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3 injured in crash on Hwy. 441 in Demorest

By
Staff Report
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Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 441 in Demorest on Monday, April 3, 2023. (Red Bird Media)

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Demorest. A 911 caller reported the wreck on Highway 441 at Charlie Batson Road around 4:30 p.m. on April 3.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, 62-year-old Vickie Hoose of Alto was driving a Subaru Forester. She failed to yield when entering the highway from a nearby business. A Chevy S10 pickup truck struck the Subaru on the driver’s side. After impact, both vehicles ran off the road into a field.

Troopers identified the pickup truck driver as 58-year-old Richard Gibson of Demorest.

The wreck injured both drivers and a passenger in the Subaru, 42-year-old Jennifer Pitts of Alto. All three sustained possible minor injuries, state troopers say.

(Red Bird Media)
(Red Bird Media)
The crash temporarily shut down both lanes of travel on U.S. 441 Business at Charlie Batson Road in Demorest. (Red Bird Media)

Habersham EMS transported the injured drivers to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for treatment.

The wreck temporarily shut down both lanes of the highway near the crash site as law enforcement investigated and tow trucks cleared the scene.

The Georgia State Patrol says charges are pending against Hoose.

Bill requiring prescription drug discount sharing with Georgia patients falters in the Senate

By
Jill Nolin
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Rep. Mark Newton, an Augusta Republican, argued lawmakers should intervene and require pharmacy benefit managers to share prescription drug discounts with consumers. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)

(GA Recorder) — A bipartisan measure that would require prescription drug discounts to be shared with Georgia consumers stalled in the Senate.

The bill centered on pharmacy benefit managers, which act as the go-between for health insurance companies and prescription drugmakers. Acting on behalf of insurers, these pharmacy benefit managers negotiate discounts in the form of rebates with the manufacturers.

“Unfortunately, oftentimes the PBM keeps much or all of that rebate rather than passing the discount or the benefit of the discount through to the patient,” said Rep. Mark Newton, an Augusta Republican who is sponsoring the bill.

Newton tried to make the case this session that lawmakers should intervene and require these third parties to share the savings with consumers in hopes of lowering their out-of-pocket costs, particularly when it comes to newer medications.

“They’re making that profit, and a lot of what they’re making it off of is not passing it through to reduce premiums but passing it through to their shareholders, which normally I don’t mind until it becomes excessive,” Newton said. “And when excessive profit desire hurts patients, I think that’s our obligation to step in at that point and defend the patient.”

Under the bill, pharmacy benefit managers would have to share at least 50% of the rebate with patients, although the changes would not apply to anyone covered by federally regulated health insurance plans.

The proposal, which also includes reporting requirements meant to increase transparency, sailed through the House with a 168-to-3 vote early last month. But it stalled in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in the final days of the session when it was narrowly defeated with a 5-to-6 vote.

Newton’s bill ran into opposition from insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and the National Federation of Independent Business, which represents small businesses. Opponents argued the measure was unnecessary because point-of-sale rebate plans are already available to employers, and the changes called for would drive up costs for everyone.

Newton acknowledged premiums would likely increase but said it would be minimal. He also argued his bill could lower costs in the long run if prescriptions were more affordable, helping patients to take them more consistently.

But the proposal also ran into some skepticism about its potential to help consumers.

“It seems to me that the problem is that the prices of these drugs are extraordinarily high,” said Sen. Kim Jackson, a Stone Mountain Democrat. “And I’m having a hard time understanding how this changes that. So what would prevent a drug company from just continuing to increase the price while offering a rebate?”

The bill remains alive for next year, and advocates say they will be back again.

“Insurers and PBMs are in this fight for their profits. Patients are in this fight to save our lives,” said Dorothy Leone-Glasser, executive director of Advocates for Responsible Care.

 

Brenda Hunnicutt Broome

By
Now Habersham
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Brenda Hunnicutt Broome, age 76, of Homer, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 3, 2023.

