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Officials warn of asphalt paving scam targeting seniors

By
Dean Dyer, WRWH Radio
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White County residents are being warned about a scam involving asphalt paving. White County Commissioner Edwin Nix issued a warning during this week’s county commission meeting.

Nix said he had heard of a couple of senior citizens who have been approached about doing paving work with asphalt left over from a job in the county.

Nix urged all residents to be on alert, “be careful, don’t be conned by these guys. They have no heart. They don’t care how they treat you or how they conduct business. So, if somebody comes and approaches anybody about pavement asphalt leftover from a county job or something like that, first of all, that shouldn’t be happening; they shouldn’t be selling that to nobody if it’s county property to start with,” said Nix.

The White County Sheriff’s Office is investigating at least two cases where seniors were bilked out of money by paving scammers. (Google maps)

White County Interim Manager Shanda Murphy said the scammers are working under the name R & M. She said they do quote a decent price upfront, but on the back end, they inflate the price. Their information has been turned over to the White County Sheriff’s office.

Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Gus Sesam attended Monday’s meeting and said they have two victims they are working cases on.  Chief Sesam said one of the victims was taken to the tune of $34,000.

The Sheriff Office will be working with the White County Senior Center to help get the word out to those most vulnerable for this scam.

Helen Kay Swanson

By
Now Habersham
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Helen Kay Swanson, age 85 of Cornelia GA, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

Born in Austin, Texas, she was the daughter of H.M. Stewart Sr. and Helen Stroud Stewart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sabrina Kay Swanson.

Kay graduated from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA, and while there she met her husband Dean who was attending the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. They married in 1957 and reached their 64th wedding anniversary on the day of her passing. While Dean was in the US Airforce serving as a fighter pilot, they were stationed in various locations including Arizona, which they fell in love with and later returned to, sharing many fond memories with their family and friends. During their time with the Air Force, Kay began her full-time teaching career in a Quonset hut in the Philippines. Upon their return to Cornelia in 1964, she continued her teaching career in the Habersham County school system for many years. She later joined Standard Telephone Company, where she actively served in an executive role as Treasurer until 1999.

After her time at Standard Telephone Company, Kay continued her and her father’s encompassing passion to support the Northeast Georgia Community. Her love of God was expressed through her support and membership in the Cornelia United Methodist Church. Her belief in education led to generous support for the continued growth of Piedmont University and The University of North Georgia. She expressed her love for both the arts and the preservation of local history through the establishment of the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia.

She is survived by her husband, Dean C. Swanson of Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, Howard Milton Stewart, Jr. and Carolyn Stewart of Vero Beach, Florida; son and daughter-in-law, Stewart and Carol Swanson of Alpharetta; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Leigh Swanson of Savannah; 6 loving grandchildren – Alex Mixon and Kaylee Grant, Janna Kay Swanson and Kelley Swanson, Sarah Deloach and Dean Wesley Swanson.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, August 8, 2021, at Cornelia United Methodist Church.

Due to the growing concerns with COVID-19, A Private Service will be held for Mrs. Swanson.

The family respectfully request that friends join them virtually at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 8, 2021, through the Whitfield Funeral Homes Facebook Page: facebook.com/whitfieldfh or the Cornelia United Methodist Church Website: cornelia-umc.com/live-stream

To celebrate Kay’s lifelong love of giving the family encourages you to make a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice or one of her favorites:

Cornelia United Methodist Church: P.O. Box 948, Cornelia, GA 30531
Circle of Hope: 592 N. Main Street, Cornelia, GA 30531
The Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia: P.O. Box 460, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Piedmont University Foundation: P.O. Box 429, Demorest, GA 30535

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Enjoy an evening under the stars at FRC’s Summer Serenade

By
Staff Report
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Prevent Child Abuse Habersham is hosting an outdoor dinner and concert fundraiser to help support its Family Resource Center in Clarkesville.

Dine under the stars while enjoying gourmet dinner baskets prepared by chef Lee Epting. The Field to Families Summer Serenade headliner is Cicada Rhythm with Avery Leigh and the Night Palace Band as the opening act.

Dave Kirslis and Andrea DeMarcus of Cicada Rhythm will headline the concert, performing their brand of modernized folk music.

This special outdoor event is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. on August 21 at Panther Creek Farms on The Orchard Road in Clarkesville. Tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorships are also available.

Proceeds will benefit the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia, located at 122 Laurel Drive in Clarkesville.

The Center provides family counseling and training services to residents of Habersham, Stephens, and White counties. It also offers transportation so that FRC programs and resources are accessible to those who need them.

Athens-based, indie-pop artist Avery Leigh and the Night Palace Band will also perform during Summer Serenade.

