The Habersham County United Way is holding its second annual Chicken by the Truck Load Sale. The fundraiser runs through Thursday, June 20. Pick-up is set for 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 at The Torch Worship Center located at 800 Cannon Bridge Road in Demorest.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit Habersham County United Way’s fundraising goal for 2019. The United Way supports 23 non-profit community agencies through its fundraising efforts.
How to order
The poultry products are from Fieldale Farms, an avid supporter of Habersham United Way. Ordering is easy. Just choose your selection(s) from the information below, download the order form at http://www.habershamunitedway.org, and follow the instructions.
Credit and debit card payments are accepted online. Cash and check will also be accepted at the United Way office on Level Grove Road. Make checks payable to Habersham United Way.
While pre-sale orders are recommended and must be paid in advance, purchases are also possible on June 25. However, the quantities are not guaranteed.
Any ordered items not picked-up on June 25 will be donated to the local food bank.
A Habersham County man is going to prison for sexually exploiting his 22-month old daughter. Jurors found 40-year-old Charles Keith Herring guilty on two counts of sexual exploitation of children. They found him not guilty on two counts of child molestation.
The verdict follows a four-day trial in Habersham County Superior Court. Mountain Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Russell Smith presided over the case.
During the trial, the State presented evidence that on January 15, 2017, Herring possessed two digital images of a minor child depicting sexually explicit conduct. Prosecutors also presented “other photographs of a similar nature that indicated the charged photographs were lewd,” a press release from the District Attorney’s office says.
Herring was arrested after the images were uploaded to his Google Drive. As required by federal law, Google reported the suspicious images to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington D.C. An alert was passed on to the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC) which investigated the case.
Witnesses testified in court that the subject of the photos was Herring’s daughter. Jurors acquitted him of child molestation charges related to the acts depicted in the digital images.
The child’s mother issued a victim impact statement. Judge Smith also heard argument and evidence from the State and Defense prior to sentencing. He sentenced Herring to 25 years in prison followed by 15 years on probation.
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) recently moved its Clarkesville field office to Demorest. The agency says the new office is now ready to assist veterans and their dependents.
The Demorest Veterans Field Service Office (VFSO) is co-located in the Habersham County Health Department in Suite B at 185 Scoggins Drive Demorest, GA 30535.
“This new location will help our veterans get the service they deserve and will make getting additional assistance more convenient,” says GDVS Commissioner Mike Roby in a press release.
Office hours and services
Rose Ann Rudisill manages the Demorest office which serves veterans in Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Stephens, and White counties. The office is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The office closes daily from 12-1 p.m. for lunch. It’s closed on Wednesdays so that agents may provide service to the Toccoa satellite location.
No appointment is needed. Assistance is delivered on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Roby says Rudisill can assist veterans in filing applications for VA Healthcare, compensation for service-connected disabilities, pension for wartime veterans or surviving family members, financial assistance for home health care, assisted living and nursing home care, Certificates of Eligibility for VA home loans, and Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits. She can also assist in certifying eligibility for many benefits provided by the state (i.e., driver’s licenses, special motor vehicle license plates, honorary hunting and fishing licenses, discounts at Department of Natural Resources facilities, and Certificates of Exemption from payment of certain fees and taxation).
Veterans benefits contribute over $1M to local economy
The Demorest VFSO serves over 27,190 veterans residing in and around Habersham County. During fiscal year 2018, veterans in Habersham and surrounding counties received more than $1.64 million in earned, tax-free benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Dark Phoenix proves to be a mostly dull and underwhelming chapter in the X-Men franchise. There are very few redeeming qualities to this supposed final entry in the series, but overall it feels dead in the water.
The movie once again takes place in the convoluted timespan and we’re introduced to a young Jean Grey who discovers her power of being telekinetic in perhaps one of the most forced ways possible by having her parents dying in a car accident.
Later, James McAvoy’s Professor X takes Jean under her wing at his school for mutants. At first, Jean is reluctant, but of course, she will eventually relent.
Years later, Jean joins the rest of the X-Men including Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique and Nicholas Hoult’s Beast on a space mission to rescue some astronauts and it’s there where Jean encounters a solar flare that gives her the powers of the Phoenix.
Soon after, Jean’s powers become a threat to all mutants and she tries desperately to get Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to let her join his team.
McAvoy and Turner are perhaps the bright spots and they do try to help the material, but every leap forward they make, the screenplay makes a gigantic leap backward.
