Hiawassee designated an Appalachian Gateway Community
News November 6, 2019
Sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the 3-day workshop provides participants with skills to capitalize on opportunities related to sustainable drivers for local economic development, cultural heritage, natural resource tourism, public arts promotion, and preservation with stewardship of community character. In addition to enhancing a community’s natural and historic assets, the role of the arts–particularly in revitalizing downtowns–is explored by community teams to assist in developing strategies to safeguard community character and drive local economic development.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales
“For decades, local industry has relied on extracting Appalachia’s rich natural resources such as coal, timber, and gas,” the organization states. “Although these industries have historically provided a local job base, poverty has been a pervasive challenge in many Appalachian communities. In recent years the Appalachian region’s economy has become more diversified; yet, even with infusions of new types of industry, the region still does not reflect the economic status of the rest of the nation.
“With programming that has included targeted technical assistance, community tourism assessments, tourism planning workshops, and small grants for project implementation, the AGCI (Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative) focuses on communities that are entry points to some of Appalachia’s most important natural assets: national and state parks and forests. In addition to enhancing a community’s natural assets, the AGCI also emphasizes the role of the arts –particularly in revitalizing downtowns – in a comprehensive natural and cultural heritage tourism development strategy.”
Since 2007, The Conservation Fund’s Conservation Leadership Network, with ample support from the ARC and NEA, has led the Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative to expand tourism, the arts, and other economic development opportunities for Appalachia’s gateway communities.
City of Hiawassee releases drug policy following employee arrest
News September 4, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Following the recent methamphetamine arrest of a municipal billing clerk, FetchYourNews filed an open records request with the City of Hiawassee to obtain its policy on drug testing in the workplace. Patti Diane Moon, a longtime employee of the city, was charged with multiple drug-related offenses late last month. Hiawassee Police Department conducted a traffic stop Aug. 25 after Moon was reported as driving toward oncoming traffic on U.S. 76. Although personnel files are confidential, Moon has not returned to her position at Hiawassee City Hall.
The City of Hiawassee drug policy clearly states that substance use will not be tolerated by city employees. Substance screenings are a prerequisite for employment. “City employees must not be on the job, on call, on City premises, operating a city vehicle, or operating any other equipment or vehicle while in performing of city business while impared due to any drug, legal or illegal, that renders the City employee unfit for duty,” the document reads in part. Furthermore, side effects of legally prescribed medications that could be problematic are to be reported to Hiawassee City Hall.
Excerpt from the City of Hiawassee drug and alcohol policy.
“The City of Hiawassee conducts random drug tests on a monthly basis,” Hiawassee City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick told FYN. Substance testing is performed randomly and unannounced on two city employees per month. All employees have an equal chance of selection. The employee remains in the pool after being chosen, with back-to-back monthly testing possible. Two officers with the Hiawassee Police Department additionally confirmed that testing is regularly conducted to include the law enforcement division.
While Moon was not on duty at the time of her arrest, the frequency and results of the workplace drug screens are unknown due to legally closed records.
Hiawassee customers may experience water issues due to hydrant flushing
News July 6, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The City of Hiawassee announced that the water department will begin flushing area fire hydrants Tuesday, July 8 through Friday, July 19, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Because of the nature of the work, it is not possible to predetermine how long flushing a given area will take,” the city government explained.
The process of periodically flushing water lines is an important preventive maintenance procedure. Over the course of time, loose sediment and mineral deposits may slowly accumulate inside of the piping, resulting in discolored water and reduced capacity. “Customers should be aware of the potential for dirty and discolored water,” the City of Hiawassee said. “This is a temporary situation resulting from the flushing of the pipes. The water may also be cloudy or appear white due to air entrapped in the water. All water system users are cautioned to check the water before use for clarity. Should you experience dirty water, simply wait for a period of time and it will clear up. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers and appreciate your understanding.”
Fire hydrant flushing removes mineral and sediment build up from the water mains, allowing utilities to deliver the highest water quality possible to its customers. The process evaluates the available flow to the hydrant, and verifies proper hydrant operation. The procedure assists water operators in identifing broken or inoperable hydrants and valves to assure that they are functioning at their maximum potential. The water pressure and available flow rate from the hydrants can be assessed by operators, imperative for firefighting purposes, during the flushing process.
Hiawassee receives Georgia Main Street affiliate designation
News May 8, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Joint Economic Developer Denise McKay announced last week at City Hall that Hiawassee has been approved for Georgia Main Street affiliate designation.
