Voting is Power
Opinion, Politics October 20, 2020
Written and submitted by: Gilmer GOP – Reece Sanford
On November 3 rd , 2020, Americans will go to the polls to vote for the President of the United States.
Election Day is an event that has occurred every four years in our nation since the first Presidential
election in the winter of 1788-1789. Through world wars, pandemics, civil unrest, recessions,
depressions, and even the Civil War, Americans have gone to the polls every four years to elect a
national leader. After so many elections, it might be easy to view this event as routine as the changing of
the seasons. However, we should not take the right to vote for granted. Our Founding Fathers revolted
over “taxation without representation.” They understood the importance of having influence over those
who governed them. Throughout time and history, millions, perhaps billions, of people have not had a
say in their government. But in America, every citizen regardless of gender, race, religion, education, or
income has a right to select their representatives. This right should not be taken lightly. As the human
rights activist Loung Ung once said, “Voting is not only our right – it is our power.”
This summer I read “Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty” by Daron
Acemoglu and James A. Robinson. The book theorizes that a nation is on the path to failure when its
political institutions fail to include large groups of the nation’s people. When the politics of the nation
are controlled by the elite, then inevitably the economic institutions will eventually cater to the elite at
the expense of those who are excluded from the nation’s politics. When politics exclude the average
person, eventually the elite, whether they be nobles or simply bureaucrats, will use their power to take
economic resources from the common man. This taking is called economic extraction. Economic
extraction has played out time and time again throughout history. Today, the US is exceptional because
it has been the most politically inclusive nation in the history of the world. As time has passed, the
nation has become more and more inclusive. When people are permitted to participate in their nation’s
politics, they will find themselves able to succeed economically. If you can count on the government to
protect your property rights, you can have confidence to take economic risks. This form of government
is why the US has found so much economic success. We are truly blessed to live in a nation like America.
While everyone has a right to vote in America, not everyone exercises that right. A vote is a horrible
thing to waste. A vote gives you a voice, but when you choose not to vote, you choose to silence
yourself. History has shown how the powerful can abuse the voiceless. Our Founding Fathers revolted
from a nation with a poor history of protecting the weak from the powerful. For centuries, English
peasants were the majority population, but they found themselves voiceless and defenseless against the
powerful English royals and nobles. The common people suffered under centuries of high taxes and
flimsy at best property rights. Without a doubt, English peasants suffered from economic extraction.
This system was forced upon them by a government empowered by force, not democracy. These people
would have held the right to vote in great esteem, but their political system was not inclusive. If millions
of people choose not to vote, our political systems become exclusive by choice. If you do not vote, you
are unable to ensure that your elected officials represent your best interests. If this happens, you too
could experience economic extraction.
If elected, Joe Biden and the Democrats will practice economic extraction and make our political system
less inclusive. Mr. Biden’s economic plan calls for a radical increase in corporate taxes and dividend
taxes. In many cases, the combined effect will be the government laying claim to 56 cents of a dollar of
profit earned. You need to understand that taxation is not creation. New money is not created when the
government taxes. They are simply taking a dollar from your pocket and placing it in their pocket. They
do this because they believe they can spend that dollar more efficiently than you can. This is economic
extraction.
The Democrats will not stop at economic extraction. They will move to practice political exclusion. For
years, Democrats have expressed their desire to abolish the Electoral College in favor of a nationwide
popular vote. Our Founding Fathers opposed a nationwide popular vote because they understood that
the Electoral College was the only way to protect the voice of citizens in small town America. If a
nationwide popular vote determined the President, a candidate could strictly campaign to the major
population centers in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, and San Diego. The
population is so large in these cities that the people in these metropolises could determine an election
on their own. If this were the case, politicians would cater to these communities and ignore the needs of
small towns across the country. If the Electoral College were abolished, small town America would lose
its voice. If small town America lost its voice, how much more economic extraction would we face?
