David Cooper feels he can reach across party lines and defeat Doug Collins
Election 2018, News, Politics April 20, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – David Cooper will face off against Josh McCall for Georgia’s 9th congressional district seat Democratic nomination. The winner of the May General Primary will then run against Republican incumbent Congressman Doug Collins in the November General Election.
Collins has held the Georgia 9th Congressional District seat since 2013.
David Cooper seeks Democratic nomination in May General Primary.
Cooper stopped by the Fannin County Democratic meeting to share with Fannin County residents why he feels that he is the best man for the job.
“I am soldier. I have served in the forces that have guarded this country and our way of life, and I am prepared to serve again,” Cooper introduced himself.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration, Cooper has also had a career working various levels of government and is currently retired from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During his employment with the EPA, Cooper worked in hazardous waste clean up and also worked in commercializing green options, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
Because of his background, Cooper feels that he can reach a wide audience: “I speak the language of patriotism and sacrifice. I speak the language of compassion and selfless service. I speak the language of public participation, cost effective regulation and legislation.”
“It is not about giving a speech. It’s not about making a list of here’s my issues, and wouldn’t it be cool if we could do these things. That is what every politician is taught to do,” Cooper said, explaining he wants to see real accomplishments.
“I am an unconventional candidate, and I will be running an unconventional campaign,” Cooper noted, adding that unlike his opponent, McCall, he would in fact seek to sway Republican voters. “I have the skills and experience to have those conversations.”
Cooper is convinced that there is no such thing as a single-issue voter and is confident that he can find common ground and common values among all residents of Georgia’s 9th District.
Cooper summarized his beliefs and his platform into three key elements, with the first being a need to “save democracy”. He feels this can be accomplished by stopping fake news, ensuring clean elections, and implementing term limits.
His second stance is to “protect what we hold dear.” Cooper cited a few areas that deserve our attention and care, with these being social security, medicare, women’s rights, the environment, veterans, and small businesses.
Cooper labeled his final stance as “progress for the future.” He would like to see steps made toward universal health care, common sense gun control, clean energy, fair taxes and affordable education.
“Not free education,” Cooper pointed out, “until we can get healthcare for everybody, don’t talk to me about free education.”
Locally, Cooper would like to work to support small businesses, citing that they are uniquely numerous in our area due to the tourism industry. He feels that one way to promote this would be to “energize the Small Business Administration to do more to support and provide more outreach.”
“That’s how we keep the Georgia 9th vibrant, keep these small businesses going,” Cooper added.
“Collins should not be making rules for anyone,” Cooper spoke of his Republican opponent. “His loyalties are not with the people.”
In the General Primary, Cooper said the focus should not be about himself running against McCall, but instead he advised the crowd, “You need to pick the person who can beat Doug Collins and who has a plan.”
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]
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NRA endorses David Shafer
Election 2018, Politics April 17, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The National Rifle Association (NRA) continues to unveil their endorsements for the upcoming May General Primary, and the latest announcement revealed their pick for the next Georgia Lieutenant Governor, Senator David Shafer.
Georgia State Senator David Shafer.
Shafer currently serves as a State Senator of the Georgia State Senate, a position he has held since first being elected in 2002. Shafer has also held the title of President Pro Tempore. He has had this designation since 2013 when his fellow Senators unanimously elected him to this position.
Shafer received a letter from the Chairman of the NRA’s Political Victory Fund Chris Cox. In this letter Cox noted Shafer’s work in Georgia in regards to protecting Second Amendment rights: “Nearly every Second Amendment bill in the last 16 years has had your name attached to it.”
“David Shafer is a voice for freedom and faithful friend to Georgia’s law abiding gun owners,” Cox said explaining the decision made by the NRA, “This endorsement is a reflection of his unwavering support for the Second Amendment.”
Shafer received the Defender of Freedom award from the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action in 2013.
This award came after Shafer’s key role in passing Senate Bill 101 by an overwhelming majority in the Georgia Senate.
