BanksNewsTODAY

Effectiveness of Broun questioned

2008-11-20T20:09:54Z

Citizens of the 10th Congressional District are stuck with Paul Broun for at least two more years.

I say “stuck” with Broun although I’m not really sure that word is appropriate. You see, Broun recently won his re-election bid with little trouble. The extremist right-wing Republican had a simple, although effective, strategy: crank up all the conservative buzzwords and cliches and let the chips fall where they may.

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Sheriff’s office reports 16 arrests

2008-11-19T18:09:13Z

The Banks County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests during the past week:

Continue reading "Sheriff’s office reports 16 arrests"

McNabb named technology director for school system

2008-11-19T18:07:32Z

The Banks County Board of Education named Jason McNabb as technology director for the school system at Monday’s, Nov. 17, monthly meeting. The approval came after a brief closed session to discuss personnel and appeals for out of county students.

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Maysville mulls 40% water rate hike

2008-11-19T18:04:39Z

Facing an income shortfall due to declining demand, the Maysville City Council is considering a 40 percent hike in water fees. The current minimum average bill of $14.50 per month would jump to $20.30 under the plan.

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Theft reported on Faulkner Drive

2008-11-17T23:39:57Z

A Commerce resident reported the theft of appliances on Friday, Nov. 14, from a Faulkner Drive apartment. The resident said someone took a washer and dryer from this property. The items were valued at $400.

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BOC again deadlocked on filling planning commission seats

2008-11-17T23:33:35Z

Appointments to county boards are usually routine matters with those willing to serve again often being reappointed.

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Obama victory historic for many reasons

2008-11-17T16:27:48Z

I was born in the spring of 1971. In the span of history that was certainly not a long time ago.

When you take into consideration it wasn’t until the 1971 college football season that the University of Alabama fielded its first integrated football team, you realize just how far the South, and even our country, has advanced when it comes to race relations.

Continue reading "Obama victory historic for many reasons"

Banks County headed to State Playoffs

2008-11-13T20:16:00Z

For the first time in 11 years, the Banks County Leopards are going to the show.

The Leopards made it into the first round of the state playoffs as the number four seed in region 8-AA after a 34-13 defeat of Union County. Yet Banks cannot take all the credit since the North Oconee win over Fannin County is what forced an opening for Banks to fill. Regardless, the Leopards are excited because with a winning season record of 6-4, 6-3 the 2008 team has made it among the best.

The first challenge for the Leopards on their quest to the Georgia Dome is Calhoun.

Calhoun is the number one seed in sub-region 7B-AA and undefeated in region play with an 8-2 overall record.

On paper, Calhoun has a slight advantage over the Leopards. The Yellow Jackets have averaged 33.6 points per game while Banks has averaged 30.6 points per game.

Banks will definitely have to keep the ball out of Calhoun’s hands as the Leopards have allowed 21.4 points per game compared to Calhoun’s 14.5. With the exception of the Calhoun versus Pepperell game, Calhoun has won their games with more than 20 points over their opponents.

Banks County is really the underdog, but that matches with the whole season as many still underestimate the team.
Coach Blair Armstrong said that the Leopards have been scaring him a little in the past few games, but expects that not to happen now the pressure is on.

“They kind of scare me. We score fast and then kind of relax,” Armstrong said. “It makes me nervous. I have the feeling that it will be a little different against this next opponent.”

Armstrong also said that he is immensely proud of the hard work and effort that the team has shown this season and for doing something that Banks County has not done in a long time.

The .600 season is the first winning season since 1997 which is also the last time the Leopards made it to the playoffs under coach Dennis Marlow.

Marlow said that the Leopards have a great coaching staff that genuinely cares for the players.

“I am excited about the Leopards going to Calhoun,” said Marlow. “The players from Calhoun will put their pants on one leg at a time just like we do… I think [Banks] has a great chance at winning the game.”

Cross country among elite teams in region

2008-11-13T20:09:53Z

Banks County’s cross-country team has a lot of reasons to be proud.

Not only did the boys make it to the state race in Carrollton, but also four Banks runners were named to the All Region team.
After running in the region race at Riverside, where the boys placed third in the region. The Diaz bothers Jorge and Ivan broke a school record. Then the boy’s team began preparing for the state race.

Coach Kelly McDuffie said that the preparation was more of a mental thing and consisted of switching the boys to practice in the morning instead of the afternoon.

“The coach and team decided that they needed to practice in the morning since the state race would be run in the morning and that they needed to make sure their bodies were healthy and ready for the race,” said McDuffie. “The team practiced Tuesday and Thursday morning. In one week the guys were not going to change the time that their bodies were capable of doing…it was going to be a mental thing.”

The team went down on Friday to preview the course after a lunch treat sendoff from Longhorn’s Steak House.

On Saturday, Banks took their place among the elite runners of the state with a well-earned 15th place finish out of 32 teams.

“It has been an awesome season and I am proud of the boys and girls cross country teams,” McDuffie said.

The 2008 boy’s cross country team at the state race.Photo by Al McLeod

Results

Jorge Diaz and Ivan Diaz were named to the first team All Region 8-AA and Amy Sims and Maggie McCoy were named to the third team All Region 8-AA.

Placing inside the top 25 runners, Jorge Diaz finished the state course with 23 points running a 17:57.33 race.

Still inside of the top 50 runners, Ivan Diaz ran the race in 18:10.90 picking up 38 points for the Banks team.

The third Banks runner to cross the line was Simon Hurtado at 19:56.19 followed by Kieffer Hellmeister at 20:10.54.

Avery Chastain finished his state run 20:19.01.

A little later, Viet Pham crossed the line at 20:42.68 with Nathan Holloway rounding out the Banks runners at 21:24.39.

The team averaged a 19:18.80 run with a total time of 1:36:33.97.

