Union County GA Archives

UPDATE: Missing Appalachian Trail Hiker Found Safe

News, Police & Government November 19, 2019 , by Lauren Souther

UPDATE: Appalachian Trail hiker was found on Tuesday, Nov 19. and taken to receive medical treatment.

Previous story

UNION COUNTY, GA – On Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, a hiker reported finding an abandoned backpack on the Appalachian Trail. It belonged to Shane Michael Dixon, 24, of St. Petersburg, Fl, who has yet to be found.

Union County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department have actively been searching the trail. They located his belongings, but so far no sitings of Dixon.

The backpack was discovered, close to Gooch Gap and Suches, GA. It’s just three miles off Georgia Hwy. 60, located in the Southeastern end of the county.

Other hikers saw Dixon around 2:15 p.m. on Monday near Cooper Gap, not far from where the bag was found. They stated that Dixon seemed fatigued and wasn’t carrying any supplies, such as water, food, or camping equipment. He took a bottle of water from the hikers, then set off toward Unicoi State Park.

The state park is 30 miles away from Dixon’s last known location.

Heading into the second night, Dixon’s exposure to the elements could affect his survival. Last night the Appalachian Trail recorded near-freezing temperatures, and according to reports, Dixon lacks any survival gear.

If you have seen or know Dixon’s whereabouts, please call 911 as soon as possible. If you find Dixon, please provide any assistance you can, then call the authorities.

Union County Schools closed Wednesday, Jan. 17

Announcements January 16, 2018 , by Mark E. Smith

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Due to inclement weather, Union County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 17. At approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday, snow was observed in Blairsville and the northern part of Union County. Several places on Pat Colwell Road and Hwy. 325 were very slick, and Hedgecock Road was almost impassible because of ice. It is likely several roads in the county will become impassible overnight if the National Weather Service prediction of below zero wind chill temperatures occur.

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Blairsville GA Union County GA Union County Schools GA

Union County Schools, government offices closed Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 for inclement weather

News January 8, 2018 , by Mark E. Smith

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Union County Schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, because of the possibility of freezing rain and sleet.

Governor Nathan Deal has declared non-essential government offices closed in the state of Georgia; therefore, the Union County Courthouse and other non-essential government offices in Union County will be closed on Monday per the Union County Fire/Rescue Facebook page.

Along with the recent extreme low temperatures in Union County that brought in the new year, humidity has dropped causing the area to dry up. The resulting dryness in the area has significantly increased fire danger. Use extreme caution when burning trash, dumping fireplace coals, and the like.

National Weather Service warning.

FetchYourNews.com will keep updates posted as they appear.

Blairsville GA Union County GA Union County Schools GA

William J. Federer Presentation at Tea Party Meeting an Eye-opener

News October 27, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Lt. Col. David Bores (USA Ret.) (L), William J. Federer (R)

Blairsville, GA – William J. Federer, noted historian, author of over twenty books, and authority on Islam, spoke at the October Meeting of the Union Towns County Tea Party on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 at the Union County Community Center Ballroom in Blairsville.

Federer gave a highly researched, fact-filled Power Point presentation on the history of Islam from its inception to present day. It was a revelation to many, to say the least, to see a presentation based on historical fact, rather than political posturing and rhetoric. Over a hundred people attended the event. Federer had an entire table filled with his books and DVDs, mostly on the subject of history: Islamic history, American history, European history, and Biblical history.

Among those in the audience was Lt. Col. David Bores (USA Ret.), Director of Intelligence for The Defender Group.

Anyone not able to attend the event can get more information at Federer’s Web site, AmericanMinute.com.
One of his many books, “What Every American Needs to Know About the Qur’an – A History of Islam & The United States”, was most interesting.

Federer received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his presentation. It is refreshing to hear truth for a change.

Union County GA

Sorghum Festival Attracts Thousands

Featured October 27, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Blairsville, GA – Over a period of two weekends, Oct. 14 & 15, and Oct. 21 & 22, the Sorghum Festival, held at Meeks Park in Union County, GA, just west of Blairsville, attracted thousands of people from as far away as California and Arizona. According to Sorghum Festival Treasurer Kim Bridges, over 10,000 people visited the Sorghum Festival this year. She said Saturday Oct. 14 was a record day for visitors.

