Northeast Georgia News and Press Releases

Northeast Georgia County Schools Closed Friday

2010-01-07T20:25:00.005-05:00

January 7, 2010 - Habersham, White, Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall and Banks County Schools will be closed, Friday, January 8, 2010, due to bad Weather in the area.

more listings can be found here:

http://www.11alive.com/weather/severe_weather/cancellations_and_closings/default.aspx

NorthEast GA Schools Releasing Early due to Weather

2010-01-07T07:59:00.002-05:00

January 7, 2010 - Habersham, White, Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall and Banks County Schools are Releasing Classes early due to Possible Bad Weather later this evening.

BREAKING NEWS - Stephens County Grand Jury finds use of deadly force legally justified

2009-12-18T15:35:00.001-05:00

http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/breaking_news/02breakingnews.txt

Broadband stimulus touching Habersham

2009-12-18T15:30:00.002-05:00

http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/breaking_news/01breakingnews.txt

MyCountyAlerts is adding three more counties

2009-12-12T10:15:00.002-05:00

Clarkesville GA - MyCountyAlerts.Com is going to add three more Counties which are Stephens, Banks and Hall Counties. MyCountyAlerts is Growing and Growing. Keep coming back for more Updates to the Site. Great things are coming soon.

High Winds in Habersham

2009-12-09T20:12:00.002-05:00

Today Habersham County's Finest, i.e. Sheriff, Fire, All the County's Police Departments and the County road Crew were busy cleaning up fallen trees and Both Power companies, GA Power and HEMC were busy fixing down lines. Also I noticed across the street on Old Historic 441 were the 441 Flea Market is Located, a double sided Billboard was turned into a Puzzle from today's wind. A Wintry Mix is slated for the end on the week. We will see if that happens.

Results are in for Clarkesville Runoff Election

2009-12-02T08:17:00.004-05:00

The results are in. With a total of 114 Votes, 2 of them Absentees, the breakdown is as follows, Bobby Burgress (75), and Becky Sandven (39). Results Provided by Elizabeth Kemp, City Clerk, City of Clarkesville.

MyCountyAlerts is on Storm Watch for Ida

2009-11-10T06:27:00.002-05:00

MyCountyAlerts is watching the Northeast Georgia Area as the Storm from "IDA" is Impacting our area. FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 NOON WEDNESDAY and Also a WIND ADVISORY until 7AM WEDNESDAY.

Regions Bank to close 121 Branches Company Wide

2009-10-28T08:35:00.001-04:00

HELEN - As a belt tightening move, Regions Bank has announced the closing of 121 of its branches, including the one in Helen.

Evelyn Mitchell, a Regions spokeswoman, said the closings will take effect January 29 2010. It was not immediately clear how many other Georgia offices will be closed but some reports put the number at 16.

With the closing the company expects to realize future net cost saves of $21 million annually. Mitchell said employees at targeted branches will be relocated within the company.

The plans were announced as part of Regions third quarter earnings report.

"Regions is consolidating a total of 121 branches across its 1,900-branch footprint due to proximity to other locations or opportunity for performance improvement," according to the document. "These branches will be closed in early 2010 and will have minimal customer impact."

Story by BY DEAN DYER /WRWH

Weather Watches in effect

2009-10-27T13:39:00.002-04:00

Check your County off the Main page of www.MyCountyAlerts.Com to see your Current Weather Watches and/or Warnings

Habersham, White, and Dawson Counties Join in the Freeze WARNINGS

2009-10-18T22:20:00.002-04:00

A Freeze WARNING is to Include Habersham, White and Dawson Counties until 9AM Monday Morning, October, 19, 2009. Rabun County is Alway under a Freeze Warning until the Same Time.

Rabun County Under a Freeze WARNING

2009-10-17T17:49:00.001-04:00

Rabun County is under a Freeze WARNING until 9AM Sunday Morning

FLOOD WATCH ISSUED until Midnight Wednesday

2009-10-13T04:29:00.002-04:00

A FLOOD WATCH has been Issued for Rabun- Habersham- Stephens- Franklin- Hart- & Elbert Counties Until Midnight Wednesday

Fake Check Scam Hits Company In Georgia

2009-09-28T13:19:00.001-04:00

Atlanta - September 28, 2009

Consumers across the country have been receiving checks to do mystery shopping from a firm located in Atlanta, Georgia called High Country, Inc. This company, also known as High Country Outfitters, is a legitimate company, however, the offer and the checks are fake.

BBB received a call from this company’s bank asking us to alert consumers that since September 14, 2009, approximately 30 fraudulent checks are being presented on this company’s account each day.

Consumers are receiving fake checks in the mail after signing up online to do secret shopping, home remodeling and other various requests and are depositing these checks in banks across the United States.

Scams involving fake checks typically require the victim to deposit a check into their bank account then wire money back to the scammers. While the check may initially be deposited into the victim’s bank account—leading to a false sense of security—the fake check will ultimately be discovered within a couple weeks and the bank will take the funds out of the account. The victim of the scam is out whatever money they sent to the scammers and will be responsible for paying the bank back if their account is overdrawn.

Mystery Shopping Scam General Advice
The victim believes that they are going to earn a few hundred dollars by working for a company that provides mystery—or secret—shopping evaluations for businesses. The victim receives a letter in the mail along with evaluation forms, a check and detailed instructions. The victim is to deposit the check into their bank account, and then use the money to purchase items from specified stores and evaluate the customer service the rest of the money is theirs to keep for the work they did. Included in the list of stores to evaluate is Western Union or MoneyGram and the victim is told to wire as much as a couple thousand dollars back to their “employer” and rate their experience with the money wiring service.
BBB advises extreme caution when dealing with any company that sends a check and asks you to deposit the check in your account and then send them money. We know of no instance where the consumer actually made money and consider this to be a scam.

Nine counties added for FEMA public assistance including our Neighbor, Stephens County, three new counties gain individual assistance

2009-09-27T16:11:00.002-04:00

ATLANTA - Georgia has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) to include three additional counties for individual assistance and nine counties for public assistance in the recent federal disaster declaration.

”The response to the recent floods in this state is inspiring,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I want to thank Georgians for pulling together to help one another and FEMA for moving quickly and providing assistance.”

Residents and business owners in Bartow, Coweta, and Heard counties are now eligible for Individual Assistance which includes funding to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to help cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. The list of disaster declared counties for Individual Assistance now includes: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker.

Those who sustained losses in these counties may apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Paulding, Stephens and Walker counties are also now eligible for Public Assistance. This assistance provides funding on a cost-sharing basis to local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the repair or replacement of damaged roads, dams, bridges, water treatment facilities, publicly-owned utilities and other types of infrastructure.

The federal declaration for public assistance also means that affected counties can apply to be part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant program, which provides assistance to state and local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

”The quick response from FEMA has been key to the state’s recovery efforts,” said Director Charley English of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. “We will continue to work with federal officials to get help to additional areas struck by floodwaters.”

Governor Perdue made the request for a federal declaration after reviewing preliminary damage assessments across North Georgia earlier this week.

Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) to Hold Town Meeting in Clarkesville, August 11, 2009

2009-08-05T17:44:00.003-04:00

Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today announced that next week he will hold two health care town halls. On Monday, August 10 at 6:00 pm, Dr. Broun will host a town hall meeting at the Columbia County Board of Education. This will be an opportunity for constituents to share their questions and concerns on health care reform proposals under consideration in Washington. On Tuesday, August 11, Dr. Broun will host a second health care discussion, this one at North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville at 6:00 pm.

