http://www.banksnewstoday.com/ en Serendipity 1.5.5 - http://www.s9y.org/ Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:24 GMT http://www.banksnewstoday.com/templates/mainstreetnews/img/s9y_banner_small.png http://www.banksnewstoday.com/ 100 21 Banksnewstodayhttp://feedburner.google.com http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/pUdy3UAWZV0/2724-Races-set-for-July-31-election.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2724-Races-set-for-July-31-election.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2724 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2724 nospam@example.com (Angela Gary)
Current board of commissioners chairman Milton Dalton had announced earlier that he would run for the District 2 seat on the commission but he did not qualify.
Former commissioner David Duckett was the only candidate to qualify for the District 2 BOC seat. Incumbent Charles Turk was the only candidate to qualify for the District 4 seat on the BOC.

As for the BOC chairman’s race, Ernest Rogers, Jimmy Hooper and Jerry Loftice all qualified to be on the ballot.

BOE

Three board of education seats are up for re-election but only one race was set. In District 1, Brandon Brown and Anthony Seabolt will be on the ballot.

In District 2 on the BOE, Wes Whitfield was the only candidate to qualify.
Continue reading "Races set for July 31 election" ]]> Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:24 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2724-guid.html Election Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2724-Races-set-for-July-31-election.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/-5UlXTbrfnM/2720-Tony-Bowen-named-New-Interim-Softball-Baseball-Coach.html Sports http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2720-Tony-Bowen-named-New-Interim-Softball-Baseball-Coach.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2720 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2720 nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) ]]> Wed, 23 May 2012 11:08:01 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2720-guid.html http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2720-Tony-Bowen-named-New-Interim-Softball-Baseball-Coach.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/4K-kvDatRpM/2718-Qualifying-underway-for-county-election.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2718-Qualifying-underway-for-county-election.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2718 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2718 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
Those who have qualified so far are:

•Clint McCoy and Rick Darby, sheriff.

•Ernest Rogers, Jimmy Hooper and Jerry Loftice, BOC chairman.

•Charles Turk, BOC district 4.

•David Duckett, BOC district 2.

•Brandon Brown and Anthony Seabolt, BOE district 1.

•Wes Whitfield, BOE district 2.

•Tim Harper, clerk of court.

•Bobby Eubanks, coroner.

•Betty Thomas and Keith Gardiner, probate judge.

•Ivan Mote, chief magistrate.

•Becky Carlan, Becky Taylor and Cheryl S. Hall, tax commissioner.

•Andy Jordan, surveyor.

STATE RACES

•Incumbent John Wilkinson (R), State Senate District 50.

•Dan Gasaway, Bill Grant, Jon Heffer, Ken Payne and
Keith Segars, State Representative, District 28
Continue reading "Qualifying underway for county election" ]]> Wed, 23 May 2012 10:53:46 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2718-guid.html Election Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2718-Qualifying-underway-for-county-election.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/mp06SBZmEdU/2717-Banks-4-Hers-attend-state-archery-tournament.html Sports http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2717-Banks-4-Hers-attend-state-archery-tournament.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2717 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2717 nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports)
The teams compete in several divisions depending on school grade. Starting with Cloverleaf's, being ... ]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 14:50:11 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2717-guid.html http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2717-Banks-4-Hers-attend-state-archery-tournament.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/x1Va7Hpu_bo/2716-Culinary-adventure-in-Tallahassee,-Fla..html Features http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2716-Culinary-adventure-in-Tallahassee,-Fla..html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2716 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2716 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) BY SHERRY LEWIS

From fine dining to cupcakes to a simple lunch at a country store, there are my top culinary delights to be found in Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee.

Paisley Café in Midtown is a spectacular location to start the day. While I loved the food and the hospitality, there is a beautiful story behind the feisty woman who owns the café. Kiersten Worrell left the world of banking after 19 years, to follow a dream that was instilled in her by her grandmother many years ago.