According to the Georgia Main Street website, the program began in 1980 as one of the original pilot state coordinating programs of the National Main Street Initiative launched by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program launched with five local communities and has grown to serve 100+ communities statewide.
Georgia Main Streets says it represents some of the strongest central business districts in the state and in the Southeast. Since it started, the designated community programs have been instrumental in leading the state in historic preservation, small business development, expansion of the state’s employment base, leveraging private investment, increasing tourism and providing a positive road map for public-private partnerships.
Housed in the Office of Downtown Development at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Main Street is a signature program for community development and revitalization in Georgia’s historic downtowns.
Additionally, McKay announced that Rural Zone designation approval for Hiawassee is expected in mid-August.
Million gallon water release rushes along Bell Street
News March 17, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The City of Hiawassee began draining the million gallon water tank, which sits high upon a hill above Wood Street, this morning, Sunday, March 17. The city plans to pressure wash the inner and outer portions of the vessel.
Residents and motorists on the southern portion of Bell Street in Hiawassee weren’t quite sure what was occurring as a steady stream of water began to rush along roadsides Sunday morning. The water began tapering to a trickle by mid-afternoon.
Most residents FYN spoke with were relieved to learn that the flooding was not due to pipe damage leakage. The City of Hiawassee arrived with equipment, digging an additional channel to weaken the flow in an area affected by gravel shifts.
Mention was made of upcoming maintenance on the massive water tank at a recent city council meeting although a definitive date was not announced at the time.
Hiawassee develops plan to capitalize on natural, cultural assets
News November 18, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A team from the City of Hiawassee participated in a three-day workshop designed especially for towns and communities bordering national or state parks, forests, and other treasured public lands in the Appalachian Region. Working with national and regional experts on sustainable tourism, economic development, the arts, natural and cultural resources, transportation, and branding, the five-person team crafted a new vision that focuses on the unique Appalachian assets that make Towns County an appealing place to live, work and recreate.
The partnership of the Appalachian Regional Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The Conservation Fund convened the program. With partnership and relationship-building as essential elements to the Appalachian Gateway Communities Regional Workshop, each of the eight participating communities – from across Appalachia – formed a diverse team that included a public land manager, elected officials, business and tourism representatives, civic leaders, and community arts representatives.
The team consists of the following members:
David Weber – Young Harris College
Annaka Woodruff – Appalachian Regional Commission
Patrick Larson – Ga Mountain Regional Commission
Julia Sparks – Brasstown Bald
Liz Ordiales – Hiawassee Mayor
Denise McKay – Economic Development Director
“This venture is a great collaboration with the major stakeholders in our area; Towns County, Young Harris College and both Cities, Hiawassee and Young Harris,” Katie Allen, Director of The Conservation Fund’s Conservation, said. Leadership Network We look forward to providing more activities for our residents as well as generate additional visitor events. The City of Hiawassee’s partnership was an ideal candidate for the Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative because of the terrific natural and cultural resources and the emphasis of the arts in its community’s plans. It’s our goal to help communities foster valuable partnerships, reinforce development plans that balance environmental and economic goals and provide technical assistance to enable places like Towns County to become even more vibrant and thriving communities.”
The Appalachian Gateway Communities Regional Workshop is part of an initiative developed by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Since 2007, the Gateway Initiative has helped gateway communities across Appalachia expand tourism and other economic development opportunities through community assessments, tourism planning workshops and grants for project implementation.
The Conservation Fund has worked to strengthen the leadership capacity of towns, cities, and communities that neighbor publicly protected natural and recreational lands in distressed, transitional or at-risk counties.
The workshop was held at Steele Creek State Park in Bristol, TN in November 2019.
Hiawassee scheduled to activate Downtown Development Authority
News June 2, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee City Council, in cooperation with Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales and Economic Developer Denise McKay, are scheduled to activate the city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) during their regular session, Tuesday, June 4, at Hiawassee City Hall.
According to FYN’s research into DDA board member training, the governing body of the city “activates” the DDA via an “activating resolution.” The General Assembly has already created a DDA for each Georgia municipality, although the DDA cannot transact any business, nor exercise any powers, until the city activates it. In the activating resolution, the city must designate the city’s downtown development area – which consists of the geographical jurisdiction of the DDA – and appoint initial directors.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to have every, single storefront filled? That’s my target,” stated Mayor Ordiales last week at the “Eggs & Issues” breakfast meeting.
Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) and their appointed boards are created to revitalize and redevelop the central business districts of cities in Georgia. DDA training provides local leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to ensure a healthy, vibrant downtown. According to the University of Georgia, DDAs have a range of powers which include: developing and promoting downtowns; making long-range plans or proposals for downtowns; financing (by loan, grant, lease, borrow or otherwise) projects for the public good; executing contracts and agreements; purchasing, leasing or selling property; and issuing revenue bonds and notes.
Furthermore, a “Broadband Ready” ordinance is scheduled to go before the council Tuesday evening.
Hiawassee City Council convenes on the last Monday of each month for work sessions, followed by regular sessions the following Tuesday, at 6 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.
Five-Year Strategic Plan for Hiawassee’s Future Revealed
News December 9, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – After many months of detailed research, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government revealed a five-year strategic plan for Hiawassee’s future on Tuesday, Dec. 4, during a Town Hall meeting. The procedure of envisioned development was the result of numerous studies conducted between the institute and local leaders, business owners, and residents.
Proposed concept for a vacant building on Main Street
The City of Hiawassee worked with the Carl Vinson Institute, a unit of the Office of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, which assists state and local governments in achieving their goals. Hiawassee received a $21,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant in 2017 to assist in the funding of the study. Steering committees were formed for the endeavor, and interviews and focus groups were held to sculpt the formation of the plan.
During the course of the study, community stakeholders listed what they felt was working well in Hiawassee, and what they believed could benefit from improvement. Positive aspects included the strong sense of community with a “small town feel”, town square, and the location itself, brimming with natural amenities. Feedback into areas that could prosper from improvement consisted of advanced beautification efforts, occupation of vacant buildings and lots, improved traffic and transportation, and the promotion of a mixture of businesses.
An updated look could be in store for the Hiawassee Post Office
The Carl Vinson Institute presented a slideshow of suggestions, adding that the plan is not set in stone, and should rather serve as a community stepping stone.
The proposed, comprehensive plan is available in its entirety on the City of Hiawasee website.
(Images: City of Hiawassee/Carl Vinson Institute of Government)
Clean Sweep week yields 240 bags of litter
Community, News April 28, 2018
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Clean Sweep week proved to be a success, resulting in a cleaner environment for Towns County. The annual event took place from April 16 through 21, corresponding with Earth Day.
Left to right: J.C. Berrong, Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, and Pastor Steve Taylor of McConnell Baptist Church.
Volunteers donated their time by clearing the roadways of litter and attending a gratitude dinner hosted by Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw April 24, 2018, at the Towns County Recreation Center. Pizza and soft drinks were served, complements of the commission’s office.
A total of 240 bags of litter were collected.
J.C. Berrong promoted and organized the Clean Sweep week. Commissioner Bradshaw honored Berrong with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated service.
Cash prizes of $200 were awarded in three categories for the most trash collected by an individual, a church or business, and a club or organization.
Henry Chambers, who yielded the largest amount in the individual category, along with the City of Hiawassee, who joined in effort with Hamilton Gardens, donated their prizes to the local Boy Scouts.
Featured photo: J.C. Berrong
Hiawasee Mayor Liz Ordiales proudly displays award
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
After 21 Years of Service, Mayor Barbara Mathis, is Hanging Up Her Gavel
Community, Featured April 21, 2017Barbara Mathis has been a dedicated elected official of the City of Hiawassee since the
1990’s and Mayor since 1996. She has decided for various personal reasons to retire before her
term ends in December of this year. As Mayor Mathis was considering retirement, the City
discovered that certain procedural errors may have been made related to the method used for the
official approval of the Mayor’s compensation and the addition of the Mayor to the City’s
retirement plan. The City’s retirement plan documents needed to be amended to properly
include the Mayor as a participant. The City made regular contributions to the plan on behalf of
the Mayor and the amendment was simply to bring the language of the plan into conformity with
the reality of the City’s actions and intent. The City adopted the necessary amendments to the
retirement plan at its regular April meeting.
In order to eliminate the possibility of future disputes
between Mayor Mathis and the City over any past
procedural matters, the City and Mayor Mathis signed a
Release of Claims agreement. The Administrator of the
City’s retirement plan agreed that the Release
Agreement was advisable and in everyone’s best interest.
