Panthers get the win over Eagles Landing
Business April 6, 2018
April 5th, The Union County Panthers baseball team hosted Eagles Landing Christian Academy in a non-region game.
Pierson Allison took the mound for the Panthers.
Allison struggled early as 4 of the first 5 batters reached base.
The Chargers scored their first run of the evening as J. Youngblood collected the RBI single.
The Chargers would collect their second run of the evening as Dubose reached after being walked.
UC trailed 2-0 after 1 1/2 innings of play.
The Panthers offense began clicking in the 2nd as Davis drew a 1 out walk. Harkins followed with a double, and both runners were brought in by Ruffs’ 2 out single.
The Panther offense tied the score at 2 after 2 innings of play.
Ruff got things going for the Panthers again in the 4th inning as he reached on a walk. Scott reached with a single advancing Ruff to 3rd and Dyer drew a walk to load the bases. Banton would reach on a 2 out single to bring in 2 Panther runners as UC grabbed the lead 4-2.
The Chargers offense would not score until the 6th inning when Buckley walked and would eventually be driven in by Dubose.
The Panthers would go on to win the game as sophomore Pierson Allison pitched the first complete game of his career as he pitched 7 innings, allowing 3 runs, 2 of which were earned, 5 walks and struck out 1 batter.
The Panthers offense was led by Banton, he went 2-3 with 2 RBI’s.
The Panthers improve to 7-13 and will play at GAC in a doubleheader Friday, April 6th.
The Panthers fall to the visiting Indians 12-1
Business March 16, 2018
Wednesday, March 14, the Panther baseball team hosted the Lumpkin County Indians in their second region game of the season. The Panthers entered the game 5-3 and 0-1 in region 7-AAA.
Cole Davis took the mound for the Panthers in his 5th appearance on the season.
The Panthers jumped out to grab a quick lead as they led 1-0 after the first inning as Daniel collected an RBI driving in Baggett on a single.
The Panthers struggled defensively as the Indians scored 5 runs in the 3rd inning before Davis was relieved by J. Colwell. Davis pitched 3 innings, allowing 6 runs, 2 of which were earned, 5 walks, and striking out 5 batters.
J. Colwell stepped in pitching 2 innings, allowing 4 runs, 3 of which were earned. Colwell allowed 4 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K.
The Panthers struggled to find a groove offensively as they wouldn’t score again outside of the first inning. UC would only reach on a hit one time outside of the first inning.
Allison stepped in to relive Colwell, Allison pitched only 1 inning due to the stoppage of play because of the run rule, Allison allowed 2 runs off of 2 hits and walking 1 batter.
The Panthers fall to the visiting Indians 12-1. UC falls to 5-4 and 0-2 in region play. The Panthers next game will be Friday as they play against the Lumpkin County Indians.
Panthers fought hard but couldn’t hang with the Murphy Bulldogs
Business March 7, 2018
The Panthers faced off against the Murphy Bulldogs in an away non-region game Monday, March 5th. Del Ruff started the game for the Panthers.
Ruff got off to a rocky start as he allowed 2 ER in the first inning. Ruff allowed 2 walks and 3 hits in the first inning.
UC got off to a slow offensive start as 4 of the first 6 batters struck out.
Ruff allowed the first home run of the season as Peterson hit a 2 run shot to left field.
The Panthers trailed 5-0 after 2 innings of play. 
Bagget and Banton drive in runs for the Panthers as they trailed 5-2.
Allison replaced Ruff in the 3rd. Ruff pitched 2 innings; allowing 5 earned runs, 2 hits and 1 walk.
The Bulldogs extend their lead 6-2 scoring on a wild pitch in the 3rd.
The Panthers trailed 6-2 after 3 innings of play.
Allison pitched 1 innings allowing 1 rum and walking 2 batters.
Colwell came in relief for Allison in the 4th. Colwell pitched 2 innings allowing 1 ER before Daniel replaced him in the 7th. Daniel finished the game for the Panthers as UC goes on to lose 7-2. The Panthers fall to 5-2. The next game will be at Cool Ray Field against the West Hall Spartans.
TeamFYNSports Writer Player of the Week: Cole Wright
Player of the Week November 6, 2017
This week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player Of The Week is Quarterback #8 Cole Wright.
