City of Hiawassee 2018-2019 Budget Approved
News, Politics October 30, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The 2018-2019 Hiawassee budget was unanimously approved by city council members during the Oct. 29 monthly work session. The motion was raised by Councilwoman Anne Mitchell, and seconded by Councilwoman Patsy Owens. Councilwoman Nancy Noblest asked for the names of staff employed within the city’s sewer, water, and water treatment departments, in quest of a better understanding of the breakdown in employee pay, prior to the budget vote.
Ebony Simpson, a coordinator with the PlanFirst program, addressed the council and citizens, following the adjournment of the brief budget segment. Simpson commended Hiawassee on becoming a designated PlanFirst city, explaining the incentives offered as a result, one of which will result in a half-percent interest rate reduction on the $1.8 million GEFA loan extended to the City of Hiawassee.
(L-R) Hiawassee Council members Nancy Noblet, Amy Barrett, and Kris Berrong
(Not pictured: Patsy Owens and Anne Mitchell)
According to Simpson, Hiawassee will receive official PlanFirst recognition during a state ceremony in either January or February, 2019, once Georgia’s soon-to-be-elected governor takes office.
In other news, a 45-day sign permit moratorium is scheduled to appear on next week’s regular council agenda, coinciding with the county’s recent decision to amend the sign ordinance, which will allow the city to consider similar measures.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales announced that the December council work session, and the January regular meeting, will not be held due to the former falling on Christmas Eve, and the latter scheduled for New Year’s Day.
The upcoming Halloween event and the “Light Up Hiawassee” Christmas celebration were discussed, with interest as to whether a lighted “Merry Christmas” sign would be displayed on Hiawassee Town Square, in addition to the “Happy Holidays” sign planned to be installed. In response, Mayor Ordiales revealed a photograph of an eight foot wooden cut-out, spelling the sentiment “JOY”, with a compact nativity scene cast between the second letter. A lighted “Merry Christmas” greeting was purchased by the former City of Hiawassee administration, with two current council members vocalizing support of its future use. Ordiales stated that a printed banner, rather, with the words “Merry Christmas” will be hung on the town square.
The work session ended with Councilwoman Amy Barrett questioning the necessary process for applicants whom are interested in serving on the Hiawassee Ethics Board. Mayor Ordiales replied that while citizens can submit an application to City Hall, only one candidate has expressed interest to date. Councilman Kris Berrong interjected that he had knowledge of interested individuals. Mayor Ordiales asserted that applicants whom do not regularly attend city meetings will not be approved by the joint vote needed from both council and mayor, a requirement for one-of-the-three appointed board members.
Background information on the above highlighted texts is available by clicking the supplied links.
Hiawassee City Council is scheduled to convene for a regular monthly session at 6 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Meetings are open to the public.
City of Hiawassee budget vote delayed until late October
News, Politics October 3, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A delayed council vote on the potential adoption of the proposed City of Hiawassee 2018-2019 budget was announced at the regular session held Tuesday, Oct. 2, at City Hall. Mayor Liz Ordiales recognized that the final reading is required to be publicly advertised prior to adoption, a measure that was overlooked. The final reading was rescheduled for Monday, Oct. 28, during the council’s work session.
Prior to a motion to adjourn, Councilwoman Amy Barrett inquired as to whether the previous budget would remain in effect until the second reading takes place. Mayor Ordiales stated that it would remain fixed until the 2018-2019 budget adoption.
Minutes regarding the numerous millage rate meetings and September sessions were approved without opposition.
The first reading of an ordinance to enact Municode Digital Listing, a process which will transfer city mandates from printed documents to an online venue, was unanimously favored by council. The ordinances were solely housed in a series of binders prior.
The annual Halloween event was discussed, with plans to relocate the festivities from Hiawassee Square to the Towns County Courthouse grounds confirmed. The Old Rock Jail will transform into a haunted house attraction and candy booths for trick-or-treaters will surround the courthouse porch. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Scarecrows are beginning to appear on Hiawassee Town Square, a new addition to the city’s fall tradition, with Mayor Ordiales acknowledging the creativity of participants.
