Go West, young man: heading home

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December 31, 2023

In October, my father and I traveled west to view the ring of fire eclipse. I checked many things off my bucket list during the trip and got some fantastic photos. This is the last in a series of articles about that trip. For more in the series, click here.

Our final night in Colorado was spent near Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

The park lies at the foot of, not surprisingly, Cheyenne Mountain. The mountain is primarily known as the location of NORAD. The military base is built physically into the mountain via tunnels. The state park is squeezed in between Fort Carson and the NORAD complex but is quite beautiful in its own way.

Cheyenne Mountain from the entrance of Cheyenne Mountain State Park (Photo by Tyler Penland)

One thing the park is well known for is its diverse wildlife. We were only there for a few hours of daylight between the evening and morning, but we managed to see some mule deer just after sundown that night.

Mule deer near the entrance of Cheyenne Mountain State Park (Photo by Tyler Penland)

Upon awakening the next morning to reveille being played very loudly at Fort Carson, we began packing. I quickly noticed a hot air balloon off in the distance. These extremely cool vehicles are quite common out west, where there are plentiful large, flat areas to fly them without risk of hitting trees.

We were visiting during the same time as the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I suspect that this guy had been down there for a visit. The harsh morning sunlight made photography difficult but it was quite fun to watch him rise up and down off in the distance.

A hot air balloon over the open plains near Fort Carson (Photo by Tyler Penland)

I had seen a couple of prairie dogs while driving into the park the night before but wasn’t able to get any photos. Fortunately, they were already out in full force as we made our exit from the park, and I managed to snag a couple of quick photographs of these adorable little animals.

A prairie dog in the classic upright pose (Photo by Tyler Penland)

The prairie dogs had burrows dug all over, including right next to the roadway.

This little guy was protecting its den from us as we drove by, as evidenced by its posture covering up the hole. It was ready for a quick getaway in case we were predators.

A prairie dog guarding its den from my camera and myself (Photo by Tyler Penland)

After several hours spent driving to the Denver Airport, it was sadly time to head back east.

While landing back in Charlotte, we had the pleasure of seeing the sunset above the clouds. It was an experience like none other.

Getting good photographs through dirty plane windows is difficult, but I did the best I could. I think I managed to capture the beauty quite well, given the circumstances.

Suffice it to say, no photograph could ever capture just how incredible it is to witness this in person.

The sunset as seen from the airplane landing in Charlotte (Photo by Tyler Penland)

And so, our journey to view the eclipse and the great American West had come to an end. After visiting multiple national parks, monuments, and state parks, it was time for the drive back home.

“Go West, young man, and grow up with the country” was a popular phrase in the nineteenth century. It became the motto for westward expansion and a call to adventure that I answered: I’m certainly glad that I did.

The Boys in the Boat

By

Justin Hall

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December 31, 2023

First, it was The Iron Claw. Then it was Ferrari. Now The Boys In The Boat completes the trifecta of movies based on true stories for the holiday season. The best thing I can say about The Boys In The Boat is that it’s handsomely made. The worst I can say is that it’s consistently bland.

From the novel of the same name by Daniel James Brown, the movie takes place in 1936 at the University of Washington and centers around the rowing team that is vying to get a spot at that year’s Olympic games.

The movie focuses on a few of the teammates rather than the team as a whole. Callum Turner plays Joe Rantz, a student on the team who is in trouble of losing his place at the school due to outstanding debts. Of course, he finds a way to counter that and falls in love with a girl (Hadley Robinson).

Joel Edgerton plays the coach Al Ulbrickson who dominates the boys’ will to win with an iron fist, but they also have a nurturing presence in the form of their builder George Pocock (Peter Guinness). He gives out Yoda-like sentiments to encourage the boys.

The rowing scenes aren’t very exciting in this movie, but Clooney dodges around that thanks to some quick editing by Tanya M. Swerling that gives the scenes a little oomph.

There are no surprises nor even the tiniest hint of suspense in The Boys In The Boat because we know more or less what the inevitable outcome will be, but Clooney knows how to make this film look and feel old-fashioned, which has its advantages and disadvantages.

Clooney has had a checkered record when it comes to his directorial efforts. For every Good Night, and Good Luck, there’s also a Leatherheads or a The Monuments Men. Sadly, this one falls into the latter.

The Boys In The Boat is well-intentioned, but ultimately it’s far too dull and predictable for me to recommend.

It doesn’t even come close to earning even a bronze medal.

Grade: C+

(Rated PG-13 for language and smoking.)

Lions drop 91-86 contest at Birmingham-Southern

By

Danielle Percival

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December 30, 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Piedmont University men’s basketball team was in a battle Saturday against Birmingham-Southern, with the Panthers emerging victorious 91-86.

