Dawson Board of Education Meeting Sept. 13
Announcements, Board of Education September 13, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Dawson County Board of Education is holding its monthly meeting on Sept. 13 at 5:00 p.m.
The meeting is open to the public. This is the agenda for the meeting.
1. Call To Order
2. Welcome, Invocation & Pledge To The Flag
3. Approval Of Agenda
4. Special Recognition & Celebrations
a. Partner in Education
b. School Resource Officers (SRO)
5. Presentation & Discussion Items
a. Department Update – School Nutrition
b. Department Update: School Safety
6. Consent Agenda
a. SRO Contract
b. CTAE Grants
c. FY23 Tribunal Training Plan
d. Local Board Training Plan
e. Beacon Award Nomination
f. Update to Policy IEDA – Recess/Unstructured Break Time
g. Update to Policy JB – Student Attendance
h. Addition of Policy JBCD – Transfer and Withdrawals
i. Monthly Financial Reports
j. Minutes
7. Action Items
a. Update to Policy BCBI: Public Participation in Board Meetings
8. Citizen’s Comments
9. Board Member Comments
10. Superintendent’s Report
11. Executive Session
12. Personnel
a. Personnel Actions September 2022
13. Adjourn
Commissioners Meeting Sept. 15
Announcements, Community September 12, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Commissioners are holding the second work session and meeting of the month on Sept. 15 beginning with the work session are 4:00 p.m.
The meeting and work session are open to the public. This is the agenda for both.
Work Session:
. Presentation of Request for Assistant District Attorney Supplement- District Attorney Lee
Darragh
2. Presentation of Continuation Application for Victims of Crime Act Grant for FY 2023-
District Attorney Lee Darragh
3. Presentation of Request for Raffle Fundraiser to Benefit Emergency Services- Interim
Emergency Services Director Jason Dooley
4. Presentation of Request to Use Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax VI Funds to
Upgrade Fields at Rock Creek Park- Parks & Recreation Director Matt Payne
5. Presentation of FY 2023 Intergovernmental Agreement between Dawson County and the
Board of Education Concerning School Resource Officers- County Attorney
6. County Manager Report
7. County Attorney Report
Regular Meeting:
A. ROLL CALL
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Work Session held on September 1, 2022
2. Minutes of the Voting Session held on September 1, 2022
E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
G. ZONINGS
1. ZA 22-15 – Jim King requests to rezone TMP 097-017 from RSR (Residential Sub-Rural)
to RPC (Residential Planned Community) for purposes of developing a 332-lot subdivision
with amenities area (Grizzle Road).
2. ZA 22-19 – Jim King requests to rezone TMP 107-053 and 107-272 from RA (Residential
Agriculture) to RMF (Residential Multi-Family) for purposes of developing 152 multifamily dwellings (Lee Castleberry Road).
VR 22-14 – Jim King requests to vary from the Dawson County Land Use Resolution
Article III Section 308.C.6.B – varies from the width of driveways in RMF.
3. ZA 22-20 – Miles, Hansford & Tallant LLC on behalf of Dawson Yards LLC requests to
rezone TMP 113-017, 113-018 and 113-096 from RSRMM (Residential Sub-Rural
Manufactured Moved) and CHB (Commercial Highway Business) to CIR
(Commercial Industrial Restricted) for purposes of developing office/warehouse space
(Highway 53 East).
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Request to Use County Facility Parking Lots During Mountain
Moonshine Festival and Use of Transfer Station Following Festival
2. Consideration of Shop with a Cop Fundraiser
3. Consideration of RFP #406-22 – Debris Removal and Disposal Services Results
4. Consideration of 2023 Payroll and Holiday Calendar
5. Consideration of 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule
6. Consideration of Annexation C2200122
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
Page 2 of 2
J. ADJOURNMENT
Dawson Board of Education Meeting Aug. 9
Announcements, Board of Education August 9, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Dawson County Board of Education will be holding the regular meeting and a called meeting on Aug. 9 the regular meeting is at 5:00 p.m. and the called meeting is at 6:00 p.m.
The meetings are open to the public. This is the agenda for the regular meeting and the called meeting.