Mrs. Broome was born on August 16, 1946, in Habersham County, Georgia, to the late Minor Marvin and Annie Pearl Nix Hunnicutt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Doris Smith and Lucy Bowden; brothers, Mandle Hunnicutt, Horace Hunnicutt, Clois Hunnicutt, HC Hunnicutt, Robert Hunnicutt, Malcolm Hunnicutt; daughter-in-law, Karen Broome; sister-in-law, Patricia Broome Gailey; brother-in-law, Terry Stover; and niece, Carrie Fuerte.

Brenda will be remembered as a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known to her grandchildren as “Memaw.”

Survivors include her husband, Branson Broome, of Homer; daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Barry Alexander, of Sautee Nacoochee; sons, Boyd Broome, of Homer; Wendell Broome, of Toccoa; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Dawn Broome, of Toccoa; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Gene Martin, of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Brannon Broome, Hope Stewart, Heather Marriott, Kayla Cross, Breanna Damera; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Rev. Roy Bainey and Rev. Wayne Marcus officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Albert Benjamin Chitwood

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Now Habersham
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Albert Benjamin Chitwood, age 78, of Clarkesville, Georgia, took his heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 3, 2023.

Born in Banks County, Georgia, on June 27, 1944, he was the son of the late Oscar Benjamin “O.B.” Chitwood & the late Ruby Jones Chitwood Free. Albert retired from American Bag & Linen, where he worked as a sewing machine mechanic with over 30 years of dedicated service. He honored God first and was a devoted husband, a dedicated father, as well as a doting grandfather & great-grandfather. In his spare time, Albert enjoyed plowing a garden with his mules, being outdoors, and working in his shop repairing small engines. He was affectionately known as “Pop,” not only to his grandchildren but many others who claimed him as well. Albert was a long-time member of the Return Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded in death by his infant son, David Daniel Chitwood; grandson, Adam “A.J.” Chitwood; sister, Frances Tench; step-father, Robert Free; & brother-in-law, Glenn Chastain.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Frances Ann Lynch Chitwood; sons & daughter-in-law, Benji & Jessica Chitwood; Cohen Chitwood, all of Clarkesville, GA; sisters & brother-in-law, Grace Chastain of Alto, GA; Bessie & John Green of Mount Airy, GA; grandchildren, Jana Chitwood Osteen, Ben Chitwood, Tyson Chitwood, Taylor Chitwood, Zachary Chitwood, & Hunter Chitwood; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Keegan, Joseph, Jace, Jaisley, & Juneleigh; numerous others that called him “Pop” as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.

Albert’s request was to be cremated with a private family service to be held.

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

Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Marshall Elijah “M.E.” Cash

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Now Habersham
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Marshall Elijah “M.E.” Cash, age 82, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Mr. Cash was born on December 23, 1940, in Stephens County, Georgia, to the late George Bush and Zelma Brady Cash. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dean Mitchell Cash.

Mr. Cash was a United States Coast Guard Veteran. He had retired from Georgia Power with 38 years of loyal service. He was also Co-Owner of Cash’s Greenhouse. Mr. Cash also served as a Deacon at Hillside Baptist Church. Marshall was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying his time outdoors. He was also a member of the Joseph Habersham Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Marshall will be remembered as a “Jack of all trades.” He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Marshall was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and “Grand Papa” to his great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Janie Delories Cash, of Demorest; daughter, Cheryl Cash, of Corsica, SD; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and David Masters, of Gainesville; granddaughters, Daniele Pointer and her husband, Alex; and their two children, Isabella and Brooklin; Brittany Loggins, and her husband, Jonathan; and their three children, Jordan, Kylie, Karlie; and brother, Lynwood Gary Cash, of Tiger.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Homes, South Chapel, with Rev. Larry Free and Rev. David Masters officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Coast Guard and the Grant Reeves Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the funeral home.

