Funeral services are scheduled this Sunday for a Demorest man killed in a double shooting Tuesday in Alto. 33-year old Jesse Robert Looney will be laid to rest on April 24 at 2 p.m. at Whitfield Funeral Home’s North Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 23 at the funeral home located at 245 Central Avenue in Demorest.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses. Just under $500 had been raised as of early Friday.
Looney died April 19 in a shooting on Garrison Road. 56-year old Tommy Savage of Alto is charged in his murder.
According to jail records, Savage is charged with murder, felony murder and two counts of aggravated assault. 26-year old Brandon Stephens was wounded in the shooting.
The National Weather Service in Greenville has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Northeast Georgia.
Areas of showers with embedded scattered thunderstorms are crossing the region today. The primary threats are brief, heavy rain and occasional cloud to ground lightning.
As instability increases with warming temperatures this afternoon one or two thunderstorms could become severe and produce quarter-sized hail and brief, damaging winds.
“My heart is confident in You, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing Your praises.” Psalm 57:7
Confidence.
I murmured the verse repeatedly as I took the phone call. It’s funny how news arrives. One minute life seems good and the next, simply by words, life changes.
More and more I’m learning how very fragile life is. I’m learning how precious every moment is. I’m learning how when times are good, I must relish them.
When David wrote this verse, he was running for his life. Saul intended to kill him and had the power to do so. Even though David’s world was falling a part, he put his confidence in God.
And when heart wrenching news rips through your life, confidence in God is key. Confidence that He is on your side. We can praise His name because He is the One Who carries us. He has the answer. He knows the solution. Even when our world appears to be falling apart, God’s plan is in full motion.
What I love the most about God is, He is not surprised – by ANYTHING. He is not calling meetings; freaking out; seeking the help of others; no, God is on top of it ALL.
Remember, your life and my life are a part of His story. While my phone call did not bring the news I had hoped, I can rejoice knowing God already knows where we are heading. Because my faith and confidence is in Him, I do not have to fear – for He is with me.
Willie Brock, age 72 of Cornelia, went home to be with The Lord on Thursday, April 21, 2016.
Born in Cornelia, Georgia on September 14, 1943, he was the son of the late Crawford and Emma Dover Brock. Mr. Brock was a retired food service supervisor with Lee Arrendale State Prison and attended The Torch Worship Center. He enjoyed cooking, playing the guitar, fishing and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Doris Belcher.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife of 50 years, Mary Joan Keye Brock of Cornelia; sons and daughters-in-law, Lonnie and Niki Brock of Connecticut, Bruce and Marsha Brock of Florida and Rick and Arlene Brock of Flowery Branch; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lynda and Paul Payne of Baldwin, Amy Bell of Clarkesville, Betty and Herman Ray of Covington and Noble and Frank Height of Toccoa; five grandchildren, one great grandchild, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; special friend and brother, Joe Lee Banks of Mt. Airy.
Twilight memorial services are 6 pm Wednesday, April 27, 2016, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart with Pastor Mike Franklin and Rev. Roger Stephens officiating.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5-6 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.
The Huntsman: Winter’s War serves as a prequel to Snow White and the Huntsman. This is a very expensive movie filled with lavish sets and some impressive visuals. Unfortunately, that’s about all it’s got going for it as it ultimately falls apart by being so swamped by its own predictability and lack of any real excitement.
Chris Hemsworth returns as the titular character and in this film, we’re shown what his life was like as he was trained by his queen Freya (Emily Blunt) to be a soldier for her kingdom. He falls in love with one of the other children Sara (Jessica Chastain) and together the two of them plan to elope as the queen forbids love of any kind.
We learn that Freya’s child was killed by her Duke and that’s the reason why she has no use for love whatsoever. Is that going to keep our star-crossed lovers apart for the rest of the movie? I think I just answered my own question.
In the meantime, Freya’s sister Ravenna (Charlize Theron) learns from her magical mirror that Freya’s daughter would become more beautiful than she would and that didn’t sit too well with Theron.
There are three really good things going for this movie: The visuals, the production design, and Theron’s wickedly seductive performance. Those are all first-rate. Everything else in this movie falls flat including Hemsworth’s work, complete with his faux-Scottish accent complete with zero chemistry between him and Chastain. Not to mention, a couple of dwarves for sidekicks who look like a couple of rejects from Game of Thrones.