Regular Meeting:
1. Call To Order
2. Welcome, Invocation & Pledge To The Flag
3. Approval Of Agenda
4. Special Recognition & Celebrations
- Because Coffee
5. Presentation & Discussion Items
- Facilities/Operations Update
6. Consent Agenda
- Monthly Financial Reports
- School Student Activity Reports
- Surplus Bus #233
- Minutes
- Policy IKBB – Divisive Concepts Complaint Resolution Process
- Overnight or Out-Of-State Field Trips
7. Action Items
8. Citizen’s Comments
9. Board Member Comments
10. Superintendent’s Report
11. Executive Session
12. Personnel
- Personnel Actions August 2022
13. Adjourn
Called Meeting:
Purpose of the Called Board Meeting: Setting of the FY23 Millage hearing.
1. Roll Call
2. Call To Order
3. Approval Of Agenda
4. Presentation & Discussion Items
- FY23 Millage Rate Presentation
5. Citizens’ Comments
6. Action Items
- The setting of the FY23 Millage and Adoption of the Resolution
7. Adjournment
Commissioners approve pay hike for paramedics
News April 17, 2021
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners made two major investments in public safety Thursday.
The first came during the voting session when commissioners approved a 15 percent across-the-board salary increase for paramedic/firefighters, a $20,000 educational incentive to pay for training to become certified as a paramedic and a $2 an hour stipend for paramedic/firefighters when they ride the med unit.
Additionally, commissioners will research how other incentives like life insurance benefits and retirement pay should be adjusted to help the county recruit and retain paramedics.
Commissioners also authorized the establishment of a pay scale that would reward applicants for their years of experience. An applicant with 10 years’ experience, for example, would receive a higher starting base pay than an applicant with only one year of experience.
The Board’s action came two weeks after Public Safety Director/Fire Chief Danny Thompson told commissioners the county is facing a dangerous shortage of paramedics. Thompson said he has six openings and only one job applicant in the last six months.
The second investment came when commissioners unanimously approved (with Commissioner Chris Gaines absent) the purchase of two new ambulances at a cost of approximately $395,000 each.
The rationale for ordering two is that it takes one year to build and deliver an ambulance and by the time it arrives, at least one more will be needed. The county now has five ambulances and three of those have more than 130,000 miles.
In other votes, the Board approved:
- ZA 21-04 – Kyle Woody’s request to rezone 1.5 acres of TMP 097-009 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) for the purpose of subdividing the parcel per RSR guidelines of the parent parcel and building a primary residence;
- ZA 21-05 – Corey Gutherie’s request to rezone 6 acres of TMP 053-015 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RRE (Residential Rural Estate) for the purpose of subdividing the parcel per RRE guidelines;
- ZA 21-06 – Larry Bishop’s request to rezone TMP 104-022 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) for the purpose of subdividing the parcel per RSR guidelines;
- Reappointment of Don Cargill to the Library Board;
- Postponed consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement Between City of Dawsonville and Dawson County Concerning Trail Infrastructure for Pedestrian Access Between Main Street Park and Library.
BOC to address issue of paramedic pay
News April 13, 2021
EMS Director Danny Thompson
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners will tackle an issue that has become a problem throughout the state and nation, – attracting and retaining full-time paramedics when it meets in a voting session Thursday afternoon.
The voting session will immediately follow a work session that begins at 4 p.m.
Two weeks ago EMS Director Danny Thompson informed the Board that three full-time paramedics have left the county in the last couple of weeks and that he has seven full-time firefighter/paramedic six part-time firefighter/paramedic vacancies but only one application in the past six months.
The problem is that the county has to compete with larger counties with larger budgets as well as hospitals and private companies, all of which pay more than Dawson County.
Thompson presented commissioners with three Paramedic and Educational Incentives plans that have a price tag range of $75,592 to $207,276 annually.
The Board will also consider Thompson’s request to purchase an ambulance and equipment at a cost of $395,000. The department has $240,000 available from impact fees and will need $155,294 to make the purchase. Thompson said he has five ambulances and three have logged more than 130,000 miles.