Kiersten said she has vivid memories of her grandma, Ruby Lee, making Ho Cakes with three ingredients: corn meal, boiling water and oil. Butter would come around at the end, to melt over the Ho Cake! She says she can still taste it as if she was in her kitchen. Her grandmother nourished her family spiritually and physically, and there’s no better gift, she said with pride.

Just like Grandma Ruby’s kitchen, the ingredients are numbered. Kiersten boasts that no more than seven of the highest quality ingredients go into any of the items on her breakfast or lunch menu. She uses as many local ingredients as possible, which helps to ensure the freshest flavors. From my experience at the café, she’s on to something. The dishes I tried could not have been better.
Continue reading "Culinary adventure in Tallahassee, Fla." ]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 14:44:14 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2716-guid.html Features Travel feature http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2716-Culinary-adventure-in-Tallahassee,-Fla..html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/0w1IKd_WAzQ/2715-Supporters-address-BOE-over-Goodwin-being-relieved-of-coaching-duties.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2715-Supporters-address-BOE-over-Goodwin-being-relieved-of-coaching-duties.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2715 30 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2715 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
The group wore white T-shirts with “I support Coach Goodwin” printed on the front and “Do right BOE” on the back.

Goodwin, who was approved to teach at BCHS next year, was relieved of his coaching duties.

When questioned about this issue, superintendent Chris Erwin said, “He will not coach baseball or softball next year.”

Erwin said because of the privacy act he is not allowed to give out a lot of information about this.

Several parents of high school baseball and softball players addressed the BOE about this issue.
Continue reading "Supporters address BOE over Goodwin being relieved of coaching duties" ]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 14:38:52 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2715-guid.html Banks BOE Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2715-Supporters-address-BOE-over-Goodwin-being-relieved-of-coaching-duties.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/lRpMCyBMPHw/2711-Spring-football-scrimmage-game-kicks-off-new-season.html Sports http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2711-Spring-football-scrimmage-game-kicks-off-new-season.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2711 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2711 nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports)
The main players were on a blue or white offense and defense with the younger players making up a black defense or ... ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 12:33:34 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2711-guid.html http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2711-Spring-football-scrimmage-game-kicks-off-new-season.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/P97sVX7tUGo/2710-Exploring-South-Georgia-town-Cheese,-shopping,-fine-dining-and-more-in-Thomasville.html Features http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2710-Exploring-South-Georgia-town-Cheese,-shopping,-fine-dining-and-more-in-Thomasville.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2710 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2710 nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) Touring the Sweet Grass Dairy for a behind-the-scenes look at how the amazing cheese is made, heading downtown for a sampling of some of the cheeses at the marketplace, picking up a cup of fresh ground coffee, posing for a photo at the famous Big Oak and ending the day with a fine dining experience at Liam’s...These are among the highlights of a whirlwind day in Thomasville, Georgia.

The South Georgia town, located along the Georgia-Florida border, has so much to offer that it’s definitely worth a return trip. The town offers so much that a brief visit leaves you wanting to return and explore more.

Start your visit off at the Thomasville Visitor’s Center, where you will find plenty of information on what the town has to offer. The center has brochures and maps of area attractions, souvenirs from the area and a friendly staff that will provide tips and information on planning your trip.
Continue reading "Exploring South Georgia town: Cheese, shopping, fine dining and more in Thomasville" ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 12:28:32 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2710-guid.html Features Travel feature http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2710-Exploring-South-Georgia-town-Cheese,-shopping,-fine-dining-and-more-in-Thomasville.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/-TeOK3Yot4Q/2709-Armed-robbery-suspect-caught.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2709-Armed-robbery-suspect-caught.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2709 5 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2709 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
Sheriff Charles Chapman said a call came in to the Banks County E-911 dispatch at 10:05 p.m. of an armed robbery at the Express Mart Valero Convenience Store, 30581 Highway 441 South.

