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Piedmont University launches Speech and Language Clinic

By
Nora Almazan
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Dr. Monica Harn, Ingrid Hinkley, Ashley Powell, and Amanda Gomez staff Piedmont University's Speech and Language Clinic. The clinic is located in the medical building previously owned by Dr. Jim Hamilton and Dr. Ed Hendricks on Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway.

In the heart of Habersham County, Piedmont University shines in the field of communication and swallowing disorders. Piedmont University’s Speech and Language Clinic is renowned as the only clinic of its kind in the region. The clinic is a state-of-the-art facility, providing cutting-edge, research-based care to patients of all ages. Affiliated with Piedmont University, the clinic ensures that individuals seeking its services benefit from the latest advancements in speech and language therapy.

Patients of all ages

The Clinic serves patients of all ages, providing treatments for a wide variety of reasons, such as articulation and speech, language literacy, voice and resonance, fluency, and social communication, to name a few of the services provided. The Clinic’s affiliation with Piedmont University ensures that patients receive the very latest research-based care available.

Dr. Monica Harn, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, specializes in child speech and language disorders and school-based service delivery. Her arrival from southeast Texas three years ago has prompted a change in curriculum to include an undergraduate and graduate Speech Pathology program.

“When I came to Piedmont, my job was to build the curriculum for the undergrad, the grad, and to establish the clinic,” Harn explained. “When I interviewed and saw the space, I could see how perfect it could be for a Speech Clinic.”

The Clinic is located in the former office of retired physician Dr. Ed Hendricks in Demorest, Georgia.

Two years ago, Piedmont University had three students in the program. Today, 30 students have an opportunity to get a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and for those who start the program at Piedmont, a Master’s degree in a 4 plus 1 year program. For students, this is important because it takes less time to pay for an education, and for the community, it puts highly trained individuals in the field to serve.

The team members

Ingrid Hinkley, MA CCC-SLP, joined the team in January of 2023 as the Director of Clinical Education. Hinkley specializes in adult speech, voice, and swallowing services. Amanda Gomez, MS CCC-SLP, came on board as a Full-time Clinical Supervisor to specialize in pediatric speech, sound disorders, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Office Manager, Ashley Powell, is the glue that ties this powerful team of women together. Powell received her BA in Psychology from Piedmont University.

Dr. Monica Harn, left, discusses strategy with Ingrid Hinkley.

Harn speaks with great passion for the opportunities this clinic offers to the community.

“We are offering support for all ages. For any communication disorder, swallowing disorder, speech, language, voice, cognitive communication, or dementia, we have a program to give the help a client needs.” She added that there are plans to bring a part-time clinical person and another faculty member. “The idea is we continue to grow both the students and expertise to be able to serve the community.”

The clinic launched in August 2023

This past August, the clinic was launched with tremendous hopes of growing the client population and educating the public on what is being offered. Office hours are accommodating, beginning at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with additional evening appointment hours available.

Ingrid Hinkley talked with Now Habersham about who the clinic is for and how to know if someone or you need the provided services.

“Intuitively, many parents will recognize that something isn’t quite right with their child. Maybe they are not beginning to talk, struggling with reading or identifying colors and numbers. It never hurts to call and get an evaluation,” Hinkley commented. “The evaluation is confidential. No one is going to call the school or pediatrician’s office. And many times, there isn’t a problem at all. But early intervention is so important when there is a problem.”

The Speech and Language Clinic is working with school-aged children as well as with those who need services at the Senior Center.

Very little cost

Evaluations are $100 but are also covered for those who need assistance. There is a one-time $10 material fee, which can be waived for someone on Medicaid, or there is an income scale. Other than that, the clinic is at no cost to clients, which makes the program extraordinary for the community.

“Having our students out in the community is such an important part of the program,” Harn stated. “When you factor in the no cost to the client, it shows such an investment of Piedmont University in this community.”

Ingrid Hinkley demonstrates Endoscopic voice & swallowing equipment

Elective services are available to improve overall speaking skills, modify an accent, develop broadcasting skills, and improve speaking rate and the melody of speech.

The state-of-the-art endoscopic voice and swallowing assessment sets the clinic above all others in the region. It gives the ability to view what may be the root cause of swallowing difficulties.

Looking to the future

Letting people know what services are available to them and how to get those services are key elements for the team at Piedmont University’s Speech and Language Clinic.

