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Drew Greer named Piedmont University assistant softball coach

By
Danielle Percival
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Drew Greer (Elbert High School Facebook, 2020)

DEMOREST, Ga. – Head softball coach Terry Martin has announced the hiring of Drew Greer as assistant softball coach at Piedmont. Greer joins the Lions following a stint as the head softball coach at Elbert County High School.

“We are thrilled to have Drew join us on staff and know his experience as a head coach will be invaluable moving forward,” Martin said. “His versatile background coaching at a variety of levels shows his ability to develop players, and we look forward to a successful season ahead.”

Greer has served in multiple softball coaching roles within the high school ranks in Georgia, including time at Stephens County High School and Middle School, as well as multiple baseball travel organizations.

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the women’s softball program and coaching staff at Piedmont,” Greer said. “I am confident my experiences can help me assist Coach Martin in continuing to build upon the legacy of his program.”

During his employment at Elbert County, he served as a Health and Physical Education Teacher from 2020-2023, and at Stephens County, he was a Weight Training Teacher from 2017-2020.

He also served as a volunteer assistant at Emmanuel College in 2016 with their softball program.

Greer earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Emmanuel in 2017. He will assist head coach Terry Martin in all aspects of the softball program.

Jordan Danielle Meadows

By
Now Habersham
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Jordan Danielle Meadows, age 26, of Augusta, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 01, 1997, she was a Registered Nurse at Augusta University Hospital, where she worked in Labor & Delivery. In her spare time, Jordan enjoyed being outdoors, crafting, and especially caring for her fur babies, Lucky & Josie.

Survivors include her mother & father, Matthew & Danielle Trammell; sister, Morgan Bryant; grandparents, Nicole Meadows, Wesley Meadows, Debbie Trammell, & Andy George; other relatives, & friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville.

An online guest registry is available for the Meadows-Trammell family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Mary Beth Garrett Rice

By
Now Habersham
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Mary Beth Garrett Rice, age 68, of Cornelia, Georgia, took her Heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 22, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, and a complete obituary will be announced later.

An online guest registry is available for the Rice family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Hall County’s Lydia Hahne named Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year

By
Joy Purcell
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Lydia Hahne (Hall County Library)

A librarian with the Hall County Library System has won a statewide award for her work managing the library during difficult times and for making sure the library was able to continue providing services to the community.

Lydia Hahne, the business manager of the Hall County Library System, was named Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year by the Georgia Public Library Service. The state public library system announced the awards on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

“Strong public libraries are essential to a prosperous state, and this year’s honorees showcase the vital role that public libraries play in post-pandemic recovery, competitiveness, and resilience throughout Georgia,” said Vice Chancellor for Archives and Libraries and State Librarian Julie Walker. “Our public libraries are a model of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.”

“It is rare to meet an individual who has devoted their entire working life to one organization,” said Lisa MacKinney, library director of Hall County Library System.

Lydia Hahne, the business manager of the Hall County Library System, has been working for the library since 1979. She began as a shelver and has held a number of other positions throughout her career, including administrative assistant, circulation assistant, and bookkeeper.

During her 44 years at the library, Hahne has been instrumental in the development and expansion of services, including passport and notary services, and the restoration of operating hours that were lost during the 2008 recession.

“Her presence and reassurances that our library could continue to operate and serve the community helped keep staff morale positive,” said Bernice Cox, a member of the Friends of Hall County Library System.

Hahne is set to retire in 2024. She will be honored at a community event on March 15, 2024.

2024 election qualifying March 4-8

By
Nora Almazan
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It is election time again! Qualifying begins March 4 through 7

The qualifying period for the 2024 elections in Georgia is now underway. From March 4 through 8, residents interested in running for public office will be able to qualify. Qualifying for office will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 4, and run until 5 p.m. daily through Thursday, March 7. The period will then wrap up from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 8.

Before noon on Friday, March 8, all qualified candidates will be posted on the website. For more information on how to qualify for office, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.

The qualifying fee varies by office. A calculation error forced the Habersham County Commission to rescind a previous vote on qualifying fees and reset those fees for this year’s election.

Parties then have until 2 p.m. Friday, March 8, to post a list of all candidates who have qualified.

Public Information Officer Rob Moore indicated that specific details about Democratic Party and Republican Party qualifying, as well as nonpartisan qualifying, will be forthcoming.

Partisan Primaries and the Nonpartisan Election will be held on Tuesday, May 21. Any runoff elections will be held on Tuesday, June 18.

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

To vote in Georgia, residents must meet the following qualifications, according to the Secretary of State:

• Be a citizen of the United States.

• Be a legal resident of Georgia and the county in which the ballot will be cast; and

• Be at least 18 years old to vote.

