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Union County hopes to vaccinate 1,000 in one day

Community January 22, 2021 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Friday marked the first mass COVID-19 vaccination event for Union County, judging from the full schedule, one could label it a success.

The department of public health (DPH) controls who is eligible to receive the vaccine and individuals must sign up through the DPH website – more specifically the District 2 website. However, as of Thursday, the appointments were at full capacity and existing stock is committed as the second dose for other patients.

People signing in to receive vaccines. Photo courtesy of Paris.

The state left it up to local health departments to administer the vaccines to people, which can be difficult in a small county. The people eligible to receive the vaccine greatly outnumber the nurses and DPH only allows a certain number of vaccines to each county. DPH is bringing on extra employees to help meet demand as well.

“They’re trying to do all the retirement villages, nursing homes, everything…most of our public safety personnel have already been given the opportunity to get their shot. Now that they’ve opened it up to 65 years and older, we’ve realized it’s going to take months and months to get these shots out at the rate they’re going,” Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris explained.

The COVID-19 vaccination set up inside the sports center. Photos courtesy of Union County EMA.

Fire Chief and EMA Director David Dyer and the local health department created the mass vaccination event at the new sports center.

“We’re experimenting with the logistics of making it all work,” Paris said. “We’ll have six or eight more that are going to be certified [to give shots.]”

The mass vaccination began at 8 a.m. and lasted until 8 p.m. 50 volunteers participated to help make the event a success.

“We can’t tell you when you’re going to be able to get the shot. We’re just going to the Gainesville office and saying give us as many shots as you can.”

The county has set up a link on their website to schedule an appointment for the vaccination event. They started with 150 shots on Monday and grew to 1,000 shots by Thursday.

“The way COVID-19 is spreading throughout the county…There’s no rhyme or reason to who gets it and who doesn’t,” Paris added, “It’s a serious thing, and we take it serious here at the county.”

Union County hopes to hold more mass vaccination events in the future for residents who want the shot – potentially for four consecutive weeks. However, continued vaccination events depend upon DPH sending additional medicine.

The rotary club, county employees, recreation department staff, EMA, and local health department staff all played vital roles in hosting the clinic.

Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 1/4 – 1/10

Arrest Reports, Police & Government January 11, 2021 , by Staff Admin

Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office with images. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for FetchYourNews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on FetchYourNews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Arrest Reports arrested Blairsville criminal Drugs GA Hiawassee Sheriff union county

Union County 2021 operating budget adopted

News December 28, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The 2021 operating budget for Union County was officially set in a called meeting on December 28, 2020.

The total budget for $21,748,780 which was an 11.7 increase from 2020. In a public hearing, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris cited several reasons for the rising budget including state cuts, property reevaluation, potential gun range costs, COVID-19 expenses, and other various expenses.

Paris thanked his staff, finance director Laura Driskell, purchasing director Pam Hawkins, and county manager Larry Garrett for working to create a streamlined budget.

The 2021 budget incorporated a property tax hike of 17 percent on the county side – a 6.8 percent increase overall. The previous year’s budget fell short of making ends meet by almost $1 million so a property tax increase was necessary. However, the ongoing property reevaluation could drop taxes next year.

SPLOST collections skyrocketed in 2020 and several SPLOST projects are planned in 2021 using the last four months of SPLOST 4 collections and eight months of SPLOST 5. The projects are as follows:

Jail Roof replacement
View Grill expansion
Courthouse HVAC – 2 large roof top units’ replacement
Meeks Park new restroom facility
New convenience center for trash and recycling on north end of county
Future jail property (second half of payment)
Sheriff’s Office vehicles
Road work and paving
City of Blairsville projects
New pumper engine/fire truck
Road department dump truck and other equipment and vehicles
Balls fields complex in front of Farmers Market
Senior Center upgrades/addition
SAFE shelter upgrades/addition
Suches Community Center floor replacement

For a more detailed breakdown of the 2021 operating budget, read this article.

2021 budget SPLOST union county

Christmas Eve Snow blankets Union County

Community December 25, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Beginning on Christmas Eve, the snow continued on-and-off throughout the night leaving a magical, still Christmas morning for north Georgia.

Estimates are between one and two inches of snow in Union County. According to the National Weather Service, there’s a 20 percent chance of snow showers on Christmas Day after 2 p.m.

As for the rest of the day: “Partly sunny, with a high near 26. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.”

Drivers are asked to use “strong caution” as black ice, iced roads, and slippery road conditions are possible. According to Commissioner Lamar Paris, the road department couldn’t scrap the frozen roads overnight and the “roads are a mess.” He advised people stay home unless “you have to assist Santa.” He hoped sunlight would help to melt some of the snow and ice, but temperatures are remaining below freezing.

Blairsville roads before sunrise. Image courtesy of Commissioner Lamar Paris.

GDOT is working on clearing state roads.

Some lost power last night for over an hour because of broken trees and tree limbs that fell because of the snowstorm.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook, “The roads are very slick, and some are still impassable. Please stay off the roads and spend this white Christmas with your families.”

Please enjoy the snow, your family, and exercise extreme caution if venturing outside. If you have any snow pictures, send them over!

Christmas Eve Christmas Snow union county

Paris presents 2021 budget, set to adopt Monday

News December 27, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

2021 budget Union Commissioner Lamar Paris COVID-19

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In a public hearing for the 2021 budget, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris presented the $21,748,780 budget. It will be adopted on December 28 at 4:30 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse.

The budget featured an 11.7 percent increase from 2020, which was $19,462,648. The reasons for the increases included three percent pay raise to county employees (+$440,000), property reevaluation (+$380,000), county’s potential share of gun range expenses (+$500,000), state cutting budgets (+$70,000), health care costs (+$100,000), vehicle and equipment repairs (+$20,000), repairs and maintenance (+$22,000), vehicle purchases (+$40,000), retirement plan matching (+$36,000), LMIG grants (-$104,000), operating costs for the new sports center, and COVID-19 expenses.

The county had to raise financing for the library, health department, court system, and other partially state-funded organizations because the state cut budgets by 15 percent.

The $500,000 budgeted for the gun range could decrease depending on the outcome of the project. DNR listed exacting specifications to receive aid.

copy of the 2021 budget

Several departments and offices experienced a budget escalation from 2020 with a few decreasing such as elections and health. The three percent employee raise and accounting for state budget cuts account for some of the increases.

“Every year our department heads and elected officials submit their budget requests to our office. We go through all the numbers and items compared to previous years budgets and actual expenditures and cut anywhere possible to get our total budget as low as we reasonably can. However, this is a difficult task because all our county offices and departments do an outstanding job each and every year to be practical and responsible with our budgets.” Paris stated.

County revenues grew in 2020 as well. SPLOST collections well outpaced previous years with November reaching $528,176.50.

The millage rate was set in the summer and increased to 7.361 mills. The overall increase will be 6.8 percent on the school property taxes are factored in. A homestead property with a market value of $100,000 will see a $46.25 tax hike. A non-homestead property valued at $200,000 will experience a $97.26 tax increase.

For years, Paris kept the millage rates low to save property owners money, but the county found it necessary to raise the millage rate this year to replenish the fund balance and cover operating expenses. According to the commissioner, if the counties maintained previous millage rates, Union County’s new rate would still rank in the lowest 10 percent in Georgia.

