Piedmont baseball preseason poll

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January 21, 2015

Fayetteville, N.C. – The Piedmont College Baseball team has been selected to finish 3rd in the 2015 USA South Preseason Poll released earlier today by the conference. The poll, which is voted on by the 11 head coaches within the league, saw Piedmont receive a total of 82 points as well as a first place nod.

Picked to finish at the top of the league was Ferrum College who took the top spot by just a single point with 94 overall and claiming seven of the 11 first place votes. The Panthers finished the 2014 season with a share of the USA South Championship after finishing with a 19-8 record, the same as Covenant who received the conference bid to the NCAA tournament holding the head-to-head tie-breaker.

One year removed from that NCAA tournament appearance, Covenant came in a close second in the USA South Preseason Coaches Poll with 93 points and three first place votes. Piedmont was the final team to receive a first place vote taking the third spot.

The Lions return relief pitcher Allen Tokarz who was named an All-South Region pick by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) after posting the second lowest ERA in the entire USA South Athletic Conference during 2014. Piedmont also returns four of the five athletes who earned a spot on the 2014 All-Conference listing as Tokarz, first baseman Breck Davidson, second baseman Will Skidmore and outfielder Evan Gresham all return for the Lions.

Finishing one spot below Piedmont was Methodist claiming 74 points while Huntingdon with 65 points rounded out the top five. Spots six through 10 mirrored how these teams finished in the 2014 standings as it was N.C. Wesleyan in 6th (52 points), LaGrange in 7th (44 points), Maryville in 8th (37 points), Averett in 9th (35 points) and Greensboro in 10th (16 points).

The final spot belongs to newcomer William Peace as the Pacers will be fielding a baseball team in the conference for the first time. In their first preseason poll, the Pacers were selected to finish 11th with 13 points.

Three teams within the league are currently representing the USA South on a national scale as Piedmont, Covenant and Huntingdon are all in the “Others receiving votes” category of the D3Baseball.com Preseason National Top-25 Poll.

Piedmont will begin the 2014 season on the road against Maryville for a three game series February 6-8. The Lions will then open play at Loudermilk Stadium the following weekend hosting LaGrange. Throughout the season home action will be available on the Mane Event Broadcasting Network as well as through WCON Radio.

2015 USA South Baseball Coaches Preseason Poll
Rank Institution (1st Place Votes) Pts.
1. Ferrum (7) 94
2. Covenant (3) 93
3. Piedmont (1) 82
4. Methodist 74
5. Huntingdon 65
6. N.C. Wesleyan 52
7. LaGrange 44
8. Maryville 37
9. Averett 35
10. Greensboro 16
11. William Peace 13

Have mercy on me!

By

Pastor Mike Franklin

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January 21, 2015

From Luke 18:35-43, we read about a blind beggar who receives his sight. “As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ He called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,^‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord, I want to see,’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.”

There are many incidences in scripture where the people around the person in need discourage him or her from crying out to God. David, Job, Paul, and many others all heard the naysayers around them echoing the same sentiment, “Be quiet! God can’t deliver you! Who are you that God would even listen?”

In Luke 18 it is no different. A blind beggar is sitting by the road, and he hears the commotion of Jesus Christ. He hears the crowds calling out for Him. He knows something big is happening, and he asks, “What is going on?”

The people around him tell him “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by!”

To relate, it would probably be like a celebrity of today in a parade of sorts where many have gathered, maybe The President of the United States. You ask, “Who is that?” You are told, and you start shouting his name. Immediately, those around you laugh at you. They tell you to hush! What a fool you are to think he would stop for you!

But Jesus is different. He hears the man despite the noise around Him. He orders the disciples to bring the man to Him, and He questions the man as to what He can do for him.

I’ve heard many cries from the altar at the church I serve. I’ve heard many cries from hospital rooms, at graveside, in prison cells, at bank foreclosures; the one assurance I know, that I know, that I know, is Jesus Christ of Nazareth never just passes by. He stops and asks, “Yes? What can I do for you?”