“We had a grand opening with a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce. But, there is so much more to getting the word out there,” Hinkley commented. “We have only begun to scratch the service of what we can do for the people of our community.”

If you are interested in the services provided or receiving an evaluation, call the Speech and Language Office at 706-776-0121, located at 4020 Demorest-Mount Airy Highway, Demorest, GA.

Organizers ‘blown away’ by attendance at inaugural Blind Awareness Day event

By
Jerry Neace
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Wilbanks Middle School teacher Rachel Skelton assists Phoebe Groves in creating a holiday card during the impaired vision awareness event held on December 9 in Clarkesville. (Dr. Robin Skelton)

It’s easy to take your eyesight for granted when it’s good, but when you’re visually impaired, navigating the world is a challenge. A recent event in Clarkesville raised awareness of the challenges visually impaired people face and, more importantly, the help that’s available to them in Northeast Georgia.

More than 100 people attended Blindness Awareness Day at Clarkesville Elementary School on December 9. Months in the planning, the event was originally scheduled to be held on the Clarkesville square, but rain forced the activities indoors.

“Thank goodness Clarkesville Elementary opened the door. They were amazing,” said Dr. Robin Skelton, who teaches vision-impaired students in the Habersham County School System.

Skelton teamed up with North Georgia Cane Crusaders and Zeitlin Services to bring the informative and entertaining event to Habersham County. The gathering drew people from neighboring counties, including Lumpkin, White, and Hall.

The ‘first of many’

“This will be the first of many events happening for the visually impaired and their families,” co-coordinator Keely Zeitlin said. “We put these events together to show people that life doesn’t stop after a diagnosis. There is so much (information) out there that people don’t know about”

Zeitlin pointed out that those with visual disabilities do not have to travel to Atlanta or Macon to get the care and help that they need. Many of those same services are available in Northeast Georgia without having to drive to metropolitan areas hours away.

Beyond the helpful information, the event offered camaraderie by bringing people together. Those who attended were able to share their challenges and experiences with one another.

Habersham County Emergency Services smokehouse is used for demonstrations on how to escape burning buildings. (HCES Facebook)

Attendees also connected with agencies that can assist them in overcoming their challenges on their way to becoming more independent. Representatives from the Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Vision Rehabilitation Services were among the resource groups that attended.

Fun & games

Habersham’s Blind Awareness Day meeting wasn’t all business. There were fun and games too.

Attendees enjoyed working on art projects and writing holiday cards in braille. They played games such as goalball and cornhole, which was equipped with a sound device to help players hone in on the target.

They also learned adapted kayaking and water safety basics.

The Habersham County Fire Department brought their smokehouse so the visually impaired could learn fire safety basics.

“It was a day filled with fun and information for everyone,” Skelton said.

Nick “Nack” Morris assists students in creating tactile art during the impaired vision awareness event held in Clarkesville. (Photo by Dr. Robin Skelton)

One activity people enjoyed was “art in the dark.” It was designed to teach non-visually impaired people what those with poor to no eyesight experience.

Local artist Nick “Nack” Morris helped participants create tactile art – art that can be both seen and felt. The activity demonstrated that being visually impaired doesn’t stop a person from being artistically creative.

Devices to communicate

The event also included displays of technological devices that allowed the visually impaired to communicate.

Jessica Brownlee was introduced to a device that she could write on and feel that others could see and read.

“She was so excited that she could write a message, and others could see it and she could feel it,” Skelton said.

This was Brownlee’s first event since losing her vision and she found it to be very helpful,

“This is the first time since I have been blind that I have been able to meet other blind people and organizations who can help me,” she said.

Jessica Brownlee writes on a device that she can feel but others can see at the impaired vision event held in Clarkesville. (Photo by Dr. Robin Skelton)

A great turnout

Skelton was pleased with the turnout for the inaugural event.

“We were blown away by the number of people that attended. We cannot wait until our next event,” she said.

“I’m so happy to open the eyes of the community around us to what is available to promote independence and confidence,” Zeitlin stated.

Skelton and Zeitlin are already preparing for their next event.

“We are hoping to get something in March going around the North Hall area,” Zeitlin said.

Gas prices dropping ahead of holiday travel

By
Ross Williams
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Gas at Murphy USA in Cleveland is running around $2.89 per gallon for regular. (NowHabersham.com)

(GA Recorder) — Whether you’re going over the river and through the woods for Christmas at grandmother’s house or pulling up to a New Year’s Eve party at the club, you can expect to save a little bit of money on your trip thanks to falling gas prices.

