Towns County Sheriff Clinton defends violation of U.S. Constitution
News October 4, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A week has passed since a local reporter was denied entry to a meeting held at a government facility, and while the Towns County Republican Party and guest speaker, Chris Gaubatz, have extended apologies concerning the unconstitutional ban, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton has defiantly defended his role in the civil rights violation.
Clinton, who takes to the air waves of a Union County-based radio station each weekday morning, was questioned about the highly controversial incident by the broadcast’s host Oct. 3. The sheriff divulged on live radio that he had, in fact, conversed with Gaubatz immediately prior to the ban and agreed that the reporter, Robin Webb, was justly targeted to prevent potential “bad press” within the conservative activism workshop.
Gaubatz later stated that his snap reaction stemmed from misleading information, presumably supplied by the sheriff, and expressed earnest regret over the handling of the situation. Towns County GOP Chairwoman Betsy Young, who did not attend the meeting, called the ban “not acceptable.”
Webb – whose regular beat includes local political coverage – held reservations for seating at the public event, accepted by the Towns County Republican Party.
Furthermore, Webb reported on Gaubatz last March without incident. Click to read archive
Towns County GOP Vice Chair John Alger (left) en route with news of the media ban. Also pictured: Sheriff Chris Clinton (center) with Chris Gaubatz (right)
“Denying access was deliberate suppression of Freedom of Press set forth by an elected official sworn to uphold the Constitution,” Webb stated in reference to the sheriff’s participation in the ordeal.
True to form, Clinton attempted to portray the county reporter as a hostile, left-wing member of the media on the morning show. “We live in a country where the rules no longer apply to the Progressives…,” Clinton said in apparent support of the illicit ban, going on to talk about insurrection in Washington by the “Left.”
Civil rights’ attorneys have taken a keen interest in the unconstitutional act, calling the violation nothing short of illegal.
Towns County Attorney Robb Kiker issued a formal statement Oct. 2 on behalf of Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, whom Kiker described as “prudent in protecting the integrity of the office.” Commissioner Bradshaw was not present at the event when the incident occurred, later learning details of the situation through third-party accounts.
“I understand Mr. Bradshaw personally expressed disappointment in the handling of the matter,” Attorney Kiker said. “This is characteristic of Mr. Bradshaw because I have always found him to be a strong supporter of the Constitution and, particular to this matter, the freedom of speech.”
Georgia laws requiring a transparent government were additionally called into question by Sheriff Clinton Oct. 3. “It’s staggering the amount of taxpayer time and resources the ‘fake news’ wastes with open records requests about nonsense. It’s stalking,” Clinton, who frequently describes investigative media as “threatening,” claimed.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton (left) with Chris Gaubatz at the time of the unconstitutional offense.
Open record requests filed by FYN in the past have revealed unsettling revelations, such as disproving troubling “facts” dispersed to the citizens by the sheriff himself and exposing the limited amount of time that Clinton has devoted to elected duty.
FYN submitted a request Oct. 2 to review the lead lawman’s cellular log on the evening that the media blackout occurred, a point that was negatively noted by the sheriff on-air. FYN expects to receive the legally-requested information from the Towns County Sheriff’s Office in coming days.
Walls appointed Towns County safety coordinator
News October 16, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security Director Brandon Walls was appointed by Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw to head the county’s loss control program Oct. 15. Walls was named Towns County safety coordinator at the commissioner’s monthly meeting.
“It is expected that department heads will compliment the effort of the safety coordinator to reduce accidents and provide for the safety of the public,” Bradshaw stated.
EMA Director Brandon Walls (left) with Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw at a June meeting.
“Towns County is extremely conscious of the safety of our employees and the citizens of our community. As an employer, we recognize our obligation to ensure the safest possible workplace for our employees. As a governmental entity, we recognize our responsibility to provide a safe environment for the public we serve. It is our belief that most accidents are preventable. In accordance with this belief, we have allocated resources to administer an aggressive loss control program in our municipality.
