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Serving Braselton, Hoschton, Chateau Elan, Traditions, Reunion, Deaton Creek and West Jackson 500 copy Wednesday, June 7, 2017 Vol. 10 No. 26 A publication of MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. www.BraseltonNewsTODAY.com 16 pages, 2 sections Two killed in motorcycle accidents By Alex Pace Two people were killed this week follow ing separate motorcycle accidents in the Braselton area. ROAD ATLANTA ACCIDENT In the first crash, a long time volunteer at Road Atlanta was killed during a race on Saturday afternoon while trying to get to an injured driver. Hazel Harrell, 60, who was working as a comer judge at the WERA Cycle Jam, was struck and killed by a motorcycle. Harrell was crossing the track trying to get to a driver who went down and was injured in the turn, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, The track was under a yellow flag advisory and moving to a red flag advisory. “A witness said that it appeared that the victim either stumbled and fell or possibly twisted an ankle while crossing the track,” HCSO's Stephen Wilbanks wrote. “One motorcycle was able to swerve and avoid her, but the rider immediately behind that one was unable to see her until the first bike took evasive action. There wasn’t enough time for that rider to react, and that bike is the one that shuck the victim.” No charges are expected. Harrell stopped breathing after paramed ics arrived. She was transported to North east Georgia Medical Center Braselton. Kelsi Nilsson, manager of PR and mar keting at Road Atlanta, described it as a “terrible tragedy.” “We at Road Atlanta are devastated to confirm the passing of one of our own. Hazel Harrell, this weekend,” the racing venue released in a statement. “A member of the Road Atlanta family for nearly two decades, we will miss her sorely. Our deep est condolences go out to her family and friends and the entire racing community that knew and loved her.” Harrell was a familiar face at Turn 7 at Road Atlanta, where she was a long time volunteer. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing repre sentatives described Harrell as “one of the good people in the sport of roadracing, both cars and bikes.” “Our racing family lost a truly wonderful person this weekend.” WERA representa tives wrote on social media. “Hazel was working her comer at Road Atlanta (T7) when she lost her life. We’re all absolutely gutted and in shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her many friends and family.” Condolences have poured in on Har rell’s Facebook page as friends, racers and coworkers reflect on Harrell’s years at Road Atlanta where she was known as the “Turn 7 Girl.” “Turn 7 will never be the same,” one person wrote. A GoFundMe account has been creat ed to help with funeral expenses, raising over $26,000 in less than 24 hours. For more information, visit gofundme.com/ hazel-harrell. A memorial event is reportedly planned for Harrell at Road Atlanta on June 24. HWY. 347 ACCIDENT In the second crash, a 70-year-old Duluth man was killed in a motorcycle wreck in South Hall. Charges have since been filed against the other driver. William Frey was driving on Hwy. 347 Sunday evening when a 2002 Ford Ranger driven by Michael Jesperson, 63, of Law- renceville, failed to yield when turning left into a private driveway. Frey’s motorcycle struck Jesperson’s Ranger and he was ejected. Frey died in the accident. Jesperson was booked into the Hall County Jail around 11:20 p.m. on Sun day. He’s charged with driving under the influence, failure to yield and vehicular homicide. Hoschton plans summer concert for June 17 The City of Hoschton will host a free summer concert on Saturday, June 17, from 7-10 p.m. in downtown. Moonshine Serenade and Wild Hares will be perform ing in this “Jimmy Buffett style” concert. Other highlights include a bouncy house, food vendors and beer and wine vendors. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Brevet ride coming up Jackson County Brevet plans its eighth annual Charity Bike Ride on Saturday, June 17, in Braselton. The ride begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $55 through June 11 and $65 from June 12-17. Same day registration (if not sold out by June 17) and pre-registration check-in is open from 6-7 a.m. Various rest stops with food and drink will be set up along the ride (every 18 miles on average) with SAG vehicles on all routes. The event will benefit Aplastic Anemia research in the United States. Aplastic Anemia is a rare, deadly condition in which the bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The disease can strike people of any age, race and gender, although more common among children and teenagers. Between 300 and 600 people are diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia each year in the United States. “We are committed to affecting a change in treatment for those fighting as well as those yet to be diagnosed,” said Chris Ouimet, ride director of the Jackson County Brevet. “We will continue to raise funds to donate to research being conducted locally where an unprecedented .90 of every dollar goes directly into research.” Following the event, participants are invited to a compli mentary after-ride meal provided by Buffalo Wild Wings. A 2017 Cannondale CAAD 12 Ultegra Disc road bike will be awarded to the raffle ticket winner. Other raffle items will be available. For more information, to register or to donate, visit www.JacksonBrevet.com. Movie Under the Stars nears in Braselton Movie Under the Stars on the Green will be held Satur day, June 17. The animated movie, “Lego Batman” will be screening. The movie begins at dusk and will be shown on the Braselton Town Green. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Bra- seltonTownGreen. o o Contact Us • News: news@mainstreet- news.com, call 706-621-5678 or fax to 706-387-5421 •Ads: ads@mainstreetnews. com or call 706-367-5233 Online Follow us on Facebook by becoming a fan of The Bra selton News www.Braselton NewsTODAY.com Farmers market opens Braselton family at farmers market Collier Williams, 10, Catherine Rowland, 6, and Rhodes Williams, 4, are shown with their babysitter, Arielle Sabina, at the opening day of Braselton’s summer farmers market. Here, they pick out all natu ral vegetarian dog treats at Best Friends Biscuits by Lee Carmon. Their mother is Stephanie Williams. They are members of the Braselton family. Photos by Wesleigh Sagon Organic seasonings sold Jerry and Donette Hatcher of Mill Creek Spice Co. sold herbs, spice blends, and rubs during the open ing day of Braselton’s summer farmers market Friday. He plans on selling his homemade seasonings full time after retirement. See more on page 3A. Budget hearings set this week Budget hearings will be held this week for the Town of Braselton. Details include: •the mayor and council will take public comment on its general fund budget on Thursday. June 8, at 4 p.m. Proposed expenses total $4 million with revenues expected to total $5.4 million. Proposed public works expenses total $5.7 million with revenues expected to total $6.4 million. •the Downtown Development Authority plans its public hearing on its $66,250 budget Thursday, June 8, at 11 a.m. •the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority plans a public hearing Friday. June 9, at 10 a.m., for its $405,500 budget. •the Braselton Urban Redevelop ment Agency will have its public hearing Thursday, June 8, at 9:30 a.m. for its $175,000 budget. See more details in next week’s issue of The Braselton News. All meetings will be held in the courtroom of the Braselton Police and Municipal Court building at 5040 Hwy. 53.