“AAA is forecasting that roughly 104 million Americans will drive to their holiday destinations this year, and they will be greeted with the gift of falling gas prices,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesman. “With pump prices falling slowly each day, it is likely that the national average will slide below $3 per gallon by the end of the year.”

Georgia is basically there – a gallon of regular will cost the average Georgia motorist $3.003, according to AAA, better than the national average of about $3.09.

Hawaiians are shelling out the most in the nation at an average price of $4.69 a gallon, and Texans are living large with an average pump price of about $2.64.

Better this year than last

Last December, Americans were paying about $3.13 per gallon, and just last month, we were paying about $3.30.

Crude oil tends to drop nearly 30% from late September into early winter, with gasoline prices following after, Gross said.

Average gas prices in Georgia as of Dec. 21, 2023. Click the map to get the latest price updates in your county. (Source: AAA)

Experts say the relief at the pump is being helped by low overall gas demand combined with increases in domestic gasoline stock.

Cheaper gas is welcome news to any driver, but Georgians may be more likely to celebrate after the state resumed collecting its fuel tax late last month. In an effort to return some of the state’s surplus to residents, Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the 31.2-cent per gallon tax in September.

Kemp used a novel approach, declaring a state of emergency over inflation, allowing him to place the blame for gas prices on President Joe Biden.

Within Georgia, western Quitman County is the best place to fill up – the stations there only want $2.71 a gallon on average – but stay away from Crawford County in the center of the state. They’ll charge you $3.24 for the same gallon there.

Salvation Army Family Store

By
The Savvy Picker
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The Salvation Army Family Store is located at 692 Big A Road in Toccoa, Georgia. (TheSavvyPicker.com)

The Salvation Army Family Store in Toccoa, Georgia, is a spacious shop in an easily accessible strip mall with plenty of parking, so it makes for a quick and convenient shopping experience. Add wide aisles, loads of merchandise, and helpful, friendly staff and you can’t go wrong adding this store to your must-stop-in list!

Wide variety

Like most Salvation Army Thrift Stores, this one offers everything from clothing to books to housewares. I found this location well-organized and easy to navigate. For one thing, there is an entire room dedicated to books! I picked up a few volumes for my shop while there.

(TheSavvyPicker.com)

And if you happen to need an entire set of china, head straight to the back wall and look at the large, lighted shelves. Entire sets at varying price points are displayed here, making it easy to see all of the pieces and also ensuring that sets stay together and not get mixed up among the other housewares.

(TheSavvyPicker.com)

Housewares

Of course, my favorite section in a shop offering both vintage and non-vintage items is the housewares section because that is usually where you find the best vintage offerings.

(TheSavvyPicker.com)

This shop had an abundance of nice housewares, far more than I usually find at Salvation Army stores. My cart was already loaded up by the time I came across this unusual pottery vase.

I was holding up the vase, considering it, when the sales clerk walked by and said, “That one is so pretty and it’s half-price this week because it has a yellow sticker.”

Into the cart it went!

And now that I knew to look for yellow stickers, I took another pass through the aisles to look again because something not worth ten dollars to me may well be worth five, etcetera.

Yellow stickers

By the time I left, I’d amassed quite a few items with yellow stickers, including two porcelain Seymore Mann Boot Vases, which I only paid $2.50 each for, but which routinely sell for $25 each online.

Here is a sampling of the items I scored for half price. (TheSavvyPicker.com)

Although not half-price, one of the favorite things I discovered was this Jim Shore Lion and Lamb figurine inscribed with PEACE AND LOVE on the base for $3.99.

Jim Shore’s colorful, folksy figurines are collectible, and they always move fast in my shop.

For a retailer, nothing beats items that don’t take up much space on the shelf and sell quickly! I sold this figurine for $22 in just a few days.

(TheSavvyPicker.com)

TSP Takeaway

This unassuming store is worth the stop. And it is good to note that this Salvation Army Family Store does run color-coded price tag specials. I’ve found that not all Salvation Army stores do, and because I hadn’t seen any signs, I assumed this one didn’t. Now I know to always ask!

The Salvation Army Family Store in Toccoa is located at 692 Big A Road in Toccoa, Georgia. For more information on store hours, call them at 706-886-0044 or visit them online at The Salvation Army of Toccoa Facebook page.

