Demorest citizens won’t have to worry about a property tax increase next year after the city council unanimously voted to roll back the millage rate.
The council voted to roll back the millage rate to 5.16 at their Tuesday night budget hearing, during which the council explored the city’s budget for 2022 in-depth with City Accountant Alan Burton.
Demorest City Accountant Alan Burton discussed the city’s 2022 draft budget with the council in-depth with the council, and after more than an hour of discussion, the council came to the conclusion that a millage rate rollback was achievable. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
At the council’s last meeting, Mayor Rick Austin asked the council to vote in favor of a millage rollback. However, the council wasn’t comfortable voting on a rollback rate without seeing the draft budget Burton had laid out for the city. After their Oct. 19 discussion, though, the council felt confident in moving forward with their millage rate decision.
“Just looking at the numbers, I think we’re good,” Councilman Nathan Davis said. “I feel like I had to digest a little bit of this and kind of look at things. I don’t think I had a decision [at the last meeting], it wasn’t a decision, I just wanted to think about it a little bit more. I think it’s a good idea to go ahead and roll that rate back.”
Property values across Habersham County increased this year, causing higher property taxes throughout the county. Habersham municipalities, like Demorest, are working to protect their citizens from the financial hardships of increasing property taxes by rolling back their millage rates.
“The points [for rolling back the millage rate] have been made in multiple weeks and they’re being made again tonight,” Austin said. “We have a lot of senior citizens and they’re living on fixed incomes, if you’ve filled up the gas tank lately it’s costing a lot more to do that. Inflation has hit.”
The finalized budget for the city will be completed within the next few days, and the city will hold its budget and millage rate public hearing and final vote on Oct. 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Demorest Municipal Court.
A recording of the meeting is available on the city’s Facebook page.
WASHINGTON (GA Recorder) — A federal vaccine advisory panel on Friday endorsed a second dose of Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot COVID-19 vaccine, meaning millions more Americans are expected to soon join the line for booster shots.
Anyone who received a J&J shot at least two months ago will be eligible for an additional dose, under the committee’s recommendation.
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to follow the advice of its advisory panel. Formal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is required, and expected to occur as soon as next week.
Authorization of the second dose will essentially turn the one-dose J&J vaccine into a two-shot regime like those from Pfizer and Moderna, which use a different type of technology to spur the immune system to create antibodies.
That same population also has been recommended to receive a third dose of the Pfizer shot to ensure better protection against infection.
The one-dose shot from J&J’s vaccine division, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, initially was approved in February. Since then, more than 15 million Americans have received it.
By relying on one dose instead of two, the J&J shot was heralded as logistically helpful in vaccinating harder-to-reach populations, such as those who may not be able to easily return for a second jab.
Early in the shot’s deployment, its use was briefly paused as federal regulators reviewed data on a rare but serious blood-clotting condition identified in some women. It was allowed to be used again 11 days later, with providers directed to inform patients about the warning about the rare blood clots.
Regulators on Friday found no evidence of serious safety concerns, though they did express frustration about receiving little time to independently review some of the company’s data.
But there was unanimous agreement that there was enough data to show that the benefits of a second dose of the J&J shot outweighed the risks.
One factor in that discussion was the effectiveness of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine, which has been lower than that of the two-dose vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer.
A lingering issue that the panel did not resolve is whether those who received the J&J vaccine should be able to get a follow-up dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, given the differences in the efficacy rates in those shots.
The FDA panel did hear a presentation from a scientist who helped lead a study on mixing doses from different drug manufacturers. But it did not vote on whether to recommend mixed doses, or set a timeline for doing so.
Ahmaud Arbery’s aunt, Carla Arbery, prays during a vigil outside of the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick on Oct. 17, 2021. (Riley Bunch/GPB News)
The second day of jury selection in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery continued Tuesday with jurors questioned about court filings on the Glynn County Court’s website that include documents ruled inadmissible revealing Arbery’s brushes with the law and his mental health history.
At least two jurors admitted Tuesday accessing some of the court documents that can be found on links after clicking instructions for the 1,000 jurors summoned for the high-profile case.
Pictured, left to right, are Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William “Roddie” Bryan. (file photo)
Jury selection continued Tuesday with Chatham County Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley calling for the pace to pick up. Meanwhile, jurors faced more questions about their thoughts on the fairness of the criminal justice system, whether they’ve read court documents and if they had already formed an opinion about the guilt or innocence of the three accused murderers Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan in the February 2020 killing of Arbery, an unarmed 25-year-old Black man out for a jog.
