This Week’s Events in Union County July 2, 2018
Community July 2, 2018
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The 15th Annual Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Community June 8, 2018
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S.A.F.E. Kids Fishing Derby Results
Community May 30, 2018
Joshua Owens caught a Catfish and here he is holding his Carp.
A total of eight prizes were awarded including the top Four Largest Fish caught. Joshua Owens came in First Place by catching a 17 1/2″ 34.5 oz Carp. For his win, Joshua received a free half day fishing charter for one adult and two kids. This charter was provided by Jeremy Seabolt at Lake Nottely Fishing Charter.
This Week’s Events in Union County April 2, 2018
Business, Community April 2, 2018
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This Week’s Events in Union County February 5, 2018
Community February 5, 2018
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This Week’s Events in Union County October 16, 2017
Community October 17, 2017
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This Week’s Events in Union County October 2, 2017
Community, Union County Chamber October 2, 2017
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Blairsville Downtown Facelift Begins
Business, Featured Stories, News August 7, 2017
Building will be razed to the foundation and metal support structure.
Blairsville, GA – On Friday, August 4, 2017, FetchYourNews.com Union County reporter Mark E. Smith spoke with Blairsville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Program Manager Darren Harper about current plans in the works for refacing downtown Blairsville.
Area behind (L) and area perpendicular to (R) Copeland’s Restaurant.
Survey Map #1
Harper said that the first major building project, which is slated for completion by the end of 2017, is the building across the parking lot from Copeland’s Restaurant on Blue Ridge Street which was the former home of the Blairsville Dance Project. The featured image for this article is an artist’s rendering of what the new building will look like when completed. He said the old building will be razed down to the foundation and metal support framework and that the walkway in front of the building will be widened for better access. The building will remain single story. There will be either a three or four suite configuration constructed depending on tenant needs, he said; with the three suite configuration, two of the four suites on one side of the building would be combined into one suite double the size of the other two.
Harper said there are plans in the works for two other buildings in that same area behind Copeland’s, but the plans for those buildings have not been finalized. At this time, the lot directly behind Copeland’s is empty, as is the far rear lot which is perpendicular to the parking area. Harper said these two planned buildings will be two-story buildings with retail on the first floor and apartment space on the second floor. He said the challenge with these buildings is to have them fit into the theme of Downtown Blairsville without looking like they were all build in the same era. Harper said he is hoping these buildings can be constructed by the end of 2018, but he can’t promise anything at this time because the plans are still in flux. Please see the concept plan/survey map #1 pictured for this project.
Survey Map #2
Lot across Pat Haralson Drive from Foodland grocery store.
Another building project in the works is development of the green area, bordered by Hwy. 515, Pat Haralson Drive and the back of City Hall (Blue Ridge St.), where the new Hwy. 515 on/off ramp was built in 2016. Of immediate interest is the vacant lot directly across Pat Haralson Drive from the Foodland grocery store. Harper said that there is a buyer for that lot and, as reported in a June 8th, 2017 FYN article, planners from UGA are working with the DDA and W.C. Nelson to create a building that will meet both the development needs and the aesthetic needs of Downtown Blairsville. Harper said this building will likely be a three story structure with the bottom floor below street grade and accessible only from the back of the building. The proposed plan is to have retail in the two lower floors and apartment space on the top floor, he said. The City, which owns the lot, would sell only the footprint of the building plus about four feet on each side for walkways. Again, Harper is not at liberty to say any more about this project because it is still in the design/development stage.
Area between new on/off ramp and old off ramp
Harper did mention that, eventually, the area between the old Hwy. 515 off-ramp and the new Hwy. 515 on/off ramp would probably be next to be looked at for development. One possible concept is to have two buildings similar to the building across Pat Haralson Drive from Foodland grocery store with parking in between. Harper also mentioned that the area of the green space behind the new Hwy. 515 on/off ramp and bordered by America’s Home Place Builders on one side and Blue Ridge Street on the other would likely be made into a park area because of the creek that runs through it. Please see the survey map #2 pictured for this project.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.FetchYourNews.com
4th of July Events
Community June 29, 2017
Independence Day at Vogel State Park – July 4, 2017 – 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Website: http://www.gastateparks.org
Event Description:
Summer fun for the entire family. Activities begin with the raising the flag in the morning and continue with family activities throughout the day!
