Commerce was cleaning up Wednesday morning following the touchdown of a tornado Tuesday afternoon.
[See photo of tornado as it approached Commerce by clicking here]
A tornado spawned by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay destroyed one mobile home and damaged a number of residences at about 4:30 Tuesday afternoon in the Cedar Drive area of Commerce.
Two people were slightly hurt by the twister, which approached from the southwest over Washington Street, then dipped to the ground for mere seconds before receding back into the clouds.
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Top Stories - Topics from August, 2008
Standridge responds to parents; remains in stable condition
Colton Standridge reportedly responded to his parents by squeezing their hand over the weekend at Egleston Children's Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
On Monday, plans were to take him off of the sedatives he has been on since the accident on August 18 and see how he responds. He continues to have swelling of his brain with the degree of pressure fluctuating. He also reportedly had a temperature over the weekend.
Standridge, 13, received serious head injuries when he was struck by a car while driving a four-wheeler near Cabin Creek Road.
Colton is an eighth grader at EJMS. His father, Warren Standridge, is a coach and teacher at JCCHS. His mother, the former Tammy Booth, is a kindergarten teacher at East Jackson Elementary School. Both are graduates of JCCHS.
On Monday, plans were to take him off of the sedatives he has been on since the accident on August 18 and see how he responds. He continues to have swelling of his brain with the degree of pressure fluctuating. He also reportedly had a temperature over the weekend.
Standridge, 13, received serious head injuries when he was struck by a car while driving a four-wheeler near Cabin Creek Road.
Colton is an eighth grader at EJMS. His father, Warren Standridge, is a coach and teacher at JCCHS. His mother, the former Tammy Booth, is a kindergarten teacher at East Jackson Elementary School. Both are graduates of JCCHS.
Cupboard almost bare at food bank
Business is booming at the Banks-Jackson Emergency Food Bank in Commerce. That is never a good thing.
So many people have come to the food bank that its shelves are nearly bare.
“It’s the lowest I can remember, and I’ve been here 14 years,” remarked Christa Shumake, manager.
The slack economy has dealt a double-whammy to the food bank. More people are out of work - and food - so they appeal to the food bank, and donations of both food and money are also down, for the same reasons.
And, said Shumake, August is always the food bank’s worst month.
Located on Georgia Avenue in a building provided by First Commerce Bank, the food bank supplies the short-term emergency food needs of people referred by a local church or by the Jackson or Banks Departments of Family and Children Services. Recipients typically get a one-week supply of food.
“We’re having so many families come in,” said Shumake. “We’ve been having more than 100 a month.”
For the complete story, see the August 13 issue of The Commerce News.
So many people have come to the food bank that its shelves are nearly bare.
“It’s the lowest I can remember, and I’ve been here 14 years,” remarked Christa Shumake, manager.
The slack economy has dealt a double-whammy to the food bank. More people are out of work - and food - so they appeal to the food bank, and donations of both food and money are also down, for the same reasons.
And, said Shumake, August is always the food bank’s worst month.
Located on Georgia Avenue in a building provided by First Commerce Bank, the food bank supplies the short-term emergency food needs of people referred by a local church or by the Jackson or Banks Departments of Family and Children Services. Recipients typically get a one-week supply of food.
“We’re having so many families come in,” said Shumake. “We’ve been having more than 100 a month.”
For the complete story, see the August 13 issue of The Commerce News.
GBi closes Jefferson police probe; no wrongdoing found
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing in its investigation into allegations of missing items from the Jefferson Police Department’s evidence room.
Jim Fullington, head of the GBI office in Athens, said Tuesday that the case has been closed.
“The discrepancies in the audit have been accounted for,” Fullington said. “There was no criminal wrongdoing. The district attorney agrees.”
Over one month ago, Jefferson Police Department officials called for the state probe into problems with the department’s evidence room. At the time, Police Chief Joe Wirthman said that “possible improprieties” had been found in the evidence room during an certification audit. Wirthman asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to look into the matter.
Wirthman said the problem dated back three to four years ago.
Jim Fullington, head of the GBI office in Athens, said Tuesday that the case has been closed.
“The discrepancies in the audit have been accounted for,” Fullington said. “There was no criminal wrongdoing. The district attorney agrees.”
Over one month ago, Jefferson Police Department officials called for the state probe into problems with the department’s evidence room. At the time, Police Chief Joe Wirthman said that “possible improprieties” had been found in the evidence room during an certification audit. Wirthman asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to look into the matter.
Wirthman said the problem dated back three to four years ago.
Beer, wine to be served at Hoschton festival?
Beer and wine may be served at two concerts set for the Hoschton Fall Festival in September.