There were 17 lead changes in this back-and-forth battle, but in the end, the Panthers were able to convert inside the final 30 seconds.

With just under 30 seconds remaining Piedmont trailed by four, looking for Bailey Wiseman on the wings. Ryan Jolly was able to drive the lane and cut the lead to two with 16 seconds to play.

A quick foul put the Panthers on the line and both fell for BSC, proving to be the difference and put this one away. The Lions missed a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession while BSC hit 1-of-2 from the line to seal the five-point victory.

In the first half, Piedmont trailed by as many as 15 but cut it to seven at the half to trail 40-33. The Lions tied it up at 40 out of the half and claimed the lead with 16:40 remaining.

Piedmont increased its lead to seven 57-50 with 12:30 on the clock, but from that point on, momentum swung in favor of the Panthers. Piedmont regained the lead inside the final four minutes of play but was unable to close it out.

Up next, the Lions will head to Greensboro College to face the Pride on Tuesday, January 2 at 4 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
–Birmingham-Southern was able to outscore Piedmont 8-2 down the stretch for the victory.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
–Ryan Jolly led Piedmont with 20 points while Fisher Darden added 19.
–BSC’s Jay Gillespie put up impressive numbers with 24 points and 21 rebounds against the Lions.

NEWS AND NOTES:
–In total, there were 17 lead changes and 11 ties in the game.

Lions rebound with 76-51 rout over Worcester State

By

Joseph Garwood

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December 30, 2023

DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont women’s basketball team snapped its losing streak with a 76-51 win on Saturday afternoon at Cave Arena.

Playing their final game of 2023, the Lions used a strong defensive first half to jump out to an early lead and never look back, ending nonconference play on a high note.

Once again, it was a balanced scoring attack from Piedmont, as 14 different players found the scoring column. The group was led by a pair of seniors, as Ashley Scott scored a team-high 13 points on 3-of-6 from beyond the arc while adding three steals and three rebounds. She was joined in double figures by Laken Stiles, who delivered 12 points with a team-best four assists.

The Lancers led once during the game, at 3-2, before Piedmont slowly took control.

Leading by four going into the second quarter, the Lions stepped up their defense, holding Worcester State to just seven points in the second quarter to lead 32-20 at the break.

Piedmont was able to push the lead to 42-25 early in the third quarter before the Lancers fought back to make it a single-digit game at 42-33 thanks to an 8-0 run. However, after a Piedmont timeout, the Lions were able to extend their lead to 48-34 going to the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw the Lions blitz the Lancers and erase all doubt, with a 9-2 run early in the period with a Scott three-pointer and multiple free throws from Stiles. Piedmont led by as many as 27 points in the final quarter, coasting to the victory.

Up next, the Lions are set to begin CCS conference play, hosting LaGrange on Friday, Jan. 5 at 5 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
– Piedmont held the Lancers to just seven points in the second quarter to build a double-digit lead and take control of the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Scott delivered a breakout game, scoring 13 points on 3-of-6 from downtown.
– Freshman Alexandria Willis totaled eight points on 4-of-5 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds.

Hall County Sheriff’s Office asks for help identifying suspect in heavy equipment theft

By

Staff Report

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December 30, 2023

HCSO BOLO — Hall County investigators want to speak with this man regarding the Nov. 30, 2023, theft of heavy equipment from a business on Lanier Islands Parkway. (photo from Hall County Sheriff's Office)

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office needs your help finding a man who allegedly stole heavy equipment from a facility on Lanier Islands Parkway.

A post on social media says the man picked up a mini excavator and other heavy equipment back in the fall from a facility on the 6000 block of Lanier Islands Parkway but never returned it.

The business owner called the sheriff’s office for help finding the man, who is still not identified.

The suspect is believed to have driven a blue Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

If you recognize the man or know anything about the incident, you are asked to call HCSO Investigator Rodriguez at 770-531-6953 or email [email protected].

This article was written using assistive AI technology

3 remain jailed following meth trafficking busts in Habersham, White

By

Staff Report

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December 30, 2023

Three suspects remain behind bars following their recent arrests in Habersham and White counties on drug trafficking charges.

Ronald Bafile and Cody Fendley of Cleveland, and Megan Bafile of Dahlonega were arrested the week before Christmas. The Bafiles were picked up on Tuesday, Dec. 19, following a high-speed chase in Baldwin. Fendley was arrested the day before as part of what the GBI describes as a “multi-day operation.”

The operation was carried out by the White County Sheriff’s Office, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO). The Cleveland Police Department also assisted, the GBI says.

