Towns County GOP draws State candidates days before run-off election
Election 2018, News, Politics July 23, 2018
Vendors set up shop, selling their wares
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party hosted an “Old-Fashion Rally and BBQ” on Hiawassee Town Square, the weekend prior to the state run-off election. Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young organized and orchestrated the event, drawing Gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle , and Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle, to visit with constituents.
Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young and County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw review the day’s agenda
Georgia State Senator Josh McKoon spoke on behalf of Lieutenant Governor candidate David Shafer, and former State Representative Stephen Allison represented Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp. Kemp was unable to attend due to an engagement with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in Macon, Georgia.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton and his band rocked the Square
Vendors set up shop along Berrong Street, and K&K Killer Kue served smoked pork barbeque sandwiches to guests.
The Republican Party held a bake sale, and the President’s Team manned an information booth.
Radio host of EXtreme Carolina, Michael Levi Borkman, served as Master of Ceremony.
Former Towns County Republican Chair Mark Wolchko streamed music, leading up to the candidate “stumping”.
(L-R) Master of Ceremony Michael Levi Borkman and Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle
Chris Clinton, who serves as Towns County Sheriff, and his band provided live entertainment.
Hiawassee Police Department chipped in, providing not only security, but supplying a needed tent and table for visitors.
Local resident Betty Phillips visits the President’s Team booth
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, staying throughout, and Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales made a brief appearance at the event.
The State Run-Off Election takes place tomorrow, July 24. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(Feature Image: Blairsville Mayor Jim Conley shakes hands with Gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle)
Wildfire Preparedness Day planned for May 5 on Hiawassee Square
Community, News May 1, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – May 5 has been officially proclaimed Wildfire Preparation Day in Towns County, and an event promoting the Firewise program will be held on Hiawassee Town Square this Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw signed the proclamation April 17, 2018, during his monthly meeting at the Towns County courthouse.
Towns County Firewise Citizen Coalition Chair Marsha Elliot, along with Chestatee-Chatahoochee RC & D Council Executive Director Frank Riley and members of the Firewise Coalition, spoke with citizens at the commissioner’s session.
“Firewise organizations and other community agencies come together to promote this Firewise program, and we’re going to do such in Towns County on May 5,” Marsha Elliot announced. “We’re inviting the public to join us on the square in Hiawassee on that day between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to see just exactly what resources are available here in our county.”
“All of our fire equipment and fire personnel are going to be there, with all of their bells and whistles, toys and trucks, and what have you, and letting the community see just what kind of equipment and personnel we have to help us here,” Elliot explained.
There are 21 Firewise communities in Towns County and a total of 93 statewide.
Frank Riley considers that a tribute to the people, and he is thankful. “You can’t beat that we’ve got 21 out of 93 in Towns County, Firewise communities recognized nationally, with the national program services,” Riley said.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, a Firewise coalition member, explained that there is no charge for residents to have their property assessed for fire hazards by members of the Firewise committee.
Firewise members Ann Atchison and Michael Courney attended the signing of the proclamation.
Towns County Fire and Rescue crews said they look forward to participating in Wildfire Preparation Day, meeting with the community, and displaying department resources.
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]
Towns County Clean Sweep week begins on April 16
Community, News March 8, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County’s annual “Clean Sweep” week is just around the corner and caring citizens are being called upon in an effort to beautify the area. This year’s event will take place from April 16 to 21, 2018. Volunteers will collect outdoor litter along roadways, within subdivisions, and around businesses throughout the county.
Specially labeled garbage bags will be provided beginning March 26 at the Towns County Chamber of Commerce, Towns County Commissioner’s Office, Hiawassee City Hall, Young Harris City Hall, and the Hiawassee and Young Harris library branches.
Once the designated trash bags are filled, they should be dropped off at the county transfer station on Sunnyside Drive during usual business hours. The attendant should be told how many bags were collected and shown the labels. Household garbage is not permitted.
$200 in cash prizes will be awarded in three categories for the most trash collected by an individual, a church or business, and a club or organization.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw says he is looking forward to the event. “I am very excited that the community cares enough to become involved in Clean Sweep week,” Commissioner Bradshaw tells FetchYourNews, “I appreciate everyone who is planning to volunteer their time.”
