No arrest
Lake Levels
Inside
Index
■ Full . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .660.00 ■ Wednesday . . . . . . . . . 659.27 ■ Last Thursday . . . . . . . 660.59
■ District 7 titles aplenty 1B ■ Limited access 5A
Obituaries . . . . . . . 8A Police News . . . . . 6A Editorial Page. . . . 4A
Hart News . . . . . . 5B Sports . . . . . . . . . . 1B Classifieds. . . . . . . 7B
The Hartwell Sun Thursday, July 10, 2014
Hartwell, Hart County, Georgia 30643
Vol. 140 No. 4 $1.00 Per Copy
Alcohol sales on Sunday? City council approves a resolution to place Sunday sales and liquor-by-the-drink on the November ballot By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
One peach, two peach... Anyone traveling Highway 17 North in Bowersville is certain to see the early morning line of customers that leads to the summertime tradition of Cheek’s peaches in Hart County. This week was no exception. Before 9 a.m. on Tuesday, more than a dozen customers of all ages had traveled from throughout Hart County and surrounding areas to purchase one of the many varieties of peaches offered at Cheek’s Peach Orchard. The orchard has been a family-owned and operated business since 1950. Pictured: Anna Vaughn of Royston eagerly purchases her peaches from Alice Cheek this week. (Sunshot by Lauren Peeples)
Hartwell residents will have the opportunity to vote on Sunday alcohol sales in the November election. During a nearly two-hour regular meeting of the Hartwell City Council on Monday, the council unanimously approved to add two resolutions that will be listed as two separate questions on the ballot, one for package sales and one for liquor by the drink sales. Sales would be limited to between 12:30 and 8 p.m. on Sunday. Councilman Tray Hicks presented the resolutions, which were listed on the agenda as Election Resolution Nos. 0707-2014-1 and 07-07-2014-2. There was no discussion among the council and no public comment on the issue. “Out of courtesy, I was made aware last week that the coun-
“My hope is that the citizens ... will vote their beliefs.” Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Hartwell cil intended on adding the referendum and voting on it Monday night,” said Hartwell mayor Brandon Johnson in an email Tuesday. “I expressed my opinion and was assured that the process would be followed according to the city charter. The charter states that three councilman can add an item to the agenda. My hope is that the citizens of Hartwell will educate themselves on the referendums and vote their beliefs on Sunday alcohol sales. The upcoming election should have a good turnout and allow the voters to be heard loud and clear.” City manager David Aldrich
confirmed Wednesday that per the charter, three council members can add an agenda item without the mayor’s approval. “The resolution was sent from the city attorney and it was placed on the agenda with a simple general caption the same as all our resolutions,” said Aldrich in an email Wednesday. “I don’t believe there was any conspiracy to leave anything out. It was our normal process.” Hicks said the idea of putting Sunday sales to a vote has been discussed previously by members of the council. “Allowing the voters to vote on this has been spoken about for some time during work sessions, retreats, pro-business task force sessions, and during the mayor’s Vision Summit at city hall,” stated Hicks in an email. “On Thursday morning See City, page 2A
Judge Smith case will be heard by grand jury By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
A grand jury will determine whether Hart County Probate
judge Bob Smith will be indicted on allegations of misconduct, according to Northern Judicial Circuit district attorney Parks White.