The joint effort resulted in the three arrests and seizure of more than $15,000 worth of illegal drugs.

Authorities charged the 38-year-old Fendley with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. He was also wanted on previous charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and criminal trespass.

The Bafiles are each charged with trafficking meth, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled substance (Xanax). Both had prior convictions on unrelated charges and had a Smith & Wesson .380 with them at the time of their arrest, arrest warrants show.

Ronald Bafile, 42, is also charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, while Megan Bafile, 31, is charged with obstruction of law enforcement. Both remain in the Habersham County Detention Center without bond.

Fendley is being held in the White County jail.

During the operation, investigators say more than a pound of suspected methamphetamine, as well as suspected fentanyl and marijuana, were seized. The drugs have an estimated street value of $15,000.

The GBI says the investigation remains active.

ARDEO is a multi-agency unit that covers 30 North Georgia counties. Agents encourage anyone with information about drug activity to call ARDEO at 706-348-7410. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or online.

2024 primary voting in Georgia: what you need to know

By

Stephen Fowler

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December 30, 2023

There are three options to vote in 2024: requesting an absentee by mail ballot, during in-person early voting windows and on election day. (GPB News photo)

It’s always voting season for Georgia’s local elections offices, and 2024 will be no different.

The presidential primary will be on March 12, while primaries for other races will be held on May 21.

All eyes will be on the Peach State for November’s general election, where about 5 million ballots are expected to be cast for president, every state lawmaker, and Georgia’s 14 U.S. House seats.

There are three options to vote — requesting an absentee by mail ballot, in person during three weeks of early voting, and, of course, on Election Day.

Georgians can visit My Voter Page for details.

For a full list of state primary and presidential election dates for 2024 nationwide, click here.

This article appears on Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News

The resolution list

By

Nora Almazan

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December 30, 2023

A new year… a fresh start…

Maybe finally, becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be. Getting rid of the past. Doing the things you’ve always wanted to do. Acting the way you’ve always wanted to act. Looking the way you’ve always wanted to look.

We all do it, whether consciously or unconsciously. We make our lists of resolutions at the turn of the year to reach our ultimate goals and declare with vigor – “This is the year I will finally get it right!” And somewhere around February, we’ve returned to our old, bad habits.

Magnolia trees adorn my parents’ home in Dublin, Georgia. My sister Renie and I spent many hours climbing the trunks and hiding amongst the enormous leaves. I returned home recently. My daddy passed away in April. I spent time just wandering around the place I grew up. One particular tree, which we could reach the top of in less than minutes, now stands regally, thick in the trunk, with branches that spread beyond my imagination, standing higher than the house itself.

Smiling, I noticed an unnatural twist on one side and remembered swinging from the young, limber branches in an arched-like fashion, landing feet first (most of the time) on the other side of the yard. Renie and I enjoyed hours of summer fun supplied by the young tree; now, some 50 years later, it dominates the yard.

This morning in my prayers, I thought of the damaged trunk that my sister and I caused to the Magnolia tree. It reminded me of myself and the endless conversations I have had with God. So much has happened in my life. I’ve prayed for God to take away the pains of my past, things I do not want to have happened in my life. Heal the broken pieces of my heart. Even in my prayers, I ask God to somehow magically change the past. Remove what happened and make it straight again. The tree came to mind. The unnatural twist in its trunk makes it uniquely beautiful – even more majestic than the other Magnolias as it stands sturdy, strong, and resistant despite the bend.

His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. Sometimes healing comes not by removing what has occurred but by taking the damage and turning it into something rare and special. In Ecclesiastes 7:12, “Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?” I purposely did not capitalize the h in “he” because there are incidences in our lives that are caused by God for a very specific reason and others caused by Satan to defeat us. Either way, God is orchestrating the events of life, the good, the bad, the very things that we feel will destroy us, for a purpose far greater than we can imagine. When evil hurls a damaging blow, God uses it to make us majestically beautiful.

I’ve also come to realize that many times we view ourselves as broken and unfixable. The very pieces we view as tattered and torn could be exactly what God needed to help us become what He wants us to become – not broken but becoming something really beautiful.

As you make your resolution list for 2024 – remember a few simple tips:

1. Your ending is far more important than your beginning. Sometimes we spend too much effort looking at our past and trying to change it. Rearview mirrors are for glances. What’s ahead of you is far more important to God than what’s behind you. Plan accordingly.

2. Use your bends and twists. You are a survivor and what has happened in your life can be used as a source of strength. When obstacles come your way, when bad things happen, realize where you’ve been and who brought you through it.