Who should visit: Folks looking for vintage housewares and books.

Score of the day: Seymore Mann Boot Vases

Predicted profit on vases: $22 each, $44 for both

Re-seller takeaway: Remember to ask if any of the sticker colors indicate discounts.

Here’s wishing all of the Savvy readers out there a beautiful holiday season full of everything the Jim Shore Lion figurine represents: Peace and Love.

For more great reads and finds, click here. For additional tips on tracking vintage treasures, visit The Savvy Picker website.

Gilbert Barrett to serve as NGTC Board chair

By
Staff Report
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Outgoing NGTC Board Chairman Mitchel Barrett, left, passes the gavel to incoming chairman Gilbert Barrett.

The North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) Board of Directors recently inducted Gilbert Barrett of Demorest as its new chair. Barrett has served on the board since 2018. He will serve as chairman for two years.

Barrett began his career with ADM Animal Nutrition, Inc., where he was a sales representative for the animal health division. He later moved to the position of division branch manager for Georgia operations before returning to his family’s farm in Habersham County.

A graduate of the University of Georgia and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Barrett has served on numerous community boards, including the Habersham County Board of Education, the Habersham County Fairgrounds Commission, the Northeast Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers.

He also sits as the president and CEO of the White County Farmers Exchange.

“North Georgia Technical College could not be successful without the support and guidance of our Board of Directors,” said NGTC President John Wilkinson. “We are grateful to Mitchel Barrett for his tremendous leadership over the past two years, and we look forward to continuing to grow and prosper under Gilbert’s chairmanship.”

Barrett and his wife, Donna, have three children: Johnathan, Allison, and Will. The family attends Chattahoochee Baptist Church, where Barrett serves as chairman of the deacon board.

Members of the 2023-2024 NGTC Board of Directors serving with Barrett include vice chair Cliff Bradshaw of Hiawassee; Ron Barden of Rabun Gap; Julia Barnett of Blairsville; past chairman Mitchel Barrett of Cleveland; Matt Cathey of Mount Airy; Scott Cochran of Lavonia; Theresa Dillard of Mineral Bluff; Rope Roberts of Clarkesville; and Dr. Jim Wade of Toccoa.

This article was written using assistive AI technology

Judge reviewing Georgia political maps pledges to render decision on lawfulness ‘very quickly’

By
Ross Williams
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House Redistricting Chairman Rob Leverett, left, speaks with House Minority Leader James Beverly before the start of a committee hearing during the special legislative session in November to redraw Georgia's political maps. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

(GA Recorder) — Georgia’s new congressional and legislative maps got their day in court Wednesday in front of federal Judge Steve Jones, who threw out the state’s 2021 attempt at drawing new electoral maps, ruling that they did not comply with the Voting Rights Act.

Lawmakers rushed through a special session early this month to redraw them, and now it’s up to Jones to determine whether they are up to snuff ahead of next year’s elections.

At the start of the hearing, Jones delivered a blow to challengers of the congressional map by saying he would focus on protecting the rights of Black voters rather than other minority groups.

The congressional map includes a new majority-Black district west of Atlanta but rearranges another majority-minority district, Democratic Congresswoman Lucy McBath’s district in Atlanta’s northern suburbs, to become more white.

The district is set to go from about two-thirds minority, including Black, Asian, and Latino voters, to about two-thirds white.

Democrats said that defied the spirit of Jones’ order, but he sided with Republicans on this issue, ruling that because the case had to do with harm against Black voters, he would not be accepting evidence involving other groups.

Abha Khanna, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, said the new maps do nothing to improve Black Georgians’ ability to elect candidates of their choice, comparing the Peach State to its western neighbor Alabama, where lawmakers unsuccessfully tried to rebuff a court order to create a new majority Black congressional district, spurring a judge to call in an outside expert to draw their maps.

“Georgia clutches its pearls at the very notion it could be pulling stunts like Alabama, but make no mistake,” Khanna said.

She compared the state’s actions in drawing the maps to a classic arcade game.

“We’re going to make you chase us all over the state from district to district to achieve equal opportunity for Black voters. It’s a constant game of whack-a-mole.”

“The only whack-a-mole from the state’s perspective is the shifting themes of the plaintiffs,” retorted Bryan Tyson, a lawyer representing the state.