“I believe that Congress can come together to develop a health care plan that will reduce costs and place you in charge of your own health care. But all ideas should be heard and any legislation that could change your health care should be crafted very carefully,” said Dr. Broun.

Ok Ok.... But Really!!! It's for Real. We are getting a Super Walmart

2009-07-22T18:44:00.003-04:00

CORNELIA GA - July 22, 2009. The Cornelia City Council Finally put it's Seal of Approval for the New Wal-Mart Supercenter to go ahead. The Store is set to open 2Qtr 2011.

Wage Hike Could Nibble at Profits

2009-07-20T14:36:00.001-04:00

Wage Hike Could Nibble at Profits

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myfoxatlanta.com | Judge Rules Against Atlanta in Water War 071709

2009-07-17T17:11:00.002-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Judge Rules Against Atlanta in Water War 071709

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myfoxatlanta.com | Georgia Governor Candidates Go Cyber 071409

2009-07-16T16:38:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Georgia Governor Candidates Go Cyber 071409

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myfoxatlanta.com | GBI Seeks Vehicle in Hit-and-Run

2009-07-16T16:36:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | GBI Seeks Vehicle in Hit-and-Run

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Georgia's 2009 AYP Results are in

2009-07-14T16:43:00.002-04:00

Click Here for Results

myfoxatlanta.com | Gov. Web Site Says Madoff at Ga. Prison

2009-07-14T08:51:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Gov. Web Site Says Madoff at Ga. Prison

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myfoxatlanta.com | Peachtree City Hit-and-Run Driver Sought 071209

2009-07-13T07:46:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Peachtree City Hit-and-Run Driver Sought 071209

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myfoxatlanta.com | EPA Grant for UGA to Retrofit Engine

2009-07-11T22:18:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | EPA Grant for UGA to Retrofit Engine

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N. Korea 'Seriously Interested' in Releasing U.S. Journalists - North Korea | Map | Government - FOXNews.com

2009-07-11T21:37:00.001-04:00

N. Korea 'Seriously Interested' in Releasing U.S. Journalists - North Korea | Map | Government - FOXNews.com

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myfoxatlanta.com | Swine Flu Death Sparks Renewed Interest

2009-07-11T12:07:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Swine Flu Death Sparks Renewed Interest

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myfoxatlanta.com | DCH: Cobb Co. Woman Dies from Swine Flu

2009-07-10T16:15:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | DCH: Cobb Co. Woman Dies from Swine Flu

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Authorities Search for Suspects Wanted in Home-Invasion Murders of Parents of 16 Children - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

2009-07-10T15:19:00.001-04:00

Authorities Search for Suspects Wanted in Home-Invasion Murders of Parents of 16 Children - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

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myfoxatlanta.com | Two Ga. Guardsmen Killed in Afghanistan 070809

2009-07-09T21:22:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Two Ga. Guardsmen Killed in Afghanistan 070809

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GM Expected to Emerge from Bankruptcy by Friday - Auto - FOXNews.com

2009-07-09T21:11:00.001-04:00

GM Expected to Emerge from Bankruptcy by Friday - Auto - FOXNews.com

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Police: Girlfriend Killed Steve McNair in Murder-Suicide - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

2009-07-08T16:31:00.001-04:00

Police: Girlfriend Killed Steve McNair in Murder-Suicide - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

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South Carolina Police Say Man Killed in North Carolina is Spree Killer - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

2009-07-06T20:35:00.001-04:00

South Carolina Police Say Man Killed in North Carolina is Spree Killer - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

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Taliban Says It Captured U.S. Soldier in Afghanistan - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

2009-07-06T11:42:00.001-04:00

Taliban Says It Captured U.S. Soldier in Afghanistan - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

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Sarah Palin Re-election

2009-07-03T16:50:00.001-04:00

Sarah Palin Re-election

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myfoxatlanta.com | US Soldier Disappears in Afghanistan 070209

2009-07-02T17:49:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | US Soldier Disappears in Afghanistan 070209

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myfoxatlanta.com | New Laws Go Into Effect in Georgia

2009-07-01T07:42:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | New Laws Go Into Effect in Georgia

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myfoxatlanta.com | FDIC Orders 4 Ga. Banks to Raise Capital

2009-07-01T07:41:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | FDIC Orders 4 Ga. Banks to Raise Capital

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myfoxatlanta.com | Human Remains Found in Gwinnett County 063009

2009-06-30T19:38:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Human Remains Found in Gwinnett County 063009

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2009-06-29T18:53:00.001-04:00

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Elderly scam victim seeks to warn others

Billy Mays Rembered : Pitchmen : Discovery Channel

2009-06-28T16:13:00.001-04:00

Billy Mays Rembered : Pitchmen : Discovery Channel

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myfoxatlanta.com | Villa Rica Bank Fails; FDIC Takes Over

2009-06-27T10:04:00.001-04:00

myfoxatlanta.com | Villa Rica Bank Fails; FDIC Takes Over

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Clarkesville Woman Lost 47 Lbs on Acai Berry Diet

2009-06-25T20:13:00.001-04:00

Click on this link for full Story

Michael Jackson Dead at age 50

2009-06-25T18:25:00.001-04:00

Michael Jackson has Died. More info at http://www.ktla.com/

N. Korea Warns of Nuclear 'Fire Shower' Attack - North Korea | Map | Government - FOXNews.com

2009-06-25T11:52:00.001-04:00

N. Korea Warns of Nuclear 'Fire Shower' Attack - North Korea | Map | Government - FOXNews.com

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South Carolina Gov. Admits Being 'Unfaithful' to His Wife, After Argentina Trip - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-06-24T16:20:00.001-04:00

South Carolina Gov. Admits Being 'Unfaithful' to His Wife, After Argentina Trip - Political News - FOXNews.com

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North Korea Threatens to 'Wipe Out' U.S. - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

2009-06-24T16:13:00.002-04:00

North Korea Threatens to 'Wipe Out' U.S. - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

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Another Georgia Bank Taken over by the FDIC

2009-06-19T20:25:00.002-04:00

CLARKESVILLE, GA - June 19, 2009 - Southern Community Bank of Fayetteville, Ga., was closed down, and all its deposits will be assumed by United Community Bank of Blairsville, Ga. All five offices of SCB will become branches of UCB, and depositors of SCB will automatically become depositors at UCB.

MyCountyAlerts.Com Goes Live July 15th

2009-06-19T18:10:00.003-04:00

CLARKEVILLE, GA. - www.MyCountyAlerts.Com goes live July 15, 2009 with all 5 Counties Habersham, White, Rabun, Dawson and Lumpkin Counties All Five Newspapers from those same counties will have their News Feed Live on the Site. Top Stories, Local Sports and The Obits will all be in One Site for Easy Access. MCA Systems has been working hard with NOAA in Greenville Spartanburg, SC. and Peach Tree City, GA to Automate the Weather Warning Systems into our Site. More things are to come as the Site Grows and More Counties are added. MCA System would like to Thank all of our Sponsors to Include "Little" Joe Hatfield of FIELDALE FARMS for his Gracious Donation and Support of the System.

Court Voids Georgia Left Turn Law

2009-06-08T17:42:00.001-04:00

Court voids 'vague' Ga. left turn law

One Person Killed in Commerce Shooting

2009-06-07T19:54:00.002-04:00

Updated: Sunday, 07 Jun 2009, 6:16 PM EDT

Published : Sunday, 07 Jun 2009, 6:02 PM EDT

Edited By: Leigha Baugham | myfoxatlanta.com

COMMERCE, Ga. (MyFOX ATLANTA) - There was a shooting in Commerce Sunday, leaving one person killed. Police said the shooter was later wounded in a shootout with police.