Fleeman Overcomes Setbacks, Wins World Crown

2008-11-13T17:00:00Z

Sunday’s World Crown at Peach State Speedway in Jefferson will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest come from behind victories in the event’s storied 25-year history.

After losing a lap a quarter of the way through the 200 lap event, Russell Fleeman charged back, using the cunning and skill of a veteran driver, and won the crown, the trophy and the check that had eluded him in several tries over the years.

“We’ve been trying to win the World Crown for five or six years, and it seems like we’d either do good or have bad luck,” Fleeman said after the victory. “We tested here earlier in the year and got a game plan.”

That plan didn’t involve fighting back from the flat tire, but probably did anticipate having to hold off a hard charging Taylor Satterfield and defending winner Paul Kelley at the end.

“I knew I had to get as close to the front as I could, but I didn’t want to use my tires up,” Fleeman said. “When I finally got out in the lead, I knew I had to pace myself.”

For Satterfield, of Commerce, the runner-up spot was a good showing on his home town track.

Commerce's Taylor Satterfield (40) leads Russell Fleeman (98) early in the event. Satterfield would finish second at the end of the day. Photo by Lyn Sengupta

“Everything worked out good,” he said. “Lap traffic kind of got in the way, but we saved the tires as best we could and tried to keep the pace. Maybe we waited too long, because we were closing in on him there towards the end.”

With 38 cars starting the race, it was the largest field for the World Crown since 1984. Pole sitter Brandon Johnson led the field to the green flag, and stayed on point through the first 11 laps.

The caution flag flew twice during that time, first when a flat tire sent Richard Johns spinning in the third turn, and the second when Senoia driver Bubba Pollard stopped on the back stretch after experiencing a mechanical issue.

Race officials docked Pollard a lap for intentionally bringing out the caution.

Back under green, Kelley passed Johnson on lap 12 to take the lead, and would hold the top spot until the halfway break at lap 100.

Meanwhile, Satterfield, former Jefferson native Ryan Crane and Fleeman worked their way into the top five, and were fighting for position when Fleeman slowed suddenly on lap 53, the victim of a cut tire.

He rushed to the pits, where his crew quickly made repairs and sent him back out. Fleeman lost a lap to the leader in the process.

As Fleeman roared out of the pits, Pollard made his way around Kelley to get back on the lead lap. A spin by Jimmy Weller brought out the caution again, allowing Pollard to rejoin the race at the back of the field.

Pendergrass driver Paul Kelley heads for pit road to repair damage to his car in the later stages of Sunday’s World Crown. Kelley would return to finish third. Photo by Brandon Reed

The caution was a blessing for Fleeman, who now had the chance to restart alongside the leader, and on lap 69, he moved around Kelley to get back on the lead lap. When Commerce’s Dennis Wilder spun on the backstretch on lap 81, Fleeman was able to rejoin the field on the lead lap.

Kelley held the lead to the halfway point, where the race was halted for a five minute break to allow teams to work on their cars.

When the green flew again, Pollard, who had worked his way back up into the top five, apparently experienced transmission trouble, and stopped again on the front stretch to bring out a caution.

Pollard was again penalized one lap by race officials, but would make up that lap again later on in the race.

Kelley, meanwhile, came under immediate attack from Johnson, and gave up the lead on lap 107. Fifteen laps later, it appeared that Kelley struck a piece of debris on the track, and the entire left side body work on his car flew up, flapping as he went by.

A caution two laps later gave the three time World Crown champ a chance to come in and make repairs. He restarted at the back of the field.

Meanwhile, Fleeman worked his way back into contention moving into the second spot. On lap 157, Fleeman ducked low out of the fourth turn, and took the top spot away, and would never give it back.

Flagman Waylan Nicholson waves the checkered flag over Russell Fleeman at the finish of the 2008 World Crown. Photo by Lyn Sengupta

As Fleeman moved away for his first World Crown win, Satterfield moved to second, and Kelley roared back through the field to third. But neither could catch Fleeman, who motored to victory lane.

The talent he had beaten wasn’t lost on Fleeman after the race.

“There’s some good talent and drivers coming up through here,” he said. “It just makes me feel good that I’m still able to drive, and thankfull for everyone who helps me.

“We’re looking forward to next year and winning some more races.”

Johnson would hold on for fourth, while Crane finished fifth. David Hole, Randy Porter, Kyle Fowler, Max Gresham and Pollard rounded out the top ten.

25th Annual World Crown 200
Peach State Speedway
Jefferson, GA
November 9, 2008

Finishing Results

1) Russell Fleeman - Dacula, GA
2) Taylor Satterfield - Commerce, GA
3) Paul Kelley - Pendergrass, GA
4) Brandon Johnson - Longwood, FL
5) Ryan Crane - Panama City, FL
6) David Hole - Cumming, GA
7) Randy Porter - Easley, SC
8) Kyle Fowler - Smyrna, GA
9) Max Gresham - Griffin, GA
10) Bubba Pollard - Senoia, GA
11) Michael Pope - Dublin, GA
12) Bobby East - Mooresville, NC
13) Dennis Wilder - Commerce, GA
14) Jeremy Rice - Elberton, GA
15) TJ Reaid - Acworth, GA
16) Ralph Carnes - Anderson, SC
17) Trey Mitchell - Wimberley,Texas
18) Tyler Millwood - Kingston, GA
19) Shane Sieg - Tucker, GA
20) Jimmy Weller - Liberty, Ohio
21) Rebecca Kastin - Mequon, Wisconsin
22) Kyle Mitchell - Hampton, GA
23) Billy Fulson - Douglasville, GA
24) Brian Weimer - Cumming, GA
25) Scott Patton - Chattanooga, TN
26) Larry Jordan - Hoschton, GA
27) Jimmy Garmon - Hoschton, GA
28) Shane Sawyer - Canton, GA
29) Alex Garcia - Marietta, GA
30) Zac Kittle - Watkinsville, GA
31) James Nealis - Gainesville, GA
32) Jimmy Lang - Bluffton, SC
33) Bear Lynch - Denver, Colorado
34) Matt Hawkins - Canton, GA
35) Beau Slocomb - Macon, GA
36) Richard Johns - Charlotte, NC
37) John Wes Townley - Watkinsville, GA
38) Michael Lance - Lawrenceville, GA

Fast Facts

Number of lead changes– 3
Lap leaders– Johnson (1-11), Kelley (12-107), Johnson (108-157), Fleeman (158-200)
Pole Winner– Brandon Johnson, 17.853 (100.823 mph)
Number of cautions– 18

Crane Grabs Peach State Win On Wild Night

2008-11-13T01:00:00Z

To call the Saturday’s run up to the World Crown at Peach State Speedway wild would be a bit of an understatement.

