Georgia has a high rate of people without health insurance, and it’s statistically below average in quality of health care.

Those shortcomings, state officials say, underscore a clear need to make changes to Georgia’s health insurance systems.

That message was part of a presentation Thursday to a large advisory council formed to offer input on the state’s quest for federal health care waivers.

The advisory group convened in Atlanta to hear Deloitte consultants describe the waiver effort. The federal government can waive certain health system regulations in response to a state proposal, and Georgia has hired Deloitte to help devise its waiver proposals.

As outlined by state legislation enacted this year, the two central waiver categories involve possibly adding members to the state’s Medicaid program, and identifying possible changes to the health insurance exchange rules in Georgia.

Ryan Loke, health care policy adviser to Gov. Brian Kemp, emphasized that the waiver process will not involve a Medicaid expansion as outlined under the Affordable Care Act.

“We are not pursuing that,’’ Loke said. The state’s Republican leaders have rejected expansion for years as too costly. And Loke noted that the Patients First Act, the legislation that authorizes the waiver requests, does not allow for full Medicaid expansion.

The law, which was pushed hard by the governor, outlines a possible Medicaid change of including people up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. That’s in contrast with the standard Medicaid expansion level of up to 138 percent of poverty.

Georgia is one of 14 states that have not expanded Medicaid. Democrats have argued that a standard expansion, at 138 percent, would cover more people at a lower cost than the Kemp plan envisions. (Here’s a link to a legislative debate on the issue.)

The advisory committee, a nonvoting body, consists of about 50 industry officials, legislators, health care policy experts and others. The group, considered almost a “Who’s Who” of health care leaders in the state, will meet at other times during the waiver development process.

Deloitte consultants, in their presentation to the committee, highlighted two other states’ waiver ideas that could get traction here.

Through a so-called 1115 waiver, Utah increased Medicaid coverage to adults up to 100 percent of the poverty level and introduced requirements for work and “community engagement’’ by people to get those benefits. (A federal court has struck down Medicaid work requirements in Arkansas and Kentucky.)

Utah received a traditional federal matching rate of 70 percent for those additional Medicaid members but now seeks to get a 90 percent match – up to now, reserved to states that fully expand Medicaid. It’s also asking for a “per-capita cap’’ on Medicaid funding.

And Wisconsin obtained federal approval last year for a reinsurance program under a 1332 waiver, to stabilize premiums in the state’s insurance exchange. Wisconsin, one of seven states to get reinsurance approvals, projects average premiums 11 percent lower this year after the waiver OK.

Other individual insurance waiver ideas include adding health savings accounts, creating a different subsidy structure for premium help, and expanding the availability of catastrophic insurance plans, Deloitte said.

Kemp has set a tight timeline for the waiver development, with plans to submit the proposals to the feds by the end of the year. Federal health officials have offered increased flexibility for states to create waiver proposals.

Among the statistics compiled by the Deloitte team:

• Georgia’s uninsured rate of 14.8 percent is much higher than the U.S. average of 10.5 percent and is fairly similar to that of other states that have not expanded Medicaid. Some counties in Georgia have uninsured rates of 30 percent or more.
• The uninsured rate is higher here than the national average across all age groups.
• The state’s overall state health ranking across all measures is 39th. But it is 46th for all clinical care measures.
• Seven rural Georgia hospitals have closed since 2010 (the third-highest number in the nation), and 26 such facilities are at risk of closure (also third-highest).
• The state’s uninsured population under 100 percent of poverty is 478,000.

Taifa S. Butler, executive director of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, said in a statement on the report that “these latest findings show our state continues to fall behind in supporting Georgians’ need for health care access. Across the state, families struggle without affordable options and access to quality care. Georgia faces an opportunity to alleviate this trend. We hope this new information will guide a transparent waiver process that ultimately leads to as many Georgians gaining access to health care as possible.”

In terms of health care financials, Georgia has some low-cost statistics. The average annual premiums for single coverage in Georgia are the fourth-lowest in the U.S. in 2017, according to Deloitte. More than half of Georgians with job-based insurance are in high-deductible plans.

And Medicaid spending, at $420 per member per month, is in the lowest 10 percent of states nationally.

Funeral services for Ruby Lee Goss Farmer, age 77 of Clarkesville, will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, July 21, 2019, from the Hillside Chapel.

