Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Outdoors June 13, 2018By: Eddie Ayers, County Extension Agent
As I ride through the county I’ve noticed some webs are back in the wild cherry trees but before you start having nightmares about the webbing we had last fall, you can rest assured that this insect is different. This culprit is the Eastern Tent Caterpillar. The webs serve as a home to the newly emerged larvae or as we like to call them, caterpillars. The eggs are timed to hatch when the cherry buds unfurl as they need to eat to grow and complete their life cycle.
Older larvae are generally black, with long brown hair and a white stripe down the middle of their backs. Along the midline is a row of blue spots with brown and yellow lines. At maturity, the caterpillars may reach a length of 2½ inches. The adults are reddish-brown moths which have two white oblique stripes on each forewing. These are harder to notice, but they are the final step in the life cycle.
The adult moths emerge in May and early June and lay egg masses that resemble chocolate-colored collars that encircle the smaller limbs of their host. Each egg mass is about 1 inch long. Eggs overwinter and hatch in mid-March of the following year to start the cycle again. From each egg mass, several hundred tiny feeding machines emerge, and for four to six weeks they hungrily strip the trees of their leaves. The larvae are gregarious and upon hatching they gather in the forks of the limbs and develop the web that can be seen in the trees. This serves as their home for the larvae. From this mass of silk, the developing larvae move outward to feed on developing leaves, but they return at night and during rainy weather. The nest gradually becomes larger and larger as silk accumulates. Although the nests are most commonly seen in the forks of wild cherries, this pest can be found in other ornamental, shade and fruit trees, especially apples. While not a serious pest in the natural forest, the unsightly web insect can reduce the beauty and esthetic value of shade trees and other hardwoods in the landscape.
About four to six weeks after hatching, full-grown larvae will crawl away from their nests and accumulate on the sides of homes, on driveways and sidewalks and on various woody ornamentals in search of sites to complete the next phase of life, the pupae phase. This phase is a shell or cocoon in which the caterpillar matures into a moth. There is concern that they may be attacking other plants, but when they do leave their web, the larvae are finished with their feeding and will do no damage to plants on which they are found. The caterpillars are primarily a nuisance and do not usually pose a danger to the overall health of a larger, well-established tree as the tree can produce another flush of foliage. However, young fruit and ornamental trees may be damaged, so it is a good idea to remove the web from these trees.
Usually, no chemical controls are necessary or very effective. One reason is that the web is water proof and insecticides that are applied usually do not reach the larvae but you can break open the web and apply an insecticide such as carbaryl (Sevin), BT or a pyrethroid if you would like. If you decide to use an insecticide, please read the label and follow the instructions. In addition, the egg masses can be clipped from the limbs in late June to prevent nests from developing the following spring.
For more information about the webs in trees right now, contact me in the Gilmer County UGA Extension office.
Short Takes – Beware of Who is in Charge?
Opinion March 12, 2018
Did it alarm you how fast the Patriot Act appeared to control our lives after the 9/11 attack? When the Tea Party movement started did you ever wonder why Tea Party websites suddenly appeared on the internet, each claiming to be some official TEA Party site requesting donations so they could place our Conservative message in front of those rascally politicians?
I suspect we were duped. Vladimir Lenin said ‘“The best way to control the opposition is to lead it ourselves.” The Tea party movement materialized because our elected government was doing nothing to protect America and Americans and yet, almost immediately “leaders” suddenly emerged to guide our outrage. They spoke with slick tongues, impressed many of us with their schemes or by confirming out own suspicions and led us willingly where they wanted us to go, harmlessly into the wilderness. Some local TEA party groups did prevail, however.
Were these guides or leaders, in fact agents of either a political party (R) or (D) or government agents of the party in power, or agents of the PAC’s trying to control the message that bodes ill against them. The opposition to our floundering government was controlled. It’s not new, except to us, but governments have been doing it for years. It’s simulated to appear natural and in harmony with common thought but it’s designed to direct us away from the real problems.