To purchase tickets or sponsor the 2021 Fields to Families Summer Serenade, click on the links or visit the Family Resource Center website.

Mamma’s cream corn

By
Mitzi Oxford
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Don’t you just love this time of year when fresh-picked vegetables are plentiful? When I was growing up on our family’s farm in Tennessee, we planted a huge garden every year. Although I don’t remember enjoying the work of hoeing, planting corn and okra, or staking green beans and tomatoes, I sure have happy memories of eating what my Mamma fixed for dinner out of all that fresh-grown produce.

After I traded that life for college, to conquer the world of television, get married, and raise our son, any time I returned home to visit, my Mamma always knew that I would love it when she made my favorite meal. I actually had several favorite dishes which included her cornbread, pinto beans, and macaroni and cheese but at the top of my wish list was always her cream corn and fried okra with a side of sliced tomatoes. If we had meat, great. If not, I was good to go with all that veggie deliciousness.

Recently my husband and I made the long haul to Ormond Beach for a surprise birthday party for his Aunt Tabitha. She turned 90 and is as “sharp as a tack” as they say. It was a great visit with cousins for my husband, whose family went down to nearby New Smyrna Beach for many Thanksgivings.

On the way back we stopped, as we always do, at Mark’s Melon Patch in Dawson, Georgia. Mark Daniels and his family have been in business for 35 years and farm 90 acres to include watermelons, peanuts, sweet corn, tomatoes, okra, and much more. I must say they serve up some of the best homemade peach and strawberry ice cream I’ve ever tasted. And yes, after we pick out our produce, we never leave without a cup of that in hand. Forewarning, Dawson is below the gnat line and they are EVERYWHERE including your car as soon as you open the door. Still worth the stop!

Incidentally, when I was in high school we had a home economics project to complete a recipe card collection. As you can see, my Mamma’s recipe has been well used and well-loved over the years.

Ingredients and Directions:

  • 6 ears of fresh sweet corn, cut kernels, and scrape
  • Cook in cast iron skillet
  • Add 1/2 cup water or more if you use 8 ears of corn
  • Add 1 tsp of salt
  • Bring to boil and cook until corn is done
  • 1 Tbls. of butter (I no longer use the bacon or meat grease as a nod to healthier eating)
  • Whisk together 1/4 cup of milk and a heaping Tbls. of flour and pour in skillet with corn
  • Stir until corn thickens. More milk can be added if corn becomes too thick

A couple of days ago, I shucked that corn, cut off the kernels, and scraped the cob for the “milk.” I used my cast iron skillet to cook up a batch of cream corn, okra, and a side of sliced tomatoes. My husband whipped up some baked chicken with panko bread crumbs and seasonings. It was a meal fit for royalty for this southern girl and my Mamma would have been proud.

 

 

Curtis Galloway

By
Now Habersham
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Curtis Galloway, age 84, of Alto, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 2, 2021.

Mr. Galloway was born on February 24, 1937, in Whitfield County, Georgia, to the late John and Letha Galloway. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred Galloway, Roy Galloway, JC Galloway, and sister, Adell Finley. He was lovingly known by his grandchildren as “Papa.” Curtis loved to be out on his land and spend time on his tractor. He was also a “history buff,” enjoying trips to family home sites and reading about the old west. Curtis was also an avid listener of Hank Williams, Sr.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Angie Cragg Galloway, of Alto; daughter, Becki Galloway Adams, of Anderson, SC; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Donna Galloway, of Alto; daughter and her fiance, Linda and Bucky Lee, of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Cannie Adams, Aaron Lee (Neahna), Dr. Hannah Galloway, Sadie Galloway McFarlin (Brandon), Lily Galloway, Jackson Lee, and Abby Lee; brother, Edgar Joe Galloway; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, with Pastor Lamar Kastner officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the funeral home.

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

Arrendale Prison accused of inhumane treatment by SCHR

By
Hadley Cottingham
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Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto (Source: Google maps)

A warning letter sent to the Lee Arrendale State Prison by the Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR) enumerates several claims of inhumane treatment against women incarcerated at the Habersham prison. This is the second warning letter the SCHR has sent to the prison.

Some of the accusations include women contracting bacterial infections from contaminated water, not receiving meals, being given food labeled “not fit for human consumption,” and becoming ill from mold infestation.

READ: SCHR letter on conditions at the Lee Arrendale State Prison

The most disturbing and graphic allegations the SCHR has raised are those surrounding postpartum care at the prison. The letter notes multiple cases in which new mothers did not receive the medical attention they needed, including lack of access to medication, hygiene, mental health services and postoperative care.