That’s if the city council approves the idea at its meeting next month. The Hoschton City Council is expected to consider an ordinance that would allow beer and wine to be sold at designated events and places, such as the fall festival. The ordinance would allow beer and wine to be sold in 16-ounce cups by a licensed establishment. Drinking beer and wine in a can, bottle or glass would be prohibited. No outside alcohol could be brought to the events.
Council member Theresa Kenerly said the ordinance follows similar policies for concerts in Duluth and Norcross. But council member Richard Green said parents may not want their children to be around those drinking at a concert.
“I think the fall festival is a family affair and I don’t think this is family friendly,” Green said. “I think there are any number of attendees that might be offended by it — drinking in public — and who would question the city’s judgment in permitting it.”
Council member Tom Walden said beer and wine would only be sold during the concerts.
“It’s only for a very short time in a limited area,” he said.
If approved, beer and wine could be sold during two concerts, from 7:30-10 p.m., at Hoschton Towne Center. R McClain’s and Anthony’s New York Pizza and Italian Grill, both located in the shopping center, would be allowed to serve drinks.
Banks and Shane will perform on Friday, Sept. 26, and Bill Gentry and The 35 Cent Rodeo will perform on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Click here for additional stories from the Hoschton-Braselton area.
That’s if the city council approves the idea at its meeting next month. The Hoschton City Council is expected to consider an ordinance that would allow beer and wine to be sold at designated events and places, such as the fall festival. The ordinance would allow beer and wine to be sold in 16-ounce cups by a licensed establishment. Drinking beer and wine in a can, bottle or glass would be prohibited. No outside alcohol could be brought to the events.
Council member Theresa Kenerly said the ordinance follows similar policies for concerts in Duluth and Norcross. But council member Richard Green said parents may not want their children to be around those drinking at a concert.
“I think the fall festival is a family affair and I don’t think this is family friendly,” Green said. “I think there are any number of attendees that might be offended by it — drinking in public — and who would question the city’s judgment in permitting it.”
Council member Tom Walden said beer and wine would only be sold during the concerts.
“It’s only for a very short time in a limited area,” he said.
If approved, beer and wine could be sold during two concerts, from 7:30-10 p.m., at Hoschton Towne Center. R McClain’s and Anthony’s New York Pizza and Italian Grill, both located in the shopping center, would be allowed to serve drinks.
Banks and Shane will perform on Friday, Sept. 26, and Bill Gentry and The 35 Cent Rodeo will perform on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Click here for additional stories from the Hoschton-Braselton area.
Lula man shot in standoff with SWAT team
A Lula man died Monday morning after being shot during a standoff with the Hall County SWAT team.
Stanley Tate was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Atlanta after a shootout with law enforcement officers. He died shortly afterwards.
On Monday, August 11, at approximately 8:30 a.m. an off-duty Gainesville police officer heard several gunshots and spotted a white male walking through downtown Lula holding a large caliber handgun. The perpetrator pointed the firearm at the off-duty officer and then walked into a heavily wooded area to his residence, which was later identified as a camper. A warrant for aggravated assault on a police officer was obtained for the perpetrator.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office responded to the location and set up a perimeter around the camper. Due to the serious nature of the call, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded and attempted negotiations with the man. As negotiators attempted to make contact with the man, he fired upon the SWAT Team. A member of the SWAT Team was struck by gunfire and was transported to Grady by LifeFlight, where at this time he is undergoing surgery.
During this incident the Lula Elementary School was placed on lockdown and a number of Hall County Deputies were stationed around the perimeter of the school for the protection of the students.
At this time, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to conduct an investigation into the incident.
Stanley Tate was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Atlanta after a shootout with law enforcement officers. He died shortly afterwards.
On Monday, August 11, at approximately 8:30 a.m. an off-duty Gainesville police officer heard several gunshots and spotted a white male walking through downtown Lula holding a large caliber handgun. The perpetrator pointed the firearm at the off-duty officer and then walked into a heavily wooded area to his residence, which was later identified as a camper. A warrant for aggravated assault on a police officer was obtained for the perpetrator.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office responded to the location and set up a perimeter around the camper. Due to the serious nature of the call, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded and attempted negotiations with the man. As negotiators attempted to make contact with the man, he fired upon the SWAT Team. A member of the SWAT Team was struck by gunfire and was transported to Grady by LifeFlight, where at this time he is undergoing surgery.
During this incident the Lula Elementary School was placed on lockdown and a number of Hall County Deputies were stationed around the perimeter of the school for the protection of the students.
At this time, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to conduct an investigation into the incident.