It’s truly Social Engineering, the systematic molding and brainwashing of our individual minds so we conform collectively, to group-think and accept their preferred ideology. Consider our “Snowflake” college students today, looking for safe spaces, denying opposition ideas that confront them and demanding exclusion of all opposing thought. Controlled opposition turns a captive audience into a controlled sheep herd with an accepted socialized message.
In institutions, like colleges, small groups can infiltrate non progressive clubs and organizations
and change the perception of reality. Programming doesn’t take long for educational systems, the media, or an entire nation, to be demoralized within a span of one generation. Controlled opposition exists to subvert and undermine “Truth Movements” all to protect the Establishment.
Once subverted, new ideas are not accepted or believed. Evidence to the contrary is drowned out and they win. Those who do not fall in line, or stand up against the message, are quickly squashed. Humanity, as we knew it, has become powerless, unable to defend itself or the country. The appearance of freedom is illusionary where both sides of a debate are controlled from the top. Natural disasters or acts of terrorism become another chance for opportunists to talk us out of our freedoms. They frame the debate as “for or against.”
The agents of this controlled opposition subverts everyone who listens. Run for Congress and they surround the winner, pounding in the party line with promises of committee chairmanships, influence and cash as the rewards to go along. The Tea party’s are maligned, investigated and infiltrated by the establishments agents as enemies of the state and side tracked.
When at least three generations have been so indoctrinated through social engineering, it only becomes possible to end the charade by exposing it and refusing to participate. We are there right now. We must take back the agenda. If we don’t, then we are indeed lost and no one will trust the message or the messenger. Who can trust the FBI today? They were made agents of Controlled Opposition and have been exposed. Where and when does it end?
Remember, freedom is the goal, the Constitution is the way. (12Mar18)
Chatuge Restaurant Donates Share of Dinner Revenue to SAFE
Community March 12, 2018
Chatuge Restaurant Donates Share of Dinner Revenue to SAFE
On March 9, The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen, located on the grounds of the Ridges Resort on Lake
Chatuge, celebrated International Women’s Day by contributing ten percent of its restaurant
revenue to Towns/Union County Support in Abusive Family Emergencies (SAFE). This
restaurant also provided a 20% dinner discount to women.
SAFE’s mission is to provide support, advocacy and emergency shelter to victims of domestic
abuse, child abuse and sexual abuse and to heighten community awareness of abuse in Towns
and Union Counties.
This non-profit charity has two thrift stores: The Blairsville SAFE Thrift Store which is located at
3196 Highway 515 in the Victoria Shopping Center and The SAFE Again Thrift Store located at
4134 Bonny Hills Drive in Young Harris. The proceeds of these thrift stores helps fund the
operation of a SAFE House which houses victim families.
Cutline: L to R Doug Sheetz, friend of SAFE; Deb Curlette, President, SAFE Board of Directors;
Oaks Lakeside Kitchen employees Jai Beasley, Head Chef; Josiah Morris, Bartender; Lauren
Spradlin, Server; Molly Cousin, Executive Director of SAFE.
Senator David Perdue Works To Strengthen Farm Lending Program
Uncategorized March 12, 2018
“Agriculture is Georgia’s largest economic driver and our farmers are the backbone of the industry”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) is taking action to preserve important loans used by farmers to start and grow their operations.
“Agriculture is Georgia’s largest economic driver and our farmers are the backbone of the industry,” said Senator Perdue. “Whether our farmers are just starting out or are looking to expand and improve, it’s critical they have the financial flexibility they need to get their farms up and running. I’m proud to work on strengthening this important loan program for our country’s farmers.”
The bipartisan Farm Service Agency Loan Flexibility Act, sponsored by Senator Perdue and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), would provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) with the authority it needs to issue approved loans during times of high demand and irregular funding from Congress. FSA’s operating loans are used by beginning farmers, women and minorities, and other disadvantaged borrowers for expenses such as livestock, equipment, and seed, while ownership loans help farmers develop land.
