Pursuit ends in arrest inside White County

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June 10, 2024

Habersham County Sheriff's Office patrol car — File photo (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

A Cleveland man is facing charges after officials said he sped through Habersham County, crossed into White County, and then fled on foot.

Habersham County deputies charged Jeffrey Andrew Thornton, 45, of Cleveland, with multiple violations including fleeing and attempting to elude, possession of methamphetamine, probation violation, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, and littering.

According to Habersham County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Rob Moore, the Georgia State Patrol also charged Thornton with driving under the influence.

Moore says the incident started when a Habersham County deputy attempted to pull over a white Honda van on Duncan Bridge Road near Pea Ridge Road just after 4 a.m. Sunday, June 9.

“The driver of the van failed to yield and continued to drive at a high rate of speed, crossing the bridge into White County,” says Moore.

Once inside White County, Moore says the van “abruptly turned left onto Webster Lake Road, traveled through a ditch and a fence, then fled the vehicle on foot.”

A Helen Police Department K-9 unit found Thornton a short time later hiding behind a stack of cement blocks about 75 yards from the vehicle.

Deputies booked him in at the Habersham County Detention Center in Clarkesville, where he remained on Monday, June 10.

Baldwin considers FY 2025 budget, CAO contract, special election

By

Jerry Neace

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June 10, 2024

Baldwin council 6-4 — Baldwin City Council (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The Baldwin City Council will consider approving next year’s annual budget and the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) employment contract during its Monday, June 10 meeting.

Both items have been met with support and opposition among the council. However, citizens spoke against both items during last week’s public hearing.

Budget

If approved, the FY 2025 budget will require a millage rate increase of approximately 1.11 mils for both Banks and Habersham County Baldwin property owners. Those on the Habersham County side would see their millage rate increase by 13.08%. Property owners on the Banks County side would see their millage rate rise 41.7%.

In dollars, the FY 2025 general fund budget will increase by $427,517 over last year’s budget or nearly 12%. The property tax increase will make up approximately $195,000, or 45.61% of that increase, to pay for next year’s budget.

CAO contract

The CAO employment contract, as proposed, includes a 10% salary increase, a 2.5% cost of living adjustment, and a cash equivalent for paid time off (PTO) of $6,000 for the position. The new salary with all of the combined increases will go from its current rate of $104,000 annually to $123,410 per year.

The proposed salary increase comes on the heels of a 60% pay raise for the CAO last year, which bumped the pay rate from $65,000 to $104,000.

Special Election

The City Council will also introduce and consider a Special Election Resolution for Council Post 2. Last week, Council member Joseph Satterfield announced his resignation from that position on the City Council effective July 29. The council will consider approving the resolution during Monday’s meeting to give the Habersham County Elections Office time to prepare for qualifying and the city’s special election in November.

The Baldwin City Council will meet Monday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom at 155 Willingham Avenue in Baldwin.

Trump floats plan to end taxes on tips, though experts raise doubts

By

Ashley Murray

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June 10, 2024

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — Economists across the ideological spectrum raised doubts about the cost and workability of former President Donald Trump’s proposal over the weekend to exempt tips from federal taxes if he wins in November.

During a campaign rally Sunday in Las Vegas, where hundreds of thousands work in the hospitality industry, Trump promised service workers that they would no longer have to pay federal taxes on tipped income if the presumptive Republican nominee wins a second term.

The roughly 6 million tipped workers in the U.S., as of the latest data available from 2018, make up a small fraction of the country’s 150 million taxpayers, but campaigning on tax cuts for certain demographics is increasingly a top issue leading up to November’s presidential election.

“This is the first time I’ve said this, and for those who work at hotels and people that get tips, you’re gonna be very happy because when I get to office we are going to not charge taxes on tips, on people making tips,” Trump said to cheers at the rally.

Trump said he will “do that right away, first thing in office,” though changing the tax code would require an act of Congress.

Tax code due for update

Large portions of the sweeping 2017 tax law that Congress passed along party lines during the Trump administration are set to expire at the end of 2025, and lawmakers and advocates are already trotting out their priorities.

Tipped workers made an average $6,000 on top of their base wages in 2018, and together they paid about $38 billion in taxes on tips, according to the latest Internal Revenue Service figures. In 2018, the IRS collected about $7 trillion in overall taxes.

