By Willis Cook

A new movie was released in December: “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” starring Keanu Reeves. The story is about an alien (Reeves) who comes to earth to warn humans that we are too pugnacious, violent and dangerous to be allowed to live and unless we reform, somebody is going to pull the plug. As a publicity gimmick, when the movie was released it was also beamed into space — just to let anyone know that we know that they know ...



Does anyone know? The sun is an average star and our solar system is located about 27,000 light years from the center of our galaxy. (We’re a tract house in the far suburbs, so to speak.) There are an estimated total of more than 200 billion stars in our galaxy and we are finding that more and more of them have planets. But interstellar distances are well, astronomical, and perhaps noticing us would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

But we have been pretty actively proclaiming our existence to the galaxy for about a hundred years, because by 1902 Guglielmo Marconi was sending and receiving Morse code by radio and ever since we have been sending out an ever-increasing stream of electromagnetic radiation. Of course, at first it was just a dribble, but now it is a constant barrage of electromagnetic signals. It is interesting to think of our solar system, which is about 11 light hours in diameter, surrounded by a cloud of electromagnetic noise about 100 light years in diameter. (A light year is the distance light or any electromagnetic radiation travels in a year, and we’ve been doing this for 100 years. A light year is six trillion miles — a number even bigger than a federal bailout.)

Our galaxy is a big place: 100,000 light years in diameter. Are there any stars within 100 light years of us? As a matter of fact, there are hundreds. The closest one is Alpha Centauri, about 3.5 light years away. Even mighty Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, is only 8 1/2 light years distant. So any aliens in the Sirius system who are advanced enough to have sensitive radio receivers know we are here.

So, why haven’t we heard from anyone? Well, maybe no one is there. (I don’t believe that. There may be no one within 100 light years of us, but surely, among 200 billion stars, there are myriad civilizations.) Possibly someone’s out there but they aren’t listening for us. Maybe they can’t detect our signals or don’t recognize them as signs of intelligence. (Suppose, for instance, they picked up a TV report from one of our political conventions. Would they think that came from an intelligent civilization?) A third possibility is that they’re transmitting for all they’re worth and we can’t detect their signals.

Even with Sirius, a very close star, we will never be able to carry on a conversation, when it takes 17 years to get a response. How many centuries would it take just to learn each other’s language? But imagine we have overcome that hurdle and are anxious to take advantage of the Sirians’ advanced technology. We might ask about their principal source of energy. And they might reply: “Oh, we use the light from our sun, which we convert by magnetohydrodynamics into other forms of energy. But, hey, we really enjoyed your new movie, ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day.’ Tell us - is John Connor now your president?”

Willis Cook is a retired electrical engineer who was born in New Orleans and grew up in the Mississippi Delta. He lives on Varner Road in Franklin County.

For all of the editorials and columns, see the Jan. 7 issue of The Commerce News.

The Commerce Police Department is looking for a black male suspect in the 2 a.m. armed robbery of a woman New Year’s Day.



According to the incident report, the victim, a 30-year-old white female, said she was in the vicinity of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and East Cordes Place — an area known for drug sales — “looking for her brother” when a black male jumped in front of her vehicle “brandishing a firearm.”

The woman told police that he came to the driver side of the vehicle, held the gun to her head and demanded all her money. She gave him $60.

The victim was able to give the police a name of the suspect, apparently from two witnesses to the incident.

The Commerce area got 47.64 inches of rain during 2008. That’s six inches more than the Atlanta area got, but still almost six inches less than “normal” for Commerce, according to countrystudies.us, which tracks precipitation.



According to Georgia state climatologist David Stooksbury, Atlanta has received below-average rainfall for eight of the last 11 years, while rainfall at the Athens Airport was under the norm for nine of the previous 11 years (prior to 2008).

The rainfall of 2008 — boosted considerably by five inches in December — all but replenished the Bear Creek Reservoir upon which much of Jackson County (and Clarke, Barrow and Oconee counties) depends for water. But so far, the flows of area streams and rivers have yet to return to “normal” levels, suggesting that the drought still lingers. That could bode ill for the area if 2009 precipitation follows the drought pattern of the past three years.

The persistent drought has forced local water providers to recalibrate their own needs. Jackson County is pursuing the creation of another reservoir (partly because it believes that the yield at Bear Creek is less than half what is stated), Jefferson is dredging its reservoir and Commerce has petitioned the Environmental Protection Division for permission to raise the level of its reservoir in Banks County by up to two feet.

In addition, the Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority has connected to the Gainesville water system so it can tap into Lake Lanier should its other sources prove insufficient.

But Lanier remains a problem. While it has gained ground during December, the lake was still about 17 feet low (prior to this week's rains), while Lake Allatoona was 15 feet below full pool and Hartwell remained 18 feet below full pool. Commerce’s reservoir is above full. pool.

Stooksbury was quoted in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as suggesting that it may be time to recalculate what constitutes “average” in terms of precipitation. Rainfall, said Stooksbury, has been lower throughout the Southeast since 1979 than during the three previous decades.

While rainfall totals may vary, the driest months of 2008 locally were November, during which Commerce got 2.25 inches in six rain events (1.5 of which came on Nov. 23); and June, during which 2.85 inches fell — all on one day.

The wettest months were February, with 6.05 inches, August with 5.4, and December with 5.12 inches. If December seemed particularly wet, it’s because rain fell on 14 different occasions, nine of which produced less than two-tenths of an inch. Most of the rain fell Dec. 11-12 — a total of 3.37 inches.

For the entire year, there were 83 days during which measurable amounts of rain fell in Commerce. Through Wednesday, rain had fallen in five of seven days of 2009, a total of 3.06 inches.

Local data used above was taken from the author’s Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) reporting station located on Woodland Trail. Measurements are taken at 7:30 a.m. daily. Daily precipitation reports from throughout the country can be found at cocorahs.org.

Barrow County’s new commission chairman Danny Yearwood will propose cutting county employee hours to 37.5 per week and one unpaid furlough day per month in an effort to cut county spending during the economic downturn.

The proposed cuts would reduce salaries across the board by 9.8 percent, Yearwood said. He said the cutbacks will be across-the-board and will affect everyone from “top to bottom.”

Yearwood announced his cost-cutting proposal to county employees at a meeting Wednesday morning. He said he plans to formally take the proposal to the full board of commissioners at the Jan. 13 BOC meeting. Commissioners Larry Joe Wilburn and Eva Elder also attended Wednesday’s meeting.

The BOC will also be asked to whether to open county offices a half-hour later at 8:30 a.m., he said.

Yearwood appealed to county employees to approach this tough economic time as a team and to offer suggestions they have for how to cut costs or increase income.
He explained to the 150 employees gathered for the first of three staff meetings on Wednesday how the downturn in the nation’s economy is affecting the county’s financial picture. He said the county has $13.6 million in cash for operating expenses, but the total weekly expenses amount to $1.5 million. More than half of that cost is for salaries and benefits.

The total reserves, including undesignated cash and account payables, is about $6.7 million. The majority of the liquid reserves are in a $2.7 million certificate of deposit.

“What I don’t want to do is to go into that reserve,” Yearwood said. “If we go into it, we can’t put it back. We’ve got to make sure Barrow County is protected. That’s our job. That’s the reason we have a job – because of Barrow County.”