“For many farmers—and new farmers in particular—access to capital is a top issue, and in years past, the inability of FSA to lend to farmers in need because of loan program caps has been problematic for our industry,” said Gerald Long, President of Georgia Farm Bureau. “Georgia Farm Bureau is pleased that Senator Perdue (R-GA) has chosen to lead on this issue and many other agriculture issues in Congress.”
Warming Up for the Home Stretch
Politics, State & National March 12, 2018
By: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
Week nine had a slower pace when compared to the legislating marathon of the last few weeks. The Senate passed 11 pieces of legislation this week and held several committee meetings to hear bills, most of which originated in the House. Now that we are passed the Crossover Day mark and through Legislative Day 32, we have hit the home stretch leading up to Sine Die.
Of the 11 pieces of legislation passed this week, the most significant was House Bill 683, which is the supplemental appropriations budget for the 2018 Fiscal Year. The amended version of the House bill was passed by the Senate on Monday and signed into law by Governor Deal on Friday. While we may have completed the budget process for the 2018 Fiscal Year, we wasted no time getting to work on the 2019 Fiscal Year budget. During week nine, the Senate Appropriations Committee held subcommittee hearings where state agencies, organizations and institutions presented their budget requests. In addition to my role as the Senate Majority Whip, I serve as the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. It is always beneficial and important to hear how we can improve transportation in the state by allocating necessary funds.
Of the bills passed on the Senate floor this week, I believe House Bill 354 will have the biggest impact on transportation. The bill reconstitutes the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority (GIMTCA) as a public corporation and an instrumentality of the state. Located in Savannah, where the Port of Savannah continues to grow by the year, GIMTCA aims to bring increased economic growth to the state’s import and export markets.
I am also happy to announce that House Bill 159, the “Adoption Bill,” was signed into law by Governor Deal on Monday. HB 159 is a much needed update to Georgia’s adoption laws and is the first of its kind in nearly 30 years. The bill will allow more children in foster care to be adopted into caring homes, extend the list of family members who can undertake legal guardianship and give parents in difficult situations more options to provide the best opportunities possible for their child.
In addition to this week’s action in the Senate, two of the three bills I sponsored to expand broadband access in rural Georgia saw movement in the House. Senate Bill 232, or the Facilitating Internet Broadband Rural Expansion (FIBRE) Act, and Senate Bill 426, the Broadband Infrastructure Leads to Development (BILD) Act, each received their second reading and have been assigned to committee. SB 232 has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee and SB 426 has been assigned to the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee. The third piece of this rural broadband package – Senate Bill 402 or the Achieving Connectivity Everywhere (ACE) Act – received its second reading on Crossover Day and has also been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee for further review. I am confident that each of these bills will continue through the legislative process in the coming weeks and provide a solid starting point for broadband expansion.
Though the pace may have slowed this week, it is going to pick back up first thing Monday morning. There are only eight legislative days remaining and still much work to be done as our time winds down under the Gold Dome. Thank you for the continued opportunity to serve as your Senator, I will be sure to stay in touch as we wrap up the 2018 session. If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. We are always here to help in any way we can.
North Georgians Urged to Take Extra Precautions as Viral Illnesses Increase
Health January 10, 2018
North Georgians Urged to take Extra Precautions as Viral Illnesses Increase
North Georgia – North Georgia Health District officials report that there has been an increase in the number of stomach virus and influenza outbreaks in north Georgia and warn that the results could be severe, possibly requiring hospitalization.
“It is not too late to vaccinate against the flu,” said Sherry Gregory, RN, North Georgia Health District Infectious Disease Supervisor. “Flu activity is increasing throughout our area. We expect the flu season to reach its peak early this year, within the next few weeks, so it is important to get vaccinated now. Flu vaccination not only protects the person who receives the vaccine but it also keeps them from spreading the flu virus to others.”
Everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated against the flu. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at greater risk for complications from flu and those who live with or care for these individuals. Groups of people that are at high risk for flu complications include children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and pregnant women. Medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung or heart disease and diabetes can also increase the risk for flu complications.
“Flu vaccine is available at all our health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties,” said Gregory. For health department contact information, click on the LOCATIONS tab on the North Georgia Health District website at www.nghd.org.
