MainStreetNews

Public shares blame for economic collapse

nospam@example.com (CommerceNewsTODAY) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:30:00 -0400

It’s convenient to have someone to blame. Vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin repeatedly placed the blame for the economic meltdown on “corruption and greed on Wall Street,” while her Democratic counterpart, Joe Biden, blamed it on the Bush administration.

Both are correct to a degree, but both responses are simplistic. Certainly the directors and CEOs of major financial institutions cashed in at the risk of shareholders until the system collapsed, but they had willing partners in economists, politicians, small businessmen and consumers. Everyone supports a practice when there’s money to be made, and as the sub-prime mortgage industry evolved, few people complained or warned of the consequences. Business was too good.

The economic boom of the past decade was built on the housing industry that we now perceive as a house (no pun intended) of cards. Today, with virtually no building taking place, we’re beginning to understand how much that contributed to the local economy. Now that nature has taken its course, the expedient thing to do is to affix blame.

In reality, consumers are equal partners in the development of the crisis. Consumers signed on to risky mortgages, committing more of their income than they could afford and more than they were likely to repay. They used the easy credit to build a huge debt load as if good times were guaranteed for perpetuity, not just in the purchase of housing, but also in the acquisition of consumer goods. Personal debt soared, even excluding debt for housing.

Now we struggle to ride out the crisis. We commit another $700 billion in debt to calm financial nerves and we keep wary eyes on the Dow Jones Industrials. Job loss, bankruptcies and business closings, the natural consequence of overspending, will increase.

Blame the Republicans, blame the Democrats, the banks or Wall Street. But reserve a little for consumers as well. No one forced us to take those risky loans, told us we had to increase our credit card debt or forced us to acquire a home equity loan to take a vacation. Greed and financial irresponsibility are not exclusive to Wall Street or to any political party. We’re all in this together because we were all in this together all along.

LETTER: Please remember the needy, donate to the food bank

nospam@example.com (MadisonJournalTODAY) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:51:51 -0400

Dear Editor:

I helped at the Madison County Food Bank two weeks ago. As I left, trying my best not to cry, I thought of the Bible verse that says the mustard seed is the smallest of all the seeds, but with love grows into a large garden plant. I thought of that because we ran out of food after just one hour and had to turn hungry people away without groceries to take with them.

That is what brings me to the tiniest seed. If every able resident in Madison County brought in at least one small bag of rice or beans, a canned vegetable, peanut butter, jelly or whatever your heart sends you to get, just think how big that seed can grow and then be donated to help a lot of people going through a difficult time without also having to be hungry. Bobbie Rooker, the head of the food bank, has told me that Jones Chapel UMC is the only donator of toilet paper or soap.

Most people may not be aware that food stamps do not pay for such “unneeded” items (can you even imagine).

I would love to see everyone pick up a donation next time you are at the store, drop it off at the food bank, or if that is not convenient, drop it off at Jones Chapel (across from Zeb’s Barbecue) and we can deliver it for you.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Kay Williams

Royston

Race is on for mayor’s seat in Hull

nospam@example.com (MadisonJournalTODAY) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:50:38 -0400

For the first time in a decade, there is a contested race for mayor in the small town of Hull.

Councilman Paul Elkins, 71, who has served on the council for five years, resigned his post last month to run for the vacant mayoral seat, which was vacated by Mayor Rebecca Hutchins in August. Hutchins replaced her late husband, Mayor B.W. Hutchins last fall. B.W. died in April 2007 during his 14th year as mayor. Mrs. Hutchins, who had served on the council since 1991, was the sole qualifier to replace him.

She resigned in August because she was moving to a home outside the city limits.

Elkins will face newcomer Tony Ganey, 60, owner of an Athens franchise of Express Tax Service and a resident of Hidden Falls subdivision on Glenn Carrie Road. Ganey said Tuesday that he and his wife, Regina, moved to Hull from Valdosta two years ago.

“We just love the place,” Ganey said. “I’ve gotten to know my neighbors’ (in Hidden Falls) names, their kids’ names and their pets’ names.”

Ganey said he had kept up with Hull city council meetings through news articles and by talking with neighbor Paul Cook, a Hull councilman.

“I have a lot of free time, my kids’ are grown, though I do have two little dogs, but I thought this would be a good opportunity to serve the community,” Ganey said of his decision to run.