Those who are serving felony charges are not eligible to vote under Georgia law. However, anyone convicted of a felony will have his or her eligibility restored upon the completion of the prison sentence, parole or probation, and repayment of any fines associated with the felony conviction.

Those deemed mentally incompetent by a court also are not eligible to vote under Georgia law.

The deadline to register to vote in the May 21 Partisan Primaries / Nonpartisan Election is April 22.

DNR, Rabun County SO partner to provide hunter education certification

By
Jerry Neace
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The hunter safety course will be held in the training room behind the Rabun County Sheriff's Office main building on March 2. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division to provide an in-person one day hunter education course. The course is free to the public, but those interested in attending must register online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

The course will be held in the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office training room on Saturday, March 2, at 9 a.m. The deadline to register for the course is Thursday, February 29, at 2 p.m.

Prior to purchasing a season hunting license, a hunter education certification is required for residents and non-residents who wish to hunt in Georgia who were born on or after January 1, 1961. Special conditions apply for hunters under the age of 15.

Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols says he contacted the DNR about offering the course because the county has wildlife management areas and significant forest land.

“I wanted to partner with them to offer the no-cost course not only to Rabun County hunters but to young people in northeast Georgia that maybe interested in hunting and learn how to do so safely,” Nichols tells Now Habersham.

According to DNR, the class has a maximum seating capacity of 50 participants. It is an eight-hour course, and lunch will not be provided. However, participants will be given time to get lunch.

DNR-approved courses are available online for a fee. Fees vary from $19.95 to $49.95 based on the course selected. More information about hunter education opportunities and requirements can be found at georgiawildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation.

The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office is located at 56 Boen Creek Road in Tiger.

Terry Lee “Duck” Watkins

By
Now Habersham
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Terry Lee “Duck” Watkins, age 70, of Mt. Airy, Georgia, went to his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Mr. Watkins was born on June 22, 1953, in Habersham County, Georgia, to the late Joseph F. and Nancy Lee Carlan Watkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Cecil Watkins. Terry was a member of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint Church in Mt. Airy. He was known for his generous spirit. Terry was always willing to lend a helping hand to others in any way he could. Terry found joy in scrapping junk and various activities. His enthusiasm for life and his ability to find value in the seemingly ordinary things left a lasting impression on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Survivors include his brother, Tommy Watkins, of Mt. Airy; sister, Bessie Brock, of Baldwin; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Watkins’ wishes were to be cremated with no formal services to be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.

Goodwill celebrates inaugural graduates of clean energy job training program

By
Amanda Andrews
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Students of the first Clean Tech Infrastructure Academy cohort gather at the Goodwill to celebrate completing the program January 23, 2024. (Credit: Amanda Andrews/GPB News)

As the state’s electric vehicle industry continues to grow, Goodwill of North Georgia is working to train people for clean energy jobs. Now, the first cohort has completed the Clean Tech Infrastructure Academy.

Over the six-week training period, students are paid to learn how to install and maintain electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and solar panels. The program is a collaboration between several local and national organizations including Georgia Power, Atlanta Regional Commission, and Accenture.

Once they complete the training, the students are placed in entry-level jobs. Nigel West is part of the first cohort of 16 students. He said he joined after some family issues.

“In order to do what I need to do as the eldest child, I have to step up,” he said. “I have to increase income, which this program is allowing me to do.”

Goodwill CEO Steve Preston said clean energy jobs are being created and this program gives students the skills companies want.

“So this is absolutely core to bridging that gap between people who need jobs to move forward in life and employers who need to fill those roles to be competitive and to grow their organizations,” he said.

The program received a five-year, $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand. Goodwill expects to work with over 200 participants during that time. North Georgia Goodwill Chief Mission Officer Jenny Taylor said the nonprofit is being intentional in its recruiting  efforts.

“We are about to change the face of what is a very pale and male industry, are we not?” she said. “We are focusing on women and people of color with our programing, and we are all about diversity and equity as we build the Clean Tech Infrastructure Academy and the Clean Tech Accelerator at the national level.”

The Atlanta pilot of the program will have three cohorts of 10 to 15 participants each between January and April.

This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News

Ken Boling

By
Now Habersham
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Ken Boling, age 83, of Baldwin, Georgia, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Mr. Boling was born on April 20, 1940, in Fulton County, Georgia, to the late James Edward and Mary Louise Andrews Boling.

Survivors include his sister, Carol Ann Boling Norman, of Stockbridge; Joe Boling, of Marietta; and Jack Boling, of Marietta.

No Formal Services are planned at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.

