Commissioner encourages homeschoolers to join Jr. Board of Local Government
News September 25, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw requested the media’s assistance in getting the word out to home-schooled students who may want to participate in the Junior Board of Local Government. Bradshaw initiated the program shortly after taking office in response to an inquiry from his son, asking what it is, exactly, that do commissioners do. “It dawned on my that other young people may not know what the commissioner, tax commissioner, clerk of court, and so on actually do,” Bradshaw explained to FYN.
Towns County’s Junior Board of Local Government
The group of high schools students serve on a voluntary basis, exploring the ends-and-outs of local government. Bradshaw unites “our future leaders” with officials from various county agencies – including the tax commission, sheriff’s office, clerk of court, and probate office – in order to educate the junior board on the inner workings of each division.
The Junior Board of Local Government typically meets once a month for 20 minutes per session.
“These are great students,” Bradshaw said of the board, “These are great kids.”
Towns County High School students Kendall Floyd, Seth Fullerton, Chase Rogers, Calab Ledford, Wesley Calhoun, Emily Williams, Kaitlyn Crowder, and Trevor Bradley, and Taylor Cornett are current participants in the program.
Eastgate Life Academy students are invited to enroll.
For additional information on the Junior Board of Local Government, contact the Towns County Commissioner’s Office at 706-896-2276.
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Towns County organizations benefit $5K from mystery donor
News August 26, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – For the second year in a row, an anonymous donor presented Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw with a $5,000 check to disperse among organizations that serve to better the local community. Commissioner Bradshaw chose to equally divide the donation between three institutions: Towns County Food Pantry, Almost There, and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program at Towns County Schools.
Teresa Stephens of the Ninth District Food Pantry, Malinda Ray of Almost There, and Towns County School Resource Officer Donnie Jarrard were invited by the commissioner to the county courthouse Monday, Aug. 26 to receive the gracious donation.
(L-R) Teresa Stephens, Donnie Jarrard, and Malinda Ray with Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw.
Stephens explained that the local food pantry serves 250 community families each week, and the funds will help support a backpack program for area students, aiming to provide easy-to-prepare, take-home meals. Almost There is a local halfway house organization that emotionally and spiritually assists recently-incarcerated women suffering from drug addiction, providing structure and accountability through meetings and substance screenings. Jarrard relayed that the DARE. donation is expected to fund Arrive Alive, a driving simulation program that focuses on roadway safety, in relation to alcohol and drug use, for student motorists.
Each organization’s representative, along with Commissioner Bradshaw, expressed profound gratitude to the mystery donor through FetchYourNews for the benevolent gift. Last year’s donation was divided between Towns County Food Pantry, Almost There, and CASA.
Feature Image: (L-R) Teresa Stephens, Donnie Jarrard, and Malina Ray with Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw.
State Senators Wilkinson and Gooch address Towns County Republican Party
News, Politics August 17, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Georgia State Senators John Wilkinson and Steve Gooch were invited to address the Towns County Republican Party Thursday, Aug. 15, at Daniel’s Steakhouse in Hiawassee. The evening began with acoustic entertainment by student Summer Rahn, who later led the National Anthem. followed by a well-received rendition of two classic county songs. Student Gabe Moody delivered a powerful speech on the importance of gratefulness in America, speaking favorably toward President Donald Trump and the sacrifice of the U.S. military. Chrissy Figg informed the community on the benefits of the local 4-H extension program, and student Samatha Church proudly introduced the state senators.
(L-R) Speakers Senator John Wilkinson, Samantha Church, Senator Steve Gooch, Chrissy Figg, Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, and Gabe Moody
Senator Steve Gooch was the initial keynote speaker, touching on numerous topics of interest, including strong support for the enacted “heartbeat bill” which prohibits abortion in Georgia once a heartbeat is detected in the womb, the need for broadband internet options, the ongoing process of medical marijuana cultivation, and the upcoming change in voting machine procedures. Senator Gooch was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2010. Gooch is a Republican representing the 51st District, which includes Fannin, Union, Gilmer, Lumpkin, White, Dawson and parts of Pickens and Forsyth counties. Gooch was elected as the Majority Whip of the Senate Majority Caucus in 2014. The senator spoke on the importance of voting in upcoming elections in order to keep Republicans in office, not only on a national level, but state and local as well. Gooch warned that the State House could lose its majority if Republicans fail to vote. “If the Democrats take the House, game over,” Gooch said.
