Nottely River out of banks, widespread power outages following tropical storm Zeta

News
tropical storm zeta

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – As tropical storm Zeta moves through the area, heavy rains have caused Nottely River to crest out of its banks and widespread power outages.

Union County received approximately 5 inches of rain and 100 trees fell as a result of tropical storm Zeta. Three water rescues took place, but no injuries. Also, 8,000 homes are without power.

Crossing Creek RV park has flooded at the Old Blue Ridge Hwy.

Crossings Creek RV Resort and Spa. Photo courtesy of Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce

Pappy’s off Hwy 129 and right on the Nottely River is underwater and several homes, in the same area, have water up-to their porches. Many of these homes are on stilts in case of the Nottely River flooding. The Pigs Gone Amuk mini-golf course across from Jim’s Smokin’ Que is completely submerged.

Pigs Gone Amuk Mini Golf

 

 

 

 

 

Granddaddy Mimm’s Distillery posted the following on its Facebook page: “Due to the overwhelming flooding at the distillery, we will be closed today. We may need to call on our community to help fill sandbags. It’s getting very close to coming in the building. Thank you for your continued support!!!”

Pappy’s Riverside includes several businesses.

Some individuals were preparing to kayak over to some of the businesses at Pappy’s when Fetch Your News left the area.

Butternut Creek in Meeks Park is back within its banks.

Reports are also coming in that in areas the Nottely River has reached the porches of homes built close to the river.

The UGA Extension Office fields were also submerged.

At 11 a.m., Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris issued a storm weather update:

“We have had nearly 5 inches of rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning. We have lots of creeks out of banks. We have had 3 water rescues but no injuries. Road Dept has about 100 trees down they have been working on all over the county. We have about 8000 households currently out of power. We are aware of two of homes damaged from trees. No reports of injuries. Thanks to all Union County Emergency Services personnel for your hard work which will probably continue all day and into the night. A special thanks also to Blueridge Mountain EMC and all water departments.”

UGA Extension Office fields

At 8 a.m., the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) “has recorded over 150 outages affecting over 15,000 members across most of our system.” More power outages are expected as tropical storm Zeta continues to pass through. BRMEMC crews are out and working to quickly restore power. However, they do ask for patience.

Power outage map from BRMEMC

 

 

The tropical storm warning is in effect across north Georgia and portions of west central Georgia. The National Weather Service released at 6:45 a.m. that the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding is diminishing, but flooding of minor river, lakes, and streams is still possible. Also, “maximum sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 60 mph are possible, which will bring down trees and powerlines.”

Citizens are asked to keep their cellphones charged, remain calm, and find a safe shelter.

For assistance with power, internet, or public safety, contact one of the following:

  • Blue Ridge Mountain EMC:  706-379-3121
  • Windstream:  611 or 1-800-481-3407
  • Union County Road Dept:  706-439-6062
  • GA DOT: 706-781-3957
  • State Road Conditions:  511
  • 911 Center Non-Emergency:  706-439-6038

tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath

BRMEMC release statement concerning COVID-19

Community
BRMEMC

Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) has created an internal task
force to address increasing concerns and plan for mitigating the effects of the Coronavirus
(COVID-19) on the Co-op and our surrounding communities. We have recently updated our
general Pandemic Response Plan to include the specific potential impacts of the Coronavirus on
our business continuity, while placing the highest value on the safety of our employees and
members. We are carefully monitoring global conditions as well as national and state
information sources, and are keeping our employees informed as new information emerges.

BRMEMC’s Pandemic response includes the potential closure of our office to the public, should
conditions deteriorate. We may eventually be forced to operate with a scaled-down crew here in
the office with the majority of our employees telecommuting if the infection rate in our local area
reaches critical levels. We will also continue with social distancing and may consider only
dispatching crews for maintenance and repairs of power outages to keep the power grid
functioning 100%. If this happens, all new construction projects may be suspended until the
infectious outbreak reduces to numbers well below a critical level.

We realize these actions will likely affect how we serve you, our members, on a daily basis.
However, we will remain available by phone and email, and we will certainly respond if power
outages occur. We want our members to know we take this situation very seriously, but are also
taking metered and responsible action based on sound medical advice and not emotion. We ask
for patience from our members as we work through this and certainly if we are forced to fully
engage the Pandemic Response Plan.

If you have any questions, contact us at (706) 379-3121 or [email protected].

Sincerely,
Jeremy Nelms
General Manager

Strong storms cause widespread power outages, over 13,000 affected

Featured Stories
power outages

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Saturday, Jan. 11, 2019’s severe weather has resulted in widespread power outages for Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) customers, over 13,000 total and 4,022 in Union County.

