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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.

Smokey Road near Alto prison reopens after installation of new stormwater pipes

By
Now Habersham
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Smokey Road near Lee Arrendale State Prison was closed in mid-March for stormwater drain repairs. (Credit: Google Maps)

The temporary closure of Smokey Road near Alto, set to last for two weeks beginning March 13, is over.

The road reopened and barriers were removed Friday, March 31.

Anderson Grading & Pipeline, through a contract with Lee Arrendale State Prison, replaced and installed new stormwater pipes, but that work got behind schedule due to weather.

Smokey Road was closed to through traffic between CM Wilbanks Road and Mt. Zion Church Road.

Two HCHS seniors named Georgia Scholars

By
Staff Report
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Hayden Hulsey and Emily Irvin

Two Habersham Central High School students are among 154 seniors statewide to be named Georgia Scholars this year. Hayden Hulsey and Emily Irvin are being recognized for their academic excellence and community contributions.

Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods extended his congratulations to this year’s Scholars.

“These 154 Class of 2023 seniors worked hard, became leaders in their schools and communities, and took advantage of the opportunities offered in Georgia public schools. I wish them continued success as they embark on their futures, including plans for after high school and beyond. I know they’ll continue to make us all proud,” said Woods.

Full list 2023 Georgia Scholars

Habersham’s Georgia Scholars

Hulsey is the son of Keith and Amy Hulsey of Clarkesville. At Habersham Central, he is a member of the AP Capstone Program and captain of the Varsity Soccer team. He is also a member of the Beta Club, Student Council, Mock Trial, and the Youth Habersham Chamber of Commerce Leadership Council. Hulsey is a “Camp K” counselor and a member of both First Baptist Gainesville and Level Grove Baptist Church.

“It is an honor to be chosen to be a Georgia Scholar because this award recognizes not only my work in the classroom but also my commitment to being an asset to my community,” Hulsey said.

Also enrolled in the AP Capstone Program at HCHS, Irvin is the daughter of James and Lori Irvin of Cornelia. She is the President of the Interact club, President of Mu Alpha Theta, a member of the Beta Club, Student Council, Mock Trial, and Academic Bowl. Irvin worked on the Northeast Georgia Operation Christmas Child team and was also a project leader for the initiative. She serves on the Youth Habersham Chamber of Commerce Leadership Council and is a vital contributor to the Providence Baptist Church youth group.

“I am proud to be one of the 154 chosen as a Georgia Scholar as I have worked hard to contribute to not only my school but my community during high school,” said Irvin.

“This well-earned designation comes as a result of hard work and extreme commitment to excellence by both Emily and Hayden,” said HCHS Principal Jonathan Stribling. “Habersham Central having two Georgia Scholars out of 154 statewide is a great complement to Emily and Hayden, their families, and the Habersham County School System.”

Strict criteria

According to the state department of education website, Georgia Scholars carry exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.75 in core courses, meet a minimum combined SAT score of 1360 or a composite ACT score of 31, successfully participate in interscholastic events at their schools and communities, and assume leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools.

“These criteria are set by state law and have no exceptions,” explains Habersham Central High School Dual Enrollment/College Planning Coordinator Dora Lucas.

Georgia Scholars receive special seals on their diplomas in recognition of their accomplishment.

Pebble Ministry announces inaugural scholarship

By
Now Habersham
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The scholarship is named in memory of the late Kendrick Paul Simmons Sr. of Cornelia, GA.

There’s a new scholarship opportunity available to graduating seniors in Banks, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, and White counties. Pebble Ministry Inc. this year launched its inaugural Kendrick Paul Simmons Sr. Memorial Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one minority high school senior. Applications are available online at pebbleministryinc.org. To be considered, eligible applicants must submit a one-page essay and letter of recommendation. They must also demonstrate financial need.

“We hope the scholarship will enable the recipient to fulfill their dreams of having a college education. After the student graduates, we hope he or she goes on to contribute to making the world a better place,” says Pebble Ministry founder Troyce Simmons.

The scholarship was established in memory of Kendrick Simmons, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 43.

“We named the scholarship after Kendrick because he was a very special part of the community. He was a good friend, hard worker, and he lived his life like the Frank Sinatra song, ‘I did it my way.’ He had a great sense of humor and loved to see people laugh. He is truly missed,” says the ministry’s chief financial officer Cristina Simmons.

All completed scholarship applications are due by Monday, May 1, 2023.

Applications may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Pebble Ministry Inc., PO Box 1853, Clarkesville, GA 30523.