“The clerk on duty stated that a black male wearing a ski mask, a dark colored or black shirt, and blue jeans entered the store, came behind the counter and robbed her at gun point,” Chapman said.

A search was made of the area for the person whom the clerk stated left the store on foot, Chapman added.

“The clerk at the Best Western told officers that a white SUV had pulled into the parking lot at the motel, but no one came in and, in about 10 minutes, the vehicle left,” Chapman said.

Believing this could be the vehicle used by the robber, a lookout was given out on the vehicle with a description of the robber.

“Several minutes later a Braselton police officer stopped a vehicle on Interstate 85 fitting the description of the vehicle and the person,” Chapman said.

A Banks County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the 126-mile marker on I-85 and met with Braselton police officers and took Jumarkes Lee Miller, 30, 2843 McDuffie Street, Anderson, S.C., into custody.

“Items in the vehicle were recovered, along with the ski mask, that Miller wore during the armed robbery,” Chapman said.

Miller was transported to the Banks County Jail where he is being held on charges of armed robbery.

“Our thanks go out to the surrounding agencies who assisted with this and brought about the quick apprehension of this person,” Chapman added. ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 12:22:37 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2709-guid.html Crime Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2709-Armed-robbery-suspect-caught.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/E_-JfbWh5p0/2706-Wheaton-retires-from-BCHS.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2706-Wheaton-retires-from-BCHS.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2706 6 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2706 nospam@example.com (Angela Gary)
Wheaton has been principal at BCHS for nine years.

Banks County Schools Superintendent Chris Erwin said, “Mr. Wheaton was one of the first employees I hired when I came to Banks County. I think I hired him about two months after I was hired as superintendent. He has been good for the school system and for Banks County High School.” ]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 08:28:05 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2706-guid.html BOE Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2706-Wheaton-retires-from-BCHS.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/4RxNDnMa52c/2705-Hewell-sets-school-records-in-track.html Sports http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2705-Hewell-sets-school-records-in-track.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2705 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2705 nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports)
Hewell placed seventh in the state 3200 meter run and 13th in the 1600 meter run. Makayla ... ]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 11:54:03 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2705-guid.html http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2705-Hewell-sets-school-records-in-track.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/B2VJbzUu0nI/2704-County,-towns-to-meet-Monday-on-sales-tax-negotiations.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2704-County,-towns-to-meet-Monday-on-sales-tax-negotiations.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2704 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2704 nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) The meeting will be held at 3 p.m. at the courthouse annex board room.

County leaders will be meeting with representatives from the cities of Alto, Baldwin, Gillsville, Homer, Lula and Maysville to renegotiate the sales tax distribution.
City leaders have already met to discuss the issue and air concerns that the formula being proposed by the county is not fair.

At the town meeting, Lula City Manager Dennis Bergin presented information on the legislation that was passed in 1994 which requires cities and counties to periodically renegotiate their revenue distribution arrangements. In the original proposal by Banks County, the cities would collectively loose $1.2 million over a 10-year period. Bergin said in determining the percentages for the LOST allocations the county used a modified population and commercial digest. Bergin said the cities want to re-negotiate a formula that works for the county and all of the cities involved.

BOC chairman Milton Dalton wrote in a letter to the town officials that the county believes the proposed formula is fair.

“The county thinks the proposals offered the cities were fair and equitable and in the best interest of all citizens of Banks County,” Dalton said. ]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 11:51:54 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2704-guid.html BOC Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2704-County,-towns-to-meet-Monday-on-sales-tax-negotiations.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/5ZW_98MdUcs/2700-Banks-officials-dont-attend-meeting-called-by-towns.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2700-Banks-officials-dont-attend-meeting-called-by-towns.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2700 4 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2700 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
The town leaders had asked for the meeting but Banks County officials asked for additional information before a negotiating meeting be held. BOC chairman Milton Dalton sent a letter to Mayor Milton Turner stating that the commissioners would not be in attendance at the meeting Tuesday night.