That Agreement provides that both Mayor Mathis and the
City will release the other party from any claims related to
procedural errors that may have occurred in the past related
to the Mayor’s compensation, payment of qualifying fees, and entitlement to retirement benefits. To
facilitate a smooth transition, Mayor Mathis will make herself available to the City as a consultant for the
remainder of the year. These services will be provided at no additional cost to the City. The Agreement
provides everyone with certainty in an unusual situation.
Hiawassee Mayor proposes digital billboard on Main Street
News, Politics November 28, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Weeks after a 45-day sign permit moratorium was enacted in Hiawassee, Mayor Liz Ordiales proposed the notion of allowing a digital LED billboard to be erected within the city limits. The multi-message sign would flash advertising promotions at eight-second intervals, intended for installation near the intersection of Main Street and Bell Creek Road.
The early November decision to temporarily halt permits within the city followed an amended ordinance by Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, banning additional billboards from entering the area. On Oct. 29, Mayor Ordiales stated during the city’s work session, “It doesn’t make sense for the county to do one thing and (the city) to do another,” suggesting that Hiawassee would review the current sign mandate, inferring potential revision of the ordinance to coincide with county regulations.
The mayor’s proposal to permit a multi-message, digital billboard, however, is in direct contrast with the county’s mandate. Towns County strictly prohibits the signage in question, as does the City of Hiawassee ordinance, which is currently in effect.
Upon invitation by Ordiales, Terry Poteete – a Gwinnett County resident with Affordable Outdoor Advertising Solutions, and the owner of 85 billboards strewn throughout seven counties, including the 55-foot tall, four-faced billboard located across from McDonalds in Hiawassee – addressed the full council during Monday’s work session. Ordiales divulged that Poteete had broached replacement of the static billboard with a digital version in February, though due to the current ordinance restriction, the request was denied. Poteete purchased the existing billboards in 2012.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales
The overwhelming consenus from the numerous citizens in attendance at City Hall revealed blunt opposition to the concept. Residents expressed strong distaste by describing digital billboards with adjectives ranging from “annoying” to “hideous.”
The possibility of removing exisiting billboards to allow for the digital version was mentioned by Hiawassee City Attorney Thomas Mitchell. According to Mitchell, the Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines list that digital billboards must be spaced further than 5000-feet apart in distance. State law allows for a second digital sign to be installed on the opposite side of the street, however.
Hiawassee City Council expressed conflicting opinions on the matter, with Nancy Noblet clearly favoring the idea from the councilwoman’s subjective standpoint. Anne Mitchell and Amy Barrett voiced sturdy opposition, with Barrett stating that digital billboards “degrade the integrity of the mountains.” True to form, council members Kris Berrong and Patsy Owens remained relatively silent on the issue.
A Town Hall meeting was suggested by Hiawassee City Council, aimed to gain additional resident input prior to taking the matter to vote, with no known date scheduled at the time of publication.
Towns County joins Hiawassee and Young Harris in hiring economic developer
News December 19, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The City of Hiawassee, in cooperation with the City of Young Harris, and Towns County as a whole, arrived at a unified decision to employ an economic developer to assist in the creation and retainment of business-related endeavors in the area. Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales introduced Denise McKay to the community during a town hall meeting on Dec. 4. The announcement corresponded with the revelation of a five-year tentative plan for Hiawassee’s future, designed from input from citizens and local leaders by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
Denise McKay
McKay holds a decade of experience as the Main Street Manager of Commerce, Georgia, and Economic Development and Main Street Director of Hampton, Georgia. McKay graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2012, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw addressed the joint initiative on Dec. 18. “The county is doing this as a pilot program,” Bradshaw explained, “We’re going to do this for one year to see how this lady works out for the county, and to see, to put it in simple terms, to see if we get our money’s worth.” Bradshaw quoted the cost to county taxpayers at roughly $20,000. Acquiring grants will be an additional task delegated to McKay.
Bradshaw stressed that his main objective is to provide ample economic opportunities for local youth who wish to remain in Towns County once they have entered the job market.
The commissioner plans to invite McKay to address residents and business owners during a public meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Towns County Courthouse.
Feature Photo Credit: City of Hiawassee
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales updates citizens on city happenings
News, Politics August 29, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales updated the community at the opening of the monthly work session on Monday, Aug. 27, at City Hall. Mayor Ordiales began by presenting photographs of the water treatment plant, pointing out algae growing on the side walls. “It’s clean water, but it’s just got algae that’s growing on it,” Ordiales stated.