Several bands played music throughout the four days of the Festival. There was abundant food, children’s games and arts and crafts of all sorts to entice customers. Not only did visitors come from all over the country; so did vendors and craftsmen.

The weather held for the duration of the event… just. The last day of the Festival was mostly clear and topped out at a temperature of about 70 degrees F (21 C). The next day there was over 1 1/2 inches of rain (3.81 cm).

Bridges said the purpose of the Festival is to raise money for several local causes, both yearly and one-off. Money raised from ticket sales and vendor fees, after expenses, goes to fund the Ball Scholarship at Union County High School (UCHS) as well as individual UCHS scholarships; donations to Union County Family Connection; the purchase of firewood for families that need it during the winter months in Union County; the care of needy families in Union County, the purchase of candy for kids to bring when visiting local nursing homes for Halloween and donations to other civic groups that service the Blairsville/Union County community.

The Sorghum Festival is a really fun time for both children and adults. See ya’ there next year!

Blairsville GA Union County GA

Dan Fisher’s Presentation of “Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment” Excellent, Superb, What Americans Need to Embrace!

Featured September 23, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Pastor Dan Fisher in full costume

Actual Revolutionary War muskets

Blairsville, GA – On Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, Pastor Dan Fisher and his wife Pam traveled to Blairsville, GA to stage a presentation of their “Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment” production.

Fisher began presenting his highly acclaimed “Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment” program in 2008. Over the years, the presentation has developed into full-blown stage production. Fisher, in full period costume, uses a combination of multi-media and actual relics from America’s War of Independence to challenge today’s church, especially pastors, to stand for liberty as the 18th century church did. Fisher’s presentation tells the inspiring story of the Patriot Pastors (The Black Robed Regiment) who preached the biblical principles of liberty and government from their pulpits and, when the time came, led the men of their congregations to the battlefield to defend those principles in the American War for Independence.

Pastor Dan Fisher and wife, Pam

Fisher served two terms in the Oklahoma Legislature as a state representative (2012 -2016) while continuing as senior pastor (23 years) of the (thousand-member) Trinity Baptist Church in Yukon, OK, and, while continuing to make presentations of “Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment” nationally. Fisher now pastors the Liberty Church in Yukon, OK; a church he helped to start after stepping down from Trinity Baptist. In 2015, Fisher made the decision not to pursue a third term in the OK Legislature so he could devote more time to his ministry.

Fisher has produced both a book and a 91 minute conventional DVD or Blueray disc for those who are not able to see the actual presentation. These can be purchased through the Website: www.TheResonanceMovement.com.

“Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment” is a presentation of true American history. This is not some Hollywood production of twisted, recycled history with some sinister agenda. It is not the drivel put out by Common Core. This is a true story of how America came into being; and a warning that if we and our churches fail to stand as our founding generation did, then we stand to lose it all.

L to R: Pastor Dan Fisher, Union County Sheriff Mack Mason, Dr. Dan Eichenbaum

Genuine Revolutionary War relics

Dr. Dan Eichenbaum of Murphy, NC was instrumental in contacting and bringing the Fishers to this part of the country. The Blairsville presentation on Thursday evening was sponsored by Joshua’s Warriors.

Union County GA

Irma Churning in the Atlantic: Affecting North Georgia, Union County, Blairsville

News September 7, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Blairsville, GA – Hurricane Irma, touted as the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, is churning away causing untold damage as it skirts the north side of the Greater Antilles heading for the southern tip of Florida. All indications are, at this time, that Irma will directly impact South Florida. This is giving rise to a mass exodus of Floridians to the north.

Some of those Floridians are headed to North Georgia; and Blairsville, Union County is one of the destinations. FetchYourNews.com Union County reporter Mark Smith spoke with several Blairsville/Union County officials, the Union County Chamber of Commerce (UCCC), Murphy USA (Wal-Mart gas station), and a few local businesses.

UCCC Director of Tourism Tobie Chandler said she has asked local short-stay accommodation providers for updates, but, she said, it’s too soon for a response. Chandler did say that the UCCC has experienced an approximate 20 per cent increase in phone inquiries for local pet-friendly accommodations. The Comfort Inn and the Best Western Milton Inn, both in Blairsville, indicated a moderate increase in reservations. The facility manager at Cabins at Highlands Falls said their pet-friendly accommodations are booked solid through September 12th.