“I stated the county would contact the cities to schedule a meeting once the requested information was received,” Dalton wrote. “That has not changed and we look forward to receiving the information so we may be better informed of city services and qualifications toward the LOST negotiations….As soon as we receive the requested information, we will be happy to schedule the joint meeting but due to conflicting schedules, some of the commissioners will not be able to attend the May 1 meeting. We feel it is the best interest of all the citizens of Banks County for the entire board to be present at the joint meeting.”
Continue reading "Banks officials don’t attend meeting called by towns" ]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 13:10:20 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2700-guid.html BOC Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2700-Banks-officials-dont-attend-meeting-called-by-towns.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/W-HK213tOew/2698-After-almost-two-years,-still-no-news-on-missing-Banks-woman.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2698-After-almost-two-years,-still-no-news-on-missing-Banks-woman.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2698 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2698 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
“It has been one year and eight months since the family has heard from her,” Chapman said.

Chapman said in the past few weeks Mashburn’s family has met with authorities at the Banks County Sheriff’s Office to talk with them about the case.

Chapman said, according to Mashburn’s mother, she never would go over a month or two without contacting her and she has not talked with her since Aug. 25, 2010.

“Mashburn was last seen by family members on Aug. 25, 2010, in Habersham County,” Chapman said.
Continue reading "After almost two years, still no news on missing Banks woman" ]]> Tue, 01 May 2012 15:48:58 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2698-guid.html Crime Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2698-After-almost-two-years,-still-no-news-on-missing-Banks-woman.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/asQfbFvkovs/2699-Lady-tennis-team-headed-to-Sweet-16.html Sports http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2699-Lady-tennis-team-headed-to-Sweet-16.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2699 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2699 nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports)
BCHS will compete at Westminster High School (14-4 season, 5-1 Region) against the Wildcats on Wednesday, May 2. ... ]]> Tue, 01 May 2012 15:46:33 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2699-guid.html http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2699-Lady-tennis-team-headed-to-Sweet-16.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/tqvRA4C5Etk/2691-Wreck-shuts-down-Hwy.-441;-one-person-injured.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2691-Wreck-shuts-down-Hwy.-441;-one-person-injured.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2691 1 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2691 nospam@example.com (Angela Gary)
The name of the person injured, who was airlifted from the scene, has not been released. Details of the accident, which involved a motorcycle and a truck, also have not yet been released.

The wreck occurred around 6:30 a.m. The highway has been reopened.

Further details will be posted as they become available.

]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:01:23 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2691-guid.html Top Stories Wreck http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2691-Wreck-shuts-down-Hwy.-441;-one-person-injured.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/KmXO_kzoILQ/2690-Garden-Club-meeting-planned-May-5-in-Homer.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2690-Garden-Club-meeting-planned-May-5-in-Homer.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2690 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2690 nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) The Downtown Development Authority will hold a garden club interest meeting in Homer on Saturday, May 5, from 10-11a.m., at the Old Fire Station at Historic Homer Highway and Athens Street.

“Garden Clubs are an excellent means to meet new friends, build a more active community, share ideas, learn something new, form a new hobby, to become more sustainable, and enhance parks, gardens, yards and property helping to make our cities and county an even more beautiful place to live,” organizers state.

Each person who attends the May meeting will have a sharing time to discover each persons gardening and/or arborist interests and a short questionnaire to fill out. Refreshments will be served including a tomato and mozzarella salad with fresh basil, served with fresh bread, coffee, teas and soft drinks.

Each person who attends the May meetings will take home a pot of basil, thyme, rosemary or parsley to start their own herb garden, along with the tomato and Mozzarella salad recipe.

Each month, the take home item will be an herb, plant or tree according to the best planting time per item.

“All gardeners or want-to-be gardeners should attend this interest/start up meeting to help the club become well rooted and grow in the direction of our community interests” organizer state.

