Banks County Chamber of Commerce director Tara Fulcher is no longer with the chamber.
Chamber president Chuck Ansley declined to release any information on Fulcher’s departure when contacted on Monday.
Ansley stated the chamber board does intend to fill Fulcher’s open position.
Future of Local Family Connection unknown
The fate of the Banks County Family Connection Collaborative Networking Group is still unknown as local leaders await state funding news.
Director Robin Trotter reported at Thursday’s monthly meeting that a fiscal year 2012 budget recommendation by Gov. Nathan Deal consolidates and transfers the Georgia Family Connection (GaFCP) appropriation from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Governor’s Office for Children and Families (GOCF).
If the governor’s recommendation goes through, Trotter will lose her job as Family Connection director and the programs offered by Family Connections will also go away. [Full Story »]
Director Robin Trotter reported at Thursday’s monthly meeting that a fiscal year 2012 budget recommendation by Gov. Nathan Deal consolidates and transfers the Georgia Family Connection (GaFCP) appropriation from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Governor’s Office for Children and Families (GOCF).
If the governor’s recommendation goes through, Trotter will lose her job as Family Connection director and the programs offered by Family Connections will also go away. [Full Story »]
OPINION: Math 123: Failed policy masquerading as progress
BY JOHN KONOP
Math 123 may be a well-intended effort to prepare students for a globally competitive workplace, but it’s a proven failure that’s causing substantially more harm than good. Math 123 radically changed our high school math curriculum without properly reviewing it with teachers and parents. It replaced the traditional math sequence (Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Trigonometry) with Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3, which teaches each subject in parallel, rather than starting and completing one topic before moving on to the next.
Every Georgia child is now required to pass Math 123 to graduate from high school, which means they must complete the equivalent of Algebra II. That is too aggressive of a goal for some students. Prior to Math 123, less than one-third of students were able to complete Algebra I. Those that can’t pass Math 123 are dropping out of school in shocking numbers, which damages their self-esteem and long-term economic prospects. Many resort to taking the GED, which doesn’t require Algebra II, in an effort to salvage their futures. [Full Story »]
Math 123 may be a well-intended effort to prepare students for a globally competitive workplace, but it’s a proven failure that’s causing substantially more harm than good. Math 123 radically changed our high school math curriculum without properly reviewing it with teachers and parents. It replaced the traditional math sequence (Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Trigonometry) with Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3, which teaches each subject in parallel, rather than starting and completing one topic before moving on to the next.
Every Georgia child is now required to pass Math 123 to graduate from high school, which means they must complete the equivalent of Algebra II. That is too aggressive of a goal for some students. Prior to Math 123, less than one-third of students were able to complete Algebra I. Those that can’t pass Math 123 are dropping out of school in shocking numbers, which damages their self-esteem and long-term economic prospects. Many resort to taking the GED, which doesn’t require Algebra II, in an effort to salvage their futures. [Full Story »]
Top three candidates for community developer position named
Following a 17-minute closed session Wednesday morning, the Banks County Development Authority released the names of the three finalists for the newly-created Banks County Community Developer position.
The three finalists are Dan Gasaway, Homer, Gerard “Pepe” Cummings, Jefferson, and Bradley Day, Dawsonville.
No time frame was given on when a final decision would be made. A salary range also has not been released.
The Development Authority and board of commissioners have held several recent closed meetings to discuss personnel with this issue apparently being a topic of discussion. Monday morning, the two boards met in closed session for approximately one-and-one-half hour meeting to discuss personnel, as well as land acquisition. When the meeting was re-opened to the public BOC, chairman Milton Dalton stated there was no action to report. The development authority did not have a quorum for that meeting.
The three finalists are Dan Gasaway, Homer, Gerard “Pepe” Cummings, Jefferson, and Bradley Day, Dawsonville.
No time frame was given on when a final decision would be made. A salary range also has not been released.