The movie also could’ve benefitted more from giving us a cohesive story surrounding Jean Grey’s powers and the special effects sequences should’ve been fun instead of feeling routine and perfunctory.
This is the most disappointing entry since X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Logan, First Class, and even the first two X-Men movies have nothing to worry about.
Perhaps the recent acquisition of Fox by Disney might suggest that this series will be redeemed. Who knows?
Grade: C-
(Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action including some gunplay, disturbing images, and brief strong language.)
Johnny Woodrow Moore, age 78 of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Monday, June 10, 2019.
Born in Demorest, Georgia on February 15, 1941, he was a son of the late Walter Woodrow & Hilda Collins Moore. Mr. Moore was a retired live haul truck driver and line leader with Fieldale Farms Corporation with many years of dedicated service. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting & fishing, and spending time camping at the deer camp.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Buford Moore, Jimmy Moore, sister, Hazel Nelms, & son-in-law, Randy Belford.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Moore Foster of Cleveland, GA; daughters and son-in-law, Annette & Marty Bohannon of Demorest, GA; Patricia Belford of Clarkesville, GA; son, Terry Timmy Moore of Clarkesville, GA; brothers and sister-in-law, Chris Moore, Earnest Moore, both of Demorest, GA; Randall & Phyllis Moore of Mt. Airy, GA; grandchildren, Trent & Christie Bohannon of Mt. Airy, GA; Amanda & Ray Vinson of Demorest, GA; Nakeesha Belford & Mike Ivey of Clarkesville, GA; Justin Bohannon of Demorest, GA; 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.
Funeral services for Sandra Elizabeth Kemp Harris, age 73 of Clarkesville will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 14, 2019 at Hillside Memorial Chapel. Rev. Chip Cranford will officiate with interment to follow the service in Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service on Friday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.
Mrs. Harris passed away Monday, June 10, 2019 following a sudden illness. Born in Upland, California on April 30, 1946, Mrs. Harris was the daughter of the late Robert S. and Jane Elizabeth (Pharis) Kemp, Sr. Mrs. Harris was a lifelong educator having taught for over 36 years, retiring from the Wayne County School System. Mrs. Harris was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jesup.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years William “Bill” Harris of Clarkesville, daughter and son in law Amy Elizabeth Harris and Jonathan Harris of Clarkesville, son William H. Harris, II of Clarkesville, brother Robert S. Kemp, Jr. (Pam) of Charlottesville, Virginia, granddaughter Jane Elizabeth Harris of Clarkesville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Camp Hawkins, 800 Rudeseal Road, Mt. Airy, GA 30563.
William Earl Alexander, age 77, of Cleveland passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2019.
Mr. Alexander was born on September 27th, 1941 in Cleveland, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ida Alexander and his loving wife, Geraldine Thomas Alexander. Mr. Alexander had been an electrician with Marino Printing with 20 years of loyal and dedicated service. He was a member the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a member of the Cleveland Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Patty Alexander, Cleveland, GA; daughter, Rita Alexander, Cleveland, GA; sisters: Francine Gray, Demorest, GA, Connie Thomas, Cleveland, GA, and Jeanette Alexander, Cleveland, GA; brother, Lane Alexander, Cleveland, GA; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be announced by the family at a later date.
Three people face drug charges following a joint investigation by local and state law enforcement.
Cleveland Police and personnel from the White County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) conducted the investigation. It led them to the area of Duke’s Creek Cabins, according to ARDEO’s Mitchell Posey. He says multiple cabins were searched and a search warrant was obtained for 42 Daytona Place in Sautee Nacoochee.
During the investigation, Posey says approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine was seized along with a quantity of “high grade” marijuana.
The estimated street value of narcotics was approximately $4,430.
Authorities arrested 26-year-old Conor Christopher Dimick of Marietta on a parole violation and outstanding warrant for forgery. They also arrested 41-year-old Alan Richard Smith of Villa Rica and charged him with trafficking methamphetamine. 27-year-old Kimber La’Ran Clark of Cleveland was charged with possession of methamphetamine.
Posey says additional charges are pending
La’Ran is a former White County Detention Center officer, according to WRWH News. She and the two other suspects were transported to the White County Sheriff’s Office following their arrests on June 5.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity via Facebook IM or at 706-348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.
