Appeal filed as BOC and BOE discuss Tax Assessors issue
Featured Stories, News August 20, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Both the BOC’s special meeting and the BOE’s monthly work session saw discussion after falling median sales ratios in the Tax Assessors Office could set the county up for another state consent order and penalties in fees.
Chief Appraiser, Theresa Gooch stated that if the county’s median falls below a 38, the first consequence comes as the possibility of losing some public utility money or tax revenue. This number comes from the state’s Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA) studies that occur annually. This means the Audit will look at samples of sales in the year and look at the sale value and compare that to what the county Tax Assessors assessed the value at. Since the state expects the assessors to set there evaluations at 40 percent of the property’s value. The optimum ratio, according to the state, is set between 38 and 42 percent so that there is no major variations.
However, to “pass” the audit, a term presented by BOE Finance Director Trina Penland, the assessed evaluations must fall between 36 percent and 44 percent, allowing for a 4 percent margin of error on either side as some might say. The report of the test samples for 2021 in Gilmer County fell to 35.88 percent, according to Penland’s report.
The study lags, however, according to Gooch who explained that the Department uses 2021 sales to set 2021 values while the county must use 2020 sales to anticipate and set expected 2021 values. The time lag also comes as the county has to have its values set by January 1, 2021. The state, however, comes later as Gooch said in the August 2022 meeting that the county just received the study results. Since the county’s and the states values are at odds, the discrepancy arises. The difference is so stark this year with the rising inflation and market values in just the course of one year.
There is no immediate consequence this year as the county is not under an official review year, Gooch said that will take place next year with regards to the 2022 assessments currently in their final stages. The Tax Assessors will use this information to set the expected 2023 values, but the state will wait until the end of 2023 to set those values based on actual sales.
With the current issue, she urged the county to formally file an appeal to have their concerns on record that Gilmer is “not happy with the findings.” Additionally, Gooch noted that the county could rise up again and make the requirement by next year’s review, but she has concerns if the state continues studies with the time difference allowing major influences to change market values drastically between the county’s anticipatory values from 2022 and the states actuals from 2023.
Not meeting the state required study median causes a fine, County Chairman Charlie Paris noted $174,000. The option is going under a consent order. Paris also noted that the last time the county was under a consent order, “it cost us more than paying the fine.”
In addition to those, Penland reported to the BOE that the Tax Assessors will also have to change their ratios for the digest in coming years, further reducing the money collected for both the Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners budgets.
Gilmer County is not the only county going through this issue currently as Penland showed reports from 2019, 2020, and 2021 audits with more and more counties falling out of compliance each year. In the 2021, the majority of North Georgia along with counties all over the state are facing this same issue of being out of compliance.
Gooch reported that the last time Gilmer County was out of compliance, with a median percentage below 36, was “prior to 2010” and the last time it was out of optimal range, with a median percentage below 38, was 2013.
County updates Lower Cartecay Bridge Replacement
News February 17, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Since April of 2017, almost five years ago, the Lower Cartecay Road Bridge has been closed. This came due to an inspection deeming the bridge “unsafe.” Since then, Gilmer has pushed for a state project for bridge replacements and achieved it with Lower Cartecay taking the priority place that another bridge in the county held.
Now, a new update from Public Works Director Jim Smith has reported that right of way acquisition was completed in January. Smith went on to add the final field plans could be ready by July. With this update, a major change is coming to Gilmer’s future plans for the bridge.
The acquisition costs were shared between the state and the county at 50 percent each. However, this was the only costs the county incurred with the, originally estimated in 2017, $1.2 million project for replacement. In 2019, an update from the county reported the invoice for right of way acquisition totaled $50,000, which Gilmer paid shortly after receiving. Since then, the state has taken over with an expectation to begin construction in 2025.
Last March, the state also began plans for replacement of bridges on Highway 52 East. This conflicted with the area as Smith said at the time that detour traffic would need Lower Cartecay’s Bridge. Reports at the time suggested that the state might be looking at an earlier state date that could be in 2022. Smith said this month that the state is scheduling Lower Cartecay’s replacement to begin construction this December.
However, construction time, according to Smith, will be 18 months. This means that construction will still not complete until June 2024. Smith also noted that the two bridges on 52 East are tentatively set for 2028, long after the completion of Lower Cartecay to serve as the detour route.
Plans for the bridge are to build a spanning bridge to avoid disturbance of the water with pillars. This plan came after the discovery that the area was home to a rare fish called the Goldline Darter. It is a protected fish in state regulations as a “threatened species of fish.”
Hotel/Motel Tax raised in Gilmer BOC special meeting
News January 30, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – A special called meeting of Gilmer’s Board of Commissioners saw the official motion and approval of a change in the Hotel/Motel Tax from five percent to eight percent and included tourism product development (TPD) Projects.
The meeting saw the continued discussion of the topic that was brought up last year after Gilmer Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Grimmer responded to Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson’s request for information. Grimmer had already provided information to the cities at their request and delivered similar to the BOC.
In December 2021, Grimmer said that going above five percent in the tax opens up tourism product development (TPD) options. Grimmer explained that this fund could be used to build or improve things like river access, signage, parking lots, public bathrooms, and other projects. Gilmer is currently 100 percent marketing and does not use any of the funds for tangible or “brick-and-mortar” improvements.