Outages include the red light at Hwy. 76/515 and Hwy. 19. As of 7:20 p.m., BRMEMC crews are working to fix the red light. Also, law enforcement has closed part of Hwy. 76 W from Meeks Park to Airport Industrial Road, and they are rerouting traffic onto the Old Blue Ridge Hwy. Power lines are down in the area. Anyone out tonight should try to avoid the area at this time and be safe on the roads.

McDonalds, Nantahala Village Apartments, BP, and Shell gas stations are out of power, but the Circle K, across from McDonalds, does have power.

In BRMEMC area over 13,000 have been affected: 3,355 customers in Cherokee County, NC, 3,056 in Clay County, NC, 1,215 in Fannin County, Ga 1,567 in Towns, County, Ga and 4,022 in Union County. Ga.

A high wind warning is in effect for the area until 10 p.m.

From the National Weather Service:

“south winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 to 55 mph. Locally higher gusts possible. * where…portions of north central, northeast and northwest Georgia. * when…until 10 pm EST this evening. * impacts…damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Precautionary/preparedness actions… People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.”

Reports are coming in that trees are down across the county and in the roads. Weather services have also recorded wind gusts of up to 60 mph in Union County.

Verizon Apologizes to Blairsville and BRMEMC

News
Verizon

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Verizon Representative Eleanor Callaghan attended the Nov. 12 City Council meeting to clear up any confusion about the small cell tower initiative and partnerships with Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC).

“I’m here to apologize for any miscommunication that I may have caused in my communications between you and staff. The misunderstanding led to a misrepresentation of our relationship with BRMEMC. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our experience here with the mayor and with staff has been amazing so has our experience with BRMEMC,“ stated Callaghan.

In the Oct. meeting, the mayor relayed to the council that Verizon and BRMEMC weren’t able to work out a deal on attaching the small cell devices to existing EMC poles within city limits.

The partnership was the preferred solution of the city council to limit new poles potentially being placed throughout the city. However, in Oct. that seemed improbable.

However, Fetch Your News contacted BRMEMC and Verizon after that meeting, and both commented that negotiations were ongoing.

Callaghan’s apology addressed the cross-signals and did confirm that BRMEMC continues to work with the organization.

“Everything is going great. BRMEMC has been very happy with sharing information and continuing to be a collaborative partner with Verizon,” Callaghan commended the working relationship between the three parties. She added that the Blairsville relationship is used as a best practice with her other jurisdictions.

Mayor Jim Conley asked when Blairsville would know more about the placement of small cell towers in the city, and Callaghan believes that sometime in Jan. 2020, Verizon could offer placement plans for the poles.

The new poles will be placed in the right of way and not on anyone’s property.

Undetermined Number of New Cellular Poles Coming to Blairsville

Community, News
Cellular Poles in person meetings

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – In a 4 to 1 vote, the city council approved the ordinance to collect fees from Verizon for the installation of small cell towers in Blairsville. Verizon confirmed that several new cellular poles will go up across town within the right of ways.

“Verizon designated Blairsville as a site where the cell service is weak at times,” explained Mayor Jim Conley, “The legislature passed a law in regards to small cell services giving them legally the right to come in and place poles in needed areas to put their equipment on.”

The poles won’t be above 50 feet and would have a small cell hardware device.

Originally, the city hoped that the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) and Verizon could work out a deal to use BRMEMC poles for some of the devices.

“It was understood in the first reading that we could use EMC poles as well,” said Council Member Tony Dyer.

Dyer asked what happened to negotiations between Verizon and BRMEMC before approving the ordinance.

Fetch Your News contacted BRMEMC about using EMC poles within the city, and they stated that they were still open to working with Verizon, but hadn’t heard from the company since Aug. 13. Verizon’s spokesperson stated that negotiations were still open as well.

However, Verizon told the city council differently before the Oct. meeting. Currently, it’s unclear how many poles or towers will be needed or if BRMEMC will be utilized at all.

The cellular corporation has a meeting scheduled with the mayor later in Oct. to discuss how many new poles will go up in the right of ways throughout the city.

The ordinance passed in the meeting allows Blairsville to charge Verizon for installing small cell towers across the town. According to the law passed by the Georgia Legislature, Verizon can legally install the towers to improve service without the ordinance’s approval.

Essentially, the towers are coming to Blairsville no matter what, but the passage of the ordinance ensures a monetary benefit.  The council can’t deny Verizon access.

Councilmember Betty Easter made a motion to pass the ordinance, Councilmember Rhonda Mahan seconded, and Councilmember Mary Ruth Cook voted against it.

At this time, Verizon hasn’t determined the number of new cellular poles coming to the area.

House challenger Mickey Cummings: ‘Public embarrassment, hostility toward leaders, wrong approach’

Election 2018, News, Politics
Mickey Cummings

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Local State House challenger Mickey Cummings made an appearance at Sundance Grill Friday, April 27, 2018, at the Mountain Movers & Shakers forum. While Cummings never mentioned his opponent, Representative Matt Gurtler, by name, insinuation was apparent.