His answer is simple. It is not by His choosing to give the blind man sight. He didn’t say, “Let me consider your plight and get back to you.” Instead, He tells the man “receive your sight.” I don’t believe He was referring to vision; He was talking about a life of following Him, of knowing Him, an eye-opening experience on the path of eternal life. The blind man’s vision is restored by His faith because He cried out to Him despite the ones around Him.

I do not know why some people are healed here on earth and others healed in Heaven. I do not know why some people receive a financial miracle and others receive the restoration later. But I do know that the needs you have are always heard by our King. He doesn’t keep walking by but instead, calls us to the throne of His grace.

Hold tightly to this truth and never doubt the ability of God to restore your sight.

Legislative Update: Rep. Dan Gasaway (R-Homer)

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Rep. Dan Gasaway

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January 21, 2015

Rep. Dan Gasaway (R-Homer) represents the 28th GA House District. His district includes Stephens and Banks Counties and the southern end of Habersham.

The 153rd legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly began on Monday, January 12. Because it was the first day of the 2015-2016 term, all members of the Georgia House of Representatives were sworn into office. Elections were held for Speaker and Speaker Pro-Tempore. David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) and Jan Jones (R-Milton) were reelected to their respective positions. Governor Nathan Deal’s inauguration was moved into the House Chamber, due to cold, rainy weather. This ceremony completed the first day’s agenda.

On Wednesday, January 14, Governor Deal delivered the State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature. He began his address by highlighting the progress the state has made in recovering from The Great Recession. Governor Deal mapped out his agenda for this two year session of the General Assembly (2015-2016). The Governor called for the creation of an Education Reform Commission. This commission will be composed of legislators, educators, and other key stakeholders. The role of the commission is to study issues including increasing access to early learning programs and recruiting and retaining high quality teachers. It appears this commission also will be given the charge to develop proposals to modernize the state’s school funding formula from the 1980’s (QBE). Initially, modernization of the school funding formula was to be addressed this year in the legislature, but it appears that legislative action will be postponed until next year. Discussion on this issue is long overdue.

A controversial education issue that will be addressed this year is a proposed Constitutional Amendment to create “Opportunity School Districts.” If passed, this amendment will create a mechanism for the State to take over failing school systems. The debate on this issue certainly will create much media attention. A Constitutional Amendment requires a two- thirds vote of the Georgia House. The Governor also indicated support for continued increases in education funding.

The Governor’s address also indicated support for increased funding for the Department of Family and Children’s Services caseworkers and foster parents. After last session, an initiative to privatize foster care was tested is a few areas of Georgia. This privatization effort met with less than stellar results and in short, the existing system will stay in place with additional funding. I believe this is the correct move, especially for rural Georgia.

Governor Deal expressed a desire to help Georgia families who have become “medical refugees” (families who have been forced to move to states like Colorado to seek medical treatments not available in Georgia for their children.) Many Georgians followed the debate about medical cannabis oil in the last hours of the 2014 session. The debate continued after the session ended, and new proposals have been introduced for consideration in this year’s session. This is a complicated issue on which I will expand more in next week’s column.

The Governor declared the need for the legislature to address the state’s diminishing transportation funds. He said a combination of factors including increasing state population, increased fuel efficiency, and under investment in the past, have put our road system in a state of disrepair. This issue is another that is sure to be complicated and controversial over the next three months.

I welcome your thoughts and opinions as we move through the debate on some very controversial issues this session. I can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 404-656-0325. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

Patricia Ann Ausborn Murray

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Staff Report

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January 21, 2015

Patricia Ann Ausborn Murray, age 71 of Carnesville, passed away Monday, January, 19, 2015, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

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Make it eight for Lady Lions

By

Joy Purcell

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January 21, 2015

Demorest, GA – The Piedmont College women’s basketball team trailed at halftime but rallied in the second half to win their 8th straight game taking a 78-64 win over visiting Methodist University in the Cave on Sunday afternoon.

The Lady Lions shot almost 55% from the floor in the second half overtaking the Monarchs who held a slim one-point lead at the break. The occassion marked the first time Piedmont had trailed at halftime since needing to rally in the second half of a road win at Meredith. The Lady Lions were behind by seven to the Avenging Angels before scoring 53 in the second half to earn a 20-point win back on January 2.