No less than 20 drivers throughout the race card found their cars disqualified before the end of the night.

But one that had no problems at all was former Jefferson resident Ryan Crane, who dominated the US Auto Sales 100 for Super Late Model racers, taking his second Peach State victory of the year.

He won a GAS event at the track back in July as well.

“It was a great race,” Crane said. “I’m excited, it was a great race for us. This car is great.”

Crane, who now lives in Panama City, Fla., said the win was also special because he grew up in Jefferson.

“This is big, because I’ve got so many family and friends here. To come back here and win, it means a lot.”

Justin Wakefield was flagged as the runner-up, but was disqualified due to an infraction in post-race tech, moving Jefferson’s Joey Senter to second. Dwayne Buggay and Jeremy Rice rounded out the top five finishers.

David Murphy, pictured here from an earlier event, took Sunday's Outlaw Late Model event at Peach State.

Local classes ruled the day as well, while one local class would race on Sunday. That was the Outlaw Late Model class, where Jefferson’s David Murphy out-dueled track champ Hoyt Stephens for the win, with the two swapping the lead several times during the 50-lap event. Local firefighter Russell Shore ran third, with Jerry Martin fourth and Todd Vanderford fifth.

The rest of the local classes faced Saturday night, as did the Pro Challenge series, which features scaled down racers with young drivers. Clint King charged to the front, and collected not only the win, but the tour championship as well, with Megan Dillner, Kyle Wilson, Kyle Plott and Shane Roberts rounding out the top five.

It came as no surprise that Steve Hill charged his way to the front in the Mini Stock division. Hill, who was awarded his trophy as Mini Stock champion for Peach State in 2008 earlier in the day, made some daring moves to pick up position early, then sailed to the win. B.J. Thrasher’s second place car was disqualified in post-race tech, giving that position to Wayne Smith. Buster Thrasher, Michael Bucker and David Talvert rounded out the top five.

The Open Wheel Modified division made their return to Peach State, putting on a fast and furious show for the fans. Photo by Brandon Reed

The Open Wheel Modified division made only their second appearance on Peach State’s high banks Saturday, and put on a big show for the fans, with Darrell Bryson and Jason Bates scrapping hard for the win. In the end, both were disqualified in post-race tech, handing the victory to Marlin Gunter. He was followed by Chris Holbrook, J.D. Clements, Randy Gilbert and Bryan Cantrell.

Races were also held for both the Super Truck and Sportsman divisions. However, all vehicles were disqualified in post-race tech either for illegal items or modifications to their racers, or for refusing to report to tech inspection.

No results were available.

Road signs damaged on Rucker Road

2008-11-12T04:03:14Z

A Rucker Road resident reported damage to government property with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office during the past week. The resident said someone used an unknown tool to scratch vulgar and racial language on the road signs on Rucker Road.

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Deposit missing from tax commissioner’s office

2008-11-12T04:00:27Z

A $14,600 deposit is missing from the Banks County Tax Commissioner’s office and the matter is under investigation by the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Charles Chapman said on Monday that Tax Commissioner Margaret Ausburn filed a report with his office on November 5 about the missing deposit.

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Lula holds groundbreaking at Veterans Park

2008-11-11T19:16:08Z

More than 100 people gathered in Lula Tuesday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of a new Veterans Park.

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Recalling good times with faithful buddy

2008-11-10T15:49:25Z

The last several days have been filled with a great deal of stress.

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BCSO makes several drug arrests

2008-11-10T15:47:44Z

Several drug arrests were made last week by the Banks County Sheriff’s Office.

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BOC moves toward hiring economic director

2008-11-10T15:44:18Z

The Banks County Board of Commissioners paved the way for hiring an economic director last week, although a time frame for hiring someone has not been discussed publicly.

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Fleeman Comes From Behind To Win World Crown

2008-11-10T14:04:21Z

Dacula's Russell Fleeman showed that in racing, nothing is certain.

Just 50 laps into Sunday's World Crown at Peach State Speedway, a flat tire sent the 2008 Georgia Asphalt Series champ to the pits, and relegated him a lap down.

But the hard charging Fleeman fought back, got back on the lead lap, then worked his way back to the front to hold off Commerce's Taylor Satterfield and three time World Crown champ Paul Kelley for the win.

It is Fleeman's first victory in the World Crown, a race that has eluded him for several years.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Jackson Herald.

Entfinger Puts Townley's Car On World Crown Pole

2008-11-08T20:27:38Z

Fill in driver Grant Entfinger, piloting the car normally driven by Watkinsville racer John Wes Townley, put his fill-in position to good use Saturday, as he put the #09 Ford on the pole with a time of 17.817 around Peach State Speedway in Jefferson.

Unfortunatly, Entfinger, winner of the Rattler 250 in Alabama earlier this year, will have to give up that fast seat. Townley, who spent Friday and Saturday racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series and the Nationwide Series in Phoenix Arizona, is schedulled to fly back to Georgia tonight to race in Saturday's World Crown.