“Property tax revenue in 2020 was short almost $1 million dollars,” Paris explained.

The tax increase generated $1,629,229.

He also addressed the need to raise salaries for the sheriff’s office, jail, 911 dispatch to keep employees in the county. Paris thanked Sheriff Mack Mason for trying to keep costs low.

A state-required county property reevaluation is currently underway, so the millage rate could drop next year. The cost of the reevaluation is $380,000.

2021 budget budget union county

Christmas events in the Mountains

Community November 27, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The Christmas season is officially beginning in North Georgia, and Union County has several events to keep the family busy throughout December.

Starting on December 1 the Tour of Trees officially begins on December 1 and runs until December 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the past over 40 trees and wreaths have decorated the Union County Community Center. The Tour of Trees is free to the public. Also, on December 5, children can enjoy breakfast and pictures with Santa Christmas Train at the Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas on the Square is also taking place on the evening of Saturday, December 5. A night-time caroling is scheduled for 6 p.m. The event also promises photos with Santa, a Christmas Market, and kid activities.

Southern Tree Plantation is ready to help the public find their perfect Christmas Trees with Pictures with Santa on Friday, November 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, November 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 2: p.m. The December dates are yet to be announced.

7M Family Farms will host its first annual Nightly Lights even from November 28 to January 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also, it’s first annual Christmas Festival will be on December 12 from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 7M Family Farms has invited 30 local arts and crafts vendors and Santa Claus for pictures. Candy Cane Lane will be a walk-thru light display. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

Blairsville Holiday Stop and Shop will be open from Friday, November 4, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Union County Civic Center. Over 50 vendors will be on hand.

St. Luke’s Anglican Church Fourteenth Annual Christmas Bazaar will be held on December 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church’s open-air pavilion and social hall. The event will allow people to socially distance while they shop. Shoppers will find many traditional handmade gifts, a raffle for His and Her Garden themed gift, a Christmas Bazaar Sampler Basket, a silent auction, and baked goods. The proceeds of the event go toward North Georgia charities.

Vogel State Park Annual Tree Lighting will take place on December 12 at 5:00 p.m. Parking opens at 4:00 p.m. This year the program will take place from the “comfort of your vehicle” and park access will be restricted once they reach capacity.

Alpaca Holidays Open House will begin on December 26 and ends on December 29 at Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm. The interactive tour is great for kids with tours beginning at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. Please go online to make a reservation. The tour is free.

For those looking for more holiday fun, Mountain Country Christmas in Lights started November 26 and runs through December 26 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Ga. It’s open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. The event is an immersive light show with Christmas music, arts and crafts vendors, food, hot chocolate, and pictures with Santa. Those under 12 are free and 12 and older must pay $6.

Blairsville Christmas events Santa Tour of Trees union county

Record turnout overwhelmingly votes Trump in Union County

News November 4, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County had zero contested local elections, but citizens still turned out in record numbers for state and federal races.

Overall, Union County overwhelmingly chose President Donald Trump with 12,638 votes (81.29 percent) compared to former Vice President Joe Biden who received 2,801 votes (18.02 percent). Libertarian Jo Jorgensen received 108 votes (0.69 percent). 15,547 Union citizens voted for president. Approximately 19,201 people are registered to vote in Union County.

The voter turnout breaks down as follows:

8,242 – advance votes
3,556 – absentee mail-in votes
3, 749 – election day votes

On down the ballot, Senator David Perdue earned 12,410 votes (80.77 percent), challenger Jon Ossoff received 2,616 (17.03 percent), and Libertarian Shane Hazel received 339 votes (2.21 percent).

In the special senate election, Union County stuck with their former Ninth District Representative Doug Collins, who earned 8,092 (52.72 percent). Every county in the Ninth District went for Collins, but he didn’t have the votes to overcome incumbent Senator Kelly Loeffler’s lead and conceded to her around 10 p.m. on election night. In Union, Loeffler received 3,945 votes (25.50 percent) and Democrat challenger Raphael Warnock earned 1,904 votes (12.40 percent).

As for the new Ninth District House Representative, Andrew Clyde (R) received 12,496 votes (82.54 percent) to Devin Pandy (D)’s 2,643 votes (17.46 percent).

Precinct voter turnout in Union County.

Incumbent State Senator District 51 Steve Gooch (R) easily retained his seat, and in Union, Gooch earned 12,130 votes (80.59 percent) and challenger June Krise (D) received 2,922 (19.41 percent).

The Georgia General Assembly House of Representatives District Eight seat went to Stan Gunter (R). Union County voters turned out for Gunter and cast 12,644 votes (83.28 percent) in his favor. His opponent Dave Cooper (D) received 2,538 votes (16.72 percent).

Public Service Commissioner District One Jason Shaw (I) earned the majority of the vote in Union County as did District 4 Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald.

All results are unofficial until certified by the Secretary of State.

election 2020. Presidential Election union county

Union County lowers tax increase to 17 percent

News, Press Release September 2, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In a called meeting, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris approved dropping the tax increase from 19.98 percent to 17 percent.

“After hearing from constituents at the three public hearings, Union County has decided to reduce the proposed property tax increase to 17%. The school portion of your bill is about two-thirds of the total tax bill meaning that even with the increase from the county, your actual out of pocket property tax increase should only be about 5.8% of your total property tax bill,” Paris explained.

Millage Rate Resolution

The county side of the millage rate is now set at 7.178 mills, not the 7.361 mills that was approved in the August 27 called meeting.

The commissioner also detailed all the reasons behind the proposed increase.

“We have mostly been in the top three lowest mil rates in Georgia out of 159 counties since I have been in office. In trying to help the public with low taxes and provide the best facilities and services possible, this very low rate is just not sustainable any longer.
Increase of salaries for Sheriff and Jail deputies in order to maintain staff and not lose them to other counties.
In order to keep property taxes low, we have had to utilize the reserve funds to help balance the budget and need to replenish them.
Our medical insurance rates have increased each year with 2018 increasing $750,000 which we are still trying to make up for and are going up $100,000 next year.
We are being required to have all property reevaluated in the county by next year and the cost is $380,000.
Our commitment to a new gun range that has been in the works for nearly 5 years will be approximately $500,000 and it is too late to change. Thanks to the sheriff, 75% will be paid by grant funding.
The State of Georgia has cut its budget 15% which is estimated to impact the county library, drug court, health dept by approximately $70,000.
Vehicle maintenance and equipment repairs are up $40,000.
Paving (LMIG Funds) from the State DOT will be decreased $104,000.
While the county is being reimbursed for some of the COVID-19 funds, we have no idea what our cost and expense will be in 2021. We are just holding our breath with the huge amount of new infection we are now experiencing in the county and not sure what the future holds.

Thanks for your understanding as we are all working very hard to keep our budget as low as possible and we will all continue that process. Thank you!!”

The board of education maintained it’s millage rate at 11.74 mills, which was lower than the rollback rate.

17 percent lower tax increase millage rate proposed tax increase Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris tax increase union county

Union County Panthers offense gets hot against Lumpkin Co.

Team FYN Sports, TeamFYNSports September 1, 2020 , by Jake West

The Union County Panthers (5-1, 0-0) were able to come away with a victory on Monday night in Lumpkin County (5-6, 3-1).