“Some women who have just given birth are sometimes sent to Arrendale wearing clothing soaked with afterbirth fluid and blood and not given clean clothes for days on end,” the SCHR says in a press release. “One mother was forced to remove her own vaginal stitches with a toenail clipper after developing an infection that was left untreated, despite her repeated and frantic requests for medical attention.”

While Lee Arrendale State Prison Warden Murray Tatum has not responded to either of the SCHR’s letters, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) says they are aware of the allegations.

“The GDC is aware of the letter from SCHR outlining their allegations regarding Lee Arrendale State Prison,” says GDC Office of Public Affairs Director Joan Heath in an email to Now Habersham. “If these allegations are found to be factual, they will be addressed appropriately.”

The SCHR says it will continue to stay in contact with the women who are incarcerated at the prison as they work to further advocate on their behalf.

Leon Gibbs

By
Now Habersham
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Leon Gibbs, age 81, of The Rock Springs Community, Lula, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 2, 2021.

Mr. Gibbs was born on December 25, 1939, in Hall County, Georgia, to the late Marvin and Edna Mae Gibbs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby Gibbs, Daniel Gibbs, Roger Gibbs, sisters, Edna Faye Gibbs, Patsy McFarland, and Susan Gibbs.

Leon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He worked in the Scrap Metal Business for most of his life; he loved working with scrap metal and hauling cars. Leon never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor. He had the ability to make anyone laugh. He loved all his family and had many friends. Leon loved spending time with his grandchildren, and they called him “Papa Leon.” He was a member of Higher Ground Baptist Church.

Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Joyce Standridge Gibbs, of Lula; children, Rance Leon Gibbs and Martha; Brandon Leon Gibbs and Cindi; Tammy Lynn Gibbs Gillespie; Marlon Leon Gibbs and Susan; Tonya Leann Gibbs Hester and Andy; step-children, Stacy Crump and Lisa; Holly Crump Dalton and Tommy; brothers and sisters, Bettye Gibbs Dean; Martha Lee Gibbs Parks; Harold Dennis Gibbs; Mary Marie Gibbs Greenway, Douglas Wayne Gibbs; grandchildren, Mathew Gillespie, Emily Gibbs, Austin Gibbs, Allie Gibbs, Amber Shaw, Cade Hester, Falon Hester, Noah Gibbs, Alexzandria Gibbs, Natalie Toler, Alyssa Dean, Flair Lee, Jantson King, Savanna King, Brooklyn Reed, Caleb Crump; great-grandchild, Mason Shaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2021, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, with Rev. Scott Strickland and Mr. Brandon Gibbs officiating. Interment will follow in the Zebulon Baptist Church Cemetery of Toccoa.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the funeral home.

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

Demorest council approves alcohol ordinance amendments

By
Hadley Cottingham
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(Photo: Louis Hansel, Unsplash)

The Demorest City Council voted to approve amendments to their alcohol ordinance at their Aug. 3 meeting. No citizens spoke for or against the amendments during the public comment portion of the meeting.

These amendments include allowing business owners who live outside of the city to apply for alcohol licenses, allow businesses with alcohol licenses to serve alcohol off-premises with a permit and would make the downtown Demorest area on Georgia Street an entertainment district.

Previously, the city only allowed business owners who are Demorest citizens to apply for an alcohol license, making the process much more restrictive than most cities. The amendment changes the ordinance to allow citizens of Habersham County, not just Demorest, to apply.

The off-premises amendment will allow businesses with alcohol licenses to serve alcohol off their business’s premises with a permit. The amendment was requested by Piedmont University, according to City Attorney Thomas Mitchell, to allow alcohol to be served at special events on campus. Piedmont has been a dry campus since its founding in 1897, with the exception of the Piedmont Village dorms that were built in 2015.

The purpose of redistricting the downtown Demorest area on Georgia Street as an entertainment district would be to encourage pedestrian traffic and patronage of local business, according to the city attorney and the Demorest Downtown Development Authority. The entertainment district would also allow open-container alcoholic beverages within the desginated area, as long as they are in a clear plastic cup from a Demorest business.

Watch the meeting recording here

Drowning victim recovered from Lake Lanier

By
Staff Report
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A dive team from the Hall County Fire Department recovered the body of a man who disappeared on Lake Lanier two months ago.

Xi Zhu, age 56, of Marietta, went missing from an inflatable boat on May 29.

According to Georgia Department of Natural Resource officials, someone spotted his body floating in the Shoal Creek area this past weekend and alerted authorities.

At approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, Georgia game wardens, along with Hall County Fire Services, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and Corps of Engineers, responded to the area and recovered his body.

