More than 10,000 people are expected to turn out this year as they have in year’s past for Demorest’s annual Independence Day celebration. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)

Demorest is getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors on the Fourth of July. Each year the city hosts Habersham’s main Independence Day event. It’s billed as the longest-running Independence Day celebration in the southeastern United States.

City officials anticipate 10,000 – 12,000 people will attend some or all of Thursday’s festivities.

Schedule of events

The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with a 5K run hosted by The Torch. That will be followed by opening ceremonies downtown at 10 a.m. and the Independence Day Parade at 11 a.m.

The parade will line up on Laurel Avenue and enter Central Avenue/Highway 441 at Florida Street across from Concord Church (old Demorest Elementary School). The parade will make its way through downtown Demorest, ending around Demorest Lake Road.

Vietnam veterans will serve as this year’s Grand Marshals.

“They went and fought valiantly and came home to a country that was unappreciative in many cases so it’s our opportunity to honor them for their service,” says Demorest Mayor Rick Austin.

Vendors will be set up in downtown Demorest with inflatables, crafts, music, and food for festival-goers to enjoy throughout the day.

Thursday evening the stage in Demorest Springs Park will come alive with a lineup of well-known local talent. The lineup includes Mat Fried at 5 p.m., Alan Baker and the Working Man Band at 6 p.m., Steve Bryson at 7 p.m., and headliner and hometown favorite country recording artist John King at 8 p.m.

King is coming to Demorest fresh off his most recent appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Event organizers say he has a really big show planned. “He’s super excited about being back in town,” says Austin. “This is home for him.” It’s also the backdrop for his upcoming music video which will be shot during Thursday night’s concert.

Admission to the festival and concerts is free. Food and vendor prices will vary.

When and where to view the fireworks

Fireworks will cap off the celebration around 9:30 p.m. They’ll be fired from the parking lot adjacent to the Demorest Women’s Club on Central Avenue/Highway 441.

“If people want a good view of the fireworks they need to be in the immediate downtown area by 9 p.m.,” stresses Austin. He says people should not expect to be able to view them from areas outside of downtown Demorest. To accommodate the anticipated crowds, traffic will be blocked along Central Avenue/Highway 441 during the fireworks display. “We’re going to invite people to step out into the middle of the highway and hang out,” he says.

John King will play a short set on stage in the park after the fireworks end.

Rain or shine

There’s a 50 percent chance of rain on Thursday but organizers aren’t worried. Demorest’s Independence Day celebration has only been canceled twice in its 130-year history according to Austin. He says Thursday’s festivities will go on rain or shine. “The City of Demorest cordially invites everyone in our community and from outside our community to come and join us for what’s going to be a day and evening packed with a lot of fun.”

The celebration costs around $30,000 and takes city employees about six months to plan and prepare for each year. Austin calls it Demorest’s “gift to the community.” It’s a gift the city’s been giving since 1889 and one organizers hope people will come out and enjoy this Fourth of July.

Let’s face it: Fireworks are fun. And they’re as much a part of the Fourth of July as the American flag.

But they also can be dangerous.

In 2017, eight people died and more than 12,000 people were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the National Safety Council. And half of those injuries were to children or young adults under age 20.

Injuries to children – most often burns – can involve the hands, fingers, head, face, eyes, and ears. The American Academy of Pediatrics says nearly one-third of eye injuries can end up causing permanent damage

A 2015 Georgia law allowed people to legally purchase fireworks, so they’re likely more prevalent now.

Despite what you may read on the packaging, there is no such thing as fireworks that are safe for kids to handle on their own, says Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Even sparklers are dangerous. Parents don’t realize that sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt some metals.

Fireworks safety tips

The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a public display run by experts. But if your family is going to use them, here are some safety tips on fireworks from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the National Safety Council:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Always closely supervise kids around fireworks, even older ones. Many children burned by fireworks aren’t even lighting them. They’re just standing nearby when a firework goes off in the wrong direction.
• If you choose to give your kids sparklers, make sure they use them outside, wearing closed-toed shoes, holding them at arm’s length.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never light them indoors.
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light only one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.

• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light a dud.
• Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after they’ve exploded. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Keep a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Completely extinguish used fireworks before throwing them away. This can prevent trash fires.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Keep matches, lighters, and fireworks hidden from children when not in use.