The Union County Panthers got things going early in the first inning as Trinity Queen singled on a fly ball to right field that drove in Emily Byers and C. Potts.

In the second inning, Potts also singled on a fly ball to right that drove in a run for the Panthers. The Lumpkin County Indians tried to fight back in the second, scoring a run on a G. Jones single, but the Indians would not be able to cross the plate for the rest of the game.

Union County notched four runs in the seventh inning. Emily Byers, Caley Davis, and Tori Tracey were able to power the big inning with RBI’s.

Sierra Burnette was credited with the victory for the Union County Panthers. She only surrendered one run on three hits over six and two-thirds innings, while striking out seven and walking zero. Byers threw one-third of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Natalie Shubert started the game for the Lumpkin County Indians, as she went all seven inning and giving up eleven runs on twelve hits and striking out two.

Lexi Sisum saw the ball well last night for the Panthers, as she was able to hit a home run in the fifth inning.

The Panthers tallied twelve hits, as Trinity Queen, Hannah Patton each racked up multiple hits. The Panthers also stole six bases in the game as two players stole more than one base.

The Panthers did not commit one single error in the game. Hannah Patton was a perfect seven for seven in the field.

uchs union county Union County Softball Union Softball

Financial strain reason behind 19.98 percent tax increase

News August 21, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – On Thursday, August 20, Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris held two of three public hearings concerning a proposed property tax increase. In each meeting, the commissioner echoed the necessity to raise taxes to combat rising costs and maintain services.

**EDIT*** After the three public hearings, Commissioner Paris decided to lower the tax increase from 19.98 percent to 17 percent. This article was published a week prior to the final hearing.

Each hearing took place in a packed, socially distanced courtroom with a total of roughly 50 uneasy citizens looking for answers about the sudden increase to their taxes.

“I have dedicated the past 20 years to making Union County a place we can all be proud to call home,” Commissioner Paris stated, “Very few times have I had to increase the property taxes. It gives me a sick pain to my stomach, and I had rather do anything than raise property taxes.”

The proposed increase is necessary to balance the county budget in 2021. Previously, Paris has striven to keep Union County’s millage rate one of the lowest in the state.

“We’ve been just about straight flat for four or five years, and now we’ve got this blip to try to catch up. I’ve tried to keep your taxes so low for so long that I’ve really overdone it,” Paris stated.

The county-portion of millage rate will increase by 1.226 mills or 19.98 percent over the rollback rate. A tax rate of one mill represents a tax liability of one dollar per $1,000 of assessed value.

2020 Notice of Property Tax Increase

The entire millage rate includes rates set by county and board of education. In Union County, the board of education makes up two-thirds of the complete rate, and the county is just one-third. The board of education has announced intentions to maintain the same rate as last year. As a result, Union County citizens should see an approximate increase of 6.8 percent to their yearly property tax bill in September.

The proposed tax increase for a year for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $46.25. The proposed tax increase for a year for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $200,000 is roughly $97.36. For example, if a person had a tax bill of $900 with the increase, it would go up to $961, in other words, around $2.60 a day.

The state of Georgia calculates taxes the following way:

“How to Figure Tax: The assessed value (40 percent of the fair market value) of a house worth $100,000 is $40,000. In a county where the millage rate is 25 mills, the property tax on that house would be $1,000; $25 for every $1,000 of assessed value or $25 multiplied by 40 is $1,000.”

With the proposed increase, the millage rate will be 7.361 mills. Without the tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 6.135 mills. As it stands, it no other Georgia counties raise their rates, Union County will move from the third lowest to the 11th lowest in the state.

The millage rate in 2006 was 6.65. The overall increase since then was .7 mills, and it was the highest rate in Union County until now. It has fluctuated up and down in that time.

The 10 a.m. meeting lasted over an hour and a half.

Union County does try to keep property taxes equally allocated between salaries and operating expenses at an almost 50/50 ratio. However, the property tax revenue for 2020 was short, nearly $1 million due to increased costs and state budget cuts.

2020 Current Tax Digest and 5 Year History

In the past, property values increased enough to pay the extra funds needed to cover county expenses. The county is in the middle of a property reassessment, which might put the county in a position to lower the millage rate in 2021. Once homes and real estate receive new appraised values, it should improve the budget digest. Additionally, the revaluation won’t necessarily result in property values increase. Some will receive at a higher reassessment, and others won’t.

“The problem: By working so hard over the past four years to keep our taxes as some of the five lowest [in Georgia’s in 159 counties,] I have strained our budget. At the same time, the prices of almost everything we use has increased. The state of Georgia cut budgets last year, and this year, in most cases, by 15 percent. The cuts mean the county will have to pick up several of those increases,” Paris explained to the crowded courtroom.

Impact to the Budget

Areas of county government and services that will be impacted by state budget cuts are the library, health department, and court system. These departments cost around $70,000 for the county to run. The full impact of the state budget cuts remains unclear.

The state also cut the road department’s local maintenance and improvement grant (LMIG), which goes toward road improvements by $104,000. The county also has to budget for a 20 percent match to receive this grant.

To help everyone understand how property taxes are levied, appraised, and collect, a short video from ACCG played to the audience.

Without the proposed increase, the county would have to let go of 35 employees. Currently, a total of 160 employees work for the county.

Paris added that they need “this cushion to fall back on in 2021,” and operating budgets will undergo cuts in every area possible.

Additionally, employees’ medical insurance continues to sky-rocket. The sheriff office, including deputies and jailers, have received pay increases to keep the staff in Union County. The pay increases must be kept competitive with other counties in the area. However, Paris praised Sheriff Mack Mason for keeping expenses down in other areas, such as jail board fees.

Areas of increased expenses in 2020

Health care costs – up by $100,000 (two years ago up by $700,000*)
Vehicle and equipment repairs – up by $20,000
Repairs and maintenance – up by $22,000
Property and vehicle insurance – up by $25,000
Vehicle purchases – up by $40,000

*The $700,000 increase in health insurance from two years ago marked the start of some financial issues.

Another expense the county must budget for is the new gun range going up on Hwy. 180. The proposed cost is around $2 million. However, if built to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) specifications, the government organization should reimburse the county, up to 75 percent.

Turnout for the 5 p.m. public hearing, which was followed by the 6 p.m. county meeting.

Perhaps, one of the biggest reasons for the property tax increase is to replenish and protect the fund balance. Currently, Union County has one and a half months in reserves. GASB directs counties to keep two to five months of operating expenses in reserves.

“I am very sorry; we simply have no choice. If we let our reserve funds get any lower, it will negatively impact our county credit rating. [It] could create real problems, in the future, if emergency funds were ever needed to be borrowed,” Paris added.

During the public hearing, several concerned citizens raised questions about the recent purchases of the Hill Property for a little less than $750,000 and the Old Shoe Factory for $800,000.

Commissioner Paris explained that the Old Shoe Factory was purchased using SPLOST funds, and the county previously budgeted for the Hill Property. Neither, according to Paris, was a factor in the property tax increase.

At the end of the day, the county continues to be in good financial health, but it must take measures in 2020 to maintain it’s good standing for future generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISN62XSTfkc

19.98 percent increase 6.8 percent increase county government millage rate proposed tax increase public hearing Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris tax increase union county

Union County receives clean 2019 financial audit

News July 21, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County received an unmodified opinion on its 2019 financial audit and reported that annual revenues were up by five percent.