This movie may appeal to die-hard fans despite the fact that Kristen Stewart is nowhere to be found. That may turn out to be a plus in other arenas. I do think that audiences in general may end up seeing The Jungle Book a second time if they want to embrace any real visual wonder or splendor.
Grade: C
(Rated PG-13 for fantasy action violence and some sensuality.)
Rupaben Patel, age 80, of Clayton, Georgia, passed away, Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Ms. Patel was born November 1, 1935 in Delod, India. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sitaram and Gangaben Patel; husband, Nathubhai Patel; and son, Babubhai Patel. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her daughter, Sudhaben Patel, of Lilburn; sons, Mahendrabhai Patel, of Clayton; Dhirubhai Patel, of Little Rock, AR; grandsons, Sunil Patel, Katan Patel, Rajesh Patel, and granddaughter, Apeksha Patel.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 25, 2016.
Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, 1370 Industrial Blvd., Baldwin, Georgia 30511
Habersham County candidates will take center stage Tuesday during a political forum at North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville. During the event candidates will lay out their individual platforms and field select questions from the audience.
The forum is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Clegg Complex on the NGTC campus on GA Highway 197 North.
The event is being co-sponsored by the Habersham County Farm Bureau and Habersham County Chamber of Commerce.
Anytime I see her, my granddaughter’s almost three-year-old eyes grow wide, and with the sweetest expression she exclaims, “Nonie! I so glad to see you! I miss you!” She has a gift of making everyone feel loved and valued. It is something I pray she never loses.
There are times when she is playing in the yard at our home or coloring inside that she’ll stop and crawl into my lap. “Hey Nonie! What you doing?” Even in her busyness, she thinks of me.
I thought of this as I knelt beside my bed this morning. My husband’s family arrived Saturday from LA. The excitement and preparation has been such fun for us both, but I’ve shorten my time with God in the mornings to scrub the base boards or vacuum the couches. I’ve gotten so busy in the day, that I’ve failed to keep Him front-and-center. My heart felt tremendously sad because in doing what I wanted to do, I neglected the most favorite part of my life – God.
How extremely sad I would feel if my granddaughter decided, instead of greeting me, to run off to watch her Frozen movie or jump on the trampoline. In all my planning, I had neglected God.
And so, in Mila fashion, I shouted out to Him, “God! I’m so glad to be with you! I missed you!”
Sometimes we do not make God a priority but an afterthought; however, we are never an afterthought to Him. We are always front-and-center and always a part of Him. He is never too busy for us or too occupied to be available.
Today, make it a priority to spend time with God. Listen to His Word. Talk with Him. Make God front-and-center in your life.
In the final contest of the 2016 season, the Piedmont College baseball team defeated #7 Emory University 10-4 on Senior Day. Each of the eight seniors had a strong showing in their final outings in the Green and Gold.
Need to Know Score: Piedmont 10, Emory 4 Records: Lions 21-19 (6-12 USA South), Eagles 30-10 Location: Demorest, Georgia – Loudermilk Field
Demorest, GA – In the final contest of the 2016 season, the Piedmont College baseball team defeated #7 Emory University 10-4 on Senior Day. Each of the eight seniors had a strong showing in their final outings in the Green and Gold.
After a scoreless first inning, the bats came alive in the second as Emory put up four runs in the top of the frame but Piedmont was able to answer with a pair of their own on three hits. JAKE BROWNING singled with a pair on the basepaths to score BRADY BALLSTADT while GRIFFIN OLSON hit a sacrifice fly to center field scoring BRAD STINSON but Piedmont left the bases loaded.
The Lions added another run in the bottom of the fourth after a hard hit grounder by EVAN GRESHAM got past the infield scoring WILL SKIDMORE making it 4-3. Piedmont tied the game in the bottom of the fifth after BRADY BALLSTADT reached on a fielder’s choice to score CHRIS WHITE.
The scoring continued in the fifth as Skidmore hit a leadoff triple and came around to score on a Gresham ground-out to take the lead 5-4. BUDDY GREEN pitched a near flawless four innings of work as he did not allow a run giving up just one hit, two walks and striking out three.
