PRIEST SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON AYP  8/19/08

Dade County School Superintendent Patty Priest is setting set the record straight on the Adequate Yearly Progress and it's pass or fail criteria. A school is not considered to be failing if it doesn’t meet the AYP. The AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) is a federally mandated assessment of student participation and achievement in standardized testing and other academic indicators. AYP requires schools to meet standards in 3 areas: test participation in math and reading/language arts, academic performance in those tests, and also a second indicator.

            While a school or a school system could fall behind in one of those areas, that doesn’t mean the school or system itself has failed. If a school doesn’t meet the required standard in an area for two consecutive years it will be placed in a “Needs Improvement” status. The Georgia Department of Education website states: “Needs Improvement schools are NOT “failing” schools. Schools that do not make AYP for two or more consecutive years in the same subject are in need of improvement or are simply under-performing.”

Dade Elementary School Is a distinguished Title 1 school, meeting all the criteria for AYP. Davis Elementary School might yet meet the goal on AYP – but that won’t be known until after the first week in October when the State calculates the final tally of everyone who tested in the math assessments. Davis has been a Title 1 School in the past and continues to work toward that goal again. The High School actually came up 9% from the reporting last year, though a small number of economically disadvantaged and special education students still need some work to improve their scores on the math and language arts tests.

TRENTON MAN ARRESTED ON METH CHARGES

On Monday August 18, 2008 agents of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, acting upon information provided from Dade county Sheriff Patrick Cannon, conducted an undercover narcotics operation.  As a result of this investigation narcotic agents purchased Methamphetamine from 51 year old William Bennett Hicks of 110 Gass Drive, Trenton Georgia.  Hicks is currently in Dade County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

SCHOOL BOARD FACES FINANCIAL ISSUES 8/19/08

In the financial portion of the agenda at Monday’s School Board Meeting, the tax commissioner’s report indicated that the School System was at 102% of collections, adding in a bit more money than expected – especially in the light of cuts that the state has already stated are coming.

Overall, for fiscal year 2009, the Board expects a reduction of about $700,000 in state funding. Superintendent Patty Priest said, “We are looking at bleak economic times…we are ok for right now, but everyone is getting hit hard.”

The Board will be looking into a request for subleasing a portion of the land at the North Dade Recreational Development Center to build a daycare center. The records on that piece of property go back to 1953 and legal issues will be looked into before any decision is made.

There were Bids for future work approved.

• bleachers at Davis Elementary will be completed for $9,645
• playground mulch at Davis for $9,810
• band instruments for $25,377
• new Destination Math and Reading software
• continuation of the bat extermination at Dade Elementary for $11,500
• purchase of two Ford Taurus Driver’s Ed cars from Moss Motors for $19,500.  The two slightly used Driver’s Ed cars have been inspected and have 28K and 34K miles on them respectively.

TAX AND TAG OFFICE TO CLOSE EARLY ON FRIDAY 8/19/08

The Dade County Tax and Tag Office will close early on Friday, August 22, 2008.  The office will close for office repairs at 2:00 PM on Friday and will reopen Monday morning at regular time.  Ms. Jane Moreland expresses her apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

FRIDAY FIRE DESTROYS SHOP, DAMAGES HOME 8/18/08

The Davis and Trenton Fire Departments were called to a fire that was reported in shop building on Sand Mountain early Saturday morning.  When the fire departments arrived about 2:00 AM, they found an individual fighting the fire with a water hose and the fire had spread to a mobile home. Fire fighters were able to save parts of the Prater Road home.  The individual who was fighting the fire with the hose was treated at the scene and transported by ambulance to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. 

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS SEND THREE TO AREA HOSPITALS 8/18/08

Two separate accidents involving motorcycles sent three people to area hospitals for treatment.  At 2:00 PM Saturday, authorities were called to a motorcycle accident at 1800 Highway 11 South.  When they arrived they found one male who had been injured in a motorcycle accident on his own property.  He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.

Sunday at 12:30 PM, an accident involving a motorcycle and truck occurred at 2000 Highway 136 West near the Crossroads Hardware.  Two were transported to hospitals and GA. State Patrol is investigating the accident.