Clay Pilgrim from Rushton and Company presented the 2019 findings during the July Union Commission meeting. Nothing cam to his attention to cause concern about the financial health of the county.

Rushton and Company did recommend a 2019 budget adjustment from $17,040,000 to $18,405,000. Later in the meeting, Commissioner Lamar Paris approved the adjustment through a resolution.

“I want to thank the commissioner, Laura and her finance team, all the department heads, and elected officials here in the county. They made this audit process go smoothly,” Pilgrim stated.

The net position for county increased $1,617,139 because of the increases in property taxes and sales taxes and decreases in expenses.

Net investment in capital assets, such as buildings, land, and equipment, was $42,709,452. The restricted net position was $6,286,113, which included SPLOST funds yet to be spent. Unrestricted net position was $2,917,324. The total net position came to $51,912,889.

Net position comparing the 2019 financial audit to the previous years.

In the general fund, or operating fund, revenues increased $842,998 or five percent and expenditures decreased $396,136 or 2.3 percent.

Revenue Increases

Property taxes – $525,314
LOST – $379,983
Insurance premium taxes – $95,816
Building permits – $94,477

Intergovernmental revenues decreased by $188,080. Several areas experienced expenditure reductions as well for various reasons. Risk management dropped because insurance claims were down for the year. Sheriff and jail went up in personal services but decreased in capital outlay or purchases of assets. SRO dropped because the Board of Education created an internal police force.

Expenditures Reductions

General administration – $107,003
Risk management – $106,227
Sheriff and jail operations – $141,627
SRO – $112,481
Health department – $167,1555

Breakdown of the 2019 general fund.

Highway and road department increased $203,984 in 2019 because of personal services such as salary increases and asset purchases.

The unassigned fund balance for 2019 was $1,805,929. These funds have no set classification and could technically be used for any purpose.

Union spent funds from three separate SPLOSTS in 2019 – 2009, 2015, and 2021 SPLOST. The 2009 SPLOST closed out.

https://youtu.be/bJABMF0Jokc?t=157

2019 audit budget adjustment financial audit union county

Update: Union 242 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 7 deaths

Health, News April 1, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

UPDATE: August 6 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 242 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). Deaths for Union went up to seven.

DPH updated their reporting to showcase current hotspot and case growth over a 14-day period. In the course of two weeks, Union County saw 91 new COVID-19 cases.

41 residents have been hospitalized with the virus at some point. DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

Details released about the four deaths are the following: A 78-year-old, white male with unknown medical conditions, a 70-year-old, white female with underlying conditions, an 85-year-old, white male with underlying conditions an 86-year-old, white male with underlying conditions, a 90+ white woman with underlying conditions, a 78-year-old female with underlying conditions, and a 56-year old white man with underlying conditions.

The statewide case total is now at 156,588 with 3,360 deaths and 16,353 total statewide hospitalizations.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 124
White – 320
Lumpkin – 320
Fannin – 303
Cherokee County, N.C. – 280

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: July 28 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 180 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). Deaths for Union remained at six.

DPH updated their reporting to showcase current hotspot and case growth over a 14-day period. In the course of two weeks, Union County saw 61 new COVID-19 cases.

36 residents have been hospitalized with the virus at some point. DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

Details released about the four deaths are the following: A 78-year-old, white male with unknown medical conditions, a 70-year-old, white female with underlying conditions, an 85-year-old, white male with underlying conditions an 86-year-old, white male with underlying conditions, a 90+ white woman with underlying conditions, and a 78-year-old female with underlying conditions. The statewide case total is now at 156,588 with 3,360 deaths and 16,353 total statewide hospitalizations.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 105
White – 241
Lumpkin – 247
Fannin – 268
Cherokee County, N.C. – 231

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: July 23 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 151 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). However, the deaths for Union remained at four.

Cases went up by four from yesterday’s report.

31 residents have been hospitalized with the virus at some point. This marked two new hospitalizations when the county spent most of July at 29 total hospitalizations. DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

Details released about the four deaths are the following: A 78-year-old, white male with unknown medical conditions, a 70-year-old, white female with underlying conditions, an 85-year-old, white male with underlying conditions, and an 86-year-old, white male with underlying conditions. The statewide case total is now at 156,588 with 3,360 deaths and 16,353 total statewide hospitalizations.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 94
White – 241
Lumpkin – 233
Fannin – 214
Cherokee County, N.C. – 189

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: July 21 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 147 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). However, the deaths for Union went back down to four from five.

Details released about the three deaths are the following: A 78-year-old, white male with unknown medical conditions, a 70-year-old, white female with underlying conditions, an 85-year-old, white male with underlying conditions, an 86-year-old, white male with underlying conditions, and a 55-year old, white female with unknown medical conditions. The statewide case total is now at 152,302 with 3,335 deaths, and 15,922 total statewide hospitalizations.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 85
White – 236
Lumpkin – 222
Fannin – 206
Cherokee County, N.C. – 178

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: July 21 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 144 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county’s reported five total coronavirus-related deaths.

29 residents have been hospitalized with the virus at some point. DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 84
White – 228
Lumpkin – 211
Fannin – 199
Cherokee County, N.C. – 171

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: July 16 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 127 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county’s reported four total coronavirus-related deaths.

The statewide case total is now at 123,963 with 3,054 deaths, and 13,685 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 75
White – 195
Lumpkin – 189
Fannin – 157
Cherokee County, N.C. – 124

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: July 12 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 109 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county’s reported four total coronavirus-related deaths.

The statewide case total is now at 116,926 with 3,001 deaths, and 13,259 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 70
White – 172
Lumpkin – 170
Fannin – 128
Cherokee County, N.C. – 92

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: June 26 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 67 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county deaths have reached three.

18 residents hospitalized with the virus at some point. DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 72,995 with 2,770 deaths, and10,605 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 38
White – 136
Lumpkin – 130
Fannin – 94
Cherokee County, N.C. – 38

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: June 23 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 60 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county deaths have reached three.

16 residents hospitalized with the virus at some point. DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 67,675 with 2,687 deaths, and 10,121 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 36
White – 132
Lumpkin – 121
Fannin – 82
Cherokee County, N.C. – 34

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: June 17 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 56 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county deaths have reached three.

The statewide case total is now at 60,030 with 2,575 deaths, and 9,543 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 35
White – 124
Lumpkin – 110
Fannin – 70
Cherokee County, N.C. – 32

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: June 15 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 54 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county deaths have reached three.

14 residents hospitalized with the virus at some point. DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 58,414 with 2,494 deaths, and 9,322 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 35
White – 124
Lumpkin – 107
Fannin – 67
Cherokee County, N.C. – 32

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: June 11 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 53 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county deaths have reached two.

The statewide case total is now at 54,973 with 2,375 deaths, and 9,073 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 32
White – 122
Lumpkin – 106
Fannin – 63
Cherokee County, N.C. – 32

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: June 10 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 51 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The county deaths also increased to two.

