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In a 3-2 vote, the Banks County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to name interim fire chief Robert Wilkins as the fire chief.
BOC chairman Jimmy Hooper and commissioners David Duckett and Danny Maxwell voted in favor of the move, while commissioners Charles Turk and Sammy Reece voted against it.
Wilkins has served as interim fire chief for more than three months since Brian Eubanks resigned in August.
Reece said that three months is not long enough to determine if Wilkins should be moved into the position on a permanent basis.
Turk listed several concerns he has, including a med box proposal has not been submitted to the commissioners as requested and first responder tests have not been given.
“I think we need to give it a little more time to see if it works out,” Turk said. “I would like to see a chief that lives in the county or close by…I think he needs to prove how he handles himself in public and how he will handle himself with volunteers.”
Woman stuck to toilet seat
A woman found herself in a sticky situation after going to the restroom at a retail store at Banks Crossing last week.
Someone had apparently put glue on all of the toilet seats and she didn’t realize this until becoming stuck on the seat. Emergency medical services personnel were called to the store to help remove the woman from the toilet seat, according to an incident report filed at the Banks County Sheriff’s Office. The woman had to be taken to a Gainesville hospital for treatment.
The manger of the store found a brown paper sack in the restroom that had a bottle of Loctite GO2 glue in it.
The manager also noted that all of the toilet seats had a glue-like substance on them. Three toilet seats were damaged with the value listed at $20 each.
Someone had apparently put glue on all of the toilet seats and she didn’t realize this until becoming stuck on the seat. Emergency medical services personnel were called to the store to help remove the woman from the toilet seat, according to an incident report filed at the Banks County Sheriff’s Office. The woman had to be taken to a Gainesville hospital for treatment.
The manger of the store found a brown paper sack in the restroom that had a bottle of Loctite GO2 glue in it.
The manager also noted that all of the toilet seats had a glue-like substance on them. Three toilet seats were damaged with the value listed at $20 each.
Banks County to vote on Sunday alcohol sales
Banks County voters will soon be asked to vote on whether alcohol can be sold on Sundays.
The Banks County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to add the question of Sunday alcohol sales on the ballot in an upcoming election.
Paul Patel, president of the Banks County Chamber/CVB, was present at the board meeting to speak on behalf of the referendum.
"My hope is to improve tourism and enhance economic developments," Patel said. "If we can put Sunday sales on the ballot...we will increase the popularity of our intersection here at Banks Crossing." [Full Story »]
The Banks County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to add the question of Sunday alcohol sales on the ballot in an upcoming election.
Paul Patel, president of the Banks County Chamber/CVB, was present at the board meeting to speak on behalf of the referendum.
"My hope is to improve tourism and enhance economic developments," Patel said. "If we can put Sunday sales on the ballot...we will increase the popularity of our intersection here at Banks Crossing." [Full Story »]
Town elections coming up Tuesday in Homer, Baldwin
Voters in Homer and Baldwin will be electing a new mayor on Tuesday.
Early voting is under way through Friday for town elections in both of the towns. The election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5, when polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In Homer, incumbent mayor Doug Cheek and Martha Cotton will be on the ballot.
Early voting will be held through Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will be at the elections and registration office located at 266 Candler Street in Homer.
On election day on Nov. 5, voting will be at the Homer City Hall located at 943 Historic Homer Hwy. in Homer. Votes will be counted that night at the elections and registration office at 22 Candler Street in Homer.
BALDWIN
In Baldwin, incumbent mayor Jerry Neace will face Avery Murray. There will also be a race for the Post 5 city council seat where incumbent Robert Bohannon will face Larry Lewallen.
Early voting for the Baldwin election will be held through Nov. 1 at the Habersham County Elections and Registration Office, located at 555 Monroe Street, Clarkesville (on the third floor). Hours are 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
On election day on Nov. 5, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Baldwin City Hall.
Early voting is under way through Friday for town elections in both of the towns. The election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5, when polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In Homer, incumbent mayor Doug Cheek and Martha Cotton will be on the ballot.
Early voting will be held through Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will be at the elections and registration office located at 266 Candler Street in Homer.
On election day on Nov. 5, voting will be at the Homer City Hall located at 943 Historic Homer Hwy. in Homer. Votes will be counted that night at the elections and registration office at 22 Candler Street in Homer.