Flu symptoms may include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and/or, possibly, vomiting and diarrhea.
People at higher risk for complications from the flu should seek medical care as soon as they begin to feel ill, even if they have been vaccinated. They could benefit from antiviral drugs, that can reduce the risk of experiencing complications and reduce the severity and duration of illness. Antiviral drugs are most effective when given early in the onset of illness.
Stomach viruses, such as Norovirus, are very contagious and can infect anyone. These viruses can be spread to others by an infected person, through contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. These viruses can cause the stomach and/or intestines to become inflamed, which leads to stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms can be serious for some people, especially young children and older adults.
To reduce the spread of influenza and stomach viruses, take everyday preventive actions(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm) to stop spreading the viruses.
- Get a flu shot – this will protect you against the flu virus, which will be especially critical if you are infected with some other virus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them, especially avoiding healthcare facilities and long-term care homes.
- Avoid having children inside healthcare facilities and long-term care homes to protect them from catching viruses and to prevent them from spreading viruses to the people who are there.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
For more information about influenza and its prevention, log onto to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html. Learn more about preventing the spread of stomach viruses at https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html.
Ask the Doc! With Dr. Raymond Tidman
Health April 6, 2018
Today on Ask the Doc! we are welcoming Dr. Raymond Tidman, who will be filling in for Doctor William Whaley while he is on vacation. This Morning #BKP and Dr. Tidman discuss health concern and answer: 1. After my last regular exam, my doctor said the results showed cervical dysplasia. What does that mean? Is it cancer? 2. My allergies have caused my throat to feel inflamed and caused sinus drainage. I have seen a doctor but I am still dealing with a cough a week or so later. Is there anything I can do to help get rid of this cough? 3. Can too little sleep be a cause of weight gain? This segment is brought to you by Georgia Cancer Specialists, affiliated with Northside Hospital.
Fetch Your News Interviews Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp on Georgia’s 2018 Gubernatorial Election
FYNTV, State & National April 3, 2018
BKP Interviews Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp on Georgia’s 2018 Gubernatorial Election and important spotlighted information striking concern in rural Georgia.
FYN Interviews Rebbeca Yardley on Georgia’s 2018 Sine Die – Last Day of Legislative Session
Politics, State & National March 29, 2018
It’s Sine Die day, that means it’s the last day of the 2018 Legislative Session! Interviews First Vice Chairman of Georgia Congress 9th District GOP Rebecca Yardley on the experience and what to expect from the Georgia Capitol today!
God Has Your Number
Religion March 26, 2018
Do you think God has your Number?
He knows how many times you breathed yesterday. He holds your breath in His hand. God absolutely knows every move you make. The Lord has the hairs on your head numbered. He most definitely tracts your life. My friend, if the Lord has a call on your Life for the ministry, you couldn’t get away in a race car.
What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?-Psalms 117
What is the longest chapter in the Bible? –Psalms 119
Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Facts: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118
Add these numbers up, and you get 1188
(NKJV)What is the center verse in the Bible? Psalms 118:8.
“It is better to trust in The Lord than to put confidence in man.”
If this is coincident, it is a good one.
God can be in the center of your life if you will just ask, and let Him.
From time to time, I have been sent to share a ministry call with God’s people. He has their number, I would like to share one such call with you just to show you how detailed God is when it comes to the life of His children, and the work of His kingdom.