The Development Authority and board of commissioners have held several recent closed meetings to discuss personnel with this issue apparently being a topic of discussion. Monday morning, the two boards met in closed session for approximately one-and-one-half hour meeting to discuss personnel, as well as land acquisition. When the meeting was re-opened to the public BOC, chairman Milton Dalton stated there was no action to report. The development authority did not have a quorum for that meeting.
Animal complaints and suspicious persons among incidents reported
The Banks County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following incidents reported during the past week:
•animal complaint at a Hebron Court residence. The complainant reported to the responding deputy that his neighbor has two aggressive dogs. The complainant advised the dogs come onto his property and try to attack his family. The complainant reported he had contacted Keith Covington, county marshal, several times about this and had not gotten a response.
•suspicious person at The Home Depot, Steven B. Tanger Boulevard, Commerce. The complainant reported to the responding officer that a male and a female came up wanting a ride and they appeared suspicious. The complainant reported he got them a ride and everything was O.K. [Full Story »]
•animal complaint at a Hebron Court residence. The complainant reported to the responding deputy that his neighbor has two aggressive dogs. The complainant advised the dogs come onto his property and try to attack his family. The complainant reported he had contacted Keith Covington, county marshal, several times about this and had not gotten a response.
•suspicious person at The Home Depot, Steven B. Tanger Boulevard, Commerce. The complainant reported to the responding officer that a male and a female came up wanting a ride and they appeared suspicious. The complainant reported he got them a ride and everything was O.K. [Full Story »]
Presley resigns as Baldwin city administrator
Baldwin city administrator Jerry Presley has resigned following a month of closed door meetings and an effort by the mayor and some council members to get rid of him.
After meeting in closed session for approximately two hours and 15 minutes on Monday night, the Baldwin City Council unanimously accepted the resignation of Presley, effective Monday night.
Following the closed session, Mayor Jerry Neace called for a motion to enter into a “mutual separation agreement” with Presley. The motion to accept the agreement was approved unanimously. Council member Rodney King was absent from Tuesday’s meeting due to an illness.
The agreement gives the reason for termination of employment as “mutually agreed separation due to irreconcilable differences.”
“I want everybody to know Jerry Presley had the agreement written up,” said council member Robert Bohannon. [Full Story »]
After meeting in closed session for approximately two hours and 15 minutes on Monday night, the Baldwin City Council unanimously accepted the resignation of Presley, effective Monday night.
Following the closed session, Mayor Jerry Neace called for a motion to enter into a “mutual separation agreement” with Presley. The motion to accept the agreement was approved unanimously. Council member Rodney King was absent from Tuesday’s meeting due to an illness.
The agreement gives the reason for termination of employment as “mutually agreed separation due to irreconcilable differences.”
“I want everybody to know Jerry Presley had the agreement written up,” said council member Robert Bohannon. [Full Story »]
Maysville council, fire chief clash on fire service
The Maysville City Council and Maysville fire chief James Lyle are at odds over the town’s funding for fire services.
At the council meeting Monday night, the council approved a $1.2 million budget that includes $11,500 for fire protection for Banks County residents who live in the city limits. The fire department had given the council a $23,000 fee for providing these fire services.
Council member Lynn Villyard made a motion to postpone action on the fire protection agreement until the March council meeting and set up a meeting with fire officials to go over this and come up with a fee structure for fire protection.
“There is no basis for the figure presented,” Villyard said. “The city council deserves a clear contract to make a rational decision.” [Full Story »]
At the council meeting Monday night, the council approved a $1.2 million budget that includes $11,500 for fire protection for Banks County residents who live in the city limits. The fire department had given the council a $23,000 fee for providing these fire services.
Council member Lynn Villyard made a motion to postpone action on the fire protection agreement until the March council meeting and set up a meeting with fire officials to go over this and come up with a fee structure for fire protection.
“There is no basis for the figure presented,” Villyard said. “The city council deserves a clear contract to make a rational decision.” [Full Story »]
Baldwin mayor's call to fire Presley fails in 3-2 vote
In a 3-2 vote at the called Baldwin City Council meeting on Tuesday night, the motion to fire city administrator Jerry Presley failed.