Looks like Mother Nature may just make some fireworks of her own. The forecast is calling for possible thunderstorms this evening across northern Georgia. Forecasters say some of these storms could produce strong gusty winds, brief heavy rainfall, and cloud to ground lightning. The thunderstorm threat should end around midnight.

July FOURcast

Independence Day will be hot and humid in north Georgia.

The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies in the morning with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High temps will be in the upper 80s to low 90s across the region. The Heat Index could approach advisory levels. Forecasters say the heat and humidity combined will make it feel like 105 degrees outside, particularly in central and eastern north Georgia.

Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 70.

Summer heat safety tips

LOCAL FIVE-DAY FORECAST

Updated 7/3/19@8:50pm

Birthday celebrations are happening all across the country today as the United States of America turns 243 years old.

Here’s a list of some of the places in North Georgia where you and your family can enjoy Fourth festivities and fireworks:

Dahlonega will hold its annual 4th of July Celebration with a day full of activities. Highlights include a parade downtown at 11 a.m. followed by a patriotic ceremony at the courthouse at noon. There will be bounce houses and family-friendly activities in Hancock Park and around town throughout the day. Fireworks will be fired at dark from the University of North Georgia Drill Field.

Demorest will host its annual Independence Day Celebration downtown. Highlights include a parade down Central Avenue/Hwy. 441 at 11 a.m. and concerts in Demorest Springs Park beginning at 5 p.m. This year’s headliner is local country music recording artist John King. He’s returning home to Demorest fresh off his latest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Fireworks are scheduled around 9:30 p.m. To view the fireworks, be sure to be in downtown Demorest by 9 p.m. Central Avenue/Hwy. 441 will be blocked to traffic approximately 30 minutes prior to the fireworks display.

Dilliard will host a free fireworks display that will be visible for miles around. Park your car along Highway 441 North and get out your lawn chairs. The fireworks will begin around dusk.

Hall County will join in the nation’s birthday celebration with a July 4th festival and fireworks at Laurel Park on Lake Lanier at 3100 Old Cleveland Highway. Gates open at 9 a.m. There will be kids rides, arts & crafts, food, and music throughout the day. Fireworks will be held at dusk and the rain date is scheduled for July 6. Admission is $10 per car.

Helen will host its annual Fireworks at Dusk. The fireworks will be fired between 9 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center.

Hiawassee will host its annual 4th of July Boat Parade on Lake Chatuge starting at 10:30 a.m. Boats will parade past the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, under Anderson Bridge, and past the Hiawassee Beach. After the parade, spend your day on the lake or rest up for a Freedom Explosion at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. The Chris Clinton Band will perform from 6-9 p.m. There will be food and drinks available along with activities for children. Fireworks will be shot off from the ball field at 9:45 p.m. Organizers say the parking lot at the fairgrounds is the best place to view the fireworks.

Homer and the Homer Volunteer Fire Department will host the town’s annual fireworks display. The event will be held at Banks County High School, located just south of Homer on State Route 164. Show time will be at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Atlanta, of course, hosts some of the biggest Independence Day celebrations around. More than 200,000 people are expected to converge on the city for the annual AJC Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10-kilometer race in the country. The annual tradition kicks off just before 7 a.m., so plan to get there early, especially if you want a coveted seat along the race route. In the evening, get fired up at one of Metro Atlanta’s many fireworks celebrations, including events at Centennial Olympic Park and Stone Mountain Park.

Find more July Fourth events at www.exploregeorgia.org/calendar-of-events.

The July 4th holiday weekend is officially underway and the Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement urge you to celebrate responsibly. If you plan on drinking alcohol, plan ahead for a ride with a sober driver.

“This is your warning if you make the mistake of getting behind the wheel after drinking,” Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole says. “It is too late to ask for a warning if you are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will be arrested and you will be taken to jail. No exceptions.”

Long holiday travel period

The holiday travel period this year is 102 hours long. It began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. This year marks the one year anniversary of the Georgia Hands-Free Law which became effective July 1, 2018.

Last year, the holiday period was only 30 hours long. During that time, State troopers investigated 150 traffic crashes that resulted in 90 injuries and two fatalities. Additionally, troopers issued 6,367 citations, 8,465 warnings, and made 123 DUI arrests. The citations were for a range of things including 957 seat belt and 150 child restraint violations.

State troopers and officers will be on high visibility patrols during the 102-hour holiday period in an effort to keep the number of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities at a minimum.

