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Santa may be going over his list of who’s naughty and nice, but he might miss approximately 1,700 children and upwards of 800 families in Jackson County without a dedicated local effort. Niki Adams, executive director of Jackson County Family Connection, holds the same position for Jackson County Holiday Connection, Santa’s most valuable ... [Full Story »] 

The Commerce Board of Education reported seeing its first signs of revenue from local property taxes at last Monday’s regular scheduled meeting. Commerce school system financial director Ann Stokey reported that the school system recently received $160,000 in tax revenue. “That’s not bad for a tax bill that has just went out,” added ... [Full Story »] 

Restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores licensed to sell alcohol in Commerce can offer it on Sundays starting this Sunday, thanks to action taken Nov. 6 by city voters and on Monday night by the Commerce City Council. After confirming the results of the two Nov. 6 Sunday sales referendums, the council voted unanimously Monday night ... [Full Story »] 

The Bear Creek Reservoir is full once again. The 505-acre regional reservoir located in southwest Jackson County achieved full pool last week at 695 feet above sea level, according to data released by Jacobs Services, Inc., the company that manages the reservoir for the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority. A year ago, the lake level was 687.78, ... [Full Story »] 

Two local lawyers have applied for the fourth judge’s position approved recently for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit. Wanda Barnett, a Jefferson attorney, and Wayne McLocklin, a Winder attorney, both applied by the deadline on Friday. The appointment will be made by Gov. Nathan Deal. A spokesman for the governor’s office said Tuesday that ... [Full Story »] 

Commerce officials have finally reached a decision on what to do about the leaky roof on the Commerce Civic Center. At their “work session” meeting Monday night, the council appeared ready to support new city manager Pete Pyrzenski’s recommendation to contract with a company for a lightweight membrane covering guaranteed for 10 years ... [Full Story »]