News from BanksNewsTODAY

An extended stretch of illness left me homebound several consecutive days last week. In between bouts of sleeping multiple hours at a time, I found myself overcome with a combination of restlessness, boredom and soreness (from constant coughing and laying in the bed for too long). During one of the brief stretches when I had the energy to climb ... [Full Story »] 

Banks County officials have been promised as much as $5 million for a sewer project at Martin Bridge Road for the past several years but have yet to get any of the funds. Elected officials and other county leaders are again traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with senators and congressmen to find out if these funds are still available and ... [Full Story »] 

Before Valentine’s Day fades completely into memory (I’m sure for many it did at 12:01 Sunday morning) I wanted to share a story about a couple who have had the ultimate influence on me during my 37 years. The tie-in with Valentine’s Day is a natural one: it was the day they were married. Paul and Melba Bridges, your humble columnist’s ... [Full Story »] 

Initial unemployment insurance claims in Banks County went up in January from December by 16 percent and were up 70 percent over January 2008. Some 248 Banks Countians filed for the first time for unemployment insurance in January, up from the 213 who filed in December. January’s total was 102 more than in January 2008. The unemployment ... [Full Story »] 

“We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.” — Edward R. Murrow ••• No doubt the debate on George Bush’s presidency will go on for generations. There are extremes on both sides of the argument. Many believe he was the greatest thing since sliced bread and would have quickly ushered him in for a third term if given ... [Full Story »]