LCHS announces upcoming REACH Adult Field Day event
Community, Education September 25, 2019DAHLONEGA, GA
Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019 and Lumpkin County High School will host the second annual REACH Adult Field Day event on March 28, 2020.
Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019, partnered with Lumpkin County Schools, hosts the event and according to LLC’s social media page, “The mission of the Leadership Lumpkin County Class of 2019 is to have an indelible and positive impact on the Lumpkin County community by advancing the post-secondary educational opportunities for these local students…We believe that by seeking collaboration with local businesses, community members, and sponsors, we will have a progressive impact on the future of our children. held each year to raise money in order to help underprivileged Lumpkin County students excel academically and reach their future goals.”
Last year, over 53% of LC students received free or reduced lunches, 150 students were homeless, and Lumpkin County had approximately 25% of their students receive a college or technical college post-secondary education. LCHS assistant principal, Jason Lemley, told FYN, “We have a goal to raise $20,000 this year! We raised over $15,000 last year, and we are confident we can get to 20K. We already have our first sponsor, and we will be reaching out to many others soon. Last year was a great first year, and we want this to grow year after year. Even if you don’t participate on a team, come out and enjoy the hilarious “talent” and join us for a day of fun!”
The event will be at the Lumpkin County High School. For more information, contact Mr. Lemley at LCHS.
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Dahlonega City Hall announces special called meeting
Community, Feature News September 5, 2019DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Dahlonega City Council will hold a special called meeting at the Dahlonega City Hall on September 5, at 4:30pm to discuss Ordinance 2019-time, manner, and place, and Ordinance 2019-25.
According to City Hall, Ordinance 2019 is, “An ordinance regulating planned and spontaneous demonstrations on public property.” Ordinance 2019-25 is, “An ordinance to encourage innovative and safe uses of unmanned aircraft while addressing concerns about accountability.”
The public is encouraged to attend.
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JQC Dismisses all Claims against Judge Brenda Weaver
Featured, News October 1, 2017“No evidence has been presented to show any violation of code of Judicial Ethics by Judge Weaver. Instead, the evidence appears to show a personal dislike of the Judge.”
Last week the Georgia Judicial Qualification Commission dismissed the complaint against Appalachian Judicial District Chief Superior Court Judge Brenda Weaver.
“The complaint of Thomason, Stookey, Doss and the GCSPJ are without any basis in law or fact. The complaints are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to enlist the JQC in their fixation upon harming Judge Weaver. The JQC will have no further part in it. All complaints are hereby dismissed.”
The complaint was submitted to the JQC by Mark Thomason, former publisher of the Fannin Focus, his attorney Russell Stookey and Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss.
In the JQC conclusions they addressed the Georgia Chapters Society of Professionals Journalist complaint that Weaver mounted an attack on freedom of the press.
“Calling oneself a “journalist” and “reporter” should not be a cover for pursuing personal vendettas.”
Stookey and Thomason with the assistance of Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss raised a complaint to the FBI to initiate an investigation.
JQC, “The FBI investigated the allegations raised by Stookey and Thomason but found no wrongdoing.”
On June 15th Atlanta Attorney Gerry Weber, representing Russell Stookey and Mark Thomason, sent a demand letter and Ante Litem Notice to Judge Brenda Weaver, District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee and Pickens County Board of Commissioners.
Part of Weber’s summary of claim, “This case has already garnered national attention. It involves breathtaking abuse of power by a Judge, prosecutor, and law enforcement who manipulated the criminal justice system to wage a personal vendetta against a local newspaper publisher and his attorney.”
Weber’s claim for damages conclusion, “Further accounting for damages stemming from the emotional distress in false arrest and malicious prosecution and for the punitive damages due to egregiousness of the actions leading to the arrests, Stookey’s and Thomason’s damages exceed 1,000,000.”
How far will this case go considering the FBI and JQC have closed their investigation both dismissing the possible charge of wrongdoing.
Click to read “Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Arrested, Journalist or Vendetta?
Many downtown businesses will close on 9.14 due to rally
Feature News September 13, 2019DAHLONEGA, GA
The list of local businesses on the historic Dahlonega square that will be closed on September 14 has steadily increased as the impending rally approaches.
Some of the first businesses to announce closing on the 14th are, Spirits Tavern, Gustavo’s, and Knuckles Sandwich Shop. Spirits posted on their reason for closing on their Facebook page, which was later shared by Knuckles “Spirits Tavern will be closed on this day (Saturday, September 14). The safety of our employees and guests are our highest priority. The revenue lost is not worth acknowledging hate of any kind.”