“With a record number of travelers hitting the roadways this holiday, we want everyone to pack a load of patience for traffic delays and to put safety first by following the posted speed limit, not driving while impaired, making sure all occupants are restrained, and keeping your hands off of your cell phones,” says Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety Colonel Mark W. McDonough.

Officers “will not hesitate” to arrest impaired and aggressive drivers

This holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol is participating in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, a nationwide mobilization against impaired driving, as well as the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) campaign. Troopers will be working alongside sheriff’s deputies and police officers to apprehend impaired drivers and crackdown on aggressive speeders and distracted drivers.

“Crashes caused by impaired drivers can be prevented. Drivers must take the initiative to plan ahead for their holiday activities by designating a sober driver and not driving impaired,” says McDonough. “State Troopers and Officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired or aggressive driver.”

According to AAA, the worst day to travel on the roadways in Atlanta is Friday, July 5, and the worst time for travel is between 5 – 7 p.m.

This weekend I went to Atlanta and spent some quality time with old friends. Clarification, they are not old, we’ve just known each other a long time. I met up with one friend I hadn’t seen in over thirty years. It’s amazing to me how so much time can pass and life can be lived, but the old feelings returned and we picked up right where we left off.

I had lots of alone time while driving, resting, and reading. I enjoyed the solitude. In my “real” life, I’m hardly ever alone. There’s lots of quiet time with Mom and I’ve finally learned to relax into her silence. However, it is truly different to be alone without another human or animal. There is a peace to it I rarely experience.

Even in the company of my friends, we sometimes sat in companionable silence. We didn’t feel the need to fill every moment with conversation. There is simply no way to catch up fully on an absence of 30 years in only a few hours so we simply reconnected our spirits. I know I am much changed in the interim, but I am also much the same. So are they.

Now that I am back at Mom’s side, I’ve been comparing the quiet spaces of my life. For most of my life, silence and quiet have made me uneasy. I love to go, meet, talk, and do. I’m such an extrovert that I am energized by activity, especially in small groups. I can become overwhelmed with large groups, but I live in a small town that is rarely overpopulated – except during festivals. Then I stay home!

It’s a beautiful, unique thing to be alone with someone and not feel the need to fill in the silence. It’s more than companionable or comfortable. It’s rare – a precious jewel – to have friends bound so perfectly in spirit. I’ve been blessed over and over in my life with amazing, precious friends just like these. Thinking about them or remembering them in the past, I wouldn’t have known how important they were to me. Maybe it took the intermittent years to show me their value.

I was nervous before reconnecting. I did all the self-doubt: What if they don’t like me now? What if their memories of me are unhappy enough to taint our time together? What if too much time has passed? It certainly could have happened that way, and to be fair, I’ve had unhappy reunions. Not this weekend; it was lovely.

Sometimes it’s hard for us caregivers to reach out. We hope people will reach to us, especially if they know what we are going through. The simple truth is we are all preoccupied with our own lives and it’s hard to remember those who are out of sight. Let’s agree to make ourselves more visible and ask for the support we need. Sometimes just sitting in companionable, comfortable quiet is enough to make us feel connected. Isn’t that what we all need?

It was a big celebration in the small town of Demorest as people from all over northeast Georgia came to celebrate our nation’s 243rd birthday.

The Torch kicked things off bright and early with a 5k race through town. Kids waved flags and gathered up parade candy off the street. Vendor booths, pony rides, and live music added to the festival-like atmosphere.

Here’s a look back at the birthday bash as seen through the lens of Now Habersham’s Daniel Purcell.

Independence Day 2019

Demorest, GA

photos by Daniel Purcell

(click on photos to enlarge and scroll through)

A Habersham County man is in jail charged in a fatal July 4th shooting. 53-year-old Jerry Nathaniel Wall allegedly shot and killed 56-year-old Roger Dale Littleton during an argument.

RELATED: Shooting victim’s family seeks help with funeral expenses

Both men are from Habersham County but have Toccoa addresses.

Argument turns deadly

At approximately 10:45 p.m. Habersham County deputies were dispatched to 3848 Antioch Church Road in reference to a possible aggravated assault. When they arrived they found a man, later identified as Littleton, on the ground outside the residence.

First responders were staged nearby until law enforcement secured the area. “Once that was completed our personnel went in and located a subject deceased on scene,” says Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black.