The Senior has had an incredible last season with the Union County Panthers and is planning to attend his playing career at West Point with the United States Army! His name was called several times from the press box, however, two times were on account of his touchdowns! Wright rushed for 91 yards and also went 7 for 15 with 138 passing yards!! In order to follow Mr. Wright, you’ll now have to follow on with his collegiate career! Congratulations Cole, we are very proud of you!
Congratulations UCHS Class of 2018
Community, Panther's Corner May 14, 2018
FetchYourNews.com and FYNTV.com would like to send out a special congratulations to the graduating seniors! In honor of your big day, we have created a tribute video to the entire class of 2018! Check out our Facebook page the day after graduation for photos from the entire day.
Congratulations Class of 2018!
School sales tax debate heating up in Union as May 22 primary approaches
Election 2018, News April 24, 2018
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – With the May 22 primary election just weeks away in Union County, the debate over the one-cent Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) referendum is growing.
ESPLOST is a 1 percent countywide sales tax collected to help fund school improvements. Money generated from ESPLOST can be used for capital projects or to retire debt but cannot be used to pay operating expenses and salaries. A new five-year ESPLOST would take effect July 1, 2018, after the current ESPLOST expires June 30.
Two groups with two very different viewpoints on the issue have been busy recently in their attempts to persuade voters. Citizens Against Runaway Education Spending (CARES) opposes the ESPLOST referendum while Citizens for Excellence in Education (CEE) supports the referendum.
According to information provided by CARES, “There is no evidence that the ESPLOST has kept property taxes low, and there is evidence that property taxes and revenue have increased dramatically in the years since the tax has been in place.”
A yard sign, provided by CARES (Citizens Against Runaway Education Spending), urges voters to vote no to the ESPLOST referendum.
CARES cites that since the first ESPLOST in Union County was instituted in 1998, the school millage rate has continued to rise, from 8.5 in 1999 to the current rate of 11.78, which accounts for an increase of 38.6 percent. Regarding enrollment in Union County Schools, CARES states Union has seen a 5.3 percent increase while the nearby counties of Lumpkin, White, Gilmer and Towns have all seen double-digit percentage gains.
Comparing the 1998 school property tax revenue of $5,037,469 to the 2016 revenue of $16,050,563, Union County experienced an increase of 319 percent, according to CARES, which is a substantially higher increase than that of Lumpkin, White, Gilmer and Towns counties.
“This increase in revenue versus school enrollment is excessive when compared to our neighboring counties,” CARES states.
Supporting the new ESPLOST, CEE argues that the tax will bring in a projected $21 million over the next five years to fund a number of proposed school system upgrades and replacements, such as:
- Safety and security upgrades at schools;
- Roof replacements and repairs;
- System-wide kitchen equipment replacement;
- Technology innovation and upgrades;
- Cafeteria renovations and expansion;
- Transportation and maintenance equipment;
- Parking lot and road improvements;
- Athletic facilities renovation; and
- Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) building and shop renovations;
Union County High School Fine Arts Center was constructed debt-free with funds generated from ESPLOST.
According to CEE, a number of projects have been completed without incurring debt using funds from past ESPLOST revenue, including construction of the Fine Arts Center at Union County High School and the Agriscience Center located on U.S. 129 south, safety and security enhancements throughout the school system, the purchase of cameras for all school buses, the purchase of 10 new school buses, classroom and HVAC upgrades at all schools, and technology upgrades throughout the system.
“The Union County Board of Education (BOE) is firmly committed to take on projects that can be fully funded during the five-year collection period,” CEE says. “The BOE did not sell bonds or incur any debt during the current ESPLOST. All projects are done on a ‘pay-as-we-go’ basis.”
However, CARES argues against the need for continued expansion, questions the transparency of educational spending and states that the county itself is not seeing a direct benefit of its investment in the school system.
CARES states, according to its sources, Union County is projected to see only a 4.69 percent increase in school-age (ages 5 to 19) population by 2050 while the 65 and older population is expected to increase by 29.09 percent.
Regarding transparency, CARES states, “The school board is in no way transparent about spending. Specific dollar amounts are very rarely mentioned in meetings. The financial reports are visible only to the board members, numbers are rarely mentioned, hardly any questions, and the vote to approve is always unanimous. Financial reports are only available to the public via Open Records Request.”
Also, CARES claims students suffering from the lack of job opportunities within the county are forced to “either take low-paying, local jobs or move,” and because of this, county taxpayers are not reaping the benefits of educational spending.
