award chevron.

Dennis Still serves District 6910 Director of Administration and Parlimentarian, and also coordinates the club’s website.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am to have led such a fine organization with the best, most selfless business professionals in our community,” said Heighton.

New leadership The Rotary Club of Braselton officially installed Jim Joedecke as its new President effective July 1.

Joedecke is a resident of Chateau Elan and a partner with the Duluth law firm of Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C. Other officers also beginning terms July 1 were: President-elect David Gussio, Secretary Howard Hardaway, Treasurer Pam Dunlap and Sergeant-at-arms James Lawson.

Special invitation

See EVENTS, page 4B

Miller

Jannine Miller, Executive Director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, will be the first “Third Thursday in Braselton” speaker at the July 19 meeting of the Rotary Club of Braselton.

Miller has been invited to speak to Rotarians and guests by charter member and past president Martha

Martin.

President Jim Joedecke, who recently received the gavel of leadership, invites members of the community to the club’s 7:30 a.m. breakfast meeting to be held at the Legends Club House, located at 5473 Legends Drive in Braselton.

Joedecke said the community will enjoy

For The Paper

Volunteers at last year’s Turbo Turtle Trek at Crow’s Lake work as the tiny green plastic turtles “trek” their away across the lake and into the chute. The top 10 turtles win prizes for their adoptive “parent.”

TURTLE TREK from page 1B

Adopt a Herd of Turtles and your $100 pays for 5 home visits to family in crisis Dozen for $50, and a Herd of Turtles for $100.

Trekking packages start at $5 for a single turtle adoption. By adopting two turtles, you’ll pay for play therapy supplies for one child.

Get a Snap Pack of six turtles for $25 and you’ll sponsor parenting curriculum for one family.

A Snapper’s Dozen is $50 and will pay for one therapy session for a victim of child abuse, while $100 that buys a Herd of Turtles of 25 turtles pays for five home visits to families providing hands-on parent education.

A donation of $200 pays for one forensic interview of a suspected victim of abuse, and unfortunately there are more victims in these economic times.

Those purchases can be made now by going online to raceaturtle.com or by contacting the Tree House at 770-868-1900. Purchase turtle adoptions at Community Bank & Trust, First American Bank & Trust, Verity Bank, Community & Southern Bank, Mountain Valley Community Bank, Newell Orthodontics, Akins, Stansell & Petree and Classic Hair Salon.

The race won’t be the only highlight of the August 11 event – a free Kids’ Festival featuring games, inflatable toys, and a petting zoo will kick off the day’s events at 10 a.m.

“It’s kind of our way of raising money, but also of giving back to the community that gives to us all year long,” Lee said of the festival.

Lee added that vendors are still being accepted for the Kids’ Festival. For more information about being a vendor, event sponsor or adopting a turtle, call the

Tree House at 770-868-1900.

Food vendor applications are available from Susan Shadix at 706-614-0303 or sashadix@hotmailcom and ac-

tivity booth information and applications can be obtained by contacting Jill Carver at 706-367-1667 or jill.carver@ cbtonline.com.

3B

having an opportunity to hear transportation-related updates from Miller and to learn more about Rotary and the work Rotarians do locally as well as internationally.

Miller was first elected to the position by the GRTA Board of Directors in July 2010 upon recommendation to the board by thenGeorgia Gov. Sonny Perdue. Subsequently, she was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal in January 2011.

Miller leads a team of transportation and administrative professionals in operating the Xpress commuter bus service and ensuring short-range transportation infrastructure plans in metro Atlanta provide a return-on-investment for Georgia taxpayer dollars. Under her direction, GRTA completed a comprehensive transit constructability analysis in support of the Atlanta Regional Roundtable’s project selection process for the upcoming regional transportation sales tax referendum.

Miller previously served as Transportation Policy Advisor to Gov. Perdue, and she developed transportation policy, management structures and legislative proposals designed to optimize the capacity and performance of Georgia’s multi-modal transportation assets. Her accomplishments included coordinating a comprehensive freight and goods movement assessment, co-leading development of the state’s first transportation investment strategy and successfully supported General Assembly legislative process that enacted the Transportation Investment Act of 2010.

Previously, Miller served as Policy and Programs Consultant for the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority. She also worked as a Transportation Finance Specialist with national consulting firm, as Senior Transportation Planner with the Atlanta Regional Commission and as a budget and policy analyst in the Georgia Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget.

A graduate of Georgia State University with a Master of Public Administration, she is a member of the Transportation Research Board’s Taxation and Finance Committee. She has received recognition by Georgia Trend as a Notable Georgian, and was awarded the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts’ Golden Eagle as a Champion of Transportation. In 2011, she was recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as a “Top 40 Under 40 Best and Brightest.”

The Braselton Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Legends Clubhouse in Chateau Elan. To learn more about the good works of the Braselton Rotary Club, or to inquire about membership, visit the website at www.braseltonrotary.org.

CMYK 4B

Events

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

EVENTS from page 3B Kids and teens 18 years old and younger can enjoy nutritious summer meals at no charge at East Jackson Comprehensive High School through July 31 thanks to a USDA program. Breakfast is served 7:30-9 a.m. and lunch is served 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be no meal service July 2-6. Meal service at the North Jackson Elementary School ends June 29. sss The Winder-Barrow Coalition for Adult and Continuing Education is holding a reception honoring Sherri Perry, WBCACE executive director, on Thursday, July 12, 4-6 p.m. at the Colleen O. Williams Theater in the dining room. The reception is sponsored by the WBCACE Board, City of Winder and Don Wildsmith in cooperation with the Winder Cultural Arts Center. sss The Trial Gardens will hold its 30th annual open house on July 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hundreds of new plants on display, an heirloom tomato tasting featuring 17 varieties of tomatoes grown in the trial gardens and Planters designed by the gardens’ staff will be available for sale. The garden is always open to the public free of charge, but a donation of $5 is requested during the open house. A special preview reception will be held July 13, 7-9 p.m., called a “Summer Evening in the Gardens.” Admission to the event is $5, and space is limited. Contact Brooke Pridemore at contact@ ugatrialgardens.com or 770-364-3089. sss

The flying monkeys will be here soon! The summer production for Jefferson Community Theatre, “The Wizard of Oz,” will be held July 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., July 21 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2:30p.m. Ticket prices are $10 general admission and $7 for seniors.

The show will be held at the William Duncan Martin Performing Arts Theatre at Jefferson High School. Get tickets from the Main Street Jefferson at 28 College St., in Jefferson. Anyone is interested in the Friday morning Touch Tour for the special needs population can call to make a reservation for the Friday matinee. Touch Tour recipients should arrive at 9 a.m. Easy entrance with level sidewalks and no stairs are located at the back entrance of the theatre. Call 706367-5714 or visit www. mainstreetjefferson.com for more information. sss The Birdhouse Studio & Gallery will be having a “Christmas in July” event on July 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and there will be special new original items from the artists. There will also be a White Elephant Gift Exchange for those who want to participate. Call 678-707-9206 for information.

Avid Bookshop will hold a reading and book signing with children’s author and Hoschton resident Kacy Allen Tedder on Saturday, July 21, 1-2 p.m. “Fly, Sally, Fly! A True Story of Sally’s Flight to Freedom” is a heartwarming, rags-toriches tale for all animal lovers. There is no cost.

Avid Bookshop is located in Athens at 493 Prince

Ave. For more information, contact Avid Bookshop at 706-352-2060 or avid.athens@gmail. com sss Dairy Queen of Jefferson’s annual Miracle Treat Day will be held Thursday, July 26, with proceeds of Blizzards sold to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Pre-order Blizzards for pick-up by July 23 or purchase coupons to redeem a 12-ounce Blizzard and the contribution will go towards the Miracle Treat Day donation. Email dqjefferson@yahoo.com or call 706-387-7095. sss Creative Classes for Kids will be offered at the Hoschton Heritage Arts Center one Saturday each month beginning in July through December.

HHAC Board member As-

tra Graham put together seven classes and a Christmas Party for children 7-12 years old. The classes are limited to 10 participants. Parents should phone 770-2411460 or 706-654-2693 (Tuesday through Friday (10-6) or email hhac55@ yahoo.com to register. sss New mentoring training sessions for Lindsay’s Legacy mentors will be held Wednesday, Aug. 9, 9-10:15 a.m. at the Jackson County Chamber and Wednesday, Aug. 22, 9-10:15 a.m. at Jackson EMC. RSVP for training at www. lindsayslegacymentoring. org. Contact Lisa at lisa@ linsdayslegacymentoring. org or 706-410-5525. sss A Classic Car and Motorcycle Memorial Ride will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, to raise money for the Griffin and Jake Prince memorial fund.

The boys were killed in a July boating accident on Lake Lanier. Registration will be held the morning of the ride 9-11 a.m. at the Lumpkin County Courthouse. Cost is $40 per bike/old car.

A pre-ride meeting is at 11 a.m.; kickstands up at 11:15 a.m. The ride is approximately 70 miles.

Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 1.Contact Event Organizer Lt. Doug Boyle of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office at boyle@ dawsoncountysheriff.org, 770-324-1015. sss The Braselton Visitor’s Bureau is the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Braselton Rotary Clubsponsored Run the Vineyard 2012, which will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7:30 a.m. A Fun Run will be held after the 5K. Visit http://runthevineyard.com. sss The Miss Hoschton

Pageant will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, at New Community Church in Hoschton. Practice will be held Aug. 17, 6:30-8 p.m. A new award has been added, the Armed Forces Family Service Award, for contestants who have close family members in the military. Applicants must have the Armed Forces Service Award information turned in at least one week prior to the pageant to receive the award. Awards will be given for Most Photogenic, Best Hair, Best Dressed, Best Eyes and Best Smile. Participation Fee is $65 for applicants paid by July 15; $75 after; extra fee for some categories. Make checks payable to Ritzi Reruns and send to P.O. Box 21, Hoschton, GA 30548 or pay by credit card at the shop.

Call Nancy at 706-6541983, Reneé at 678442-6499 or or e-mail renee@ritzireruns.com

CMYK Voters’ Guide

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

1C

VOTERS’ GUIDE for Jackson County

7 candidates in Sheriff’s race Andy Garrison

Ramone Gilbert

Janis Mangum

Gerald Moon

Candidate for Sheriff

Candidate for Sheriff

Candidate for Sheriff

Candidate for Sheriff

Name: Andy Garrison

Age: 58

Name: Ramone Gilbert Age: 45

Position Sought: Sheriff of Jackson County, Georgia

Position Sought: Sheriff of Jackson County Previous political office held/ appointed government posts:: I have never run for a political office prior to this campaign.

Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: n/a Occupation/Employment:

Garrison

Retired Dec. 31, 2011 as the longest State Police Academy Director in Georgia’s history (28 years). Prior to that I held law enforcement positions in Jackson and Clarke counties.

Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve:

Name: Janis Mangum

Gilbert

Occupation/Employment: Retired Sheriff’s Major Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve/personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve.

I have over 38 years of experience in law enforcement. I have served in almost every law enforcement capacity during my career: Communications, Uniform Patrol, Special Weapons & Tactics, Investigations, Crime Scene Investigations, Training, Supervision and Management.

I have earned college degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

I have extensive experience in developing and functioning in a zero-based budget

I have 24 years of practical, hands-on experience in all areas of law enforcement and executive management. I have experience in managing over 450 employees. This has prepared me to make the tough decisions that a Sheriff is expected to make when in office. Serving as a SWAT team leader and on the Honor Guard for many years provides me with the insight and understanding of what support our officers need. Having come through the ranks of Jailer, Patrolman, Investigator, Lieutenant, Captain and Major offers me the knowledge and wisdom to understand

See GARRISON, page 6C

See GILBERT, page 6C

Age: 54 Position Sought: Sheriff of Jackson County

Previous political office experience or government appointments: No Mangum previous political experience or government appointments Occupation/Employment: I have been employed with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years, currently assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division, as an Investigator for 18 of those years. I specialize in crimes against children, track and monitor registered sex offenders, working various other crimes, to include murders, rapes, kidnappings, suicides, aggravated assaults, property crimes, juvenile crimes, fraud and elder abuse.

Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve/personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I have 27 years of law enforcement experience, with 1,000+ hours of training in various areas of law enforcement. I started my career with the Jackson County Sher-

Ronnie Norris

R, Greg Vaughan

Candidate for Sheriff

Candidate for Sheriff

Candidate for Sheriff

Age: 56

Name: Ronnie Norris

Age: 47

Position Sought: Jackson County Sheriff

Position Sought: Jackson County Sheriff

Why you?

Why now?

Why this position? What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have first-hand Moore knowledge of running businesses, overseeing employees, meeting a payroll and operating within a budget by utilizing my resources in a frugal, efficient manner, in order to produce savings in the end, and accomplishing success.

I believe having this experience of working with people from all walks of life, helped me when I started my career in law enforcement in 1989 with Clarke County Police. I am a people person, very approachable, and I know how to listen to people when they have a problem and need law enforcement help to resolve the issue. It’s all about respect. Over the years, I have given my personal phone number out to people on calls I have responded to, so they can contact me while I’m on duty or off duty to help them if I can. I will continue to do the same if elected Sheriff.

Having been a third generation lifelong resident of Jackson County, and currently employed as a Jackson County Deputy Sheriff, I see first hand what the citizens of our county face every day. I am a joint stakeholder in this county and have a vested interest in this community as I’ve lived here my whole life, [it’s] where I’ve paid taxes, where I have done business with local merchants, where I’ve worked, serve and personally know many of the citizens. Having served this community as a deputy and my prior experience as a police officer gives me a keen insight and firsthand knowledge of what is needed and expected of our Sheriff and the men and women of the department.