Jurors accessing Arbery’s mental health and criminal records that have already been disallowed in the trial could’ve become a turning point so it’s critical it was caught early enough to weed out potential jurors who read the information, Georgia Southern University criminal justice professor Chad Posick said.
In September, Walmsley denied a request from defense attorneys asking to allow the jury know details about Abery’s two prior arrests and other interactions with law enforcement. On Oct. 1, he ruled that there was no evidence that Arbery had mental health issues, denying efforts to include a 2018 medical report in the trial.
Posick said a court staffer likely mistakenly included those motions with the other filings the court made available.
“Even in death, these health records are protected and the criminal histories are not under the same kind of protections as mental health records but still are something that the judge did not want the juries to turn to see,” Posick said.
The Glynn County Superior Court Clerk’s office was not available by phone and email in late-day attempts to get an explanation for publicly posting the sensitive documents.
Because of the high-profile case resulting in such a large number of Glynn residents getting jury summons, the case selection process can press forward instead of a typical murder case where a judge could move by restarting with a new jury pool, Posick added.
The brutal shooting and now the trial of the three white men accused of murdering Arbery has focused national attention on the coastal Georgia community.
Arbery was jogging through a suburban Brunswick neighborhood when he was pursued and cornered by the McMichaels in a pickup truck, with Bryan recording the chase while in his car.
Bryan’s cell phone video depicting the chase and shooting resulted in Attorney General Chris Carr assigning the case to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Prosecutors expect the trial to conclude by mid-November, but the intensive jury selection process might be completed earlier if the judge can nudge things along.
Potential jurors wait in a large community center complex while small groups of jurors are questioned at a time.
“At the rate we’re going, all these plans we have to move these panels through are not going to work,” Walmsley said Tuesday.
Sherry Faye Mullinax-Randall, age 60 of Cornelia, passed away Monday, October 18, 2021.
Born in Doraville on March 11, 1961, Sherry was the daughter of the late Fred and Yvonne Player Mullinax. Earlier on in her work life, Sherry worked in sales and customer service for various companies. She later worked alongside her mother in real estate and more recently was a sales consultant for Paparazzi Jewelry & Accessories Company. Sherry loved being surrounded by her family and friends. She was always giving of herself to others and wanted to put a smile on everybody’s faces. Sherry had no filter; what you saw was what you got. She loved fiercely and was very protective of her family and those she loved. In addition to her parents, Sherry is preceded in death by brothers Greg Mullinax, Mike Mullinax and Donnie Mullinax, and her beloved pets Winfred Oscar Mullinax-Randall and Psycho Randall.
Survivors include her son and daughter in law Allen and Cassie Randall of Clarkesville, the love of her life and sons father Leon Randall of Alto, brother and sister in law Tony and Mindie Mullinax of Texas, sister in law Tasha Pritchard Dyson of Douglasville, grandchildren Nicholas Randall, Natalie Cabaniss and Arianna Cabaniss, as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Pastor Michael Clark, officiating. Interment will follow the service in Allens United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 12-2 PM.
Demorest City Council candidate Lawrence Bridges has officially dropped out of the race for a seat on the city council.
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, just one day after announcing his intention to do so and two weeks before election day, the Habersham County Board of Elections notified the public that Bridges had officially withdrawn his candidacy.
In a statement to Now Habersham, Bridges says: “After long consideration and other business and career opportunities on the near horizon, I felt it was best for me to pull out of the race for Demorest City Council. I’m confident that the city will be in good hands with now incoming leadership.”
This was Bridges’ first time running for the council but he has been politically active in the town as a business owner and a vocal critic of the outgoing mayor. Bridges owns a coffee house and bar and serves on the Demorest Downtown Development Authority.
At the outset, Mayor Rick Austin publicly questioned whether Bridges was qualified to run for city council. The city charter requires candidates to be a resident for 12 months prior to the date of the election and it remains unclear whether Bridges fulfilled that requirement.
Public documents show the apartment Bridges claims to live in above his place of business on Georgia Street was never brought up to code and, if he does reside there, it’s illegal. In addition, he lists his residential address as 101 Common Street which Now Habersham confirmed is not recognized by either the U.S. Post Office in Demorest or Habersham E-911.
With two council seats and the mayorship up for election, campaign signs are all over Demorest’s streets. With Bridges dropping out of the election just two weeks before election day, three candidates are now battling for the council seats. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
While Bridges’ withdrawal from the race, for now, makes moot the issue of his residency, it also could cancel out some voters.
As of October 19th, 32 voters had cast early in-person ballots in the Demorest election and the elections office had issued 12 absentee by-mail ballots.