Lauren Walker, manager of Trackrock Stables, said she is slashing their overnight stall rental fees by fifty per cent from $20 to $10/night and that Florida is waving health certificates; which means that they will have to carefully inspect all animals coming in.

Kaye McCann, Blairsville City Clerk, said her office has not experienced any impact so far.

Captain Doug Lloyd of the UCSO said that, oddly, the only thing he is aware of regarding the impact of Irma in Union County is that Florida residents/home owners here in Blairsville have cleared the Blairsville Home Depot out of all water, gas cans and electric generators; presumably to take back to Florida. Smith called both Home Depot and Ace Hardware of Blairsville and they confirmed that people from Florida are buying up all of the water, gas cans and generators. Home Depot was sold out of all three items and Ace was out of gas cans and had only two generators left in stock at the time of this writing.

Smith attempted to contact Murphy USA regarding the availability and price of gasoline, but was not allowed contact with anyone willing to talk on that subject. Their customer service rep transferred Smith to an answering machine that actually said: “Please wait for the operator. Oops, no operator is available”, then prompted him to leave a message… which was never returned.

As of this writing, according to CBS46.com, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for 30 Georgia counties near the coast and has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all areas east of I-95, all of Chatham County and some areas west of I-95.

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

Featured Photo: The category 5 storm slammed into the Caribbean on Wednesday Photo credit: Reuters

Blairsville GA Union County GA

Another Huge turnout in Blairsville for Concealed Carry Class

Community, News July 12, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

UCSO Deputy Billy Purcell

Blairsville, GA – About three hundred people attended the Blairsville Concealed Carry Class on Monday, July 10, 2017. It is put on by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The class was held at the Pat Haralson Memorial Civic Center. The class lasted well over an hour and was taught by UCSO Deputy Billy Purcell. Union County Sheriff Mack Mason has been a proponent of these classes since he took office in January 2013.

Union County GA Union County Sheriff's office

Union County Board of Education approves Hill to succeed Dr. Rayfield, ESPLOST Resolution

News January 18, 2018 , by Mark E. Smith

Dr. Fred Rayfield

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – The Union County Board of Education (UCBOE) convened for their January workshop and meeting at the Board of Education (BOE) building on Jan. 16, 2018, at 6 p.m. All board members were present as was Union County School (UCS) Superintendent Dr. Fred Rayfield.

John Hill

BOE Chairwoman Cynthia Odom addressed the board describing the search process implemented since Rayfield’s retirement was announced in November 2017. Odom said, out of several qualified candidates considered, John Hill, who is already familiar with the intricacies of the Union County School System, was considered by all involved to be the best choice. Odom asked for a motion to approve Hill to succeed Rayfield as UCS superintendent on July 1, 2018. The motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved.

Cory Kirby

Immediately following the approved motion, Hill’s Superintendent Employment Contract was approved and signed by Hill and each board member.

Cory Kirby, of Harben, Hartley and Hawkins, legal counsel for UCS, addressed the board regarding the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) resolution and ballot question. Kirby reviewed the parameters of ESPLOST V, which had already been discussed and agreed upon by the board. Kirby recited the parameters: five-year term, $21 million cap, and project itemization as discussed in the November 2017 BOE meeting of only maintenance, upgrades and upkeep tasks to keep UCS a smooth running, state-of-the-art facility. Ten more new buses over the next five years were also listed as a result of the past deficiency over the last 10 to 15 years in keeping the bus fleet up to date. Along with the resolution to put the continuation of the 1 percent sales and use tax (ESPLOST) in Union County on the May 2018 ballot was the question of whether to include language authorizing the board to approve the issuance of up to $13.5 million in bonds in the event of a dire emergency or catastrophe. Rayfield recommended the resolution with the ballot question as submitted. A motion made to approve the ESPLOST resolution as submitted was unanimously approved.

Dr. Rayfield, left, and Timothy Jennings.

Larry Garrett, left, and Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris.

