Kathleen Smith Burke: Obituary
Obituaries June 6, 2019
Kathleen Smith Burke
October 17, 1950 – May 29, 2019
Mrs. Kathleen Smith Burke, age 68, of Burkensmyth Lane, Blairsville passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 following an extended illness. Mrs. Burke was born on October 17, 1950 in Sanford, Florida, the daughter of the late Richard Smith and the late Doris Howe Smith. Kathleen had made her home in Blairsville for the past eighteen years, moving here from Fruitland Park, Florida. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and painting. She was a loving and caring wife, mother sister, and grandmother. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Surviving Mrs. Burke are her loving husband and best friend of forty-four years, Dalton L. Burke of Blairsville, one son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Allie Burke of Maitland, Florida, one daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Frankie Kimberlin of Front Royal, Virginia; four brothers, Michael Smith of Blairsville, Steve Smyth of Blairsville, Daniel Smith of Robbins, Tennessee, and Greg Smith of DeBary, Florida; six sisters, Betty Sue Senger of Auburn, Alabama, Peggy Monfort of Eugene, Oregon, Sister Mary Joan Smith of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, Nita Cadden and Julie Roach of Maitland, Florida and the late Patricia Vanzura of Blairsville; six grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends also survive.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday June 5, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Deacon Larry Casey officiating and will be announced. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Union County Humane Society in memory of Mrs. Burke.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuenralhome.com
Vera Naomi Azzarello: Obituary
Obituaries June 6, 2019
Vera Naomi Azzarello
May 21, 1929 – May 25, 2019
Mrs. Vera Naomi Azzarello age 90 of Trackrock, Blairsville passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday May 25, 2019 following an extended illness. Mrs. Azzarello was born on May 21, 1929 in Creighton, PA., the daughter of the late James P. Gay and the late Ivy Lee Gay. Before her retirement she served as Vice President for Chase Bank for over thirty years. One of her hobbies was knitting sweaters for different charities, she also enjoyed reading and gardening in her spare time. She loved her Lord and loved going to her church. She was a loving and caring mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. Vera attended Harmony Grove Baptist Church.
Surviving Mrs. Azzarello are one son and daughter in law, Charlie and Lisa Azzarello of Blairsville, two brothers, James P. Gay of Trentum, PA., Bill Gay of Jacksonville, FL., one sister, Allene Hanz of Springdale, PA., two grandchildren, Robert Azzarello and Debbie Brendley, four great grandchildren, Brooke, Kate, Lauren and Matthew, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to a favorite hospice of your choice in Vera’s memory.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com
Jimmy “Puddin” Dean Hardin: Obituary
Obituaries June 6, 2019
Jimmy “Puddin” Dean Hardin
September 08, 1958 – May 16, 2019
Mr. Jimmy “Puddin” Dean Hardin age 60 of State Hwy 325 Blairsville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Thursday May 16, 2019 at his home following an extended illness. Mr. Hardin was born on September 8, 1958 in Andrews, NC., the son of the late Harold Hardin and the late Maxine Day Hardin. Puddin had lived in Union County for the past forty years. He loved fishing, camping, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, brother and uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents and also three brothers, Ray, Clay and Mike Hardin and a sister, Missy Hardin. Mr. Hardin was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving Mr. Hardin are his loving wife and best friend of thirty eight years, Sandra Thornton Hardin of Blairsville, one sister, Barbara “Bob” Hardin of Andrews, NC., sister in law, Cathy Rogers of VA., two brothers in law, Eddie and Sheila Thornton, Don and Mary Thornton, nieces, Amanda Gentle, Shiloah Hardin, Brittany Thornton, Nichole Williams, Kristy Lowe, Shana Kuykendall, Shanowa Kuykendall, nephews, John Anderson, Jason Anderson, A.J. Thornton, many other relatives and friends also survive.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday May 19, 2019 at 6:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Jeff Deaver officiating. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Extreme Christian Outdoors 76 Shoe Factory Rd. Blairsville, GA 30512 in Puddin’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3:30-6:00 pm.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 05/13 to 05/19
Arrest Reports May 23, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Paw Park Project Seeks Advice from City Council
Community, Outdoors May 9, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Paw Park Project approached the Blairsville City Council about creating a suitable dog park for the city and Union County.
Gracian Sabo represented the Paw Park Project and the local Boy Scout Troop, who have pledged to support the project if it moves forward. The Boy Scouts aren’t sponsoring the project, but they have promised to help raise funds once the land becomes available.
“Many dogs have been injured due to the exposed roots and fallen branches [in the existing park], and the 4,608 square foot fenced in space is inadequate for any dog to run, play catch, or socialize with other dogs,” said Sabo of the current dog park.
He compared it to the dog park in Blue Ridge which covers 21,000 square feet and draws many Union County residents.
The Paw Park Project is currently taking signatures for its petition.
The American Kennel Club recommended one acre of land for a park with a four- to six-foot chain-link fence and double gate entry.
“Our off-leash area falls way below any minimum standards, and we are bringing these substandard conditions to your attention, in hope, that you’ll support the Paw Park Project and help us find a piece of land to build a new and improved off-leash area,” proposed Sabo.
