News from Barrow News-Journal

News from Barrow News-Journal - Topics from June, 2010

OPINION: Public officials can’t charge for talking time

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Friday, June 18. 2010

Nuts. That’s about the only word that’s printable in a family newspaper in response to Barrow County Board of Commissioners Chairman Danny Yearwood’s efforts to clamp down on this newspaper’s coverage of the county government. It’s not the first time Yearwood has blasted the Journal for its coverage, but it certainly is the most ... [Full Story »]

Cantrell resigns from Barrow System

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BarrowJournal

Thursday, June 17. 2010

James Cantrell, Director of Pupil Transportation for the Barrow County School System, has resigned his position effective June 30. Barrow County Superintendent Wanda Creel said Cantrell resigned to “pursue other interests.” “He is going to take annual leave beginning tomorrow (June 15) through the end of the month,” Creel said Monday. ... [Full Story »]

Former Sheriff being sued in Federal court

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BarrowJournal

Thursday, June 17. 2010

Former Barrow County Sheriff Joel Robinson has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed May 26 in Federal Court. Robinson, along with four deputies, is accused of violating the civil rights of Gary and Laura Valentine during a 2008 incident involving William Narens, who is Laura’s son and Gary’s stepson. Narens and his daughter Iris ... [Full Story »]

Winder loan moving forward

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BarrowJournal

Thursday, June 17. 2010

Faced with a Sept. 30 deadline for tapping federal stimulus funds, the Winder City Council at a called meeting Tuesday approved moving forward with a $4.9 million loan application for a new public works facility. The council’s vote was 4-1-1, with David Maynard voting no and Bob Dixon abstaining. The vote followed a presentation by a ... [Full Story »]

Power failure causes early closing of Winder library

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BarrowJournal

Thursday, June 17. 2010

The Winder Library was shut down an hour early Friday afternoon after temperatures inside the building became too hot to keep it open. According to library and county officials, a lightning strike or brownout on Thursday afternoon temporarily knocked out power, and two of the building’s 11 air conditioning units did not come back on once the ... [Full Story »]

Man wanted for obstruction flees from deputies

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BarrowJournal

Thursday, June 17. 2010

A man with one outstanding warrant for obstruction ended up with an additional charge after fleeing from a Barrow County Sheriff’s deputy. Shawn Lee McGill, 41, of 1843 Hwy. 211 in Winder, was mowing his grass when a deputy passed by his home. The deputy recognized McGill from an earlier encounter in which McGill had fled from him. After the ... [Full Story »]

OPINION: Much has changed since 1990 election

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BarrowJournal

Thursday, June 17. 2010

Roy Barnes has become quite the political figure. I wouldn’t classify him a Southern political character the way I would Lester Maddox or George Wallace but Barnes has become somewhat fascinating to watch. I had not heard of Barnes prior to 1990 when he first made a run for Governor. Not being familiar with Cobb County politics, I learned of ... [Full Story »]

Rep. England named a ‘Most Influential Georgian’

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BarrowJournal

Thursday, June 17. 2010

State Rep. Terry England has been named as one of most influential Georgians of 2010 by James Magazine. England said he was surprised and honored by the recognition. “This is an incredible honor that I never expected,” he said. “I was taught by my parents to work hard at whatever I do, and that is what I always try to strive for while ... [Full Story »]

Winder council members seek more control

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BarrowJournal

Wednesday, June 16. 2010

The two newest members of Winder’s city council attempted to wrest some of Mayor Chip Thompson's control over the city government Tuesday. But their effort failed after the mayor turned the tables on them by making the fight personal and also received backing from a third councilman, the city attorney, and a former city administrator who ... [Full Story »]

Auburn trailer destroyed by fire

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BarrowJournal

Wednesday, June 16. 2010

A vacant mobile home was completely destroyed June 12 in what officials describe as “an undetermined human act.” The Barrow County Fire and Emergency Services fire investigation unit and the Auburn Police Department are attempting to determine what caused the blaze which destroyed the residence located at 316 Carter Road. Engines 4 and 5, ... [Full Story »]