The statewide case total is now at 53,980 with 2,329 deaths, and 8,974 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 31
White – 117
Lumpkin – 105
Fannin – 59
Cherokee County, N.C. – 32

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: June 3 at 3 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 46 in the 3 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

12 residents hospitalized with the virus at some point. 32 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

Fetch Your News received information that as of Thursday, May 21, Union General Hospital only had one active COVID-19 patient in their facility. Also, the hospital has conducted 612 tests and only 54 came back positive. These cases might not all be Union County residents, just where the person received the initial COVID-19 test.

The statewide case total is now at 44,638 with 1,933 deaths, and 7,745 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 24
White – 103
Lumpkin – 99
Fannin – 47
Cherokee County, N.C. – 31

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 27 at 1 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 43 in the 12 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

11 residents hospitalized with the virus at some point. 30 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 44,421 with 1,907 deaths, and 7,666 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 22
White – 95
Lumpkin – 92
Fannin – 40
Cherokee County, N.C. – 30

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 26 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 41 in the 7 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

The statewide case total is now at 43,983 with 1,895 deaths, and 7,640 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 22
White – 95
Lumpkin – 91
Fannin – 40
Cherokee County, N.C. – 30

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 21 at 9 a.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 39 in the 9 a.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

10 residents hospitalized with the virus at some point. 19 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 40,157 with 1,724 deaths, and 7,194 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 21
White – 91
Lumpkin – 88
Fannin – 39
Cherokee County, N.C. – 30

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 18 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 37 in the 7 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

This is the first increase in cases in almost a week.

Union County residents can now be tested at the Towns County Health Department, but need to call the Union County Health Department first to set up an appointment time.

The expanded availability in testing has further slowed lab turnaround times. Reportedly, it can take up to a week or more for a patient to learn their results.

10 residents hospitalized with the virus at some point. 17 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 38,283 with 1,649 deaths, and 6,992 hospitalized.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 21
White – 87
Lumpkin – 83
Fannin – 38
Cherokee County, N.C. – 30

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 13 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 36 in the 12 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

The number of confirmed cases could see a rapid increase however as DPH released details on Friday about opening testing up to all Georgians. Those who wish to be tested need to contact their local health departments.

Union County also has 10 residents hospitalized with the virus. 16 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 35,427 with 1,517 deaths, and 6,308 hospitalized.

Two employees and one patient in Union County Nursing Home are also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of May 1.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 21
White – 88
Lumpkin – 80
Fannin – 36
Cherokee County, N.C. – 27

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 11 at 6 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 35 in the 7 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

Union County also has 10 residents hospitalized with the virus. 15 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 34,002 with 1,444 deaths, and 6,036 hospitalized.

Two employees and one patient in Union County Nursing Home are also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of May 1.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 88
Lumpkin – 76
Fannin – 34
Cherokee County, N.C. – 27

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 9 at 6 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 34 in the 6 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

Union County also has 10 residents hospitalized with the virus. 14 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect the number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 32,568 with 1,401 deaths, and 5,988 hospitalized.

Two employees and one patient in Union County Nursing Home are also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of May 1.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 88
Lumpkin – 76
Fannin – 34
Cherokee County, N.C. – 27

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 7 at 6 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 33 in the 6 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

Union County also has 10 residents hospitalized with the virus. 21 patients haven’t required a hospital stay, but DPH admits due to the way they gather this data, it might be underreported. Also, hospitalization number doesn’t reflect number of current patients in a hospital, but the total number.

The statewide case total is now at 31,575 with 1,340 deaths, and 5,864 hospitalized.

Two employees and one patient in Union County Nursing Home are also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of May 1.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 87
Lumpkin – 76
Fannin – 34
Cherokee County, N.C. – 27

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 5 at 6 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went up to 32 in the 6 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

The statewide case total is now at 29,839 with 1,294 deaths, and 5,654 hospitalized.

Two employees and one patient in Union County Nursing Home are also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of May 1.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 83
Lumpkin – 69
Fannin – 32
Cherokee County, N.C. – 19

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 4 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County went back up to 31 in the 7 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

The statewide case total is now at 29,437 with 1,243 deaths, and 5,537 hospitalized.

Two employees and one patient in Union County Nursing Home are also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of May 1.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 19
White – 79
Lumpkin – 67
Fannin – 32
Cherokee County, N.C. – 19

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: May 2 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – COVID-19 cases in Union County continue to fall in the 7 p.m. report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). According to the department, Union now has 30 cases down from 33.

Earlier in the week, DPH also removed a death from the Union County list bring that statistic back to one.

According to the latest update, Union County also had 10 total hospitalizations.

Earlier in the day, Towns County received it’s first confirmed death as well.

The statewide case total is now at 28,332 with 1,174 deaths and 5,389 hospitalized.

Two employees and one patient in Union County Nursing Home are also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of May 1.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 21
White – 78
Lumpkin – 63
Fannin – 31
Cherokee County, N.C. – 16

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 28 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) listed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union at 33. However, previous reports from DPH listed two deaths for the county, but the government agency appears to have rescinded one death.

It’s unclear at this time why the death was removed or if it was the elderly male or female previously identified. The new DPH reports removed the deceased patient breakdowns in favor of aggregate data.

According to the latest update, Union County also had 10 total hospitalizations.

Earlier in the day, Towns County received it’s first confirmed death as well.

The statewide case total is now at 24,844 with 1,036 deaths and 4,896 hospitalized.

One employee in Union County Nursing Home is also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of April 23.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 21
White – 56
Lumpkin – 37
Fannin – 26
Cherokee County, N.C. – 16

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 26 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) listed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union at 32 with two COVID-19 related deaths.

The statewide case total is now at 23,481 with 916 deaths and 4,377 hospitalized.

One employee in Union County Nursing Home is also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of April 23.

Number of confirmed cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 38
Lumpkin – 29
Fannin – 23
Cherokee County, N.C. – 15

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 26 at 12 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 12 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) listed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union at 29 with 2 COVID-19 related deaths.

The statewide case total is now at 23,401 with 912 deaths and 4,359 hospitalized.

One employee in Union County Nursing Home is also confirmed to have COVID-19 as of April 23.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 38
Lumpkin – 29
Fannin – 21
Cherokee County, N.C. – 15

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 25 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) listed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union at 28 with 2 Covid-19 related deaths.

The statewide case total is now at 23,216 with 907 deaths and 4,353 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 36
Lumpkin – 29
Fannin – 21
Cherokee County, N.C. – 15

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 24 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) listed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union at 27. The county’s second death was also reported – an 84-year-old female with underlying conditions.

The first COVID-19-related death was a 79-year-old male with underlying conditions.

The statewide case total is now at 22,491 with 899 deaths and 4,322 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 20
White – 38
Lumpkin – 29
Fannin – 21
Cherokee County, N.C. – 15

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 23 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) listed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union at 25.

The statewide case total is now at 21,883 with 881 deaths and 4,154 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 19
White – 36
Lumpkin – 28
Fannin – 20
Cherokee County, N.C. – 14

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 22 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) listed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Union at 18.

The statewide case total is now at 21,102 with 846 deaths and 4,018 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 19
White – 33
Lumpkin – 26
Fannin – 20
Cherokee County, N.C. – 14

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 20 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added one more COVID-19 case to Union County bringing the total to 16.

The statewide case total is now at 19,399 with 775 deaths and 3,703 hospitalized.