The bill essentially made what the NRA deemed as “several important changes to Georgia firearms laws”. Among these changes were increasing reciprocity for out-of-state concealed carry permit holders and preempting a ban on firearms in public housing giving residents the ability to defend themselves regardless of their economic stature.
Shafer has long held an A+ rating with the NRA Political Victory Fund and the NRA says of Shafer that he is “one of the nation’s strongest champions of the Second Amendment.”
“The framers of the Constitution intended for us to be able to defend ourselves,” Shafer said. “I am proud of my record fighting for the Second Amendment rights of every law abiding Georgian.”
The NRA’s endorsement is sure to pull some weight in the upcoming May General Primary. There are currently more than 100,000 active members of the NRA in the state of Georgia.
The May General Primary is scheduled to take place May 22, 2018. Voter registration deadline for this General Primary is April 23.
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]
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Shooting at Dalton High School
News February 28, 2018
DALTON, Ga. – The Dalton Police Department is on scene at Dalton High School where shots have been fired.
Dalton Police report that no student was injured by the shooting and all students are out of harm’s way. They also report the subject, a teacher, has been taken into custody.
The subject had barricaded themselves into a classroom earlier today before firing a weapon. Local police and Georgia State Patrol responded to the initial call. Concerning those reports that have come about a student injured during the evacuation, the Dalton Police were adamant that no student was injured by the shooting.
Police are also asking parents to NOT go to Dalton High School as they say, “The area inside the school has been evacuated and there are no students believed to be in the school at this time.”
The evacuated students have been taken to the Northwest Georgia Trade Center where police report parents should go for their children.
It’s Time to Look at Seed Catalogs!
Outdoors, TeamFYNSports February 5, 2018
When it comes to vegetable gardening it seems like most folks I have met fall into one of three categories. The first group is made up of heirloom seed growers. They have a Mason jar full of seed that has been passed down in their family for generations and they are not about to grow anything else. Then there are the “tried and true” gardeners who only grow the same common varieties that everyone else grows. The third group is made up of folks that love to try strange and unusual new plants in the garden. Which one of these groups has the best philosophy? Well I like all of them. After all, NASCAR wouldn’t be much fun if everyone drove a Chevy and ice cream wouldn’t be as much fun if you could only get vanilla! Regardless of which flavor of gardening you like, one thing is true. It’s time to get out those seed catalogs and get those orders in the mail.
I look forward to getting seed catalogs in the mail with the enthusiasm of a kid waiting on the arrival of the “Wish Book” before Christmas. I found that looking at the brightly colored photos of freshly harvested vegetables instantly transported me away from a North Georgia winter with visions of a bountiful summer harvest, but those visions will be wasted if I don’t get on the ball and order my seeds on time!
If you are a grower of heirloom seeds, you no longer have to limit yourself to the few varieties you have on hand. Many of the larger garden catalogs these days have sections devoted to heirloom seeds. You can find ‘Moon and Stars’ watermelon and ‘Mortgage Lifter’ tomato seeds along with many other old time favorites. There are also specialty catalogs available from The Seed Savers Exchange and others.
If you are devoted to tried and true varieties, seed catalogs can be helpful to you as well. Most seed catalogs contain far more varieties than your local garden center. They are helpful if you are trying to locate a favorite no longer carried locally. If you are deciding between varieties, a good seed catalog is an excellent reference source. Most catalogs give information on the days to maturity, disease resistance, and characteristics of the various vegetable varieties. If you find a variety you like in the catalog, you can always contact your local garden center and request that they start carrying it.
That’s why trying something new and different can be so much fun. It may be as simple as experimenting with a new hybrid variety that you’ve never grown and a lot of folks enjoy growing a garden novelty now and then. Many of the larger seed catalogs today carry oddities like huge sword beans and white snowball tomatoes. You can find seeds for all kinds of fun and unusual new vegetable varieties in a garden catalog. So this season you might go with the old standby or venture out and also try something new!
