This Week’s Events in Union County July 9, 2018
Community July 9, 2018
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Put your phone away and just drive: Hands-Free cell phone use is now the law drivers in Georgia
Press Release July 2, 2018Hands-Free cell phone use is law
Drive Alert Arrive Alive, Georgia!
CARTERSVILLE, Ga.—Just put down the phone and DRIVE! Hands-free cell phone use is now the law for drivers in Georgia. The Hands-Free Law (House Bill 673; Hands-Free Georgia Act), which went into effect on July 1, requires hands-free technology when drivers use cell phones and other electronic devices. Among other things, it is illegal for a driver to hold a phone in their hand or to use their body to support a phone. Penalties range from $50 and one point on a license for the first conviction to $150 and three points for the third and subsequent convictions.
Read Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) The EXTRA MILE blog post – Hands-Free Means Big Changes for the Better in Georgia – by guest author Robert Hydrick of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). For additional information on the many facets of the law, visit http://www.headsupgeorgia.com/
“I am optimistic that Georgia’s new Hands-Free law will save lives,” GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. P.E. said. “I also want to emphasize how crucial it is for drivers and passengers to buckle up. Seatbelts truly save lives.”
Through its Drive Alert Arrive Alive campaign, GDOT has, for several years, called attention to an alarming surge in fatalities on Georgia’s roads after a decade of reductions. Many of these deaths are preventable. The campaign implores motorists to focus on driving, to not drive distracted and to wear a seatbelt to reduce the chance of serious injury or death if there is a crash. Visitwww.dot.ga.gov/DAAA.
While GDOT reports that, as of June 28, 2018, overall roadway fatalities are down 10 percent in Georgia from the same time last year, pedestrian deaths are up 22 percent. GDOT’s See & Be Seen campaign, the pedestrian component of Drive Alert Arrive Alive, emphasizes that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and pedestrians. Visit www.dot.ga.gov/SBS.
Summer construction roadwork is underway across Georgia. Before you get on the road, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org for real-time information about active construction, incidents and road conditions.Pay extra attention in work zones – slow down and watch for workers. Work zone safety is everybody’s responsibility.
This Week’s Events in Union County June 25, 2018
Community June 25, 2018
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Want to win $1,000? The Blairsville Chamber’s Fireworks Raffle is here!
Community June 20, 2018
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Panthers celebrate senior night, fall to Tigers/Lady Tigers
Union County High School February 7, 2018
The Lady Panthers tipped off at 7 following senior night at 6. The Lady Panthers had 2 seniors, Bailey Daniel and Grace Wischmeyer. Wischmeyer was limited to playing time this season due to a knee injury.
The Lady Panthers faced off against the Lady Tigers from Dawson County. The Lady Panthers fell to the Lady Tigers earlier in the season 54-42. The Lady Panthers looked to secure a spot in the playoffs with a win.
Mccarter led UC with 4 of the 9 points scored in the first quarter. The Lady Panthers trailed 11-9 after Q1.
The Lady Tigers used a 12-4 run to open Q2 to extend the halftime lead 32-21. Ade. Dockrey led the Lady Panthers with 4 points. The Lady Tigers also used a 9-1 run the close Q2.
The Lady Panthers fell behind majorly in the first half due to poor free throw shooting. The Lady Panthers shot only 35% from the line 6-17.
The Lady Tigers separates themselves over the course of Q3 with a score of 54-31. Hill led Lady Panthers scorers with 4.
The Lady Panthers fell 70-38 to the Lady Tigers. Sticker led the Lady Tigers with 25. Mccarter led the Lady Panthers with 8.
The Lady Panthers finish the 15-9 in the regular season. The Lady Panthers next game will be Wednesday Feb 7th, at East Hall facing off against Dawson in the first game of the region tournament.
The Panthers followed tipping off at 8:30.
The Panthers had several seniors, twins, Candler and Crawford Colwell, RJ Banton, Cole Davis, Timothy Patrick, and Patrick Baggett.