Other items on the voting session agenda include:
- A public hearing on the adoption of a Broadband Ready Community Ordinance that would allow the county to apply for funding through state grants;
- A request by Kyle Woody to rezone 1.5 acres of TMP 097-009 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) for the purpose of subdividing the parcel per RSR guidelines of the parent parcel and building a primary residence;
- A request by Corey Gutherie requests to rezone 6 acres of TMP 053-015 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RRE (Residential Rural Estate) for the purpose of subdividing the parcel per RRE guidelines;
- A request by Larry Bishop to rezone TMP 104-022 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) for the purpose of subdividing the parcel per RSR guidelines;
- Consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement Between City of Dawsonville and Dawson County Concerning Trail Infrastructure for Pedestrian Access Between Main Street Park and Library;
- Consideration of Board Appointment of Don Cargill to the Library Board.
Items that will be discussed during the 4 p.m. work session include:
- Presentation of Ambulance Billing Ordinance and Policy Change;
- Presentation of Request to Accept FY 2021 Georgia Trauma Commission EMS Trauma Related Equipment Grant;
- Presentation of FY 2021 Legacy Link Contract Addendum No. 2;
- Presentation of Request by Parks and Recreation Director Matt Payne to Use Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax VI Overage Funds;
- The appointment of David Yenerall to the Library Board;
- A discussion of Special Tax Districts by Commissioner Tim Satterfield;
- County Manager Report.
City Council will make appointments to Planning Commission and Historic Commission
Business October 30, 2020
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — City Council will make appointments to the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission when it meets in regular session at 5 p.m. Monday (Oct. 2) I the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on 2nd Floor at City Hall.
Dawson County Fire Chief Danny Thompson will provide an overview of the Dawson County Fire Department and Emergency Management System
Council will consider bids on the construction and repainting of Burt’s Crossing Elevated Tank.
Dawsonville City Council meeting Monday
News March 15, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — The Dawsonville City Council will hold a combined regular meeting and work session Monday (March 16) at 5 P.M. on the second floor in Dawsonville City Hall, 415 Hwy. 53 East
Commissioners are expected to approve Planning Commission training for Susan Theisen in the amount of $350 and a resolution to donate $1,245.72 for the purchase of specialty equipment for Georgia State Patrol Post 37 in recognition of the substantial benefit the GSP and its officers provide to the citizens of the City of Dawsonville.
David Pickleseimer
An award will be presented to David Pickleseimer, the City’s Employee of the Month. Cody Mason will receive a two-years’ service award.
Council will hold the second reading of the following:
An ordinance to eliminate term limits for members of the City Of Dawsonville Historic Preservation Commission and to clarify the Certificate of Appropriateness;
Cody Mason
An ordinance to define the composition of the Animal Control Board, provide a method of appointment and staggered terms of Board Members.
Council will hold the first reading of the following:
An Ordinance To amend Subpart B, Chapter 109 Of The Code Of The City Of Dawsonville related to zoning districts for unpaved and/or gravel roadways within the city limits and to the gravel road specifications related to paving and stormwater;
An Ordinance to amend Section 2-110 to provide for revised utilities fees and water and sewer rates;
Council will consider the appointment of Clint Harper to Planning Commission Post 2 and Carrie Falstrom to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Personnel Policy updates pertaining to hunting on city property will also be under consideration.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Development Authority meeting scheduled for Tuesday
News October 21, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Development Authority of Dawson County will meet at 9 am. Tuesday (Oct. 22) in the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority Board Room, 1162 Ga. Hwy. 53 in Dawsonville.
Items to be discussed include the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the Authority and Dawson County Board of Commissioners approved at Thursday’s commission meeting. The agreement provides for funding of the Authority at an annual rate of 15 percent of one mill based on a countywide M&O through Dec. 31, 2029. Payments are to be made on the first day of each calendar quarter.
Attorney Joey Homans will make a presentation on the potential paving of West Hightower Road, a private road in Dawson County.
Financial Director Mike Ball will present the Authority’s financial report.
Development Authority Chairman Brian Trapnell will provide updates on the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant and the Housing Task Force as well as a proposal for website services. The ARC grant is a $100,000 grant with 50 percent provided by the federal government.
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Christie Moore and Economic Director Betsy McGriff will present an Economic Development Director Betsy McGriff will present an economic development report.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
BOC will consider employee compensation study Thursday
News December 4, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will hold a 4 p.m. work session Thursday (Dec. 5) in the Dawson County Government Center Assembly Room, 25 Justice Way in Dawsonville, followed by a voting session at 6 p.m.