OLD SKATING RINK BURNS IN HENEGAR 8/18/08

Volunteer Firefighters from three Sand Mountain towns spent three hours fighting a blaze early Friday morning at what used to be the skating rink in Henagar.
The fire call came just after 3:30 AM, and Henegar Volunteer firefighters responded to the old Moore Skating Rink on Highway 5 north. The fire was contained to one of the four rooms in the building. The room is now used as a workshop for an insulation company. Firefighters from Ider and Sylvania also responded to the fire call and assisted in fighting the blaze.

SEARCH WARRANT IN TULLAHOMA RESULTS IN MORE STOLEN GOODS FOUND 8/18/08

Norman Henry Litchford, 70, of Tullahoma, TN was arrested on August 12 and charged with stealing a lawn mower in Dade County and now as the investigation continues more stolen goods are found at his residence in Tullahoma.

According to Dade County Detective Adam Reyes, authorities in Moore County, TN executed a search warrant and found a number of stolen items from several states at the residence. 

Additional charges could be pending and Litchford is still being held in the Dade County Jail.

 

DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET TONIGHT 8/18/08

The Dade County School Board will meet tonight at the School Administrative Meeting room in their first regular meeting since learning that the Dade schools will lose almost $500,000 from the state Department of Education due to cuts mandated from Governor Sonny Perdue. 

We'll have all the details in the morning on KWN and here on DiscoverDade.com.

BUDGET CUTS AFFECT CRIME LABS

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime labs are feeling the pinch because of state budget cuts mandated by Gov. Sonny Perdue just like local schools and many other state governmental services.

The GBI has to cut its budget by 6% along with other state agencies under Perdue's directive, due to sharp revenue shortages in a slowing national economy.

Among other cuts, medical examiner offices in Summerville which handled Dade County cases and Moultrie have been eliminated in a slice of about $4.2 million in the GBI budget this fiscal year. Another $4.1 million reduction is projected for 2010, which starts July 1, 2009.

If that occurs, the forensics labs in Columbus and Moultrie might be axed.

GBI director Vernon Keenan says cuts in regional offices are bound to increase an existing backlog at the state crime lab near Atlanta.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE DRAWS CONCERN IN RISING FAWN 8/15/08

Friday morning just before 1 AM, 911 received a call from the Pilot Truck Stop in Rising Fawn reporting a suspicious package.  The clerk reported a basket left in the store with a bag and a note that referred to “Dr. Bombay.” The Dade County Sheriff’s Department and the South Dade Volunteer Fire Department responded and found the note and package. After investigating the Sheriff’s Department established it as belonging to a man who had just been released from the Knox County Jail and had left his belongings there.

He was tracked down and it was discovered that the reference to Dr. Bombay were lyrics from a song and nothing was found in his belongings that posed in any danger.

No charges were filed in the incident.

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF DADE SCHOOL BOARD 8/15/08

The Dade County School Board met briefly Thursday evening to approve the publication of their proposed budget. After publication for public review, the Board will meet again on Aug. 28^th to actually approve the budget.

The proposed budget will require almost 1 million dollars of the school board’s reserve to meet thier proposed budget of between 18 and 19 million dollars. The austerity cuts by the state board of education have cut almost $500,000 from the local budget according to Superintendent Patty Priest and increased costs have hurt the schools’ budget as well. 

The entire budget will be posted on line in the weekend edition of the Mountain Valley Independent on line as well.

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS 8/15/08

Trenton’s Primary Health Care (PHC) Center has come a long way since 1978. In an Open House event Thursday evening, citizens had an opportunity to tour the newly updated facility and meet the newest doctors in town. Dr. Gregory Teel was hired at PHC in March of ’08 and Dr. Donna Van Schuyver came on board in May of this year. Recent Dental school graduate Amelia Granberry, DMD, will be taking on the dental needs of the community.

Both Doctors said they were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming the patients and staff were to them when they were hired. They appreciated the “family oriented” feeling of the people in our County that they’ve met. They, and all the PHC staff, are looking forward to serving the people of Dade into the future.

LAWN MOWER STOLEN and RECOVERED QUICKLY 8/14/08

On Wednesday afternoon at 3 PM, Dade 911 received the report of a blue pickup truck that had stolen a riding lawn mower from 4092 Highway 11 south.  The vehicle was reportedly headed north on 11.  Trenton City Police intercepted the vehicle and stopped it on Price Street.

