Anonymous citizen donates $5000 to Town County charities
Community, News December 6, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A Towns County resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated a $5000 check to benefit local charities. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw equally divided the generous gift between three organizations: Enotah CASA, Almost There, and the Towns County Food Pantry.
CASA, an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a network of community-based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. Volunteer advocates—empowered directly by the Enotah, Juvenile court—offer judges the critical information necessary to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care.
Representatives of Enotah CASA, Almost There, and Towns County Food Pantry with Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
Almost There is a program that works with women whom have served time in jail, assisting in their reacclimation with society. In 2016, Almost There purchased a five bedroom home, knowns as “Ms. Elaine’s House,” to accommodate four women and a house mother. Almost There works in partnership with the Enotah Judicical Circuit Drug Court program. The non-profit provides food, shelter, transportation, spiritual nurturing, and loving support to women recently released from incarceration.
Towns County Food Pantry s a ministry of the Towns County Cooperative Ministries. Its purpose is to help feed the needy of Towns County. The Towns County Food Pantry is a non-profit organization supported solely by area churches, business, groups and individuals.
Representatives from each of the non-profit organizations expressed immense gratitude for the donation.
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]
Old Recreation Center in process of refurbishment
Community, News October 28, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Renovation has begun at the former Towns County Recreation Center, located at 900 North Main St. in Hiawassee. Since the construction of the modernized recreation and conference facility in Young Harris, the building has served as headquarters for the Towns County Historical Society.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, however, envisions an even greater use for the aged structure.
A project in the making, LED lighting has been installed, walls have been painted, and the roof has been mended thus far. The worn gymnasium flooring has been removed, the work of inmate labor, and new flooring will soon be installed.
Commissioner Bradshaw tells FYN that the refurbishment will provide Towns County with opportunities to host additional basketball games and tournaments, offer a space for indoor baseball batting cages, and furnish a venue for Pickleball in the event of inclement weather.
Bradshaw estimated the cost of the flooring at $60,000, although the final cost of the completed project has not been determined at this time.
Hiawassee Halloween may feature Haunted House Attraction
News, Upcoming Events September 25, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales announced that Halloween on Hiawassee Square may be relocated to the Towns County Courthouse grounds in order to feature a new addition to the well-loved annual event: A haunted house attraction at the historic Old Rock Jail.
Ordiales revealed that the City of Hiawassee is collaborating with Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green on the notion. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green inside the Old Rock Jail
Traditionally, the event has taken place on town square. Hiawassee City Council, along with Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, voiced agreement with the slight shift in venue due in part to parking issues. The relocation will free the parking spaces surrounding the square that were dedicated to candy booths in years’ past, potentially reducing the swarm of trick-or-treaters trekking across Main Street from business parking lots.
While the plans for the haunted house and venue change were not firmly solidified by Mayor Ordiales as of Monday, Sept. 24, Commissioner Bradshaw stated no objection to to the plans.
The Old Rock Jail is located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse, with renovation to the 1936 stone jail recently completed through the efforts of the Towns County Historical Society. The two-story site serves as a museum, featuring artifacts and photographs, and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Scarecrows, created by area businesses, are set to begin “invading” Hiawassee Town Square on Oct.1, staked thoughout the month.
A list of autumn activites in the Hiawassee area is available from FetchYourNews.com
Hiawassee holds Town Hall to strategically shape city’s future
News June 13, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Dozens of community members and government officials gathered at the Towns County Civic Center on the evening of Tuesday, June 12, to discuss their visions for Hiawassee’s future. The City of Hiawassee has been working closely with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a unit of the Office of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, which assists state and local governments in achieving goals. Hiawassee received a $30,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant in 2017 to fund the study. Steering committees were chosen for the strategic planning endeavor, and previous meetings took place to gain insight.
Correction: While the City of Hiawassee quoted a flat “$30,000” when asked the ARC amount, FYN learned post-publication that $21,000 was awarded, with an additional $9,000 matched locally, for a total of $30,000.