With this approval, certain areas have to be listed for general guidance on projects for the county to pursue. The board stated that the project list can change from year to year, but the county is to disclose the general ideas where they will use the TPD options to fund. They noted that approval in the county’s meeting is for the resolution to be sent for approval in state legislation. In fact, Post Commissioner Hubert Parker’s motion for approval included submitting the request to Speaker David Ralston.
These stated projects were labeled as Parks, Trails, and Recreation facilities. Though throughout the meeting, the board’s exploration of projects lead to additional funding for the pool and wayfinding signage. Additionally, 18% of the funds collected must be used for the TPD projects.
Recently, the county’s pool project has failed to see real progress as bids for the project have not received any submissions. The board discussed that some questions to those interested said the addition of a diving well had some affect on their decisions. The diving well would increase project costs and liability costs for the county. Brief discussions still saw interest from board members to pursue the diving well if possible.
Additionally, in the special meeting’s Citizens Wishing to Speak section, the board heard a presentation from Robert Ferguson about his recent attendance of the Gilmer Chamber’s “Leadership Gilmer” course. Robert said that part of the course was to find a project to work on to improve the county. He went on to add that his project that he worked on with a group of people in the course was wayfinding signage. Providing handouts and extra documentation, Robert noted the abundance of signage in Ellijay for different things including a large portion of real estate signage. He also noted a lack of signage for visitors to utilize in increasing tourism guidance.
The addition of more wayfinding signage would help visitors quickly navigate to sites like local businesses, vineyards, the downtown area, and even historic places like the Tabor House. Though not a part of this same project, it is something the Chamber has noted as helpful and important for those unfamiliar with our county. Having inspected signage on their own, the Chamber recently updated signage on the Highway 515 Welcome Center and main office in the last year.
These two projects were a current focus for the Board of Commissioners with TPD, but they also discussed future possible projects briefly. Ultimately, with the project list updated annually, they elected to focus on the 2022 projects and push discussion for 2023 to a later date. Additionally, sending the resolution to state legislation requires the current project list and County Attorney David Clark noted that this change would not be finalized and implemented until Georgia’s Governor signs the bill into law. This could occur in May or later.
After signing, Clark said there is a notification period as well. If the signing is delay, the change could occur as late as September of 2022.
Grimmer also returned to speak at the Special Meeting offering information. She noted that TPD funding could have doubled in 2021 according to projections. She reasserted to the BOC that the Gilmer Chamber was a point of information on the subject with no financial interest as the increase would lower the Chambers percentage received in order to balance out to the same collection.
It was noted that while the Parks, Trails, and Recreation facilities denoted as projects are considerations and the county is not bound to complete projects in all the areas. However, they cannot work on projects outside of those areas until added to the list during the annual discussions.
Gilmer BOE redrawing district lines for board members
News January 26, 2022
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – With a letter from from the state reapportionment office suggesting changes, this Thursday will see the Gilmer Board of Education considering redrawing district lines for the county in regards to the board members.
Redrawn district lines as presented to Gilmer BOE by the state.
This does not affect the county’s voting registration or citizens voting districts within the county. Instead, it changes the lines of the county and the districts that each board of education members’ seat represents. The diagram, pictured to the right, shows these changes on Gilmer’s map. The green lines represent the former district lines, established in 2012. The colored sections represent how the districts will look if approved on Thursday.
Based on the recent census, Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley told board members that the changes look to rebalance populations within the districts.
The new lines show three major changes to the districts with the west side of District 5 reaching further west across Mountaintown, the east side of District 4 reaching further east towards the cities, and the southwest side of District 2 reaching further west across Yukon.
According to documents presented in their work session, this redraw will see each district with just over 6,000 people living in each of the districts.
This redistricting has not been approved yet, but is set for consideration this week, having the districts set for the coming election.
State drawn district lines for reapportionment in Georgia are presented here with roads overlaid.
About voting on board members, Dr. Ridley stated, “The only thing that this affects is where future board members may live. Since all of you are voted on at large, it really doesn’t have any effect on who votes for who.”
Board Member Joe Pflueger question the origination of the map and Dr. Ridley clarified that the map was redrawn and provided by the state reapportionment office. Pflueger further noted that there has been no local input on the districts map as presented so far. Comments were made that the board would discuss legal options in executive session.
Dr. Ridley did note that the board could accept the map as presented or potentially alter it and ask for changes. Tomorrow’s, January 27, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Gilmer BOE will see the board’s decision on the map at 6:00 p.m.
Gilmer BOE recognized as Quality Board by GSBA
News October 17, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga, – Gilmer Schools are celebrating this week as the Gilmer County Board of Education has been awarded the designation of 2021 Quality Board by the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA).
According to the GSBA, the Board Recognition Program is a 3 tier process to achieve the highest level in board governance. The 3 recognition levels are Quality, Distinguished and Exemplary with Exemplary the highest level. GSBA developed this program to reflect the state standards, which offers school boards additional ways to increase their effectiveness. The State Board of Education developed the state standards for governance that form the foundation for GSBA’s awards and recognition program.
