Christine Bray has been named as the principal of Banks County High School. Bray, who is currently the assistant principal at BCHS, will officially take the reins on July 1st. Ms. Bray began her career in 1990 in Jackson County teaching special education at Benton Elementary. She became the assistant principal for Banks County High School in 2004. She has also served as the system CTAE director.
Bray is a graduate of Banks County High School and the University of Georgia and holds her specialist degree in leadership.
Superintendent Stan Davis announced Bray as the new principal in an email to his staff. In his statements, Davis noted, “Ms. Bray has shown herself to be a dedicated and exceptionally knowledgeable leader. She is approachable and fair and has an extensive background in curriculum, special education, and CTAE at the high school level. She understands the staff, students, and needs of this community. I expect that Ms. Bray will do an outstanding job as principal,” said Davis.
Bray is replacing Jody Goodroe, who is making the move to Madison County as assistant superintendent. The system will begin the search for an assistant principal of the high school immediately.
Top Stories
Dream comes true for Make-A-Wish girl as she spends weekend at Southern Nationals
A dream came true for race car driver Leah Pritchett when she won her sixth career National Hot Road Association win Sunday at the Southern Nationals. A dream also came true for one young fan who had been cheering Pritchett on from the sidelines all weekend.
Luci Toman and her family traveled from Virginia to the Atlanta Dragway at Banks Crossing to make her dream come true of meeting Pritchett and attending the Southern Nationals. Toman came to track as a Make-A-Wish child recipient. It was their first visit to Georgia.
The adventure for the family began when Luci, 10, and her parents, Jami and Billy, and her brother, Colby, 6, met Pritchett at Papa Johns Friday for lunch. Pritchett and Luci made pizza together and got to know each other.
The family then enjoyed lunch together and spent the rest of the weekend at the Southern Nationals watching Pritchett compete. Luci wore a black racing shirt Pritchett gave her that was identical to the one the race car driver was wearing.
“We can match all weekend,” Pritchett told Luci as she gave her the shirt at Papa Johns.
Pritchett and Luci discussed the toppings for their pizza as they worked together in the kitchen at Papa Johns. Luci’s young brother was getting a lesson of his own as a staff member showed him how to make pizza dough.
At the track, the Toman family was close by as Pritchett raced and won. Television viewers of the race likely caught a glimpse of the young girl with Pritchett after she won the big race.
“This is awesome,” Luci said during her visit. “It’s the best experience of my life.”
Luci races slot cars as a hobby and has been a huge race fan since she was diagnosed with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition with symptoms that include edema (swelling) in various parts of the body, including: hands, feet, face and airway (throat). Patients often suffer excruciating abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting caused by swelling in the intestinal wall.
“She really got into racing when she was sick and started watching drag races,” her mom said. “Her dad is also a race fan. Leah Pritchett is her role model.”
As for Pritchett, she is quoted as saying that having Toman with her for the weekend was “an inspiration.”
“It was a special weekend here in Atlanta for a lot of reasons including the ability fulfill a dream of Make-A-Wish child, Luci Toman,” she told members of the media after the win. “She is a true inspiration and it was great having her with me all weekend. We both got our dreams to come true this weekend.”
Luci Toman and her family traveled from Virginia to the Atlanta Dragway at Banks Crossing to make her dream come true of meeting Pritchett and attending the Southern Nationals. Toman came to track as a Make-A-Wish child recipient. It was their first visit to Georgia.
The adventure for the family began when Luci, 10, and her parents, Jami and Billy, and her brother, Colby, 6, met Pritchett at Papa Johns Friday for lunch. Pritchett and Luci made pizza together and got to know each other.
The family then enjoyed lunch together and spent the rest of the weekend at the Southern Nationals watching Pritchett compete. Luci wore a black racing shirt Pritchett gave her that was identical to the one the race car driver was wearing.
“We can match all weekend,” Pritchett told Luci as she gave her the shirt at Papa Johns.
Pritchett and Luci discussed the toppings for their pizza as they worked together in the kitchen at Papa Johns. Luci’s young brother was getting a lesson of his own as a staff member showed him how to make pizza dough.
At the track, the Toman family was close by as Pritchett raced and won. Television viewers of the race likely caught a glimpse of the young girl with Pritchett after she won the big race.