Here’s the latest arrest report from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
DISCLAIMER
The arrest records available through this website are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced Wednesday that Pam Stahl has been named president of the Georgia health plan.
She replaces Jeff Fusile, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family in Savannah.
Stahl joined the Georgia insurer’s parent company, Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc., last year as a vice president of sales operations and effectiveness.
WellStar patients had said they signed up for the Pathway plan late last year not knowing the Anthem Pathway contract with the Marietta-based system would end in February.
Stahl
And in recently released Georgia consumer complaint data for insurers in 2018, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield was among the companies with high levels of such patient-related problems.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Anthem team in Atlanta, and look forward to working in partnership with providers, employers, and other stakeholders in our communities to help simplify health care and deliver value to consumers,” Stahl said in a statement. “Our Georgia plan continues to be in a position to innovate and drive positive change in this dynamic industry, and I look forward to leading our team to deliver on the expectations of those we serve.”
Previously Stahl served as the chief commercial officer at Invivo Therapeutics and held numerous leadership roles at UnitedHealthcare. She also worked in senior management for sales and marketing at Orphan Medical, American Telecare and at AstraZeneca.
“Pam is a respected leader who brings a wealth of health care experience to this role, which will serve us well as we continue our focus on improving the lives and communities we serve throughout Georgia,” Brian Shipp, president and senior vice president of Anthem’s East/Central Region Commercial Business, said in a statement. “We have a long, proud history of providing access to affordable health care across Georgia, and Pam’s in-depth knowledge of the industry will greatly benefit our consumers, customers and provider partners in the local market.”
Fusile
GHN reported last week that Fusile was resigning from the insurer’s top Georgia post, which he had held since 2015.
“We are grateful Jeff Fusile agreed to remain at the helm of our Georgia commercial plan and continued to guide operations until we selected his successor,” Shipp said. “We thank him for his many contributions to Anthem and to the Georgia community over the last several years, and certainly wish Jeff well in his future endeavors.”
(Cleveland) – The White County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to help in the lookout for a runaway juvenile who has been missing since June 4th.
Sheriff’s Investigator Megan Bennett says 14-year-old Kearstan Wilson is a white female, 5-feet-two inches tall, and weighs approximately 110 pounds. She has red hair and blue eyes.
Kearstan was last seen last Tuesday in Cleveland and may have traveled to Habersham County.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kearstan is asked to contact the White County Sheriff’s Office at 706-865-5177.
Habersham EMS transported two people to the hospital Thursday morning after rescuers pulled them from a wrecked box truck on Dicks Hill Parkway.
The accident happened around 9:15 a.m. when the truck, which was traveling east on Hazel Creek Road, ran off the road and struck a ditch. After impact, the truck continued east and ran into vines that had grown into a power pole. The force of the wreck pulled the power pole from the ground, according to Georgia State Trooper Brady Galloway. The truck then ran down a small embankment and came to an uncontrolled rest facing east on the north side of Dicks Hill Parkway.
Capt. Michael Alexander with Habersham County Emergency Services (HCES) says the driver and a passenger had to be extricated from the wrecked vehicle. The State Patrol identifies the driver as Antavious Demond Morgan of Stone Mountain and the passenger as Lawrence Berry of Riverdale.
EMS transported the men to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville with unspecified injuries.
The accident shut down the intersection of Dicks Hill Parkway and Hazel Creek Road for approximately two hours as crews worked to clear the scene and authorities investigated the crash. The intersection reopened around 11:30 a.m.
A record 50,175 total votes were cast by the public to determine which athletes should be added to the BLITZ Hall of Fame.
All inductees are former high school athletes from across the BLITZ Sports Georgia coverage area which includes Banks, Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties as well as Commerce, Jefferson, and Tallulah Falls.
The top overall vote-getter was Rabun County football star Austin Jones (2,830 votes), which is the most ever in any BLITZ HOF voting class.
Over 5,200 votes were cast for former athletes from Habersham Central and Tallulah Falls School. This year’s inductees from Habersham are:
FOOTBALL
AJ CURRY – HABERSHAM CENTRAL ’18
What an athlete AJ Curry was. He had only one year at Habersham Central, and three years prior at Stephens County. A running back/receiver for the Indians, he converted to quarterback when going to the Raiders. It was an incredible adjustment, and it paid off. He passed for 2,495 yards and 18 TD in his one season as a QB, learning the curve quickly. He rushed for 676 yards altogether, adding 13 more scores. His career numbers include 285 receiving yards and 2 TD. Curry was an All-Region member in 2017 for Habersham. The dual threat ended his career with more than 3,300 offensive yards and a total of 33 TDs.