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris, released the following information earlier today:

“At this time, Union General Hospital has tested 165 people with 19 confirmed positives while awaiting the results of 17 tests. This does not include any people who may have used private company testing as we have no way to know who they are.

It is apparently impossible for the CDC numbers to match up exactly with hospital numbers, but this is the latest info taking into consideration that the numbers sometimes change hourly. However, the testing process is improving and test that once took a week to receive the results, are now being received within 24 – 48 hours. We may see more positive responses as we test more, but it is also now easier to keep up with accurate data about Union County COVID-19 cases.”

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 15
White – 30
Lumpkin – 24
Fannin – 19
Cherokee County, N.C. – 14

“So while our numbers are increasing, they are moving very slowly. We are keeping our fingers crossed. We can not be too careful and we all must continue to wash our hands, keep 6’ from others, wear masks when possible, do not have any groups over 10 people, and remain at home “Shelter in Place” as much as possible. We are not out of the woods yet!!” Paris added.

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 20 at 12 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 12 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added one more COVID-19 case to Union County bringing the total to 15.

The statewide case total is now at 18,947 with 733 deaths and 3,550 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 13
White – 21
Lumpkin – 23
Fannin – 16
Cherokee County, N.C. – 14

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 19 at 12 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 12 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added two more COVID-19 cases to Union County bringing the total to 14.

The statewide case total is now at 18,301 with 687 deaths and 3,464 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 13
White – 20
Lumpkin – 23
Fannin – 16
Cherokee County, N.C. – 14

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 18 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 7 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added two more COVID-19 cases to Union County bringing the total to twelve.

The statewide case total is now at 17,841 with 677 deaths and 3,447 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 12
White – 20
Lumpkin – 22
Fannin – 15
Cherokee County, N.C. – 14

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 17 at 12 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 12 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added two more COVID-19 cases to Union County bringing the total to ten.

The statewide case total is now at 17,194 with 650 deaths and 3,324 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 10
White – 20
Lumpkin – 20
Fannin – 14
Cherokee County, N.C. – 14

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 14 at 12 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 12 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added another COVID-19 case to Union County bringing the total to eight.

The statewide case total is now at 14,223 with 501 deaths and 2,769 hospitalized.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 6
White – 13
Lumpkin – 10
Fannin – 13
Cherokee County, N.C. – 12

Currently, DPH hasn’t released any recovery numbers for Georgia cases.

UPDATE: April 11 at 12 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 12 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added another COVID-19 case to Union County, bringing the total to seven.

The statewide case total is now at 12,159 with 428 deaths and 2,479 hospitalized. The total number of cases grew by 676 since yesterday’s 12 p.m. report.

Yesterday, Union General Health System released a statement about a Chatuge Regional Hospital employee testing positive. Fetch Your News spoke with a hospital representative about the case, find more details here.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 3
White – 11
Lumpkin – 9
Fannin – 9
Cherokee County, N.C. – 10

UPDATE: April 10 at 12 p.m

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the 12 p.m. report, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) added another COVID-19 case to Union County, bringing the total to six.

The statewide case total is now at 11,483 with 416 deaths and 2,351 hospitalized. The total number of cases grew by 598 since last night’s report. DPH isn’t releasing additional details about patients or recovery numbers at this time. It added racial data to the report, but the major of cases race is still unknown.

Number of cases in counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 3
White – 11
Lumpkin – 9
Fannin – 9
Cherokee County, N.C. – 10

UPDATE: April 9 at 12 p.m. Additional detailed added at 6:30 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County now has one COVID-19- related death confirmed by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of April 9 at 12 p.m.

The individual was a 79-year-old male with underlying conditions due to HIPAA laws, no other details will be released by DPH about the person. Union General Hospital also told Fetch Your News that the system hasn’t yet had a COVID-19 death.

Due to the deceased patient’s age and underlying conditions did was considered a high-risk individual according to the DPH.

DPH District 2 MPH Dave Palmer issued the following statement to those worried about the spread of the virus:

“While Covid-19 causes only mild to moderate symptoms in about 80% of the people infected with the virus, it is a serious illness causing more severe symptoms for some people. We must all do our part to slow and stop the spread of the virus and protect those who are most at risk. Governor Kemp’s shelter in place order has specific instructions to stay home and only go out for essential needs. If you have a weakened immune system, you should stay at home and away from other people as much as possible. Allow family and friends to get essential items and deliver them to you. Have them leave the items at the door. Remember no visitors. For those who must go out, take precautions to limit your exposure – maintain social distancing at all times, wash your hands often especially after touching common surfaces (doors, gas pumps, etc.), do not touch your face, & wear a face covering if you choose.”

The number of confirmed cases hasn’t gone up from yesterday’s report. As of 12 p.m., Union County still has five confirmed cases.

Fetch Your News asked Union EMA Director and Fire Chief David Dyer about these cases and he said some of them are at home self-isolating.

On his Facebook, Sole Commissioner reported the following about confirmed cases in Union: “The Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report shows currently that Union County has 5 Corona Virus cases that have tested positive. I will verify this a little later, but at least three of these have gone home from the hospital with either one or two still active.”

Dyer urged Union County residents to continue to follow CDC, local, state, and federal guidelines as the community experiences COVID-19 spread. People need to stay home, wash their hands, and contact their primary care provider if they begin to exhibit virus symptoms.

UPDATE: April 8 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Confirmed cases in Union are now at five as of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) April 8, 7 p.m. report. This continued daily growth could be the result of previous tests finally being processed by the laboratories and the state.

In Gov. Kemp’s April 8 press conference, DPH Commissioner Kathleen Toomey admitted that while the department has the most accurate information, it is not real-time. She also added that this applies to all health diseases because it takes time to process tests. Georgia now has 29 laboratories that can test for COVID-19.

Toomey also said the DPH isn’t necessarily keeping up the information coming from local hospitals or on social media.

Counties surrounding Union:

Towns – 2
White – 11
Lumpkin – 9
Fannin – 9
Cherokee County, N.C. – 9

As for public notification about from DPH about where patients went in the community before testing positive, District Two Health Department MPH told Fetch Your News,

“We depend on information from the individuals that we interview to be inclusive of everywhere they have been and all persons they have had close contact with. Again, they have to have close contact – less than 6 feet and longer than 10 minutes. There should not be any tourism per the governor’s shelter in place order. There should be no public gatherings. People out in public should only be there for essential reasons, food, banking, etc..and should be practicing social distancing. Because the virus is spreading we are not issuing press releases about cases – they are reflected on the GDPH website.”

Fetch Your News has chosen to report on cases confirmed by the Georgia Department of Health (DPH) only. These reports may not reflect real-time spread as the laboratories processing COVID-19 tests are reportedly backlogged by several days. Fetch Your News is also reaching out to local sources to confirm positive cases before writing articles on the subject.

Update: April 7 at 7 p.m.

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Within the span of seven hours, Union County’s confirmed COVID-19 cases grew from three to four according to the April 7 Georgia’s Department of Public Health Report at 7 p.m.

In the 12 p.m. update, DPH informed the public that Union County had three cases, up from the first case, which was originally reported last week. The 7 p.m. update also saw statewide cases reach over 9,000 and 348 deaths.