Gilmer Schools Board of Education, from left to right, Michael Parks, Joe Pflueger, Chairman Ronald Watkins, Vice-Chair Doug Pritchett, and Michael Bramlett.
Recognition as a Quality Board requires board members to adhere to specific training requirements and standards of performance. Gilmer Schools said that as a part of the state recognition, the GSBA will be honoring the recipients at the 2021 GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference in Atlanta.
In conjunction with the board attending the annual conference, they also select board members as representatives to attend legal conferences to provide input on state policies and other issues. These are only a couple of the gatherings that the board does as a part of the GSBA. The state requires training, but to achieve each status of recognition in the GSBA, each increasing level requires additional training time.
GCS Superintendent, Dr. Brian Ridley stated “I am very happy to be working with this outstanding board. In my short time with them, I have been very impressed with their willingness to work together as a team for the benefit of our students and I am very proud of their accomplishment.”
In addition to meeting state goals in training and budgeting, the board also must incorporate additional state guidelines into their system. Quality Boards have and utilize a strategic plan while incorporating the Georgia Vision Project, adhering to a minimum of 5 of those state imposed guidelines. Additionally, the GSBA’s website states that the Board must comply with standards of all selected accreditation associations applicable.
This Board Recognition Program requires a high level of commitment from school boards and individual members. The GSBA states, “The ultimate goal is to provide a platform based on governance standards which challenges boards, but creates a culture of success for students and communities.”
This is not the first time that the Gilmer Board of Education has achieved this status, but with annual renewals the board must qualify for the status every year.
Sheriff’s K9 units Milo and Novak receive new protective vests in donation
News October 4, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – “Invaluable.” This is the word that Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson used to describe the K9 units when they are needed for work that he calls “apprehension.” But even that is only a third of the value that he says the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office receives from K9 units Milo and Novak.
These are two of the Sheriff’s Office three K9 Units, the third being Arlo. Milo and Novak are more advanced in their training, though. These dogs are used daily in patrols and services by the Sheriff’s Office as Nicholson told FYN they are multi-purpose dogs. In addition to apprehension of suspects in dangerous situations, both dogs are used to detect or “sniff out” drugs and also to help in searches of lost people.
Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit Milo
With so much of Gilmer County being forested areas, and with the Cohutta Wilderness in the county, tracking can prove to be yet another “invaluable” skill for the Sheriff’s Office.
A state organization, the Georgia Police K9 Foundation (GPK9F) has vested 112 Georgia Law Enforcement K9s within the state through its program. Now, these two dogs have been selected to receive new protective vests to wear in their service. The vests are designed to be worn as body armor for the K9 units when engaging in their work while maintaining a lighter weight.
According to LOF Defence Systems, the retailer for these items, the basic “K9 Streetfighter” vests retail for a base price of $550 each with upgrades costing more. However, GPK9F are donating the vests to Gilmer’s K9 Units, made possible through the generous donation by Kelly Bostick in memory of Richard E. Bostick, Jr.
According to a release by GPK9F, “What is unique about these K9 protective vests is they have a soft body armor specifically constructed to be lightweight. This helps protect our Law Enforcement K9s from becoming exhausted from heavier vests, which may cause overheating. In Georgia, heat indexes can reach over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. Keeping a K9s body temperature down is crucial while they are working to avoid heat exhaustion or even a heat stroke. The fabric in the LOF Streetfighter vest helps regulate the K9’s body temperature keeping them comfortable and cool and are meant to be worn for entire shifts so that our four legged officers are protected at all times. K9 Officers unconditionally run into dangerous situations, regardless of whether or not a suspect could be armed with a lethal weapon. These vests are bullet resistant and shield the K9’s vital organs during any apprehension that may involve tracking and even, detaining a fleeing suspect before an officer can take full control. The Georgia Police K9 Foundation could not be more excited knowing we have assisted in the protection of our K9 officers against work related injuries or worse yet, death.”
LOF Defence Systems uses a special fabric to help with the cooling system as well. They state, “The StreetFighter vest also contains an inner layer of Outlast Thermal Management Systems fabric to prevent excessive heat soaking and to help regulate your K9’s body temperature keeping them comfortable and cool.”
Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit Novak
According to Kyle Briley, Founder and President of Georgia Police K9 Foundation, “Our organization is honored to have these two heroes protected in memory of Richard E. Bostick, Jr. It is through generous contributions and support that we are able to make a difference.“
While these K9 units are the ones receiving the vests, it is their handlers who may be more pleased with the upgrades. Deputy David Ridings is the handler for Milo. Ridings did, at one time, serve as handler for Novak who is now in service with Corporal Frank Parks. Parks is a familiar name of recent weeks in Gilmer County after he made an arrest during a traffic stop, discovering over a pound and a half of Meth.
K9 Milo is a three-year-old Belgium Malinois. K9 Novak is a six-year-old Belgium Malinois.
GPK9F also stated in their release, “As a foundation, we want to especially thank Kelly Bostick for the generous donation in memory of Richard E. Bostick, junior to protect both K9 Novak and K9 Milo. We thank each sponsor, donor and supporter of our mission.”
