(Hiawassee, GA) – Federal representation and funding are on the line with the 2010 Census, the head count required every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution. That’s why Farm Bureau is encouraging its members to complete and return the 10-question census form they recently received by April 1. “We’re...

March 14, 2010 – March 21, 2010 03/14/2010 Mitchell Ray Ledbetter, Hayesville, NC. DOB: 05/20/1991 Charges: Furnishing to purchase, or PO Duty of Driver to stop at or R.R. Danny Lee Shook, Young Harris, Ga. DOB: 08/26/2953  Charges: Transport for Funeral 03/15/2010 Arturo Manuel MalDonado,...

Kathy Cox, Georgia’s State School Superintendent,  will be visiting Towns County in early April.  She will be in town to report on the current education financial crisis facing Georgia and to answer questions from teachers, administrators and the general public. Since 1993, when she was elected...

By Sen. Chip Pearson ATLANTA (Feb. 19, 2010) – Halfway through session, the Senate and House have passed a Fiscal Year 2010 Amended budget that takes us to July 1 and has been reduced to $15.5 billion.  We’re operating on 23 % less than we were in 2009, and still trying to provide the same level...

The Georgia House of Representatives has spent much of the session looking at ways to reduce spending in order to help balance the state budget.  While cutting spending and prioritizing state programs is one of my top priorities, I am also determined to make sure everyone is paying their fair share...

By: Sheriff Chris Clinton There is a lot of talk today about the federal government taking away our freedoms.  While there are many who would like to take away our freedoms and do away with our Constitution, they cannot do so unless we let them.  The Constitution defines, very narrowly, the scope of...

by Richard C. MacCrea, Andrews Valley Initiative rmaccrea@verizon.net CLIMATEGATE -A huge controversy about the questionable methods used by some to prove global warming. Added to this the coldest winter in many years, and there is an underwater tremor that is threatening the climate change movement...

Jim Fitzgerald Six Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidates addressed a crowd in Blairsville last week. Each stressed their commitment to cutting taxes and cutting the waste out of government. This is great conservative talk, especially since Georgia, like most states, is in a financial bind. Revenues...

Once again I accept Mr. Fitzgerald’s challenge. I am a retired A-v rated ( the highest rating one can receive) lawyer and my practice of 35 years consists almost solely of writing, enforcing and litigating contracts. So I know he is full of baloney when he said in his March 11 opinion column...

I want to commend you and thank you for publishing the columns of Jim Fitzgerald. While I do not know Mr. Fitzgerald, it is a pleasure to read the words of someone who can articulate a rational argument rebutting and debunking the ravings and misinformation of those who seem brainwashed by Fox “news.” ...