Some years ago, my friend, the late George Marshal, and I were going to Dunklin Ministries for a Saturday men’s gathering. Dunklin is a large farm between Stuart and Okeechobee, Fl. It is a rehab center used to rebuild lives and, a very good one, I might add. At one time, we had a man here by the name of Jim Way who could bring men together and make things happen. We would have as many as 700 men there for seminars and to worship the Lord. Sometimes in the middle of the previous night, I was caught up in the presence of the Lord. The Lord and I were standing in front of a long table seated with men my age; late fifties to sixties. The Lord was inspecting these men military style just like a company commander would do, along with his Platoon Sgt. I was a Platoon Sgt. at one time in the Marines, and The Lord and I were pulling an inspection on these men. I don’t know why the Lord chose this manner, but we were looking over every man, face-to-face. The Lord would get a good look at each man. When we got to the left end of the table, the Lord turned sharply and pointed to a young man in his middle twenties. He was at the far right corner of the table facing us, Ronnie Rinker had invited him. He was a Southern Baptist boy. The Lord turned and looked at him and said,“I am calling this one into the ministry. And I said, but Lord, he is so young. The Lord said, “I know, but I am going to train him. I am going to teach him. I am going to develop him, but he is the one I am calling.” At that point, every scratch and every cut on that old, wooden table was embedded into my mind, along with each man’s face and location at the table. The next morning I had no recollection of this, what-so-ever. George and I went into the dining hall. While we were in line, George saw an empty table and said let’s throw our Bibles on this table, and that will save us a seat. We went through the breakfast line at eight o’clock. After we got our food, George said, Bob let’s sit over here at this table; I know these guys. I said, but our Bibles are over there, but he said they would be ok. I sat down at the right corner of the table, and a young, good-looking man sat down across from me. As we started to eat, I felt like I knew him from somewhere. I asked him if we had ever met and he said, no I asked where he worked and what he did?. I said are you sure; he again said, “I just don’t know you.” I am sitting there starting to eat, not thinking any more about him when all at once I looked at that beat up handmade table and knew every scratch and cut on it. Everything came back to me, I looked at the man and knew that I had been there in the middle of the night. Every man was in his proper place, and the young man across from me was exactly where he was when Jesus called him. I said, “Have you ever thought about the ministry?” He said, “Yes I have.”
“Good!” I said, “Because you’re in it.” Then I shared his calling from the Lord. What a mighty God! Look how he used Ronnie to get God’s man there, and how the Lord used George to get me to the right table with all the scratches on it and all the man I had seen the night before. The Word says He knows every hair on our head; but I know one thing for sure He walks among the tables at Dunklin in the middle of the night and knows every scratch on them! Yes, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is alive and well and will speak and call men today.
The Lord Jesus can interact with us today here on the earth, just as if we were in heaven. Father God has everything down to a science, just like he does your life. Let’s look at some facts:
- He knew everything about the meeting, date, time, location, and who would be there.
- When he caught me up and showed me the scratches and cuts on the table in the dining hall at Dunkin: they are rough, handmade tables that were made by the men going through the program. All of them filled with cuts and scratches, and they look just alike, yet I knew the exact table.
- He knew every man there and where he would sit the next day.
- Ronnie thought he was inviting that young man to the meeting. Ronnie was working for Jesus under the power of the Holy Spirit and didn’t know it.
- George Marshal took me to the right table and never knew he was working under a mandate from God.
Here is the thing that just blows me away, not one of us could have been late!Nothing in the world could have stopped any of us. Not one man could have said, I don’t think I will go today. No one could have sat in the wrong place.
Not one of us had any thought of being led by the Lord. We were in the natural and walking under the power and order of God at the same time. Your next words to somebody could be out of the heart of God. No one knew about this, but those of us at the table.
Got put that meeting together like a beautiful piece of music. You can’t beat Him.
What the Lord Jesus wants to be done, He will do! The Holy Spirit was leading every man to that table, and not one of us knew it. Sometimes being led by the Spirit of God may not be what we think at all. We felt nothing. Your next phone call, a trip to the store, or the post office may be your most anointed moment of the week; ordered by the Lord, don’t miss it. If we belong to the Lord, we are naturally supernatural when He needs for us to be.
Your loving heavenly Father can unscramble your life and seat you at His table where you really don’t belong.” Grace, Grace WonderfulGrace”. There is no doubt about it; God sees tomorrow before we see today.
Dr. Bob Allen
God Loves You. Fix your eye on the Straight Gate.
Short Takes – “Omnibus”
Opinion March 26, 2018 Omnibus is an ominous word. I once thought it was a double-decker bus in England. Now, whenever I see the word attached to a spending bill, I automatically know somebody is going to get a double decker screwing and it’s not politicians. Under the circumstances of the Omnibus Spending Bill cobbled together in a few days by four “bipartisan” senators who rank as the ttititual leaders of the corrupt “establishment, I thinks we may be in trouble. Politicians create the problem, then tell us they’ll solve the problems if only we re-elect them to office…BS!