Clean Sweep week is an annual event in Towns County which corresponds with Earth Day.
Commissioner Bradshaw will host an appreciation dinner for all of the participants Tuesday, April 24, at the Towns County Recreation Center at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at that time. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by calling 706-896-4966.
A photo of the filled bags, the total number of bags collected, and telephone contact information must be submitted to [email protected] by Monday, April 23, in order to be eligible for the cash prizes.
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]
Commissioner, mayors, economic developer meet to discuss joint plan
News January 9, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) met with Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, and Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby, along with newly-hired Economic Development Director Denise McKay, on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 8, for an inquiry session pertaining to goals, and information on how sharing a single developer will work.
Towns County, the city of Hiawassee, and the city of Young Harris entered into a joint contract to share the expense and the fruits of McKay’s labor in expectation of bolstering area commerce. Funding will be divided equally between the county and dual municipalities, estimated at $20,000 per governmental entity, for a total amount of approximately $60,000.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales explained that implementing the UGA-Carl Vinson Institute of Government strategic plan is Hiawassee’s top priority.
“We’ve been talking about this for several years, and we feel that since we’re so small, all three of us, the county is not that big, the city of Hiawassee and Young Harris are about the same size, and it’s all small so there’s no need to have three different efforts going on at the same time,” Mayor Ordiales said, “So if we combine our efforts, and you know, go toward the same goal, and I think we all have the same goal. My plan to to take the strategic plan that you’ve all seen and go, execute. Check, check, check. (Young Harris) of course has different needs, the county has different needs, and I realize that this is a big strategic plan, that we’re not going to be able to do it all in a year. I get it. But the ones that we can do, we’ll do, and whatever (McKay) can do for my partners (Towns County, Young Harris) here, that’s the way we’ll rock on with that.”
FYN questioned whether the endeavor is associated with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Due to stipulations set forth by the state, Ordiales confirmed that a current affiliation does not exist.
“We’re going to try to pursue Main Street designation, and you know, do the easy stuff first,” Ordiales explained, “If we grow into a DDA, great. If we never get to a DDA, okay.
Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby offered input from her mutual standpoint.
“I don’t see (McKay) as the economic development person just for the county, (or) just for us” Mayor Gibby imparted, “So I see her as one person that we are all funding, right? For different needs. It was tossed around at one point, like, (Mayor Ordiales) and I tried, we wanted to have a joint development authority. Because of the way the rules are written in the state – and you all can get all of the rules – we couldn’t do that. Because we wanted to share, we wanted it to be informal sharing, but we can’t do that. So then in asking a lot more questions of people in the state, we just decided along with some advice, that because we are small, because none of us can’t afford one person per city-county, right? Then we can share the cost of one person who can help us achieve goals, right? So while we all have similar things that we need done, we can share.”
Gibby went on to explain that while McKay’s efforts will be divided, there will be times when concentration is focused specifically on the development of Hiawassee or Young Harris, relaying that due to updated infrastructure, the time is right for her city to set plans into action. “We’re at the place where we’re ready to bring people back together, bring the town back together, and we’re going to do that in the next couple of months, and kind of dust this off, update it, and get some priorities in place, and (McKay) is going to kind of help us with that piece, and what are our priorities, and what do we need to do.”
Economic Developer McKay voiced optimism in taking on the work necessary to serve the lofty mission.
In turn, Commissioner Bradshaw shared approval in the stated goals of the project.
“What is so neat about this, as (Mayor Gibby and Mayor Ordiales) said, is that it is a joint effort. It’s a partnership, and I’m so glad that we have the relationships that we can do that,” Commissioner Bradshaw added, “So if (McKay) lands a business to come into the city of Young Harris, I’m as excited as if it were coming outside of the city limits of Hiawassee and Young Harris. It doesn’t matter to me. It all benefits Towns County.” Bradshaw explained that he is looking at the big picture, leading to the decision to partner with the cities.
