Gilmer holds meeting for Amicalola Falls Scenic Byway
News July 26, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is moving forward with a project to designate a scenic byway between Gilmer, Pickens, and Dawson counties. Meetings are being held this month informing citizens about the byway and answering questions on the topic.
Each county is looking to hold one meeting for the the project, allowing their citizens an opportunity to attend a closer location. The counties’ Boards of Commissioners have already approved the initial process of the designation for the byway. Gilmer approved it in November 2021.
Gilmer’s meeting, led by Janet Cochran, saw citizens attending and questioning the projects aims and benefits to the county and balancing them against the costs. Many citizens questioned whether the project might increase traffic on local and state roads as one of the main roads of the byway travels along Highway 52 between Dawson and Gilmer. However, the entirety of the byway involves several offshoots, loops, and branches of the route connecting small roads into it, roads like Orchard Lane.
But the inclusion of many of those side roads are part of the discussion as Executive Director of the Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority (JDA) Kent Sanford said that is part of what they are asking citizens for. Sanford said that utilizing input from citizens who live in the area, they can not only offer suggestion or requests to move certain sections or alter the route in ways to provide the best scenario as well as offering suggestions on improvements to the route.
A map of the proposed Amicalola Falls Scenic Byway as presented in the July 2022 meeting with citizens.
That is part of the Georgia Rural Economic Development organization’s process in the byway designation. They will offer recommendations to government entities from local county commissioners to the state and GDOT on the needs of this route to both improve and maintain the scenic nature of the byway. Cochran said that this could be an increase in trash pickup, addition of certain things as a part of the Corridor Management Plan. However, the committee itself has no power to enforce or accomplish these tasks as they can only suggest them to the roads management.
This is all to maintain the six intrinsic qualities of a byway including scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological, and recreational sites. Of which, the route being designated has five qualities. Only archaeological wasn’t found.
Being 81 miles long, the Amicalola Scenic Byway touches jurisdictions of Dawson County, Dawsonville, Gilmer County, Ellijay, Pickens County, and Jasper.
Cochran told citizens that the designation does not come with a widening of the road, construction, or other private property encroachments. There will be signs erected identifying the byway on the roadside, but no major expansions are included. On of the only restrictions that comes with the designation is no new billboards will be erected. Something that Sanford says Gilmer County already has in its ordinances.
A map of Gilmer’s portion of the Amicalola Falls Scenic Byway route proposed in the July 2022 meeting.
Gilmer’s meeting saw both opposition and support for the project as some suggested renaming it to include apples in the name and others worries about the state coming in to widen and control the roads. Still others spoke on the byway’s potential to add traffic to certain roads already under stress and in major need of repair. Countering that, some spoke about the byway’s plan to aid “market share,” a term used by Cochran, as draining tourists from the apple houses and directing them elsewhere. Similar discourse came in November 2021’s Gilmer BOC meeting as the board was questioned on the designation, its benefits, and “ulterior motives.”
In that meeting, Paris said he had begun thinking of something similar to this for Boardtown Road, though it would be a county designation and not a state designation.
Sanford said that the plan is to increase information and as people are likely to see the signs while already visiting the area. This could lead them to following the road after visiting apple houses and traveling in different directions instead of immediately returning via the same road after visiting their original destination. Cochran also assured citizens that the scenic byway doesn’t restrict their rights to develop their land along the road. As the county ordinances still dictate Land Use, citizens will not have any change in that area either. The county is also not required to fund any of the initial process of the designation. The meetings, information distribution, and even putting up the signs, if the designation is completed, is covered by Georgia’s Rural Center.
That process continues now, after this meeting, as the development of the Corridor Management Plan begins. Another meeting will be held to present that plan and it is sent to GDOT for approval and review by the DNR and DCA and then must be approved by the commissioner and board. If approved, it will join the 17 other Scenic Byways designated in the state. Citizens can find all scenic byways on the GDOT’s Scenic Byways page.
County supporting Hwy 136 and Hwy 183 Scenic Byway
News November 21, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Joining in support with Dawson County and the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Commissioners voted in approval of supporting a “Scenic Byway” designation for a portion of Hwy 136 and Hwy 182.
The resolution indicates a route “that begins in the City of Dawsonville out Hwy 183 and Hwy 136, past Amicalola Falls State Park and over Burnt Mountain.” The Dawson County Chamber is asking for the Georgia Scenic Byway designation from the Georgia Department of Transportation for this route.
The Gilmer Board of Commissioners discussed benefits for supporting the agenda item and were questioned by citizens on the usefulness of it. In fact, according to Chairman Paris, a number of surrounding counties have already done this and support the scenic byway.