“This is awesome,” Luci said during her visit. “It’s the best experience of my life.”
Luci races slot cars as a hobby and has been a huge race fan since she was diagnosed with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition with symptoms that include edema (swelling) in various parts of the body, including: hands, feet, face and airway (throat). Patients often suffer excruciating abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting caused by swelling in the intestinal wall.
“She really got into racing when she was sick and started watching drag races,” her mom said. “Her dad is also a race fan. Leah Pritchett is her role model.”
As for Pritchett, she is quoted as saying that having Toman with her for the weekend was “an inspiration.”
“It was a special weekend here in Atlanta for a lot of reasons including the ability fulfill a dream of Make-A-Wish child, Luci Toman,” she told members of the media after the win. “She is a true inspiration and it was great having her with me all weekend. We both got our dreams to come true this weekend.”
Local candidates speak on background, experience
Candidates in the May 22 election spoke on their background and qualifications for office in a political forum Thursday night at the Banks County Farm Bureau office in Homer. The Banks County Chamber of Commerce CVB hosted the event, with Howard Ledford serving as the moderator.
Candidates participating were: Danny Maxwell and Sam Moon, Banks County Board of Commissioners District 1 candidates; Sammy Reece, BOC District 3 candidate; and Dan Gasaway and Chris Erwin, Georgia House of Representatives District 28 candidates.
Banks BOC District 3 candidate Pat Westmoreland did not attend the forum.
MAXWELL
Maxwell said he has lived in Banks County for 40 years and served on the BOC for the past several years. He is retired from the pharmaceutical business, where he worked 38 years.
“It’s been a delightful experience serving Banks County,” he said. “We’ve made a lot of progress. It’s an exciting time and I want to continue to serve.”
As for his experience working with budgets, Maxwell pointed to his time as a commissioner and in his career.
MOON
Moon has lived in Banks County for 47 years and is a retired educator, having been a teacher and coach in Banks County. He also served in the United States Navy, including 16 months in Vietnam. He served eight years on the Banks County Board of Tax Assessors.
“I am at a point that I see a lot of things that I think need to happen,” Moon said when asked why he is running for office. He said his goals would be “to get the county focused” and for “everyone to work together.”
As for his experience with budgets and managing people, Moon stated he did this work in the military and his education career.
“I think I motivate people well,” he said. “I managed 16 squadrons and billions of dollars worth of equipment.”
REECE
Reece has lived in Banks County for 50 years and has been a member of the Banks County BOC for eight years, as well as serving on the planning commission for nine years. He is a member of the board of the Banks County Farm Bureau. Reece managed a parts store for 20 years, owned a feed store for 10 years and farms.
“I enjoy helping people,” he said. “I enjoy all aspects of being a commissioner.”
ERWIN
Erwin worked in public education for 31 years, retiring as superintendent of the Banks County School System. He described himself as a “conservative Republican.” He said education, health career and job creation would be among his priorities. He said one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is “the thousands of lives we, as a team, education and assisted.”
GASAWAY
Gasaway has served three terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and said he has “worked to reduce property taxes.” He said he wants to serve again to “work to make Georgia a better place.” He said his immediate priority would be to continue to bring broadband to rural areas. He said one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is bringing a department of family and children services building to Banks County.
For more coverage on the upcoming election, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Candidates participating were: Danny Maxwell and Sam Moon, Banks County Board of Commissioners District 1 candidates; Sammy Reece, BOC District 3 candidate; and Dan Gasaway and Chris Erwin, Georgia House of Representatives District 28 candidates.
Banks BOC District 3 candidate Pat Westmoreland did not attend the forum.
MAXWELL
Maxwell said he has lived in Banks County for 40 years and served on the BOC for the past several years. He is retired from the pharmaceutical business, where he worked 38 years.
“It’s been a delightful experience serving Banks County,” he said. “We’ve made a lot of progress. It’s an exciting time and I want to continue to serve.”
As for his experience working with budgets, Maxwell pointed to his time as a commissioner and in his career.
MOON
Moon has lived in Banks County for 47 years and is a retired educator, having been a teacher and coach in Banks County. He also served in the United States Navy, including 16 months in Vietnam. He served eight years on the Banks County Board of Tax Assessors.