“In terms of the macroeconomic impact, it’s pretty small,” said Erica York, senior economist and research director at the right-leaning Tax Foundation.

“If you think of it in terms of what Congress is going to be debating next year, one of the big challenges that lawmakers are going to face is the revenue impact. Every dollar of tax revenue for one type of tax cut is $1 less for another type of tax cut. So it’s going to be a real exercise in prioritizing trade-offs across different policies,” York said.

Trump has vowed to extend all tax cuts enacted under his watch, but the cost of extending them over the next decade would reach $4.6 trillion, according to estimates from the Joint Committee on Taxation and nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Trump’s proposal to tipped workers “smells more of campaign politics than a really well thought out and principled tax policy proposal,” York added. “And I think the elephant in the room for both candidates is that they haven’t fully addressed ‘what are you going to do about these huge expirations that are scheduled to happen next year?’”

The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for further detail.

Incentivizing tipped work

Andrew Lautz, associate director for the Bipartisan Policy Center, said while tipped workers are a “small slice” of the tax base, “you’re talking about a potentially large chunk of revenue that you’re giving up on an annual basis,” depending on how the policy would be rolled out.

“Our current tax system is certainly not designed to treat all income equally, but this proposal, if it were enacted into law, would sort of add a new category of income that is not subject to tax,” Lautz said. “And you know what economic theory would say is that, all else equal, making that change would incentivize people to have tips which are not taxed under this proposal versus regular wage income.”

There is also the potential for “misuse,” he added.

“If Donald Trump is president again next year, and even if he’s not, but this proposal sort of catches interest from policymakers in Congress, it’s very well possible that this could be on the table,” Lautz added.

Janet Holtzblatt, senior fellow at the left-leaning Tax Policy Center run by the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution, said Trump’s proposal to eliminate taxes on tips is “unusual.”

“Because tips are a substitute for the wages and salaries that the rest of us get, and if you don’t tax tips, you’re basically not taxing tip workers (on) their wages, making it a tax advantage on their earnings. Those of us who don’t work in industries where tips are paid, we would not get the same tax advantage,” Holtzblatt said.

Minimum wage

Several localities’ wage laws allow employers to pay service workers hourly rates well below the federal minimum wage.

Holtzblatt said the “solution” is for localities to raise the minimum wage for service workers for multiple reasons.

“Tips are not always a predictable form of income,” she said. “And there’s a great deal of variation, the tips that the server gets at the top-notch restaurant are going to be very different than the tips the person in the diner gets.”

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign responded to Trump’s “wild campaign promise” by saying that Biden supports increasing the minimum wage and eliminating the tipped minimum wage, “a much bigger deal” than Trump’s proposal, a campaign spokesman wrote in a Monday email to States Newsroom.

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which has 60,000 members in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, said the organization has for decades “fought for tipped workers’ rights and against unfair taxation.”

“Relief is definitely needed for tip earners,” Pappageorge said in a statement over the weekend. “But Nevada workers are smart enough to know the difference between real solutions and wild campaign promises from a convicted felon.”

Road trip vacations: the best or worst of times

By

Nora Almazan

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June 10, 2024

road trips 1 — (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

It is the best of times. It is the worst of times. It is traveling…

There is nothing like a family road trip until you are about an hour into it. The newness has worn out and the questions start – “How much longer?” “When can we stop?” “I’m bored!” “He is looking at me!”

We’ve all been there and admittedly, we’ve all done this as well. It doesn’t have to be so difficult.

With a little bit of preparation, you can make this summer’s road trip vacation one to remember – in a good way.

Road games

Depending on the age of your children, print out a map of the route you are taking. Have a list of signs, objects, types of cars, words, and landmarks along the way. It’s like a scavenger hunt of sorts. Set some ground rules before you leave, and the person who spots the most first wins a prize. It is a great way to limit screen time because your children will be looking out the window trying to win.

Let them get their energy out

Stop and let them run if you see an open area along the way. Once I saw an area filled with birds. The kids were so excited to run as the birds flew all around them. It was a great photo op as well.

Assign duties

Assign one child to keep the bathroom stops scheduled. Every two hours, this child will notify the group that it is time to find a restroom. Let another child be in charge of snacks and drinks to pass out every few hours. Have another in charge of games to play along the road.