Following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the case was submitted to White last week to determine if any further action
would be taken against Smith. On Tuesday, White told The Hartwell Sun that the next step was grand jury. He added
Values in the mail
that those proceedings are private, and therefore, he could not discuss it. The next grand See Jury, page 2A
No arrest Royston officer won’t face animal cruelty charges By Mark Hynds Editor
Property assessments going out this month By Lake Morris Staff writer
Hart County residents should expect to see their 2014 property assessment values in the mail soon after the Hart County Board of Assessor’s unanimously approved them during its regular meeting Tuesday. The assessment values are for “real property,” or land with any improvements. Assessments are the basis for levying city, county and school system ad valorum taxes. Property owners will have 45 days to appeal assessments to either correct any errors or dispute values. Chief appraiser Wayne Patrick was hopeful to get the noSee Values, page 2A
Hart County artist Pam Renfroe creates her latest trademark piece, which is currently untitled, for The Coca-Cola Company at her home studio. (Sunshot by Lauren Peeples)
Artist celebrates an iconic drink through her work By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
Strategically positioned at her easel in her private studio in Hart County, Pamela Renfroe gracefully strokes her paintbrush across a canvas outlined with the scene
from her latest theme to commerate The Coca-Cola Company. As a licensed artist with The Coca-Cola Company since 1988, Renfroe has secured her trademark artistic talents through approximately 30 different
Coca-Cola pieces she has created for the soft drink company. Renfroe will attend the 40th-annual National CocaCola Collectors’ Convention in Springfield, Ill. The con-
Royston police officer Kenneth Reynolds will not face charges for animal cruelty after a magistrate judge dismissed an application for a criminal warrant originally requested by the Hart County Sheriff’s office. Stephens County Magistrate Judge Donald Tabor presided over the hearing, held last Thursday at the Hart County courthouse. “I’m glad it’s over,” said Reynolds, moments after the judge’s decision. “I feel bad for him (Jordan). He’s been in my prayers, but at the end of the day, I had to do what I had to do to protect mine.” Reynolds admitted back in May to shooting the dog owned by Dahlonega resident Mark Jordan on Reynolds’ property on Mt. Olivet Road in Hart
See Renfroe, page 3A
See Hearing, page 2A
Obituaries Sylvia Broome Kathleen Waal Jane Arnold Erna Deal Angela King
Special of the Week
Pork Loins Whole, Bone-In, $ 99 99 (Sliced Free) $ David Beck Meat Dept.
How to contact us:
1
Call 706-376-8025
Lb.
For th e BEST PRICES in tow n ,see ou r
ADVERTISIN G CIRCULAR in tod a y’s ed ition of The Hartwell Sun
N ew Sale Dates:W ednesday -Tuesday...Every W eek!!! Fax 706-376-3016
5-94266HS
Glenn Fulbright Fannie Martin Margaret Renner Benjamin Earl
e-mail [email protected]
1028 Benson St., Hartwell • 706-376-1874
Office 8 Benson St.
P.O. Box 700
NEWS
2A JULY 10, 2014
THE HARTWELL SUN
Jury jury proceedings are scheduled for August 18. On May 23, Smith, 73, was arrested and charged with simple battery and criminal attempt to commit sexual battery. Both are misdemeanor charges. The alleged incident which led to Smith’s arrest occurred on May 21, however, no further details were available. The investigation began on May 22 after White issued a letter to GBI Special Agent Mike Ayers to request the assistance of
Chicken truck slows traffic A truck transporting chickens from Hall County ran off the road and slowed traffic for about two hours in the Vanna area on July 3 near the intersection of Highway 17 and Freedom Church Road. Hart County Fire Department, Georgia State Patrol, Hart County Sheriff’s Department and Royston Police were on the scene. The truck ran off the road when the driver saw a car stalled in the road and attempted to miss the stationary vehicle. No one was hurt or killed, but a few chickens did die because of the heat. The truck was pulled out by a wrecker. Above, members of the Hart County Fire Department attempt to cool off the chickens.
Values
(Sunshot by Lake Morris)
BOC approves land buy for new EMS station Staff writer
After years of discussion, studies conducted and much debate, Hart County may soon have increased EMS coverage. During a brief 14-minute meeting on Tuesday, the Hart County Board of Commissioners approved to move forward with the purchase of property for an EMS substation on the northern side of the county. Following a five-minute
closed session to discuss real estate, the board approved to proceed with the purchase of 5.5 acres of property located on Highway 77 near Crossroads for $30,000. But EMS is not the only county department that would benefit from the purchase, a portion of the property would also serve the Hart County Water Authority for a pumping station. Hart County attorney Walter Gordon explained that the water authority would contrib-
ute $3,000 to the purchase price for its portion of the property, which measures approximately 30x30, 50x50. The county would pay the remaining $27,000. While Gordon said the name of the seller and the exact location would be withheld until the transaction is complete, he added that the owner paid $55,000 when the land was originally purchased. He said that no real estate agents were involved in the sale.