Hiawassee City Council meetings are open to the public. Questions and concerns from citizens are addressed at work sessions, the last Monday of each month.
Hiawassee awarded PlanFirst Community Designation
News October 1, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales proudly announced PlanFirst Community designation by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) at September’s month work session at City Hall. Hiawassee was chosen to participate in the program for a three year span, beginning Jan. 1, 2019. The announcment came weeks after the mayor took PlanFirst committee members on a tour of Bell Mountain Park, Hamilton Gardens, Mayors’ Park, and the Old Rock Jail Museum.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales
According to the DCA website, PlanFirst is a program which recognizes and rewards communities that clearly demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their Local Comprehensive Plan. Any size community is encouraged to apply, provided it has a history of public involvement with development of the plan, active engagement in plan implementation, and proven progress in achieving the community’s stated vision or goals. PlanFirst designation is awarded to local governments on an individual basis. DCA encourages joint local planning; however, each government is responsible for achieving the activities in its community-specific work program.
The designation will be formally announced at an awards dinner at the DCA Fall Conference on Oct. 1o, in LaGrange, GA. In addition, a formal ceremony will take place at the State Capitol in Atlanta in early 2019.
Along with recognition, PlanFirst designation will provide reduced interest rates on certain Georgia Environmental Financing Authority (GEFA) state loans.
“The City of Hiawassee will be recognized across the State of Georgia as a community that has created a robust vision of its future and maintains an active strategy for implementing that vision,” DCA Director Ken Hood stated in a letter to Mayor Ordiales, “This is a well-deserved acknowledgement of successful planning, and we look forward to working with you going forward.”
“Flicks on the Square” in store for Hiawassee
Community, News April 24, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Town Square, a focal point in the heart of the city, is in the process of transformation.
In addition to the newly installed Appalachian Trail kiosk, a platform stage has been constructed on the Square’s southern border in anticipation of plans in the making.
The annual season of “Enchanted Music on the Square” begins on May 26 at 6:30 p.m. and continues each Saturday evening throughout the summer months.
A newly-constructed stage awaits performers
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales announced the addition of a new event, “Flicks on the Square”, with movies projected on Friday nights after dark. While the bi-monthly occasion will be aimed at attracting families with children, the possibility of a classic movie or two for an older audience exists. The first showing is expected on May 25, on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.
“Our initial expense is going to be about $3000, but it’s going to be a 15-foot screen, a back projector, the audio, and a Blu-ray player,” Mayor Ordiales says, “The only other expense is the licensing which I’m working on right now, and depending on the movie, it’s anywhere between $250 and $350, so we’ll make the initial investment. I think we can get that from hotel-motel (tax) money.”
The mayor went onto say she hopes the cost of the movies themselves will be sponsored by local businesses or organizations.
Unfortunately, the progress on the Square also includes the removal of a maple tree which stands beside the trail kiosk, next to the newly-added picnic tables.
Maple tree on the Square
Mayor Ordiales says she spoke with an arbor expert who inspected the maple, deeming it demised.
Hollow areas throughout the limbs were said to have been discovered during the trimming process, and due to liability concerns noted by Hiawassee City Attorney Thomas Mitchell, the tree must go.
A sugar maple tree is expected to be planted in its place.
(Correction: Movie showings were originally listed as a weekly event. It has since been changed to twice monthly.)
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]
Hiawassee’s strategic plan moves forward, sign ordinance discussion continues
News, Politics February 6, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga.- Slightly more citizens than usual turned out at the council’s regular session at Hiawassee City Hall Tuesday, Feb. 5, to hear the five elected officials’ verdict on several issues, including the wastewater expansion bid, a pending sign ordinance, the city’s five-year strategic plan, and a proposal to expedite the adoption of future mandates.