“I believe that public embarrassment and hostility toward our leaders is the wrong approach. Sooner or later, we’re going to need those people to help us to solve our issues and our problems,” Cummings professed. “I don’t believe we should ever burn a bridge unless we absolutely have to.”

Matt Gurtler was elected to the Georgia State House in 2016, and throughout his first-term while representing District 8 – which includes Towns, Union, Rabun, and portions of White County – Gurtler maintained a reputation of boldly challenging the status quo in the minds of his supporters.

The self-professed, ultra-conservative incumbent – a steadfast proponent of limited government, and a stickler for what he considers responsible spending – has proven to be a thorn in the side of leadership, voting against the State House at a rate of 39 percent.

Cummings, who currently holds office as Chairman of Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC), believes other avenues of negotiation should be explored “before you drop the bomb.”

Candidate Cummings briefly described his method of approach, using a conflict between BRMEMC and another unnamed electric co-op as an example: “We talked about it, and talked about it, and nothing ever happened. We called out the gentleman publicly, and we got what we wanted.”

In addition, Chairman Cummings spoke of the success of BRMEMC, stating that equity has increased by 3 percent since serving on the Board of Directors, at a spike of 1 percent per year.

“That’s unheard of in the electric co-op business to do that much,” said Cummings.

“Our Board has also improved transparency by opening board meetings to our membership. We’ve also become more responsive to our members and their needs,” Cummings stated.

FetchYourNews (FYN) attended the initial BRMEMC session, held Nov. 6, 2017, and reported the requirements for public attendance.

“I’m not a politician. I never planned to be,” Cummings said. “I believe the office should seek the candidate, and with people across the district asking me to run, to provide the leadership they deserve, I felt called to do so.”

Cummings spent 33 years as a county agent, 26 of which were spent in the mountains “working with farmers and saving the lives of youth through 4-H.”

“I’ve also helped to develop our farmer’s market that has helped to revive our vegetable industry, not only in Union County, but in Towns County as well. In 1990, we had roughly 30-to-35 growers in our county, growing specific vegetables,” Cummings explained. “By 2000, that number had decreased to five. Because of this decline was the death of older farmers, and their heirs found out that they could sell their property, develop the land, and make much more money than they could in farming.”

The creation of the Union County Farmers Market has allowed growers to profit locally, rather than venturing elsewhere to sell the fruits of their labor.

Along with continued support of agriculture, Cummings listed the establishment of widespread rural broadband internet access as a top issue he hopes to tackle if elected to represent District 8.

When the candidate was asked his position on the Second Amendment by a voter, Cummings divulged that he supports the right to bear arms, noting a history of gunsmiths in his ancestral lineage.

Incumbent Matt Gurtler is scheduled to address the Mountain Movers & Shakers in Hiawassee Friday, May 4.

Early voting begins Monday, April 30, with the primary election taking place May 22, 2018.

Count on FYN for continued coverage of District 8 State House race as the election approaches.

 

 

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

 

Commissioner Paris proud of coordinated efforts during storm

News

Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris posted a word of thanks on Facebook late Sunday evening, Dec. 10, to all who helped across the county during the fallout from Winter Storm Benji:

The Road Dept, as usual, has done an exceptional job. Forecast Temps tomorrow will be between 45° and 50° by early afternoon. This should clear up most if not all the roads. I want to thank GDOT for doing a good job on the state highways. We often forget their vital role.

While some may be frustrated that it took so long to get power back on, and some still waiting, the EMC has been doing all they can with 20 crews covering 4 counties. I am sure they will also want to improve their call wait times.

When this is all over, we will all be meeting to see what improvements can and will be made on response times for future weather events.

Thanks to all Union County and City of Blairsville Public Safety personnel including Police, Sheriff’s Dept, Fire and EMS, Ambulance, Union General Hospital, City and County Rd crews. Private contractors with motorgraders, (Colditz, Ricky Rich Grading, Junior Bridges Const, David Miller Trucking, Derek Stepp) and Gene Nelson and Georgia Forestry, who helped with tree removal, Larry Garrett, Mgr and my office staff who worked Saturday and Sunday to assist. Verizon, AT&T, Windstream for keeping our communication going. To those who I have forgotten to mention, I will add when reminded. It has been a good team effort.

In addition to scraping, salting and graveling hundreds of miles of roads, we removed nearly 100 trees from county roads. Just imagine all the trees and limbs on the thousands of miles of EMC power line r/w.

A broken power line and pole near state Route 60.

As for those still without power, Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) announced this morning crews will be working to restore power in the following areas Monday: Sunnyside, Hwy. 175, Hayesville, Gumlog, Ivylog, Choestoe, Suches, Aska, Dial, Morganton, My Mountain, Spur 60 and Loving Road.

 

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

Author

Jason Beck

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

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