Lumpkin County BOE rehires LCHS principal Billy Kirk for upcoming school year
Feature News March 26, 2019
LC BOE listen to several concerned residents during Monday’s meeting
LUMPKIN CO., GA – According to Lumpkin County Board of Education member, Jim McClure, the LC BOE held a special called meeting on Monday, March 25 because, “We have personnel issues to discuss, as normal for this time of year. Most of this will be in executive session…We will have the best students interests at the forefront of any decisions of the board.” LC Superintendent, Dr. Rob Brown, told FYN the purpose of the called meeting was because “The board wants to give the community an opportunity to share their input on our current issues.”
The BOE opened the floor to a large crowd of Lumpkin County residents who had attended in hopes of expressing their opinions on the recent resignation of LCHS principal, Billy Kirk. Those who wished to speak were asked to sign up before the meeting, and they were each allotted three minutes to voice their opinions. A total of 14 attendees spoke out, with 13 expressing favor for Kirk.
LCHS sophomore, Joseph Thomas, addresses the board, in defense of Billy Kirk
Several LCHS students including, sophomore Joseph Thomas, who told the board that, [Billy] Kirk is directly here for us students…I’m not the type of kid to do this, but I’m going to fight for Principal Kirk.” Another student fought back tears as she explained how Kirk was there for her during the passing of her grandfather, “My grandpa died…he [Kirk] was there. He talked to me when I didn’t even want to come to school. He was there, and you couldn’t ask for a better principal than him.”
Once the board heard those who wanted to speak, they entered a two-hour executive session. After the executive session ended, board members continued the meeting by discussing a list of personnel recommendations; included on that list was the recommendation to rehire Kirk as principal of LCHS for the upcoming 2019/2020 school year, “Billy Kirk was not reinstated.” Brown told FYN after the meeting adjourned, “He has been rehired for the upcoming school year.”
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Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 03/18 to 03/24
Arrest Reports March 25, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Barbara Chancey: Obituary
Obituaries March 14, 2019
Barbara Chancey
September 23, 1942 – March 06, 2019
Barbara (Joan) Mitts Chancey–our “Granny” and to her beloved friends, warmly “Barb” daughter of the late Lloyd and Olive (Johnson) Mitts of Pennsylvania was born in Connellsville, PA on September 23, 1942. She was a member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Suches, GA. She has lived in Suches, GA for the last 19 years and Jupiter, FL for 40+ years prior. Barb was a talented cosmetologist, serving clients/friends in Florida and Georgia for over 30 years. She touched many lives through her love of people and hairdressing. She was a graduate of the Legal Career Institute in West Palm Beach, FL and worked as a paralegal for nearly 10 years before her retirement. She was devoted to family, and played a very important role in raising all four of her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, travel, music, and time with family. She peacefully left this temporary home to join her Heavenly Father on March 5, 2019 following a swift and valiant battle with Leukemia.
Granny’s warmth, humor, kindness, tenderness, strength, loyalty, and fiery spirit will be fondly remembered by all blessed to know and love her. Her legacy of love and light will be carried on through her son Lawrence A. Chancey, Sr. of Suches, GA, her grandsons Christopher Chancey of Suches, GA, Lawrence A. Chancey, Jr. of Cleveland, GA, Matthew A. McCutcheon and wife Sarah McCutcheon of Cleveland, GA, her granddaughter Amanda L. Bales and husband Cory Bales of Yulee, FL and her 6 great grandchildren: Champ and Ansley McCutcheon, and Lindsay, Madison, Sam, & Lily Bales, as well as her siblings Ronald Mitts of PA, and Jeannie Woodfin of FL, and her nieces and nephews as well.
A viewing service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m at Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Rd. Dahlonega, GA 30533. For those that wish to do so Flowers are welcome, and any donations that wish to be made on Barbara’s behalf can be directed to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
LCHS students hold a peaceful walk-in to show support for the principal
Business March 13, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., GA
Several students at Lumpkin County High School held a peaceful walk-in on Wednesday, to show their support for the LCHS principal, Billy Kirk.
Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal
The Lumpkin County Board of Education announced to employees on Monday, March 11, that Kirk had resigned without revealing the cause of his resignation. Once this news went public, LCHS students, parents, and staff began sending emails, letters, and phone calls to the Board of Education advocating for Kirk to be reinstated. Other Lumpkin County residents have even begun a petition titled, “Prevent Principal Billy Kirk From Leaving,” which has collected almost 400 signatures in the few hours since it has gone live.
Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal
Students at LCHS decided to hold a peaceful walk-out to show their support for Kirk. LCHS officials required that students host a walk-in, held in the LCHS gym, for the safety of the students. According to LCSS Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Christian, “We are allowing the students to hold a peaceful protest in the gym, but it is the desire of the principal for no press to be in attendance.” Although all press was denied access to the event, Fetch Your News was able to obtain a video and images of the event.
There were a number of students who spoke out, in support of Kirk, and the crowd erupted when one orator stated, “There are a lot of people at this school who look up to Mr. Kirk as a father figure.”
Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, stationed himself outside the LCHS entrance to further ensure the safety of any student that may have decided against going to the gym. Jarrard also told the press, “Let it go on the record that it is not the decision of LCSO to deny media access to this event.”
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 02/17 to 02/24
Arrest Reports February 26, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 02/04 to 02/10
Arrest Reports February 13, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
UNG shuts out California (PA) IN NFCA Leadoff Classic Finale
University of North Georgia February 12, 2019
LUMPKIN, GA
According to the University of North Georgia Athletics Department, UNG junior, Bria Bush, shutout 4.1 innings of softball as the No. 3 UNG team finished of the NFCA Leadoff Classic with a 6-0 win over the California University of Pennsylvania on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of UNG Athletics
UNG landed three runs during the third inning. UNG freshman, Hobby Gregory, scored before teammate, Alishia Frierson, plated Kaylee Womack on an RBI single, just two pitches later, putting UNG up 2-0.
Womack brought home another run in the fifth, plating sophomore, Kaylin Anthony, on a sacrifice fly that took the lead to 4-0. Freshman, Olivia Sinquefield, was responsible for the final two runs of the game, tripling in the sixth to score Kelly Kahlert, scoring herself on a Vulcan error.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000-page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Connie Putman Hancock: Obituary
Obituaries January 31, 2019
Connie Putman Hancock
May 28, 1948 – January 27, 2019
Connie Putman Hancock passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, January 27th, 2019 after an extended battle with multiple medical issues and illnesses. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and grew up in Lighthouse Point, Florida. She moved and raised her three children in St. Petersburg, Florida and Lilburn, Georgia. For the last 20 years she resided in Panama City Beach, Florida and post hurricane was in hospice care at her daughter’s house in Dahlonega, Georgia.
A true Putman at heart, Connie was stubborn, loving, generous, caring, and had the ability to persevere through any hardship or obstacle with grace and dignity. She had a kind heart and an ability to put a smile on anyone’s face. Her strength of character enabled her to raise three amazing children nearly single handedly (albeit sometimes that hand had a wooden spoon attached). She was her children’s’ world and was a lighthouse upon which every quality they possess came from and they will carry on her legacy in how they live their lives with the same tenacity and love for life as she possessed.
She was a lover of nearly every show on the Food Network, Turner Classic Movies, Lord of the Rings, dogs, panda bears, chocolate ice cream, full moons, sunshine and the sea. She never missed a chance to belt out the lyrics to Simply the Best, Babygirl, Goodbye Earl, or any Neil Diamond song no matter the company or the place. Her smile was infectious and she left a lasting memory on all those she interacted with no matter the circumstance.
She was preceded in death by her father, Meredith “Putt” Putman and mother Dorothy “Dot” Putman, her late husband Sidney Prescott Rowe, and one brother. She is survived by her adoring children, Danielle Dickinson, Deb Rowe, and Michael Rowe, her ex-husband of 18 years, James Hancock, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and a host of other extended relatives and friends.
The family will receive guests at a wake which will be held at Shenanigans Irish Pub on Saturday February 2nd from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in memory of Connie Hancock to the Northeast Georgia Hospice who provided mom with impeccable care in her final days. Cards and other condolences can be sent to any of the following addresses: Danielle Dickinson 750 Thornton Way Apt 535, Alexandria, VA 22314; Deb Rowe 442 Settlers Run Dahlonega, GA 30533; or Michael Rowe 7107 Brandywine Drive Panama City Beach, FL 30247.