Mayor Liz Ordiales opened the session by reminding the public that comments are not permitted during regular sessions, rather work meetings are the proper time to offer citizen input as they are “informal” gatherings. “That is the place for all kinds of public input,” the mayor said.
Concerning the sign ordinance, council dialogue revolved primarily around banner advertising. After lengthy discussion, the council resolved to amend the tenative ordinance, eliminating a $15.00 fee for businesses to hang banners, and removing the verbage pertaining to the amount of banners a business is permitted to display annually. A single banner, not to exceed 60 square feet in diminsion, is expected to remain in the decree. The council agreed that banners should be kept in presentable condition. An extended sign permit moratorium remains in place while the council reconstructs the ordinance.
Mayor Liz Ordiales outlining the strategic plan before the Mountain Movers and Shakers Jan. 25
Later in the session, Hiawassee City Council unanimously adopted the city’s 2019-2024 revitalization plan. Upon motion from Councilwoman Anne Mitchell and a second from Patsy Owens, Councilman Kris Berrong initiated discussion, explaining that he, along with community members, harbor hestitation. “Concerns of a few that have the strategic plan, and me, personally, I think that we need to talk about it a little bit more. I’m for a lot of it, but we kind of went over it one time with (Georgia Municiple Association) and that was about it,” Berrong relayed.
“But you have a copy,” Councilwoman Anne Mitchell interjected. “I do,” Berrong replied, adding that he was not confident in exactly what might occur when Mitchell pressed. Council members Amy Barrett and Nancy Noblet offered that they had spoken with business owners who had voiced similar concerns.
“This would serve as a document for us to use as a guideline for what we want to do in the city,” Mayor Ordiales said, “This was not our input; this was not the University of Georgia’s input. These are the people in the city who came to our focus groups, who came to the one-on-one interviews, who came to the town hall meetings.”
When a local business owner’s concerns were specifically outlined by Council member Amy Barrett during the session, Mayor Ordiales stated that the owner in question was invited to participate in the focus groups and declined the offer. FYN contacted the business owner the following day and was surprised to learn that the owner had, in fact, attended a focus group, but did not recall receiving any type of follow-up initiated by the city of Hiawassee.
Prior to the council vote, Noblet asked Economic Developer Denise McKay what the initial stage of the comprehensive plan will involve. McKay responded that “basic landscaping and hopefully painting” the post office, beautifying the entrance to Ingles with foliage, and improving the town square are the city’s starting points, explaining that the projects are “fairly easy and inexpensive to do.”
During the council’s work session the week prior, McKay listed public art in the form of murals as the third project, rather than the town square, when FYN publicly inquired into the initial three-fold plan.
A resolution to award the wastewater expansion project to SOL Construction, the lowest bidder, was approved by the full council during the meeting. Mayor Ordiales projected completion by fall of this year.
The session concluded with 3-2 rejection of the mayor’s proposal to enact single-session ordinances. Additional information on the issue is available by clicking this link.
Hiawassee City Council assembles for their monthly work session Monday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m.
Hiawassee extends sign moratorium; 3-2 split on ethics board designation
News, Politics December 5, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee City Council conducted their monthly regular session on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 4, approving several items discussed during the workshop meeting held the previous week. Several motions were unequivocally favored by the five council members with the exception of an ethics board committee member assignment.
Council members Anne Mitchell and Patsy Owens preferred retainment of Susan Phillips, with Amy Barrett, Kris Berrong, and Nancy Noblet overriding the decision with a 3-2 vote in favor of Sue Scott. The joint ethics appointee, upon agreement of both city council and mayor, was granted to LaJean Turner.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales solely selected Leslie McPeak to remain on the ethics board committee. The three members were subsequently sworn-in at City Hall.
(L-R) Hiawassee Council Patsy Owens and Mayor Liz Ordiales at a Town Hall meeting in June
Furthermore, the council agreed to extend the city’s sign permit moratorium for an additional 60-days, affording the elected officials ample time to review changes, if any, that should be made to the existing ordinance.
