Robert Lewis Clemmons: Obituary
Obituaries January 15, 2019
Robert Lewis Clemmons
March 17, 1937 – December 29, 2018
Mr. Robert L. Clemmons age 81 of Gainesville, Blairsville passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday December 29, 2018 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Clemmons was born on March 17, 1937 in Miami, FL., the son of the late William Clemmons and the late Allie Mae Prescott Clemmons. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. Robert and his wife Christine owned and operated Sunrise Grocery since 1983 until only recently when their son took over the family business. Robert loved people and enjoyed socializing which was why Sunrise Grocery was and is such a well known and liked business. He made many friends at the store which dates back to the 1920’s. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Clemmons in 2006 and his daughter, Constance Dillon in 2016. Mr. Clemmons was a member of Shady Grove Methodist Church.
Surviving Mr. Clemmons are his loving wife and best friend of sixty one years, Christine Clemmons of Blairsville, one daughter, three sons and daughters in law, Stephen (Shirley Roberts) Clemmons of Newland, NC., Scott (Kelly) Clemmons of Bradenton, Jason (Jesica) Clemmons of Blairsville, eight grandchildren, Robert, Meredith, Rosie, Ian, Daisy, Nick, Joe Robbie and Steven, one great grandchild, Summer, many other relatives and friends also survive.
Funeral services will be held on Monday December 31, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Dr. Winfred Pitts officiating . Special music will be presented by Winfred and Patsy Pitts and Wayne Ciucio. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Jason Clemmons, Stephen Clemmons, Ian Clemmons, Jamie Clemons, James Hindmon and Nick Hindmon..Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Shady Grove Methodist Church in Robert’s memory. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1-2:00 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
Harold Mark Gantnier: Obituary
Obituaries December 27, 2018
Harold Mark Gantnier
June 15, 1927 – December 20, 2018
Mr. Harold Mark Gantnier, age 91 of Young Harris, GA passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 20th, 2018 in the Union General Hospital. Mr. Gantnier was born on June 15th, 1927 in Norwalk, CT., the son of the late Harold Gantnier & Bertha Sleeper. Mr. Gantnier was a resident of Young Harris, GA for the past 40 years. David enjoyed playing cards, working outdoors; especially when tending his own lawn. He is preceded in death by two sisters; Margaret Vinet & Patricia Scisco, two brothers; Felix & Vernon Gantnier, and a son; Richard Gantnier who passed in 1976.
Surviving Mr. Gantnier are four children; Jacqueline Gantnier of Accord, NY., Susan Gawel of Connecticut., Gay Anne Cook of Florida., Donna Retallick of Long Island, NY., and Carol Retallick of Connecticut. Several nieces & nephews also survive: Travis Lewis, Jason Retallick, Ashley Stebbins, Lindsey Sears, Frank Gawel, and Cheryl Gawel.
Funeral time & date are pending; interment will be at Wooster Cemetery at 20 Ellsworth Ave. Danbury, CT 06810 on January 4th, 2019.
Mountain View Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.
Joshua Robert Haist: Obituary
Obituaries December 27, 2018
Joshua Robert Haist
May 04, 1976 – December 15, 2018
Joshua Robert Haist age 42 of Atlanta formerly of Blairsville passed away on Saturday December 15, 2018 following a brief illness. Joshua was born in, Indianapolis In. on May 4, 1976 he was a twin brother to Jeramiah David Haist. Mr. Haist graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta Ga. in 1994. Mr. Haist served in the U.S Air Force from 1994-1998. He did his overseas tours of duty in Egypt and Sultanate of Oman as well as at Robins AFB in Warner Robbins, Ga. His specialty was as an Electronics and Switching Systems Journeyman. He was a Sr. Airman and was awarded the National Defense Medal. He participated as an Honor Guard while stationed at Robins AFB.
Joshua worked at Bellsouth/AT&T as a Digital Technician from 1998-2009 in Atlanta, Ga., Shreveport, La. and Birmingham AL.
In 2009 he chose to return to further his education by attending Chattahoochee Technical College of Marietta, Ga. While going to school, he worked part time at Waffle House and McDonalds while maintain a 3.9 G.P.A. until graduation in May of 2016 with an Associated Degree in Bio-Medical Engineering.