For more information, call Janice Tennent, 706-654-7288 Tennent is a citizen of the community, lives in Homer, and is the chairwoman for the Homer Downtown Development Authority. The Downtown Development Authority always seeks to keep Homer and the community a safe, family friendly and beautiful place to shop, eat and live abundantly, Tennent says. ]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:31:06 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2690-guid.html Homer Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2690-Garden-Club-meeting-planned-May-5-in-Homer.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/p6gmuE9DvBc/2689-Lady-Leopards-head-to-state-tennis-playoffs.html Sports http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2689-Lady-Leopards-head-to-state-tennis-playoffs.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2689 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2689 nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports)
BCHS played Elbert County in the first round and won 3-0, the Lady Leopards second match was against Hart County and BCHS won ... ]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:20:48 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2689-guid.html http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2689-Lady-Leopards-head-to-state-tennis-playoffs.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/sLbdIA-V3rE/2688-Baldwin-to-further-discuss-allocation-of-power-to-Neace,-Degges-at-May-10-meeting.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2688-Baldwin-to-further-discuss-allocation-of-power-to-Neace,-Degges-at-May-10-meeting.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2688 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2688 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
Council members Jeff Parrish, Joe Elam and Theron Ayers said they favor the policy that provides that the mayor remains the chief executive officer of the city and provides that the mayor can delegate certain executive and administrative powers to the city administrator. Council members Robert Bohannon and Dustin Mealor were against the policy. Bohannon asked that the policy be carried over to the May work session for further discussion.

The policy also provides that in the event of a conflict between this administrative policy and the city charter, that the city charter shall control.
Council member Parrish started the discussion on this issue several months ago.

At the council meeting on April 9, Parrish passed out information defining the authority of the mayor as outlined in the city charter and that of the city administrator.

On Monday, city attorney David Syfan explained that the administrative policy codifies what Karen Deggs, city administrator already does.

“It outlines her authority to run the city and provides the vehicle for her to do that,” Syfan said.

Parrish has made it known from the start that his wish was to clarify the mayor’s authority and that of the city administrator.

“Twice the mayor and council have fought over this,” Parrish said. “Now is the time to write the policy, while we have good employees in these positions.”

Syfan said, “I sort of see this (policy) as a Band-Aid to sort of get us through until next year when the council can put more time and thought into a new charter.”

The city’s current charter is over 20 years old and does not provide for a city administrator’s or city manager’s position.

Degges voiced her opposition to the change.

“This takes some things that I do away from me and gives them to the mayor,” she said. “This should have been done when the position was vacant.”

Council member Bohannon said several times during the discussion the city needs a new charter.

Parrish said, “Right now, the charter is the law.”

Finance director Audra Payne said, “Why wouldn’t you write a resolution that goes along with the way things are being done? We have been operating as a city manager model.”

Parrish and Mayor Jerry Neace both said Baldwin is not to the point of needing a city manager.

Degges said, “Every since the day I was hired, I have viewed all six of you as my bosses. I view each one of you equally.”

Parrish said, “But you shouldn’t. You should report directly to the mayor.”

SPLIT ON AGENDA

The council was also split on action taken defining how the agenda is set ech month. In a 3-2 split vote, with Bohannon and Mealor opposed, the council approved the following agenda procedure: reasonable efforts will be made to set the agenda one week before the meeting, unless there is an emergency or urgent issue that needs to be added to the agenda; the city clerk will be responsible for compiling, distributing and posting the agenda as required by law. The city clerk will communicate with the mayor and city council before a final agenda is published; each council member and the mayor have the privilege to add items to the agenda; the city administrator may add items to the agenda, but coordinate with the mayor for items added unless the issue is an emergency or is urgent; and the mayor has the right to move or delay items on the agenda to another meeting in order to help maintain orderly and well managed meetings. The mayor will make every reasonable effort to communicate with the council member or staff that placed an item on the agenda, if the Mayor feels a need to delay an item put on the agenda by that particular council member or staff.

Parrish said, “The council needs to have final approval of the agenda and ultimately that should be the mayor. We need to know what is on the agenda before the meeting.”