“I am at a point that I see a lot of things that I think need to happen,” Moon said when asked why he is running for office. He said his goals would be “to get the county focused” and for “everyone to work together.”
As for his experience with budgets and managing people, Moon stated he did this work in the military and his education career.
“I think I motivate people well,” he said. “I managed 16 squadrons and billions of dollars worth of equipment.”
REECE
Reece has lived in Banks County for 50 years and has been a member of the Banks County BOC for eight years, as well as serving on the planning commission for nine years. He is a member of the board of the Banks County Farm Bureau. Reece managed a parts store for 20 years, owned a feed store for 10 years and farms.
“I enjoy helping people,” he said. “I enjoy all aspects of being a commissioner.”
ERWIN
Erwin worked in public education for 31 years, retiring as superintendent of the Banks County School System. He described himself as a “conservative Republican.” He said education, health career and job creation would be among his priorities. He said one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is “the thousands of lives we, as a team, education and assisted.”
GASAWAY
Gasaway has served three terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and said he has “worked to reduce property taxes.” He said he wants to serve again to “work to make Georgia a better place.” He said his immediate priority would be to continue to bring broadband to rural areas. He said one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is bringing a department of family and children services building to Banks County.
For more coverage on the upcoming election, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Popeyes coming to Banks Crossing
Development Authority of Banks County Chairman Scott Ledford announced April 17, a new business is slated for the Banks Crossing area. Ledford said the SOAR Properties Group had closed the purchase of a one-acre lot in the Banks Crossing Industrial Park on April 13. The group plans to con- struct a Popeye’s Restaurant on the site that is one of the lots located in front of Boots Etc.
Ledford also said there was a contract on a second lot in front of Boots Etc.
“It is currently going through due diligence,” Ledford said.
Ledford added he hoped to be able to announce the plans for this lot in the next couple of weeks.
The Development Authority continues to work to bring more jobs and revenue into Banks County. Work is continuing on the Diana Food project in the industrial park.
See more news from the Development Authority in this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Ledford also said there was a contract on a second lot in front of Boots Etc.
“It is currently going through due diligence,” Ledford said.
Ledford added he hoped to be able to announce the plans for this lot in the next couple of weeks.
The Development Authority continues to work to bring more jobs and revenue into Banks County. Work is continuing on the Diana Food project in the industrial park.
See more news from the Development Authority in this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Political forum to be held Thursday at Farm Bureau office
The Banks County Chamber of Commerce CVB will be hosting a Political Forum at the Farm Bureau office on Thursday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Early voting coming up
Early voting for the May 22 election will begin on April 30 and go through May 18.
Early voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.
A Saturday date has also been scheduled for early voting. The hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12.
Early voting will be held at the Banks County Elections Office, located at 226 Candler Street, Homer.
Mail absentee voting will be held April 3 through May 18.
REPUBLICAN BALLOT
Local seats on the Republican ballot will include the following:
•Banks County Board of Commissioners, District 1: Incumbent Danny Maxwell and Sam Moon.
•BOC, District 3: Incumbent Sammy Reece and Pat Westmoreland.
•Georgia House of Representatives, District 28: Incumbent Dan Gasaway and Chris Erwin.
Other contested seats on the Republican ballot will include the following:
•Governor: Casey Cagle, Eddie Hayes, Hunter Hill, Brian Kemp, Clay Tippins, Marc Urbach and Michael Williams.
•Lieutenant Governor: Geoff Duncan, Rick Jeffares and David Shafer.
•Secretary of State: David Belle Isle, Buzz Brockway, Josh McKoon and Brad Raffensperger.
•Commissioner of Insurance: Jim Beck, Jay Florence and Tracy Jordan.
•State School Superintendent: Incumbent Richard Woods and John Barge.
•Public Service Commissioner: Incumbent Tricia Pridemore and John Hitchins III.
•Court of Appeals Judge: Ken Hodges and Ken Shigley.
DEMOCRAT BALLOT
There are no local races on the Democrat ballot. State races include the following:
•Governor: Stacey Abrams and Stacey Evans.
•Lieutenant Governor: Sarah Riggs Amico and Triana Arnold James.