Cra. Colwell was only 6 points away from hitting his 1000th point. The Panthers trailed early 13-9 at the end of Q1 as they were led by Baggett who had 4.
The Panthers trailed 31-34 at the half. UC was led by Allison who has 3. Cra. Colwell with 1:38 left to play in Q2.
The Tigers used a 8-0 run to open Q3 as they led 45-34. DC was led by Reed with 5 and The Panthers were led by Davis with 4.
The Panthers would fall to the Tigers for the second time this season 59-47. The Panthers fall to 16-8. UC wad led by Baggett with 17. The Panthers will play @ East Hall Feb. 6th, I. The opening round of the region tournament. The Panthers will play North Hall.
Our Revolution Georgia Endorses Joshua McCall in Bid to Unseat Congressman Doug Collins
State & National January 25, 2018
(Martin, Georgia) – Monday, January 22nd, the statewide Georgia affiliate of Our Revolution, the organization created to continue pushing the policy goals of the Bernie Sanders Presidential Campaign, endorsed Joshua McCall in his bid to unseat Congressman Doug Collins in the Georgia 9th Congressional District. His candidacy will now be passed up to the national organization for consideration.
“I’m running for congress for two reasons. First, Bernie Sanders’ grassroots organization inspired me to examine what forces were limiting political possibilities in our country. I realized, unfortunately, that many of those forces were in the party that I belonged to,” said Candidate Joshua McCall.
He continued, “I’m also running because parts of our government are dangerously close to fascism. Branches of it prey on racial fears and offer simple solutions through state violence. I am running not only to unseat Doug Collins, but in the process speak to the people of this district and unite them behind a Christian and humanist ethic.”
McCall joins Savannah based candidate Lisa Ring as the only currently endorsed congressional candidates in the state. The endorsement includes volunteer coordination and the possibility of national endorsement and fundraising.
Our Revolution Georgia State Committee Member, Vice President of the Young Democrats of Georgia, Hall County Board of Elections Member, and former candidate for State House Michelle Sanchez Jones said of the endorsement, “the Republican Party has purported to represent North Georgia for a generation now, and, outside of the Governor’s backyard, we deserve more from our government. Our hospitals need more money. Our classrooms need more teachers. We need the tools to help those struggling with opioid addiction. The burden of supporting our communities falls disproportionately on our churches and faith institutions. It’s time we got our money’s worth from Washington, and Joshua McCall is exactly the man to help make that happen.”
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Background: Consideration of endorsement by the national organization requires prior endorsement from a local affiliate. Our Revolution has numerous affiliates throughout the state whose leadership jointly approve endorsements – with deference given to the chapter closest to the district in question. McCall’s endorsement represents the agreement of affiliates and leadership from Savannah to Atlanta, Athens to Henry County.
Getting Started in 2018
State & National January 12, 2018Getting Started in 2018
By: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
On Monday, January 8, 2018, we reconvened for the second session of the 154th Georgia General Assembly, which many anticipate will be very fast-paced. The Georgia Senate began our business with leadership changes and three new members. We will also welcome another new member next week who won a special election on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
In addition to welcoming three new members, Sen. David Shafer, who served as the Senate President Pro Tempore since 2013, resigned his position and the Georgia Senate nominated and elected Sen. Butch Miller to serve in this role. Sen. Miller is a fellow North Georgian and we are honored to have him as our next Pro Temp. The Senate Committee on Assignments also announced chairmen and committee assignments for the upcoming year.
In addition to my duties as Senate Majority Whip, I will continue to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee, the Secretary of the Appropriations Committee, as a member of the Finance, MARTOC, Regulated Industries and Utilities committees and as ex-officio on the Senate Assignments and Rules committees.