I rather like the idea of a successful novice businessman seizing hold of the political machine, applying the tactics of business management (sales and profit) to its management style, firing heads who don’t understand the process and re-establishing the tenants of competent leadership. Apart from Trump, one or two other such successful leaders without prior experience, have revealed themselves. First time Senator David Perdue of Georgia and Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas come immediately to mind. But, I drift from my course.
It’s not the deficit spending that bothers me. Deficit spending is good, to a point, for stimulating an economy. As our money is simply fiat money anyway, no longer backed by any tangible asset, like gold, it presents no problem for government simply to print more. That’s what has been done since the 1970’s. It’s all a phony economy manipulated by phony politicians who have no business being there if we are to Make America Great Again.
What irks me most is giving some level of victory to the obstructionist Marxist Democrat Party, when they have already lost all except the media and their whining voice. They don’t even deserve to be in congress. They lost everything in three consecutive national elections including the empowerment of their chosen Queen, Hillary Clinton. To still pander to the Democrat party’s demands is to insult Americans everywhere, including the President.
More to the issue of Conservatives, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, stand as the finest examples of corrupt political leadership,. They are the complete antithesis of honest government. They are of the “swamp.” The just passed Omnibus spending bill, reluctantly signed by President Trump, is their baby. It’s a hodge-poge of idiocy, spending tax payer funds on projects that only invigorate Democrat politicians.
The irritating glee and euphoria shown by Sen. Chuckie Schemer and the Democrats dimming light, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, should be enough to alarm Conservatives everywhere. When we stop gagging, we should turn our undivided attention to removing these RiNO’s, and many others, from office. Every incumbent Republican congressman, without at least an 80% Conservative voting record, should be challenged and removed from office.
The Senate is still locked up by a Senate rules change authored by once crazy Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, a staunch and rabid Progressive, to keep Republicans from winning any votes. It’s the filibuster rule that ensures a stacked deck against the opposition and allows the Majority Leader to change between a majority vote (51) to a super majority vote (60), when it suits his him. It’s still in play and McConnell doesn’t use it. Hence, the Omnibus spending bill, an unread 2000 page document, yet another trick to keep the “deep state” alive,. That’s the epitome of corruption, not the hallmark of statesmanship. I’m sick at heart with the Republican Party. They keep begging for money to support conservatives against those rascally Democrats. They’ll not get another dime until I see America Made Great Again.
Remember, freedom is the goal, the Constitution is the way. Now, go get ‘em!
Headed for the Home Stretch
Politics, Press Release March 26, 2018 By: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
The 11th week of the 2018 Legislative Session was packed with three legislative days and committee meetings throughout the week. There was plenty to do and we worked long days to accomplish many of our goals as we head into the home stretch. We have only one week remaining under the Gold Dome in 2018 and numerous pieces of legislation to debate before we can gavel out for the year.
During this week, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2019 General Budget, also known as House Bill 684. The FY19 General Budget is around $26 billion and is built on approximately 2.4 percent state fund growth. Increases for transportation projects, health care and economic development in rural areas are all accounted for in the FY19 budget. The Senate passed this budget on Fridaywith some changes to the House version. The bill is now in a conference committee where members from each chamber will meet to come up with a compromise.
I carried two House Bills in the Senate this week – House Bills 696 and 735. HB 696 creates a sales and use tax exemption for electricity and computer infrastructure used by high-technology data centers. If Georgia wants to keep growing, we have to create a business environment to attract emerging technology companies to our state. Under the provisions of HB 696, a tiered system will be created to give data centers tax exemptions if they meet a ‘minimum investment threshold.’ In order to attract these centers to rural Georgia for job creation and economic growth, I amended HB 696 in committee by creating separate investment thresholds based on population. A center would need to invest at least $150 million in counties with populations of fewer than 50,000 and for counties with a population less than 30,001, the threshold is $100 million. Additionally, a center must create at least 20 high-quality jobs and meet a series of other requirements, which fall into the tiered system. The bill also contains an exemption certificate process and has annual reporting requirements.