Yearwood also read a two-page list of financial challenges the county is facing. He said the county has $118 million in debt and is facing
shortfalls in several revenue streams:

• Local Option sales tax collections that are used for operating expenses are expected to fall $1.7 million short of the budget.
• Special Purpose Local Sales Tax collections to pay for capital expenses were down 24% in December.
• Building permit revenues will be about $392,000 below budget.
• Interest income will be about $250,000 below budget.
• Delinquent property tax collections as of Jan. 5 were $1.9 million.
• Solid waste tipping fees will be about $350,000 below budget.
• Other revenue losses are expected to amount to more than $600,000.

Yearwood told the employees that the 9.8 percent cuts he is asking everyone to take would pay the salaries of 50 current employees.

“It’s up to you now,” he said. “I hope you will work with us.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the North Jackson Fire Department a $79,800 grant.

The funds are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), which are given to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations in Georgia. NJFD will use its grant funds for operations and safety, according to FEMA.

Starting next Wednesday, a crossing guard will begin assisting students who need to cross Gum Springs Church Road to get and to from Gum Springs Elementary School and West Jackson Middle School.

Crossing guards will assist students at designated times. Students are discouraged from crossing Gum Springs Church Road while a crossing guard is not available. School officials say it’s unsafe to cross the road without assistance.

In the morning, crossing guards will be available from 7:40-8 a.m. for elementary and middle school students.

In the afternoon, crossing guards will be available for GSES from 2:25-2:40 p.m., and from 3:30-3:45 p.m. at WJMS.

Also, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will be training and certifying school system employees to direct traffic at the newly-installed crosswalk across from the bus drive at GSES.

A Winder woman was brutally attacked New Year’s Day by another woman who, in an apparent drunken rage, stomped on her leg and broke it.

According to a Winder Police Department incident report, 48-year-old Lisa Anne Smith was walking on a trail known as Frog Alley off North Williamson Street at about 4:30 p.m. The other woman, whom Smith identified only as “Stephanie,” got up from a swing where she had been sitting and pushed Smith to the ground.

Smith said the attacker, who had been drinking, told her she was going to die, and then “stomped on her right leg as hard as she could.”

The attacker then left and a friend of Smith’s carried her home.

“Ms. Smith was in extreme pain and the med personnel suspected Ms. Smith’s leg was broken due to the swelling and (the) lack of mobility in her toes and foot,” the police report states.

Winder Rescue personnel transported Smith to Athens Regional Medical Center for treatment. Capt. Dennis Dorsey said Tuesday that a suspect has been identified, but that no arrest has been made.

Commerce High School’s boys’ basketball team is back in action.

After having some time off since competing in the Jackson County Christmas Tournament, the Tigers returned to the court on Tuesday night against Social Circle.

Results from Tuesday’s game were unavailable at press time.

Friday, Commerce hosts Lakeview Academy in the second region game of the week.

Lakeview has won the last eight contests between the two schools. Coach Chad Bridges said the Tigers will have to refocus after Tuesday’s game and prepare mentally for Lakeview. Bridges said it would be nice to get a streak going as the team gets into region competition.

“The biggest thing for us against Lakeview is to play with confidence and handle their pressure,” said Bridges.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

Barrow Journal photographer Jessica Brown is a finalist for the second year in a row in a national football photo contest sponsored by camera maker Canon U.S.A. Brown, a student at Winder-Barrow High School, is one of 14 national finalists in the “Why Do You Love Football” photo challenge. The grand prize winner will win a trip and four tickets to the 2009 Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, Fla.

Football and photo fans can now vote on the final winners by logging onto www.usa.canon.com/app/html/NFL. Once into the site, click the “Photo Contest” link at the upper left of the page and then vote on both action and feature football photos in teen and adult categories. At the end of the form, fill out your name and contact info and click to submit your vote.

Brown’s entry is in the “Teen Action Photo” division and is from a girls’ powder puff football game this fall. The entry is titled, “Hersman: Almost a Classic Pose.”

Last year, Brown finished second in the national contest. The final 14 are selected from several thousand entries by a judging panel consisting of renowned sports photographer, Peter Read Miller of Sports Illustrated and Archie Manning, former NFL quarterback and father of Indianapolis and New York Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks, and other prominent staff photographers from the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

Two men were apprehended by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department after a high-speed chase in Hull Tuesday afternoon.

Robbie Stringer, 25, Athens, was charged with fleeing/attempting to elude a police officer, obstruction of officers, speeding, passing in a no pass zone, driving on wrong side of road, driving while license suspended/revoked, failure to obey traffic control device, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and firearm/knife possession during a crime.

Xavier Fanchon Guest, 20, Athens, was charged with obstruction of officers and firearm/knife possession during a crime.

According to a press release from Sheriff Kip Thomas, the county 911 center received a call shortly after 5 p.m. about a possible kidnapping involving two black males and a black female.

The vehicle was described as a burgundy PT Cruiser with an unknown Florida tag on the vehicle. A vehicle matching that description was spotted by Deputy Matt Pilkington on Hwy. 172 heading towards Hwy. 72.

Deputy Pilkington got behind the vehicle and tried to stop it, but the driver refused to pull over. Deputy Pilkington and Deputy Jim Reavis chased the vehicle down Hwy. 72 towards Hull. The vehicle then turned onto Glenn Carrie Road.

Deputy Jason Ring attempted to deploy stop sticks but was unable to do so because of traffic conditions on Glenn Carrie Road. When the suspect vehicle got to the intersection of Glenn Carrie Road and Hwy. 29, the vehicle struck Deputy Jeff Strickland’s patrol vehicle, which was blocking the intersection, and spun out of control into the BB&T bank entrance, stopping on the curb.

Stringer and Guest ran from the vehicle and were apprehended by Madison County deputies after a short foot chase.

The vehicle was searched and approximately four pounds of marijuana and a handgun were found. During this incident, a bystander’s vehicle was also hit and slightly damaged. There were no injuries during the incident.

“I am extremely proud of the way that my deputies handled this situation,” said Thomas. “Their caution and experienced decision making ability enabled this potentially dangerous situation to be resolved without injury to themselves or any citizen.”

After a solid start to tournament play in the Warrior Holiday Classic at Oconee County last week, the East Jackson Eagles found themselves on the short end of a losing score in their last two games of the tournament.

Now East Jackson looks to get the main part of their region schedule off to a strong start, as they travel to Dawson County to face the Tigers on Friday. In their last two meetings, Dawson has come away the winner, with both of those games coming in January of last year.

With a 6-3 overall record, Dawson County appears to hold the edge going into Friday’s game. While the Eagles have outscored the Tigers this season, recording 530 points to Dawson County’s 501, the Tigers have allowed less points to be scored against them, 381 to East Jackson’s 518.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

Coming off of a 68-60 victory over Athens Academy on Dec. 27 to open tournament play, the Eagles were hoping to build momentum towards the start of region play this week. Their first opponent last Monday came in the form of Apalachee. While the Eagles could hang onto the ball during the first half, they found themselves down 31-18 at the half. A change in strategy saw East Jackson cut that lead in the second half, causing several turnovers in the process. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Eagles had cut the lead down to only four points, and with a minute left on the clock, had tied the game 50-50.