This election is very important. Do not think that you are just one person in a nation of 329 million
people. Your one vote has more value than you think. In America, we effectively do not have a national
Presidential election. Truly, the Electoral College is the sum of 50 statewide elections. Electoral votes
represent points earned across 50 statewide elections. Realizing this, Georgia’s conservatives must focus
on the outcome in Georgia. We cannot fall into the trap of believing that Georgia is a lock for President
Trump. For the past decade, Georgia’s elections have been trending in the wrong direction for
Republicans. Early in the 2010s, Republicans could count on 53% of the vote in Georgia. Nathan Deal
(2010 and 2014), Mitt Romney (2012), and David Perdue (2014) all won 53% of the vote across the State
of Georgia. This was a sharp drop off from the 2006 Governor’s race where Sonny Perdue won 58% of
the vote. By 2016, the gap had closed even more. Four years ago, President Trump won Georgia with
only 50.4% of the vote. In the 2018 Governor’s race, the election was even closer. Brian Kemp won the
Governor’s Mansion with only 50.2% of the vote, with a winning margin of just 54,723 votes. In Gilmer,
Fannin, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, and Union Counties alone, Governor Kemp received 60,117 votes. In
each of these counties, he received at least 79% of votes cast. Kemp won similar amounts of the vote
throughout the counties that make up the 9 th and 14 th Congressional districts – the rural north Georgia
districts. Conversely, Fulton and Dekalb Counties alone cast a combined 567,991 votes for Stacey
Abrams representing 30% of her total votes. To overcome the Atlanta vote and prevent the Democrats
from overtaking Georgia, it is going to take the combined efforts of every small town in this state.
Sadly, Georgia has become a battleground state. If people in rural north Georgia stay at home, Georgia
is an attainable victory for any Democrat. This year’s election is projected to be very close. If President
Trump loses the Peach State, Georgia’s sixteen electoral college votes very well could be the reason he
loses the election. Moreover, we have two US Senate seats currently held by Republicans up for election
this year. Republicans have a slim majority in the US Senate but losing the two Georgia seats could hand
the Senate to the Democrats. It is possible that the State of Georgia could hand control of the White
House and the US Senate to the Democrats. North Georgia, we cannot let that happen.
It is my hope that you understand how important it is that you vote this year. You do not need to stop
there though. Once you vote, you need to make sure your friends and family vote. North Georgia
conservatives need to realize that a Republican victory in Georgia is no longer a given. Do not assume
everyone votes. We must be more active as our counties could very well decide who governs our
country for the next four years. Our community must have a strong voter turnout. Early voting will last
until October 30 th . Saturday voting is on October 24 th . If you would like to vote by mail, you must apply
for your ballot by October 30 th . This should be done as soon as possible and can be done online or
through the mail. Finally, in person voting on Election Day will take place on November 3 rd from 7 AM to
7 PM at your assigned polling station. To find your polling station, please visit mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do.
Please share this information with your friends. Voter turnout in our community could determine this election.
The Gilmer County Republican Party is ready and willing to help you feel comfortable voting this year. Should
you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the party through our website or Facebook page.
This year, our nation is given a choice between the party of freedom and the party of economic
extraction. Elections are determined by those who show up. North Georgia, can we count on you to
show up for Republicans this fall? God Bless!
Reece Sanford
Chairman of The Gilmer Trump Campaign, a subcommittee of the Gilmer County Republican Party
Reece Sanford, CFA is the Chairman of The Gilmer Trump Campaign, Assistant Secretary –
Communications of the Gilmer County Republican Party, and a native of Ellijay, GA. He holds a BBA in
Finance from The University of Georgia and an MBA from Kennesaw State University. Mr. Sanford also
holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He is a career community banker currently
working in small business lending. He has served on the boards of several non-profits throughout north
Georgia. He has served as Youth Engagement Director of the Gilmer County Republican Party, holds an
advisory role with a trade association Political Action Committee, and has consulted on multiple political
campaigns. He and his wife, Kerri Ann, enjoy spending their free time exploring north Georgia, running,
traveling, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are strictly those of the author. They do not necessarily
reflect the views of the Republican Party, its members, any other organization the author may be
associated with, nor his family members.
North Georgia Chairmen urge Kemp to close State Parks
Community, News April 6, 2020
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Twelve Commission Chairmen from North Georgia counties have joined together and signed a letter asking Governor Brian Kemp to shut down the State Parks.
“It appears that these nonresidents believe our area is a safe haven because of its rural nature. To the contrary, the influx of people into our communities has had a staggering detrimental effect on our resources,” the letter to Kemp read in part.
Habersham County Commissioner District 5 Tim Stamey
The letter goes on to outline the resources in our area that have been affected by the out-of-towners looking to seclude themselves, including in these resources are food, dry goods and fuel.