“Five of those [absentee ballots] were sent out today with the withdrawal notice inside the envelopes with the ballots,” says Habersham County Election Supervisor Laurel Ellison. “We placed the withdrawal notice at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center on the doors, check-in tables and in all of the voting booths around Noon today.”
Any votes cast for Bridges will not be counted and he will not be listed on the final election results on November 2, says Ellison.
Three candidates — incumbents Shawn Allen and Jim Welborn and challenger Roy Andrew Ferguson — remain in the running for two of the city’s four at-large council seats.
Talford H. Bowen, age 81 of Demorest, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
Born in Mt. Airy, Georgia on December 21, 1939, Mr. Bowen was the son of the late William “Bill” and Alma Stewart Bowen. Mr. Bowen was retired from Southern Switches where he was the production manager and later worked for Jacky Jones Ford in Cleveland. He was a 50 year Master Mason and member of Clarkesville Masonic Lodge #325 F&AM. Mr. Bowen was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bowen is preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law James and Nadine Allen Bowen, sister Carolyn Bowen Bellamy and sister and brother-in-law Carol B. and Don Elrod.
Survivors include his wife Elsie Taylor Bowen of Demorest, son and daughter in law Tim and Linda Bowen of Demorest, daughter Cindy Bowen Hogsed of Demorest, brother-in-law Buck Bellamy of Mt. Airy, grandsons Jeremy Hogsed (Emma) of Hiawassee and Tyler Hogsed of Hiawassee, great-grandson Parker Hogsed and Bowen Hogsed, as well as numerous nieces, nephews cousins and extended family.
Private graveside services were held at Yonah Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce have entered into a partnership to help Northeast Georgia’s Hispanic/Latino community find the resources they need to grow and develop businesses.
On Monday, Oct. 18, the Habersham Chamber President Mary Beth Horton and Latin American Chamber President Alejandro Coss signed a memorandum of understanding that made the partnership official.
“We’re excited to partner with you guys,” Horton told the LACC. “[We] hope that our partnership will serve as a catalyst for other chambers in the region to join this collaboration with you [the LACC] as well.”
Alejandro Coss, president of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, explains the importance of supporting the Latin American community in their business endeavors. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
The goal of the partnership is to present opportunities to strengthen and develop Hispanic/Latino-owned businesses across Habersham County and the Northeast Georgia area by offering classes and resources sponsored by the LACC in Habersham County.
“This new partnership is […] giving us the opportunity to bring our entrepreneurship programs outside of the Metro area,” Coss says. “And not only outside of the Metro area, but in a part of the state where [there aren’t] any of these types of programs focused on the Latino community.”
According to Coss, approximately 45 percent of Georgia’s Hispanic/Latino community lives outside of the Metro Atlanta area. He says working with the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce will help Northeast Georgia’s Hispanic/Latino community find the resources they need to build their businesses.
“We wanted to recognize, and we do recognize, the importance of the Latino community in the mountains and North Georgia,” Coss said.
Coss wants Habersham’s Latin American business owners and business hopefuls to know the LACC and Habersham Chamber are there to support them in their business endeavors.
“We’re here to help, we want them to know that we are a resource,” Coss says. “We are creating a partnership with a great organization, the Habersham Chamber of Commerce, which is right here [in their community]. The goal is for them [members of the Hispanic/Latino community] to be able to receive the assistance that we can provide with the help of the chamber here.”
“A lot of people don’t realize the amount of jobs Mr. Derick Canupp has had,” Commissioner Bruce Harkness said. “He’s over a lot of different areas in the county. Not just the roads, but the dump and the airport; he’s done a very good job.”
The commissioners recognized Canupp for his contributions to the county and wished him well at his new position in White County at Monday’s meeting. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
After Canupp delivered the county’s public works report at the meeting, Commissioners Harkness, Palmer and Mealor took time to thank him for his service to the county over his years directing the department.
Canupp credits his resignation to a need for both personal and professional growth, and will be taking a new position as Public Works Director in White County.
“I’m really happy for you,” Habersham County Commission Chairman Mealor said to Canupp. “It would be ridiculous for any of us to be upset that you’re going somewhere to better yourself.”
After the commissioner’s remarks, Canupp was met with applause from both county employees and citizens.
“We really do have a great staff,” Canupp said. “It’s been an honor [to serve as public works director].”
Who would’ve thought that we would spend so much time as an adult trying to figure out what’s for lunch or dinner? Whether we are going to cook or eat out? Did you know the average family spends 132 hours a year trying to answer that question? Kick in a few children to the equation and that may add to the time spent.