But East Jackson missed some key free throws for the win, and Apalachee was able to take the lead and the 56-51 victory.

Kolby Gilbert led the Eagles in scoring with 18, while Brandon Garrett scored 11.

“We went to a 1-3-1 zone the second half and caused several turnovers,” said coach Brian Turner. “The key to the game was the free throw line as a whole. They were 16-22 while we went 5-14.”

The Eagles next moved to the consolation game to face host team Oconee County. The score stayed close in the first half, with East Jackson holding a 19-18 lead at the half. Oconee was able to get an edge in the second half, coming away with a 10-point lead and the 43-33 win.

Gilbert led in scoring for the Eagles with 14 points.

“We did not play with much effort on either end of the court but was somehow able to take the lead into half time,” Turner said. “In the second half we could never find our stride on defense, or offense as well, leading to a 10-point defeat.”

The Eagles were next scheduled to play host to Union County in region play on Tuesday. Results of that game were unavailable at press time.

After a rough start to the DQ Classic tournament at Hart County that resulted in back-to-back losses, the Lady Eagles of East Jackson rebounded last Tuesday with a victory over Carver, Columbus to make them 4-7 overall.

Up next is a trip to Dawson County to face the Lady Tigers in region pairing on Friday. The two teams last met up in the first round of 8AA tournament play last season, where Dawson County won 51-44.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Lady Eagles started out play in the DQ Classic last Friday with an opening loss to host Hart County. The Lady Bulldogs took control of the game early, pulling out to a 13-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Hart County continued to hold East Jackson at bay, allowing only five points to be scored in the second quarter while they picked up 16, making the score 29-9 at the half.

East Jackson found some momentum in the third quarter, and was able to add more points on the board to make the score 58-23 by the end. Hart County continued to control the game, and pulled away to a 72-35 win.

Autumn Wilbanks led East Jackson in scoring with 13 points, while Dynelle Todman had seven and Mikki McGinnis had six.

Next up for the Lady Eagles was a pairing against Monroe Area, a team that has had its own struggles so far in the season.

East Jackson took control early, and held a one-point lead, 11-10, at the end of the first quarter. The game remained close through the second quarter, as the Lady Eagles maintained the lead going into the half, 25-20.

In the third quarter, the Lady Eagles continued to work to maintain their lead, and held Monroe Area at bay with a 36-30 score at the end of the quarter.

But the advantage slipped away in the fourth quarter as the Lady Bulldogs surged and came away with a 55-47 win.

Shelby Johnson, Callie Moore and Wilbanks led in scoring for East Jackson with nine points, while McGinnis scored eight against Monroe Area. McGinnis led in rebounds with 13, while Kaitlin Hill had seven. Moore also had three steals on the game.

“We are definitely in a slump right now but I saw some good things in the Monroe Area game,” coach Amy Larimer said after the loss. “We were aggressive both defensively and offensively and played with more intensity than we have the last few games. If we continue to play hard things will start to look up.”

Things finally did look up for East Jackson in their next game, as they closed out the tournament with a victory over Carver out of Columbus.

After trailing in the first quarter, 12-10, the Lady Eagles came back in the second quarter to take control of the game, and move out to a 33-23 lead at the half. East Jackson continued to pace the game, moving out to a 50-34 lead by the end of the third quarter. The Lady Eagles then had to hold off a late charge by the Carver team that saw them move to within five points, but kept them at bay to pick up the 61-56 victory.

Wilbanks led East Jackson in scoring with 28 points, while Johnson scored 13 and Bralee Griffin scored eight. Caroline Hicks led in rebounds with nine, while McGinnis had seven and Wilbanks and Griffin both had five. Johnson had three assists. Hicks had four steals, while Moore and Wilbanks both had three.

“That was a much needed and well deserved win,” Larimer said. “It was a great team effort with everyone contributing. We played hard the entire game and pulled out a gutsy performance. It was especially good to get this win going into region play. Hopefully we can keep the hard work going.”

Two adults and three students in Jackson County were transported to area hospitals following a rollover bus wreck Tuesday afternoon. The injuries were not life threatening and all but one of the adults had been released by Wednesday.
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A South Hall family awoke early in the morning on New Year’s Day to find a SUV on their porch, according to Braselton police.

A man at a Perimeter Circle address in the Reflections subdivision said his family thought lightning hit the house when they were awaken by a loud crash just after 3 a.m.

When the family investigated the source of the sound, they found a SUV in their backyard that had crashed into their porch.

The man went outside to check on the driver, Michelle Foxworthy, 41, of Buford. The homeowner brought Foxworthy into the residence, where he told police she had cuts and bruises, and the odor of alcohol.

Foxworthy told the man she had three drinks that evening, police said.

An officer said he talked to Foxworthy as she was being treated by EMTs. She was taken to Lanier Park hospital in Gainesville, where the officer later questioned her about the incident.

Foxworthy said she was making a turn at an intersection, when she noticed another vehicle coming. She said she hit her gas pedal and later lost control of her brakes.

Police said Foxworthy refused to give a blood sample at the hospital and asked to speak to her attorney.

Braselton police charged her with DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, driving too fast for conditions and failure to notify owner upon striking a fixture. She was taken to the Gwinnett County Detention Center.

Cancer isn’t a solitary disease.

It doesn’t only alter the life of the patient.

It affects the caregivers, the parents, the spouses, the siblings, the grandparents. The whole family is impacted and changed.

So to say that Gail Banks and Kelli Banks Wehunt are survivors is only telling a part of the story
.
The Banks family is a survivor.

Gail Banks, who will reach her 32-year survivor mark on March 25 this year, is quick to say that her son, Kyle, and her husband, Larry, are also cancer survivors.

Larry was there when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 23. He was there years later when their daughter, Kelli, was also diagnosed with cancer. Kyle, age 9 when his sister was undergoing treatment for bone cancer, spent much time at the hospital and helped his sister as he could. Kelli, a 15-year survivor, has support now, too, from her husband, Chad Wehunt.

Until Kelli was diagnosed at age 12 and then was named a “survivor” at 13, Gail had been the youngest in her family to have cancer. On her father’s side of the family, there have been 26 people stricken with the disease, in one form or another.

The Jackson County family is an advocate of the American Cancer Society and has been involved in the Jackson County Relay for Life from the very start in 1994. Gail has been a volunteer with the ACS since 1980.

Cancer has been a family battle, so it was not surprising that the Banks-Wehunt family, along with Kyle’s fiancée, Amber Bagley, attended together the luminary service held on New Year’s Eve at Braselton Town Hall to celebrate life and to remember those who have been lost to cancer.

“We’ve got both Jackson and Barrow represented here,” said Victoria Patrick, senior community manager for the American Cancer Society. “We’ve had luminary services in both Jefferson and Commerce, and we’ve been trying to get one here for a long time. This is the first year for Braselton, and we’d like it to be an annual event. Danielle Austin and I organized it, and we thought New Year’s Eve would be a good time — a good end to one year and a good start to a new year.”

As another new year begins, both Gail and Kelli say their battle with cancer has taught them to live life to the fullest and to see that each day lived is a blessing.