Feature Photo: (L-R) Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Economic Development Director Denise McKay, Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
Seventh-grade student delivers powerful speech on school shootings
News December 19, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The sudden sound of automatic gunfire rang out in the courtroom of the Towns County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 18, a simulated start to a powerful, passionate speech on school shootings, delivered by Eastgate Life Academy student Hannah Minchew.
Minchew plans to address state leaders in Atlanta early next year in an effort to shine a spotlight on a significant subject, one which is clearly close to her heart.
“Did you not here that? Why are you still all sitting here? Do you even know what that was? That was the sound of an assault rifle,” the seventh grader began with conviction, referencing the Columbine shooting, “That was the sound heard by those students on April 20, 1999, when Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris started one of the worst school massacres in history. They killed 13 people, and wounded 24 others before turning the guns on themselves and committing suicide.
Hannah Minchew, a seventh grade student at Eastgate Life Academy
“Did you know that there has been 494 school shootings? 494, and 18 of those have occured in Georgia, and in most every case of a school shooting, the signs were there. These attackers had planned their attacks for weeks to months, but no one noticed,” Minchew continued, leading the 12-year-old to recap the warning signs present prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy.
“But are our schools really safe? Do barriers, locked doors, and armed guards really make us safe? Does the banning of assault rifles really make us safe? These are all hard questions with no easy answers. I believe that it takes all of this and much more. It takes everyone in our community being vigilant and aware,” Minchew pleaded, concluding with a heartfelt, “Will you notice?”
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw praised Minchew’s speech, acknowledging that it was, “sore, sad, subject matter.”
“We have worked, as commissioner, we have worked with Sheriff Clinton, and your school Superintendent Darren Berrong,” Commissioner Bradshaw said, “We’ve had several meetings on school safety, on what we can do to try to make our school safer, and that’s why we put on the other DARE officer, hoping that it would make a difference. Our school campus is so spread out.”
FYN has extensively reported on school security in our counties of coverage, and we will continue to pursue future developments.
Towns County awarded insurance discount, saving taxpayers thousands
News December 5, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County qualified for an additional 7.5 percent discount on its workers’ compensation contribution, providing taxpayers with a supplementary savings of $16,000-$18,000, thanks to the effort of Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Rickey Mathis, says the sole county commissioner.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw praised the EMA director during a meeting with FYN on Monday, Dec. 3. Mathis was not in attendance.
“Rickey worked very hard to get this, and it’s appreciated,” Bradshaw told FYN.
Mathis collected and submitted the extensive property and liability data necessary, racing the clock to to meet the requirements for the county’s ACCG workers’ compensation safety discount, whereas Bradshaw seeks to provide the most bang for the taxpayers’ buck at every given turn.
In an email provided to FYN by Commissioner Bradshaw, ACCG Director of Property and Liability Insurance David Uhlman added that the Board of Trustees approved a 6.9 percent rate decrease for 2019. “Due to some positive loss experience in Towns County, you were already going to receive a 14.52 percent reduction over last year’s contribution. The safety discount will, of course, mean that your contribution decrease is even greater,” Ulman wrote.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching 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]
Calvary Alliance Church hosts Appreciation Luncheon for Local Public Safety
Community, News September 26, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Calvary Alliance Church hosted a hamburger and hot dog cookout for Towns County Public Safety employees on Tuesday, Sept. 18, in a show of appreciation and support. Reverend Brian Schmidt , along with church members, welcomed first responders from each of the public safety divisions to the luncheon.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton were on hand in show of gratitude in reciprocation to Reverend Schmidt and church members for the outreach of support for public safety personnel.
Commissioner Bradshaw signs patriotic proclamation ahead of Constitution Week
News August 16, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw signed a patriotic proclamation, encouraging Towns County citizens to reaffirm their support of the United States Constitution, by understanding and vigilantly guarding the American liberties guaranteed in the founding document.
The proclamation was presented to Commissioner Bradshaw by Towns County Old Unicoi Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution, Co-Chairs Beverly Shreeve and Shelli Kelly in annual commemoration of Constitution Week, which falls Sept. 17 -23, 2018.