One citizen who spoke during the work session asked about the development footprint and ulterior motives of supporting the scenic byway and the level of state and federal involvement into the county.
Paris said that Gilmer was approached by other counties to join the designation. He stated, “We have no reason on this at all other than just offering cooperation to other counties. We’re not looking for it to impact our growth or tourism or anything else really. No ulterior motives at all.”
Parker also noted that not all of Hwy 136 is covered, rather only the part crossing Burnt Mountain. Hwy 136 continues on crossing Hwy 515 and turning north to cross into Gilmer County in the southwest corner.
The county has been approached numerous times over the years for what they have called “letters of support” for different things from the roundabout at Hwy 382 to trails in the county. Sometimes they require promises of future action and some do not. The board even mentioned this in the regular session as Paris said he was okay with the resolution as long as it didn’t commit the county to spending money.
However, while this is set for Hwy 136 and Hwy 182 in sections not within Gilmer, Paris did note during the Work Session that the he could be discussing with the other members of the BOC to initiate a similar designation for Boardtown Road. Most recently, Boardtown Road and its residents gathered to oppose plans of putting major power lines and poles along the road in a Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) project to upgrade power and stability in the area. This was one of those items in which the BOC offered a letter of support to aid in the actions of the community.
No member of the BOC mentioned anything further about Boardtown Road, but if the county does pursue the designation, certain protections could be imposed. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation under their benefits of the designation of a Scenic Byway, “If a community decides to emphasize the protection of scenic and natural areas, land use ordinances could be created to preserve the rural character of a byway and limit development intrusion. Scenic Byway designation is a unique tool, in that it can be used to achieve a wide variety of your community’s goals.”
Mardi Gras In The Mountains 2019 King & Queen Nominees-Gilmer
Community February 7, 2019
The Georgia Mountains Hospice, The Ellijay and Jasper Councils of the Knights of Columbus, and The Rotary Club of Jasper invite you to the 2019 Mardi Gras in the Mountains!
Enjoy a spectacular evening with fine dining, a great band, silent auction
and coronation of the 2019 King and Queen and Honor Court.
When? Saturday – March 2, 2019, from 6:30pm – 11:00pm (black tie optional)
Where? Appalachian Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College
Vote for the Gilmer King & Queen by clicking on the donate button below or visit mardigrasinthemountains.org. Each dollar equals one vote.
Gilmer Queen ~ Cindy Thurman West
Gilmer Queen ~ Cindy Thurman West
Cindy West is a seventh-generation Gilmer County native. After graduating from Gilmer County High School, she attended Dalton State College and Kennesaw State University. She worked in the banking industry for 5 years before delving into entrepreneurship. An avid fitness buff, Cindy and her husband, Mark, owned and operated West Athletic Club for 16 years, the final two years of that being franchised to Golds Gym. After selling the business in 2007, she established her real estate career. Cindy has received numerous awards and distinctions as one of the top producers for Re/Max, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Cindy consistently ranks in the Top 10 producing Realtors in the state for Re/Max. In addition, she has been recognized as the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors Top Agent for Gilmer County an illustrious 4 times in the last 5 years, and she was the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors number one top producing agent in 2016. Cindy is a member of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce and a supporter of numerous organizations, including: the Gilmer Christian Learning Center; Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation; Gilmer High School, Gilmer Middle School, and Clear Creek Middle School athletic programs; and, of course, Georgia Mountains Hospice. Cindy and Mark have been married for 35 years, they have 2 wonderful children, and 3 beautiful grandchildren with another one due soon.
Gilmer King ~ Robert Lee Ferguson
Gilmer King ~ Robert Lee Ferguson
Robert Lee Ferguson was born in Honolulu, Hawaii when his dad was serving in the US Navy.
His family moved to Orange Park, FL in 1970. Robert started playing piano and singing at the age of 12, and his passion for music grew from there. He’s played in everything from his high school and college jazz bands, college choir, pop/rock club bands, church choirs, lead a contemporary Christian worship service in Marietta, GA and toured with a Christian Rock band in the 90s.
After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Engineering and a Piano Minor, Robert was off to New York City where he was honored to work with some music legends such as Luther Vandross, Miles Davis, David Sanborn, Jason Miles, Marcus Miller, and Hirschberg Productions among others.
He and his wife Karleen moved back to the Atlanta area to start their family in 1990. In 1992 Robert starting working as an audio engineer at Turner Studios in Atlanta. His Emmy Award winning career has spanned the last 25 years and he continues to enjoy working on this creative team mixing audio for commercials as a Senior Sound Designer for Cartoon Network, Turner Sports, and other Turner/Warner Media networks from his home studio on their farm in Ellijay, GA.