The family is planning ahead now for the 2009 Jackson County Relay for Life, to be held May 29-30.

“Kelli’s birthday is on the 29th and mine is on the 30th,” Gail said. “It’s a good birthday gift.”

The flames may have roasted marshmallows — but Hoschton’s scarecrows were spared from a blaze.

Hoschton toasted its new world record for “The Most Scarecrows in One Location” with a bonfire on Saturday evening at the Kenerly farm on Ga. Hwy. 53. A U.S.-based company, the World Records Academy, gave the city the title after the Guinness World Records recently denied Hoschton a world record on a technicality.

“It was time we got together and had closure,” said council member Theresa Kenerly, whose family hosted the bonfire on its 287-acre farm just outside of the city limits.

Hoschton announced its quest for a Guinness World Record in May. By the Sept. 1 deadline, the city had documented 5,441 scarecrows.

“We sure did have a lot of fun with the scarecrows,” Kenerly said.

And Saturday’s damp weather didn’t stop the celebration, either.

With an outdoor burn permit, the Kenerly farm was open for guests to watch a large, controlled burn of brush.

The blaze didn’t contain any scarecrows, as initially planned. Days before the event, the city announced it wasn’t going to burn scarecrows in the bonfire, due to environmental concerns.

Mayor Bill Copenhaver said there were concerns about burning scarecrows that contained plastic and pressure-treated wood.

Hoschton resident Ethel Carpenter was one of those who brought her scarecrows to be roasted in the bonfire. Her grandchildren helped make 10 scarecrows for the world record effort.

“Everybody you know who knew you were from Hoschton wanted to see the scarecrows,” Carpenter said.

Kenerly said when the West Jackson Fire Department told city officials they couldn’t burn scarecrows in the blaze, that didn’t stop their plans for the bonfire. Marshmallows and hot chocolate were provided around a smaller blaze at the bonfire.

Mark Williams, one of the organizers of the scarecrow effort, said Hoschton will be known as the “Scarecrow Capitol of the World” — even without a world record from Guinness.

Hoschton choose not to pay Guinness additional fees for monitoring its world record effort, Williams said.

“Even though we don’t hold a world record from Guinness, we hold a world record,” he said. “We’re recognized by everybody — nobody is disputing that we don’t hold a world record, we do. It’s just that one company — named Guinness — choose not to recognize us because we didn’t pay their fees.”

Robbie Bettis — a key organizer of the Hoschton Scarecrow Stampede — said the stuffed creations helped local businesses generate more revenue and caused traffic jams through the city as tourists looked at scarecrows.

“This was absolutely the best thing in Hoschton — and I’ve been here all my life,” Bettis said.

Hoschton received scarecrows from businesses, churches, schools, farms and civic groups, she said. The Hoschton Women’s Civic Club hosted seven workshops to help make scarecrows.

The scarecrows were also a publicity event for the city’s fall festival, which welcomed record crowds in September. This year, the city has expanded its fall festival to three days and the scarecrow theme will be “I Believe in Scarecrows.”

Still, the city is asking citizens and businesses to submit their ideas for 2009’s scarecrow project.

“We will always make scarecrows — but how large of a capacity — we want to hear from y’all,” Bettis said.

A woman who was seen driving recklessly through Braselton and Hoschton hit a power pole on Ga. Hwy. 53 on Friday, Jan. 2.

Hoschton police said witnesses reported that a Toyota Camry was driving recklessly, driving off the roadway and driving into the wrong direction of travel. One witness said the driver hit some sign posts in the area of Ga. Hwy. 124 and Ga. Hwy. 53.

Within seconds of a look-out being posted, the witnesses said the vehicle drove erratically and hit the power pole at a high rate of speed.

The driver — Deborah Ann Vanderford, 51, of Winder — was found in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Police said Vanderford hit her head on the windshield.

Vanderford said she drank a “fish-bowl sized” margarita at a restaurant prior to driving the vehicle. She was taken to Lanier Park hospital in Gainesville. Hoschton police charged her with DUI and reckless driving.

Power outages were reported in the Braselton-Hoschton area after the accident.

Two adults and three students in Jackson County were transported to area hospitals following a rollover bus wreck Tuesday afternoon. The injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

The Jackson County School System bus was traveling north on Marlow Road just south of its intersection with Deadwyler Road in the Plainview area when it crossed the centerline into a shallow ditch and flipped, causing extensive damage to the right side of the bus. The bus landed on its wheels about 75 yards from where it hit the ditch area.

The wreck happened around 4 p.m.

Plainview Fire and Rescue units responded to the scene, along with Jackson County EMS, Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies and neighbors who lived near the accident.
Some of the injured were removed from the bus through side windows. Three ambulances transported the five people from the scene.

Heavy rains in the area had flooded nearby fields and one bridge nearby was said to be underwater. The shoulders of Marlow Road were muddy and soft at the time of the wreck.

Two adults and three students in Jackson County were transported to area hospitals following a rollover bus wreck Tuesday afternoon. The injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

The Jackson County School System bus was traveling north on Marlow Road just south of its intersection with Deadwyler Road in the Plainview area when it crossed the centerline into a shallow ditch and flipped, causing extensive damage to the right side of the bus. The bus landed on its wheels about 75 yards from where it hit the ditch area.

The wreck happened around 4 p.m.

Plainview Fire and Rescue units responded to the scene, along with Jackson County EMS, Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies and neighbors who lived near the accident.
Some of the injured were removed from the bus through side windows. Three ambulances transported the five people from the scene.

Heavy rains in the area had flooded nearby fields and one bridge nearby was said to be underwater. The shoulders of Marlow Road were muddy and soft at the time of the wreck.

Two adults and three students in Jackson County were transported to area hospitals after a school bus reportedly rolled over on Tuesday afternoon. The injuries were not life-threatening and all were released by Wednesday except for one of the adults.

The Jackson County School System bus was traveling north on Marlow Road just south of its intersection with Deadwyler Road in the Plainview area when it crossed the centerline into a shallow ditch.

Initial reports said the bus flipped over and landed on its wheels, but the Georgia State Patrol believes the bus would have sustained more damage in that scenario, according to Shannon Adams, superintendent of the Jackson County School System.

Instead, troopers believe the bus hit an embankment, which prevented it from flipping over, Adams said. However, one witness at the scene said the bus appeared to flip before coming to rest on its wheels.

“Oh my, judging by the appearance of the bus — there is every reason to believe it could have been much, much worse,” he said.

Of the five patients taken to area hospitals, all but one adult was discharged by Wednesday morning, Adams said.

An aide on the special education bus was admitted at an area hospital for a cracked rib and possible spleen damage, Adams said.

Of the students — including one who was in a wheelchair — the most serious injury was a minor concussion and stitches in the head, Adams said. The other students had minor scratches and bruises. The students attend Kings Bridge Middle School.

The bus driver — who has been employed with the Jackson County School System for almost two years — was released from a hospital, but may require additional treatment for minor back trauma, Adams said.

Heavy rains in the area had flooded nearby fields and one bridge nearby was said to be underwater. The shoulders of Marlow Road were muddy and soft at the time of the wreck.

Since Dixon Bridge Road was closed due to flooding, the driver took an alternate route on Marlow Road. The driver was unfamiliar with the roadway, Adams said.