SBA deadline approaching for working capital loans

By
Staff Report
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SBA loans are available to small businesses and nonprofits that suffered damages in last year's freeze. The extreme temperatures wiped out approximately 90% of Georgia's peach crop. (USDA photo)

ATLANTA — The deadline is fast approaching for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by last year’s freeze to apply for federal assistance. Feb. 26 is the deadline to apply for working capital loans to cover losses sustained between March 11-23, 2023, the Small Business Administration (SBA) said in a press release.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a federal disaster declaration for wide swaths of the state after the freeze destroyed crops. An estimated 90% of Georgia’s peach crop was lost, according to the AJC.

The declaration covers the primary counties of Banks, Crawford, Fannin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Johnson, Macon, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Taylor, Towns, Union and Upson and the adjacent counties of Barrow, Bibb, Butts, Clarke, Coweta, Dawson, Dooly, Elbert, Emanuel, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Gwinnett, Harris, Hart, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lumpkin, Marion, Murray, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Rabun, Schley, Spalding, Stephens, Sumter, Talbot, Treutlen, Troup, Washington, White and Wilkinson.

Other loan-eligible counties include Cherokee and Clay in North Carolina, Oconee in South Carolina, and Polk in Tennessee.

The SBA reminds small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses involved in aquaculture, and most private nonprofits in the affected areas to file for the loans.

For more information and to apply, visit the SBA website.

Season preview: TFS girls tennis

By
TFS Athletics
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For the first time in school history, the Lady Indians’ tennis team advanced to the state quarterfinals. It was a sensational Spring of 2023, as TFS went 16-1, winning the Region Championship for the first time since 2000 and losing only in the Elite 8.

Records fell in the process, as the #8-ranked Lady Indians saw #2 singles Jaeda-Lee Daniel-Joseph win 16 matches to set a new school record. #1 singles star Ariel Kelsick also broke the previous record and finished with 15 victories.

Nearly every player in the starting lineup returns, led by senior Kelsick and sophomore Daniel-Joseph, as well as sophomores Azaria Junaid (4 singles wins, 9 doubles wins) and Ava Carnes (8 singles wins, 5 doubles wins). Kelsick was the Region Singles Player of the Year, while Junaid was half of the Doubles Team of the Year after winning nine matches together with Katarina Foskey. All of those mentioned, aside from Foskey, return, as do Lizzie Huebner, Landry Carnes, Charlotte Stafford, Keira Webb, and Susie Sun – each of whom notched at least four wins last year.

“The strength of the ladies’ team is the overall depth,” says coach Anthony Cox. “From top to bottom, this is a very strong team. Our singles will be tough to beat, and our doubles teams have some experience and will be solid.”

The 2024 schedule of reigning Region Coach of the Year Cox is much tougher than any previous season by design. While replicating last season’s record may not happen, the team is no doubt more experienced, more advanced in skillset, and now no stranger to big matches.

“The expectations for this team are high, with most of the lineup returning from an Elite 8 finish,” adds Cox. “As with the boys, we’ve added a lot of strong competition to our schedule. Our hope is that this rigor prepares us well for the level of competition we need to beat in the state playoffs.”

“With both the boys and girls teams, once we get all the pieces of the lineup in place, we hope to get comfortable in our roles and play some high-level tennis,” exclaims Cox. “Tennis is a great sport to learn life principles, how to deal with pressure situations and overcome challenges, and how to persevere when things are tough. My goal for this group of young ladies and gentlemen is that they represent themselves, their families, and their school well and that they grow and mature as individuals during the course of the season.”

The girls will open the season at Gainesville on January 25. After three consecutive road matches to start, Tallulah Falls will compete in the home opener on February 6 against Cherokee Bluff.

SCHEDULE | ROSTER | HISTORY & RECORDS

SEE ALSO

Season preview: TFS boys tennis

Commerce City Council member nabbed in drug bust

By
Staff Report
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Commerce City Council member Roshuanda Merritt turned herself into Jackson County authorities on January 19. (City of Commerce photo)

A Commerce City Council member was arrested for drug activity after investigators said she sold marijuana from her home in Jackson County.

Roshuanda Merritt, 43, was charged with criminal attempt to commit the sale of marijuana and use of a telecommunication facility to facilitate a felony, according to the GBI. The investigation into Merritt began in December 2023 after the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office conducted an unrelated investigation and discovered that Merritt was allegedly distributing marijuana from her home.

Merritt was elected to the Commerce city council last November and took office this month.

Roshuanda Merritt (Jackson County Sheriff’s Office)

The GBI was called in by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the investigation.

Following her arrest, authorities booked Merritt at the Jackson County Jail. She was released the same day on a $5,000 bond0.

If you have any information about drug activity, you’re asked to call the GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 706-348-7410. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-597-8477, submitting a tip online or by downloading the bureau’s See Something, Send Something mobile app.

The GBI said the investigation into Merritt is ongoing.

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