Independence Day Fireworks – July 4, 2017 – 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM EDT
Website: http://www.visitblairsvillega.com
Event Description:
Watch the skies over Meeks Park light up with an explosion of lights and color! Come out and enjoy this beautiful experience.
Location: 11 Pool Lane (1/2 mile west of Blairsville HWY 515W) Blairsville
Seth Paul Ratliff: Obituary
Obituaries June 6, 2019
Seth Paul Ratliff
August 01, 1961 – June 02, 2019
Seth Paul Ratliff August 1, 1961-June 2, 2019 Born the eldest son of Randy and Lois Ratliff on August 1, 1961 in Pequannock New Jersey, Seth Paul Ratliff entered eternal rest following a brave battle with cancer on June 2, 2019 in Blairsville, Georgia. Paul was preceded in death by his younger brother, Randy Ratliff, Jr., maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Seth Paul Triplett and paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Roy Shaffer. Paul is survived by his son, Eric Paul Ratliff, Kissimmee, Fl.; former spouse Lisa Pearson Ratliff, St. Cloud, Fl.; parents, Randy and Lois Ratliff, Blairsville, Ga.; sisters, Ginny Ratliff, Danville, KY.; Rhonda Ratliff-Wagoner (Bryan), Macon, Ga.; brother Shawn Ratliff, Blairsville, Ga.; and several precious nieces and nephews.
Paul was blessed with exceptional artistic ability, working his entire life as a skilled craftsman, carpenter and stone mason. Many homeowners and businesses throughout Florida and Georgia benefitted from Paul’s talent, making his creations a lasting testament and legacy to Paul’s strong work ethic and skill.
Paul was instantly recognizable with fire red hair and a personality to match. He truly lit up a room with his wide smile, booming laugh and lively spirit. Paul loved nature and traveling. Among his favorite memories was a family vacation and road trip to Alaska, where he spent time in the beautiful outdoors with those he loved. Always the artist, Paul developed an interest in clock-making in later years, pursuing it with his typical passion and pride. Paul’s eternally positive outlook benefitted him in life, especially as cancer took hold. He kept a smile to the end, grateful for the kindness and care shown to him by hospice, nurses and relatives.
Paul’s departure weighs heavily on his family, but we are certain Heaven is full of music, laughter and celebration with the arrival of his beloved spirit. Special thanks and recognition are extended to the staff at Union County Nursing Home, Blairsville Georgia for their exceptional care and support during Paul’s final days. Keeping with Paul’s wishes, a celebration of life is planned at the home of his parents, Randy and Lois Ratliff, Blairsville, Georgia.
Mountain View Funeral Home, Blairsville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com
Robert Wayne Wilson: Obituary
Obituaries June 6, 2019
Robert Wayne Wilson
June 16, 1935 – May 27, 2019
Mr. Robert “Bob” Wayne Wilson age 83 of Wilson Way Blairsville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday May 27, 2019 following an extended illness. Mr. Wilson was born on June 16, 1935 in Houston, TX., the son of the late Robert E. Lee Wilson and the late Edith Dyer Wilson. He was a veteran of the US Marines in the Korean War. Bob enjoyed building and had built three homes in Blairsville. He was an electrician by trade. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Wade Wilson in 1987.
Surviving Mr. Wilson are his loving wife and best friend of sixty one years, Nancy Joorman Wilson of Blairsville, one son, Larry Wilson of Blairsville, one daughter, Marilee Seymour of Port St. Lucie, FL., one brother, Sam Wilson of TX., five grandchildren, Mark Seymour of Houston, TX., Tara Klems-Seymour of Ocala, FL., Kristina Wilson and Brandon Wilson of Stuart, FL., Maggie Arrington of Dawsonville, GA., 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 Homestead Hospice in memory of Mr. Wilson.