House Bill 735 creates an income tax credit for Class III railroad tracks for up to 50 percent of maintenance costs. Class III railroads are usually short-line tracks, so this tax credit will benefit small businesses operating in Georgia. In addition to creating the credit, HB 735 will also exempt land within a railroad’s right-of-way that is covered with rail from any local government fees related to the collection, disposal or general management of stormwater. This exemption does not apply to the railroad’s station, maintenance building or any other land used for railroad purposes. Additionally, a tax credit would be created for carpet facilities who purchase $20 million in qualified investment properties and create 25 new full time jobs between the years of 2018 and 2020.
This week, I was given the opportunity to welcome two very impressive University of North Georgia cadets to our Chamber. We honored them with Senate Resolutions 818 and 819. SR 818 commends Cadet Bryton Wenzel, who was ranked as the fifth Army ROTC cadet in the nation. He will soon graduate as a Distinguished Military Graduate and will be commissioned with the Georgia National Guard as a second lieutenant upon his graduation. Cadet Andrew Gomez was honored with SR 819, and he was ranked as the second Army ROTC cadet in the nation. He was also named to the 2017 National Order of Merit List of the United States Army Cadet Command and will graduate as a Distinguished Military Graduate this year. He will also be commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation and will be joining the Army Cyber Branch. It was truly an honor to have these distinguished cadets and other members of UNG with us.
Our very busy week resulted in the passage of 54 pieces of legislation for the people of Georgia, and there will be many more in the coming week. We now have only two days remaining and much to get done in a short amount of time. Although our time is limited, our deliberations and reviews of legislation will not be done in haste. I look forward to continuing my work for the members of the 51st District as this session winds down, and as always, I am here to help if I can be of service in any way.
Fetch Your News Interviews 2018 Candidate for Georgia Governor Clay Tippins
Election, Election 2018, Politics March 21, 2018
BKP interviews Navy Seal, Business Executive, and 2018 Candidate for Georgia Governor Clay Tippins on Fetch Your News FYNTV.com. Tippins talks about if elected: cutting taxes, fixing schools, creating jobs, building roads, and protecting freedom.
Raised Bed Gardens vs. In-Ground Gardens
Outdoors March 19, 2018
By: Eddie Ayers, County Extension Agent
People often ask if a raised bed is better than an in ground one. To help answer this question I talked to Robert Westerfield and David Berle at the Urban Ag Center in Griffin. They had some very good information about this subject. A raised bed frame can be made of wood, masonry or other building material. Raised beds can vary in size depending on the site, the materials used in their construction and gardeners’ preferences, but they are typically 6 to 8 inches high, 3 to 6 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet long. Some raised bed frames are further elevated above the ground with blocks or bricks to make them more accessible to people who have difficulty bending or stooping. There are many advantages to gardening in raised beds, including:
- Manageability: Raised beds offer a manageable way to garden a smaller space intensively.
- Prevention of soil compaction and plant damage: One of the greatest advantages of raised beds comes from the protection the structure provides from foot traffic. Since people work on the paths and don’t walk in well-designed raised beds, the soil does not get compacted and plants are less likely to be damaged.
- Longer growing season: Raised beds warm up more quickly in the spring and drain better (assuming the soil is properly prepared) allowing for a longer growing season and better growing conditions. Particularly in the South, a properly prepared raised bed allows plant roots to breathe.
- Less weeding and maintenance: Once the soil in a raised bed has stabilized, compaction is almost non-existent so the need for seasonal tilling is minimal. Weed populations decrease over time in a raised bed that is well cared for and mulched.
- Better drainage: A well-prepared raised bed allows the soil to drain better than in an in-ground garden. In some areas of Georgia, the soil drains so poorly that raised beds enable gardening of crops that would not otherwise grow.