I pledged not to take any donations when I announced in 2011. My campaign is very frugal, running on grassroots support, not accepting any donations and spending my

Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: Fire Board of Nicholson Volunteer Fire Department

See MOORE, page 7C

Norris

Occupation/Employment: Detective with Athens Clarke County Police Department since 1999 Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I started serving the people of Jackson County at the age of 18. I was a member of the Arcade Volunteer Fire Department. I served with the department until I left at 21 to serve my country in the United States Army. For the next four years I was stationed in Berlin, Germany as a mortar gunner and later an HQ position. In 1989 I returned to Jackson County and rejoined the fire and rescue department. In 1999 I became an officer at Athens Clarke County Police Department. During my years there I have been a Patrol Officer, Special Operations Officer, Training Officer, Plain Clothes officer and I am currently a member of the Burglary Suppression team as a Property Detective.

Name: R. Greg Vaughan

Position Sought: Sheriff of Jackson County Why are you running for the sheriff s position?

What in your background makes you qualified?

Previous political office experience or government appointments?

Moon

I am running for Sheriff in Jackson County because 1 think it is the best way for me to give back to the community I love. I was born and raised in Jackson County. My family is from Jackson County.

I feel I am qualified for several reasons.

First of all, 1 have over 40 years of experience in law enforcement. In my career 1 have worked in many assignments, starting as an entry level officer all the way up to Chief of Police, and everything in between.

Second, I care about the citizens of Jackson County. As I mentioned, Jackson County is, and has been for all my life, my home. Finally, I care very deeply about the men and women who protect us as law enforcement officers. 1 think I understand the challenges they face day-in and day-out. I’ve been where they are, I understand their issues,

See MOON, page 6C

See MANGUM, page 6C

Randy Moore Name: Randy Moore

Name: Gerald Moon

Age: 42

Position Sought: Sheriff of Jackson County Previous political office held/appointed government posts: None Occupation/Employment: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office / SRO East Jackson High School Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I began my career in law enforcement in 1992 with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, working in the jail and then moving on to warrants. I then transferred to Lawrenceville Police Department where I worked patrol and DUI task force until 2000. I had the opportunity to own my own business for eight years before returning to law enforcement in 2008 with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

Professionally, having the opportunities to work and train with great departments, and leadership, my experiences have exposed me to many situations where tact and patience has been required to reach a successful outcome.

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have always been a very tactile person and will always prefer a hands-on approach.

If elected as your sheriff I will bring this to the department. It is my intention to be working closely with the deputies in the field in order to better understand the day to day activities of the deputies, to understand what needs to be done to continue improving the efficiency of the department, and to make sure the flow of communication runs well within not only the Sheriff’s Department but

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

Ever since I started my career in law enforcement I have had a goal to run for sheriff. I have always had a desire to protect families and citizens in the communities where I live and to be a leader among fellow officers to achieve this goal. There is a huge spectrum of needs among citizens, therefore communicating effectively and listening to people, are two of the most important skills that I have gleaned from my years in law enforcement. Personally, being a child of a father with substance abuse issues, I have experience what it is to live in that environment. My choices in life not follow that pattern of self- destruction has been molded from my childhood experiences. I was fortunate to have someone in my life that took interest in my future and gave me confidence to make better choices and I want to invest in others the same way.

My values and beliefs, life experiences and the willingness to serve the citizens of Jackson County with fairness and gratitude lay

See NORRIS, page 7C

See VAUGHAN, page 7C

Sheriff’s candidates found only on Republican ballot Jackson County voters who want to be involved in selecting the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the county for the first time in 25 years must request a Republican ballot.

The seven candidates to succeed Sheriff Stan Evans are Republican candidates so to participate in that voting, you must request a Republican ballot. Should a runoff by necessary, you will be able to vote in the Republican Party runoff.

From the Elections & Voter Registration Office During early voting in person any registered voter in Jackson County can vote at any of the early voting locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as follows: July 9-27 – at 67 Athens St., in Jefferson, Administrative Auditorium.

July 23-27 – at 204 Carson St., in Commerce, Parks & Recreation Bldg.

July 23-27 – at 5040 Highway 53, in Braselton, Police Court Building Saturday, July 21 – Early Voting hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 67 Athens St., Jefferson.

Due to the anticipated turnout for this election, early voting is recommended to lessen your waiting time. Also, a reminder that on Election Day between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., any elderly voter (75 or older) or any voter who is disabled may request to come to the front of the line and vote at the next available voting booth.

Also, for those who cannot vote in person, Absentee Voting by mail is available.

You may request an application for an official absentee ballot by calling 706-3676377, or you may log onto the Secretary of State’s website and print one. The address is http://www.sos.ga.gov/MVP. Any voter registered in Georgia can vote absentee by mail. Just complete and sign the application. Then, mail, fax, email (as an attachment), or drop the application off at your county registrar’s office. We urge you to request your mail-in ballot and get it back to your county registrar’s office as soon as possible. Mail-in ballots can be requested no earlier than 180 days prior to the election and must be received by your county registrar no later than close of the polls on Election Day. Some important reminders for requesting an official absentee ballot by mail: Please select your party of choice on your application. Please sign your own application – The signature will be verified by the signature on file. If it does not match, the application will be rejetced.

CMYK 2C

Voters’ Guide

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

State Court Judge Robert D. Alexander, Candidate for State Court Judge Name: Robert D. Alexander Age: 38 Position Sought: I am asking the voters to allow me to keep serving in my current position as Judge of the State Court of Jackson County.

Previous Political Office / Appointed Gov’t Posts: Judge, State Court of Jackson County Judge, Municipal Court for the City of Jefferson Judge, Jackson County Drug Court Member, Public Defender Supervisory Panel Occupation / Employment: My primary employment is judge of the State Court of Jackson County. State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases as well as many civil disputes between private litigants. Because State Court is still classified as part-time, I also maintain a private law practice that has been almost exclusively focused on litigation and trial work for my entire legal career.

Because I have served as a judge in criminal courts over the past 10 years, I do not typically accept criminal cases in my private law practice. Although the law does not expressly prohibit accepting criminal cases, personally I believe that it does not appear appropriate for a sitting judge to be a fair and impartial on the bench one day, and then the next day turn up defending criminals and alleged criminals in court.

I believe that it is critical for the public to see the judiciary as fair and impartial in the administration of justice. Consequently, as a private attorney, I have handled a large assortment of civil cases regarding a wide variety of subject matters and have been the lead attorney in hundreds of hearings, motions, and trials.

Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: Professionally, I graduated from Presbyterian College with highest academic honors. I earned a full academic scholarship to the UGA School of Law where I also graduated with academic honors. At UGA, I was selected to the Georgia Law Review, one of the most competitive scholastic achievements available to any law student.

After law school I worked in the litigation department at Jones, Day, Reavis, & Pogue.

Jones Day was the second largest law firm in the world. While there, I learned from some of the smartest litigation attorneys in the country. When my wife became pregnant with our first child, I chose to return to my roots in Jackson County and raise our family. Consequently, in 2002 I joined my grandfather’s firm in Jefferson.

I have been involved in a wide range of community activities. I currently serve as co-trustee for a specific fund at my church, and I formerly served on the building committee. I coach youth football. I have been a board member of the Jackson County Boys & Girls Club and the Crawford Long Museum.

I am a long-standing member of the Chamber of Commerce, and I am a graduate of the Leadership Jackson County program.

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have been carrying out the people’s business in a fair, professional, and efficient manner for almost a decade. I am blessed that I do not have to tell you what I am going to do as judge. I already have been doing it

Name: Jeff Perry Age: 35 Position sought: State Court Judge of Jackson County Previous Political Office held /Appointed Government Posts: No previous political office held.

Appointed as member of Jackson County Planning Commission from District 2 (20082012) Voted Chairman of the Jackson County Planning Commission (2010-2012) Occupation/Employment: Attorney – Managing Partner in The Perry Law Firm (2003-2012), 1774 N. Broad St., Commerce Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve/personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I interned in the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office during Law School interviewing victims, witnesses and the accused; researching criminal law and motions; preparing documents and assisting with the prosecution of criminal cases. For the past nine years, I have been practicing both criminal and civil law. Approximately 50 percent of my practice is criminal law. I have been mentored in the law by my father, Greg Perry, who has practiced in this county for 38 years. I have had extensive contact with not only those accused of crimes, but with witnesses and victims of crimes.

The State Court of Jackson County is predominately a criminal court. In 2011, 87 percent of the caseload was criminal. My experience with the people involved in criminal and civil cases; as well as, the in-depth research and education I have had in criminal law, will enhance my ability to serve as a fair, impartial, yet compassionate judge.

this position?

As a lifelong resident of Jackson County, I have seen Jackson County grow and develop into a 21st century county yet maintain its 20th century character. During my life, I have been blessed with experiences that have prepared me to be the judge of the State Court of Jackson County. In addition to my prosecutorial experience and criminal law practice, I have been a public servant of Jackson County for the past five years.

In 2008, I was appointed to the Jackson County Planning Commission and have served as chairman for the last three years.

As a result of my education and experience in the law, especially planning and zoning, I have been able to volunteer my time and knowledge to the citizens of Jackson County.

This is the first time in 24 years the people of Jackson County will have the opportunity to choose their own State Court Judge.

I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve the people of Jackson County as their State Court Judge. My experience prosecuting and defending criminal cases and a proven record of public service makes me the best candidate for judge of the State Court of Jackson County.

See ALEXANDER, page7C

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What makes you the best candidate for

See PERRY, page 7C

Board of Commissioners – District 1 candidates Jim Hix Guy Spicer Name: Jim Hix

Hix

Age : 76

Age: 56 Position Sought: Jackson County Commissioner District 1

Previous political office held/ appointed government posts:None

Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: Currently serving on the Jackson County Planning Com-

Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I spent 75 percent of my professional career in administration during my 38 years in public education. This experience in making decisions and leading other professionals prepared me for participating in the political position I seek. I have developed the skills to be an effective listener, evaluate information and make appropriate decisions for action.

I have the ability to interact with people and work toward common goals for the county.

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

See HIX, page 4C

Name: Guy Spicer

Position Sought: Board of Commissioners, District 1

Occupation/Employment: Retired

Jeff Perry, Candidate for State Court Judge

Spicer mission (2nd term)

Occupation/Employment: Licensed and practicing professional engineer; Licensed and practicing attorney Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I am a licensed professional engineer with 33 years of experience in various aspects of competitive bid construction and design of public water and wastewater treatment facilities and/or distribution systems. During this tenure, I received two USPTO patents designed to provide optimum operational efficiency, one for water production facilities and their distribution systems and the other for wastewater treatment facilities.

See SPICER, page 4C

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

Growth for Jackson County is going to be the biggest challenge in the years to come.

However, as the county grows, Jackson County will see many opportunities. The challenges and opportunities associated with growth will impact the State Court of Jackson County by increasing the Court’s

CMYK Voters’ Guide

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

3C

Probate Judge Tracy Brooks

Donna Geiger

Sherry Moore

Donna Golden Sikes

Candidate for Probate Judge

Candidate for Probate Judge

Candidate for Probate Judge

Candidate for Probate Judge

Name: Tracy Brooks

Age: 49

Name: Donna Geiger

Age: 48

Position Sought: Probate Court Judge, Jackson County

Position Sought: Judge of Probate Court

Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: n/a

Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: None

Occupation/EmBrooks ployment: Paralegal at the law firm of Bradford & Primm, LLC, Jefferson, Georgia Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I have assisted hundreds of people in all Probate matters such as the Administration of Estates, Petitions to Probate Wills, Petitions for Years Support Adult and Minor Guardianship, mental health issues and much more. I have had the hands on experience dealing with these matters. I have also attended and assisted in Court hearings regarding the above listed matters. I work very well with the public and have compassion for people.

When employed with the law firm of Tolbert and Bradford I was Office Manager and responsible for up to as many as five attorneys and up to seven support staff in three offices. I was responsible for and handled all accounts receivable and accounts payable. I did payroll for all three offices along with managing vacation leave time. I also assisted with the hiring and termination of attorneys as well as support staff.

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

I am experienced and knowledgeable and having worked with the Probate Court for the last 13 years and my dedication to the Citizens of Jackson County. I would be honored to serve the citizens of Jackson County as their new Probate Court Judge.

Geiger

Occupation/Employment: Attorney/

Private practice Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve/personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I believe I have the attributes necessary to excel as probate judge. Specifically, I bring experience, knowledge, dedication, and integrity to the position. I have been a member in good standing of the Georgia Bar Association for 10 years. I have excelled in positions of trust. I have worked tirelessly to become a respected attorney which my work history and education demonstrate. As a project controls engineer, I managed multi-million dollar projects and was regularly given increased levels of responsibility. At King & Spalding LLP, I was selected to be a team leader managing the efforts of other attorneys, as well as support staff. There is no substitute for the actual practice of law. Over the past 10 years, I have worked in one of the world’s top law firms gaining invaluable experience. I have also had a successful private practice that has provided my most rewarding work. A judge should also demonstrate fairness and compassion.

These are qualities instilled in me by my family and reinforced throughout my professional endeavors. I have demonstrated my commitment to public service through my years in the military and my work to help veterans.

Name: Sherry Moore

Moore

Age: 43

Name: Donna Golden Sikes

P o s i tion Sought: Candidate for Jackson County Probate Judge

P o s i tion Sought: Judge, Jackson County Probate Court

Previous political office held/ appointed government posts: No previous political offices held.