 

The world’s saddest and happiest days

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
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She stood among the crowd, her heart pounding with fear as she watched her beloved son stripped of clothing and any dignity. The thorned crown on his head forced blood to pool into his eyes and down his sweet face. She desperately wanted to wash his brow to comfort him, but the guards surrounding him prevented her. When they nailed Jesus to the cross and hoisted him high upon the hill, she collapsed on the ground below weeping.

“How could anyone be so barbaric as to inflict such horror upon my son!” She wailed. Her friends tried to comfort her, but she felt forsaken and lost.

Mary had nurtured and prayed for her son for 33 years. She knew he was God’s child because the angels appeared to her, and the stars shined above him from his first breath onward. Each day Mary witnessed him grow into a healer, a miracle producer, and a teacher of God’s love and mercy. “How could evil take such goodness away?” She thought as she looked up toward his face and saw his eyes watching her.

“It is finished,” Jesus said as he took his last breath, leaving his beloved mother heartbroken.

Her only hope was her faith in all that her son and the old scriptures had told her, “He would return after three days.”

“Would it be true, would it be?” She silently wondered. “Let it be so, God, let it be!” she prayed.

Mary suddenly felt a comforting hand softly touch her bowed head, but no one was there. And then she understood no matter what, God and His angels were still with her.

As a mother, each Good Friday, I think of Mary’s despair as she rocked back and forth, clutching her chest, trying to ease the grief. And even though I understand what happened next, I believe that Friday long ago was the world’s saddest day. We also knew the words of the ancient prophets who foretold what would come to pass. Yet, we still wonder how anyone could kill the son of God when His life was filled with nothing but the truth.

A few days later, she was at John’s home when a fierce knock rocked the door. Several of Jesus’s friends were jumping up and down with joy. “How could they be celebrating at such a time?” Mary thought.

“He’s alive, Mary. He’s alive!” They shouted.

A smile crossed her face, and her heart leaped as it did the first time Jesus stirred in her womb.

He was alive! All the things her son had declared and taught her were confirmed. She knelt, praising God for freeing her son from the tomb of death.

The disciples recounted the stories of meeting with Jesus before he ascended in glory back to his Father in heaven. Mary relished each sentence and hung on to every word.

Yes, her son was gone from sight, but when she kneeled to pray, she whispered, “Thank you, God, for choosing me to be his mother.”

Many more crucifixions, incarcerations, and deaths would occur in the following years because the mighty disciples and brave believers did what Jesus asked. They spread the word to all nations and to each person they encountered. There were miracles and visions to proclaim Jesus was, indeed, God’s son. Books and reports were written and narrated about their accounts that, somehow, survived the hands of time: Testaments that continue to give us instructions to live by and to comprehend that even though death comes, life follows.

Why, then, do we still dishonor the life of Christ with our timid actions? We should celebrate till the rafters shake in the buildings and hold parades where thrown confetti falls on all below because a Savior is still with us.

Websters defines the word Savior as one who saves from danger or destruction or one who brings salvation. Specifically: Jesus

The boldness and devotion it took for those who walked away from the cross to teach the world about the life of Jesus Christ is nothing short of a courageousness that only God could provide. The conviction of Mary to live on after so much pain is a testimony to all those who live today.

If we had one ounce of the faith now that they had on the first Easter Sunday, we could set this world afire with hope and resolve to please our mighty, awesome Heavenly Father.

And how grateful we are that three days after our Lord’s suffering and death, He rose to proclaim victory and still does if we choose to be bold and run the race with him.

Easter Sunday is celebrating the happiest day the world will ever know.

__________

Lynn Walker Gendusa is an author and columnist whose work regularly appears on NowHabersham.com and across the U.S. through the USA Today Network. Lynn’s latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com.

Roads Less Traveled: Leaving the ground

By
Tyler Penland
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Mountain peaks in the Rockies peek out over the fog. (Tyler Penland)

Growing up in North Georgia, I never really had a chance to travel very far. Even now, I still rarely travel outside the Southern Appalachians. I finally got the chance to get on an airplane for the first time just a few weeks ago.

This trip took me all the way to the west coast in Portland, Oregon.

I definitely had the nervous jitters the night before my first flight. I flew out of the small, regional Asheville Airport, making the crowds minimal and putting me on a smaller plane for the first part of the trip. I was incredibly excited to get some photos from the air, and after boarding, I managed to get myself calmed down and prepared for the epic views sure to come.

Luckily for me, we took off at sunrise.