Interment will follow the service in Old Nacoochee Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, July 20, 2019, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Mrs. Farmer passed away on Friday, July 21, 2019.

Complete obituary information will be announced by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.

Funeral services for Paul Jones Reeves, 93, of Cornelia are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on July 21, 2019, at Cornelia United Methodist Church, with Dr. Shirley Wright and Reverend Billy Burrell officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Church following the funeral service. A private family burial will be held at Yonah Memorial Gardens in Demorest prior to the service.

Mr. Reeves passed away at home on July 18, 2019, surrounded by family and caregivers.

Born on December 15, 1925, in Clarkesville, GA, he was the son of the late Francis Marion and Hester Ayers Reeves, the youngest of 8 children. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Reeves Mathis of Gainesville GA, and five brothers and two sisters.

A child of the Great Depression, his earliest work experience was formed when his father, a banker, accepted a position as Cashier of First National Bank of Cornelia. At the age of 12, young Paul would rise early to make sure the bank was clean and warm before his school day began.

Shortly after his 17th birthday, he joined the U. S. Navy and served with the 5th Amphibious Corp in Saipan during World War II. He returned home in 1946 and began his hardware business career by managing his brother’s hardware store in Highlands NC.

Later in 1946, he returned to Cornelia and in short order met and married the love of his life, Doris Elder, and started Habersham Hardware with his brothers. The original store was located in a small 25 x 50 building and had 5 employees, including his new bride who became his bookkeeper and business partner for the next 66 years.

He and Doris began their family the next year, eventually welcoming four daughters. As their family grew, the business also grew, eventually expanding to another store in Clarkesville and employing over 100 people at its peak.

Mr. Reeves was a longtime member of Cornelia United Methodist Church, where he held many leadership positions. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank, where he had begun his career as a janitor, eventually serving for many years as Chairman of the Board. When First National Bank of Gainesville purchased the local bank, he also served on their Board of Directors.

He was a member of the Rotary Club, Cornelia Optimist Club, and was a member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 F&AM for 69 years. He also served as a Trustee of Piedmont College for many years. In 2015, he was inducted into the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.

Mr. Reeves is survived by his wife of 72 years, Doris Elder Reeves, three daughters and sons-in-law: Dianne and Lewis Cody and Susie and Keith York of Cornelia and Linda and Henry DeWitt of Athens GA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Robin (Rob) Orvin of Mandeville LA, Brentt (Heather) Cody and Jake York of Cornelia, Kelly (Morgan) Lee and Katie (Matt) Dubnik of Gainesville GA, Austin (Kelly) York of Savannah GA, Ben (Megan) DeWitt of Kansas City MO, Betsy DeWitt of Tallahassee FL, Emily (Nate) Fleckenstein of Nashville TN, and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude for the wonderful love and care provided by his caregivers: Brenda Allen, Renee Long, Carolyn Hall, Velvet McFalls, Desirae Zonner, Julia Rautenberg, Sherrie Frye, Rachelle Waaser and Carol Allen. We also thank PruittHealth Hospice for the care and attention provided in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reeves Benevolence Fund, care of North Georgia Community Foundation, 615 F Oak Street, Suite 1300, Gainesville, GA 30501 (or by visiting www.ngcf.org/donate). Contributions to the fund will be used to assist people in need in Habersham County.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, North Chapel, Demorest Georgia.

Disney’s onslaught of remaking their animated classics into live-action movies continue with The Lion King after Dumbo and Aladdin. I’m probably going to get a lot of heat for this, but so be it.

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way. This is a visually impressive and beautiful remake. However, with every scene that displays the incredible technology at work, there are scenes that amount to nothing more than just the filmmakers copying and pasting what worked for the animated version into live-action.

Of course we all know the story: Mufasa the Lion (once again voiced by the great James Earl Jones) and his lioness queen Sarabi (Alfre Woodard) give birth to their cub son Simba (JD McCrary) and prepare him for his destiny as the new king of Pride Rock.

That is until Mufasa’s brother Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) gnashes his teeth with jealousy as he was wanting the throne for himself. This sets in motion his plot to take over. I’m pretty sure we all know how this turns out.

Tragedy does indeed strike for young Simba and he’s banished from his homeland and forced to live in exile. While in the desert, he encounters the meerkat and warthog Timon and Pumbaa (Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen) who unsurprisingly provide the comic relief.