Joshua spent a year here in Blairsville with his parents and working at Ingles Supermarket as a produce clerk where he learned to make Ingles world famous guacamole. In January of 2018, he was able to resume his Bio Medical Engineering career at Medical Maintenance, a Gensana Company located in Norcross, Ga.
Joshua was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Haist in 2009 and by his grandparents, Lloyd and Edwina Haist of Blairsville and Elizabeth Haist of Flint, MI.
Surviving Joshua are his parents, Cathy and Bob Haist of Blairsville, grandparents, Dottie and Paul Hussey of Lawrenceville, IL., a longtime family friend, Austin May of Atlanta, aunts and uncles, Sally and Mel Lockwood of Columbia, SC., Carol and David Gaddey of Tuscola, IL., Cindy and David Anthis of Mt. Carmel, IL., John and Barbara Anderson, Terry and Tom Powell all of Florida, several cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday December 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Chaplin Marvin McRoberts officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the North GA Honor Guard. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Joshua’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12-1:00 pm prior to the services.
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
Martha Joe Farmer: Obituary
Obituaries December 17, 2018Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory announces Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Martha Joe Farmer, age 83 who went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.
A loving Christian wife, mother, and nana; Mrs. Farmer dedicated her life to her Savior and family.
She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: devoted husband of 66 1/2 years, Rev. Gene Paul Farmer, Sr.; son, Gene Paul Farmer, Jr. and his wife, Susie; son, Jimmy R. Farmer and his wife, Pamela; daughters, Deborah Rogers and Paula Farmer. Also, sharing in her legacy are 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the favorite charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.
Helen Lenore Mulcahy: Obituary
Obituaries December 17, 2018
Helen Lenore Mulcahy
September 20, 1928 – December 11, 2018
Mrs. Helen Lenore Mulcahy age 90 of Mining Gap Trail Young Harris passed away peacefully at her home surround by her loving family on Tuesday December 11, 2018 following an extended illness. Mrs. Mulcahy was born on September 20,, 1928 in McCloud, CA., the daughter of the late Delbert Bangs and the late Lenore Kinnear Bangs. She had made her home in Towns County since the 1980’s. Helen loved gardening, entertaining family and friends and playing the piano and organ. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darwin Mulcahy in 2014 and also by three brothers. Helen was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.
Surviving Mrs. Mulcahy are four children, Kevin Mulcahy, Trena Munnell, Kiedren Mulcahy all of Young Harris, Sean Mulcahy of Denver, CO., two grandchildren, Kira Nyland and Leon Menard, one great grandson, Michael Nyland, many other relatives and friends also survive.
A private family 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 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Mrs. Mulcahy’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
Viola Mae Bergen: Obituary
Obituaries December 17, 2018Viola Mae Bergen
May 11, 1928 – December 04, 2018
Mrs. Viola Mae Bergen, age 90, of Destin, Florida, formerly of Blairsville, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Destin on Tuesday December 4, 2018. Mrs. Bergen was born on May 11, 1928 to the late Charles and Mae Worsley Feere in Swan River, Manitoba, Canada. Mrs. Bergen was a school bus driver for the Union County School System for many years and with her husband, Carl, owned Bergen Tire in Blairsville. Viola and Carl were charter members of the Blairsville Church of the Nazarene. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carl Bergen, a granddaughter, Melissa Dalrymple, as well as four of her sisters, Pearl Harris, Mary Jenkins, Ruth Parks and Rosanna Labadie. Surviving Mrs. Bergen are one son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Diane Bergen of Blairsville, two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Benny Dalrymple of Murphy, NC, and Rhonda and Carey Stegall of Destin FL., seven grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm. on Saturday December 8. 2018 at the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ivan Rexroth officiating. Mrs. Bergen’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Chris Bergen, Jonathan Dalrymple, Gregory Stegall, Joshua Bergen, Talen Dalrymple, and Zayne Dalrymple. Interment will follow in the Coosa Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday afternoon from 4-6:00 pm. Mountain View Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome .com.