Pack a bag of travel toys

Prepare a waiting bag. Put new toys and items in it. They don’t have to be expensive to be fun travel toys. Paper clips to make long chains, bendable wax craft sticks, or string are always fun in the car. You may want to make a “waiting bag” for each child. Put it under their feet and have a magical word for them to listen for to pull the bag out. Teenagers like it too.

Restaurant drawings

Before you leave the house, have each person put the names of two or three places to eat on a small piece of paper and place the choices in a bag. Shake the bag when it is time to eat. Allow the driver to pull one of the choices out of the bag.

Keep kids comfy cozy

Pillows, blankets, and a stuffy help children to create their spot and feel comfortable.

Some of my best memories are road trips with the kids. They do not have to be stressful and can be a time to build memories and family time.

Clarke County jail inmates find freedom in construction work

By

Nora Almazan

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June 9, 2024

Foundation 7 — Participants spend Saturdays learning construction with Athens Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director and State Rep. Spencer Frye. (Keith Sims/Clarke County Sheriff's Office)

It is all about second chances and opportunities. It’s a collaborative effort by the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office and Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, and it is off to a good start in changing the direction of lives.

The inaugural class of the Future Foundations Jail Resident Construction Program graduated on Tuesday, June 4, at the Clarke County Jail in Athens. The day celebrated four women, Brittany Blevins, Selina Watts, Angela Nichole Mosley, and Shelby Hammock, who made up the program’s first class.

Making a difference

This program’s mission is threefold: teaching hands-on job skills training, reducing recidivism, and building affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity.

“The women are selected based on certain criteria. They must have a record of compliance at the jail, cannot hold a violent conviction, and must have the motivation and incentive to work,” explains Clarke County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Keith Sims.

Future Foundations graduates are shown here with, from left, Clarke County Sheriff’s Lt. Gary Davenport, Sheriff John Williams, and instructor Jonathan Sims (Keith Sims/Clarke County Sheriff’s Office)

District 122 State Rep. Spencer Frye is the executive director of the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity. He is also one of Future Foundations’ founders. After months of brainstorming, Frye and Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams, Chief Deputy and Jail Commander Frank Woods, and other staff created the program.

“We talk often amongst our staff and community connections about issues that need to be addressed. When we got the right collection of people in a room, we devised a plan to provide training and certification right on the jail property,” says Sheriff Williams. “Then the idea was to actually build these housing modules on-site and assemble them elsewhere. The ideas quickly piled up about where to put the finished houses and how to use them. We knew right away when the positive energy and excitement hit that high level, that we came up with something that will make a difference.”

Community investment

Frye says the Future Foundations program is an investment in the entire community.

“The most effective means of cutting recidivism is offering education and work training to inmates who have a drive to turn their lives around,” says Rep. Frye. “That means not just a better life for former offenders and their families, but also a savings for taxpayers and safer, more prosperous communities.”

Clarke County Jail’s new Future Foundations program teaches inmates construction skills while working on Habitat houses for low income families. (Keith Sims, PIO/Clarke County)

Sims’ husband, Jonathan Sims, has worked in construction for over thirty years and volunteers to teach participants once a week. Program participants take written exams and have work days every other week. Saturdays for those who choose to enter the program involve building and learning.

“They start learning basic tools and advance to step treads and rafters,” says Keith Sims. She explained that the key to the program is the “willingness of the participant.” The four women who formed the first graduating class met every expectation and more, says Sims.

“They made 90 or higher on their exams and went beyond what was required in learning construction.”

‘Just people…building together’

Future Foundations graduate Nicole Mosley gave a speech at the graduation ceremony. Her words spoke volumes about the program’s importance.

“Only in this setting were we no longer inmates and supervision no longer a focus. We were all just people, working, laughing, and building together. When I say building, my meaning is deeper than you may realize,” Mosley said.

Clarke County Jail inmate and Future Foundations graduate Angela Mosley speaks at the graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Keith Sims/Clarke County Sheriff’s Office)

In her speech, Mosley thanked the Sims, Rep. Frye, Sheriff Williams, Chief Woods, and many others for dedicating their time and days off to teaching them construction and for believing in them.

“Today is a day for forward momentum. We ask for your continued support and that you join us and share our vision for growth and improvement,” she said.