While learning how to live with Hakuna Matata as his new philosophy on life, Simba is soon reunited with his childhood friend, Nala (Beyonce) who tells him he must reclaim the throne from Scar.

Director Jon Favreau has spared no expense in the visuals department, but as a story, he seems merely content on giving us a kind of greatest hits compilation instead of adding some new material. Some audiences might not mind.

The lions in this movie are the movie’s Achilles heel in the sense that they aren’t very emotive as opposed to some of the other supporting characters such as John Oliver as Zazu or Eichner and Rogen are very expressive and seem to enjoy their roles much more.

Some scenes feel rushed and don’t quite give us the emotional impact that they should. Plus, it sounded to me like some of the actors were just simply reading their dialogue without really attempting to embrace the material.

I know audiences will flock to this film regardless of my disappointments, but it breaks my heart to give it a mildly negative review. Hakuna Matata doesn’t quite apply to this remake.

Grade: B-

(Rated PG for sequences of violence and peril and some thematic elements.)

Funeral services will be held Sunday for well-known local businessman Paul Reeves. Reeves, the founder of Habersham Hardware, passed away Thursday. He was 93.

Originally from Clarkesville, Reeves served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He began his hardware business career in 1946 after returning home from the war. Reeves and his brothers opened Habersham Hardware in downtown Cornelia.

The original store opened in a small 25 x 50 building with five employees. Reeves’ new bride, the former Doris Elder, was one of them. She became his bookkeeper and business partner for the next 66 years.

The couple had four daughters and, as their family grew, the business also grew, eventually expanding to a second store in Clarkesville and employing over 100 people at its peak.

“Paul’s knowledge of lumber and hardware served him well and Habersham Hardware grew into a thriving business,” according to a biography on the hardware store’s website. “Using his profits to grow the shop as well as helping the surrounding community, Paul and his faithful ‘family’ of local employees sold lumber, tools, paint and other building materials.”

Paul Jones Reeves obituary

More than a store, it was a gathering place

Reeves earned a reputation as a fair and ethical businessman and he surrounded himself with staff who embodied those same ethics. Habersham Hardware became a mainstay in the local community, eventually expanding its product lines to include lawn and garden equipment, home furnishings and decor, electronics, and more.

It also became a favorite gathering spot for farmers and laborers who enjoyed convenient access to products they needed and engaging conversations with the knowledgeable, friendly, sales staff.

Paul Reeves’ influence in the community extended well beyond his stores’ doors. He was an active civic leader and church member, as well.

Reeves was in the Rotary Club, Cornelia Optimist Club, and was a member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 F&AM for 69 years, according to his obituary. He also served as a Trustee of Piedmont College.

In 2015, he was inducted into the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years and three daughters.

His funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Cornelia United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Church following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reeves Benevolence Fund which helps people in need in Habersham County. Donations may be made online at www.ngcf.org/donate or by mail at Reeves Benevolence Fund, care of North Georgia Community Foundation, 615 F Oak Street, Suite 1300, Gainesville, GA 30501.

The family of a Habersham County woman who was missing now thanks the community for help finding her.

34-year-old Kathy Marie Copley was located soon after a public lookout was issued for her on Saturday.

Copley, a mother of two, was missing for more than a week. She disappeared July 12 while walking from her residence on Dooley Road in Clarkesville.

Hundreds of people shared information about the search for her on social media.

Copley’s cousin Kelli Joslyn said the family is grateful she was found safe. “To all who shared her information we greatly appreciated it,” she posted to Facebook.

A Cleveland truck driver faces charges in connection with a fatal crash that occurred Saturday on GA 115 east of Dock Dorsey Road in White County.

Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 6 in Gainesville were called to assist in the investigation. They say preliminary results indicate the driver, identified as 46-year-old James Martin, was driving west on GA 115. As he approached stopped traffic Martin “aggressively braked in an attempt to avoid a collision,” GSP says. The truck jackknifed, causing the tractor to rotate and travel into the eastbound lane.

The truck struck a 2001 GMC Savanna van driven by 65-year-old Catherine Grant-Coons of Tavares, Florida. She was killed in the crash.

Martin was not injured. The GSP says charges are pending against him.

The accident happened around 12:35 p.m. It shut down GA 115 between Lothridge Road and Dock Dorsey Road for approximately six hours.

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.

Click the link below to access the file.