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
Maurice Farabee: Obituary
Obituaries June 5, 2019
Maurice Farabee
May 5, 1922 – May 29, 2019
Mr. Maurice F. Farabee, age 97 of Blairsville, passed away Wednesday May 29, 2019 at Stonehenge Assisted Living.
Maurice was born in Wauchula, FL on 5 May 1922 to DeWitt and Edith (Collins) Farabee. Early-on the family moved to Ft. Myers, FL where Maurice had a very active youth. He participated in a number camping excursions to the western parts of the US. With all those outdoor activities be achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America at the very early age of 13. His studies for a degree in Sociology at the University of Florida were interrupted in 1945 by World War II service in the Army where he qualified as a pilot. After discharge, he returned to the university to finish his degree and married Ann May Strong. At that time, he also applied for a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He became a Special Agent of the FBI in early 1947 and continued in service until retirement in 1977. As an Agent he worked in numerous Field Offices of the Bureau in his earlier days, but since he was fluent in Spanish as a result of college courses he was assigned to the Miami Field Office in the early 1960’s where he remained until his retirement.
Many summer vacations were taken by packing the station wagon with camping gear, three kids and a dog and driving up to the Smokey Mountains to camp. Numerous summers camping were done at Lake Winfield Scott which helped introduce Maurice and Ann to the general Blairsville area. In 1974 they bought farm property in Blairsville and then in 1978, after Ann retired as a history teacher in the Miami-Dade School System, they moved up to the property. For many years they took great joy in tending to a herd of three dozen or so head of cattle and assorted farm animals. Maurice was probably happiest when he was out in the field working.
With Ann’s keen interest in history and their sense of community pride they became very involved in the Union County Historical Society and Courthouse restoration efforts. Maurice served 2 terms as president. They and others were instrumental in getting a new clock tower built and installed. Their efforts have been recognized both locally and statewide. In 1997 “A Resolution commending Maurice and Ann Farabee” was read on the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives (HR 536) that highlighted their service through the Historical Society. In 2002, they (posthumously for Ann) received the Humanities Medal from The Georgia Humanities Council. Anyone who spoke with Maurice and Ann about the Courthouse immediately recognized the pride they had in the Blairsville community. They were also members of First United Methodist Church of Union County.
Family left behind to cherish his memory include: son & daughter-in-law, Theodore “Ted” & Deborah Farabee of Mt. Dora, FL; son & daughter-in-law, John & Trudy Farabee of Blairsville; and sister, Irene Crow of Ft. Myers, FL. Also, sharing in his legacy are his grandchildren, Joshua Farabee, Amanda Farabee, Heather Rene Farabee, Vickie Cook, Jamie Cook, and Kevin Cook and 5 great grandchildren. Maurice was preceded in death by his wife, Ann in 2001 and his son, Joe in 2013.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville with Rev. Mike Cloyd officiating. Special music will be presented by John and Olean Dyer. Interment will follow in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery with military honors presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the service begins.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, Georgia. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Business Held Accountable For Violating Sign Ordinance
News May 13, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – City Council uploads sign ordinance for the city of Blairsville by denying a permit variance.
Timberlake Custom Homes, located on the four-lane between Ingles and The Home Depot, remodeled the State Farm building and the accompanying sign. The business requested a permit variance due to the remodeled sign no longer accommodating the city’s sign ordinance.
“Their sign is 23 foot tall and 80 square foot free standing. It’s 20 square foot too much, as far as the ordinance and three foot too high,” Mayor Jim Conley told the room.
The current ordinance states that signs can only be up 60 square foot in size.
The extra three feet in height comes from the arch added to the top of the sign. The top could be removed, and the sign would meet the height requirement, but still be 20 square foot over as a free standing sign.