“It was a serious accident,” he said. “School buses are about as sturdy of any vehicle on the road and it suffered significant damage.”

Plainview Fire and Rescue units responded to the scene, along with Jackson County EMS, Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies, the Georgia State Patrol and neighbors who lived near the accident.

Some of the injured were removed from the bus through side windows. Three ambulances transported the five people from the scene.

Adams thanked the first responding units from the Plainview Fire Department for helping the patients.

Linda Sue Fowler Sanders, 56, of Danielsville, died Sunday, January 4, 2009, at the Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.

Born in Franklin County on June 28, 1952, she was the daughter of Julian and Martha Sue Crider Fowler of Royston. She was a seamstress and was Baptist.

Survivors in addition to her parents, include a son, Chad N. Hart, Canon; brothers, Eddie Fowler, Carnesville, and Wayne Fowler, Royston; sisters, Sandra Bond, Royston, and Elizabeth Williamson, Danielsville; and one grandchild.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, January 7, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral home with the Rev. Charles Pritchett officiating.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

Paul “David” Crumley, 64, of Gainesville, died Monday, January 5, 2009, at his residence, following a sudden illness.

Born in Banks County on March 27, 1944, he was the son of the late Marvin J. and Lucile Clements Crumley. He lived in Hall County most of his life and was retired from Lockheed Martin Company after 30 years plus of service. Mr. Crumley was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Wilburn and Geneva Crumley; brother, John H. Crumley; sister, Levartha Veal; sister and brother-in-law, Jurell and James Hopper; brothers-in-law, the Rev. Edgar Thomas and J.C. Tumlin. He enjoyed painting, loved woodworking, built a hand crafted organ, and was an avid organist, loved ones stated.

Survivors include brother and sister-in-law, Raymon and Delilah Crumley, Gainesville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Catherine Thomas, Marie Tumlin, Margaret and Harrison Elrod, all of Gainesville, Helon and J.D. Johnson, Buford; brother-in-law, Gordon Veal, Gainesville; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 8, at 3 p.m., at North Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, January 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.

Baldwin Police officers made six arrests in connection with the vandalism of a mobile home and seven vehicles in the area of Brookcrest Mobile Home Park on Friday, Dec. 26, around 11 p.m.



Those arrested and their charges include: Robert Frankie Castanada, 30, possession, consuming and furnishing alcohol to a minor and aiding a minor to commit an unlawful act; Michael A. Briano-Magana, 17, underage possession and consumption of alcohol and eight counts of criminal damage to property; Fernando Barcenas Jr., 17, underage possession and consumption of alcohol, eight counts of criminal damage to property and obstruction or hindering a law enforcement officer; Jose Leonardo, 19, underage possession and consumption of alcohol, no valid driver’s license and eight counts of criminal damage to property; Jorge A, Mora, 19, underage possession and consumption of alcohol and eight counts of criminal damage to property; and a male juvenile suspect charged with underage possession and consumption of alcohol and eight counts of criminal damage to property. The juvenile suspect was released to his mother.

Officers were called to 714 Jade Haven on Friday night in reference to a property damage report. The officers were advised by dispatch that the incident had occurred just a few minutes before the call came in. Upon arrival, one of the officers spotted six males running away from the area.

One of the victims stated that seven vehicles had been spray painted and scratched.

While looking for the suspects, the officer found a vacant mobile home at 621 Crestwood Lane had been spraypainted with black graffiti on all four sides.

The officer observed two vehicles in the driveway of the vacant mobile home. One was a gold Nissan Altima driven by Mora and the other was a red Ford Focus driven by Leonardo. Two passengers were also in the Nissan, the male juvenile and Briano-Magana.

The officers found Leonardo did not have a valid driver’s license and, prior to making contact with the vehicles, Leonardo was observed pulling into the driveway at 621 Crestwood Lane after traveling on the roadway.

All of the underage suspects reportedly stated they were drinking at 625 Crestwood Lane. Officers made contact with Castenada, the resident at 625 Crestwood Lane. The underage suspects identified Castenada as the person who provided them with the alcohol.

During a search of the 625 Crestwood Lane residence, Barcenas was found intoxicated hiding under a bed in the residence.

During a search of both vehicles, black spray paint was found hidden in a speaker box located in the trunk of the Altima.

Beatrice M. Riden, of Athens, died Friday, December 26, 2008, at her residence. Born in Barrow County she was the daughter of the late Ocie Dixon and Arthur Riden Sr. She was preceded in death by sisters, Lou Dean Culbreath and Annie Rose Smith; brothers Frank Riden, Tommie Riden and Eugene Riden.

Survivors include a son, Richard M. Riden, Athens; sisters, Annie Mae Treadwell, Diane Tanner, Louise Riden and Carol Gross, all of Winder, and Louise Riden, California; brothers, Arthur Riden, Johnny Riden, both of Winder; daughter-in-law, Angela Riden Ivey, Lawrenceville; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 29, at White Oak Spring Baptist Church, with the Rev. Alfred Hazel officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Eberhart and Son Mortuary, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

Joe T. Carter, 76, of Winder, died Thursday, January 1, 2009.

A native of Walton County, he was the son of the late Ed and Fay Wilson Carter and was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Vonda Kay Carter. Mr. Carter, along with his wife, Reba owned and operated Flowers by Reba in Winder for many years. He was Presbyterian and was an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Survivors include his wife, Reba Mooney Carter; son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Barbara Carter; sister, Shirley Ann Martin; brother, Robert E. Carter; and mother-in-law, Marguerite Mooney, all of Winder.

Funeral services were held Sunday, January 4, at the Chapel of Carter Funeral Home with Dr. C. B. Skelton officiating. Burial was in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

Pearlee Cole, 92, of Auburn, died Saturday, January 3, 2009.

A native of Barrow County, she was the daughter of the late John and Sue Kilgore Anthony. Mrs. Cole was preceded in death by husbands, Ernest “Mutt” Mooney and Fred Cole; and children, Junior Mooney, Johnny Mooney, Ottwell Mooney and Fred Thomas Cole. She was a retired seamstress.

Survivors include children, Ann Woods, Auburn, Mary Sweat, Bethlehem, and Ricky Cole, Flowery Branch; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 5, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with Minister Carla Cannon officiating. Burial was in Carter Hill Christian Church cemetery.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

Clealia Brown Kitchens, 92, of Winder, died Monday, December 29, 2008. Born in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas C. and Amanda Emma S. Brown. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. Mrs. Kitchens was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel “Al” Kitchens.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Randall and Ann Kitchens, Wayne and Frances Kitchens, all of Winder, Bruce Kitchens, Suwanee; daughter and son-in law, Gwen and Ken Andrews, Clarkesville; nine grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren; sisters, Winfred Ivey and Doris Hardigree, both of Winder.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 2, at Smith Memory Chapel, with the Revs. Joel Shadburn and Matt Mote officiating. Burial was in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

T.R. Lewis, 68, of Hoschton, died Wednesday, December 31, 2008, in Augusta.

Born in Butts County, he had lived in Hoschton for a number of years. He was the son of the late Aaron and Myrtle Lewis and was preceded in death by a sister, Agnes Baxter.

