News from JacksonHeraldTODAY

The U.S. Supreme Court failed this week to undo a law that has long outlived its usefulness. The court declined Monday to throw out the 1960s era Voting Rights Act which gives the federal government the power to oversee and control elections in 16 states, mostly in the South. At the time it was first passed, the law was needed to thwart actions ... [Full Story »] 

Dear Editor: Jackson County is taking the lead in the development and operation of the access park and ramp for the Bear Creek Reservoir. This 5-acre park and launching facility, which includes bathrooms and a guardhouse, is being financed by the four county Bear Creek Reservoir partners (Clarke, Jackson, Oconee, and Barrow). Its current cost ... [Full Story »] 

A Jefferson woman’s boyfriend allegedly beat and choked her so badly last week that she was unconscious, but she told emergency personnel that she would only go to the hospital if he was not arrested. The victim was informed by EMS that it was not their decision to make. The suspect, Ricky Beatty Jr., 26, Jefferson, was charged with battery ... [Full Story »] 

Jefferson’s planning and development department is set to take a major financial hit in 2010, according to the proposed budget. The department’s tentative budget for 2010 calls for a 37 percent reduction – the largest percentage reduction so far among the city’s departments. In 2009, the department was budgeted for $388,978; in 2010, ... [Full Story »] 

The new county fire-training center will not have the large driving course that was included in the original design and was supported by the county fire association. In a 3-2 vote, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to remove the driving course and instead increase the size of the concrete pad located around the burn tower to ... [Full Story »]