According to Nicholson, the K9 program utilizes both Milo and Novak for detection, tracking, and apprehension, making them the prime candidates for the vests. They go through weekly continuous training under the guidance of their handlers, but Nicholson says the dogs do periodically attend larger training seminars as well. Eventually, he hopes to have the agency’s third dog, Arlo, trained and ready for everything that these two do as well. While Arlo is trained for detection and tracking, training and certifications for apprehension are expected to come at a later date.
Until then, it appears that Novak and Milo are the frontline in K9 unit operations in Gilmer County utilizing their new protective vests.
Georgia Police K9 Foundation (GPK9F) is an All Volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit, which helps raise awareness within the State and the local communities of the infinite contributions made by the Police K9s and how they save lives to make our communities safe. Our goal is to protect as many of Georgia’s four legged officers by providing them with safety equipment, such as, bullet-proof vests, heat alarm systems, and Naloxone (Narcan Kits) in the event a K9 is directly exposed to any opioids during a search and seizure. Once a K9 has retired, the Handler will adopt their K9 partner and best friend. In the absence of State or local retirement benefits for the K9s, GPK9F will help provide retirement support (food and medical care) for the retired law enforcement K9s, who have unconditionally served their communities for years. To date, the Georgia Police K9 Foundation has assisted over 1,000 Georgia K9s by provided 112 K9 Protection Vests, 45 Heat Alarms, 200+ Training equipment, seminars, and trainings were supplied to numerous K9 teams across the State of Georgia, and assisted 100+ Retired K9s. Read their full press release here.
State Superintendent Richard Woods visits Ellijay Elementary
News September 9, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – On a tour through several schools in North Georgia, the State Superintendent Richard Woods visited Ellijay Elementary School last week to tour the school and speak with administrators on the beginning of the new school term considering much of the changes and challenges this year.
State Superintendent Richard Woods speaks with administrators at Ellijay Elementary during a tour of schools as they return to class.
Woods arrived at Ellijay Elementary late in the day to see how the school handles transportation, social distancing, and cleanliness and prevention practices during that process.
Met by school administrators and Gilmer Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, Woods toured part of the school and spoke about the challenges that schools are seeing as they return to class. Through the line-up, car window tags, and computer system for parents picking up students, Woods saw the stream-lined system the Ellijay Elementary uses to identify parents, call for the student, and allow students into cars one at a time with space between.
In addition to this, Woods viewed several classes lining up for buses. Through the redistricting that Gilmer did last year, less buses come through the elementary school and reach homes far faster. This means less time on the bus, and less time spent with students from other schools.
As a part of the loading process, school personnel and the bus drivers spray sanitizer on students hands before the enter the buses and use assigned seating for students on the bus. Administrators also told Woods that, when possible, family members are kept together on the bus as well.
Personnel and Bus Drivers spray hand sanitizer on students hands as they line up to get on buses at the end of the school day.
Woods also asked about the sports program at stadiums with schools returning to football. Dr. Downs replied saying they would be requesting those displaying symptoms stay home, and would be encouraging social distancing with fans. Yet, they did not want to distribute limited tickets to families as they had dealt with similar issues in previous years at graduation.
Continuing along, Woods has been asking the schools he visits how he and the state could help.
Dr. Downs noted that teachers in the state are not considered essential employees by the governor. That moniker means something as teachers who may have a possible exposure through detailed contact tracing or similar means are being sent home to quarantine for 14 days. Gilmer has had issue here as people who aren’t sick are being forced to go home. Some flexibility in the area could mean a world of difference.
Dr. Downs said that someone who may have had a possible contact could come to work with an N95 mask and fall under daily monitoring and observation. This way, at the first sign of any issue, they could be sent home then, but many teachers have been identified as a possible contact and gone through quarantine without ever getting sick or showing any signs. Downs added that those who feel the need to quarantine could still follow that procedure.
Dr. Shanna Downs, Lauree Pierce, Richard Woods, and Melinda Fonteboa pose for a photo during Woods visit to Ellijay Elementary School.
Downs clarified that they don’t want to put sick people in school, but rather avoid stigma and over-reactions to extended contact tracing that is sending a large number of people home and putting a strain on the school system which is struggling to provide substitute teachers. This comes from a dwindling pool of substitutes as those “at-risk” have decided not to substitute for the schools this year.
As the visit neared its end, Woods said he understands that every county is adjusting to their own needs and a “one-size-fits-all approach” would never have worked. But he made the visits to see the schools and hear their needs.
Woods is set to return to the state department and share all that he saw and learned from his tour. He has said that he wants the state to continue supporting the counties in their individual responses.
Woods said, “Please let us know how we can help and things that we can do to support what you all are doing… Success happens her.”
BOC to sell old Planning and Zoning Building
News July 28, 2020
Downsizing its facilities due to moving offices around, the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners is now looking to sell their building on the square that has been used recently as the Planning and Zoning office.
Gilmer’s former Planning and Zoning building is located in the square immediately south of the courthouse.
The property disposal came before the commissioners in a Special Called meeting under an agenda item that encompassed both the “disposal of the property” as well as engaging a real estate agent.