Tyson said plaintiffs keep changing their arguments in pursuit of a partisan goal.

“At the end of the day, the only thing that is consistent is the protection of Democratic districts,” he said.

Tyson said the Republican-led Legislature was not shy about the fact that political considerations factored into the maps. Political gerrymandering is legal, but racial gerrymandering is not. But with white Georgians more likely to support Republicans and minority Georgians tending to vote for Democrats, combing out which is which can be difficult.

Khanna suggested that because Black, Latino, and Asian voters tend to vote for the same party, a coalition district like McBath’s could be considered one in which Black voters can elect a candidate of choice.

Khanna argued that the new congressional map represents a fresh violation of the Voting Rights Act, but Jones said he was not likely to rule on that question soon.

“You’re asking the court to resolve in the next 20 days a matter that took 22 months with the other map,” he said.

The debate over the state House and Senate maps came down largely to geography. Ari Savitzky, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, compared the required new majority Black districts around metro Atlanta to a shell game. He said the maps shuffle Black voters from existing majority Black districts to new ones without changing much.

Because he said the maps do not address the vote dilution in the specific districts that Jones singled out in his initial order, the new maps must be thrown out, he argued.

“It’s the voters who have been harmed, not counties, not precincts, not chunks of land,” he said.

“From the perspective of Black voters in these counties, nothing has changed.”

Near the end of the hearing, which lasted around six hours, Tyson said the maps would need to be in place by Jan. 25 so local elections offices can begin entering information into their systems, and the counties must be finished by Feb. 12.

Candidates hoping to run for the state Legislature must live in their district for a year, so time is running short for these hopefuls for campaign outreach and fundraising.

Jones pledged to continue reviewing the maps.

“I’ll give you all an answer very quickly,” he said.

Piedmont University opens Georgia’s first Forensic Academy

By
Joy Purcell
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The Piedmont University campus in Demorest will house the Georgia Forensic Academy - a first of its kind in the state. (photo courtesy Piedmont University)

For years, forensic science students and faculty at Piedmont University have worked with law enforcement on criminal investigations. Now, the Demorest-based school is home to the state’s first dedicated Forensic Academy.

The Georgia Forensic Academy will be located on the main Piedmont campus in Demorest. Its purpose is to develop a stronger forensic workforce in the state.

POST vote paved the way

In December, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) voted unanimously to modify a POST rule creating a “Limited Purpose Academy.” That vote paved the way for Piedmont to offer three Forensic Science certifications: Crime Scene Investigation, Latent Print Analysis, and Advanced Crime Scene.

Georgia Academy Director John Lanneau (photo courtesy Warner Robins/Facebook)

Piedmont will serve as the state’s central forensic training academy for basic and advanced forensic certifications.

“The advanced certifications delivered by Piedmont University will enable a higher level of functionality within the law enforcement community throughout the State of Georgia,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs and Forensic Professor Bruce Willis.

Piedmont President Marshal Criser appointed retired Warner Robins Police Department Capt. John Lanneau as the Academy’s first director. Lanneau was the lab director/division commander at Warner Robins.

Criser touted Lanneau’s credentials. He has ISO 17025 accreditations in blood-alcohol and firearms and is certified in imprint and fingerprint analysis, digital forensics, and crime scene analysis, a news release states.

“John is an example of the expert level of field expertise Piedmont employs to address the societal need currently facing our state,” Criser said.

A natural progression

The Piedmont Forensic Response Team in Haralson County in May 2023. Bruce Willis is in the center of the back row, wearing a green Piedmont shirt and baseball cap. (Haralson County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

Being selected as the hub of forensic training in the state is a natural progression for Piedmont. The school forged a partnership with local law enforcement years ago. The forensic science and criminal justice program teamed up with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office. Piedmont’s Forensic Response Team grew from that partnership.

The team assists law enforcement agencies with complex death investigations. On average, the team works 20 active investigations a year.

Willis leads the Forensic Response Team. He said its purpose is “to aid entities with limited resources and to provide advanced empirical research and analysis on physical evidence identification, documentation, and collection.”

The forensic team worked on a recent case in Haralson County that gained statewide attention as they searched for a body in a 34-year-old missing person case.

Team members excavated a site in Tallapoosa where Bobby Daniel was said to be buried. They dug for hours, documenting the excavation with photographs, videos, and sketches. They also set up sifting stations to sort through and search for human remains.