It goes on to inform Kemp that our area is not equipped medically: “Our communities simply do not have enough hospital beds or medical personnel to care for the inflated population.”
Though only serving as a commissioner for a little over three months, Habersham County Commissioner District 5 Tim Stamey felt he needed to be proactive in bringing a solution to this problem: “I am a retired special operator and we don’t sit around talking about things, we get it done.”
Stamey who sits on the County Health Board said, “I’m on the County Health Board and talk to Healthcare workers in my county on a daily basis. They are the heros/heroines in all this. This virus does not spread itself on the wind.”
Moccasin Creek State Park, situated just North of Unicoi State park has been “crazy, 4th of July crazy” for the past three weekends according to Stamey, who has witnessed the impact on his county first hand.
Stamey initially contacted Rabun County Chairman Greg James and White County Chairman Travis Turner.
“I started this by just trying to get border counties on board,” Stamey said and added, “Then Chairmen were like well, did you call such and such, I know they feel the same way. It just kept getting bigger and bigger.”
Stamey said that all Commission Chairmen were helpful, on board, and taking the matter seriously: “I talked to most of them several times and for up to an hour each time.”
Stamey, along with the 12 county chairmen and many residents, is hoping that this letter will get the attention of Kemp. The letter in closing states: “On behalf of the many citizens that live in North Georgia who entrust us as County Commissioners to represent their interests, we respectfully ask you to close all of the state parks located in our area immediately.”
Author
Union Co. baseball falls to Gilmer in Blairsville
Sports, TeamFYNSports, UCHS Baseball March 12, 2020
The Gilmer baseball team took the lead in the top of the fifth and held on late in a 3-2 win against Union Co. on Wednesday, March 11, in Blairsville.
Gilmer junior Gabe Wolfson smacks a double. Wolfson finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs.
The Bobcats (3-10, 0-3 Region 6-4A) were led by Gabe Wolfson at the plate. The junior went 2-for-4 on the day and drove in all three runs for Gilmer.
Five different players had hits for the Panthers (4-8, 1-3 Region 8-AA), with senior Carter Wright and junior JJ Littles driving in a run each.
Gilmer was the first to get on the board, scoring a run in the top of the first inning.
Sophomore Blake Zabala singled to second base to start the inning for the Bobcats. He advanced to second base after a sacrifice from Jess Buckner and then scored on a line-drive double to centerfield from Wolfson to put the score at 1-0.
Union Co. junior shortstop Isaak Mullinack got the Panthers out of the inning with an unassisted double play on a line drive from Gilmer junior Jake Rhodes.
The Panthers tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning.
After back-to-back one-out singles from junior Damien Chitwood and senior Alec Youngblood, Little managed to hit a ground ball to short stop. The Bobcats turned the double play to end the inning, but not before Chitwood crossed home plate to tie the game.
Gilmer took the lead for good in the top of the fifth thanks to another double from Wolfson.
Union Co. senior Carter Wright sets up on defense.
Junior Ashton White drew a walk to start the inning. After an infield pop-out from senior Sam Davis, Zabala followed with the second Gilmer walk of the inning.
A sacrifice from Buckner moved the runners to second and third just in time for Wolfson to step to the plate.
Facing a 1-1 count, Wolfson smacked a line drive into center field, scoring both White and Zabala.
Rhodes drew another walk and sophomore Spencer Merritt reached on an error to give the Bobcats bases loaded with two outs, but Littles managed to get Gilmer senior Tyler Wright to ground out to first base to end the inning.
Trailing 3-1, the Panthers managed to score once in the bottom of the sixth.
Mullinack drew a five-pitch walk to start the inning. He advanced to second base on a wild pitch and then scored on a line-drive single to left field from Wright to put the Panthers within one at 3-2. But that was as close as Union Co. managed to get as the final inning was scoreless from both sides.
Up next for the Panthers is a doubleheader at region foe Monticello beginning at 5 p.m., Friday, March 13.
Gilmer’s next game is also a region contest against Pickens beginning at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, in Jasper.
Lady Panthers outlast Lady ‘Cats in Blairsville
Lady Panthers, TeamFYNSports December 22, 2019
Despite cutting the Lady Panthers’ lead to just one point twice in the final 90 seconds Saturday night, Dec. 21, the Gilmer girls basketball team couldn’t overcome a rough shooting night from the free-throw line and fell to Union Co. 54-52 in Blairsville.