City myself, Arthur Craft and Bill Griggs asked that it be placed on the agenda out of respect for the Mayors’ beliefs so that we did not put him on the spot.” •Johnson announced that preliminary results for the feasibility study, approved by the council earlier this year, for the Hart State Recreation Area have been released. “There are a lot of options available and it looks to be a feasible project,” said Johnson. “Those options will be outlined to move forward in making a master plan. The holiday did delay us in reviewing those results to release to the public. We ask that folks bear with us a few more days as we get ready to release this information.”
Commissioner R.C. Oglesby motioned to approve the purchase and commissioner Frankie Teasley seconded. The board approved unanimously. Gordon did not predict when the transaction would be complete. With a brief agenda of only a bid opening for the Hart County Recreation Department photography, the public meeting lasted only nine minutes. Commissioner Bill Myers was absent due to a family obligation.
Hearing County. Reynolds claimed the shooting was justified. The sheriff’s office investigated, but was split on whether to charge Reynolds, so it requested the hearing. Sheriff Mike Cleveland testified “we were a house divided.” Tabor said the evidence presented during the nearly three-hour hearing showed the dog was shot on Reynolds’ property. He added that neither Jordan nor the dog’s co-owner, Debra Cleveland, could prove the whereabouts of the dog at the time of the shooting. Jordan is a friend of Cleveland’s and was visiting at the time of the shooting. In addition, Tabor said Georgia code O.C.G.A. 4-8-5 says a person may defend his person or property, or the person or property of another, from injury or damage being caused by a dog. Tabor said, based on previous history, Reynolds had a reasonable fear that one of his dogs was in trouble so he was legally justified in killing the dog. Reynolds testified earlier that on the morning of May 28, 2014, he let his seven-pound chihuahua Tyko out to go to the rest room. While in his bathroom Reynolds noticed three dogs in his backyard behind his pool deck. He returned to the front door to check on Tyko but couldn’t see him. He called for the dog, but still nothing. Reynolds then testified that he became concerned for Tyko’s safety, and since he wasn’t dressed, and couldn’t go outside, he grabbed a 17 caliber rifle and returned to the bathroom window.
From page 1A
•Following calls from some citizens regarding the taste and odor of the city water, Hicks said the water treatment plant is taking “an aggressive approach” to combat the problem by “using activated carbon in the water during the month of June.” •Aldrich announced that three tornado sirens had been purchased and installed within the city limits based on a $51,000 GEMA grant. Total purchase price was $61,150. Aldrich, who thanked Hartwell Fire chief Terry Vickery for his efforts in securing the grant, warned citizens that the sirens would be tested at 3 p.m. this Friday. He added that the sirens would continue to be tested once a month and dates/times would soon be provided so citizens
would know when to expect the test. •The council approved a recommendation from the Hartwell Planning and Zoning Commission to rezone approximately 1.36 acres at 409 East Johnson Street from R-1 to B-2. The request, issued by CSpag Properties, LLC, represented by Chris Coile and Duane Hall, is to accomodate a 5,200 square foot funeral home. At the commission meeting, Hall stated that upon approval, the project was expected to start within 30 to 45 days and open by the first of the year. •The council approved a alcohol license to sell beer only for Fushun Zhang of Kobe Express restaurant. •The council approved two low bids for the El-
berton Highway bare steel replacement project. A bid of $35,821 from Utilities Supply was approved for the materials and a bid of $94.130 from Harrison & Harrison, Inc. was approved for the contract. •The council approved two requests for fishing tournament funds for the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. The American Bass Anglers Regional Tournament is Sept. 6-7 and is expected to welcome 75 boats and 150 anglers. $1,800 from the fishing tournament fund was approved for the event. The Fishing with Jim Austin tournament is Sept. 27 and is expected to bring 35 boats. A total of $475 in was approved for the event. Mark Hynds contributed to this story
the GBI into “possible criminal offenses committed by Hart County Probate Court Judge Bob Smith.” “Allegations were referred to me by the Hart County sheriff. As the matter involved an elected official, I requested the GBI investigate,” White told The Hartwell Sun in May. Smith has continued daily operations at the courthouse since his arrest.
