A third case of omicron in Georgia was confirmed in a metro Atlanta resident Thursday.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise across Georgia and District 2 Public Health officials say vaccination remains the most important part of COVID-19 holiday safety protocols.
Although, the Delta variant is still the most prevalent variant in Georgia, accounting for over 90% of cases, the Omicron variant is proving to be a fast spreading COVID-19 variant.
“Public Health is still learning about and understanding the Omicron variant, but the same strategies of masking, washing hands, and social distancing remain important and valuable,” says District 2 Public Health Information Officer Natasha Young. “Most importantly, North Georgians should become fully vaccinated and get a booster for better protection against variants.”
District 2 Public Health Director, Dr. Zachary Taylor, urges North Georgians to protect the most vulnerable during the holiday season stating the holiday season can be enjoyed safely “if precautions are taken to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
COVID-19 booster shots are available to anyone 16 and older who was vaccinated at least six months ago with two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or received the J & J vaccine at least two months.
Health officials emphasize the continued use of mitigation strategies will reduce the stress on hospitals and healthcare workers, while also keeping elderly and immunocompromised family members safe. They urge those gathering with friends and family to wear a mask, wash their hands and social distance to reduce the chance of spreading or contracting COVID-19.
“Testing is also important to reduce community spread of COVID-19,” says Young.
PCR tests are available at six drive-thru testing sites located in Forsyth, Franklin, Hall, Lumpkin, and Union counties. Results are available within 24 to 36 hours.
Forsyth County and Sherwood Plaza in Hall County will be the only testing sites open on Thursday, December 23. All testing sites will be closed on Christmas Eve.
For more information about COVID-19 testing and to find recent data about District 2 COVID 19 case rates and vaccination rates visit phdistrict2.org.
The City of Cornelia Board of Commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the city’s alcohol ordinance and their 2022 budget at their Monday night special called meeting.
The Cornelia Commission posted the amendments to the city’s alcohol sales ordinance following their Dec. 7 meeting. The amendments allow for the package sale of distilled spirits after citizens voted to allow liquor sales in the Nov. 2 election.
No citizens commented on the amendments.
According to the ordinance, liquor stores in Cornelia will be limited to setting up shop along the city’s highway business district, away from Downtown Cornelia and the historic district. The city will not allow liquor stores to open within 500 yards of any other business selling alcohol, and per state laws, cannot exist within 100 yards of a church, 100 yards of an alcohol treatment center and 200 yards of a school.
The City of Cornelia’s $19.56 million 2022 budget also did not receive any citizen comments before it was passed.
According to City Manager Dee Anderson, the budget includes a 5 percent cost of living raise for all employees and a 5 percent increase in sanitation fees and water and sewer fees. Anderson says the last time those fees were increased was in 2019.
The commission will meet for their next regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2022. To watch a recording of Monday’s special called meeting, click here.
Solar panels are due to be installed on the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville. A state-run program will reimburse the county for 75% of the cost. (Michael Wilson/Unsplash)
The Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center is on its way to becoming solar-powered after the Habersham County Commission unanimously accepted an award from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to help cover the costs of installing solar panels there.
During their Dec. 20 meeting, the board of commissioners voted to accept the award and agreed to use the funds to purchase and install solar panels at the aquatic center.
Interim County Manager Alicia Vaughn discusses the GEFA award the county received with the board of commissioners. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
Interim County Manager Alicia Vaughn applied for the GEFA award at the end of September, and the authority announced in November that they would cover 75 percent of the costs of solar panels and battery storage at the aquatic center. The estimated total cost of the project is $234,420. GEFA will reimburse Habersham County for $175,815 of that cost.
The Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department spends about $140,000 on power annually, according to the county.
Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville, GA. (nowhabersham.com)
“A big portion of that comes from the cost of the power to heat the pool [at the aquatic center],” Vaughn told the commissioners at their Monday meeting. “It’s very expensive, and so hopefully installing these solar panels is going to really lower that power bill.”
Habersham County is one of seven counties in the state awarded reimbursement for the installation of solar panels from the GEFA Solar Resiliency Technical Assistance Program, Vaughn says. The program aims to help local government entities afford solar power technology for critical infrastructure.
Now that the GEFA award has been accepted, the county can move on to putting out a request for proposal, or an RFP, to receive bids from area contractors to install those panels.
In an effort to reduce the number of crashes on Georgia roadways, Georgia State Patrol Troopers and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division Officers will be on high visibility patrols on interstates and state roads.
