Playing in the second game of the Jackson EMC Thanksgiving Tournament at Jefferson, #9-ranked Tallulah Falls led for nearly the entire game before the host team mounted a big comeback. Still, Denika Lightbourne’s shot with three seconds to go lifted TFS to the 61-60 thrilling win.
Tallulah Falls edged Jefferson 13-11 through the first quarter and kept that pace to the tune of a 29-25 halftime advantage. In the third quarter, the Lady Indians went ahead 48-38 heading into the final quarter. Jefferson began to chip away at the lead and brought it back to a 59-59 tie with 40 seconds to go and heading to the charity stripe.
There, Jefferson got one to go up 60-59, taking its first lead of the game. Lightbourne drilled a basket with three seconds remaining to give the newly-ranked top-10 Lady Indians the victory.
Lightbourne led in scoring with 29 points, while Tanisha Seymour added 10. Allie Phasavang and Molly Mitchell had seven apiece, Haygen James had six, and Breelyn Wood two.
The Lady Indians now have a pair of wins in a row and stand at 2-1 on the season.
The #5-ranked Indians secured a 68-37 win against Jefferson on Monday in their second game of the Jackson EMC Thanksgiving Tournament.
Anfernee Hanna led in what was a complete team effort, scoring 19 points. However, Vlad Popescu (17 pts), Lincoln Hall (15), and Krystian Jankiewicz (12) were all in double figures as well. Diego Crotta also played a major factor in the win.
With the win, TFS moves to 3-0 on the season. The Indians will take on Berkmar on Tuesday in the Tournament Championship.
Eloise Christine “Weezy” Parson Wade, age 89, of Homer, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
Born on May 17, 1933, in Maysville, she was a daughter of the late Ervin Carter Parson and Minnie Magnolia Powell Parson. Mrs. Wade graduated from Banks County High School. Over the years, she was employed by the following: Baker & Taylor in Commerce, where she retired after 20 years; the Hosiery Mill in Gainesville; the Golden Pantry in Homer; Banks County High School where she retired from nutrition. Mrs. Wade was a member of Temple Baptist Church, who also attended Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. She was a lifelong resident of Banks County, but recently resided at Jackson Oaks Senior Living in Jefferson. She was loved by many, who knew her for her wonderful recipes that she enjoyed cooking. In her spare time, she also enjoyed puzzles, and traveling the United States, which she did until age 89.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie D. Wade; grandson, Adam Tailor Wade; brothers, Paul Carter Parson and Edward Parson.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, David Wade of Phoenix, Arizona, Danny Wade (Crystal) of Homer, Dwight Wade (Jean) of Homer, and Derek Wade (Lisa) of Homer; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Jasper “Jack” Parson of Warner Robins; sisters and brothers-in-law, Irene Magnolia Griggs of Anderson, South Carolina, Bonnie Parson Marchbanks (Edward) of Demorest, Vickey Parson Thomas of Homer, and Debrah Rose David (Walter) of Homer; brother-in-law, Grady White of Hall County; sister-in-law, Mary Davidson of Demorest; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 pm on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the funeral home.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Lula, with Rev. James Duncan, and Rev. Lamar Purcell officiating. Interment will follow at Temple Baptist Church Cemetery.
Stephen Brian Beard, age 79 of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Born in East Point, Georgia on April 09, 1943, he was a son of the late Charlie Beard & Martha Cecil Johns Beard. Mr. Beard retired as a security guard. In his spare time, he enjoyed trout fishing and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Most of all, Mr. Beard loved his wife and family tremendously.
In addition to his parents, Stephen was preceded in death by his loving wife, LaWanda Staten Beard as well as his sister.
Survivors include his son & daughter-in-law, Brian, II. & Bonnie Beard of Cleveland, GA; daughters & sons-in-law, Sherrie & Michael Miranda of Clarkesville, GA; Stacie & Lance Kochen of Ocala, FL; grandchildren, Matthew Winston, Andrew Winston, Jake Beard, Amber Kochen, Megan Markowich; great-grandchildren, Beau Winston, Jackson Winston, & Elise Winston.
Mr. Beard’s wishes were to be cremated & services will be held at a later time.
A Flowery Branch teenager has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the drug overdose death of a co-worker earlier this year.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) investigators arrested Brandon Jared Soto on Friday, November 18. The investigation revealed Soto and the victim, Halaya Graciela Herrera, were taking fentanyl on July 12, 2022, while on the job together at a fast food restaurant in Oakwood. Herrera began to feel ill after taking the drugs and Soto transported her to her Oakwood home, where she experienced an overdose, the sheriff’s office says.