Gilmer Commissioner Chairman Charlie Paris stated that engaging a real estate broker will begin with a bid process to the board to find an agent to use in the process. However, engaging the bid should follow broad language on usage. County Attorney David Clark encouraged this option of specificty to allow the Commissioners options down the road. He stated, “That gives you the option to consider it, but you don’t have to use the agent with the additional piece of property.”
This means that the county could use the agent to sell the Planning and Zoning building, but wouldn’t have to go through the agent for every piece of property that may come up.
Paris also clarified further saying that if they get another piece of property they need to sell, but wish to just auction it off, they could do this. However, if they do wish to go through the real estate agent again, they would not need to complete the bid process again at that time.
Having the bid process set one agent into this position, the county is also looking to only extend the contract by a specific time period. After that time they would need to rebid the services of real estate agent. With that in mind, Clark also suggested the contract would terminate after a year unless the agent was amid a selling process at the time.
The final decision came through two motions, the first came to take bids for a real estate agent to handle disposing of county property while reserving rights to dispose of property in other ways. The second came to dispose of the building previously referred to as the Planning and Zoning building. Both were approved by the two present commissioners, with Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson absent.
Along with the disposal in this meeting, another issue arose that could become a major issue. While the office of the Board of Commissioners is attempting to satisfy requirements for a DOT audit with regards to Gilmer’s Airport Professional Services Agreement. According to Paris, Georgia’s Department of Transportation is going through an audit process.
As such, Gilmer has used grants they have used at the airport from the FAA. Part of those grants cover engineering requirements. The state’s audit saw a request for the master contract with the engineering firm from Gilmer County. Paris said that the county didn’t have a contract in 2015, but the county specified it was to be done under the contract of 2012. However, in 2012, the engineering firm, Croy Engineering, signed the contract and sent it to the county. The county at the time tabled the item to investigate. However, the county never revisited the contract.
With no contract, Gilmer County could be held responsible for reimbursement of all the engineering costs since 2012. Clark explained that the county has tried other options to resolve the issue, but have been rejected. Now, the county will authorize the chairman to sign the contract with a retroactive effective date to satisfy the needs.
The county has been operating under the contract over the years, but has simply not signed the contract.
Gilmer Schools asks for opinion on exempting Georgia from Testing and CCRPI
News June 30, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer Schools is reaching out to parents, students, educators, and citizens to offer their opinions on Milestones testing and the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) through a survey.
Although linked on Gilmer Schools’ social media, the Georgia Department of Education is marked atop the survey as they seek a response about their request for waivers of these annual tests and reports
According to a joint statement from Governor Brian Kemp and State School Superintendent Richard Woods of the Georgia Department of Education:
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, we have urged common sense regarding compliance in Georgia’s public schools, and a focus before anything else on the health, safety, and well-being of students, families, and school staff.
“On March 16, Georgia became one of the first states in the nation to suspend standardized testing requirements in the wake of the COVID-19 school closures, and later received approval from the U.S. Department of Education for the cancelation of all remaining standardized tests in the 2019-2020 school year.
“Given the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting state budget reductions, it would be counterproductive to continue with high-stakes testing for the 2020-2021 school year. In anticipation of a return to in-person instruction this fall, we believe schools’ focus should be on remediation, growth, and the safety of students. Every dollar spent on high-stakes testing would be a dollar taken away from the classroom.
“Georgia will submit a waiver to the U.S. Department of Education for the suspension of the 2020-21 Georgia Milestones assessment and CCRPI school and district rating. To our knowledge, Georgia is the first state in the nation to make this announcement for the upcoming school year. Additionally, effective immediately, the Georgia Department of Education is suspending the teacher evaluation (TKES) summative rating for 2020-21.
“These efforts are in line with our longstanding shared belief that assessment has a place and a purpose in education, but the current high-stakes testing regime is excessive. Though the legislative session was shortened due to COVID-19, we are continuing to pursue Senate Bill 367, which aims to get Georgia’s state testing requirements in line with the federal minimum and maximize time for instruction.
“We are hopeful the federal government will recognize that the upcoming school year will not be ‘business as usual’ and will accept our request for a standardized testing waiver.”
The posted survey asks which county you live in and if you agree or disagree with this request, but also leaves ares for comments and written opinions on the topics as well.
FYN reached out today to Gilmer Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs for comment on the waiver and the survey and is currently awaiting response.
BOE enters July without Budget as they await State information
News June 26, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Despite a back and forth with state and Georgia Board of Education officials, Gilmer is still awaiting details to approve its budget for 2020-2021 school year. A now officially-approved spending resolution is allowing them to move forward despite that obstacle alongside other financial approvals for past budget and purchases.
The resolution came with itemized reports for extra expenses for academic supplies and subscriptions as reported in BOE to seek spending resolution tomorrow. utilizing one-twelfth, equivalent to one month, of the final amended budget from the previous year.
In their monthly purchasing policy report, the schools are continuing to expand the chromebook ratio to students as previous discussions show that the board is preparing for possibilities to return or not return to school in the fall. These discussions could see a final decision in July. The purchasing policy showed $49,140 for Chromebooks across Clear Creek Elementary School, Ellijay Elementary School, and Mountainview Elementary this month.