BALDWIN
In Baldwin, incumbent mayor Jerry Neace will face Avery Murray. There will also be a race for the Post 5 city council seat where incumbent Robert Bohannon will face Larry Lewallen.
Early voting for the Baldwin election will be held through Nov. 1 at the Habersham County Elections and Registration Office, located at 555 Monroe Street, Clarkesville (on the third floor). Hours are 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
On election day on Nov. 5, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Baldwin City Hall.
Say Boo To Drugs coming up Oct. 29
Plans for the upcoming Say Bo To Drugs Fall Festival were discussed at the monthly Banks County Family Connection Collaborative Networking Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17.
The event is set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Banks County Recreation Department, Thompson Street, Homer.
Local non-profit agencies will have booths set up to pass out information about their services and there will be face painting and games for the bids. The Banks County Sheriff’s Office and Fire & EMS will also be on hand.
All activities will be free to the families.
This event is held annually in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week to help reach people of all ages about drug prevention.
The event is set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Banks County Recreation Department, Thompson Street, Homer.
Local non-profit agencies will have booths set up to pass out information about their services and there will be face painting and games for the bids. The Banks County Sheriff’s Office and Fire & EMS will also be on hand.
All activities will be free to the families.
This event is held annually in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week to help reach people of all ages about drug prevention.
Alto millage rate unchanged
At the monthly meeting on Oct. 8, the Alto Town Council approved the millage rate for 2013 at 6.2 mills. This is the same millage rate as 2012, 2011 – all the way back to 2008, reported Lisa Turner, Alto Finance Director.
“We are fortunate to be able to keep the millage rate the same again this year,” Turner said.
In other business at the monthly meeting:
•the council discussed the update to the Habersham County Archway Partnership. The council agreed to use a train logo – same as on the police department uniform patches – on the proposed sign for the town.
•the council unanimously approved the adoption of the updated speed limits for the following roads: B.C. Grant Road – 35 MPH; Cook Street – 25 MPH; Grant Street – 25 MPH; McDaniel Road – 25 MPH; Old Gainesville Highway (from Alto City Limits to Armour Street) – 45 MPH; Old Gainesville Highway (from Armour Street to just south of Wheeler Circle) – 35 MPH; Old Gainesville Highway (from just south of Wheeler Circle to Alto City Limits North – 45 MPH; Railroad Avenue – 25 MPH; Wade Street – 25 MPH; Wheeler Circle – 25 MPH; Wheeler Street – 25 MPH; and Wynn Shoals Road – 30 MPH. Police chief Tim Vaughan said these speed limits are the same as was approved earlier.
•Mayor Audrey Turner advised the council that she was still communicating with the broadband representatives in an attempt to put something together for the town.
•the council unanimously approved the minutes from the Sept. 10 council meeting.
The council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Alto City Hall.
“We are fortunate to be able to keep the millage rate the same again this year,” Turner said.
In other business at the monthly meeting:
•the council discussed the update to the Habersham County Archway Partnership. The council agreed to use a train logo – same as on the police department uniform patches – on the proposed sign for the town.
•the council unanimously approved the adoption of the updated speed limits for the following roads: B.C. Grant Road – 35 MPH; Cook Street – 25 MPH; Grant Street – 25 MPH; McDaniel Road – 25 MPH; Old Gainesville Highway (from Alto City Limits to Armour Street) – 45 MPH; Old Gainesville Highway (from Armour Street to just south of Wheeler Circle) – 35 MPH; Old Gainesville Highway (from just south of Wheeler Circle to Alto City Limits North – 45 MPH; Railroad Avenue – 25 MPH; Wade Street – 25 MPH; Wheeler Circle – 25 MPH; Wheeler Street – 25 MPH; and Wynn Shoals Road – 30 MPH. Police chief Tim Vaughan said these speed limits are the same as was approved earlier.
•Mayor Audrey Turner advised the council that she was still communicating with the broadband representatives in an attempt to put something together for the town.
•the council unanimously approved the minutes from the Sept. 10 council meeting.
The council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Alto City Hall.