“When we first got the grant, the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute was not available, and I really wanted to use the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute because these guys are masters,” Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales said, “They know how to do this, they’ve done this in a million different cities. They know what’s going on, and the intent of this is for us, and you more than anything, to define what we want our city to look like. We don’t want it to be Helen. We don’t want it to be any city in Florida. We don’t want it to be Asheville. We don’t want it to be anything but Hiawassee, but we don’t know what that is. So that’s what this strategic plan is all about.”
Many in attendence praised Mayor Ordiales, with some referring to the elected offical as “progressive-minded.”
Table-top discussion groups were formed prior to the start of the meeting, and ideas were projected onto a screen from laptop computers.
The community was divided into six groups
Listed among what is “working” in Hiawassee’s favor was appreciation for local shops, commendation of Hiawassee Police Department, the seasonal events on town square, access to reliable contractors, and the overall “quality of life” in the mountains.
Suggested improvements included an updated courthouse and post office, extended beautification efforts, the need for year-round activities, the creation of a city that will beckon visitors, a liquor store to raise revenue, the necessity for affordable housing, activities geared toward youth, improved public parking, and easily accessible recycling areas.
City annexation was noted, as well as hope for increased cultural diversity, public art displays, replacement of “tacky signs” to give the city a uniformed appearance, and a desire to deviate from a “Bible-Belt” stigma.
When asked to describe Hiawassee, some chose adjectives such as “quiet,” “charming,” and “quaint” while others described the city as “outdated” and “stuck.”
Hiawassee Councilwoman Nancy Noblet said she hopes the city will grow to become more than a retirement community. Councilwoman Amy Barrett expressed appreciation for tradition. Councilwoman Anne Mitchell used the word “bustling” to invoke her vision for the city’s future.
Carl Vinson Project Manager Jessica Varsa led the meeting, with the assistance of colleauges from the institute. Varsa relayed that another forum may take place next month, with efforts expected to wrap up in November.
“I want to see the city grow, but I also want it to remain a small-town because it’s home,” said Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, a planning committee member.
Hiawassee Council members Patsy Owens and Kris Berrong attended the forum.
Feature Photo: (L-R) Hiawassee Councilwoman Patsy Owens and Mayor Liz Ordiales
CodeRED emergency notification sign up available at courthouse next month
Community, News April 18, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County is offering citizens, who may not be computer-savvy, an opportunity to sign up for emergency alerts through the CodeRED program.
“There’s a lot of folks in the county that are not signed up on this, so we are going to have two sign up dates at the commissioner’s office for folks who need help signing up,” Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw offered.
CodeRED is an emergency alert system designed to notify residents of pertinent information impacting the community. Towns County encourages residents to enroll in the effective communication network.
Crucial notifications can be delivered via phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media.
Critical information, such as weather warnings, emergency preparedness, wildfire advisories, road closures, and missing person alerts, can be distributed on a mass scale to those enrolled in the program.
For those unable to sign up electronically without assistance, the Towns County Commissioner’s Office is offering an option to help.
Residents may visit the Towns County Commissioner’s Office, located downstairs in the Towns County Courthouse, Tuesday, May 1, and Tuesday, May 8, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
“We are asking all the citizens who are interested, and hopefully most of them are, to come out and we’ll do it for you,” Commissioner Bradshaw said.
No appointment is necessary, and sign up is expected to take a mere five minutes per resident.
Notifications can be targeted to specific areas in the event only a portion of the county is affected, such as a water line break within city limits.
Those who are able to enroll online may do so at http://www.townscountyga.org/emergency-alert-system.html
Commissioner Bradshaw on Towns County Unemployment, Sign Ordinance
News October 18, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw held his monthly meeting at the Towns County Courthouse on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. The topics of discussion included the local unemployment rate and a resolution to amend the commercial sign ordinance.
According to research gathered from the Georgia Department of Labor Workforce Statistics, Towns County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.9% in January of 2017 to 5.8% in August of 2017.
“The unemployment rate is definitely getting better,” Commissioner Bradshaw affirmed.
Statistics obtained from the Towns County Tax Assessors Office show real estate sales have steadily increased, a total of 1,607 residential properties sold between 2014-2016.
Towns County saw an 8.9% increase in tourism dollars between 2007 and 2016. $32.28 million was acquired in 2007, while $48.78 million benefited the economy in 2016. Commissioner Bradshaw expects to see continued growth in the years to come.