The board also approved their academic supplements for FY 21 including instructors and coaches for several extracurricular “academic” teams. Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs explained that some changes from last year and inclusion of Winterguard and Band in the Academic Teams as it is not recognized as a sport yet by GHSA.
A GHS Furniture purchase also saw approval as Downs explained that the “not to exceed $125,000” recommendation was to ensure any surprises as outfitting a number of rooms and spaces including mostly science classrooms.
Moving forward with their meetings into the year, the board is changing on date in September now that they have found the approved school calendar will coincide their September meetings with Fall break. Therefore, they approved a change moving the meeting dates from September 21 and 24 to its new date of September 14 and 17.
Lieutenants offer details on National Guard visit to Parkside
Featured Stories April 7, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Soldiers and Reservists from the National Guard met in Ellijay today as part of a running program from the state to help clean, sanitize, and train staff at Parkside Ellijay.
Parkside Ellijay Skille Nursing Care is one of the facilities being cleaned and sanitized by Georgia’s stations of the National Guard.
The facility is only one of many that Lieutenant Jacob Mizell of Bravo Company said his team has and will visit during the Coronavirus outbreak. Receiving the call only last week, these reservists were in action in a day.
Today, they went into Parkside Ellijay spraying down, disinfecting, and sanitizing hallways, railings, counters, and other high touch areas. But they also visited each of the 100 rooms to disinfect areas of the residents’ rooms as well. Lt. Mizell said they were working with the owner of Parkside to accomplish whatever the need dictates.
Lt. Mizell said, “Their staff can’t really stay at home in isolation because these facilities need their staff here to make sure that their residents get medication and food and any sort of care that they need. So, we’re doing our part to help the state, to help the community, and to help the citizens of Georgia.”
Lt. Nathan Ballew, left, and Lt. Jacob Mizell, right, of the National Guard, prepare for cleaning and sanitization of the Parkside Ellijay facility on April 7, 2020.
Lieutenant Nathan Ballew said the operations is a little bit of both cleaning and education at the facility. The guard is doing the actual cleaning, but they are also educating the staff on procedures, cleaning, decontamination suits, and mask usage. A process that owner Michael Feist says is more than welcome as the facility wants to take all the help for its residents as possible.
The teams come through the facility with minimal impact on residents but slight impact to staff, who may have to avoid certain areas or hallways for several minutes during the process.
Depending on the facility size, the process could take two to three hours, and this team that came to Ellijay is based in Canton, reaching out and visiting facilities in a radius around their station. They hit two facilities each day, but currently have no plans or orders to return to facilities after completion.
The National Guard is working with local facilities like Parkside Ellijay and with Public Safety agencies to clean and support community efforts during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Lt. Mizell said his unit has already visited eight facilities in their current tour. But their unit has two teams operating from Canton. Each team has 15 total soldiers.
Lt. Ballew said they are just a small part of the National Guard that is mobilized right now.
Lt. Ballew went on to add that he has personally been a part of responses for hurricanes and other disasters, but “It’s very similar because it’s just maintaining that flexibility to do whatever the state needs for us to help. That’s one of the most important parts of maintaining a National Guard.”
“We’re proud to admit that we have no cases. Nobody has tested positive and nobody is showing symptoms in the entire building. Nor have they shown since the beginning of this epidemic.” says Feist.
Lt. Nathan Ballew, left, and Lt. Jacob Mizell, right, of the National Guard, speak with members of the press about their presence in Ellijay and their orders to help in the facility.
More than just the National Guard’s efforts, Parkside has made major changes in recent months including an outside chair and window visits for family as no visitors are allowed inside the building. Though they have cancelled some events, social interactions are still continuing through events like hallway long bingo nights and turn-based visits to the courtyard and bird feeders.
Parkside has halted renovations since the beginning of the epidemic and has even worked alongside public safety for potential plans for unused medical space should a need arise. They also maintain a rolling updated training regimen for staff on infection control and just completed a new update in recent months before the outbreak. Education and training are also continuing with the Guard during today’s visit as time permits.
The mission isn’t just to sanitize and clean, but to educate, according to the two Lieutenants who reiterated that they wanted citizens to know that the process is about “flattening the curve.” A phrase many have heard in the media. Providing a service is what guardsmen sign up for as Lt. Ballew and Lt. Mizell said they are here to help.
County Approves Second Amendment Sanctuary
News February 13, 2020
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Officially, Gilmer County has declared itself a Second Amendment Sanctuary. With the urging of citizens and submitted petitions to the county, the vote came unanimously in support of a resolution declaring the official adoption of this moniker of Second Amendment Sanctuary.
County Commissioner Charlie Paris stated during the meeting, “This is, essentially, the very same resolution that was presented to us initially. We’ve just had two or three very minor, one-word type changes.”
Jason Williamson speaks to to the Board of Commissioners about the Second Amendment Sanctuary at Thursday Night’s, February 13. 2020, meeting.
The minor changes were not unexpected as even Jason Williams, one of the initiators of the agenda item and the one who submitted the collected petition signatures to the county, told FYN last week that he expected the County Attorney, David Clark, to have a few such changes for legal wordings or clarifications.