He and his wife Karleen have raised 4 amazing children. Robert and Karleen are avid supporters and volunteers to Gilmer County. Now that they are empty nesters, Robert has returned to his love of playing, singing, and performing music. His goal is to bring smiles to faces, songs to voices, and dancing to the feet of those who come to enjoy and share his passion for music!! Robert believes that every song brings back a moment or a memory.
Robert is honored to support this worthy cause and help to raise money for Georgia Mountains Hospice.
Team FYN Sports Covers Local Sporting Events
Community January 17, 2019
FetchYourNews.com is dedicated to bringing our viewers local sports. All our events are streamed live and then archived for later viewing. FYN covers all sports for all ages: Football, Baseball, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis……
Georgia Election Run-Off Results
Election 2018 December 4, 2018
2018 Georgia Election Run-Off Results
Tonight marks the run-offs for election races in Georgia, these results are unofficial until approved by the Secretary of State.
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 756,016 votes 51.97%
John Barrow (D) – 698,770 votes 48.03%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 749,805 votes 51.83%
Lindy Miller (D) – 696,957 votes 48.17%
Check for local results by county here:
Gilmer
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 4,337 votes 83.13%
John Barrow (D) – 880 votes 16.87%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 4,250 votes 81.79%
Lindy Miller (D) – 946 votes 18.21%
Pickens
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 4,408 votes 84.01%
John Barrow (D) – 839 votes 15.99%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 4,325 votes 82.70%
Lindy Miller (D) – 905 17.30%
Fannin
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 3,522 votes 81.89%
John Barrow (D) – 779 votes 18.11%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 3,454 votes 80.57%
Lindy Miller (D) – 833 votes 19.43%
Dawson
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 3,985 votes 85.83%
John Barrow (D) – 658 votes 14.17%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 3,939 votes 85.02%
Lindy Miller (D) – 694 votes 14.98%
White
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 4,063 votes 82.78%
John Barrow (D) – 845 votes 17.22%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 3,960 votes 80.82%
Lindy Miller (D) – 940 votes 19.18%
Union
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 4,246 votes 80.92%
John Barrow (D) – 1,001 votes 19.08%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 4,108 votes 78.65%
Lindy Miller (D) – 1,115 votes 21.35%
Towns
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 2,161 votes 79.95%
John Barrow (D) – 542 votes 20.05%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 2,105 votes 78.22%
Lindy Miller (D) – 586 votes 21.78%
Murray
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 2,699 votes 88.99%
John Barrow (D) – 334 votes 11.01%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 2,691 votes 88.84%
Lindy Miller (D) – 338 votes 11.16%
Lumpkin
Secretary of State
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 3,378 votes 78.47%
John Barrow (D) – 927 votes 21.53%
Public Service Commission, District 3
Chuck Eaton (R) – 3,337 votes 77.89%
Lindy Miller (D) – 947 votes 22.11%
Williamson qualifies to run against Ralston in May Primary
Election 2018 March 6, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga. – As Qualifying Week begins in the state of Georgia, candidates have lined up to officially get their names on the ballot for the May General Primary to be held May 22, 2018, with a voter registration deadline of April 23.
Williamson qualifies for May General Primary.
One race in particular is being closely watched and it comes from Georgia’s 7th District. The seat currently held by Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston is being challenged by Ellijay resident Margaret Williamson.
Williamson made her intentions clear when she announced earlier this year that she would be seeking the Republican nomination for the General Election to be held Nov. 6, 2018.
Williamson acknowledged in a statement previously released to FetchYourNews that she had mailed the “Declaration to Accept Campaign Contributions” form to the Georgia State Transparency & Campaign Finance Committee.
A 37-year resident of Gilmer County, Williamson said, “I consider it my home. My husband, John, and I raised our 4 children here and now enjoy our reward, the 11 of our 15 grandchildren who live in the county.”
Having studied engineering, marketing and business, worked as a healthcare professional, and owned a small business, Williamson says that her involvement in politics spans over two decades when she worked on her first campaign in 1994.
“As a regular visitor to the Georgia capitol, I keep informed on current legislation, especially those that affect the taxpayers of the Georgia State District 7,” Williamson said, explaining that since 1994 she has remained active and aware in politics.
Williamson added, “It is distressing to see bills passed that fail to meet our needs but only help our big business and special interests groups, bills that increase our taxes, and bills that burden us with unfunded mandates, regulations, and growing number of fees that hurt our economy.”
Williamson discussed the economy of our area, citing that while leadership in Georgia likes to dote Georgia as the number one place to do business, the statistics of this claim do not add up.
