Funding for the digitization of this title was provided by the Oconee Historical Society.
About The Oconee enterprise. (Watkinsville, Oconee County, Ga.) 1887-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 19, 2013)
A6 THE OCONEE ENTERPRISE DECEMBER 19, 2013 Letters to the Editor The Oconee Enterprise welcomes letters from readers. Send your letters to The Oconee Enterprise, P.O. Box 535, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 or e-mail to news@oconeeenterprise.com. Letters must not exceed 300 words, must be signed and include a daytime phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters, especially for length due to space considerations. Longtime residents share history The mini-lectures making up the final segment of the recent “Watkinsville on the Lawn” event occurred too late for coverage in the local papers. They were historically important, comprising brief narratives by six “old time” citizens about historical topics any citizen should have enjoyed, because the speakers’ deep personal knowledge was all encompassing. The topics were: ■ The self-sufficiently and contri butions to the economy of the county prison system (the “chain gang”). ■ An overview of the mayoralty. ■ How a 21-year-old man became the leading town figure. ■ How in “choo-choo” train days, teenage boys distributed the three Atlanta plus one Athens newspa pers by bicycle. ■ The complexities of compiling and marketing the comprehensive Oconee History. ■ Events leading to Watkinsville installing its public water supply. To me, the history of our town is a fascinating topic, and an edited version of these remarks should be a shelf of “Oconee History Society” documents, if one existed. —Albert Ward Watkinsville Reunion rekindles high school pride The Oconee County High School Class of 1998 had a great reunion Nov. 29 at Ashford Manor. Cassidy Carson, Rachel Huntoon, Amanada Cunningham Bennett, Amanda Hayes Cartrette, Justin Reese and Jennifer Inglett can’t be thanked enough for planning the food and finding the Celine Dion music. Amanda Pritchett Ramsey, Angie Lovern Durham, Anna Kate Murrill, Ashleigh Jackson, Carrie Abrado, Beth Fogle, Timothy Adams, Charity Baker, Chris Whitley, Erin Gallagher Forester, Jake Sosebee, Amanda Gunter, Jenny Scott, Cassandra Graper Williams, Mark Malueg, Tyler Boykin and Jill Davis Faulkner brought memories to share. Karl Goodhew, Andy Davis and Chuck Roberts kept us from getting lost on Epps Bridge and Hog Mountain Road. Jerry Calbos, Jessica Grayson Skelton, Karen Conley, Kellie Colquitt, Kirby Towns, Kristen Cumuze Feutral, Alisia Mahatoo, Melissa Haley Shaw, Sherri Drewry O’Mahoney, James Adcock, Jhemika Rooks Nash, Michael Riggins, Robin Watts, Mary Corbin, Trey Downs, Shannon Miller Fleeman, Matt Hoard, Austin Marable and Justin Foies also attended. We are grateful for the parents and teachers, the neighbors and friends, who have supported us through the years. Many of us started half-day kindergarten together in 1985. Mr. Sammy Sanders urged us to try hard in first grade at Oconee County Elementary School. We were at Oconee County Primary for second grade when the doors opened in 1987. We were the last sixth graders on Colham Ferry Road in 1991 and the last class to graduate at Oconee County High School in 1998. Dr. Debra Harden gave us our diplomas on the football field during a thunderstorm. She was soaking wet by the time it was over, but all we remember is the rainbow that appeared overhead as we sang the Alma Mater. For some reason, graduation ceremonies were moved to the University of Georgia Coliseum the following year. —Katie Bennewitz Kansas City, Missouri Some local moments from 2013 stand out What a year! With so much to choose from, these are the Oconee Enterprise stories from 2013 that caught my eye. ■ If Etch-a-Sketches are out lawed: In January, a driver on Epps Bridge Road was the victim of an Etch-A-Sketch assault, when one was hurled at his car by an outlaw in another vehicle; wit nesses say a middle finger was involved. The Democratic Party of Georgia immediately filed legisla tion to compel registration of Etch-A-Sketches and close the so- called Toy Store Loophole. ■ Move on and move out: In February, Paul Broun set forth his scheme to surrender his seat in the House of Representatives and run for a better one in the U.S. Senate. Although his goal is to cut wasteful government spend ing, his quest for a spot on the government dole began in 1990. Upon hearing the word “surren der” and after considering Broun’s likelihood of success, Democrats, scientists, and all creatures capable of compassion and complex thought erupted in spontaneous celebration.? ■ Now i know what chutzpah means: In March, a Jimmy Daniel Road-resident reported that his 9- millimeter Glock pistol was miss ing from his auto, which had been • impounded when he was arrested for DUI. There should be a felony DUI called DUIA - driving under the influence and armed. Or bet ter yet, AUI - armed and under the influence. ■ Kids say the damdest things: In May, Oconee County deputies went to a New High Shoals Road home on an arrest warrant. Two women, one with a toddler, answered the door and denied knowing Derek, the subject of the warrant. With the smell of mari juana heavy in the air, they gave the deputies permission to search. The one with the child took the deputy to another room, where she again denied knowing Derek. The deputy asked the boy if he knew Derek. His answer? “Yes. Meet the G Ratedeer He can boost the rate on your CD. Earn .65% APY* for 11 months with our Ratedeer CD PLUS get a boost to .70% up to 1.15% APY,* depending on the Ratedeer you choose Community & Southern Bank 800.901.8075 • myCSBonline.com 'Annual Percentage Yield. APY assumes principal and interest remain on deposit until maturity. Interest is compounded and credited to the balance quarterly. Minimum opening deposit for 11 month CD/IRA is $500. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. One Holiday Bonus CD per primary Social Security number. Offer is available for consumer and business accounts and not available for public fund accounts or other financial institutions. The Rate / APY is .65% plus the bonus and depend ing upon the bonus awarded, will be between .70% 8 1.15%. At maturity, the CD will renew automatically for the same term and at the market rate set at the time of maturity. Offer is effective December 2,2013 and may be withdrawn at any time. Member FDIC John MacKay Approachin g the Line He is hiding in the kitchen.” Canine deputy Cago executed the warrant. ■ Put some effort into it: In July, a deputy approached a car that was straddling two lanes of traffic on Monroe Highway at Mars Hill Road. The man behind the wheel smelled of alcohol, prompting the deputy to ask him if he had been drinking. One would expect the traditional “two beer” response, but this gentleman apparently did n’t have the time or sobriety to pull that off. His response was a noncommittal “Not really.” A field sobriety test followed, which he failed. ■ And put up a parking lot: At its meeting in November our county commissioners, Republicans all, voted down a proposal to allow chickens in back yards. Even when the chickens are pets or for family eggs, and even if the back Land For Sale!!! Oconee County Price Mill Tract, +/- 336 Ac, $4225/Ac. Dixie Wood Tract, +/-182 Ac, $3990/Ac. Hancock County A Woody Creek Tract, +/- 77 Ac $995/Ac. ^ Fort Creek Tract, +/-146 Ac $995/Ac. Call Jesse Johnson with Southern Land Exchange. (cell) 706-614-4855, (off) 706.549.5050 yards consist of several acres in which goats, horses, and cattle are permitted. So much for that “less government” thing.? We’ve got some crazy people in this county, and it’s not just the politicians! Come on people, get your car, your guns (like you’re ever without them!), an intoxicant or two, and an elective office. I’ll put you in next year’s review. John MacKay is a retired lawyer living in North High Shoals. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING Visit a REAL Christmas Tree Farm! 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