Voters in Homer and Baldwin will be electing a new mayor on Tuesday.
Early voting is under way through Friday for town elections in both of the towns. The election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5, when polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In Homer, incumbent mayor Doug Cheek and Martha Cotton will be on the ballot.
Early voting will be held through Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will be at the elections and registration office located at 266 Candler Street in Homer.
On election day on Nov. 5, voting will be at the Homer City Hall located at 943 Historic Homer Hwy. in Homer. Votes will be counted that night at the elections and registration office at 22 Candler Street in Homer.
BALDWIN
In Baldwin, incumbent mayor Jerry Neace will face Avery Murray. There will also be a race for the Post 5 city council seat where incumbent Robert Bohannon will face Larry Lewallen.
Early voting for the Baldwin election will be held through Nov. 1 at the Habersham County Elections and Registration Office, located at 555 Monroe Street, Clarkesville (on the third floor). Hours are 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
On election day on Nov. 5, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Baldwin City Hall.
Homers Farmers Market offers local items
The Farmers Market in Downtown Homer will begin the first Saturday in June at 8 a.m. and will be open every Saturday through the summer except for the day of Homer's Sunday School Celebration and the Labor Day Holiday Festival.
“Buy from Homers Farmers Market to build a stronger community of friends,” organizer Janice Tennent states.
Items available starting the first Saturday are: Large variety of tomato plants including Heirloom Cherokee Purple, variety of pepper plants, basil, lilies, Flag Iris, Bearded Iris, Blooming Almond, and Catherine's Homemade Brownies and Bread, and Handmade Crocheted and Knitted Items.
“The first few of Saturdays in June, Jaemor Farms is helping Homer's Farmers Market get started since the spring has been so cool,” Tennent said. “We will pick up corn, tomatoes and strawberries. If you are interested in anything else or have any question please let us know.”
Set up for vendors will be around the park. There is no fee. An umbrella or tent is recommended, not required, but may be needful in the hot summer or rain. “Please call or email in your items that you plan to sell so we can advertise for you and the community will know what is available,” Tennent said. “You can bring anything you think will sell. Yard sales are not allowed. Its a fun day setting up, talking to your fellow growers, and meeting new and old friends.”
Send a message to DDAHomer@gmail.com (not case sensitive) or leave a message on 706-654-7288.
“Buy from Homers Farmers Market to build a stronger community of friends,” organizer Janice Tennent states.
Items available starting the first Saturday are: Large variety of tomato plants including Heirloom Cherokee Purple, variety of pepper plants, basil, lilies, Flag Iris, Bearded Iris, Blooming Almond, and Catherine's Homemade Brownies and Bread, and Handmade Crocheted and Knitted Items.
“The first few of Saturdays in June, Jaemor Farms is helping Homer's Farmers Market get started since the spring has been so cool,” Tennent said. “We will pick up corn, tomatoes and strawberries. If you are interested in anything else or have any question please let us know.”
Set up for vendors will be around the park. There is no fee. An umbrella or tent is recommended, not required, but may be needful in the hot summer or rain. “Please call or email in your items that you plan to sell so we can advertise for you and the community will know what is available,” Tennent said. “You can bring anything you think will sell. Yard sales are not allowed. Its a fun day setting up, talking to your fellow growers, and meeting new and old friends.”
Send a message to DDAHomer@gmail.com (not case sensitive) or leave a message on 706-654-7288.
Homer Fire Department in need of pagers, fire gear
The Homer Fire Department is in need of pagers and turnout gear for its personnel. Homer fire chief Cliff Hill reported at Tuesday’s town council meeting that the department needs pagers and three partial sets and one full set of turnout gear for its employees. He said new sets run about $1,600 a piece.
Hill also said Banks County is looking to change its fire personnel pagers and the department ought to look at the same kind the county will purchase.
In other business at the meetin, the council:
•learned that a business in downtown Homer is out of ordinance because of a sign that is “too big and too close of the right of way.” Mayor Doug Cheek said the town attorney would send a letter to the owner notifying him of the ordinance violations.
•tabled any action on a nuisance ordinance with the county to handle disputes.
•discussed bids for a roof replacement on the old fire station, located on Athens Street. Cheek told the council that the best bid price he received for the work is $9,420. Other quotes ranged from $18,000-$19,000.
•discussed water run over on Woody Street to open clogged ditches. The council came to a consensus to put gravel at the end of the road to alleviate the problem.
•heard from town clerk Carol Ayers that Banks County has voted to go with an election board, therefore the Probate Judge won’t be handling the elections. Ayers told the council that she had been discussing contracting the town’s elections out through the Banks County Election Board.
•heard city employee Ricky Vaughn give an update on a recent water class he attended.
•was reminded that the town’s planning committee is short two members since Jason Bond and Danny Lord resigned.
