Entries by Angela Gary

Becky Carlan to run for tax commissioner

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Tuesday, March 20. 2012

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Becky Wood Carlan has announced her intentions to run for tax commissioner of Banks County.

Carlan has been employed at the Jon Massey State Farm Insurance Agency in Commerce for the past 13 years. She is a licensed insurance agent and also serves as office manager for the agency. Her day to day activities are to assist clients with insurance needs and concerns, complete daily deposits and supervise and direct other employees.

Carlan is a native of Commerce and a 1994 graduate of Commerce High School. She holds an Associate Degree from Gainesville State College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Georgia, with a double major in Consumer Economics and Housing.

Carlan is married to Tim Carlan, a 1988 graduate of Banks County High School. They have two children, Ben, a third grader at Banks County Elementary School, and Brooke, a first grader at Banks County Primary School. The Carlans have resided in Homer for over eight years.

Carlan said that she is confident in her decision to run for tax commissioner of Banks County. She believes that her experience in customer service and insurance makes her uniquely qualified for the position. She is proud to call Banks County her home and said that she would consider it a privilege to serve its citizens.

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show latest in family entertainment in Pigeon Forge

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Angela Gary

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Thursday, March 15. 2012

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A fun-filled dinner show that pits the Hatfields against the McCoys with plenty of singing and dancing that will bring smiles to the faces of adults and children alike is one of the newest shows in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The show kicks off with a pre-show of banjo music as you finish up the hearty feast of creamy soup, fried chicken, pork barbecue, mash potatoes, pinto beans, corn bread, cole slaw and dessert. The Southern feast is wonderful and it goes well with sweet tea served in a Mason jar. As for the pre-show, the talented musicians get the audience ready for a toe-tapping night of old-fashioned entertainment.

The main show is interactive with the audience clapping their hands, stomping their feet and singing along. The audience cheers for the Hatfields and McCoys as they compete against each other in a musical show-down. When you check in, the hosts let you know which side of the family you are on. Our family was McCoys and we cheered along for them. There is a dual and banjo instrumental, clogging competition, old-fashioned barn dance and square dance, along with lots of comedy. [Full Story »]

Banks voters say ‘no’ to redevelopment powers; SPLOST approved

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Angela Gary

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Tuesday, March 6. 2012

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In a close race Tuesday, Banks County voters shot down the redevelopment powers question on the ballot that would have allowed the county to make improvements in economically troubled areas.

The final count was 51 percent (or 1,278 votes) against the issue and 49 percent (or 1,218 votes) in favor.

Also on the ballot, voters agreed to continue the one-cent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). The vote was 1,532 in favor and 1,021 against the sales tax.

Vote coming up March 6 on ‘redevelopment powers,’ and SPLOST

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Angela Gary

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Wednesday, February 29. 2012

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Banks County voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, March 6, to decide whether the county can use redevelopment powers to make improvements in economically troubled areas. Also on the ballot, voters will be asked to continue the one-cent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

The redevelopment powers would allow the county to take tax revenue from large business projects to be used to provide infrastructure. An example of where this could be used is The Pottery property at Banks Crossing. If a large company makes a commitment to locate on that property, the current property taxes would continue to go into the county’s general fund. However, any new property taxes that come from the development would go into a special fund. The board of commission would decide for how many years the extra taxes would go into the special fund. It could be 10 to 20 years.

This fund would be used to provide the infrastructure needed for the development to locate on the property, such as sewer service, sidewalks or other infrastructure for the company to locate on the site. [Full Story »]

Rick Darby to run for sheriff

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Angela Gary

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Monday, February 27. 2012

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Cornelia Police Chief Rick Darby has announced his intentions to seek the office of sheriff in Banks County.

Darby has been the police chief in Cornelia for eight years and is a resident of Homer. He served as the assistant chief for the Commerce Police Department before accepting the chief’s position. He is no stranger to law enforcement or most law enforcement agencies in Northeast Georgia. Darby began his career in 1976 and has been an adjutant instructor for the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Athens Campus for 25 years. He says that he has had the privilege to teach thousands of law enforcement officers during that time.

By working through the ranks Darby has served in various capacities throughout law enforcement. Darby currently serves as the chaplain for the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the District 9 Representative for that organization. The district represents all police agencies in 23 Northeast Georgia Counties.

While serving as chief, the Cornelia Police Department has received local, state and national recognition. They have received awards from both the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the National Office of Highway Safety. The department has been mentioned in LAW and ORDER magazine on two occasions. The police department has also reached the status of being a State Certified Law Enforcement Agency.

