The annual Town of Alto Spring Fling Parade and Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at city hall.
The parade will be held at 11 a.m.
Entertainment will include Scott Thomas w/Five Wide and Billy Heimberger.
Food, children’s activities, tractor competitions, antique car competitions, crafts and much more will be offered at the festival, leaders state.
Vendor spaces are available at $20 each. To enter the parade, rent a vendor spot or be a sponsor, contact Alto City Hall at 706-778-8035.
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BOE approves sale of bonds
In a called meeting on Tuesday, the Banks County Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution for the sale of $9.03 million in general obligation bonds.
Cory Kirby, attorney with Harben, Hartley & Hawkins, LLP, Gainesville, reported to the board that the bonds were obtained at a rate of 1.795 percent. “Just today, we were able to get this rate,” Kirby said.
The school system will use special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) revenue to repay the bonds.
The resolution calls for the proposed date of issuance of the bonds to be June 9, 2011, and the paying agent for the bonds is U.S. Bank National Association, Atlanta.
After the BOE meeting, Banks County Schools Superintendent Chris Erwin and Kirby attended the Banks County Board of Commissioners to recommend the BOC approve the levy of a tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds in the event the school system doesn’t collect enough SPLOST revenue to do so. The BOC unanimously approved the action.
Cory Kirby, attorney with Harben, Hartley & Hawkins, LLP, Gainesville, reported to the board that the bonds were obtained at a rate of 1.795 percent. “Just today, we were able to get this rate,” Kirby said.
The school system will use special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) revenue to repay the bonds.
The resolution calls for the proposed date of issuance of the bonds to be June 9, 2011, and the paying agent for the bonds is U.S. Bank National Association, Atlanta.
After the BOE meeting, Banks County Schools Superintendent Chris Erwin and Kirby attended the Banks County Board of Commissioners to recommend the BOC approve the levy of a tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds in the event the school system doesn’t collect enough SPLOST revenue to do so. The BOC unanimously approved the action.
Chamber and CVB merge
The chamber of commerce and convention and visitor’s bureau have been combined as a unified organization.
At a called meeting of the Banks County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Development Authority Chairman Scott Ledford announced that the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) have united under one leadership.
“This is a huge, huge day for us,” Ledford said. “We will all be working from the same playbook.”
Ledford announced the merger at the monthly chamber breakfast meeting on Thursday, also.
Bonnie Johnson will serve as president of the unified organization and Sherry Ward will serve as executive director, Ledford stated.
Ledford reported that the BOC, development authority, chamber board and CVB board have been working together to make this merger possible.
“You are going to see a yield from your investment,” Ledford said.
Commissioner Ernest Rogers said, “I want to personally thank all of you for working together on this.”
In a press release presented on Monday, Ledford said, “As far as the development authority, we are so pleased to have the chamber and CVB come together. Separately, the organizations have realized many achievements, but together we feel that they can do so much more for our community and especially for our business community. There are still many details to work out, but this is the first step.”
BOC chairman Milton Dalton shares Ledford’s optimism for the unified chamber/CVB.
“The commissioners are all in agreement that a unified chamber/CVB is best for Banks County at this time,” he said. “I think this is the best way to move our county forward in planning for the future.”
Johnson said: “I love Banks County and have gladly given of my time and services to make it a better place for all of us. I’m really excited to be a part of the chamber/CVB organization and to be involved in this partnership with the development authority, commissioners, chamber and CVB. By working together along with our members and volunteers, we will thrive and make this partnership a success for Banks County.”
Ward said, “I’m really excited about all of the possibilities of the chamber/CVB organization. And, I’m looking forward to working will all the members on projects, such as Leadership Banks, the camera-ready program, special events and fund raisers, as well as our tourism program of work.”
Johnson and Ward have submitted an organizational structure draft to the development authority and commissioners for their review. Once the structure is approved, the chamber/CVB will move forward in determining its program of work, establish volunteer committees, and launch a membership drive for the new organization, the newsletter states.