But before you get lost in a seed catalog, there are a few suggestions that I want to make. First, don’t forget to consider only those varieties that will grow in your USDA hardiness zone. Second, be sure to consider the disease resistance and days to maturity of varieties you are selecting. And third, be realistic about the quantity of seed you order. There might not be a need to buy enough seed to plant the entire garden in some new experimental variety. Finally, have fun. No matter which type of gardener you are, spring planting season will be here before you know it and now is the time to get ready!
The Union County Extension Office is hosting a commercial vegetable meeting in Blairsville at the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center on Wednesday February 28th. The meeting starts at 5 PM and if you plan to attend you must contact the Union County Office by September 26th. Please feel free to contact me if you need more information.
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Ask the Doc – Dr. Jennifer Jones from Georgia Cancer Specialist
Health October 30, 2017
This morning Dr. Whaley couldn’t be with us. But have no fear we had a great Dr. to fill in for him today! Dr. Jennifer Jones from the Georgia Cancer Specialist answers our viewer questions of the week, discusses some of the things BKP talked about in his opening, and even told us a great corny joke!!
This week’s questions are:
- When should I use a cool-mist humidifier versus a warm-mist humidifier for relief with a cold?
- Several months ago, I developed a small white patch on the skin of my arm. It appears to be getting larger. Is a white patch on skin anything to be concerned about?
- What’s the difference between a tumor and a cyst? Could a cyst be cancerous?
To submit a question to our doctors email them to [email protected]
Update on Hurricane Irma Cleanup and Relief Efforts
State & National September 19, 2017
ATLANTA (September 18, 2017) | On Thursday, September 14, 2017, Senator Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) joined Governor Nathan Deal, local elected officials and first responders for a press conference in Habersham County to address Hurricane Irma cleanup and relief efforts.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my gratitude to the first responders and volunteers who are helping the ongoing recovery efforts in our local communities and throughout the state,” said Sen. Gooch. “It is an honor to join Governor Deal, our local elected officials, first responders and citizens in any and all efforts to get our state back up and running. Our citizens are resilient and I am confident that by working together, we can help those in need and rebuilt each and every community that was impacted. It was very uplifting to witness the outpour of assistance from the hundreds of employees of utility companies from all over the United States.”
On Monday, September 11, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Georgia leaving around 1 million citizens without power. The impact from Irma was felt from the coastal plains to the north Georgia mountains. The state of Georgia saw unprecedented damage caused by the tropical storm force winds that reached more than 400 miles from the storm’s center. Relief efforts are ongoing and first responders, power companies, state agencies, volunteers and citizens are working around the clock to rebuild and restore power.
Governor Deal and the federal government responded quickly and declared a state of emergency in Georgia so that funds could be appropriated to help with the financial burden of the storm. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) is coordinating their efforts with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state agencies and local authorities to ensure recovery, rebuilding and cleanup is completed in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
Additional information can be found on the GEMA and FEMA websites:
Senator David Perdue: The RAISE Act Should Be Part Of Congress’ Immigration Solution
Politics September 6, 2017
The Democrat Collapse; Can it Recover?
Politics June 23, 2017
In the wake of Karan Handles election victory over the youthful Democrat candidate Jon Ossoff in Georgia’s 6th District special election, and three other less newsworthy special elections elsewhere in the US, it is only now starting to dawn on democrats that they might actually have a real leadership problem. Already accusative fingers have pointed to Nancy Pelosi, not that she’s not a dedicated Progressive, but because she has become the elderly face of the growingly dysfunctional Democrat Party and an albatross around the party’s neck.
In my essay of 19 June 2017, The Democrat Party’s Future?, I rhetorically asked: “Who else do they have who could possibly stand for POTUS? Count any Democratic Senator or Congressman out.” A betrayed Bernie Sanders, at 79, will go his own way. Princess Elizabeth Warren may not even be reelected again as senator in her home state. Besides, she’s seventy, while Nancy Pelosi is 80. And Joe Biden? Naw, at 78, he’s just a silly ol’ goose that has lost his luster! Schumer is delusional and will never leave the Senate. The reality is now setting in.