Curry plays now at Western Carolina University after entertaining a handful of big-time offers. Curry was a two-time BLITZ Player of the Week. (717 votes/1st year on ballot) | HIGHLIGHTS
DONOVAN CURRY – HABERSHAM CENTRAL ’19
Donovan Curry, younger brother of AJ (above), also made the switch from rival Stephens County to Habersham, and helped get the Raiders back to the playoffs in 2018 after seven years removed from the previous trip. The 2-time All-Region talent balled out for the Raiders, and closed his career with 1,829 receiving yards and 21 TDs. He also tallied exactly 1,000 career return yards on punts/kickoffs, and had 80 tackles (3 for loss), and 3 interceptions (one TD). Curry, a 2-time BLITZ POW, now plays at Troy University. (692 votes/1st year on ballot) | HIGHLIGHTS
SOFTBALL
PAIGE COOK – HABERSHAM CENTRAL ’19
Cook was so good at softball, Mississippi State locked her up before her sophomore season. The Lady Bulldog had a great Lady Raider career, batting .437 with 10 homers and 66 RBI. She scored 80 runs, had 26 doubles, 8 triples, and 33 stolen bases, and was a 4-time All-Region selection.
Cook played excellent defense, and won Player of the Year honors as a sophomore after putting up a .476-6-25 state line, as well as 3 player of the week awards. (1,171 votes/1st year on ballot)
VOLLEYBALL
CAELI CHAMBERS – HABERSHAM CENTRAL ’14
Chambers was a talented Libero for Habersham Central, helping the Lady Raiders to 83 wins over her 4 years, including a state playoff run in 2012. She tallied over 500 digs (3/game) and 50-plus aces, and was a 2-time All-Region selection. Chambers was the Volleyball POY for BLITZ in her senior year. (392 votes/1st year on ballot)
BASKETBALL
MICHAEL VAN HOOSER – TALLULAH FALLS ’17
Van Hooser put up a solid career as a 1,000-point scorer for Tallulah Falls, leading the charge for the best season in school history that saw the Indians win 24 games, make the Sweet 16, and earn a #2 state ranking. He put up 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game before earning a scholarship at Middle Tennessee State. He left to go to UGA as a non-player (men’s basketball manager). (716 votes/2nd year on ballot)
NYAH WILLIAMS – TALLULAH FALLS ’19
Williams finished what became a ridiculously-good career at TFS. She scored 1,852 career points, and averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal per game as a starter, and shot 43% overall and 25% from deep. She led the Lady Indians to more than 50 wins, including a Sweet 16 run as a senior and #10 ranking. A one-time POW, Williams more than has talent to play at the next level, but is pursuing academics first at the University of Pennsylvania. (104 votes/1st year on ballot/Producer’s Pass)
BASEBALL
PEYTON IRVIN – HABERSHAM CENTRAL ’19
Irvin was a hoss for Hab Central, and it showed in his spectacular senior season which saw him lead the Raiders to the state playoffs for the first time in a decade. The shortstop/pitcher hit .370 with 3 HR, 60 RBI, 60 R, 25+ XBH, and 25 SB along the way, and he went 15-6 (3 saves) with a 1.95 ERA and 135 K in his career, which included a pair of All-Region selections. Irvin plays college ball for Piedmont College. (1,120 votes/1st year on ballot)
ALEX MCFARLANE – HABERSHAM CENTRAL ’19
It was a short high school career for McFarlane, but no doubt he deserves this. A transfer from the Virgin Islands, the stud pitcher (mid-90s thrower) went a perfect 6-0 with a 1.70 ERA and 66 K in a senior season that saw the Raiders get to the playoffs for just the second time in school history. He also hit .479 with 1 HR, 16 RBI, 44 R, 12 2B, 3 3B, and 19 BB. He was named an All-Region player for his efforts and was a BLITZ Player of the Week. A Miami commit, he was taken by the St. Louis Cardinals in the MLB Draft in 2019 in the late rounds. (52 votes/1st year on ballot/Producer’s Pass)
SOCCER
ROJELIO NAVARETTE – HABERSHAM CENTRAL ’11
A very special player was Rojelio Navarette at Habersham Central. The forward scored 38 goals and 24 assists, finishing with 100 career points and 2 All-Region selections as a 2-year starter. He went on to play at Piedmont College. (171 votes/2nd year on ballot)
TRACK & FIELD
ZATRICK PEARCE – TALLULAH FALLS ’17
Pearce was an incredible athlete for Tallulah Falls, and a state champion, as well as a 2-time state runner-up. The sprinter/jumper placed in the top 10 at state on 6 occasions, and won a pair of region championships. He also had 9 region/area top-10 finishes. His PRs for each event: 100M (10.94), 200M (21.85), 400M (48.14), and Long Jump (21-7). Pearce was a BLITZ Athlete of the Year, and now stars at Augusta University. (75 votes/2nd year on ballot/Producer’s Pass)
Duckett Brock, age 92 of Baldwin, Georgia passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019.