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

Lana Louise Murray

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Now Habersham
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Lana Louise Murray, age 60, of Taylor, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

Born on May 30, 1962, in Dearborn, Michigan, she was a daughter of James Murray and Louise Cottenham Murray Dillman. Mrs. Murray was employed as a clerk in the food service industry and, in earlier years, was a weaver at Mount Vernon Mills. In her spare time, Lana enjoyed reading the Bible, loved flowers, and especially loved her family. She was of the Baptist faith.

Lana was preceded in death by her brother, James R. Murray.

In addition to her parents, survivors include sons Wayne Goss of Clarkesville, Nathaniel Jamieson, and Phillip Jamieson (Katie), both of Taylor, Michigan; grandchildren, Vince, Arielle Ashlyn, Joseph, Kenneth, Megan, and Karsyn; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Brenda Murray of Taylor, Michigan and Victoria Murray of Westland, Michigan; aunt Carolyn Dill, and uncle Donald Murray; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Camp Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with Pastor James Lyons officiating.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

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.

Ara Ann Palmer

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Now Habersham
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Ara Ann Palmer, age 86, of Oakwood entered heaven Sunday April 2, 2023, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville Campus.

Ara was born September 20, 1936, in Stone Mountain to the late Otis Sr. & Lottie Buffington. She retired from the Northeast Georgia Medical Center where she worked a number of years as a switchboard operator. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Palmer; youngest son, Jeff Palmer; brother, Otis Buffington & sister, Mamie Fauscett.

Left to cherish precious memories, son, Steve, Sr. (Judie) Palmer; daughter, Debbi Demarest; grandchildren, Natasha (Bill) Palmer, Steve Palmer, Jr, Justin (Terra) Palmer, Jeffery (Leanne) Palmer, Joel (Cherish) Palmer, Joshua (Susannah) Palmer & Michael (Victoria) Leathers; 14 great grandchildren, Margeaux, Thomas, Jackson, Larson, Jessie, Natalie, Brantly, Andrew, Jace, Cameron, Chandler, Nathan, Evelyn & Ethan; special nephew, Nathan Fauscett & several nieces & nephews also survive.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday April 21, 2023, at the Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Gary Osteen & Dr. Robert Klassen officiating. The family will greet friends & family at the graveside after the service.

You may sign the online guest book or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home of Gainesville is honored to serve the family of Ara Ann Palmer.

TFS Legends: Denika Lightbourne

By
TFS Athletics
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Denika Lightbourne (Crump Photo)

Denika Lightbourne has left an indelible mark on Tallulah Falls. Since her freshman year on the basketball court, she’s been that player that has turned heads. She was always destined to shine, and she’ll be soon taking her talents to NCAA Division I Dayton University as a member of the Lady Flames’ women’s basketball team.

In signing her Letter of Intent, Lightbourne became the first Tallulah Falls basketball player to go D-I. Her senior season was nothing short of sensational. She set a single-season scoring record of (523) points, topping the next four spots on the list set by Nyah Williams. Lightbourne finished second to Williams in career points (1,494) and became one of just two players (with Williams) to be a 1,000-point, 500-rebound member.

Lightbourne, a 1st Team All-State selection, 3-time 1st Team All-Region honoree, and one-time 2nd Team member, finished her prep career third all-time in rebounds (634) and is the all-time leader in assists (311), blocks (52), and steals (293). She tied Williams’ mark of most points in a single game with 40 on a January 2023 game against Commerce. Lightbourne tallied six 30-point games in her final season, marking the most by any player in school history. Furthermore, she had a total of 13 career games with 25 or more points.

Tallulah Falls has helped shape the future of Lightbourne.

“Playing for TFS really made me grow as a player,” says Lightbourne. “I have experienced different types of teams, work ethic, and chemistry, and it made me realize the type of people I want to be around and the type of leader I would like to be. I am grateful for this journey because I never would’ve believed in myself as much as I do now without the help of all my coaches and teammates.”

Lightbourne often took an active role in leadership rather than vocally early on, though she enhanced the latter part during her final season at TFS.