Habersham County Sheriff’s Capt. Floyd Canup says Wall surrendered without incident. He says the two men knew each other. A joint statement from the coroner and sheriff’s office released Friday states that Littleton and Wall were involved in an argument that “escalated and resulted in Littleton being shot.”

A neighbor reported hearing a loud noise around 10:25 p.m. in the area where Littleton’s body was found. Antioch Church Road between Highway 17 and Mt. Bethel Church Road was closed for approximately three hours as investigators processed the crime scene. A car was towed away from the area right before the road reopened around 2 a.m. Friday.

Littleton’s body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur for further examination. Wall is charged with one count of aggravated assault.  The sheriff’s office says more charges may be filed.

A “tragic situation”

Littleton’s family has set up a Go Fund Me account to help with his funeral expenses. “Dale had no life insurance and was taken way too soon from this world,” a post on the account states. “He was so loved by all his family and friends and will be dearly missed.”

Calling it a “tragic situation”, Habersham County Coroner Kasey McEntire says “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of everyone involved.”

The shooting remains under investigation by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

The family of the man shot to death Thursday night in Habersham County has set up a Go Fund Me account to raise money to bury him.

Dale Littleton did not have any life insurance, according to a post on the account.

“On the night of July 4th 2019 we lost a beloved son, father, husband, nephew, brother, and uncle,” fundraiser organizer Kari Lynn Kastner writes. She says the family is asking for any donations or help towards paying for funeral costs.

Click here to donate

“Dale had no life insurance and was taken way too soon from this world. He was so loved by all his family and friends and will be dearly missed.”

Littleton was found shot to death outside a residence on Antioch Church Road shortly before 11 p.m. on July 4th. Jerry Wall is accused of killing him during an argument.

FULL STORY HERE

Jean Lawson Beaver, age 89, of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019.

Mrs. Beaver was born on September 25, 1929, in Joplin, Missouri to the late William A. and Velma Mae Drake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Howard Dwain Beaver; two sisters and one brother. Mrs. Beaver was the last of her immediate family. Jean, known as “Grandma” was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Alberta and Delmar Dorsey, of Clarkesville; son, Norman Beaver, of Clarkesville; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., at Yonah Memorial Gardens with Rev. Grady Walden officiating. All family and friends should meet at the cemetery at 9:50 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535

Beth Truelove, center, recently graduated from the Institute for Organization Management
 leadership training program produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Beth Truelove, IOM, President, of the White County Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness by addressing developments that affect our nation, our economy, and the global business environment.

Spider-Man: Far From Home marks the end of Phase 3 of the MCU and it’s also a thoroughly satisfying second chapter to the web-slinger’s story in the MCU.

The movie takes place just a few months after the events of Avengers: Endgame with Tom Holland’s Peter Parker restored and resuming his normal high school life. He’s about to go on a summer vacation with his classmates to Europe and they tour the likes of Venice and Berlin before they encounter a series of unexplainable occurrences that involve fire and water known as the Elementals. Naturally, it’s time for Peter to once again break out the Spider suit.

Peter just wants to go on vacation and have a fun time, but Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury introduces him to an enigmatic individual known as Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) who assists Parker in bringing down these strange phenomena.

If all of that wasn’t enough, Peter is hoping to get the chance to talk to MJ (Zendaya) to tell her how he really feels.

Not only that, but there’s also a couple of other burgeoning romances blossoming between Peter’s best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon) falling for a fellow classmate (Angourie Rice from The Nice Guys).

Oh, and there may be something else going on between Peter’s Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and Tony Stark’s driver Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). These romances might seem like plot overkill, but the dynamic is charming.

Tom Holland delivers another funny, warm, and charismatic performance as both Peter Parker and Spider-Man and he continues to have a lot of support from the likes of Jackson, Colbie Smulders, Zendaya, Favreau, and Gyllenhaal as Mysterio. They all seem to have a lot of fun with their roles.

This movie seems equally inspired by ’80s teen comedies as well as the Marvel comic books and it does offer a sense of exciting possibilities of where this series could go next.

Far From Homes proves to be a worthy standout in a mediocre summer.

Grade: A-

(Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language, and brief suggestive comments.)

Whether dressed in his uniform or in Santa’s red suit, Habersham County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Mayfield knew how to put people at ease. Beneath his imposing stature was a man with a kind heart. News of his death late Friday hit the community hard.