Williamson makes her candidacy official by qualifying on March 5.
In Georgia State District 7, the average annual income per household is below that of the national and state averages, according to Williamson. She attributes this assessment to high property taxes, increasing school taxes, fees, penalties, regulations, and fuel taxes, which all decrease a family’s spendable income.
Williamson says there is no one fix and added, “Without growing our tax digest, bringing in more revenue from sales tax, improving our economy, we would be left with raising our millage rate and who wants that?”
“We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the U.S.,” Williamson spoke of the growing tourism to our area. “This industry now is the biggest contributor to our economy.”
“We need to work together to make our counties even more attractive,” Williamson added, “without compromising our conservative north Georgia values.”
“I have said from the very beginning of my campaign that I am not running against,” Williamson spoke of her intentions in the upcoming year, “I am running for the people in District 7. I will work diligently to meet their needs and not those of a minority of special interests groups.”
Upon completing the qualifying process yesterday, Williamson will continue campaigning in hopes of overcoming incumbent Ralston in the May General Primary.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Speaker David Ralston qualifies for re-election in House District 7
Election 2018 March 5, 2018| BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Today, Monday, March 5, 2018 House Speaker David Ralston qualified to run for re-election in House District 7. The Republican Primary is May 22, 2018.
“Serving as House District 7’s voice in the Georgia General Assembly is an honor and responsibility I hold dear,” said Ralston. “Representing the best interests of north Georgia remains my number one priority. “In the State House, we passed comprehensive tax reform that will empower job creators, spur economic growth, and keep more money in the pockets of Georgia taxpayers. Thanks to President Trump and the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, we delivered the largest tax cut in modern, Georgia history. “To keep District 7 – and our entire state growing – I created the House Rural Development Council to identify the problems facing communities outside of Metro Atlanta and prescribe legislative solutions for growth and prosperity. We have already passed several of the committee’s recommendations and have a long-term commitment to the success and vitality of rural Georgia. “While I am proud of what we have accomplished at the State Capitol and throughout District 7, I am seeking re-election to continue fighting for Gilmer, Fannin, and Dawson County families. With the continued support of local voters, we can keep our community strong and our future bright.” David Ralston is the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, a position he has held since 2010. He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002, and represents House District 7, which includes Fannin and Gilmer counties and a portion of Dawson County. |
Live Coverage: Gilmer Parks & Rec Basketball Tournament
Bobcat's Corner, Team FYN Sports January 24, 2018Join us as TeamFYNSports, FYNTV, FetchYourNews proudly present the LIVE coverage of the entire Gilmer Parks & Recreation annual basketball tournament. Coverage begins Saturday morning at 9 AM and all games will be streamed LIVE on FYNTV.com and our YouTube Channel and we will be posting updates via our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram social media accounts.
Margaret Williamson to challenge David Ralston in Republican Primary
Featured, Politics January 16, 2018
Margaret Williamson announces run for Georgia House of Representatives, District 7.
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The 2018 election is already starting to take shape as challengers emerge announcing bids for candidacy against well-known incumbents. The most recent of these announcements comes from Margaret Williamson who intends to face off against Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston.
Ralston was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002 and represents House District 7, which includes Fannin County, Gilmer County and a portion of Dawson County. Ralston is the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, a position he has held since 2010.
Williamson, who resides in Ellijay, made a statement discussing her decision to run:
“For many years I have been involved in political campaigns, on local, state, and national levels. I have actively participated in legislative issues, in support of or in opposition to, learning all the way. Now I intend to use this experience and acquired knowledge to enter into the process as a candidate.”
Already having begun the process of running for the House District 7 seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, Williamson acknowledged in her statement that she has mailed the “Declaration to Accept Campaign Contributions” form to the Georgia State Transparency & Campaign Finance Committee.
After approval of this form, Williamson’s next step will be to complete the qualifying process held in March of this year. The qualifying will officially make Williamson a candidate in the Republican Primary for Georgia State House Representative, District 7.
Williamson concluded her statement by announcing that she is in the process of creating a Facebook page which will contain her position on various issues.
“This decision is the culmination of months of debate and prayer. Please continue praying for both John and me,” Williamson said. “This is an exciting time for me.”
A General Primary Election for both Republicans and Democrats will take place on May 22, 2018. Voter registration deadline for the Primary Election is April 23.
Winners of the primaries will face off in the General Election to held on Nov. 6, 2018.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Lady Bobcats Paw Their Way to Victory Over Lady Warriors
Team FYN Sports January 2, 2018
This past Saturday at the Mountaintop Holiday Classic, the Lady Bobcats and the Lady Warriors came ready to play their last game of the tournament. Both teams were coming from a loss the day before and ready to win the matchup for third place.