“All employees are responsible for cooperating with and supporting our loss control program activities and objectives. The health and safety of all employees throughout the county is of primary importance and each department shall endeavor to maintain a safety conscious attitude thoughout its operations.”
Walls was appointed Towns County Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security Director in June of 2019.
Commissioner Bradshaw to seek second-term in 2020
News, Politics September 27, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw informed FetchYourNews Friday, Sept. 27, that he plans to seek a second-term as an elected official. Following a meeting held in Bradshaw’s courthouse office, the commissioner stated that there is more that he hopes to accomplish in future years.
“I plan on running for re-election. I hope to serve another term,” Commissioner Bradshaw said. “There’s more that I’d like to see happen. I want to continue on the path of controlled growth, welcome more tourism, further improve public safety, and continue working with all of the departments to better serve the citizens.”
Bradshaw was elected as Towns County’s commissioner in 2016, securing 53.81% of the votes on the Republican ticket in May’s primary, and 65.84% in November’s general election. No challengers have publicly entered the race for the commissioner’s seat at the time of publication.
Click for Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw Archives
Featured Image: Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw at a courthouse meeting earlier this year.
Fetch Your News is a now news network that covers Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Rabun, and Murray counties in northern Georgia, as well as Cherokee and Clay counties in western North Carolina. Fetch Your News attracts over 300,000 page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month, and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com with an up to 60,000 Facebook page reach.
If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of our counties of coverage, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Board of Elections to discuss possible closure of Tate City precinct
News September 10, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) was notified that the Towns County Board of Elections plans to discuss the possible closure of the Tate City voting precinct Wednesday, Sept. 11.
“We will be approaching the subject of possibly consolidating the Tate City precinct,” Towns County Elections Supervisor Tonya Nichols said Tuesday. “No votes can be taken to consolidate, based on the code section yet, so this will be the beginning stage of the subject.”
Should the election board unanimously agree to consolidation, Tate City voters could potentially merge with the Macedonia precinct. The next step in the process, if advanced, will be public notification through media sources.
FYN spoke with Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw on the matter Tuesday afternoon.
“Members of the election board, along with myself, visited Tate City and let residents know that we plan to let them decide whether or not to close it. If they want to keep it open, that’s fine. If they want to close it, great. We explained the difficulty in transporting the new voting machines, and many of the Tate City voters have chosen early voting at the Hiawassee office in the past.”
As of Sept. 10, a total of 43 Towns County residents were registered to vote in the rural town of Tate City. The distance between Tate City and the Macedonia voting precinct is approximately 14 miles.
The Sept. 11 board meeting will be held at the Towns County Elections Office, adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse, at 4 p.m.
The meeting is open to the public.
Follow FYN for updates on future plans for Tate City voters.
9/11 Memorial Service to be held on Hiawassee Square
News August 29, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – It has been nearly eighteen years since the infamous day that will eternally live in American minds – Sept. 11, 2001. Towns County, along with the City of Hiawassee, plans to honor the terrorist attack victims on Patriot Day. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, and Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland met Aug. 29 to finalize the details of a Wednesday, Sept. 11 public memorial. Hiawassee Town Square will be the site of the gathering, beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Mayor Ordiales will serve as the master of ceremonies, with Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby welcoming guests. Presentation of the Colors will be issued by North Georgia National Guard. Pastors Danny Byers, Wade Lott, and Donnie Jarrard will offer prayers and words of remembrance in honor of the lives lost. Chief Copeland is scheduled to speak on the meaning of 9/11, prior to ringing a bell to symbolize the fallen. Summer Rahn will sing the National Anthem. The program will end with “God Bless America.”
Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland
Commissioner Bradshaw said that the idea to hold the memorial ceremony was presented by part-time Towns County resident Bob Fair. “I wish it was something that we had thought to do sooner,” Bradshaw said. Bradshaw added plans to make the service an annual event.