Freshman Ellie Cook goes up for two of her team-high 14 points Saturday against Gilmer.
While Union Co. (9-1, 3-0 Region 8-2A) had three players score in double figures, it was a pressure defense in the second half that allowed the team to build off a six-point lead at half and take a 39-30 lead into the fourth.
Freshman Ellie Cook led the way for the Lady Panthers with a team-high 14 points, including three made 3-pointers. Senior Andelin Hill scored 12 and sophomore Ava Hunter added 11 for Union Co.
The Lady ‘Cats (8-3, 5-0 Region 6-4A) stormed back in the final frame led by strong guard play and a trapping, full-court defense that forced the home team into multiple turnovers.
Junior Emma Callihan goes up to score two of her 12 points during a two-point loss to Union Co. on Saturday.
Gilmer’s fourth-quarter surge was led by junior Emma Callihan and sophomore Elly Callihan. The pair scored 11 points combined in the period and, along with senior Bailey Teague, anchored a defense that put Gilmer right back in the game mid-way through the period.
Trailing by 10, 42-32, with 6:17 to go, junior Jasmine Staley hit a big 3-pointer from the wing, then follow on the next possession with a driving lay-up to close the gap to five with five minutes left.
Union Co. senior Kait McCarter stopped the run for a moment with a made shot, but a free-throw from Teague and made baskets from both Emma Callihan and Elly Callihan drew the Lady ‘Cats within two, 44-42, with 2:47 to go.
Senior Andelin Hill jumps to score two of her 12 points in Union Co.’s 54-52 win against Gilmer on Saturday.
Hunter and Hill hit back-to-back shots for the Lady Panthers during the next 30 seconds to push the lead back to six at 48-42.
A 5-0 run from Gilmer closed the gap to one, 48-47, with 57 seconds to go, before Hill made a pair of free throws for Union Co.
Emma Callihan scored against with 22 seconds left to close back to one point at 50-49, but senior Brooke Dockery made four-straight free throws to put the lead back to five at 55-49.
A late 3-pointer from Teague cut the lead to two, but time ran out for the Lady ‘Cats as Union Co. collected the two-point win.
Teague finished the night with a game-high 15 points for Gilmer, followed by 12 points each from Emma Callihan and Elly Callihan. Despite the strong effort, the Lady ‘Cats just couldn’t overcome going 6-of-21 as a team from the free-throw line.
Gilmer’s next regular-season game is Saturday, Jan. 4, against Fannin Co. at 4 p.m. in Ellijay.
Dockery scored nine points for Union Co., which begins play in the Towns Co. Battle of the States tournament Thursday, Dec. 26, against Walhalla at 1 p.m. in Hiawassee.
The Lady Panthers’ next regular-season game is against Rabun Co. (11-0, 3-0) on Friday, Jan. 3, in Blairsville.
Union Co. and Rabun Co. sit tied atop the Region 8-2A standings.
Panthers powered by huge second half in win against Bobcats
TeamFYNSports, Union County Panthers December 22, 2019
An explosion from beyond-the-arc propelled the Union Co. Panthers basketball team to a big 73-43 win against Gilmer on Saturday in Blairsville.
Union Co. senior Sawyer Brey goes up over Gilmer sophomore Cade Carter on Saturday in Blairsville.
Sophomore Lake Hughes his seven second-half 3-pointers, including five in the fourth quarter, to put the game out of reach for the Panthers (4-6, 1-2 Region 8-2A).
Union Co. senior Cayden Rich takes the ball inside against Gilmer’s Luke Wimpey on Saturday. Both players finished the game with six points.
Despite six players scoring in the first half for Union Co., the Bobcats (5-5, 2-3 Region 6-4A) managed to stay within six points at the half 25-19.
Sophomore Cade Carter scored 11 of the team’s first half points to keep Gilmer within striking distance heading into the second half. Carter finished with a team-high 18 points in the loss.
The Panthers got hot from outside in the third, as Hughes and senior Pierson Allison both hit two 3-pointers in the period. Junior Kaston Hemphill scored five and senior Sawyer Brety chipped in four during the period as Union Co. began to pull away at 46-32 heading into the fourth.