As we draw near to the second week of session, we will begin budget hearings as we craft the Amended FY18 and General FY19 budgets. During these meetings and agency presentations, I will keep the prosperity of all Georgians in mind as we finely comb through proposals. Our focus will be on saving tax payers’ dollars while ensuring economic growth and job creation continues to grow in our great state.
Something new here at the Georgia Senate is livestreaming of standing committees that meet in one of the five rooms wired during the Senate Transparency Project. This is in addition to the Senate Chamber being livestreamed during session days. The goal of this project is to bring transparency to standing committee meetings, where legislation is discussed and vetted before moving forward in the legislative process. Another objective is to provide access to our process for those who do not live in the metro area and cannot get to Senate committee meetings quickly. I truly encourage you all to take the time to watch these livestreams. But, if you can’t get to a computer during the meeting time, each and every meeting video is archived to be watched during any time—day or night.
On day four of the session, Gov. Deal gave his last State of the State address. Within his address, Gov. Deal focused on the growth across the board within the state of Georgia. For the past five years, Georgia has been named the number one place to do business. Overall, we have a very busy session calendar ahead of us as we work on the Governor’s budget proposals, legislation pending from last year and other issues that may arise.
I would like to say thank you to all of my constituents for your encouragement and care for the 51st District of Georgia. Please call or email me with any questions, comments or concerns you have and I look forward to hearing from you.
Benton MacKaye Trail Association Press Release
Community December 6, 2017
PRESS RELEASE:
The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) is seeking volunteers to help with trail maintenance for an upcoming work trip.
According to Barry Allen, Georgia work trip coordinator for the BMTA, a work trip is planned for Saturday, Dec. 9, on a section of trail near Fall Branch Falls in Fannin County. This month’s Georgia work trip will focus on completing the re-route at Fall Branch Falls. Allen stated there are a few more steps needing to be installed, which will require hauling timbers, along with a 50-foot section of trail to dig. Also, a number of water diversions just upstream from the falls will be put in place.
Allen hopes to have work completed for the day around lunchtime and mentioned he would bring his grill with him if the weather is nice to grill some burgers and brats for a post-work lunch.
All work trip participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeve pants and shirts, work gloves and, for cold-weather trips, multiple thin layers that can be easily shed one at a time. Also, a daypack for storing food, water or other items is always a good idea for work trips. Food and water are not supplied by the BMTA on work trips; however, tools are provided by the Association. The BMTA recommends workers to bring at least two liters of water for the trip.
Those interested can meet either at The Iron Bridge Café and General Store on Aska Road across from Shallowford Bridge, at 8:00 a.m. or at Fall Branch Falls at 9 a.m.
The Benton MacKaye Trail spans three states – Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina – and nearly 300 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is enjoyed by thousands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.
For anyone with questions or needing further information, contact Barry Allen at [email protected] or 770-294-7384.
Fetch Football Friday with Sports Director Jason Banks, BKP and Rick!
Business December 1, 2017
Today BKP and Jason had an extra “player” on the couch. Rick sat in this morning to give his insight on the college football games that are going down this weekend. We are in week 14 of college football and here are the HOT match-ups for this weekend: TCU is taking on Oklahoma at 12:30 PM, Georgia is going against Auburn at 4:00 PM, and then at 8:00 PM you have Ohio State vs Wisconsin and Miami vs Clemson. Who do you think is going to come out as top dog in these great games? Tune in again Monday at 8:30 AM to hear TeamFYNSports recap of each of these games during Monday Morning Quarterback.
ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SENTENCED TO PRISON
State & National November 3, 2017
ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SENTENCED TO PRISON
ATLANTA – Stanley Lamar Bailey has been sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing ammunition and a firearm on November 7, 2015, after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase.
“Bailey placed innocent people in danger by leading police on a high-speed chase, eventually crashing his vehicle and fleeing the scene, leaving behind drugs, a thirty-round extended magazine, and a semi-automatic firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “My office brought this case as part of the overall Department of Justice enforcement priorities relating to violent crimes. Bailey is a serial offender who has been removed from the community, along with any danger that could result from his actions.”
