Now Habersham’s roving weather girl/reporter Maddie Palmer and friends talk with Madi Hawkins from the local animal shelter about keeping your pets safe in the storm.
Five arrested in alleged drug trafficking ring
Five people are behind bars for allegedly trafficking drugs in North Georgia. GBI agent Mitchell Posey with the Appalachian Regional Drug task force identifies the suspects as 28-year old Crystal Merrell, 47-year old Tammy Albright and 38-year old Benjamin Collins, all of Cleveland, as well as, 34-year old Justin Clark of Helen and 45-year old Angela Green of Powder Springs.
The five were arrested Tuesday, Feb. 24, following a four month investigation by the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office and White County Sheriff’s Office.
Posey says task force agents and members of the White County Sheriff’s Office served arrest warrants at multiple locations. The investigation is a continuation of the dismantling of a local methamphetamine trafficking network responsible for trafficking pounds of methamphetamine in White, Habersham and Stephens Counties.
Green is charged with Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and Conspiracy to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. Albright is charged with Violation of RICO Act, Conspiracy to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, Possession of Methamphetamine and illegal use of a communication facility. Collins is charged with Violation of RICO Act, Conspiracy to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, and Possession of Methamphetamine. Clark is charged with possession of methamphetamine. Merrell is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Posey says the investigation continues and additional arrests are pending.
Remembering a friend…
It happens to us all – that moment when we learn someone we know has died. We suddenly remember the last time we saw them. What they were wearing. The exchange of words. The smiles. Things we wouldn’t ordinarily recall, we instantly do. Things we wouldn’t normally find important, become so.
I’ve been remembering those whose lives were cut short by a tragic event in my community this past weekend.
Steve Singleton was a part of the devotion team with me at my church. We alternated on Wednesday nights delivering a brief message to our congregation before the Praise and Worship Team and Offering. One Wednesday, Steve asked me if I would consider allowing him to speak that night in my place. He was so excited because he had been studying a particular verse and he felt through prayer and scripture, he finally understood it. Of course, I agreed and he proceeded to explain to me what he learned. It was in answer to the question, Did God Really Forsake Christ on the Cross?
If God promises to NEVER leave us nor FORSAKE us, why would He at the moment Jesus held all of our sins. Does that mean God turns away from us when we sin?
He had concluded the answer was no; in fact, the verse from Matthew 27:46 so many translate as meaning, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” was really Christ assuring those who stood at the foot of the cross; those who had believed in Him and loved Him; those who had walked the journey with Him, that He was who they knew Him to be. It was also a reminder to those who were against Him of a very popular verse in the Jewish faith Psalm 22. It begins, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” Written by David, Psalm 22, 23, and 24 were extremely popular in the Jewish culture. It would be like hearing a favorite old song and the emotions of your first love flooding your heart with memories. Psalm 22 ends with the verse, “for it is done.” He was quoting a familiar Psalm to the people because what was written in the Psalm was happening before their very eyes.
Although suffering tremendously from 40 hours of torture, Christ delivered a message to the world using the promises of scripture. He was affirming that He was who the Word of God said He was – the Redeemer of Israel, the King of kings, the Messiah. He was delivering a message to you and me, His believers. Psalm 22: 27, 28 says, “All the ends of the earth will remember and will turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him, (28) for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations.”
God’s promises are real and true. He does not leave us, even in the worst of times. He does not turn His head but gives us the strength to do what we need to do.
I remember Steve’s smile and how excited he was for God opening his eyes to understand this moment in the Bible. I can only speculate that Steve related it to the tragic loss of his own son, Easton.
As a community we are preparing to say goodbye to three members who were loved by many. It’s easy to wonder if God looked away or forgot those who loved Him. It’s easy to question Why? such horrific events happened in our little, safe, rural town. Psalm 23:4, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” He is ALWAYS with us.
To my friend, Steve, I hope I delivered your devotion well. You impacted the Kingdom of God tremendously.
Heavy snow predicted in North GA and metro counties
Hazardous driving conditions predicted
Atlanta, Ga. – Georgia DOT will begin pre-treating Interstates and major state routes in north Georgia and metro Atlanta midnight on Tuesday in preparation for a hazardous winter storm warning expected to move into those areas by 10 am Wednesday through 10 am Thursday. Some National Weather Service models show the storm could possibly include a significant amount of snow, as well as the formation of dangerous black ice.
Georgia DOT asks motorists to limit driving to emergencies or essential travel only. Be patient. Be mindful. Be careful.
“Keeping the roads safe for emergency vehicles is our first priority. We will plow the two right lanes of Interstates first; then the state routes,” said Georgia DOT Maintenance Engineer Dale Brantley. “This is a large, fast-moving storm and we expect a considerable amount of snow – some models show four to six inches in North Georgia and up to two inches in metro Atlanta.”