From page 1A
proved 2014 valuation schedules. In other business, the board approved two automobile appeals, 17 conservation use approvals, five denials and one release. The next regular meeting is Aug. 19. From page 1A
Reynolds said it appeared the bigger dogs were chasing something so, out of fear his much smaller dog would be attacked, he fired a shot out the window. He said he hit one of the dogs and all three then took off in the direction of Cleveland’s property. In previous testimony, both Reynolds and his wife, Heather, testified, that stray dogs had killed two of their dogs, Gizmo in 2010 and Taz, back in December of 2012. As late as February, stray dogs had attacked their dogs Holly and Loki. Earlier in the hearing, Cleveland testified that she owned 33 acres and that only one or two of those acres were dog proof, which meant dogs could freely come and go from her property. Both Jordan and Cleveland agreed that, “Booder,” the deceased dog, could go anywhere making it possible he was on Reynolds property at the time of the shooting. Reynolds was represented by Royston attorney Mayes Davison. “I am happy that Mr. Reynolds is vindicated in the actions he took to protect his animals,” said Davison after the judgement was made. Outside the courtroom after the hearing, Jordan said he would have had a better chance with legal representation. He said he contacted a local attorney who assured him he would not need one. “He said we had to prove two things,” said Jordan. “That Booder was a happy puppy and he was on our property.”
Design a playground coming this Saturday By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
93767
By Lauren Peeples
tices to the post office by July 15. “Since there has been little change in the market from 2012 to 2013, most property owners should see little or no change in property values,” he said. The board also ap-
From page 1A
Hart County citizens will have the chance to design their own park this Saturday. The University of Georgia Archway Partnership and Hart County Recreation and Parks will host “Where We Play (WWP) Playground Design Day.” The day will kick-off with a children’s and adults’ input session from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hart
EMC meeting room, located at 1071 Elberton Highway. Attendees will help design an all-inclusive playground in Hartwell. From 5:30-7 p.m., participants are invited to attend a cookout at the Clay Street Park, located at 200 Clay Street, to view the playground design, as well as enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers. Children’s activities will be provided by Blow It Up Inflatables.
Inside
Index
■ Full . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .660.00 ■ Wednesday . . . . . . . . . 659.27 ■ Last Thursday . . . . . . . 660.59
■ District 7 titles aplenty 1B ■ Limited access 5A
Obituaries . . . . . . . 8A Police News . . . . . 6A Editorial Page. . . . 4A
Hart News . . . . . . 5B Sports . . . . . . . . . . 1B Classifieds. . . . . . . 7B
The Hartwell Sun Thursday, July 10, 2014
Hartwell, Hart County, Georgia 30643
Vol. 140 No. 4 $1.00 Per Copy
Alcohol sales on Sunday? City council approves a resolution to place Sunday sales and liquor-by-the-drink on the November ballot By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
One peach, two peach... Anyone traveling Highway 17 North in Bowersville is certain to see the early morning line of customers that leads to the summertime tradition of Cheek’s peaches in Hart County. This week was no exception. Before 9 a.m. on Tuesday, more than a dozen customers of all ages had traveled from throughout Hart County and surrounding areas to purchase one of the many varieties of peaches offered at Cheek’s Peach Orchard. The orchard has been a family-owned and operated business since 1950. Pictured: Anna Vaughn of Royston eagerly purchases her peaches from Alice Cheek this week. (Sunshot by Lauren Peeples)
Hartwell residents will have the opportunity to vote on Sunday alcohol sales in the November election. During a nearly two-hour regular meeting of the Hartwell City Council on Monday, the council unanimously approved to add two resolutions that will be listed as two separate questions on the ballot, one for package sales and one for liquor by the drink sales. Sales would be limited to between 12:30 and 8 p.m. on Sunday. Councilman Tray Hicks presented the resolutions, which were listed on the agenda as Election Resolution Nos. 0707-2014-1 and 07-07-2014-2. There was no discussion among the council and no public comment on the issue. “Out of courtesy, I was made aware last week that the coun-
“My hope is that the citizens ... will vote their beliefs.” Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Hartwell cil intended on adding the referendum and voting on it Monday night,” said Hartwell mayor Brandon Johnson in an email Tuesday. “I expressed my opinion and was assured that the process would be followed according to the city charter. The charter states that three councilman can add an item to the agenda. My hope is that the citizens of Hartwell will educate themselves on the referendums and vote their beliefs on Sunday alcohol sales. The upcoming election should have a good turnout and allow the voters to be heard loud and clear.” City manager David Aldrich
confirmed Wednesday that per the charter, three council members can add an agenda item without the mayor’s approval. “The resolution was sent from the city attorney and it was placed on the agenda with a simple general caption the same as all our resolutions,” said Aldrich in an email Wednesday. “I don’t believe there was any conspiracy to leave anything out. It was our normal process.” Hicks said the idea of putting Sunday sales to a vote has been discussed previously by members of the council. “Allowing the voters to vote on this has been spoken about for some time during work sessions, retreats, pro-business task force sessions, and during the mayor’s Vision Summit at city hall,” stated Hicks in an email. “On Thursday morning See City, page 2A
Judge Smith case will be heard by grand jury By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
A grand jury will determine whether Hart County Probate
judge Bob Smith will be indicted on allegations of misconduct, according to Northern Judicial Circuit district attorney Parks White.