Hill also said Banks County is looking to change its fire personnel pagers and the department ought to look at the same kind the county will purchase.
In other business at the meetin, the council:
•learned that a business in downtown Homer is out of ordinance because of a sign that is “too big and too close of the right of way.” Mayor Doug Cheek said the town attorney would send a letter to the owner notifying him of the ordinance violations.
•tabled any action on a nuisance ordinance with the county to handle disputes.
•discussed bids for a roof replacement on the old fire station, located on Athens Street. Cheek told the council that the best bid price he received for the work is $9,420. Other quotes ranged from $18,000-$19,000.
•discussed water run over on Woody Street to open clogged ditches. The council came to a consensus to put gravel at the end of the road to alleviate the problem.
•heard from town clerk Carol Ayers that Banks County has voted to go with an election board, therefore the Probate Judge won’t be handling the elections. Ayers told the council that she had been discussing contracting the town’s elections out through the Banks County Election Board.
•heard city employee Ricky Vaughn give an update on a recent water class he attended.
•was reminded that the town’s planning committee is short two members since Jason Bond and Danny Lord resigned.
Christmas in Park planned in Homer Saturday
Christmas in the Park will be held in downtown Homer on Saturday, December 8, from 3 to 7 p.m.
There will be a Christmas Tree Wonderland, live nativity, visits with Santa, hotdog and marshmallow roast with firefighters, hot chocolate served by policemen, hot apple cider made and served by Becky Taylor, games by the Sunday Sidewalk Team and face painting by Penny Praise.
Items collected for Banks County DFACS will include diapers, coats, clothes, school supplies, lunch box, back pack and small one piece toys to help placed children feel as normal as possible away from home.
The event is sponsored by Redemption Outreach, Homer DDA and Homer Garden Club.
There will be a Christmas Tree Wonderland, live nativity, visits with Santa, hotdog and marshmallow roast with firefighters, hot chocolate served by policemen, hot apple cider made and served by Becky Taylor, games by the Sunday Sidewalk Team and face painting by Penny Praise.
Items collected for Banks County DFACS will include diapers, coats, clothes, school supplies, lunch box, back pack and small one piece toys to help placed children feel as normal as possible away from home.
The event is sponsored by Redemption Outreach, Homer DDA and Homer Garden Club.
Town of Homer plans annual Christmas celebration
The Town of Homer is making plans for its 13th annual Christmas Celebration to be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec .2, at the historic courthouse.
Plans for the event were discussed at the November meeting of the Homer City Council.
The annual event will include Christmas music performed by area church groups.
The city is also coordinating a canned food drive. Food donations may be dropped off at Homer City Hall from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information, contact Carol Ayers or Tracey King at 706-677-3510.
Plans for the event were discussed at the November meeting of the Homer City Council.
The annual event will include Christmas music performed by area church groups.
The city is also coordinating a canned food drive. Food donations may be dropped off at Homer City Hall from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information, contact Carol Ayers or Tracey King at 706-677-3510.
Slight increase in proposed Homer budget
Homer Mayor, Doug Cheek presented the proposed 2012-2013 budget to the city council its regular work session last Tuesday.
The proposed budget for the 2013 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2012 and ends June 31, 2013, contains a total projected cost to operate the city at $388,600. This figure is balanced with a total projected revenue for the city in 2013. The budget shows a slight, one percent increase of $4,000 from the 2011-2012 budget.
The city’s expenses effectively mirror those of last year’s budget with the exception of an increase in the fire department’s operating cost. The fire department’s budget is increased from $33,250 to $40,050 due to the need for new communications equipment and vehicle expenses.
The city’s estimated income from sales tax and permits shows a slight increase from last year’s budget due to underestimation.
“Everything looks good,” said Cheek. “We are just, like every other small town, just trying to keep business going.”
The proposed water budget for Homer contains a total projected cost of $156,000, balanced with a total projected revenue. The budget shows an increase of $16,000 from last year’s budget. Revenue from water sales is up this year and was slightly underestimated in the 2011-2012 budget.
The council will hold a public hearing for the budget at the next regular city council meeting on Tuesday, July 10. Homer residents will be permitted to chime in and offer their opinions and suggestions regarding the 2012-2013 budget.
The proposed budget for the 2013 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2012 and ends June 31, 2013, contains a total projected cost to operate the city at $388,600. This figure is balanced with a total projected revenue for the city in 2013. The budget shows a slight, one percent increase of $4,000 from the 2011-2012 budget.
The city’s expenses effectively mirror those of last year’s budget with the exception of an increase in the fire department’s operating cost. The fire department’s budget is increased from $33,250 to $40,050 due to the need for new communications equipment and vehicle expenses.
The city’s estimated income from sales tax and permits shows a slight increase from last year’s budget due to underestimation.
