Pickens County progress. (Jasper, Ga.) 1899-current, February 23, 2023, Image 1

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Newspaper Page TextThursday, February 23, 2023 | Volume 135 Number 45 | Jasper, Georgia | 20 pages, 2 sections | Published Weekly | $1.00 The mailbox mystery of Cove Lake How did Milton, Ga. mailboxes wind up in a gated community here? By Angela Reinhardt Staff Writer areinhardt@pickensprogress.com Aheap of mailboxes stolen from Milton, Ga. was found in a gated community in east Pickens County, with no clear motivation for the thefts known. According to a Pickens Sheriff’s incident report, on Feb. 6 a resident of Cove Lake contacted authorities to report possible stolen property. The man recently saw a television news story about mailboxes stolen from communities in Milton, which is about 30 miles south of Cove Lake. That story listed roads the mailboxes had been taken from, in cluding Glencreek Way. The Cove Lake resident spotted that name on one discarded mailbox here. The entrance to the community off Cove Road is protected with a tall metal gate and code entry access panel. A split wood fence connects to the gate. When the deputy arrived at Cove Lake, he was directed to the community pavilion. The deputy saw mail left in some of the mail boxes, according to the report. Due to the size and number of the boxes, the responding deputy was not able to fit them in his vehi cle and had to call for assistance. While he waited, another resi- See Mailbox on 9A Photo/Pickens Sheriff’s Office A pile of mailboxes found in the Cove Lake gated community off Cove Road. A resident recognized the street name on one of them from a story on television about them being stolen. Judge says Wilsons used volunteerism, church to hide true character at sentencing Carlton Wilson’s intake photo at the Ga. Department of Corrections. There was no book-in photo for Cindy Wil son available as she remains in the Pickens County Adult Detention Center awaiting transport to a state prison. By Angela Reinhardt Staff Writer areinhardt@pickensprogress.com Former Pickens County Superintendent Carlton Wil son and his wife Cindy Wil son were sentenced for numerous financial crimes in court Wednesday, Feb. 15. The crimes relate to their theft from Appalachian Gun Range where they were co owners, in addition to theft from the Boy Scouts of Amer ica and from the Pickens County government by Mr. Wilson. Following testimony from Appalachian Gun Range co- See Wilsons on 9A First ladder truck coming to Jasper Fire By Angela Reinhardt Staff Writer areinhardt@pickensprogress.com The city of Jasper has purchased a ladder truck that will allow them to reach higher buildings to suppress fire, and provide other bene fits for emergency workers and the community at large. “It's something we've been considering for some time now as we look towards the growth of our community and future needs,” said Jasper Asst. City Manager Kim Goldener. The ladder truck isn’t brand new, but it’s new to the city. It’s a refurbished model and has been inspected by fire leaders, with delivery ex pected in a few months. “The [fire] chiefs went to Alabama last week and went over it completely, and it is in good condition,” Goldener By Max Caylor Progress Contributor Mardi Gras came to Jasper Satur day night at Chattahoochee Tech as a record more than 500 tickets were sold for the annual fundraiser benefit- ting Georgia Mountains Hospice. The highlight of the evening was crowning a king and queen with nom inees from Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer counties competing to raise the most $ 1 votes. Pickens nominees Michelle Tidwell and Matt Chastain were crowned king and queen for raising the most money for the non profit. In all $48,500 was raised by the tri-county representatives. Queen Michelle Tidwell is the branch manager of the iTHINK Fi nancial Credit Union in Jasper. She serves on the Chamber board, is the program coordinator for Jasper Ro tary and was named the Chamber’s 2022 Ambassador of the Year. King Matt Chastain lives in Hinton and followed his late father’s foot steps with a career in the poultry in dustry. He is the Live Production manager for the Pilgrim’s Pride Cor poration in Canton. He performs with his voice and guitar in many local charity and community events. Hayden Holcomb and Brooke Schmidt were the Cherokee County representatives while Regina Payne and Keith Burton represented Gilmer. The winter gala is sponsored by Georgia Mountains Hospice, the Knights of Columbus from Jasper and Ellijay and The Rotary Club of Jasper. See Mardi Gras on 3A photos/Max Caylor Above, King Matt Chastain holds out the royal scepter; below Queen Michelle Tidwell is crowed by 2022 Queen Melissa Jordan. Worley Crossroads paving possible; Tate sidewalk project coming soon; water meters stalled by supply chain issues Commissioners hold February meeting By Dan Pool Editor dpooI@pickensprogress.com During Thursday’s com missioners’ meeting, County Utilities Director Phillip Dean reported they are awaiting delivery of 200 water meters to start new services in 2023 and that should be enough for the year. It’s all they are likely to get in any event, as supply chain issues continue to plague construction. Dean said he ordered the meters in November of last year and they are expected before March. In 2022 the county in stalled 168 meters for new service. “We may pass last year,” he said, noting that the 200 should be sufficient. From 2018 through Dec. 31st of last year, they have set a total of 683 meters. Dean said they had in stalled a 6-inch line to re- photo/Dan Pool A county water department crew installs a line to connect a home on Jay Moss Lane - They will come back with a meter once the line is complete. (L-R) Mike Kimbrell, Chris Rogers and Stephen Waters. Not shown Steve Parker who was working on the other side of the road. Parker said on a good day they can set three or four of the meters/connections, but it depends on whether they have to bore under a road and if they hit rock. place a 4-inch line on leaks in that area. They will Childers Lane, which will add fire hydrants on the hopefully stop frequent road. Kaleb Nicholson brings home wrestling championship Page 1B Education New school start times proposed Page 8A Black Powder shooters donate to Veterans Park Page 12A Obituaries 6A • Thomas Daniel • Kelly Hammond • Dan Huth • Phillip Landrum Jr. • Audrey Wells • Ann Wilson • George Yohler Contact Us 94 North Main Street Jasper, Ga. 30143 706-253-2457 pickensprogress.com $1.00 per copy 0 See Ladder Truck on 9A See Cornish on 9A

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Pickens County progress. (Jasper, Ga.) 1899-current, February 23, 2023, Image 1