Following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the case was submitted to White last week to determine if any further action
would be taken against Smith. On Tuesday, White told The Hartwell Sun that the next step was grand jury. He added
Values in the mail
that those proceedings are private, and therefore, he could not discuss it. The next grand See Jury, page 2A
No arrest Royston officer won’t face animal cruelty charges By Mark Hynds Editor
Property assessments going out this month By Lake Morris Staff writer
Hart County residents should expect to see their 2014 property assessment values in the mail soon after the Hart County Board of Assessor’s unanimously approved them during its regular meeting Tuesday. The assessment values are for “real property,” or land with any improvements. Assessments are the basis for levying city, county and school system ad valorum taxes. Property owners will have 45 days to appeal assessments to either correct any errors or dispute values. Chief appraiser Wayne Patrick was hopeful to get the noSee Values, page 2A
Hart County artist Pam Renfroe creates her latest trademark piece, which is currently untitled, for The Coca-Cola Company at her home studio. (Sunshot by Lauren Peeples)
Artist celebrates an iconic drink through her work By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
Strategically positioned at her easel in her private studio in Hart County, Pamela Renfroe gracefully strokes her paintbrush across a canvas outlined with the scene
from her latest theme to commerate The Coca-Cola Company. As a licensed artist with The Coca-Cola Company since 1988, Renfroe has secured her trademark artistic talents through approximately 30 different
Coca-Cola pieces she has created for the soft drink company. Renfroe will attend the 40th-annual National CocaCola Collectors’ Convention in Springfield, Ill. The con-
Royston police officer Kenneth Reynolds will not face charges for animal cruelty after a magistrate judge dismissed an application for a criminal warrant originally requested by the Hart County Sheriff’s office. Stephens County Magistrate Judge Donald Tabor presided over the hearing, held last Thursday at the Hart County courthouse. “I’m glad it’s over,” said Reynolds, moments after the judge’s decision. “I feel bad for him (Jordan). He’s been in my prayers, but at the end of the day, I had to do what I had to do to protect mine.” Reynolds admitted back in May to shooting the dog owned by Dahlonega resident Mark Jordan on Reynolds’ property on Mt. Olivet Road in Hart
See Renfroe, page 3A
See Hearing, page 2A
Obituaries Sylvia Broome Kathleen Waal Jane Arnold Erna Deal Angela King
Special of the Week
Pork Loins Whole, Bone-In, $ 99 99 (Sliced Free) $ David Beck Meat Dept.
How to contact us:
1
Call 706-376-8025
Lb.
For th e BEST PRICES in tow n ,see ou r
ADVERTISIN G CIRCULAR in tod a y’s ed ition of The Hartwell Sun
N ew Sale Dates:W ednesday -Tuesday...Every W eek!!! Fax 706-376-3016
5-94266HS
Glenn Fulbright Fannie Martin Margaret Renner Benjamin Earl
e-mail [email protected]
1028 Benson St., Hartwell • 706-376-1874
Office 8 Benson St.