ALLEN TOKARZ entered in the eighth inning and worked his way out of a bases loaded jam as he struck out the side keeping the Lions out in front. Tokarz left to a roar of applause as he left the mound for Piedmont for the final time.
Piedmont’s offense came back to life in the bottom of the frame as they had a total of five runs on three hits and one error. BRECK DAVIDSON doubled off the right field wall scoring Skidmore then CHRIS WHITE reached on an error which allowed both Gresham and Davidson to score making it 8-4. BRAD STINSON then sailed one over the center fielder for a 2-RBI double making it 10-4.
JOSH THOMAS closed out the ninth inning with a walk, double-play and a fly out to right field to end the season as Piedmont finished the year 21-19 overall.
Turning Point
–An EVAN GRESHAM ground-out in the fifth scored the go-ahead run as Piedmont took the lead 5-4
Standout Performances
—BUDDY GREEN kept the Eagles in check as he pitched four inning of work giving up just a single run, two walks and did not allow a run.
—WILL SKIDMORE was 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a triple.
Inside the Box Score
–All six batters that were seniors in the lineup reached base in the eighth inning in what marked their final at bat of their careers at Loudermilk Field.
How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.
James Lewis Moss, age 73 of Canton, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Born in Banks County, Georgia on April 25, 1942, he was a son of the late Gladys Marie White Wood. Mr. Moss was raised by Paul and Lucille Moss White. He was self employed and of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include friend, Marianne Forrester of Canton; daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Jason Martin of Dallas, Texas, Tina Elrod of Huntsville, Alabama and Anna Maria and Ethan Gibson Fayetteville, Georgia; first cousin, Jimmy Charles.
Memorial graveside services are 11 am Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Line Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial services are 3:30 pm Sunday, May 1, 2016, at Canton Community Church, 250 Rolling Hills Avenue, Canton, Georgia 30114.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canton Community Church, P.O. Box 1211, Canton, Georgia 30169.
I subscribe to an online caregiver site that is full of legal advice and encouragement for caregivers. AgingCare.com has been a wonderful source for advice and moral support for several years. I especially enjoy reading the personal accounts from other caregivers. Although we are in different locations and situations, we have so much in common. One of the articles this week was written by an online blogger who shared her struggles with protecting her mom’s dignity. It echoes many of my own concerns.
Her articles are called “Saturdays with Mum” and she remains anonymous in her writings to preserve her mother’s anonymity. She calls herself “Middlename Jane.” Her mother feels a self-imposed shame that comes from dementia so she refers to her as “Mum” or “E.” Middlename Jane came up with a list for herself that would guide her writing:
I decided to include:
nothing unkind, unfair or untrue;
nothing identifying my mother or others in her life;
everything about being a daughter, friend, advocate and part-time caregiver;
everything about trying to do better in these roles and help others too;
everything about what my mother would support and agree with; and
nothing that she would be embarrassed by if she were her healthy, fully-functioning self.
I didn’t articulate that list when I began writing, but I hope that I have held to it, save the second about identifying her or others in her life. I won’t give away the whole article in case you take the time to read it here. What resounded with me was her mother’s response to her confession about the writing. “You have to keep telling the truth…the real truth….about the hard things. About dementia.”
As I held this lens up to my own writings, I realized that I have sometimes skirted around the hard things. Since many of you know Mom, I’ve been using the idea of protecting her, Dad, and, yes, even me, to keep me from sharing the real truth. My sister, Carla, acts as my editor so she is always aware of what I write. Others family members and close friends read it faithfully, too. I would never want to share anything that would embarrass any of us.
But what if I am missing the words that should be spoken? Isn’t that part of why I am writing week after week? Many of us are in the same boat, but we feel alone because caregiving is such an isolating task. It seems the world goes on, not noticing our absence, while we tend to those entrusted to our care. What if I am holding back the very words that would speak peace or encouragement?
We are not alone. Although there are so many seasons in life that are isolating, we are not ever truly alone. There are support groups that affirm that for many different groups of people. As caregivers, many of us cannot get away to a meeting or are not willing to share our precious free time, so I cannot use the ruse of privacy to shelter us. Dementia is terrifying and disturbing and real. Those who are walking or have been down this road know that.