The driver of the truck Norman Henry Litchford, 70, of Tullahoma, TN was arrested and charged with the theft and a lawn mower were recovered and returned. He was charged with Theft by Taking and Theft by bringing stolen property into the state.  He is currently in the Dade County Jail awaiting bond.

JENKINS PARK PARTY SENDS 3 TEENS TO JAIL 8/14/08

10 teens were reportedly loud and hanging out in Jenkins Park on Wednesday night at bout 7:30 PM.  When authorities arrived to investigate, the group scattered and local law enforcement was able to arrest 3 of the teens on charges of marijuana possession.  1 female and 2 male juveniles were caught and taken to jail.

RESCUE TRUCK STOLEN FROM NEW HOME FOUND BURNED 8/14/08

A 1989 Chevy Suburban rescue vehicle was stolen Monday afternoon from the New Home Volunteer Fire Department on Sand Mountain. Dade detectives throughout the evening worked on leads and they were notified that the vehicle was seen in the Henagar, Al. area. Dade County Sheriff Patrick Cannon said that the vehicle was discovered burnt at 1:25 AM Tuesday morning and that the vehicle and equipment inside were destroyed. The vehicle was found on 136 West near the AL/GA state line.

Dade County authorities are looking for two males who were allegedly seen driving the vehicle.  Detectives are following up on several leads obtained in the last two days.  If anyone has any information please call the Sheriff’s Office at 657-DADE.

ONE CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FROM STABBING

Dade County has now charged 48 year old Patricia Ann Sexsmith with aggravated assault following a stabbing incident over the weekend. The following is a press release issued by the Dade County Sheriff's Office:

On Saturday August 9^th 2008, Dade County Dispatch received a call from a woman that stated she had stabbed her boyfriend at 215 Pleasant Drive in Wildwood Georgia. Once Deputies arrived on the scene, an unoccupied residence was located with signs of an altercation. Shortly there after, Dade County was notified that there was a stabbing victim at Grand View Hospital in Marion County. Dade County Detectives traveled to Grand View and identified the stabbing victim as 47 year old Gordon Randall Bethune, of 215 Pleasant Drive. While the investigation was unfolding, Detectives discovered that the female was being treated for minor injuries at Memorial Hospital. Detectives identified the female as 48 year old Patricia Ann Sexsmith also of 215 Pleasant Drive.

 Bethune was stabbed in the abdomen region and the left leg near the knee. Bethune was treated and released by Grand View Hospital. Sexsmith was also treated and released from Memorial Hospital.

On Monday August 11^th 2008, Detectives concluded their investigation into the stabbing of Bethune. Sexsmith was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault. Sexsmith is still in the Dade County Jail awaiting a bond.

NO JURORS NO COURT                            
A large amount of potential jurors decided not to show up at the Dekalb County Courthouse on Monday. This led to the postponement of the grand jury. There were 200 potential jurors on the list, but according to Circuit Judge Randall Cole only 47 people showed up for jury duty. The goal was to select 18 grand jurors and 24 potential jurors for a wrongful death civil suit in David Rains’ courtroom. There were several people who asked to be excused and so Judge Cole rescheduled the selection for Sept. 8. Also, Alabama law says that possible penalties for not showing range from fines to jail time.

A SERIOUS WRECK SENDS 3 TO THE HOSPITAL 1 BY LIFE FORCE                

Saturday at 4:45 PM 911 received a report of an auto accident at the south bound ramp of Slygo Road with three vehicles involved. When authorities arrived they found out there were just 2 vehicles involved in the serious accident.  One car had flipped and authorities transported three to area hospitals.  One was transported by Life Force and one by code 3 to Erlanger with serious injuries.  Another was transported by ambulance but was not seriously injured.

GA State Patrol is investigating the accident and alcohol is thought to be a factor in the accident.

Another accident at 1745 New Home Road Sunday morning at 4:30 AM resulted in the single vehicle involved flipping twice, injuring slightly the driver who was transported to Erlanger. 

He reportedly was intoxicated and charges were pending as alcohol was reportedly involved.

FIRE DESTROYS MOBILE HOME ON LOOKOUT CREEK ROAD 8/11/08

Dade County Authorities were called to a structure fire at 487 Lookout Creek Road at a mobile home.  Dade County and City police arrived within a minute to a report of the porch on fire but found the home completely engulfed.  The occupants were able to get out safely but the home was a complete loss. 