Piedmont University’s Forensic Response Team excavates the site where Bobby Daniel was supposedly buried. They did not find any remains. (Haralson County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

Although the search came up empty, the media attention it received raised Piedmont’s profile in the forensic field. Willis credits the school’s faculty with the program’s success.

“Our faculty at Piedmont has provided our students the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully function in these environments at graduation.”

Sherry Newman Leaver

By
Now Habersham
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Sherry Lynn Leaver, age 64, of Toccoa, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2023.

She was born June 7, 1959, in Dekalb County to the late John and Barbara Pritchett Newman and also preceded in death by her brother, Charles Newman.

She married the love of her life, Charles Leaver, on December 21, 1985. They were married for 38 years.

Sherry was a loving wife and mother. She loved spending time with family and friends.

Surviving are husband, Charles Leaver; son, Charles Wesley Leaver; daughter, Elizabeth Wynell Leaver; and four granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, the family asks that you kindly consider a donation to The Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter or the St. Jude Research Hospital.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.habershamcrematory.com.

Habersham Crematory (678-617-2210) of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.

Georgia plans ‘strategic surge’ to check Medicaid eligibility after 150k children lose coverage

By
Jill Nolin
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(GA Recorder) — Georgia will boost spending to get state workers help with handling the massive job of checking the eligibility of all 2.8 million people covered by Medicaid after a high number of children have lost coverage.

State officials announced Monday that the governor’s office had set aside $54 million in federal funds as part of what Gov. Brian Kemp called a “strategic surge” in the ninth month of the redetermination process.

All states are required to verify the eligibility of everyone with Medicaid coverage after the end of federal pandemic-era protections that had blocked states from dropping people from the program during the public health crisis.

US Health Secretary ‘deeply alarmed’

The increased funding was announced the same day the Biden administration sent the governor a letter urging him to take more steps to ensure children are not losing health care coverage because of red tape.

In the letter, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra wrote that he was “deeply alarmed” by data showing that nearly 150,000 Georgia children had lost Medicaid coverage as of September, representing a 9% decline since the national unwinding of pandemic-era protection started.

Gov. Brian Kemp at a press conference earlier this month. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Of all states, Georgia had the third highest number of children who have lost Medicaid coverage during the unwinding, trailing only Texas and Florida. Georgia was one of nine states that received a letter from Becerra.

In Georgia, children represent a significant portion of those covered by Medicaid.

“State choices matter,” Becerra said on a call with reporters. “I’m calling on all states, and especially our states where coverage loss is highest, to do what works: Adopt all strategies (the federal government) has offered and value children and their families by ensuring that they get the health coverage that they are legally entitled to.

“It really does make a difference and put simply, we need to put children first,” he added.

Rethink non-expansion

Georgia has adopted seven strategies recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is about average nationally, but some states are using as many as 15.

In his letter, Becerra encouraged Kemp to do more to make it easier for eligible children and families to renew their coverage – and rethink taking a pass on fully expanding Medicaid. According to the federal government’s data, young adults who have recently turned 19 represent nearly 28% of the children who have lost Medicaid coverage during the unwinding in non-expansion states.

Georgia has instead adopted a limited expansion program for low-income adults who complete 80 hours of work, school or other qualifying activity. As of last month, 1,809 people had enrolled in the program.

Backlog of Medicaid renewals

In a press release Monday, the state agencies responsible for the large-scale renewal effort described the $54 million funding plan as a “Georgia-specific solution.”

“This allocation is key in helping the state streamline processes and add critical resources where they are needed most so we are more efficient in serving Georgia families and ensuring those who are eligible for Medicaid remain covered,” Kemp said in a statement.

The funding will be used to process a backlog of Medicaid renewals by tapping about 150 contracted workers to assist state staffers. Contracted workers will also be used to help the state’s overwhelmed call center and assist with responding to Medicaid-related email.

The money will also be used to offer overtime and stipends to state workers.

Russel Carlson, the new commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health, speaks at a committee meeting over the summer. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)

“We will continue to enhance our services and programs and create opportunities for better outcomes for our Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids populations,” said Russel Carlson, who recently took over as commissioner of the state Department of Community Health.

“Redeterminations will continue to be a massive effort requiring innovative thinking, and we are committed to ensuring all members who are eligible have every opportunity to keep their coverage,” he added.