TAYLOR SWOSZOWSKI led her team in scoring for the first time this season depositing 18 on six of nine shooting from the field connecting on three of her four tries from downtown. Four Lady Lions were in double figures including a 15-point, 8-rebound performance from local standout CARLY SALES.

Sales’ high school teammate, sophomore BRIANNA BARRETT, had 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds as well while newcomer CARLIE SHIELDS had ten and led the team with her four assists. Barrett and Swoszowski each added three helpers as well.

Both teams started out cold with neither squad hitting a field goal until Methodist hit on a layup with more than four minutes gone in the first half. Despite the Monarchs scoring first to end the drought, Piedmont would take control holding a 16-6 lead after a three-point play the old fashioned way from MARY KATE RUSHTON with just over ten minutes remaining in the half.

Down by ten, the Monarchs went on a 16-4 run capped by back-to-back threes from Kayla Pless with the second at the 6:16 mark putting the Monarchs in front for the first time since the opening minutes. Piedmont pulled even twice, but Methodist was able to use Sydney Bryan down low to hold up a 1-point lead at the break after a Swoszowski layup trimmed the advantage down.

Shot out of a cannon after the intermission, Piedmont came out to light up the board and get the fans on their feet with Swoszowski hitting on a three in the early going that put her team back in front by two. An 11-2 run over the first four minutes let the Lady Lions once again take hold as the home team would not relinquish the lead again on the afternoon.

Near the midway point of the 2nd, Piedmont scored on four straight possessions with all those points coming in the paint, an area the Lady Lions controlled after allowing Methodist’s Bryan to score 11 points in the first half. Bryan was held by the PC defense to just four points in the second.

A three from Barrett with 8:19 left was the first of two straight for the sophomore and three straight for Piedmont as Swoszowski also connected from deep exactly two minutes later with the Green and Gold feeling a win was within grasp.

Methodist would climb as close as six with 3:32 left on a Monique Lofton three. Each time the Monarchs made a run, Piedmont had an answer though and despite their recent troubles at the line, the Lady Lions connected on six straight tries from the charity stripe from that point on to put the game out of reach.

Piedmont shot 80% from the free throw line in the second half alone. The win was the 8th straight for the Lady Lions who are tearing through USA South competition with an undefeated 6-0 league mark intact.

PC is 13-1 overall, tied for the best such record in the USA South along with nationally ranked Maryville College who cracked the top 25 in both the D3hoops.com and USA Today/WBCA polls back on January 6th. The Scots visit Cave Arena on January 31 with coverage provided live on the Mane Event Broadcasting Network and WCON Radio.

The next contest for Piedmont will be a road test at Ferrum College on Friday, January 23 in Virginia with tip off in the contest set for 7:30 pm. Live stats and video coverage will be provided courtesy of the Office of Sports Information at Ferrum College.

Suspected drug trafficker arrested

By

Joy Purcell

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January 21, 2015

A Gainesville man suspected of trafficking drugs in Habersham, Hall, White and Lumpkin Counties is behind bars. 62-year old Franklin Edwards was arrested following a two month long, multi-agency investigation. He was nabbed when agents executed a search warrant at a residence on Riverbend Circle in Gainesville.

Drug agents seized $120,000 worth of marijuana and meth and over $16,000 in cash.

The Hall County MANS Unit, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic Squad, and the North Georgia Regional Drug Enforcement Office seized 8 pounds of high grade marijuana and 780 grams of crystal methamphetamine. They also seized over $16,000 in cash. The illegal narcotics have a street value of $120,000.

Regional Drug Enforcement Office Special Agent in Charge Mitchell Posey says the investigation revealed Edwards distributed approximately 2 pounds of illegal narcotics a week in the four north Georgia counties.

He’s charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Edwards is being held in the Hall County Detention Center.

The North Georgia Drug Task Force is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Habersham County, Stephens County, and Rabun County, along with the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Crumley’s future with Demorest uncertain

By

Joy Purcell

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January 21, 2015

A called Demorest City Council meeting Tuesday did little to ease tensions in the town as speculation continues to swirl over who is responsible for the alleged theft of more than half a million dollars from the city’s water fund.