Media Summary 07/22/2019

Tallulah Falls School varsity golfers Brinson Hall of Mt. Airy, left, and Maggie Jackson of Clarkesville, spent a week at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Camp held annually on St. Simons Island. (photo submitted)

Two Tallulah Falls School varsity golfers spent a week beating the heat and honing their skills at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Camp held annually on St. Simons Island.

Rising juniors Brinson Hall of Mt. Airy and Maggie Jackson of Clarkesville spent five days at the clinic led by professional golfers, college golf coaches, and college golfers.

Golf clubs on both St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island served as host courses for the group of 60 high school golfers.

Hall said this is the best golf camp she has attended.

“Not only do you get to learn from the best but you also get to better your walk with Christ with some amazing people,” Hall said. “This camp is a family playing a sport they love while worshiping the God they love which is why I continue to go back. At this camp, I have been able to strengthen bonds with old friends and also make new friends that will last a lifetime.”

Hall won the long-drive competition and Jackson placed second in the club championship, among many highlights for the week.

Jackson said she was grateful to spend time among a strong community of fellow believers.

“Getting the chance to play and practice at these courses is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but the most memorable aspects for me are getting to worship and bond with people who are on the same journey with God as I am,” Jackson said. “It’s truly amazing to see the connections formed every year whether it be with the Lord, with your huddle or with a volunteer during the practice sessions.”

Campers were based at Epworth by the Sea, a Christian conference center located on St. Simons Island.

Wallace Hinson returns to the podium for the first time in ten years to conduct the Piedmont Chorale’s 2019-20 season.

Hinson, who serves as Piedmont College’s Associate Dean of Fine Arts and Music Department Chair will conduct rehearsals and performances for the annual Service of Lessons and Carols and the Great Composers Series concert.

Hinson founded the Piedmont Chorale in 1993. It’s made up of singers from Piedmont College and surrounding communities. Hinson conducted the group for 16 years before stepping away from the podium in 2009.  During his tenure as conductor the choir grew from 55 in the first rehearsal in 1993 to more than 100 singers.

In preparation for the upcoming season, the Chorale is seeking singers for all voice parts. Rehearsals begin at 6 p.m., Monday, August 19, in Nielsen Hall on Piedmont’s Demorest campus.

No audition is required.

Great choral masterworks

Known for their energy and expressive singing, the Chorale regularly performs to large and enthusiastic audiences for the annual Service of Lessons and Carols. The group has performed many of the great choral masterworks from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Those works include Haydn’s The Creation, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Mass in C, Requiem and C Minor Mass by Mozart, Brahms’s A German Requiem, the Duruflé Requiem, Carmina Burana, and many others.

At home in front of choruses and orchestras, Hinson has conducted masterworks from the Baroque to the present, including chamber orchestra pieces and choral works as well as large-scale symphonies and oratorios. In addition to his work as a clinician of state and regional honor choirs in the South and Midwest, Hinson has guest conducted the Norman Philharmonic (Oklahoma), Gainesville Symphony Orchestra (Georgia), the Atlanta Singers, and the Pragenses Virtuosi and Prague Chamber Choir (Czech Republic), and has served as conductor and artistic director of the Lanier Chamber Singers (Georgia).

An avid fan of stage works, Hinson has conducted and served as music director for musical and operetta productions throughout his more than 30 years as a conductor and educator.

Hinson is excited to return to the group after 10 years as an appreciative audience member. “I have enjoyed the Chorale’s performances over the intervening years very much and look forward to working with this fine group once again, especially as we move into the new Conservatory of Music this fall,” said Hinson. “This new facility will provide us with an outstanding rehearsal space. I know we will continue to provide outstanding performances for the region.”

Performance schedule and contact information

Performances this year are the 31st Annual Service of Lessons and Carols, December 6-7 and the Great Composers Series concert, April 25. The Great Composers concert will feature the Ninth Symphony (“Choral” Symphony) and other works of Beethoven performed by the Chorale and the Piedmont Orchestra, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of famed composer’s birth.

For information on joining the Piedmont Chorale, please contact Hinson at 706-778-8500 ext. 1211, or whinson@piedmont.edu.

Survey will be used to help shape the Statewide Transit Plan

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking public input on the state’s transit needs and priorities. The agency is conducting a survey now through August 14.