The Christmas travel period is 78-hours long, from 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. The 78-hour New Year’s holiday period will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 2.
“As more people travel the roadways to visit family and friends, Troopers and Officers will continue to focus on motorists who break state traffic laws and exercise bad driving habits that could potentially cause serious injuries or fatal crashes,” Colonel Chris Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
Last year, 21 people died on Georgia’s roads over the long Christmas holiday and 14 died during the New Year’s holiday travel period.
Cleveland Police Officer Denton Vaugh stops a driver for a hands-free driving violation on the Cleveland Square. (Dean Dyer/wrwh.com)
Officers with the Cleveland Police Department have stepped up their efforts to promote traffic safety and reduce vehicle accidents during the Christmas holiday season.
Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker joined a concentrated traffic patrol Tuesday afternoon in the city focusing on where an increased number of vehicle accidents have occurred.
Officers were actively looking for impaired drivers, distracted drivers on their cell phones, equipment violations, seatbelt, and speed violations.
According to Shoemaker law enforcement officers across the state are participating in similar campaigns to make the roadways safer for those traveling during the holiday season.
After a two hour concentrated effort, Tuesday Shoemaker reported on how things went, “We gave a total of ten citations, three for hands-free violations, two for seatbelt violation, a child restraint violation, one tag or registration violation, a driver with a suspended license, an improper turn, open alcohol container and three warnings for miscellaneous violations.”
Chief Shoemaker said it was about more than just writing tickets.
“We hopefully have made some good contacts and hopefully we’ve made some of the drivers a little more aware of some safe practices while out here on the roads.”
Shoemaker pointed out that there have been over 1,700 fatal accidents on the roadways in Georgia in 2021 and in over 700 of those accidents the drivers were not wearing seatbelts.
Ma Elena Martinez De Lara, age 68 of Alto, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021.
Born in Mexico on November 17, 1953, she was a daughter of the late Francisco Martinez Tinoco and Maria Luz Mora. Ma Elena was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church of Cleveland where she loved worshiping with her family and served on many church retreats at CLNPC. She was a loving wife and mother who cared for her family. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking and catering parties.
Surviving are her husband, David Lara of Alto; sons and daughters-in-law, Alvaro Lara & Gloria Rodriguez, Leobardo Lara & Evangelina Zavala, Jose Lara, David Lara & Sara Romero, Andres Lara & Nancy Zavala and Luis Lara all of Alto; daughters and sons-in-law, Maria Lara & Nicolas Ramirez and Yuli Lara all of Alto, Maribel Lara & Jose Zavala and Monica Lara & Jose Tinoco all of Cornelia; 29 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am, Friday, December 24, 2021 at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Cleveland with Father Favio Alvarez officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at the residence located at 207 Church Street, Alto, Georgia 30510.
Those in attendance are asked to please adhere to the public health and social distancing guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Lynda Lokey Gresham, age 81, of Peachtree City, Georgia passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home on December 20, 2021.
She was born on August 20, 1940 in Demorest, GA to the late Robert “Bobby” Lokey and Mary Dell Sullivan Lokey. In addition to being the valedictorian of her graduating class of 1958 at South Habersham High School, she was also the captain of the girl’s basketball and cheerleading team. After high school, she went on to attend Piedmont College where she graduated with honors in 1961. Lynda then obtained her master’s degree in education from the University of Georgia and went on to attend all the necessary classes toward her doctorate degree at The College of William & Mary. She had a lifelong career of teaching high school classes in Math & English and was also a school counselor until her retirement in 2009. Mrs. Gresham was an avid reader, a phenomenal gardener, she enjoyed crafting all kinds of art and was an excellent tennis player and was a certified USTA umpire. Lynda was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ken Gresham of Peachtree City, GA; her sons, Nik Lokey of Demorest, GA; Jonathan Lokey and his wife, Valerie of Greenville, SC; Dru Bergren and his wife, Maureen of Chattanooga, TN; step daughters, Nancy Malnik and her husband, Al of Ocean Ridge, FL; Amanda Gresham of Peachtree City, GA; and Alex Gresham and her fiancé, Chris of Peachtree City, GA; brothers, Robin Lokey and his wife, Marianne of Juliette, GA; Scott Lokey and his wife, Diana of Cumming, GA; and sister Olivia Lokey Smith of Chapin, SC; She is also survived by her grandchildren, who affectionately call her “Luli”: Kyle, Luke, Henry, Trey, Will, Belle, Nathan, Jarod, Spencer, Jesse, Noah and Sterling; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private Services will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, GA 30535 at 1:00PM, with Mr. Everett Huffman officiating. Interment will follow at Demorest City Cemetery.