GDOT is pulling crews from non-affected southern districts to work 12-hour shifts. They will spread brine on Interstates 285, 85, 75, 20, 575, 675 and GA 400. All interstate lanes will be pre-treated.
“While GDOT has all hands on deck, a storm of this magnitude will take time to clear,” Brantley said. “We’re asking the public to limit driving as much as possible – for their safety and to enable us to do our jobs in clearing the roads.”
In response to the winter storm warning declared for 50 counties in the northern portion of Georgia tomorrow, Gov. Nathan Deal this evening ordered state government offices in the affected areas to close at noon tomorrow and declared a state of emergency for disaster preparedness starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The following are Georgia DOT contacts for the potentially impacted regions:
Georgia DOT’s Transportation Management Center: Karlene Barron/Natalie Dale…404-635-2490 or 2491
Metro District Marietta Office: Annalysce Baker…470-891-2992
GDOT District 1 (NE Georgia): contact the TMC…404-635-2490
GDOT District 3 (West Central Georgia); Kimberly Larson…706-741-3439
GDOT District 6 (NW Georgia): Mohamed Arafa… 770-359-9523
GDOT, GEMA, GSP and other state agencies will mobilize at GEMA headquarters at 4 am on Wednesday to monitor weather conditions and manage the deployment of crews in coordination with local Georgia DOT districts.
During hazardous winter weather conditions:
Call 511 to report icy conditions on interstates and state routes;
If possible, postpone travel until daylight hours when road conditions such as black ice are more visible;
Do not pass a Georgia DOT dump truck spreading the salt/gravel mixture, as gravel may kick up and could break car windshields—follow at least 100 feet behind Department vehicles;
· Be aware of Georgia DOT crews working to clear the snow and ice from interstates and state routes;
· SLOW DOWN at least half your normal speed and use a low gear as you drive;
· Treat a non-working traffic signal as a four-way stop; and
· Beware of black ice (especially on bridges) and watch for fallen trees or power lines
See GDOT updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT and Twitter at www.twitter.com/GADeptofTrans. Citizens can also access roadway conditions at the Department’s winter weather web site: www.dot.ga.gov/winterweather.
Deal declares state of emergency
State of emergency to begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25
Governor orders state offices in counties under storm warning to close at noon
In response to a winter storm warning declared for 50 counties in the northern portion of Georgia tomorrow, Gov. Nathan Deal this evening ordered state government offices in the affected areas to close at noon tomorrow and declared a state of emergency for disaster preparedness starting at 2 p.m.
“With forecasts showing we could see accumulation by 4 p.m., I want to make sure we get as many commuters home before then as possible,” said Deal. “While current models show that temperatures will remain above freezing, we don’t want to run the risk of having normal rush hour traffic volume if there’s snow or ice on the highways. In an effort to keep as many cars off the road as possible, I encourage people in both the public and private sector who can telecommute to please do so tomorrow.
“We have delayed the state of emergency until the time that we expect to see precipitation, but I’ve made all state resources available tonight for preparation.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation has moved 80 additional staffers into affected areas from other parts of the state. At midnight, DOT will mobilize 13 tanker trucks to apply brine to major highways. The State Patrol will deploy 174 troopers for rapid response to accidents, and it will mandate that all tractor trailers pull in to weigh stations to assure that trucks have the proper equipment for travel in snow/ice conditions. The Department of Natural Resources will place 15 strike teams across the 50 counties to aid in storm response and debris removal.
Deal will hold a news conference tomorrow at noon in the Governor’s Office to discuss preparations and updated forecasts.
The 50 counties in the winter storm warning are Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Hart, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Morgan, Murray, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Rockdale, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, Walton, White, Whitfield counties.
Maddie’s sledding weather report
Clarkesville Elementary School 4th grade Maddie Palmer ventured out into the snow today to file a series of weather reports for Now Habersham. She says the sledding conditions were perfect today and it looks like they’ll be even better on Wednesday.
Habersham County schools closed Wednesday
Habersham County public school students will get another snow day on Wednesday. School is cancelled for students. Staff should report to work by 10am or when it’s safe to do so.
In making the announcement, Superintendent Matthew Cooper said there’s real concern that the slush and melted snow on roads will re-freeze overnight. Temperatures are supposed to dip down into the 20s and the National Weather Service is warning motorists about the possibilities and dangers of black ice.
Tomorrow will be the fifth snow day for students in two weeks. Last week they were out due to ice dumped on the region by Winter Storm Octavia.
More bad weather is expected to roll in tomorrow. A winter storm warning has been issued starting at 4pm Wednesday through 7am Thursday.