Survivors include children, Michael and Sarah Lewis, Madisonville, Tenn., Marshelle and Eddie Savage, Neshell and Steve Buice, all of Dawsonville, Thomas Lewis, Hoschton; sister, Elizabeth Stapler, Cumming; brothers, J.W. Lewis and Macarthur Lewis, both of Cumming, Ronald Lewis, Jackson, Richard Lewis, Sugar Hill; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 5, in the chapel of Bearden Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Mulligan officiating. Burial was in the Old Big Creek cemetery.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, was in charge of arrangements.

Marvin A. Cole, 73, of Auburn, died Sunday, January 4, 2009.

Born in Gwinnett County, he was the son of the late Elmer and Roxie Lyons Cole. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy.

Survivors include his wife, Rita A. Cole, Auburn; son, David Cole, San Diego, Calif.; daughters, Marlita McCurley, Auburn, Valerie Colson, San Diego, Calif, Cindy Cole, Vail, Ariz., Diane Overlock, Paradise, Calif.; grandchildren, Audrey Bell McCurley, Auburn, and six others out of state; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Walker, Covington, Becky Bentley, Ellijay, Mary Alice Lee, Cumming, and Glenda Beckum, Snellville.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 7, at Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Billy Ray Banks officiating. Burial will be in West Georgia Crematory.

Memorial contributions may be made to White Lung Association, P.O. Box 1483, Baltimore, Md. 21203-1483.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

Mary F. Johnson, 82, of Canon, died Thursday, January 1, 2009, at Hart County Hospital in Hartwell.

Born in Franklin County on March 28, 1926, she was the daughter of the late M.O. Hart Sr. and Prudy Parham Hart.
Mrs. Johnson was the wife of Arthur Johnson of Royston.

Graveside services were held Sunday, January 4, at the Rose Hill Cemetery.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

R.E. Allen, 92, of Royston, died Friday, January 2, 2009.

Born in Franklin County on July 25, 1916, he was the son of the late James T. “Jimcat” and Eunice Eavenson Allen. He was a retired welder and was a member of the Gaines Chapel United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Emma Jo Dove Allen, Royston; sister, Lucille Allen Duck, Canon; and a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services were held Sunday, January 4, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Johnny Stowe and Eldon Massey officiating. Burial was in the Franklin Memorial Gardens-South.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

Faye Dora Hill Carey, 72, of Danielsville, died Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at her residence.

Born on May 9, 1936, in Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late Tyrus Clifford (T.C.) and Ruby Lankford Hill. She was a tax professional and was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Mitchell Carey, Danielsville; a daughter, DiAnne Carey, Danielsville; granddaughters, Bonnie Stith and Kerri Lynn Dove; great-grandchildren, Gracie Lynn Dove and Nathan Dove.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 2, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Rev. Glenn Guest officiating. Burial was in the Shiloh Baptist Church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

Hailey Frances Argo Abercrombie, 63, of Royston, died Thursday, January 1, 2009, at her residence.

Born in Franklin County on August 4, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Dewey Jasper and Lillie Mae Campbell Argo. She was a seamstress and also worked for Wilco-Hess, where she was a Stuckey’s Ambassador. She attended the Bowman Church of God.

Survivors include her husband, J.W. Abercrombie, Royston; a son, John Woodrow Abercrombie Jr., Royston; daughter, Melissa Duncan, Carnesville; brothers, James Argo, Danielsville, and Vandiver Argo, Dewy Rose; sisters, Margaret Edins, Danielsville, and Elizabeth Pulliam, Dewy Rose; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 3, at the Bowman Church of God with the Revs. Stacey Lynch and Phil Campbell officiating. Burial was in the Cary Memorial Gardens.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

Throwing out the first pitch at the dedication for the new baseball complex at the high school.
Accepting a key award at the chamber of commerce banquet.



Standing on the sidelines at high school football games cheering on the team.

Riding through Homer in a convertible in the Christmas parade.

Leading a local church for over a decade while its membership explodes.

The Rev. James “Jim” McLendon (lovingly called “Brother Jim” by people throughout Banks County) is not a native of Banks County. He has not lived here all of his life. But he is the biggest cheerleader for Banks County to be found. He has been named the Newsmaker of the Year for 2008.

Brother Jim, 76, can often be found at community events greeting people, getting photos to capture the occasion and encouraging those around him. He has been so involved in supporting athletics at the high school that he was presented with his own letter jacket. He proudly wears it as he continues to cheer on the teams.

“It is obvious that Brother Jim has not only been successful at Homer United Methodist Church but within our community,” said Chris Erwin, Banks County School System superintendent and a member of Homer United Methodist Church. “He has been a cheerleader for our students and schools that has had an unprecedented impact. The students have a glow in their eyes whenever he is around.”

Brother Jim has served in the ministry for over 50 years. His first appointment as pastor was at Rebecca Methodist Church in Rebecca, Georgia, in 1957. He had graduated from Emory University in 1957. He retired from Wesley Monumental Methodist Church in Savannah in 1997.

Shortly after his retirement from the ministry, he was asked to serve Homer United Methodist Church, where the membership had dwindled to only 42 members on the roll.

His wife, Marilyn, recalls that when he walked into the Homer church "he was like a kid with a new toy". The church now has 325 members.

Erwin says, “One way I would describe Brother Jim would be to say that he truly loves everyone. His love for everyone is evident in his ministry as seen on Sunday when the church members line up after his sermon to get a hug from their pastor. As superintendent of the schools, I often say that it takes a village to raise a child and Brother Jim is the heart of our village.”

Call it a win-win-win situation. A West Jackson developer got his property in better shape for development, the Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority got six-tenths of an acre it needs to serve potential commercial customers, and Jackson County would get the taxes off that new development.


In an 11-minute called meeting Wednesday, Dec. 31, the authority voted to accept a 20 by 1,400 sewer easement offered by Buckeye Land & Timber Co. near the intersection of Skelton Road and Doster Road.

“It is completely a gift,” pointed out the authority’s attorney, Paul Smart. “The authority is not offering any consideration, not in any future service or any quid pro quo.”

The easement runs across the back of a number of residential lots, but will enable the authority to more easily provide sewerage service to an adjacent tract — also owned by Buckeye — which has potential for commercial development.

“There has been a lot of interest in this location. This easement helps us a lot,” said Eric Klerk, the authority’s manager.

Also last Wednesday Hunter Bicknell expressed gratitude for the “cooperation and sheer pleasure of working with all of you.”

Bicknell was installed the following day as chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. His position as chairman of the water and sewerage authority

As the 2009 state legislative session approaches, Rep. Terry England foresees several issues being up for discussion including school issues, transportation, trauma care and taxes.

“The budget numbers are still looking pretty bad and looking like about the $2.5 billion we thought at the end of the year,” England told the Barrow Journal this week.

“We had several agencies that turned money back in from last year as a result of budget cutting measures in the house. It looks like that will be just over $200 million.”
England, who ran unopposed for re-election during 2008, said Monday the Homeowner Tax Relief Grants still look safe at this time, but noted “that can change at the drop of a hat as we go back in session.”

“I also think the property tax caps that are being proposed stand a change in some form or another,” he said. “What they finally look like — the jury is still out.”
The representative also said he wants to see about giving local school systems more wiggle room on class sizes.