A total of 2,996 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, including the 19 terrorist hijackers aboard the four airplanes. Citizens of 78 countries died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. At the World Trade Center, 2,763 died after the two planes slammed into the twin towers. That figure includes 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers, and 37 Port Authority police officers who were struggling to complete an evacuation of the buildings and save the office workers trapped on higher floors.
At the Pentagon, 189 people were killed, including 64 on American Airlines Flight 77, the airliner that struck the building. On Flight 93, 44 people died when the plane crash-landed in Pennsylvania.
New propane deal expected to save thousands for county taxpayers
News October 27, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County taxpayers will benefit from thousands of dollars in savings over the course of the next year due to a renegotiated gas contract between Suburban Propane and the county. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw recently held a special-called meeting to finalize the deal.
An adjusted rate of $1.199 per gallon was reached between the commissioner and the propane distributor for 60,000 gallons of usage during the next year. The per-gallon rate was previously set at $1.85 per gallon, and the savings are expected to reach between $20,000 to $25,000 in 12 months’ time. Bradshaw explained that the exact amount may fluctuate depending on winter temperatures and the resulting need for heating.
Propane is used widespread at county facilities – including the courthouse, annex building, detention center, libraries, fire stations, emergency medical service buildings, civic and recreation centers – and the cost is annually figured into the budgets of each department.
Bradshaw, a self-professed fiscal conservative, said that he is “always excited to save the taxpayers’ money whenever possible.” Suburban Propane, located in Young Harris, is a nationwide marketer and distributor of a diverse array of energy products.
Featured Image: Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
FetchYourNews.com attracts over 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month with a 60,000 Facebook page reach, and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com
If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of our counties of coverage, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Towns County participates in National Day of Prayer
News May 3, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Recreation and Conference Center was the site of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw spoke at the event, with the commissioner offering history prior to an invocation. The National Day of Prayer (NDP) was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw recites information during the service
Days of prayer have been called for since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. Officially, the NDP was established as an annual event by an act of Congress in 1952 and was signed into law by President Truman. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the NDP.
The most visible gathering has been held historically at the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. on the first Thursday of May. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of government are represented, as well as the military. In addition, Christian leaders address the current year’s theme and other areas of interest (i.e. education, youth, families, etc.). Every year, tens of thousands of events are held nationwide. Local volunteers hold a variety of activities ranging from prayer breakfasts, Bible reading marathons, concerts of prayer, rallies, church prayer vigils, student flagpole gatherings and observances held in sports stadiums.
Towns County’s National Day of Prayer was sponsored by several area churches.
Commissioner Bradshaw signs Sexual Assault Awareness Proclamation
News April 11, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw signed a proclamation Wednesday, April 10, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On hand for the signing were Molly Cousin, Paula Gregory, and Rosemary Flynn, who serve as members of the advocacy organization “S.A.F.E.”
S.A.F.E. is an acronym for Support in Abusive Family Emergencies. S.A.F.E. is a domestic violence and sexual assault program with a designated service area in Towns County and Union County.
Executive Director Molly Cousin told FYN that approximately 60 sexual assault victims benefited from the local program in 2018. Between outreach and crisis calls, an estimated total of 360 clients were assisted by the non-profit last year alone.
“S.A.F.E. began in June of 1989 with the formation of a task force,” the organization’s website explains. “After an informal assessment to determine the need for services for victims of family violence, the task force decided to pursue establishing a family violence program. After additional research, volunteers were trained and began coverage of a 24-hour crisis intervention line and a support group for women. Safe homes were used for shelter. A Board of Directors was chosen in October, 1989, and the process of incorporation was started.
“S.A.F.E.’s Sexual Assault Program provides a 24-hour Crisis Hotline for victims of sexual assault and rape. The Crisis Hotline is staffed by advocates who have been trained to work with victims of sexual assault and rape.”
If you, or someone you know, is in need of services, encourage them to contact S.A.F.E. at 706-379-3000.