“Mrs. Johnson and I know that it will take hard work ironing out some of the details, but once that is complete, we feel that this organization will definitely do its part in ‘Building a Better Banks’,” Ward said.
Ledford said Ward’s salary will remain the same as she is currently getting paid by the CVB and Johnson’s work is on a volunteer basis.
“Within the next week, we should be increasing Sherry’s salary since she is taking on the chamber duties also,” Ledford said.
Ledford reported that the development authority would meet with the chamber and CVB boards in the next week to iron out the details of the salary.
“We are waiting on the contracts to come back to us from the county attorney (Randall Frost). So there is really no need to discuss this (salary) now,” Ledford said.
At a called meeting of the Banks County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Development Authority Chairman Scott Ledford announced that the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) have united under one leadership.
“This is a huge, huge day for us,” Ledford said. “We will all be working from the same playbook.”
Ledford announced the merger at the monthly chamber breakfast meeting on Thursday, also.
Bonnie Johnson will serve as president of the unified organization and Sherry Ward will serve as executive director, Ledford stated.
Ledford reported that the BOC, development authority, chamber board and CVB board have been working together to make this merger possible.
“You are going to see a yield from your investment,” Ledford said.
Commissioner Ernest Rogers said, “I want to personally thank all of you for working together on this.”
In a press release presented on Monday, Ledford said, “As far as the development authority, we are so pleased to have the chamber and CVB come together. Separately, the organizations have realized many achievements, but together we feel that they can do so much more for our community and especially for our business community. There are still many details to work out, but this is the first step.”
BOC chairman Milton Dalton shares Ledford’s optimism for the unified chamber/CVB.
“The commissioners are all in agreement that a unified chamber/CVB is best for Banks County at this time,” he said. “I think this is the best way to move our county forward in planning for the future.”
Johnson said: “I love Banks County and have gladly given of my time and services to make it a better place for all of us. I’m really excited to be a part of the chamber/CVB organization and to be involved in this partnership with the development authority, commissioners, chamber and CVB. By working together along with our members and volunteers, we will thrive and make this partnership a success for Banks County.”
Ward said, “I’m really excited about all of the possibilities of the chamber/CVB organization. And, I’m looking forward to working will all the members on projects, such as Leadership Banks, the camera-ready program, special events and fund raisers, as well as our tourism program of work.”
Johnson and Ward have submitted an organizational structure draft to the development authority and commissioners for their review. Once the structure is approved, the chamber/CVB will move forward in determining its program of work, establish volunteer committees, and launch a membership drive for the new organization, the newsletter states.
“Mrs. Johnson and I know that it will take hard work ironing out some of the details, but once that is complete, we feel that this organization will definitely do its part in ‘Building a Better Banks’,” Ward said.
Ledford said Ward’s salary will remain the same as she is currently getting paid by the CVB and Johnson’s work is on a volunteer basis.
“Within the next week, we should be increasing Sherry’s salary since she is taking on the chamber duties also,” Ledford said.
Ledford reported that the development authority would meet with the chamber and CVB boards in the next week to iron out the details of the salary.
“We are waiting on the contracts to come back to us from the county attorney (Randall Frost). So there is really no need to discuss this (salary) now,” Ledford said.
Regulators take over First Georgia Bank
First Georgia Banking Company — which has branches in Jackson and Banks counties — has been taken over by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, according to a press release.
The Superior Court of Heard County issued an order on Friday afternoon appointing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver of the bank effective upon the department taking possession of First Georgia Banking Company.
The bank opened in 2003 and has 10 full-service branches, including those in Jefferson and Homer, according to its website.
CertusBank, National Association of Easley, S.C., has acquired First Georgia Banking Company through an agreement with the FDIC. [Full Story »]
The Superior Court of Heard County issued an order on Friday afternoon appointing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver of the bank effective upon the department taking possession of First Georgia Banking Company.
