News from JacksonHeraldTODAY

News from JacksonHeraldTODAY - Topics from March, 2010

COLUMN: Which have the most impact: Home or teachers?

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Thursday, March 11. 2010

There’s an on-going debate in education over what truly affects student learning. Is it the family demographics and stability of home life; or is it the quality of teachers and instruction that most affects performance? This debate has gotten new life in the last year as financial cuts have put increasing stress on public schools and ... [Full Story »]

Jefferson looks at increasing fines

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JacksonHeraldTODAY

Wednesday, March 10. 2010

If you get pulled over for speeding in Jefferson, you will likely be paying a higher fine. The Jefferson City Council is looking at increasing the city court fines. Police chief Joe Wirthman presented a proposal at the council meeting Monday night with options for both 20 percent and 30 percent increases. The council will vote on the proposal ... [Full Story »]

Jackson unemployment hits 11.9%

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JacksonHeraldTODAY

Wednesday, March 10. 2010

Unemployment in Jackson County jumped over one percent in January to hit 11.9 percent. That is higher than any previous monthly report and was one of the highest rates in Northeast Georgia. Jackson’s unemployment rate was 10.5 percent in December. According to state numbers released Tuesday, Jackson County had 3,140 people unemployed in ... [Full Story »]

County BOE to continue with cuts

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JacksonHeraldTODAY

Wednesday, March 10. 2010

There’s no money for new textbooks. No cash for supplies at schools and other programs. And there’ll be no funds for students traveling to some events. That’s the budget crisis the Jackson County School System is facing with its proposed 2010-2011 budget. For district employees, there’ll be six furlough days next school year, and the ... [Full Story »]

COLUMN: The Nicholson fuss continues — and other follies

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JacksonHeraldTODAY

Thursday, March 4. 2010

You have to hand it to Nicholson leaders, they know how to stir up more useless debate than just about any town in the area. Last week, the city council argued over how much to spend on new library books this year. Mayor Ronnie Maxwell wanted around $25,000 for new books, saying the city was behind on book replacement. Which of course begs the ... [Full Story »]

Jackson sales tax income down 12.6%

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JacksonHeraldTODAY

Wednesday, March 3. 2010

Sales tax revenues to the Jackson County government in 2009 declined 12.6 percent. Jackson County generated $5 million in sales tax dollars last year. But that was a $725,000 decline from 2008 and a $1.3 million drop from the peak of $6.3 million in 2007. Local governments have been tracking the decline in sales taxes since it is a key source ... [Full Story »]

Four charged in kennel case are again indicted

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JacksonHeraldTODAY

Wednesday, March 3. 2010

Four people arrested in 2008 for animal cruelty due to conditions at a Nicholson kennel were again indicted by a Jackson County grand jury last week. The original indictment had several issues which led to the four being again indicted. A trial date has not been set. Marie Hughes, 55, James Ronnie Hughes, 56, Jennifer Hughes Epps, 35, and ... [Full Story »]

Schools closing early due to weather

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JacksonHeraldTODAY

Tuesday, March 2. 2010

Jackson County schools are closing early today (Tuesday, March 2) due to the snow. Elementary schools are closing at 11:30 a.m. and middle and high schools are closing at 12:30 p.m.

Entries from March 2010