Partner in Education awards were presented to Union County and to the Union County Co-Op Extension. Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris and Union County Manager Larry Garrett accepted the Award for Union County. Timothy Jennings accepted the Award for the Union County Co-Op Extension, which is part of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environment.

Due to what Rayfield referred to as the “Trifecta of Events”, that is, an eclipse, a hurricane and a winter storm, which kept students out of school for more days than planned for, he recommended that the 2017-2018 school calendar be revised to make Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, a make-up day to get back on track. The superintendent also recommended that the board accept the 2018-2019 school calendar as submitted, which allows for the maximum number of weather days. Rayfield said next year’s calendar is very similar to that of this year. The board unanimously approved both recommendations.

Rayfield recommended that the board approve the November 2017 financial report. The board unanimously approved the report.

Megan Hayes’ petition for early graduation, submitted by Casey Jones and signed off on by Rayfield and Hill, was unanimously approved.

An alternate board training date of Jan. 30, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. was unanimously approved.

Blairsville GA John Hill Union County Board of Education Union County GA

Butternut Creek Arts and Crafts Festival in Blairsville another raving success

Festivals, News July 17, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Blairsville, GA – The 2017 Butternut Creek Arts and Crafts Festival held at Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA this past weekend, July 15 & 16, was, again, wildly successful. The Festival, nestled by Butternut Creek and presented by High Country Artisans, Inc. of Blairsville, was maxed out with 49 vendors taking up 81 spaces plus dulcimer players, live entertainment and food. Lindsey Beth Harper, Gabe Myers and Jim Wood entertained folks on Saturday; Wyatt Espalin and the Country River Band on Sunday. Admittedly, it was warm, some would even say hot; but what else would you expect in Georgia in July? Other than a very light sprinkle on Saturday afternoon, the weather cooperated nicely.

Blairsville’s own Tim Hamilton playing the steel guitar with the Country River Band.

The artists came from Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida and featured everything from various wooden merchandises to jewelry to knick-knacks, yard art, and birdhouses to photography and various framed and unframed art to metal pieces of all types and pottery… and that’s by no means an exhaustive list.

FYN spoke with Helena Grossmann of High Country Artisans, Inc. who said it was estimated that over 10,000 people came through the gates at Meeks Park on Saturday and Sunday. She also said that all the money raised at the Festival, mainly from vendors, goes to Union County Schools to help with the cost of art supplies for the students.

Meeks Park traffic control was provided by the Union County Fire Department and highway traffic control was provided by the Union County Road Department. Shuttle service was provided by First Methodist Church of Blairsville. And, of course, the Meeks Park staff did a great job of keeping the Festival clean and running smoothly.

The Butternut Creek Festival will be held on July 21 & 22 next year (2018), so mark your calendars now.

Blairsville GA Union County GA

Union County Commissioner Lamar Paris announces acquisition of property for recreational use

News May 19, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris shows map of new land acquisition

Blairsville, GA – Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris announced in his May Commissioner’s Meeting on May 18, 2017 that an Option Agreement between Union County and the Estate of Leon Davenport, Sydney Vandiver, Laurie Shelnut and Kenneth C. Chambers for a 90-day option had been executed to purchase the property located in Land Lot 269, 9th District, 1st Section of Union County. The cost of the option was $500. The parcel of land is 13.080 acres and runs generally north to south bordering the east side of Blairsville Farmer’s Market property which Union County already owns. The price of the land is $678,500; which is $51,873 per acre. Paris said he anticipates closing on the property in the next 45 days. He said the acquisition of this property is a boon for the citizens on Union County as it will enable the County to further expand its recreational capabilities. He expressed a heartfelt thank you to the Davenport Family for working with Union County in this matter; he said the original asking price was about $1.2M. The Davenport Family is excited for Union County to be able to utilize this property, he said.

Paris said work on the reconstruction of the Hunter-England House, the oldest house in the County and on the Farmer’s Market property, was going very well. He estimated it to be about 75 per cent complete at the time of this meeting, if you don’t count the chimney.

Work on the old Blairsville Graveyard, he said, is coming along well. He said that about two years ago it was established that there were 104 unmarked graves plus the 60-70 marked graves. He said that five of those graves are those of Confederate Veterans and that the Sons of Confederate Veterans had been instrumental in helping with the revamping of the old cemetery. “We owe it to those that came before us to at least take care of their graves”, he said.

