GBI names shooter in incident outside Union Primary

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incident

UNION COUNTY, Ga. – New information has been released regarding a shooting incident at Union County Primary School this week.

The suspect who was arrested after law enforcement responded and searched has been named as Dwight Anthony Brown, 64, of Blairsville, GA, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

According to a statement from the GBI, the incident wasn’t a standard school shooting inside the building as Brown allegedly targeted a vehicle in the parking lot. According to the GBI, the vehicle was also unoccupied at the time when the shooting occurred. No statements have placed any of the incident inside the building at this time. Brown is still facing three charges of aggravated assault as both the GBI and Union County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed this.

A maintenance employee for the Union County School System, Brown allegedly fired into the vehicle. Reports indicate he has not been terminated from the school system yet due to it needing to be a Board of Education decision that would require a standard or called meeting.

Union County Schools were closed on Friday, August 12, 2022. Union County Schools stated that they have requested the GBI “conduct the Union County Primary School shooting incident investigation.” They have also assured parents and students that no threat remains to the community. However, reports state that the school system is still in question on whether they will return t o class on Monday, August 14, 2022.

Brown is currently still in the Union County Jail and has been denied bond. The GBI has stated that the investigation is active and ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution.

As previously reported, the incident occurred during school hours while teachers were in pre-planning. However, class was not in session and students were not on campus. Union Schools stated, “The incident occurred outside of the school, and no one was injured.”

Bats are more than spooky creatures

Community

Bats
In the vein of talking about spooky creatures around Halloween, I’m going to talk about bats! Bats
usually creep us out. They can be a pest if they get into your attic. However, they are also good at
mosquito control, and mosquitoes are the real bloodsuckers that I don’t want to have. Let’s talk about
bats, how to keep them out of your attic, the services they provide, and how to build a bat nest.
In Georgia we have 16 different species of bats. The gray myotis and Indiana myotis are both
endangered. Several of the others are species of concern, due to low population. A single bat can eat
hundreds of mosquitoes in one hour. They will also eat moths and beetles that cause damage to crops
and trees. A couple of bat species have specific requirements for humidity and temperature. Those will
reside in caves. Otherwise, bats are opportunistic in finding lodging. These bats may roost in dead trees,
old barns, or in your attic.
Bats don’t cause problems in the house by gnawing or chewing. Their droppings do cause an odor. If you
have bats in your house, don’t use exclusion practices from April 1 st through July 31 st . This is the
maternity season for bats. If you put up a one-way door to keep them out during that time you will likely
trap flightless pups inside your house. Openings that bats have used for a long time will usually have
brown discoloration along the sides. There are a couple of different types of one-way doors that you can
use. The first one is a mesh covering. Secure the top and sides of the mesh, but leave the bottom open.
This way bats exiting will be able to squirm out through the bottom, but not be able to get back in. If you
have openings in tight spaces outside you can use pipe (PVC, flexible, caulk tube) that is 2 inches in
diameter and 10 inches long. Insert the pipe about a ¼ inch into the opening and secure it with caulking,
staple, nails, or screws. Bats will be able to exit through the pipes, but not fly back into them.
Sometimes it can be difficult to completely bat proof your home. Bats can enter through holes that are
as small as half an inch. If you are continuously going through the process of excluding bats and then
finding new ones, you may want to buy a bat box to house those bats outside your home. Or you may
want to buy a bat box so that you can have bats to eat the mosquitoes around your home. Bat boxes are
placed about 15-20 feet off the ground in a spot that gets lots of sunlight. Make sure that the box stays
wasp free, because they are a nuisance to bats. It can take a couple of years for bats to move into a bat
box. Also, use a bat box that is a dark color because it will absorb more sunlight and be warmer. Bats like
it to be 80-100 degrees inside the house. Bat boxes are fairly easy to build. http://free.woodworking-
plans.org/bat-house-plans.html has plans if you’d like to build one.
If you have questions about bats in your home contact your Count Extension Office or email me at
[email protected].

Trump endorses Burt Jones for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia

Election, Politics, Press Release

JACKSON – Today, September 2, 2021, President Donald J. Trump endorsed conservative candidate Burt Jones for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.

Both Trump and Jones have shared and forwarded the endorsement to numerous media outlets. Jones’ campaign also attached a statement saying, “In 2016 and 2020, Burt served as President Trump’s campaign co-chair in Georgia, and he was the first elected official in Georgia to endorse the President. As President Trump’s endorsement proves, Burt is the only candidate in the race for Lieutenant Governor who will safeguard and advance the America First agenda, fight for election integrity, and deliver results for hardworking Georgians.”