It was a “foul” game full of twists and turns. There were fouls left and right and the lead went from team to team. Lady Bobcat, Marylee Callihan, led Gilmer in scoring with nineteen points thanks to her hustle. Lady Warrior, Dasha Cannon, led White County in scoring with nineteen points due to aggressive playing. The Lady Bobcats had good cuts and passes inside which was how they did most of their damage. Lady Bobcat post, Michaela Staley, contributed ten points for her team from down low. The Lady Warriors scored the majority of their points from driving the lane. Lady Warrior, Naumi Crumbley, added fourteen points to White County’s score due to her ability to make layups. The Lady Warriors had the lead at the end of the first quarter with a score of 23-14.
Both teams were putting heavy defensive pressure on the other and drawing fouls. Out of Lady Bobcat Taylor Boling’s nine points, five of them were from foul shots. With Maddie Futch’s overall three points for the Lady Warriors, two of them were scored from the free throw line. Makenna Maysic also contributed two points from foul shots out of her six overall for White County. The Lady Warriors ran into some foul trouble towards the end of the second quarter when two technicals were called on them. The first foul being on player Kyleigh Johnson who scored an overall fifteen points for her team. The second being on the Lady Warriors head coach, Buster Brown. Even after many fouls, the Lady Warriors still had a lead over the Lady Bobcats with a score of 39-32.
The Lady Bobcats picked up their hustle at the beginning of the third quarter. Lady Bobcat, Hope Colwell, proved to be an asset to Gilmer’s defense by going hard and getting steals. Lady Warrior, Bentley Cronic, had a good game above the key by contributing three points for her team. Another Warrior, Annabeth Vandiver, added two points onto the Lady Warriors score. Lady Bobcat, Emma Callihan, put eleven points on the board with her scrappy playing. Gilmer started looking up the court to find Katie Kiker who added ten points to the Lady Bobcats score. Madi Phillips for the Lady Warriors added six points to White County’s score to extend their lead. At the end of the third quarter, the game was tied 53-53. It was Gilmer’s ball when they looked inside and found Mallory Kiser who contributed fourteen points overall, two being scored as the buzzer sounded to end the quarter which put the Lady Bobcats in the lead 55-53.
The intensity came alive at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Both teams started to foul more in attempts to stop the other one from scoring. The score was tied 70-70 with seven seconds left on the clock. Everyone was expecting the game to go into overtime when the Warriors fouled number ten for Gilmer, Marylee Callihan, with only one second left. With the pressure being high, Callihan stepped up to the free throw line. Callihan was given three shots and she made them all, putting Gilmer in third place of the tournament with a 73-70 victory over the Lady Warriors.
After the game, it was time for the awards and trophy to be given. The three Lady Warriors to be selected for All Tournament Players were Naumi Crumbley, Madi Phillips, and Dasha Cannon. Before the Lady Bobcats claimed their third place trophy, Marylee Callihan, Mallory Kiser, and Taylor Boiling were selected as Gilmer’s All Tournament Players.
The Gilmer County Lady Bobcats win puts their overall record at 8-6 while the Lady Warriors stand at 9-6. Catch the Lady Bobcats next game on January 5 at 7:00 as they travel to take on Northwest Whitfield! Catch the Lady Warriors next game on January 3 at 2:00 as they travel to take on North Forsyth!
Bobcats Deliver a Technical Knockout to The Rebels
Gilmer High School, Team FYN Sports January 2, 2018
This past Friday on day two of the Mountaintop Holiday Classic, the Gilmer Bobcats traveled to take on the Fannin Rebels. Gilmer was warmed up from their win on day one against Coahulla Creek while the Rebels were ready to play their first game of the tournament. Both teams were determined to wrap up day two of the tournament with a win.
You could see the determination on all of the players faces as soon as they took the court. The rival teams were neck and neck from the beginning to the end of the game. Rebel, Chandler Kendall, led Fannin in scoring with thirteen points due to his ability to make outside shots. Bobcat, Kell Weaver, was an asset inside and led his team in scoring with twenty points.
Post for the Rebels, Joel Kinser, got back in the game after recovering from a concussion a few games prior. Kinser had grit down low and contributed three points for his team. As the end of the nail biting first quarter approached, Gilmer led Fannin with a score of 8-5.
The lead went from team to team. Tyler Sims of the Bobcats drove the lane and contributed twelve points overall for Gilmer. Another Bobcat, David Smith, followed the trend and scored two points for his team.
Fannin guard Joe Satchell, had snatches on defense and put eight more points on the board for Fannin. Another Rebel sharp-shooter, Jack Gobble, added onto Fannin’s score by making a three point shot. As the second quarter came to an end, the Bobcats doubled their lead over Fannin from the first quarter with a score of 21-15.