State Senator Steve Gooch
Senator John Wilkinson mirrored Gooch’s position on the heartbeat bill, medical marijuana, and support for voter turnout at the polls. Wilkinson spoke with pride on the state’s decision to award individual Georgia schools with $30,000 funding for upgraded security, and favorably of Georgia’s $2.5 billion reserve and Triple A bond rating. Senator Wilkinson, a Republican from Toccoa, was first elected to the State Senate for Georgia’s 50th District during a special election in 2011 and has been reelected to serve in three subsequent elections. Senator Wilkinson represents Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Towns, Stephens and portions of Hall and Jackson counties.
Ninth District Republican Chairwoman Rebecca Yardley additionally stressed the importance of voting in local elections, stating that 2018 gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has specifically targeted the highly-conservative Ninth District in an attempt to flip it from a Republican to Democratic hold.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw delivered the invocation at the beginning of the program, speaking briefly on the positive state of the county as the forum commenced. Towns County Republican Chairwoman Betsy Young led the meeting’s agenda. Hiawassee Councilwoman Anne Mitchell and Towns County Fire Chief-Coroner Harold Copeland attended the popular event.
Towns County Republican Party is scheduled to meet Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 pm at the Towns County Civic Center. Meetings are open to the public.
Feature Image: State Senators Steve Gooch (left) and John Wilkinson speak with Towns County citizens.
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Commissioner Bradshaw meets with Towns County Democratic Party
News, Politics August 13, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw told local Democrats last week that one of the biggest challenges facing him as commissioner is managing the county’s expected growth. “We are going to expand, and we need to be involved with that growth because we want it to be controlled growth,” Bradshaw told the Democratic Party Aug. 8 at the Towns County Civic Center. The commissioner cited an increase in tourism tax dollars from $37 million to $41 million in the past three years as evidence of a growing local economy. “The only way we are going to grow the economy here is more population, but we also have to consider how much do we want to grow and how,” Bradshaw added.
Bradshaw responded to questions and spoke to the Democrats for almost an hour about accomplishments during his first three years in office as well as future goals. Clearly enthusiastic about his time in office, Bradshaw told the Democrats, “I love doing this job. I work every day for the people, and I don’t know how they vote and I don’t care. My job is to be the very best commissioner I can be for Towns County. My job is to protect our mountaintops, to keep the county clean, and to keep our water clean.”
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
Towns County Democratic Party Chairwoman Charlotte Sleczkowski said that she appreciated Bradshaw taking the time to share his vision for the county with the group. “We want to work alongside Commissioner Bradshaw as he strives to make Towns County a great place to live and work,” Sleczkowski said. “Our mutual goals for the county have no political distinction.”
A challenge related to growth is providing a skilled labor force to supply the needs of businesses, beyond the restaurant and service industry, that want to locate here, Bradshaw explained. Additional traffic comes with growth, and Bradshaw stated he will be meeting with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and the state transportation director later this month regarding installing a left-turn lane on State Route 76 West, near Papa’s Pizza.
Among the accomplishments of his first term Bradshaw listed:
- Remodeling the old county recreation center gym with new lighting, roofing, painting, and flooring, making it pickleball friendly.
- Building a new fire station on Highway 66 in Young Harris and the addition of a helicopter landing pad there to provide a second site for medical evacuations. He also noted the fire station will contribute to lower home insurance rates for people in that part of the county.
- Replacing county road equipment, particularly old dump trucks with high repair bills.
- Adding a recycling station for electronics (cell phones, TVs, printers, computers, etc.) at the county dump.
- Maintaining the $3.1 million financial reserve which he inherited from the previous commissioner. Any funding above that amount will be used to improve the county, Bradshaw said.
- The county’s 2018 audit report revealed general revenue increases of more than $600,000 as a result of efficiency changes Bradshaw said that he has instituted, with no increase in taxes since 2007.
- Instituting a veterans’ program that formally recognizes any veteran who has grown up in Towns County, graduated from the county high school, or who has moved into the county. The program is carried out in cooperation with the local VFW chapter and includes a suicide hotline.