Towns County Courthouse
The tax relief per household from tourism dollars saved residents $862.23 in 2016, an increase from $735.71 the previous year.
Local sales tax revenue continues to increase. An estimated $1,424,225 is anticipated for 2017, up from $1,386,097 in 2016.
Commissioner Bradshaw also announced a resolution to amend the Towns County “Schedule of Fees.” A sign ordinance application review fee for area businesses will occur in the amount of $25.00, with an additional $25.00 cost for the final permit. $3.00 per square foot for each face of the signage will also be applied as well. Commissioner Bradshaw consulted surrounding counties for input on standard rates prior to reaching a decision.
The Commissioner welcomed questions from the citizens, ranging from building code concerns to whether political signs are permitted on Hiawassee Square.
Commissioner Bradshaw concluded the meeting by saying, “My door is always open and I thank you for trusting me. I work for all of you.”
The Commissioner’s meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Towns County Courthouse.
Bassmaster AOY yields high economic return for Towns County
News January 16, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Lake Chatuge was the site of the 2018 Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) point series tournament, and Towns County’s decision to host the sporting event yielded a high economic return.
Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Chamber President Candace Lee
According to Towns County Chamber of Commerce President Candace Lee, over 10,800 visitors traveled to the area for the September event, generating approximately $2.1 million dollars in revenue. The expected return, cited by Bassmaster, was slightly underestimated at $1.5 to $2 million dollars.
Towns County extended a host fee of $60,000 to secure the Bassmaster series finale, a commitment both Lee and Towns County Commisioner Cliff Bradshaw said did not come without much consideration and contemplation. In addition to the revenue obtained from the event, a total of 5,434 local jobs were supported by the wise investment.
Lee and Bradshaw explained that the tournament will reap long-lasting results as familiarity with the Towns County area is better known due to exposure from the popular bass fishing event. During the week of the tournament, coverage of the AOY drove over 798,000 visitors to the bassmaster website, with more than 336,000 unique visitors, and 6.8 million page views. Video coverage delivered more than 269,000 views.
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.
Commissioner extends cable television franchise fee
News January 1, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw signed a resolution on Dec. 31, 2018, to extend existing state cable television and video service franchise fees for unincorporated areas of Towns County.
Towns County will continue to collect a franchise fee at the rate of five percent of annual gross revenues generated by cable and video service providers, pursuant to the existing franchise agreements. The extension of the franchise tax will not increase the cost for cable television consumers.
A cable franchise fee is an annual charge by a local government to a private cable television company as compensation for using public property it owns as right-of-way for its cable.
Act No. 368, otherwise known as the Consumer Choice for Television Act, was passed by the Georgia General Assembly in its 2007 Session, and codified at Chapter 76 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
County holds meeting on public transportation system
News November 12, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw held a special-called meeting on the morning of Monday. Nov. 12, to officially apply for an annual transit grant in the amount of $99,020, divided equally between federal and county entities. Towns County Transit Secretary Betty Greenwood attended the meeting, along with Towns County Financial Secretary Andrea Anderson. According to the government officials, approximatrely $19,000 in revenue is derived from the transit system annually. The revenue will in turn off-set the county portion, reducing the amount to approximately $30,500.
According to Commissioner Bradshaw, Towns County Transit transported 3,802 passengers last year, amounting to an average of 317 per month. Bradshaw stated that a third bus may be necessary in the future. “Right now, I don’t think we’re there yet, but we’re going to keep an eye on it,” the commissioner explained
In addition to the signing of the grant application, the transit procurement policy was updated to redefine the detailed definition of purchases.
Towns County Transit operates Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, with the exception of holidays. A 24-to-48 hour reservation is necessary for scheduling purposes. The current fare for a one-way trip is $2.00 for the first mile, with .40 cents added for each mile, rounded to the nearest dollar. Each stop is an additional $2.00 charge. A flat rate fare of $6.00 is set for a one-way trip to Union County, doubled for roundtrip. A flat rate fare roundtrip fare to Young Harris is $8.00, limited to $4.00 for a one-way trip.