Perhaps we can shed some light from a breathtaking view on your dilemma. Sometimes when everything seems to come together you might hear a “ping” sound in your head or when your cell phone notifies you of a message a “ping” lets you know one has arrived.
Whatever your definition of ping, we’re ‘letting you know’ about a local restaurant at the Links in Toccoa, Ping’s Grill, where you can dine, enjoy the view, and maybe catch a glimpse of a Ping golf club in action. Sadly, mascot Ping, the inspiration for the restaurant logo passed away a few years ago.
Ping loved to hang out on the golf course. He was the inspiration for the Ping restaurant logo.
From “Midtown” Clarkesville to Toccoa
With a background in helping family run a restaurant and learning to focus on quality customer service, Preston Bowen and Andrew Kelley opened their own place, Midtown Grill, in Clarkesville in 2013. Two years later, another location opened in Cornelia. In between that time, the guys received the “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” from the Habersham County Chamber.
While both still partner in operating Midtown Grill, Andrew also took on managing the city-owned location of Ping’s last year.
According to Andrew, ” I love Midtown but it’s just a little different here. The atmosphere and the view make every day a nice day to come to work. Even when the weather isn’t the greatest, the patio fills up with customers. It’s probably the amazing view.”
You can enjoy the “cozy” of indoors or soak in the view of Lake Toccoa while dining on the Ping’s patio.
Guessing the food has something to do with customers checking out Ping’s Grill as well. The road to running a successful business venture is never easy, especially the restaurant business, and especially in the time of COVID.
Restaurant redux
For the last year, the U.S. restaurant industry has survived by any means possible, enduring against some of the most challenging market conditions in modern history. According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 110,000 U.S. restaurants closed temporarily or forever in 2020.
Local restaurants are growing in 2021 but most will not recover the losses experienced during the height of the pandemic.
Restauranteurs like Preston and Andrew are stressed by the challenges but they adapt and move on because they exist to serve you and your family with good food and a good experience.
“We enjoy it or we wouldn’t be in this business,” explains Andrew.
The Ping’s Grill family.
Some days are surely better than others for those running the culinary show. While Andrew gives a lot of credit to his dad, David, and his grandfather, Scott Reid, both integral parts of managing Ping’s, head chef, Andrew Gibson, for keeping the kitchen running smoothly, and Ashley Brock, who’s smiling face makes sure customers are happy, there are some challenges that are impossible to control.
Staffing has been one of the biggest issues for Ping’s or any other restaurant. Case in point, the Midtown Grill Clarkesville location has temporarily closed. The Cornelia site is up and running, as is Ping’s Grill.
“We’ve had prospective employees apply and schedule an interview, and then not show up.”
That story plays out time and time again for businesses looking to hire. The other difficulty in the restaurant business lies with supplies, or lack thereof. In recent months, they’ve been scarce at times and the cost for everything has increased.
“For example, five gallons of frying oil was $18. It now sells for $50. We try our best not to pass on those increases to our customers.”
Supporting local
When it comes time to choose where you are eating out, think local. Family run restaurants make up 99% of all dining establishments. For additional perspective, restaurant success also impacts food producers, trucking, and delivery services, farming, fishing, and beverages depend on the restaurant industry for their own financial health.
Ping’s manager Andrew Kelley with his wife, Andrea, and one year old daughter Amelia.
Supporting local businesses is investing in your community and creates a demand for local jobs. Think of them as “family.”
Andrew and Preston were best friends building their dream by opening Midtown Grill. Andrew’s family plays a big role in running Ping’s. When you join either of them for lunch or dinner, you are getting a good meal with a welcoming atmosphere and helping a family grow. They are your neighbors who may well be doing business with you.
And last, but certainly, not least…the food. While Angus beef burger reigns supreme on the menu with a huge array of toppings, there are also a variety of other sandwiches, wings, salads, appetizers, and chicken, shrimp, and BBQ plates.
“Chef Andrew Gibson also occasionally features some specials on our menu. Lately, the most popular are the Prime rib sandwich shaved in-house and the lobster roll, which has had rave reviews from customers who’ve sampled the same in New England.”
Ping's Grill dishes
1 of 3
Prime Rib sandwich with tater tots
Lobster roll
Hamburger with grape salad
Hungry yet? So are we. Heading to Ping’s soon. The end.
For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Editor’s note: We are continuing to highlight the stories of the people and businesses supporting our Community Member program with free stuff and discounts. Small businesses are the backbone of our country. We are grateful to Ping’s and to Midtown Grill for providing a discount to our members. For more information in supporting small business and local journalism, please visit our Membership Page.