Previous political offices held/ appointed government posts: I have served as Sikes attorney for Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority and as attorney for the City of Arcade.

Occupation: I am currently the Chief Clerk in the Athens-Clarke County Probate Court.

Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I began working for Judge Susan Tate, the Clarke County Probate Judge, in her law practice 25 years ago, and did everything from keeping the books, drafting legal documents (including wills and probate petitions) to legal research. I have spent the last 10 years working in the Probate Court of Clarke County, working directly under Judge Tate. Over the years, I have assisted hundreds of individuals who come to the court, many of whom are not represented by an attorney. Knowing how to help these people without giving legal advice, which the judge and clerks are prohibited from doing, is a blend of knowledge, psychology and intuition. I have worked with, and am a resource for most of the Probate Judges and Clerks in the surrounding counties. I regularly attend both Probate Court clerks’ and judges’ training provided by the Probate Judge’s Training Council, and I have frequently been chosen by the Council to teach various subjects to my peers at statewide training.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

My experience as an attorney combined with my education has provided me with

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

As the only candidate who has worked in a probate court, if elected I will arrive for work with 10 years of day to day Probate Court experience. I have had the opportunity to learn the laws and procedures of probate court and have enjoyed serving the

See BROOKS, page 5C

See GEIGER, page 5C

See MOORE, page 5C

Occupation/employment: I have been an attorney for the past 21 years.

Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve/personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I am a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law and I have worked in Jackson County’s probate court as well as in probate courts in the surrounding counties for over 21 years representing clients.

I have the education and experience required to analyze legal issues and to make fair and legally sound judicial rulings. I also know and understand the laws affecting the issuance of marriage and firearms licenses, and the record keeping requirements of the probate court. As a small business owner, I have experience in managing budgets and supervising personnel, which are invaluable in the efficient and professional administration of the probate office. I served as a member and chairman of the Jackson County Industrial Development Authority. I am a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, have served on the Chamber board of directors, and graduated from the Chamber Leadership Program. I served as attorney for Jackson County Water and Sewage Authority and the City of Arcade. I have provided free legal representation to people through Georgia Legal Services Program and have been a 4-H leader. I am committed to serving our county and will continue to do so as your probate judge.

See SIKES, page 5C

CMYK 4C

Voters’ Guide

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Hunter Bicknell, Commission Chairman Name: Hunter Bicknell

Age: 67

Tom Crow, Commission Chairman Name: Tom Crow

Previous political office held/appointed government post: Chairman, Board of Commissioners Jackson County; Chairman, Northeast Georgia Regional Transportation Roundtable; Chairman, Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority; Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority; Bicknell Upper Oconee Basin Water Planning Council; Northeast Georgia Regional Commission; Northeast Georgia Solid Waste Authority; Jackson County Board of Health Occupation/Employment: My entire working years have been as a businessman. After earning my bachelors and masters degrees from Georgia State University, I worked in the corporate world for more than 24 years, 22 years with The Sperry & Hutchinson Company, my last six years as Regional Vice President. I later followed my entrepreneurial interest to start and operate food service, construction equipment rental and residential and commercial construction businesses. I retired from Sky Climber Inc. a manufacturer of suspended scaffolding, man rated hoist and safety equipment for the construction industry.

I was the company’s Vice President and responsible for everything but manufacturing.

Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: I have had many years of experience successfully managing a large organization. Having worked my way up through a large company, serving in eight different positions as I worked my way to the Regional Vice Presidency, I have a broad experience base from the corporate world.

In addition I have been a successful entrepreneur in three different industries. My business experience covers all aspects of operating large and small businesses and many of the principles used in business can be applied to government.

From a personal attributes standpoint, I consider myself to be objective, open minded, cooperative, honest, courteous, thoughtful, responsive, flexible and optimistic.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I want to continue as chairman of the BOC to serve all the citizens of Jackson County and to always do what I believe is in the best interest of the county. For five years we have been in a bad economy requiring considerable fiscal restraint. We have been able to balance our budget without cutting essential services and without a millage rate increase in fact many Jackson County property owners are paying less property tax now than when I took office. Our economy is improving but we still have a long way to go and I would like to continue working to insure that the county remains strong and continues to improve financially. The position of chairman will allow me to fairly and objectively serve all the citizens of Jackson County. I am proud to run on my record. We have worked hard to be good stewards of tax payer money and reduced the county’s debt by over eleven million dollars in a bad economy.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office?

Our greatest challenge comes from the extremely high per capita debt that we have in Jackson County. As long as the tax digest was growing rapidly, it was clear that we could make debt service payments with increased revenues. With the decline in our tax digest, it has become more difficult to make our debt payments. We are in a new economy, where reducing debt and avoiding new debt is more important than ever. I am a true fiscal conservative that will work hard to control spending and continue to look for ways to reduce debt. Another issue affecting the tax digest is the current state of the housing market. The avenue to recovery is more and better jobs for our citizens. I will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to bring more industrial and commercial development to Jackson County. Since late last year, there have been announcement of over 2,400 new jobs for Jackson County. Hundreds have already been hired and many more will be throughout this year and beyond.

What do you think should be the working relationship of the commission chairman and commissioners with each other? With the county manager? With other elected officials? With County employees?

Each commissioner has the same authority and opportunity to represent the citizens of the county. The chairman leads the board meetings and should insure that each commissioner has the opportunity to express his position on all issues. Every commissioner should work to foster a spirit of cooperation and respect. Commissioners are provided information on each agenda item in advance of the meeting where the item is to be considered, therefore commissioners work to a great extent independently. However, the Chairman should be available to discuss any issue with another commissioner.

In our county manager form of government the manager is responsible for the day to day operation of the county, the commission determines policy. The chairman and district commissioners work closely with the county manager, particularly on new initiatives or changes in policy.

The elected constitutional officers operate independently to a great extent. It is the commissions’ responsibility to provide these departments with the resources needed for them to fulfill their duties to the community. It is important that the commission work in concert with our staff and the constitutional officers to see that our limited resources are equitably allocated.

The Chairman and Commissioners do not have a working relationship with our county employees. Our employees working relationship is with their fellow employees, department heads and the county manager. That being said, the commission has a responsibility to our employees to provide them with an environment for success and treat them with respect.

How important do you consider this representation and what kind of representative would you be for Jackson County?

Representing Jackson County is a responsibility of the chairman, it goes with the job. It is important for the chairman to be actively involved with the various organization that he is a member of in the county and region. Some are more important than others but all participation help the chairman understand what is happening in the area that affects Jackson County. In the past I have been actively involve with the various boards, councils, committees and authorities that affect our county. If re-elected, I will continue to serve the citizens of Jackson County in any way I can just as I did when Governor Perdue appointed me to the Upper Oconee Basin Water Planning Council and when the Regional Transportation Roundtable elected me to chair their roundtable.

Age: 67 Position Sought: Chairman of Board of Commissioners

Position Sought: Chairman, Board of Commissioners

Crow

HIX from page 2C

Previous political office held/appointed government posts: District Commissioner for 7&1/2 years; Jackson County Water Authority; Board of Equalization; Jackson County Volunteer Firemen’s Association (Charter Member); Chairman of Chamber of Commerce; President of Jackson County Farm Bureau; Jefferson School Parent Advisory Committee; Appointed by Governor to the GA Aquaculture Development

Committee Occupation/Employment: Manager of Crow’s Lake Previous experience that will enhance your ability to serve / personal attributes that will enhance your ability to serve: 40+years of public service in Jackson County. Willing to work as a team member.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have been listening to the citizens and I hear their concerns. I know that I will address their issues. My serving as a district Commissioner has prepared me to serve the citizens as Chairman.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office?

Reducing spending and reducing our debt is the main challenge ahead. Our opportunity is in using this slow economy to properly plan for the next spurt of growth so that Jackson County is ahead instead of playing catch up.

The day-to-day responsibilities of the county are overseen by the county manager, who has policies and procedures set by the Board of Commissioners as his guide. What do think should be the working relationship of the commissioners, the chairman and the county manager? With other elected officials? With county employees?

Always as a team member to better Jackson County.

Commissioners are elected by district, but how important is it for commissioners to be responsible for all Jackson County taxpayers?

All commissioners should remember that the tax dollars that we spend comes from Jackson, not just our district. My votes over the past years have always been for all of Jackson County.

Other comments: My votes have been very conservative. I will continue to be conservative with your tax dollar.

SPICER from page 2C Also, for the past 18 years I have been a practicing attorney in various aspects of Georgia law. I am currently serving my second term on the Jackson County Planning Commission. I believe this multifaceted experience makes me uniquely qualified for a seat on the BOC. Personally, I am very detail oriented especially when it comes to getting the most efficiency out of expenditures, whether at the household budget level or at the larger project management level through which I have gained much of my professional experience. I am fundamentally against the natural bent of all levels of government to intrude into our personal lives, thereby eroding our freedoms.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

I believe I can bring pragmatic, unbiased, and fiscally responsible decision making to Jackson County leadership, and slow or stop county government from creeping into our personal lives.

Now is the time to replace the “good ole boy” mentality of previous decision making in this county at the BOC level that has allowed an imbalanced and unacceptable level of per capita debt to creep upon us, because we just cannot afford this type of decision making any longer. I am the best candidate for District 1 Commissioner as I am not aligned with any good ole boy network, I have not accepted any campaign donations, and I am therefore not obligated to any one special interest. As such, I am free and committed to serve the collective interest of the taxpayer.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office?

A significant challenge for Jackson County as is the case with any political subdivision within this country is to insure that all aspects of government are administered in a balanced format so the private sector can thrive and so that government is prohibited from pursuing its natural desire to gain power and control over the public. This will insure that county government continues to serve the public instead of transforming itself from what once was to serve into what is to be served.

I see the opportunity for Jackson County be an area of attractive commercial development that is able to offer our strategic proximity to our I-85 interchanges to good businesses, with balanced residential development that can support this commerce without overburdening our school systems.

This will bring both jobs to our area and as well shift

I have lived in Jackson County for 54 years. My wife and I raised our two sons here and have been active participants in the community during this time. Our church and civic participation has enhanced our lives with many friendships gained through these experiences. I love Jackson County and want to help maintain the character and appeal of the county that we have enjoyed.

I am retired and can devote the time needed to fulfill this position. As a member of the Board of Commissioners I feel I can have the greatest influence on positioning the county for the future.

I know Jackson County well. I am familiar with the changes that have occured in the past and the effect these changes have made, both good and not so good. This position requires someone that can help make decisions that are sound and reasonable for our citizens. My past experience and knowledge of the county will enable me to contribute to the future progress.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact this office?

The two major challenges for the county are maintaining essential services with sound fiscal management and seeking new job opportunities for our citizens. We are in a unique position with our location on Interstate 85. It can help bring us growth in business and industry and will also bring us residential growth. We need to vigorusly pursue business and industry to help sustain our citizens economically so that we do not become just another bedroom community of Atlanta.

The day-to-day responsibilities of the county are overseen by the county manager, who has policies and procedures set by the Board of Commissioners as his guide.

What do think should be the working relationship of the commissioners, the chairman and the county manager?

With other elected officials? With county employees?

In order to provide effective leadership for the county we must be able to work effectively together. Positive results will occur through mutual respect and a healthy exchange of ideas.

All governmental officials are a part of the process of serving the county. We need to interact with them and understand their office and it’s function for the county.

County employees need to know who we are and that we care for their contribution to our county The county manager is responsible for their supervision and we must not interfere in that process.

Commissioners are elected by district, but how important is it for commissioners to be responsible for all Jackson County taxpayers?

We must be responsible to all Jackson County citizens in order for fair and equitable progress to occur in our county.

It is each commissioners responsibility to identify the particular needs of the district they represent and present these needs for consideration by the board. We must be able to work together with respect for all areas of the county.

some of the tax burden to businesses and to out of county purchasers to the ultimate benefit of those residing in Jackson County.

The day-to-day responsibilities of the county are overseen by the county manager, who has policies and procedures set by the Board of Commissioners as his guide. What do think should be the working relationship of the commissioners, the chairman and the county manager? With other elected officials? With county employees?

The working relationship of all BOC members inclusive of the chair should be to work together closely amongst themselves. Included in this close working relationship should be the county manager. This close relationship with the county manager should include free and open discussion and debate on all levels, except that all directives and/or instruction by the BOC should come from the chair (i.e. a single voice) after voting as may be applicable by the BOC members. It is essential that the hierarchy of decision making and instruction/directives be respected and adhered to so public employees can administer their duties without looking over their shoulders wondering if a particular BOC member might attempt to override a decision of the county manager or the decision of

a lower lever administrator as the case may be. I believe it to be divisive for a BOC member to reach past the county manager to direct and/or instruct a lower level administrator/employee.

This having been said, it is important for other elected officials and public employees to feel that I am working on the same team with them as far as our collective responsibilities in serving the public.

Commissioners are elected by district, but how important is it for commissioners to be responsible for all Jackson County taxpayers?

Commissioners are elected by district to insure that such representative is chosen in a manner that may properly reflect the concerns of the particular locality. It is essential however, that this representative vote responsibly and in the best collective interests of all county taxpayers as to do otherwise is a natural invitation for division. Division destroys. I am against division.