Mayor Liz Ordiales listed a proposal on last week’s work agenda, petitioning council members to consider allowing a Main Street billboard owner to transform a dual-directional, double-tiered, static billboard into a digital, multi-message variant. Terry Poteete, the owner of the billboard in question, addressed the council upon referral of the mayor Nov. 26. Ordiales previously stated that her office was forced to deny the renovation request in February due to the current ordinance restrictions. Discussion on the particular billboard did not resume at Tuesday’s meeting, and it is unknown at the time of publication whether the seemingly council-contested topic will reoccur.
The city unanimously approved several additional matters, including an updated version of the city’s employee insurance plan with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, a contract related to the Watershed Protection Plan, eleven alcohol license renewals, and the second reading of the alcohol ordinance which accommodates the newly-passed “brunch bill”
In addition, Mayor Ordiales relayed that the City of Hiawassee ordinance listings are now available online through the city’s website.. “Every single ordinance we have is there,” Ordiales said. According to the mayor, the process of transferring the extensive data took approximately two years to complete.
Follow FYN for upcoming information regarding the University of Georgia-Carl Vinson Institute’s five-year plan for Hiawassee’s future, revealed in a town hall meeting following the adjournment of last night’s council session.
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]
Council votes 3-2, rejecting expedited ordinance adoptions
News, Politics February 6, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – In a 3-2 vote, Hiawassee City Council rejected a proposal by Mayor Liz Ordiales to consolidate readings in order to adopt future ordinances in a single session.
Had the agenda item passed, expedited adoptions would have essentially reduced the time in which the council could research and contemplate decisions, additionally limiting the length of time that the public had an opportunity to react, to a mere week rather than the month-long process currently in effect.
Hiawassee City Council during a previous session (L-R) Patsy Owens, Nancy Noblet, Amy Barrett, Kris Berrong, Anne Mitchell, Mayor Liz Ordiales, and City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick
Council members Anne Mitchell and Patsy Owens favored the fast-tracked measure. Council members Amy Barret, Kris Berrong, and Nancy Noblet voted in opposition, defeating the proposal.
Mayor Ordiales stated prior to the council vote that the purpose of the decree was to speed up unanimously agreed upon ordinances, using the citizen-supported “Brunch Bill” resolution which appeared on last November’s general ballot as an example. Likewise, Ordiales swayed that issues such as the council’s monthly compensation could have passed had the ordinance been in place prior. The window to increase compensation was lost due to the mayor’s inaction to introduce the item in a timely matter, as no adequate lapse was provided between the two, required readings. Ordiales explained that if the council was not in full agreement at a reading, a subsequent reading would have continued to be held.
FYN previously reported on the matter.
Information on the city’s strategic plan and sign ordinance is available by clicking this link.
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.
City of Hiawassee receives $600,000 grant for WasteWater Improvement
News, Press Release November 14, 2018
Press Release
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The City of Hiawassee has received an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant in the amount of $600,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which administers the program on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission, a partnership of 13 states.
“Strong and prosperous communities help attract businesses and jobs,” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn, “Projects like the one in Hiawassee help stimulate economic development and enhance the quality of life for the whole community.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission provides financial investment and technical assistance to eligible applicants in support of community and economic development in Georgia’s 37 county Appalachian region.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the president.
Hiawassee tree ordinance may cost private land owners
News June 23, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The City of Hiawassee has adopted yet another mandate, this time a tree ordinance which has the potential to impact the owners of private property. A “City Tree Board” has been appointed, and while the bulk of the responsibilities entrusted to the committee involves the cultivation and maintenance of trees located upon city property, the ordinance includes a clause pertaining to trees growing on privately-owned land.