Bradshaw cited as a primary goal reclaiming for the county the one percent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) which expires for county schools in 2020. “We want to get it for the county to remodel the courthouse. It’s time,” the commissioner said. Another fire station near the Emergency Management Services building is an additional future goal.
Bradshaw also plans to renegotiate the county medical air flightcontract, which he emphasized covers every full-time homeowner in Towns County, with the county covering the fee. Bradshaw said the current contract has a cap on the price so the county doesn’t pay more if the airlift service flies out more people than in the previous year. The commissioner wants the new contract to provide a lower cost if the service flies out fewer people than in the previous year.
Towns County Democrats will meet again on Sept. 20 at the Towns County Civic Center. A potluck dinner will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the business meeting at 6:30. Meetings are open to the public.
Towns County amends alcohol ordinance during special-called meeting
Business July 26, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw called a special meeting Friday, July 26, to amend the local alcohol mandate, making it simpler for area establishments to understand the terms of agreement. Bradshaw described the previous verbiage on the mandate as “too hard to understand.” The commissioner has worked alongside Towns County Attorney Robb Kiker in past weeks to eliminate the confusion.
The revised ordinance states that due taxes from beer and wine sales are to be paid by the alcohol distributor. A three percent tax acquired from “liquor-by-the-pour” sales are to be collected from the establishment itself.
Commissioner Bradshaw explained that businesses with an alcohol license must provide documentation to support reported sales figures, and that Towns County has the authority to conduct an audit if questions arise. Establishments must serve a 50-50 percent ratio of food to alcohol sales, along with additional requirements, in order to operate in Towns County. License permits are available 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 an issued license.
The liquor referendum appeared on the November 2018 ballot, garnering 66.67 percent approval from Towns County voters. After a lengthy process, the original liquor-by-the-pour ordinance was adopted by Towns County during a regular monthly meeting held Tuesday, March 19. To date, Hawg Wild BBQ was the sole establishment to request a liquor license.
Towns County’s audit reveals strong financial health
Business July 17, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The return of Towns County’s 2018 financial audit proved positive, and Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw said that he is “proud” of the clean findings. The first-term commissioner believes Towns County to be in the top 25 Georgia counties- out of a total of 159 – in such solid economic shape. Commissioner Bradshaw averred to continue utilizing conservative fiscal policies and seek improvements to maintain the financial health of the county in order to increase its financial position.
Towns County’s assets exceeded its liabilities at the close of the 2018 fiscal year by a net position of $24,322,687. Of this amount, $4,641,111 represents an unrestricted net position which may be used to meet the government’s ongoing obligations. Towns County’s audit revealed a total net position decrease of $44,285, which was less that one percent of total net assests. The decrease occurred primarily due to depreciation and the end of the SPLOST referendum which provided significant tax revenues in prior years.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
In addition, Towns County began evaluating areas that could improve during the 2017 fiscal year, and implemented various changes in 2018. The changes resulted in a general revenue increase of nearly $600,000. In 2018, the county was able to obtain higher interest rates for certificate of deposits which provided the county with $46,457 of interest income, a 35 percent increase from the previous year.
Commissioner Bradshaw credited the strong economy, fueled by local tourism, along with the dedication of county employees for the positive review. According to available statistics from the Towns County Chamber of Commerce, direct tourism spending increased by nearly $3 million dollars between 2016 and 2017. Data revealed that $51.71 million dollars were the result of area tourism in 2017, relieving individual taxpayers of an annual average of $840.
Brandon Walls appointed to lead Towns County Emergency Management Agency
News June 19, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw formally announced the appointment of Towns County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Brandon Walls at the courthouse, Tuesday, June 18, describing Walls as a ‘great fit” and a “great asset to Towns County.” Commissioner Bradshaw cited a lengthy list of credentials that Walls has achieved to a host of citizens in attendance. Walls, who served as a deputy director within the emergency division, fills the vacated position of recently retired Rickey Mathis.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), emergency management seeks to promote safer, less vulnerable communities with the capacity to cope with numerous hazards and disasters.
