News from CommerceNewsTODAY

News from CommerceNewsTODAY - Topics from April, 2009

UPDATE: Few leads in robbery of United Community Bank

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Thursday, April 9. 2009

Officials investigating the April 9 armed robbery at United Community Bank’s Homer Road office don’t have many leads. A black male entered the bank at about 9:30, produced a small silver handgun, demanded money from a teller and made a clean getaway. The suspect is described as five feet, 10 inches to 6 feet tall, and 200 to 240 pounds. ... [Full Story »]

Library funding is in state budget

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Wednesday, April 8. 2009

It took a bit of political maneuvering, but the FY 2010 state budget contains the $1.5 million Commerce needs to expand its library. Sen. Ralph Hudgens and Rep. Tommy Benton overcame late obstacles to get the money into the final version of the budget. Now all it takes is the signature of Gov. Sonny Perdue — or his inaction until July 1 — ... [Full Story »]

Easter egg hunt, parade are Saturday

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Wednesday, April 8. 2009

Elm Street in downtown Commerce will be a good place for motorists to avoid Saturday morning. At 10:45, the street will be closed to traffic as hundreds of children walk from Community Bank & Trust south to the First Baptist Church in the 20th annual Commerce Easter Parade. Community Bank & Trust, the Commerce Business Association and the ... [Full Story »]

Nicholson man faces drug, gun charges

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Wednesday, April 8. 2009

A 25-year-old Nicholson man faces drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop made by the Commerce Police Department last week. The officer who made the stop on the Ila Road spotted a black handgun on the center console, called for backup and approached the vehicle with his service weapon drawn, according to the arrest report. The officer ... [Full Story »]

City schools uneasily await word on budget

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Friday, April 3. 2009

Commerce School System officials remain on pins and needles while the General Assembly decides how to fund schools next year. “The governor has approved an FY 2010 budget that cuts Commerce funding by $1 million,” worries James E. “Mac” McCoy, superintendent of schools. Fortunately, there are House and Senate versions less worrisome, ... [Full Story »]

Work starts locally on Census next week

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Friday, April 3. 2009

The first step for the 2010 census begins next week - when workers start collecting address information. The Census Bureau will update more than 145 million addresses across the nation in preparation of the 2010 Census. In Northeast Georgia, about 1,000 in-field and office census workers based from an office in Gainesville are preparing to ... [Full Story »]

Law enforcement agencies seek federal stimulus money

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Friday, April 3. 2009

Local law enforcement agencies have their hands out for federal stimulus funds to help de-stimulate crime. Commerce will ask for almost $21,000 for its drug interdiction effort, Jefferson will seek almost $27,000 for updated technology and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will seek $33,000 for yet-to-be determined purposes. All of the ... [Full Story »]

Prediction: Jackson to prevail in reservoir suit

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Thursday, April 2. 2009

I seldom sit in on trials or hearings, but a couple of weeks ago I watched the attorney for the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority attempt to get Judge Joe Booth to throw out Jackson County’s suit against the authority. Here’s the issue. All four member counties’ water contracts and plans are based on a calculation that the Bear Creek ... [Full Story »]

DNR on city pest ordinance: Hold your fire

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Wednesday, April 1. 2009

People hoping to rid themselves of pesky squirrels under a new city ordinance should hold their fire. The Wildlife Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources served notice Monday that before anyone takes a shot at a marauding squirrel under the city’s “Animal Pests” ordinance they’ll need to get a state permit. In fact, ... [Full Story »]

After learning identity of thief, victim declines to prosecute

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CommerceNewsTODAY

Wednesday, April 1. 2009

A Williford Street woman declined to press charges after she found out who stole and pawned two air-powered nailing devices. According to the Commerce Police Department incident report, the 66-year-old white female reported that a nailer and compressor kit and a second nailer were taken. She later came to the police department and said she had ... [Full Story »]

Entries from April 2009