Keith Sims says it was an emotional day. There are now five more women in the program and a waiting list.

“Seeing their passion and pride in what they have learned and accomplished moved me,” she says. “Their example of determination and hard work will make this program thrive.”

Livin’ the Dream: Chet Baker treats people well to make them well

By

Nora Almazan

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June 9, 2024

The road was not always easy for Family Nurse Practitioner Chet Baker, who owns and operates Express Care in Cornelia. Since opening its doors in 2009, it has been voted “Best Medical Provider or Clinic” every year by local newspaper readers. It is located inside Tim’s Pharmacy, 130 B Magnolia Lane Cornelia, GA, and has had over 37,000 visits. “We’ve seen patients from all 50 states and 3 different countries,” Chet said.

Mandy and Chet Baker have been married for 19 years and have two children, Amelia and Riley. (photo submitted)

Chet and his wife Mandy have been married for 19 years. Together, they share two children Amelia, 12, and Riley, 10. Both children attend Trinity Classical School. Mandy teaches at North Georgia Technical College in the Medical Assisting Program.

“My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer after I just started NP (Nurse Practitioner) school in August of that year,” Chet explained. “She pushed me to keep going and encouraged me not to quit.” His mother passed away in December of that year. Shortly after his mother’s death, he lost his grandfather and close friend at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Chet received his Master’s in Health Administration from Armstrong.

“Looking back I’m not sure how I was able to finish as well as I did other than being goal-driven and determined.”

During his sophomore year at Mercer University, a fraternity brother was working as a surgical technician. He invited Chet on weekends to watch surgeries. Chet became interested in the field and volunteered in the Emergency Rooms at Macon Northside Hospital and the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

“I spent several hours a couple of days a week observing and learning. I felt I needed to be immersed in it to ensure it was for me.”

Dr. Patrice Sapp at Mercer University with Chet Baker. (photo submitted)

For three years, he worked with a science professor specializing in neuroscience to gain experience in laboratory work and research. During this time he co-authored abstracts for the Society of Neuroscience and even went to Washington, DC, to present a poster his Junior year.

“A lot of people say that they want to go into some field of medicine but when they get into it, they decide it’s not for them,” Chet added. “I wanted to know going in what it was like.”

Growing up in Conyers, Georgia, Chet graduated from Heritage High School. His dad was an engineer for Delta Airlines and his mother worked as a visual merchandiser for JC Penny’s Department Store. Chet did not always want to be in medicine. When Chet was in high school, he wanted to become an airline pilot and work for Delta. His plans changed while attending Mercer University.

His sister, Brandy Aycock, lives in Clarkesville and his dad recently moved here to be close to him and Brandy.

“My parents and grandparents impressed upon me to treat people well and good things will follow, to work hard at everything I did, and to always be honest,” Chet remembered. He uses these principles today in his everyday life and business.

The business part of the clinic is probably the most frustrating for Chet, dealing with records, payment systems, computers, etc. “I look at the clinic as an option for people for a reasonable fee just as most any other service provider.”

He attributes much of his success to the late Dr. Terry Greene and Dr. John Cope of Habersham Primary Care. They were his first employers and encouraged him when he told them his plans. Dr. Josh Garrett of Garrett Family Medicine in Demorest, GA, has always been a tremendous help to him as well. “With 25 years of experience, I feel like I am on cruise control now. The ironic thing is I did not want to be a doctor because I did not want to have to deal with the business aspect of medicine – and here I am doing just that!”

Chet Baker, FNP, at Express Care of Habersham. (Nora Almazan/Now Habersham)

For Chet, his dream is to help people and not just give a medical answer but treat the whole person. The team at Express Care knows their patients and if the patient is new, they work to have a lasting relationship with them. They know when weddings are coming up and grandchildren are being born. Every aspect of a person’s life is a part of their medical history and needs to be a part of their care is the belief.

“So much of getting health care means dealing with a conglomerate particularly a hospital or large group. Basically, no personal touch to the service with people herded in and out like cattle. That is not what I want!”

There is a devotion to his team and his patients that is more than evident. It is all about the experience and how a person feels from start to finish. For those patients who are unable to make a trip to Express Care, Chet offers telemedicine visits for established patients.