Rev. Harvey Lee Beasley: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Rev. Harvey Lee Beasley
December 13, 1933 – November 19, 2018
Rev. Harvey Lee Beasley, age 84, of Mineral Bluff, GA formerly of Blairsville passed away peacefully on Monday, November 19, 2018 following an extended illness. Rev. Beasley was born on December 13, 1933, the son of the late Everett Beasley and Eva Collis Beasley in Sylvester, GA. Harvey had been an Evangelical Preacher for more than 50 years. When Harvey wasn’t serving the Lord, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and working on cars in his spare time. Rev. Beasley was preceded in death by his sister, Vivian Griffin, Brother, Vester Beasley, and Daughters, Brenda Smith and Lora Beasley.
Surviving Rev. Beasley are his loving wife of 64 years, Magaline Duncan Beasley of Mineral Bluff, GA, son and daughter-in-law Jimmy and Cindy Beasley of Morganton, GA, daughter Deborah Parks of Mineral Bluff, GA, son Rodney Beasley of Mineral Bluff, GA, son and daughter-in-law Joe and Miranda Beasley of McCaysville, GA, sister Marice Clark of Jacksonville, FL, eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many other friends and relatives also survive.
Funeral services for Rev. Beasley will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00am at Harris Chapel Church of God in Murphy NC, with the Rev. Jimmy Hall officiating The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Garrick Parks, Craig Beasley, Corey Parks, Rodney Beasley Jr., Jimmy Beasley Jr., and Shane Heatly. The family will meet with friends at the Harris Chapel Church on Friday, November 23, 2018 starting at 5:00pm. Interment will follow in the Harris Chapel Cemetery. Flowers are accepted, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harris Chapel Church of God in memory of Rev. Beasley.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. You may sign the family’s guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 11/12 to 11/18
Arrest Reports November 20, 2018
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.
Karen Michele Parris Strickland: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018October 28, 1961 – October 29, 2018
Karen Michele Parris Strickland, age 57 of Orange Beach, AL, passed away Monday, October 29th, 2018 peacefully at home in the company of her children, animals and husband after a two-year battle with Cancer.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 1:30 PM on Sunday, November 11th, 2018 at The Christian Life Island Church, 25550 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL. 36561. A reception with the family will follow the service at GTs on the Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL. 36561. Pastor Fred Franks will officiate.
Michele was born to Regina and Danny Parris on October 28, 1961 at Copper Basin Hospital in Copper Hill, Tennessee.
Michele spent her childhood in various towns where her parents ministered including New Orleans, LA, Alapaha and Griffin, GA. Michele was a rabid Georgia Bulldog fan. She has maintained many lifelong relationships with her friends from Griffin High School, where she was active in many church and school activities. Michele spent 18 years in sales and office administration with Valvoline Oil and Stratus Computer before “retiring” in 1998. Later she indulged her passions for decorating and design, opening her own Antiques and crafts business. Most importantly, her driving and constant passion was her role as mother and homemaker. In addition to her own children, Michele was always looking to mother any young person, animal or adult in need of an ear, some advice, a pat on the head and a meal. Her seasonal decorating and her legendary Christmas displays were the Zenith of her love of house and home, her desire to nurture and her way of spreading joy to everyone she touched.
Michele is survived by her husband, Tim Strickland, son Richard Owen and wife Nina Owen, daughter Brooke Owen, Son in Law John P. Bloom III, grandchildren Audrey Lynne Bloom, John Preston Bloom IV, and Benjamin Edward Bloom. She is further survived by her parents, Regina and Danny Parris, brother Mike Parris and wife Lisa, niece Kristi Robinson and husband Jason Robinson, niece Kelli Parris, nephew Mac Smith, grandfather Buford Arp, former husband Rich Owen and wife Kathy, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her daughter, the late Stephanie Lynne Bloom proceeded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to the Mitchell Cancer Institute Kilborn Clinic in Fairhope, AL where Michele received such outstanding and compassionate care.
Cason Funeral Service in Foley, Alabama in charge of arrangements. Announced as a courtesy by Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.