Ordiales said that the algae is currently being removed manually with buckets once a month during the summer, and once a roof is placed on the basin, the issue should be solved. Ordiales relayed that the city of Hiawassee is working with the state Environmental Protection Division.
In reference to the city’s tree ordinance, Ordiales displayed a photograph of a tree on Oakmont Drive in Hiawassee that was removed by Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) due to limbs falling onto the roadway, and according to Ordiales, in danger of damaging a nearby building, and possibly an electric transformer.
“We are finally to the point where we can install new fire hydrants. We fixed all the ones that were broken,” Ordiales continued, explaining the process of installation to the council and citizens.
Mayor Ordiales announced her appointment to the University of Georgia-Georgia Municipal Association Training Board, a four-year term in which Ordiales will serve with the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.
Although enough petition signatures were not collected in time to place the referendum on the November ballot, Ordiales advised the council to begin thinking about package store guidelines, as the mayor believes enough support will be garnered in the future.
Hiawassee City Hall
Hiawassee received a $3000 grant from Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) for safety equipment, and the funds were applied to purchasing hard hats, gas detectors, traffic cones, and traffic vests for the Hiawassee Police Department. Ordiales informed that the grant can be applied for annually, and Hiawassee plans to take advantage of the funds. “It doesn’t cost us anything, and they come and deliver the check,” the mayor explained.
Furthermore, Hiawassee was awarded a grant by the Georgia Department of Transportation for over $19,000, in conjunction with approximately $17,000 received the previous year, and Ordiales relayed that the grant will be used to repave heavily-potholed Tater Ridge Drive.
Ordiales reminded that the last performance of Enchanted Music on the Square will take place on Saturday, Sept. 1, and noted the large turnout of music lovers at the previous weekend concert.
A Hometown Connection meeting was held on the morning of the work session with GMA to discuss the upcoming legislation session. State Senator John Wilkinson, Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby, Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Union County Commissioner Lamar Paris, and Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales attended the forum.
The mayor was scheduled to meet for a site visit with Department of Community Affairs the following day, Tuesday, Aug. 28, to discuss the PlanFirst Program, which assists with local planning and implementation. Ordiales explained that a tour of Hamilton Gardens, Bell Mountain, Mayors’ Park, and the Old Rock Jail Museum would be on the itinerary with the panel. According to the government website, PlanFirst recognizes and rewards communities which clearly demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing a Local Comprehensive Plan.
Following a proposal by Councilwoman Anne Mitchell to ban plastic bags citywide during the July work session, Ordiales made mention of a recent news article on Kroger grocery decision to remove plastic bags from their stores, and believes that other grocers, in time, will follow suit.
A reminder of the upcoming property tax increase hearings was noted, and the city council agreed that the annual Halloween event on Hiawassee Town Square will occur on Halloween evening, Wednesday, Oct. 31.
The 2018-2019 budget is expected to discussed on Sept. 24, at the monthly work session. Rather than review the financial plan line-by-line as originally announced, due to the reasoning that the council has copies of the proposal to analyze, Mayor Ordiales stated that the major line items will be solely considered.
Mayor Ordiales announced a decision to change auditors, switching to a firm based in Gainesville at an estimated cost of $15,000 per year. Ordiales stated that quotes were sought from two additional auditing firms, and that GMA advised changing auditors every three-to-five years.
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith delivered a department activity review during the work session.
A citizen concern regarding trash in a business parking lot was briefly discussed.
The full council was in attendance, as well as City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick, and City Attorney Thomas Mitchell.
UPDATED: Mayor Ordiales announced the payoff of a second USDA loan in the amount of $120,227, the result of a 1989 loan of $232,000, at five-percent interest rate. The decision will save city taxpayers approximately $38,000 in interest.
Volunteers and Vendors Wanted for “Light Up Hiawassee”
Community, Upcoming Events October 30, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Light Up Hiawassee, an annual luminary celebration on town square which sets the Christmas season into motion, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, and Event Coordinator Nancy Noblet hopes to see vendors and volunteers join in the merry-making event.
“Anybody and everybody, please come out and help,” Noblet asked.
The holiday light decorating date has been set for Saturday, Nov. 17, at 9 am, on Hiawassee Town Square, and volunteers are needed to assist in the efforts. The event will be delayed in the event of inclement weather. Additional information is available through Nancy Noblet at 706-897-1779.