Founded in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution advocate historical preservation, education, and patriotism within communities. Membership is open to women over the age of 18, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can trace ancestral lineage to a patriot who served in the American Revolution.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
“As an American, the Constitution is everything to me,” Bradshaw told FYN, “What would we be without it, where would we go in the future? An understanding of it, of its importance, is significant and something that we should know. As Americans, it’s essential for us to understand our foundation. In order to know where we are headed, we need to understand from where we came. The Constitution may be a centuries old document, but it’s as relevant today as it was when it was created.”
The United States Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The original document is located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington D.C.
“The framers created a Constitution that translated into law the ideals upon which our nation was built,” Old Unicoi Trail Chapter Regent Annette Bomar Hopgood explained, “Their vision was so forward thinking that their words still guide us today. No American history education can be complete without a thorough understanding of the impact the Constitution has had on the lives of American citizens, past and present.”
Displays commemorating Constitution Week will be featured at the Towns County and Mountain Regional Libraries, and pocket editions of the U.S. Constitution will be made available to local American History and U.S. Government high school classes. Towns County 4th graders will be offered educational bookmarks from the organization.
Old Unicoi Trail Chapter meets at Mountain Presbyterian Church in Blairsville on the second Saturday of the month, September through December, and February through April, at 10:30 a.m.
The September meeting will feature Dale Dyer, a local historian.
For additional information on the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, contact [email protected]
Commissioner Bradshaw Updates Community on Economy
News September 26, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Towns County Movers and Shakers held their weekly meeting on Friday, September 22, at Sundance Grill in Hiawassee. The featured speakers were Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Hiawassee City Council candidate, Patsy Owens.
Commissioner Bradshaw updated the group on local economic developments.
“The national economy has improved and we’re seeing the effects in Towns County. Our financial state is very good. The county is on budget and in some cases, under budget. Tourism is drawing a considerable amount of income and we’ve seen an 8.9% increase since 2007,” Commissioner Bradshaw said.
Towns County benefitted from tourism in the amount of $48,780,000 in 2016 alone. Tourism provided a tax break of $862.23 per household in 2016, an increase from $735.71 in 2015.
Real estate sales have also expanded with 219 homes sold by a single agency since the start of 2017.
Commissioner Bradshaw says he’s working closely with the Towns County Chamber of Commerce as well as the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and hopes to see events held every “good weather weekend.”
Grace Howard, President of Hamilton Gardens, praised the Commissioner’s “unbelievable cooperation” and announced a fundraiser will be held at Hamilton Gardens on Monday, October 23, sponsoring the “Daffodil Project.” The Holocaust Commission hopes to plant a daffodil in memory of each of the 1.5 million children’s lives lost. Hamilton Gardens would like to meet a goal of 500 bulbs planted in the Garden’s Memorial section by December. A dedication ceremony will be held on December 10, 2017. It is a nonpolitical, nondenominational event, and a survivor of the Holocaust is expected to speak.
The Hiawassee City Council candidate forum will take place on Monday, October 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center, located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse. Fetch Your News will provide coverage of the event along with information on each candidate.
Early voting begins on October 16, 2017.
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]
County reduces non-residential pickleball rate
News February 18, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw reached a decision to set a $2 per day, or $30 per month for unlimited play, rate for non-residential use of the newly-renovated, indoor pickleball court, located at 900 N. Main St. in Hiawassee.
FYN reported Friday, Feb. 15 on the commissioner’s intent to deliberate over the weekend on a determined fee. The initial, tentative quotes considered were $5 per day or $30 per month for unlimited use of the refurbished facility.
Commissioner Bradshaw met with local USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) Ambassador John Hall last Friday, and again this afternoon, to discuss the matter.
The indoor court, featuring LED lighting and state-of-the-art flooring, is available to players Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pickleball, a sport especially popular with the baby boomer generation, combines the elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong. Two-to-four players participate in single or double teams, using wooden paddles to serve a plastic, hollow ball across a court.
According to the USAPA, the rules are simple and the game is easy for players to learn, although pickleball can develop into a fast-paced, competitive sport for experienced players.