Additional information can be found on the S.A.F.E. website.
Towns County liquor ordinance adopted at county meeting
News March 20, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – It’s official. After a lengthy process, a liquor-by-the-pour ordinance was adopted by Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw during his regular monthly meeting Tuesday, March 19.
Commissioner Bradshaw and county staff spent many hours drafting the mandate, and reported that as many as seven revisions were necessary prior to the commissioner’s approval.
Bradshaw described the ordinance as “very strict” in order to “hold people accountable.”
“What we did, we went through and looked at a lot of other ordinances in other counties, and then we combined the things we liked out of there and left out the things we didn’t’ feel fit for Towns County,” Bradshaw said. “So I’m very proud of it. I think we’ve done a very good job with it.”
Establishments holding an alcohol license will be permitted to serve spirits from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There must be at least a 50-50 percent ratio of food to alcohol sales. Venues must be located beyond 100 feet of a school, church, or funeral home.
License permits are expected to become available next week at the commissioner’s courthouse office. The fee for on-premise beer and wine licenses is fixed at $1,000. A combination license to additionally serve liquor on-premise is set at $3,000. Event permits will cost vendors $25 per day. A charge of $125 is required to alter wording, such as an establishment’s name, on licenses.
The liquor referendum appeared on the November 2018 ballot, garnering 66.67 percent approval from Towns County residents.
CAIR director, county attorney weigh in on controversial media ban
News October 2, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) Georgia Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell contacted FetchYourNews (FYN) Oct. 2, regarding a controversial incident occuring in Towns County last Thursday. Mitchell voiced staunch criticism toward a media ban initiated at an event sponsored by the Towns County Republican Party at the Towns County Civic Center. FYN previously reported denied entry into the “conservation activism workshop” featuring national security consultant Chris Gaubatz. Mitchell boldly described Gaubatz in the phone conversation as an “expert in anti-Islam.”
Mitchell, a former criminal prosecutor and journalist, chided that prohibiting media access was an illicit act due to the fact that the meeting was held at a government facility. Mitchell stated that he was “not surprised” that the incident had occurred, describing Gaubatz as “paranoid” and “not willing to be criticized.” What has caused greater concern, Mitchell said, was that Gaubatz’s decision to thwart media coverage was conducted “in partnership with the sheriff.”
Towns GOP 1st Chair John Alger returning the Towns County Homeland Security deputy’s identification when asked to leave the public facility. Also pictured: Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton (center) with Chris Gaubatz (right)
Gaubatz later extended an apology to FYN for prohibiting access to the “not super secret” meeting. Gaubatz explained that the decision to prevent entry was based on misleading information, presumably gained from Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, who was witnessed engaged in conversation with Gaubatz at the time that FYN was asked to leave.
The news was delivered to the political reporter by Towns County GOP 1st Vice Chair John Alger who falsely termed the meeting an “executive session.” Alger was reported by a law enforcement officer inside of the meeting as making light of the situation with Sheriff Clinton, repeating the phrase “executive session” as the reason given for denial. The issue has left local conservatives calling for Alger’s resignation as a Republican officer. Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young, who has voiced apologetic disapproval, stated that an executive board meeting will likely take place in the near future.
Based on information gathered from sources, FYN’s reporter defines the incident as “deliberate suppression of freedom of the press set forth by an elected official sworn to uphold the Constitution.”
CAIR Georgia is expected to issue an official statement on Gaubatz and the controversial incident, adding that the organization intends to contact the Towns County Republican Party and Towns County Sheriff’s Office concerning the matter.
Furthermore, a Towns County Emergency Management/Homeland Security deputy director who accompanied the reporter to the event was prevented from attending, despite reservations and official credentials presented to the speaker and the sheriff. The matter is under investigation by Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) at this time.
Sheriff Chris Clinton with Chris Gaubatz at the Towns County Civic Center.