To this, CEE says, “The ESPLOST helps keep ad valorem taxes stable. Additionally, the children are not the only ones who benefit from good schools. The social and economic strength of a community are greatly influenced by the school system. High-performing schools mean well-prepared citizens, a strong labor market, and an inviting atmosphere for both living and working. One of the key questions asked by industrial/commercial or residential prospects looking to move into a community is ‘What is the quality of the school system?'”
CEE also states ESPLOST collects from not just property owners but everyone doing business in Union County. “Everyone who shops or stays in Union County pays the sales tax,” CEE states.
According to CEE, it is projected that 36 percent of the ESPLOST will be collected from visitors to the county.
CARES refutes this number saying, “This is an argument used all over the country in order to get these ballot initiatives passed … This is a number impossible to substantiate.”
However, CARES states, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Impact, ESPLOST generated $3,809,047 total in 2015 in Union County and tourists were responsible for 6.7 percent of those total collections.
Of the overall need of the ESPLOST, CEE says, “The school system needs to continue to move forward with facility improvements and equipment replacement. Our older facilities are in need of extensive renovations and upgrades. We have a tremendous need to fund transportation and technology upgrades that are no longer funded in the state allotment. Our citizens have supported education for years and the passage of the ESPLOST extension would be a strong demonstration of continued school support by our community.”
For more information on CARES and the argument against the ESPLOST referendum, visit the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Union-County-CARES-244353912714137/?ref=br_rs.
For more information on CEE and the argument supporting the ESPLOST referendum, visit the link on the Union County Schools website at http://www.ucschools.org/news/what_s_new/ESPLOST_V
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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Union Board of Education discusses strategic planning, hears audit report
News, Panther's Corner April 18, 2018
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Superintendent Dr. John Hill presented a proposal for strategic planning and the Union County Board of Education heard the results of a communication audit at the board’s Tuesday, April 17, meeting.
Last month, the board voted to accept the Georgia Vision Project as a guideline of recommendations and suggestions for school boards to follow in updating strategic plans. During Tuesday’s work session, Hill explained that although some programs within the school district are updated annually, the school system’s charter renewal and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation are updated every five years and both are slated to be renewed in the 2018-19 school year.
Hill proposed to the board to hire the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA) as a third party entity to assist the school system with updating its strategic plan. Hill also stated the use of a third party to help develop a strategic plan will promote increased honest input from the community and the school system’s stakeholders.
After BOE Chairwoman Cynthia Odom asked about future needs inherent of the strategic plan, Hill answered saying, “It will basically provide us a clear five-year road map as to where the (school) system’s going.”
Later, in the regular meeting, the BOE unanimously approved the hiring of GSBA to assist with developing an updated strategic plan for the school system. Neither the terms of the hiring nor the cost were disclosed during the meeting.
Dr. Paula Davenport, federal programs director and student and staff director, presented the board the results of a communication audit recently conducted by the GSBA.
“It’s very important that our school system communicates effectively and that we’re transparent in all that we do,” Davenport stated to the board.
Davenport explained a representative from GSBA recently visited the school system and spoke with parents, students, teachers, school leaders, and focus groups while also examining the school system’s website, social media sites, and various paperwork to determine what the school system is “doing well and maybe some things that (it is) not doing well” in its approach to communication.
Regarding the reasoning for the communication audit, Davenport stated there were four main goals: to better educate the general public, to improve parent engagement, to build morale internally, and to praise achievements within the school system.
The audit, according to Davenport, reported the school system is utilizing social media quite well and especially noted Union County High School’s utilization of social media.
As far as improvements suggested to the school system, the audit stated communication in family engagement could be better incorporated into the school system’s mission statement. The audit also stated the school system’s branding is dated and pointed out inconsistencies in fonts and logos on the school system’s website. Also, the results of the audit suggested providing professional training to teachers and school leaders on communicating with parents of students.
Later in the meeting, several awards and recognitions were made. Millie Owenby, principal of Union County Primary School, presented Librarian Casey Potts with a Going the Extra Mile recognition. Owenby read a list of several responsibilities and tasks Potts has willingly performed and added, “But most importantly, Ms. Casey knows every student’s name in our building and she also knows what their interests are.”