Carol Ann (Fleming) Head: Obituary
Obituaries November 1, 2018October 23, 1939 – October 23, 2018
The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for Carol Ann (Fleming) Head of Blairsville who Celebrated her 79th birthday in Heaven on October 23, 2018!
She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: Daughter, LuAnn Head, of Blairsville; Son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. Head, III and his wife, Stacy Torbett Head, of Blairsville; Son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Heather Head of Redding, California; and Son, Kevin C. Head and his spouse, Frank Lanciani, of Hyannis, Massachusetts; Also, sharing in her legacy are four grandchildren: Joshua Rose and his wife, Rebecca; Matthew Faris, Jiraiya Head, and Astraea Head; and great grandchildren, Zoey Grace Nicholson and Dawson Asher Rose.
Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Union County with Pastor Mark Burgess officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Union Memory Gardens Cemetery following the service.
The family will gather with friends from 10 a.m. until the service begins.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Carol’s Memory be sent to the charity organization of your choice.
Controlling Springtails
Outdoors February 5, 2018
Over the past few weeks, many people have either called or come by the office with a
question about tiny, purplish-brown, hopping insects around or in their homes. These tiny
creatures are springtails.
Springtails are one of those insects that you may wonder why are they here on Earth. But
in reality, they serve a useful purpose by eating decaying plant material. They mostly live in the
soil, leaf mold, organic mulches or decaying logs. They are soft bodied so they are attracted to
moist areas to keep from drying out.
Usually springtails stay outside among the mulched areas of the yard. But on occasion
you will find them in the home around sources of moisture like sinks, bathtubs and toilets.
Keeping these areas as dry as possible is the first step in controlling springtails in the home. In a
dry environment, springtails will eventually dry out and die.
Chemical control is not necessary, but insecticides can be used. If you choose to use an
insecticide application make applications around windows and doors. Also spraying around
bathroom plumbing where the pipes come up from the basement or crawlspace will be effective.
When spraying outside of the house you have to apply insecticides with plenty of water in order
to get the chemical through the mulch and soil layers. Because it delivers a high volume of
water a hose-end spray is a good tool to do the job right. A pump-up sprayer will simply not
apply enough water with the chemical to penetrate through the mulch to the soil.
When applying an insecticide inside use an insecticide that is labeled for inside the home use.
Many of these come in a 1-gallon jug that is ready to use. For spraying outside, use an insectide,
which is labeled for scorpions, boxelder bugs or of course springtails. If you choose to use an
insecticide, remember to read and follow the labeled directions.
One other suggestion is to move any mulch away from the foundation of your home. Not
only will this help reduce the infestation of termites or scorpions by not allowing them a direct
pathway to get to the foundation, but also it will allow you to effectively spray in the soil layers.
Springtails are not going to cause major harm to your home, but they sure are annoying
and unsettling for most people. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by
phone at the office or send me an e-mail.
Blairsville City Council: Harper Reveals More of Blairsville Facelift; Eclipse Event, Heritage Festival Big Success
News September 9, 2017
Darren Harper
Blairsville, GA – The Blairsville City Council convened for their September Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Blairsville City Hall. Mayor Jim Conley, Council Members Rhonda Mahan, Betty Easter, Tony Dyer and Buddy Moore were present. City Clerk Kaye McCann and City Attorney David Barrett were also present.
Darren Harper, Downtown Development Authority Program Manager, said the Eclipse Event went very well; that the Square was ‘packed’. He said the Merchants Meeting on August 31st was attended by about 40 people, lasted for 2 hours, went very well and that the Blairsville merchants are pleased overall with the way things are going. The main topics of discussion, he said, were parking, sidewalks and crosswalks. Harper said there have been a lot of inquiries about retail space recently. The Heritage Festival, he said, over the Labor Day Weekend was a huge success. All the merchants did well, he said. Hotel/motel tax revenue has consistently increased and about one merchant per month has opened a business in Downtown Blairsville over the last four years, he said. Harper updated the Council on the Haralson property; that is, the planned construction of a new building on Pat Haralson Drive across from the Foodland grocery store between Young Harris Street and the Square. Harper displayed artist renditions of the new building. He said the project has progressed to the point where the design is set; now the construction costs need to be reviewed and approved by the owner, Steve Cochran. Harper also updated the Council on the remodeling of the building on Blue Ridge Street across the parking lot from Copeland’s Restaurant and the planned buildings at that site (see FYN Aug. 7, 2017 article). Harper said the new buildings all together will not only add ambiance to Downtown Blairsville, they will also add about 14,000 square feet of much needed retail space and about 8,000 square feet of residential space. The apartments are planned to be about 600-800 square feet in size.
