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Do you have a suggestion for improving downtown Commerce? Are there too few parking places, are the trucks ripping through town getting on your nerves or do all those garbage containers on the sidewalk turn you off? The Downtown Development Authority wants to hear your gripes and your suggestions as it tries to figure out what the public would ... [Full Story »] 

Six positions in the Jackson County Planning and Building Department were cut last week due to the slowdown in the building industry. In addition, two other department employees, senior planning manager Frank Etheridge and planner Toni Smith, are on paid leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. On Monday night, the Jackson County ... [Full Story »] 

By Tricia Massey In previous columns, I have mentioned to you that the reality television show “Survivor” is my all-time favorite show. Three years ago I submitted an application and video but never heard from the producers. Recently, a friend e-mailed me the link to an announcement about an open casting call for “Survivor.” I was so ... [Full Story »] 

The Jackson County School System is preparing to trim its work force next school year. Superintendent Shannon Adams warned district employees last week of a “strong possibility” of reducing the workforce to meet the demands of a leaner budget. “I deeply regret the fact that we are in the position of having to take such measures, but the ... [Full Story »] 

By Hasco Craver What do you give the woman you love for Valentine’s Day? I’ve thought about the normal things: flowers, cards, candy, dinners for two, couples’ massages, jewelry, teddy bears, salon services, clothing and the list goes on and on and on. But each year, what should be one of the most intimately cherished celebrations between ... [Full Story »] 

East Jackson Comprehensive High School is one of 80 schools in Georgia named an Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School, state superintendent of schools Kathy Cox announced. “Georgia is making tremendous strides with Advanced Placement — not only in the number of students taking the courses, but in the number of students having success,” she ... [Full Story »]