The objectives of the survey are to:

• Identify needs and priorities of public transit users and potential users

• Understand the public transit customer experience

• Identify issues and barriers to using public transit

You can link to the survey at www.GDOTtransitsurvey.org.

The survey results and findings will be considered along with input from other stakeholder groups to shape GDOT’s Statewide Transit Plan (SWTRP).

GDOT is developing the SWTRP in coordination with local governments, Regional Commissions, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and transit providers to quantify public transit needs across the state and document strategies to ensure all Georgians have access to public transit.

The SWTRP will incorporate existing local and regional transit plans and will support GDOT’s multimodal long-range planning efforts.

For more information visit GDOT’s Transit website at http://www.dot.ga.gov/IS/Transit/TransitPlan.

The Indians got a huge win last week, even if the basketball season has been over for months now. Stephens County nailed its hire for the head coach of the boys basketball program, tabbing Jeremy Hughes as the man.

Hughes comes over from Elbert County where, as an assistant coach, he helped guide the Blue Devils to a 29-4 record last season that resulted in a Final Four run.

FULL STORY HERE

Storms stretched across much of north and central Georgia on Monday and it looks like they will again today.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms will develop along a cold front as it pushes southward across the area today. By this evening, activity should be confined to central Georgia. A few storms could be strong to severe with the main threats of heavy rain, cloud to ground lightning and gusty winds.

A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through Tuesday morning for parts of the mountains of North Carolina including the Asheville area.

Rest of the work-week forecast

Wednesday through Monday most of the area should be dry on Wednesday through Friday, with just some isolated thunderstorm potential in the far southeast. Chances increase slightly for the weekend, though there is still uncertainty this far out in the forecast on the amount of coverage.

FIVE-DAY FORECAST

The squads will train and host college-level meets at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville

Piedmont College today announced it’s launching a new men’s and women’s swimming program and the college has hired Coach Teddy Guyer (pictured) to lead the teams.

Piedmont’s varsity swim teams are expected to begin competing in the 2020-21 season, according to a news release from the college.

Team recruitment

With the addition of swimming, Piedmont College now has 21 athletic teams on its sports roster. Athletic director Jim Peeples says he’s excited to have Guyer, a 25-year coaching veteran, on board. Guyer says he, too, is excited about and grateful for the opportunity. “My goal is to produce a winning team right away with dedicated student-athletes. I am looking forward to this new challenge in my coaching career,” he says.

With swimming being very popular in North Georgia and Atlanta, Guyer plans to spend much of his time recruiting in-state talent. But he’s looking beyond Georgia, too.

“Swimming is a worldwide sport, and everyone wants to come to the United States to swim so I will also be trying to work the international side,” says Guyer. “I would like to see the team have more than 30 swimmers within two years and eventually around 40 after that.”

College/County agreement

The squads will train and host meets at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville.

“Swimming has tremendous potential, and we are particularly pleased to partner with the aquatic center in this exciting new venture,” says Piedmont College President Dr. James Mellichamp. “This new program is an example of Piedmont’s continued growth and rising profile.”

The 14,500 square-foot aquatic center, maintained by the Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department, includes stadium seating for 250, locker rooms, a 25-meter competition pool, and a heated recreation pool.

“Habersham County is delighted to be working with Piedmont College to host the swim teams,” says Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton. “It is exciting for us to be able to use the county’s athletic facilities to host college-level swim practices and meets.”

The program is expected to generate revenue for Habersham County based on the terms of a contract between the county and college.

Under the terms of that agreement, Piedmont College will pay $25 per month, per swimmer for use of aquatic center pool. Ultimately the program is expected to average 40 swimmers which would generate $12,000 per year for swimmer dues.

In addition, Piedmont College will pay 25% of gross revenue collected for any swim meets hosted at the aquatic center. If they host four meets per year the revenue generated is estimated at $5,000.

And finally, 25% of all sponsorships sold at the Aquatic Center, on behalf of Piedmont College, will be paid to Habersham County.

Currently, four teams use the aquatic center lap pool for training. Sutton says when Tallulah Falls School opens its new pool, Piedmont will replace them in the aquatic center’s practice schedule.

Coach Guyer stats

Coach Guyer launched the swimming program at Mars Hill University. He was head swimming coach there from 2005 to 2019. Before that, Guyer was the head coach at Warren Wilson College. In his career, he’s compiled a record of 354 wins to 73 losses. Guyer has coached 114 all-conference swimmers, had 19 swimmers make NCAA national cuts and coached an All-American. Along the way, he’s collected seven Coach of the Year Awards.