“It is with deep regret and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Deputy Patrick Mayfield,” the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office posted to its Facebook page.

Deputy Mayfield passed away unexpectedly. The sheriff’s office did not say how he died. Those who knew him are focusing on how he lived.

“He made every morning sunny for us at Fairview.”

“He was truly a beloved asset for the children of our school system,” says retired Gifted/Discovery teacher Stacey McLaurin Slay. Mayfield was a school resource officer who, over the years, worked at several county schools including South Habersham and Wilbanks Middle, Level Grove and Fairview Elementary schools.

“He spoke gently, kindly, respectfully to teachers, staff, and always, the students,” says Slay. “He made eye contact with even the smallest kids and got on their level to comfort, console, or teach them. He made every morning sunny for us at Fairview.”

The sun dimmed on Friday with news of his passing.

“We are at a loss for words… Our friend, colleague… Our brother, Patrick Mayfield, will be greatly missed,” says a post to the SRO Program Facebook page. “Our deepest condolences to his family and those who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. Prayers for comfort. Rest well, SRO Mayfield… We got it from here, brother.”

Habersham County Sheriff’s Capt. Floyd Canup says Mayfield’s devotion to the community and kids extended well beyond his duties as a school resource officer. “He would accompany the athletic teams on away games even if it was not his responsibility. He would quite often on his time off coach youth sports,” says Canup. “His dedication to the children and citizens of this county will not be forgotten.”

“We are in shock from losing Patrick,” says Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell. “He touched many lives in our schools and baseball team. We have a hole in our lives and we are truly going to miss seeing his smiling face. Please remember his wife, son and family in prayer during this trying time.”

Shared grief. Lasting legacy.

People from throughout the community are responding to the loss with heartfelt posts online. They describe Mayfield as “good” “amazing” “kind” and a man with a “genuine heart.”

Perhaps that was his secret to connecting with kids and their families…he was genuine.

During his years of public service, SRO Mayfield watched over hundreds of Habersham County students, parents, and staff.

In a photo Slay took before one Christmas break, Mayfield is seen standing in Fairview’s school lobby dressed up as Santa with a toy bag on his back and a warm smile on his face. He stands beneath a sign that reads, “I am still watching.”

For those whose lives he touched, there’s welcome comfort in believing he still is.

Feature photo: Habersham County SRO Facebook page

The streets were packed, the weather was hot, and 2-year-old Alex Khadayat was enjoying Independence Day in Demorest.

Until he wasn’t.

The precious tot with the giggly grin and blue-framed glasses went from watching the parade and catching candy to catching a ride in an ambulance.

His mom, Susan, says Alex suffered a health scare at the end of the parade. “His eyes rolled back, he fell over and passed out,” she recalls. “This has never happened before so (it was) a very scary situation.”

That’s when people nearby sprang into action.

Habersham County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Lowell Tench saw the child and mom in distress and called for emergency services. “While waiting, Mayor Rick Austin and Mrs. Austin took us in and stayed with us in the water department and gave Alex something to drink,” Khadayat says. She also credits personnel from the Demorest Fire Department, Habersham EMS, and Demorest Elementary school teacher Christy Ryals with helping her and her son.

An ambulance carried the young boy and his frightened mom to Habersham County Medical Center where he was diagnosed with heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Alex is now out of the hospital doing “much better today”. His relieved mother says they’ll follow up next week with his doctor just to make sure everything’s fine.

In the meantime, Khadayat wants everyone who’s asked about him to know Alex is well and she wants all those who helped him to know she’s extremely grateful.

“I want to thank everyone for their fast acting to get Alex the help he needed,” she says. “It could have been much worse without everyone jumping right in and getting him to a cool area.”

A memorial service for Bobby Wayne Alewine, age 76 of Alto, will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville with the Rev. Dwight Ogler officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the service.

Mr. Alewine passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019 at his residence.

Born in Toccoa, Georgia on July 12, 1942, Mr. Alewine was the son of the late Lucius Benjamin Alewine and Mary Sue Bray Alewine. He graduated from Toccoa High School and attended Georgia Institute of Technology. Bobby was a Civil Engineer and owner of Quadra-Tech, later Phoenix Consulting. He was passionate about youth little league, was the President of the Tucker Quarterback Club and he enjoyed playing golf. Bobby was a member of Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church.