Commerce police were called to a home on Troy Street. When officers arrived, shots were fired at them.

There was a brief standoff, and the shooter was shot by one of the officers. The man was transported to Grady Hospital.

The names of the shooting victim and the suspect had not been released as of Sunday evening.

FLOOD ADVISORY ISSUED until 7:15pm - June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T18:23:00.000-04:00

FLOOD ADVISORY FOR...  HABERSHAM COUNTY IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA...  THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF CLARKESVILLE.

Until 7:15pm

FLASH FLOOD WATCH - Issued June 4, 2009

2009-06-04T07:20:00.004-04:00

There's a chance for some flooding in the northeast Georgia mountains this afternoon and tonight to Include Habersham County

Clarkesville declines annexation of county’s property

2009-06-03T21:00:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, June 2, 2009 6:29 AM EDT

The Clarkesville City Council voted 4-1, with council member Bobby Webb opposed, Monday not to annex property purchased by Habersham County recently for a new judicial center.

Council member Franklin Brown made the motion not to annex the property, with council member Tina Evans providing the second.

The vote not to annex followed a failed motion by Webb to annex the property, located on Highway 17 (Toccoa Highway) at Hills Crossing Road.

See complete story in Friday’s edition of The Northeast Georgian.

www.thenortheastgeorgian.com

SAYING GOODBYE TO FAMILY, HELLO TO SERVICE

2009-05-26T10:21:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:17 AM EDT

Special

Cole and Jami Ivester of Turnerville say their goodbyes before he was deployed to Afghanistan last week. Ivester is the son of Steve and Brenda Ivester. Cole and Jami Ivester have an 11-month-old son, Lucas. Some 47,000 U.S. forces currently serve in Afghanistan, with 17,000 additional troops scheduled to arrive there. Meanwhile, NATO member countries and partners have more than 32,000 forces in country, U.S. Department of Defense documents show.

Habersham places 10 on All-Region soccer squads

2009-05-26T00:23:00.001-04:00

By MARK TURNER

Thursday, May 21, 2009 2:50 PM EDT

MARK TURNER/Staff Habersham Central's Nolan Hemmer, No. 15, was named the 8-AAAA Player of the Year by the region coaches. Hemmer along with his brother Sawyer Hemmer, Newt Turk and Juan Vargas were selected to the First Team.

Habersham Central is well represented on the 8-AAAA All-Region soccer team.

HCHS placed six players on the boys' squad while four players were picked for the girls' team. The All-Region squads are voted on by the boys' and girls' head coaches from 11 region schools.

The Raiders, who have won four consecutive 8-AAAA championships and advanced to the Class AAAA Sweet 16 this spring, had a region-high six players recognized.

Junior Nolan Hemmer, who led the team in scoring this spring, was picked as the league's Most Outstanding Player.

See the complete story in the Friday, May 22 edition of The Northeast Georgian.

2009-05-24T22:09:00.002-04:00

The Habersham County Commission has declared that it will observe seven unpaid days of rest (furlough days) in the 2009-2010 budget year.That includes the county's public safety departments, though not all on the same day designated for county office and other departmental personnel.
"Not only are the employees of the county affected, but the citizens as well," said Habersham County 9-1-1/Emergency Management Agency Director Lynn Smith.To read more of this story, pick up the May 22 edition of The Northeast Georgian.

http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com

2009-05-24T22:06:00.002-04:00

The Habersham County Board of Education has unanimously approved adding three vocational classrooms to plans for the new high school: Air Force Jr. ROTC, early childhood development and automotive technology.Because of the slow economy, bids for the new school came in well under what was expected, said Superintendent Robert Costley. A bid opening was held last week at Charles Black Construction Co. in Gainesville, and bidders had been asked to supply bids for the base building plus the three-classroom add alternate.
To read more of this story, pick up the May 22 edition of The Northeast Georgian.

http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com

Two NE Ga. Chrysler dealerships on list to be closed

2009-05-14T15:22:00.000-04:00

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK - Two northeast Georgia dealerships - one in Cleveland and one in Clayton - are among the 789 Chrysler said Thursday, in a motion filed in a bankruptcy court, that it wants to closed but the one in Cleveland has been closed for several months.

The company said its network is antiquated and has too many stores competing with each other. As a result, its dealerships in Cleveland and Clayton are among those on the chopping block.

Other Georgia dealerships included on Chrysler's closing list are Augusta, Calhoun, Claxton, Dalton, Decatur, Jackson, Milledgeville, two in Newnan, Savannah and Thomaston.

The automaker has about 3,200 dealers but says that's too many. It wants to have stronger, more profitable dealers with better facilities.

The dealers likely will have a right to appeal to get off the list. The move could have a devastating impact on cities across the U.S., costing jobs and tax revenue.

Meanwhile, GM is still keeping quiet on a Reuters report that it plans to eliminate 2,000 of its dealerships.

Georgia swine flu cases now at 8

2009-05-13T23:17:00.000-04:00

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA - Georgia health officials have confirmed four more cases of swine flu, bringing the state's total to eight, with six associated with a private school in Henry County.

Dr. Elizabeth Ford, head of the state Division of Public Health, said Wednesday the new cases are associated with a group of students from Eagle's Landing Christian Academy in McDonough.

None have been hospitalized. All were initially identified as students who traveled together on a field trip out of state. Officials could not confirm the destination of the trip.

Georgia officials say they are now able to confirm cases without the help of the Centers for Disease Control and prevention.

Ford said testing for swine flu will continue for hospitalized patients, but the department will use seasonal monitoring methods for all others.

Updated: May 9, 2009 - 7:37pm - Body found confirmed to be of Missing Professor

2009-05-09T19:45:00.002-04:00

ATHENS, Ga. – A professor wanted for killing his wife and two other people at a community theater two weeks ago was found dead in the north Georgia woods Saturday, his body covered in brush and dirt, officials said.

Two guns were found with the body of marketing professor George Zinkhan, who vanished after the April 25 shootings near the University of Georgia, said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Joseph Lumpkin.

The guns matched those described by witnesses to the shootings, though police did not say how they believe Zinkhan died. Authorities hoped to have a cause of death by the end of Saturday.

Cadaver dogs found Zinkhan's body about 10 miles west of Athens in thick woods in Bogart, where he lived. Searchers — as many as 200 at one point — had been scouring the woods since his Jeep was found wrecked and abandoned in a ravine about a mile away a week ago.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab confirmed later Saturday that the body was Zinkhan.

Reached by phone at her home in Baltimore, his mother, Mary, said she was aware of the discovery.

"I've heard that news," she said. "I have nothing to say about it."

Zinkhan had been missing since police said he opened fire on a reunion for the Town & Gown Players, a local theater group.

He argued outside the theater with his wife, Marie Bruce, 47, a family law attorney who was serving as the group's president.

Police say he walked away briefly before returning with two handguns and killing her, along with Clemson University economist and actor Tom Tanner, 40, and Ben Teague, 63, a longtime theater group volunteer who was married to a popular UGA professor. Two other people were injured by bullet fragments.

Police at first said they had no motive for the shooting. The FBI said later friends and family indicated Bruce may have been considering a divorce.

Zinkhan was last seen dropping off his children, who were in the car during the shootings but weren't injured, with a neighbor. He said there was an emergency.

