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Demorest budget, millage rate in limbo

By
Hadley Cottingham
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The Demorest City Council is down to the wire for setting the city’s millage rate with only weeks left to the Nov. 1 due date, and the council hasn’t seen the budget yet.

While Mayor Rick Austin advocated for setting a millage rollback to 5.16 mills at Tuesday night’s meeting, the council wasn’t comfortable setting a millage rate before seeing the rough outline of the budget.

Austin said that after speaking with City Accountant Alan Burton, who is creating the budget, he was advised that rolling back the millage rate for the city was “easily achievable,” and that the council could move forward with a rollback.

“At the end of the day, we’re either for tax increases or we’re not,” Austin said. “Every person in this nation—and let’s just talk about this city— is paying more for gas at the pump, paying more for groceries at the grocery store, paying more for clothes, and if you’re trying to buy ammunition or a firearm, you’re probably not finding it, and if you are, you’re paying five times the price for it. Everybody is paying more.”

However, the members of the council did not want to move forward without seeing the budget themselves and speaking with the accountant.

“We’re supposed to be looking at the budget, a rough version of the budget, and I know we have to get this done, but I would like to talk to Mr. Burton myself,” Councilman Nathan Davis said. “I don’t want to be rushed to do this, and I feel like I’m being rushed tonight to do this, I’d like to at least see the rough budget and see where we are.”

The city will discuss its audit report at an upcoming public meeting, followed by its budget and millage rate discussions, public hearing and vote.

The city council has tentatively set dates for budget and millage rate discussion, vote and public hearing. Those times and dates are Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. and at 6 p.m. in the Demorest Municipal Courtroom.

A recording of the meeting is available on the city’s Facebook page.

Janet Carol Smith Whitfield

By
Now Habersham
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Janet Carol Smith Whitfield, age 67 of Demorest, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

Born in Toccoa, Georgia on November 16, 1953, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Travis Smith and Frances Emmalene Savage Smith. Janet loved her family, arts and crafts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Joey Smith and Marvin Smith.

Surviving are her husband, John Whitfield of Demorest; daughters and sons-in-law, Tonya & Donald Smith of Demorest, Brandy & Walter Anderson of Alto and Kimberly Whitfield of Demorest; step-daughter, Krystian Whitfield of Helen; step-sons, Toby Whitfield of Demorest and Shane Whitfield of Clarkesville; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ira Smith and Ralph Smith both of Baldwin, James “Hoss” Smith of Demorest; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

No formal services are planned at this time.

Those in attendance are asked to please adhere to the public health and social distancing guidelines regarding COVID-19.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Reports of COVID-19 at UGA hit semester low

By
UGA News
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(UGA Today)

ATHENS, GA – Cases of COVID-19 reached an all-time low for the semester at the University of Georgia, with 47 cases reported for the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3. The latest figure, a 48% decrease from the previous week, shows an overall decline in cases reported on campus, mirroring similar recent trends in the local community and across the state.

The University Health Center (UHC) posted the data as part of the weekly update on its website Wednesday morning. Of the 47 cases reported in DawgCheck, 33 were students, 11 were staff members and three were faculty.

The positivity rate for UGA’s surveillance testing was low again this week, with 9 of 843 asymptomatic individuals testing positive for a rate of 1.068%. The UHC can test up to 800 individuals a day, and this service is offered free to the campus community.

“We’re extremely pleased to see the latest low reports of COVID-19 in our campus community and continue to be encouraged with the declining trend of reports throughout the area,” says Jen Swails, interim executive director of the University Health Center and co-chair of the University’s Medical Oversight Task Force. “The best path to success in fighting this virus remains for our community to get vaccinated. We’re grateful that so many students, faculty and staff have taken the shot, yet we remain ready and willing to continue to vaccinate the rest of our community.”

RELATED: Faculty job security is new fight on Georgia campus after months of mask dustups

The University Health Center is offering COVID-19 vaccinations free of charge to faculty, staff and students and their dependents over age 16. To date, more than 27,000 vaccines have been administered to members of the UGA community. The university is also offering incentives for vaccinations, such as $20 gift cards and T-shirts, while supplies last.

The UHC began offering booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine last week to faculty, staff, students and their eligible dependents who had received their second dose at least six months ago. The FDA approved the administration of boosters on Sept. 22.