Herrera’s mother called 911 and the victim was transported to the hospital, where she died in the early morning hours of July 13.
Herrera was just a few weeks shy of her 18th birthday at the time of her death.
The ongoing investigation into Herrera’s death found Soto, who was 17 at the time of the incident, supplied the lethal dose of fentanyl to the victim.
At last check, Soto was being held without bond at the Hall County Jail.
A Franklin County man was seriously injured and two others were hurt in a wreck Sunday evening in Hollywood. Troopers say the crash was caused by an SUV driver who pulled into the path of a pickup towing a camper on GA 15/US 441.
The accident, which was initially reported to law enforcement as a head-on collision, happened around 5:47 p.m. on November 20 at the intersection with Talmadge Drive.
According to the state patrol, the driver of the Nissan, Garnett Pitts, 77, of Cornelia, failed to yield while turning left onto Talmadge from US 441 North. The Nissan struck the driver’s side of the Ford Super Duty truck. The impact caused the truck and camper to travel off the west shoulder of the highway into a ditch.
The pickup driver, 39-year-old Dustin McElreath of Canon, was trapped in the wreckage. First responders had to extricate him. Paramedics airlifted McElreath to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) in Gainesville with serious injuries.
The wreck also injured Pitts and a passenger in the pickup, Lisa McElreath, 40, of Canon. EMS transported both of them to NGMC Gainesville with non-life-threatening injuries.
Traffic at the intersection was slowed for several hours as emergency crews and wreckers worked to clear the scene.
The state patrol charged Pitts with failure to yield while turning left.
An SUV ran into a pickup hauling a camper on GA 15/US 441 in Hollywood on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (nowhabersham.com)It took emergency crews several hours to clear the scene at the intersection of GA 15/US 441 at Talmadge Drive. (nowhabersham.com)
Habersham County firefighters and forestry crews were working to put out a woods fire near Mt. Airy late Monday afternoon.
A caller reported the fire to Habersham County E-911 shortly before 4 p.m.
Dispatchers sent units from Habersham County Emergency Services (HCES) to the area of Border Line Drive off of Dicks Hill Parkway. The fire was burning northwest of the county landfill.
Smoke from the fire could be seen for several miles around, witnesses say. HCES Director Jeff Adams says available information is limited at this time.
Now Habersham will update this story as details are released.
Campbell Allen Harlan, Jr., age 87 of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on November 10, 1935, he was a son of the late Campbell Allen, Sr. & Ivabell Campbell Harlan. Cam retired as a truck driver for Blue Circle. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, reading, & writing. He was also an author.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jeaneen Harlan Byrd & son, Alex Harlan.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Mary Claire Mooneyham Harlan of Clarkesville, GA; sons, Allen Harlan, Scott Harlan both of Phoenix, AZ; Duncan Harlan of Seattle, WA; Gregory Harlan of Phoenix, AZ; daughter, Karen Harlan of Phoenix, AZ; step-son, Jeff Miller of Canton, GA; step-daughter, Tina Jimmerson of Taylors, SC; 8 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; other relatives, & friends.
Mr. Harlan’s wishes were to be cremated and a service will be held at a later date.
This time of year, people often ask one another, “What are you most thankful for?” Depending on their current circumstances, the response is likely family, friends, wellness, or numerous other answers. My brother was always grateful for ‘mashed potatoes’ when asked such a question at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Nevertheless, at least he was honest because he had no fondness for turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce.
This year, I know who and what I am most thankful for.
Today, my brother is in heaven, and I hope they have an abundance of butter-filled mashed taters in a bowl for him on Thanksgiving. I also hope Daddy gets two pecan pies and a dozen deviled eggs and Mama finally perfects her cornbread stuffing.
Boy, am I thankful they are in a paradise where pounds, health, and worries are gone.
Our high school class recently held a reunion. What a treat! We have always been close and supportive of one another and collectively mourn when one of us leaves to reunite with God. We return to being teens, full of laughter and frivolity when we gather. How grateful I am for those who knew me young and are still with me old.
I am thankful God blessed me with folks whose hearts will always remain lovingly youthful.
My granddaughter is finishing high school and applying to colleges. I often wonder what her future will hold, but there is no doubt it will be filled with wonderment. I have taught her a few things about what is important in life and what is not. On a recent trip, she was going through a bit of difficulty and asked to speak to me. After much discussion, she said softly, “Grandma will you pray with me?”