The department administers Georgia’s insurance program for the poor and disabled, and the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Children Services is responsible for much of the day-to-day workload.

Democrats ‘gravely concerned’ by unwinding

Georgia was also one of the 29 states that received a letter back in August after it was discovered some states may not be auto-renewing enrollees on a person-by-person basis and regardless of the eligibility of others living in their household. That issue caused children to lose coverage in error.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock spearheaded a Sept. 29 letter signed by Sen. Jon Ossoff and Georgia’s five Democratic congressional representatives that was sent to Becerra and Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who is the CMS administrator.

In that letter, the group wrote that they were troubled by how Georgia was handling the unwinding and said they were “gravely concerned” that the renewal error had caused thousands of children to lose coverage.

Athens police charge 2 suspects with murdering homeless man

By
Joy Purcell
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(NowGeorgia.com)

Police have charged two Athens men with malice murder in the death of a homeless man.

Andre Carthens, 46, and Antion Parks, aka “Blue,” 31, are accused of murdering 42-year-old Jarrard Pittard.

Athens-Clarke County police arrested Carthens and Parks on December 19, two weeks after Pittard’s body was discovered near train tracks in the downtown Athens area.

While detectives determined that Pittard was murdered, they are not releasing any details.

“Detectives continue to investigate and search for witnesses. Pittard’s death is a criminal homicide, but at this time, to protect the integrity of the investigation, the motive and manner are not being released,” says Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) Public Information Assistant Geof Gilland.

Anyone with information should contact ACCPD Detective Lister at 762-400-7333.

Pittard’s body was found on December 3 along the old tracks in an area adjacent to Thomas N. Lay Park off Hoyt Street. The park is approximately half a mile from where James Seay’s body was found floating in the Oconee River in October.

The 62-year-old Seay was also homeless. Police said at the time they did not suspect any foul play in his death.

The naughty and the nice: Home-state holiday decor bedecks congressional offices

By
Ashley Murray
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Georgia GOP. Rep Richard McCormick adorned his office door with a traditional wreath, garland and snowflakes, for the unofficial holiday decoration contest among U.S. House members on the second floor of the Longworth House Office Building in Washington, D.C. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — Congress members and office neighbors on the second floor of the Longworth House Office Building showcased their holiday spirit this season in an unofficial decorating contest.

The naughty and nice decorations spotlighted the characteristics and economies of congressional districts across the United States and revealed the taste in decor among both members and their staff.

While some stayed close to traditional blue-and-yellow menorahs or Christmas trees adorned with glittering bulbs, others strayed into heated political territory or just simply displayed their Star Wars obsession.

A sign outside Rep. Derek Kilmer’s office read, “Join the nice cosponsor list this holiday season!”

Giant lightsabers crisscrossed the Washington Democrat’s door and paper ornaments hung describing each of the 18 bills he’s introduced this year alongside cartoons of “Jedi Derek Kilmer.”

Iowa’s Rep. Zach Nunn leaned hard into his state’s proud farming culture and exhibited a clever Christmas twist on Grant Wood’s 1930 “American Gothic” painting. A little bright-pink light-up pig also sits on a pile of presents just outside the Iowa Republican’s door.

Rep. Zach Nunn, an Iowa Republican, played on his state’s proud agricultural heritage in his office’s holiday display photographed Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the Longworth House Office Building. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

“At any one time, there are approximately 24 million pigs being raised in Iowa,” according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Rep. Jennifer Wexton played on a holiday cartoon classic and a popular Virginia export. Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew make an appearance beside the Democrat’s office door. Tiny clothespins hanging from twine hold packets of the commonwealth’s famous salty snacks, and a sign reads, “All I want for Christmas is Virginia Peanuts…”

Not far down the hallway, an impossible-to-miss inflatable cow stands near a milking bench wrapped in red festive reindeer paper just to the left of Wisconsin GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher’s door. A bulletin board above the cow covered in Green Bay Packers logos featured what can be described as the 12 days of Wisconsin Christmas. “Four Lombardi Trophies,” “Nine Rotaries a-Milking,” “Twelve sturgeon swimming” … you get the idea.

Wisconsin’s GOP U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher displayed a large inflatable cow and a Wisconsin-themed 12 Days of Christmas outside of his office Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the Longworth House Office Building. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Gallagher’s office picked up the victory in the unsanctioned competition, according to two sources. The Wisconsin congressman’s office helped organize the holiday fun, according to an aide who answered the office’s main phone line Friday.