Towns County Attorney Robb Kiker issued a formal statement on behalf of Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, whom Kiker described as “prudent in protecting the integrity of the office.” Commissioner Bradshaw was not present at the event when the incident occurred, later learning details of the situation through third-party accounts.
“I understand Mr. Bradshaw personally expressed disappointment in the handling of the matter,” Attorney Kiker said. “This is characteristic of Mr. Bradshaw because I have always found him to be a strong supporter of the Constitution and, particular to this matter, the freedom of speech.”
Towns County Republican Chair Betsy Young, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, and Security Consultant Chris Gaubatz did not respond to FYN’s invitation to comment on recent developments.
FYN archive: Chris Gaubatz event, March 2019:
Towns County signs Daughters of the American Revolution proclamation
News August 26, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga – Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw with a proclamation Aug. 26 in observance of approaching U.S. Constitution Week, Sept. 17- 23, 2019. Co-Chairs of the Constitutional Committee Beverly Shreeve and Shelli Kelly attended the signing.
Constitution Day commemerates the day that the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787 in Philadelphia. “I ask the citizens of Towns County to read the Constitution and reaffirm their support for the ideals the Framers of the Constitution held in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through the guardian of our liberties,” the proclaimation signed by Commissioner Bradshaw states.
The mission of the proclamation is to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities in protecting g and defending the U.S. Constitution while preserving its posterity, informing individuals that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for the way of life, and encourage study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
A display offering complementary copies of the U.S. Constitution will be featured at the Towns County Libraries in Hiawassee and Young Harris from Sept. 17-23.
An online version of the U.S. Constitution is available.
Old Unicoi Trail (OUT) is focusing on Women as Patriots – proud supporters or defenders oftheir country and its way of life. This year-long focus stems from the August 18, 2020 celebration of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. On Saturday September 14, 2019. OUT will kick off its celebration of Women’s Suffrage at its September Chapter meeting.
THe meeting will be held at:
Mountain Presbyterian Church
3831 Highway 515E – Blairsville, GA
10am – Sign In & Meet / Greet
10:30am – Program, Business & Lunch
OUT Daughter Tammy Byron, PhD, Chair, Department of History & Associate Professor of History, Dalton State University, will discuss the Women’s Suffrage movement. OUT will present media awards to local organizations who generously cooperate to promote their mission.
OUT encourages the following:
1. Think about the suffrage movement and identify language for a suffrage theme to put on a rally post-
er to be provided you at the meeting!!!!! These will decorate our luncheon table and create a photo-op for an OUT entry in the NSDAR American Heritage contest! Also, receive a gift from OUT!
2. Observe U.S. Constitution Week, September 17-23. Study the Bill of Rights and be prepared to iden-
tify the one amendment from the Bill of Rights you think most important.
3. To supplement our September program bring and share one or more articles which represents your
career in or out of the home.
4. Contribute a lunch item: A-F bring salads; G-K bring sandwiches; L-Z bring desserts
5. Donate one or more items for Voices – our Chapter’s periodic fundraiser.
Additional information on the Daughters of the American Revolution is available online.
Feature Image: Co-Chairs of the Constitutional Committee Beverly Shreeve (left) and Shelli Kelly witness the signing of the 2019 proclaimation by Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw.
Commissioner Bradshaw to take highway safety concerns to Governor Kemp
News August 21, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw plans to take the fight for a center-turning lane on U.S. 76, west of Hiawassee, to Atlanta next week where the commissioner will meet with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and State Department of Transportation (DOT) Director Russell McMurry to discuss the pertinent topic. Bradshaw has persistently pushed for the lane addition since taking office, campaigning on a promise to make Towns County’s main highway safer for motorists.
Bradshaw’s decision to press the issue at the State Capitol came prior to the recent death of Randy Barnes Sr., a Hiawassee motorcyclist who lost his life following an Aug. 13 accident in the area of highest safety concern, the stretch of roadway in the vicinity of Papa’s Pizza.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
“I’m going to plead our case,” Commissioner Bradshaw told FYN on Tuesday. “It’s a life or death situation. It causes great concern and getting something done is a promise that I plan to keep. We’re going to the top and we’re going to push hard.”