Gwen Stafford, principal of Union County Middle School, recognized the school’s boys soccer team for going undefeated and winning the region championship this past season. Of the team’s accomplishments, Coach Chris Robbins stated, “I couldn’t be more proud of this team right here. Thank you for letting me coach them.”
Josh Davis, Career, Technical and Agriculture Education (CTAE) director of Union County High School (UCHS), recognized welding instructor Derrick Dillinger and four welding students for finishing as runner-up in this year’s Skills USA welding competition.
Gerald Bavero, assistant principal and testing coordinator of UCHS, presented eight advanced placement (AP) educators – April Krieger, Deborah Nichols, Teena Atkins, Greg Chambers, Lynn Deweese, Mark Donahue, Alecia Frizzell, and Katie Scott – with certificates of recognition for the state naming UCHS as a 2018 AP Challenge School.
“The reason our school performs so well is right here,” Superintendent Hill said of the AP instructors.
For this month’s Partners in Education award, Davenport presented three nearby colleges with plaques in appreciation of those institutions’ participation in the dual enrollment program in Union County Schools. According to Davenport, during the 2017-18 school year, 161 Union County high school students participated in at least one dual enrollment course. All told, 529 different courses were taken by Union County students at eight different institutions. Davenport also stated that all tuition fees and costs for textbooks are all waived for dual enrollment students, accounting for a savings of $760,400 to students for this school year alone.
Davenport presented the Partners in Education awards to Dr. Mark Ivester, president of North Georgia Technical College, Dr. Drew Van Horn, president of Young Harris College, and Sandy Ott, campus administrator of University of North Georgia at Blue Ridge.
“We’re so appreciative. I don’t believe that everybody realizes what we have here and the value that Dr. Davenport highlighted – three-quarters of $1,000,000 this year,” Hill stated. “These folks are so helpful, and we appreciate everything you do for our kids.”
Tiffany Setzer, assistant special education director, presented special education instructors Carla Drake and Alicia Meng as the first recipients of the Extra Mile and Service Above Self awards, respectively.
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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The Bulldogs take a bite out of the Panthers
Business April 3, 2018
Monday, April 2nd the Union County Panthers Baseball team hosted the Murphy Bulldogs for the 2nd and final matchup of the season.
Cole Davis took the mound for the Panthers.
Irwin got the Bulldogs started in the top of the second as he hit a solo home run to left field.
Kelley and Baggett were the only baserunners through the second inning as both reached on walks.
Home runs by Curry and Peterson separated the Bulldogs as they led 5-0 after 3 innings of play.
Baggett replaced Davis as he pitched 4 innings allowing 5 runs, 4 of which were earned, 1 walk and striking out 3 batters.
An error and a sacrifice would earn the Bulldogs 2 more runs as they led 7-0 after 5 innings.
Schafer reached on an error to lead off the 6th inning. Kelley drove Schafer in with a 1 out triple to center field.
A difficult 7th inning defensively which contained 1 error and 1 walk gave the Bulldogs extend their lead 11-1.
Baggett reached on a leadoff walk to begin the bottom of the 7th. Baggett would later score on a single by Banton.
The Panthers fall to the Bulldogs 11-2 as they fall to 6-12. The Panthers next game will be Tuesday, April 3rd as they host the GAC Spartans in the first of 3 games.
West Hall Spartans take the win over the Panthers
Business March 12, 2018
The Panthers faced off against the West Hall Spartans in a non-region exhibition game at Coolray Field which is home to the Gwinnett Stripers.
Cole Davis took the mound for the Panthers. Prior to this game Davis had put up exceptional numbers.
The game got underway following the 3:56 PM first pitch. Davis got off to a rocky start as he gave up 5 ER, allowing 5 walks and 3 hits. Davis was off early but recouped after the first inning as he didn’t allow another hit. Davis pitched 3 innings allowing 5 ER, 7BB’s and struck out 3 batters.
Harkins relived Davis in the 4th inning.
The Panther got off to rough offensive start as well as a Panther didn’t reach base until Baggett got a single in the 4fh inning.
Banton came in relief for Harkins to start the 6th as Harkins pitched 2 innings allowing 2 hits, 2 walks and 0 runs.
The Panthers got it going in the 6th offensively led by Kelley with a lead off single. The Panthers would score 3 runs with RBI’s by Banton and Baggett.