Asheville at sunrise. What a way to start the day! (Tyler Penland)

One thing I hadn’t banked on was how difficult it would be to get pictures through the airplane window. They are often somewhat dirty and quite thick, making my Sony a bit useless. I took all of these photos with my phone.

We saw some gorgeous clouds on the way out to my layover in Dallas. This was taken somewhere over western Tennessee.

Above the clouds on my first flight (Tyler Penland)

From the sky, I got my first view of the Rocky Mountains. Unfortunately, it was quite cloudy over much of the mountain range, thanks to a large ongoing snowstorm, but we did catch some views of the eastern range through the clouds.

Easter range view of the Rocky Mountains (Tyler Penland)

We touched down in the rain in Portland and managed to sneak some hiking in during the trip, but I’ll share some photos from that next week.

After a few days out west, I headed back to the airport for my return trip home. While the flights out were uneventful, the flight from Portland to Dallas was anything but.

On the way out, we had some absolutely beautiful weather which allowed me to get some phenomenal views of the volcanoes. I was on the wrong side of the plane to see Mt. Hood, but I zoomed in for this shot of Mt. Adams.

No photo can fully capture the scale of these massively large mountains.

Mount Adams in the Cascade Range of Washington state (Tyler Penland)

One very cool thing was getting to see the Salt Flats of Utah. From the air, they appear as huge light blue areas, although the haze makes the photos show an unfortunate blue hue to the entire image.

The Salt Flats of Utah (Tyler Penland)

I got my favorite image from the air during the return trip over the Rockies when the weather improved. It features some of the tall peaks sneaking through some low clouds/fog that had settled that morning.

Mountain peaks in the Rockies peek out over the fog. (Tyler Penland)

I got to take in one more national landmark on this flight when we flew over the northern reaches of Bryce Canyon. Even from the air, it appears huge and impressive, especially covered in snow.

Eventually, I hope to visit this on the ground.

Bryce Canyon (Tyler Penland)

From Portland to Dallas, we flew over snow and straight into spring’s severe weather season. There were strong, tornadic storms happening over eastern Texas when we arrived.

After sitting in a holding pattern for a short time due to a storm directly over the airport, we made an unsuccessful landing attempt. A quick circle around the airport was probably the least fun thing I’ve ever done, with the plane bouncing up and down.

I saw one funnel cloud off in the distance, but the shot below of the shelf cloud we flew into was the scariest part.

Flying into a shelf cloud above Dallas. (Tyler Penland)

After a long layover in Dallas, I boarded my final flight home. It was at night over a cloudy landscape. My journey ended safely, with plenty of memories and photos to share.

Next week, I’ll share some spectacular views from my hike around Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.

See you on the trail (or in the air)!

Firefighters battle high winds while putting out house fire in Gainesville

By
Joy Purcell
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High winds threatened to spread a residential and woods fire to nearby homes Saturday night in Gainesville. (Hall County Fire Rescue)

High winds posed a serious threat as firefighters battled a big house fire in Gainesville Saturday night. The blaze broke out just before 9 p.m. in the 3300 block of Forest Lane.

Witnesses described large flames coming from the two-story house and surrounding woods. When crews arrived, the house and two vehicles were fully involved.

“The fire in the surrounding woods spread quickly due to the high winds but was extinguished soon after arrival,” says Hall County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Kimberlie Ledsinger.

Firefighters managed to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby homes.

According to Ledsinger, the residence and vehicles are a total loss. Both residents suffered minor injuries but were not transported to the hospital.

The American Red Cross has been notified for the two people in need of assistance.

The cause of this fire is unknown and is under investigation by the Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office at this time.

Gusty winds create dangerous conditions across northern Georgia

By
Staff Report
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A first responder looks on as fire smolders near the woods on Hwy. 115 near Hwy. 105.

A strong storm system passed through northern Georgia early Saturday, bringing with it heavy rain and high winds. By noon, the rain had cleared, but high winds continued into the late evening hours.

Gusty winds created dangerous conditions, causing small woods fires to spread. The U.S. Forestry Service was called to assist with a fire off Piedmont Mountain Road north of Clarkesville.

Off Highway 115, a shed reportedly caught on fire and spread to the nearby woods. Firefighters managed to contain it.

The wind toppled trees and power lines from northwest Georgia east. There were multiple reports of trees down in Habersham. Shingles and gutters blew off roofs, causing minor damage across the county.

Officials suspect Saturday’s storm sparked a small electrical fire at a middle school in Hall County.

