BanksNewsTODAY

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

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:17:26 -0600

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

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

“The show is a night of the best music, the best moves and the best comedy you’re likely to see this side of Chicago,” organizers state. “Jake and Elwood are joined by the sassy Bluettes, three amazing ladies with voices to knock you clean off your perch.”
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Road dispute resolved; county to receive $1 million from R&B Landfill

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:46 -0600

A lawsuit that has been ongoing for several years has been resolved with R&B Landfill to pay Banks County $1 million and the host fee paid to the county increasing.

The Banks County Board of Commissioners met in closed session for 10 minutes Tuesday night and then opened the meeting to discuss the settlement with R&B Landfill.
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Four-time Tony Award winner, ‘Memphis’ coming to Fox Theatre

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:59:38 -0600

“Memphis,” the 2010 Tony® Award Winner for Best Musical, and the show that’s currently blowing the roof off Broadway, will play a limited engagement at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre from January 31-February 5, as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2011-12 season.

Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. with matinees Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Ticket prices start at $28. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.
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Jimmy Hooper to run for BOC chairman seat

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:16:36 -0600

Jimmy Hooper has announced that he plans to run for chairman of the Banks County Board of Commissioners.

In a letter to citizens announcing his intentions, Hooper wrote: “Many of you will ask why I am announcing my intentions so early. My answer is that I want to have enough time to meet every person living in Banks County. I intend to shake your hand and ask about your concerns. I want to be able to do this before the Republican primary on July 31.”

Hooper worked for three decades as a principal in the Banks County School System.
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Varsity Leopards improve region record to 4-1 with three wins

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:36:48 -0600

The Banks County High School varsity boys won all three games last week and improved their region record to 4-1 and overall record to 11-9 for the season. Posting wins over Union County 50-48, Fannin County 69-52 and Lumpkin County 73-64.

BCHS took a road trip to Union County and put a win in the region column beating the Panthers ...

Clarks Hill Partnership of Georgia: History, outdoor adventure and more awaiting visitors

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:21:09 -0600

The history and culture of the charming Southern town of Washington in Wilkes County…The beautiful lakes and countryside found in Lincoln County…A museum honoring Laurel and Hardy in a town filled with unique shops and boutiques in Columbia County…Heading across rolling hills in a wagon on a fox hunt in McDuffie County…Visiting a working grist mill and a museum filled with antique cars in Warren County.

The five Georgia counties that comprise the Clarks Hill region are filled with lots of adventures that make it a perfect destination for North Georgia residents. Take a long weekend or even a week and enjoy all that the Clarks Hill region has to offer.
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Lady Leopards knocks off undefeated Rabun for second place tie in the region

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:19:32 -0600

The Lady Leopards had a huge challenge last Tuesday night from coach Jerry King. Take down the undefeated Wildcats of Rabun County. The game was at home and the team called for all Leopard fans to black out the game in support of the Lady Leopards.

BCHS pulled out the four point victory at the end of the game and upset the Wildcats ...

A Night out in Atlanta”: ‘Annie’ at Fox and fondue at Melting Pot make for perfect evening

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:14:48 -0600

Kids and adults alike will love a night out in Atlanta where they can catch a night of entertainment at the Fox Theatre and a fun and delicious meal at The Melting Pot in the heart of midtown.

My nephew and I enjoyed seeing “Annie” at the Fox on Saturday, after a fun dinner of fondue at The Melting Pot. “Annie” was the first play I saw at the Fox more than 30 years ago, so it was fun to experience it with Jake.

We started our three-course meal at The Melting Pot off with a wonderful spinach and artichoke cheese fondue. It’s a perfect choice for the younger ones, as well as being a favorite of adults. The spinach and artichokes mix well with the three blended cheeses. For dipping, the offerings include Granny Smith apples, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, three kinds of bread and tortilla chips. The creamy goodness of the cheese dip works well with everything and you have to pace yourself not to get full before the next course arrives.
Continue reading "A Night out in Atlanta”: ‘Annie’ at Fox and fondue at Melting Pot make for perfect evening"

Pet photo contest planned

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:03:32 -0600

The Banks County News is sponsoring a “cute pet photo” contest over the next month.

Readers are encouraged to send in their favorite pet photo.

Photos may dropped off at The Banks County News office in Homer. Photos may also be mailed to: Angela Gary, The Banks County News, 33 Lee Street, Jefferson Ga., 30549.

Be sure to include the name of the pet, the name of the person who took the photo, an address (for prizes to be sent to) and a phone number.

The photos should not have any people in them — pets only.

The prizes will be: $50 first prize; $30 second prize; and $20 third prize. There will also be free subscriptions to the newspaper given to any honorable mention photos. All winning photos will be published in the paper.

The deadline to send in photos is Feb. 18. The photos will be printed in the Feb. 29 issue of The Banks County News.

State Route 59 bridge across Grove River open with new weight limits

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:52:59 -0600

The State Route 59 bridge over Grove River, which was closed for emergency inspection and repairs on January 4, opened to traffic today (Friday, Jan. 13).