He feels his career as a businessman, including having served as president and vice-president of a company, help qualify him for the position. “There’s no ego involved here, no making money, it’s just whether I can serve the community.”

Ganey said, if elected, he plans to be very proactive in getting grants and other funding for the town.

“It’s great,” Elkins said of having competition for mayor. “It’s a real step forward for Hull.”

Elkins added that it has been years since there’s been a competitive local race in Hull.

In fact, for a while now Elkins and other members of the council have had trouble just finding someone to fill vacated council seats. And he remains optimistic that this signals more interest in the little town going forward.

“As the county, and this area, grows I think we’re going to see more interest in city government,” Elkins said.

Elkins said there are more than 120 registered voters within the city limits, but noted that only 15 voted in the last local election. He hopes those numbers improve this time, and he thinks they will, especially since the special election for mayor is being held on the same day as the general election.

“Voting for mayor will be in the same building, the Hull Civic Club,” Elkins noted. Those who show up to vote and who desire to vote for mayor, will need to obtain a special ballot while at the polls – the mayoral candidates won’t be on the general election ballot.

County revenue picture still unclear; BOC aims to cut expenses

nospam@example.com (MadisonJournalTODAY) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:47:34 -0400

Oh, times are tough.

And county commissioners continued their budget talks last week with their revenue picture still as murky as a lake bottom.

For instance, will the county’s overall property values (its tax digest) be significantly down this year, requiring either a hike in the tax rate or significant cuts in services? Will the county receive an estimated $600,000 in Homestead Tax Relief Grant funds being held by the governor, or will the state keep that money for itself as it deals with an estimated $2 billion revenue shortfall?

The BOC is desperate to cut costs and avoid any tax rate hikes. And the group seems set on axing at least two jobs to keep costs down, including a building inspector position and a transfer station job. They’ve also discussed eliminating animal control jobs, but there’s been less agreement at the table on that proposal.

After weeks of poring over each line of the county budget, the BOC has trimmed its projected expenses from $15 million this year to $14.48 million in 2009, a $563,000 decrease.

Of course, roughly $319,000 of that reduction comes from the elimination of all rainy day (or contingency) funds that the group always relies on to cover unexpected costs. The group currently has no money designated for contingencies.

For the past two months, the commissioners have met nearly every Wednesday afternoon to talk finances.

And last week, the group asked EMS director Dwayne Patton to discuss his department’s budget.

Commissioners have been troubled by the high overtime line item in EMS figures, $462,727.

BOC members agreed that they could reduce that line item by $130,000, with Patton using part-time paramedics to help offset overtime costs.

But commissioner John Pethel Sr. told Patton last week that he needs to do more as the county’s EMS director in order to save money for the county.

“I suggest to reduce costs in EMS, you (Patton) need to take on more responsibility,” said Pethel.

Madison County EMS used to have an assistant director, but the commissioners agreed in recent years to eliminate that post and split supervisor duties between three EMS employees. Pethel, whose son, John Pethel Jr., used to be the county EMS assistant director, said the new arrangement has not worked out.

The District 2 commissioner said two assistant directors will actually make more money this year than Patton, who earns $45,365.
“One guy is going to go over $52,000,” he said.

Pethel suggested that the BOC pay three “lead” paramedics 50 cents an hour more than the standard pay for their supervisor duties and lean more heavily on Patton for management responsibilities, such as requiring that Patton handle ordering of supplies. Three EMS supervisors currently make $2 more an hour than regular paramedics for their management duties.

“You need to do more as EMS director,” said Pethel. “I don’t think the taxpayers can afford four EMS directors.”

Pethel didn’t find much support from other commissioners at the table for his proposal. His motion to establish “lead” paramedics who earn an extra 50 cents an hour and to have “Dwayne do more” failed for lack of a second.

Commissioner Mike Youngblood commended Patton and his staff.

“The supervisors are well worth $2 an hour,” said Youngblood. “To have someone on shift 24/7, I think we’re getting a bargain.”

Youngblood said public safety should be the county’s first priority and that EMS has already committed to significant cuts, noting the $130,000 reduction in overtime costs.

“What else are you going to do?” asked Youngblood. “Why not just take back the three new trucks.”

Commissioner Wesley Jordan said that paying $2 per hour extra for each hour worked by an EMS supervisor totals $20,000, compared to $37,000 for an assistant director, who had a county truck.