“Bailey’s criminal history shows a complete and utter disregard for the lives of others as well as for their personal pursuits,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt. “This sentence is a direct message to criminals that we will target you and we will ensure that you are prosecuted and removed from our streets.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: On November 7, 2015, a DeKalb County Police Officer was on routine patrol when he saw a car drive past him. The officer ran a check on the tags of the vehicle. He learned that its registration was suspended and it had no valid insurance. As a result, the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, when he initiated the stop, the driver, who was later determined to be Bailey, initially slowed down as if to pull over, then sped away.
Bailey briefly traveled into oncoming traffic, wrecked the car by hitting another vehicle, and then ran away on foot. In the abandoned vehicle, police found Bailey’s wallet, which contained, among other things, Bailey’s Social Security card and Georgia identification card. The photograph on the identification card matched the person who was driving the car and had fled the scene.
In the vehicle, the officer also found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a Glock semi-automatic pistol, a thirty-round extended magazine, and twenty-eight rounds of 9mm ammunition. Prior to this incident, Bailey had been convicted of more than seven felonies, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, burglary, and theft by receiving stolen property. Subsequent to the November 2015 incident, but before his conviction in this case, Bailey was convicted of aggravated assault and battery/family violence.
Stanley Lamar Bailey, 50, of Decatur, Georgia, has been sentenced to 21 years, 10 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Bailey was found guilty by a jury on July 11, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the DeKalb County Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzette A. Smikle prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga
Ask the Doc – Dr. Jennifer Jones from Georgia Cancer Specialist
Health October 30, 2017
This morning Dr. Whaley couldn’t be with us. But have no fear we had a great Dr. to fill in for him today! Dr. Jennifer Jones from the Georgia Cancer Specialist answers our viewer questions of the week, discusses some of the things BKP talked about in his opening, and even told us a great corny joke!!
This week’s questions are:
- When should I use a cool-mist humidifier versus a warm-mist humidifier for relief with a cold?
- Several months ago, I developed a small white patch on the skin of my arm. It appears to be getting larger. Is a white patch on skin anything to be concerned about?
- What’s the difference between a tumor and a cyst? Could a cyst be cancerous?
To submit a question to our doctors email them to [email protected]
This Week’s Events in Union County October 23, 2017
Community October 23, 2017
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Update on Hurricane Irma Cleanup and Relief Efforts
State & National September 19, 2017
ATLANTA (September 18, 2017) | On Thursday, September 14, 2017, Senator Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) joined Governor Nathan Deal, local elected officials and first responders for a press conference in Habersham County to address Hurricane Irma cleanup and relief efforts.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my gratitude to the first responders and volunteers who are helping the ongoing recovery efforts in our local communities and throughout the state,” said Sen. Gooch. “It is an honor to join Governor Deal, our local elected officials, first responders and citizens in any and all efforts to get our state back up and running. Our citizens are resilient and I am confident that by working together, we can help those in need and rebuilt each and every community that was impacted. It was very uplifting to witness the outpour of assistance from the hundreds of employees of utility companies from all over the United States.”
On Monday, September 11, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Georgia leaving around 1 million citizens without power. The impact from Irma was felt from the coastal plains to the north Georgia mountains. The state of Georgia saw unprecedented damage caused by the tropical storm force winds that reached more than 400 miles from the storm’s center. Relief efforts are ongoing and first responders, power companies, state agencies, volunteers and citizens are working around the clock to rebuild and restore power.
Governor Deal and the federal government responded quickly and declared a state of emergency in Georgia so that funds could be appropriated to help with the financial burden of the storm. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) is coordinating their efforts with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state agencies and local authorities to ensure recovery, rebuilding and cleanup is completed in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
Additional information can be found on the GEMA and FEMA websites:
This Week’s Events in Union County September 4, 2017
Community, Union County Chamber September 5, 2017