During the 6 p.m. voting session Dr. Donald Long of the Management Advisory Group will present the final results of a Compensation and Classification Study conducted for the Board of Commissioners.
The study found that of the 332 employees covered in the study that 119 receive compensation that is below the proposed market minimum. It also found that if a full-range of equity adjustments are implemented that compensation would increase for 219.
The study offered three options for the Board’s consideration.
In option 1, the estimated annualized cost calculation at 100 percent of the market average would cost $917,180.
Option 2, the estimated annualized cost calculation at 105 percent of the market average would be $1,434,592.
Option 3, the estimated annualized cost calculation at 110 percent of market average would be $2,054,061
Leslie Clark of the Dawson County Library System will seek direction from the Board on how to access impact fee funds to purchase new materials for the main library and the Library Annex.
Commissioners also are expected to vote on an application for an alcohol license for the retail package sale of beer and wine for Uk Thakar.
During the 4 p.m. work session, commissioners will hear a proposal from Brooke Anderson, General Manager of the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (EWSA) regarding its proposal to sell 300 acres of land at the corner of Hwy. 9 and Dawson Forest Road.
EWSA, which entered into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the county concerning the disposition of the land, approved a purchase contract with DR Horton at its Board meeting on Nov.14, Per the IGA, the Authority will present the recommended proposal to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.
Public Defender Brad Morris will request approval of the FY 2020 IGA between Dawson and Hall counties. The counties have shared the cost of two employees of the public defender’s office since 2005. The cost to Dawson County is $83,563.20 and the amount has been approved in the 2020 budget.
Public Relations Specialist Laura Fulcher and Planning Director Jameson Kinley will ask the Board to consider the purchase of Zencity, a data-driven decision making tool for local government that reportedly gathers feedback from citizens to help commissioners better understand the concerns of citizens in order to make more informed decisions. The cost is $18,000 for the first 12 months of service.
Family Connection Coordinator Nancy Stites will present a Dawson County Community Partnership, Inc./Family Connection fiscal agent request to the Board. Family Connection coordinates programs such as mentoring, school-based health clinics, Stewards of Children training and underage drinking prevention.
The Board will also consider the appointment of Tom Camp or Tim Goodyear to the Board of Tax Assessors.
Commissioners also will discuss the appointment of a vice chairman of the Board of Commissioners for 2020 and a revision of the Dawson County Employee Handbook
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Dawsonville City Council meets Monday at 5:30
News August 2, 2019
City Manager Bob Bolz
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council will hold a regular meeting Monday Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
Public Works Director Trampas Hansard will propose council approve funding for street lighting at Main Street Park in the amount of $119,275. The expenditure is not included in the list of approved special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) projects nor is it provided for in the general fund budget. If approved, it will be funded out of the city reserves.
A public hearing will be held on certain adjustments to the zoning ordinance approved late last year. Staff indicated that since the ordinance has been in use some need for adjustments have been noted and that the proposed adjustments would refine the ordinance for its best use.
Council will also decide on the issuance of a license for retail consumption on the premises for beer, wine and distilled spirits to I Love N.Y. Pizza of Dawsonville, Inc. located at 29 Main Street Suite 140-160.
The annual Kare for Kids Moonshine festival is set for Oct. 25-27 which requires city council to approve street closings. Georgia Department of Transportation has approved closing Hwy. 53 at Jack Heard and Hwy. 9 at the Middle School from 3 p.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Sunday.
Council is expected to vote on closing Academy St., Gober Sosebee St., Bernard Long St., and Bill Elliot St. from 3 p.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday and Allen Street from Hwy. 53 east to the library and Memory Lane from Jack Heard to Main Street from 7 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday.
There will also be three first readings Monday, including:
- Business license/short-term rental regulations;
- Small wireless facilities ordinance;
- An ordinance to amend general penalties for violations of city ordinances and fees for city services.
Council will also consider:
- Approval to grant City Manager Bob Bolz the authority to approve change orders should they be needed for Farmers’ Market up to the amount of his signing limit;
- Appointment of members to the Board of Directors for the Dawsonville Historic Museum.