UC fell to the Spartans 5-3. In the only matchup of the season. West Hall was led by Mercer University commit Jenkins who pitched 7 innings striking out 13 Panthers batters and only allowing 6 hits with 0 walks.
The Panthers were led by Banton who pitched 2 innings allowing 2 hits and 0 runs. Baggett led the Panthers offensively with a RBI single and a double. Baggett was the only Panther batter to reach base more then once.
The Panthers fall to 5-3. The Panthers next game will be Monday, March 12, at Lumpkin County High School in the first region game of the year.
GAC Took it Home on Homecoming 47-7
UCHS Football September 25, 2017
Union County Panthers vs Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans
Varsity Football
September 22, 2017
Location: Blairsville, GA
With the threat of rain approaching at the start of the Homecoming festivities on Friday night, the atmosphere was slightly sound. Parents, friends and teachers arrived several hours before kickoff to support the court and take pictures. Colorful dresses and flashes of camera lights filled up the Panthers endzone. The guys went on to complete their normal pre-game warmups and prepare for the challenge that was ahead.
Greater Atlanta Christian, also known as GAC is now ranked #1 in the AAA Region 7 standings and #6 in the Georgia AAA Region. GAC’s football program is responsible for producing 3 D1 commits this season alone: CB/RB #2 Kyler McMichael (Clemson), CB/WR #4 Trey Morrison (UNC), DE #74 Chris Hinton (Michigan).
As the clock struck 7:30pm, so did the lightning. The game was delayed for exactly one hour before the matchup could begin. After a series of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, the weather finally subsided and the teams took the field. The UC captains for the game were: #8 Cole Wright, #11 RJ Banton, #14 Riley Barrett, and #62 Del Ruff. GAC won the coin toss but allowed Union to receive the ball first.
Panthers, with an unintentional error, threw an interception at the 33-yd line for the first play of the game. It took GAC all of 45 seconds and 2 plays to score against the Panthers making it 7-0.
In the middle of play, the entire stadium lights went out! WOAH. The only lights that remained on for a duration of 30 minutes were those in the press box and those on the scoreboard. To add humor to the evening, fans began to pull out their phones with their flashlights on and wave them in their air like they were at a concert. It was pretty neat! 
With all of the weather and technical difficulties out of the way for the evening, play resumed.
GAC scored once again with 5:18 left in the first off a 5-yd run up the middle. With a nasty onside kick, the Spartans tricked the Panthers and regained possession at their own 45-yd line. It took the Spartans 17 seconds, a 44-yd pass and a 1-yd rush to score the 3rd touchdown. 21-0 GAC.
Panthers with possession, paw upfield for a 1st and 10 at the 31-yd line. Yet, unfortunately, fumble the ball and do not recover. A few plays later, GAC scores again. 28-0 with 3:22 left in the first.
#17 Pierson Allison had to replace #8 Cole Wright halfway through the 1st due to a foot injury.
Panthers determined to change the score, work their way from the Spartans 20-yd line all the way to their endzone. At the 10-yd line #17 Pierson Allison dances around the backfield and bounces off some Spartans before finding #84 Kyle Morlock on the left hand side!! #36 Brian Smith puts it clean between the posts! 28-7 Spartans with 55 seconds left in the 1st.
GAC went on to score 2 more touchdowns against the Panthers before the end of the half. 41-7 Spartans.
The fans stuck around and were anxiously awaiting the halftime show. Homecoming 2017. Union County does their homecoming slightly different than most schools; each grade has a different number of representatives. Freshman elect 2, Sophomores elect 3, Juniors elect 4, and Seniors elect 5.
The members of the 2017 Homecoming Court are as followed: Freshman: Hannah Todd & Chloe Truex. Sophomore: Megan Bright, Caroline Collins, & Cydney Rich. Junior: Aladriel Arnold, Allison Fair, Maddie Sutton, & Carolyne Stone. Senior: Claudia Ledezma, Hannah Lickey, Jessica Palomo, Emily Rittenhouse, & Baylee Young.
The 2017 Homecoming Queen was awarded to Senior JESSICA PALOMO! The first runner up was awarded to Senior Claudia Ledezma & the second runner up was awarded to Senior Baylee Young. Congratulations ladies!!
The Spartans put up one final touchdown in the 4th quarter, ending the game at 47-7 with the Panthers first loss of the season.