Family and close friends will gather at the funeral home for the hour prior to the service.
Ava Marie Green, age 8 months, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021.
A Visitation Service will be held Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel.
The family requests everyone to please wear either pink or something “Minnie Mouse” related to honor Ms. Ava Green.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123
The Habersham County Board of Commissioners, alongside some of Habersham's Emergency Services team, recognized Black for his years of service to the county. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
The Habersham County Board of Commissioners honored Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black with a service award on Monday night, celebrating his 34 years of service to Habersham County.
Black announced his resignation on Dec. 13, which will be effective on Jan. 14. He has been employed with the county since 1988, where he began his work as a part-time paramedic in Habersham County. In 2016, Black retired as Hall County’s deputy fire chief, and in 2017, he became the county’s emergency services director.
Commissioners Bruce Palmer, Dustin Mealor and Bruce Harkness, along with the rest of the commission, present Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black with an award recognizing his 34 years of service to Habersham County. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
“It’s hard to come across someone in the county that everyone respects and loves,” Habersham County Commission Chairman Dustin Mealor said during the presentation of Black’s service award. “You are an absolute integral member of this community. No one has ever said anything bad about you.”
His award was met with applause and a standing ovation from the board of commissioners, county workers, HCES employees, media and citizens attending the commission meeting.
“These five years have been very special, and this has been a very hard decision,” Black said after receiving the award. “I’ll still be part of this community, and any time I can ever help, I’ll be here.”
After Black’s resignation takes effect, he’ll be moving on to a new job as the Executive Vice-President of Governmental Sales and Business Development at Pro-GeneX Laboratories and Clinical Service in Gainesville. He hopes his new position will give him well-deserved time with his family, and a better work-life balance, after committing decades of service to the county.
“We have done a lot of good things and brought this department a long way in four short years,” Black tells Now Habersham. “I’m very proud of that, and the citizens have recognized it and realized how far we’ve come.”
He says these last few weeks have been emotionally charged as he receives thanks from the citizens he’s impacted over the years and reflects on his career with Habersham County, but he’s grateful for the outpouring of support he’s received.
“The kind words and the support for me and the department— it’s been very heartfelt,” Black says. “I’ve said I’ve cried more in the last week than I’ve cried my entire life. I’m not a crier, but it’s been very emotional . . . I came into work Thursday and there were some notes under my door and some citizens had left a little gift for me. Those things are very much appreciated and mean the world to me. And it just shows that we do have a good organization and we’ve done some good things for the community.”
Chad Black began his four decade career in public safety in Hall County and will end it on Jan. 14, 2022, in Habersham. (photo by Daniel Purcell/Red Bird Media)
Editor’s Note: Outgoing Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black penned an open letter to the community following his decision to retire from his 40-year public service career. Here is his letter in its entirety.
Since 1987, I have been blessed and honored to be part of the Habersham community, working part-time with E.M.S. and Habersham County Medical Center. The welcome I received from the community and the pleasure I had in providing care to the citizens when in need is unparalleled.
When I retired from Hall County Fire after 31 plus years in 2016, I knew where I needed to be – Habersham County – to finish my Public Safety career.
Chad Black (right) with his mentor and former boss Jack Moody in June 2017. Black took over as Habersham County’s EMS director when Moody retired in 2017. (photo courtesy Habersham County)
Jack Moody – the former E.M.S. Director and a mentor – hired me full time, and when Jack retired in 2017, a true honor was bestowed upon me to be named his replacement as E.M.S. Director. Then, fast forward to early 2018, a meeting with then-County Manager Phil Sutton and Hospital C.E.O. Lynn Boggs, where I learned the hospital would be transitioning E.M.S. to the county and merging with Fire Services. My new position would be Director of Emergency Services, and we had about three weeks until the commission would meet again to approve this. Following that vote, we would have about three weeks to complete the merger, a massive undertaking in a short amount of time.
Never fear, the personnel of Habersham E.M.S. and the Habersham County Fire Department was up to this challenge, and they made it happen. There were bumps in the road, but overall, this was a success, and I give that success to the men and women of what is now Habersham County Emergency Services. They are genuinely some of the very best, and this county needs to continue to support and help grow this department because you have some of the best serving!