The mayor and council met in a closed door executive session for nearly two hours. They returned to open session and quickly adjourned without taking any action.

Juanita Crumley, center, stands with family and supporters outside council chambers as the Demorest City Council meets inside in executive session.

As the council met inside, family and supporters of embattled former Demorest City Manager Juanita Crumley waited outside with her. Crumley – who routinely stays to take minutes during executive sessions – left just a few minutes into the closed door session and was called back in by the council an hour and a half later.

After nearly four decades on the job, Crumley’s future with Demorest remains uncertain. Some members of the public have joined former city councilwoman Florence Wikle in calling for Crumley’s ouster on the heels of a year-and-a-half long investigation that uncovered nearly $600,000 in missing money.

No suspects have been named and no arrests have been made in connection with the money’s disappearance.

Crumley's supporters try to catch a glimpse of the proceedings through closed blinds. They waited outside in the cold for two hours while council met in executive session. Crumley's supporters try to catch a glimpse of the proceedings through closed blinds. They waited outside in the cold for two hours while council met in executive session. — Crumley’s supporters try to catch a glimpse of the proceedings through closed blinds. They waited outside in the cold for two hours while council met in executive session.

Mayor Rick Austin told reporters after the meeting that the council discussed personnel matters and the investigation into the missing funds. “These are serious matters that are being discussed by the council with serious consequences and, at this point and time, the council is still under consideration of several matters that are before us and we expect a conclusion and a decision on Tuesday night at the next meeting.”

Although Austin would not specify, every indication is that the council is considering Crumley’s fate.

Crumley served as Demorest City Manager for 39 years. She was recently demoted to City Clerk in the wake of the water fund investigation.

The tension in council chambers was palpable at the start of Tuesday’s meeting as Crumley’s supporters stood to defend her and pressed the council to explain why she was demoted. See Tensions run high in Demorest. When the meeting ended Mayor Austin asked Demorest police chief Greg Ellingson to clear the room. That didn’t sit well with at least one Crumley supporter. Betty Gragg says she’s upset that the mayor didn’t ask people to disperse more politely. “What kind of leadership is that? That’s very heartbreaking to me that he asked thirty people here, ‘Okay, clear the courtroom.’ I mean, who does that?”

Gragg says she stands by Crumley and says, “I know that she is doing a good job. It’s obvious that they have been audited many times and they have not found anything (prior to the investigation).” Gragg questions why Demorest’s auditors are not being held accountable for not catching the missing money earlier.

Now Habersham reached out to Crumley and her family for comment. They declined to be interviewed.

The Demorest City Council will hold its regularly scheduled work session next Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 6:30pm. The location has not yet been determined. The council is looking for a larger venue to accommodate the public so that those who attend will not have to wait outside during executive session. The meeting location will be announced here on Now Habersham prior to the meeting.

Harper and Anderson to lead county commission

By

Michelle Wetherbee

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January 20, 2015

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners is under new leadership. District 2 Commissioner Andrea Harper was elected Commission Chair during the board’s meeting Tuesday night. Newly-elected District 3 Commissioner Victor Anderson will serve as Vice-Chair.

Harper was elected by a 3-2 vote. District 1 Commissioner Sonny James and District 4 Commissioner Natalie Crawford cast the dissenting votes.

Harper served as Commission Vice-Chair in 2014. She succeeds Chad Henderson as Chair. Henderson left office at the end of last year after choosing not to run for reelection.

Harper is the former Better Hometown Manager for the City of Cornelia. She was first elected to the county commission in 2010, defeating former Cornelia mayor Don Higgins. She was reelected to office last November.

Habersham County Board of Commissioner's Vice-Chair Victor Anderson. — Habersham County Board of Commissioner’s Vice-Chair Victor Anderson.

In a statement Harper said:

“I want to thank my fellow commissioners who supported my nomination for Chair. I am touched and honored by their support. I believe this is the first time in 20 years that there has been a Commission Chair from my district, District 2. I am also very pleased that Commissioner Victor Anderson agreed to be Vice-Chair and I’m looking forward to a productive year.”