JonesTrump’s endorsement stated: “State Senator Burt Jones is a Conservative warrior running for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. No on has fought harder for Election Integrity than Burt, and no state needs it more. A businessman and Patriot, Burt will always stand for America First, and will help bring back Energy Independence, a Stronger Border, Low Taxes, Great Education, and Safe Cities. He will also get to the bottom of the Nov. 3 Presidential Election Scam. Burt Jones has my Complete and Total Endorsement. He will not let the great people of Georgia down!”

In an email statement today, Burt Jones responded by saying, “I am honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump in my campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. I am the only person in my race who has had the President’s back from day one, and it’s an honor to have his full support. As Lieutenant Governor, I will work to advance the President’s America First agenda and continue to grow our economy, improve our schools, secure our elections, and keep Georgia safe. I look forward to traveling the state and meeting with the good people of Georgia as we work toward a big win in November 2022.”

 

Ask The Doc! Ascites And Spindle Cell Sarcoma

Community
ask the doc

This week, the Doctors discuss Ascites in a patient whose lung Cancer is being treated by the Jimmy Carter Immune Therapy. What is it? How is it treated? They also touch on the Spindle Cell Sarcoma. How serious is it? What are the different kinds of Sarcomas? The doctors also give a brief Covid update.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rprXMdNDwrA

Voter Security Reform Legislation – Non-citizen ID Should Not Be “Proper ID” at Georgia polls

Politics

Written And Submitted By: State Representative Charlice Byrd

 

The right to vote in a free and fair election is fundamental to our civil society.  This sacred right, upon which our democracy rests, cannot be taken for granted, nor can we afford for it to be eroded away by a lack of confidence in our elections.  I, like so many other Georgians, believe that we have an obligation to do everything possible to ensure election security and integrity.   

 

There are many policy solutions being discussed to make Georgia’s elections the most secure in the country. I offer a simple, commonsense solution to add another degree of security to the actual voting process.  A simple clarification to Georgia’s voter ID code and clearly marking “NOT VOTER ID” on driver’s licenses issued to non-citizens.  This will help alleviate the pressure and confusion of poll workers and election volunteers.   

 

Many Georgians may be surprised to learn Georgia issues a driving and official ID credential to non-citizens that are nearly identical to what many voters use as their official ID to vote.  The only difference in appearance from mine are the words “LIMITED TERM” across the top in capital letters.

 

Furthermore, there is nothing in state law that prohibits these non-citizen driver’s licenses or ID cards to be used as “proper identification/photo ID” for voting purposes.  This may have been an oversight, but many are convinced this loophole in voter ID security should be closed without delay. 

 

Currently, the law says that “proper identification” for presentation to a poll worker when voting consist of a Georgia driver’s license, a valid Georgia voter identification card “or other valid identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Georgia, any other state, or the United States authorized by law to issue personal identification, provided that such identification card contains a photograph of the elector.” 

 

The law also allows for acceptance of valid U.S. passports, government employee photo ID, a valid tribal identification card containing a photograph of the elector and military identification.  The law does not explicitly exclude the driver’s licenses or ID cards the Department of Drivers Services (DDS) issues to non-citizens of any description.  

 

The Motor Voter Registration system in use in Georgia has proven to be less than perfect in other states.  To be clear, Motor Voter has allowed non-citizens to register to vote around the nation according to reports in the Associated Press and NPR and the Pew Center.  This obvious and needless loophole in Georgia law needs to be fixed.  

 

I have introduced HB 228 to fix this loophole, (OCGA 21-2-417 ) which deals with “Presentation of identification to poll workers; form of proper identification;…”  to add language to specifically exclude from acceptance the driver’s licenses and ID cards issued to non-citizens.  The legislation will also change current law to require DDS to add the phrase “BEARER NOT U.S. CITIZEN – NOT VOTER ID” to all driver’s licenses and ID cards issued to non-citizens. This will help remove the possibility of confusion or accidental acceptance in the voting process in future elections.

 

Rep Charlice Byrd represents District 20 in the Georgia House of Representatives. 

[email protected]

##

 

 

 

BKP speaks with Republican Senator David Perdue

Election, Featured News, Featured Stories, News

Mere days before the run-off election deciding the Georgia’s Senate seats for this term, David Perdue (R), current Senator and incumbent candidate, is preparing for the final push up to election day. Counties across the state have reported record turn-outs for voting during 2020 and it looks like this election will see more voters than usual as well.