Other comments: This is my first run for an elected public office. I am doing so having been encouraged by those who know me and my abilities and our beliefs that I can bring good leadership to the BOC. Thank you for voting on July 31 and I would appreciate your vote of

CMYK Voters’ Guide

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

5C

BROOKS from page 3C

MOORE from page 3C

SIKES from page 3C

The challenges I see in the future of the Probate Court is as our County continues to grow and the changing of laws will make it become necessary to revisit the lunch schedule and the budget. The opportunities for the Probate Court is always being here to serve the citizens of Jackson County to the best of my abilities.

public. A majority of the matters handled in probate court involve some of the most stressful problems we encounter in life. I am compassionate, dedicated and adept at working with the families that come to the probate court and are dealing with tough times. I have the right mix of training, intelligence and common sense necessary to effectively serve the citizens of Jackson County as Probate Judge.

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Probate Court handles a variety of responsibilities which many residents aren’t familiar with until they need them. What are some of the major duties of this office?

Administration of Estates, Mental health issues, Adult and Minor guardianship, weapons carry license, marriage license, birth certificates and death certificates.

GEIGER from page 3C duties of judge of probate court at the highest level. As a litigator at an international firm and having a successful private practice I have an accomplished and diverse background as an attorney.

I have drafted countless wills and trusts, and assisted with the administration of many estates. I have also successfully represented clients in a variety of probate related matters. My military experiences taught me to appreciate and relate to people from various backgrounds. As an engineer I developed skills necessary to manage staff, direct tasks, work within a schedule and maintain a budget. My educational, personal and professional experiences make me uniquely qualified to deal with the complex financial, legal and emotional issues that face our probate judge.

The person elected as probate judge should be evaluated on the sum of their personal and professional experiences.

My qualifications as an attorney are only one part of the skills, knowledge, and attributes that I bring to the Office.

I believe my background allows me to bring the most among the candidates to the position of probate judge.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

The role of the probate court is a very important one in our community. My main goal is to conduct the business of the court with integrity and fairness. I will accomplish this by providing a professional, efficient, and modern court with decision making based on the laws of the State of Georgia. As our society has changed, the issues facing probate court have become more complex. It is often difficult for individuals without legal representation to sort through these matters. It is the duty of the court to understand and apply the laws in a balanced fashion while protecting the rights of all parties. As an attorney, I have the education and professional experience to ensure that these goals are met. As an individual, I am committed to making sure that all people are treated fairly . I bring the skills, experience, and compassion necessary to meet these principles. I am looking forward to this opportunity.

Probate Court handles a variety of responsibilities which many residents

aren’t familiar with until they need them. What are some of the major duties of this office?

The role of the probate court is very broad. In addition to filing and probating wills, the probate judge oversees the administration of estates for those that die without a will, as well as year’s support petitions for surviving spouses and minor children. The probate judge also appoints guardians and/or conservators for incapacitated adults and minor children, and presides over hearings for involuntary commitments. The probate judge must manage these tasks and coordinate the efforts of the staff of the court, while maintaining a budget.

The probate judge is also charged with the responsibility of reviewing reports from conservators and administrators to make sure all parties are working to maintain and preserve the property for the benefit of an estate, ward or minor.

As an attorney experienced in these matters, I will be able expedite this process while ensuring compliance with governing statutes. These are complex issues and the decisions related to them have tremendous and lasting impacts on families. I have maintained and improved my knowledge through continuing education, research and practice in the courts.

Other comments: I grew up in Winder and graduated from Winder-Barrow High School in 1981. My parents are Linda Davis Geiger (from Jackson County) and the late Jack Geiger (from Barrow County). After high school I served four years active duty in the U.S. Army. I continued to serve active reserve duty while attending Texas A&M University. I graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree. I worked for Fluor Corporation for 10 years as a project controls engineer in the oil & gas industry in their Sugarland, Texas office. I graduated from the University of Houston’s Law School. In 2002 I moved home to my grandparents farm in Braselton to be near my family. I accepted a position with King & Spalding LLP in their environmental litigation section. I commuted from Braselton to Atlanta for several years before going into private practice in Jackson County.

My practice deals primarily with elder law issues. My pro bono work is focused on helping veterans of the U.S. armed forces. I would be honored to have your vote on July 31.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

Probate Court has jurisdiction over mental health, which is an increasing problem in our state, judging from the increase in the number of mental health proceedings brought before our courts. As we are all living longer and longer, the number of people who are afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is multiplying rapidly. We must ensure that our elderly loved ones and those with special needs are kept safe from neglect, abuse and exploitation, a significant but largely hidden problem.

Probate Court has jurisdiction over issuance of firearms carry licenses. Since 9/11, federal and state laws related to carry licenses have frequently changed, and it is important that the probate judges attend the necessary FBI/NICS training and state law trainings provided to probate courts to stay current on the law.

Probate Court handles a variety of responsibilities which many residents aren’t familiar with until they need them. What are some of the major duties of this office?

Probate Court is often referred to as the people’s court, as most individuals will use the probate court at some point in their life, and often at a time of personal stress. Probate Courts issue marriage licenses and weapons carry licenses, handle estates after the death of an individual, (including wills, administrations of estates where the decedent did not have a will, and year’s support petitions), and guardianship and conservatorship of minors and adults. In addition, probate court has jurisdiction of involuntary treatment of mentally ill adults and even approves the placement of adults, who are unable to consent, into nursing homes when there is no family member to consent to such placement. Lesser known areas of jurisdiction include the issuance of fireworks display permits, peddler’s licenses and even registration of brands. Probate Court is much more than “wills and trusts.”

Other comments: My husband and I live in Jefferson with our 15-year-old son, Caleb, who is a rising sophomore at Jefferson High School. I also have a grown daughter, Cherie, who is grown, married and has a 2-year-old son. We attend Living Word Worship Center in Jefferson, and enjoy participating in our local church, school and Boy Scout programs.

I truly love the work I do each day in the Probate Court in Clarke County, and would love to serve the citizens of Jackson County. At 43 years old, I have energy and career time to offer to the job. I believe that not only is it important to elect a Probate Judge with experience, but also one who is compassionate and impartial. I would sincerely appreciate your vote on July 31st.

Over the last two decades, our county has exploded with growth. That growth has brought before the court more people needing court services and more complex legal issues, while the slow economy has resulted in more people representing themselves without the benefit of an attorney to identify the legal issues presented in their cases. Our county needs a probate judge who has a legal education and understanding of the law and who is experienced in probate law to make sound judicial decisions to guide the court forward.

I am the only candidate for probate judge who has both a formal legal education and legal experience representing clients in the probate courts. I am the only candidate who has tried cases before the probate court. I am the only candidate who has experience managing budgets and supervising employees. I am the only candidate with a history of community service and leadership. And, I am the only candidate who has legal education, training and experience required to make sound judicial decisions. These unique qualifications make me the best candidate to be the next probate judge for Jackson County.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

The people of Jackson County deserve an organized and efficient probate court, which is operated professionally and fairly, and is readily accessible to all citizens of our county. My experience as an attorney and a small business owner will be invaluable in assisting me to operate the probate court efficiently. As your probate judge, I will make sure our court staff is well trained and knowledgeable in all areas of court services so that people needing the assistance of the court are directed appropriately. I will have an open door policy so that court services are available to people whenever the courthouse is open. As your probate court judge, I will apply the law fairly and impartially and will render judicial decisions based on sound legal principles.

Probate Court handles a variety of responsibilities which many residents aren’t familiar with until they need them.

What are some of the major duties of this office?

The Probate Court is responsible for overseeing the probate of wills, the administration of estates and the appointment and administration of conservators and guardians for minors and incapacitated adults. Very often, the probate court is required to conduct judicial hearings and render legal judgments in conjunction with these duties. The probate court also issues marriage licenses and firearms licenses and is responsible for maintaining death certificates and birth certificates as well as maintaining records of all current and past proceedings and actions of the court.

CMYK 6C

Voters’ Guide

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

GARRISON from page 1C

GILBERT from 1C

agency, where each year all expenses must be justified.

With this type of budget, the taxpayer sees where every penny of their money is used.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

I was born and raised in this county. I began my career in law enforcement at the Jefferson Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. It has always been my goal to return to Jackson County and give back to the people who gave me the start in my career.

I want to bring my education, experience and training back to the people of my county.

With my education, experience, training and knowledge of running a large agency I feel I am uniquely qualified to be your next Sheriff.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

The imminent growth of Jackson Country poses new threats and challenges to our citizens. Drug and gang activity is increasing in our area and is not currently being addressed. I will take a pro-active position in education, training and enforcement of drug laws and gang activities. I will set programs in place to educate, arrest and re-habilitate the criminal element in our community. We need to utilize our resources in a way that maximizes effectiveness and promotes efficiency. I have a career in public safety that has effectively addressed the concept of smaller, more efficient government.

Other comments: The sheriff answers only to the people of Jackson County – not to the Governor, not to Congress and not even to the President. The race for sheriff is THE most important one you will be faced with this election season. Your sheriff has the ultimate power in your county.

Choosing the right person to represent and protect you and your family is a decision that should be based not on popularity, but rather on knowledge, skills and the ability of a candidate to carry out the job. You should choose the person that is educated, has the most experience, is knowledgeable of the law and can effectively enforce it, and who will be a good steward of your tax dollars. Your vote will directly affect the safety and security of you and your family.

Compare my qualifications to the other candidates before you make your decision on July 31st. To get more information about my qualifications, go to my website at http://www.andy4sheriff.com or my campaign brochure to view my accomplishments at http://www.andy4sheriff.com/pdf/Andy_4_Sheriff_2012.pdf. After you research all of the candidates, I feel confident you will agree... There’s No Comparison.

MOON from page 1C problems, concerns, and fears. 1 want to be able to lead these brave men and women as they go about performing their dangerous jobs.

I feel Sheriff Evans has done an excellent job for the citizens of Jackson County. The Sheriff s Office has been running efficiently over the past years, and I would .. let the system continue to run in essentially the same manner, making improvements as needed along the way.

That’s not to say 1 wouldn’t take the department and make it my own. I would. As Sheriff, 1 would look for ways to increase the number of traffic enforcement operations on and around 1-85. I would work very hard to bridge the gap between our community’s youth and law enforcement. I would explore any law enforcement options for aggressively protecting our children from predators, both on-line and within our community. I would make the protection of children the centerpiece of my entire administration, as Sheriff of Jackson County.

Paying for programs, such as these, requires the expertise of a trained administrator who knows how to efficiently spend tax payer dollars without further burdening them. There are a multitude of federal and state grants available for these types of operations. And ultimately, I would work with the Courts to transfer the burden of paying for law enforcement services onto the law breakers themselves. There’s no doubt that tax dollars fund the essential services law enforcement must provide. But I think those who commit crimes within our community

what each level of supervision requires to perform their jobs.

As a 1994 graduate of the FBI National Academy and a 2010 graduate of GILEE(Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange), I have achieved a training level desired by most law enforcement professionals. I have local, state, national and international training to offer and share with the Jackson County Officers and the citizens we serve and protect.

I also am very familiar with the business side of a Sheriff’s Department. I have managed a 30 million dollar budget and have extensive experience in the human resource side of managing an entire department. Lastly, I am a husband, father and a Christian.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What makes you the best candidate for this position?

With Stan Evans retiring, we need a sheriff that can walk in on day one, pick-up where he has left off and move the department forward.

I am running for Sheriff to: *Build a secure future for our youth; * Reassure our elders of their safety and the protection of their property; * Provide the citizens of Jackson County with an experienced and proven leader; *I have 24 years of hands on practical experience. I worked my way through the ranks from Jailer to Major in one of the largest Sheriff’s Department in the state of Georgia. *I have experience as a: First-line supervisor; Mid-level manager; Executive manager. *I have extensive experience in developing and managing a Sheriff’s Department budget.

I am the only candidate that has held the responsibility of running an entire Sheriff’s Department.

ought to bear some of the financial responsibility for their acts.

Why you? Why now? Why this position?

What’s makes you the best candidate for this position?

It is true that there are a lot of men and women running for the position of Sheriff in Jackson County. The choice, for some, may not be an easy choice to make. Some of these candidates wish to completely overhaul the way law enforcement business is conducted in Jackson County. I have a different opinion. I think “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” As I mentioned, there are some changes I would make and some programs I would want to create and maintain, but as it is today, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is not a heavy burden on the tax payers of Jackson County.

My experience, both in working the streets as an officer and leading men and women through the dangers of police work as their Chief, I feel qualifies me for the position of Sheriff. I have remained an ethical, honest, and hardworking servant of the public for more than 40 years, and will bring that experience, those ethics, and that honesty to the citizens of Jackson County as their Sheriff.

Some of my opponents may say drugs are the biggest issue facing us in Jackson County. Others may say property crimes like burglaries and thefts. But to me, if we embrace our youth, show them that we as a community care about them and will never give up on them, 1 think you will be amazed to see all crime categories go down in numbers.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

The challenges facing the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department are: Drugs – Gangs – Growth The opportunities for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department are: - Begin State Certification process. Having this foundation in place will allow a separate professional organization to review the policies of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. This extensive review process will affirm that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is operating under the most current policies and performing all functions of law enforcement professionally and effectively. This will be accomplished with existing staff and at a minimal cost.

- As the Sheriff of Jackson County, I would support the effort of sharing the cost with all local municipalities in creating a drug task force. Drugs are a county wide issue, and no one single department should bare the entire cost. The cost should be shared to benefit the citizens of Jackson County.

This has to be accomplished.

We cannot continue to lose our youth to drugs.

- Another opportunity would be the creation of a Certified Law Enforcement Reserve Unit. In Jackson County there are many retired officers that still want to be involved with law enforcement and would be willing to volunteer their time.