“I would say I was more of a quiet leader,” adds Lightbourne. “I would rather pull you to the side and have a conversation, but now I would consider myself more vocal and outgoing mainly because I’m expected to come out of that comfort zone. I try to let everyone be comfortable, learn how to take criticism, and just want to get better and remain focused while having fun.”

While Lightbourne has always been a standout since that 2019-20 freshman season, the players around her have helped her become the player she is now.

“This year, my teammates have really pushed me,” says Lightbourne. “Although they might not think so, I owe it all to them for helping me become the player I am today.”

Lightbourne has her place atop almost every statistical category, but more importantly, is her team’s success. Since her first game at Tallulah Falls, Lightbourne has been a part of four consecutive state playoff teams, including an Elite 8 run and Region Championship in 2021-22, a Sweet 16 run in ’19-20, and two other first-round appearances. In each of her four seasons, the Lady Indians were at one point state-ranked, peaking as high as #6 in 2021-22. The teams have been four of the top six scoring units in school history and have won (56) games.

NGHS and Lifepoint Rehabilitation to build new inpatient rehab facility

By
Now Habersham
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Artist's rendering of a new 61,000 square foot inpatient rehab facility NGHS is building in Gainesville. NGHS is partnering with Lifepoint Rehabilitiation on the $62 million project. Lifepoint is a division of Lifepoint Health based in Brentwood, Tennessee. (Source: NGHS)

Patients in need of long-term inpatient rehabilitation in North Georgia will soon have more access to these critical services. Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Tennessee-based Lifepoint Health, have entered into a joint venture partnership to build and operate a new inpatient rehabilitation facility in Gainesville.

The state of Georgia approved the project’s certificate of need last week.

Construction of the $62 million project is expected to begin later this year. NGHS and Lifepoint Rehabilitation anticipate opening the facility to patients in 2025.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville has offered inpatient rehabilitation care since 1989. This new facility will allow more patients to get the care they need closer to home, says NGHS Vice President of Oncology, Orthopedic and Rehabilitiation Services Kevin Matson.

“We’re so excited that this partnership will not only increase availability of this kind of care in the region, but it will also improve the patient experience and expand the kinds of therapies we can offer,” says Matson.

Doubling patient capacity

The new facility will provide intensive nursing, physical, occupational, and speech pathology services for adults recovering from conditions such as stroke, neurological disease, brain or spinal cord injury, and other debilitating illnesses or injuries.

With a total of 40 private rooms, the 61,000-square-foot facility will nearly double the patient capacity of the existing 24-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit at NGMC Gainesville. It will include a designated wing for brain injury and stroke patients, a large therapy suite, gym, private therapy rooms, a cooking therapy room, an Activities of Daily Living therapy apartment, and a variety of innovative rehabilitation equipment.

Lifepoint Rehabilitation will manage the day-to-day operations of the facility.

“We are proud to partner with Northeast Georgia Health System as we expand access to critically needed inpatient rehabilitation services for patients in Gainesville and the surrounding communities,” said Lifepoint’s vice president of operations David Stark.

When it opens, the NGHS rehabilitation facility will join Lifepoint Rehabilitation’s growing network of more than 30 inpatient rehab facilities across the country.

Smiles (and sun) shine at Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs Families

By
Joy Purcell
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Ava Davis hugs the Easter Bunny as Dylan Clark looks on. They joined about 30 others at Hillside Baptist Church in Cornelia on Saturday for a special needs family Easter egg hunt.

Heavy rain hit Habersham County Saturday morning, but it didn’t keep the sun – and smiles – from shining at the Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs Families.

Dozens of people turned out for the inaugural event held at Hillside Baptist Church in Cornelia.

“We had a good turnout with the weather having been so yucky this morning,” says event co-organizer Rhonda Stamey.

Around 30 people participated, including special needs children and adults, their siblings, parents, and caregivers.

It was a mad rush from the starting line as kids and adults sought to fill up their baskets and bags at the family-friendly event.
Jeremiah King hunts for some of the more than 400 candy-filled eggs placed outside Hillside Baptist Church on April 1, 2023.