BOC chairman Wesley Nash noted that the county ambulance service will cost $1.9 million but will generate nearly about $900,000 in revenue.

“That’s $250,000 a year to run four stations,” he said.

Pethel pointed out that Nash recently considered significant changes for EMS.

“About a year ago, Wesley, you were in favor of privatizing,” said Pethel.

Nash said he is still willing to consider the option.

“I’m still in favor of looking at it,” said Nash. “We should look at the cheapest method for providing services.”

Patton said he would do whatever the board wanted. He added that he feels his staff is a top-notch group and that the current arrangement with supervisors is beneficial to the county.

“I stand behind what’s being done now,” he said. “My folks do the best job you can get.”

Patton added that he felt Pethel was taking “a stab” at him.

“This is not a stab at you,” replied Pethel. “The sole purpose of this is to cut the budget so we don’t have to increase taxes.”

While EMS was a major focus of last week’s talks, the board discussed other departments, too.

Part-time building inspector Jim Baird, whose job is being considered for elimination, urged the group to keep him on staff. He noted that he is highly trained at what he does.

“Building is cyclical in nature,” said Baird. “We’re in a downswing, but a certified inspector is not easy to find. What’s cut today, may not be easily regained tomorrow.”

Commissioner Bruce Scogin said the board has many tough choices to make concerning the budget. He emphasized that he “doesn’t want to go and chop up the rec department budget,” but he said he feels most people who are struggling financially have to look at what they can eliminate, which is usually leisure activities.

“When you’re dealing with issues of whether people are going to keep their jobs, leisure activities should be among the first things we cut,” said Scogin. “That’s the first thing people have to cut at home. Here, we’re trying to whittle on essential services so that people can continue having fun.”

The proposed 2009 recreation department budget is up slightly from $628,330 to $630,150.

Pethel said he’s not in favor of cuts at the recreation department.

“You’re talking about people’s children,” said Pethel. “They’ll beg, borrow and steal for them.”

“I’d say lately there’s been more stealing than begging or borrowing,” retorted Scogin.

Commissioner Stanley Thomas said the recreation department was left off the 2003 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

“When I look at the recreation department, the board voted not to put a penny in SPLOST (in 2003),” said Thomas. “They (the recreation department) have been waiting. That’s a big part of our county.”

Thomas said there are a lot of things that the county provides, such as the recreation department, the library and the senior center, that people find important that are not directly tied to public safety.

Scogin said there are no easy answers.

“Like a lot of people, we’re grasping at straws, trying to cut everywhere we can,” said Scogin.

Woman charged with leaving accident

nospam@example.com (MadisonJournalTODAY) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:44:41 -0400

An Athens woman was arrested last week and charged with leaving the scene of an accident and other charges.

Deanne Ruth Moore, 32, 4505 Lexington Road, was also charged with improper passing on a hill/curve, failure to provide assistance and reckless driving.

Others arrested by law enforcement in the county recently included:

•Willie Lee Smith, 62, 1140 Buddy Moore Road, Colbert, two counts of terroristic threats and acts.

•Fredrick Antonio Appling, 40, 580 Farm Road, Comer, DUI, driving without headlights when required, driving while license withdrawn, suspended or revoked and a probation violation (original charge: theft by shoplifting).

•Jermaine Morese Barnes, 28, 6081 New Franklin Church Road, Canon, bench warrant (original charge: possession of cocaine, obstruction, etc.).

•April Lynn Brown, 37, 171 Herring Drive, Comer, theft by taking motor vehicle and burglary.

•Jason Adam Culver, 27, 91 Ferndale Street, Hull, giving false information or false name.

•Corby Leshawn Davenport, 37, 492 Farm Road, Colbert, parole violation and two counts of order to incarcerate (child support).

•Francisco Javier Mederos, 30, Colbert, DUI/alcohol, speeding, open container, habitual violator impaired driving, habitual violator motor vehicle and a hold for Pendergrass PD.

•Matthew Quinn Parham, 39, 1577 Hwy. 172, Colbert, battery (bondsman off bond), DUI/drugs less safe, driving while license withdrawn, suspended or revoked, possession of tools for the commission of a crime (bondsman off bond), burglary (bondsman off bond) and obstruction of an officer.

•Christopher Alan Poss, 39, 20 Stone Creek Drive, Hull, theft by taking.