The Panthers look forward to facing East Hall in Gainesville, GA for their second conference game of the season on September 29, 2017 at 7:30PM. The Panthers are now 4-1 overall for the season and 0-1 for Region! We need your support Panther fans!
Also, support the Panthers JV team this Thursday, September 28, 2017 as they face the Dawson County Tigers at home at 5:30PM! The JV Panthers are 2-0 currently!
TEAM STATISTICS
RUSHING – 112 yards PASSING – 46 yards
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Panthers: #24 C. Buzzard 20-27; #8 C. Wright 4-15; #17 P. Allison 2-13; #15 C. Dockery 3-5 Total: 46 Rushing Yards
PASSING — Panthers: #17 P. Allison 14/20, 112; #8 C. Wright 0-3 Total: 112 Passing Yards
RECEIVING — Panthers: #20 C. Rich 5-29; #4 K. Hemphill 3-24; #84 K. Morlock 2-20 (1 TD); #2 C. Schafer 2-14; #21 S. Drake 1-14; #22 A. Pattee 1-11
TACKLES — Panthers: #2 C. Schafer 5; #11 R. Banton 4; #17 P. Allison 3; #34 B. Nelson 3; #14 R. Barrett 2; #53 M. Beise 2; #74 N. Ledford 2; #7 A. Scott 2, etc.
Panthers hosted the Vikings in the first of a three-game series on Senior Night
Business April 18, 2018
Tuesday, April 17th the Union County Panther Baseball team hosted the East Hall Vikings in the first of a three-game series. This game would also be Senior Night.
Davis took the mound for the Panthers.
The Vikings got on the board early as they scored 1 run in the first inning.
The Panther offense got going in the bottom of the second as Ruff reached with a leadoff single. Baggett followed with a single and Davis reached with a walk to load the bases. Kelley reaches with a hit by pitch to walk home a run. Scott bunted Baggett home. Harkins reached on a double to drive in 2 runs.
The Panthers led 3-1 after 2 innings.
Davis was relieved by Colwell after struggling opening the 3rd inning. Davis allowed a total of 6 earned runs, allowing 4 walks, and struck out 2 batters.
Colwell entered with runners on first and second with no outs. Colwell would allow 2 runs, although only 1 of which was earned.
The Panthers trailed 8-6 after 4 innings.
Colwell pitched 2 innings and struck out 3 batters.
Freshman Swartz relieved Colwell pitching 2 innings and allowing 1 hit. Swartz struck out 2 batters.
Daniel stepped in to keep the Vikings off the board as UC would try to attempt a comeback.
Daniel pitched 1 inning allowing 0 baserunners and striking out 2 batters.
Banton led things off in the comeback attempt as he reached on a single. Rich followed with a double to drive in Banton as they trailed 7-6. Baggett reached on a single. Davis bunted to advance Baggett to put both runners in scoring position. However, the Vikings would come out victorious as they struck out the next 2 Panther batters.
Offensively Harkins led the Panthers with 2 hits and 4 RBI’s.
The Panthers fall to 8-18 and 1-15 in region 7-AAA. The Panthers next game will Wednesday, April 18th as they will travel to East Hall in the second game of the series.
Panthers fall to the Spartans in the first game of the series
Business April 4, 2018
The Union County Panthers baseball team hosted the Greater Atlanta Christian Academy Spartans in the first of three region games.
Cayden Rich took the mound for the Panthers.
Pryor was the first Spartan baserunner as he reached with a 2 out double.
The Spartans scored the first run of the inning with a two-out double as they would lead 1-0 after 2 innings.
Daniel was the first Panther batter to reach of the evening with a leadoff single to begin the bottom of the second.
With 1 out in the 3rd inning, Rich walked the first two batters. 2 singles and a sacrifice fly would score 3 runs for the Spartans as they led 4-1 after 2 and a half of innings.
Rich led the inning off with a single before later scoring on a fielders choice. Schafer followed with a walk and was later drove in by Banton.
The Panthers trailed 4-2 after 3 innings.
The Spartans scored runs a single, 2 doubles, and a triple would extend the Spartans lead 10-2.
Rich pitched 3 1/3 innings allowing 7 runs, 4 of which were earned, and 2 walks before being relieved by Harkins.
A 1 out single by Harkins drove in 2 Panther runs as the Panthers trailed 10-4 after 5 innings.
The Panthers fall to the Spartans in the first game of the series 10-4. The Panthers fall to 6-13 and 1-9 in region 7-AAA.