Council has postponed a hearing on the appointment of an Ethics Board.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
City council set to adopt FY 2019-20 budget
News June 2, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. –Dawsonville City Council is set to approve a resolution to adopt the $7,006,090 FY 2019-2020 budget during the regular meeting Monday (June 3) at 5:30 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers.
The general fund revenue and expenditures are balanced at $2,174,484. SPLOST VI revenue is projected to be $1,812,812, an increase of approximately $425,000 from last year. The council held the first public hearing on May 20.
Plans for the city’s proposed farmer’s market are expected to take a giant step forward if council approve Magnum Contracting, LLC’s bid to build the facility. Magnum submitted the low bid of $852,380 to construct the 7,500 square foot facility that includes a pavilion 34 parking spaces, picnic area, playground and restrooms.
The property is located between the city municipal complex and Dawson County Junior High School.
In other business, council will consider approval of:
An agreement with the Amicalola Farmer’s Market;
An agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for FY 2019-2020;
A request to waive the permit fees for the Dawsonville Annual Fireworks Event;
Postponement of appointments to the Ethics Board until August 5.
There are also a number of annexation requests on the council agenda, including:
A request by Dan S. and Vanita L. Anderson to annex into the city limits a portion of the 12.19-acre tract at 378 Shoal Creek Road, with a request to rezone from County Zoning of RA (Residential Exurban/Agriculture) to City Zoning of R1 (Single Family Residential). Council held a public on March 18;
A request by James E. Bottoms to annex into the city the 80-acre tract located at Cleve Wright Road, with a request to rezone from County Zoning of RA (Residential Exurban/Agriculture) to City Zoning of RA (Restricted Agriculture). Council held a public hearing on May 20;
A petition to annex property located at 551 Gold Bullion Drive West into the city, with a request to rezone from County Zoning of RPC (Residential Planned Community) to City Zoning of PUD (Planned Unit Development). Council held a public hearing on 20;
There are also several rezoning requests on the agenda, including:
Ensite Civil Consulting LLC’s request for a zoning amendment on 38.58 acres located at 592 Hwy 53 West, from R-3 (Single Family) to RPC (Residential Planned Community). Council held a public hearing on April 22. A decision was postponed at the applicant’s request until June 3.
Ensite Civil Consulting LLC’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a density variance for property located at 592 Hwy 53 West;
Mostafa Elahy’s request for an amendment to the zoning stipulations for 9.14 acres located at 280 Maple Street South;
Larry Lowman’s request for a zoning amendment on a 5-acre portion of property located at Reece Road and Elliott Family Parkway, from R1 (Single Family Residential) to LI (Light Industrial). Council held a public hearing on May 20.
Council will also vote on rules and regulations governing the use of city hall meeting rooms. The cost to rent council chambers for half a day is proposed at $150. The smaller Joe Lane Cox room is expected to be set at $125 for half a day.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Commission Chair candidate drops bombshell at BOC meeting
News November 23, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Renee Duren – a recently announced candidate for Dawson County Commission Chairwoman – potentially saved county taxpayers thousands of dollars in lost grants and funding opportunities Thursday when she warned commissioners that Dawson county had already violated state rules and regulations once and was about to do so again.
Duren’s announcement came during a the Board of Commissioners’ public hearing on the rezoning request by Ridgeline Land Development to construct 140 townhomes near the intersection of Dawsonville Hwy and Lumpkin Campground Road. She said the Planning Commission violated the rules and regulations of the state of Georgia under Rule 110-12-3 by voting to recommend approval of the project to the Board of Commissioners.
She also cautioned commissioners that if they went ahead with a vote during the regular meeting as planned, it would be a second violation.
Local governments are required to follow applicable procedures identified under Development of Regional Impact (DRI) when a project meets or exceeds the applicable threshold of 125 units. Governments are required to submit applications to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for review and may not take an official vote on the project until the review is complete
According the DCA website, the application was submitted Nov. 15 and is still under review.
“Failure of local governments to wait until the DRI process is completed before taking final action will result in a mandatory meeting with the regional commission for the first occurrence,” Duren said. “The second occurrence can result in suspension of Qualified Local Government status for up to one year. Loss of that status will disqualify our county for certain grants and funding opportunities.”