Bulletins were issued nationwide and authorities kept watch on airports in case Zinkhan tried to flee to Amsterdam, where he had taught part-time at a university since 2007. Federal authorities later revealed Zinkhan had an upcoming flight booked to Amsterdam, but the professor never showed up at the airport.

Zinkhan had been a professor in the university's Terry College of Business and had no disciplinary problems, school officials said. He had taught at UGA since the 1990s and was fired after the shootings.

"I express my sincerest condolences to the loved ones and friends of the victims of this tragedy," UGAPresident Michael Adams said. "Our hearts go out to each of them as they try to bring closure to and cope with the pain and sorrow these losses of life have caused them. May they ultimately find healing and peace."

Bob Covington, the neighbor who Zinkhan dropped his children off with after the shooting, called Saturday's discovery "another sad chapter to the story."

"For the community, the families, his kids and this neighborhood, this last chapter will provide some healing," Covington said. "It's been two weeks of people being on pins and needles, every time you see a police car. I think this will ease a lot of tension. People can get back to their lives and move on from this horrible tragedy."

___

Body Found Believe to be George Zinkhan

2009-05-09T12:59:00.004-04:00

Law enforcement has reason to believe that human remains found near the scene where George Zinkhan's Jeep Liberty was discoverd are those of the missing UGA professor.

Saturday morning, cadaver dogs searching near the scene where George Zinkhan's Jeep Liberty was located last week discovered human remains. Law enforcement has reason to believe that the remains are those of George Zinkhan. The body is being taken to the GBI Crime Lab for positive identification.

Zinkhan's jeep was found in a ravine in a rural part of Athens-Clarke County just a few miles from his home. FOX 5 News was first to report that cadaver dogs were brought in on Friday to search the area. That search was unsuccessful yesterday but the canines were able to find a body Saturday.

Zinkhan is accused of shooting and killing three people including his wife at an Athens theater two weeks ago today. A nationwide manhunt has been underway for Zinkhan since that day.

TORNADO WATCH 273 has been cancelled

2009-05-08T18:40:00.003-04:00

TORNADO WATCH 273 has been Cancelled

Second Case of the H1N1 Flu Confirmed in Henry County by the CDC

2009-05-04T17:14:00.003-04:00

Updated: 4:36 pm EDT May 4, 2009

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. -- A second case of swine flu was confirmed in Georgia on Monday, closing a private school in Henry County until further notice.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed Monday a middle school student at the Eagle's Landing Christian Academy tested positive for the illness. CDC officials said the school could be closed for up to two weeks.

Tim Dowdy, president of the school said in the posting on the school's Web site that the school was closed "as a preventative measure."

He said the school will undergo a "deep-cleaning."

The CDC is also checking blood samples from three patients from metro Atlanta for swine flu, including a 3-year-old in Cobb County, a 36-year-old in DeKalb County and an 8-year-old in Clayton County.

The Eagle's Landing Christian Academy serves students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12. It was not immediately clear whether other students were being tested for the illness.

The academy is the first school in Georgia to close because of the swine flu outbreak.

The health department said they suspect the 14-year-old middle school student got the flu from a 12-year-old sister who got it from a group that visited Panama. The middle school student is over being sick and was never hospitalized, but is still infectious, the health department said, so school is closed.

“Wow. I think it’s scary. I think it’s very scary,” said Henry County resident Laurie Kidd.

At least 533 schools enrolling about 334,000 children had closed across the country as of Monday because of the outbreak, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The schools are in about two dozen states.

An entire school district west of Detroit closed after a high school student came down with an apparent case of the illness. All 140 schools in the Fort Worth (Texas) Independent School District have closed until May 8, a system that serves 80,000 students.

The outbreak hasn't touched the majority of the nation's 132,000 schools, but a few have been hit heavily by the illness. One New York City high school had 45 students with confirmed cases of swine flu.

At least 274 cases of swine flu virus have been confirmed in 35 states so far in the United States, a count by The Associated Press shows. The most recent CDC count was 226 cases in 30 states. The discrepancy can be attributed at least in part to a time lag in state reporting to the federal agency. And in some instances, states have identified "probable" cases that were not confirmed subsequently.

Worldwide, at least 1,226 people have been sickened by swine flu. More than half of those were in Mexico.

Possible Swine Flu Case Closes Henry Co. School

2009-05-04T13:53:00.003-04:00

Updated: 12:40 pm EDT May 4, 2009

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. -- A possible case of swine closed a private school in Henry County on Monday until further notice.

An announcement on the Web site of the Eagle's Landing Christian Academy said the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Henry County Health Department notified school officials that a middle school student may have a case of swine flu.

"This is a single suspected case that is not confirmed and is not cause for alarm," said Tim Dowdy, president of the school in the posting on the Web site.

Dowdy said the school is closed as the request of state officials "as a preventative measure."
He said the school will undergo a "deep-cleaning."

May 3, 2009 - 6:55 am - MyCountyAlerts adds link to CDC

2009-05-03T06:47:00.006-04:00

MyCountyAlerts.com has added a Link on it's Main Page to the CDC (H1N1 Flu) aka Swine Flu Page to give NE Georgians a Fast and Easy way to keep on top on the Current Flu Situation.

Update on the GA Outbreak. *Case is a resident of KY, but currently hospitalized in GA. So there is Only One (1) Comfirm Case in GA (LaGrange - Troup Co)

By MCA NEWS

April 30, 2009 - 11:08pm - Two suspected cases that were sent to the CDC for confirmation of the virus.

2009-05-01T05:36:00.002-04:00

ATLANTA - Officials said Thursday that there may be some additional cases of swine flu in Georgia. A spokesperson for Tanner Medical Systems in Carrollton confirmed there had two suspected cases that were sent to the CDC for confirmation of the virus.

One of the patients was being treated in Bremen and there was no word on where the other patient was receiving care.

State health officials already confirmed the first case of swine flu in Georgia. A 30-year-old Kentucky woman who had fallen ill during a trip to west Georgia.

The case was confirmed Thursday by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Elizabeth Ford, head of Georgia's Division of Public Health, said at a news conference that the woman had traveled to Cancun, Mexico earlier this month. The people who were traveling with the woman to Mexico have tested negative for swine flu, Ford said.

Health officials refused to provide details about the woman's condition or say where she was being hospitalized. The LaGrange Daily News reported the woman was hospitalized with the West Georgia Medical System in LaGrange after being admitted on Sunday.

By the Associated Press

Updated - April 30, 2009 - 3:01pm - Georgia Swine Flu Patient Was In Mexico

2009-04-30T15:44:00.003-04:00

LAGRANGE, Ga. -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a case of swine flu Thursday at West Georgia Medical System Hospital in LaGrange in Troup County.

“Today’s confirmed case of the H1N1 flu in Georgia is a reason for precaution, not panic. I want to stress that it is an isolated case," said Gov. Sonny Perdue.
"The State of Georgia has worked diligently over the past several years to prepare for a situation like this, and we are partnering with local and federal officials to respond appropriately," Perdue said.

The patient, a 30-year-old female, is from Kentucky, but was visiting family members in LaGrange after returning from a trip to Cancun, Mexico on April 21. She has been hospitalized in LaGrange since April 26.

Mexico has been identified as the source of the swine flu outbreak.
Channel 2 Action News reporter Jeff Dore interviewed Jerry Fulks, CEO of West Georgia Medical System Hospital, live on Action News at Noon and Fulks said the patient was put into isolation on April 26 and was still there Thursday.

"The staff that works with her are using masks, gowns and other protection devices," said Fulks.
He said the hospital is not under quarantine.
"Our hospital is open; there has been no lockdown," Fulks said. "We continue to serve the needs of our patients."