•Secretary of State: John Barrow, Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Rakeim “R.J.” Hadley.
•Commissioner of Insurance: Janice Laws and Cindy Zeldin.
•State School Superintendent: Sid Chapman, Sam Mosteller and Otha E. Thornton Jr.
•Commissioner of Labor: Ricahrd Keatley and Fred Quinn.
•Public Service Commissioner: Lindy Miller, John Noel and Johnny C. White.
•Public Service Commissioner: Dawn A. Randolph and Doug Stoner.
•U.S. Representative, 116th District: Dave Cooper and John McCall.
•Court of Appeals Judge: Ken Hodges and Ken Shigley.
ROAD TAX
Also on the May 22 ballot, voters will be asked to decide whether a one-cent tax for road and bridge improvements in the county should be approved. It is estimated that $15 million will be collected with 75 percent to be used in unincorporated areas of the county and 25 percent to be divided among the towns based on population.
The BOC has approved a list of road and bridge projects that would be funded with the county portion of the tax, estimated to be $11 million.
A breakdown on the percentage of the tax that would go to each town includes the following: Homer, 7.96 percent; Maysville, 6.46 percent; Baldwin, 5.17 percent; Alto, 3.6 percent; Lula, 1.10 percent; and Gillsville, 0.21 percent.
For more election news, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Early voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.
A Saturday date has also been scheduled for early voting. The hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12.
Early voting will be held at the Banks County Elections Office, located at 226 Candler Street, Homer.
Mail absentee voting will be held April 3 through May 18.
REPUBLICAN BALLOT
Local seats on the Republican ballot will include the following:
•Banks County Board of Commissioners, District 1: Incumbent Danny Maxwell and Sam Moon.
•BOC, District 3: Incumbent Sammy Reece and Pat Westmoreland.
•Georgia House of Representatives, District 28: Incumbent Dan Gasaway and Chris Erwin.
Other contested seats on the Republican ballot will include the following:
•Governor: Casey Cagle, Eddie Hayes, Hunter Hill, Brian Kemp, Clay Tippins, Marc Urbach and Michael Williams.
•Lieutenant Governor: Geoff Duncan, Rick Jeffares and David Shafer.
•Secretary of State: David Belle Isle, Buzz Brockway, Josh McKoon and Brad Raffensperger.
•Commissioner of Insurance: Jim Beck, Jay Florence and Tracy Jordan.
•State School Superintendent: Incumbent Richard Woods and John Barge.
•Public Service Commissioner: Incumbent Tricia Pridemore and John Hitchins III.
•Court of Appeals Judge: Ken Hodges and Ken Shigley.
DEMOCRAT BALLOT
There are no local races on the Democrat ballot. State races include the following:
•Governor: Stacey Abrams and Stacey Evans.
•Lieutenant Governor: Sarah Riggs Amico and Triana Arnold James.
•Secretary of State: John Barrow, Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Rakeim “R.J.” Hadley.
•Commissioner of Insurance: Janice Laws and Cindy Zeldin.
•State School Superintendent: Sid Chapman, Sam Mosteller and Otha E. Thornton Jr.
•Commissioner of Labor: Ricahrd Keatley and Fred Quinn.
•Public Service Commissioner: Lindy Miller, John Noel and Johnny C. White.
•Public Service Commissioner: Dawn A. Randolph and Doug Stoner.
•U.S. Representative, 116th District: Dave Cooper and John McCall.
•Court of Appeals Judge: Ken Hodges and Ken Shigley.
ROAD TAX
Also on the May 22 ballot, voters will be asked to decide whether a one-cent tax for road and bridge improvements in the county should be approved. It is estimated that $15 million will be collected with 75 percent to be used in unincorporated areas of the county and 25 percent to be divided among the towns based on population.
The BOC has approved a list of road and bridge projects that would be funded with the county portion of the tax, estimated to be $11 million.
A breakdown on the percentage of the tax that would go to each town includes the following: Homer, 7.96 percent; Maysville, 6.46 percent; Baldwin, 5.17 percent; Alto, 3.6 percent; Lula, 1.10 percent; and Gillsville, 0.21 percent.