There are a lot of areas in which they could be utilized.

Other comments: Providing Jackson County with an experienced and proven leader will give our citizens the confidence of knowing that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department will be an effective, efficient and professional agency. I have the experience and vision that it takes to make this department even better.

Although, I was not born and raised in Jackson County, my wife and I chose this county to raise our family in. It is our home and my ultimate goal is to make it one of the safest communities in Georgia.

Therefore, I am asking you to vote for me when you go to the polls on July 31.

MANGUM from page 1C riff’s Office as a radio operator and was promoted through each division of the Sheriff’s Office, so I am familiar with the operations. I was the Jail Commander and the Criminal Investigations Commander during my time with Jackson County. For the past 23 years, I have devoted my time to serving the people of Jackson County. I know the needs of the people because I have been here for them and I know the resources to assist them. I work very hard at holding people accountable when they victimize others, especially our children and seniors, who are our most vulnerable. I have hundreds of hours in testifying in Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court and Juvenile Court. I have work experience with other law enforcement agencies, the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Georgia Department of Public Safety-Georgia State Patrol. I am a past board member of the Tree House, our child advocacy center, still working closely with them on their fundraiser events. I am an avid supporter of the Peace Place, our battered women’s shelter. I am also a member of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task Force. I serve on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry Task Force, serving 23 counties in Northeast Georgia to assist them with their needs as far as registered sex offenders and the laws that apply.

Why you? Why now? Why this position? What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Public service is where my heart is. I love Jackson County and the people. I am a lifelong resident, growing up in Jefferson and residing in the Holly Springs community in North Jackson County for 30 years.

There is something that sets me apart from the other candidates and it is NOT that I am a female, as some people take issue with. What sets me apart and makes me the best candidate for this job, is that I have worked here for 23 years, serving the people of Jackson County.

I know the needs of the people. I have devoted these years to listening to the people, helping the people, and trying to meet their needs to the best of my ability. This job has never been about me and as your Sheriff, it still will not be about me but about you the people. I have the training, the knowledge, and the skills to do this job and this is what makes me qualified to be your Sheriff.

This is a promise I will make to you, the citizens, because I know I can deliver on this promise. I will be a dedicated Sheriff, with an open door policy.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

There will always be challenges. Of course in this economy, we at the Sheriff’s Office have felt the crunch, furloughing a day a month for 3 years. In spite of the furloughs, we have to continue to provide the service and protection to the citizens and do this in a way that the taxpayers don’t have an extra burden added to them. The crime doesn’t take a furlough day.

We, as a department, have to aggressively go after the drug dealers/drug problem we have, which affects so many families and the heartache is horrific. To me, drugs are the core of most of our problems. We will work diligently to hold people accountable who victimize others, prosecuting them to the fullest. I want to take every opportunity we have to become a more community oriented Sheriff’s Office. We will continue our Neighborhood Watch programs. I want to continue our School Resource Officer program. I will utilize the resources we have now and others we may possibly utilize, without placing a burden on the taxpayers. I will always be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money

CMYK Voters’ Guide

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

moore from page 1C

NORRIS from page 1C

own money. My campaign consists of going door-to-door to meet the people of this county and ask them to hire me as their next Sheriff. This job belongs to the citizens of Jackson County. It does not belong to the candidate with the most signs and who takes in and spends the most money. There’s no price tag on the Sheriff’s office and it isn’t for sale to the highest bidder. With donations in politics, they come with strings attached, and you can bet that donors will come to collect some day. By Election Day, I will have spent less than $3,500 on my entire campaign. If elected, I will be able to treat everyone fair and equitable and, most of all, the same. I am proud of my career in law enforcement. I am the best candidate for Sheriff.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

Drug abuse, thefts and domestic violence.

I believe in order to break the continuing cycle of above, we have to start with our children at a very young age. In our society today, it is hard to let a child grow up as a child at a normal pace. There are so many elements in our world that prevent this.

I would like to start a mentoring program in our schools, starting with kindergarten and grade school. This is a valuable learning time for children, when they hang on every word they hear. Teaching them good lessons in their lives at this time is something they will carry on with them throughout life.

I would like to start a deputy for a day rewards program through the schools, grade 5-7, where they would be rewarded in the summer months, based on achievement during the school year. They would be assigned to ride with a specially-trained deputy and limited as to what types of calls they could respond to. This can be used as a teaching tool, in reference to child bullying in the schools. It will also teach them it is better to do the right thing and not to become involved in adverse behavior.

I would like to start a “Scared Straight” program through the courts and the Sheriff’s department for at-risk juveniles who are already in the system or flirting with it. This would be designed to let them experience what is in store for them when they reach age 17, and they can’t hide behind the juvenile shield any longer.

If we can change our children’s actions, and the course of their life for the betterment, our society as a whole will benefit. Most all crimes committed in these days and times are commonly a direct result of drug abuse. By educating our children and working with the courts and schools, I know we can make a difference.

the other local offices as well. As your sheriff I will bring my extensive experience in the field, my knowledge of the judicial system, leadership abilities, and my strong family values together to make Jackson County a better, safer place for you and your loved ones to live.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

One of the major challenges in Jackson County will be combating the growing drug problem in Jackson County. It is my intention to start a drug task force within the county. The task force will target the drug traffic on interstate 85, but will not stop there. Enforcing the law in this area and making these arrests will inevitably lead to other problem areas in our county. This drug problem is also one of the root problems of other issues in the county. The drug problem trickles down into property crimes, which I also plan to target. By having a property crimes unit that works hand in hand with the drug task force unit, we stand a greater chance of not only making arrests of those offenders, but also returning the stolen property to the victims of said crimes.

ALEXANDER from page 2C

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

The biggest challenge facing Jackson County and the State Court is effectively managing growth and increased caseload, which is discussed in more depth in the next question. Another important challenge is being a good steward of your tax dollars by intelligently addressing financial issues.

The State Court is financially self-supporting and is a positive line item on the county budget. Nevertheless, I already have cut next year’s State Court budget by 5 percent.

Additionally, I have implemented other improvements that have saved the county taxpayers money in addition to increasing court efficiency. For example, in June of this year the plea deadline resulted in all cases on the trial calendar pleading out. Because

VAUGHAN from page 1C the foundation I need to fulfill the role of Sheriff of Jackson County.

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead for Jackson County that would impact your office?

Methamphetamine use is Jackson County’s biggest issue, currently, which results in considerable crimes against persons and property crimes for citizens and business owners in the county. The sheriff’s office, courts, probations, and the state jails need to take this issue more seriously and get it under control. Insurance costs, healthcare costs, and property loss are all costs that each taxpayer pays in this county that are directly or indirectly related to the influence of this drug. I feel we need to put more resources in place to fight this battle, and it will take an effort among all agencies to tame this crisis.

As sheriff, I would look into programs to aid in catching the department up on technology, equipment, and hiring enough officers to meet the demands of protecting our county as we are already on a very slim budget to pay for the minimum resources we have at this time.

Additional comments: I just want to let the citizens of Jackson County know that I am grateful for every opportunity that I am allowed to share my goals and beliefs, and for being generous with their time when I stop by to talk with them. I understand that everyone leads busy lives and could use more hours in a day to accomplish all that they have to do, but I hope that the people in Jackson County take the time to give careful consideration to each candidate and come out on Election Day to make their vote count.

More including Board of Commissioners’ District 2 and Coroner’s races will appear in upcoming editions of The Paper

Other comments: For any further questions, contact me at 706-215-5492. To check on candidates donations and exdpenditures got ethics. Georgia.gov

and am proud of what we have accomplished.

I have worked hard and made smart improvements. We have significantly reduced the number of cases awaiting trial. A criminal case now appears on a trial calendar within 60-90 days from a defendant’s first appearance. Any court would be proud of such an expedited docket.

In order to ensure that jurors’ time is used efficiently, I implemented a mandatory plea deadline. This deadline discourages delay by litigants. Hard-working citizens are losing valuable time and money when they are not able to work, so I have taken steps to ensure that jurors return to their jobs as quickly as possible.

I have mandated a change in culture regarding sentencing. I encourage you to talk with the courthouse staff and attorneys who actually have been in my court regularly.

Wrongdoers are held accountable for their actions. Repeat offenders – particularly those probationers willfully failing to meet their court-ordered responsibilities – go to jail.

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the plea deadline occurs before the day jurors are scheduled to arrive, we were able to notify the jurors in advance that we did not need their attendance. The plea deadline not only saved jurors’ time, but it also saved the county money because we did not have to pay 85 jurors we did not need. As your State Court Judge, I will remain a good steward of our tax dollars in these difficult financial times and search for new ways to make the court financially efficient.

State Court has experienced increases and decreases in caseload. What plans do you have for managing the caseload over the next four years? Do you anticipate a rise in civil cases? Criminal cases?

Jackson County is growing. The State Court caseload will continue increasing along with our population. Our new Sheriff’s traffic and enforcement policies will impact the State Court caseload, as will the new criminal justice reforms recently enacted. Given these changes, the Judge must be proactive in monitoring our caseload and ensuring that we are able to continue processing cases effectively, efficiently, and expeditiously. Waiting until a backlog occurs is not an acceptable option.

At the time I was sworn into office, Court records showed over 12,000 open cases. Shortly thereafter, I worked with Court Clerk Camie Thomas to review every single case file classified as “open” in the State Court docket. As a result, today our records show that open, active cases number in the hundreds -- not the thousands. This is progress. And now that we accurately know where we are, we can effectively monitor where we are going. I will continue to vigilantly monitor our caseload to ensure that justice is administered in a timely manner.

I anticipate that civil cases will continue to rise as litigants learn that the State Court is the best venue in Jackson County for getting prompt and efficient resolution of their disputes.

PERRY from page 2C caseload. If the Judge fails to plan for growth or does not take the necessary steps to implement a plan, then the Court will face dire consequences. A backlog of cases, a higher dismissal rate resulting from the fact that older cases are harder to prosecute, and overworked staff and attorneys leading to higher burnout rates and turnover, could result from the Judge’s failure to prepare for growth.

If the Judge adequately prepares and executes a plan for growth, then the State Court of Jackson County will see an increase in both criminal and civil cases and a transition from a part-time court to a full-time court, without overburdening staff and potentially without any additional expense to the taxpayers of Jackson County. Controlled and managed growth will result in a court that efficiently and effectively administers justice.

State Court has experienced increases and decreases in caseload. What plans do you have for managing the caseload over the next four years? Do you anticipate a rise in civil cases? Criminal cases?

Fluctuations in caseloads are a normal part of our Judicial System and is something

that must be dealt with by every judge and court. The Court’s caseload should determine how the Judge manages the Court.

In 2011, the State Court of Jackson County handled 3,790 cases, fewer cases than any of the previous six years. Additionally, the State Court only tried nine jury trials out of a scheduled 14 trial weeks. The Court tried eight criminal jury trials out of 12 scheduled weeks and one civil jury trial out of two scheduled weeks. The Court also tried one criminal bench trial and two civil bench trials in 2011.

My opponent is not effectively managing the State Court of Jackson County by increasing the number of civil trial weeks by 50 percent and the number of civil bench trials by over 200 percent when the Court had the fewest number of cases in seven years.

The State Court of Jackson County’s caseload will fluctuate up and down like it has over the last seven years. Since the numbers were so low in 2011, I am cautiously optimistic that the Court will see increases in both criminal and civil cases.

Other comments: For more information about my life and experience, go to www.electjeffperry.org.

CMYK 8C

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

CMYK

Summer means hot workouts.

2D

sports SECTION B | THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

Ready to dive into life

As he shares his joy on his son’s diving career through his eyes and words, Dr. Michael Helms shows how Ryan’s life is enriched.

By LATRICE WILLIAMS lwilliams@clickthepaper.com

Not too many parents can say they have raised an Olympic hopeful, but Dr. Michael Helms had the joy of watching his child flourish into becoming an athlete that had a chance to compete for a seat in the Olympics.

His son, Ryan Helms, was an elite diver on the men’s diving team at the University of Tennessee. He recently competed in the Olympic trials in Seattle, Washington. The Jefferson, Georgia native was among 28 divers who contended to be chosen for the field of 18. Unfortunately, he finished just one spot shy of receiving a bid to compete in the semifinals.

As a Volunteer, Helms swept numerous Southeastern ConferHelms ence Awards, including Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year, All-SEC First Team and the 2012 SEC Diver of the Year. Helms is currently the only UT diver ever to be featured in Sports Illustrated.

Helms began diving when he was 7 years old in Moultrie. Early on, Helms couldn’t stand the taste of defeat. His father taught him that while obstacles will come in life, he must learn how to get over them.

“Watching my son dive has been gratifying because each year I have seen him improve his diving skills but I have also seen him improve his ability to handle life,” said Dr. Helms.

“I remember a meet in Florida when Ryan was about 11 and he didn’t do well in a competition. He was angry. He pouted and made the day miserable for the rest of us. While I was glad he didn’t like losing, I also wanted him to understand that life is more than just diving,” said Helms. “Learning to deal with disappointment is part of what the sport teaches.

“Diving is a sport of precision, strength, grace, timing, courage and nerves,” said Dr. Helms. “Divers will practice hundreds and hundreds of hours and display their skills in a dive that will take less than a few seconds.

They are always being judged against fleeting perfection. While they have opponents, most divers realize that his or her greatest opponent is themselves. Divers have no control over what anyone else does in the competition. They only have control over their dives. This sport does a lot to prepare divers for life.”