Fulks said the patient's family in LaGrange has been checked and tested negative for swine flu.
Troup County health officials said Wednesday night during a public meeting that a sample from the patient was sent to the CDC for testing. The sample came back positive for swine flu.
The CDC lists cases of swine flu in at least 11 other states including Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.
In Alabama, officials shut down schools for about 31,000 students in Madison County because of two probable cases of swine flu.

Some schools also closed in California, Michigan and New York.

This article is provided by Channel 2 Action News - WSBTV.com - Atlanta GA

April 29, 2009 - 5:52pm - World Health Organization raises pandemic alert to phase 5

2009-04-29T17:57:00.003-04:00

World Health Organization raises pandemic alert to phase 5

Current level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 4 to 5

Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.
Swine influenza - update 5

29 April 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 18:00 GMT, 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

LARRY LaPRADE ESTATE AUCTION

2009-04-22T14:00:00.015-04:00

Clarkesville GA - LARRY LaPRADE ESTATE AUCTION - April 24,25 & 26, 2009. Friday's Auction will be for hard to Find Classic Car parts. And On Saturday and Sunday will be the Big Classic Car Auction for some cars you would not believe still run and Look GREAT!!!!!.

Here are some Photos of Cars and parts that will be for Auction.

For More Info and Flyer for this Event, Please Click the Link Below

http://www.gorescorvettes.com/events.htm

Habersham County 911 Over-the-Air System Back up

2009-04-20T07:23:00.002-04:00

The Habersham Dispatch Over-the-Air System for Law Enforcement is back on the Air. No Reason at this time for the outage.

Habersham County 911 Over-the-Air System Down

2009-04-20T01:26:00.002-04:00

Habersham County 911 Over-the-Air Communications went down around 12:45am, April 20, 2009. The part of the system that went down is the Law Enforcement Channel which includes Habersham County Sheriff Office. The Fire/EMS is still up and running. The Phone Portion of the 911 Emergency System never had a Problem and is still working.

Habersham Hills Cinemas Announces 2009 Summer KidFlix Schedule

2009-04-12T19:23:00.004-04:00

Please Click on the Following Link for more Info:

http://www.hometownmovies.com/kidflix/

April 10, 2009 - A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM

2009-04-10T18:12:00.000-04:00

..A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM EDT FOR RABUN AND
NORTHERN HABERSHAM COUNTIES.

AT 600 PM EDT.NATL WEATHER SVC DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO
INDICATE A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO. THIS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR BATESVILLE.OR ABOUT 9 MILES NO. OF
CLARKESVILLE.MOVING NE AT 35 MPH.

THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR.
NACOOHE LAKE BY 610 PM EDT.
LAKEMONT & LAKE RABUN BY 615 PM EDT.
TIGER BY 620 PM EDT.
CLAYTON BY 625 PM EDT.
MTN CITY BY 630 PM EDT.
PINE MTN BY 645 PM EDT.

MOBILE HOMES & VEHICLES SHOULD BE ABANDONED FOR STURDIER SHELTER.
OTHERWISE.GO TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST LEVEL OF YOUR HOME
OR PLACE OF BUSINESS. MAKE SURE THERE ARE AS MANY WALLS & FLOORS
BETWEEN YOU & THE OUTSIDE AS POSSIBLE.

April 10, 2009 - TORNADO WATCH ISSUED AT 3:10pm

2009-04-10T15:44:00.000-04:00

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
Tornado Watch for portions of

      central and eastern Alabama
      northern Georgia
      far western North Carolina

Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 340 PM until
1000 PM EDT.

...This is a particularly dangerous situation...

Destructive tornadoes...large hail to 3 inches in diameter...
thunderstorm wind gusts to 70 mph...and dangerous lightning are
possible in these areas.

The Tornado Watch area is approximately along and 70 statute
miles east and west of a line from 55 miles west northwest of
Asheville North Carolina to 30 miles southeast of Anniston
Alabama.  For a complete depiction of the watch see the
associated watch outline update (wous64 kwns wou4).

Remember...a Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

Other watch information...continue...ww 131...ww 132...ww 133...

Discussion...intense mid/upper level system and associated jets will
continue to focus outbreak of supercells ewd across ww this evening.
Very favorable environment in place for large...damaging hail along
with potential for long-tracked/damaging tornadoes.  Tornado threat
will be enhanced along and south of wedge surface front over GA/al
counties within ww.

Aviation...tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface
wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to
500. Mean storm motion vector 25040.

April 10, 2009 - The NWS has Issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

2009-04-10T13:42:00.001-04:00

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
northern Habersham County in northeast Georgia
Rabun County in northeast Georgia
northwestern Oconee County in upstate South Carolina

* until 215 PM EDT

* at 134 PM EDT...National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
severe thunderstorm capable of producing nickel size hail.  This
storm was located 8 miles northwest of Clarkesville...or about 5
miles south of Batesville...and was moving northeast at 45 mph.

* The severe thunderstorm will be near...
Batesville by 140 PM EDT...
nacoohe lake by 145 PM EDT...
Lake Rabun and Turnerville by 150 PM EDT...
Lakemont and Tallulah Falls by 155 PM EDT...
Clayton by 200 PM EDT...

although large hail to the size of nickels is the main threat with
this severe thunderstorm...brief damaging winds could also occur.

To report damaging winds...large hail...or flooding...through our
automated reporting system...call our toll f

Bank Robbed in Commerce Georgia

2009-04-09T11:43:00.000-04:00

COMMERCE - A branch of United Community Bank was robbed Thursday morning in Commerce.

Commerce Police Chief John Gaissert said it happened about 9:30 at the UCB branch on Homer Road.

Gaissert said the robber was a black man, 5'8"-5'10" tall, weighing 220-240 pounds, wearing a black sweatshirt and "what looked like gauze" over his face.

He said the suspect may have fled in a "red vehicle." Investigators are not sure of that, however, but witnesses told police they saw a red vehicle leaving the area around the bank at a high rate of speed about the time of the robbery, heading toward Commerce and there was no other information on the vehicle, such as make and model.

Gaissert said not one was injured in the holdup and the robber escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

April 2, 2009 - Wind Advisory in effect from midnight tonight to 6 PM EDT

2009-04-02T15:14:00.001-04:00

...Wind Advisory in effect from midnight tonight to 6 PM EDT
Friday...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued
a Wind Advisory...which is in effect from midnight tonight to
6 PM EDT Friday.

As a cold front crosses the area Friday morning...winds will
increase immediately along the front especially over the southern
Escarpment and south facing slopes. Behind the front...westerly
winds will become gusty on Friday. Winds across the North Carolina
and Georgia mountains will generally reach 15 to 25 mph with gusts
as high as 40 mph during the greatest period of mixing in the
afternoon. These winds combined with the wet ground conditions
caused by recent rainfall will create a situation favorable for
isolated trees and power lines to fall. Wind speeds and gusts will
diminish quickly after sunset across most of the mountains except
for locations in the northern mountains and Escarpment which will
hang on to some lingering wind gusts.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds
this strong can make driving difficult...especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

FirstCity becomes the eighth Georgia-based bank to fail since the economy began sliding into crisis last August

2009-03-20T19:40:00.001-04:00

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Stockbridge, Ga.-based FirstCity Bank became the 18th U.S. bank failure of 2009 on Friday, as the effects of the credit crunch continue to ripple throughout the financial system.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said in a statement that it will mail checks to FirstCity's insured depositors Monday morning, and that the failed bank's direct deposits from the federal government such as Social Security and Veterans' payments will be transferred to SunTrust Banks Inc. (STI:
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FirstCity had $297 million in assets and $278 million in deposits as of March 18, the FDIC said. It also had roughly $778,000 in deposits that exceeded the federal deposit insurance limit of $250,000.
FirstCity becomes the eighth Georgia-based bank to fail since the economy began sliding into crisis last August, according to FDIC data. The last Georgia bank to fail was Freedom Bank of Georgia on March 6, the FDIC said.
The FDIC estimated that the cost of FirstCity's failure to its deposit insurance fund is roughly $100 million.