Butternut Golf Course is getting a new irrigation system, said Paris. He said the cost will be in the $600-750K range. He said the old system, after over thirty years, finally gave out. It’s a big expense, he said, but a necessary one.

Paris said that the developers of Hidden Harbor out on Hwy 129 donated two acres of land (near the entrance) to Union County and the County bought another acre. He said a fire and rescue station is planned for that property and possibly a recycling center. He said preliminary grading might get started this year for that project.

Paris said that he, County Manager Larry Garrett and Magistrate Judge Cary Cox went to Washington D.C. earlier in the week and witnessed the Military Service and burial for Leon Davenport. He said the event was “indescribable”; that he didn’t think a President could have been treated any better. He said the three of them were as touched by the event as any three people could be. He said they marched with a group of about 35 people behind the caisson for about a third of a mile until they reached the burial site. It was something he said he’d never forget.

Paris approved the Business Licenses of MLFD, LLC, located at 58 Hawk Dr.; Premier Mountain Rentals, located at 670 Arrowood Landing and Cabins at Critter Crossing, located at 27 Critter Crossing.

Union County Resident Pat Thibodeaux, during public comment, asked Paris when the Union County Jail would get some attention. She said that she had toured the jail and that there were inmates sleeping in makeshift beds on the floor and others that had to be transported to surrounding county jails. Paris responded that the County Jail had been built by the previous Commissioner. He said that it had been built too small in the first place and that he had been compelled to sink $600-800K just into grading around it to keep it from sliding off the hill shortly after he took office. He said that he had replaced all the heating and AC units about four years ago. He said he had given the Sheriff’s Office the go-ahead to fix anything that breaks down. Normally, he said, overcrowding only happens for short periods of time. He said it is less expensive to house inmates at remote facilities than it would be to build a new facility. Paris said: “If they’re not having a good time over there, I don’t care. I want it to be rough on them”. He said where he draws the line is if the Deputies are not safe. That, he said, can’t happen. But, he said, he would not allow inmates, who caused problems for Union County citizens, to detract from County projects that benefit Union County citizens.

A video of the entire Meeting can be viewed here.

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris Union County GA

This Week’s Events in Union County April 2, 2018

Business, Community April 2, 2018 , by FYNTV Producer

Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce

www.VisitBlairsvilleGa.com

706-745-5789

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APPLY NOW

GOOD MONDAY MORNING FROM THE BLAIRSVILLE-UNION COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!

We’d like to thank you for making us a part of your weekly routine! You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the Blairsville-Union County’s Weekly Events Newsletter.

Get up, go out, enjoy what this beautiful community has to offer, and have an AMAZING week!

April 2, 2018

Monday

9:10am – ICL: SPRING BIRDING by Tom Striker, 6 Sessions, Monday, April 2 – May 14, NO CLASS on April 23, 9:10 am – 11:10 am

10am – Garden Volunteer Orientation

12pm – Blairsville Kiwanis Club Weekly Meeting

1pm – Knitter’s Knitch Class

3pm – Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Union General Orthopedics & Blue Ridge Orthopedics

3:15pm – ICL: SPRING WILDFLOWER RAMBLES by SPRING WILDFLOWER RAMBLES by Elaine Delcuze, 8 sessions, Monday, April 2 – May21, 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm

6pm – Alzheimer’s Support Group

7pm – How To Write Short Fiction

April 3, 2018

Tuesday

8am – Tri-State Business Women Weekly Meeting

10:10am – ICL: FOLK MUSIC by David Vowell, 4 Sessions, Tuesday, April 3 – 24, 10:10 am – 12:10 pm

11am – Ribbon Cutting for Farmers Daughters

1:10pm – ICL: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA & BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY by Stephan Banakas, 6 Sessions, Tuesday, April 3 – May 8, 1:10 pm – 3:10 pm

3:15pm – IC:L: ZELL MILLER by Bob Short, 6 Sessions, Tuesday, April 3 – May 8, 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm

5:15pm – Girl Scouts Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes

April 4, 2018

Wednesday

11:30am – Tri-County Women’s Connection Luncheon & Program

12:30pm – Cancer Support Group

1pm – Knitter’s Knitch Class

6pm – BINGO

April 5, 2018

Thursday

10am – ICL: PHYSICAL AND MENTAL OPTIMIZATION by Ron Westfall, 4 Sessions, Thursday, April 5 – 26, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

12pm – NAMI Family Support Group

12pm – Ribbon Cutting and Open House For Cruise Planners

5pm – Shop Late Thursday – Downtown Blairsville!