Already young democrat congressmen, some we have never heard of before, are being interviewed by radio hosts, both progressive and conservative on the Democrat party’s problems, and their response is the same. Their elderly leadership is totally out of any ideas except the imperative that Trump be impeached and replaced with their champion Hillary Clinton who won the majority vote. Of course, they won’t recognize that the voter registration fraud investigation now underway, has already revealed enough ineligible voters found makes Trumps claim, that he actually won the popular vote, a reality. Forget Hillary too. She’s through.
One or two mentioned that the Democrat congressional leadership is so focused on alleged Russian interference in the election, collusion and collaboration, and Comey’s illegal firing, none of which have any basis in truth, that they failed to watch their backs while Trump goes about happily repealing and replacing the hundreds of Obama’s restrictive rules and regulations strangling the American economy. Americans want jobs. Nobody cares about Russia. One interviewee even noted the hypocrisy of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer railing on about the GOP’s repeal and replacement of the failing Obamacare without Democrat input into the GOP’s plan, which was exactly what the Democrats did when forcing Obamacare on a willing American public.
The Democrat party, having long ago embraced socialism, has cunningly, slowly and most intentionally set about dividing Americans. The ADA was integral to that effort. In his Progressive enthusiasm at seeing the coming end of America, Obama chucked the final spear that divided us and assumed that all Americans would gladly go along with it. They didn’t!
Today, there is no political unity in our ultra-polarized country, and honestly, there shouldn’t be. The polarization exists because the Marxist side wants to “fundamentally transform” America, meaning to destroy the things that make America exceptional. There will never be a return to bipartisanship such as the #Never Trump Republican, John Kasich envisions, because Democrats are really not our friends holding different opinions. They are dyed in the wool, hard line communists of the Marxist variety and do not intend to lose the gains they have spent decades creating without a fight, even if it spills out onto our streets. As we see, it already has. Democrat hostility and character assassination is political theater meant to fool the base into thinking the party is on their side and cares for them. Sadly, Republicans elites too often feel it their duty to appease the left and defend their corruption.
Remember, freedom is the goal, the Constitution is the way. Now, go get ‘em! (23Jun17)
Georgia Agricultural Forecast
Announcements January 30, 2019
Georgia Agricultural Forecast
By: Eddie Ayers, County Extension Agent
The Georgia Ag Forecast seminar series will be held Jan. 22 through Feb. 1 at six sites across the state. University of Georgia agricultural economists will present insights into the latest market and regulatory conditions for the state’s largest industry – agriculture. Hosted by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the 2019 seminar series will be held in Macon, Carrollton, Watkinsville, Lyons, Bainbridge, and Tifton. Registration for the series is now open at www.georgiaagforecast.com.
“The main objective of the Ag Forecast seminar series is to provide Georgia’s producers and agribusiness leaders with information on where we think the industry is headed in the upcoming year,” said Kent Wolfe, director of the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. “It helps producers plan for the next year, but it’s also good for bankers and others who have businesses involved in agriculture or who will be impacted by the farm economy.” Economists from the center and from the college’s department of agricultural and applied economics will deliver the economic outlook, which will focus on Georgia’s major commodities and the way that global markets, weather patterns and historical trends will affect them.
This year, CAES Dean Sam Pardue will highlight how UGA is working to meet the needs of producers and agribusinesses across the state. He will share insights on rural initiatives and opportunities for statewide connections to the land grant university. This program also provides state and local leaders with current demographic data and detailed population projections that enable Georgia leaders to more effectively address issues and plan for the future.
The 2019 Georgia Ag Forecast sessions will be held on the following dates at the following locations:
- Tuesday, Jan. 22: Macon – Georgia Farm Bureau Building
- Wednesday, Jan. 23: Carrollton – Carroll County Ag Center
- Friday, Jan.25: Watkinsville – Oconee County Civic Center
- Tuesday, Jan. 29: Lyons – Toombs County Agri-Center
- Thursday, Jan. 31: Bainbridge – Decatur County Agricultural Center
- Friday, Feb. 1: Tifton – UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center
Individual seats are $35 per person. All seminars begin at 9 a.m. and are followed by a networking lunch, except for the Tifton event which will open with a 7 a.m. breakfast, followed by the seminar. The Georgia Ag Forecast seminar series is supported by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Center of Innovation for Agribusiness. For more information on the 2019 Georgia Ag Forecast series, visit www.georgiaagforecast.com or search for #gaagforecast on social media.