Sabo and the Paw Park Project launched a petition on Monday, May 6 and has received more 50 signatures and positive online comments by the time of the meeting on Tuesday, May 7.
Mayor Jim Conley responded to Sabo, “We all understand your plea here, wanting an area that is much greater than what I am assuming is Meeks Park dog section…the city has no area or property of our own that would be anything suitable for something like this.”
Mayor Conley also asked if the Paw Park Project had any land of their own that could serve their purpose within the county. The representatives stated that HOAs wouldn’t allow the development of a dog park and that’s why they’re coming to the city and the county to find a public space.
Mayor Conley suggested talking to the county to find a piece of properly zoned property and reaching out to the tax commissioner’s office to assist with the search.
Verizon Wants to Enhance Network Coverage in Blairsville
Business, Featured Stories May 8, 2019
Blairsville, GA – Spokeswoman from Verizon Wireless presented a plan to bring small cell towers into the city to improve the area’s network coverage.
Traffic engineers from Verizon noticed the need for increased network capacity within the community. “The exponential growth or hockey stick growth is putting a lot of demand on the [current] cell towers and [Verizon] would like to pull another tool from their tool kit with small cell towers,” said Eleanor Callaghan, a Verizon engineer.
Callaghan proposed partnering with the city to add small cell towers to existing structures, such as light poles and traffic signs. By installing these towers, Blairsville will have faster wireless service on the 4G network. Also, Verizon will install the towers at no cost and won’t build new large towers unless absolutely necessary.
Example of Verizon’s Small Cell Towers
The minimum height requirement for a pole needs to be 26 feet with a maximum height of 50 feet. The set height requirements serve to keep wireless emissions lower than the general population of the area. The radios are about the size of an answering machine, and the antenna transmits at a low frequency. Verizon operates below the FCC emissions standards.
The small cell towers do not affect other services in the area and would take at least a year to be fully installed.
“Small cells in existing infrastructure would give [Blairsville] faster upload and download speeds, and give you the extra capacity for all connected devices for merchants running transactions and online ordering,” stated Callaghan.
55 percent of homes are wireless only, and the enhanced connectivity allows for faster triangulation of people’s location. The closer signals can improve response times for first responders and create an efficient method for gathering information.
The small cell towers also cut down on search times when people look for entertainment or restaurants on their phones. Also, the towers could bring services like Uber and Lyft to the area since it’s easier to locate people who want to use the service.
Mayor Jim Conley asked, “Do you have a model ordinance that other cities use?”
Callaghan stated that ordinances are not necessary due to the comprehensive nature of the FCC Small Cell Law, but provided the Sandy Springs ordinance and permit process for the city council to review. “We may have to do an ordinance because of our charter,” said Mayor Conley.
Councilman Buddy Moore asked for more information about the need of the towers to review before making a decision.
“I see how this can help us, but I don’t feel like we can give you answer tonight without reviewing the ordinance to see what other folks have put into it because this is all new to us. Mrs. Callaghan if you want to send that ordinance to us again, and we can arrange to have you come back once we review this ordinance,” said Mayor Conley.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 04/20 to 04/28
Arrest Reports April 30, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 03/11 to 03/17
Arrest Reports March 18, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 03/04 to 03/10
Arrest Reports March 11, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 02/25 to 03/03
Arrest Reports March 7, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Harold Dean Hedgecock: Obituary
Obituaries March 7, 2019Harold Dean Hedgecock
May 25, 1948 – March 1, 2019
The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Mr. Harold Dean Hedgecock, age 70 who passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019.
Family left behind to cherish his memory are: daughters, Suzette Thomas (Jimmy Price) of Chatsworth, GA and Charlotte Ward and James Fowler of Dalton, GA; son, David Hedgecock (Amy Payne) of Dalton, GA; siblings, Virginia (Lawrence) Beaver, Frances (John) Foster, Richard Hedgecock, and Peggy Mashburn all of Blairsville; and his children’s mother, Corine Douthitt of Dalton, GA. Also, sharing in his legacy are 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Laban & Ivalee (Ledford) Hedgecock; daughter, Rosette Hedgecock; and sister, JoAnn Hedgecock.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Nick Price, Cody Price, Devin Ward, and Dylan Ward. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service begins.
David Anthony Reusing: Obituary
Obituaries March 7, 2019
David Anthony Reusing
December 14, 1954 – March 05, 2019
Mr. David Anthony Reusing age 64 of Eagle Drive Blairsville passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Tuesday March 5, 2019 in the North East GA Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Reusing was born on December 14, 1954 in Bellevue, KY., the son of the late Leonard Reusing and the late Jane Steinmetz Reusing. David was a veteran of the US Navy of the Vietnam War where he served on the Midway Aircraft Carrier. He retired from Kroger after over thirty years of service. At the time of his death he was employed with Ingles. David was an animal enthusiast and loved all animals. He was co-owner of Essence of Rose in Blairsville where he served as Graphic Designer, Marketing Strategist and Display Engineer. He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother and grandfather. David was of the Catholic faith.