A native of North Carolina, Guyer graduated from Western Carolina University in 1991 with a bachelor of science in physical education. He also received a Certificate of Coaching Excellence by the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) in 2013.

Coach Guyer will begin his job at Piedmont on August 1.

New leadership in place for varsity boys basketball, varsity girls soccer and swim programs

New leadership is in place at Tallulah Falls School for varsity boys basketball, varsity girls soccer and middle school/varsity swim programs.

Varsity boys basketball

Cody Coleman, upper school history teacher, will lead the Tallulah Falls School varsity boys basketball team.
“We are excited to announce Cody Coleman as the leader for our boys’ basketball program,” said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy. “Coach Coleman is invested in this group of young men with his work in the classroom and by serving last season as an assistant coach and as the interim coach this spring and summer. His strong enthusiasm for building leaders through sports is evident. Join me in congratulating Coach Coleman.”

Coleman played basketball at Rabun County High School and later at the University of North Georgia. At UNG he was recognized as a Presidential Scholar-Athlete and later received the Department of Athletics All-Academic Award. He graduated from UNG with an undergraduate degree in history and a graduate degree in Public Administration. Most recently, he served as the assistant varsity boys basketball coach at TFS.

Coleman has an extraordinary ability to connect with players, said Athletic Director Scott Neal.
“His knowledge of the game and wholehearted engagement in the program has clearly earned the respect of the players, parents, and administration,” Neal said. “Firm and patient, Coach Coleman harnesses the players’ attention and loyalty, galvanizing them to fiercely play together with common, unifying goals. We are fortunate to have him lead our boys to be GREAT young men as we pursue excellence.”

Coleman said it was an honor and privilege to take the next step in his coaching career. “I am extremely excited for the opportunity to help each of our student-athletes grow on and off the court,” he said. “For this upcoming season, I look forward to my new role at the school and continuing to build on the program’s solid foundation.”

Coleman grew up in Rabun County and is the son of retired educators and coaches. He volunteers as a coach for both youth and adult sports at the Rabun County Recreation Department.

Varsity girls soccer

Travis Mullis of Sautee Nacoochee has been named as the varsity girls soccer coach at TFS.

Mullis has been teaching English for 14 years and coaching soccer for 17. In his third year at Tallulah Falls School, he will serve as both the middle school boys and varsity girls soccer coach as well as the sixth-grade English teacher. A member of both United Soccer Coaches and US Soccer, Coach Mullis has earned the US Soccer F license, the 11v11 Formations and Systems of Play diploma, and the NFHS Coaching Soccer Certificate.

“It’s great to see our program grow with committed leaders like Coach Mullis,” said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy. “He brings a strong commitment to developing leaders and love of the game to our student-athletes.”

“We are thrilled to have Coach Mullis lead our girls’ soccer program. He is a leader of significance who owns our mission of GREAT character, competence, and competitiveness, who purposefully integrates athletic and life skills while developing a team-first culture, and who demonstrates stability and excitement in our growing girls’ soccer program,” said Athletic Director Scott Neal. “He started the middle school girls program last year; he has a vision for future growth and distinction for the entire program. Coach Mullis sees the big picture while focusing on the details that matter. TFS is fortunate to have him lead this program.”

Coach Mullis said he is “tremendously excited about the potential the teams have to accomplish GREAT things both on and off of the field.”

Last year, Mullis’ student-athletes volunteered at area nonprofit agencies as part of the team experience.

“Beyond the field, the teams will continue to serve the community in remarkable ways,” he said.

He has been married to Wendy, a White County elementary school teacher, for 22 years. They have three children – Chaz, Maddie, and Jared – all TFS student-athletes. In his spare time, Mullis enjoys pursuing adventures with family and friends.

Swim teams

Tallulah Falls School alum Rachel Nichols [Class of 2015] of Clarkesville will lead the boys and girls swim program and teach fifth-grade English for the 2019-20 academic year.

Nichols brings eight years of swim coaching experience as well as 15 years of competitive swimming experience to the Indians. As a competitive swimmer, she was a four-year, five-event qualifier to the 1A-5A Georgia High School Association’s state swimming championship meet before continuing her swimming career at Mars Hill University, an NCAA Division II university in the Western North Carolina mountains.