Cases continue to be found throughout North Georgia with several counties seeing an increase in COVID-19 numbers. Pickens now has two COVID-19 related deaths. Dawson has one death. All were senior citizens and at least two had underlying conditions.

Currently, the DPH report doesn’t release recovery numbers. However, last week in Cherokee County, N.C., its health department reported that six of it’s nine confirmed cases have recovered.

Please keep everyone battling the virus and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Earlier Update and Original Story Below:

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) April 7, 12 p.m. report, it confirmed that Union County now has three COVID-19 cases.

The reports don’t provide details about individuals. Fetch Your News will update the story as information becomes available. Please keep the patient and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

Union General Hospital issued a press release last week about a case and patient, who is a Towns County resident being treated at the facility.

Georgia now has 8,818 cases, and a Public Health State of Emergency is in effect until April 13.

Union General Hospital went on lockdown on March 17, 2020, in an effort to prevent COVID-19 from easily entering or leaving the facility.

Blairsville and Union County declared a state of emergency the week of March 23.

The DPH’s only been testing symptomatic and at-risk patients at this point in time. Union County residents should remain vigilant with social distancing and handwashing to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

Cherokee County, N.C. borders Union County to the North and had eleven confirmed, but two being reported in N.Y. and Illinois because the patients reside in those states. The N.Y. patient also attended a contra dance at John C. Campbell Folk School on March 10, so anyone who also visited the Folk School that day should be tested if they start to exhibit symptoms.

Towns County now has two confirmed cases.

Lumpkin County to Union’s southern border now has nine cases of COVID-19. No details are known at this time.

White County which also borders Union to the south has nine cases. Fannin to Union’s west has ten cases.

Stay with Fetch Your News as we bring you up-to-date news about the spread of the virus in North Georgia and Western North Carolina. See the latest numbers here.

Fetch Your News has chosen to report on confirmed cases from the DPH and is reaching out to other sources for details in order to provide accurate information. DPH reports aren’t necessarily real-time cases, but a few days behind due to the backlog of tests.

confirmed case Coronavirus COVID-19 department of public health union county

Celebrating a socially distanced Independence Day

Community July 1, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Blairsville-Union County Georgia Chamber of Commerce plans to host its annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration, but this year, the festivities look a little different.

COVID-19 continues to be a concern in Union County and Georgia as cases grow, but the Chamber has taken social distancing precautions to hopefully keep everyone safe. COVID-19 safety signage will be placed throughout the event to encourage health and safety.

The annual fireworks show takes place at Meeks Park at 9:30 p.m. with reserved parking at the park and North Georgia Technical College (NGTC). However, all reserved parking is sold out. Kona Ice will serve icy treats on the NGTC side.

All public parking is free. The Chamber still encourages social distancing for those spaces but can’t dictate where people park in public spaces.

Attendees can also participate in the Sun and Fun Mountain Raffle for $10 a ticket. If anyone is interested in a ticket, contact the chamber at (706) 745-5789.

The raffle winner will receive the items pictured.

As of now, there is no rain date for the event.

Blairsville City Hall and Union County government each donated $7,000 to the event. Woodsmen Life, Cabin Coffee, Blairsville Bikes, Alexanders, United Community Bank, Sears Hometown Store, Dixie Confexions, Union General Health Systems, Nelson Tractor, Longhorn Steakhouse, Nelsons Feed and Hardware, Hughes Outdoor, and Sunrise Grocery all helped to sponsor the event in some way.

Independence Day Options

Also, United Methodist Church plans to open its parking lot at 7 p.m.

Nottely Marina is hosting its annual boat parade at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

However, Suches Fire Department canceled its fireworks at Woody Gap School in June. It hopes to reschedule.

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wishes for everyone to stay close to the people they normally interact with this Independence Day. According to DPH, “this year for the Fourth, do not host or attend gatherings of large groups of people or share food or beverage items, and it is preferable that events are outdoors.”

Additionally, be sure to take each of these protective measures:

Wear a cloth face covering or mask
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet
Avoid physical contact with others by not giving hugs, handshakes, high fives, or fist bumps
Keep surfaces and frequently used objects disinfected
Have an emergency kit handy that includes protective items such as face coverings, tissues, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol, disinfectant wipes, etc.
Be mindful of people who are at high risk for becoming infected and have underlying medical conditions that could cause them to become more seriously ill with COVID-19

Blairsville Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce fireworks Independence Day socially distanced union county

The BOE Recognizes The Hard Work of The Staff and Community

Board of Education, Featured Stories June 17, 2020 , by Content Admin

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Last night, during the Union County BOE Meeting, Superintendent Hill expressed his thanks, appreciation, and gratitude for the staff of Union County Schools.

He recognized the school nutrition staff, who have served a total of 132,000 meals. Children in Union County will continue to receive meals until June 25th.

Hill also acknowledged the police department’s efforts. The officers gave out 600 twenty-pound boxes of produce to the community.

The superintendent stated that the entire faculty and staff went “so far above and beyond.” He acknowledged their long hours working for the students. Their efforts weren’t limited to meal service, education, or sanitization. Coach Corey Garrett developed an online workout program for students.

Lastly, Hill commended staff who completed the summer preparation early. He also acknowledged Union County High School Principal C.T. Hussion for hosting “the best graduation in the United States.”

Superintendent Hill said, “I couldn’t be more proud of our staff. Every single employee in this district has done more than we’ve asked.” The BOE plans to honor and recognize all the hard work from the entire staff. Hill states that once social distancing is lifted, the BOE will need to have a meeting in the fine arts center to recognize everyone’s hard work. This meeting will be, as Hill adds, ”a long, but a good one.”

The BOE also voted unanimously to renew the Union-Towns contract for Alternative Education. This allows alternative students from Towns county to attend Union County Alternative School.

Additionally, the BOE unanimously voted to renew the Family Connection contract for the 2021 fiscal year. Family Connection has provided students with anything they need such as shoes, food for the weekend, or a trip to the health department.

Dr. Paula Davenport states, “Anyway they can help they find a way to do it.”

Family Connection services pose no extra cost as the expenditure budget remains the same as last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4SyL5XJVNc

Superintendent John Hill union county Union County Board of Education

Target range progresses with signing of cost estimate agreements

Community, News May 27, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

UNION COUNTY, Ga – The target range project continued to progress with the signing of several agreements between the county, government agencies, and one private organization. The county’s currently in the cost estimate phase of the project. These will be used to determine the final project price tag.

The intended range will be located off Hwy. 180. The county received approval from the U.S. Forest Service in late 2019 after holding several public hearings on the matter. All were cleared without any significant opposition from the citizens as a result, the county received a land permit from the Forest Service to use the area.

The special use permit signed in the May 2020 Union County Commission meeting covered 15 acres for the county to maintain, construct, and operate the target range. The agreement will last 20 years, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service waived the land use fee.

A temporary special use permit for the geotechnical boring on National Forest System lands was also issued between Union County and the Forest Service. This permit will not be renewed.

Breedlove Land Planning will conduct site planning and engineering for the target range. The contracted amount for the service is $99,500.00 and went into effect on March 23, 2020. Site planning has already begun.

An intergovernmental agreement between Union County and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources reimbursed Union for the approved costs of construction drawings and cost estimates for the gun range for up to $90,000. The county has agreed to contribute matching funds in an amount, not to exceed $30,000. This agreement went into effect on January 24, 2020.