According to district research conducted by the Department of Transportation, the task of widening the highway could prove to be a difficult feat. With Lake Chatuge bordering U.S. 76 to the north, and steep embankments on the southern slope, issues with construction logistics were cited by the department in April 2018. While it may be possible to install turning lanes in critical areas, a continuous stretch of center roadway may not be feasible. “We’ll be happy with that, but that’s not what we want,” Bradshaw said.
Citizens continued to speak out on the danger surrounding the portion of highway in question, following the recent fatality, taking to social media to make their concerns known.
UPDATED, Aug. 26: Tomorrow’s meeting between Commissioner Bradshaw and Governor Kemp has been postponed due to a funeral that the governor will attend. Bradshaw reported that the meeting will soon be rescheduled.
Related Archive:
Towns County GOP welcomes “troika” speakers aboard 2020 Trump Train
News, Politics July 27, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga – Towns County Republican Party is fast tracking into 2020 on the “Towns County Express Trump Train” and Towns GOP Chairwoman Betsy Young invited a “troika” of speakers aboard the August locomotion.
State Senator John Wilkinson, Chair of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and State Senator Steve Gooch, Majority Whip of the State Senate, will accompany Towns County’s “fearless and hardworking” Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw as represented speakers Thursday, Aug. 15, at Daniel’s Steakhouse in Hiawassee. 
“One definition of the word ‘troika’ is three people working together for the betterment in an administrative or managerial capacity,” Young explained. “These three men certainly fit that definition as they all work hard at doing the best for their constituents and the State of Georgia.”
Opening exercises will feature Towns County student Gabe Moody, leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and Samantha Church, who will introduce Senator Gooch. “The youth of our county is the lifeline of our Party,” Young said. The public is welcome to arrive early to enjoy a “rib night” buffet dinner at the local restaurant. Doors open Aug. 15 at 5 pm, followed by the meeting at 6 pm. Attendees will receive a ticket for a free door prize drawing. Raffle tickets for a “special item” will be available for purchase, along with an assortment of political-themed items.
“Invite your friends and neighbors,” Young encouraged. “It will be an exciting and spirited evening that you won’t want to miss; fun, food, and fellowship all in one place.” Meetings are open to the public.
For additional information, contact Betsy Young at 904-382-1912 or [email protected]
Feature Photo: Towns County Republican Party Member Donna Barrow (left) with Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young at the June meeting.
Towns County to upgrade 911 emergency system in 2020
News July 2, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, joined by Towns County 911 Director Marty Roberts, held a special-called meeting at the courthouse Tuesday, July 2, to sign a contract approving an upgraded 911 computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system for emergency services. “It’s been time to upgrade it,” Commissioner Bradshaw said, adding, “We’re at the point where we’re ready to move forward with it.”
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw (left) with 911 Director Marty Roberts
911 Director Roberts explained that the improved system will be custom-tailored to Towns County, and that the program is expected to be up and running in early 2020. The cost of the enhanced system totals nearly $213,000, a price which Bradshaw defined as a “tremendous amount of money.” The charge is roughly half of the amount that the commissioner expected to spend on the program upon taking office, however, and Bradshaw expressed approval, referencing computer-aided dispatch as “the heartbeat of 911.”
911 dispatchers will receive additional training prior to the introduction of the advanced system, and the hardware and software – with servers, links, and terminals – are included in the modernized package. Roberts said that mobile CADs will be installed in ambulances for the first-time in county history, allowing paramedics to view precise locations of medical emergencies on maps, while exchanging critical information with the call center. The system will subsequently reduce radio traffic, freeing talk-time over the airwaves. The same company which has provided CAD service in Towns County for more than a decade will supply the innovated program.