Voters are also turning out to rallies and campaign events as well. With debates still going over the Presidential Election and voters asking for continuing support, Perdue notes that he was among the few Senators who supported Trump before he was initially elected. Perdue said he fought with Trump as he turned the nations economy to it’s “best economic turnaround in history.”

https://youtu.be/Ifav9m9kjAI

Going through options and ideas in fighting what they are calling corruption in the recent election.

It is constantly a struggle against the Democrats according to Perdue who said that he is continuing to do everything that Trump asks him to do for that support.

Perdue noted, though, that people who are angry need to support Trump and the Republicans, but they also need to get out to vote. With numerous registered voters in every district still not voting on election day, Perdue calls to citizens saying that they are trying to fight the corruption and make the vote fair. He said they are working hard but it is very frustrating that people are still not voting.

Part of the efforts he has been working towards, Perdue has spoken with President Trump on Christmas Day. Perdue noted the stimulus and support for small businesses, people, and those in need from the pandemic fallout.

Perdue went on to speak on the omnibus bill at the federal level and looking at the efforts of the president fighting for people.

Perdue

Senator David Perdue

This was a great focus of Perdue in his time with BKP as he pointed to national security and what is at stake in the January election.

Perdue said that Jon Ossoff has been paid for two years by the Chinese Communist Party. Perdue said, “This is another example of how the Chinese Communist Party is trying to influence American Politics. They got in Hunter Biden’s pocket, they got into Congressman Swalwell’s bedroom, and they got into Jon Ossoff’s ego and his ambition to be an elected official. For two years after he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and lost against Karen Handel in 2017. The very next year they hire him and pay him for two years. He hid it from the people of Georgia during his Primary this year. He lied about it. When he got caught, he came clean and then lied about it again.”

Perdue said that Ossoff is not good for Georgia because he is being controlled and influenced by China just like Biden and Swalwell. He noted that if the Republicans lose these two seats, then Biden will absolutely ruin everything in America that we have fought for.

Perdue called on voters again and said, “Don’t do it for me, don’t do it for Kelly, don’t do it for yourselves. Look at the children and think about their children. This is what’s at stake right now, the form of America. What America will look like in 50 to 100 years is determined by these two Senate races.”

Don’t Vote and harass Kemp: Pro-Trump attorney instructs Georgia voters

Feature News, Featured, Featured News, Featured Stories, News, State & National
Lin Wood

ALPHARETTA, Ga: L. Lin Wood didn’t heed the calls from the Secretary of State’s Office to stop the rhetoric during today’s “Stop the Steal” press conference/rally with attorney Sydney Powell.

Stalking the stage like a Southern Baptist preacher who caught the spirit, Wood said, “We will not allow ourselves to go back into the polling booth.”

Wood denounced Governor Brian Kemp (R), Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R), Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan (R), and Voter Implementation Manager Gabriel Sterling for their actions following the November 3 election. On December 2, Sterling declared, “It has to stop,” blasting President Trump, Senators David Perdue, and Kelly Loeffler for not condemning incendiary and violent language. 

Following the Wood/Powell press conference, Sterling pointed out the Wood has a Democrat voting record since 2004. “We encourage all voters to vote in an election. Democrat, Republican, Green, Socialist, Libertarian,” he added.

Read more about Georgia Election Lawsuits, here.

Wood’s fiery preaching took aim at almost every prominent Republican in Georgia, including Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. He urged Perdue and Loeffler to demand a special session of the Georgia General Assembly.

“They have not earned your vote,” Wood said. “Don’t you give it to them. Why would you go back and vote in another rigged election for god’s sake! Fix it! You gotta fix it!”

Lin Wood urged the crowd to not vote in January.

The January 5 runoffs will decide who controls the Senate.

Powell advised all Georgians not to vote until they knew their votes were secure, suggesting a return to paper ballots and voter IDs. The only speaker telling people to vote was Democrat Georgia House Representative Vernon Jones, who endorsed David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.

BKP polled attendees, and out of 30 people, 75 percent saw no reason to vote in the January 5 runoff election. President Trump is visiting the state on Saturday to campaign for the Senators and hopefully subvert a depressed turnout in January.

Continuing with his calls for a special session, Woods instructed the raucous crowd to circle the governor’s mansion and honk their horns until Kemp gave in to their pleas. Afterward, he suggested that Kemp resign.