GBI: Pendergrass probe not yet begun
The GBI said Wednesday morning that its probe into allegations of public corruption in the Pendergrass city government had not yet begun. That contrasts sharply with what Pendergrass Mayor Monk Tolbert told a standing room only crowd at the town’s Tuesday night council meeting when he indicated the GBI investigation into the city was over. ...
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BREAKING NEWS: Election phone calls not coming from officials
A number of people in Jackson and Banks counties received misleading phone calls Tuesday related to the runoff elections. Officials said they are getting reports from a number of people about calls which tell the person answering the phone that they would be inelgible to vote in November and taken off the voter's list if they didn't get out and vote in today's runoff elections.
But officials said the information is erronous and "totally untrue."
Information about the calls has been turned over to the secretary of state's office for investigation.
But officials said the information is erronous and "totally untrue."
Information about the calls has been turned over to the secretary of state's office for investigation.
Today's the day; elections to decide Jackson, Barrow leaders; hot DA race goes to voters
Three heated races in Jackson, Barrow and Banks counties will be decided today as voters go back to the polls for the Primary runoff elections. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to decide who will be the county commission chairman in Jackson and Barrow counties and who will be the next District Attorney of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, which includes Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties. In Madison County, the District 2 BOC seat will be decided between John Pethel Sr. and Johnny Fitzpatrick.
In the Piedmont DA’s race, Donna Sikes faces Brad Smith in one of the most hotly-contested political races in recent years. In Jackson County, Hunter Bicknell squares off with Ron Johnson for BOC chairman. In Barrow County, incumbent Doug Garrison faces a stiff challenge from Danny Yearwood All of the races are on the Republican ballot.
Those who voted a Republican ballot in the primary election must vote Republican in the runoff. Those who voted a Democrat ballot in the primary election must cast a Democrat ballot in the runoff. Those who did not vote in the primary election may choose either ballot in the primary.
Election results will be posted tonight on www.MainStreeNews.com, www.JacksonHeraldTODAY.com, www.BarrowJournal.com, www.BanksNewsTODAY.com, www.CommerceNewsTODAY.com, www.BraseltonNewsTODAY.com and www.MadisonJournalTODAY.com.
In the Piedmont DA’s race, Donna Sikes faces Brad Smith in one of the most hotly-contested political races in recent years. In Jackson County, Hunter Bicknell squares off with Ron Johnson for BOC chairman. In Barrow County, incumbent Doug Garrison faces a stiff challenge from Danny Yearwood All of the races are on the Republican ballot.
Those who voted a Republican ballot in the primary election must vote Republican in the runoff. Those who voted a Democrat ballot in the primary election must cast a Democrat ballot in the runoff. Those who did not vote in the primary election may choose either ballot in the primary.
Election results will be posted tonight on www.MainStreeNews.com, www.JacksonHeraldTODAY.com, www.BarrowJournal.com, www.BanksNewsTODAY.com, www.CommerceNewsTODAY.com, www.BraseltonNewsTODAY.com and www.MadisonJournalTODAY.com.
BCHS student dies in accident Saturday
A Banks County High School junior died as a result of injuries suffered in a one-vehicle accident on Hwy. 441 Saturday evening, just north of the county sheriff’s office.
Cody Gowder, a member of the school’s football team, died after the pickup he was driving crashed and flipped several times on Hwy. 441 shortly before 9 p.m. The vehicle struck a guardrail, according to reports from the Georgia State Patrol which investigated the accident.
Two other passengers, Bill Redmon and Kane Duncan, classmates and football teammates of Gowder’s, suffered injuries in the accident after all three were ejected from the truck. Redmon and Duncan were both airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital where they were in stable condition Sunday.
Reports indicated those in the vehicle were not wearing seat belts.
Gowder’s funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at Grove Level Baptist Church. Little-Ward Funeral Home of Commerce is handling arrangements.
BCHS football coach Blair Armstrong said practice would be cancelled Monday.
See obituary at www.mainstreetobits.com
Cody Gowder, a member of the school’s football team, died after the pickup he was driving crashed and flipped several times on Hwy. 441 shortly before 9 p.m. The vehicle struck a guardrail, according to reports from the Georgia State Patrol which investigated the accident.
Two other passengers, Bill Redmon and Kane Duncan, classmates and football teammates of Gowder’s, suffered injuries in the accident after all three were ejected from the truck. Redmon and Duncan were both airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital where they were in stable condition Sunday.
Reports indicated those in the vehicle were not wearing seat belts.
Gowder’s funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at Grove Level Baptist Church. Little-Ward Funeral Home of Commerce is handling arrangements.
BCHS football coach Blair Armstrong said practice would be cancelled Monday.
See obituary at www.mainstreetobits.com