Regardless of the speed, the driver change will mean Townley will have to start at the back of the field on Saturday.

Three time World Crown winner Paul Kelley held the provisional pole for a time Saturday, turning a lap in 17. He was third fastest at the end of qualifying.

The World Crown 300 is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Peach State Speedway. For more information, go to www.peachstspeedway.com.

BCHS defeats Union 34-13

2008-11-08T14:23:53Z

The Banks County Leopards' sights are set on the playoffs.

Banks County defeated Union County 34-13, Friday night.

That win coupled with the North Oconee defeat of Fannin County will allow the Leopards to slide into the post season.

For more on the Banks County win over Union County see November 13 edition of The Banks County News.

Banks County's Justin Beasley, Demetric Dempson and Chris Porter share their reactions after the 34-13 win.

Banks is in for the fight of the season

2008-11-05T21:20:00Z

The Banks County High School Leopards are more than ever in a do-or-die situation.

Friday night is it.

Banks has to beat Union County. Be it by one point or 50, the Leopards have to win. In addition, the situation is only halfway in Big Blue’s playbook. For the Leopards to make it to the playoffs another team has to lose.

For a complete breakdown of the Union County challenge see Thursday's edition of The Banks County News.

Click here for Results from the Oglethorpe game on Halloween night.

BCHS boys cross country heading to state

2008-11-05T21:16:00Z

Expectations were high as the Banks County cross country team traveled to Riverside last Saturday.

In the region race, the cross country runners had to give it their all because according to coach Kelly McDuffie, it is all or nothing in cross country.

The Leopards’ runners were rewarded for this season’s hard work. The girls finished seventh in the 8-AA region, which is one of the toughest regions in the state, and Amy Sims finished just shy of a new school record.

The boys made it to state, finishing third in the region. The brother duo of Jorge Diaz, placing second, and Ivan Diaz, placing eighth, broke into the top ten and set a school record.

The boys will go this Saturday to compete in the state race at Carrollton. The race starts at 11:30 a.m.

For full results from the region race at Riverside, see Thursday's edition of The Banks County News.

Banks scares up a 42-20 win

2008-11-05T21:09:33Z

It may not have been the prettiest of games, but it got the job done.

Banks County beat Oglethorpe 42-20, Halloween night to still be in the fight for a playoff spot.

The Leopards started strong, winning the toss and scoring just minutes into the game with a carry by Demetric Dempson. Oglethorpe fumbled the ball on the next play allowing the Leopards to recover and retake possession.

Tyler Hulsey kicked a field goal putting the Leopards up 10-0 with seven minutes left on the clock.

A strong Banks defense held the Oglethorpe Patriots until the last two minutes of the quarter. Oglethorpe scored a touchdown but was denied the PAT.

Justin Beasley added to the Banks’ lead two minutes into the second quarter, 16-6. Both sides traded yardage for most of the quarter, Oglethorpe got close enough to kick a field goal six minutes in, but another Beasley carry extended the Leopard lead out to 22-9 ending the half.

The third quarter picked up some excitement after a Banks interception late in the quarter. The Leopards turned again to the go to man for the game, Beasley, for another touchdown. Despite a fumble recovery by Oglethorpe and a long rush, the Patriots’ last chance came down to the fourth quarter.

Starting around 12 and goal, the Patriots scored on a fourth down and pulled out a two-point conversion moving them within 11 points of Banks.

An onside kick returned possession to Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe drew within competing distance of Banks after a field goal six minutes into the last quarter. With the score 28-20, Chris Porter scored on a quarterback keeper. The Leopards made a successful two-point attempt to extend the score out to 36-20. Beasley scored the last touchdown of the game and secured the Leopard win with two minutes left on the clock.

The Oglethorpe rally in the fourth, perfectly illustrated what coach Blair Armstrong said after the game.

“Championship teams cannot worry about who the opponent is,” Armstrong said, “You have to do your jobs and play at the same level.”

Armstrong also said that in the first quarter it looked like Banks County, but the rest of the game didn’t look like that.

“We came out really well, but just kind of relaxed,” said Armstrong. “That has been a fear of mine, the guys get a little excited and think we can beat them 50-0. We let them stay close.”

Armstrong said that he believes Banks could have beat Oglethorpe 50-0 if the Leopards had played 100 percent like they are capable.

“We preached and preached to our kids that they had to play hard all 48 minutes, but when [Oglethorpe] bit us a little bit we woke up and finished strong.”

See Thursday's edition of The Banks County News for a breakdown of this Friday's Union County game.

Banks is in for the fight of the season

2008-11-05T21:03:56Z

The Banks County High School Leopards are more than ever in a do-or-die situation.

Friday night is it.

Banks has to beat Union County. Be it by one point or 50, the Leopards have to win. In addition, the situation is only halfway in Big Blue’s playbook. For the Leopards to make it to the playoffs another team has to lose.

For a complete breakdown of the Union County challenge see Thursday's edition of The Banks County News.

Racers Prepare For 25th World Crown at Peach State Sunday

2008-11-05T10:00:00Z

With 25 years of history, drivers from all around the country are preparing to travel to Peach State Speedway in Jefferson this weekend to take part in the World Crown weekend, with the highlight being an opportunity to add your name to the list of winners, including Darrell Waltrip, Dick Trickle, Rick Crawford and three-time winner Paul Kelley.

Drivers from New York, Colorado, Maine and around the southeast are entered to compete for the right to wear the coveted crown in victory lane, and to take home the Rob Joyce Memorial trophy.

For some, there’s no such thing as too much practice as they get ready for the World Crown.

2008 Georgia Asphalt Series Five Star Wheels Rookie of the Year T.J. Reaid hit the track last week to work to dial his car in for the big event. The Acworth native says he feels confident going into the Nov. 9 event.

“We’re trying some stuff here today that we’ve messed around with at the shop that we think may help us.”