It seemed like perfect timing to kick off a chrysanthemum giveaway for our most recent garden contest. The chill of fall is in the air. As summer blooms have faded, mums are taking center stage.
Our winner, Kaley Allen, was thrilled.
“I’m so excited. I entered the contest because mums are my favorite flower.”
Kaley is no stranger to our contest sponsor Lowe’s of Cornelia.
Kaley Allen’s winning entry.
“I love to go there and shop for mums to use in the display I create on the front steps of our home.”
Add in a couple of pumpkins and it looks like fall y’all.
Congratulations to Kaley and thanks to Lowe’s for another great giveaway!
An upcoming live theater production at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery will feature local actors portraying people from the town’s past.
History among the Hemlocks is a seasonal tradition that also serves as a fundraiser. This year’s production runs October 29-31. Billed as a “spirited stroll through the Old Clarkesville Cemetery,” organizers invite guests to be entertained as they learn more about the area’s history
History is inscribed on the tombstones in the Old Clarkesville Cemetery. Actors bring that history to life in their seasonal production “History among the Hemlocks.” (Joy Purcell/Now Habersham)
The tours will last approximately 30 minutes; proceeds from ticket sales and all donations will continue to fund the restoration and preservation work at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery.
This is a walking tour at dusk. Organizers say they will make every effort to create a safe walking environment, but please be expected to exercise caution navigating uneven ground. This event is not recommended for children 12 years of age or younger.
The cemetery is located just off Jefferson Street, with the entrance arbor accessible on the E. Morgan Street side. Parking is available downtown and at Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church.
Polly Earle of Clarkesville portrays a Victorian-era woman-in-mourning. Earle is just getting her second wind. An avid historic preservationist, she brings a no-nonsense work ethic to any project. Along with Brooks Garcia, Earle can be found on most warm days up to her elbows in concrete and dirt, working to bring the Old Clarkesville Cemetery back to a sanctuary of respite and solace. She has worked on several historic preservation projects in Northeast Georgia, including a cemetery in the Lavonia area and a historic schoolhouse. She will serve as a docent for visitors to History among the Hemlocks event.
Brooks Garcia
Brooks Garcia of Demorest portrays the Rev. William Eston Eppes. Garcia was born in Atlanta. He attended The Lovett School and then the University of Georgia where he majored in Landscape Architecture. A member of the Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation, Inc. board of directors, Garcia will channel his flair for the dramatic as he greets attendees of the History among the Hemlocks event. Bringing history to life at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery through this type of event, Garcia said, brings the community a taste of what has been a huge success for the Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. Garcia served on the board at Oakland and as a gardener helping to plant and maintain the Victorian-style gardens there.
E. Lane Gresham
E. Lane Gresham of Clarkesville portrays Miss Annie Sutton. Gresham is a community storyteller, blending words and images to communicate her reflections. A member of the Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation, Inc. board of directors, Gresham is ready to step out of the background and into the light to tell the story of Miss Annie Sutton, a society woman in 1920s Clarkesville. Previously, she’s appeared in two seasons of Headwaters, the story play staged at the Sautee-Nacoochee Community Center from 2009-2013. Most recently, she appeared in a Headwaters reunion concert this past summer.
Wendy Jackson
Wendy Jackson of Clarkesville portrays Mrs. Mary Parks Wyly. Jackson is a well-known education professional and less well-known for her wicked sense of humor. She’s currently serving as the Director of Financial Aid and Middle School Admissions at Tallulah Falls School and formerly as the Executive Director of The Little School in Clarkesville. A recent empty-nester, Jackson is saying ‘yes’ to new community projects.
Jim Loring
Jim Loring of Clayton portrays Col. Frederick Eugene Durbec. Loring is British and moved to the United States in 2004. As a humanitarian photographer, he has completed more than 70 assignments worldwide, documenting the plight of those living on the edge of survival. Loring currently teaches photojournalism and a full range of courses at North Georgia Technical College. In addition to leading roles as biblical characters during vacation Bible school at Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church, he played the role of Mellersh in Enchanted April in 2005.
Randy Warren
Randy Warren of Clarkesville portrays Master Willis Millican. Warren is an avid filmmaker and scriptwriter who enjoys local theater. He works on his YouTube series in his spare time.
The Boil Water Advisory issued for some Clarkesville water customers on the west side of town has been lifted.
The advisory was issued as a precaution on Monday after service was temporarily disrupted because of work on the water lines. It affected customers in the area of Highway 115 between Beaver Dam Road and Singing Hills Road.
Clarkesville water customers in the affected area may now resume normal water use.