Currently, the site is in the final design stages for grading. For each period, a plan will be presented, then the county and Union County Gun Club can make suggestions or ideas for the area.

“The only thing we don’t know in the end is the total cost and that’s what this process is about is coming up with the total estimated costs and construction costs. We know that unfortunately, it’s going to be somewhere between $1M or $2M dollars,” stated Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris. “We didn’t worry about this so much before the days of COVID-19 when the economy was going good, and revenue and SPLOST was going good. We’re still committed to going forward with the plan to come up with the costs estimates. Then, it’s just a matter of figuring out for sure if that’s something we can afford, and can we afford it now? Can we afford part of it now? Are we still going to be able to do the whole thing? We don’t know that yet until we get total costs.”

The expense is shared by DNR, which distributes out a portion of Special Funds to projects that the agency believes will positively impact gun recreation activities. The Union County Target Range falls into that category.

However, the process of determining the exact matching percentage can be complicated. To receive the match, the county must build the shooting range according to DNR specifications and how often the facility will be open to the public

“What the DNR has intimated to us is that based on the percentage of the time, you allow the general public to have access to it is based on how much participation, they’re going to put into the project,” explained Paris, “For example, say it costs $2M, they’re going to let the general public have to 50 percent of the time, and the gun club have it 50 percent of the time, then their point is, we may give you 50 percent of the money.”

Several discussions must take place between the DNR, Union County, gun club, and U.S. Forest Service about the usage of the area. The target range still needs to adhere to Forest Service guidelines. BERM wall height, soil, the slope of BERM walls, and more aspects all must be considered during the engineering phase.

The exact match amount won’t be available until DNR issues a decision. Once announced, the county can determine how much of the project to complete or if it can afford to build the entire range at once.

Union County Gun Club will operate the facility.

Additional County Projects

The double gymnasium will hopefully be opening in September or potentially earlier.

Pickleball Courts are ready, but the exterior work and roads still need to be completed.

The off-the-leash dog park should be ready to open within 30 days.

However, the opening of all these facilities is also contingent on COVID-19 policies in place at the time of completion.

DNR Georgia Department of Natural Resources gun range target range U.S. Forest Service union county Union County Shooting Club

Union County declares public health state of emergency, some businesses to close

Community, News, Police & Government March 26, 2020 , by Lauren Souther

UNION COUNTY, Ga – At 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris approved a state of emergency in Union County on the courthouse steps. The declaration is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Union County.

The order goes into effect on March 30 at 12:01 am. and will last until April 30 at 11:59 p.m. It can also be rescinded at an earlier time by the commissioner or will automatically terminate if Gov. Kemp ends the statewide state of emergency. The procedures enacted are based on the current threat level in Union County and can be reassessed as the pandemic progresses in the state and Union County.

Blairsville City Council declared a state of emergency on March 25, which goes into effect at 9 p.m. on March 26.

Under this state of emergency, all restaurants in the county can only offer carry-out, curbside, or drive-thru services. All on-premise dining is prohibited while the order is in effect. Restaurants licensed to sell alcohol may continue to sell by the package in sealed containers without obtaining an additional license. However, the sale of beer or wine is only allowed with the purchase of a meal. It may not be sold separately.

Businesses that provide “body care services which require physical contact between the provider and client, including but not limited to, barbering, hair design, cosmetology, massage therapy, body waxing, or nail care shall be closed for business.” This directive doesn’t restrict any services provided under the direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor, nurse, dentist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or other healthcare professionals.

All establishments not mentioned in the state of emergency declaration must post signage on entrance doors informing customers to maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and others. If stores can’t maintain the social distancing of six feet of separation, then only ten individuals can be allowed in at any one time.

Any business certified as “essential” by Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and pursuant to O.C.G.A. 38-3-58 or designated by the Governor as “critical infrastructure” or medial or health services are still free to conduct business.

Meeks Park playgrounds and the outside exercise areas are going to be closed on Wednesday, March 25. However, Meeks Park isn’t being shut down at this time and will be signs placed at the park’s entrance stating that it is open for local use only. This means that taxpayers or Union County residents may use the park for walking/ jogging if it’s not in an organized group larger than 10 people. Social distancing will also be in place at the park. No one should be within six feet of each other, unless immediate family.

Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 as recognized by the CDC can’t enter public areas, businesses, shops, public transportation facilities, restaurants, or any area where “the public ingresses or egresses.” This person should seek medical treatment with their primary care physician and follow their directions until cleared to return to public interaction.

Copy of ordinance.

All public gatherings – organized groups larger than 10 – are prohibited on any county-owned or controlled property. This doesn’t prohibit the use of sidewalks or pedestrian areas in parks for walking or other exercises as long as it isn’t part of an organized group of 10 or more.

The county is not issuing a shelter in place or curfew order currently but reserves the right to do so in the future. Residents can choose to quarantine themselves or shelter in place, but it’s not a current directive by the local government. This means individuals only leave their homes for groceries, medication, or medical assistant.

Union County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to enforce the orders, rules, and regulations enacted during the state of emergency.

Anyone who violates any provision of the ordinance could be subject to a misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to 60 days for each separate violations. Individuals found assisting in “commission of a violation shall be guilty of separate offenses” as well.

Enotah District Attorney Jeff Langley informed Fetch Your News that each day the failure to comply continues it will count as a separate violation.

The EMA director is authorized to “obtain an injunction to restrain the violation of laws, code sections, orders, rules, and regulations that are contained in the GEMA act, the ordinance, or implemented by the commissioner.

The courthouse to closed to “casual traffic.” Someone must be granted permission from an employee to enter. Courthouse employees are still working. There are exceptions for the Clerk of Court Office and all court-related functions. Please visit the Union County Government website for details.

Paris hopes that the United States Forest Service (USFS) will close the Appalachian Trail and other public trails by Friday, March 27. This requires coordination with other counties from Georgia to Maine. The Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw issued a letter earlier in the week urging the USFS to close the trail. USFS must publicize the decision to close in order to keep people from the metro area and other parts of Ga, Tenn., or N.C. from entering the county.

Union County government can’t control federal or state highways to limit the number of people from entering the area. USDOT and GDOT must make those decisions. However, several metro-counties and some rural counties are now under a shelter in place directive, which should keep people from traveling to Union and potentially spreading COVID-19 or limiting local supplies.

On a Facebook post, Paris addressed the request from residents to close the county off to the individuals who aren’t necessarily considered “local”:

“Several have suggested that we keep everyone that is not local, out of the county. This is not practical or legal at this time. We cannot keep people from other towns or cities out of our stores. That is strictly the prerogative of store owners and managers. In addition, many of the people in our county may have an out of state tag, but they still own property here, pay taxes here and are part-time residents and certainly have the right to stay here.”

As of 12 p.m. on March 26, there aren’t any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Union County. However, several neighboring counties do have cases, including Fannin, White, Lumpkin, and Cherokee County N.C. It’s a good idea for all citizens in Union County to follow the CDC guidelines of hand washing and social distancing whenever possible to prevent the spread.

https://youtu.be/LbAdoXPTtao?t=67

Commissioner Lamar Paris Coronavirus COVID-19 public health state of emergency state of emergency union county

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