Click on the video above to see a preview of this weekend's World Crown 300
Video courtesy Lyn Sengupta

Reaid won his first late model event at New Senoia Raceway back on Aug. 16, and would like to make the World Crown his second win.

For Royston’s Jeremy Rice, Sunday’s World Crown represents an opportunity to end his season on a high note.

“We didn’t make the last race at Lanier due to fuel problems,” Rice said. “We’ve had problems the last few months, but we think we’ve finally gotten it fixed. We hope to have a good showing all weekend.”

It will be Rice’s first appearance of the year at Peach State.

Seventeen-year-old James Nealis is a two-and-a-half year Pro Late Model veteran. The Gainesville area driver says he enjoys coming to Peach State to compete, and the history of the World Crown is not lost on him.

Gainesville’s James Nealis said his game plan for the World Crown is to dominate from start to finish.
“It’s very important,” Nealis said. “At the beginning of the year, we built this car with the hopes of making it with this same car to this race. About a month ago, we stopped and I tore the car down and rebuilt it just for next weekend with the hope that we can come out and win.”

Reaid said there’s definite importance to winning an event with a rich history of the World Crown, where drivers will be racing in the tire tracks of racing legends.

“With that caliber of drivers, it is kind of awesome to know they were here,” he said. “It means a lot to drivers to run races like this and win.

“It would be awesome. To be rookie of the year and to win the World Crown would be a real plus on my resume.”

Rice echoed those sentiments.

“It’s real important,” he said. “This would mean a lot to me and to everybody on crew. A lot of big names have won this race. It’s one of the biggest events you can win.”

Nealis made it clear how he intends to approach the World Crown.

“When we come here Thursday, we want to dominate. We want to sit on the pole and take the win.”

The only problem is that everyone else will have the same game plan.

This is the view that Jeremy Rice hopes the entire field has of him on Sunday as he looks for his first win in the World Crown.
The World Crown weekend kicks off on Friday with heats and features by the local Mini Stock, Sportsman and Renegade classes beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday features the 100 lap U.S Auto Sales 100 for Super Late Models, as well as an Open Wheel Modified event, the Super Truck division and the Pro Challenge touring series. Racing begins at 7 p.m.

Sunday’s World Crown festivities begin on Sunday with an autograph session for the fans at noon, with racing beginning at 2 p.m. Along with the World Crown Pro Late Model event, a 50 lap Outlaw Late Model race will also be held. Racing begins at 2 p.m.

For more information about the World Crown weekend, check online at www.peachstspeedway.com, or call 706-387-7490.

Banks County Election Results

2008-11-04T22:21:40Z

As of 9:37 p.m., with 14 of 14 precincts reporting. Further updates will be made as results are announced by county officials.
President of the United States
Votes
John McCain President
Sarah Palin Vice President
(Republican) 5114
Barack Obama President
Joe Biden Vice President
(Democrat) 1026
Bob Barr President
Wayne A. Root Vice President
(Libertarian) 89
Other 0
United States Senate
Votes
Saxby Chambliss
(Incumbent Republican) 4264
Jim Martin
(Democrat) 1512
Allen Buckley
(Libertarian) 297
Other 0
US Congress District 10
Votes
Paul Broun
(Incumbent Republican) 4455
Bobby Saxon
(Democrat) 1503
Other 0
State Representative District 28
Votes
Michael Harden
(Republican) 3826
Jeanette Jamieson
(Incumbent Democrat) 2243
Other 0
Tax Commissioner
Votes
Becky Taylor
(Republican) 2568
Margaret H. Ausburn
(Incumbent Democrat) 3474
Other 0
Board of Education Post 1
Votes
Neal Brown
(Incumbent Republican) 4055
John (David) Kennedy
(Democrat) 1861
Other 0
Banks County Commissioners Votes
Yes 4070
No 1869

Millage rate to remain same: BOC approves 8.304 millage rate

2008-11-04T18:43:57Z

For the fourth year in a row, the Banks County Board of Commissioners has kept the millage rate at 8.304.

Continue reading "Millage rate to remain same: BOC approves 8.304 millage rate"

Banks County man arrested for pointing a gun at another man

2008-11-04T18:40:24Z

A Banks County man has been arrested for pointing a gun at another man.

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Banks County picks up a Halloween win

2008-11-02T16:32:00Z

The Leopards were a tad off beat Friday night.

The performance left head coach Blair Armstrong asking the parents to go get some ear wax remover for the guys after the game.

Despite these complaints, the Leopards did pull a 42-20 win over Oglethorpe, and are still tied 5-3 in region play with Riverside.

The win means Banks is still alive for a chance at post season play.

See Thursday's edition of The Banks County News for the full report on the Halloween game and a preview of the make or break Union County game.

Big Blue travels to Oglethorpe Friday

2008-10-30T18:45:18Z

After a much needed win last Friday night, this week the fate of Banks County is almost out of the Leopards’ hands.
Of course, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades; this is football.

Banks County has to win the next two games. Period. If the Leopards want a shot at the playoffs, Big Blue cannot slack off against Oglethorpe on Friday night in Lexington at 7:30 p.m.

Statistically, Banks should roll down to Lexington and grab an easy win from the Patriots. However, the players and coaches know that statistics don’t count for much on the grass.

Banks is 4-3 in the region facing a 0-7, Oglethorpe. This season the Patriots have only scored 116 points while Banks has nearly double that scoring a total of 230 points so far. The Leopards also have averaged 29 points per game to Oglethorpe’s 15. Oglethorpe has also allowed over 100 more points than Banks County.

While the numbers are in Banks’ favor, looking back on the contests between the schools Oglethorpe has the most recent win.

In 2005, Banks took a 33-6 loss to the Patriots. This came after a narrow win in 2004, 30-27. Banks will also be the team traveling this week.

Head coach Blair Armstrong has to keep the players’ energy up, which shouldn’t be a problem with the playoff spot on the line.