- Easier soil amendments: A raised bed can enable crop growth in an area that otherwise would not support gardening. On steep slopes, raised beds can act as a form of terracing. Raised beds can be built on parking lots and other compacted, difficult-to-garden urban soils. For specific crops that thrive in particular soils, raised beds can be amended appropriately.
- Material conservation: Because the gardening space is concentrated, the management of water, fertilizer, mulch and soil amendments can be more carefully controlled, leading to less waste.
- Access for gardeners with disabilities: Raised beds, at the proper height, can improve access for wheelchairs or for gardeners who have a hard time bending over.
- Reduced conflict: In gardens where plots are leased for the year, raised beds clearly define boundaries and reduce inadvertent trampling.
Now let’s look at In-Ground Gardens. Growing and gardening directly in the ground offers significant advantages. It allows the use of tractors to initially prepare areas plus the start-up costs are far lower than for raised beds. Other advantages include:
- Use of existing soil: Most soils are perfectly fine for gardening, provided the soil is properly tilled, mulched and watered. Even without organic amendments, most Georgia soils can produce a bountiful harvest.
- Financially economical: By using existing soil and not importing soil, money can be saved and used for organic amendments that would be needed to improve even the imported soil. Since it is highly unlikely to find real topsoil in Georgia, it is often better to improve what you have than import something new and possibly unknown. Purchased topsoil is usually either man-made (consisting largely of bark and sand) or similar to the soil already available on-site. If amended properly, clay soils have benefits that are not found in man-made soils. If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil a soil test is a good start. Soil testing is conducted through the Gilmer County UGA Extension office.
- Less start-up work: A flat, well-drained area can be prepared with a tractor or large roto-tiller.
- Less permanent: An in-ground garden can easily be replaced with another crop or moved to another location.
- Lower water requirements: In-ground beds won’t dry out as quickly as raised beds and will therefore require less water to maintain.
- Easier irrigation: Irrigation systems for flat, in-ground gardens are simple to design and easy to install compared to raised beds that require careful design and installation.
While there are many advantages to raised beds, there are also some disadvantages. Raised beds require the construction of a wall or edge restraint. While this can be built with recycled materials, it still requires additional work, at least initially. Elevated raised beds are even more expensive and require some degree of engineering to support the weight of the soil. Raised beds also need to be filled with soil, which can become expensive and requires a good understanding of soils and soil amending. Raised beds are more permanent than in-ground gardens, so planning for future use is essential. Some crops are not well suited to raised bed production. For example, sweet corn requires larger blocks of plants to ensure proper pollination. Watermelons tend to overtake a small raised bed, unless compact varieties are grown and perhaps trellised. Finally, most raised bed gardens rely exclusively on hand labor for all tasks, including planting, fertilizing and weeding. So before starting a garden, it is important to consider which type of garden is appropriate for your current and future needs plus the amount of time and resources your situation will require. For more information, contact me in the Gilmer County UGA Extension office.
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Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson Accuses FetchYourNews.com of Misleading the Community
News, Politics March 19, 2018
Dawson County Georgia Sheriff Jeff Johnson, accuses Fetch Your News of “implying that the requested additional yearly funds could have been used to fund a CAD System” on his Facebook Social Media page. He also explains in his post on social media to “Consider the Source”. We are interviewing the reporter who covered the story in this segment on FYNtv.com.
To read the Full stories covered by our reporter, click the links below:
Headley: Sheriff’s budget increase close to $1 million
Sheriff’s lawsuit against the county heads to court
Sheriff vs. Dawson County heads to courtroom
What next in Sheriff Johnson vs. Dawson County?
Sheriff, county fail to reach budget agreement
Judge rules against sheriff’s lawsuit against county
Sheriff had nearly $400,000 left in his 2017 budget when he sued the Board of Commissioners
WANTED: Youth Development Professionals In Pickens, Gilmer and Fannin Counties!
Announcements June 26, 2017
WANTED: Youth Development Professionals In Pickens, Gilmer and Fannin Counties! If you have experience working with youth and want to make a difference, please get in touch today! Do you want to join the team!!! click here to make a difference! 