Habersham Central High Special Education Teacher Stephanie Frankum Lewis volunteered to help at the event along with three Special Olympics student volunteers. Others volunteered their time and made generous donations to make it a memorable event.

You can come and ‘be you’

Lewis says she was there to support the families. She praised the first time event and its organizers, Stamey and Athena Harkins, who she calls “tireless advocates” for special needs families.

“You can enjoy it and have a wonderful day and feel included and supported and loved just for being you. That’s the beauty of this event,” she says, “it celebrates your diversity and celebrates your differences and encourages you to come and be you.”

Stephanie Lewis and Ava Davis are all smiles as they get a hug from the Easter Bunny.

Stamey and Harkins added Easter this year to their list of seasonal events they help coordinate for special needs families. They also put on annual Christmas and Halloween events. There are no age limits and all special needs families are welcome, no matter where they live.

Ava Davis of Habersham County participated in Saturday’s Easter egg hunt. She said being there with her brother, friends, and prizes “was perfect.” Judging from her smile and those of the others who participated, it’s clear she’s not the only one who thought so.

“Any time you see that many smiles, it makes all the effort and hard work worth it,” says Stamey.

Tickets on sale now for Senior Center Superhero fundraiser

By
Staff Report
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Habersham County Senior Center (NowHabersham.com)

Seven hundred. That’s Kathy Holcomb’s “dream” number of how many tickets she’d like to sell for the Habersham County Senior Center’s upcoming fundraiser. It’s a lofty but attainable goal and, if met, would go a long way to help support the county’s Meals on Wheels program and the purchase of a new bus.

“My dream would be 700 tickets; even with that, we still have the cost to purchase the supplies needed to pull this event off,” says Holcomb, who is the Senior Center director.

The event she’s referring to is a Superhero Pancake Breakfast at LongHorn Steakhouse in Cornelia. It’s scheduled for Saturday, April 15. Tickets are $7 a plate.

The breakfast promises to be more than just a meal – it will be an experience.

Ticket holders will get to enjoy a hearty breakfast alongside superheroes in capes and local first responders.

“The Heroes in Force group, located here in Habersham, has committed at least two professionally dressed heroes. We will have our own staff dressing out, and we are asking the children to come dressed in their own favorite attire,” says Holcomb.

In addition, there will be fire trucks, police cars, and other emergency vehicles on site for people to tour.

Head count

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase a walk-in-freezer to store meals that are distributed to the elderly and shut-ins in the county. Funds will also be used to help buy a third bus for the Senior Center to transport clients to and from the Center, doctor’s appointments, and other locations.

“With our growth, we need three buses almost every day,” explains Holcomb.

Tickets for the Superhero Pancake Breakfast are on sale now. They may be purchased at the Habersham County Senior Center during normal operating hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Senior Center is located at 217 Scoggins Drive in Demorest.

“We can take cash or check only,” says activity director Courtney Underwood. “We will be selling tickets at the door [at LongHorn Steakhouse] on the day of, but we would prefer people purchase them ahead of time so we have a better head count.”

Hopefully, that head count will reach at least 700.

Designate a ‘Water Watcher’ for activities around water, public safety officials urge

By
Press Release
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Spring Break is here, and that means many families will enjoy activities in and around the water.

But parents, grandparents, and chaperones should be aware of the potential dangers.

Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4, and it is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 19 and under.

In 2018, 918 children under age 19 drowned, and more than 7,000 were seen in the emergency room.

Habersham County Emergency Services encourages each family or group to select a designated Water Watcher whose sole focus is to watch the children and teens playing in and near the water.

That means no texting, watching videos, or doing anything else but watching the youth who are playing and also stopping potentially dangerous activities.

After a designated time, 15, 20, or 30 minutes, that adult can then hand off their duties to another adult.

The American Red Cross describes an appropriate Water Watcher as at least 16 years of age.

According to the Red Cross, the designated Water Watcher should know the signs of someone in distress with the ability to perform a rescue if needed.

Water Watcher cards may be printed at redcross/waterwatchercard.org.

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