A maple tree, days before removal, which once stood on Hiawassee Square
The decree was brought to the attention of FetchYourNews (FYN) by a citizen at a recent town hall meeting. FYN filed an open record request with City Hall to review the ordinance, and spoke briefly with Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales on the morning of Thursday, June 21. Ordiales noted a massive, trimmed evergreen located on the county courthouse grounds as an example of the ordinance. “That’s what we don’t want,” Ordiales said, referring to resulting appearance from the tree-topping technique. While courthouse staff agreed the pine is unsightly, trimming was warranted years prior due to interference with overhanging electrical lines. A maple tree was recently removed from the southeast corner of Hiawassee Town Square after the tree was deemed dead, and according to Mayor Ordiales and Hiawassee Attorney Thomas Mitchell, allowing the tree to remain posed a liability risk to the city.
While the location of the removed maple was unquestionably on city grounds, listed among the regulations in the ordinance is a section entitled “Removal of Dead or Diseased Trees” which states:
“The city shall have the right to cause the removal of any dead or diseased trees on private property within the city, when such trees constitute a hazard to the persons and property, or harbor insects or disease which constitutes a potential threat to other trees within the city. The City Tree Board will notify in writing the owners of such trees. Removal shall be done by said owners at their own expense within sixty (60) days after the date of service of notice. In the event of failure of owners to comply with the provisions, the city shall have the authority to remove such trees and charge the cost of removal to the owners.”
The ordinance advances to declare that interference with the City Tree Board – on public or privately owned property – is unlawful, and violation of any provision within the mandate shall be subject to a fine “not to exceed one thousand dollars.”
Upkeep of trees on private property, which could endanger the public or impede access through city right-of-ways or streets, are listed in a separate segment of the decree.
The first reading of the ordinance was approved May 1, 2018, by Council members Anne Mitchell, Kris Berrong, Amy Barrett, and Nancy Noblet. Councilwoman Patsy Owens was absent from the meeting. “It basically says that we’ll have trees in Hiawassee, and that we’ll take care of them,” Mayor Ordiales alluded at the previous work session.
A finalized signature sheet is expected at the city’s monthly work session Tuesday, June 26, at 6:00 p.m. While said meetings typically fall on the last Monday of each month, the June session was rescheduled due to a training trip for city staff.
Meetings are open to the public.
Chatuge Regional Hospital Receives Grant for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
News November 14, 2017
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County and Hiawassee City Officials convened with citizens on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, for a community stakeholders meeting to learn the fundamentals of a $250,000 grant received by Chatuge Regional Hospital from the Rural Hospital Stabilization Committee. The grant was awarded to assist with the treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues in the area.
Grant Director and Psychiatric Registered Nurse Elizabeth McKeon presented a slideshow revealing what the grant entails. The program is intended to stabilize individuals in need of treatment, offer group therapy led by professionals, and provide one-on-one care on an as-needed basis. The goal is to produce a safer community and reduce non-emergent 911 calls and emergency room visits while addressing the needs of those suffering from mental illness and addiction in the community.
“We’re in a nationwide crisis right now, ” Elizabeth McKeon said. “All mental illness is an illness, not a choice.”
According to McKeon, one in five adults suffer from a mental illness. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and General Anxiety Disorder rates are twice the national average in the state of Georgia. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States with an average of 121 people dying each day.
Dr. Shelly McIntyre, a physician at Chatuge Regional Hospital, says substance abuse statistics have risen considerably. “It’s worse than a few years ago,” McIntyre said, referencing opioids and Xanax. “The use by the elderly and younger kids is horrible.”
Ryan Snow, an administrator at Chatuge Regional Hospital, says he hopes this is the first of many conversations with the community. “We will talk to any organization, church, etc. We would love to come tell about it,” Snow offered.
Also of note is the expansion of a Telemedicine program designed to allow school children immediate access to physician care. “It is tasked to keep students in school and lower absentee rates,” Lewis Kelley, CEO of Union General and Chatuge Regional Hospital, explained. “I feel like this is where medicine is going in the future. We need to look at alternatives to meet medical needs.”
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication and information technology in order to provide clinical health care from a distance.