In his pre-recorded announcement to parents Cooper said, “Not sure about students but I know our parents are looking forward to the end of winter.”
sNOW Habersham
We’re having fun in the sNOW Habersham and here are your pictures to prove it.
Please send us your sNOW Habersham photos. Sledding with the kids? Send it. Snowball fights? Send ’em. Building a snowman? Let us see your creativity. We’ll post your pictures right here on this page to capture winter in the ‘Sham.
Oh, and if you don’t mind, write ‘sNOW Habersham’ in the snow and send us a picture with your name and location. Send us your photos through Facebook at #sNOWhabersham or email them to news@nowhabersham.com.
As always, safety first. Bundle up, stay off the roads if possible and enjoy your snow days.
Now, let’s all go play in the snow!
sNOW Habersham
February 24-25, 2015
Click to enlarge photos
Funeral arrangements for shooting victims
Funeral arrangements are being made for the three people killed in a domestic shooting on Sunday. Habersham County Coroner Kasey McEntire says services for Kathy Smith will be held at McGahee Griffin Stewart Funeral Home in Cornelia. Services for Steve Singleton will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Gainesville. Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville is handling the arrangements for Anthony Giaquinta. Specific arrangements have not yet been announced.
Giaquinta’s body was released today from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur. An autopsy was conducted to determine the exact cause of his death. A report has not yet been released.
Investigation continues
Meanwhile, the GBI investigation into Sunday night’s shooting continues. Anthony Giaquinta has been identified as the shooter. GBI Deputy Director of Investigations Rusty Andrews says he apparently died from wounds he received in a shootout with a deputy responding to a 911 call made by Giaquinta and Smith’s 16-year old daughter. Investigators are still waiting on the State Medical Examiner to determine exactly how he died.
Kathy Smith was the first victim to be discovered. Her body was found in her garage. Singleton was shot multiple times. His body was found in a side yard of the residence after a four hour manhunt. Andrews says it appears he was dead before law enforcement arrived.
Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell and Deputy Bill Zigen were both wounded in the incident. Terrell was shot once in the arm. Zigen was shot twice. Terrell was treated and released from the hospital Sunday night. Zigen remains at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in stable condition. He’s expected to be released from the hospital soon. The name of the third deputy who fired on Giaquinta has not yet been released.
Funeral arrangements for Giaquinta, Smith and Singleton have not yet been announced.
Aetna “Mousey” Shockley Ivester
Funeral services for Aetna “Mousey” Shockley Ivester, age 77, of Clarkesville will be held Friday, February 27, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Pastor Don Samples officiating. Interment will follow the service at Hollywood Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 6:00 PM until 8:00PM.
Prayer vigil scheduled in wake of shootings
As the Habersham community comes to grips with the tragic loss of three of its own, one local organization is moving forward on hope and a prayer. The Easton Foundation will host a community-wide prayer vigil on Saturday, March 7, at the Habersham County Courthouse beginning at 5pm. Organizers invite the public to come together and pray for “healing, unity and restoration” in our community.
The Easton Foundation was started two years ago in memory of the son of one of the shooting victims. 45-year old Steve Singleton was killed along with his friend Kathy Smith and her ex-husband Anthony Giaquinta at Smith’s home in the Winding Stair subdivision west of Clarkesville. Authorities say it appears the shooting stemmed from a long-simmering domestic dispute.
A living legacy
Steve Singleton’s son, Easton Singleton, was a junior at Habersham Central High School when he was killed in an automobile accident in 2012. The Easton Foundation was established in his memory. Monday night the foundation board met and issued this statement:
“It is with heavy hearts that The Easton Foundation would like to express our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of those involved in the tragic events that occurred Sunday evening. The Easton Foundation would also like to send out a special thanks to our Sheriff’s Department and all those who work hard to keep our community safe.
Steve Singleton was a strong supporter and great friend to the The Easton Foundation. The Foundation was started in memory of Steve Singleton and Sonya Hix’s son, Easton Singleton, after his passing on April 25, 2012. Steve was a wonderful asset to the community and a friend to anyone he met. He, along with the other lives that were taken too soon, will be greatly missed. The Easton Foundation will continue to reach and empower teens like Steve would have wanted.”
Board member Pamela Fain says the foundation will continue with its mission of providing scholarships, mentoring and other types of assistance to teens and their families.
For more information about The Easton Foundation contact the foundation directly at theeastonfoundation@yahoo.com or (706) 778-2491.
Mail donations to:
The Easton Foundation
P.O Box 127
Alto, GA 30510
Life in Motion: Maddie the weather girl
Now Habersham presents Maddie the weather girl.
9-year old Maddie Palmer of Batesville delivers her first on-air weather report. Maddie is in 4th grade and goes to school (when it’s not snowing) at Clarkesville Elementary.