I thank God she knows where to turn to find the awesome wonder. It is the same place I went to ask for her.
My babies are grown now, but they are still my babies. Motherhood never changes. I will most likely be spouting instructions on my deathbed, and they will roll their eyes as they usually do. They have made me laugh, cry, and experience abundant living. I cannot imagine what my life would be if they had never arrived.
The Lord delivered them into my care, and I have no idea why I was chosen but how thankful I am for these precious babies of mine.
It took a long time for me to remarry. And when I did, it took much getting used to. Miss Independent, Miss I Can Do it All, and Miss Stubborn rolled up into a mess. Then Mr. came into my world, and now I know I can’t do it all and may not be as independent as I thought. However, I am still stubborn and doubt that I will change. My Mr. Iron Man, who has never had as much as a cavity, got a bit of unexpected rust in his heart. Yes, the heart is going into the shop to be repaired, and hopefully, the Iron Man will be back playing tennis, golf and driving me crazy as usual.
Except, I doubt I will ever see him the same again. I will relish his crazy ways, savor his yelling at me for being stubborn, and be thankful God decided I needed an Iron Man in my world.
My precious friends who have listened to my stories for years, reread them in print and applaud any victory I have, are just plain priceless. How could any of us handle living without friends? Every stage in life brings more pals, and none are ever forgotten.
When the Lord thought to add friends to accompany us, He knew we would need laughter, support, and love until He called us home.
So, what I am most thankful for is God. I see him clearly at the table with my family in paradise. I glimpse Him walking among my classmates to remind us of our youth. His reflection is in my granddaughter’s eyes as He accompanies her toward the future. He alone decided to bless me with two girls and one little boy, and through them, I saw His abundant love. I noticed God again at the doctor’s office when His hand touched my shoulder and reminded me to trust Him.
When I wrote my first book, I pondered to whom I might dedicate it. Would it be my husband, children, granddaughter, departed family, or who? Like a bolt of lightning, I knew. It was the one who created my life and all those who made it amazing. The first page proclaims, “This book is dedicated to God, the author of my soul. ”
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Lynn Gendusa
About the author: Lynn Gendusa is an author and columnist whose work appears weekly in newspapers in her home state of Georgia. She is regularly featured in the USA Today Networks around the country, including, The Tennessean. In addition, her stories appear in senior magazines across the US as well as in Guideposts. Lynn Gendusa’s latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com.
Southern California moved into the top five of The Associated Press college football poll Sunday for the first time in five years.
Georgia received 62 of the 63 first-place votes in the AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank as the top four teams held their places after playing varying degrees of close games Saturday.
No. 2 Ohio State received the other first-place vote. Michigan was No. 3 again, followed by TCU.
The fifth-ranked Trojans edged up two spots after a thrilling victory against rival UCLA. The last time USC was ranked in the top five was September of 2017, when it started at No. 4 but spent most of the season ranked in the teens before finishing 12th.
Lincoln Riley’s first season as USC coach has produced one of the best turnarounds in the country, with the Trojans going from four wins to 10, and the regular-season finale against No. 13 Notre Dame and a Pac-12 championship game still to go.
“If you would have told me at the end of last season I would be here now with this group of guys and being able to play for a championship, I would have called you a dead liar. Just being completely honest,” USC fourth-year receiver Kyle Ford told reporters after the UCLA game. “I’m just so thankful for everyone on this team.”
LSU stayed at No. 6. Clemson moved up two spots to No. 7. Alabama held at eighth and Tennessee dropped four spots to No. 9 after getting upset in a blowout at South Carolina.
In their 63-38 victory, the Gamecocks scored more points against a top-five team as an unranked team than any in the history of the AP poll.
Oregon rounded out the top 10 after the Ducks beat Utah in the Pac-12’s other marquee game on Saturday night.
POLL POINTS
Georgia set a school record with its 10th appearance at No. 1 this season. Last year the Bulldogs had nine No. 1s, the most in school history.
Georgia has been at No. 1 a total of 34 times, tying Michigan for 12th most in the history of the AP poll, which dates to 1936.
Southern California is a top-five team for the 283rd time in poll history. That’s seventh most, 13 behind Nebraska.
The top five at being top five: Alabama (451), Oklahoma (430), Ohio State (418), Notre Dame (318) and Michigan (306).