Firefighters responded to White County Middle School on Saturday morning, April 1, after receiving reports of smoke showing from the roof. The school is set to reopen April 10 after spring break. (photo by Hall County Fire Rescue)

The weather forced the FAA to ground planes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport temporarily.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning early Saturday for Georgia’s Clayton, Fayette, and Henry counties, then quickly canceled it.

The storm system that struck Georgia sparked a severe weather outbreak across the country’s midsection on Friday. The system spawned tornadoes from Arkansas to Wisconsin, leaving at least 21 people dead and injuring dozens more.

The outbreak came just a week after a rare, long-lasting twister left 25 people dead in western Mississippi and one person in Alabama.

SEE ALSO

Storm suspected of sparking fire at Hall County middle school

 

Storm suspected of sparking fire at Hall County middle school

By
Joy Purcell
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Firefighters responded to West Hall Middle School on Saturday morning, April 1, after receiving reports of smoke showing from the roof. The school is set to reopen April 10 after spring break. (photo by Hall County Fire Rescue)

A storm Saturday morning may be to blame for an electrical fire that broke out at a local middle school.

Around 8:40 am, Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR) was dispatched to West Hall Middle School on McEver Road after reports of smoke showing from the roof.

“Upon arrival, crews found a small fire and smoke originating from two HVAC units on the roof of the structure,” says fire department spokesperson Kimberlie Ledsinger.

Everyone on site was safely evacuated, she says.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames and checked the building to make sure the fire had not spread.

The fire caused minimal damage. No one was injured.

“The district is assessing the damage and developing a plan for the continuation of instruction,” says Hall County Schools Director of Communications Stan Lewis. He says the plan is to have school on site on Monday, April 10, when students return from spring break.

“Parents will receive details of that plan before school resumes,” Lewis says.

The fire broke out as a storm system moved in from the west, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to the region.

The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

County to enforce towing at Diamond Memorial Fields

By
Now Habersham
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Illegally parked vehicles are creating dangerous conditions at Diamond Memorial Complex in Clarkesville, county officials say. They warn those blocking the roadway and parking illegally will be towed. This photo was taken on March 28, 2023, after a member of the public complained to the sheriff's office, according to the county PIO. (Rob Moore/Habersham County)

Habersham County is taking a firm stand against illegal parking at Diamond Memorial Fields. The county issued a notice this week that it will tow vehicles illegally parked in the handicapped area at the ballfield.

The notice comes after parking at the ballfield has created what officials describe as “dangerous conditions.”

The county distributed a photo to the media showing vehicles parked partially or totally in the single-lane loop road serving the handicapped parking area. Parking like this, officials say, blocks handicapped parking and access for emergency vehicles. It also prevents drivers from dropping off and picking up people at the lower field level.

“Safety of our children, their parents, and grandparents is our primary concern,” says Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell. “Parking or obstructing a road not only creates traffic issues but also restricts the ability of emergency personnel to reach anyone experiencing an injury or medical issue at the ballfields.”

Avoiding stairs

The main parking lot at the Habersham County Fairgrounds adjacent to the ballfields is elevated with a long staircase in between. County officials say they understand it can be difficult for people to get down the stairs. Drivers are welcome to use the side road to unload or drop off passengers, but non-handicap vehicles may not remain in the handicapped lot or on the road.

Staff (including umpires) and emergency vehicles will park on the grass to the right of the handicapped parking, but those are the only vehicles allowed there, officials say.

“I really hate it has come to this to get everyone to follow the rules,” says Habersham County Parks and Recreation Athletic Coordinator Todd Mayfield. “Please follow the parking rules at Diamond Memorial Fields. Neither Habersham County Parks and Recreation nor the sheriff’s office wants to have anyone’s vehicle towed or cost anyone money.”

According to Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore, Mayfield has notified coaches and parents by email, reminding them of the rules and to follow the law “for everyone’s safety.”

“We realize we inherited a ballfield complex with a parking situation that is not ideal, and we are continuing to explore ways to improve it,” adds Habersham County Manager Alicia Vaughn. “Until we find that solution, please help us protect public safety by not parking in the roads or in areas designated for those with valid handicapped designations. We appreciate the public’s help and understanding.”

Indians complete series sweep with DH win over BASA

By
TFS Athletics
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Zaiden Cox (Austin Poffenberger)

The Indians completed a three-game series sweep of Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy with a Friday doubleheader sweep on the road. TFS took game one 11-1 and followed it up with a 15-0 blowout in the finale.