The Leopards know they have to bring their ‘A’ game this week and next. The Leopards are going to bring their best because “It’s just Banks County.”

For more on the last week's game see Thursday's edition of The Banks County News.

Leopard runners place well at home, set PRs at East Jackson

2008-10-30T18:36:38Z

The Leopard runners are coming down to the final leg of the season.

With the region race this Saturday, the Banks runners have to prepare themselves for that challenge after coming off of two meets over the past two weeks.

Home race

The Leopard team hosted a six-school race on October 16. The competing schools included Commerce, Habersham County, Towns County, Rabun County and Jackson County.

The Banks boys finished first well ahead of the last place Commerce team. Stacked up against the competition Banks tallied 23 points followed by: Rabun, 73; Towns, 76; Jackson, 95; Habersham, 109; and Commerce, 237.

MainStreet Race

The Leopards were one of the teams invited to participate in the annual MainStreet News race. This year was the seventh running of the race and includes schools inside the MainStreet News coverage area. Hosted at East Jackson, the competitors included teams from East Jackson, Banks, Jefferson, Jackson County, Commerce and Madison County.

The boys finished second and the ladies finished fourth.

For the boys the winning order was East Jackson, Banks, Jackson County, Jefferson, Madison and Commerce. For the ladies Jefferson took the top spot followed by East Jackson, Jackson County and Banks. Madison and Commerce did not have enough runners to score for team points.

The race also provided some personal bests for the Leopards.

For individual results from both races, see Thursday's edition of The Banks County News.

Column: A changing of hats, or in this case pens

2008-10-30T18:00:00Z

As many readers already know, Chris Bridges is now heading up the MainStreet newspaper in Barrow County.

One could assume that since it is now my name and mug replacing the spot of his column that I am taking over the sports desk at The Banks County News. While you should never assume things, you would be correct this time.

I know Chris is going to miss the relationships with the staff and players at the school.

It is a stretch switching horses midstream, with the football season in a pressure play for a playoff seat, softball ending, the cross country team preparing for the region race and basketball right around the corner. Fortunately, I have an ace up my sleeve.

As a former graduate of good ole’ Homer University, I hope I can relate more to the people at the high school.

I stopped by the high school earlier in the week and it was a little surreal since it has been a little better than five years since being in the halls. Granted, a number of the teachers I had have moved on, but there are still a few around as well as some teachers I remember as fellow students.

While it is nice to look back at the four years I spent at the high school, my attention is now more on the buildings outside.

I have to compliment the looks of the campus; everything that is behind the gym has been added since I graduated.

I am looking forward to the different events I will be covering at these new facilities.

I am also looking forward to working with the various coaching staffs at Banks County. While it might be bumpy these first few weeks, I believe that it will be a great job.

There may be a bigger fan for Banks County, but one thing is certain, we are both Leopards.

Election coming up Tuesday; 1,835 countians already cast ballot

2008-10-30T02:45:07Z

Banks Countians will go to the polls Tuesday to cast their choice for president, as well as decide on state races and local issues. With one month of early voting held for the first time ever, a record number of voters — almost 2,000 — have already cast a ballot.

Continue reading "Election coming up Tuesday; 1,835 countians already cast ballot"

Return to Oz at Beech Mountain, N.C.

2008-10-30T02:37:32Z

Ever dream of skipping along the yellow brick road with Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion on the way to the magical Land of Oz? What about stopping off at Professor Marvel’s wagon to peer into his crystal ball?

Continue reading "Return to Oz at Beech Mountain, N.C."

Banks County CVB presents fourth annual chocolate fair

2008-10-30T02:33:39Z

The Banks County Convention and Visitors Bureau invites everyone out to the fourth annual CVB Chocolate Fair on Nov. 10 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Tanger Town Centre at Banks Crossing.

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Incidents reported in Baldwin

2008-10-30T02:31:10Z

Incidents reported to the Baldwin Police Department last week include the following:

Continue reading "Incidents reported in Baldwin"

Obama tries the impossible in Georgia

2008-10-30T02:26:58Z

More items from the political notebook as the Nov. 4 arrives next week: Believe it or not, the presidential race in Georgia is now a toss-up.

Continue reading "Obama tries the impossible in Georgia"

Leopards take Fannin County for a ride

2008-10-26T12:36:03Z

Banks County will remain in the running for a coveted playoff spot for another week.

Friday's 34-13 win over Fannin County kept Big Blue alive.

Banks started strong and kept the throttle wide open through Friday's game. A late game injury to one of the senior players paused the game, but the Leopards ended strong.

See Thursday's edition of the Banks County News for more on Friday's game.

Leopards face must-win game this week

2008-10-24T17:12:29Z

BY CHRIS BRIDGES
At this point in the 2008 season, it pretty much comes down to mathematics.

The Banks County High School football team needs wins to stay in playoff contention. The Leopards will also need a little help from some other teams to make it past week 10 of the 2008 campaign.

First things first, however, and that begins this Friday night when Region 8-AA foe Fannin County High School makes the long trek to BCHS for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

“We have to win out to stay in the playoff chase,” Leopard head coach Blair Armstrong said this week. “We will also have to have a couple of other things happen, but right now we have to focus on this week because Fannin County is going to be a tough test for us.”

The always tough Rebels from Blue Ridge will once again be big up front which helps clear the way for their wishbone offense.

“They also have some fast backs but we feel we are better at this point in the season than we were last year when they beat us,” Armstrong said. “Our kids are anxious to face them again. We are strong and more mature than we were last season.”

The BCHS coach also believes playing the contest at home will be to his team’s benefit as the trip from Fannin County takes a minimum of two and a half hours.

The Rebel wishbone attack, something not seen much more in high school football or at any level for that matter, presents a different type of challenge for the Leopard players and coaches this Friday. It is different than the spread offense that Jefferson used last week.