Trenton and New Salem Fire Departments worked the fire.

SCHOOL STARTS IN DADE COUNTY 8/8/08

After a day of Freshman Boot Camp and open houses at the elementary schools and lots of final preparations by teachers and staff, school opened today in Dade County.  School got started with a quiet morning with no reports of accidents and minimal traffic tie ups.

officers turn in resignation as investigation continues 8/7/08

       A Complaint filed last week at the Dade County Sheriff's Department has apparently resulted in resignations from both of the officers in question. Dade County Sheriff Patrick Cannon said he received a complaint last week on two of his employees. The sheriff called in the GBI to investigate the complaint.

     He placed both of the officers on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation regarding the complaint. Wednesday, the two officers in question, Keith Buckner, a Dade County Deputy and Kyle Hartline, a Detention Officer turned in their resignations to the sheriff’s office.                             

    The complaint centers around an incident that happened at the Dade County Recreation Park between the officers and a Chattanooga man. Sheriff Cannon said that the GBI investigation will continue and no charges have been filed as of yet. Cannon said if a crime is substantiated through the investigation appropriate action will be taken against the former officers.

PRIMARY RUN-OFF ELECTION Results

RUMLEY, GOFF  WIN LOCAL RUNOFF 8/6/08

     In the tight and well-run race for the Republican seat for Dade County Executive, Ted Rumley beat out Alan Bradford by a close 14 votes during Tuesday’s Run-Off. Ted Rumley’s vote count was 628 to Alan Bradford’s 614. This means that Ted Rumley will face Democrat Don Townsend in the November election to determine who will fill the seat being vacated by Ben Brandon.
In the Republican District 3 race for South Dade Commissioner, Robert Goff beat out incumbent David Young by 171 votes: 324 to 150. Mr. Goff will face Cary Carter for the South Dade seat in November.

ELECTRONIC PAPER DELIVERED TUESDAY NEW ERA IN NEWS DISTRIBUTION BEGINS 8/6/08

Tuesday afternoon many folks in the Tri-State area and around the world opened their e-mail and received the first electronic edition of the Mountain Valley Independent. 

The Mountain Valley Independent is now delivered free two times a week to any one who requests it by e-mail. If you aren’t receiving yours or have family or friend who live away and would like to keep up with the activities in the Tri-State area, send an e-mail to dadecountynews@tvn.net for the free subscription and keep up with the news around the valley on the mountains or around the world with the electronic edition of the Mountain Valley Independent. We would especially invite you to send us the e-mail addresses of any of our military personnel who are serving away from us and who would like to keep up with the news from home.

FAKE VW WEBSITE 8/6/08

A website promoting jobs at the new Volkswagen plant coming to Chattanooga has gathered a lot of attention.  But the "TNvwjobs.com" is not authorized by VW.  The website with the most accurate information on VW jobs is VWgroupcareers.com

The "invitation only" hiring process began Wednesday for Volkswagen's new assembly plant in Enterprise South.

The German automaker has received over 2200 applications for the event.

But, only 100 of those potential employees are invited to attend. 50 of them will be hired.

Another job fair will be held sometime in September.

SCHOOL STARTS BACK IN JACKSON COUNTY 8/6/08

School bells are ringing in Jackson County, AL Wednesday as school starts back for the students there.  NSM, Flat Rock Elementary and Bryant Elementary are all heading back to class.

With the buses rolling you will need to be alert for the buses and increased traffic.  Especially be aware around the schools for parents dropping off children and walking in the young ones for the first day.

Students in Dade County have another two days as schools start back on Friday morning.  Incoming freshman and their parents are urged to attend Freshman Boot Camp at DCHS on Thursday.  It will begin at 9:30 AM and include and orientation session as well as an abbreviated day to allow the students to find their classrooms and meet their teachers.

Parents at Davis and Dade County Elementary School will have open house today from 4:30 until 6 PM.

NEW CITY OFFICIALS SWORN IN 8/5/08

The City of Trenton swore in a new Mayor on Monday evening. Barton Harris, flanked by his wife Renee and his father Colonel Harris, was administered the oath of office by City Clerk Lucretia Houts, beginning his 4-year term as Mayor of Trenton.