“These latest numbers show our continued fight against COVID-19 is working, but our community needs to remain vigilant every step of the way,” said Dr. Shelley Nuss, campus dean of the AU/UGA Medical Partnership and co-chair of the University’s Medical Oversight Task Force. “Booster shots, for those who are eligible, offer continued protection against the virus, and there remains plenty of vaccine available on campus and in the surrounding area for those who have yet to be vaccinated.”

Last week, the names of another 25 fully vaccinated individuals were selected to win $1,000 cash prizes in the university’s vaccine drawing. The first 50 names were selected on Sept. 15, with the final drawing to be held on Oct. 15. In all, $100,000 in federal relief funds will be awarded.

As it did last year, the university is maintaining a stock of rooms on- and off-campus to accommodate isolation and quarantine housing, as needed. At present, less than 1% of the housing stock is in use.

The UGA community consists of nearly 50,000 students, faculty and staff. UGA is a part of a university system of 26 members institutions and must follow the directives of the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents. The USG does not allow its institutions to enact mask or vaccine mandates, but vaccinations and the wearing of masks indoors are strongly encouraged.

The weekly DawgCheck reporting data consist of tests from four sources: (1) tests conducted through UGA’s surveillance testing program; (2) symptomatic tests conducted at the University Health Center; (3) reports from Athens-area medical providers; and (4) reports of positive tests from other sources.

Cornelia commission appoints Habersham County teacher to Ward 1 seat

By
Hadley Cottingham
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Habersham County teacher and coach Jeff Wilson has been appointed to serve as the City of Cornelia Ward 1 Commissioner. (Habersham County Schools Athletics)

The City of Cornelia has completed its search to fill the Ward 1 commissioner seat after the sudden death of Cornelia Commissioner Wes Dodd, appointing Habersham teacher and Cornelia business owner Jeff Wilson to serve.

Their pick ended up being someone Dodd encouraged to run just as he began his battle with cancer.

“Wes [Dodd] and I talked about the Ward 1 position this summer as he was beginning his cancer treatments and he encouraged me to consider serving if the opportunity presented itself,” Wilson tells Now Habersham. “Being a member of the Cornelia community, I see the commission position as an opportunity to serve my neighbors and all the citizens of Cornelia.”

In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the commission voted to appoint Jeff Wilson to the position. Commissioner Don Bagwell made the motion and Commissioner Tony Cook seconded.

Preceding the meeting, the commission met with and interviewed the applicants before making a decision and voting at Tuesday night’s meeting. The city had three total applicants to fill the position, former Ward 1 Commissioner candidate Mark Reed, City of Gainesville Civil Engineer Tracy Robar and Wilson.

Wilson is a Habersham Central High School Social Studies and Physical Education teacher. He previously taught at both the Habersham Success Academy and Habersham Ninth Grade Academy. He is also the co-owner of Crossfit Change in Cornelia.

“Hopefully my experience as a small business owner and teacher in the county will contribute a perspective to the Commission that is beneficial to the growth and prosperity of the city,” Wilson says. He says Cornelia’s downtown development is important to him, and hopes to use his position on the commission to bring more restaurants and businesses to the city.

Wilson will be sworn in at the citys’ regular commission on Nov. 2. The Ward 1 seat will be on the ballot on March 15, 2022, at which point Wilson will have to run to hold his position on the commission.

“Ultimately, I intend to serve the community in the best way I am able,” Wilson says. “And add to Cornelia’s city commission with a positive attitude and a willingness to work with the other commissioners to give the city an opportunity to thrive.”

This article has been updated.

At home tailgating

By
Mitzi Oxford
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It’s on! Football season in the South and it’s a big deal around these parts. We gather with friends to attend games or watch on TV. The outcome for your favorite team may not be a given but the food you serve before, during, and after the game certainly can be.

The official definition for tailgating is: “Host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.”

However you define it the food served can involve grilling or serving some simple, easily prepared food that can be just as memorable as the game itself. Whether you are actually in the stadium parking lot or watching from home with a few friends, we’ve got some go-to foods that are sure to score a big win!