3. You do have a choice. Each of us chooses every day whether to live in anger and despair over all the unfairness of life or to choose joy. The blessings in your life are just as significant as the difficulties. Give them each the proper weight.

4. Make Faith your first decision. Sometimes having faith is the last result. Make it your first. Believe first that God will handle the situation for your benefit instead of waiting until you have no other route to decide God can help.

5. Decide this is the year you BECOME what God has intended you to be.

Those who truly understand the value of knowing God will exchange all that they have to follow Him. Make 2024 your year.

Michael Edward Murneek

By

Now Habersham

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December 29, 2023

Michael Edward Murneek, age 66, of Commerce, Georgia, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023.

Michael was born on August 5, 1957, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to the late William Robert and Clare Nelson Murneek. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, William Phillip Pruitt.

Survivors include his significant other, Jennie Murneek, of Mineral Bluff, GA; sisters, Lenda Murneek Utzman, of Commerce; Janet Murneek Hein and her husband, William Hein, of Mathews, NC; nephews, John Daniel and James Wilbur; and countless great-nephews, one niece, and numerous friends.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.

Construction and demolition waste? Here’s where to go and what to expect

By

Jerry Neace

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December 29, 2023

C and D cell landfill — The landfill will stop accepting construction and demolition waste on February 29, 2024. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

Construction and demolition waste is something most residents do not have to worry about. But for the “do-it-yourself” property owner, it is a must to discard old shingles or old broken cement blocks. Not a concern for the average property owner – until it is a concern. Then the question arises, “Where do I take this junk?”

Now that Habersham County commissioners have voted to stop accepting C&D waste at the county landfill in February, what are contractors and residents to do?

Habersham County Solid Waste Director Johnny Vickers reported at the Habersham County Commission meeting on December 17 that Crystal Creek Inert Landfill in Gainesville was an option for C&D waste disposal. Vickers reported after the meeting that they had recently discontinued that service. Now Habersham has confirmed that report.

The closest C&D landfill in Habersham County is Habersham C&D, LLC. Habersham C&D accepts construction and demolition waste and is located 2.4 miles from the landfill on Welcome Home Road in Mt. Airy.

Habersham C&D LLC

The business recently opened this past year, receiving approval from the county commission for a conditional use permit for the property last January. The business does not currently have set operation hours for property owners to dump at their site.

Currently, commercial contractors can set up an account and can dump 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The business also has a minimum dumping fee based on a per-load fee schedule. The minimum fee per load for C&D waste is $140. This is based on commercial roll-off containers.

The business is currently set up for commercial accounts primarily but is diligently working towards accepting property owner C&D waste very shortly.

Metro Green Franklin

Metro Green Franklin was also mentioned in the commission meeting as a possible option, and it has been confirmed that they do accept construction and demolition waste from contractors and property owners. The business is located in Carnesville adding 25 miles from the landfill. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed weekends. The Metro Green Franklin website lists what they will not accept. The charge per ton for C&D waste is $55.

Waste Management R&B Landfill

Waste Management R & B Landfill is located in Banks County. It accepts C&D waste from contractors and property owners. It is located outside of Homer and is an additional 22 miles from the landfill. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They are open Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The charge per ton for C&D waste is $72.22 per ton with a 1-ton minimum. Other fees may apply.

Gainesville Waste and Recycling

Gainesville Waste and Recycling (GWAR) accepts C&D waste from contractors and property owners. It is located in Gainesville and is 32 miles from the landfill. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost per ton for C&D waste is $53 per ton.

Comparisons

For comparison purposes, the Habersham County landfill currently charges $55 per ton for C&D waste. The landfill’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The landfill has restrictions on what it will accept.

All C&D landfills vary in cost depending on what is dumped at their locations. Also, C&D landfills will have some type of restrictions based on what they will and will not accept. This will add a level of inconvenience when traveling to another landfill. For example, some take trees and tree debris and some don’t. C&D waste may need to be separated due to varying costs, adding yet another level of inconvenience and the possibility of making multiple trips. For example, shingles may cost one price per ton to dump and concrete may cost a different price.

Hours of operation are another thing that will need to be considered, especially for property owners. Some C&D landfills do not operate on weekends or do not operate during inclement weather, adding another level of inconvenience and possibly driving up the cost for the “do-it-yourself” property owner.

Property owners will need to do their research and contact the C&D landfill before making the trip to ensure they will accept what is intended to be dumped and whether it will need to be separated.