Degges said it is not always possible to get in touch with the mayor.

Parrish said, “If the council doesn’t have final approval of the agenda then things are going on that we don’t know about.” ]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:18:21 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2688-guid.html Baldwin Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2688-Baldwin-to-further-discuss-allocation-of-power-to-Neace,-Degges-at-May-10-meeting.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/UUd-T5quETs/2684-Baldwin-clean-up-day-moved-to-April-28.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2684-Baldwin-clean-up-day-moved-to-April-28.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2684 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2684 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
It will be held on Saturday, April 28. The headquarters will still be at the Fellowship Church, and the time will still be between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The dumpsters should be at Gailey Park Friday, April 20, and the time frame for the dumpsters will be extended through April 29. The street department will continue doing large debris pick-ups through April 26, with appointments. ]]> Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:52:01 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2684-guid.html Baldwin Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2684-Baldwin-clean-up-day-moved-to-April-28.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/YtK6I0LBiOQ/2683-Town-of-Alto-now-has-full-council.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2683-Town-of-Alto-now-has-full-council.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2683 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2683 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
At the monthly meeting in April, three council members were sworn in to their positions.

Carolyn Cabe was sworn in to fill the Post 1 seat on the council. Cabe’s term expires Dec. 31, 2013.

Kathryn (Kathy) Clark was sworn in to fill the Post 4 council seat for another term. Clark’s term expires on Dec. 31, 2015.

Greg. M. Pruitt was sworn in to fill the Post 5 council seat. Pruitt’s term will expire on Dec. 31, 2013. ]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:49:05 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2683-guid.html Alto Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2683-Town-of-Alto-now-has-full-council.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/JI4u5Ix6lEY/2682-Head-to-Charlotte-for-cultural-attractions,-fine-dining-and-more.html Features http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2682-Head-to-Charlotte-for-cultural-attractions,-fine-dining-and-more.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2682 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2682 nospam@example.com (Angela Gary) An easy three-hour from North Georgia is a Southern city filled with cultural attractions, gardens, fine dining, fun shopping and more. Whatever you are looking for, you will find in Charlotte, N.C.

A recent three-day visit included museum hopping, shopping and fine dining.

Charlotte has some amazing museums located within walking distance in the downtown area. We walked to three museums located just a few blocks from each other and found plenty of interesting artwork, memorabilia and history.
Continue reading "Head to Charlotte for cultural attractions, fine dining and more" ]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:31:45 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2682-guid.html Features Travel feature http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2682-Head-to-Charlotte-for-cultural-attractions,-fine-dining-and-more.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/2G1Toz0A04c/2681-Leopards-win-subregion-title.html Sports http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2681-Leopards-win-subregion-title.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2681 0 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2681 nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) ]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:24:59 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2681-guid.html http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2681-Leopards-win-subregion-title.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Banksnewstoday/~3/J0owat5cM24/2678-Homer-OKs-rezoning-former-fire-station.html Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2678-Homer-OKs-rezoning-former-fire-station.html#comments http://www.banksnewstoday.com/wfwcomment.php?cid=2678 4 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/rss.php?version=2.0&type=comments&cid=2678 nospam@example.com (Staff Writer)
The council’s 3-2 vote at the April 10 meeting in favor of Pest Control Insulation’s request followed a public hearing on reclassifying 963 Historic Homer Highway from institutional to restricted industrial.

The council’s nod during its regular meeting last week went against the planning and zoning board’s recommendation that the request be denied.

The approval also cleared the way for a rental contract to be negotiated between the business and Homer’s downtown development authority. Mayor Doug Cheek will help negotiate the terms before council reviews the final agreement as early as next month.
Continue reading "Homer OKs rezoning former fire station" ]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:58:23 -0500 http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2678-guid.html Homer City Council Top Stories http://www.banksnewstoday.com/archives/2678-Homer-OKs-rezoning-former-fire-station.html