While she will be missed, her family and friends can take comfort in the words of her favorite character Gandalf. “End? No the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores and beyond a far green country under a swift sunrise.” Care and trust placed in Dahlonega Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 706-864-3683 www.dahlonegafuenralhome.com
Mabel Bryan: Obituary
Obituaries January 15, 2019
Mabel Bryan
April 03, 1936 – December 31, 2018
Mabel Bryan, age 82 of Murrayville, Georgia, went to be with the Lord, Monday, December 31, 2018. Funeral service will be 2 PM, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at The Chapel on McEver (Free Chapel Campus). Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Dahlonega. Mrs. Bryan is survived by her husband of 63 years Don Bryan; daughter and son-in-law Angi and Jim Cain, of Dahlonega, GA; son Chris Bryan, of Murrayville, GA; grandchildren Eric and Emily Timms, of Murrayville, GA; Chelsea and Brian Hall, of Braselton, GA; Matt Cain, of Dahlonega, GA; Alex and Ayumi Bryan, of Cumming, GA; Cade Bryan, of Murrayville, GA; Macy Turner, of Murrayville, GA; great grandchildren Taylan, Teegan, Trennen, Andi, Brock, Cooper, Deacon, Sakota, Kubo, Ryan , and Bryce. The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 4 -7-pm at Dahlonega Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533. www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com 706-864-0375 A Division of McDonald Family Funeral Homes
[UPDATED]-BREAKING: Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office responds to hostage situation
News January 3, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., GA
According to Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, officers are currently working a hostage situation off Oak Grove road. Jarrard explained that the suspect is wanted in Forsyth County for aggravated assault, aggravated assault towards an officer, as well as other violent charges, “He has shot at cops and has been shot at by cops.”
Jarrard also explained that the Forsyth County man stated that he was not going back to jail, and has entered his girlfriend’s Oak Grove residence, where he has taken a hostage. LCSO has called the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for assistance, and S.W.A.T. is currently on scene.
LCSO released a statement on their Facebook page, stating that the situation is under control; travelers are also asked to avoid driving on Oak Grove road near Oak Grove Baptist Church for the time being.
UPDATE:
Jarrard has confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody. According to Jarrard, the stand-off was resolved without any injuries, and the hostage was immediately taken to safety after escaping through a window. Jarrard told FYN, “I’m so grateful that this ended without any major injuries.”
The suspect, Hollis Dean Garmon (46), has been charged by LCSO with family violence battery, commission of a felony, possession of meth, and obstruction. Sonja Marie Pace (46), Garmon’s girlfriend, has also been charged with hindering apprehension of a fugitive. There is also an additional hold for Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
Mildred Elizabeth Grizzle: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
October 23, 1935 – November 07, 2018
Mrs. Mildred Elizabeth Grizzle, age 83, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018.
Mildred was born October 23, 1935 to the late Edgar Clinton and Etta Lee Young Mitchell.
Mildred was preceded in death by her sons William Grizzle and Billy Grizzle; sisters Ruby Dyer and Opal Rush; and brothers Junior Mitchell, Charles Mitchell and Gene Mitchell.
She was known as “Granny” and “the greatest mother in the world”. She had an immense sense of humor and found joy in others laughing. Mildred found pleasure in putting everyone else first and her desire was to make sure everyone had plenty of food and rest.
Survivors include her daughter Brenda Kenimer, Pensecola, FL; son and daughter-in-law David and Teresia Grizzle, Dawsonville; son Jeff Grizzle, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law Chuck and Debbie Grizzle, Suches; grandchildren Dusty Kenimer, Patricia and Jason Sanford and Delaney Grizzle; great-granddaughters Dakota Kenimer and Jessie Burnett; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Eddie Mitchell will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Mrs. Grizzle or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 11/5 to 11/11
Arrest Reports November 13, 2018
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Dennis Craig Yeager: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018
February 03, 1954 – November 05, 2018
Dennis Craig Yeager, age 64, of Dahlonega passed away Monday, November 5, 2018.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Rosena Gogle Yeager; brothers Howard “Skip” Yeager and Thaddeus Theodore Yeager; and sister Roseanne Ralston.