City Council denied a permit variance for the new Timberlake Custom Homes business along the four-lane.
Due to the location of the sign, Councilman Buddy Moore remarked that “It’s a bad place to start getting bigger and bigger.”
Timberlake didn’t provide the sign’s height for two months after being asked to provide information to the city government. Also, the business didn’t ask about the freestanding sign ordinance before building it.
“All of our freestanding signs are within the ordinance,” said Mayor Conley.
The council will review the occupational tax certificate and sign permit for Timberlake Custom Homes once the sign meets the ordinance requirements.
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Municipal Clerks Week
Featured Stories May 9, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – May 5-11 marks the 50th anniversary of Municipal Clerks Week, and the Blairsville City Council recognized all the hard work that goes into the job during the monthly meeting.
“The office of the municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants, whereas the office of the municipal clerk provides a professional link between the citizens of local governing bodies and agencies of government at all other levels,” Mayor Jim Conley read from the proclamation.
These individuals have “pledged to be even-minded, ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality” when serving everyone in the community. They are the center of information for all and continually strive to improve the office through constant training.
50th-anniversary logo for Municipal Clerks Week,
Mayor Conley and the entire council expressed their appreciation for Municipal Clerk Kaye McCann. She told the council, “Thank you, I love what I do.”
The council also signed proclamations for Safe Digging Month in April and National Infrastructure Week for May 13-21 through the GMA.
Safe Digging Month teaches the importance of knowing an area before you start a project. By researching the property before digging, people can protect underground utilities and themselves.
National Infrastructure Week focuses on educating the public about the importance of infrastructure to the nation’s economy, workers, and communities. During the week, businesses and citizens across the country host events and show policymakers their support for long-term, sustainable infrastructure.
Dee Rennie: Obituary
Obituaries March 7, 2019Dee Rennie
Mrs. Dee Rennie, age 65, of Blairsville, GA, passed away on Monday, February 18th, 2019 at her home. She was born on February 9, 1954 in Albany, GA, to the late William & Patricia Brown Johnson. A member of the United Methodist Faith, Mrs. Rennie was a devoted care giver and case manager with Homestead Hospice. She was an avid reader and would read any books she could get. On December 9, 1972 in North Miami Beach Florida she married the love of her life, Robert Edward Rennie and had two sons. She will be remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her loving husband, Robert Edward Rennie and sons, Dr. Robert William Rennie and Christopher Brett Rennie.
There are no services planned at this time. Mrs. Rennie will be placed in rest at Union Memory Gardens in the Columbarium.
Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory Of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family.
Florence Hazel Lyke: Obituary
Obituaries March 7, 2019
Florence Hazel Lyke
October 20, 1923 – February 27, 2019
Mrs. Florence Hazel Lyke age 95 of Arrowood Pointe Blairsville passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 27, 2019 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Lyke was born on October 20, 1923 in Jersey City, NJ., the daughter of the late Bertram Burstell and the late Florence Filkens Burstell. Florence volunteered most of her life giving a lot of her time to Little Leagues and the Girl Scouts and many others. She was a loving and caring mother grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Lyke in 2003 and also a brother, Bertram Burstell. Mrs. Lyke was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Metuchen, NJ.
Surviving Mrs. Lyke are one daughter and son in law, Florence and Robert Campbell of Blairsville, one son and daughter in law, William and Maureen Lyke of Longwood, FL., three grandchildren, Scott and Dana Campbell, Timothy and Tasha Campbell, Wendi and Tom Burns, two great grandchildren, Rhett Campbell and Charlotte Campbell, many other relatives and friends also survive.
A Graveside entombment service will be held on Friday March 15, 2019 at 12:30 pm from the Woodbridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ. with Rev. Anna Thomas officiating where she will rest next to her beloved husband, William. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Mrs. Lyke’s memory. The family will meet with friends following the services at the mausoleum.
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