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Faye Elizabeth Worthy: Obituary
Obituaries December 27, 2018
Faye Elizabeth Worthy
AUGUST 3, 1950 ~ DECEMBER 21, 2018 (AGE 68)
Ms. Faye Elizabeth Worthy, age 68, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Friday, December 21, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Worthy was born August 03, 1950 to the late Mr. “Casey” Worthy and Mrs. Jean (Hemphill) Worthy in Thomasville, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her father, Casey Worthy, grandparents, Lester and Bernice Hemphill and Frank and Elizabeth Worthy. Faye is survived by her mother, Jean Hemphill Worthy of Hiawassee, Georgia; brother and sister-in-law, Michael R. and Barbara Worthy of Young Harris, Georgia; nieces, Claire Thornton and husband Andrew, Alexis Wilson and her husband Joseph; aunts and uncles, Roger Hemphill, Joan Agnew, and Horace Hemphill; great nephews, Eldric Wilson, Athan Wilson, Quade Wilson, and Sterling Thornton; a number of cousins and a host of friends also survive. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Donalsonville, Georgia. Faye was an entrepreneur by nature, she was born with a unique ability to sell anything to anyone, or as her brother Mike fondly recalls “She could sell ice to an eskimo”. At the tender age of twelve she boldly told her mother she was going into town (on her bicycle) and getting a job. The next morning she started her first day working under Mr. Leroy Fairman selling men’s clothing. Her boldness and confidence made her a well sought after sales leader. She held high positions in many well known companies, Georgia Power, Pacific Gas and Electric and Johnson Controls to name a few. Faye did not show up for work just to complete her daily tasks, she came to teach her team and encourage them to reach higher goals. She was blessed with having the gift of communication and the ability to relate to people on a level not all are capable of. She used those blessings to mentor and motivate those around her. She was an intelligent, sophisticated person but more than that she was a giving, loving, devoted person. Faye was the type of friend who goes above and beyond. She loved being an aunt, she adored her nieces and had a special bond with her brother. She loved big and gave generously to those in need. She will be very missed. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 22, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Banister Funeral Home. Services will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 1:00PM. Interment will follow the service at Osborn Cemetery in Hiawassee, Georgia. Pallbearers were Ashley Corbitt, Joseph Wilson, Dr. Andrew Thornton, Randy Hemphill, Ken Agnew and Jeffery Agnew. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Kemp defeats Cagle for Republican nomination
Election, Election 2018 July 24, 2018
Blue Ridge, Ga. – After a heated runoff race, the results are in and Georgia’s Secretary of State Brian Kemp has beat out opponent Lt. Governor Casey Cagle for the Republican nomination.
What was polled as a tight race between the two candidates ended up being what some would consider a landslide victory for Kemp. Kemp received 69.46 percent of the vote statewide with Cagle pulling in 30.54 percent.
Kemp will now face the Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams for the seat of Georgia Governor.
Abrams and Kemp are not strangers, as they have gone head to head over election issues while Kemp has served as Secretary of State.
“All of these liberal groups that are going to be in play in Georgia supporting her (Abrams), I’ve fought,” Kemp said about his past experiences with Abrams.
Citing that he has already faced George Soros, Eric Holder, Thomas Perez, Common Cause Georgia and New Georgia Project, Kemp is confident that he can beat them again.
Kemp explained where some of these groups came into conflict with the Secretary of State office, “They sued us and several counties saying that we weren’t registering voters, 10 different counts. Then they wanted us to settle. I wouldn’t do it. I made them go to court and we won all 10 cases.”
“I know what’s coming,” Kemp said about his preparation for proceeding in the gubernatorial race. “I know how to fight.”