In a brief statement, Mayor Harris said that he was dedicating his first term to his dad, who spent 16 years in public service on the Rhea County Commission. He concluded his opening remarks with the statement that he appreciated the opportunity to serve the citizens of Trenton and planned to move the City forward with God’s Blessing.

            The City also had a swearing in ceremony for the new Streets Commissioner, Greg Houts, who will fill the vacancy left by Commissioner Harris as he stepped into the City’s highest office. The new City Commission appeared ready to move forward with the seats filled.

            Some good news for Trenton was the announcement of the millage rate, which will remain at 3.5% - the same as it’s been for years in the City. While the Budget hasn’t been set yet, the Commissioners didn’t seem to think that would matter a great deal, so approved the rate.

The City also finalized the Official Map of Trenton, and it will be on display at City Hall for a week. If you have a doubt about whether or not your property is inside or outside the city’s boundaries, please check with City Hall. With some of the boundaries redrawn, encompassing slightly different roads, some citizens could be looking at possible rebates of taxes collected over the past few years.

Mayor Harris said that one of his first items of management as mayor would be to form an Advisory Board made up of City Department Heads, the Commissioners, and a local citizen or business owner counterpart to each commissioner, which would address where the City should be 3, 5, or even 10 years in the future. They will be tasked with the getting a vision of where the City should go and how resources will be used to get to that point.

READ MORE WHEN YOU SIGN UP TO RECEIVE YOUR MOUNTAIN VALLEY INDEPENDENT  dadecountynews@tvn.net

CONGRESSMAN DEAL TALKS ENERGY AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING IN DADE  8/5/08

Congressman Nathan Deal brought his Town Hall meeting to Dade County Monday afternoon. His agenda was plain from the start of his presentation: energy.
He said that some years it’s been hard for him to decide what to highlight on his tour, but this year was an easy call for him.
The Congressman started with energy issues in general, displaying charts that outlined how energy in the United States was obtained.
He explained that with the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, reiterating that there would be no new drilling and basically stalling any bills that might bring the issue up for a vote, that it really put a cap on gas and oil.
Congressman Deal spoke about alternative forms of energy other than coal, natural gas and oil - like hydroelectric, wind, nuclear and biofuels.
In the case of biofuels, Congressman said that “using corn for fuel and subsidizing it, actually increases the cost of grains and food products.”
He said, “When a government intervenes in a free market and decides a commodity should be used for one purpose rather than another, it skews the economy.”
He said that ultimately the current economic issues come down to choices: if the US Government chooses to subsidize corn to provide ethanol, then it could result in poultry farmers going out of business because of rising grain prices.
Congressman Deal felt that drilling for shale oil would probably be the best option for America.

READ MORE WHEN YOU SIGN UP TO RECEIVE YOUR MOUNTAIN VALLEY INDEPENDENT  dadecountynews@tvn.net

SNAKE KEEPS LAW ENFORCEMENT HOPPING 8/5/08

911 received a call last night at about 8:30 last night of a rattlesnake under a car at 398 Lake Hills Place.  City police along with Dade County Deputies arrived on the scene and found the snake.  According to 911 Deputy Buster Pryor eventually removed the snake and no one was harmed.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY INDEPENDENT TO PUBLISH TWICE A WEEK WITH FREE            E- MAIL DELIVERY 8/4/08

 

Dade county will soon have a newspaper that publishes  twice a week .The midweek edition will be delivered on Tuesday, and the weekend edition will be delivered on Saturday. It will now be Electronically Delivered and available on-line anytime  and there will be no charge for either issue.

The paper industry is changing and Electronic Delivery of the news is the wave of future. In the past news had to wait for the traditional weekly news paper to hit the post office or a paper box, but the internet has changed the way we get our information.  Most every Newspaper now has online editions with current news.

The growth of the paper has been because of the citizens' support  along with the support of area officials and businesses. We look forward to bringing you a fair, balanced and community focused newspaper now twice a week.

To receive your copy each week you can sign up now by e-mailing us at dadecountynews@tvn.net . Send your e-mail address and you will be notified when the next issue is ready to Point ,Click, and Read and remember it's FREE!

SHERIFF SUSPENDS TWO PENDING A INVESTIGATION 8/3/08

Two Dade county employees have been suspended this past week according to Dade county sheriff Patrick Cannon. The pending  investigation is being handle by the G B I.