Spaces are available for vendors during the Light Up Hiawassee celebration, with applications available at Hiawassee City Hall. A check for $50.00 should be made payable to the “City of Hiawassee.” According to Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, vendor application proceeds will be directed toward flower purchases to beautify Hiawassee Town Square in the spring. Spaces are limited, and vendors must provide their own equipment, tent, tables, chairs, electrical extension cords, etc. Electrical outlets will be available on a first come, first serve basis. The event will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, with vendors permitted to set up as early as 9 a.m.
There will be no vendor charge for non-profit organizations wishing to participate.
The deadline for application submission is Friday, Nov. 16, 2018.
The schedule of events for Light Up Hiawassee is as follows:
4:00 p.m. – Children’s Activities
5:30 p.m. – Golf Cart Parade
6:00 p.m. – CASA Luminaries
6:15 p.m. – Light Up Hiawassee
6:30 p.m. – Welcome Santa
7:00 p.m. – Christmas Carols
Hiawassee Halloween may feature Haunted House Attraction
News, Upcoming Events September 25, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales announced that Halloween on Hiawassee Square may be relocated to the Towns County Courthouse grounds in order to feature a new addition to the well-loved annual event: A haunted house attraction at the historic Old Rock Jail.
Ordiales revealed that the City of Hiawassee is collaborating with Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green on the notion. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green inside the Old Rock Jail
Traditionally, the event has taken place on town square. Hiawassee City Council, along with Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, voiced agreement with the slight shift in venue due in part to parking issues. The relocation will free the parking spaces surrounding the square that were dedicated to candy booths in years’ past, potentially reducing the swarm of trick-or-treaters trekking across Main Street from business parking lots.
While the plans for the haunted house and venue change were not firmly solidified by Mayor Ordiales as of Monday, Sept. 24, Commissioner Bradshaw stated no objection to to the plans.
The Old Rock Jail is located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse, with renovation to the 1936 stone jail recently completed through the efforts of the Towns County Historical Society. The two-story site serves as a museum, featuring artifacts and photographs, and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Scarecrows, created by area businesses, are set to begin “invading” Hiawassee Town Square on Oct.1, staked thoughout the month.
A list of autumn activites in the Hiawassee area is available from FetchYourNews.com
Drug offenders suspected of avoiding Hiawassee
City Police, News April 11, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department announced a “new low” in felony drug arrests, and the suspected reason for the decline is surprising. According to Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, word of his department’s vigilance has spread, and individuals possessing illicit substances may be traveling an alternate route to evade city law enforcement.
During Hiawassee City Council’s regular session on Tuesday, April 3, Chief Smith recalled an incident involving a drug-related arrest. Smith stated that the suspect readily admitted that he should have avoided Hiawassee, specifically mentioning Highway 288 as the passage the driver divulged should have been chosen instead. Highway 288, also known as Sunnyside Road, winds south of Hiawassee’s perimeter, beyond the city police department’s jurisdiction.
In comparison to the first three months of the previous year, 2018 has witnessed a noticeable decrease in the number of drug arrests conducted by Hiawassee Police Department.From January until March of 2017, nine misdemeanor drug arrests and 17 felony drug arrests took place. The current year-to-date statistics show only two misdemeanor drug arrests, along with eight felony drug charges.
“There was another person that let us look through their phone after we arrested them, giving us consent to search their device,” Chief Smith disclosed in an interview with FetchYourNews (FYN). “Someone had messaged them, saying something along the lines of, ‘Why did you go through Hiawassee?'”
A patrol officer with the Hiawassee Police Department relayed that, he too, has heard rumors of Highway 288 being the preferred course of travel for perpetrators hoping to avoid city law enforcement. The majority of drug arrests occurring within the city limits of Hiawassee are the result of traffic stops initiated for citation-related offenses, such as speeding or improper vehicle requirements.
FYN contacted Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton for his thoughts on the theory that drug offenders are skirting Hiawassee in favor of Highway 288, a route which falls under his department’s jurisdiction.
“I am unaware of any official statement by the City of Hiawassee making such a claim. My office has received no criminal intelligence, much less evidence, of any such criminal methodology,” Sheriff Clinton stated via email.
In contrast to 2017 data, Hiawassee Police Department’s self-initiated reports have decreased by 25 percent this year. The agency has seen a 40 percent increase in dispatched calls, however, in the first quarter of 2018. Hiawassee Police Department has generated a total of 868 case numbers in the past three months. The amount is a combination of traffic stops, citations, and calls for service.