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WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2008 THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS PACE 5A Letters to the Editor Offers thanks for assistance after storm Dear Editor: I would like to thank everyone that helped last week after violent storms toppled trees, downed power lines, and took a life from our Poplar Springs Community. I want to take the opportunity to thank the Banks County Fire Department, Chief Gary Pollard, and all the volunteer firefighters that responded to the Hickory Flat Road incident last week after the storm. Many people came to help clear the road from the trees that had been forced down by the severe weather. I want to thank Sheriff Charles Chapman and the quick response from the Banks County Sheriff’s Department in assisting the com munity with getting on the scene so quickly. I also want to thank the firefighters that responded from Fee Arrendale State Prison, along with crews from Jackson EMC that came so quickly. Thanks also to Commission Chairman Gene Hart and the Banks County road crew that came out during the storm to clear the right of way of all the debris and trees that fell. In addition, a sincere thanks to the staff at Banks County 911 who coordinated all the agencies that responded to our tragedy. It is great to know that when in a time of need those that we rely on to help us do so in such a personal and professional manner. Our neighbors and family mem bers that came so quickly and assist ed each other during this trying time also need our recognition. To all who helped, a grateful “Thank you” for all you do, and all that you did that night. Sincerely, Michael Boyle Says parents trash Rylee’s reputation Dear Editor: If you have been following the story of Banks County assistant principal Lori Rylee, I’m sure you noticed the statement made by the parents’ attorney in last week’s paper. He is now saying that the parents are not alleging that their children actually drank out of a contaminated water fountain. Mr. Caudell should look up the reports his clients gave to Fox 5 News and Channel 32 News. They not only alleged their students drank from a “urine tainted water foun tain,” they were trying to make all of us think it was the truth. Now that we know there was no urine in the fountain, they want to back pedal. Now that these people have trashed Ms. Rylee’s reputation, jeopardized her job, and insulted her on a state wide level, they want to change their accusations. Where will it end? Sicerely, Leigh Roberts Maysville Democrats at fault for oil situation Dear Editor: The Democrats’ way to fix the oil crisis is to sue OPEC for not increas ing oil production which helped crude oil to skyrocket, a woefully inadequate response to the problem. Send in the high priced lawyers and create a mountain of red tape. Not to mention years of court battles with lawless Arab billionaire thugs. What were they thinking? Then there is Maxine Waters, House representative. She believes the government should take over the oil industry. Waters and 72 of her Democratic cohorts belong to the Progressive Caucus, which believes America would be better off as a socialist country. They believe if something is making a profit, it should be government run. This will do away with class envy, they say. All Americans will finally be equal in every way. Truth is, we will be equally worse off as a bloated, out of control government sucks its citi zens dry. Oil is not a dirty word or evil. Oil fuels the equipment that feeds the world; it is this nation’s life blood. It is our protection and freedom. Without it, our country will come to a grinding stop. Are you all ready for another great depression? It is a lie that Democrats are for the working man. They do not feel his pain when a working man goes broke at the gas pump. Instead of stupid decisions like suing Arab thugs, put America to work with good jobs drilling our own black gold. Hey Democrats, Keep it in the USA. Jeff Stewart Commerce STICK WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS Your 25-Word Classified Ad Goes Into 5 Newspapers & On The Internet For Just $10.00 CALL 367-5233 or ONLINE at mains treetnews .com EXERCISE YOUR FREEDOM OF CHOICE! You choose the term that’s right for you. K of Georgia — Declare Your Independence Whether it’s home, business ownership, or early retirement, your American dream can be a reality with the right bank partnership. We are a true community bank committed to service and your success. Achieve financial independence with our special CD rate, and “you choose” terms. COMMERCE 3165 Maysville Rd. 706.423.2500 HOMER 185 Oak Street 706.677.5250 JEFFERSON 1057 Winder Hwy. 706.367.4300 WINDER 20 W. May Street 770.867.8737 www.freedombankga.com * Annual Percentage Yield. Rate is subject to change without notice and may be withdrawn at anytime. The minimum balance to open and obtain the APY is $500. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. The APY assumes interest will remain on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. The APY is accurate as of this publication. MEMBER FDIC Group of parents, educators and citizens support Rylee To the Editor: We are a group of parents, edu cators, and concerned citizens that want to voice our support for Assistant Principal Lori Rylee. We have all had the opportunity to come to know Lori. Lori is a person of remarkable character and an edu cator of impeccable credentials. For 13 years, she has dedicated her self to the children of Banks County as a teacher and as an administrator; and our community is better for it. We feel it is time for this commu nity to come together and put this matter behind us and return to the job of educating our children. We ask that the School Board recognize the prior service provid ed by Lori and do the right thing by allowing her to remain as the assistant principal at Banks County Elementary School. We strongly feel this is best for our community and children. Sincerely, Linda Scoggins, Stephanie Payne, Penny and Scott Carlan & Sarah Carlan, Kathy Walterhouse, Marie Williams, Arlene Ivey, Bill, April, Casey and Blaze Turner, Jennifer Voyles, Wendy Collins, Lee Overacker, Connie Overacker Dana Boling, Brian and Rachel Nix, Nerick Rylee, Deana Hart and April Turner and family. Also, Lynda Rylee, Faith Simpson, Donna Martin, Lora Bellamy, Angelia Baker, Cynthia Brown, Frances Garrish, Alisha S. Roberts, Penny Hill, Jim and Judy Redmond, Donna Marcus, Wes Whitfield, Myranda McDonald, Vickie Martin, Angie Bowen, Linda Elliott, Blake and Chrystal Carlan and Michelle Carnes. Also, Robin Watson, Donna Clark. Jan Schreba, Becky Payne, Karyn Wilburn, Jennifer Lehotsky, Debbie Morgan, Terri Ross and Mike Gordon. Lula council prepares for Monday’s session BY JUSTIN POOLE The Lula City Council met Monday night to iron out the details of items to be on the agenda of the regu lar monthly council meeting next Monday. Items discussed included the following: •the right of way ordinance. A “first reading” of the proposed ordi nance will be held Monday. •moving $38,212 to capital expen ditures as a deposit for the fountain at the Veterans Park. •vendors and pricing for modifica tions to the cemetery sidewalks. The mayor stated that initially the cost was budgeted for $10,000. A deci sion will have to be made whether to accept an amount over this or to wait for a more acceptable bid. •possibly hiring a part-time code enforcement officer to help with enforcement and inspections. •purchasing a sewer-line camera versus hiring a company to handle calls. The reasoning is that due to commitments made to EPD, the sewer lines need to be inspected and any repair work would need to be started. In other business at the work ses sion this week: •city manager Dennis Bergin clari fied the amount due for the city hall signage. The correct amount is $2,800. •Mayor Milton Turner told the council members he would like them to check out mini-utility trucks simi lar to the ones purchased by the city of Cornelia. The trucks were noted for fuel efficiency. •the council discussed water con tracting and overlap between the city and Gainesville and with Hall County. Bergin said that the real issue is making sure the areas between are covered and have access. •Bergin said that he will be travel ing to Atlanta July 28 to take part in a workshop dealing with the funding for the I-TEA grant. •it was announced that July 28 is the Joint Local Government meeting in Lula at the depot. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. •the council discussed financial status on the GEFA loan package and the possibility of further discus sion on Monday. •it was stated that current condi tions show that the city is still within budget for July. •it was announced that an appeal hearing will be held on August 4 at 6 p.m. at city hall for the Highland Lake proposed subdivision. •city clerk Rosemary Totty said that the water quality report has been mailed out. •it was announced that the dead line for the EPA program reports is August 18 and the council still has to send someone to the required EPD training to learn about the Stage 2 Monitoring requirements. •Yard of the Month winners were acknowledged. •it was reported that two sealed bids have been turned in for the solid waste agreement and are being pushed to a later meeting and will not be discussed at Monday’s meet ing. Where the Fun Begins and Never Ends!! 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