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black could often be found out in the field, responding to calls alongside his colleagues. He’s shown here at the scene of a wreck in 2020. (Daniel Purcell/Red Bird Media)
Like every career, at some point, it will come to an end, and mine is here. It’s time for someone else to step up and take this outstanding department to the next level. I have made my direct report to County Manager Alicia Vaughn, the County Commission, and our personnel of HCES of my intentions to leave my position as Director/Fire Chief for Habersham County Emergency Services, effective January 14th, 2022.
I am unable to find appropriate words to express my appreciation to the men and women of this department, county administration, county commission, Sheriff Joey Terrell and his personnel, Lynn Smith, city fire and police chief’s and their personnel, media/press, and the business leaders and citizens of Habersham County. You welcomed me with open arms, and for that, I am forever grateful and humbled for you allowing me to serve this grand county.
When the pandemic hit Georgia in March 2020, Black oversaw the coordination and implementation of Habersham County’s public safety COVID protocol. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Phil Sutton, you put your trust in me and took a chance, and I will always be grateful for your support and leadership. I hope I never let you down.
To the men and women of HCES, your support and friendship, I can never find the words appropriate to say thank you, you are my family. I love every one of you dearly.
Fire Chief Jeff Cain, and E.M.S. Director Jack Moody, thank you for your leadership, friendship, and having a foundation with Fire and E.M.S. for us to build upon; I will never forget what you have done for this community and me personally.
(Daniel Purcell/Red Bird Media)
I also need to thank Interim-County Manager Alicia Vaughn. She has been one of the best I have ever worked with; I can’t thank her enough for her guidance and leadership during our short work time together.
No doubt, I will miss this profession after 40-years, and I will miss the people, but I will still come back and visit the best I have ever worked with and always consider you, the men and women of this department and this county, family.
I hope this county and city leadership, the business community, and citizens continue to support your public safety professionals and their agencies. Because of your support, you have these fine men and women that comprise so many great departments in this county!
It’s challenging hiring and keeping personnel in today’s times. Your return on investment will be invaluable to this county and cities within! You have the finest, always striving to find ways to keep them home and serve these communities. The R.O.I. will be invaluable to everyone if you continue to invest, which I assure you will be a fact!
And once more, thank you, Habersham County; it was an honor to serve and be part of the family. Truly a blessing for me.
Sincerely,
Chad Black
Director/Fire Chief-Habersham County Emergency Services
In May of 2020, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she disagreed with the Georgia governor's decision to reopen many businesses. (Stephen Fowler / GPB News)
ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Tuesday reinstated a mask requirement inside stores and other businesses in the city due to rising COVID-19 infections and the emergence of the extraordinarily contagious omicron variant, which has quickly become the dominant version of the virus in the U.S.
Bottoms also cited guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for her decision.
“The CDC has designated Fulton and DeKalb counties as areas of high transmission for the COVID-19 virus,” the mayor said in a statement. “Given this recent surge across the Atlanta area, and based upon the counsel from public health professionals, I am reinstating the citywide mask mandate.”
Mayor @KeishaBottoms has issued an Executive Order to reinstate the citywide indoor mask mandate and move the City of Atlanta back to the Yellow Zone. The order is in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections and the impact of the Omicron variant. pic.twitter.com/lhd6NxObP1
People who fail to wear a mask indoors could face a fine of $50 for a second offense. Bottoms had lifted the previous mask mandate last month.
The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has risen almost 50% in Georgia in the last month, and the number of infections detected continues to accelerate.
Nearly 1,250 patients were hospitalized statewide Tuesday with the respiratory illness. That’s well below the record of roughly 6,000 that was reached in early September at the peak of Georgia’s fourth surge of virus cases. But it’s well above the recent low of 824 patients recorded on Nov. 22. Hospital officials in the state are expecting patient counts to rise with the omicron variant.
CDC officials said Monday that cases of the omicron variant now make up more than 90% of new infections in the Southeast, displacing the once-dominant delta variant.
Much about the omicron coronavirus variant remains unknown, including whether it causes more or less severe illness. Scientists say omicron spreads even easier than other coronavirus strains, including delta.
Early studies suggest the vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing an omicron infection. But even without the extra dose, experts say vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.