“My public safety career has provided me with a great deal of training and hands on experience in multiple environments,” Walls previously stated. “I traveled around the state, responding to and operating in many different incidents of widely varying types and scales. These assignments allowed me to gain experience at the field operations level and in management positions. I also developed working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and gained an understanding of incident response and management protocols, procedures, and administration. Thoughout my career, I have studied and operated in multiple public safety disciplines.”
Walls served with the Georgia State Guard, begining his career with Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources game management division as a law enforcement officer, while pursuing an education in emergency medicine. Walls serves as a paramedic and firefighter in Towns County, and as a paramedic in Cherokee County, NC. Walls holds a range of certifications in search and rescue, advanced cardiac, trauma, and pediatric life support, in addition to tactical emergency casualty care qualifications.
“I wish to continue serving our hometown by building upon the great work already in place, expanding current programs, and leading the agency into the future as Towns County’s next EMA director,” Walls said.
Feature Image: EMA Director Brandon Walls (left) with Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
Towns County renews medical flight coverage with Air Methods
News June 2, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw recently announced insurance coverage renewal with emergency medical flight service, Air Methods, stating that Towns County citizens will be covered by the program, free of charge, for yet another year. The insurance program costs the county $14,000 annually, and the commissioner stated that while citizens will receive the same service at the same cost as in the past, a financial cap limit was placed on transports. “It doesn’t matter how many people are flown out, the cost remains the same,” Bradshaw told FYN. “However, the county will pay $700 per flight, and for example, if only five people are flown out this year, it would amount to only $3,500.”
“Air Methods is the helicopter service based at Union General Hospital which is the membership being paid for by Union General Hospital, Chatuge Regional Hospital, and both Union and Towns County Commissioner’s Offices,” a spokesperson with Union Generl Hospital explained. “This free membership covers you locally, as well as in 48 states throughout the country, where Air Methods helicopters are based. For instance, if you are a resident of Union or Towns County and go to Florida on vacation and needed to be life-flighted, as long as you use an Air Methods Company Medical Helicopter, you would be covered under the membership being paid for by Union General Hospital, Chatuge Regional Hospital, and Union and Towns County Commissioner’s Offices.
“On average, a medical helicopter flight in this area costs in the range of $30,000 to $50,000. Residents of Union and Towns Counties will not have any out-of-pocket expenses for them to use an Air Methods Medical Helicopter in an emergency situation. Any resident of Union or Towns Counties that use the Air Methods helicopter will receive a bill in the mail; however, the membership will take care of what the insurance does not cover. If someone does not have insurance this program will pay all of the costs. Proof of residency will be required to be sent in with the bill.”
EMA Director Rickey Mathis retires after 42 years of service
News May 22, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Emotion ran high at the courthouse Tuesday, May 21, as Towns County bid farewell to Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Rickey Mathis after 42 years of dedicated service. Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw was noticeably saddened as he presented a commemorative plaque to the county’s first paramedic. Mathis also served as a coroner for Towns County.
Mathis was joined by Towns County EMA Deputy Director Brandon Walls, Towns County 911 Director Marty Roberts, and Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland as he humbly accepted the retirement honor, looked upon with pride by family and friends.
“Towns County owes him,” Commissioner Bradshaw said, describing Mathis as faithful and filled with integrity. “We’re very thankful for Rickey.”
Mathis said that he couldn’t have done the job he did without the men standing behind him as he accepted the distinguished plaque, referring to Walls, Roberts, and Copeland.
“National Telecommunications Week” recognizes Towns County 911 dispatchers
News April 23, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Emergency 911 operators are a literal lifeline for those in need of assistance from law enforcement, fire departments, or urgent medical services. Annually adopted, April 14-20 marked “National Telecommunications Week,” a period set aside to recognize the crucial, behind-the-scene duties conducted by dispatchers. Towns County 911 hosted a barbeque dinner, complete with southern side dishes, at the Emergency Operations Center in Young Harris, April 22, in appreciation of the difficult, demanding jobs our local 911 operators perform.
Towns County 911 Center
Towns County dispatchers serve 12 hour shifts, with two operators assigned per stretch. One dispatcher receives emergency calls while relaying pertinent information to their partner. The second operator “tones” and transmits the details to the appropiate first responder units. At times, dispatchers find themselves juggling multiple calls, all the while remaining calm and composed despite the magnitude of a crisis.