“Lock him up” chants rang out for Kemp, started by Wood. Later, he accused Kemp and Raffensperger of taking money from China without offering any proof.

The rally antics weren’t what the crowd came to see. BKP from BKP Politics attended the rally and spoke with several attendees. 75 percent surveyed expected a more informative presentation and not a miniature Trump rally. The remaining 25 percent expected the show they witnessed.

A more subdued Sydney Powell called the audience “the heart and soul and spirit that make this country the exceptional place that it is.” She reminded that all elected officials work for the people.

Sydney Powell

Sydney Powell speaking at the press conference.

Alleging widespread voter fraud, Powell extended the conspiracy from Dominion Voting Machines to practically every system. An individual explained to Powell that the fraud permeated the software’s “DNA,” so “all are at risk of being manipulated.” She believed the algorithm flipped votes across the country. Powell promised to turn all their evidence over to the Department of Justice.

Sterling countered these claims in his afternoon press conference.

 

“We did a hand audit. Human beings did. No machines were used. In fact, somebody asked Lin Wood and Sydney Powell, the hand audit said this, how could the algorithm thing of worked? They said no-no it wasn’t the hand audit they used machines to count those. They lied to the people who are believing them’s face. It’s this kind of lying and this kind of rhetoric that is continuing to inflame passions on the ground unnecessarily, and it’s wrong. ” Sterling stated.

Earlier this week, a judge scheduled a hearing for Friday. The first case is in appeals after being thrown out.

Georgia recounts continue to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s win of the state. The race will be certified after the final recount is completed.     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yogVC7Cza6M&feature=youtu.be

Gowder, Heaton, and Gowder sentenced to federal time

Featured, News

GAINESVILLE, Ga – U.S. District Judge Richard Story issued sentencing for John Michael “Mike” Gowder and James Heaton on June 24, 2020. He previously sentenced David Gowder on June 10, 2020. All received time in federal prison or confinement.

Mike Gowder was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for charges two through 102, and the time will run concurrently. He also received two years of supervised release and will have to pay a special assessment of $10,200, and a fine of $2,000.

James Heaton received 72 months, or six years, for charges two through 76 and 104 through 130, as well as 48 months for charges 77 through 103. The time will run concurrently, so Heaton would only serve a maximum of six years. He also was sentenced to two years of supervised release for charges two through 76 and 104 through 130 and another year for 77 through 103. However, this time will also run concurrently, so the maximum time of supervised release is two years. Heaton will also have to pay a special assessment of $12,900.

David Gowder was sentenced to 18 months of federal confinement, $5,000 fine, and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to a single count of prescribing medications without medical intentions. He initially pled guilty on March 15, 2019.

Mike Gowder and Heaton were found after a two-week trial by a federal jury in late October 2019. They were convicted on “102 counts related to illegally prescribing and obtaining more than 15,000 doses of prescription pain medications outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.”

Former physician James Heaton

Heaton was also found guilty of an additional 27 counts of “issuing prescriptions to two female patients outside the usual course of professional medical practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.”

According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak, Mike Gowder, former Union General Hospital CEO, and former Blairsville physician James Heaton operated and illegal prescription from 2011 to 2016. It operated across three states – Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

“During that time, Dr. Heaton illegally prescribed increasing quantities of hydrocodone and oxycodone to Mike Gowder, knowing that the prescriptions were issued outside the usual course of professional practice and that the pills obtained with the prescriptions had no legitimate medical purpose. Dr. Heaton violated numerous standards of medical practice by prescribing the pills to Mike Gowder without adequately documenting the medical need for the prescriptions in his patient file and without monitoring patient abuse of the pills he obtained.  During the three and half years in which Dr. Heaton prescribed more than 15,000 hydrocodone and oxycodone pills to Mike Gowder, Dr. Heaton only six of the prescriptions were recorded in his patient file for Mike Gowder.

Starting in 2012, Mike Gowder obtained oxycodone by fraud, subterfuge, and deception by filling the illegal prescriptions that Dr. Heaton issued for oxycodone at different pharmacies in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina in an effort to conceal the large numbers of pills that Dr. Heaton was prescribing to him.” – from U.S. Depart of Defense Statement

From January 2012 to June 2015, Heaton wrote 95 prescriptions for hydrocodone and oxycodone for Mike Gowder. On some occasions, Heaton would write two prescriptions for Gowder on the same day and Gowder would travel across state lines to fill the scripts.