Illegal immigration continues to be a hot button topic with many lawmakers and citizens and England wants counties not enforcing the law to be held accountable.

“We will look at withholding block grants from them,” he told the Barrow County Republican Party during its most recent meeting.

England was involved a publicized battle with state Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson last fall, but noted the two have now “cleared the air.”

“I am looking forward to working with him during this session,” England said. “He has made a commitment that he will try his best to control his temper and try harder as he relates to his relationship with the Governor and Lt. Governor and I take him at his word.”

The slumping economy appears to have put the brakes on negotiations by a group of doctors to acquire BJC Medical Center.



Representatives of both sides confirmed that the nonbinding letter of intent between the Commerce medical facility and Doctors Hospital of Georgia was withdrawn.

Finances appeared to be at the root of the setback.

“Some of the language in the letter required them to show proof of the ability to finance and the availability of funds,” explained BJC CEO Jim Yarborough. “There was a window of opportunity the needed to show proof. They were not able to meet that requirement within the deadline.”

Doctors Hospital of Georgia is an investment group that hoped to acquire BJC Hospital and build a new version at the Maysville Road medical complex being developed by Atlanta podiatrist Dr. James Bouchard. Bouchard is not a part of Doctors Hospital, but he had offered to donate land for a hospital at the site.

Yarborough thinks the would-be buyers ran into the credit crunch.

“As we all know, (lending institutions) have a tight hold on funds,” he commented. “I think they (Doctors Hospital) found out the hard way how tight that hold is.”

The withdrawal of the letter of intent does not necessarily rule out some future agreement, but it indicates the difficulties caused by an economy in recession.

First, the economy has hit BJC Medical Center hard. Its bad debt and uncompensated care have put operations deep into the red. Secondly, a tighter credit market makes it more difficult for groups like Doctors Hospital to borrow money.

According to Yarborough, the medical center had provided a lot of its current financial data to the potential investors, who he speculates took it to their potential lenders.

“I think that might have been an issue for them. Our year-to-date financials are not real strong,” Yarborough stated.

While that could possibly be resolved, BJC opted out of the letter of intent so it can listen to any other offers that might arise. As long as the letter was in effect, Yarborough said, BJC could not field other offers.

“This opens the door so we can talk to other entities,” he said.

There have been other interested parties, but BJC officials know that the economic times will make it difficult to consummate an acquisition.

“We have had some big players, where I think corporate put the skids on the process,” Yarborough said. “The board knows this is probably the worst time to try to do what we want to accomplish.”
Former BJC chief financial officer Bill Williams is the project manager for EDT, Inc., on behalf of Doctors Hospital of Georgia, Inc. He agreed that the issue is not dead and that Doctors Hospital would still be interested “if the hospital came back with new negotiations or new numbers or something of that nature.”

BY SHERRY LEWIS

Lake Charles is a beautiful get-away located in the southwest corner of Louisiana in the Calcasieu Parish. It’s a wonderful place to soak up the scenery and natural beauty of this part of the state. Then, add the culture, music and food that make Louisiana famous, plus the legendary Southern hospitality, and you will find it’s not only a wonderful place to visit but it’s also a wonderful place to live.



Residents and tourist alike say that you’ll find some of the best food on earth and I must agree. It’s described as a “melting pot” or “the real gumbo of Louisiana.” It’s a place where Acadians, Americans, Cajun/Creole, and Indians have come together to make their home. They have all greatly influenced the cuisine and the outcome is completely spectacular.

Residents and tourists both say that you’ll find some of the best food this side of paradise and they are right. On a recent trip, I was treated to some of the best food on earth; I’m convinced of that.

I started the trip with dinner at Mazen’s, where I enjoyed Mediterranean dining in a casual but elegant atmosphere. They have an extensive list of appetizers, including Oysters Rockefeller, grilled quail, smoked salmon, crab cakes, kibbie and humus, just to name a few. Next, I feasted on fresh fish and a juicy steak prepared to perfection. Whatever you do, save room for the soufflé at the end. It’s delicious!

For a special occasion or if you really want to treat yourself, Snake River Grill is sure to hit the spot. The renowned restaurant from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has brought its award winning dining experience to L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, where they feature local and regional flavors.

Whether you start with Branding Iron Sweet Onion Rings, Peking Duck-Scallion Crepes or Lamb Chop Lollipops, Louisiana Crab Cake or Baked Oysters—you’ll not be disappointed. Then you’ll have your choice of tuna, trout, striped bass, a variety of steakhouse cuts and more to choose from as a main entree. I tried a mouth-watering steak topped with Louisiana Lump Crab Meat and it was fabulous. I finished the meal with a homemade ice cream sundae and I ate every last bite!!

I had another spectacular dining experience at La Truffle Sauvage. I started the evening with Louisiana Lump Crab, followed by Colorado Lamb Loin and roasted Alaskan Halibut and finished the night with upside down chocolate soufflé. Wow!! It was an exquisite meal topped only by the ambience. I can assure you a visit to La Truffle Sauvage will be a night that you will remember.

From chicken and sausage to seafood, if you want to indulge yourself with a sampling of some of the best gumbo southwest Louisiana has to offer, Seafood Palace is your place. Another local favorite is Steamboat Bills and both restaurants offer good ole’ Louisiana cooking. If you want fresh shrimp, blue crabs, and crawfish etouffee, they can’t be beat. Both offer good food in a casual setting.

I was in Louisiana, so I had to find a King Cake. I found the perfect spot: Delicious Donuts. Whether you want a King Cake filled with strawberries and cream cheese, a banana fosters King Cake or a Pecan Praline King Cake---they’ve got them and just about every other flavor in between. It’s the best King Cake I’ve ever tasted. They ship King Cakes too. To place an order, call 337-479-2986, and they’ll ship it straight to your door. They’re available year round, so you can celebrate Mardi Gras anytime!!

If you’re looking for a good place for breakfast, go where the locals eat. I found two such places. The first is Chez Cafe. They offer a full breakfast menu, but I’ve got to recommend the cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate, which comes heaping with whipped topping. Another is Southern Spice where you can get just about anything you want. Both are relatively inexpensive and a great place to start your day.

It sounds like all I did was eat on my trip, but I promise there are activities galore. I was treated to the magic of Mardi Gras at the Mardi Gras Museum. It boasts the largest display of costumes in the world. We learned the history of Mardi Gras, king cakes and costume design and got to climb aboard a parade float. There is a rich history that goes along with celebration and the museum is a must see.

Next, we stopped at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum where we saw the exhibit “Java! The History of Coffee Roasters in Louisiana.” While at the exhibit, I was treated to pork topped with a delicious barbeque rub made from coffee, a wonderful milk punch made with coffee ice cream, and last, but certainly not least, a delicious cup of Community Coffee. The company was established in 1919 in Baton Rouge and the company is still thriving today. You can pick up a cup almost anywhere in town, and at the local Albertson’s Grocery Stores where you can pick up a cup in the bakery or take a few bags home to enjoy. I learned much about the process of getting the coffee from a plant to our dining room table. I also learned that Louisiana’s love their coffee and are very proud of it.