Applause came from the crowd as the motion and second came and was finalized by a yes vote from all three commissioners for the resolution to support the second amendment in Gilmer County.
The county has approved a resolution at this time, but said they would look an actual ordinance change in time. Williamson previously said that an ordinance change is what specifically he wanted as it is harder to take out or change than a resolution.
Stay with FYN as we delve into the citizens comments and responses to the approval along with the actual resolution wording over the next few days.
Gilmer wrestling sees 10 boys, five girls guarantee state spots
GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports February 9, 2020
Ten members of the Gilmer boys wrestling team are earned spots as guaranteed qualifiers for the state tournament at the Class 4A A Sectional Tournament on Feb. 7-8 at Lanier High in Sugar Hill.
The Bobcats had two wrestlers take the top overall spot in the tournament.
At 132 pounds, Brock Sumner placed first after winning four matches by decision. In the first round, Sumner won 12-9; in the quarterfinals, Sumner won 4-1; in the semifinals, Sumner won 6-2; and he rounded out the tournament by winning the final match by a 2-0 decision.
Caleb Waddell, defending 170-pound state champion, took first place in the same weight class. Waddell won matches by pin, including winning the quarterfinal match in 32 seconds and the final match by 1 minute, 3 seconds.
Three wrestlers placed second for the Bobcats.
At 120 pounds, Lucas Lopez won his quarterfinal match by pin at 2:49 after a first-round bye. He then won his semifinal match before falling in the finals.
Diego Jacinto, at 138 pounds, placed second after winning his quarterfinal match by a 3-2 decision and the semifinal match by pin at 4:53.
In the heavyweight division, Jacob Cruz placed second at 285 pounds. Cruz, who had a first-round bye, won his quarterfinal match by pin at 1:13 and his semifinal match by pin at 5:27.
Five members of the Gilmer wrestling squad placed third at the sectional tournament to earn a spot in the state tournament.
Gustavo Morales, in the 106-pound bracket, won his first match by pin at 1:12 before falling in his second. In the consolation bracket, Morales won four straight matches, including a win by a 9-3 decision, a win by pin at 2:13, and a win by pin in 14 seconds to place third.
At 113 pounds, Walter Lopez won his first three matches, the first by a 5-2 decision, the second by pin at 1:06, and the third by pin at 4:47, before falling in the semifinals. In the consolation bracket, Lopez won by pin at 31 seconds and pin at 3:25 to place third.
Abel Jacinto, at 160 pounds, also placed third. He won his first two matches by pin at 3:12 and a 5-1 decision before losing. In the consolation bracket, he won by a 3-1 decision and a 6-3 decision to take third.
Dylan Galloway, at 195 pounds, won his first two matches by pin before falling and heading to the consolation bracket. There, he won by pin at 1:45 and pin at 3:25 to place third.
Finally, Samuel Tercero, at 220 pounds, also placed third. After a first-round bye, Tercero won his quarterfinal match by pin at 3:18 before falling in the semifinals. In the consolation bracket, Tercero won by a 6-2 decision before winning the third-place match.
For the Gilmer girls wrestling squad, three members placed first, two placed second, three placed third, one placed fourth, and one placed fifth at the sectional tournament.
In the 112-A bracket, Laura Tercero took home first place, while in the 162-pound bracket, Francisca Lopez also placed first. At 152 pounds, Karina Montaya-Gonzale placed first.
Hannah Mayo, at 142 pounds, placed second in the tournament, as did Maribel Perez-Lopez at 197 pounds.
At 132 pounds, Anna Waddell placed third, while Noemi Torres did the same at 152 pounds and Claudia Zilke followed suite at 172 pounds.
In the 122-A bracket, Ange Davis came in fourth, while Valley Wofford placed fifth in the 102-pound bracket.
The top-two finishers at each girls weight class punched a ticket to the state wrestling tournament, meaning Laura Tercero, Mayo, Montaya-Gonzale, Francisca Lopez, and Perez-Lopez will be wrestling for state titles.
The state wrestling tournament is set for Feb. 13-15 at the Macon Centreplex in Macon.
Gilmer names Jones as 2020 STAR Student
Bobcat's Corner, Community January 28, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer High School has named Nathan Daniel Jones, 18, as the school’s 2020 PAGE STAR Student. Jones has subsequently selected Dr. Renee Hoard, a Mathematics teacher at GHS, as his STAR Teacher.
Nathan Daniel Jones, 18, has been named as Gilmer High School’s 2020 PAGE STAR Student.
Sponsored in Gilmer by the Ellijay Lions Club, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators’ (PAGE) program for Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) honors seniors in schools. To be nominated, a senior must have “the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.”
“We are very proud of Mr. Jones and Dr. Hoard and the academic excellence they exemplify at Gilmer High,” said GHS Principal Carla Foley.
Nathan is the son of Charlie and Starla Jones of Ellijay. He had Dr. Hoard as his teacher for Algebra II Honors, AP Statistics, and SAT/ACT Test Prep. Jones added that Dr. Hoard also helped him as he began sending off applications and preparing for college. Jones confirmed that he will be attending Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology) this fall.