Chet Baker always goes back to what his parents and grandparents taught him growing up, to treat people well. For him, that is an important part of his dream, to deliver care that covers the whole person and to gain the confidence of his patients. Each day Chet looks forward to being a part of his patients’ lives and making them better all around. Chet emphasized, “The result is quality health care that is affordable to all.”

For more information, you can visit online to make an appointment or call 706-776-3070.

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Local law enforcement warns of counterfeit bills circulating

By

Staff Report

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June 9, 2024

Northeast Georgia law enforcement agencies are warning the public to watch for counterfeit bills.

On June 6, the Towns County Sheriff’s Office reported a customer received a fake $20 bill as change from a Town County store. Following that report, the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office cautioned, “Our neighbors are seeing counterfeit currency. It won’t be long before we do.”

How to spot fake currency

Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson shared tips on how to recognize counterfeit currency:

Evaluate the feel of the paper. Generally, fake money does not have the crisp money feeling and the raised feeling of the black on the front of the bills.

Study the watermark on the right side of the bill. On some bills, it’s a replica of the face on the bill, and on others, it can be an oval spot. Hold the bill up to the light. The watermark should be visible on the right side of the bill. If you hold the bill toward the light and there is no watermark, or if you can see the watermark without holding the bill to the light, then the bill is probably counterfeit.

A counterfeit $20 bill (Towns County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

Look for raised printing. Run your fingernail slowly and carefully down the note, you’ll feel resistance from the note and some vibrations on your nail from the ridges of the raised printing. A good location to check is the coat of the president.
Look for the fibers. Paper money is actually made of cotton and linen. Look for red and blue fibers that are embedded in the paper. Lines should not be printed or drawn on the bill.
Look for the plastic strip inside the bill. The strip goes from the top to the bottom of the bill. This does not apply to $1 and $2 bills.

What to do if you suspect you have a counterfeit bill

If you suspect you have received a counterfeit bill, contact your local law enforcement. Sheriff Hernandez advises, “Place it in an envelope and handle it as little as possible.”

For more information on identifying and reporting counterfeit bills, visit the Secret Service website and check out this guide: https://www.secretservice.gov/…/2020-12/KnowYourMoney.pdf.

Kid-loving, dog-friendly Sandra ready to wiggle her way into your heart

By

India Kelley

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June 9, 2024

POW Sandra June 9 — Sandra is a happy-go-lucky mixed-breed pup who loves children and other dogs. She's ready for same day adoption at the Habersham County Animal Shelter in Clarkesville. (Photo by Habersham County Animal Care and Control)

Sandra is a delightful, happy-go-lucky mixed-breed dog who will steal your heart with her endless joy and adorable wiggles. At one-and-a-half years old and 50 pounds, she’s the perfect size for snuggling and playing alike. Her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm for life make her a wonderful companion for any adventure or a cozy day at home.

Sandra’s zest for life is evident in everything she does. From the moment you meet her, you’ll be greeted with a wagging tail and a playful spirit that never quits. Whether she’s exploring the great outdoors or simply lounging around, Sandra brings a sense of joy and excitement to every activity.

Sandra is snuggleable and sociable (Photo by Habersham County Animal Care and Control)

One of Sandra’s standout qualities is her sociability. She thrives in social settings and loves being around other dogs. She has done exceptionally well in large playgroups, where her friendly and outgoing nature truly shines. Sandra loves making new canine friends, and her playful demeanor makes her a favorite among other dogs.

When it comes to kids, Sandra’s affection knows no bounds. Children are her absolute favorite, and she adores every moment spent with them. Whether she’s joining in on a game of tag, listening attentively to a child’s story, or simply cuddling up for some quiet time, Sandra’s gentle and loving nature makes her an excellent family companion. Her patience and affection for children are truly heartwarming, and she’s sure to become a beloved member of any family with kids.

Sandra and a buddy in the play yard at the Habersham County Animal Shelter. (Photo by Habersham County Animal Care and Control)

While Sandra is an absolute sweetheart with kids and other dogs, she’s not suited for homes with cats or small animals. Her playful energy and curiosity can be a bit too much for the smaller critters. That means no kitties for her!

She is spayed and up to date on all her vaccinations, making her ready for same-day adoption. You won’t have to wait to bring this bundle of joy into your home and start creating wonderful memories together.

If you’re looking for a joyful, kid-loving, and dog-friendly companion, Sandra is the perfect match. Her happy-go-lucky personality and her love for children and other dogs make her a fantastic addition to any family.