Today we are serving up 3 simple recipes for tailgating that are tasty and require a minimum of prep. I’m a big advocate of using “frozen” foods on occasion, especially for appetizers or finger foods for something like tailgating. If frozen is good enough for Southern Living, it’s ok in my book. Besides, if frozen stuff is “dressed up,” it can taste like you spent as much time prepping the food as the coaches did working out all those Xs and Os.

Potato Skins Ingredients:

How many potatoes to bake will depend on how many friends you are hosting. This will be based on four people total. You can add more as needed.

  • 6 baking potatoes (Russet, Yukon Gold, or Red are all good choices)
  • Cheese (cheddar or Colby jack are both great choices)
  • Bacon bits (You can either fry bacon and crumble or use a good brand of bacon bits)
  • Sour cream for topping

Directions:

Potatoes can be baked in the oven (325 degrees for 1 hour or microwaved for 10 minutes or longer depending on the number of potatoes.)

Let the potatoes cool. Cut in half and scoop out inside to about 1/4 inch. (Leftover potato insides can be used later for mashed potatoes or potato pancakes.)

Add shredded cheese or sliced cheese and bacon bits, if desired. Put in oven until melted.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Little smokies ingredients:

I didn’t have Little Smokies for our at-home tailgating so I used hotdog wieners. Either will work just fine.

  • Pack of Little Smokies or a pack of eight hotdog wieners cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • cup of barbecue sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays because that is what I had on hand.)
  • 1/4 cup of grape jelly
  • 1 Tbls Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Combine all and simmer until all ingredients for a sauce and wieners or Little Smokies are cooked and begin to thicken a bit. Shouldn’t take more than about 20 – 30 minutes.

Meatball ingredients:

You could make meatballs from scratch but we went with frozen Italian meatballs. You can use your favorite go-to brand or Rosina’s are available at Walmart in Cleveland, Georgia and they are very good.

  • 2 Tbls Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbls Spicy honey mustard
  • 3/4 cup apple jelly
  • One pack of frozen meatballs (there were 20 larger meatballs in the pack we used. Next time I will look for the bite-sized, smaller meatballs.)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a cast iron or another large skillet. Stir and coat meatballs. Simmer until done about 30 minutes. If you like a little “heat” you can always add a squirt of Sriracha sauce.

These could be transported to the stadium parking lot if you have a hotbox or way to keep them warm or you could keep the game on at home and cheer on your favorite team while cooking and enjoying the outcome.

What are your favorite tailgating goodies? Drop me an email at [email protected]

 

 

 

9th grade students explore mortality through art

By
Dylan James
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Pictured L to R: Kathrine Davis with her Vanitas painting completed in oil on wood panel, HNGA Art Teacher Dylan James, and Grace Dooley who completed her composition with graphite on paper.

HNGA Art students have been studying Vanitas, a still life tradition, in conjunction with Harmend Steenwyck’s painting “Still life: An allegory of Vanities of the Human Life.”

Vanitas is a still-life artwork that includes various symbolic objects designed to remind the viewer of his/her mortality and the trivialness of worldly goods and pleasures in comparison to the importance of one’s relationships with others as well as his/her individual inward human experience.

As a class, students spoke about human mortality and the Latin phrase “Memento Mori,” different subject matter that might be used to symbolize our own mortality and our ties to earthly pleasures, and the rules of creating a successful composition.

Each student was tasked with acquiring symbolic objects, composing his/her objects to create a still life, and then photographing his/her own compositions.

Harmend Steenwyck’s painting “Still Life: An Allegory of Vanities of the Human Life” was the source of inspiration for HNGA art students’ Vanitas project. (photo submitted)

Having the students choose their subject matter and organize it created a chance for each student to express himself/herself through individual choices, experiment with the rules of composition and lighting, and have the opportunity to experience first-hand how much effort and thought goes into composing a successful and unique composition.

Once the photograph had been established, they were tasked with rendering it in a realistic style using graphite as their medium, except for one student who wished to experiment with oil paints.

Lady Indians split at White County

By
TFS Athletics
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TFS outside hitter Alba Romanos Gracia (photo by Austin Poffenberger)

The Lady Indians traveled to White County for a tri-match on Tuesday evening, earning a split in the process. The girls took a win over White County but fell in three sets to Habersham Central.

The JV Lady Indians also played both White County and Habersham and dropped both.