Being a college student-athlete is a privilege, and requires more than just hard work and dedication. It requires a person who is willing to be responsible and make the right decisions, especially concerning their actions. While attending one of the country’s most well-known universities, Helms stayed on the right path and focused on the things

It’s not until team members can lay down their egos and serve one another that they can truly become a team,” said Ryan. “That’s what I’ve learned in my tenure here with [the] Tennessee Swimming and Diving [team].”

that are most important to him, something his father says he tried to instill in him.

“I tried to teach Ryan that diving is some-

Ryan Helms

thing you do, it’s not who you are. Now that diving is over, Ryan isn’t lost,” said Dr. Helms.

“He’s grounded spiritually and he’s prepared

For The Paper

Diver Michael Helms demonstrates his winning style as he is taking a plunge.

Diver Michael Helms in his University of Tennessee Diving uniform.

for the next step in life with work and more school.

“I see a lot of people who pursue a dream and when the dream is over, they don’t know where to go or what to do. He’s been at the top of his sport while being at the top of his academics,” said Dr. Helms. “He took time off to do mission work with Campus Crusade for Christ last summer and he’s led a Bible study on campus during his time at Tennessee for incoming freshmen. He’s proven that you don’t have to sell out just to being an athlete or do the party thing that so many do. You can have time for God, your studies and your friends. It takes a lot of discipline, but it can be done.”

Ryan Helms told mossfarmsdiving.com that, “Being on the University of Tennessee Swimming and Diving Team has helped me learn a lot of how to be a good teammate. It seems that being a good teammate would be a simple task to accomplish, but for me it was actually a difficult lesson to learn.

“I believed that as long as I was working hard and doing my best in and out of the pool then I was a being a good teammate. However, I’ve learned that a good teammate does much more than score points for the team,” said Ryan.

“A good teammate believes in and is able to see potential in each one of his team members, pushes his teammates to conform into the potential he envisions, and most imporFor The Paper tantly cares for his teammates’ life in relation to their emotional, spiritual, physical and mental aspects.

Elliott chases the dream at the World Crown 300

By Latrice Williams lwilliams@clickthepaper.com Nine may be his number, but No. 1 is where Chase Elliott finished with a time of 16.609 at the World Crown 300. Elliot swept top competitors such as Stephen Nasse (16.644) and teammate TJ Reaid’s (16.663).

Elliott told Gresham Motorsports that he gives much credit to his crew who has helped transform his car into one of the best fiercest machines on the pavement.

“We just really had a good car tonight,” said Elliott, after taking the checkered flag. “Hats off to everybody on our crew. Everybody works really hard especially this season I feel like they’ve really made our race cars better.”

Twenty-four hours before the race, Elliott and his crew worked relentlessly. The team’s hard work paid off as Elliott picked up his eighth win of the year at the 29th annual Commerce Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram World Crown 300 at Gresham Motorsports Park. “[You] just have to be mentally On Wednesday, July 18, the Pro Sports Race comes to Gresham Motorsports Park. The Jeg Pro Late Models will feature an action packed night of racing. Fans will also have the chance to enjoy Sportsman, Renegades, and others on the pavement before the race.

The event starts at 8 p.m. while gates open at 5 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, and 17 for Military and senior citizens. Kids 12 and under can enjoy a free admission. Those wishing to purchase a pit pass will be charged $35.

and physically prepared. In my liott from Dawsonville is becomeyes, being focused is one of the ing a household name among the most important racecar industry. things you can Elliott’s career and do,” said Elliott. popularity continue Elliot singleto grow, proving handedly won that he is not ineach event. He timidated by being took the first 150 a small guy in a big laps and, after fallbusiness. ing behind Kyle “No, I don’t think Benjamin, Elliott so. It’s just like any regained the lead, other – race. We’re earning both the all out here trying win and $10,000. to win a race,” ElHis cash flow liott said. didn’t stop there.

When he is not on With a set of fresh the racetrack, Eltires and technical liott says he enjoys difficulties among being a spectator of other drivers, Elother sports. liott outmatched “I’m a big fan of the rest of the con- football and basetestants. He held Chase Elliott ball. I’m just a fan the lead at lap 254 like everybody and would not reelse,” stated Elliott. linquish it. Elliott cashed in with More importantly, Elliott is a $20,000.

At just 16 years old, Chase El- See DREAM, page D2

“We just really had a good car tonight. Hats off to everybody on our crew. Everybody works really hard...

I feel like they’ve really made our race cars better.

Doug Chellew The Paper

Elliott just edges one of his competitors during the race.

Doug Chellew The Paper

Elliott gets doused after his big finish.

CMYK 2D

Sports

The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

DREAM from page D1

Elliott: Have fun and do your best strong advocate for giving back to the community. His philanthropic contributions to various charities, such as benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, allow himself and others to give to those in need. Not only does he have a positive impact in the community, but his rising success also gives hope to youngsters looking to test their shot in the driver’s seat.

“Chase your dreams and do everything you can possibly do to make it happen,” said Elliott. “It’s cool to dream about it but it’s cool to do it. Racing is a very tough sport to be a part of especially at the top level of NASCAR. You just to have fun with it and do your best.”

Elliott will suit up again on July 14 for the CNB Bank Raceway Park in Clearfield, Pa., on July 14.

Photos by Doug Chellew

Johnson signs with Reinhardt

By LATRICE WILLIAMS lwilliams@clickthepaper.com Reinhardt University will be hitting the gridiron this fall for the very first time, and former Jefferson High School standout Kamen Johnson will have the privilege of being one of the first members of the newlyfounded football program.

“I can’t wait to start. I always wanted to go to college. I always wanted to know how it felt, so I feel really good about going,” said Johnson.

The Eagles are under the direction of Head Coach Danny Cronic. Reinhardt University has been accepted as a football-playing member of the Mid-South Conference.

The university begins intercollegiate competition in football during the 2013 season and becomes an official associate member of the MSC on July 1, 2013.

Without any fancy numbers or highlights in their record book, it is easy to see why it may be hard to sell a program that just came into existence, but for Johnson, it’s just the motivation he needs and will use to do something no one else has ever done.

“I want to play for a first-time program.

Maybe we can try to make history and be the first winning team and win the championship for that school,” said Johnson.

These days it takes more than just a big name and a winning record to sell future college athletes in the recruiting process.

Many colleges have invested thousands of dollars in their facilities, uniforms and, of course, their head coach.

For Johnson, the draft process didn’t seem to be overwhelming. Back-and-forth visits between Johnson and the coaches along with his highlight reel were some of the key aspects that made Johnson seal the deal.

“They just made me feel like it’s a good home environment and [that] I will fit in real good with the team,” said Johnson. “I think they came and watched a couple games

here and they got some film from a couple of coaches and then they called me to go up there and talk to them. [They have] a really nice campus. I really like where it’s placed and the type of other activities that you can do while you are up there.”

It’s not too often that freshman see much playing time and, while the coaches have not made any promises about his being a starter, Johnson says he hopes that he will be one of the lucky ones to record some statistics in his first year.

“They didn’t put a bug in my ear [about it] but I will try my best to start. I want to play and I will do my best to get that starting position and show everybody what I can do,” said Johnson.

At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Johnson saw time at linebacker and running back, making him a threat on both sides of the ball. No matter what position he is at, Johnson says he is willing to switch roles if he were asked.

“I will do anything they need me to do,” said Johnson.

Johnson’s position coach Sid Smith noted the hardship Johnson faced when he moved from Jefferson and back, along with the joy he feels in seeing one of his players having the chance to compete in collegiate football, something Smith says does not occur too often.

“I am very proud of him. He’s one of the kids that I was hoping would go to school, play football, and get a degree. It’s a great opportunity,” said Smith. “I’m glad Reinhardt gave him an opportunity to play for them. I think he will be a great asset for them.

“Kamen has come a long way. He came from Jefferson, then went to Florida and then came back to Jefferson,” said Smith.

“There was a transition between two different schools and learning two different systems. It’s kind of hard and can take a toll on a kid. I think toward the end of the season, he really came along. A lot of kids really don’t get the opportunity to go from playing high school football to college football,” said

SPORTS SHORTS Tri2Remember event returns to Crow’s Lake on Sunday

Pro Late race is July 18 Gresham Motorsports Park’s new partnership with JEGS and the Coughlin family is amping up the partnership and sponsoring the Wednesday night Pro Late Model race event on July 18.

“JEGS is excited to be part of circle track racing, especially any race at Gresham Motorsports Park. GMP is one of the nicest facilities in the U.S.,” said John Coughlin, the son of JEGS founder Jeg Coughlin.

July 18 will be an action packed night of racing to break up the usual mundane week!

Sportsman, Renegades, Mini Stocks, Trucks and Outlaw Late Models will compete before the JEGS Pro Late Models 50 takes the green

flag for bumper to bumper racing action.

“The Wednesday night races are a fanfavorite because it breaks up the long week and fans are usually out before 11 p.m.,” said GMP General Manager, Dan Elliott. “These Pro Late Model drivers only have 50 laps to get to the checkered flag, so it is a very competitive race.”

On July 18, the grandstand and trackside parking gates will open at 5 p.m. and Opening Ceremonies will begin at 8 p.m. Ticket prices for the JEGS Pro Late Models 50 are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and military, kids 12 and under are free and pit passes are $35.

See www.RaceGMP.com.

On Sunday, July 15, the annual Tri2Remember event returns to Jefferson.

The event – a 5K run, a 400-meter swim and a 15-mile bike ride -- will take place at Jefferson Crow Lake starting at 7:30 a.m.

Tri2Remember is being held in an effort to raise money to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Those who are USA Triathlon members will pay a fee of $90, while nonUSAT members will be charged $100.

Those wishing to participate in a relay team must pay $120. A $10 fee will be charged for individuals who are not USAT members and are looking to compete on a relay team including USAT members.

Visit tri2remember.com for more information, including on-site registration.

Mill Creek hosts linemen Are you an offensive lineman looking to showcase your talent? Mill Creek High School will hold an offensive lineman camp, which is set for July 18-20. MCHS Coach Josh Lovelady will be the front man overseeing lineman from all around looking to gain insight on how to be a dominant force on the line.

Baseball tryouts set Jackson County Comprehensive High School will play host to the 11U travel baseball tryouts. Each athlete will build fundamental baseball skills that will help improve their knowledge and skill of the game. Tryouts are set for 6 p.m. through July 14. May 1 is the age determination date. If you are interested, contact Coach Steven Hardegree at 770-906-3996 or Coach Chad Clark at 678-230-6033.

Soccer camp is July 16-18 A soccer camp is being held July 16-19 at East Jackson Park. The camp is hosted by Classic Soccer Academy. Call 706-693-0892 to register. There will be a developmental camp for ages 4-14 and a goal keeper academy camp for ages 8-14.

Wrestling camp Summer wrestling camp July 16-20 from 9-2 at Banks County Elementary.

The dates will be July 26 and 31 from 9-11 a.m. These practices are offered at no extra charge for an additional value and to prepare and reinforce techniques and strategies.

Contact Marty Robinson 770-8458562 or Celeste McCrakin at williamsceleste@hotmail.com 678-6223502.

Hawks fly through hot summer morning workouts

Latrice Williams The Paper

Members of the Mill Creek High School football team push themselves through summer training before hitting the dead week. The players returned back to action this week, with summer workouts starting at 8 a.m. The Hawks begin their season opener with a home game against Parkview High School on August 17.

CMYK The Paper | Thursday, July 12, 2012

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ENTERTAINMENT

Not everyone is looking for a mate or even a fix up Dear Margo: My husband has a friend from work who is single, attractive, funny and smart. He has no girlfriend. Whenever we’ve tried to fix him up, he always has an excuse as to why he can’t make it. If he were gay (which I doubt because he’s very masculine), wouldn’t he just make up a girlfriend? He would be a terrific catch for some woman, and I love to play fixer-upper. -- Melanie Down in Dixie Dear Mel: First, a bulletin: There are gay men who are masculine in affect. My bet is this chap from work is one of nature’s bachelors and (correctly) feels he doesn’t have to make up a girlfriend to decline your fixer-upper efforts. He could very well have a partner or might even be asexual.

I think a good rule of thumb for you in your matchmaking efforts is that after several turndowns you just cross that person off of

Dear Margo your list. — Margo, singly Dear Margo: I married at 18. Shortly before my wedding, both of my parents died, leaving me with no living relatives. I looked forward to sharing life with my husband’s large, close-knit family. But the day after the ceremony, my new motherin-law started a crusade to divorce me, not only from her son, but from her entire family.

Instead of welcoming me, she immediately went to each family member with amazing lies about me.

I never got the chance to know them, or them, me.

His mother banned me from

all family functions and forbid anyone to have contact with me. She insisted we move away to a rural area, isolated from them and everyone else.

On every holiday and on the day of every family event for the past 25 years, I have cried watching my husband drive off for a day of fun and memories with his family, leaving me alone.

He says he cannot disobey his mother, especially now that she is terminally ill.

After she’s gone, I’m hoping things will change and I finally will be allowed to join the clan. My husband feels that things should continue as they are, relishing the role of martyr. I never can discuss this with him, as he has an uncontrolled temper and has resorted to physical violence.

Should I simply accept that I never will be able to call anyone family or even friend? Sadly, divorce is out of the question for many

reasons. — Alone Dear A: I must tell you that this may be one of the strangest letters I have ever received. That your husband (abusive, no less) would cave to his crazy mother and move and then go by himself to family functions for 25 years is beyond my comprehension.

