Lamar Paris congratulating Allison McGraw

Blairsville, GA – Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris convened his September Meeting at the Union County Court House on Sept. 21, 2017 at 6 p.m.

Allison McGraw, known locally as “The 4-H Lady”, was recognized for her outstanding service to the community through 12 years of work with the UGA Extension as a family and consumer science agent and for her “unselfish dedication and unending compassion” in all the volunteer endeavors she has been involved with since her retirement in 1996. Paris said she was responsible for getting 2000 balloons aloft at the Hwy 515 opening. He declared Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 as Allison McGraw Appreciation Day in Union County.

Lamar Paris with UCSO Deputy David McGregor

David McGregor was recognized for his service to our country and in law enforcement. McGregor served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam years, was an Atlanta Police Officer and a Dekalb County Police Officer. In 1998, McGregor moved to Blairsville and, with another Dekalb County Police Officer, started the Blairsville Police Department and was “instrumental in setting up the Municipal Court and introducing a complete set of Ordinances”. In 2011, McGregor retired from the Blairsville Police Department and became a Union County Deputy Sheriff where he continues to serve our community. In all, McGregor has served over 50 years in public service. Paris declared Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 as David McGregor Appreciation Day in Union County. Sheriff Mack Mason, Chief Deputy John George and over a dozen UCSO Deputies and Blairsville Police Officers were on hand for the recognition.

Tract 4 not designated; intersection of Gooch Bypass and Hwy 515 at bottom left.

Paris announced an exchange and purchase agreement between Charles Jenkins, Edgar Jenkins, Marilyn Thomasson, Kenneth Jenkins and Patricia Chambers, and, Union County for Real Property located in Land Lot 269 9th District, 1st Section of Union County. The Jenkins agreed to transfer to Union County Tract 3 and Tract 4 totaling 1.13 acres and Union County agreed to transfer Tract 2 to the Jenkins which totals 1.02 acres plus $35,000 in additional compensation. This exchange and purchase allows Union County unobstructed access from Hwy. 515 to the Farmers Market and the adjoining Davenport property that Union County acquired in May 2017.

Paris also announced that the parcel of land acquired for the Union County 4-H Clay/Trap Shooting Range is no longer a viable location for that purpose due to recent residential developments being constructed in close proximity. As a result of this development, two Lease Agreements, at no cost to Union County, have been signed for access to a temporary location where clay shooters can practice. The first Lease Agreement is between William Lee Wood and Carol L. Wood, and, Union County for the use of a 5-acre tract of land located in Land Lot 251, 9th District, 1st Section of Union County to be used for a shooting range. The second Lease Agreement is between Joel Miller, Trustee of the Colwell Children’s Trust, and, Union County for ingress and egress along or about that road from Hwy 325 to the shooting range located on Hwy 325. Said access will cross that tract or parcel of land being described in Deed Book 864, Page 300-301.

A Second Reading and Acceptance of the Revised Union County Alcohol Ordinance was made by Paris. Copies of the Revised Ordinance may be obtained at the Union County Commissioner’s Office.

Paris declared Sept. 17 – Sept. 23, 2017 as Constitution Week in Union County and Constitution Day was declared as Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017.

Paris declared Sept. 22, 2017 as Surgical Technologists Day.

Resolution R-2017-13 adopting the Records Retention Schedules for Local Government Records established by the (Georgia) Secretary of State’s Office was accepted by Paris.

Pawnee Cherokee Daniel Horsechief next to statue of Native American stick ball player.

Paris accepted Lee Harkins Road into the county maintained road system.

In his Commissioner’s Comments, after the business of the Meeting was concluded, Paris praised the most recent class of Leadership Union for their hard work over a two year period to bring about the “We Are Still Here” event at Meeks Park, where a 10-foot tall bronze statue of a Native American stick ball player was unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 21st. A Pawnee Cherokee, Daniel Horsechief, of Oklahoma, cast the statue. It will serve as a reminder of the Native American roots of our community.

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