Twice, Mayor Jerry Neace called for a motion to terminate Presley after reporting that the city administrator had failed to communicate the city’s financial situation to the council.
After the second request, council member Sandi Rudeseal made the motion to terminate and council member Jeff Parrish seconded the motion. Council members Beverly Holcomb, Robert Bohannon and Rodney King voted in opposition to the motion. [Full Story »]
Twice, Mayor Jerry Neace called for a motion to terminate Presley after reporting that the city administrator had failed to communicate the city’s financial situation to the council.
After the second request, council member Sandi Rudeseal made the motion to terminate and council member Jeff Parrish seconded the motion. Council members Beverly Holcomb, Robert Bohannon and Rodney King voted in opposition to the motion. [Full Story »]
Commissioners place moratorium on roadside solicitors
Recent concerns about roadside solicitors through the county were raised by commissioner Ernest Rogers during the special called meeting of the Banks County BOC Thursday morning.
The matter of soliciting in the county was placed on the agenda as an add-on prior to the approval of the agenda, which had only listed possible discussion of personnel and land acquisition.
Rogers stated that in his opinion, one of the groups which has been seen recently claiming to be representing a charity from Kentucky “might not be legal.” Rogers proposed the county place a six-month moratorium on all soliciting along all roads in the county and at the shopping centers.
[Full Story »]
The matter of soliciting in the county was placed on the agenda as an add-on prior to the approval of the agenda, which had only listed possible discussion of personnel and land acquisition.
Rogers stated that in his opinion, one of the groups which has been seen recently claiming to be representing a charity from Kentucky “might not be legal.” Rogers proposed the county place a six-month moratorium on all soliciting along all roads in the county and at the shopping centers.
[Full Story »]
BOC denies business license for Sam's Food Mart
The Banks County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to not reinstate a business license for a Banks Crossing business after “fake pot” was found at the convenience store.
Kevin Tallent, the attorney for the business owner (Junaid “J.D.” Hameed), said a store clerk removed the K-2 from the counter after being informed it was illegal and had planned to return it to the vendor. The attorney also said the business owner had a letter from the vendor stating that the items sold did not contain illegal substances.
“If my client did anything wrong, he didn’t do it intentionally,” Tallent said.
Commissioner Charles Turk questioned why the business owner never tested the items to find out if the items contained illegal substances instead of only relying on the vendor.
“If I had the slightest idea any of this was illegal, I would not have carried it,” J.D. said.
The attorney added that J.D’s intent was not to break the law.
“He knows now he can’t trust all of his suppliers,” Tallent said.
Banks County Sheriff’s Office investigator Brian Lord testified about the items removed from the store after a search warrant was executed following a tip.
Some of the items, which were labeled as incense, were removed from behind the counter and others were removed from a back office and storage area in the store. The K-2 was found in the back office and not behind the counter.
Adam Rudolph, a forensic chemist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, spoke on the items he tested and listed which ones contained illegal substances.
Kevin Tallent, the attorney for the business owner (Junaid “J.D.” Hameed), said a store clerk removed the K-2 from the counter after being informed it was illegal and had planned to return it to the vendor. The attorney also said the business owner had a letter from the vendor stating that the items sold did not contain illegal substances.
“If my client did anything wrong, he didn’t do it intentionally,” Tallent said.
Commissioner Charles Turk questioned why the business owner never tested the items to find out if the items contained illegal substances instead of only relying on the vendor.
“If I had the slightest idea any of this was illegal, I would not have carried it,” J.D. said.
The attorney added that J.D’s intent was not to break the law.
“He knows now he can’t trust all of his suppliers,” Tallent said.
Banks County Sheriff’s Office investigator Brian Lord testified about the items removed from the store after a search warrant was executed following a tip.
Some of the items, which were labeled as incense, were removed from behind the counter and others were removed from a back office and storage area in the store. The K-2 was found in the back office and not behind the counter.
Adam Rudolph, a forensic chemist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, spoke on the items he tested and listed which ones contained illegal substances.
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