Lake Charles is also the home of the French Market Foods, food manufacturer of Tony Chachere’s. If you’ve not heard that name before—you’re sure to see it at the local grocery store. Here they manufacture their famous boudin, sausage, stuffed chickens and more.

WHERE TO STAY

Step out of the bayou and into the Caribbean at the Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel. It’s the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate after a long day of food and fun. The guest rooms are all outfitted with all the amenities you want most. Another option is to relax in your own mobile accommodations at the RV Park. The hotel offers casual, elegant, sit-down or take-out restaurants right on the property. This is the perfect place for your home away from home.

So as you begin to make your plans for 2009, plan to visit Lake Charles, Louisiana. I can tell you, you will not leave disappointed. A return visit is on my list for 2009. For more information, contact the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.VisitLakeCharles.org or call 800-456-SWLA.

Ruth Smith, 81, of Maysville, died Saturday, January 3, 2009, at Hill Haven Nursing Facility.

She was a homemaker and was Baptist. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Smith.

Survivors include a sister, Betty Kirkpatrick, Commerce; brothers, Pars G. Gravley, Woodstock, John Gravley, Mississippi, George Bunch and Jim Bunch, both of Marietta; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, Janu
ary 5, at the Sosebee Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Racheo Lacey officiating. Burial was in Cherokee Memorial Park.
Sosebee Funeral Home, Canton, was in charge of arrangements.

Cody James Minish, 41, a resident of Jackson County, died Friday, January 2, 2009.

Memorial services will be held Friday, January 9, at 1 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Commerce.

Daniel Dills, 35, of Arcade, died Friday, January 2, 2009.

Born in Commerce, he was an insulation installer with Porter Insulation Company.
Survivors include his companion, Pamela Bray Gill, Jefferson; daughter, Christina Griffith, Statham; mother and stepfather, Connie and Steve Booth, Danielsville; father and stepmother, Jerry and Dottie Dills, Jefferson; brothers, Ricky Dills, Bethlehem, and Jeremiah Dills, Jefferson; sisters, Christy Thurmond, Arcade, and Lori Fields, Statham; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 7, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. David Carey and David Staton officiating. Burial will be in Evans Memory Gardens in Jefferson. Pallbearers will be Chase Brown, Jeremy Aaron, Todd Foster, John Dills, Mike Thurmond and Anthony Thurmond. Jodie Fields will serve as honorary pallbearer.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Gowan Sosebee, 78, of Gainesville, died Sunday, January 4, 2009, at New Horizons West Nursing Home, following an extended illness.

Born on October 15, 1930, in Hall County, she was the daughter of the late Will and Winnie Mae Gibbs Gowan.
Mrs. Sosebee was the mother of Robert and Karen Sosebee of Lula.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 7, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home in Gainesville.

Jean Vaughn Hix, 86, of Commerce, died Monday, January 5, 2009, at BJC Nursing Home in Commerce.

Born in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late David and Bertha Byrd Vaughn and was a homemaker. Mrs. Hix was the wife of the late Donald Hix.

Survivors include a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 8, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

Terry Lee Loggins, 47, of Commerce, died Thursday, January 1, 2009, at his residence.

Born in Jackson County, he was the son of Frank Loggins of Commerce and the late Blondine Adams Loggins. He was employed as a laborer.

Survivors in addition to his father, include his step-mother, Jonell Loggins, Commerce; half-brother, Michael Loggins, Brunswick, Ohio; and sister, Joyce White, Atlanta.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 5, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral home with the Rev. Greg Banks officiating. Burial was in the Freedom Church of God cemetery.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.

Virginia Turpin Steiffer died Tuesday, November 25, 2008.

She was raised in Commerce, was born in Seneca, S.C., and spent time in Canton, Ohio, before moving to Columbia, Md. for 30 years. She recently returned to Canton, and had worked for many years at Diebold prior to her retirement. She loved chocolate, crossword puzzles and her many dogs, loved ones stated.

Survivors include sisters, Grace Mumblow, Anderson S.C., Olrne Crane, Athens; and a brother, Fred Turpin, Commerce.
In honoring her wishes, the body will be cremated and burial of ashes may take place at a future date. A private memorial service for the family is pending.

Reed Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Marlon Franklin Thomas "Pop", 70, of Gainesville, died Friday, January 2, 2009, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was the son of Grace Thomas of Talmo.

On May 15, 2008, Dr. Thomas, pastor of Sardis Baptist Church in Gainesville, celebrated his 70th birthday and his 50th year in the ministry. Dr. Thomas has been described by all as "A man of God" who has lived a life dedicated to ministering and serving others. He was born into the family of Horace and Grace Collins Thomas of Pendergrass, in 1938. He attended Talmo Elementary School and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1956. He held his first job as a D.J. for the "Showboat" on WDUN Radio and was later employed at The Citizens Bank. His first pastorates were Pond Fork Baptist Church of Talmo and County Line Church of Cleveland. During this time, he attended Truett McConnell College, where he graduated in 1964 with an AA Degree. He then became the pastor of Sardis Baptist Church of Gainesville. He moved to Decatur, where he served as the Associate Pastor and Youth Minister at the Glenn Haven Baptist Church. He then married his wife of 42 years, Angelyn R. Thomas. They moved to Bethlehem, where he served as the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, and then went on to be the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Toccoa. He was then called back to Sardis Baptist Church of Gainesville. He attended Antioch Bible College and Seminary where he received a BA in Bible and a Master's degree in Theology. During this time, he served as Minister of Music and taught music and Bible at the Seminary. He then moved to Hampton, where he was the pastor of the First Baptist Church. During this time, he taught at the Gwinnett-Hall Bible College where he received an Honorary Doctorate of Theology. Although he served in several locations, he continued to teach at Gwinnett-Hall for over 25 years. Bro. Marlon then became the pastor of the New Canaan Baptist Church in Dallas. He was there for a short period of time when he felt God leading him back to Hampton. In 1975, Bro. Marlon and several families constituted the Calvary Baptist Church of Hampton. He and his family served here as part of a thriving ministry for the next sixteen years. For the following eight years, Bro. Marlon was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Lula. He was then pastor of Antioch Baptist Church of Cumming. He then found his way back to Sardis Baptist Church in Gainesville.

Survivors in addition to his mother, include his devoted and loving wife of 42 years, Angelyn Reed Thomas, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Chris M. and Melanie Thomas, Talmo; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Bobby Reed, Gainesville; grandchildren, Casey Thomas, Matthew Thomas, Chase Reed, Cameron Reed, Cory Thomas, and Conner Reed; brother and sister-in-law, Mahlon and Ann Thomas, Gainesville; sister-in-law, Linda Grizzle, Gainesville; brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Evelyn Reed, Oakwood; and many other family and friends also survive.

Funeral services were held Sunday, January 4, at Sardis Baptist Church in Gainesville, with interment in the church cemetery with the Revs. Lamar Rackley and Scott Culpepper officiating. The following ministers shared remarks, the Revs. Dee Keith, Ray Boutwell, Milton Harris, Jimmy Wright and grandson, Chase Reed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sardis Baptist Church Building Fund, 2724 Sardis Church Rd., Gainesville, Ga. 30506.

Memorial Park Funeral, Home North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.