“They’re locked in this room, twelve hours a day, and there’s times when there’s a lull, but when it gets busy, it’s just crazy,” 911 Director Marty Roberts told FYN. “They work really hard, and people kind of forget about them because they’re in here. When we have something like this, when we can recognize them, we let them know that we think about them, and acknowledge that they do a hard job. We’re proud of them. I’ve got some of the best dispatchers in the country. I’d put them up against anybody. They do a wonderful job.”
Deputies from Towns County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from Towns County Emergency Medical Services, and Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw attended the dinner. “I can’t thank 911 enough for all that they do,” Commissioner Bradshaw said. “They truly care. They put their heart and soul into it. They do an outstanding job.”
Feature Photo: (L-R) Towns County 911 Dispatchers: Presley Smith, Christine Vannus, Michelle Hedden, Ashley Walker, Trina Campbell, Robyn Henson, 911 Director Marty Roberts, Phillip Ivester, Karen Abercrombie, Wayne Canterberry
Commissioner Bradshaw signs Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclaimation
News March 27, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw signed a proclaimation Wednesday, March 27, declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. In attendance for the signing was Enotah Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Executive Director Linda D’Angelo, Towns-Union Advocate Supervisor Nicole Lonano, and Board Member John Seymour.
Blue pinwheels promote Child Abuse Prevention Awareness
“Children are critical to Towns County’s future success, prosperity, and quality of life,” the proclaimation reads in part. “When children are threatened by abuse, effective intervention becomes a shared responsibility, and Georgia citizens must come together so that the voices of children are heard by all. We must work together to see that our communities are extending helping hands to children and families in need…By providing a safe and nuturing enviroment for our children – an environment free from violence, abuse, and neglect – we are ensuring that Towns County’s children will grow to their full potential as the next generation of leaders and the future of this state and nation.”
Following the proclamation signing, 324 blue pinwheels were placed in front of the Towns County Courthouse to bring awareness to the children of Towns, Union, Lumpkin, and White Counties who have been assisted by CASA in 2018.
“CASA does a tremedous amount of good for the children of Towns County,” Commissioner Bradshaw said. “By signing this proclaimation, my hope is to bring further awareness to their important mission.”
Enotah CASA’s mission is to mobilize community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. Enotah CASA’s vision is a North Georgia community in which every foster child has an advocate, along with the opportunity to thrive.
Featured Photo:
(Seated) Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
(Standing, L-R) John Seymour, Linda D’Angelo, Nicole Lonano
Towns County awarded grant to improve roadways
News February 21, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw announced at his monthly meeting Feb. 19 that the county was awarded a grant in the amount of $160,727 to improve area roadways. “We learned of this last year and I couldn’t wait to announce it,” Bradshaw said. The commissioner read aloud a portion of a letter received from the Georgia Department of Transportation, informing that last year saw the first increase in roadway fatalities in a decade, with 45 percent of the fatalities occurring on county roads. State Senator John Wilkinson worked at securing the grant, Bradshaw said. The funds will be used to restripe county roadways, provide needed signage, and install speed bumps where necessary.
Towns County High School Senior Emily Williams
Commissioner Bradshaw reported that Towns County is to receive three quotes from roofing companies to repair the flat-portion of the “old” recreation center roof due to continued leaking into the area where the Towns County Historical Society meets. The initial quote returned was $78,000, and Bradshaw said that he intends to comparison shop. The commissioner announced that Towns County Recreation Center recently profited $2,300 from gate and concession sales, a result of the 12U basketball tournament.
“Clean Sweep” Organizer J.C. Berrong
During the meeting, Commissioner Bradshaw updated the county’s work safety and seatbelt policy while updating the county’s record retention policy. Towns County High School Senior Emily Williams presented a speech on the importance of confidence and the goals of the Future Business Leaders of America. Williams has competed in public speaking for the past three years. Towns County Conventions and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board Member Haley Burch displayed the CVB’s new logo, accompanied by the art designer winner, Shelby Lawrence of Young Harris College. J.C. Berrong stressed the importance of community participation in the county’s two week “Clean Sweep” litter clean-up initiative in April. Towns County High School student Summer Rahn closed the meeting with a singing rendition of “God Bless America.”