Former Union General Hospital CEO Mike Gowder

In addition, Dr. James Heaton issued prescriptions hydrocodone, oxycodone, and methadone to two female patients outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.

“When doctors prescribe opioids outside of the applicable rules, they are nothing but drug traffickers with a medical degree,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “Therefore, we will accordingly treat them as such.”

Oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone are listed as controlled substances under federal law with high potential for psychological and physical abuse and dependence.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys William McKinnon and Laurel R. Boatright prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Union County Georgia Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency, and Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force investigated the case.

“This is a very substantial victory in the battle against opioid use in our communities.  It goes to show what can be accomplished when the DEA and local law enforcement work together. Drugs know no boundaries including state lines.  I am very grateful for our relationship with Union County and the DEA,” said Derrick Palmer, Sheriff, Cherokee County, North Carolina.

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division stated, “Pharmaceutical products that are distributed for non-medical reasons can be just as deadly as illicit drugs.  The defendants in this case distributed vast quantities of pharmaceutical products and had ill-will and total disregard for human life. This conviction should serve as a reminder to all drug traffickers, including those with medical degrees, that DEA and its law enforcement partners will expend the necessary resources to disrupt and destroy those who distribute poison throughout our communities. This is a perfect example of the success that can be accomplished when federal, state and local resources are combined.”

Former ER doctor David Gowder

The case was brought as part of Operation Scope (Strategically Combatting Opioids through Prosecution and Enforcement), which combines civil, criminal, and educational with law enforcement to fight the opioid/ heroin epidemic.

To help explain the dangers of drugs to children or learn more about the effects of drugs, visit https://www.justthinktwice.gov/.

New Guidelines and Resources for High Risk Citizens

Community, News
Blue Ridge Medical Group, Raymond Tidman, Dillon Miller, High Risk, Guidelines, Phone Number, Fannin County, Georgia, Covid-19, Coronavirus

Raymond Tidman, MD

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Raymond Tidman, MD and Dillon Miller, MD of Blue Ridge Medical Group are releasing new guidelines to help protect those at greatest risk in our community from contracting Covid-19.

Members of the community that are in the high risk category are those that are 65 years or older, or those with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, severe obesity, heart disease, receiving treatment for cancer or have a condition that causes immune suppression.

Tidman and Miller are saying to those in this category, “We want you to build protection around you now and until there is a vaccine.”

They are recommending following the directions in place by Health Officials of self isolation, but to also be super aware of those that you allow in your presence. They are recommending that individuals in the high risk category identify a limited number of people you depend on to be around.

Make sure that the people who you do have to have contact with are aware of your situation and take the proper steps to protect you from the virus.

“This is to encourage you to build a virus free fortress around you, and yet allow you the personal contacts that you feel you need and trust,” Tidman and Miller say of the precautions.

Tidman and Miller want all of those who have symptoms or have had known contact to someone positive with the Covid-19 virus to move to the front of the line to be tested.

If you are in this high risk category and have been around someone with symptoms have them contact Blue Ridge Medical Group at this number: 706-946-4240. This is a dedicated line for this purpose and will be frequently monitored. 

“If they have symptoms have them contact the number and we will be available to test them quickly,” Tidman and Miller sate in a release. “We will be a resource to them on the latest developments in defeating this virus.”

North Georgia Chairmen urge Kemp to close State Parks

Community, News
Georgia, North Georgia, Governor, Brian Kemp, State Parks, Close, Shut Down, Letter, Chairmen, Habersham, Rabun, Franklin, Towns, White, Gilmer, Dade, Fannin, Union, Lumpkin, Stephens, Banks, Travis Turner, Tim Stamey, Greg James

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Twelve Commission Chairmen from North Georgia counties have joined together and signed a letter asking Governor Brian Kemp to shut down the State Parks.

“It appears that these nonresidents believe our area is a safe haven because of its rural nature. To the contrary, the influx of people into our communities has had a staggering detrimental effect on our resources,” the letter to Kemp read in part.

Georgia, North Georgia, Governor, Brian Kemp, State Parks, Close, Shut Down, Letter, Chairmen, Habersham, Rabun, Franklin, Towns, White, Gilmer, Dade, Fannin, Union, Lumpkin, Stephens, Banks, Travis Turner, Tim Stamey, Greg James

Habersham County Commissioner District 5 Tim Stamey

The letter goes on to outline the resources in our area that have been affected by the out-of-towners looking to seclude themselves, including in these resources are food, dry goods and fuel.