Gallagher’s press secretary did not respond to a request for comment on the big win.

“Rigged!” cried a rival House aide about Gallagher’s triumph.

“Blowups take no work! We built ours from scratch,” said the House aide, who initially was not speaking publicly on the matter.

He quickly changed course and released his identity as Matthew Koos, chief of staff for Rep. Chris Deluzio. “I stand by that (comment),” he said.

The holiday trinkets at freshman Pennsylvania Democrat Deluzio’s door are candy for the eyes of Western Pennsylvanians — a black-and-gold stuffed Pittsburgh Penguin, a yellow construction paper bridge and a Christmas tree made of stacked Iron City beer cans.

Aluminum cans also made an appearance in the display outside the office of Georgia Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican from Jackson.

Holiday decorations outside Georgia Republican Congressman Mike Collins’ office on Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the Longworth House Office Building included a bag of coal for Hamas, Santa with a naughty list featuring the Chinese Communist Party, and a cardboard cutout of Mariah Carey. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

A stack of beer cans adorned with a green garland stood next to a Santa holding a “naughty list” featuring Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and her administration’s parking enforcement, the Chinese Communist Party, and “continuing resolutions,” in reference to temporary government funding packages.

A large bag of coal with a tag reading “To Hamas” sat beneath Collins’ tree, alongside some wrapped gifts from China’s President Xi Jinping, including one addressed to “Quid Pro Joe,” a Republican dig at President Joe Biden.

Adding to the Georgia congressman’s festive arrangement was a cardboard cutout of pop singer Mariah Carey in a Santa outfit with the words “All I want for Christmas is 12 Appropriations bills!” written above her head.

A far cry from that display, freshman Arizona GOP Rep. Eli Crane used immigration at the U.S. Southern border as his theme.

A candy-cane-patterned border gate blocked his door with green-and-red signs reading “Port of Entry” and “Have Documents Ready.” A separate office entrance cautioned: “Border Patrol Elves Only.”

On the other side of the Capitol, U.S. senators stayed beyond their scheduled holiday recess to attempt negotiations attaching U.S. immigration policy changes to the president’s request for Ukraine aid. A deal is not expected until 2024 and senators left Wednesday for the holiday recess.

Crane’s fellow Arizona colleague, Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva, adorned his hallway section with papel picado, a traditional perforated paper garland popular in Mexico and other former Spanish colonies. A nearby tall artificial cactus stood wrapped in white lights and topped with a red cowboy hat.

Habersham County Parks and Recreation holds second-annual Breakfast with Santa

By
Jerry Neace
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A little girl enjoys her pancakes during Breakfast with Santa at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center on Saturday December 16. (Habersham County PIO Rob Moore)

The Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department brought festive cheer and served more than 130 Habersham County residents on December 16 with its second-annual Breakfast with Santa.

Children and families came together for a morning of merrymaking and making memories.

The aroma of hot chocolate and pancakes filled the air as guests arrived, eagerly anticipating their encounter with the big man in red. Children’s faces lit up with delight as they drew and colored alongside Santa, sharing Christmas wishes and festive fun. Laughter echoed through the room as everyone indulged in a delectable pancake bar overflowing with delicious fixings like Christmas sprinkles, marshmallows, and whipped cream.

Santa took time to chat with each child, posing for photos and spreading holiday cheer, with his booming voice and twinkling eyes.

Children visit with Santa during Breakfast with Santa at the Habersham Aquatic Center. (Habersham County PIO Rob Moore)

Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department Director Brooke Whitmire stated, “We’re thrilled with the turnout and positive feedback from our second-annual Breakfast with Santa,” She added, “Seeing the community come together to celebrate the holidays and create lasting memories with Santa is what this event is all about.”

Whitmire praised her employees for their efforts, “I’m blessed with a wonderful staff. This event would not have been such a hit this year without their hard work and planning.”

Offered free to the community, Breakfast with Santa is quickly becoming a cherished Habersham County tradition, Whitmire said, adding the Parks and Recreation staff looks forward to continuing this popular program in the years to come, spreading holiday cheer, and fostering community spirit with each pancake and joyful encounter with Santa.

“The joy on the faces of children receiving personal greetings from Santa was truly heartwarming, making the event a resounding success,” Whitmire said.

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