Born in Banks County, Georgia on July 11, 1926, he was a son of the late Joe & Mamie Savage Brock. Duckett was a United States Army veteran, having served his country proudly during WWII. He was a farmer all of his life and a member of Leatherwood Baptist Church. Duckett loved spending time with his family and sharing vegetables from his garden with friends and neighbors.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Ethelyn Savage Brock, brother & sister-in-law, Alvin “Pete” & Ila Mae Brock, brother, Ezell Brock, as well as 19 other siblings, and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Janie & Gene Swinehart, Gail & Leon Brock all of Baldwin, GA; grandchildren, Hope & Brandon Adams, Adam & Candace Swinehart all of Baldwin, GA; Brock & Kate Wilson, Drew & Ruth Wilson all of Jefferson, GA; great-grandchildren, David Adams, Emily Adams, Olivia Swinehart, Stella Swinehart, Makenzie Wilson, Wyatt Wilson, Dulaney Wilson, Ridley Wilson, Collins Wilson, Burch Wilson, Boone Wilson, sister-in-law, Imogene Brock of Baldwin, GA; nephews and spouses, Carter & Rebecca Brock, Buford & Dickie Brock all of Baldwin, GA; Leaford & Frances Brock of Ranburn, AL; Roy & Terry Brock of Alto, GA; as well as other nieces & nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2019 from the Hillside Memorial Chapel with Rev. Kenneth McEntire & Rev. Tim House officiating. Interment will follow in the Leatherwood Baptist Church Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army, Grant Reeves VFW Post # 7720, Habersham County American Legion Post # 84, & the Rabun County D.A.V. Chapter #15.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday.
The Habersham County United Way is holding its second annual Chicken by the Truck Load Sale. The fundraiser runs through Thursday, June 20. Pick-up is set for 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 at The Torch Worship Center located at 800 Cannon Bridge Road in Demorest.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit Habersham County United Way’s fundraising goal for 2019. The United Way supports 23 non-profit community agencies through its fundraising efforts.
How to order
The poultry products are from Fieldale Farms, an avid supporter of Habersham United Way. Ordering is easy. Just choose your selection(s) from the information below, download the order form at http://www.habershamunitedway.org, and follow the instructions.
Credit and debit card payments are accepted online. Cash and check will also be accepted at the United Way office on Level Grove Road. Make checks payable to Habersham United Way.
While pre-sale orders are recommended and must be paid in advance, purchases are also possible on June 25. However, the quantities are not guaranteed.
Any ordered items not picked-up on June 25 will be donated to the local food bank.
Kenneth Wayne Heumaneus, age 58 of Cornelia, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019.
Born on September 23, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida, he was a son of the late Louie Wendell and Barbara Creasman Heumaneus. Mr. Heumaneus was a member of Good News Baptist Church and was formerly employed with Fieldale, Applegate Insulation and North Georgia Converting. In his spare time, he enjoyed simple things of life such as, spending time with family and friends, his pets, puzzles, watching sports, monster trucks, fishing and hunting. He was a caring and generous person who never seemed to meet a stranger.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Kevin Heumaneus.
Survivors include brothers and sister-in-law, Louie and Pam Heumaneus and James Heumaneus all of Cornelia; sisters and brother-in-law, Carol Allen of Cornelia, Rosita Galloway of Clarkesville and Diane and Larry Ramey of Pelzer, South Carolina; nieces and nephews, Louie Trey Heumaneus, Cynthia Hoose, Michael Galloway, Justin Allen, Angela Cobb, Timothy Ramey, Tyler Heumaneus and Zoe Heumaneus; numerous cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services are 2 pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Good News Baptist Church with Rev. Austin Kelley officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 pm on Monday at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Good News Baptist Church, P.O. Box 434, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.