As Gilmer’s lead grew, Fannin fought harder to catch up. Rebel, Payton Holt, contributed eight points overall for Fannin with his hustle. Rebel, Ryan Beavers, was the go to guy on the block who put eleven points on the board for his team. With the Rebels score increasing, so did their number of fouls. Bobcat, Carter Hice, scored two points for Gilmer off of foul shots. Out of Bobcat Tripp Pierce’s ten points, seven of them were from foul shots. The Rebels were catching up to the Bobcats at the end of the third quarter with a score of 34-31, cutting Gilmer’s lead from the second quarter in half.
At the start of the fourth quarter, it appeared to be anyone’s game. Gilmer kept passing inside while Fannin drove the lane and took outside shots. Although the teams had different methods, they both proved to be effective. That is, until the Rebels ran into foul trouble.
With the tension being very high, Fannin had two technical fouls called on them. One being on player, Chandler Kendall. The second being on head coach, Scott Eggleston. Gilmer chose Bobcat, Coady Cobb, to shoot the technical free throws.
With Gilmer’s score behind Fannin’s, Cobb made his first shot to tie up the game. Even with the high pressure, Cobb made his second shot, putting Gilmer in the lead. Cobb contributed six points overall for the Bobcats.
With Gilmer in the lead, Fannin fouled even more. Rebel, Chandler Kendall, fouled out towards the end of the quarter. As Fannin kept fouling, Gilmer’s score increased. As the clock started to wind down, Gilmer took a 52-46 win over Fannin which put them in the championship game to be played the next day.
The Bobcat’s win puts their overall record at 5-8 while the Rebels stand at 3-11. Catch the Gilmer Bobcats next game on January 5 at 8:30 as they travel to take on Northwest Whitfield! Or catch the Fannin Rebels next game on the same day and at the same time at home as they take on GAC!
White County releases approved 2018 football schedule
Schedules, Team FYN Sports January 12, 2018
The White County Warriors had an impressive 2017 football season. Coming off an abismal 1-9 season in 2016, the Warriors came out swinging and scored some big wins early in 2017; defeating Franklin (33-0), Lumpkin (66-14) and Habersham Central (24-21) before dropping a tough loss to Rabun County (49-26).
The Warriors came back the following week and knocked down North Hall (28-18), who’s only other loss to a AAAA power came in the final seconds against Pickens County (42-35) where the Trojans marched down the field and came up just short as time expired.
In 2018, the Warriors will once again have an exciting schedule to kick off the season, and there’s no doubt they’ll be looking to duplicate and even improve upon their 7-4, 2-2 season from last year.
With games at Lumpkin County and then home against Habersham Central, the Warriors kick the season off much like they did in 2017. However, put a big red circle around the Sept 7 game at Pickens County, where PHS head coach Chris Parker is likely reloading rather than rebuilding this season. The game pits two quality AAAA programs against each other in non-region play, with White representing Region 7-AAAA and Pickens representing Region 6-AAAA. Both teams were eliminated early in post-season play last year, but both teams proved to be fearsome opponents on the gridiron regardless of home/away.
After the Pickens game, the Warriors schedule doesn’t let up.
The Warriors enjoyed a 10-pt victory over North Hall last season, but the Trojans played much better football as the season continued, and was the #TeamFYNSports Most Improved Team in Region 7-AAA last season. The Warriors will look to defeat the Trojans (9/14), before taking the drive over to Marist for their first game in region play. Marist, as the whole world is aware, is the defending region champion in Region 6. What’s interesting about Marist is although they won their region, defeating rival Blessed Trinity 25-24 early in the season. Two months later, the two teams met again in the State Championship and Blessed Trinity defeated the War Eagles 16-7. Undoubtedly, Marist will look to return to the final in 2018, but they will have to go through White County first.
Perhaps the best part of the Warriors’ schedule this year is the break between facing Marist (9/21) and Blessed Trinity (11/2), although the Warriors will need to defeat Flowery Branch, West Hall, Denmark and Chestatee during the interim.
How will the 2018 season fare for the Warriors of White County? It’s too early to tell. Rest assured the team will be preparing accordingly and TeamFYNSports looks forward to reporting on the 2018 season from the sidelines this fall.
Mountaintop Tourney: Bobcats Claw the Colts
Gilmer High School, Team FYN Sports December 31, 2017
This past Thursday at the Mountaintop Holiday Classic, the Gilmer Bobcats took on the Coahulla Creek Colts at Fannin County High School. Both teams were battling to redeem themselves from their lost games prior to the matchup at Fannin County. The Colts did not come to “horse around”, they put their all into the game and the Bobcats did the same.