P.O. Box 700
NEWS
2A JULY 10, 2014
THE HARTWELL SUN
Jury jury proceedings are scheduled for August 18. On May 23, Smith, 73, was arrested and charged with simple battery and criminal attempt to commit sexual battery. Both are misdemeanor charges. The alleged incident which led to Smith’s arrest occurred on May 21, however, no further details were available. The investigation began on May 22 after White issued a letter to GBI Special Agent Mike Ayers to request the assistance of
Chicken truck slows traffic A truck transporting chickens from Hall County ran off the road and slowed traffic for about two hours in the Vanna area on July 3 near the intersection of Highway 17 and Freedom Church Road. Hart County Fire Department, Georgia State Patrol, Hart County Sheriff’s Department and Royston Police were on the scene. The truck ran off the road when the driver saw a car stalled in the road and attempted to miss the stationary vehicle. No one was hurt or killed, but a few chickens did die because of the heat. The truck was pulled out by a wrecker. Above, members of the Hart County Fire Department attempt to cool off the chickens.
Values
(Sunshot by Lake Morris)
BOC approves land buy for new EMS station Staff writer
After years of discussion, studies conducted and much debate, Hart County may soon have increased EMS coverage. During a brief 14-minute meeting on Tuesday, the Hart County Board of Commissioners approved to move forward with the purchase of property for an EMS substation on the northern side of the county. Following a five-minute
closed session to discuss real estate, the board approved to proceed with the purchase of 5.5 acres of property located on Highway 77 near Crossroads for $30,000. But EMS is not the only county department that would benefit from the purchase, a portion of the property would also serve the Hart County Water Authority for a pumping station. Hart County attorney Walter Gordon explained that the water authority would contrib-
ute $3,000 to the purchase price for its portion of the property, which measures approximately 30x30, 50x50. The county would pay the remaining $27,000. While Gordon said the name of the seller and the exact location would be withheld until the transaction is complete, he added that the owner paid $55,000 when the land was originally purchased. He said that no real estate agents were involved in the sale.
City myself, Arthur Craft and Bill Griggs asked that it be placed on the agenda out of respect for the Mayors’ beliefs so that we did not put him on the spot.” •Johnson announced that preliminary results for the feasibility study, approved by the council earlier this year, for the Hart State Recreation Area have been released. “There are a lot of options available and it looks to be a feasible project,” said Johnson. “Those options will be outlined to move forward in making a master plan. The holiday did delay us in reviewing those results to release to the public. We ask that folks bear with us a few more days as we get ready to release this information.”
Commissioner R.C. Oglesby motioned to approve the purchase and commissioner Frankie Teasley seconded. The board approved unanimously. Gordon did not predict when the transaction would be complete. With a brief agenda of only a bid opening for the Hart County Recreation Department photography, the public meeting lasted only nine minutes. Commissioner Bill Myers was absent due to a family obligation.
Hearing County. Reynolds claimed the shooting was justified. The sheriff’s office investigated, but was split on whether to charge Reynolds, so it requested the hearing. Sheriff Mike Cleveland testified “we were a house divided.” Tabor said the evidence presented during the nearly three-hour hearing showed the dog was shot on Reynolds’ property. He added that neither Jordan nor the dog’s co-owner, Debra Cleveland, could prove the whereabouts of the dog at the time of the shooting. Jordan is a friend of Cleveland’s and was visiting at the time of the shooting. In addition, Tabor said Georgia code O.C.G.A. 4-8-5 says a person may defend his person or property, or the person or property of another, from injury or damage being caused by a dog. Tabor said, based on previous history, Reynolds had a reasonable fear that one of his dogs was in trouble so he was legally justified in killing the dog. Reynolds testified earlier that on the morning of May 28, 2014, he let his seven-pound chihuahua Tyko out to go to the rest room. While in his bathroom Reynolds noticed three dogs in his backyard behind his pool deck. He returned to the front door to check on Tyko but couldn’t see him. He called for the dog, but still nothing. Reynolds then testified that he became concerned for Tyko’s safety, and since he wasn’t dressed, and couldn’t go outside, he grabbed a 17 caliber rifle and returned to the bathroom window.