March 1, 2009 - 5:25pm - Winter Weather Advisory Alert

2009-03-01T17:24:00.003-05:00

Winter Weather Advisory
Alert: Rabun, Habersham, Stephens

...WINTER STORM TO AFFECT THE REGION THROUGH TONIGHT...

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
MONDAY...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
MONDAY.
RAIN WILL CHANGE OVER TO SNOW ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHEAST
GEORGIA AND THE GOLDEN CORNER OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA LATE THIS
AFTERNOON. THE SNOW WILL TAPER OFF A LITTLE BEFORE MIDNIGHT.
ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ARE EXPECTED...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER
AMOUNTS ACROSS SOUTHERN PICKENS AND OCONEE COUNTIES.
THE COMBINATION OF SUSTAINED NORTHEAST WINDS OF 20 TO 30
MPH...SATURATED GROUND AND WET SNOW WILL DOWN NUMEROUS TREES
ACROSS THE REGION. THIS WILL BLOCK ROADS AND CAUSE POWER OUTAGES.
LATER TONIGHT...TEMPERATURES WILL FALL WELL BELOW FREEZING. WHILE
THE SNOW WILL LAY MOST DEEPLY ON GRASSY SURFACES...THE FREEZING
TEMPERATURES WILL RESULT IN BLACK ICE...WHICH WILL MAKE DRIVING
VERY DANGEROUS EVEN WHERE ROADS ARE NOT SNOW COVERED.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Target Area:
Rabun, Habersham, Stephens

March 1, 2009 - 6:18am - Winter Weather Advisory Alert

2009-03-01T06:12:00.002-05:00

Winter Weather Advisory Alert:

...WINTER STORM TO AFFECT THE REGION TODAY AND TONIGHT...

.A STRONG UPPER LEVEL LOW WILL MOVE ACROSS THE DEEP SOUTH AND TO
THE CAROLINA COAST TODAY. THIS SYSTEM WILL SPREAD PRECIPITATION
ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA...BEGINNING AS
RAIN THIS MORNING...AND THEN CHANGING OVER TO SNOW THIS AFTERNOON
AND EARLY THIS EVENING. THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD MOVE EAST OF THE
WESTERN PIEDMONT OF NORTH CAROLINA EARLY MONDAY MORNING.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 AM EST
MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG HAS ISSUED
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON
TODAY TO 7 AM EST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN
EFFECT.
WIDESPREAD RAIN WILL REDEVELOP ACROSS NORTHEAST GEORGIA AND THE
WESTERN PART OF THE UPSTATE THIS MORNING...AND THEN MIX WITH AND
CHANGE TO SNOW AS THE AFTERNOON WEARS ON. THE MAIN BAND OF
PRECIPITATION WILL MOVE TO THE EAST OF THE REGION BY LATE
AFTERNOON WHICH WILL LIMIT THE POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW
ACCUMULATION. AT THE PRESENT TIME...THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR ONE
OR TWO INCHES OF SNOW...MAINLY ACROSS THE AREA FROM TOCCOA AND
FRANKLIN SPRINGS TO CLEMSON AND PICKENS. THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF
NORTHEAST GEORGIA MIGHT GET AN INCH OR LESS. HOWEVER...A BAND OF
HEAVY SNOW IS POSSIBLE ACROSS THE REGION TONIGHT. IF THIS HAPPENS
AS FAR WEST AS EXTREME NORTHEAST GEORGIA...THE ADVISORY MAY BE
UPGRADED.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Target Area:
Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Franklin

February 11, 2009 - The NWS has ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING UNTIL 7PM

2009-02-11T18:01:00.002-05:00

The National Weather Service In Greenville-Spartanburg Has Issued A • Severe Thunderstorm Warning For... Stephens County In Northeast Georgia Habersham County In Northeast Georgia Rabun County In Northeast Georgia Oconee County In Upstate South Carolina • Until 700 PM EST • At 551 PM EST...National Weather Service Doppler Radar Indicated A Line Of Severe Thunderstorms Capable Of Producing Damaging Winds In Excess Of 60 Mph. These Storms Were Located Along A Line Extending From 13 Miles Southeast Of Hayesville To 7 Miles South Of Dahlonega...And Was Moving East At 55 Mph. • Severe Thunderstorms Will Be Near... Moccasin Creek State Park By 600 PM EST... Lake Burton And Batesville By 605 PM EST... Dillard By 610 PM EST... Nacoohe Lake And Tiger By 615 PM EST... Baldwin And Lake Rabun By 620 PM EST... Turnerville And Mount Airy By 625 PM EST... People In The Path Of This Line Of Severe Thunderstorms Should Be Alert For Large Hail And Damaging Winds. Frequent Lightning And Locally Heavy Rain Can Occur With Any Thunderstorm. Seek Shelter Indoors Away From Windows And Doors Until The Storm Passes. This Rapidly Moving Line Of Severe Thunderstorms May Cause Winds From 60 To 70 Mph...And Will Be Accompanied By Little Or No Lightning. These Wind Speeds Are Capable Of Toppling Trees And Power Lines. Seek Shelter On The Lowest Level Of Your Home Or Office Building. Avoid Rooms That May Be Damaged By Falling Trees. If Driving...Pull Over In A Clear Area Away From Large Trees And Power Poles. To Report Damaging Winds...Large Hail...Or Flooding...Through Our Automated Reporting System...Call Our Toll Free Number... 1 8 7 7...6 3 3...6 7 7 2. Lat...Lon 3481 8366 3487 8367 3495 8356 3499 8355 3500 8309 3505 8289 3499 8293 3495 8290 3483 8289 3449 8317 3446 8342 3448 8356 3444 8363 3450 8368 3454 8364 3466 8367 3476 8363 3480 8368 Time...Mot...Loc 2253z 249deg 48kt 3497 8360 3446 8399
Back to Summary

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 10:00PM EST

2009-02-11T16:40:00.001-05:00

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 10:00PM ESTSel9 spc Ww 112105 Urgent - Immediate Broadcast Requested Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 19 Nws Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 405 PM EST Wed Feb 11 2009 The Nws Storm Prediction Center Has Issued A Severe Thunderstorm Watch For Portions Of North Georgia Western North Carolina Western South Carolina Effective This Wednesday Afternoon And Evening From 405 PM Until 1000 PM EST. Hail To 0.5 Inch In Diameter...Thunderstorm Wind Gusts To 70 Mph...And Dangerous Lightning Are Possible In These Areas. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch Area Is Approximately Along And 75 Statute Miles East And West Of A Line From 15 Miles Northwest Of Hot Springs North Carolina To 45 Miles Southeast Of Atlanta Georgia. For A Complete Depiction Of The Watch See The Associated Watch Outline Update (wous64 Kwns Wou9). Remember...A Severe Thunderstorm Watch Means Conditions Are Favorable For Severe Thunderstorms In And Close To The Watch Area. Persons In These Areas Should Be On The Lookout For Threatening Weather Conditions And Listen For Later Statements And Possible Warnings. Severe Thunderstorms Can And Occasionally Do Produce Tornadoes.