The family will be at the residence of sister, Carol Allen, 1027 Elrod Street, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.
(Cleveland)- White County Farmers’ Market is set to open this Saturday and runs thru September 21st. It’s a great source of locally raised fruits, veggies, baked goods, and handmade craft items.
Every Saturday the farmers market will be held from 7:30 am till 12 Noon (or sellout) at Freedom Park in downtown Cleveland.
The Headwaters Master Gardeners group has supported this weekly event as one of its many community service projects in the tri-county area of White, Rabun, and Habersham counties.
Master gardeners will be present at the Market to promote the event, answer your gardening questions, and provide info sheets on various gardening/growing topics.
Mr. Randy Franklin King, Sr., age 65 of Clarkesville passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019 at Atlanta Medical Center. He donated his body to Emory University Medical School for research.
Mr. King is survived by his wife, Betsy Palmer King; son and daughter-in-law, Frank & Misty King of Chattanooga, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Melvin & Sue King of Cornelia; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Bobby & Kathy Palmer of Clarkesville, Dave & Karen Palmer of Toccoa and Jeff & Nancy Sosebee of Clarkesville; nieces and nephews, Angie & Tom Hamill of Chugiak, Alaska, Blake & Lauren Palmer of Chamblee, Brooke & Steve Ciolino of Pennsacola, FL, Spencer Palmer of Toccoa, Josh Palmer of Melbourne, FL, Alex & Chelsea Sosebee of Acworth, Mark & Jessie Palmer of Clarkesville, Morgan Sosebee of Greenville, SC; great-niece, Adaline Sosebee of Acworth.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Annie Mae King. Mr. King was a pharmacist for many years with Revco, CVS and Jerry White’s pharmacy. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia.
Celebrating the wonderful life of Randy Franklin King, January 26, 1954 – May 20, 2019. Though we grieve our loss, there is joy, too, in having known and loved such a special person. Please join us for a celebration of his life, 2 pm, Sunday, June 23, 2019 Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Highwa 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571.
The family encourages those interested to make gifts to: Randy King Memorial Scholarship, Lee Snelling, UGA College of Pharmacy, 250 West Greet Street, Athens, Georgia, 30622.
Last week was a very difficult week with Mom. She didn’t want to walk or fully wake up. She wasn’t sleeping well either. Her confusion was deep and we couldn’t reach her. Everything was difficult since she was so far from us. We thought it was an inevitable decline in her cognitive state.
Thankfully, our caregiver Laverne suggested she might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Many of the symptoms are invisible with dementia patients because of their inability to describe how they are feeling. Mom didn’t run a fever or exhibit any other of the typical outward symptoms that I might recognize. Instead she experienced agitation, lethargy, confusion, and decreased mobility. Since some days are simply deeper into the fog (how I describe the dementia), Dad and I simply missed it.
So I’m taking this week of Mondays with Mom as a public service announcement for all caregivers out there. Hopefully you are more aware than we were, but just in case, here is a list of symptoms of which to be aware:
Classic UTI symptoms:
Burning with urination
Pelvic pain
Frequent urination
An urgent need to urinate
Fever
Chills
Urine with an abnormal odor
Potential symptoms for older adults:
Incontinence
Agitation
Lethargy
Confusion
Hallucination
Falls
Urinary retention
Decreased mobility
Decreased appetite
Signs of acute infection:
Fever
Flushed skin
Back pain
Nausea
Vomiting
The diagnosis can be simple; a urine sample will be sent to a lab to discover which bacteria are causing the infection and which medicine will eradicate the bug. A prescription of antibiotics will often clear out the UTI. There are more complicated infections which require more testing and stronger drugs, but hopefully Mom’s will get knocked out this round.
UTIs are a common infection. Although women have a higher incidence, men can also get UTIs. To reduce the risk, drink more water and cranberry juice. There are many websites with additional information. Be informed and learn from our mistake.
As always, I think of you, fellow caregivers. We’re all plugging along similar, difficult paths. May this week be an easier week for you and the ones you love.
Stahl joined the Georgia insurer’s parent company, Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc., last year as a vice president of sales operations and effectiveness.