6pm – Everyday Essential Oils Class

April 6, 2018

Friday

10:30am – Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference

April 7, 2018

Saturday

8am – Enotah CASA Everyday Heroes Run

9am – UGH Relay for Life 5K

9am – YOGA WITH BRENT GLIDDEN

9:30am – Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference

10am – This Week in Blairsville

10:30am – Animal Health Forum

1pm – Knitter’s Knitch Class

3pm – Cruise In to the Union County Farmers Market

April 8, 2018

Sunday

10am – This Week in Blairsville

10:30am – Animal Health Forum

2pm – PFLAG Blairsville Support Group

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2018 Blairsville Blairsville GA Chamber of Commerce Union County GA Weekly events

Paris adopts fiscal year 2018 proposed budget

News December 22, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris convened the December commissioner’s meeting Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at 6 p.m. following the 2018 Budget hearing, which commenced at 5 p.m. at the Union County Court House. Laura Driscol, Union County Finance Director, was available at both the budget hearing and the commissioner’s meeting for questions. No comments were made at the budget hearing. Paris adopted the proposed budget at the commissioner’s meeting with Resolution R-2017-17.



FY 2018 PROPOSED BUDGET



EXPENDITURES
Administration	487,270	SPECIAL REVENUE FUND
Building Maintenance	835,609	Revenues	1,384,353
Elections	161,197	Expenditures	1,384,353
Inspection	234,767
Law	20,000	CAPITAL PROJECT FUND
Tax Commissioner	327,033	Revenues	7,840,200
Tax Assessor	332,479	Expenditures	7,840,200
Risk Management	240,000
Internal Audit	50,000	ENTERPRISE FUND REVENUES
Gen. Government Bldgs and Plant	293,014	Revenues	2,663,535
Judicial Administration	3,500	Expenditures	2,663,535
Superior Court	122,500
Clerk of Superior Court	280,098	DEBT SERVICE
District Attorney	97,011	Revenues	1,464,150
Magistrate Court	193,590	Expenditures	1,464,150
Probate Court	234,873
Juvenile Court	184,500
Grand Jury	1,200
Public Defender	85,000
Sheriff	2,743,644
Jail	1,622,332
SRO	162,153
Animal Control	154,972
Coroner	33,282
Ambulance	300,000
Fire	1,148,800
Highways and Streets	1,229,389
Solid Waste and Recycling	62,200
Maintenance and Shop	134,698
Health	152,386
Welfare	25,000
Senior Citizens Center	171,491
Community Center	59,420
City of Blairsville/ UGH	135,000
Transportation Services	84,640	REVENUES
Drug Court	1,000	Taxes	10,853,319
Culture/Recreation Administration	47,100	Sales tax	3,310,000
Library	263,500	Licenses and Permits	312,100
Conservation Administration	77,833	Charges for Services	244,900
Development Authority	170,000	Intergovernmental Revenues	551,173
Agricultural Resources	46,514	Fines and Forfeitures	513,000
Forest Resources	5,355	Investment Income	38,000
Engineering Planning & Land Use	148,242	Contributions and Donations	5,000
Economic Development	52,000	Miscellaneous	726,600
Operating Transfers to Other Funds	3,400,000	Other Financing Sources	60,500
TOTAL EXPENDITURES	16,614,592	TOTAL REVENUES	16,614,592

The commissioner adopted Resolution R-2017-15 authorizing the filing of an application with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the United States Department of Transportation for a grant for public transportation assistance under Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Laws. He said the grant has historically paid for 40 to 45 percent of the cost of the Union County Transit System.