I don’t know that my future writings will be any more revealing than the past. I do know that my lens has shifted because of Middlename Jane and her Mum. I will endeavor to be more open and tell the real truth about the hard things. Understanding the struggles of caregiving is difficult for those unaffected by the disease, but it shouldn’t be shameful or isolating so I will continue to speak into the void.
Everyone struggles with loneliness at some point. For some of you, you may feel totally isolated, abandoned, and unattached. When people are absent in our lives, we can feel despondent. When we lose people we love or suffer from a relational break-up, loneliness can creep in and consume us. Maybe your children have all grown-up and left the nest, and you feel you’ve lost your purpose. Maybe you are suffering from an illness which has left you feeling unable to be involved in activities. Maybe you just need someone to call your friend.
I want to share some scripture with you. Focus on His word and know God understands loneliness. It is the very reason He promises to never leave us.
Matthew 28:20, “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)
Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (NIV)
Psalm 121:1 -2 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (KJV)
1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)
2 Timothy 4:16-17, “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” (NIV)
Psalm 68:6, “God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.”
May you feel the love of your Heavenly Father today. I pray He fills the voids in your life with a renewed hope.
The 3rd Annual Austin Sprayberry Day, hosted by the Habersham Little League Association, was a huge hit, thanks to the Habersham community.
This past Saturday, the Diamond Memorial Fields Complex had perhaps more foot traffic than usual, and for a good cause. The fundraising event in honor of Austin Sprayberry, a Habersham athlete who lost a battle with leukemia just a few years ago, helped raise money for Camp Sunshine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. According to HCLL President Christan Tanner, just over $5,000 was raised to be split between the two organizations.
“This community is truly a force in itself,” says Tanner. “Whether it’s Austin’s Day or another fundraiser, or simply a family in need of a meal, I am always blown away at how everyone drops what they’re doing to help. It’s always just an incredible thing to watch and be a part of. Watching this community come together each year to support this cause continues to put me in awe of the beautiful place we live in.”
Aside from the obvious enjoyment of watching the little leaguers play ball, there was something for everyone to do on Saturday. A bake sale allowed families to purchase goodies, while kids could get their faces painted and play games. A silent auction was held for some great prize packages, such as a Raider basket, Corn Hole set, UGA basket, Initials Inc. basket and more.
Many items were up for silent auction, raffled off or could be purchased, such as “Austin Gear”, which included t-shirts, bracelets, car tags and much more. All proceeds went to Camp Sunshine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
A Roadie Yeti Cooler and a Mini-Max Big Green Egg were also raffled off. Among the items to be purchased also included “Austin Gear”, which included shirts with “Stronger Than” and “Keep Calm” messages. Other Austin Gear included paracord bracelets, arm sleeves, mini bears, twist necklaces, car tags and leukemia pins, among other items.
The event kicked off at 10 a.m. prior to the first games, and included a prayer and an award ceremony for a young athlete fighting a battle. The award created this year is the Warrior Award. According to Tanner, the Warrior Award was started as an opportunity for the Sprayberry Family to recognize a child who is fighting their own battles and is showing strength, courage and is positive through it all.
“It will be an annual award, and this year we selected a child who has an attachment to our league through one of our coaches,” says Tanner. “Stacy Farmer’s nephew William Scott is 13. He has been an all-star baseball player for many years and was diagnosed last year with Ewings Sarcoma. He is currently going through treatments and fighting with therapy to regain the ability to walk. Through all of this he remains vibrant, positive and an amazing example of God’s work through us. Stacy and his wife Kim Farmer have been dedicated volunteers to our league for many years and we wanted to give back to their families by recognizing William with our first ever Warrior Award.”
Although Austin Sprayberry was a great little leaguer himself, Tanner hopes people attach Austin Sprayberry Day to something more.
“I hope these kids take from Austin’s Day a new lease on life,” says Tanner. “The ability to stay strong through their own adversity and understand that they are all their own heroes. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to watch these kids grow through the years and my only wish is that somehow their little league experience had a part in grooming them to simply be better. Better kids, better friends and better future members of our community.”
Austin Sprayberry Day continues to be successful due to the volunteers, community outreach and the message and story of Austin Sprayberry. Sprayberry’s testimony continues to touch lives in ways he never could have imagined.