Official attendees of the presentation included Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Towns County Fire Chief and Coroner Harold Copeland, EMA Director Rickey Mathis, Hiawassee Mayor-Elect Liz Ordiales and Towns County Sheriff’s Deputy John McCoy.
Commissioner Bradshaw invited Chatuge Regional Administrator Ryan Snow to readdress the public at the Commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Towns County Courthouse.
Featured Image: Grant Director and Registered Psychiatric Nurse Elizabeth McKeon
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 Hosts Gratitude Luncheon for Veterans
Community November 10, 2017
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Local veterans from each military branch, ranging in service from World War II to Desert Storm, attended an annual luncheon sponsored by Towns County at the Foster Park Recreation and Conference Center on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017.
A Towns County Fire and Rescue engine greeted guests as they arrived, the American flag flying high from the ladder’s peak. Tables were adorned in red, white and blue as patriotic music welcomed the veterans and their supporters to the festive recreation hall.
Opening words were offered by Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw. “I’m in awe to stand here before you today,” Commissioner Bradshaw conveyed in appreciation. “I thank you all so much. Freedom comes at a price. As commissioner, I will support you. Towns County will support you.”
L-R: American Legion Commander John Harkins, Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Post 23 Adjutant Mel Halfon
American Legion Commander John Harkins lead the posting of the colors by the North Georgia Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a powerful rendition of the National Anthem sung by Summer Rahn. An invocation blessing was recited by American Legion Chaplain Katie Harkins.
Guest speaker Senator John Wilkinson addressed the crowd: “I hope you’ll accept my sincere thank you.” Senator Wilkinson referred to the history of Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day prior to 1954, and made mention of the cessation of hostilities during World War I in 1918 on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”
Newly elected Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales extended words of gratitude to the group of veterans. “You are the true heroes of our nation. Your sacrifices are huge. I offer a humble thank you for your service,” Mayor Ordiales said.
Last to speak was Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton. “I’m truly honored to stand here today. I don’t feel worthy to stand before you. I thank God we live in a place where our officials and community truly honor our veterans,” Clinton said. Sheriff Clinton acknowledged his grandfather and hero, Mr. Harold Nicholson, a World War II serviceman who attended the event.
L-R: Sylvia Kelly, Errol Cone, Bob Hass, Ashford Todd and Brandy Creel of VFW Post 7807
A buffet lunch was served by members of the community, catered by Happy Hawg restaurant, while a military tribute presentation played on a large screen hung in the dining hall.
Fetch Your News (FYN) had the honor of meeting several local heroes and listening to the stories they shared.
Retired Naval Chief Petty Officer Clarence “Bud” Johnson, who served “36 years, four months, and four days,” said he enlisted at the age of 17. “I got my feet wet early, gave my life to Jesus Christ and that’s why I’m here, for We, the People. May God bless America,” Mr. Johnson affirmed, asking FYN to quote his sentiment.
Towns County’s oldest veteran, Mr. Frontz Goring, 96, a serviceman during World War II in the 2nd Air Force Training Command Division, expressed, “The Lord has blessed and saved me.” Mr. Goring recalled rendering assistance to a stranger choking on a piece of candy while living in Florida in 1975. “I had just watched a program on how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver, just before it happened. I know God put me in the right place at the right time to save the lady’s life. God is good.”
Towns County’s oldest Veteran, Mr. Frontz Goring, USAF, WW2
Friends reunited and new bonds were formed while memories of old and discussions of current events echoed throughout the hall.
“I’m privileged to host this event for our veterans,” Commissioner Bradshaw told FYN as the luncheon came to a close. “They served us and I’m deeply honored to serve them.”
A Veterans Day ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the War Memorial, adjacent to the Towns County School, on Highway 76 East in Hiawassee.
VFW Adjutant Ashford “Ash” Todd invites the community to Post 7807, located at 1329 Sunnyside Road for a hot dog lunch following the ceremony.
Featured Image: Retired Naval Veteran Clarence “Bud” Johnson
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]