The final frame was all Hughes, who buried all five shots he took from outside. The Panthers outscored the Bobcats 27-11 in the fourth to earn the victory.
Junior guard Brady Sanford scored six points in the third for Gilmer, while fellow junior Braden Jenkins scored all five of his points in the fourth.
Sanford finished with eight points for the Bobcats.
Gilmer junior Braden Jenkins takes the ball past Union Co. junior Kaston Hemphill on Saturday.
Hughes finished with a game-high 23 points for the Panthers, while Allison finished with 16.
Allison was also recognized during the first quarter after scoring his fourth point of the game. The made shot took Allison passed 1,000 points for his career at Union Co.
Hemphill and Brey both finished with 10 points for the Panthers, who next play Walhalla at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 26, in the Towns Co. Battle of the State Tournament in Hiawassee.
Luke Wimpey and Lewis Mulkey ended the game with six points each for Gilmer, which next plays a regular-season game Saturday, Jan. 4, against Fannin Co. at 5:30 p.m. in Ellijay.
The NEW FYN Classifieds
Community, Featured Stories March 5, 2019
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GAC wins big over Panthers, Lady Panthers
Union County High School January 17, 2018
Saturday Jan 13th the Lady Panthers tipped off at 6pm against the Lady Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian Academy.
The Lady Spartans lost their star point guard Robynn Benton, Auburn basketball commit class of 2018. The Lady Panthers seemed well over matched as GAC was ranked the #1 team in the state.
The Lady Panthers never backed down to what would be a hard fought tough four quarters in which the score doesn’t show.
The Lady Panthers were led by Brooke Dockrey in the first quarter as she had 6. Followed by Andelin Hill who had 2. The Lady Panthers trailed 18-6 at the end of Q1. The Lady Panthers trailed ay the half 27-12. The leading scorers at the half were Brooke Dockrey and Andelin Hill 4 points. The Lady Spartans leading scorer was #2 Taylor Sutton with 10 points.
The Lady Panthers scored more points in the third quarter than in the first 2 combined, to trail 43-26 going into the fourth.
Kait McCarter led all scorers in the fourth quarter on both sides with 6 points.
The Lady Panthers fell to the top ranked team 61-38, bringing their record to 12-6 and 4-3 in region play.
The Lady Panthers top scorers were sophomores Kait McCarter and Andelin Hill (10) followed by Brooke Dockrey (8), and Bailey Daniel (6).
The Panthers followed the varsity girls by tipping off at 7:30pm.
The first quarter showed that GAC was all that they’ve been hyped up to be, as Union County trailed 24-12 at the end of the first. The Panthers were led by Pierson Allison (5).
At the half, the Panthers trailed 33-18, sophomore guard Pierson Allison accounted for half of Unions points scoring 9 in the first half.
Fifth-ranked GAC blew things open with a 16-6 third quarter.
The Panthers trailed 49-24 at the end of Q3, but they didn’t hang their heads. They expected a tough game against the region leading Spartans.
Pierson Allison again led all Panther scorers in the 3rd with 4 points.
In the end, the Panthers fell to the Spartans 70-39. With the loss, the Panthers fell to 13-5 and 3-4 in region play.
The Panthers top scorers were Pierson Allison (13), Patrick Baggett (10), RJ Banton and Candler Colwell both scored 4. The Panthers were scheduled to travel to Pickens County Tuesday Jan 16, but those games were canceled due to inclement weather and have yet to be rescheduled.
You can QUIT during the Great American Smokeout(R), Nov. 16th
Health November 13, 2017
North Georgia – Ready to quit? You can do it for at least one day this Thursday, November 16th during the Great American Smokeout®! Every year on the third Thursday of November, many Georgians join tobacco users across the nation in giving up using tobacco and electronic cigarettes for the entire day during this Great American Smokeout® event, initiated by the American Cancer Society[1]. Quitting for just one day is an important step toward a healthier you, especially if that one day can lead to many more.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and in Georgia. Over 11,500 Georgians die each year from tobacco-related diseases, including cancer and heart disease[2]. Quitting tobacco and eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke are two proven ways to decrease the risk of tobacco related death and disability.
The Georgia Smokefree Air Act[3], passed in 2005, has reduced exposure to secondhand smoke by prohibiting smoking in all enclosed facilities, including buildings owned, leased, or operated by the State or local governing authorities.