Once a passenger disembarks at a destination and re-enters the bus, the trip is considered completed, and a new fare of $2.00 is required.
Passengers with small children must provide a safety seat which meets current stae and federal regulations. Up to two children under the age of five may travel with a paying parent or guardian, free of charge.
Drivers cannot make change, extend credit, or allow free rides.
The transit system operates within Towns and Union County, and is offered solely to Towns County residents.
For additional information on the Towns County Transit System, visit the county website.
Reservations can be scheduled by dialing 706-896-0925.
Towns County Historical Society focuses on Macedonia Baptist Church
Community, News October 10, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Macedonia Baptist Church, a landmark sitting high on a hill along Highway 76, east of Hiawassee city limits, has a deep history that is unbeknownst to many. The story of the chapel was the focus of discussion at the Towns County Historical Society meeting on Oct. 8, 2018. The informative program was presented by Macedonia Baptist Church Deacon Roger Dyer, and lifelong member Daren “Bear” Osborn.
The room was filled to near capacity with church members and county residents, including Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and former Commissioner Bill Kendall, both instrumental in preserving the beloved history of Towns County.
Founded as Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in 1839, with the land deeded by Major Josiah Carter, the first of four eventual structures was built behind where the current church now stands. The Hiwassee River rushed along the chapel, and it was said that when the water level in Lake Chatuge sinks low, the steps leading from the original church can still be found. The river witnessed many baptisms throughout the following years, although the initial converts consisted of 11 members. Reverend Adam Corn, an Asheville, NC, transplant, born in 1782, is thought to have been Macedonia’s first preacher, initially serving as a missionary to Native Americans upon local arrival.
Major Carter was a delegate at the founding Southern Baptist Convention in Augusta, GA, in 1845, along with other area preachers. The Hiawassee Baptist Association was organized in 1849, and included Macedonia Baptist beside 23 sister churches from Clay and Cherokee County, NC, and Union and Rabun County, GA.
Carter, along with 27 of Macedonia Baptist Church’s first members, lies at rest in Carter Cemetery, tucked behind what is now Towns County Schools.
Macedonia was once known as Shady Grove, GA, and the land was a part of Union County until Towns County was established in 1856. The church was said to have housed soldiers during the Civil War era, although official records were stored in the Union County Courthouse which was later destroyed by fire in 1899.
In 1932, “God’s Acre Plan” was established by Reverend Frank Lloyd. Volunteer labor was used to prepare the land to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. The farming endeavor served as revenue for Macedonia Baptist Church for years to come.
The second Macedonia Baptist Church – Photo courtesy of Town County Historical Society
The second church was constructed in 1942, the result of the addition of Lake Chatuge which caused a need to move Macedonia Baptist to higher ground. The congregation was urged to pray for God’s guidance, and the original chapel was deconstructed, relocated, and reassembled upon an elevated mound. The first homecoming was held in 1945, and it continues to be honored annually on May 15.
In 1957, the congregation desired to build a more modern structure. The government supplied timber from the High Shoals area, and $802 in revenue from “God’s Acre Plan” set the project into motion. The church was built by the hands of church members, with dedication taking place on April 27, 1958. The building remains standing, adjacent to the current church which was constructed in 1995. Reverend Harold Ledford served Macedonia Baptist Church for 30 years until his death on Feb. 11, 2017. Reverend Ed Jump is serving as Macedonia’s transitional pastor at the time of publication.
Numerous historical photographs were displayed on a projector screen throughout the presentation as Dyer and Osborn offered detailed narrative, and DVDs of the monthly meetings in their entirety are available for a nominal fee through the Towns County Historical Society. Historical Society Secretary Betty Phillips opened the presentation by acknowledging the dedicated efforts of David and Myrtle Sokol in preserving the meetings through videography.
Towns County Historical Society meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the former Recreation Center at 900 north Main St. in Hiawassee.
Of note, the Old Rock Jail Museum will close between the months of November and April. Appointments to tour the historical site during the off-season can be arranged through the Towns County Historical Society.