Duren closed her presentation by admonishing the Board to “please consider taking the necessary steps to comply with the rules and regulations of the state of Georgia.”
Commissioners agreed to postpone the vote.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Chairman Jones optimistic after meeting with Dawson County Chairman
News, Press Release December 13, 2018
JASPER, Ga. – A press release from Pickens County could indicate a positive movement on the recent troubles and issues of Dawson County Fire Station 8.
Pickens County Commission Chairman Robert Jones and Dawson County Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond met on Wednesday the 12th to discuss the recent discrepancies involving Fire Station 8 located off Monument Road. The meeting was productive in making clear the desires and expectations of both counties. The Chairmen agreed the most crucial aspect is to provide adequate fire protection for both counties’ citizens. The two men representing their respected Boards tentatively agreed to work together to solve these discrepancies and guarantee proper service to this area. The Chairmen also tentatively agreed to begin renegotiating a new Intergovernmental Agreement that will reflect the desires of both government agencies as well as the citizens in the affected community. Chairman Jones believes the meeting was in good faith from both sides and is appreciative for Chairman Thurmond’s willingness to build constructively on the partnership between both counties. Chairman Jones is optimistic in the direction this situation has taken and believes the result will be beneficial to all involved.
BKP Interviews Georgia House Speaker David Ralston
State & National February 13, 2018
On FYN TV, BKP interviews Georgia’s Speaker of the House for District-7 Representative David Ralston, as they discuss Georgia’s aggressive plan for a large infrastructure investment that was presented and highlighted at a meeting for Republican leaders including Ralston, over the weekend at The White House. Speaker David Ralston comments on what that means for Georgia.
Pictured below: Speaker of the House for Georgia District 7 David Ralston at this past weekends Infrastructure Meeting at the White House with Republican leaders and President Donald Trump.
Pesticide Safety Month and Apple Producers Meeting
Outdoors February 21, 2018
Hundreds of people get sick each year from inappropriate pesticide use. Pesticides are used in homes, workplaces, apartments, farms and other places where humans need to control pests such as weeds, insects, fungi, rodents and even viruses. Of the 11 states participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) pesticide safety program, workers reported 853 serious injuries from pesticides in 2011. During National Pesticide Safety Education Month this February, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension personnel are urging homeowners, and all Georgians, to learn more about the safe use, storage and disposal of pesticides.
According to Dr. Mickey Taylor, UGA Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) Coordinator, “pesticide safety education is key to helping homeowners and pesticide applicators, both commercial and agricultural, safely and effectively use available pesticides to protect their homes and crops and livelihoods. At the same time, they want to protect themselves, their employees and colleagues from any potential ill effects of pesticide use in addition to protecting their families and neighbors. As good stewards of the land, pesticide users want to preserve our environment for the future.”
UGA Extension’s PSEP promotes the safe, responsible use of pesticides by individuals and commercial groups by providing training programs, materials and educational resources covering pest identification, personal safety, safe storage and disposal of pesticides, environmental protection, pesticide drift and runoff prevention, threatened and endangered species protection, water quality protection, and food safety.
One way that UGA Extension reinforces safe pesticide usage is to conduct workshops, meetings, and trainings in which pesticide usage and safe handling is taught. One such course coming up is the North Georgia Commercial Apple Production meeting. It will be held on Wednesday, February 21st at the Gilmer County Public Library on Calvin Jackson Drive in Ellijay. There are other regional trainings held for producers. If you would like information about those trainings, contact me in the Gilmer County UGA Extension office.
Dr. Taylor is also the editor of the UGA Extension “Georgia Pest Management Handbook.” The handbook is revised and published annually. It has information about labeled pesticides that can be used by homeowners and commercial producers. Copies of the handbook are available for purchase through the UGA market place at ugaextensionstore.com and there are copies in the UGA Extension county offices if you would like to view one before purchase. Remember to always read the label before you use or store any pesticide.
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Georgia gubernatorial candidate visits FYNTV
Election, Politics February 20, 2018BKP interviews Georgia candidate for governor and Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Among many topics, Kemp discusses immigration, Georgia voting machines, paper ballots, pay for law enforcement, and Kemp’s opinion of the negotiations to bring Amazon HQ2 for Georgia.