The bridge now has posted weight limits allowing only trucks complying with legal state load limits to utilize the bridge. Overweight trucks will not be allowed to use the structure.

Overweight loads must be permitted and the Georgia Department of Public Safety will monitor the bridge and ensure the posted weight restrictions are enforced.

Georgia Department of Transportation bridge maintenance crews worked around the clock to inspect the bridge, develop a repair plan and complete the repairs as quickly as possible, DOT officials report.

“In less than one week, our engineer’s poured two new concrete supports or caps for the bridge beams,” said interim district engineer Kenny Whitworth. “Scott Whatley, Don Worley and Darrell White led the team that worked around the clock to make the repairs needed swiftly and efficiently. These teams did an outstanding job and I am proud of their diligent work.”

Georgia DOT engineers will continue to monitor the bridge’s structure as needed. A project to replace the bridge is in development now.

Downed trees reported in county due to heavy winds

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:57:20 -0600

The heavy winds in North Georgia Thursday night led to trees being down on several Banks County roads.

Trees are reported blocking two state routes in Banks County, SR 105 and SR 63, at multiple locations. A downed tree has also been removed from SR 51 at Gillespie Road in Banks County.

Reports started coming in at 9 p.m. Georgia Department of Correction trees were out Thursday night clearing the roads.

Georgia DOT officials urge travelers to exercise caution and call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions before getting on the road during a winter weather event. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including winter weather closures, reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. For information on the Department of Transportation, visit (www.dot.ga.gov); you also may follow Georgia DOT on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/gadeptoftrans).

BOC approves contract for historic courthouse repairs

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:34:00 -0600

The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed Tuesday night to spend $10,633 for repairs to the historic courthouse in Homer.

The BOC approved the contract with Jeffrey Alan Construction Co., Gillsville, to do the work. The repairs will include the columns on the front of the courthouse and the roof edge above the gutter on the main roof of the building.

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

•approved a contract with Wanda Eubanks to provide probation services for the probate and magistrate courts.

•approved a maintenance contract with Traylor Business Services for the tax assessor’s office.

•appointed Charles Turk as vice chairman.

•set the qualifying fees for the 2012 election.

•approved insurance providers for employee benefits offered by the county, including the following: Lincoln National — life, accidental death and short term disability (a savings of $16,068 annually to the county); United Healthcare — dental (four percent savings to employees on their premium); and Reliance Standard — vision ($6.60 savings to employees).

•met in closed session for 35 minutes to discuss “potential litigation and personnel.” No action was taken when the meeting was opened to the public.

Coach Jones named ‘Coach of the Year’

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:32:07 -0600

The Gainesville Times has named Coach Philip Jones "Coach of the Year" for his outstanding work with the Banks County football team during this first year with the varsity program.

“It is an honor, but primarily as a reflection on my staff, our players, and the administration here at Banks,” Coach Jones said on being named. “I ...

Animal complaints continue to be issue in Gillsville

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:21:23 -0600

Reports of two people getting bitten by dogs in the downtown area are the latest animal complaints reported to the Gillsville City Council.

At the city council meeting last week, Mayor Larry Poole asked the council to re-consider implementing the Hall County Animal Control ordinance due to dog problems in the city.

Council member Roy Turpin said: “I think we need to re-visit it. The city is eventually going to get sued over that dog biting somebody.”

Turpin said he had been told that two people had been bitten at a downtown business.

Council member Todd Dale pointed out some of the issues the council had when Hall County’s ordinance was considered the first time.

Dale said, “We need to look at the ordinance again before we vote on it.”

Poole said he would get each council member a copy of the Hall County ordinance for review and a decision would be made at a later date.

In other business last week, the city council set the millage rate at 0 mills for city residents. The gross millage rate for 2011-12 is 3.91 mills on each $1,000 of taxable property and is reduced to 0 mills due to a rollback. The rollback is made possible due to the receipt of sales tax proceeds.

Lady Leopards take third place in holiday to tournament

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:55:27 -0600

The Banks County High School varsity girls basketball Lady Leopards rang in the new year competing in the Wing Slinger Holiday Bash last week. The varsity team played in the final action of 2011 portion of the schedule.

BCHS captured third place in the Wing Slinger Holiday Bash at East Jackson and are ready to take on the sub-region ...

Exploring Fredericksburg, Texas: German culture with a Southern twist found in Texas Hill Country

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:51:49 -0600

A charming Southern town filled with German culture with a Texas twist makes a great vacation destination for North Georgians looking for a fun get-away. Located a one-hour drive from San Antonio, Fredericksburg, is in the heart of Texas Hill Country with its scenic beauty and rolling countryside.

Fredericksburg is rich with the culture of the Germans who settled in the area and formed the town 160 years ago. The food, crafts, architecture, music and history of Germany is found throughout the town and is one of the reasons visitors keep returning to explore the area.