Feature Photo Credit: Macedonia Baptist Church
Commissioner amends 2018 budget, creates account for sheriff’s office investigations
News May 20, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga.- On the evening of May 15, Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw announced a resolution to amend the 2018 budget, per abidance of Georgia Law, O.C.G.A. 36-81-3, which requires each unit of government to operate under an annual balanced budget, adopted by ordinance or resolution. The resolution includes a $22,152 shift in revenue, transferred from the Towns County Board of Education, into Towns County Sheriff’s Office capital expenditures. The amendment is the result of a Board of Education reimbursement of 75 percent, calculated from the cost of a patrol car purchased for the county’s school resource officer. Towns County Sheriff’s Office absorbed 25 percent of the expense.
“Donnie Jarrard, the DARE officer at the school, needed a new vehicle. He follows the ball teams – you know, baseball, basketball, football – all over the state of Georgia. When they play in Athens, (or) Monroe, he gets home at one, two, sometimes as late as three o’clock in the morning, unfortunately at times,” Bradshaw explained, “His car was starting to get a lot of problems, and it had a lot of miles on it, so I called the (Towns County School) Superintendent Darren Berrong.” Bradshaw went on to say that the cost of the new vehicle was discussed with Berrong, and a decision to divide the expense was agreed upon, based on the 75/25 ratio that the school board and sheriff’s office expend to employ the school resource officer. “We didn’t have to add any money,” Bradshaw continued, “The money was already there in their budget, so it was a no-brainer.”
In addition, Commissioner Bradshaw authorized the opening of an investigation financial account for Towns County Sheriff’s Office. The resolution states that the Towns County Sheriff’s Office at times has “need of access to operational funds” in order to assist the department with law enforcement and investigative services, benefiting the citizens of Towns County in the most efficient manner. The investigation account will be opened at South State Bank, with Towns County Sheriff’s Office Administrator Vicki Ellis, and Towns County Sheriff’s Captain James Baldwin, listed as authorized signers.
Commissioner Bradshaw presents certification to Towns County Building Inspector John Paul Peebles
“This money that they are going to put into this account is exactly what it says,” Bradshaw said, “It’s an investigation account. They use the money for certain things, to get the bad guys off the streets, and that’s what they’re doing.”
“We don’t want to go too far into detail, you know, and let the bad guys know what they’re doing,” Bradshaw stated.
Commissioner Bradshaw reminded that there will not be a county meeting held in June, as the commissioner will be out-of-town on the scheduled date, with the next session occurring on July 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Towns County Courthouse.
Bradshaw also noted an increase in residential building permits, elevated from 17 to 31, in comparison to the same time-period last year. Permits for additions rose from 20 to 42 in the similar time frame. Bradshaw believes the spike is a positive indicator of an improving economy.
The commissioner ended the meeting by reminding the public that his door is “always open” to receiving input from the community.
Commissioner Bradshaw delivers year-in-review to Towns County GOP, Veterans Benefit Fair announced
News, Politics February 18, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Towns County Republican Party met for their first session of 2018 with newly-elected Chairwoman Betsy Young leading the meeting. The meeting took place on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Towns County Civic Center.
Young opened with expressed hope that the local GOP chapter will grow in numbers and encouraged attendees to bring a friend to future gatherings prior to welcoming Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw to the podium. The commissioner later echoed Young’s sentiment.
Commissioner Bradshaw, the invitational speaker, presented a lengthy list of impressive first-year accomplishments to the attentive crowd. Commissioner Bradshaw began by recalling his recent trip to Washington D.C. as one of eight sole commissioners visiting from the state of Georgia.
Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, right center, in Washington D.C. with fellow Georgia sole commissioners.
The commissioner proudly displayed a letter he received from President Donald Trump, a gesture of gratitude from the highest office in the land.
“It was a great trip and I learned a lot,” Commissioner Bradshaw explained. “Towns County is the smallest county in Georgia with a sole commissioner. The other seven counties are much larger than we are. I learned that the problems they have there are the same problems we have here. What really impressed me about these commissioners was that while we were having dinner, they didn’t talk about their hobbies or their families. It was always business. There’s some really dedicated people who work for the taxpayers all across the county, but these commissioners, they are definitely committed to their jobs.”