In the opener, Tallulah Falls scored 4 runs in both the sixth and seventh to put the game out of reach. The Indians got things started in the first on an RBI groundout by Danny Grant. BASA tied the game in the home half, but the Indians pulled ahead in the second on Ashton Roache’s RBI single. It remained a 2-1 game until the fifth frame, when TFS used a Grant run-scoring hit to pull ahead 3-1.

In the sixth, Chase Pollock had an RBI single, and moments later, Zaiden Cox tripled home a pair. Cox then stole home to advance the lead to 7-1. In the next inning, Pollock had a 2-run single to left and Cox doubled home another. Pollock came home on a wild pitch to cap the scoring.

TFS had 15 hits in the contest, led by Cox’s 3-for-4 game with two doubles and a triple to go with 3 RBI and 2 runs, as well as 2 stolen bases. Pollock (2 hits, 3 RBI), Caden Walker (2 hits, 2 runs), Carver (2 hits), Grant (2 hits, 2 RBI), and Frankey Moree (2 hits) all had multi-hit games. Cole Bonitatibus earned the win after going 6 innings, allowing one earned run on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8. Andrew Skvarka pitched the final inning and struck out 2 in a perfect inning.

In the nightcap, the offense got rolling a bit quicker, needing just 4 innings to put up a 15-0 score and trigger the mercy rule. After a single run in the first on Cox’s RBI single, the Indians added 4 in the second. Highlighting the inning was a Walker bases-loaded walk and a Cox RBI groundout. An 8-run third busted the game wide open. Rohajae Pinder doubled in a run, Moree blasted a 2-run home run to center, Cox doubled in another, and Pinder (batting for the second time in the inning) doubled home another pair. That made it a 13-0 game. TFS used a Roache RBI hit to push the lead to 15-0 in the fourth.

Meanwhile, Pollock earned a complete game, 1-hit shutout, walking 2 and striking out 5 to take the win on the mound. Moree had 3 hits and 2 RBI, as well as 3 runs. Cox had 2 hits and 3 RBI, finishing the day with 6 RBI between both games. Pinder had 3 hits, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Carver also had 2 hits in the game two victory.

The Indians are now 9-9 overall and 6-3 in region play.

 

Social Security trustees predict benefit cuts in 2033 without congressional action

By
Jennifer Shutt
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WASHINGTON (GA Recorder)  — Social Security will no longer be able to pay full benefits in 2033, a year earlier than previously expected, according to a report released Friday.

The updated projections in the annual trustee report mean that without action to stabilize the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, Social Security would have enough money to pay about 77% of the total scheduled benefits.

A separate report for Medicare shows that its Hospital Insurance Trust Fund can continue paying full benefits through 2031, three years longer than previously expected. The fund would then have enough money to pay about 89% of the expected benefits.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, sharply criticized lawmakers in a written statement following the report’s release, saying “many in Washington would rather weaponize these programs than save them.”

“Anyone who pledges not to touch Social Security is endorsing a 20 percent across-the-board cut in benefits,” MacGuineas said. “Refusal to fix Medicare means supporting major disruptions in health services.”

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a written statement accompanying the report that the Biden administration looks “forward to working with Congress to strengthen this vital program serving over 65 million Americans.”

Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Security acting commissioner, said, “Trustees continue to recommend that Congress address the projected trust fund shortfalls in a timely fashion to phase in necessary changes gradually.”

“Social Security will continue to play a critical role in the lives of 67 million beneficiaries and 180 million workers and their families during 2023,” Kijakazi added. “With informed discussion, creative thinking, and timely legislative action, Social Security can continue to protect future generations.”

The report’s release comes amid a tense back-and-forth between U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden over the federal budget deficit and the $31 trillion national debt.

Biden has repeatedly called on Congress to raise the nation’s borrowing limit, known as the debt ceiling, without strings attached.

McCarthy and many House Republicans have said cuts to future spending must go along with legislation to raise the debt limit, though they’ve mostly ruled out raising additional revenue through taxes.

McCarthy has pledged not to cut Social Security or Medicare. House Republicans, however, have not yet released their budget resolution for the upcoming fiscal year. The tax and spending blueprint would detail how the party wants the federal government to approach fiscal policy during the next decade, including entitlement programs.

The Biden administration has repeatedly called on House Republicans to release the document so the two can begin negotiations over future revenue and spending. House Republicans have given no timeline for releasing the budget.

If negotiators can’t broker a bipartisan debt limit deal before the summer deadline and the nation begins its first-ever debt default, Social Security and Medicare benefits would likely be delayed. The extent of those delays is unknown.

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