He was a loving husband, father and “Pepaw”. Dennis was unconditionally loved by his family and friends. He loved to operate his heavy equipment. One of his many joys was getting his hair cut with his grand boys. Dennis’s favorite hobby was go-kart racing and his kart number was 2K. He saw the checkerd flag on Monday and won his race of life.
Survivors include his wife Kimberly Trimmer Yeager; son Andy Yeager, Key West, FL; son and daughter-in-law Cory and Amy Yeager, Virginia; daughters and sons-in-law Ty and Flint Glassier, and Chelsea and Micah Walker, Dahlonega; grandchildren Madison Doles, Brody Walker, Kreston Walker and Annabelle Glassier; brothers and sisters-in-law David and Connie Yeager, Tom and Mona Yeager, Gary and Sara Yeager, all of Ohio; brother Chris Yeager, Dahlonega; brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Ellsean Yeager, Florida; sister and brother-in-law Donna and Chuck Bales, Florida; sister Karen Speary, New York; sister and brother-in-law Anna and Terry Rieber, Maryland; sister Ruth Wilson, New York; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A memorial service is scheduled for 4:00 PM Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the Chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. Mr. Marvin Martin, Mr. Jerome Kitchens Jr., and Mr. Cody Chembars will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Dennis or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home
UNG women’s basketball team announced as Peach Belt Conference winners
University of North Georgia October 31, 2018
The Nighthawks claimed all possible first place votes to earn a maximum point total of 121 in the poll. Columbus State was second in the voting with Lander third and a tie for fourth between Flagler and Francis Marion. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.
UNG claimed their second-ever PBC regular season championship and their first PBC Tournament title in 2017-18. UNG also made their second NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing to the round of 16 and the regional championship game. The Nighthawks will return three of their top four scorers from last year’s team including All-Conference senior guards Amber Skidgel and Vanessa Agrusa. Also returning is 2017-18 PBC Freshman of the Year Abbie Franklin.
LCSO hosts upcoming fifth annual gun show to support youth homes
University of North Georgia October 23, 2018
LUMPKIN CO., GA
Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, and the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office is hosting their fifth annual Sheriff’s Gun Show on Saturday, October 27, from 9am to 5pm, through Sunday, October 28 from 10am to 4pm. The event will be held in Dahlonega at 154 Ethan Allen Drive, behind Chestatee Ford on Georgia 400, off Lumpkin County Parkway.
All proceeds from the gun show will benefit the Georgia Sheriff Youth Homes, which was created in the late 1950’s, according to Jarrard, “We got our first child in 1960. There are five houses located throughout the state of Georgia that we have at around 70 kids in, at this time.” The Youth Homes can house about 100 children throughout the state, and they are sustained by only the donations from the public.
Jarrard explained that, “That’s how they’re successful…I would like us to raise as much money as we can this year, to be able to support these youth homes, and to be able to support children in these youth homes. I look forward to seeing you.” The entry fee will be $5.00, and admission is free for kids 12 and under.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]
Ned E. Gooch: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Mr. Ned E. Gooch, age 77, of Suches passed away Tuesday, September 25, 2018.
Mr. Gooch was born in Suches on July 8, 1941 to the late Homer and Mabel Wilkins Gooch. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Blondene Bryan; brothers Glenn Gooch, Bill Gooch, Tom Gooch, and Ervin Gooch. Mr. Gooch served his country honorably in the United States Army. He was a small engine mechanic working with Sears for more than 30 years. Mr. Gooch was a loving husband, father and uncle. He was a quiet man and did not like to be in the spotlight. He was kind to everyone. He loved to hunt and fish and some of his daughter’s favorite memories are the times he took her fishing. Mr. Gooch was a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Suches, GA.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carol Gooch; daughter Laura Elizabeth Gooch, both of Suches; sister Kathleen Fitts, Dahlonega; sister and brother-in-law Inez and Paul Watkins, Jackson; sister Clara Mae Kidd, Gainesville; sisters and brothers-in-law Mary Ann and Jesse Mayfield, Buckhead, and Sandra and Jerry Bailey, McDonough; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Mr. Gooch’s wishes were to be cremated.
To share a memory of Mr. Gooch or a condolence with the family visit banisterfuneralhome.net.
Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega, locally owned and operated by Anderson – Underwood, Inc.