A complaint was filed with his dept last week alleging Conduct un becoming a officer. Two of his employees: one deputy and one detention officer are on suspension.         

Cannon ask the G B I to handle the complaint and no other information is being released at this time.  

FOUR WHEELER ACCIDENTS SEND TWO TO AREA HOSPITALS 8/4/08

Two four wheeler accidents on Saturday sent two to area hospitals.  At 3:30 PM a 54 year old woman was injured when her four wheeler reportedly flipped over on her on Cave Springs Road .  Para medics arrived and transported her to Erlanger with head lacerations.

At about 7:45 PM 911 received a call for another four wheeler accident, this one involving a 4 year boy.  The parents met the ambulance at Slygo and transported him to T.C. Thompson for treatment.

TRENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT 8/4/08

The Trenton City Council will meet tonight at 7 PM at Trenton City Hall and when the meeting is over, Trenton will have a new mayor and Street Commissioner.  Barton Harris will be sworn in as mayor and new street commissioner Greg Houts will be sworn in.

Two face charges for Trafficking in Methamphetamine8/1/08

This week agents with the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force and detectives from the Dade County Sheriff's Office busted another meth lab. a clandestine methamphetamine lab was discovered at 302 McKaig road in the City of Trenton. Jason Eric Houts and Lora Joann Crisp were arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine. Houts is still in Dade county jail while Crisp has been released on bond.

SCHOOL BOARD MILLAGE RATE SET8/1/08

In two short meetings, one by the Dade County School Board set their millage rate at 12.42 and then the Dade County Commission accepted the rate on Thursday evening. While the rate is projected to bring in about $254,664 more than last year, the rate is actually a bit lower than last year’s 12.5 mils so existing property owners will see a slight decrease in the their tax bill. The reduction is approximately $30,000. The increased funding is only based on the accepted growth for the County during the past year.

According to School Board Superintendent Patty Priest, the Board will have a workshop session in the timeframe of August 11 – 12 to actually nail down the system’s budget for the 2008 – 2009 school year. The School Board did approve salaries for teachers for the upcoming year in their short meeting Thursday, even though the entire budget hadn’t been set. Though the budget isn’t due until September, with school starting in a week, there was no time to delay salary approvals.

FIRE DEPARTMENTS WORK TWO FIRES 8/1/08

The Dade County Volunteer Fire Departments were busy Thursday night with two fires.  Fortunately both were controlled rather quickly and damage was contained in both cases.

At 9:01 PM a call came in with a garage that was separate from the residence on 27 Walnut Avenue was on fire.  Trenton Fire Department handled the fire and had it out in less than an hour.

The Trenton department hadn’t returned from that fire when they were paged out to assist North Dade with a house trailer on fire at 2411 Highway 299.  The fire in the trailer had started in the kitchen and the fire departments were able to contain most of the fire damage to that area. The fire departments were on the scene there for about 1 ½ hours.

another hang glider CRASH SENDS PILOT TO HOSPITAL

Rescue  was once again called Tuesday morning at 10:24  to the landing field at 1836 Creek Road to a pilot that was injured. He was taken to Erlanger hospital by HMC Paramedics his condition is not presently available .

DADE COUNTY FOOTBALLERS EARN PRESEASON HONORS 7/30/08

The Dade County Wolverines are still just over 2 weeks away from opening the football season under new head coach Bradley Warren but already things are encouraging.  Coach Warren told KWN Tuesday night that two Wolverine seniors had received preseason honors. Cody McNabb was named a US Army High School Academic All American and Jarrod Forrester was tabbed as a Georgia High School Pre-Season All State selection at punter.

Football season gets off to start with a preseason game at Finley Stadium against Ridgeland on Friday, August 15. click here for 2008 Wolverine football schedule

UPDATES AND NEW CONSTRUCTION TO GREET STUDENTS ON OPENING DAY 7/30/08

Dade County schools are going to shine on opening day. According to Assistant Superintendent Frank Stevens, this summer has been filled with upgrades, new construction, painting, and equipment purchases for all the schools in the system. And, said Mr. Stevens, “the (School) Board has been using the S.P.L.O.S.T. money wisely” on each of the projects. Each school in the County has had its special needs, and they’ve been addressed during this busy summer break.  Click here to read the details of the new works at each school

Mr. Stevens commented that every bit of the work done this summer has been financed through the School Board’s portion of the collected S.P.L.O.S.T. revenues. He felt that the Board made a wise decision to hire a new contractor/architect because it resulted in a savings of around $600,000 on the projects done to date. He said that the one upgrade that he was proudest of was the increase in technology. He said about the County schools, “by Christmas technology will be up to the 21^st Century.”

