About Lake Oconee news. (Greensboro, GA) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 15, 2017)
Your official newspaper serving Greene, Morgan and Putnam counties in Georgia’s Lake Country | www.LakeOconeeNews.us VOL. 19 NO. 37 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 2017 75 CENTS James M. Morton james@lakeoconeenews.us T. Michael Stone/Staff A pair of transformers lay smashed on the sidewalk after the tropical storm moved through the city of Madison. Main Street was closed for most of the day Tuesday because of the damage done by falling trees. According to Gwen Ruark, director of Morgan County Emergency Management Agency, clean up work from Tropical Storm Irma was suspended Monday after safety concerns. “Trees were falling down right and left...,” Ruark said about why crews decided to call off clean up efforts for the night. “I know people were getting upset but, we’re not going to do you any good if we are rescuing our own people.” Ruark said 911 had been “run over with calls” throughout Monday when the storm hit. “They’ve done a jam-up job keeping up with these calls.” Sheriff Robert Markley cautioned people to only use 911 for true emergencies. “911 is meant for the emergencies. We also use the (706) 342-1200 for non-emergencies — but right SEE IRMA » A2 - James Morton/Staff Main Street in Madison was shut down Monday afternoon when a a tree fell across the road, taking a transformer with it. Clean up underway o 94922 87855 7 Published by Smith Communications Inc. GREENE COUNTY BOE petitions state for C&CA grant Dave Brown dave@lakeoconeenews.us Now that the paperwork has been completed, the Greene County Board of Education is playing a waiting game for a new College and Career Academy. Last week at it’s September regular meeting, the Board signed a memo randum of understanding to submit to the state board of education. The BOE should find out if the school system is approved to go forward with the C&CA and get some $3 million in matching funds from the state sometime in November around Thanksgiving. Members of the BOE posed some questions about possible outcomes of the C&CA prior to getting state approval. District 3 board member Clarence Hunt asked about going ahead with the C&CA even without state funding. District 1 board member Velicia Cobb asked about a construction timetable contingent upon getting approval from the state and suggest ed patience. “What if we don’t make it,” asked Cobb in reference to the state’s decision. Board chairman Michael Lynch sounded positive in his response. “We’re going to win,” said Lynch. “If not, we’re going to face that obstacle then.” Lynch pointed out the BOE should stick to its plan and not consider alternatives at this juncture of the process. “It’s logical for us,” said Lynch, “to keep our power dry and our cards close to the vest.” In other business, the BOE also unanimously agreed to sign a Tax Anticipation Note. The TAN allows the school district to borrow money to meet payroll while it waits for money to come in from Tax Commissioners Office. According to Greene finan cial officer Dean Ware, the school district had a TAN in 2014 and never borrowed against it. “This is to make sure if money is slow coming in from the tax office that we don’t miss a beat,” Ware said. Lynch agreed. “I think this is a prudent step to take,” he said. In addition, another MOU between the school district and the county Board of Health for an In fluenza Vaccine Clinic Program was unanimously agreed. Wilson - Bryant A company you can TRUST! / 866 Harmony Rd. Eatonton, GA 706-485-5456 • www.bryant-air.com