During the first quarter of the game, Gilmer relied heavily on inside passes for shots under the basket which was how they scored the majority of their points. This allowed Bobcat, Kell Weaver, to be the main man inside throughout the game and lead Gilmer in scoring with twenty-five points. The Colts did most of their scoring from the outside thanks to their point guard, Maddox Adams. Adams led his team in scoring with twenty-eight points overall. Although the teams had different methods of scoring, it didn’t mean that one was better than the other. As the buzzer sounds for the first quarter to end, the Gilmer Bobcats and Coahulla Creek Colts were tied with a score of 14-14.
Both teams were fighting for the lead as soon as the second quarter began. The Bobcats gained more confidence in their shooting and started making outside shots. Bobcat, Tyler Sims, contributed twenty points for Gilmer with his outside shots. Another Bobcat, David Smith, followed the trend by scoring a three point shot for his team. Bobcat number two, Carter Hice, started driving the lane and put eight more points on the board. Gilmer took the lead over the Colts after the second quarter with a score of 30-24.
With the Colts making fakes left and right, Gilmer also found an opportunity for more points. The Bobcats had the determination to look up the court and see the open lane as a perfect chance for layups. Bobcat, Coady Cobb, had the speed to make the layups and contribute six points for Gilmer. Another Bobcat, Austin Daman, contributed four more points to put on the board for his team. Gilmer doubled their lead over the Colts at the end of the third quarter with a score of 46-34.
Although the Colts lead strayed farther from the Bobcats, they were not giving up. Both teams started getting after it on defense and drawing fouls. Towards the end of the game, Gilmer started driving the defense inside, leaving teammates on the outside open where they would score more points. The Colts proved to have outstanding determination and hustle by going after loose balls and getting steals on defense. However, it was not enough for them to trot away with a win. Being the last game of the night, the Gilmer Bobcats closed out the first day of the tournament with a 66-54 win over the Coahulla Creek Colts.
The Bobcats win puts their overall record at 4-8 while the Colts stand at 3-7. Catch the Gilmer Bobcats next region game on January 5 at 8:30 as they travel to take on Northwest Whitfield!
The Lady Bobcats Nip the Lady Colts
Gilmer High School, Team FYN Sports December 31, 2017
The Lady Bobcats traveled to Fannin County High School this past Thursday where they were matched up to take on the Lady Colts for day one of the Mountaintop Holiday Classic. The Colts were striving to continue their winning streak of two games prior to the matchup at Fannin County while the Bobcats were determined to knock them off their high horse and redeem themselves from a seven point loss to Union just a few nights before.
The Lady Colts did not waste any time. The first chance they got on defense, they went into a full court press. Despite the Lady Colts high pressure defense, the Lady Bobcats broke the press with no trouble. Gilmer had amazing looks up the court and found many opportunities for wide open shots. Bobcat, Emma Callihan, broke through the full court press and led her team in scoring by putting twenty-three points on the board. Lady Colt, Lily Snyder, led Coahulla Creek in scoring with twenty points overall. Number ten for the Bobcats, Marylee Callihan, was right behind her teammate in scoring with nineteen points thanks to her ankle-breaking moves under the basket. The Lady Bobcats had a three point lead over the Lady Colts at the end of the first quarter with a score of 16-13.
With the Lady Colts behind, they decided to try what was working for the Lady Bobcats. Coahulla Creek started looking up the court for open passes where they added onto their score. Bobcat, Faith Ralston, starting driving the lane and contributed two points for Gilmer. The Bobcats defense came alive towards the end of the quarter which resulted in Mallory Kiser getting steals and putting seventeen points on the board. Lady Colt, Mallory Poe, makes a three point buzzer beater shot at the end of the second quarter. Poe’s shot made the score 35-29 with Gilmer still in the lead.
Since the Lady Bobcats tried to keep their lead just as hard as the Lady Colts tried to take it away from them, both teams started fouling. Bobcat, MichaMichaela Staley, drew fouls and made one of her shots which contributed one point for Gilmer. Another Lady Bobcat, Hope Colweu, contributed two points for her team from foul shots due to her grit down low. As the third quarter came to an end, the Lady Bobcats kept their lead over the Lady Colts with a score of 54-42.
As the fourth quarter began, the Lady Colts found what was missing in their defense. Coahulla Creek’s intensity came alive by making steals left and right. With the Colts making adjustments, the Bobcats had to do the same if they wanted to keep their lead. Gilmer started to have good looks and passes on the inside where they extended their lead. The ball would be on the Lady Colts side of the court one second, then on the Lady Bobcats the other. Despite the Colts burst of energy at the end, they could not gallop to victory. The Gilmer Lady Bobcats won the game with a score of 77-67 over the Coahulla Creek Lady Colts.