Now, it’s your turn to reduce tobacco-related health hazards by quitting the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes during the Great American Smokeout®.
Here in Georgia, we can help. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line[4] is a free resource that can help tobacco users reach their goal of quitting. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP; Spanish speakers call 1-877-2NO-FUME; TTY: 1-877-777-6534 for the hearing impaired) provides counseling for Georgia tobacco users ages 13 and older. Callers speak with tobacco cessation counselors who help to develop a unique quitting plan for each person.
North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health, health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counites, Drug Free Cherokee, Cherokee Focus, and the Cherokee Youth Council encourage Georgians to go tobacco-free during the Great American Smokeout®, and beyond!
FYN’s Valentine’s Day Giveaway on Facebook
Community January 29, 2019
What is your favorite love song?
FYN’s Valentine’s Day Giveaway!
FYN & local businesses have put together a basket to make your Valentine’s Day Special.
Thank you to:
Ellijay’s Hometown Florist- $50 Gift Card & Valentine’s Vase
River Street Tavern- $25 Gift Card
Tea Tree’s Boutique Spa- Aroma Therapy Massage
GTC Mountain Cinemas- 2 Movie Tickets
Carrington Coffee-.$20 Gift Card
To Enter
1. Leave a reply the Facebook post CLICK HERE and answer “What is your favorite love song?”
2. LIKE, SHARE & FOLLOW Facebook.com/Fetch.YourNews
Entries must be in by 2/11/19
The winner will be announced by BKP on GMFTO
On Wed 2/13/19 @ 8:30AM
Weather Summary for 2018
Community, Outdoors January 28, 2019
Weather Summary for 2018
By: Eddie Ayers, County Extension Agent
Back in December and already this year there’s been a lot of talk about how wet it’s been in the last year and while I agree with the comments I’ve been getting, I thought I’d do a little investigating and use facts to report on the weather of 2018. My data is coming from the UGA AEMN area weather stations.
The Automated Environmental Monitoring Network (AEMN) in Georgia was established in 1991 by the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The objective of the AEMN is to collect reliable weather information for agricultural and environmental applications. Each station monitors air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed, wind direction, soil temperature at 2, 4, and 8 inch depths, atmospheric pressure, and soil moisture every 1 second. Data are summarized at 15 minute intervals and at midnight a daily summary is calculated. A microcomputer at the Georgia Experiment Station initiates telephone calls to each station periodically and downloads the recorded data. The data are processed immediately and disseminated via the internet at www.weather.uga.edu.
We are fortunate to have three reporting stations in our area. They are Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay, Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge and the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville. For the purpose of this article, data has been averaged, but you can visit the web site and get more details and up to the minute weather.
Since rain has been the topic of conversation lately, let’s look at that first. In Blairsville, the total rainfall for 2018 was 76.01 inches and there were 164 rainy days. In Blue Ridge, the rainfall was 74.89 inches and 185 rainy days. In Ellijay there was 79.12 inches of rain and 168 rainy days. The average for our area is around 62 inches, but the statistic that stands out is the number of rainy days. During rainy days the plants did not receive good sunlight and that affects plant growth.
In looking at the month of December in 2018 Blairsville received 10.96 inches of rain and 17 rainy days. Blue Ridge received 11.21 inches of rain and 17 rainy days. Ellijay received 10.92 inches of rain and 17 rainy days. This may seem like a lot of rain, but back in 2015 Blairsville got 13.35 inches of rain with 13 rainy days. Blue Ridge got 16.57 inches of rain with 16 rainy days. Ellijay got 16.04 inches of rain with 17 rainy days. 2015 was not that long ago, but it seems we have gotten more rain lately. It might be the number of rainy days that is making us think we are getting more rain that we actually are getting.
As for temperatures the average maximum temperature in Blairsville was 68.53 and the minimum was 47.26. The overall average was 57.23 which is about normal, but the number of days below 32 was 761 which is up from before, but below 2015. In Blue Ridge the average maximum temperature was 68.12 and the minimum was 48.46 and the overall average was 57.59, which is also about normal. The number of days below 32 was 699 which is up from before, but also below 2015. In Ellijay the average maximum temperature was 69.17 and the minimum was 48.81 with an overall average of 58.48 which is about normal. The number of days below 32 was 625 which is above earlier years except for 2015.