Resolution R-2017-16 was approved by Paris authorizing participation in the ACCG – Interlocal Risk Management Agency (IRMA) Supplemental Medical, Accident and Disability Fund for the purpose of providing coverage, by state law as of Jan. 1, 2018, for those risks imposed upon the county. This resolution, he said, authorizes him to sign a participation agreement with ACCG Insurance for the company to provide cancer insurance for all full-time and volunteer firefighters in Union County. The agreement, which Paris approved, between ACCG-IRMA and Union County for the county’s participation in the Firefighter’s Cancer Benefit Program will cost $12,225 per year.

Paris approved a notice to proceed for Stahlman-England Irrigation, Inc. to commence work in accordance with a contract dated Nov. 16, 2017, on Nov. 27, 2017. The work shall be completed on or before April 30, 2018.

A contract between Union County and Correctional Resource Group, a restaurant management and development firm located in McDonough, Georgia, to provide meals at the Union County Jail was approved by Paris. The contract meal price is guaranteed through Dec. 31, 2018. There is no increase in the meal price over last year. Paris said meals ran under $2 per unit.

The commissioner approved an amendment to the health services agreement between Union County and CorrectHealth Union, LLC to be effective Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2018. The contract price remains the same as last year at $12,279.84 per month. CorrectHealth Union, LLC manages the medical needs of inmates at the Union County Jail.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Paris approved a Business License for Rock Ridge Retreat, a cabin rental business located at 89 Flat Rock Ridge Road, Blairsville, Georgia. This is the only type of license issued in Union County, he said, for the purpose of collecting the hotel/motel tax.

In his commissioner’s comments, Paris remarked that the county made it through the first winter snow with a minimum of hardship and only one automobile accident with serious injuries. Paris also made mention of the retirement of the old courthouse video camera that uses VHS tapes and its replacement, a new digital video camera.

A question was raised regarding the cost to people who use the county transportation system. Paris responded that there had been no complaints about it, but if there were people who were financially strapped to use the system, they would need to contact Jenifer Queen at the Commissioner’s Office to see if some concession could be found. Queen said the fee to anyone who uses the system is $3 for the first mile and $0.25 per mile after that and that because state and federal funding is involved, the rules are very strict.

Another question was raised regarding the economic development of Union County, specifically, if any incentives were being offered to attract business to this area. Paris responded that it is still early in the recovery and nothing was being offered at this time. However, he said, Advanced Digital Cable is expanding their facility at the Industrial Park, doubling their square footage, so they can double their production. Also, he said, Advanced Corrugated Replacement will likely expand in the next year.

Blairsville GA Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris Union County GA

29th Annual 6 Gap Century Bike Ride Toughest in SE

Featured September 27, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Neel Gap Rest Stop

Heading over Blood Mtn.

Blairsville, GA – The Annual 6 Gap Century/3 Gap Fifty/Valley Bike Ride that starts and ends in Dahlonega, GA and passes through a lot of Union County, GA, where all of the high mountain passes (gaps) are, has just passed through its 29th year. The weather was exceptional this year compared to the last couple of years; it was a bit foggy at 7 a.m. when the 6 Gap riders left Dahlonega, but the sun burned through it quickly and by 9 a.m. the course sported t-shirt temperatures.

Joy from Jacksonville, FL

In past years the event has started on a Saturday with the Criterium Bicycle Race and Six Gap Expo. But, because of Hurricane Irma, which caused a couple hundred Florida bicyclers (at least) not to make it here; and, spun up a lot of damage in North Georgia as well, which caused delays in scheduled road work, the Saturday festivities had to be cancelled. Still, a total of 1,793 registered riders (usually 2,000-2,300) hit the course early Sunday morning. People from all over the country came for this test of skills and endurance.

Bobby from Nebraska

Lisa & Gilberto from Orlando, FL

The 6 Gap Ride spans 104 miles and ranges in elevation from about 1,400’ to 3,460’. The 3 Gap Ride spans 58 miles and ranges in elevation up to 3,364’. The Valley Ride spans 34.9 miles and ranges in elevation up to 2,926’.

Thanks to these guys for being there.