Towns County receives 20 percent of the proceeds from hosting its annual pickleball tournament, an amount that the commissioner confirmed will remain in place. Last year, Towns County received just over $1300 as a result.
There is no charge for personal use of the outdoor pickleball courts, located off Highway 76, near the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Fetch Your News is a local now-news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 on our Facebook page.
Towns County adopts GEMA-FEMA approved hazard mitigation plan
News January 18, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Earlier this week, Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw adopted a multi-jurisdiction hazard mitigation plan as approved by state and federal emergency management agencies.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), hazard mitigation is any action taken to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural disasters. Hazard mitigation planning is a process used by state, tribal, and local governments to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and develop mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate long term risks.
Towns County was awarded a $21,000 federal grant to fund the project. Additional grants were stated as available.
Towns County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Rickey Mathis was on hand to explain the program. Mathis imparted that the strategy is not a cookie-cutter template, rather the local emergency operation plan is designed specifically for Towns County, and focuses on the hazards most likely to occur within the immediate area.
Mathis stressed that personal preparation is of utmost importance. “Prepare your own self. Prepare your family,” the EMA director advised, explaining that while emergency crews are trained to identify and respond to widespread disaster, resources could become exhausted in the event of a catastrophe.
Information on emergency preparedness can be found at ready.gov
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching 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]
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
Towns County leaders weigh-in on massive early voter turnout
Election 2018, News November 3, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Early voting in the 2018 midterm election came to a close on Friday, and Towns County Board of Elections saw a massive turnout at the Hiawassee polling precinct. Of the 9,386 registered voters in Towns County, 4,030 residents chose to cast their ballots ahead of Tuesday’s general election. A total of 257 absentee ballots had been returned to the election board as of Friday afternoon.
The 2018 turnout rivals that of the 2016 presidential election. Two years ago, 4,564 of the 8,608 voters registered in Towns County turned up to cast early ballots at the polls, with 420 ballots returned by mail. Midterm elections historically do not draw such a high amount of voters to the ballot box.
FYN reached out to Towns County leaders and gathered their thoughts on the phenomenon.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton believes that the south-of-the-border “caravan of criminals” that are headed toward the U.S. border plays a part in the impressive turnout at the Georgia polls. “The future of our nation and our state rides on this election. Anyone being honest about these caravans understands what is at stake. If the left wins, the caravans are just the beginning. If the Republicans stay in, I’m willing to bet they turn around,” Clinton warned, “We must stop this madness or we will cease to be a sovereign nation…They aren’t coming for jobs or safety. Mexico offered those. They sure aren’t coming to be Americans. Those aren’t American flags they are carrying during these border assaults.”
Sheriff Clinton recently endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp, reiterating on Friday that Stacey Abrams’ “radical, socialist ideas are extremely dangerous.”
District 8 State House Representative Matt Gurtler is optimistic that Georgia will remain a “red” state, adding that according to the Secretary of State’s office, Georgia has seen the highest early voter turnout in the state’s history during this year’s general election. “Our district is the most active in the state and the most conservative by far,” Gurtler explained, “I expect to see the 8th House District in the lead once again this coming Tuesday, and I believe and have great faith in the people of Georgia, that we will see a ‘red wave’ sweep the entire state.”
While Towns County Republican Party Chair Betsy Young is enthusiastic,the GOP leader believes that the race for Georgia’s next governor, in particular, is tight. “I think this is going to be close, but if only legal voters vote – all Democrats and Republicans – we will win. The area around Atlanta will be heavily Democrat, but I believe some who have never voted anything but Democrat will vote Republican because of two things: hate by liberals and their awful demonstration of it, along with the economy and immigration.”
“The fate of our state and our county is at stake,” Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw expressed, “Towns County realizes how important this election is for our future, and I’m very thankful for that.” Commissioner Bradshaw served as Master of Ceremonies at a recent “Get Out the Vote” event sponsored by the Towns County Republican Party.
While the four local leaders agree that the high voter count is good sign for their affiliated political party, the Republicans stressed the importance of an equally healthy turnout at the polls on election day.