It goes on to inform Kemp that our area is not equipped medically: “Our communities simply do not have enough hospital beds or medical personnel to care for the inflated population.”

Though only serving as a commissioner for a little over three months, Habersham County Commissioner District 5 Tim Stamey felt he needed to be proactive in bringing a solution to this problem: “I am a retired special operator and we don’t sit around talking about things, we get it done.”

Stamey who sits on the County Health Board said, “I’m on the County Health Board and talk to Healthcare workers in my county on a daily basis. They are the heros/heroines in all this. This virus does not spread itself on the wind.”

Moccasin Creek State Park, situated just North of Unicoi State park has been “crazy, 4th of July crazy” for the past three weekends according to Stamey, who has witnessed the impact on his county first hand.

Stamey initially contacted Rabun County Chairman Greg James and White County Chairman Travis Turner.

“I started this by just trying to get border counties on board,” Stamey said and added, “Then Chairmen were like well, did you call such and such, I know they feel the same way. It just kept getting bigger and bigger.”

Stamey said that all Commission Chairmen were helpful, on board, and taking the matter seriously: “I talked to most of them several times and for up to an hour each time.”

Stamey, along with the 12 county chairmen and many residents, is hoping that this letter will get the attention of Kemp. The letter in closing states: “On behalf of the many citizens that live in North Georgia who entrust us as County Commissioners to represent their interests, we respectfully ask you to close all of the state parks located in our area immediately.”

Georgia, North Georgia, Governor, Brian Kemp, State Parks, Close, Shut Down, Letter, Chairmen, Habersham, Rabun, Franklin, Towns, White, Gilmer, Dade, Fannin, Union, Lumpkin, Stephens, Banks, Travis Turner, Tim Stamey, Greg James

Georgia, North Georgia, Governor, Brian Kemp, State Parks, Close, Shut Down, Letter, Chairmen, Habersham, Rabun, Franklin, Towns, White, Gilmer, Dade, Fannin, Union, Lumpkin, Stephens, Banks, Travis Turner, Tim Stamey, Greg James

 

Click Here to read about National Park Closures in our area

Kemp Authorizes Call of Georgia National Guard for COVID-19 Response

News, Press Release
Kemp national guard

Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued Executive Order 03.14.20.02 authorizing Adjutant General Tom Carden – at the request of Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson – to call up as many as 2,000 Georgia National Guard troops to State Active Duty to address novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Georgia.

“Through extensive emergency preparedness training, the brave men and women in the Georgia National Guard stand ready to serve above and beyond their traditional military duties. In states of emergency, they are equipped to take necessary action to protect the health and safety of Georgia families in every region,” said Governor Kemp“To assist with COVID-19 mitigation and critical services, including the transfer of Georgians currently at Dobbins Air Reserve Base to their homes, the Georgia National Guard will now be available to communities to ensure the steady supply of medical equipment, food, shelter, or related materials to keep Georgians safe in the weeks ahead.”

The Georgia National Guard is already assisting with the transfer of thirty-one Georgians – formerly passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship – from Dobbins Air Reserve Base to their homes today for isolation and monitoring by Department of Public Health officials.

Roadways become impassable during winter storm

Community, News

Blairsville, Ga. – Winter weather is taking its toll on our area and Union County is beginning to feel the brunt of the storm.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office is keeping citizens updated via Facebook and recently released a warning stating, “Roads in Union County are becoming impassable. There are several vehicles including tractor and trailers stuck in the roadway. Please stay off roads!!”

In neighboring Fannin County, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Robert Graham explained the situation, ““The pavement was wet when the snow started falling, so the wet areas on our roadways have turned to ice.”

Roads in Union County are experiencing a similar condition with ice being reported under the thick layer of snow.

Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris shared on Facebook, “Do not get on the highways. They are slick and dangerous.”

“It is foggy and the visibility is low and all highways are slick,” Paris continued emphasizing the importance of avoiding travel at the moment.

Paris urged people to not drive around  sightseeing and to wait for conditions to ease up.

Union County Fire/Rescue and EMA are also confirming that there are multiple accidents in the county and that several roadways are being shut down.

All Union County emergency services are asking citizens to remain home at the moment, unless absolutely necessary to get out, and allow crews and personnel time to address issues and to try to make the roadways safer for travel.

FYN will bring you updates on the winter weather throughout the day.

 

Featured Image Courtesy of FYN viewer Doug Brown.