Since then, several other businesses have taken to social media to announce their closing on 9.14, including Mayor Sam Norton’s business, the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery. According to Picnic Cafe’s Facebook page, “It’s not always about the dollar. Family values and a sense of community are what most businesses on the Square are about here in Dahlonega. We will close Saturday, September 14th and encourage others to be home with their family. We will reopen the day after these disruptive protests and counter-protests. We look forward to seeing you on Make-Up Monday (9/16/19).”
Crimson Moon told FYN that they will be closed during the day and open only to host the concert scheduled for Saturday night. Capers on the Square, Brad Walker Pottery, Paul Thomas Chocolates, The Dahlonega General Store, Jolie Day Spa, Walking Ghost Tours, and Studio Jewelers are amongst the businesses that will also be closed. The Dahlonega Farmer’s Market is also canceled for 9.14.
While many downtown businesses will be closed, there are some who will remain open, or open later Saturday evening. This includes The Fudge Factory and Outlaw Jerky will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, 19 Degrees North, Pueblos, Grapevines, Johnny B’s, Naturally Georgia, Giggle Monkey Toys, Shenanigan’s Irish Pub, and Bourbon Street Grille, (downstairs dining only) will all remain open.
Deb Rowe, owner of Shenanigan’s and Bourbon Street Grille, explained that they will remain open, but the upstairs dining area and balcony area of Bourbon Street will be closed. Patrons will still have the option to dine downstairs at Bourbon Street. Both businesses expressed support and appreciation not for the rally, but for the many law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who will be diligently working to keep everyone safe during the rally,
“Shenanigans and Bourbon Street will be open on Saturday 9/14, offering our employee discount of 30% to all emergency personnel. We are aware that many businesses are taking a different approach, and that’s just as understandable. We will stand in the confidence of our law enforcement to monitor and protect, as well as being steadfast with safety and security ourselves. In addition to our local emergency personnel, there are several hundreds of additional officers coming to serve our community and it is our hope that after a contained and uneventful demonstration, we will be able to serve them in appreciation of their service to us all.”
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Chestatee Artists Group announces new Folk School
Business August 14, 2019DAHLONEGA, GA
The Dahlonega Chestatee Artists Group has opened registration for their upcoming Folk School from now until September 27, 2019. The first classes of the Folk School will be held the weekend of October 11 through October 13, beginning Friday evening at 7p.m. until 9p.m. and ending Sunday around 11:30a.m.
There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, September 12 for those interested in learning more about the mission of Chestatee Artists, the Folk School, and to meet the instructors. The meeting will be at 6p.m., in the United Community Bank Community Room.
According to their website, a variety of categories will be offered to the public, “Our Folk School classes will be held in our beautiful city of Dahlonega twice a year with some of the finest instructors in many exciting categories. Leatherwork, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, wire wrapping, jewelry making, weaving and more.”
For those who cannot attend in October, a second Folk School will be offered in March of 2020.
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]
Larson announces plans to run for re-election City Council Post 6
Community, Politics August 23, 2019DAHLONEGA, GA
City Councilman, Ron Larson, confirmed that he will run for re-election for the Post 6 Dahlonega City Council seat.
Larson has served as a City Councilman since 2016, and in a recent social media post he announced, “I registered today to run for re-election to the Dahlonega City Council, Post #6. Election day is November 5th. I hope I can count on your support to serve you for another 4 years (2020-2023). It has been an honor to represent the citizens of Dahlonega since January 2016. Thank you!”
Larson is also a part-time lecturer at the University of North Georgia, in the Mike Cottrell College of Business Department of Management and Marketing, where he teaches management, ethics, and strategic
planning. He is also a member of the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary, where he served as the club president from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. His extensive work experience includes serving as the manager of Achasta golf community, manager for The Lake Club at Reynolds Plantation, as well as several CFO positions, since 1981.
Led by Larson in 2018, the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club raised $20k for the assistance of the Lumpkin County Commission with the expedited installation of the Yahoola Creek Park splash pad for the benefit of Lumpkin County. During his current tenure as Post 6 City Councilman, Larson supported the installation of the Wayfare Signs around the Dahlonega City Square, the Historic Dahlonega Shuttle service, and the Dahlonega Gold Adventure All-Abilities park, as well as several other projects that have benefited Lumpkin County.
Election Day will be on November 5, 2020.
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]
Boil water advisory in effect for Crooked Creek Subdivision
Community, Health August 14, 2019LUMPKIN CO., GA
According to a press release from the Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority,
“LCWSA experienced a water main break in the Crooked Creek Subdivision which caused a localized loss of system pressure. When this occurs a potential health hazard may exist in these areas of zero pressure from backflow of water of unknown quality into the water system. In order to protect the public from a potential health hazard, all Crooked Creek residents that live on High Creek Drive, White Oak Trail and Oak Springs Trail that have experienced a water outage and/or low pressures are advised to “boil” all water prior to use for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby food. The water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil. Once LCWSA has tested the water and confirmed that the water in the distribution system is safe for human consumption, LCWSA will post a message on Lumpkin County’s Website and at High Creek Drive to notify the public that the boil water advisory has been lifted. If you have questions please call LCWSA at 706-867-6580.”