“Austin Day is a chance to spread the love and joy that one child gave to this community and the legacy that he left behind to simply trust in God,” says Tanner. “I want these kids to get that; to understand that they have the power right now to make a change and to start their own legacies.”
Austin Sprayberry Day kicked off on Saturday, April 23 with a prayer and the first-ever Warrior Award given to a youngster fighting his own battle.
Congressman Doug Collins has sent another letter to Windstream CEO Tony Thomas to follow up on previous concerns and emphasize the growing number of complaints from Windstream customers in Northeast Georgia.
A press release issued by the Congressman’s office on Tuesday says, “Collins has been actively working to hold Windstream accountable since coming to Congress, and has repeatedly requested answers and demanded better service on behalf of his constituents.” Collins’ latest correspondence with the telecommunications firm builds on issues he addressed in a letter to Thomas back in February after which, Collins says, “Windstream failed to make substantial improvements.”
In his latest letter Collins writes:
“We keep hearing more and more excuses from Windstream. The reality is, there is a local fire department that is unable to adequately serve the community because of poor Windstream connections. There are people who are unable to operate businesses, or work from home, because of unreliable service. This is unacceptable. The Customer Service employees Windstream has on the front lines are well aware that they are working with an insufficient product, and they do their best to help customers, but the real problems are clearly with the infrastructure. There is a distinct possibility that the networks are over capacity, and utilize outdated technology. Because Windstream has preferred tax status from the IRS, and has accepted taxpayer money from the Connect America Fund, they need to be held accountable to Congress and Northeast Georgians. I look forward to discussing these issues in depth with Mr. Thomas in our meeting on May 9, and I will continue to push for answers until Windstream can show some progress in addressing the concerns of my constituents.”
Collins is running for reelection in Georgia’s 9th Congressional District. The district covers Banks, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White counties. It also includes portions of Clarke, Forsyth and Pickens counties.
Also running for the 9th District U.S. House seat are former U.S. Representative Paul Broun of Clarkesville, Bernie Fontaine of Suches, Mike Scupin of Cumming and Roger Fitzpatrick of Cleveland.
(Cleveland)- The State Fire Marshall’s Office has been requested to probe an apparent unoccupied house fire south of Cleveland Monday afternoon.
Fire units were dispatched at 1:18 PM, to the blaze at 23 Poppy Drive, five miles south of Cleveland on Highway 129. When the first unit arrived on scene the house was fully involved in flames. It was an intense blaze with the structure being consumed in flames in a matter of minutes.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said on scene, “firefighters responded to the scene and quickly started knocking the fire down, the best they could, but it was in defensive operation the entire time. The house was totally destroyed, it’s under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office.”
Nearby residents, who are family members of the last occupant, said the structure was built in the 1800’s, they advised the last occupant passed away last September . Power was connected to the house.
County stations four and five, City of Cleveland on automatic aid, and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade responded.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has won the latest legal challenge to his appointment of three new Court of Appeals judges.
The state’s high court voted 6-1 Tuesday to uphold the governor’s appointments which include former Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brian Rickman.
Rickman, Nels Peterson and Amanda Mercier were appointed to the appellate court after the Georgia State Legislature expanded it from a 12 to 15-member panel.
A citizens group challenged their appointments, arguing they were unconstitutional. According to the Daily Report, their attorney argued that the state constitution requires the judges be chosen by election, not appointment, because they filled newly created positions and not unexpired terms.
Brian Rickman is sworn-in as a state appellate court judge by Gov. Nathan Deal in Atlanta on December 29, 2015.
The Georgia Supreme Court disagreed, writing in its majority opinion that newly created positions qualify as vacancies. Justice Harold Melton added that the statute does not “wholly disenfranchise the citizens” because the judges will be required to run for election to keep their jobs.
In his dissenting opinion, Justice Robert Benham wrote, “historically in this state, a vacancy is an event” which causes an unexpired term, such as a death or a resignation. He concluded, “A newly created position cannot logically have an unexpired term that would need to be filled by appointment.”
Tuesday’s State Supreme Court decision marks the latest in a series of legal challenges since the governor announced his appellate court justice appointees in October 2015. Their appointments end December 31, 2018.