Collins submits resume to Governor Kemp for Senate Seat

Featured, Politics
Ga Rep Collins

Georgia, – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp began a process to fill U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson’s seat this week. The Governor set up a website requiring the potential candidates to submit a resume. FYN has learned Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) has submitted his resume for consideration. The seat will be filled following Johnny Isakson’s retirement effective December 31, 2019 and the chosen applicant will serve for the remainder of his unexpired term.

Rep. Collins is a United States Representative from Georgia’s 9th congressional district. Collins has served the 9th District since 2013. Previously he was a state representative in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the 27th district, which includes portions of Hall, Lumpkin, and White counties.

Collins is considered to be a front runner for the Senator seat. Because this would leave a vacancy we question who will replace Collins. So who will be the new US Representative in the 9th District? According to our information as a result of Collins receiving the appointment, that would trigger a special election. What names will surface in the 9th District hoping to take Collins’ place? FetchYourNews will follow closely and update as more information becomes available.

Brian Kemp silent on allowing voters to decide on official English

Opinion

 Pro-English voters should ask questions

By: D.A. King 

A December 2015 Rosetta Stone poll showed that a bipartisan 76% of Georgians support making English Georgia’s constitutional official language. The idea is English as official, not “English only” as goes the portrayal by dishonest opponents.

Policy differences for candidates in the race for Georgia governor may not extend to allowing Georgia voters to decide if the state constitution should be amended to make English the official language of government.

According to an AJC report last week, Democrat candidate Stacey Abrams promised to oppose constitutional official English in the General Assembly as governor and boasted of fighting against allowing voters to answer a ballot question when she was in the legislature.

We thought it surprising that the AJC did not include a quote or position from Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp on the voter-popular issue, so  Wednesday, October 3, this writer sent a policy question and request for a quote to the Kemp campaign.

Brian Kemp – photo, Facebook

“Do you support allowing Georgia voters to decide on a ballot question that would amend the state constitution to make English the official language of Georgia government and which would end current practice of offering the written road rules portion of the DDS drivers license exam in (eleven) foreign languages?

 

If so, will you use the power of the governor’s office to promote that cause for the 2020 election?”

 

We have not received a response from candidate Kemp. Curious voters should ask him.

All concerned should be aware that Georgia has a 1996 statute in place that makes English the official language, but also says officials can ignore that directive: 

“State agencies, counties, municipal corporations, and political subdivisions of this state are authorized to use or to print official documents and forms in languages other than the official language, at the discretion of their governing authorities.”

 The concept of allowing voters to have a voice on the matter is quite popular in the Georgia senate. Introduced by state Senator Josh McKoon, in 2016 SR 675 passed the Georgia senate with every Republican member voting “YEA,” But it was not allowed a vote on the House floor. 

McKoon’s Resolution created a ballot question voters would have considered that year which read:

Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that English is the official language of the State of Georgia?”

All persons desiring to vote in favor of ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote “Yes.”

All persons desiring to vote against ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote “No.” 

If such amendment shall be ratified as provided in said Paragraph of the Constitution, it shall become a part of the Constitution of this state.”

Most conservatives would like to have the chance to answer that question in November, 2020.

Readers who are not closely involved in Gold Dome politics are likely asking why they have not already been permitted to vote on making official English part of the state constitution. It helps to know that the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce are vehemently opposed to that idea.

It may also help to know that in metro-Atlanta’s DeKalb School District alone, administrators are dealing with students from 180 different countries who speak 140 different languages.

Without a constitutional mandate that English is the official language of government, readers can make their own predictions on how long it is before the angry marches in the streets begin with the demand that government in Georgia accommodate every imaginable language with the cry that “diversity is our strength.”

It seems like something a Republican candidate for Georgia governor would comment on. Comprende?

D.A. King of Marietta is president of the Georgia-based Dustin Inman Society.

 

Raffensperger wins nomination for Secretary of State

Election, Election 2018

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Brad Raffensperger has defeated David Belle Isle in the July Runoff Election.

Raffensperger and Belle Isle vied for the Republican nomination to seek the seat of Georgia Secretary of State. The Secretary of State seat is open with no incumbent as current Secretary of State Brian Kemp moves forward in the gubernatorial race.

With all 159 counties reporting, Raffensperger was able to receive 61.76 percent of the vote while Belle Isle fell short only receiving 38.24 percent.

Raffensperger will move forward to the November General Election where he will face Democratic nominee John Barrow.

