Area Headline News

Beautification incentive proposed for Nicholson

Posted by

in Area Headline News

Friday, February 3. 2012

Comments (0)

New Nicholson City Council member Jan Webster would like to see the town brightened up and she is proposing a “yard of the season” program to encourage city residents to clean up and decorate their yards.
At the work session Thursday night Webster said that she would personally provide a $100 gift certificate to an area restaurant to the winner each season.

“I want to work on Nicholson’s presentation,” Webster said. “I want people to take more pride in where they live and what is around them… I think this (yard of the season) would encourage people to have a little pride.” [Full Story »]

Reservoir full, but restrictions remain

Posted by

Mark Beardsley

in Area Headline News

Wednesday, February 1. 2012

Comments (0)

Fall and winter rains have refilled the Bear Creek Reservoir, but restrictions implemented last fall on those who use the water remain in place.

As of Jan. 25, the lake was just an inch below full pool, according to Hill Baughman of J & G Services, which manages the 505-acre reservoir and its water plant for the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority.

In spite of near-average rainfall in December and January, the flow of the Middle Oconee River remains low. [Full Story »]

Habitat dedicates its ninth house

Posted by

Administrator

in Area Headline News

Friday, January 27. 2012

Comments (0)

Jackson County Habitat for Humanity dedicated its ninth house, located at Duncan Street, in Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 10 a.m. The house, the affiliate’s ninth build, will become the home of Jason Hendrix.

“In addition to marking the completion of the house, this event will honor all of those individuals, organizations and churches whose generosity of time and money has helped make this house a reality,” said Jackson County Habitat affiliate president Mark Bradley. “It will celebrate a deserving young man’s new home, and the miracle of what can be accomplished through commitment and caring.” [Full Story »]

County gets possible future EMS/fire site

Posted by

Mark Beardsley

in Area Headline News

Wednesday, January 25. 2012

Comment (1)

Four acres in the Commerce 85 Business Park are being conveyed to Jackson County for possible use for a future EMS/fire station.

The Jackson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) voted last Friday to authorize the execution of a “deed of gift” to the county for 4.172 acres in the park.
[Full Story »]

2 Commerce schools earn honors

Posted by

Staff Writer

in Area Headline News

Friday, January 20. 2012

Comments (0)

Both Commerce Primary School and Commerce Elementary School were among 824 schools announced last week as “Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools” for 2012.

"These schools are showing that high expectations, coupled with effective educators in the building, produce outstanding student achievement," Superintendent John Barge said. "I'm very pleased to recognize the educators, students and parents in these schools and school districts."   Title I schools have significant populations of students who are economically disadvantaged. These schools receive federal money to assist with the education of their students. There are two National Title I Distinguished Schools among the total 824 Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools. Title I Distinguished Schools have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) at least three years in a row.
[Full Story »]

New BOC district maps approved

Posted by

Angela Gary

in Area Headline News

Wednesday, January 18. 2012

Comments (0)

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners approved new voting district maps Monday night in an effort to evenly divide the population for the purpose of electing county commissioners following the new Census figures.

County officials have been working for months on the redistricting plan, with GIS director Joel Logan presenting the proposed new redistricting plan. It was unanimously approved after some discussion about how it was developed. [Full Story »]

Recycling bins being misused

Posted by

Mark Beardsley

in Area Headline News

Friday, January 13. 2012

Comments (0)

Commerce residents have two locations where they can recycle some of their household wastes, and they’re abusing both, say the people in charge.

Susan Trepagnier, director of Keep Jackson County Beautiful, which has four paper recycling bins across the parking lot from Lanier Technical College on South Elm Street, says the bins are being overrun with cardboard.

And Commerce city manager Clarence Bryant advised at a city council planning session Friday afternoon that the city’s recycling bin at the Public Works facility on Waterworks Road is “in danger of not being there” because “25-30 percent” of what is dumped in the bin is material inappropriate for the site. [Full Story »]

Chandler installed as Municipal Court judge

Posted by

Mark Beardsley

in Area Headline News

Wednesday, January 11. 2012

Comments (0)

With the retirement of 22-year mayor Charles L. Hardy Jr. and a reappointment made Monday night, Billy Chandler becomes the second-longest-serving public official in Commerce.

The city council voted 6-0 to reappoint Chandler as municipal court judge, and city attorney John Stell administered the oath of office.

“This is the 12th time,” Chandler told the city council. “I’m starting year 23.” [Full Story »]

Red Cross blood drive is Tuesday at First Baptist

Posted by

Staff Writer

in Area Headline News

Friday, January 6. 2012

Comments (2)

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Tuesday, Jan. 10, from noon to 6:00 p.m. in the family fellowship center of the First Baptist Church of Commerce.

The church is located at 1345 South Broad Street, Commerce.

The Red Cross provides blood services to local hospitals, including Northridge Medical Center and the Athens, Gainesville and Atlanta area hospitals.

Participants will receive a coupon for a free Chick fil A sandwich at the Banks Crossing restaurant.

Commerce Council to hold planning session

Posted by

Mark Beardsley

in Area Headline News

Wednesday, January 4. 2012

Comments (0)

The Commerce City Council will hold a planning session Friday afternoon at Southeast Toyota’s cabin just outside of Commerce. Call it a team-building and agenda-setting gathering that will begin at 2:30, formally end at 5:00, followed by dinner for officials and their spouses.

“I wanted to do this as quickly as possible to get you (new Ward 4 councilman Steve Perry) on board and see what we’ve got going,” explained Mayor Clark Hill.

Perry, the only new member of the government, will also undergo a day of orientation next week with city manager Clarence Bryant, who will take him to the various departments to meet department heads and to learn more about city operations.
[Full Story »]

Area Headline News

CommerceNewsTODAY