Harkins led the Panthers with 2 hits and 2 RBI’s.
Harkins pitched 3 2/3 innings allowing 3 earned runs and 2 walks.
The Panthers next game will be Thursday, April 5th against Eagles Landing Christian Academy. The first pitch is expected for 5:00.
The third time was not a charm for the Panthers
Business April 2, 2018
Friday, March 30th the Panther’s Baseball team hosted the North Hall Trojans for the 3rd and final matchup of the season. The Panthers fell in both previous meetings by scores of 14-1 and 3-2.
Senior RJ Banton took the mound for the Panthers.
Both teams failed to score with runners in scoring position during the first as the game remained tied at 0. 
The Trojans scored their first run of the evening as a walked runner scored on a 2 out double to gain the lead 1-0 after 2 innings.
Banton faces trouble in the 3rd inning as he walked 3 batters before being relieved by Daniel. The Panthers trailed 2-0 after 3 as Banton pitched 2 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs, 4 walks, and striking out 2 batters.
The Panthers offense scored its first run of the evening as Dyer got things started with a leadoff single. Dyer would later score on fielders choice as the Panthers trailed 2-1 after 3 innings.
Daniel struggled early as Wiley led the inning off for the Trojans with a single, followed by 2 walks before the Panthers could get the first out of the inning.
The Trojans scored 1 run to extend the lead 3-1 as Olson collect an RBI.
A rough 5th innings for the Panthers defensively would set them behind 8-1 as Daniel would be relieved after 2 innings allowing 5 earned runs and 5 walks.
Colwell relieved Daniel, however, Colwell seemed to fall into the same pitching struggle as Daniel as he allowed 2 earned runs and 4 walks in 1 1/3 inning.
Rich stepped in to close the game for the Panthers as Rich pitched 1 inning allowing only 1 hit.
The Panthers were led by Banton, he went 2-4 with a double. Banton was followed by Ruff whom went 1-3 and drove in the lone run for the Panthers.
The Trojans went on complete the 3 game sweep of the Panthers as UC falls 9-1.
The Panthers fall to 6-11 and 1-8 in region 7-AAA.
The Panthers next game will be Monday, April 2nd against the Murphy Bulldogs at 5:00 PM.
Union Baseball Team faced North Hall for the second time this season
Business March 29, 2018
The Union County Baseball Team faced North Hall for the second time this season on March 28th. The Panthers fell to Trojans in the previous meeting 14-1.
The Panthers looked to snap back from the previous outing as senior Cole Davis took the mound in his 7th appearance of the season. C. Clark took the mound for the Trojans.
The Trojans got off to a quick start as Davis allowed 5 of the first 7 batters reach base. Clark led the inning with a double, an error by 3rd basemen Rich helped NH score their second run of the evening.
After the first inning, it would remain scoreless until the 5th inning. Everett started things for the Panthers as he reached on a one-out single. Everett was followed by Scott; Scott reached on a walk. A 2 out single by Dyer scores both Everett and Scott’s pinch runner Schafer. Dyer was caught stealing to end the inning.
Davis was replaced to being the 5th inning as he allowed a leadoff single. Davis pitched 4 innings allowing 2 runs, 1 earned run, 5 hits, 4 walks, and struck out 1 batter.
The Trojans would go on to drive in the leadoff runner on 2 sacrifice attempts to regain the lead 3-2.
The Panthers fall to the Trojans for the second time this season 3-2, UC falls to 7-10 and 2-7 in region 7-AAA. The Panthers will host the Trojans for the final game of the series Friday, March 30th.
Banton puts the game away with a strikeout
Business March 5, 2018
The Panthers hosted the White County Warriors, Friday, March 1st in a non-region matchup. The Panthers entered with a 4-1 record. The first pitch was at 6:32.
Ean Harkins took the mound for the Panthers for his first start of the season and his 3rd appearance of the season. Harkins pitched well early as he pitched 4 shutout innings.
The Panthers got off to a quick start as they scored 2 runs in the bottom of the second due to RBI singles by Schafer and Davis to grab an early lead.
A pair of RBI’s extended the Panther lead in the 3rd inning by Kelley and Davis gave the Panthers a 4-0 lead to end the 3rd.
Colwell took over in the 5th as Hakrins left 2 on base with no outs. A rocky start for Colwell tied the game at 4 due to a couple singles and an Error by UC.