Towns County contracts vendor for tax assessment notices
News April 12, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, along with Towns County Chief Tax Appraiser Sonya Young, held a special-called meeting Friday, April 12, to announce a contract with Harris Computer Systems. The company assumed responsibility for notifying Towns County property owners of current appraisal values. Young estimated that the cost of the contracted service will save taxpayers in excess of $1.200.
Towns County Chief Appraiser Sonya Young with Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
The amount of assessments was calculated at roughly 14,500 parcels. Harris Computer Systems quoted a figure of .52 cents per parcel. The selected company currently supplies electronic software for county business, including government payroll. The mailing service fee will include the envelopes, paper, glue, drums, ink, postage, and staff associated with the labor-intense process. Young explained that in comparison to surrounding counties, Towns was the lone county that continued mailing the evaluations in-house.
Commissioner Bradshaw noted that the decision to outsource the project was reached based on the ability to conserve taxpayers’ dollars without compromising service. Bradshaw praised Young for the effort extended in researching the matter. In past years, the total cost of the in-house process typically amounted to $12,755, occupying 40 hours from a staff of four.
Towns County property owners will be permitted 45 days from the date on the notice to appeal the tax appraisal. Distribution of the appraisals is expected to commence next week.
Red Cross building dedicated to late captain at surprise ceremony
Featured Stories, News November 21, 2019YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Dozens of grateful citizens, elected officials, and first responders gathered at the Red Cross headquarters on Jack Dayton Circle in Young Harris, Wednesday, Nov. 20, for a surprise dedication in honor of the late Sally Varao, a devoted captain of Towns County’s American Red Cross. The ceremony began shortly after 2 p.m. with the arrival of Varao’s husband, Joe, who was also recognized for his years of service and noticeably touched by the unexpected event.
Joe Varao beside the Red Cross dedication plaque.
“In this world there’s a lot of special people,” Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw said. “There’s a lot of people who do a lot of things for other people, but I have never known anybody to be more caring than Sally and Joe Varao, out of all the people I’ve known in my life, always others first. Always…When Ms. Sally passed, I knew as commissioner that we were going to do something for her and Joe, for the memory of her. I didn’t know what and I kept thinking of things,” Commissioner Bradshaw said, settling on a permanent memorial in the form of the Red Cross building dedication.
In addition to serving as the captain of Towns County’s American Red Cross, Sally Varao volunteered as a “Pink Lady” at Chatuge Regional Hospital, served on the board of the Towns County Food Pantry, and lead a team at House of Manna. Ms. Varao relocated to Towns County from California’s bay area two decades ago, passing away in January 2019, following an extended illness.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw (left) with honoree, Joe Varao.
Joe Varao shared cherished memories and the many virtues of his well-loved spouse after unveiling the inscribed plaque affixed to the county’s Red Cross office.
Laurie Belmares, the daughter of Sally Varao, spoke with FYN, expressing evident appreciation to Towns County for the dedication, describing the event as “humbling” and “touching.”
Bishop Raburne Wilson, the lead pastor at Mt. Zion Church of God of which Ms. Valao was a member, offered a meaningful invocation at the start of the program. Matthew Akins, Regional Preparedness and Partnership Leaser of the American Red Cross, delivered a heartfelt tribute as the ceremony concluded.
“You know, right there at the end, she was making sure all of her plans was done,” Akins said in part. “She had the ladies come in from the food pantry to make sure they knew how to do the paperwork. So she worked to the very end. To say she was committed to her community, as much as she was to her family, well, that’s about the biggest understated statement I’ve ever heard. I miss my friend, each and every day. We all do. But I think she’s right here with us, and I hope we did you proud, both of you proud, like you made all of us proud.”
An appreciative crowd attended the dedication for the valued public servants.
FetchYourNews.com attracts over 300,000 article views and 3.5 million impressions per month with a 60,000 Facebook page reach, and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com
If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of our counties of coverage, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com