Towns County polling precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Count on FYN to deliver local election results as soon as they become available.
Towns County Billboard Amendment Finalized
News October 29, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw held a special-called meeting on the morning of Monday, Oct.29, to finalize the adoption on the sign ordinance amendment. The billboard mandate has been in the process of revision since July, with a 90-day moratorium enacted on the issuance of sign permits, following a steep influx of requests from out-of-area advertisers.
Over the course of the past several months, Bradshaw consulted with the Towns County Planning Commission and Towns County Attorney Robb Kiker, seeking ample input from community business owners and county residents on the issue. Polls were distributed which revealed overwhelming public support to prohibit excess signage from occupying area lands.
The resolution allows for one on-premises sign per business lot, and one off-premises sign per private land parcel. On-premises signs are limited to 75 square feet in size, with off-premises signs not to exceed 32 square feet.
Th resolution states its objective and purpose is to “provide a reasonable balance between the right of an individual to identify a business, or express their thoughts, and the right of the public to be protected from visual discord resulting from the unrestricted proliferation of signs and advertising devices.”
Furthermore, the revised decree is scripted to “guard against an excess of large, aesthetically unappealing, intense signs which cause visual blight on the appearance of the community.”
A telecommunications ordinance was additionally adopted at Monday’s meeting, limiting the size and placement of cellular towers within Towns County.
The mandates, in their entirety, are available at the Commissioner’s Office in the Towns County Courthouse.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts over 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, 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]
RC&D Director Frank Riley recognized at National Fire Prevention Week Proclaimation
News October 12, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw officially proclaimed Oct. 7-13 National Fire Prevention Week in Towns County, while honoring Resource Conservation and Development (RC & D) Council Executive Director Frank Riley during a surprise ceremony. Numerous county and city officials were invited, as well as rangers from the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Forestry Commission. Commissioner Bradshaw expressed sincere appreciation for Riley’s service while presenting an award. “That’s how much you mean to me, and how much you mean to the community,” Bradshaw said.
Fire Prevention Week stresses the importance of installing smoke detectors in homes, along with insuring residents have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan. In 2016, 2735 people perished due to home fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and fire departments responded to 352,000 home fires, with 4-out-of-5 fire deaths occuring within homes each year.
Frank Riley was presented an award of recognition by Commissioner Bradshaw following the signing of the fire prevention week proclamation, acknowledging Riley’s service and dedication to Towns County. “That’s how much you mean to me, and how much you mean to the community,” Bradshaw expressed.
Among achievements, Riley established Towns County as the first Fire Adaptive Community to receive statewide and national attention, humbly served as a Towns County volunteer firefighter since 1999, and as a highly-respected FireWise and Fire Corps leader.
“Frank’s expertise and drive, along with being able to identify and connect the right groups together, has been the spark that has enabled FireWise to take hold in Georgia, and help start it to adjoining Appalachian states,” Tony Harkins, Chief Ranger-Safety Officer with the Georgia Forestry Commission, explained in part, “With his involvements in Chattahoochee RC&D, (as a) volunteer firefighter, farming, and with the farmers’ markets, I personally can’t see where he finds the time to do all of these endeavors. He wears more hats than anyone I know, and is successful in all jobs.”
U.S. Forest Fire Management Officer Mike Davis echoed the sentiment, “Frank has always supported the greater good. In 2015, when we were conducting a presentation about our efforts in Towns County to out regional forester out of Atlanta, we were asked could we duplicate these efforts up the Appalachian chain to other wildland urban interface communities. We knew it would be a challenge, and one that Frank would have to take the lead on, but he rolled up his sleeves and said ‘let’s do it.’ Since that time he has traveled and met with various government officials from Atlanta to Washington D.C. to promote the success in Towns County and beyond. Frank does all of this not looking to promote himself or for accolades, but to seek support for what we do here in this region.”
Riley’s wife, Linda, was in attendance at the Friday, Oct. 12, proclaimation. “You couldn’t drag Frank from Towns County,” Linda Riley shared, “He loves this community and its people.”
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