For more election news, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
BOC budget hearings underway
The Banks County Board of Commissioners began the budget process on Monday by meeting with department heads and making cuts to the proposed $16.3 million budget. This figure will likely go down as the budget process continues as the commissioners made at least some cuts in each department reviewed on Monday.
Budget hearings are also slated to be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.
Budget hearings kicked off Monday morning with tax commissioner Becky Carlan presented her proposed budget and requesting additional funds for computers and motor vehicle software, which was previously furnished by the state but is not any longer. The BOC agreed to fund these requests.
In other budget requests, the BOC decided not to approve a request from Superior Court for $6,322 for an assistant administrator position. This is a shared position with Jackson and Barrow counties also providing funding, based on population. The request for the additional funds came from the court administrator.
There was some discussion as to whether Banks County receives its share of services according to the money it provides for these court services.
Several other of the smaller departments were discussed with only minor cuts being made to the budgets.
The schedule for this week is as follows:
•Wednesday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Thursday, April 12, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Friday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The meetings will be held in the County Annex. The meetings are open to the public.
For more news from the board of commissioners, see the Banks County News.
Budget hearings are also slated to be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.
Budget hearings kicked off Monday morning with tax commissioner Becky Carlan presented her proposed budget and requesting additional funds for computers and motor vehicle software, which was previously furnished by the state but is not any longer. The BOC agreed to fund these requests.
In other budget requests, the BOC decided not to approve a request from Superior Court for $6,322 for an assistant administrator position. This is a shared position with Jackson and Barrow counties also providing funding, based on population. The request for the additional funds came from the court administrator.
There was some discussion as to whether Banks County receives its share of services according to the money it provides for these court services.
Several other of the smaller departments were discussed with only minor cuts being made to the budgets.
The schedule for this week is as follows:
•Wednesday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Thursday, April 12, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Friday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The meetings will be held in the County Annex. The meetings are open to the public.
For more news from the board of commissioners, see the Banks County News.
Two die after being struck by motorist at Banks Crossing
A Michigan couple walking on Hwy. 15 at Banks Crossing Tuesday died after being struck by a car.
Lynda Brown, 73, Commerce was traveling southbound on Hwy. 15 in the right lane approaching its intersection with Dallas Drive. James Page, 85, and Francis Page, 78, both of Michigan, were walking westbound across Hwy. 15. They proceeded to walk westbound across Hwy. 15 and entered into the right southbound lane of Hwy. 15 at which time the front of Brown’s vehicle struck both pedestrians.
Mr. Page was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs. Page died after being transported from the scene.
Lynda Brown, 73, Commerce was traveling southbound on Hwy. 15 in the right lane approaching its intersection with Dallas Drive. James Page, 85, and Francis Page, 78, both of Michigan, were walking westbound across Hwy. 15. They proceeded to walk westbound across Hwy. 15 and entered into the right southbound lane of Hwy. 15 at which time the front of Brown’s vehicle struck both pedestrians.
Mr. Page was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs. Page died after being transported from the scene.
BOC budget hearings ahead
The Banks County Board of Commissioners will be holding budget hearings in the next few weeks to review requests from each department for the 2019 budget. The meetings will be held in the County Annex.
The schedule is as follows:
•Monday, April 9, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Wednesday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Thursday, April 12, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Friday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Monday, April 16, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Wednesday, April 18, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Thursday, April 19, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The schedule is as follows:
•Monday, April 9, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Wednesday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Thursday, April 12, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Friday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Monday, April 16, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Wednesday, April 18, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Thursday, April 19, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Alto citizens to vote on beer, wine sales
In a 3-1 vote, the Alton Town Council approved allowing registered voters a chance to vote on the retail sales of beer and wine in the town.
The council received a request in February from the owners of Alto Grocery to allow them to sell alcohol.
The referendum will be on the November ballot for town residents.
Council member Eddie Palmer voted in opposition to the matter, with council members PJ Huggins, Carolyn Cabe and Mike Ivie voting in favor.
For more news from Alto, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
The council received a request in February from the owners of Alto Grocery to allow them to sell alcohol.
The referendum will be on the November ballot for town residents.
Council member Eddie Palmer voted in opposition to the matter, with council members PJ Huggins, Carolyn Cabe and Mike Ivie voting in favor.
For more news from Alto, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Recent Comments