Harper was instrumental in helping to diffuse tensions between the City of Clarkesville and county residents who were at odds over the now defunct Soque Scenic Byway. She is actively involved in the community and is highly visible, regularly attending local city council meetings and other public events. Harper lives in Baldwin.

Anderson is a life-long resident of Habersham County and one of the owners of Anderson Carpet in Alto. This is the first time he’s held public office.

Tensions run high in Demorest

By

Michelle Wetherbee

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January 20, 2015

Tensions were high at the beginning of the called session of the City Council in Demorest Tuesday night. In an audience packed with supporters of former City Manager Juanita Crumley, several residents stood to make comments on her behalf. They expressed support for Crumley and wanted to know the reasons behind her recent demotion to City Clerk.

Two speakers questioned comments made by former City Councilwoman Florence Wikle during a work session on December 29. Wikle has been an outspoken critic of Crumley’s performance as City Manager since it’s been revealed nearly $600,000 is missing from the city’s water fund. Mayor Rick Austin made clear to the audience that Wikle’s comments had not affected his opinion on the issue. Councilman John Popham commented, “Juanita’s problem is that she is too nice.” Mayor Austin then reminded the crowd that all residents of Demorest were entitled to make their voice heard, but that did not mean that everyone would agree all the time.

Wesley Yearwood presents his water bills and questions to the Council. — Wesley Yearwood presents his water bills and questions to the Demorest City Council Tuesday. He questioned why he was billed for 5 months of service at one time.

In other business, Resident Wesley Yearwood brought forward questions concerning his water bill. His first bill was for more than 5 months of service and then the next bill, he questioned as well. Mayor Austin reassured Yearwood that the matter would be investigated and that Yearwood would hear back within 24 hours.

The Council then went into executive session around 7pm. Ten minutes later Crumley exited the meeting and stood in the cold with her family and supporters. She was called back into the closed door meeting at 8:30pm. Council reconvened in open session thirty minutes later. The meeting was then quickly adjourned.

For more details and video of Tuesday night’s meeting see Crumley’s future with Demorest uncertain.

Called meeting tonight in Demorest

By

Joy Purcell

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January 20, 2015

Demorest City Council will hold a special called meeting tonight. Mayor Rick Austin says the purpose of the meeting is to discuss personnel and litigation. He says the council will spend much of its time in executive session. A vote is expected once executive session ends.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:30pm in council chambers at the Demorest Municipal Building located at 125 Ivy Street.

Four arrested for drugs in Clarkesville

By

Joy Purcell

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January 20, 2015

Four suspects are in jail following a routine traffic stop that turned into a drug bust in Clarkesville. Clarkesville Police Chief Brad Barrett says one of his officers stopped a vehicle for a tag violation around noon Sunday and discovered a large assortment of drugs inside the vehicle.

Agents with the North Georgia Regional Drug Enforcement Office were called in to assist. Special Agent in Charge Mitchell Posey says officers seized $5,000 worth of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, hydrocodone, Xanax, morphine, and diazepam.

The suspects are identified as 59-year old Keith Fortenberry, 53-year old Larry Wood and 32-year old Billy Burton, all of Cleveland. 33-year old Michelle Scott of Toccoa was also arrested.

Officers seized a wide assortment of illegal street drugs and prescription meds.

All four are charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of morphine with intent to distribute, possession of Xanax, possession of hydrocodone, and possession of diazepam. They’re being held in the Habersham County jail.

Barrett says, while drug busts are not uncommon in Clarkesville, this one was unusually large. “It’s not an every day occurrence but we do see a good bit of narcotics-related stuff.” He says he’s pleased with how his officer handled the situation. “He did a very good job. It’s a large amount of narcotics for a traffic stop.”

The regional drug task force is now handling the case. Posey says the investigation continues.

The North Georgia Drug Task Force is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County, along with the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Arthur Eugene “Gene” Hill

By

Staff Report

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January 20, 2015

Arthur Eugene “Gene” Hill, age 84, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015.

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