“Our defense will have to be prepared for different things,” Armstrong said. “Fannin County is going to be very physical up front.”

The Rebels enter this week’s game with only one setback on their resume. Fannin County lost a one-sided contest to Jefferson earlier in the season.

Armstrong said his team is healthy overall other than the usual bumps and bruises players have at this point in the season.
“We should be ready to go,” he said.

Several players have standout season for BCHS

2008-10-24T16:45:00Z

BY CHRIS BRIDGES
The Banks County High School fast-pitch softball team fell one-game short of advancing to the state sectionals this fall.

While narrowly missing that goal was a disappointing, the Lady Leopards did manage to record 13 wins in 2008 and will lose just two seniors (Samm Kennedy and Kathy Davidson) to graduation this spring.

Hayley Baird was the team’s top batter with a .398 average with 35 hits and 19 runs scored. Madison Franklin, a freshman on this year’s team, finished with an impressive .318 batting average including 28 hits with six doubles, nine RBI and 18 runs scored.

Ashley Denton finished with a .325 mark and drove in 25 runs. Kim Tomas drove in 13 runs and scored 14.

Jordan Rogers earned eight wins in 2008 while Thomas had five.

“We had a strong showing at the region tournament with big wins against Fannin County and Oglethorpe County,” coach Josh Lord said. “Our pitching was great all year. Most games we lost were by the same formula — not managing enough offense to overcome a couple costly defensive mistakes.”

In addition, the injury bug took its took toll on BCHS.

“Our players and coaches spent countless hours at practice working to get better each day,” Lord said. “I feel like we did. We were one win away from not only making state, but from tying a BCHS school record for single season wins (set in 2006). The level of competition we faced this year was probably better than that year overall so in some ways, this could be viewed as our most successful season. Our players will be hungry to build on this year, and we look for good things to come.”

Alto police chief resigns

2008-10-24T00:16:49Z

Alto Police Chief James R. “Robin” Krockum has resigned.

Continue reading "Alto police chief resigns"

BOE split on proposed budget

2008-10-24T00:11:26Z

In a 3-2 split vote Monday night, the Banks County Board of Education tabled approval of the fiscal year 2009 proposed budget.

Continue reading "BOE split on proposed budget"

Bank robbery suspect captured Thursday

2008-10-23T23:57:36Z

Officials arrested a South Carolina man Thursday afternoon about a half hour after the armed robbery of the Banks Crossing branch of Northeast Georgia Bank following a chase that began in Commerce and ended in the median of U.S. 441 a few hundred yards from the Athens-Clarke County line.

Continue reading "Bank robbery suspect captured Thursday"

Leopards battle Dragons to end

2008-10-19T18:53:36Z

The Banks County High School football team gave Jefferson its toughest challenge of the 2008 season Friday night. In the end, however, the Dragons survived its first true test and remained undefeated with a 34-22 win.

BCHS pulled to within 28-22 with 5:13 left following a 63-yard run by Justin Beasley. Jefferson, however, was able to answer and sealed the win with a touchdown with 1:00 left.

The Leopards will host Fannin County this Friday at 7:30 p.m. for Senior Night. See Thursday's edition of The Banks County News for a complete recap of the Jefferson contest and a preview of the Region 8-AA showdown with Fannin County.

McCain stands above rhetoric at own rallies

2008-10-17T02:46:07Z

Items from my political notebook as the most important election in decades draws closer:

•If you want to know what type of man John McCain really is then all you have to do is look at a news clip from a recent campaign rally.

McCain was listening to the concerns of a supporter when the Republican nominee declared enough is enough. A woman in attendance was carrying on about how she was afraid of Obama being elected president. Fair enough.

Continue reading "McCain stands above rhetoric at own rallies"

Leopards face tall order in Dragons

2008-10-16T18:00:00Z

BY CHRIS BRIDGES
Banks County High School football coach Blair Armstrong doesn’t hide the fact this week’s Region 8-AA game against Jefferson is important for his Leopards.

“It’s really like a playoff game for us,” Armstrong said. “It is extremely important for us. We are between a rock and hard place in terms of needing region wins. We have to win some games in order to get in position to challenge for a playoff spot.”

A big roadblock will be in the way for BCHS for Friday, however, as the undefeated Jefferson Dragons will venture into Homer for a 7:30 p.m. region showdown.

The Dragons have been perhaps the surprise team in 8-AA this fall steamrolling through all of its competition en route to a perfect 6-0 overall record and perfect 5-0 region mark.

“They are very physical,” Armstrong said. “They have several skill players who can deliver and make plays. They make their own good fortune. We have started to do that.”

BCHS, who now stands 3-3 overall and 3-2 in 8-AA, has played better in recent weeks, especially on the defensive side of the football. The Leopards allowed just 12 points against North Oconee (six of which came on on interception return) and blanked East Jackson two weeks ago.

“If we had started the season playing that way we would have a couple more wins now,” Armstrong said. “Jefferson came out of the gate playing well. We may now just be peaking while they were doing so from the beginning of the season. It should be a competitive game.”

Armstrong said Jefferson will be the best team his Leopards have played to this point in the 2008 season.

“North Oconee and Riverside are good teams,” the coach said. “Jefferson beat Riverside pretty good. It would be a different story if we played Riverside now.”

A factor which continues to hurt BCHS is a non-winning tradition.

“Hopefully, our guys will see this as an opportunity to show what we can do,” Armstrong said.

The Leopards will enter this week’s contest with no significant injuries.

While some coaches may take the plan of formulating new schemes of special game plans for contests against undefeated opponents, don’t look for BCHS to do that this week.

“We are better off when we do what we have been doing,” Armstrong said. “Whenever we try to do something different or try a new package, it seems to backfire.”

Column: Saying goodbye has never been an easy thing

2008-10-16T14:47:58Z

“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”

•••

I admit I haven’t been looking forward to writing this column.