High Wind Warning in effect from 7 am this morning to 6 am EST Thursday

2009-02-11T03:37:00.001-05:00

....High Wind Warning in effect from 7 am this morning to 6 am EST Thursday...The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a High Wind Warning...which is in effect from 7 am this morning to 6 am EST Thursday. A strong upper low will approach from the west today. South to southwest winds of 25 to 40 mph...with gusts up to 60 mph...are expected across the mountains of North Carolina and northeast Georgia today and tonight. Winds will swing around toward the northwest overnight.A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.

High Wind Watch in Effect Feb. 11, 2009

2009-02-10T15:24:00.000-05:00

...High wind watch in effect from Wednesday morning through late
Wednesday night...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued
a high wind watch...which is in effect from Wednesday morning
through late Wednesday night.

A cold front will move into the North Carolina mountains
Wednesday evening. Strong south winds of 25 to 40 mph...with
gusts up to 60 mph...are possible Wednesday afternoon and evening.
The area most at risk for damaging winds ahead of the front will
be the mountains of northeast Georgia...the mountains of the
western upstate South Carolina and the North Carolina mountains
along and south of the balsams.

Behind the front...the threat for damaging winds will shift to the
northern mountains...French Broad valley and far western foothills
of North Carolina.

A high wind watch means there is the potential for a hazardous
high wind event. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph...or gusts of
58 mph or stronger may occur. Continue to monitor the latest
forecasts.

January 19, 2008 - WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

2009-01-19T12:51:00.002-05:00

.WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
12 PM EST TUESDAY.

GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-

SCZ001-002-004-005-010-011-019-191800-
/O.NEW.KGSP.WW.Y.0007.090119T2300Z-090120T1700Z/
RABUN-HABERSHAM-STEPHENS-FRANKLIN-HART-ELBERT-OCONEE MOUNTAINS-
PICKENS MOUNTAINS-GREATER OCONEE-GREATER PICKENS-ANDERSON-
ABBEVILLE-GREENWOOD-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF.CLAYTON.CLARKESVILLE.TOCCOA.
HARTWELL.ELBERTON.ANDERSON.ABBEVILLE.GREENWOOD
452 AM EST MON JAN 19 2009

.WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
12 PM EST TUESDAY.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG HAS ISSUED
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW.WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM
THIS EVENING TO 12 PM EST TUESDAY.

A STRONG LOW PRESSURE CENTER WILL MOVE TO OUR SO. TONIGHT
PRODUCING WIDESPREAD PRECIPITATION. TEMPS WILL FALL TONIGHT
CAUSING THE RAIN TO CHANGE TO SNOW DURING THE EVENING. THE SNOW
WILL TAPER OFF TUES MORNING. BY THE TIME THE SNOW ENDS.SNOW
ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE AROUND AN INCH ACROSS MOST OF THE COUNTIES
ALONG THE SAVANNAH RIVER VALLEY. ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES.
WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE NORTHEAST
GA MTNS & THE OCONEE & PICKENS MOUNTAINS.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS & LIMITED VISIBILITIES.& USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Jan. 6th, 2009 - THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 11:00PM EST

2009-01-06T18:30:00.002-05:00

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 11:00PM EST
Sel4 spc Ww 062237

Urgent - Immediate Broadcast Requested Tornado Watch Number 4 Nws Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 540 PM EST Tue Jan 6 2009

The Nws Storm Prediction Center Has Issued A Tornado Watch For Portions Of

Much Of Northern Georgia Parts Of Southwestern North Carolina Parts Of Western South Carolina

Effective This Tuesday Afternoon And Evening From 540 PM Until 1100 PM EST.

Tornadoes...Hail To 1 Inch In Diameter...Thunderstorm Wind Gusts To 70 Mph...And Dangerous Lightning Are Possible In These Areas.

The Tornado Watch Area Is Approximately Along And 45 Statute Miles North And South Of A Line From 50 Miles South Southwest Of Rome Georgia To 5 Miles Northeast Of Greenville South Carolina. For A Complete Depiction Of The Watch See The Associated Watch Outline Update (wous64 Kwns Wou4).

Remember...A Tornado Watch Means Conditions Are Favorable For Tornadoes And Severe Thunderstorms In And Close To The Watch Area. Persons In These Areas Should Be On The Lookout For Threatening Weather Conditions And Listen For Later Statements And Possible Warnings.

Other Watch Information...Continue...Ww 3...

Discussion...Surface Low On Front Nwrn GA Enhancing Shear With Rapidly Moving Supercells Developing Along/Ahead Of Cold Front. Although Air Mass Only Marginally Unstable...Shear And High Pw/S Support Rotating Updrafts/Supercells And Threat Of Tornadoes As System Continues Ewd.

Aviation...Tornadoes And A Few Severe Thunderstorms With Hail Surface And Aloft To 1 Inch. Extreme Turbulence And Surface Wind Gusts To 60 Knots. A Few Cumulonimbi With Maximum Tops To 450. Mean Storm Motion Vector 24045.

High Wind Warning Until 6pm - December 31, 2008

2008-12-31T03:55:00.002-05:00

HABERSHAM-

INCLUDING THE CITY OF.CLARKESVILLE

342 AM EST WED DEC 31 2008

..HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG HAS ISSUED

A HIGH WIND WARNING.WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS

AFTERNOON.

STRONG WEST TO NW WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE

REGION EARLY THIS MORNING & CONTINUE THROUGH THE AFTERNOON.

SUSTAINED WINDS OF 25 TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED. GUSTS OF 60 MPH WILL

BE COMMON ACROSS THE N. PART OF HABERSHAM COUNTY. THE

STRONGEST WIND GUSTS ARE EXPECTED FROM SHORTLY AFTER SUNRISE

THROUGH MID- AFTERNOON. MANY TREES WILL BE KNOCKED DOWN BY THE

WIND.BLOCKING ROADS & CAUSING POWER OUTAGES.

A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT IS

EXPECTED. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GUSTS OF

58 MPH OR MORE CAN LEAD TO PROPERTY DAMAGE. PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE

STEPS NOW TO MOVE OBJECTS INSIDE THAT COULD BE BLOWN ABOUT BY THE WIND

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH Until 3PM

2008-12-11T10:25:00.001-05:00

December 11, 2008 - SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 951 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM EST
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
GA

.    GEORGIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
BANKS                BARROW              BURKE
CLARKE               COLUMBIA            ELBERT
FRANKLIN             GLASCOCK            GREENE
HABERSHAM            HALL                HART
JACKSON              JEFFERSON           LINCOLN
MADISON              MCDUFFIE            OCONEE
OGLETHORPE           RICHMOND            STEPHENS
TALIAFERRO           WARREN              WILKES

December 11, 2008 - An Flash Flood WATCH has been Issued

2008-12-11T07:12:00.002-05:00

HABERSHAM COUNTY -

A Flash Flood WATCH has been Issued until 4:00pm

A LARGE AREA OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN IS ADVANCING NORTH FROM
GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA AND WILL OVERSPREAD WESTERN NORTH
CAROLINA THIS MORNING. RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL BE A QUARTER TO A
HALF INCH IN AN HOUR AT TIMES. STREAMS AND CREEKS WILL EXPERIENCE
RAPID RISES WHERE THE HEAVIEST RAIN FALLS. PEOPLE WHO ARE
TRAVELING SHOULD DRIVE WITH CAUTION DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR
HYDROPLANING AND RAPID CHANGES IN VISIBILITY.