•Roy Dwaye Ruis, 18, 853 Diamond Lane, Royston, two counts of theft by receiving stolen property, and two counts of theft by taking. (Comer PD)

•Patrick Cyntron Smith, 31, 1070 Micha Way Madison, five counts of deposit account fraud.

•Danny Dewayne Wingfield, 28, 208 Northside Drive, Commerce, probation violation (original charges: burglary, reduced to theft by taking, etc.).

•Tony Coyle Bennett, 49, 211 Williamson Drive, Hull, theft by taking.

•Oliver William Brantly, 20, 434 Norman Dove Road, Royston, burglary.

•James Vernon Busbin Jr., 43, 92 Busbin Lane, Colbert, theft by conversion and two counts of deposit account fraud.

•Norma Elaine Carter, 40, 2039 Calhoun Road, Dewy Rose, two counts of deposit account fraud.

•Jorge Francisco Escorza, 35, 2531 Casablanca Drive, Conyers, speeding and driving without a license (unlicensed).

•Antonio Lavanta Meadows, 25, no address given, Comer, battery and interference with a 911 call. (Comer PD)

•Vicki Lynn Peace, 56, 250 North Fourth Street, Colbert, no insurance and driving while tag is suspended.

•Bryant Lee Price, 19, 969 Hwy. 172, Colbert, required positions and methods of operation, leaving the scene of an accident, DUI/drugs, reckless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude and speeding. (GSP)

Eleanor Whitfield

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsOBITS) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:21:06 -0400

Eleanor Scales Whitfield, 88, of Commerce, died Thursday, October 9, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.

She was born in Banks County, the daughter of the late Paul and Callabelle Loudermilk Scales. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Commerce and was a retired school teacher. Mrs. Whitfield was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd Whitfield.

Survivors include a son, Mitch Whitfield, Homer; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Commerce with Dr. Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be in Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, October 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

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

DeAlva Warren

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsOBITS) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:09:09 -0400

DeAlva Brown Warren, 94, of Jefferson, died Thursday, October 9, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home in Commerce.

The Emanuel County native lived most of her life in Metter before moving to Jefferson in 1998 to be near her son. She was a homemaker and was retired from Metter Manufacturing Company. She was a member of the Cedar Street Baptist Church and the Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed talking and being with people, never meeting a stranger, loved ones stated. Mrs. Warren was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Warren; and a son, Brown Warren.

Survivors include two sons and three daughters-in-law, Herbert and Martha Warren, Eatonton, Jim and Linda Warren, Jefferson, and Edna Warren, Snellville; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, at 3 p.m. in the Hooks Chapel of Kennedy Funeral Homes. Burial will be in the Cool Spring Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, October 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Kennedy Funeral Home, Metter, is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Sue Baugh

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsOBITS) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:05:33 -0400

Bonnie Sue Baugh, 71, of Gillsville, died Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at BJC Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Born in Banks County on October 19, 1936, she was the daughter of the late James Russell and Margie Nell Hopper Jackson. She was employed as a bus driver and was a member of Mercy’s Call Church. Mrs. Baugh was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar George Baugh; and a brother, James Leon Jackson. She enjoyed her pets, especially her beloved dog, Littleman, and enjoyed spending spare time making crafts and selling them at local functions.

Survivors include a step-son and spouse, Terry and Lynn Baugh, Gillsville; sisters, Laverne Hutchins, Gillsville, and Jean Lewallen, Maysville; a nephew, David Russell Marlow, Maysville; great-niece, Chelsea Leanne Marlow, Maysville; step-grandchildren, George, Lou and Frank Baugh, all of Gillsville, and Lois Krinter, Cornelia; and an aunt, Ora Bell Hopper, Gillsville.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, at 11 a.m., at the Hickory Flat United Methodist Church with Pastors Jerry Cameron and Frankie Spivey officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, October 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Hickory Flat Cemetery Fund.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.

CHS Softball Looking To Postseason Play

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSPORTS) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:18:00 -0400

The Lady Tigers’ softball team are ready to move into postseason play.

The final season game for Commerce was against region opponent Hebron Christian Academy, Tuesday.

Before facing Hebron, Commerce hosted Banks County and Johnson last week.

Banks County ran away with the game with a 9-1 win over Commerce.

The Lady Tigers were hoping Thursday’s game with Johnson would be different, and it was.