From page 1A
•Following calls from some citizens regarding the taste and odor of the city water, Hicks said the water treatment plant is taking “an aggressive approach” to combat the problem by “using activated carbon in the water during the month of June.” •Aldrich announced that three tornado sirens had been purchased and installed within the city limits based on a $51,000 GEMA grant. Total purchase price was $61,150. Aldrich, who thanked Hartwell Fire chief Terry Vickery for his efforts in securing the grant, warned citizens that the sirens would be tested at 3 p.m. this Friday. He added that the sirens would continue to be tested once a month and dates/times would soon be provided so citizens
would know when to expect the test. •The council approved a recommendation from the Hartwell Planning and Zoning Commission to rezone approximately 1.36 acres at 409 East Johnson Street from R-1 to B-2. The request, issued by CSpag Properties, LLC, represented by Chris Coile and Duane Hall, is to accomodate a 5,200 square foot funeral home. At the commission meeting, Hall stated that upon approval, the project was expected to start within 30 to 45 days and open by the first of the year. •The council approved a alcohol license to sell beer only for Fushun Zhang of Kobe Express restaurant. •The council approved two low bids for the El-
berton Highway bare steel replacement project. A bid of $35,821 from Utilities Supply was approved for the materials and a bid of $94.130 from Harrison & Harrison, Inc. was approved for the contract. •The council approved two requests for fishing tournament funds for the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. The American Bass Anglers Regional Tournament is Sept. 6-7 and is expected to welcome 75 boats and 150 anglers. $1,800 from the fishing tournament fund was approved for the event. The Fishing with Jim Austin tournament is Sept. 27 and is expected to bring 35 boats. A total of $475 in was approved for the event. Mark Hynds contributed to this story
the GBI into “possible criminal offenses committed by Hart County Probate Court Judge Bob Smith.” “Allegations were referred to me by the Hart County sheriff. As the matter involved an elected official, I requested the GBI investigate,” White told The Hartwell Sun in May. Smith has continued daily operations at the courthouse since his arrest.
From page 1A
proved 2014 valuation schedules. In other business, the board approved two automobile appeals, 17 conservation use approvals, five denials and one release. The next regular meeting is Aug. 19. From page 1A
Reynolds said it appeared the bigger dogs were chasing something so, out of fear his much smaller dog would be attacked, he fired a shot out the window. He said he hit one of the dogs and all three then took off in the direction of Cleveland’s property. In previous testimony, both Reynolds and his wife, Heather, testified, that stray dogs had killed two of their dogs, Gizmo in 2010 and Taz, back in December of 2012. As late as February, stray dogs had attacked their dogs Holly and Loki. Earlier in the hearing, Cleveland testified that she owned 33 acres and that only one or two of those acres were dog proof, which meant dogs could freely come and go from her property. Both Jordan and Cleveland agreed that, “Booder,” the deceased dog, could go anywhere making it possible he was on Reynolds property at the time of the shooting. Reynolds was represented by Royston attorney Mayes Davison. “I am happy that Mr. Reynolds is vindicated in the actions he took to protect his animals,” said Davison after the judgement was made. Outside the courtroom after the hearing, Jordan said he would have had a better chance with legal representation. He said he contacted a local attorney who assured him he would not need one. “He said we had to prove two things,” said Jordan. “That Booder was a happy puppy and he was on our property.”
Design a playground coming this Saturday By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
93767
By Lauren Peeples
tices to the post office by July 15. “Since there has been little change in the market from 2012 to 2013, most property owners should see little or no change in property values,” he said. The board also ap-
From page 1A
Hart County citizens will have the chance to design their own park this Saturday. The University of Georgia Archway Partnership and Hart County Recreation and Parks will host “Where We Play (WWP) Playground Design Day.” The day will kick-off with a children’s and adults’ input session from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hart
EMC meeting room, located at 1071 Elberton Highway. Attendees will help design an all-inclusive playground in Hartwell. From 5:30-7 p.m., participants are invited to attend a cookout at the Clay Street Park, located at 200 Clay Street, to view the playground design, as well as enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers. Children’s activities will be provided by Blow It Up Inflatables.