Stephens County is out of the playoffs. The Indians suffered a season-ending loss at home Friday night against #2-ranked Sandy Creek, 20-7. BLITZ Sports Brian Carter captured the highlights (see video).
Elsewhere, Rabun County continued its winning ways. The Wildcats shut out Social Circle in Round 2 of the GHSA state football playoffs Friday, 42-0.
It was a good night for several other Northeast Georgia area teams with Gainesville, North Oconee, and Oconee clinching wins, keeping their state title dreams alive.
Round 2 action continues Saturday, November 19.
Round 2 scores – Nov. 18
GHSA Class A Division II
Early County 47, Telfair County 6
GHSA Class A
Division I
Bleckley County 27, Lamar County 23
Irwin County 55, Heard County 0
Metter 18, Dublin 0
Mt. Pisgah Christian 26, Darlington 20
Prince Avenue Christian 48, Elbert County 14 Rabun County 42, Social Circle 0
St. Francis 34, Trion 20
Swainsboro 57, Screven County 13
Division II
Bowdon 42, Manchester 21
Clinch County 17, McIntosh County Academy 16
Dooly County 14, Charlton County 13
Johnson County 26, Christian Heritage 14
Lincoln County 42, Wilkinson County 8
Schley County 58, Washington-Wilkes 14
Wilcox County 44, Lanier County 34
GHSA Class AA
Appling County 35, Northeast-Macon 13
Callaway 20, Fannin County 13
Fellowship Christian School 26, Eagle’s Landing Christian 15
Fitzgerald 28, Putnam County 20
Pierce County 52, Berrien 0
Rockmart 63, North Cobb Christian 10
South Atlanta 42, Union County 14
Thomson 42, Cook 10
GHSA Class AAA
Calvary Day 54, Dougherty 41
Carver-Atlanta 30, Monroe Area 18
Carver-Columbus 40, Harlem 7
Cedar Grove 70, Hebron Christian Academy 33 Oconee County 45, Adairsville 20 Sandy Creek 20, Stephens County 7
Savannah Christian Prep 23, Peach County 7
Thomasville 13, Liberty County 6
GHSA Class AAAA
Bainbridge 44, Burke County 0
Benedictine Military 45, Spalding 6
Calhoun 34, Kell 7
Cedartown 48, Stephenson 16
Holy Innocents’ 24, Central-Carrollton 14 North Oconee 35, Lovett 9
Stockbridge 35, Walnut Grove 7
Wayne County 14, Perry 7
GHSA Class AAAAA
Cartersville 37, Cambridge 14
Coffee 51, Decatur 23
Creekside 61, Dalton 0
Dutchtown 41, Northgate 14
Mays 34, Cass 27
Ware County 24, Chamblee 7
Warner Robins 38, Northside-Columbus 7
GHSA Class AAAAAA
Carrollton 47, Marietta 14
Colquitt County 49, Harrison 28 Gainesville 42, South Paulding 21
Grayson 28, Camden County 10
Houston County 41, North Atlanta 31
Hughes 77, North Forsyth 16
Marist 32, Northside-Warner Robins 13
Mill Creek 43, North Cobb 7
Milton 30, Norcross 23
North Gwinnett 38, Lambert 35
Rome 35, Alpharetta 14
Roswell 49, Allatoona 30
Thomas County Central 49, St. Pius X 14
Woodward Academy 23, Lee County 7
GHSA Class AAAAAAA
Walton 42, Buford 35
Westlake 30, Parkview 28
GIAA Class A
Semi-finals
Robert Toombs 41, Fullington 23
Thomas Jefferson 32, Flint River 13
GIAA Class AA
First Round
Brentwood 24, Edmund Burke 10
Briarwood 39, Southwest Georgia Academy 13
Central Fellowship 48, Piedmont 6
Gatewood 38, Augusta Prep 27
GIAA Class AAA
First Round
Brookwood School 56, Pinewood Christian 26
Deerfield-Windsor 18, Frederica 14
John Milledge 42, Heritage School 7
Valwood 15, Terrell Academy 8
GIAA Class AAAA
First Round
Brookstone 38, First Presbyterian Day 30
Pacelli Catholic 62, Bethlehem Christian Academy 0
Stratford 42, George Walton 7
Tattnall Square 56, Westfield 21
GAPPS
Class AA
Unity Christian 54, Vidalia Heritage 8
Round 2 scores – Nov. 19
GHSA Class AAAA
Second Round
Troup County 26, Cairo 17
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Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/