Average ‘middle of the road’ bike: $4,000

This Bike Ride is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a serious event, as is evidenced by the mishaps this year: two broken collar bones, one rider knocked unconscious and one clipped by a car, plus the usual scrapes and bruises. All the riders are OK now, though. This is why there are ham radio operators all along the routes (cell phone dead spots everywhere), ambulance crews standing by, two medical tents staffed by medical professionals, rest stops offering food and hydration, mobile technical support crews and, best of all for some, shuttles for those who want a vehicle ride back to Dahlonega.

The winners of the ‘King of the Mountain’ (KOM) Challenge were:

6 Gap Century:
• Male, 34 and under: Jim Snitzer, 24, Atlanta, GA, course time 5:03:13.9
• Female, 34 and under: Kourtney Compton, 26, Longmont, CO, course time 7:53;25.0
• Male, 35-54: Amos Harvey, 37, Cumming, GA, course time 5:09:34.2
• Female, 35-54: Aimee Vasse, 39, Duneden, FL, course time 5:24:29.3
• Male, 55-98: Michael Adams, 60, Tampa, FL, course time 6:33:30.0
• Female, 55-98: Debbie Phelps, 55, Rockledge, FL, course time 6:31:39.6

3 Gap Fifty:
• Male, 34 and under: Thomas Freckmann, 27, Woodstock, GA, course time: 3:17:21.7
• Female, 34 and under: Jessica Knight, 31, Atlanta, GA, course time 3:54:57.6
• Male, 35-54: Tracy Saine, 45, Dahlonega, GA, course time 3:20:40.5
• Female, 35-54: Konnie Linenberg, 38, Atlanta, GA, course time 3:22:10.7
• Male, 55-98: Glenn Schneider, 60, Lake Worth, FL, course tome 3:08:51.2
• Female, 55-98: Sarah Carothers, 58, Sylvia, NC, course time 4:57:37.5

The video was taken at Neels Gap, 25 miles into ‘The Ride’:

The 6 Gap/3 Gap/Valley Ride, Criterium Bike Race and Bike Expo are presented by the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau – 706-864-3711 or 800-231-5543.

Union County GA

UPDATE: Irma Turns West; UCS Closed Tuesday; Watch Jose

News September 11, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Blairsville, GA – On the 16th Anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Irma weakens to a tropical storm and is moving west while Hurricane Jose dances around in the Atlantic, but is projected to head towards the US East Coast.

Union County Schools will be closed on Tuesday, but will reopen on Wednesday.

A tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Union County. The current projection for Irma’s effect on Blairsville/Union County is wind gusts of up to 47 mph and 2.0 inches of rainfall. The heaviest impacts from Irma for Union County will occur between afternoon/evening Monday through Tuesday morning.

Featured image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

Blairsville GA Hurricane Irma Union County GA

GA Gubernatorial Candidate Michael Williams Addresses Union County Tea Party at Blairsville

News, Politics August 23, 2017 , by Mark E. Smith

Blairsville, GA – GA State Senator Michael Williams, one of twenty contenders for the Office of Governor of the Great State of Georgia, spoke at the Union-Towns County Tea Party Meeting in Blairsville on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.

Central to Senator Williams’ remarks is the fact, he said, that the present Administration is one of status quo; and the status quo in Georgia is crony capitalism. And that, he said, does nothing to alleviate the hardships and difficulties of Main Street; nor the legal road blocks manufactured by a go-along-to-get -along Legislature, experienced by Georgia’s small business community. Williams also said the financial statements he’s seen in connection with some government projects would be grounds for incarcerating the management of a private business. He said, in his estimation, about a billion dollars a year disappears into a government abyss that no one can explain. As Governor, he said, he will put a stop to all of that. And that, he said, could lead to lowering, maybe even abolishing, the Georgia state income tax.

Georgia State Senator Steve Gooch and Union County Sheriff Mack Mason were present at the meeting.

Sheriff Mack Mason

Sen. Steve Gooch (L) Sen. Michael Williams (R)

Williams said he was a CPA, then a small business owner before he became a Georgia State Senator. He said the difficulties he was faced with as a small business owner were what prompted him to enter into politics. He said he won his first bid for office in 2014 in a landslide victory against a long-time incumbent. He also said he was the first Georgia elected official to support Donald Trump for President in 2015.

Williams is happily married and has four children that he is very proud of.

Blairsville GA Union County GA

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