Meet Sandra, and let her wiggle her way into your heart! With Sandra by your side, you’ll soon discover that life is brighter and more fun.

Click on the image below to reserve a time to meet Sandra at the Habersham County Animal Shelter, 4231 Toccoa Highway, in Clarkesville, Georgia.

Click on Sandra’s photo above to schedule a time to meet her.

For more Pet of the Week ‘tales,’ click here.

Share your Livin’ the Dream story with us

By

Now Habersham

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June 9, 2024

Now Habersham’s “Livin’ the Dream” series continues with weekly spotlights on people living their best lives.

Whether you’ve achieved financial success, found your passion, or simply found a way to make the most of every day, we want to hear your story. We’re looking for uplifting, inspiring stories. Whatever your story – whatever your age – if you’re livin’ the dream, we’d love to hear it!

Submit your Livin’ the Dream story to [email protected]. Be sure to include your contact info.

We’ve already featured stories on Evan Windham, Madeline McClurg, Daniel Purcell, Christy Brown, Anna Roberts, Salem Dover, Trent and Ashley Davis, Luke Metz, Annette Mier, Keri McCoy, Abbie Franklin, Jason Fowler, Tricia Hise, and Chet Baker.

Your dream story could be next!

Roads Less Traveled: Misty Mountain Sunset

By

Tyler Penland

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June 9, 2024

This spring has been a slow one for me from a photography standpoint.

In a normal year, I have already seen at least a dozen or more sunsets from several locations along the southern Appalachians, primarily along the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway. This year, with work, weather, and sickness, I have only made it out to a small handful. That said, I was able to journey all the way to milepost 309 outside of Boone, NC where my favorite sunset spot in the country lies: Flat Rock.

This time of year is when spring is just reaching the higher elevations of the Appalachians. Over the next couple of weeks, the highest peaks above 6,000 feet will finally bloom with rhododendrons and azaleas, and my favorite spot, the Roan Highlands, will be peaking (hopefully with me there to witness). Right now, the sweet spot lies around 4,000-5,000 feet, where mountain laurels, rhododendrons, and flame azaleas are thriving. This particular night, I will be focused on mountain laurel.

Sunset on some Mountain Laurel (Photo by Tyler Penland)

I have been to Flat Rock enough to know roughly where every plant is. It is a weird thing to know, but an important one for photography since you don’t always have a lot of time to explore.

This particular night, I arrived just after a thunderstorm, and, as luck would have it, the skies were quickly clearing to the east. The sun broke through the clouds and lit up the lingering mist in the valley below. I have seen a few sunsets like this over the years, and they have always been some of my favorites. Seeing the clouds below is truly an unforgettable experience, especially when the sun hits them and lights them up golden orange.

One important part of photography is not letting a good sunset go to waste. I spent the next half hour after arriving, getting every possible angle: close-ups, far-away, and different angles.

Of course, sometimes you have to flip the camera sideways to get something new. There was a time when 95% of the photographs I took were turned portrait. These days, with wide-angle lenses, I tend to run more 50/50.

Last moments of sunshine on some Mountain Laurel (Photo by Tyler Penland)

The best sunsets don’t stop when the sun sets, however. Any sunset chaser worth their salt knows that the best part of a sunset often comes after the sun has gone down. This wasn’t necessarily the case this evening, but the after-sunset show was still spectacular. The higher clouds to the south were lit a beautiful pink, matching the white and pink blooms of the mountain laurel.

I like this spot in particular because you get not only a mountain laurel but also a Galax flower that blooms right next to it. The Southern Appalachians are covered up with Galax and their white blooms are quite pretty.

Just after sunset (Photo by Tyler Penland)

As the sun continued to sink, the lingering clouds just overhead were lit a beautiful pink.

After sunset skies fade into pink (Photo by Tyler Penland)

After this, the sky would fade into black, and the stars would return as I journeyed home.

A misty mountain sunset was in the books; this one was no fantasy.

The right use of strength

By

Lynn Walker Gendusa

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June 9, 2024

Mom's valedictory speech — I still have Mom's copy of the valedictory speech she delivered when she graduated from high school. (Photo by Lynn Walker Gendusa)

After my mother passed away in June 2010, I kept her personal information and papers in a plastic bin. Whenever I want to feel close to her, I open the bin and read an old letter or leaf through her yearbook. Each time, I discover a new pearl of wisdom.