The bank opened in 2003 and has 10 full-service branches, including those in Jefferson and Homer, according to its website.
CertusBank, National Association of Easley, S.C., has acquired First Georgia Banking Company through an agreement with the FDIC. [Full Story »]
BCHS graduation set for Friday
Banks County High School will hold its graduation commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 20, at the BCHS Leopard Stadium.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Leopard Stadium.
The valedictorian of the 2012 senior class is Ms. Sefali Patel, the salutatorian is Mr. Vishal Patel and the first honorarian is Mr. Jason Jeong.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Leopard Stadium.
The valedictorian of the 2012 senior class is Ms. Sefali Patel, the salutatorian is Mr. Vishal Patel and the first honorarian is Mr. Jason Jeong.
Maysville council redraws wards
Each of Maysville's four wards were recently redrawn based on census data released in March.
After city leaders spent a little less than an hour Monday night trying to evenly distribute the city's total population according to 2010 census results, they arrived at a preliminary separation.
Monday’s results yielded 443 for Ward 1, 444 for Ward 2, 466 for Ward 3 and 445 for Ward 4, which adds up to the city's total population of 1,798. The goal was to even out the wards between 427 and 471 people per ward, Jody Cooley, Maysville’s city attorney, said.
The city council must vote to approve the new map at two regular business meetings. The next business meeting will be held June 6.
The last time cities were required to redistrict was in the year 2000, after the last census. After each census, federal law requires that all districts have to be in 10 percent of one another.
In 2000, the city of Maysville had 1,247 registered votes, with 575 in Jackson County and 672 in Banks County, a difference of 551 people
Prior to Monday’s meeting, Ward 1 had a population of 478, Ward 2 had 348, Ward 3 had 537 and Ward 4 had 445.
Cooley said that although the number of people districted to Ward 4 did not change, boundaries may have changed.
According to the website of the U.S. Census Bureau, census data are constitutionally mandated and used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government. In November, every council seat in Maysville and the mayor’s seat are up for reelection.
After city leaders spent a little less than an hour Monday night trying to evenly distribute the city's total population according to 2010 census results, they arrived at a preliminary separation.
Monday’s results yielded 443 for Ward 1, 444 for Ward 2, 466 for Ward 3 and 445 for Ward 4, which adds up to the city's total population of 1,798. The goal was to even out the wards between 427 and 471 people per ward, Jody Cooley, Maysville’s city attorney, said.
The city council must vote to approve the new map at two regular business meetings. The next business meeting will be held June 6.
The last time cities were required to redistrict was in the year 2000, after the last census. After each census, federal law requires that all districts have to be in 10 percent of one another.
In 2000, the city of Maysville had 1,247 registered votes, with 575 in Jackson County and 672 in Banks County, a difference of 551 people
Prior to Monday’s meeting, Ward 1 had a population of 478, Ward 2 had 348, Ward 3 had 537 and Ward 4 had 445.
Cooley said that although the number of people districted to Ward 4 did not change, boundaries may have changed.
According to the website of the U.S. Census Bureau, census data are constitutionally mandated and used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government. In November, every council seat in Maysville and the mayor’s seat are up for reelection.
Local artists display work
Local artists have their work on display at the Banks County Public Library May 2-14 for the 18th annual Art Show.
An artist reception will be held on Sunday, May 15, from 2-4 p.m.
Regular hours at the library are: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, closed; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact the library at 706-677-3164.
An artist reception will be held on Sunday, May 15, from 2-4 p.m.
Regular hours at the library are: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, closed; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact the library at 706-677-3164.
Family Connection will be in county for another year
Concerns for the past several months on whether or not Family Connection would be in place in the county for another year have been put to rest.
Banks County Family Connection director Robin Trotter reported at the monthly meeting on Thursday, April 21, that state funds for Family Connection will be provided for the next year. The projected state budget figure for 2012 is $42,250, Trotter said.