 

 

 

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]

Cagle campaign brings out the big guns

Election 2018, Politics
Hall County, Gainesville, Georgia, Secretary of State, Lt. Governor, Governor, Gubernatorial, Election, 2018, Runoff, Republican Nomination, Campaign, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, National Rifle Association, NRA, President, President Elect, Lt. Colonel, Oliver North, Second Amendment, Stacey Abrams, Democratic, George Soros, July 24

Lt. Colonel Oliver North was met by large crowds as he hit the campaign trail supporting Casey Cagle in becoming Georgia’s next Governor.

Gainesville, Ga. – “There’s only one candidate who’s been endorsed. There’s only one candidate for Governor’s office who actually meets the standard of what we need and that’s Casey Cagle,” retired Lt. Colonel Oliver North enthusiastically spoke to the large crowd gathered in Gainesville, Ga. this weekend.

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle has been the center of controversy for several weeks after the release of a secret recording in which Cagle speaks candidly to former gubernatorial candidate Clay Tippins about politics over policy.

Regardless of this recent smear on Cagle’s bid to be Georgia’s next Governor, one fact remains and cannot be disputed, Cagle is the only candidate for governor in Ga. to receive the coveted endorsement from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

With this point being perhaps one of the largest differences between Cagle and his opponent, Brian Kemp, Cagle’s campaign decided it was time to bring out the “big guns”.

President elect of the NRA, North, hit the campaign trail with Cagle on July 14 making three stops across the state to share with constituents why Cagle is the only candidate that will uphold the values of the NRA.

“I’m here because there is only one candidate for governor who has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association,” North said explaining his stance on Georgia’s heated gubernatorial race.

According to North, Cagle has “sterling record as supporter of the Second Amendment”. North went on to say that Cagle “is going to make sure that your gun rights and others are going to be defended when he’s in office as your Governor.”

Doting on Cagle’s record of fighting for the rights of gun owners in Ga., North also brought attention to Cagle’s support of firearms manufacturing and the jobs that have created in this field.

“He’s created the best, pushed through the best legislation, I think, in the country for giving you the right to defend yourselves,” North was met with cheers from the large crowd as he presented Cagle’s record on the Second Amendment.

North added, “I’m just reassured by what he’s already done, and what he’s committed to do.”

Constituents also got a peek into the private life of North as he shared personal stories of how the fight to defend the Second Amendment hits close to home threatening a long standing family tradition.

Hall County, Gainesville, Georgia, Secretary of State, Lt. Governor, Governor, Gubernatorial, Election, 2018, Runoff, Republican Nomination, Campaign, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, National Rifle Association, NRA, President, President Elect, Lt. Colonel, Oliver North, Second Amendment, Stacey Abrams, Democratic, George Soros, July 24

Casey Cagle with wife Nita stand beside North as he addresses the crowd.

North, grandfather to 17 grandchildren, shared this tradition, “I get to give them a present. The only present I get to give them. Everything else comes from Betsy (wife) and me.”

This present given by North when each child turns 14 is a box containing three items, a Bible, a map and compass, and a 20 gauge shotgun.

North labels each box with “There are three things in this box that you have got to learn how to use, and if you do learn to use all three things, you’ll never go hungry, you’ll never be lost and you need fear nothing, but you have to learn to use all three.”

Each child is then told to read Proverbs, one Proverb per day for a month. After this task is completed and understood, North teaches the children how to use the compass and map. The final item that the child can then master is the use of the shotgun.

North told of how each child must learn to take apart, put together and clean the firearm before they can tackle the task of learning to shoot.

A bonding experience for a grandfather and a grandchild, one which his family holds dear, North joked, “The kids call me by my first name…Colonel.”

But according to North this tradition is threatened and he pointed to the fact that a couple of states have already passed laws where it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or purchase a firearm.

Speaking of Virginia, the Lt. Colonel’s current state of residence, North said, “If that happens in Virginia, you know where I’m moving? I’m moving right here.”

North concluded his endorsement with a request, “I want each one of you, if you would please, go out and find a family member and a co-worker and a neighbor and a friend. So now you’re talking four of each one that you know that’s not here today and get them to the polls on the 24th of July so that this man….”.

Upon saying this North turned to Cagle and was drowned out by cheers from the audience.

Cagle briefly shared his thoughts on North’s personal endorsement: “I just value, not only what he has done in his life but also what he is doing by standing up for the Second Amendment.”

Referring to North as a good friend and speaking of the encouragement that North has given him, Cagle simply added, “This man is a real patriot.”

 

 

 

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]

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