Survivors include his wife Pat Alewine of Alto, daughters and sons in law Hope and Jon Hurt Smith of Cornelia, Holly and Ray Skinner of Mt. Airy, son Bleu Alewine of Savannah, sisters Patsy Shaw (Billy) of Toccoa and Elaine Martin (and the late Richard Martin) of Toccoa, grandchildren Nick Carter (Hallie), Courtney Fields (Devon), Bobby Davis-Hurt Smith (Meredith), Phoebe Alewine and Winnie Alewine, great grandson Tucker Fields, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Georgia Transplant Foundation. (gatransplant.org)

An online guest registry is available at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256.

Authorities are looking into the death of a man whose body was discovered behind the wheel of a car off of Ben Jones Road near Clarkesville.

Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies and state troopers responded to the scene around 6:18 p.m. Saturday. Habersham County Deputy Coroner Ken Franklin says the unidentified man had apparently been dead for a “considerable time” based on the decomposition of his body.

No immediate cause of death was evident. Franklin says there was no indication of foul play. The body will be sent to the State Crime Lab for an autopsy.

Authorities are now trying to confirm the identity of the man and locate his next of kin.

(Cleveland)- The Mayor and Council of the City of Cleveland have announced their intent to increase the 2019 property taxes by 1.71% (percent) over the rollback millage rate. According to information provided by the city, the rate increase is to support the growing expenses for public safety, public works, and administration.

All concerned citizens are invited to attend public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Cleveland City Hall Annex,  July 18^th at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on July 25 at  9 a.m.

The 2019 millage rate will be voted on immediately following the 9 a.m.hearing of July 25^th.

According to the city, the proposed increase will result in a millage rate of 6.00 mills, an increase of  .101 mills over the rollback rate.

The proposed tax increase for a property owner with a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $10.10.

By: WRWH News

Mr. Roger Dale Littleton, age 56 of Black Mountain Road, Toccoa, GA, passed away on July 4, 2019.

A son of Sue Lynch Littleton and the late Bobby Joe Littleton, he was born February 22, 1963, in Habersham County having lived most of his life in Stephens County. Dale was a member of Chopped Oak Baptist Church, he was a self-employed carpenter and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his father Bobby Joe Littleton, grandparents Clarence and Callie Littleton and brother Jerry Littleton.

Survivors include his mother Sue Littleton of Toccoa, his wife Lacilla Littleton Gibson of Toccoa, son Aaron Joe Littleton of Toccoa, grandmother Betty Wilson, sister Pam Littleton, brother Scott Littleton, sister-in-law Cindy Littleton, aunts and uncles Ann and Bill Turpin, Gail and Patrick Chambers, Stevey and Brenda Littleton and Joyce Pace, step-children April Frady, Crystal Sutton and Stephanie Canup, grandchildren Kennedy Gibson, Jayden Frady, Mason Lee Shook, John Tanner Sutton and Justin Shook. nieces and nephews Kayla Mote, Kati Kasner, and Cody Littleton and a number of great-nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Monday, July 8, 2019, at 2 PM at the Chopped Oak Baptist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Alvin Burns officiating. The following will serve as pallbearers, Scott Littleton, Cody Littleton, Pete Moore, Patrick Terrell, Kevin Frady, and Wesley Pace

The family will visit at the Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Monday, July 8, 2019, from noon until time to leave for the service.

Acree-Davis Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Roger Dale Littleton.

Mr. Patrick Mayfield, age 52 of Toccoa, GA passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019 in Asheville, NC.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Moss, Stovall, Neal Funeral Home of Toccoa.

The man who was gunned down and killed outside a home in Habersham County on July Fourth will be buried on Monday.  Graveside services for Dale Littleton are scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 8 at the Chopped Oak Baptist Church Cemetery in Toccoa. Visitation will be held at Acree-Davis Funeral Home in Toccoa beginning at noon Monday prior to the service.

Littleton was a husband and father who worked as a self-employed carpenter. He was born in Habersham County but lived most of his life in Stephens County, according to his obituary.

Deputies say the 56-year-old Littleton was shot during an argument outside a residence at 3848 Antioch Church Road. They arrested and charged 53-year-old Jerry Wall with aggravated assault. Officials say the two men knew each other.

The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the shooting and says more charges may be filed.