“We know we will be here for another year,” Trotter said.
Banks County Family Connection director Robin Trotter reported at the monthly meeting on Thursday, April 21, that state funds for Family Connection will be provided for the next year. The projected state budget figure for 2012 is $42,250, Trotter said.
“We know we will be here for another year,” Trotter said.
Computerized gambling establishment shut down at Banks Crossing
Banks County Sheriff Charles Chapman said on Monday a computerized gambling establishment at Banks Crossing was shut down by his officers.
On Friday, April 15, officers with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Commerce Business Center, 470 Banks Crossing Drive, after two undercover BCSO agents entered the business two different times on the same day and received cash payoffs for winnings on computerized gambling.
During the course of executing the search warrant, 57 computers and $2,000 in U.S. currency were seized. The business license was taken and will be turned over to the Banks County Board of Commissioners, Chapman said.
The investigation continues by the Criminal Investigations Division of the BCSO.
On Friday, April 15, officers with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Commerce Business Center, 470 Banks Crossing Drive, after two undercover BCSO agents entered the business two different times on the same day and received cash payoffs for winnings on computerized gambling.
During the course of executing the search warrant, 57 computers and $2,000 in U.S. currency were seized. The business license was taken and will be turned over to the Banks County Board of Commissioners, Chapman said.
The investigation continues by the Criminal Investigations Division of the BCSO.
BOC signs off on regional broadband study
The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed Monday night to fund $10,000 to participate in a regional broadband study in hopes that the effort will improve economic development efforts.
“This will be a huge step in economic development for the Martin Bridge Road area,” commissioner Sammy Reece said. “We’ve got to start somewhere.”
The One Georgia Authority will provide $160,000 of the total $200,000 cost of the project. The other participating counties in the region will fund the remainder of the project. Banks County officials plans to ask economic partners in the county to provide $1,000 each toward the county’s total $10,000.
According to economic director Brad Day, the study will provide strategic guidance in the planning of fiber optic connectivity that can be implemented to enable economic development. The study will also identify funding sources for providing fiber optic connectivity, including grant opportunities.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business Tuesday night, the BOC:
•approved a proclamation recognizing April 10-16 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
•approved the low bid of $22,583 from Gunby Communications to place a weather siren at the 911 center overlooking the recreation fields. The county has received a federal grant to fund 75 percent of this project.
•heard that the county has planted 20 trees that was funded through a grant. The trees were placed on county property, including the recreation ball fields.
•approved the annual propane gas bid to the low bidder, Amerigas.
•met in closed session for 15 minutes to discuss land acquisition. When the meeting was opened to the public, the BOC voted to spend $10,500 to purchase .278 acres on Chandler Street, near the historic jail which is planned to be used for county office space.
“This will be a huge step in economic development for the Martin Bridge Road area,” commissioner Sammy Reece said. “We’ve got to start somewhere.”
The One Georgia Authority will provide $160,000 of the total $200,000 cost of the project. The other participating counties in the region will fund the remainder of the project. Banks County officials plans to ask economic partners in the county to provide $1,000 each toward the county’s total $10,000.
According to economic director Brad Day, the study will provide strategic guidance in the planning of fiber optic connectivity that can be implemented to enable economic development. The study will also identify funding sources for providing fiber optic connectivity, including grant opportunities.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business Tuesday night, the BOC:
•approved a proclamation recognizing April 10-16 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
•approved the low bid of $22,583 from Gunby Communications to place a weather siren at the 911 center overlooking the recreation fields. The county has received a federal grant to fund 75 percent of this project.
•heard that the county has planted 20 trees that was funded through a grant. The trees were placed on county property, including the recreation ball fields.
•approved the annual propane gas bid to the low bidder, Amerigas.
•met in closed session for 15 minutes to discuss land acquisition. When the meeting was opened to the public, the BOC voted to spend $10,500 to purchase .278 acres on Chandler Street, near the historic jail which is planned to be used for county office space.
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