Begin your trip with a stop at the Fredericksburg Visitors Center, which offers lots of brochures on area attractions, dining and lodging, as well as friendly staff to answer your questions and make suggestions on how to best explore the area.
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Man robbed at T/A Truck Stop

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:46:51 -0600

A truck driver said he was robbed in the parking lot of the T/A Truck Stop, Highway 441, Commerce, last week, according to an incident report filed at the Banks County Sheriff's Office.

A 46-year-old male truck driver stated that he was sitting in the cab of his tractor-trailer when a white male knocked on the cab and told him that someone had hit his trailer in the back, Sheriff Charles Chapman said.

Chapman said the alleged victim stated he exited his cab and went to the rear of his trailer and was approached by three other white males.

“The complainant stated they asked him if he had any money and he said yes,” Chapman said. “The complainant then stated that the males said to him, ‘I bet you don’t have any money,’ and then the complainant pulled his wallet out to show them he did have money and he stated that the males grabbed his money out of the wallet and ran off,” Chapman said. The amount of money in the wallet was reported to be $1,000.

The complainant told the deputy that the males ran across the road and then left in a van with an out-of-state license plate on it.

Girlfriend get-away to Greenville, S.C.: Shopping, dining and entertainment make for perfect weekend destination

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:58:07 -0600

BY SHERRY LEWIS

Every now and then, a lady needs to get away from it all. I can’t think of a better way, than to spend a few days with a good friend in a city filled with southern charm.

Casey Vanderburg and I recently headed north to Greenville, S.C., and what we found was unforgettable. This is a city filled with a natural beauty of the upcountry. We strolled around the beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy and the Liberty Bridge, a 355-foot pedestrian walkway overlooking the historic waterfall in the vibrant downtown. That was only the beginning. There’s an abundance of fine dining, a variety of shopping options, and first class entertainment. It’s the perfect place for a girlfriends’ getaway.

While strolling through this picturesque city, we began to look for the Mice on Main. In 2000, as a senior class project, Jim Ryan proposed the idea of installing a family of nine unique mice sculptures in surprising places along Main Street. His original idea spun from the book, “Goodnight Moon,” and there are nine mice pictured in that story.
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Burglary reported at Banks church

nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:55:18 -0600

A burglary was discovered at Nails Creek Baptist Church on Dec. 22 by a member of the church.

The burglary gained entry into the church by pushing out an air condition unit in the window. Cash was taken from a filing cabinet in the church.

The Banks County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $300 reward to any person with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this crime.

Leopards take win at Morgan County tourney

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:32:25 -0600

The Banks County Leopards mat men competed in the Morgan County Christmas Tournament this past week and came home with top honors scoring 238 points.

Morgan County placed second with 223.50 points and Oconee County third with 220 points. A total of 12 teams competed for the title.
The Leopards had two first place finishers in ...

Lula Council agrees to map contracts

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:28:43 -0600

The Lula City Council approved several expenditures aimed at mapping out parts of the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which went online earlier this year.

The city agreed at the council meeting Monday night to have the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission use its GIS and GPS technology to chart where the mainline runs from the old pond to the new plant, as well as document the location of the relative valves. The total cost for the projects is $820.

“We know where everything is now,” Mayor Milton Turner said. “But as time goes on and everything is covered up, if we have this done, people here after us can walk right in and find it.”
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Homer pulls funding support for civic center

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:43:56 -0600

The Homer City Council withdrew its funding support for the downtown development authority in regards to any lease of the Herbert Garrison Civic Center.

The council’s vote, taken at its regular December meeting on Tuesday, followed brief discussion on the issue that members have tabled for months in hopes the authority and the property’s multiple owners could achieve a deal.

Ultimately, new information related to unpaid property taxes, which date back to 2009, prompted the council’s unanimous decision. About $775 is owed on the civic center located at 193 Sycamore Street, according to county records.

“I certainly don’t think we can do anything on it if there are (tax) liabilities,” said councilman Chris Tucker.
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Whiting announces resignation as Gillsville City Clerk

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:00:43 -0600

Gillsville city clerk Paula Whiting plans to resign at the end of this year. Whiting’s last day with the city will be Dec. 31.

The announcement was made at the city council meeting last week.

In other business at the meeting:

•the council approved the first reading of the tax rollback ordinance. The second reading will he held at the January 2 council meeting.

•Mayor Larry Poole reported that the plumbing repairs at the city park building were complete and the total cost was $1,400.

•Poole reported that signs prohibiting the use of alcoholic beverage in the park have been purchased and will be installed in the next few days.

•Poole advised the council that interest is continuing to be expressed in the lease of another one of the city’s downtown buildings. “At this point two individuals are exploring using the building, but the council has not been presented with specific offers for consideration,” Poole said.

The Nutcracker: ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:57:35 -0600

BY SHERRY LEWIS

The 52nd season of Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker opened Thursday night at the Fox Theatre. The holiday extravaganza has been enchanting families for generations.

The young and young at heart were decked out in their finest attire and watched in awe as the elaborate sets, beautiful costumes, and exquisite dancing unfolded before our eyes. Yes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” as the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra provided the live music for the show. And children were mesmerized as snow began to fall during one of the production numbers. It was enchanting from the moment the curtain opened until the finale.
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