December 10, 2008 - FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 4PM

2008-12-10T07:26:00.003-05:00

HABERSHAM COUNTY ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PEACHTREE CITY HAS ISSUED A
* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA...
NORTHEAST GEORGIA...NORTHWEST GEORGIA AND WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA.
* UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON
* AN AREA OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ASSOCIATED WITH A STRONG
COLD FRONT WILL MOVE INTO NORTH GEORGIA THIS MORNING. WIDESPREAD
RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 2 TO 3 INCHES ARE LIKELY AS THIS LINE MOVES
THROUGH. LOCALLY HEAVIER AMOUNTS WILL BE POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY
ALONG THE SOUTH FACING SLOPES OF THE APPALACHIANS WHERE STRONG
SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL TRANSPORT THE MOISTURE UPSLOPE.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR HEAVY
RAIN ACROSS THE WATCH AREA WHICH MAY LEAD TO RAPID RISES...
ESPECIALLY ALONG SMALLER STREAMS AND CREEKS. IF YOU ARE IN THE
WATCH AREA...CHECK YOUR PREPAREDNESS REQUIREMENTS...ESPECIALLY IF
YOU HAVE INTERESTS ALONG AREA RIVERS. KEEP INFORMED...AND BE
READY FOR ACTION IF FLOODING IS OBSERVED OR IF A FLASH FLOOD
WARNING IS ISSUED.

WCHM Supplies LIVE VIDEO & INFO

2008-09-12T16:37:00.003-04:00

WCHM has a Web Site set-up with Info and Video from Texas on Hurricane IKE. Just go to www.MyWCHM.com and Click on the Hurricane Link and you will see a Few Links for Multi Video and Maps on the Area that Treatens the Texas.

2008-08-26T11:42:00.002-04:00

August 25, 2008 - The City of Cornelia has issued a Voluntary Ban on all outdoor water use.

This ban affects all persons provided water by the City Of Cornelia, both inside and outside the incorporated City limits! We ask that everyone conserve as much water as possible. The State Guidelines continue to govern water usage.

Water Boil Order Issued in Mt. Airy

2008-08-23T07:32:00.004-04:00

Mount Airy GA, - Aug 23, 2008 - There was a Water Main break in the early morning just north of the railroad bridge in Mt. Airy. Crews have fixed the break around 4:30am this morning. Mt. Airy Officials have Issued an WATER BOILING ORDER for residents that live north of the railroad bridge until Sunday Morning. Officials Noted this is only a precaution. The EPA has a Web Site for Water Boil Orders if you need more info on it, their web site is: www.epa.gov/ogwdw/faq/emerg.html

Clarkesville Imposes Total Outdoor Watering Ban

2008-08-21T20:17:00.001-04:00

CLARKESVILLE - Another city in Habersham County imposes a total outdoor watering ban on its residents.

Just two days after Cornelia announced an end to outdoor watering, the city of Clarkesville followed suit Thursday.

"We are making an application petitioning the state of Georgia based on current weather conditions, forecast of precipitation and the demand on the water system itself," said Clarkesville City Manager Steve Hashimoto.

Hashimoto said residents should blame the weather for the ban.

"We don't have any guarantee of when it's going to rain, so we have to deal with the factors that are available to us on a daily basis," he said.

Hashimoto said the lack of rain has also brought the Soque River, Clarkesville's water source, to less than one fourth of its flow rate. He said Cornelia pulls its water supply from the Chattahoochee River

Hashimoto said there are exceptions to the ban such as licensed professional landscaping and car washes.

The City of Cornelia is at a stage 4 Water Shortage

2008-08-19T13:15:00.002-04:00

The City of Cornelia is at a stage 4 Water Shortage. Effective immediately is a mandatory ban on all outdoor water use until further notice. This ban affects all persons provided water by the City Of Cornelia, both inside and outside the incorporated City limits! This ban is in effect until further notice!

Contract Signed for New Judicial Center and Governmental Campus

2008-08-11T12:06:00.003-04:00

Today, the Habersham County Board of Commissioners signed a contract offering to purchase 30.82 acres for the new Habersham County Judicial Center and governmental campus. The property is located at the intersection of State Highway 17 and Hills Crossing Road. The total purchase price for this large tract is $1,189,000.

Chairman Butterworth said, “The location of this property will accommodate future growth and is consistent with the twenty year vision of the Comprehensive Plan. Accessibility to the Judicial Center will be from State Highway 17 and from Hills Crossing Road and will result in less traffic congestion for our citizens. One thing the current economic environment does is create a buyer’s market for purchases like this. We believe this is a wise, long-term decision for the taxpayers of Habersham County”

“The Board considered several alternative sites after studies showed that the original site would not accommodate growth and the location would cause significant traffic congestion. The Board feels that this site is ideally located for easy access by citizens from all areas of the county and it will accommodate all the needs of Habersham County Government for decades to come,” Butterworth concluded.

Habersham Animal Shelter will not Renew Lease with County

2008-08-09T12:08:00.004-04:00

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners received notice on Friday, August 8th that the Friends of Habersham County Animal Shelter will not be renewing their contract with the County to manage the animal shelter in September.

"Over the past month, we have been discussing a 'reorganization' of our relationship with FOHCAS so that our citizens are well protected and our animals are well taken care of" Chairman Jim Butterworth said.

"there is an excitement between us, the County Staff and FOHCAS that this new direction will prove to benefit our community in a tremendous way. We plan to work with FOHCAS, and rescue groups around the area to ensure that our Shelter is not a 'high-kill' shelter and we provide the best possible service and education to our citizens, "Butterworth concluded.

Pedestrian Bridge is Finally up in Demorest

2008-08-09T06:47:00.004-04:00

Piedmont College’s long-awaited and much anticipated pedestrian bridge is finally up for all to see. “It adds a physical connection between the campus and the community,” Dr. Tom Bowen with Piedmont College tells WCHM Radio. Several years ago, Piedmont College requested the bridge after seeing too much traffic come through the city of Demorest. “If you just stand here and count the cars, you’d be amazed at the number that comes through in a minute,” Bowen explains. And with hundreds of students crossing the busy street everyday… “One car running into another to keep from hitting a student that may or may not have been paying attention when they crossed the road,” College President, Dr. Ray Cleere adds. School leaders knew something had to be done...especially after one of their own..a leading librarian lost their life crossing the street. “We moved ahead with the bridge more aggressively.” Now after countless meetings to justify the need for a bridge in this small mountain community, the Department of Transportation has finally given students and local residents a safety feature they’ve all wanted. The $1.4 million Bridge only took part of one evening to install. There’s 18 feet between its floor and the road for easy clearance. An elevator tower and walkway have also been installed for easy access. But pedestrians still have to wait a little longer before they can actually use the bridge. Once the bridge is complete, this crosswalk will be removed, caution lights will be taken down, and even fencing will be placed on each side of the road to prevent pedestrians from getting in the way of traffic. “In the interim, until they pour the floor for the bridge, and the walkways, and finish the elevator tower, the crosswalk is still necessary.” Students and residents should be able to use the pedestrian bridge within the next few weeks.

A Nail Biter in the Coroner Race

2008-08-06T09:01:00.003-04:00

Well the Runoff is Behind us, and 4 of the 5 races have no problem to who won those races except the Habersham Coroner race. Only two (2) votes separate the two candidates with Kasey C. McEntire in the lead. To see the results, please go to www.VoteHabersham.com. The site will be updates twice a day until the Secretary of State Certifies the August 5th Runoff, which will not happen until the week of the 11th.