Gillsville approves 90-day moratorium on gaming machines
At the monthly meeting on Oct. 1, the Gillsville City Council unanimously approved a 90-day moratorium on gaming machines. Mayor Larry Poole asked the council to consider the moratorium since the city doesn’t currently have an ordinance dealing with gaming machines.
Poole said he would contact city attorney David Syfan about drafting an ordinance dealing with this issue.
In other business at the monthly meeting, the council:
•unanimously approved the Banks County Hazard Mitigation agreement. [Full Story »]
Poole said he would contact city attorney David Syfan about drafting an ordinance dealing with this issue.
In other business at the monthly meeting, the council:
•unanimously approved the Banks County Hazard Mitigation agreement. [Full Story »]
Lula man injured Friday in accidental shooting
A Lula man was injured on Friday afternoon in an accidental shooting.
Deputies with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office responded to Highland Close Lane at approximately 5:20 p.m. in reference to an accidental shooting.
Upon further investigation, it was found that Ben Whisnant was loading his .45 caliber firearm when the firearm discharged, causing injury to his right thigh, said Carissa McFaddin, BCSO deputy, OPS/PIO, on Monday.
Whisnant was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center with what was believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Deputies with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office responded to Highland Close Lane at approximately 5:20 p.m. in reference to an accidental shooting.
Upon further investigation, it was found that Ben Whisnant was loading his .45 caliber firearm when the firearm discharged, causing injury to his right thigh, said Carissa McFaddin, BCSO deputy, OPS/PIO, on Monday.
Whisnant was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center with what was believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Homer Heritage Motor Fest planned Saturday
The Homer Heritage Motor Fest will be held Saturday in the park in downtown Homer from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will includes show cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, time period costumes, BBQ, hamburgers and raffles to benefit the Banks County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS).
The entry is free but donations will be taken for DFACS. Raffle tickets and dinner items will also be sold to raise money. The cake walk proceeds as well as a portion of sells from Banjo's BBQ and Leopard Hamburgers will benefit DFACS.
Redemption Outreach will have a bake sale. Raenata Walker with Miche interchangeable purse for Cancer Hope Initiative Support will have a table set up.
The historic courthouse and Banks County Newspaper Museum will be open for tours. [Full Story »]
The entry is free but donations will be taken for DFACS. Raffle tickets and dinner items will also be sold to raise money. The cake walk proceeds as well as a portion of sells from Banjo's BBQ and Leopard Hamburgers will benefit DFACS.
Redemption Outreach will have a bake sale. Raenata Walker with Miche interchangeable purse for Cancer Hope Initiative Support will have a table set up.
The historic courthouse and Banks County Newspaper Museum will be open for tours. [Full Story »]
Reed named interim school superintendent
In a unanimous vote on Monday, the Banks County Board of Education named Donna Reed as interim school superintendent for the Banks County School System.
Reed, the assistant superintendent for the past 10 years, will assume responsibilities from Chris Erwin, who is retiring, beginning Dec. 1.
Reed served as a teacher, counselor and administrator in both Franklin and Banks counties prior to being named assistant superintendent in 2003. She is an alumnus of Clemson University where she received her undergraduate, masters and specialist degrees in education. Reed was named an ACC Basketball Women’s Legend in 2010 and is also a member of the Anderson College and Clemson Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity and am grateful the board has the confidence in me to lead this school system,” Reed said. “I have very big shoes to fill, but I look forward to the challenge of continuing to ensure the safety and success of our students and faculty in a different capacity.”
Reed is married to Steve Reed. The couple has two grown children and five grandchildren.
Reed, the assistant superintendent for the past 10 years, will assume responsibilities from Chris Erwin, who is retiring, beginning Dec. 1.
Reed served as a teacher, counselor and administrator in both Franklin and Banks counties prior to being named assistant superintendent in 2003. She is an alumnus of Clemson University where she received her undergraduate, masters and specialist degrees in education. Reed was named an ACC Basketball Women’s Legend in 2010 and is also a member of the Anderson College and Clemson Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity and am grateful the board has the confidence in me to lead this school system,” Reed said. “I have very big shoes to fill, but I look forward to the challenge of continuing to ensure the safety and success of our students and faculty in a different capacity.”
Reed is married to Steve Reed. The couple has two grown children and five grandchildren.
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