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PACE 2B THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2008 SPORTS NOTICES OUTDOORS WITH SKIPPER • Christmas Tree And Wreath Sale The BCHS football program is sponsoring a Christmas tree and wreath sale to benefit the 2008 Season Banquet for the athletes. Orders are open through Tuesday, Dec. 2. An order form is available on www.mainstreetnewssports.com under the Other Sports page. Orders can be picked up between 5 - 9 p.m. Dec. 5, at the Ag Barn at the high school, or between 10 - 2 a.m. Dec. 6. Also on Friday, Dec. 5, there will be an evening of fun for all Banks County children. Enjoy a visit with Santa, craft table, cookie decoration, cake walk, jumping machine, hay ride and more. Parking is on the Ag bam side of the school as the festivities will take place on the bus ramp side. • 2008 Deer Hunt For The Handicapped\ Dec. 7 9-20 The DNR announces that applications are being accepted for the inaugural Banks County Deer hunt for handicapped hunters. The hunt will be held at the Windmill Farm location. Applicants must possess a hunter education certificate before applying. The hunt is planned for hunters permanently confined to wheelchairs, but other disabilities may be considered. Additional requirements can be found on the application forms. Deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m., Dec. 3, at the Banks County Extension Office located at 413 Evans Street in Homer. Applications are available at the Banks County Extension office, the Wal-Mart at Banks Crossing, and at Shuler’s Great Outdoors at Banks Crossing. For more information contact the Banks County Extension Office at 706-677-6230. III _ m - Sam.'. Hi jr ■ A ft, k■£' fm m ffl L 1 •VvV. m i 1 A BANDITS WIN SECOND TOURNEY The North Georgia Bandits 16-under fast pitch softball team won their second tournament at the ISA Fall Finale in Alpharetta, and went undefeated in the tournament while facing some of the toughest teams in the state. Outscoring opponents 33-3 for the day, the team swept a team from Spartanburg, SC for the victory. The Bandits are comprised of girls from several high schools. Pictured are front row (L-R): Stephanie Satterfield from White County High School and Jordin Ellingson from Habersham Central High School; back row: Brooke Yar brough from East Jackson High School, assistant coach Greg Satterfield, Kim Garrett from Gilmer County High School, Ashley Denton from Banks County High School, "E" Ellenburg from Rabun County High School, Marina DeFoor from Rabun County High School, Kelsie Gray from Habersham Central High School, Kylee Martin from Habersham Central High School, Morgan Jacobsen from White County High School, Laura Rose Pickens from Banks County High School and head coach Jimmy Martin. Photo courtesy of Rita Pickens YOUNG GRAPPLERS COMPETE IN DUALS Over 150 youth wrestlers from five local schools competed in the Jefferson Du als this past Saturday. The Youth Wrestling Clubs competing included Banks County, Commerce, Jefferson, Jackson County and North Hall. Pictured are Gavin Blackburn (top) from the Banks County Wrestling Club and Elijah Has- sett from the Commerce Wrestling Club. Photo courtesy of Amy Flint Thanks Givings I was just headed to church yesterday and thinking about things I was thankful for. The enjoyment of the great outdoors that God has given us, as I watched a doe and her yearling around 20 yards from my stand on a cold, 18-degree Saturday morning last week end. Watching them reach around and lick their backs and then resume the search for more acorns. Seeing the smoke from folk’s chimneys, knowing that it meant warmth from a fireplace, when it was chilly outside. For my wife of 44 years, this coming January it will be 45. Her support, encouragement, and keeping me straight, has been a real blessing through all these years. Our children and grandchil dren, each one a blessing to us with their lives. Not one heart ache from them so far. Having the freedom to go to the church of our choice. A freedom we have because of those who purchased our freedom and still are. A big thanks to our troops in the military. For friends to share hunting and fishing stories with. It’s not much fun if there is no one to share your great times with. For a God who knows all about us and our situations. Who is still in con trol, though the world around us is in difficult times. For the ability to see the dis tant approach of a deer, head ing my way. To smell the fragrance of a rose in the springtime or the decaying leaves in the fall as they descend to the forest floor. To hear the scurrying of a squirrel in the leaves, and the sound of a yearling bleating to its mother. One day I might not be able to. For family times together this Thanksgiving, as the grandchildren run and play. For the laughter and the teas ing. For plenty of food on the dining room table, with leftovers, when so much of the world is hungry. For the time, I as a youngster of age 15, at a revival in Tampa, Fla., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. For 52 years since that time, He has never failed me. For a Glorious Future waiting when this life is over. A home in heaven, streets paved with gold, a crystal clear river. Seeing my Savior and Christian friends and loved ones for all eter nity. Oh, may we all have an “Attitude of Gratitude” this Thanksgiving. May we count our blessings and name them one by one. Truly, God is Good. Skipper Smith is cm outdoors columnist for The Banks County News. His col umn appears weekly. Let him know about your outdoors or hunting adventures at 706-677-1520. skipper smith Lady Leopards continued from page IB Scores were unavailable at press time for Tuesday’s game. Go online to www.mainstreetnewssports.com for scores from Tuesday’s tournament game. Leading the Lady Leopards Monday night, Lacey Saxon scored 11 points including three, three-pointers. Second leading scorer for the ladies was Jessica Grisham scoring eight points including two, three-pointers. Following Grisham, Lauren Kennedy scored a field goal and a three-pointer for five points, tying Katlyn Parks’ two field goals and free throw. Nearly every Lady Leopard that stepped onto the court against Oglethorpe scored at least two points during Monday’s game. MOVING DOWN THE COURT Erika Evans cuts past a Lakeview defender during the Lady Leopards opener last Thursday. Photo by Justin Poole Basketball continued from page IB that number has to come down. Ruth said that once the players start control ling the number of forced turnovers on them, coupled with their great job at rebounding, the Leopards should have a great season. The Leopards took five charges in Monday’s game, and played the pressure on Oglethorpe, which is important, since the Leopards will be facing the Patriots later in sub-region games. Leading the scores for Banks was Chase Armour with 16 points followed by Quinton Lovelace with 13 points. Kevin Daniel scored all 12 of his points in the second half of the game. YOU CAN OWN YOUR OWN HOME! Ik STOP PAYING RENT! • 100% Purchase Program • No Private Mortgage Insurance • No Rental History Required (some restrictions apply) Call Toll Free 1-877-451-2506 www.firstratemtg.com First Rate Mortgage, Inc. 2377 Terrell Drive • Atlanta, GA 30341 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #13134 www.commercechrvslerdodgeieep.com COMMERCE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (706) 335-2800 NO HASSLE! NO HAGGLE! ' ALL REMAINING 2008 CHRYSLER DODGE ^ AND JEEP VEHICLES IN STOCK ONLY