Commerce completely reversed the previous day's score and defeated AAA Johnson 9-1.

Going into the final season game against Hebron on Tuesday, the Lady Tigers played a hard game against their opponents.

Unfortunately for the ladies, Hebron edged out Commerce 1-0.

The Lady Tigers now prepare for the state sectional game in Dalton on October 17.

New path for Zion Church Road not welcome change for everyone

nospam@example.com (BraseltonNewsTODAY) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0400

Ray Johnson has been a lifelong resident of the Braselton-Hoschton area.

And in that time, the 73-year-old has seen the rise of traffic congestion in the rapidly-growing cities.

But it’s one road project that threatens to come near Johnson’s doorstep that has energized the retiree.

Jackson County is in the final design stage of phase 1 of the Zion Church Road project — which will re-align the busy road with the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 124 and Tom White Road to a new intersection on Ga. Hwy. 53.

Phase 2 of the project will include extending Zion Church Road past Hwy. 53, behind the Braselton-Stover House and the Braselton Library and ending at Ga. Hwy. 124, near Jesse Cronic Road.

Construction on both phases is expected to start next summer.

The existing Zion Church Road — which runs parallel to I-85 — is nothing short of a traffic nightmare.

The road ends just a few feet from an interstate entrance ramp and is often the cause of countless traffic jams in the area. West Jackson residents driving to and from I-85 often use Zion Church Road as a shortcut — thus avoiding another dangerous intersection at Hwy. 53 and Hwy. 124 in downtown Braselton.

Zion Church Road is one of the busiest off-system roads in Jackson County, according to Don Clerici, manager of capital projects for the county.

“The old road has lived its life,” Clerici said on Friday.

That’s one reason why Zion Church Road has been earmarked for a $23 million project to widen and re-align the roadway.

Phase 1 of the project will include four lanes from Hwy. 53 that will end near the former parking lot for Zion Baptist Church, which moved from a location on the road in 2005. From there, the road will be two lanes with a turn lane that will end at a revamped intersection at Tom White Road on Hwy. 124.

Clerici said that new intersection will improve traffic to two elementary schools. Initial plans don’t call for a traffic signal at the intersection, he added.

In the past three years, Jackson County has reduced the number of homes and businesses that will be displaced by the project. Initially, five residential properties in the Keys Crossing subdivision were considered for displacement.

Clerici said the county revamped its plans for Zion Church Road — which runs directly behind the subdivision — to save those properties in which homeowners wanted to stay. Before the change in plans, more homeowners would have been affected by the road project, he added.

Today, a total of eight residences and one business will be displaced by both phases the Zion Church Road project.

However, Johnson isn’t happy about the project — which will take the new road within 30 feet of his house on Pinecrest Lane.

“I couldn’t give my property away,” Johnson said last month.

Johnson has lived on the half-acre lot in the Pinecrest Lane subdivision since 1988. So far, three houses in the Braselton subdivision have been demolished for the road project.

Initially, the county wanted to put the new road within 10 feet of Johnson’s house. But now that the road has been pushed back to 30 feet from his house, the county won’t buy his residence, Johnson said.

“I’m just not happy about it. That’s it,” Johnson said on Monday.

Johnson has met with county officials, including an attorney, to discuss the road project. Johnson said Jackson County has appraised his property, but won’t provide the documents to him.

Jackson County is expected to give him money for the anticipated damage to his property, which will include a 5-6-foot wall of dirt, Johnson said.

Jackson County once proposed two cul-de-sacs in the Pinecrest Lane subdivision, with the new Zion Church Road slicing through the center of the subdivision.

The latest plans now call for just one cul-de-sac on Pinecrest Lane, ending near Johnson’s property.

Clerici said the original plans for the project would have taken more of Johnson’s property. Instead, the county opted to put a cul-de-sac that ends near Johnson’s house on vacant property across the street from his lot. That vacant lot was donated to the county and would have less impact on residences than the original plans, he added.

Despite Johnson’s concerns, Clerici says the county has been listening to comments from residents along the roadway.

That includes concerns from a Hwy. 124 family that wanted the county to avoid demolishing their house, Clerici said. The county later changed its plans for phase 2 of the project to follow the family’s request.

Clerici said other aspects of the project have been changed, due to costs. An acquisition team has made some changes based on citizen comments and the need to limit costs for the project. About $9.1 million in rights-of-way have been donated to the county, he said.