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]
City Council approves ordinances that impact upcoming events
Business, News September 5, 2019DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Dahlonega City Council held a special called meeting on September 5 and approved ordinances that impact coming events, including the well-publicized Sept. 14 rally in support of President Donald Trump.
Ordinance 2019-24 will help regulate the time, place, and manner of “planned and spontaneous demonstrations on public property.” According to Dahlonega Mayor Sam Norton the ordinance, “Gives the city manager the authority to issue an order and broad discretion on how to investigate the time, manner, and place [of city events].”
According to 2019-24, the city manager is, “Authorized to issue content-neutral time, place, and manner regulations to govern upcoming demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in the city,” through written orders.
With this, the city manager will have the authority to “restrict the time and length of the event or place regulations on the number of participants who may gather or congregate upon public property, public sidewalks, public rights-of-way, and places of public assembly to which the public has access.” The purpose is to protect the “public’s use and enjoyment of public spaces.”
Dahlonega City Manager Bill Schmid explained that those who wish to participate in demonstrations held on public property would be designated to a specific “free-speech zone,” where they would also be required to follow any rules set forth by the city. Schmid explained that there would be, “Signage created to identify the rules,” and they would also be posted on the internet and handed out to participants as they arrive at the event.
City Marshal Jeff Branyon explained that law enforcement would be present to ensure all participants followed the regulations, and the proposed rules will be available online for the public prior to the event. The Council also set a “Sunset Date” for December 31, at which time they will revisit the ordinance and make any necessary changes or adjustments.
Ordinance 2019-25 will restrict the use of drones during festivals or large events that are held in the city on public property, and although they will be permitted otherwise, the City Council must be notified prior to use; those who wish to fly drones over the city on public property, will have the option to notify the proper persons online.
“This is a public safety issue,” explained Braynon. He also stated that the University of North Georgia Drill Field is designated as a landing pad in the event of an emergency, and the use of drones during festivals and large events may interfere.
Dahlonega City Council announces public hearing to discuss millage rate
Politics August 14, 2019DAHLONEGA, GA
The Dahlonega City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 15, to discuss setting the 2019 millage and the adoption of the 2020 Fiscal Year Budget. The meeting will take place at the Dahlonega City Hall at 4:00p.m., immediately before the City Council Work Session.
The Work Session will cover department reports from the following:
- Dahlonega City Marshal
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Downtown Development Authority
- Finance Department
- Public Works Department
- Water and Waste Water Plants Department
- Cemetery Committee
Other topics to be discussed:
- 2019 LMIG Off System Safety Vendor Selection for Signs & Stripes
- Ordinance 2019-14 Dilapidated Structure
- Memo RE DOR (Department of Revenue) Sales Tax Information
- Banking Services Contract Renewal
Subpoena that Landed Journalist Mark Thomason and Attorney Russell Stookey in Jail
News July 17, 2016In the case of the Fannin Focus publisher Mark Brannon Thomason and Attorney Russell Stookey, there a several questions that remain unanswered about the subpoena for bank records. How did they get the bank account number on the subpoena? Who gave them checks with the account number? Thomason said some checks appeared to have been cashed. Who told him the checks appeared to have been cashed? FYN held interviews with Russell Stookey, Fannin County Financial Director Rita Davis Kirby. Subsequent to those interviews, Mark Thomason released a statement concerning the checks, but first some back story.
Thomason and Stookey were arrested Friday 6-24-16. Thomason was charged with three counts; identity fraud, attempt to commit identity fraud and making a false statement. Stookey was charged with two counts; identity fraud and attempt to commit identity fraud.
Appalachian Judicial District Chief Superior Court Brenda Weaver filed the complaint with the District Attorney’s office. DA, B. Alison Sosebee presented the charges to a Pickens County Grand Jury made up of sixteen citizens. The Grand Jury returned true bills on both Thomason and Stookey.
The State and National media pounced on the sensationalism of “journalist went to jail violating his First Amendment Rights, freedom of the press”. They didn’t seem to be interested in researching any of the facts of the case. So why should they research when they have hooked the big fish, head of the JQC (Judicial Qualifying Commission), Brenda Weaver. Now that is a fish you don’t throw back into the water regardless the facts.
Judge Weaver sent DA Sosebee a letter requesting the charges against Thomason and Stookey be dropped. DA Sosebee has prepared a motion to have the case dropped.