“We are excited to have Coach Nichols return to the TFS family,” said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy. “She brings a unique perspective on both the program and our swim community. She is a proven leader who will make an immediate impact in both the classroom and through the swim program.”

Nichols set several team and personal records for the Mars Hill Lions before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.

“Throughout Rachel’s education at TFS and at Mars Hill, she was always regarded with the utmost respect while consistently demonstrating notable leadership. Her drive to be a learner, her love for people and her detailed organizational skills add to a genuine ability to connect with others,” said Athletic Director Scott Neal. “She will parlay these skills to lead our swim program as we continue a strong swim performance tradition while creating an exciting future that will soon include a new natatorium. She has a knack for instruction made simple, positive and effective communication and a driven desire to also help others be GREAT!”

Nichols said she is looking forward to serving the TFS swim team community.

“We have an established program that has sent swimmers to state every year since its inception, a wonderful coaching staff, all of whom have had some level of competitive swimming experience and a state-of-the-art facility soon to be completed,” Nichols said. “I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience of swimming to this program as well as helping to continue the tradition of building GREAT character in our TFS student-athletes.”

Outside of the pool and classroom, Nichols enjoys mountain biking, spending time with her family, and going hiking with her dog, Boone.

Stanley Wooten’s family hasn’t seen or heard from him in over seven months. They recently reported him missing and are now hoping someone can help them find him.

Wooten, who is homeless, was last known to be staying in the area of Cannon Bridge Road and Old Athens Highway, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.

He’s 59 years old, five-feet seven inches tall, weighs 130 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. Richard Stein with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office. Stein may be reached at the office’s main number (706) 839-0500 ext. 0. or on his direct line at (706) 839-0556. You may also leave an anyonymous tip on the sheriff’s office website at habershamsheriff.com.

Former Habersham Central assistant baseball coach calls it a “great opportunity” for him and his family

Rabun County’s baseball program was in need of a guy with a love and passion for baseball, a likeable personality, and a heart to coach kids through more than just the game. It found its match in Wes Satterfield, who takes over as the sixth head coach in the past seven years.

Satterfield, who has been a solid assistant coach under coach Chris Akridge at Habersham Central, accepted the position at Rabun this month. He helped Akridge guide the Raiders to its second-ever playoff run in 2019.

“I’m very excited at the chance to lead this program,” says Satterfield. “I keep reflecting on the incredible coaches that I’ve coached under and with, and the impact they have had not only on myself, but their players, assistant coaches, and their community. I’m honored to now have the chance to do the same.”

The loss of Satterfield is a significant blow to a team already struggling with loss. The Raiders varsity assistant coach Patrick Mayfield passed away unexpectedly in early July.

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It was a frightening scene this morning in Cornelia as emergency crews responded to a report of a near-drowning at a local daycare facility.

At 10:37 a.m. Habersham 911 received a call reporting that a 4-year-old drowned at Foundation Academy.

Habersham County Emergency Services, Cornelia Fire and Police and Demorest Fire responded and arrived to find the child out of the water and conscious.

Witnesses at the scene told first responders CPR was administered after the child was pullled from the pool.

“Due to the information provided, and circumstances of age and near drowning, Air Life was requested and the child flown to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta Scottish Rite Campus,” says Habersham Emergency Services Director Chad Black.

Authorities have not released the child’s name and no other information was immediately available about the child’s condition.

(Cleveland)- It soon will be time for the nationwide census count. In an effort to insure that White County gets an accurate count of its residents several key officials within the county met Tuesday to discuss the process and plan efforts to assist in getting an accurate count.

The census will be conducted beginning April first next year, but those meeting Tuesday along with others will be working as part of a Complete Count Committee.

During the meeting Katie Reid Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau talked about the importance of the census and how the Complete Count Committee can be effective.

Reid said in the 2010 census White County had 76 percent participation by residents and they would like to see that increase to at least 86 percent this year.

She also said the better the participation the better the results for the county in the form of allocation of federal funds and grants; planning for future government and education services and many other important uses.

Some of the goals of the committee is to find ways to reach residents of the county, through the media, both traditional and social, as well as meeting with faith base leaders and those who work with and serve the homeless.

The committee will be meeting regularly from now until the census is complete at the end of 2020.