RELATED

Impact of Habersham’s decision to end C&D waste intake

Impact of Habersham’s decision to end C&D waste intake

By

Jerry Neace

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December 29, 2023

Habersham landfill sign — (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The question on everyone’s mind is what will be the impact on businesses and residents with the decision made by the Habersham County Commission. Effective February 29, 2024, the Habersham County landfill will no longer accept construction and demolition (C&D) waste. The eventual closure of the C&D cells puts a strain on the county as well. The impact on county finances, residents, and construction contractors working in Habersham County remains to be seen.

To dispose of these waste materials, contractors and residents will have to travel further adding even higher costs to construction and demolition projects. For the next 60 days, the county will accept C&D waste to accommodate current projects; however, future projects will see inherent increases in waste removal costs due to the time and distances required to travel to disposal sites outside of the county.

Impacts on the county

The county will encounter an immediate financial impact once the landfill stops accepting C&D waste. No longer will the landfill receive approximately $632,000 in tipping fee revenue per year. Finance Director Tim Sims explained the repercussions of not accepting C&D waste at the September 18 work session. “Based on last year’s numbers, July (2022) to June (2023), there was about $632,000 in revenue from the C&D to the landfill,” Sims told the commissioners. He explained that the landfill will show a loss each year but that loss is from non-cash expenses of depreciation and post-closure expenses. Sims told the commissioners, “Cash-wise, I think we will be OK. We’ll just show a loss every year because of the depreciation and post-closure costs.”

Sims was asked by the commission what the revenue was at the landfill. He stated that the landfill generated last year approximately $2.8 million in total. When you back off the C&D revenue, it would decrease to approximately $2.2 million.

The fund balance will be reduced

According to County Manager Alicia Vaughn, that impact will reduce the fund balance for the landfill over time which is used to purchase new equipment and pay for capital projects related to the landfill. She informed the commission, “We’re not going to be building up any significant fund balance.” She warned, “It’s important to know that is going to put a new burden eventually on the General Fund.” Vaughn added, “Any plans to build a transfer station or anything like that will have to be considered through the General Fund.”

Other impacts

Another impact for the county that has not been addressed will be enforcement. Once the landfill stops accepting C&D waste, illegal dumping will increase due to the inconvenience and costs associated with going out of the county to dump. The impact for the county will be the need for additional code enforcement officers to cite those who dump illegally and those property owners who allow illegal dumping on their property. The county will also be responsible for cleaning up illegal dumps that occur on rarely traveled roads.

Impacts on residents and businesses

Residents and businesses will be impacted due to increased travel times and costs by taking their C&D waste to a location outside of the county. The inconvenience will come for residents because there are only one or two landfills that accept C&D waste on Saturdays.

Property taxes will be targeted eventually by the loss in revenue at the landfill. There will be a need to subsidize the landfill for large capital expenditures. To minimize the subsidy on property owners, tipping fees for household trash may have to increase in the future to cover new equipment costs and capital improvements.

Proactive measures

Proactive measures have been taken by some waste contractors who started diverting C&D waste to other landfills years ago. According to Waste Away owner Matt McKay, he began diverting most of his trash a few years ago to the Waste Management landfill in Banks County. He explained that the diversion was due to reports that the Habersham County landfill was filling up faster than anticipated. He also stated that all of his C&D waste was diverted to Banks County years ago as well due to costs at the Habersham County landfill. Recently, he has started taking lighter loads of C&D waste to Habersham C&D, LLC on Welcome Home Road in Mt Airy.

There is much to be explored regarding the Landfill and the necessary measures to take to ensure the future of Habersham County and its businesses and residents.

SEE ALSO

Construction and demolition waste? Here’s where to go and what to expect

Lions unable to keep pace in home loss to Hardin-Simmons

By

Joseph Garwood

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December 29, 2023

DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont women’s basketball team was unable to keep pace with a strong Hardin-Simmons team, falling 98-70 at Cave Arena on Friday afternoon.

Playing its first countable contest since December 5, the Lions scored the opening basket, but it was all Cowgirls from there, as they ripped off a big first quarter run and scored 59 first-half points to remove all doubt from the outcome.

Bentley Cronic led Piedmont with 13 points scoring eight of those points in the first half on 2-of-3 from three-point range. Colby Reed joined in double figures, adding 12 points on three made three-pointers. Freshman Alexandria Willis was productive down low, with 11 points, five rebounds and a 5-of-7 showing at the free throw line.

Although the halftime deficit was too large to overcome, Piedmont fought back in the second half, outscoring the Cowgirls 22-16 in the final quarter and 44-39 in the second half.

Overall, Hardin-Simmons dominated the glass, enjoying a 53-39 rebounding edge.

Up next, the Lions will be right back in action, hosting Worcester State tomorrow at 2 p.m. inside Cave Arena.