Commissioner Bradshaw spoke on many topics he has worked through since taking office last year, ranging from completing his first year within budget to the $47 million dollars generated in revenue from tourism in 2017. Bradshaw stated he works with the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hamilton Gardens, and the Chamber of Commerce on a daily basis, and he looks forward to upcoming events that will further elevate Towns County’s economy, such as the “Get Outdoors!” expo in early April and the “Made in Georgia” festival scheduled for late June. The upcoming elite series BassMaster Tournament is expected to draw somewhere between $1.1 to $2 million dollars in revenue.
In attendance was Bill Kokaly, a 9th District U.S. House Field Representative for Congressman Doug Collins. Kokaly made mention of what he referred to as a “do nothing” Senate, stating 378 of the 477 pieces of legislation are sitting idle in the Senate with no action taken. Kokaly went on to reiterate Collins’ support of President Trump’s immigration reform.
Field Representative Kokaly announced the 9th District Veterans Benefits Fair will be held at the Rabun County Civic Center in Clayton on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Constituent services staff from Congressman Doug Collins’ office will be available to assist veterans with questions and casework. Representatives from the Atlanta Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Asheville VA Medical Center, Georgia National Cemetery, Georgia Veteran Service Office, and the Emory Veterans Program will be available. RSVP and inquiries should be directed to 770-297-3388 or [email protected].
Towns County’s Republican mascot, “Trumpet,” alongside a life-size cardboard replica of President Donald Trump
The Republican meeting concluded with the moniker “Trumpet” being selected as the inflatable elephant mascot’s name. “Trumpet” is scheduled to make appearances in the Georgia Mountain Fair and Christmas parades. Plans for an old-fashioned rally and barbecue are in the works for this summer.
The Towns County GOP meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse.
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 Towns, Union, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, 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 on our Facebook page.
For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit Lands in Hiawassee
News September 20, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Soon-to-be graduates of the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) were given a firsthand look at a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) helicopter on Tuesday, September 19, at McConnell Baptist Church on Main Street.
Georgia State Patrol helicopter, once owned by best-selling author Patricia Cornwell
The second-to-last session in the 10-week series began with classroom instruction from GSP Corporal Paul Wofford on the history and operations of the state police aviation unit.
Georgia State Patrol Aviation Troopers, TFC Jamon Jones and Corporal Paul Wofford
Developed in 1974, the flight unit currently consists of 13 pilots and 12 aircraft. Each helicopter costs approximately $3.5 million dollars and each pilot flies an average of 250-300 hours per year.
There are six field hangars within the state of Georgia, located in Kennesaw, Albany, Gainesville, Perry, Reidsville, and Augusta.
The Georgia State Patrol aviation unit is dispatched to locate missing persons, aid in manhunts, assist with rescue missions, provide fire suppression, and capture aerial surveillance.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, Chief Deputy Colonel Terry Conner, and Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw were in attendance.
The final class in the CLEA program will be held at the Towns County Courthouse next week, followed by a tour of the Towns County 911 Dispatch center.
CLEA VII graduation is scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at McConnell Baptist Church in Hiawassee.
Alumni are invited to attend.
For information on participating in a future Citizen Law Enforcement Academy course, contact the Towns County Sheriff’s Office at 706.896.4444
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]
“Red Wave” rally draws solid turnout for Towns County GOP
News, Politics October 21, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – While early voter turnout was especially strong in North Georgia throughout the first week of the 2018 General Election, state and local Republican leaders echoed the importance of encouraging friends and family to cast ballots during a Towns County “Get Out The Vote” rally Thursday, Oct. 18 .
A sizeable crowd of constituents attended the town hall meeting, orchestrated by Towns County GOP Chairwoman Betsy Young, and Republican member Donna Barrow.
“We all know that after watching the Kavanaugh hearings, and the things that were going on, it’s very scary, and we have to get out the vote..,” Young urged, “We’re speaking to the choir here, we know that, but we want you to reach out.”
Towns County High School Commissioner Seth Fullerton introduced Colonel Dale Sissell, an author and two-time Purple Heart recipient, to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Towns County High School student and vocalist Summer Rahn sang “God Bless America,” followed by the National Anthem.
Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw served as Master of Ceremonies, opening the meeting by reciting words attributed to former President Ronald Reagan.