In conclusion the UGA weather stations are a great resource for information that provide facts about our weather conditions and now when people ask if it’s ever been this wet, you have the facts to say yes. If you need more information or different facts, visit the website and explore, or contact me in the Gilmer County UGA Extension office.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Organization
After 10-0 start, Panthers season comes to disappointing end
Union County High School February 7, 2018
The Panthers tipped off against North Hall @ 4:30 in the region tournament. The Panthers were looking to secure a playoff spot which a win would do. A loss would be the Panthers would not make the playoffs.
Both teams got off to a slow Q1 as the Panthers led 8-7 after Q1. Baggett led UC scorers with 3 in the first quarter.
The first half was one of the lowest scoring half’s UC had seen all season as they trailed 17-13. The Panthers were led by Drake with 4.
The Panthers grabbed a lead late in Q3 but couldn’t keep it as they trailed 31-30 at the end of the quarter. The Panthers were led by Baggett with 10.
Can. Colwell fouled out with a little over 4:00 left to play in Q4. The Panthers fell to the Trojans 50-42. UC was led by Baggett and Drake whom both had 15.
The Panthers fall to 16-9. The Panthers season is now over. This is only the second team in school history to ever start 10-0. Both teams that started 10-0 lost to Murphy in the 11th game and neither made the playoffs.
Sophomores Drake and Allison were both selected to the 7-AAA all region team which is voted on by the coaches. Cra. Colwell and Baggett were honorable mentions.
Drake led the Panthers with 13.0 points per game followed by Allison with 12.1. Drake did this despite missing 4 games with a knee injury.
Craw. Colwell and Drake both averaged 6 rebounds a game. Followed by Allison with 4.5.
Can. Colwell led the Panthers with assists per game averaging 2.8, followed by Allison with 2.4.
Drake also led the Panthers in steals per game with 2.9 followed by Allison with 2.4
Drake averaged 1.0 block per game followed by Waller with .5.
Panthers Wrestling: Tritt making history
Union County High School February 7, 2018
Isaac Tritt made history last week. With his 4th-place finish at the AAA Sectional wrestling tournament last weekend, Tritt became first person in Union County history to ever advance beyond Area competition. He now has an opportunity to be the first Union County High School student to place at the state tournament.
Tritt started playing soccer when he was only four years old. In the 7th grade, he began wrestling. By his freshman year, he decided to dedicate 100% of his attention to the mat; and as a junior, his commitment is paying off.
Tritt wrestled in the 138-lb class his freshman year, before moving up to the 145-lb class last year. The 7-lb weight gain has given him more strength in the clinch without sacrificing speed in scrambles or shots from outside.
TeamFYNSports asked Tritt how he’s handling the reality that he’s making history, and he said, “It feels great knowing I was able to pave the road to state. The hard work was definitely worth it.”
Tritt said the sport of wrestling has taught him more than just how to throw or pin someone – it’s built character.
“When life gets hard you just have to keep pushing forward, this is something the coaches have instilled in this program,” Tritt told TeamFYNSports in a recent interview.
He said that he’s looking to push the pace of each match at the state tournament, and he is looking to dominate his opponents. Recognizing that the Panthers wrestle in one of the toughest regions/areas in the state of Georgia, Tritt may see some familiar faces as he advances through the tournament this weekend.
TeamFYNSports would like to congratulate the Union County wrestling program and we wish Isaac Tritt all the best this weekend.
Margaret Williamson to challenge David Ralston in Republican Primary
Featured, Politics January 16, 2018
Margaret Williamson announces run for Georgia House of Representatives, District 7.
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The 2018 election is already starting to take shape as challengers emerge announcing bids for candidacy against well-known incumbents. The most recent of these announcements comes from Margaret Williamson who intends to face off against Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston.
Ralston was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002 and represents House District 7, which includes Fannin County, Gilmer County and a portion of Dawson County. Ralston is the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, a position he has held since 2010.
Williamson, who resides in Ellijay, made a statement discussing her decision to run:
“For many years I have been involved in political campaigns, on local, state, and national levels. I have actively participated in legislative issues, in support of or in opposition to, learning all the way. Now I intend to use this experience and acquired knowledge to enter into the process as a candidate.”