Surviving Mr. Reusing are his loving wife and best friend, Glenna Kinman Rose of Blairsville, five children, Daniele, Lesley, Hillarey and Kelly all of Kentucky and Richard of Tennessee, one brother, Terry Reusing of KY., twelve grandchildren, many other relatives and friends also survive.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Kentucky. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Union County Humane Society Mountain Shelter in David’s memory.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mouuntainviewfuneralhome.com
Linda Sue Thomas: Obituary
Obituaries March 7, 2019
Linda Sue Thomas
December 06, 1946 – February 25, 2019
Mrs. Linda Sue Thomas, age 72 of James Henderson Rd, Young Harris passed away on Monday February 25, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family following an extended illness. Mrs. Thomas was born on December 6, 1946 in Copperhill, TN to the late John McDougal and the late Anna Hall McDougal. Linda was a resident of Young Harris for the past ten years. She always enjoyed taking care of others, loved working in her yard; especially planting her flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents and also five brothers,Bo, Johnny, Butch, James and Rodney McDougal. Linda was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving Mrs. Thomas are one brother, Richard McDougal of Blairsville, one sister, Becky Lockaby of Hayesville, one nephew, Ron Ledford of Blairsville, one niece, Barbie Garrett of Hiawassee, many other relatives and friends also survive.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to help defray funeral expenses in Linda’s memory.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com
Navy Seabees celebrate 77th birthday at 4th Annual Ball
Community, Lifestyle March 4, 2019
Island Cmr Keith Hunter
Navy Seabee Veterans of America (NSVA) Island X-3 CDR EA1 (SCW) Blairsville gathered to celebrate the 77th birthday of Navy Seabees at North Georgia Technical College’s Ballroom in Blairsville. Tickets for the March 1st ballroom event were sold out, according to Ed Crenshaw, Event Co-ordinator.
Left to Right: Emery, Hunter, Crenshaw
The Seabee Ball began the evening ceremonies at 1815 by Island X-3 CDR EA1 Keith Hunter, USN-Ret. This was followed by an invocation from Chaplain CE1 (SCW) Richard Hoibraten, USN-Ret.
Posting of the Colors was provided by Mountain Area Christian Academy (MACA) JRROTC Cadets. The equivalent of a public high school ROTC program. MACA’s Elizabeth Lee, Danielle Mannellino, Tara Carroll, Mattie Coffey, Destiny Carroll, Danny Gonsalus, and Elijah Carroll participated.
Chaplain CE1 Richard Hoibraten
MACA JRROTC posts the colors
Highlights of the ball consisted of:
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Meaning of the Missing Man chair and table: Chaplain Richard Hoibraten, USN-Ret.
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“Amazing Grace”: Chief Warrant Officer Jerry Cannon on bagpipes.
CWO and Mrs Jerry Cannon
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Introduction of Special Guests: Clarance “Bud” Johnson and Tom Pike.
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History of Seabees: CMDCM (SCW) Neal Beard, USN-Ret.
Clarance “Bud” Johnson and Jack Pope- WWII Veterans
Johnson was a witness to the flag raising in Iwo Jima. He will celebrate his 97th birthday this week. Another WWII veteran, Jack Poke, was also in the audience enjoying the evening.
A silent auction, door prizes, military trivia, great food and appetizers were followed by DJ, Bill Grove.
Grove kept the attendees on the dance floor for the last two hours of the Ball with many of their favorite tunes ranging from the 1940’s to current hits.
It was a wonderful time of laughter and camaraderie by all who attended.
NSVA Island X-3 CDR EA1 (SCW) Blairsville is seeking new members. More information can be obtained by contacting Ed Crenshaw [email protected] or Keith Hunter [email protected].
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Origin of SeaBees
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Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 02/17 to 02/24
Arrest Reports February 26, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Brenda Ann Herison: Obituary
Obituaries February 14, 2019
Brenda Ann Herison
October 24, 1961 – February 08, 2019
Mrs. Brenda Ann Herison age 57 of Honaker Rd. Blairsville passed away peacefully at her home on Friday February 8, 2019 following an extended illness. Mrs. Herison was born on October 24, 1961 in Green Bay, WI., the daughter of the late Robert Francis Biemeret and the late Judith Ann Guilette Biemeret. Brenda always loved helping those in need and was always volunteering at her church and the food pantry. She was a loving and caring mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Herison in June 2018. Brenda attended the House of Prayer Church.
Surviving Mrs. Herison are four children, Billie Jo Byng of Milwaukee, WI., Nathaniel Byng of Green Bay, WI., Jennifer Brown of Blairsville, Robert Miller of Blairsville, two sisters, Sherri Biemeret, Vicki Schulke both of Green Bay, three brothers, John Biemeret, Robert Biemeret and Gary Schulke all of Green Bay, twelve grandchildren, Marcus Witcher, Grace, Jayden, Layla, Kase, Kolten, Chance and Country Byng, Noah, Wyatt and Amara Dunkle and Strauss Miller, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the House of Prayer Church in Brenda’s memory.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com