Davis yet again added to his RBI total by grabbing a 2 run double extend the Panther lead. UC uses a solid inning to extend the lead 9-4 through 5.
Banton replaces Colwell after 1 2/3 innings as Colwell allows 2 hits and a walk. Colwell allowed 4 runs 3 of which were earned.
Banton puts the game away with a strikeout as runners threatened on 2nd and 3rd. As the Panthers go on to win 9-6.
Davis led the Panthers with a career high 4 RBI’S, Scott followed with a 2 RBI single in his only at bat.
Harkins led the defensive force with 4IP, 2 ER, and 4 K’s. Banton followed with 1 2/3 innings 2 BB’s and 2 K’s.
The Panthers improve to 5-1. The next matchup will by Monday, March 5th @ Murphy NC in a non region matchup. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:00.
Rayfield presents school security and safety update
News February 21, 2018
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – During the Union County Board of Education (BOE) work session Tuesday, Feb. 20, Dr. Fred Rayfield, superintendent for Union County Schools, delivered an update on school security and safety procedures in the wake of the recent school shooting in Florida.
Rayfield stated there are three non-negotiable duties for which all employees of Union County Schools are responsible: teach students, protect students and act ethically and professionally.
The superintendent clarified that all security and safety plans and protocols for Union County Schools have been approved by the state and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), and Union County has been used as a model for other north Georgia school systems to follow.
Dr. Fred Rayfield, superintendent of Union County Schools, updates the Board of Education on school safety and security policies and measures Tuesday, Feb. 20.
“Every aspect is reviewed annually,” Rayfield said of the school system’s security and safety policies. “Safety enhancements and additions are an ongoing priority.”
Currently, according to Rayfield, Union County Schools employ three school resource officers (SROs) from the Union County Sheriff’s Office as well as two security officers and one security guard who mans the guard shack at Union County High School.
Additionally, other system-wide safety features include a required picture ID for all school system employees, security cameras inside and outside of facilities, security cameras on buses, thorough visitor sign-in processes, secure “buzz-through” main entry points at facilities, 24/7 monitoring of electronic threats and messages on social media and other online outlets, and on-site panic buttons.
Rayfield explained the school system has spent over $715,000 over the last five years on these and other safety enhancements for schools, which averages to $271 a student spent for safety and security measures.
“I can assure you,” Rayfield told the audience at the meeting, “that there are some things in place here that make me feel very good about where we’re at with security and that we’re making progress toward getting better … I believe that we do everything that we can to protect kids no matter what the situation, and I applaud the (BOE) for appropriating the resources over the last three to five years .”
Following Rayfield’s presentation, BOE member Janna Akins stated, “I think it’s hard to fathom that we’ve got kindergartners that we should be concerned about in these kind of situations, but that’s just the times that we live in now. This information was very helpful, and I appreciate the board and the school system’s approach of not just having a reactionary plan but an ongoing plan to make (safety) a priority.”
Also during the work session, Courtney Waller, school nutrition program director, presented a slight revision to the school system’s wellness policy. Waller explained the policy, according to federal mandates, must be reassessed every three years
According to Waller, the revision would change the wording from “all food and beverages made available on campus during the school day shall be consistent with the minimum requirements of federal law” to “all food and beverages available for purchase …”
Later, in the regular meeting, as the board was about to approve the revision, Rayfield explained this proposed revision must remain tabled for 30 days before final approval can be made to change the policy.
In the regular meeting, Superintendent Rayfield awarded two presentations with the first being an art student recognition awarded to second-grader Emma Taylor. Taylor’s design was selected for use on the Union County School System Christmas card in 2017. “Thank you for a beautiful piece of artwork,” Rayfield told Taylor.
Next, Rayfield presented representatives from Union General Hospital – Lewis Kelley, chief executive officer, Michael Gay, chief operating officer, and Leslie Daniel, administrative liason – with a Partner in Education award.
“They do a tremendous amount of work throughout the school system to provide lots of services for our students and employees,” Rayfield said of the hospital’s partnership with Union County Schools, “and we’re just absolutely excited to recognize Union General Hospital as our community partner for this month.”
In other business, the BOE unanimously approved, as submitted, all principals’ quarterly reports, the monthly financial reports, fiscal year 2018 budget amendments, and personnel recommendations.
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