DNR Law Enforcement Public Affairs Officer Mark McKinnon says there have been six deaths reported on Lake Lanier so far this year, including four boating fatalities and two drownings.

Rabun County Sheriff’s Office warns of fake currency

By
Staff Report
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(photo by RCSO)

The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office is warning about fake $100 bills being passed around the county and, possibly, the region.

The sheriff’s office posted an image of the fake currency on its Facebook page. Chief Deputy Scott Cheek tells Now Habersham the bills first surfaced this week, and some business owners alerted authorities.

“The pictures posted on our page are exactly how the bills looked,” he tells Now Habersham. Two of the bills have the word ‘copy’ stamped in the lower lefthand corner on the front of the bill. They also have identical serial numbers. “The third bill in the picture has a different paper quality and did not pass the pen test from one of the local banks,” Cheek adds.

He says it appears the fake currency is being passed throughout Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina.

“We would recommend people inspect their bills before accepting them from individuals or businesses,” Chief Deputy Cheek says. “They should also do their own research for educational purposes.”

How to spot a fake

The U.S. Currency Education Program says there are ways to check to see if a bill is real.

First, feel the paper. Move your finger across the note. It should feel slightly rough to the touch due to the intaglio printing process and the unique composition of the paper. If something feels off, check the note’s security features.

(Image source: U.S. Currency Education Program)

Color-shifting ink: Tilt the note to see the ink in the numbers on the lower right corner change color from copper to green on denominations of $10 and higher. The Bell in the Inkwell on the $100 note also changes from copper to green.

3-D Security Ribbon: The $100 note features a blue 3-D Security Ribbon with images of bells and 100s. When you tilt the note back and forth, the bells and 100s in the ribbon move from side to side. When you tilt the note from side to side, the bells and 100s move up and down. The 3-D Security Ribbon is woven into the paper, not printed on it.

Security thread: Hold the note to light to see a security thread embedded vertically on denominations $5 and higher. The thread is embedded in a different position for each denomination and glows a different color when held to ultraviolet (UV) light. The security thread is visible from both sides of the note.

Watermark: Hold the note to light to see a faint image to the right of the portrait on denominations $5 and higher. Watermarks are visible from both sides of the note. On denominations $10 and higher, the watermark matches the portrait. The $5 note has two watermarks, both of the numeral 5.

Microprinting: Microprinting is featured in several locations on denominations $5 and higher and can aid in authentication. These small printed words, which may require magnification to see, should be clear. Microprinting corresponds to the denomination or contains phrases such as “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “USA,” or “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

Red and blue fibers: The paper in genuine U.S. currency has small red and blue security fibers embedded throughout.

Of course, authentic currency will never have the word ‘copy’ printed on it.

Counterfeit pens such as the one the bank in Rabun County used can help identify fake currency. You may purchase the pens online or at most office supply stores.

If you suspect you have or are being passed a counterfeit bill, report it to your local authorities.

Dedicated hibiscus gardener wins contest

By
Mitzi Oxford
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And the winner is....Julie London!

We had some stunning entries in this month’s gardening contest which called for showing off your favorite hibiscus. These tropical beauties will bloom from spring through the first frost. Our winner, Julie London, is a dedicated grower of hibiscus.

“Most of the hibiscus I own have been with me for eight or ten years. They are all in pots so I drag them into my carport every winter and then drag them back out once it warms up.”

Another stunning entry from Julie’s garden.

We’d say Julie is a true hibiscus lover to go to all that trouble but she is rewarded for her efforts each year.

“I love them because the blooms are so big and beautiful and there are so many different colors available.”

We salute Julie’s green thumb with another hibiscus addition to her garden from Lowe’s of Cornelia.

 

Our panel of judges were also quite smitten with several other entries in this month’s gardening contest including these tropical and perennial blooms.

Thanks again for all your entries which for a few days took us to the tropics. Congratulations to Julie! And as always, thanks to Lowe’s of Cornelia for our monthly giveaways! Until next time, happy planting!

 

 

 

 

 

East Mize Road bridge reopens after rain damage repaired

By
Joy Purcell
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County crews completed the repairs to East Mize Road bridge in two weeks. The bridge was closed to traffic on July 20 following heavy rain. (photo Habersham County)

Habersham County has reopened the bridge on East Mize Road in Demorest. The bridge was closed on July 20 after heavy rains washed away asphalt and dirt.

County road crews repaired the weakened structure and the road reopened to traffic at noon on August 3.

.Severe weather has taken a toll on Habersham’s roads in the past several years. In 2020, back-to-back tropical storms forced extended closures on parts of New Liberty Road and Pardue Mill Road

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