Was there no clue about this nuttiness before you married? Your apron-string tied husband sounds as bad as Mom, and I don’t know why you haven’t fled before now. If divorce really is impossible, I would live apart and make friends of your own. You do not have to remain an indentured wife.

— Margo, sadly Dear Margo: My sister and I, two years apart, have always had a strained relationship. She considers me the favored one because I was the baby in the family.

My sister had her first child a year ago this month. I have

WORKING IT OUT

yet to meet my nephew.

When she gave birth, she wanted our mother there, which I totally understand.

After a few months, I tried to make arrangements to go see her and her new family, but was told each time they already had plans. She lives four hours away, so it would have to be a weekend excursion.

We were all going to get together at my mother’s, but she let it slip that she was just up at my sister’s for the christening at church. I was upset that I wasn’t invited and figured at that point that she really didn’t want me around.

My nephew is turning 1 this month, and I was invited to his birthday party, but I think that was just to keep the peace and she really hopes I won’t show up. I’m at a loss about what to do.

Should I go and just deal with it, or is this relationship basically done? It’s sad, but I do recognize that once my mother passes on, there will

be no reason for my sister to ever speak to me again, and I suspect she will do just that.

— Wishing It Were Otherwise Dear Wish: While I recognize your wish to have a relationship with your sister, it sounds like a rocky road.

These things happen, which is why God invented friends.

I have long thought that being related is an accident of DNA, and sometimes the blood ties bind us, and sometimes they don’t.

I would go to your nephew’s birthday party, being as affable as you can, and see what the result is. If the visit does not feel comfortable or genuine, you will have a good hint ab Dear Margo is written by Margo Howard, Ann Landers’ daughter. All letters must be sent via the online form at www.creators.com/dearmargo. Due to a high volume of e-mail, not all letters will be answered.

Tell us what you think Send an e-mail to editor@clickthepaper.com, call 706-658-2683, or send a letter to us at The Paper, P.O. Box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548.

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Announcements 100 170-Notices ATTENTION CLASSIFIED CUSTOMERS The Times Classified Department asks that you verify and proof your classified ad(s) the first day that it is scheduled to print.

If any corrections need to be made, please contact our department, Monday through Friday, before 3pm.

The Times will not be held responsible for any issues that may arise after the first day of publication. classifieds@ gainesvilletimes.com 770-535-1199

Jobs 200 217-Construction Experienced pipe layer. Seat warmers need not apply.

Fax resume to 770-534-3580.

220-Dental PITTMAN DENTAL LABORATORY has an immediate opening for an Entry Level Night Shift Position in CAD CAM Dept.

Must have computer knowledge & be detail oriented.

Please send resume to:pittmandentalhr@g mail.com No phone calls please

229-Financial MSR/TELLER NEEDED FT/PT PRIOR FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE REQ’D! Must be Dependable Trustworthy & Personable. Great Benefits, Job stability & Atmosphere!

E-mail resume to: robin@lanierfcu.org No phone calls EOE

230-General Sales Agents JBS Logistics in Gainesville GA now hiring Inside carrier sales people QUALIFICATIONS *Exemplary communication, relationshipbuilding, and negotiation skills needed *Ability to multi task and work in a team environment a must *Refrigerated, Produce, and/or Meat “Chicken, Beef & Pork” experience will help *Proficiency in Outlook, Word, and Excel *Typing of 35-45 wpm minimum *High school and/or Some college coursework helpful Essential Duties and Responsibilities for an inside carrier sales person This position requires the ability to locate and secure equipment through inside phone sale to carriers to move our time sensitive refrigerated or dry freight to many locations

Thursday, July 12, 2012

230-General Sales Agents around the United States, negotiate rates paid to the carrier, tender load information and manage till delivered.

Develop relationship with the carrier and drivers too service and achieve the desired result for the customer’s needs.

Please email resume to logisticscoordinatorhr@gmail.com J.W.Truck is looking for two experienced sales personal, but will train the right individual.

Come see us at 5000 Nelson Brogdon Blvd. Sugar Hill,GA 678-714-0008 A North Georgia Petroleum Co., is looking for a new employee to work in the petroleum industry. Prior petroleum experience is an advantage, but not essential. This individual will be asked to work with existing branded retail customers, wholesale customers, and have a sales background He must be a take charge person, confidant in his abilities, and self-motivated.

Computer skills, especially in Word, Power Point & Excel are necessary.

Please respond to: Box 368, C/O The Times, P.O. Box 838, Gainesville, GA. 30503

233-Maintenance MAINTENANCE PERSON with strong electrical and mechanical experience needed for an egg processing plant. Rotating weekends. Apply in person: L&R Farms, 1236 Wayne Poultry Rd, Pendergrass

240-Medical FT Preop/PACU RN needed for busy ASC. OR experience preferred. Fax resume to: 770-287-0284

NOW HIRING! NURSES/MSW You are invited to join the United Home Care team of dedicated quality caregivers as the best gets even better.

We are now hiring Nurses and an MSW for Dawson, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin and White County.

United Home Care is offering exciting new growth opportunities with a competitive salary and top-tier benefits and reimbursement package that can’t be beat.

•RN CASE MANAGERS Home Health experience required •RN OASIS COORDINATORMon-Fri; Two years homecare experience required •RN PATIENT CARE COORDINATORHome health exp & excellent leadership skills req. Must have prior mgmt. skills •RN/LPN-W/E- Fri, Sat and Sun •MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER UR Ready for exceptional “Commitment to Caring”! To learn more, please e-mail resume: jmcconnell @uhs-pruitt.com Visit our website at: www.urready.com EOE PT Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant needed for clinic in Commerce.

Approx. 10 hours per week. Resume to: P.O. Box 1313, Commerce, GA 30529 RN SUPERVISOR Priv. home care agency seeking prof. for case mgmt. & staff supervision.

Home health & teaching exp a plus.

Rewarding oppty to work with elderly and disabled. Excellent working environment. Agency licensed & CARF accredited. FT with benefits. FAX: 770-536-3003 or Call Nancy, 770-536-0484

245-Misc.

Help Wanted

JOB FAIR in your area!

July 14th, 9am-3pm.

1200 McEver Rd. Ext. LifeSouth has immediate openings in: Management Phlebotomy LifeSouth offers competitive salary, comprehensive benefit package, on-the-job training, stable work environment and unlimited professional growth opportunities.

For more info, call 770-538-0500 LifeSouth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/ DFWP/Tobacco Free

245-Misc.

Help Wanted

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Apply at Penmac Staffing on Tue, Wed, and Fri, 9am-5pm at 675 EE Butler Pkwy SE (find us downstairs!)

770-536-0800 www.penmac.com EOE. Never a Fee! RETAIL MANAGER Barry’s Menswear Min. 3 yrs exp in men’s tailored clothing or formal wear.

Apply in person 9a-6p, M-S: 125 John W. Morrow Jr. Pkwy

250Offices/Clerical RECEPTIONIST F/T Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

Experience Required.

Duties include routing phone calls, greeting visitors, MS Excel & Data Entry, Proofing, Faxing & Filing. Bilingual a plus. Fax resume: 770-536-4793 or E-mail: hr@almarkeggs.com Applications will not be accepted on site or by phone.

Receptionist/Front Office Manager M-F, 3pm-8pm. Must have computer/account skills as well as website knowledge.

Send resume to: waynedancestudio@ gmail.com 770-967-9010

265-Production

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

280-Trades

The Times in Gainesville is looking for an entry level employee for its press room. Applicant should have a good mechanical aptitude and be a quick learner in a fast-paced, deadline oriented operation.

Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays.

This is a great learning opportunity for someone interested in a career in printing. The Times offers paid vacations to its employees and a 401k option. No calls please. E-mail mhall@gainesvilletimes.com or mail resume to The Times, 345 Green St., Gainesville, GA 30501, or visit The Times and complete an application.

EXP’D PAINTERS ONLY. D/L Needed 770-503-9126

285-Truck Drivers Immediate Openings Company Drivers CDL Class A with Hazmat. Flexible Hometime. Driver Friendly Freight.

No Northeast Lanes.

SIGN ON BONUS 877-893-9645 or apply: www.southernfreight.com Drivers- Run to Iowa and back!

•up to $1,190 per week; regardless of miles •BC/BS benefits •Advance to SE dedicated Call 1-800-851-8651 kbtransportation.com

AXIOM STAFFING

Now Hiring •Welders •Assembly •CNC Machinist •Forklift Operators Please call or apply in person Axiom Staffing Group 5857 Spout Springs Rd., Suite 302 Flowery Branch, GA 30542 678-866-8800 ph 678-866-8120 fax

270-Professional SAWNEE EMC: Programmer (Information Services) Requires: Bachelors degree in Computer Science or a related field, and two (2) years progressively responsible parallel work experience.

Programming/ Design Skills; experience administering and coding application programs; web applications with strong focus in JavaScript, jQuery, Objective C, SQL, HTML5, CSS and PHP; Web Site Administration and Security; Database design and maintenance (Oracle and SQL). Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.

Application forms available at 543 Atlanta Rd., Cumming. EOE M/F/D/V. Drug-Free Workplace.

Deadline: 5pm, 07/24/2012

275-Restaurant

ADVANCED DISPOSAL accepting applications for CDL-B Drivers.

Excellent pay/benefits. 7yr MVR needed.

Apply in person: 8880 Old Federal Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107. EOE. CDL DRIVER- with roll off container Exp. Call 770-983-7004 Driver

CDL Drivers Needed Tuition Paid by Federal Grants or VA Benefits.

770-614-6022 or 1-877-GET-A-CDL Call and see if you Qualify in 5 minutes! dtruckschool.com

Stuff 300 310-Appliances SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIG- GE. wht. $150. Chest Freezer Kelvinator. small, works good. $150. 678-232-2843 WASHER & DRYER, Kenmore, Exc cond $250. 770-983-1507

326-Cemetery Lots For Sale DUE TO MOVING have 2 spaces in Hillside Memorial Garden. $1500/both.

770-536-6268; 678-316-0376 SxS plots Memorial Park South Negotiable.

770 826-1351

345-Furniture New Shenanigans Restaurant & Irish Pub in Gainesville now hiring All Front & Back Of House Positions.

Experienced applicants only. Please apply in person MonThurs, 11-3. Located at 212 Spring St. on the Square in Main Street Market bldg.Questions call 706-974-0049

279-Technical Local, established HVAC firm has an immediate need for a Service Technician Candidate should have: technical school degree; 5+ years verifiable experience in residential, commercial and industrial HVAC repair and troubleshooting. NATE certification desired but not required.

Call 678-865-7070.

Top pay and benefits.

280-Trades CNC OPERATOR SETTER PROGRAMMER for The Harris Products Group.

Gainesville location.

Must have minimum 2yrs related work experience operating CNC Lathes, preferably Mazak.

Excellent growth opportunity and compensation package.

Send resume to: The Harris Products Group, 2345 Murphy Blvd, Gainesville, GA 30504, ATT: HR Manager, Fax 678-677-8856.

EOE - Drug Free Workplace

FUTON - Oak frame.

Almost new. $200; Dining Table & Chairs $150; Coffee Table $60; TV- 26in. $50; Desk $25; & More! Call 678-630-2512 Matching SOFA & LOVE SEAT - Like New! Clayton Marcus. $200 for Couch; $150 for Love Seat.

770-983-1204 WASHER/DRYERWhirlpool $400; ReFrig- Frigidaire, side by side, blk $300; Sofa- Burgundy $150; Pool Table- Slate with leather pckts. $800.

678-943-1334

350-Guns Remington 700 BDL Classic 270 Win., Nikon 3-9x40 scope, ammo (120+), new brass (50), loading dies and bullets. 95% original.

Price: $550/Firm.

Remington 700 BDL 22-250, Nikon 4-12x40 scope, ammo (100), new brass (150), loading dies, bullets and powder. 98% original. Price $575/Firm.

Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 Ga. Shotgun 2-3/4" chamber, 26” vent rib barrel, Polychoke.

Excellent condition.

Price: $200/Firm. Call 678-943-1314 678-943-1314

365-Misc.

For Sale 2 Oversized Wicker Chairs w/pillows & foot stools $150 ea; Manual Treadmill & Health Rider Exercise Machine $25ea; Please call for appt. 770-654-4028

365-Misc.

For Sale MOVING SALEAlmost new Leather Recliner $500, tons of Clothes $5 to $50 & Other Items.

Please call for Appt.

678-361-0301 POOL TABLE - Slate Southern Billiards.

Lots of extras included. $1400.

615-419-9112 UTILITY TRAILER 16ft. Tandem axle. lights, brakes, $1600.

678-316-1051

370-Musical Instruments PIANO w/bench.

Kohler & Campbell.

Beautiful Baby Grand. Ebony, Exc Cond. $5000.

678-481-8650

380-Pets & Supplies FREE KITTENS to good home, (1 liter) 8wks & (1 litter) 9wks 678-617-5164 GREAT PYRENEES Male & fem pup. 6mo Full blooded. Must Sell 770-967-1690 GREAT PYRENEES Pups, 5wks old. full blooded, parents on site. 1st shots. 3 males $250, 4 fem. $200. 770-572-0163 JACK RUSSELL/ CHIHUAHUA= JACKUAHUAS The best small breed/combination.

A must to see...dream pet, Smart and well behaved, great little hunters, tails docked, Shots, Wormed, Potty pad trained, 12 wks. $250/ea.

678-457-9782 LAB/PIT MIX- 8 wks old. Puppy, kennel & food. $75.

770-561-6864 MINI DACHSHUND Puppies. Purebred.

Champ bloodline.

Choc & tan dapple, silver dapple, blk & tan, red. $350.