“Everything looks good,” said Cheek. “We are just, like every other small town, just trying to keep business going.”
The proposed water budget for Homer contains a total projected cost of $156,000, balanced with a total projected revenue. The budget shows an increase of $16,000 from last year’s budget. Revenue from water sales is up this year and was slightly underestimated in the 2011-2012 budget.
The council will hold a public hearing for the budget at the next regular city council meeting on Tuesday, July 10. Homer residents will be permitted to chime in and offer their opinions and suggestions regarding the 2012-2013 budget.
Garden Club meeting planned May 5 in Homer
The Downtown Development Authority will hold a garden club interest meeting in Homer on Saturday, May 5, from 10-11a.m., at the Old Fire Station at Historic Homer Highway and Athens Street.
“Garden Clubs are an excellent means to meet new friends, build a more active community, share ideas, learn something new, form a new hobby, to become more sustainable, and enhance parks, gardens, yards and property helping to make our cities and county an even more beautiful place to live,” organizers state.
Each person who attends the May meeting will have a sharing time to discover each persons gardening and/or arborist interests and a short questionnaire to fill out. Refreshments will be served including a tomato and mozzarella salad with fresh basil, served with fresh bread, coffee, teas and soft drinks.
Each person who attends the May meetings will take home a pot of basil, thyme, rosemary or parsley to start their own herb garden, along with the tomato and Mozzarella salad recipe.
Each month, the take home item will be an herb, plant or tree according to the best planting time per item.
“All gardeners or want-to-be gardeners should attend this interest/start up meeting to help the club become well rooted and grow in the direction of our community interests” organizer state.
For more information, call Janice Tennent, 706-654-7288 Tennent is a citizen of the community, lives in Homer, and is the chairwoman for the Homer Downtown Development Authority. The Downtown Development Authority always seeks to keep Homer and the community a safe, family friendly and beautiful place to shop, eat and live abundantly, Tennent says.
“Garden Clubs are an excellent means to meet new friends, build a more active community, share ideas, learn something new, form a new hobby, to become more sustainable, and enhance parks, gardens, yards and property helping to make our cities and county an even more beautiful place to live,” organizers state.
Each person who attends the May meeting will have a sharing time to discover each persons gardening and/or arborist interests and a short questionnaire to fill out. Refreshments will be served including a tomato and mozzarella salad with fresh basil, served with fresh bread, coffee, teas and soft drinks.
Each person who attends the May meetings will take home a pot of basil, thyme, rosemary or parsley to start their own herb garden, along with the tomato and Mozzarella salad recipe.
Each month, the take home item will be an herb, plant or tree according to the best planting time per item.
“All gardeners or want-to-be gardeners should attend this interest/start up meeting to help the club become well rooted and grow in the direction of our community interests” organizer state.
For more information, call Janice Tennent, 706-654-7288 Tennent is a citizen of the community, lives in Homer, and is the chairwoman for the Homer Downtown Development Authority. The Downtown Development Authority always seeks to keep Homer and the community a safe, family friendly and beautiful place to shop, eat and live abundantly, Tennent says.
Arbor Day observation in Homer
Doug Andrews (right) of the Georgia Forestry Commission, pictured with Homer mayor Doug Cheek, planted a cherry tree hybrid for the city of Homer during Friday’s recognition of Arbor Day. Andrews, said that the hybrid tree is more adapted to survival than either of the normal trees. The top of the hybrid is a weeping cherry while the stem and base is from a regular cherry tree.
Homer to seek grant funds to finish fire department
Homer’s fire department might be completed better than the original plans called for if the city receives a grant from USDA Rural Development.
The Homer City Council approved submitting an application to the USDA to complete the fire department which was stopped short of final completion of the plans after the Department of Corrections withdrew inmate labor from the city. Labor from inmates completed a large section of the work on the project. [Full Story »]
The Homer City Council approved submitting an application to the USDA to complete the fire department which was stopped short of final completion of the plans after the Department of Corrections withdrew inmate labor from the city. Labor from inmates completed a large section of the work on the project. [Full Story »]
Qualifying to be in April for July 20 election
Banks County voters will have plenty on their political plates in 2010 between county, state and national elections.
The primary election is set for Tuesday, July 20. If a run-off is necessary it will be held on Tuesday, August 10. The general election will be held on November 2, with a run-off, if necessary, set for November 30.
Qualifying for the July primary runs from April 26 at 9 a.m. to April 30 at noon. Persons elected will take office effective January 1, 2011. [Full Story »]
The primary election is set for Tuesday, July 20. If a run-off is necessary it will be held on Tuesday, August 10. The general election will be held on November 2, with a run-off, if necessary, set for November 30.
Qualifying for the July primary runs from April 26 at 9 a.m. to April 30 at noon. Persons elected will take office effective January 1, 2011. [Full Story »]
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