Varsity

The Lady Indians earned a 2-0 win over White County, starting with a 25-21 win. The second set was even tighter, as TFS won 32-30 in a marathon set to take the straight-set victory.

The finale against Habersham saw TFS drop the opening set 22-25. A 25-13 dominating second set evened the match before the Lady Indians lost 8-15 in the third and decisive set.

TFS moves to 20-9 overall on the season.

JV

The Lady Indians fell in straight sets to Habersham, 14-25 and 20-25, but took White County to three sets. The Lady Indians won the first set against White 26-24, but dropped the next two 12-25 and 10-15.

TFS is now 15-10 overall on the season.

SCORES:

TFS Varsity W 2-0 vs White County: 25-21, 32-30
TFS Varsity L 1-2 vs Habersham Central: 22-25, 25-13, 8-15
TFS JV L 1-2 vs White County: 26-24, 12-25, 10-15
TFS JV L 0-2 vs Habersham Central: 14-25, 20-25

FBI to investigate threats made against school board members, teachers

By
Ariana Figueroa
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U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland this week asked the FBI to work with local law enforcement to deal with threats to school board officials.

WASHINGTON (GA Recorder) — The Department of Justice has directed the FBI to meet with local governments and law enforcement to discuss strategies for dealing with increasing threats to teachers and school board members spurred by a conservative backlash against discussions of race in public schools.

“Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nation’s core values,” Attorney General Merrick Garland wrote in his memorandum to FBI Director Christopher Wray, released Monday.

“Those who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that our children receive a proper education in a safe environment deserve to be able to do their work without fear for their safety.”

School board meetings have also been under attack for mask mandates to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools. Metro Atlanta schools with mask optional policies have been the scene of shouting matches between parents demanding face-covering requirements and those that oppose COVID-19 safety mandates.

Garland cited a spike in harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against public school officials as the reason for the memo.

School board meetings across the country have been derailed by a furor over “critical race theory,” which generally is not taught at the K-12 level and instead is an academic theory studied in college. Critical race theory is the study of the intersection of race and U.S. law.

The National School Boards Association praised the Garland announcement.

“Over the last few weeks, school board members and other education leaders have received death threats and have been subjected to threats and harassment, both online and in person,” Chip Slaven, the group’s interim executive director and CEO, said in a statement.

“The individuals who are intent on causing chaos and disrupting our schools—many of whom are not even connected to local schools—are drowning out the voices of parents who must be heard when it comes to decisions about their children’s education, health, and safety. These acts of intimidation are also affecting educational services and school board governance. Some have even led to school lockdowns.”

The association also wrote a letter to President Joe Biden on Sept. 29 about the increase in threats to school boards and asked for assistance.

The Justice Department will also create training and guidance for local school boards and school officials on how to report certain threats to the appropriate law enforcement agency and how to “preserve evidence of threatening conduct to aid in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.”

With the massive Black Lives Matter protests across the country during the summer of 2020 due to the murder of George Floyd by Minnesota Police Officer Derek Chauvin, many public schools have tried to discuss race and equity.

Some have incorporated the New York Times 1619 Project, which explores the 400-year history of slavery, into school curriculums. It spurred protests from conservatives who have demonstrated at school board meetings, sometimes leading to arrests.

State and congressional Republicans have moved to ban the teachings of “critical race theory” in public schools.

The Justice Department has also set up an FBI tip line for reporting threats.

GHSA vote sets multiplier at 3.0

By
Todd Holcomb
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The GHSA’s executive committee voted 56-15 to increase the out-of-zone enrollment multiplier to 3.0 from the current 2.0 on Monday, a move that could send private schools St. Pius and Woodward Academy and city schools Valdosta and Carrollton into the highest classification starting in 2022.

The impact won’t be known until fall enrollment numbers and out-of-zone statistics are received by the GHSA, probably later this month.

Using one example, St. Pius reported 1,101 students in 2019 with 1,090 living outside its designated attendance zone. With those 1,090 counting three times, St. Pius’ enrollment for classification purposes would be 3,281. The smallest current Class 7A school in 2019 was Tift County at 2,200.