Bottoms’ latest mask requirement came after Atlanta mayor-elect Andre Dickens said a rapid test Monday showed he had COVID-19. Dickens, who said he was fully vaccinated, was isolating, although he reported feeling well and having mild symptoms.
Marion Dwayne Kimbrell, age 73, of Cornelia, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021.
Born on July 29, 1948, in Clarkesville, he was a son of the late John Marion and Ethel Evelyn Skelton Kimbrell. Mr. Kimbrell was a United States Army veteran having proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a professional painter and a handyman who loved to fix things. Mr. Kimbrell enjoyed growing plants and had a good sense of humor.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Rita Faye Matthews Kimbrell and brothers, Ronald Floyd Kimbrell and David Lamar Kimbrell.
Survivors include his daughters, Rhonda Faye Kimbrell and Nicole Dee Jones Kimbrell; sons, Ronald Keith Kimbrell and Michael Dwayne Kimbrell; brother, John Kimbrell; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Black: It’s been a ‘blessing’ and ‘honor’ to serve the Habersham community
Editor’s Note: Outgoing Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black penned an open letter to the community following his decision to retire from his 40-year public service career. Here is his letter in its entirety.
Since 1987, I have been blessed and honored to be part of the Habersham community, working part-time with E.M.S. and Habersham County Medical Center. The welcome I received from the community and the pleasure I had in providing care to the citizens when in need is unparalleled.
When I retired from Hall County Fire after 31 plus years in 2016, I knew where I needed to be – Habersham County – to finish my Public Safety career.
Jack Moody – the former E.M.S. Director and a mentor – hired me full time, and when Jack retired in 2017, a true honor was bestowed upon me to be named his replacement as E.M.S. Director. Then, fast forward to early 2018, a meeting with then-County Manager Phil Sutton and Hospital C.E.O. Lynn Boggs, where I learned the hospital would be transitioning E.M.S. to the county and merging with Fire Services. My new position would be Director of Emergency Services, and we had about three weeks until the commission would meet again to approve this. Following that vote, we would have about three weeks to complete the merger, a massive undertaking in a short amount of time.
Never fear, the personnel of Habersham E.M.S. and the Habersham County Fire Department was up to this challenge, and they made it happen. There were bumps in the road, but overall, this was a success, and I give that success to the men and women of what is now Habersham County Emergency Services. They are genuinely some of the very best, and this county needs to continue to support and help grow this department because you have some of the best serving!
Like every career, at some point, it will come to an end, and mine is here. It’s time for someone else to step up and take this outstanding department to the next level. I have made my direct report to County Manager Alicia Vaughn, the County Commission, and our personnel of HCES of my intentions to leave my position as Director/Fire Chief for Habersham County Emergency Services, effective January 14th, 2022.
I am unable to find appropriate words to express my appreciation to the men and women of this department, county administration, county commission, Sheriff Joey Terrell and his personnel, Lynn Smith, city fire and police chief’s and their personnel, media/press, and the business leaders and citizens of Habersham County. You welcomed me with open arms, and for that, I am forever grateful and humbled for you allowing me to serve this grand county.
Phil Sutton, you put your trust in me and took a chance, and I will always be grateful for your support and leadership. I hope I never let you down.
To the men and women of HCES, your support and friendship, I can never find the words appropriate to say thank you, you are my family. I love every one of you dearly.
Fire Chief Jeff Cain, and E.M.S. Director Jack Moody, thank you for your leadership, friendship, and having a foundation with Fire and E.M.S. for us to build upon; I will never forget what you have done for this community and me personally.
I also need to thank Interim-County Manager Alicia Vaughn. She has been one of the best I have ever worked with; I can’t thank her enough for her guidance and leadership during our short work time together.
No doubt, I will miss this profession after 40-years, and I will miss the people, but I will still come back and visit the best I have ever worked with and always consider you, the men and women of this department and this county, family.
I hope this county and city leadership, the business community, and citizens continue to support your public safety professionals and their agencies. Because of your support, you have these fine men and women that comprise so many great departments in this county!
It’s challenging hiring and keeping personnel in today’s times. Your return on investment will be invaluable to this county and cities within! You have the finest, always striving to find ways to keep them home and serve these communities. The R.O.I. will be invaluable to everyone if you continue to invest, which I assure you will be a fact!
And once more, thank you, Habersham County; it was an honor to serve and be part of the family. Truly a blessing for me.
Sincerely,
Chad Black
Director/Fire Chief-Habersham County Emergency Services