Commissioner Bradshaw will hold the next county meeting Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30 in the Towns County Courthouse. Meetings are open to the public. Questions and comments are accepted at each session.
Motorcyclist severely injured in Hiawassee crash
News August 13, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga.- A motorcyclist suffered severe injuries following a collision in front of Papa’s Pizza on State Route 76, west of Hiawassee, as an employee was leaving the restaurant’s parking lot. Towns County first responders were dispatched to the site of the accident at 3:15 pm, Tuesday, Aug. 13.
The two vehicle accident caused life-threatening injuries to the motorcyclist, including extensive trauma to the lower extremities. The victim, a male in his mid-to-late 50s, was flown to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA, for emergency surgery. Traffic on State Route 76 was temporarily stalled in order to create a landing zone for the medical helicopter.
FYN reported on the danger surrounding the area where the accident occurred in April 2018. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw contacted the Department of Transportation, insisting on a center-turning lane on State Route 76, to no avail due to logistics. Bradshaw told FYN in recent days that he plans to again address the issue in the near future while visiting the state capitol.
“We want a center-turning lane. It’s very dangerous leaving Hiawassee, going in that direction,” Bradshaw told FYN last spring. “If you want to take a left-hand turn to get into Papa’s Pizza, or several other places, you’re constantly looking in your rear-view mirror, afraid you’re going to get hit. It’s very dangerous…I said you’re going to have to stay on top of this. The community is demanding this. I will not let it die. I’m going to stay on top of it.”
Wild hog sightings continue at Towns County campground
News July 26, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Visitors at Chatuge Woods Campground, a 30-acre county operated tract located on the banks of Lake Chatuge, have reported a wild hog frequenting the area, and Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw wants area newcomers to be aware of the presence of the invasive species.
Bradshaw explained that the nuisance notoriously increases during the summer months due to wild hogs venturing down mountain slopes to secure an available food source. “There’s always more than one, but we’ve only seen one so far,” the commissioner told FetchYourNews, referring to the recent campground sighting. Bradshaw reported that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has installed a trap in the area to capture the creature, and it will be returned to the wild if the catch proves successful.
The swine sighting follows FYN’s recent reports of Towns County Fire Chief-Coroner Harold Copeland receiving a $330 fine from the United States Forest Service for shooting a wild hog on federal land. While there is no hunting season for wild hogs on private property, the animals can only be eliminated with proper weaponry during open hunting seasons for other wildlife on national land.
Copeland received overwhelmimg community support as a result of FYN’s initial coverage.
“Feral swine were first brought to the United States in the 1500s by early explorers and settlers as a source of food,” the United States Department of Agriculture states on its website. “Repeated introductions occurred thereafter. The geographic range of this destructive species is rapidly expanding and its populations are increasing across the nation.”
A conservative estimate of the cost of wild pig damage to agriculture and the environment in the United States currently stands at $1.5 billion annually.
Towns County residents can report issues created by the wild hogs to DNR at 706-379-2040.
Commissioner Bradshaw talks economy, jobs, and “small town feeling”
News June 19, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw opened his monthly meeting, Tuesday, June 18, with an update on the county’s financial health. “Right now, the sales tax collections are up around $28,000 from what they were this time last year, so we’re very thankful for that. We give that to a good economy. We give it to many people trying to do many things to promote our county, have events, and bring people here, and they spend money, and have a great time. They leave and then it’s longing to come back here again, and they do, and a lot of them come back and build a house or buy a house, and that’s what it’s all about, so were very thankful.”
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
Commissioner Bradshaw noted the proven economic contributions of Candace Lee of the Towns County Chamber of Commerce, who was in attendance, and officially introduced Denise McKay, who serves as the economic developer for Hiawassee, Young Harris, and Towns County as a whole, praising McKay’s initial efforts.
“Jobs are very important and this is the whole plan…,” Commissioner Bradshaw went on to say, emphasizing the appeal of a “small town” essence, including a desire to deter younger generations from relocating from the area due a lack of employment options. “But I do feel like it is our job as county government to try to promote businesses, and try to promote some growth so that we can provide job opportunities, and that’s what Denise is here for. However, and she understands, and she likes it here, that’s why she moved here, but we don’t want to lose the small town feeling.” The commissioner concluded that his pressing goal is to fill vacant buildings and empty lots within the county with economic opportunities, beneficial to all.