Rick and his wife, Debbie, along with their 10-year-old son attend Lula Assembly of Praise. Their son, Christopher, attends Banks County Elementary School. They are no stranger to the Recreation Department attending both basketball and soccer games. Their family also includes four grown children and five grandchildren.

Darby said, “I am confident in my decision, it came with much prayer and soul searching. I want to make a difference in the community I live in. I have a vested interested here.”

The Campaign Kick Of will be on March 3 at the Veterans Park in Downtown Homer from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be live entertainment, food and children’s activities. Darby invites anyone who would like to come and meet and talk with him.

Mountain get-away: Dollywood Vacations cabins perfect for family adventure

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Angela Gary

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Monday, February 27. 2012

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Relaxing in the hot tub on the deck overlooking the breathtaking mountain countryside…Game time in the upstairs loft where family members can join in a spirited game of air hockey or a pool tournament. Sitting on the deck in a rocker or swing winding down from a day of exploring in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood Vacations offers cabin rentals for couples, families and larger groups. Just a short drive from Dollywood and Splash Country, the cabins are located convenient to all of the action in Pigeon Forge yet far enough away for some quiet relaxation.

The crisp air with occasional glimpses of snow and other winter wonderland fun, the changing leaves in the fall, the blooming flowers in the spring and the jam-packed action in the summer all make Pigeon Forge a great year-round destination. [Full Story »]

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey to present ‘Fully Charged” show

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Angela Gary

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Tuesday, February 21. 2012

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Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey will present the “Fully Charged” show at the Arena at Gwinnett Thursday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 26.

“Fully Charged,” the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey features breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize children of all ges.The amazing acts, which can only be seen at The Greatest Show On Earth, include Tabayara, a dynamic animal trainer whose rare ability to communicate with animals allows him to ride rearing stallions at a fully charged gallop and orchestrate majestic four-ton Asian Elephants in a symphony of dance. When he stands inside a cage, eye to eye with twelve ferocious tigers, Tabayara sees family where others see danger. [Full Story »]

Brian Eubanks named fire chief after serving in interim role

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Angela Gary

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Wednesday, February 15. 2012

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Brian Eubanks has been named as fire chief of Banks County after serving as the interim head of the department since April.

The Banks County Board of Commissioners named Eubanks after meeting in closed session for 20 minutes Tuesday night. The closed session was called for personnel, potential litigation and property acquisition. No action was taken on the litigation and property acquisition discussion held behind closed doors.

In other business at the meeting Tuesday night, the BOC:

•recognized Harold Brown, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He is a former member commissioner for Banks County.

•heard a report that all five commissioners have received their certification and county clerk Jenni Gailey has completed the Georgia Clerks Masters Certificate Program offered through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia.

•denied a request from Barry Lord for a conditional use permit for a muffler shop and recovery storage yard at 979 Blacks Creek Church Road. The commissioners questioned why Lord’s name was listed as the applicant instead of the business owner. Lord said that he represents the business owner and filled the application out as he was instructed to do so by county staff. County zoning officer Keith Covington said that the form was filled out correctly.

•approved a request from Jennifer Knott to operate a tattoo and body piercing business at 137 Pottery Factory Drive.

For more news from the meeting, see this week's issue of The Banks County News.

Andrews, Ward again named by planning commission

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Angela Gary

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Wednesday, February 8. 2012

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Alicia Andrews and Albert Ward have again been named to serve as co-chairman of the Banks County Planning Commission.

The planning commission unanimously approved the appointments at the monthly meeting Tuesday night in Homer.

In other business at the brief meeting, the planners recommended approval of two conditional use permit requests, including:

•Barry Lord for a muffler shop and recovery yard business on one acre at 979 Blacks Creek Church Road.

•Jennifer Knott for a tattoo and body piercing business at 137 Pottery Factory Drive.

The Banks County Board of Commissioners will take action on the two conditional use permit applications when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Annex Building.

‘All New Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers’ coming to The Classic Center

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Angela Gary

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Friday, February 3. 2012

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Jake and Elwood are back in the “The All New Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers,” coming to The Classic Center Theatre stage on Friday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m.  

The performance is the fifth in The Classic Center Theatre’s 2011-2012 Broadway Entertainment Series.  

“The show is a night of the best music, the best moves and the best comedy you’re likely to see this side of Chicago,” organizers state. “Jake and Elwood are joined by the sassy Bluettes, three amazing ladies with voices to knock you clean off your perch.” [Full Story »]

Entries by Angela Gary

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