John Hamler
John Hamler, Manager of the Blairsville Municipal Airport, reported that the Grand Opening of the new W.C. Nelson Airport Terminal building hosted about 150 people and was great fun. He said the day before the Eclipse Event 3,500 gallons of aviation fuel was sold, and the day of the Eclipse 55 planes came into the airport and 5,500 gallons of fuel was sold. He said about 250 people were there for the Eclipse Event. Hamler said airport operations have moved completely over to the new building now. There are a few quirks to work out, but, he said, nothing major. He said Chris Dyer, the Assistant Airport Manager, will be leaving as of Sept. 15 in pursuit of furthering his aviation career and that a replacement was needed. He said they are staying very busy with five jets in over the weekend and three came in that day. The new Jet-A fuel truck, he said, is a real boon for the airport; that it’s been in use every day. Hamler said the Blairsville airport currently averages about 45,000 takeoffs and landings a year.
Mayor Conley brought up the need for ground transport for employees to cross the runway to pump aviation fuel for small planes (avgas), since the new terminal is on the opposite side of the field from the old one. Mayor Conley said he had consulted with Larry Garrett about acquiring a golf cart with a gas engine and would have more on that issue at the next meeting. Hamler mentioned that they would also need another credit card machine, as well, to reduce the number of runway crossings for avgas transactions.
Mayor Jim Conley
Mayor Conley called for a public hearing on the Amended Alcohol Ordinance to which no one spoke. He then asked for a first reading of the Alcohol Ordinance 2017-03 amended to include Sections 10-76(a), 10-76(b) and 10-79(n) regulating signage advertising or promoting alcohol sales. The Sections restrict the advertising and promotion of alcohol in the City of Blairsville. The Sections have not been completely vetted and approved by City Attorney Barrett. Barrett pointed out to the Council some vagueness in some of the terms of the Sections after some discussion. McCann said she would obtain a copy of the Union County Alcohol Ordinance so the Council and Barrett can ensure that they are compatible. Copies of the proposed Sections can be reviewed at City Hall.
David Barrett
Mayor Conley presented the Georgia Department of Transportation FY 2018 Contract – Avigation Easement and Land Acquisition for RPZ Obstruction Removal at Runway 8 and 26; DBE Plan Update (18-20); RPZ Obstruction Removal for Runway 8 and 26. He said the contract won’t go into effect until March of 2018, but GDOT needs a commitment from the City for its portion of the cost: $41,833. The Council unanimously approved the contract.
Kaye McCann
McCann explained to the Council the issues involved in the 2018 Health Insurance Renewal for City employees. She said she received notice of an increase of 13 per cent from Blue Cross/Blue Shield though GMA in August. She said they currently have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) type group insurance plan. She said after she investigated other group plans, that a Point of Service (POS) insurance plan would lower their premiums and would save the City $10,000 per year without any change in deductibles or quality of service. The Council voted unanimously to change over to a POS plan.
In other Department Head Reports, Blairsville Police Officer Michael ‘Bear’ Baxter reported that there were 120 calls responded to in August. He said the Eclipse Event went very smoothly and wasn’t nearly as bad as had been feared. He said the new police vehicle would be delivered this month. Baxter said one thing of note was the first drug arrest in Blairsville that involved the seizure of heroine mixed with Fentanyl, a drug that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
Michael ‘Bear’ Baxter
Ottis Franklin, Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Plant reported that the Kimsey Street paving project had been completed; a lot of meters had been set due to the increase in construction this year; and reported no problems.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Jody Cook reported that #1 Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) tank was up and running and the #2 SBR tank was down, but should be back in service in the near future. He said there will be a student tour of the plant with 5th through 8th graders coming up. Cook had no other problems to report.