GHSF Daily projected last month that a 3.0 multiplier could move St. Pius, Woodward, Valdosta and Carrollton into the highest class if the most recently known enrollment numbers and statistics held steady. The projections also put Cartersville, Rome, Blessed Trinity, Greater Atlanta Christian and Marist in 6A. That data also put Blessed Trinity as the 52nd largest school. Camden County comes in at 54th. Class 7A currently has 45 schools.

The multiplier is designed to mitigate what many believe are unfair competitive advantages held by schools that get disproportionate numbers of students from outside their designated attendance zones – in particular, private and city schools.

Appeals to class assignment are a certainty. During the 2019 reclassification, the GHSA approved 17 of 24 appeals, including those of St. Pius, Dacula, Richmond Hill, Rome and GAC. It’s uncertain how friendly the appeals committee will be in 2021.

The GHSA won’t apply the multiplier to Class A schools, which in the last reclassification were those with 550 students or fewer.

Produced by Georgia High School Football Daily, a free e-mail newsletter. To join the mailing list, click here.

Richard Dale Thomas

By
Now Habersham
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Richard Dale Thomas, age 67 of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Monday, October 04, 2021.

Born in Demorest, Georgia on August 15, 1954, he was a son of the late Andrew Wesley & Thelma Gudger Thomas. Dale was a graduate of North Georgia Technical College with an Electrical degree. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Richard was an avid history enthusiast and also loved to research his family genealogy. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his children, Misty & John Erwin, Chrissy Dover, Wesley & Kristi Thomas; sister & brother-in-law, Brenda & Randy Smith all of Demorest, GA; 13 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren, several other cousins, relatives, & friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Thursday, October 07, 2021 at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville with Rev. Donald Grizzle officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday prior to the funeral service.

An online guest registry is available for the Thomas family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Habersham Class of 2021 number one in SAT scores for region

By
Hadley Cottingham
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(Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

While Georgia’s Class of 2021 beating the national average for SAT scores by 39 points was an achievement all on its own, Habersham’s schools are in the spotlight as they climbed above state and regional averages. Habersham County posted the highest SAT scores in Northeast Georgia with a mean score of 1104, Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced Monday night at the Board of Education Meeting.

Habersham County’s SAT scores this past year topped Habersham’s record high, and not just records in the county, Habersham scored the highest average score out of all 13 school systems in the Northeast Georgia region. The region includes for White, Hall, Union, Lumpkin, Stephens, Gainesville City, Towns, Fannin, Dawson, Franklin, Banks, Rabun and Hart county schools.

For some perspective, Cooper says the school system was in 11th place in the region for SAT scores in 2015.

Habersham County’s average SAT score was 24 points higher than the state-wide SAT score average and 63 points higher than the national average, he reports.

“That makes me smile, I’m very proud of that for Habersham County,” says Habersham Central High School Principal Jonathan Stribling. “I will tell you and my colleagues here, […] SAT scores aren’t developed at Habersham Central High School. That doesn’t happen, but [they are] developed in our school system. It starts early and those skills are developed all the way up.”

HCHS students had a mean score of 563 in writing and 541 in math.

Along with Habersham’s high SAT scores, the school system is also at its highest graduation rate of all time: 95 percent. Stribling shared that around 62 percent of Habersham Central’s graduating seniors will leave Central with HOPE Scholarship-eligible GPAs.

“Principal Stribling and I had some private conversations when our [SAT] scores started improving and wondered ‘I wonder if we could be number one someday,'” Cooper said. “Well, someday is here, Principal Stribling.”

This article has been updated to reflect corrected SAT scores.

Loretta Joan “Lou” Fry

By
Now Habersham
-

Loretta Joan “Lou” Fry, age 60 of Mt. Airy, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021.

Born in Gainesville, Georgia on November 10, 1960, she was a daughter of the late Benton Fry and Doris Ann Scott. Lou was an avid sports fan, always cheering for the Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Surviving are her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joel A. & Sherry Fry of Clarkesville and James Scott & Jennifer Fry of Tucson, Arizona; sister and brother-in-law, Tara & Dustin Davey of Kennesaw; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 pm, Friday, October 8, 2021, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart with Rev. Ronnie Powell officiating. Interment will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Habersham Humane Society, 4231 Toccoa Hwy., Clarkesville, GA 30523.

Those in attendance are asked to please adhere to the public health and social distancing guidelines regarding COVID-19.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

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