Written health guarantee. Parents on site. Exp’d Breeder.

Approved homes only! 678-887-9791 678-770-5277 SHIH-TZU Pups.

CKC. 6 wks old.

1st shots & wormed. $200 & up. Also Pit Bulls Available .

706-599-6068 or 706-491-2436

385-Sporting Equipment GOLF STIX for sale, Cleveland 3W, $25; Callaway 3W & 5W, $75; Mizuno Irons, 3-PW, $225; Cleveland Irons, 4-GW, $300. 678-294-0267

397-Yard Sale ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES SALE 115 Towne Center Parkway Ste 108 Hoschton, GA • Coca Cola Items • Auto and Sports Memorabilia • Furniture and Tools • Hot Wheels • Architectural doors and shutters THURSDAY & FRIDAY 9:00AM- 6:00PM SATURDAY 9:00AM–5:00PM

Homes & Rentals 400 410-Apartments Unfurnished 1 to3BR‘s starting at $495. Move-in Specials! 770-536-0508 1-2BR Oakwood, $535 & up. www.callapartments. com 770-287-1456 1BR 1BA Apt. $450-$500 Dwntwn G’Ville. Call 404-643-8302 2BR/1BA Apt- Sardis area. $675/mo. Utils incld. 770-634-7099 30 Days FREE $399 Moves U In! Spring Valley 1BR/1BA $625 up 2BR/2BA $675 up Brandon Place 2BR/2BA $675 1BR/1BA $575 Efficiency $475 POOLS - GATED Call Jacky Today 678-779-2687 CITY Nice-1BR APT, W/D Conn., $500/mo 404-252-3325 IF YOU CAN LIVE with 3 or 4 other people, you need to see the upscdale Penthouse on “ The Square”. 3Bdrms.

Excellent views. Must see to believe. Under $500 ea. with all utils furnished. No pets.

Lanier, 404-202-7290 LUXURY 3BR/2.5BA 1900sf. 820 Park St. $900m. Refs reqd.

Near Brenau & Hospital 770-534-3577 Oakwood- 2/1.5,yrd, safe, C/H/A $605$645. 678-357-5044

415-Business Property for Rent 2 Bay Warehouse 500 SF, $175/mo 770-540-5339

770-535-1199

420-Condos For Rent $700/m 2BR/2.5BA Remodeled-On Lake City. 770-533-2088 LAKE SHADOW Pool, Tennis, Specials Mthly. 770-568-9977

425-Duplexes For Rent OAKWOOD- 2BR/ 1.5BA. $595mo.

678-315-7051 770-833-9437

435-Houses for Rent Unfurnished $0 Application Fee 3BR/2BA Homes All Appliances included Starting at $629/mo Exp. 07/31/2012 Call Sun Homes 888-246-2803 countrysidelakelanier. com EHO WAC 1 mo free rent w/ 12 mo lease. $395 + Deposit. Studio/1BR. NE Hall 678-760-6999 3BR In City. Nice! $775. 678-617-5073 or 678-637-4052 3BR/2.5BA Bonus room, screened in porch, wood heater. $995/mo + dep 770-534-5786 3BR/2BA Charming Lakefront w/bsmt. $925-1150/per mo.

770-539-4400 3BR/2BA Dbl wide.

Dock on Lanier. $650 770-241-1283 3BR/2BA- Sardis. $900mo. + dep. No pets. 770-714-1992 3BR/1BA, Sardis school area. $700/mo, $700/dep.

Lawn care included.

No pets.

770-967-0099 LULA - 2 story.

3BR/2BA w/bonus rm & bsmt. No pets. $850/mo; $500/dep.

770-532-7134 N. Hall- 2760 Wayman Dr. 4/2.5, C/H/A bsmt Liv area. New Deck $900; $500dp 770-530-7963 Oakwood 3/1. $850.

770-287-1456 www. callapartments.com

455-Mobile Home Sites for Rent RV LOT- Ext. Stay. $350/mo inclds all utils. Full hook-ups 678-250-6465

460-Mobile Homes for Rent 2BR Priv lot. $100/wk. $100 dep.No pets 678-614-7607 2BR/1BA $125wk We pay $100 toward utils.

Also 3BR/2BA $125/wk. No pets.

770-289-9142 2BR/1BA- Single wide, East Hall 706-654-0958 3/2 RABBITTOWN $620 +dep. No pets.

770-714-1992 Clermont 3/2 C/H/A $160/wk.; $200 dep 770-654-4073 Murrayville 3/2. Lrg storage, $650 inclds water & yrd upkeep.

No pets 770-536-5377 N. HALL 3/2 very clean, no pets, 2 acres $700/mo; $400 dep. 770-536-3217 Starting at $85/wk 2&3BR, N. & S. Hall & Gainesville.

770-534-7596

465-Roommates Wanted MEN-Lowe$T. Fur Br, All priv + Xtras Oakwd. 770-530-1110

Recreation 600 605-Boats & Marine BASS BOAT- 15 ft, 50hp Yamaha motor, trolling motor, fish finder, vest, boat cover, trailer.

Lake Ready! $2950.

770-718-7850; 770-869-0020 PONTOON BOAT $5000. Playbuoy 24 ft 1998, Mercury Force motor, new trailer. seats 12.

678-516-4833

$120/wk, Furnished all utils & cable, W/D. kitch. 770-561-0781

Homes & Real Estate 500 505-Acreage for Sale ESTATE ACREAGE Clarks Bridge area.

Great building sites with mature hardwoods & water. 15 to 34 acres. $9500.

404-557-7206 MOTIVATED SELLER LULA- 2 ac, $19,900; ALTO- 4.66 ac w/ creek, $59,500 Make cash offer 850-710-6480

BUMPER POOL 2005 Skyline Nomad Camper. 27.5” bunkhouse. Like new Must See! $8350 Also 2003 Dura Max Diesel with Allison auto. Wiil sell separate or pkg.

770-536-6171; 678-725-3290 HURRICANE 2002 Class A Motor Home, Model 30Q. No slide-outs. Triton V10 gasoline engine, Ford chasis. Very little use, under 15k miles. $21,000/obo Contact Mark 678-316-7636 NICE CABIN w/ CAMPER- Lrg deck.

Paradise Valley RV Park. Must See. Reduced, Must Sell! $79,900/obo.

770-536-6171 PINNACLE 1992 by Thor, Class A Motor Home. 30’, Chevy 454, driven weekly, ps/pb, tilt, new tires, 2 roof A/C’s, 58k miles. Must Sell for health reasons. $8994/obo.

Many Extras!

706-778-7267

Wheels 700 710-Antique Cars/Trucks CHEVY 1967 Chevelle SS 2dr Sport Coupe, ( A TRUE SS with a 396), red ext, black interior, automatic, This car is an older restoration -been garaged last 10 years and not driven much, New exhaust, NO RUST, we have original owner's manual and original sale invoice Absolutely beautiful car none any better for this price -$25,900 firm.

Contact 706 265 5105/ 706 864 8959, dtruelove@northgeorgia.edu.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY -Unfortunately we need to sell!

CHEVY 1987 - L.B. 305, 4 spd straight shift, Excellent Mechanical cond.New brks/rad/A/C. $4,000 678-617-6964 PONTIAC 1980 Trans Am. 70k mi, 2nd owner, runs, $4500 or Good Offer.

706-778-4978

715-Auto Parts CHEVY 1999 Malibu KIA 1997 Sportage Good motors & trans. $995/each 706-654-5619

735-Autos for Sale BUICK 1992 Century V6, 4 dr, 95K, excellent cond., $2100 678-463-7006

BUICK 2008 Enclave, black, CXL, headrest DVD, $28,791 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 CADILLAC 1986 Sdn DeVille 89k, Excellent 1 owner. $4000/obo.

770-967-0751 CADILLAC 1998 Seville SLS. 120k, 2 owner. Exc Cond. $3500.

770-967-9094 CADILLAC 2005 Deville, Black on Black - In GREAT condition! One owner -belonged to auto service business man in Hall County.

All maintenance up to date. 145K miles $5500. call 770-503-0203 or 770-538-5960

CADILLAC 2005 STS, gold, heated seats, roof, $14,555 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

595-Vacation Property HELEN AREA, waterfront, 1BR/1BA MH, spacious deck overlooking creek, furn., all appls., central H/A, $19,500.

Lot rent $150/mo inclds water & garbage. 813-956-9222;

CADILLAC 2008 DTS red, heated & cooled seats, $22,591 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CADILLAC 2008 STS, white, nav., roof, $21,391.

MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

CADILLAC 2006 DTS, gold, only 84K miles, $14,591 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

750-Motorcycles

HARLEY 2003 Davidson Ultra Classic, 100th Anniversary centennial edition Silver & black, loaded RARE! Only 27,700 miles. Runs Great, Sharp! ASKING $12,500. Call 770-654-5061

KAWASAKI 2008 KLR650 7,600 mi, excellent condition, blue. $3,750 , contact Ted, 678-316-9758, tedsimmons@bellsouth.net.

YAMAHA 2007 Silverado. Black, 13k, loaded. $2900.

770-983-3170

755-Sport-Utility Vehicles CHEVY 1985 Z28 IROZ Drive it anywhere, ac not working, power windows not working, drives very nice. $2000.00 OBO. 706-764-7505

CHEVY 1988 Monte Carlo SS, 105k mi, mint condition, gray interior, auto, a/c, T-tops and 305. All original except new stereo. $11,000 , contact Parker Smith, 770-896-6539, krizneech@gmail.com.

CHEVY 1990 Camaro RS. 305 V8, auto, new paint, Corvette rally wheels. Good Cond. $4250.

706-865-4468

CHEVY 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition. $26,500. Torch Red Excellent condition, low mileage. Corsa high-performance exhaust system.

Rear window security apron. Road trip bra. 4 new Michelin run flat tires 4 winter wheel savers included.

678-571-9276

CADILLAC 2005 ESV, black, nav., DVD, snrf, $19,791 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 DODGE 1998 Durango. Exc Running Cond. 4WD. Loaded. Must See & Drive to Appreciate 163k miles. $3800.

770-535-2733

JEEP 2006 Grand Cherokee Limited, Black, lthr, $10,777 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

KIA 2011 Sorrento LX Titanium Silver, 39K; seating for 7, back up camera, heated seats non smoker, $22,000.

770/519-3144 TOYOTA 1999 4 Runner, green, 187K, cold air, $5,500 obo. 770-535-0092

765-Trucks CHEVY 1999 Z71 red new tires & brakes.

Bed cover. $10,500 678-617-6964 CHEVY 2011 Malibu, white, LT, PW, PL, auto, $17,791 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200 FORD 1999 Escort Looks Good, Runs Great! 142k mlies $2500 OBO 678-736-1658 FORD 2001 Taurus SE, Runs, cold AC $1,500 obo, 850-376-1248 FORD 2003 Taurus 6 cylinder, 87,000 miles clean car.

Have maintenance records. 3200.00 or OBO 770-535-5213 770-540-8709 MITSUBISHI 2006 Eclipse, Lthr/Heated Seats, Sn/Mnrf, Traction Control, brand new paint & tires Automatic, New Tires, Orange, Many Extras.

79,000 miles, $8500.

Call 770-561-4513 NISSAN 1997 Altima Ltd Ed White 282,000 mi Clean/ dependable $1600 OBO 706-969-9540 PONTIAC 1999 FireBird. V6, T-tops.

Good Cond. $2500.

706-745-1852

530-House for Sale - East Hall GILLSVILLE 4BR/ 2BA Brick, split level, dbl carport, well water, 6+ acres, w/workshop & shed, paved road, creek. $145,000 As Is. For info 706-745-7141

CADILLAC 2001 DeVille DHS. 150k, 2nd owner. Tan/neut Nice Car. $4800/ obo. 770-533-1323

610-RVs & Travel Trailers

ROOMMATE Hwy 53 West Gainesville.

Cable/Utils incld. $365mo. No smkng 678-438-2886

470-Rooms for Rent

735-Autos for Sale

745-Import Autos

CHEVY 2007 Silverado 2500.

Ext Cab, brushguard, toolbox, bedliner, KC, CD & subs, chrome wheels, duals, 93k. Exc Cond. $17,300. 1 owner.

706-499-7470 DODGE 2004 Ram 1500 QCab, 36K mi, 1 owner, $13,000.

770-519-3896

GMC 2005 Sierra 2500 SLT HD, Like New. Loaded! ONLY 51K miles! $21,500.

Great cond., Leather, clean, maintained, towing pkg., trailer brakes, tonneau cover, bed liner, nerf bars, On Star, 6 CD changer w/Bose spks, Sat. radio, tinted windows.

770-354-2591.

TOYOTA 2001 Tacoma, 5spd, reg cab, 172k, $5300/ obo. 678-897-1787 TOYOTA 2004 Tacoma prerunner, extra cab, auto, 4 cyl 2.7 158K mil. $10,500 770-983-3599

770-Vans BMW 2009 X5, gray, 4.8, loaded, local trade, $37,391 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

ATTN: TRADESMEN Carpet layers, Construction workers, painters, delivery van, white 350 econoline FORD 2 seat Cargo Van, 6 ply tires, auto, great work van, hvy duty hitch. $1200 Cash.

Buford 770-307-8352 Se Habla Español

HYUNDAI 2009 Genesis, black, mnrf, leather, $25,791 MOSS ROBERTSON Call Today 770-535-2200

MERCURY 1993 Village LS, V6, auto, loaded, $1500.

404-886-8176

Legals