Mayor Conley addressed the Council regarding a suggestion that the Blairsville Municipal Airport, officially named Robert Colwell Field, be changed officially to another name: Jack Tarpley Field or Charles Hill Field. No member of the Council was in favor of pursuing that name change and the matter was dropped.
The Council approved an Occupational Tax Certificate Application for Harry Norman Realtors, 63 Murphy Highway, David Allsteadt, Corporate Officer.
The Council approved a Sign Application for Ingles Markets, 207B Highway 515, Chad Priest, Applicant.
Having no further business to conduct, the Council adjourned.
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
Sole Commissioner Paris signs seven Proclamations, approves double-matching for Union County employees; Laura Driskell new Union County Finance Director
News April 22, 2017
Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris convened the April County Commission Meeting on April 20, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Blairsville Court House. Blairsville Mayor Jim Conley was present.
Following the Invocation by Pastor Bill Honaker and Pledge led by Bill Royce, Paris got right to business proclaiming May 4, 2017 as a Day of Prayer in Union County, Georgia, which coincides 
with the National Day of Prayer held the first Thursday in May each year. Paris was joined at the front of the room by Mayor Conley and several local Pastors. Mayor Conley thanked Mr. and Mrs. Morris for all their hard work in preparation for the Thursday, May 4 National Day of Prayer event. The Proclamation was signed by both Paris and Conley.
Blairsville Mayor Jim Conley (L), Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris (R)
Paris proclaimed April, 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Union County, Georgia. He said: “Children are the key to Union County’s future success, prosperity and quality of life. While children are our most valuable resource, they are also our most vulnerable resource”. He brought to everyone’s attention the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) display of 217 blue pinwheels on the south side of the Historic Court House lawn representing the number of children in our district that had to be removed from their homes because of neglect and abuse last year. Paris said child abuse can be prevented by supporting and strengthening families; by providing a safe and nurturing environment, free of violence, abuse and neglect, we can ensure that our children will grow to their full potential. This Proclamation was also signed by both Paris and Conley.
Paris proclaimed April 4, 2017 as National Service Recognition Day, encouraging Union County residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our country, to thank those who serve and to find ways to give back to the community. He said service to others “is a hallmark of the American character”. AmeriCorp and Senior Corp participants serve in more than 50,000 locations across the country, he said; national service represents a unique public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages non-federal resources.
Paris proclaimed April 21 & 22, 2017 to be (Lions International) White Cane Days. The Union County Lions Club has been outstanding in the community in helping the needy with sight (vision) problems. Every penny will give The Gift of Sight.
Paris proclaimed April 26, 2017 to be Confederate Memorial Day to honor, observe and celebrate the Confederate States of America. Smith’s Legion Chapter #2699 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, he said, was chartered in 2014 to carry out the organization’s purposes in Union County, which include honoring the memory of its Confederate ancestors and honoring the service of veterans of all wars as well as active duty military personnel. It has been the practice of Georgia Governors, he said, since 1984 to proclaim April 26 of each year as Confederate Memorial Day. Paris encouraged Union County residents to participate in activities under the leadership of Smith’s Legion Chapter #2699 that commemorate our shared history and cultural inheritance. He said that he and Mayor Conley had been working together to restore and old cemetery where it is thought that five Confederate soldiers are buried.
Paris proclaimed April 2017 in Union County as Sexual Assault Awareness Month “calling attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in our community. Child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority being as young people experience heightened rates of sexual violence”. The first step, he said, is increasing education, awareness and community involvement.
Paris proclaimed May 2017 as National Drug Court Month. He said treatment courts have served over 1.5 million individuals and are now recognized as most successful criminal justice intervention in our nation’s history. He said they save up to $13,000 for every individual they serve and an astounding 75 per cent of (treatment) court graduates are not rearrested. He said treatment courts demonstrate that when one person rises out of addiction, we all rise.