On one hand I have good personal news. In fact, in can be termed great. On the other hand, it comes at a price, as all good things do.

I soon will be helping direct a new project which MainStreet Newspapers, the parent company of The Banks County News is launching. While I am excited about this opportunity, it also means I will be giving up my duties in Banks County. As I said, there is no great gain without some amount of loss.

It’s hard to believe so much time has elapsed since I arrived in June 2005. A great deal has changed on the BCHS sports scene since then. It has been great to see the improvements made on the sports fields in that time.

The baseball, softball and tennis programs all have much better facilities to call home now. The football stadium has also taken a major turn for the better and some improvements were also made to the cross country course. Hopefully, improvements will arrive soon for the high school track.

The coaches in the county have also been great to work this. Blair Armstrong as athletic director at BCHS has been ideal to work with allowing me complete and open access to his football program as well as anything associated with Leopard athletics. I realize it is not this way at all high schools.

It has also been a please working with Josh Lord and Joe Lord who have beyond helpful in getting me information on their softball and baseball programs. It’s a little easier covering football when you have just one game a week, but the softball and baseball teams play two or three games every seven days. With my additional duties of covering news for the paper, Josh and Joe realized I couldn’t be at every game and always went the extra mile to help me provide coverage every issue of their team and players. I couldn’t have done it without them.

I will also miss working with long-time Leopard basketball coach Mike Ruth. I can’t recall the number of Sunday night talks we had. They weren’t just about his basketball team but about anything and everything. If I needed to vent, Coach Ruth was there to listen. If he needed to talk, I was there as well. Coach Ruth has dedicated many years to BCHS and he deserved praise for what he has meant to the school and its varsity boys basketball program. When you have been around as long as he has, however, some people start to take coaches like him for granted and that is a shame. Coach Ruth is a true asset to BCHS.

I have been impressed with what Jerry King has done in his first season with the Lady Leopard basketball program and will miss getting to see what the future holds for them. King and his family are heroes of mine and I have the highest amount of respect for them.

On the wrestling front, Kasey Hanley has provided a stable, knowledgeable hand for the Mat Leopards.

Hanley was just what the doctor ordered when he took over the program three years ago. It is amazing how far the BCHS wrestling team has progressed in the time he has been head coach. Look for even more progress this winter under his leadership.

There are many more people who play a major impact on the BCHS sports front. People like Dwayne Worley, who certainly is never at a loss for words. Dwayne was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Banks County and he made me feel as welcome as anyone. You don’t mind many people as genuine and down to earn as Dwayne and his family. I will miss them as much as anyone.

As I wrote in a recent column, Angie Bowen is a special person when it comes to BCHS athletics. She does so many things behind the scenes that it would be hard to replace her. She has helped bail me out of so many jams it would be hard to recount them all.

From identifying players in photos to getting copies of schedules, Angie is always willing to lend a hand and help anyone who needs it, including your local sports writer. She always has a smile on her face even when I know she has to be at the point of exhaustion. I could only hope to find someone as helpful as her in my new venture.

A special note of thanks must go to Randy Crump and Lyn Sengupta who have helped me tremendously in the area of sports photography. Pictures make a sports section and these two talented individuals have helped make these pages standout.
This, of course, is only a partial list of people who have been helpful to me and who play a major role on BCHS athletics. All deserve praise for what they do on a daily basis.

I will still be around for a little while longer. If I don’t get a chance to see you before I go, just imagine I am standing by you right now shaking your hand and telling you, “Thank you.” It has truly been my pleasure. Let’s keep in touch.

Chris Bridges is sports editor of The Banks County News. E-mail comments to chris@mainstreetnews.com.

Lady Leopards fall just short of state tourney

2008-10-16T14:36:12Z

BY CHRIS BRIDGES
When the Region 8-AA tournament was over for the Banks County High School softball team, the Lady Leopards were one game shy of state play.

To be more exact, BCHS was two runs away.

The Lady Leopards fell to Dawson County 3-1 in a game they needed to win to guarantee themselves a spot at the next level. BCHS entered the contest off a 18-1 thrashing of Oglethorpe County, but could not manage to get past the Lady Tigers.

“We had a good bit of momentum and confidence going into the Dawson County game,” coach Josh Lord said. “However, we could never really mount a major offensive threat as Dawson’s pitcher located well and mixed up her pitched. It was a tough game to lose.”

The Lady Tigers scored three unearned runs in the fifth inning with two outs.
“We finished the season one win agway from state,” Lord said. “I was proud of the strong showing we had at region. We definitely had a lot to be proud of with our effort.”

Kim Thomas worked the first 4.2 innings against Dawson County recording three strikeouts. Jordan Rogers pitched the final 1.1 innings.

Hayley Baird had two hits including a triple. Madison Franklin, Ashley Denton and Laura Rose Pickens each had a single. Thomas drove in Banks’ lone run.

In the previous game against Oglethorpe County, the Lady Leopards pushed 18 runs against. The Lady Patriots were without their top pitcher who was injuried and not available.

“We were able to wait on our pitch at the plate, and most often, we did not miss it,” Lord said. “It was the most runs scored of the year and most hits (20). We showed the power we are capable of. It was a great game for us all around.”

BCHS set the tone early with eight runs in the first inning which allowed Rogers to settle in and throw to contact, Lord said.
Franklin was 4-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored. The freshman had two doubles and a triple.

Baird was 3-for-4 with two RBI, three runs, a double and a walk. Madison Porter was 3-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and four RBI.

Denton, Pickens and Brittany Cook all had two hits. Samm Kennedy scored two runs in the win.

Early voting underway

2008-10-16T00:59:16Z

Banks County Voter Registrar Andra Phagan said as of Tuesday morning a total of 426 people had taken advantage of the early voting.

Continue reading "Early voting underway"