Public officials share positive outlook at “Eggs & Issues” breakfast
News May 30, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Chamber of Commerce hosted an annual “Eggs and Issues” breakfast, Wednesday, May 29, at Daniel’s Steakhouse in Hiawassee. A crowd of approximately 50 signed up to dine, buffet style, while listening to public leaders address community matters. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, and Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith were invited to meet with the citizens.
Commissioner Bradshaw opened the event by sharing that the county budget is in good health, with a $3.1 million reserve fixed in place. Due to past, excessive rainfall, construction efforts were needed in an area that caused a storage building to buckle at Foster Park in Young Hsrris, the commissioner reported, although taxpayers’ funds were minimal due to a generous contractor who offered assistance to lower costs. An insurance check in the amount of $23,000 was issued in response to the damage of the building. Bradshaw shared that sales taxes have increased by $28,000 from this time last year, a testimony to the booming business of local tourism. The commission said that he believes the city governments are in line with the county’s goals. “We don’t want to lose small town values, and small town feel,” Bradshaw stressed.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales welcomes guests to the event
Next to speak was Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales who, in part, addressed the city’s strategic plan, calling it a “driving force.” Ordiales said that the next project on the list is to make Lloyd’s Landing, where the boat ramp was located prior to Mayors’ Park, a “kid-friendly, fun, family area.” The mayor filled the diners in on the Friday movies and Saturday evening music summer series on Hiawassee Town Square, announcing that 250 music lovers attended opening night, Memorial Day weekend. “We all came here because we wanted a small town…” Mayor Ordiales reminded. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have every, single storefront filled? That’s my target.”
Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby promoted the city’s North Georgia Highlands Seafood Festival, scheduled for this weekend. Gibby addressed the anticipated road construction which will soon begin in western Towns County. “The construction process will be awful, but in the end I think it’s going to be very good for us,” the mayor assured. Gibby said that the citizens of Young Harris are in agreement as to how the development of the city unfolds, saying the residents strive for a “community and sense of belonging,” adding that “eveyone seems to want a village.”
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton spoke on the security at the courthouse, detention center procedures, and the recently completed mass “Operation Trial Run” drug round-ups, which landed 53 arrests and over $300,000 in monetary and property seizures. The sheriff noted the local C.H.A.M.P.S. program, the importance of accountabilty in reference to drug court, and praised the volunteer efforts of the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) graduates. Clinton divulged that the inmates currently housed at the Towns County Detention Center are all repeat offenders. “I think we need less laws, and put the teeth back in the laws.” Sheriff Clinton said, referring to himself as “compassionate” and “a results, goal-orientated, type person.”
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton at Wednesday morning’s discussion
“We haven’t had the best history of sheriff’s in the past,” Clinton said, calling the statement an “historical fact.” The county’s chief officer informed that he does not see his detractors in attendance at community events, such as the sheriff’s office fundraisers, while adding, “I don’t think any of us are claiming to be perfect. I’m certainly not.” Sheriff Clinton concluded with praise for the department’s deputies and their retention record. “We haven’t had a single patrol officer in over two years go anywhere.”
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith wrapped up the forum, relaying that he is one of five officers on the city department. “I still work the roads. I still answer calls,”Smith said, noting that having a recently-added fifth officer allows time to tend to administrative duties. Smith stressed the importance of justice and service to the community, and expressed gratitude for two patrol vehicles which were donated by the local Lions Club and a Florida poice division. The chief touched on the annual “Shop with a Hero” program which provides holiday gifts for financially challenged children in Towns County.
In attendance was Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland who warned of wildfire dangers, and asked the community to kindly pull to the shoulder of the roadway when emergency vehicles approach, with lights flashing and sirens sounding. Copeland additionally serves as the county coroner, and mentioned the importance of carrying identification with information on next of kin, along with predetermining a preference of funeral homes.
Overall, the theme of the event was overwhelming positive from the public officials involved, and in terms of attendance, the Towns County Chamber of Commerce deemed the breakfast discussion a success.
Feature Image: Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, speaking to the citizens of Towns County