While he has not decided on a major yet, Jones says he wants to pursue Math in some way in his degree. He said he finds a special satisfaction with math and he “just feels it.” His notion was echoed by Dr. Hoard who said she has seen him figuring out some math that even some professionals have had trouble with.
Dr. Renee Hoard has been named STAR Teacher for three of the last four years at GHS.
Dr. Hoard further commented on Jones’ award saying, “The best thing is he is just an all-around academic. You say he is a math person but he is excellent in all of his subjects.”
This is Dr. Hoard’s third nomination as STAR Teacher over the last four years, meaning that, including Jones, three of the last four STAR students picked her as their most influential teacher. She has been awarded in 2017, 2019, and 2020. She began teaching in 1989 and has taught for a total of 27 years since then.
Both the STAR Student Jones and his STAR Teacher Hoard will move on together throughout the remainder of the program. In the STAR Program, each high school’s STAR Student will compete for school system titles, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners compete for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student.
Gilmer wins CDBG grant for water improvements
News September 9, 2019
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today announced that Gilmer County has been awarded $722,000 to make water system improvements through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The funds will be used as part of a $1.9 million project to improve water infrastructure along Old Roundtop Road, Roundtop Road, Whispering Winds Lane and within the Lakeside Mobile Home Park.
Extending new water main lines into the area, the Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority (EGCWSA) will be extending lines to homes that have never had access to the public water system. They will be extending the mainline to communities that are currently using substandard wells or systems with heavy iron in the water as well as laying the groundwork for future plans. In fact, as this grant funds “Phase 1” of the project, Director of the EGCWSA, Gary McVey said, “After this grant is done, we’re actually going to extend even farther and, hopefully, even maybe get to the county line.”
McVey confirmed that once they reach the county line, they will pursue a connection with Pickens County Water as well. Gilmer already connects to Pickens through the Yukon Road/Talking Rock area.
“Continually maintaining and improving infrastructure is critical to the quality of life our residents enjoy,” said Speaker Ralston. “This is the kind of investment that will pay off for years to come, and I congratulate all those involved in winning this grant award for Gilmer County.”
County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris also commented on the grant saying, “These grants are competitive. You’ve got to present a good case in order to get them. And I think we’ve done that… We’re being more competitive and that’s what I like to see.”
According to Speaker Ralston’s Press Release, the CDBG program is available to eligible local governments through a competitive grant program. Each year, CDBG supports community projects that create jobs and assist citizens with low and moderate incomes. The release also stated,
Over the past decade, Georgia’s CDBG program has invested in health care facilities that have helped more than 35,000 Georgians gain access to improved health services, has provided resources for critical water and sewer improvements serving more than 177,000 residents in rural areas, has supported the construction or enhancement of community facilities to serve more than 16,000 youth and senior citizens, and has helped to create more than 6,100 new jobs through the Employment Incentive Program.
REACH signing in Gilmer
Bobcat's Corner, News November 13, 2019
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Five new inductees have joined the Gilmer County REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) program this week with the official REACH Signing Ceremony on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
The ceremony was hosted at Clear Creek Middle School’s media center with special guests Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston and Brad Bryant from the Georgia Student Finance Commission.
Left to Right, Sarah Enfinger, Eduardo Gonzalez-Santos, Emma Heaslip, Sandra Pantoja, and David Rafael-Garcia are honored as the newest Gilmer REACH Scholars at a ceremony on November 12, 2019.
The inductees, Sarah Enfinger, Eduardo Gonzalez-Santos, Emma Heaslip, Sandra Pantoja, and David Rafael-Garcia, signed their agreements during the ceremony as did their parents to adhere to the requirements of the agreement and move toward their choices for post-secondary education.
Speaker Ralston said during the ceremony that this year’s students are joining a group of more than 2,400 students in Georgia who have been a part of the program over recent years.
Ralston said, “The REACH program exemplifies what can happen when communities come together and the public and private sectors work hand in hand to support our young people. REACH is also an example of the state’s continuing commitment to supporting our students and public education. Whether it has been fully funding public schools through QBE, paying for school security improvements, or raising teacher salaries, our general assembly continues to invest in education all across the state.”
Georgia Speaker of the House, David Ralston speaks to students and families at Gilmer’s REACH signing on November 12, 2019.
The REACH signing is a part of Georgia’s program as a needs-based scholarship that begins in 8th grade. REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach throughout high school. Scholars must maintain good grades (2.5 GPA in core courses), behavior, and attendance throughout middle and high school. Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at HOPE-eligible institution in Georgia.
Bryant also took a moment to offer special thanks to the school board members and the mentors to these students for the time and effort they put forth to help the students saying the children are the future, but “it’s the adults that serve the children that are the future.”
Another surprise for the day’s events, the students saw a video message from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp congratulating them on the ceremony and their steps toward the future. Kemp said, “Today’s ceremony is the beginning of a journey. Your REACH scholarship puts you in the fast lane on a road to the future of success. I look forward to watching you accelerate into that future.”
See more photos from this event at FYN’s REACH 2019 Photo Album on Facebook.