The Lady Bobcats win puts their overall record at 7-5 with the Lady Colts standing at 5-6. Catch the Gilmer Lady Bobcats next region game on January 5 at 7:00 as they travel to take on Northwest Whitfield!
Rec Super Bowl Saturday Schedules Set
Parks and Recreation November 1, 2017
The Mountain Football League playoffs have finally reached their final destination for 2017: Super Bowl Saturday. This weekend, several of North Georgia’s finest young athletes will meet on the gridiron at Fannin County High School, battling to take home the league’s top honor of Super Bowl Champions.
Here are the results from last weekend’s final round of the playoffs:
6U: Fannin defeated Gilmer 22-0. Will play East Hall in the Super Bowl. East Hall defeated Chestatee 34-0.
7U: Fannin defeated Dawson 32-0. Will play Gilmer in Super Bowl. Gilmer defeated Pickens 46-0.
8U: Union defeated Fannin 20-0. Will play Chestatee in Super Bowl. Chestatee defeated Gilmer 25-19.
9U: Chestatee defeated West Hall 34-8. Will play Pickens in Super Bowl. Pickens defeated Dawson 26-0.
10U: Fannin defeated Gilmer 29-0. Will play Dawson in Super Bowl. Dawson defeated Union 12-0.
11U: Chestatee defeated Fannin 20-7. Will play Gilmer in Super Bowl. Gilmer defeated Dawson 7-6.
Follow us on Twitter @teamfynsports next weekend (or on Facebook) as we will have complete Super Bowl coverage from the sidelines on Saturday.
Updated Game Times:
6u Super Bowl
East Hall vs Fannin 10Am
7U Super Bowl
Fannin vs Gilmer 1145Am
8U Super Bowl
Union vs Chestatee 1:30pm
9U Super Bowl
Chestatee vs Pickens 3:15Pm
10U Super Bowl
Dawson vs Fannin 5pm
11U Super Bowl
Gilmer vs Chestatee 6:45 Pm
*UPDATED* School Closings Due to Severe Weather Conditions
News September 11, 2017
- Union County Schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th due to Gov. Nathan Deal declaring a state of emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. Please continue to monitor here for further updates.
- Fannin County Schools will be closed for students and all personnel on Monday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 12, for students, as well as all faculty and staff, except for 12-month personnel, district directors, and principals. As long as it is safe to do so, all 12-month personnel, as well as district directors and principals, should anticipate reporting by 9:00 a.m. on September 12. These personnel should note, though, that this expectation may be revised, depending on the weather conditions overnight; nonetheless, if you ever believe it is unsafe to report, please notify your immediate supervisor. In addition, the Board of Education work session meeting that was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, has been cancelled. Please continue to stay safe!
- Pickens County Schools closed Monday, September 11th – TWELVE MONTH EMPLOYEES REPORT AT NORMAL TIME. Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, September 12. Twelve month employees will be contacted late Monday as to whether they will be required to come to work on Tuesday. All school activities, including athletic events and after-school programs, will be canceled.
- Gilmer County Schools will be closed Monday, September 11th and Sepember 12th due to Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds especially at higher elevations, debris, dangerous road conditions and downed power lines left in its wake. Only 12 month staff should report if safe to do so.
- Dawson County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Twelve month employees will operate on a 2 hour delay.
- Lumpkin County Schools closed due to the weather forecast for our area, Lumpkin County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The anticipated high winds pose a significant threat to our students and staff. We understand that weather predictions are not always accurate, but we cannot ignore the potentially dangerous situation that this storm poses. Our number one priority is to keep our students and staff safe! Wednesday will still be a early release day as planned so that teachers will be available for parent conferences. 12 month employees should report if it is safe to do so.
- Towns County Schools closed Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th for all students. All employees should report at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 12th if safe to do so.
- White County Schools due to the severe weather forecast, White County Schools are closed for students and staff Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Please be safe!
- Murray County Schools closed Monday September 11 and Tuesday September 12, due to the possible impact of Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds, debris, dangerous road conditions, and downed power lines. We understand that weather predictions are often incorrect, but the size of this storm cannot be ignored. It is our hope that Murray County is spared from any of this storm’s impact, but we will always choose to error on the side of caution. All events planned for Monday and Tuesday evenings are also cancelled. This includes the September 11 MCPS Board meeting. This meeting will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 14 at 6:15 p.m. All maintenance, grounds crew, and transportation employees will meet at the transportation office.