Paris expressed concern that, with the transition of defined benefit retirement plans over to defined contribution retirement plans, Union County employees, especially those in the lower ranks, are not putting enough money away for when they grow older. He said, “The County has a lot of valuable employees that, because of their training and ability, help keep our property taxes low. So I think it only fair to help benefit them as much as reasonably possible”. As an enticement to get Union County employees to save more money, Paris has instituted a positive change to the Union County retirement plan. He said the County has its retirement system set up with GEBCorp through the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). At this time, the County matches what an employee wants to save up to six percent. Paris said that out of 170 eligible, full-time employees, only 60 percent take advantage of this program. Paris wants to double that match up to three percent such that an employee only has to take out three percent to be able to save six percent of their pay. He said that it is imperative that County employees learn to save for their future. In their defense, he said, some of them have expenses that preclude saving anything. One other problem, he said, is that with the economy improving, it’s getting harder to attract and keep good employees and this might act also to bolster the attractiveness of working for Union County.
Union County Finance Director and CEO Laura Driskell
Laura Driskell, said Paris, has been hired as the new Finance Director and CEO of Union County; she is a native of Union County and was chosen out of 43 applicants. For the past three years she has been living in and working in Athens, GA as a lead auditor for the State of Georgia, auditing schools, colleges and universities. Driskell, he said, has a mathematics degree, an accounting degree and attained her CPA certification last year. In order for Driskell to perform the duties of her job, Paris approved Resolutions R-2017-07 authorizing her to have full access to all Union County accounts and R-2017-8 authorizing her to communicate with and have full administrative powers over Heartland Payroll. Paris offered Driskell a warm welcome back to Union County.
Paris approved three Agreements:
- Agreement between the Union County Sheriff’s Department and the USDA, Forest Service Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest for the FY 2017 Cooperative Law Enforcement Annual Operating Plan and Financial Plan. The USDA will reimburse Union County Sheriff’s Department no more than $2,640 for the patrol of various US Forest Service roads and properties.
- Agreement for Indigent Defense Services between the Public Defender Office of the Enotah Judicial Circuit and Union County, Lumpkin County, White County and Towns County. The cost to Union County is $88,649.16 for FY 2016-2017.
- Agreement between Futurity IT, Inc. and Union County for Orion Disaster Pre-Planning & Damage Assessment Solution Software. The cost of the Agreement is $2,625 for the first year. The Agreement will automatically renew each year for the amount of $1,875. In the event of a disaster, this software, said Paris, will facilitate assessing and reporting the way the federal government wants it, which will expedite reimbursements from the federal government.
With no further business to conduct, the Meeting adjourned.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 6/9 to 6/16
Arrest Reports June 21, 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 6/3 to 6/10
Arrest Reports June 13, 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.
Alice Henderson: Obituary
Obituaries June 6, 2019
Alice Henderson
April 07, 1938 – May 22, 2019
Mrs. Alice Henderson age 81 of James Henderson Rd. Young Harris passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday May 22, 2019 following an extended illness. Mrs. Henderson was born on April 7, 1938 in Dalton, GA., the daughter of the late Grayson Ramey and the late Dallie Griggs Ramey. She was a lifelong resident of Union County. Alice loved sewing, quilting, gardening and growing flowers. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her one special request was that you all meet her in Heaven. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Henderson in 2010, two sons, Doug Henderson in 2008, Carlos Henderson in 2006, three brothers, Jerry and Junior Ramey and Frank Mckin and a sister, Josephine Mckin. Mrs. Henderson was a member of Many Forks Baptist Church.
Surviving Mrs. Henderson are two sons and one daughter in law, Darrel and Mary Henderson of Franklin, NC., Sammy Henderson of Warne, four grandchildren, Venessa Long and Haley Henderson of Franklin, Eric Henderson of Ft. Oglethorpe and Dustin Henderson of Young Harris, two great grandchildren, Liam Long and Angyll Henderson, Rilee Flowers, Colton & Summer Henderson. several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.
Funeral services will be held on Friday May 24, 2019 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. R.L. Martin and Rev. Billy Stiles officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Scott Lockaby, Ron Bradburn, Eric Henderson, Logan Quinton, Hunter Quinton and Junior Chastain. Special music will be L.D. & Irene Buchanan. Interment will follow in the Many Forks Baptist Church Cemetery where she will rest next to her beloved husband James. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-9:00 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