Already having begun the process of running for the House District 7 seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, Williamson acknowledged in her statement that she has mailed the “Declaration to Accept Campaign Contributions” form to the Georgia State Transparency & Campaign Finance Committee.
After approval of this form, Williamson’s next step will be to complete the qualifying process held in March of this year. The qualifying will officially make Williamson a candidate in the Republican Primary for Georgia State House Representative, District 7.
Williamson concluded her statement by announcing that she is in the process of creating a Facebook page which will contain her position on various issues.
“This decision is the culmination of months of debate and prayer. Please continue praying for both John and me,” Williamson said. “This is an exciting time for me.”
A General Primary Election for both Republicans and Democrats will take place on May 22, 2018. Voter registration deadline for the Primary Election is April 23.
Winners of the primaries will face off in the General Election to held on Nov. 6, 2018.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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*UPDATED* School Closings Due to Severe Weather Conditions
News September 11, 2017
- Union County Schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th due to Gov. Nathan Deal declaring a state of emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. Please continue to monitor here for further updates.
- Fannin County Schools will be closed for students and all personnel on Monday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 12, for students, as well as all faculty and staff, except for 12-month personnel, district directors, and principals. As long as it is safe to do so, all 12-month personnel, as well as district directors and principals, should anticipate reporting by 9:00 a.m. on September 12. These personnel should note, though, that this expectation may be revised, depending on the weather conditions overnight; nonetheless, if you ever believe it is unsafe to report, please notify your immediate supervisor. In addition, the Board of Education work session meeting that was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, has been cancelled. Please continue to stay safe!
- Pickens County Schools closed Monday, September 11th – TWELVE MONTH EMPLOYEES REPORT AT NORMAL TIME. Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, September 12. Twelve month employees will be contacted late Monday as to whether they will be required to come to work on Tuesday. All school activities, including athletic events and after-school programs, will be canceled.
- Gilmer County Schools will be closed Monday, September 11th and Sepember 12th due to Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds especially at higher elevations, debris, dangerous road conditions and downed power lines left in its wake. Only 12 month staff should report if safe to do so.
- Dawson County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Twelve month employees will operate on a 2 hour delay.
- Lumpkin County Schools closed due to the weather forecast for our area, Lumpkin County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The anticipated high winds pose a significant threat to our students and staff. We understand that weather predictions are not always accurate, but we cannot ignore the potentially dangerous situation that this storm poses. Our number one priority is to keep our students and staff safe! Wednesday will still be a early release day as planned so that teachers will be available for parent conferences. 12 month employees should report if it is safe to do so.
- Towns County Schools closed Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th for all students. All employees should report at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 12th if safe to do so.
- White County Schools due to the severe weather forecast, White County Schools are closed for students and staff Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Please be safe!
- Murray County Schools closed Monday September 11 and Tuesday September 12, due to the possible impact of Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds, debris, dangerous road conditions, and downed power lines. We understand that weather predictions are often incorrect, but the size of this storm cannot be ignored. It is our hope that Murray County is spared from any of this storm’s impact, but we will always choose to error on the side of caution. All events planned for Monday and Tuesday evenings are also cancelled. This includes the September 11 MCPS Board meeting. This meeting will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 14 at 6:15 p.m. All maintenance, grounds crew, and transportation employees will meet at the transportation office.
Collins Bill to Honor Fallen Marine Sent to President’s Desk
Press Release, State & National March 9, 2018
COLLINS BILL TO HONOR FALLEN CLERMONT MARINE SENT TO PRESIDENT’S DESK
WASHINGTON—The Senate last night voted unanimously to pass H.R. 3821, legislation to rename Georgia’s Clermont Post Office in honor of Zack T. Addington. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) introduced the bill this September, and it passed the House in November.
“Lance Corporal Zack Addington represents the selfless courage that’s cultivated in northeast Georgia, and I’m excited to see this bill leave Congress and head to the president’s desk for his signature,” said Collins.
Collins also honored Addington when he spoke about the bill on the House floor.
Background:
Known to his neighbors as Zack, Addington joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967. A native of Clermont, he became a rifleman in the 3rd Marine Division of the Fleet Marine Force and deployed to Vietnam that year. Addington was promoted to Lance Corporal and served his country honorably until he was killed in action in May 1968.
That June, Addington received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon in recognition of his service there.