Senior Judge Richard Winegarden has announced he will hold a hearing for the dismissal of the charges brought against Mark Thomason and Russell Stookey on July 18 at 3pm in Pickens County court.
If Judge Winegarden dismisses the case, that still begs the question, were the un-redacted checks given to Thomason or Stookey or both?
When an open records request is filed with the County for banking information, it is the responsibility of the County CFO to redact the account and routing numbers from the check before releasing the check. The Fannin County CFO is Rita Davis Kirby.
FYN interviewed Russell Stookey Tuesday on our morning show, “Good Morning from the Office”. Here is the transcript of some questions we asked Stookey about the subpoena and checks during our interview.
BKP
What were you looking for with the subpoena?
Stookey
“We were looking for one check, that’s all we needed. We got in trouble because we were asking for that one check”.
The subpoena on Stearns Bank had account numbers on it and during the interview, Stooked agreed that when you do an open records request for checks, the account numbers are to be redacted..
BKP
Where did you get the bank account numbers to do the subpoena?
Stookey
“ They were from checks that had been used to pay other bills,”
I showed Stookey a copy of the subpoena on my computer.
BKP
“This is the subpoena that was been posted online.”
Stookey
“That’s the first time I have seen that”
BKP
“Where did you get the checks?”
Stookey
“I believe he (Thomason) got those checks from either the County Attorney or I think it might have been Mrs Kirby.”
BKP
“So you already had some so checks from 2015?”
Stookey
“I don’t know…I never saw the checks.”
BKP
“You never saw them?”
Stookey
“I never saw the checks.”
BKP
“Checks appeared to have been cashed?”
Stookey
“A banking officer had told Mark that a check appeared to be irregular because it had been cashed.”
I asked Stookey if he had seen the letters from the three county CFO’s (Pickens – Faye Harvey, Gilmer – Sandi Holden and Fannin – Rita Kirby) stating that after reviewing the checks that they appeared to be properly endorsed and deposited. Stookey responded that he had not seen them but he was aware of them.
Click to watch our video interview with Russell Stookey.
After our interview with Stookey, Mark Thomason the publisher of the Fannin Focus released the following statement: “Any and all information contained on a subpoena served to Stearns Bank was acquired through open records request filed on Fannin County by Mark Thomason. Copies of checks and any banking information were provided to the Fannin Focus by Fannin County Financial Director, Rita Kirby. No banking numbers were redacted by Mrs. Kirby and were disclosed through a proper open records request that was filed”.
FYN interviewed Fannin County Chief Financial Director Rita Davis Kirby last Friday live on our show from Sycamore Crossing in downtown Blue Ridge.
BKP
“Did you give un-redacted checks to Mark Thomason?”
Kirby
“First and foremost, I did not give them (the checks) to Mark Thomason. The checks he received were received through means other than myself. I gave those checks he’s talking about directly to our County Attorney Lynn Doss”.
BKP
“Did you give un-redacted checks to County Attorney Lynn Doss?”
Kirby
“Yes, the County has attorney client privilege.”
BKP
You did give checks?
Kirby
“I did”.
BKP
County Attorney asked for them?
Kirby
“She did”.
BKP
And you gave them to her?
Kirby
“Correct”.
BKP
Not Mark Thomason?
Kirby
“Not Mark Thomason”.
Click to watch our video interview with Rita Davis Kirby.
Please note: It is not necessary for Kirby to redact information when giving the information to the County Attorney.
When Kirby wrote her letter concerning her review of checks possibly being cashed, she stated that the checks appeared to be endorsed and deposited properly but Kirby went one step further by referencing her previous banking career.
After Kirby’s comments stating that she gave the checks to County Attorney Lynn Doss, FYN reached out to Doss for a comment. Doss sent FYN the following response:
Sir: As you are aware there are pending investigations as to the matters
you referenced. As you are also aware, I am listed as a witness.
Therefore, it is not appropriate for me to make any comment. Thank you”.
Judge Richard Winegarden may dismiss the case against Thomason and Stookey Monday but one thing is for sure, he can’t dismiss the facts. FYN has done an open records request for the complete file on this case. We want to know the full story concerning the checks. This story will not end Monday…it will be just the beginning.
Related Stories.
Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Arrested, Journalist or Vendetta?
Ads in Fannin Focus do not show up correctly in Sheriff Candidates Campaign Financial Reports
Superior Court Judge Weaver Drops charges, Publisher Mark Thomason will not stand trial
Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Arrested along with Thomason’s Attorney Stookey – Transported to Pickens Jail
Fannin Focus Publisher Mark Thomason Indicted along with attorney Russell Stookey, 1 Count Making False Statement, 2 counts Identity Fraud
Marc Urbach 6/13/16
GMFTO June 13, 2016https://youtu.be/UDsj_SPQVtM