So, from technology to major renovations to new construction, Dade County students will go back to school in fresh, contemporary surroundings next week.

hang glider CRASH SENDS PILOT TO HOSPITAL 7/28/08

Sunday afternoon just after 1 PM a pleasant day at the Hang Glider Park turned painful for a tandem hang glider team right after taking off.  A down draft reportedly drove the hang glider directly into the ground injuring one of the hang gliders.  The experienced pilot was transported to an area hospital and the neither condition nor identity has been released.

SATURDAY WRECK ON I-24 W SENDS 4 TO HOSPITAL 7/27/08

Saturday evening at about 7 PM a wreck was reported on I-24 west with 4 persons reportedly ejected from the vehicle and one left in the car.  The Trenton, North Dade, 2 Ambulances and Sheriff’s deputies from Dade County rushed to the scene.  When they arrived and began administering aid and working the wreck it was discovered the accident occurred in Marion County.

Four family members ranging in age from 11 to 40 were transported to Erlanger.  The conditions or identities were not released.

Entrepreneur Friendly Dade County!7/25/08     Local and state politicians, along with many interested citizens, joined together with members of the Dade County Chamber of Commerce, the DDA, the JDA, and the IDA Thursday evening at the Chamber meeting room as Dawn Townsend from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) awarded the County its designation as an “Entrepreneur Friendly” (EF) community. In her remarks during the ceremony, Ms. Townsend said that it was through the hard work of individuals and the various Development Authorities that the designation was achieved.

            Dade is the 118^th community in Georgia to be given the EF designation, and many of the nearby counties have already earned it. The County underwent a full-day assessment by a GDEcD review team after it completed the program. Part of the work required for EF communities is to analyze data to determine how to help their small businesses prosper. With 91% of the businesses in Dade employing less than 20 workers, this EF designation is important to the economic development of the county since it gives small businesses access to customized demographic, business and market information. The County is now also eligible for grants from the GDEcD.

            Dade County Chamber of Commerce President Allan Ward said, “the work done has helped us better understand the hardships our small business owners are faced with and gives us the knowledge and network of qualified agencies to help them. This (EF designation) will be a valuable tool for all business owners in Dade County for years to come. We would also like to take this opportunity to ask all entrepreneurs to come to Dade County and test the water in Your City for Family Living.” 

body found at the bottom of canyon 7/28/08  Watch Ch. 9 Video Report

The search for missing Walker County wife and mother, Judy Charlene Payne, seems to have come to a sad ending.  A body was found around 4:00 pm Thursday in Cloudland Canyon State Park.  Dade County Sheriff Patrick Cannon says it was found at the base of a cliff. Cannon said yesterday that foul play was not suspected and after an autopsy was performed Friday her identity was officially confirmed.  The cause of death was listed as being consistent with a fall.
Cannon says it appears that the death was the result of a fall from a cliff that was about 200 feet high. The bluff she apparently fell from was over 7 miles from the parking lot where her car was found abandoned and in one of the most isolated areas of the 3500 acre park.  Ms. Payne had worked briefly at the park 7 years ago and liked to visit the park and the Hang Park because she enjoyed the view.
Ms. Payne, from Rock Springs, Georgia, went missing Monday. Her car was found by a Park Ranger at 10:30 pm Monday. An extensive search since then by ground and air involved a large number of rescuers.  Their final work in this incident was to have a team rappel down the bluff to retrieve her body.
DADE COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING HIGHLIGHTS 7/25/08

The Dade County Commission met Thursday evening in 2 Special Called meetings to discuss time sensitive issues. Though not all Commissioners were able to attend, County Executive Ben Brandon and District Commissioners Sarah Moore and Lamar Lowery were in attendance, along with County Clerk Don Townsend and County Attorney Robin Rogers.