Her valedictory speech was among high school report cards and newspaper clippings. When I picked up the worn papers, one typewritten note fell to the floor; it looked as if she had cut it out of a booklet. Perhaps she used it in her speech, but the words were vitally important.

“Greatness: Greatness means service instead of authority, character instead of reputation, giving instead of taking, ministering instead of being ministered unto. Be a great man or a great woman but remember this— GREATNESS lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.”

We just commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where 160,000 allied troops gathered to defeat evil tyranny. Many soldiers died to keep freedom alive. Without allies joining hands, soldiers serving, character flourishing, greatness would never have survived.

These men and women, the heroes of my mother’s generation, were not just strong, they were united in their purpose. They overcame adversities and enemies, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness. Most have passed on, their lives a testament to the power of sacrifice. The remaining few are living embodiments of what it means to be honorable. They believed in defending America at all costs, even if it meant facing death without retreat.

Today, as we stand at the crossroads of our nation’s history, it’s time to ask ourselves if we suffer from amnesia. Those men and women who united to fight for our future in past wars should inspire us today. We should be ashamed of our recent behavior as a divided nation. It’s time to remember the true meaning of “united” and to act upon it.

It’s crucial to recognize that our political views alone cannot save America. Whether Republicans or Democrats, we must understand that both sides have valid perspectives. Unity, not division, will lead us to greatness. How could D-Day occur without harmony among ourselves and our allies?

We have divided ourselves into chaotic sadness. Many of our government representatives are blame throwers instead of idea seekers. Is winning a race more important than saving the integrity of a nation?

Currently, we listen to news that aligns with our opinions instead of eagerly awaiting factual updates on the radio, as they did during World War II. We often categorize and generalize people and then make judgments. There is no honor in being closed-minded or judgmental.

What has surprised me, and many others, is that we often don’t use history, faith, or gratitude to find peaceful solutions. History, when understood, can guide us toward avoiding past mistakes. When practiced with humility and inclusivity, faith can unite us in our shared values. Gratitude, when sincere, can foster empathy and understanding.

Yet, many replace history with falsehoods spread on the internet. Faith is set aside for Sunday but perhaps not used on Monday when we condemn those who do not believe as we do. Showing the world our self-righteous behavior turns many from God’s righteous love.

When Mom graduated in 1936, she told her classmates at the end of her address, “Let us keep our colors ever flying high, face the future boldly, and turn the pilot wheel upon the principles of honor.”

Many of her peers left to fight the enemy soon after graduation without fear or trepidation. These brave Americans flew no flag other than our nation’s red, white, and blue. They put aside the political debates, ignored the color of their skin, and prayed together for courage in the battles ahead. For they knew they would boldly face the cliffs of death together. They turned the pilot wheel of honor, and we are the beneficiaries of their determination and faith.

How many have heard, “It’s the economy, stupid!” during an election cycle? Mom and her classmates survived the Great Depression but soon confronted World War II. As I think about the poverty and fear that wreaked havoc on this nation, it wasn’t the nation’s wealth that saved it: It was the faith and the united will of the American people. America’s stability relies not only on our economy; it involves much more.

Greatness is found when we use our spiritual courage to unite, conquer hate, and achieve peace.

God bless our ancestors for teaching us how to use strength wisely and with dignity. Let us honor them by following in their brave footsteps.

Former employee accused of embezzling $3M from Athens company

By

Staff Report

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June 8, 2024

An employee at Integrity Foods in Athens allegedly embezzled $3M in payroll money from the company over a period of 6 years. (Source: Google Maps)

Athens-Clarke County police are investigating the alleged embezzlement of more than three million dollars from a Northeast Georgia poultry processing plant. The alleged theft occurred over a six-year period at Integrity Foods in Athens.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports that company officials filed a complaint with police on May 22. According to the report, the suspect was fired after the missing money was discovered. The suspect allegedly created false employment records for former employees and had the checks directly deposited into accounts the suspect controlled.

When the alleged scheme was discovered, company officials began monitoring the payroll, which led to the employee’s firing. The newspaper reports that the company provided documents on the transactions and fraudulent records to the police.

No arrests have been made.