In the later of the two Special Called meetings, the Board of Commissioners set the millage rate for 2008. The Incorporated rate will be 8.191%, down 1.03%. The Unincorporated rate for 2008 will be 6.430%, down 0.06%. This millage will generate over  2.9 Million dollars from property taxes.

County Executive Brandon said that “it was wrong” to set the millage rate before the Budget had been set. Nevertheless, he did vote to approve the proposed rate for the coming year because it’s the law.

In the first Special Called meeting the Commissioners voted to approve a line of credit of $600,000 at 3.6% APY, with the Bank of Dade that will allow the County to meet its financial obligations from July through October.

Each year that the County doesn’t have adequate reserves to carry on business, it must go through the process of incurring short-term debt.

Most tax revenue is collected from October through February and then revenue tapers off.  But as funds run low from July through October, some recourse has to be available to pay bills.

County Exec Brandon discussed the possibility of bringing about legislation that would change Dade County’s Fiscal Year to align more closely with Revenue income and State disbursements of funds.  Mr. Brandon asked the County Attorney to look into what would be needed if the County wanted to pursue the change.

As a matter of housekeeping actions, the Commissioners confirmed, declared and approved the election results of the S.P.L.O.S.T.  In a move for clarity regarding how much money the County would bond so capital projects would be fully funded, County Attorney Robin Rogers advised the Board to revise the resolution to read that the County “can” issues bonds up to $6.5M, rather than it “will” issue that amount of debt.       

County Executive Brandon opened discussion on the Budget and asked if any of the Commissioners wanted to bring up any items. Commissioner Lowery said that the County needed to “cut back where it could”. Dade County has the lowest tipping fees of all the surrounding counties.  Billy Massengale suggested that the cost should increase to $34 a ton.  County Exec Brandon asked that an analysis be done and while he’d hate to raise the price, he said the County shouldn’t lose money on waste transfer.

There was some discussion about whether or not constitutional officers should be made an Independent Tax District; meaning each constitutional officer would set their own budget and millage rate for their department– they could levy taxes to meet department needs.  Mr. Brandon said that there wouldn’t be any need for this consideration if the Board “had the courage to look a constitutional officer in the eye and say to them ‘stay within your budget’.” Mr. Brandon felt that accountability and responsibility were keys to staying within a budget.

The Commissioners also approved payment to Talley Construction for paving that had already been completed on the bridge on Piney Road.

There was discussion on the topic of laying asphalt or triple-coating the 250 feet of City road leading up to Gill Industries. The decision reached was to triple-coat for now and try to obtain funds to do paving if needed in the future.  The joint effort between the City of Trenton and Dade County will take place in the next few days.

A final bit of business was taken care of – the Commissioners looked into outdated and non-existent Intergovernmental Agreements between Trenton and the County.  Two outdated agreements were the Animal Control and Prison Inmate Housing agreements.  The other agreements considered were public transportation, senior citizen center and the EMS/911 plans.

Two reasons to enter into Intergovernmental Agreements are to avoid duplication of services and to keep costs down.  In many cases, the Agreements are not just nice to have, but are required by law. County Exec Brandon asked the County Attorney to get with the City Attorney and work on the agreements to have them ready for the next Regular Meeting date.

IDER MAN BUSTED ON DRUG CHARGES 7/24/08

An Ider man on probation for several federal drug charges now faces even more drug-related charges.  Earlier this week Ben L. Buffington, 54,
was arrested after deputies and state narcotics agents reportedly seized more than 30 grams of meth ice, an active meth lab, more than $3,500, several weapons and marijuana at his home on County Road 754.
Buffington was charged with first-degree unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, unlawful trafficking of methamphetamine, first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Two other Dekalb county residents were also arrested on related drug charges.
All three subjects were taken to DeKalb County jail.

HOUSE FIRE DESTROYS NEW CONSTRUCTION ON ASHTON LANE 7/23/08

At 11:30 PM on Tuesday night a fire was reported on Ashton Lane off of McKaig Road at a new home under construction. The Trenton, Davis and South Dade Fire Departments responded and found the home fully involved and it was a total loss.

The Fire Departments left the site at nearly 4:30 this morning after spending most of the night containing the blaze.  No cause of the blaze was known as of Wednesday morning.

FIRE DESTROYS OLD CURETON HOUSE 7/21/08