Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

$1.00 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 Homer, Banks County, GA 30547 • A Publication of MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. • 12 Pages, 1 Section Plus Supplements Vol. 57 No. 38 BOE to hold public hearings on proposed $60 million budget The Banks County Board of Education will hold a public hearing Thursday on the proposed $60 million budget. The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the BOE building. A second public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Sept. 14. The projected revenue in cludes $21 million in state funds, $11.5 million in ad valorem taxes, $4.5 million in federal funds and $2 mil lion in education local op tion sales tax. The majority of the pro jected expenditures is $24 million for instruction. Other expenditures will include $7 million in facil ity acquisition and construc tion, $3 million in student transportation and $2.4 mil lion in maintenance and op erations. Car show fundraiser planned A car show fundraiser will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Windmill Park at the Banks County Recreation Department. Fees will be: $25 car en try; $25 vendor; and $2 ad mission. There will be raffle prizes and awards for cars, trucks, jeeps and tractors. All proceeds will go to purchase Christmas gifts for local kids in need, organiz ers state. Chamber CVB golf tourney set The Banks County Chamber of Commerce CVB annual golf tourna ment will be held Sept. 29 at Double Oaks Golf Club, Commerce. The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m. The fee is $400 for teams and $100 for in dividuals. Lunch will be served at the clubhouse. For registration or more infor mation, call 706-335-4866. Photos by Angela Gary A Banks County Sheriff’s Office deputy led the parade at the 51st annual Homer Labor Day Festival, followed by American Legion members with flags. The parade was part of the three-day festival. See more photos on Page 4. Thousands attend Homer’s 51 st annual Labor Day Festival The 51st annual Homer Labor Day Festival was held this past weekend with a parade, live entertainment and booths. Thousands of people attended the three- day festival held in down town Homer. A highlight on Saturday was the parade with Banks County School System su perintendent Dr. Ann Hop kins as the grand marshal. The parade also featured school groups, church floats, the high school marching band, horses and antique cars. Also on Satur day. “Dunk a Deputy” was held with all proceeds going to the Banks County Shop with a Hero program. That evening, the University of Georgia game was broad cast on the big LED screen. On Sunday, a church ser vice led by the Grove was held, followed by music from Georgia.. jfctTrTr-Mcircnij 4"*'A Boy Scout Pack 106 members Jackson Collins (left) and Noah Spurlock are shown enjoying a cool treat at the Homer Labor Day Festival. Input sought on county comp plan The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) is assisting Banks County with the updates of its Com prehensive Plan, the state-required documents that helps shape and coordinate local work programs for the commu nities across the state. The next meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, at the Banks County Courthouse An nex, 150 Hudson Valley Drive, Homer. “These planning processes are designed to ensure that major projects and policies for the community are devel oped with public input, ensuring a level of coordination between local and state level interests,” states Adam Hazell of the GMRC. Hazell adds, “We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the future of Banks County and hope to see you at our public events.” For any questions about the document or the process, contact Hazell at 738-538-2617 or ahazell@gmrc.ga.gov. The county comprehensive plan is updated every 10 years after seeking input from interested citizens and coun ty officials. It’s Fall Festival Time! Festival time coming up in Lula, Maysville, Gillsville It’s fall festival time across Northeast Georgia and special annual events are planned in Lula, Mays ville and Gillsville. LULA The Lula Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Rafe Banks Park/Lula Ballpark at 5831 Athens Street, Lula, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will will in clude artisans and crafters, food, children’s activities and live entertainment and music. The festival is sponsored by the Historical Society of Lula Bellton. MAYSVILLE The 56th annual Mays ville Autumn Leaf Festival will be held Friday-Satur- day, Oct. 6-7, at Veterans Park in downtown. Homs on Friday will be 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., while the festival will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. On Friday, live music will be provided by Richard Griffith. On Saturday, a street dance featuring Dirt Road Revival will be held. For more information on the festival, email mays- ville.comclub@gmail.com or text Brittney at 706-499- 7565. GILLSVILLE The Historic Gillsville Fall Folk Pottery Show will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event is hosted by the Craven-F erguson-Hewell families, who have a long history working in pottery. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Craven Pottery Inc., located at 6640 Highway 52, Gills ville. MURPHY AT THE MOUND Pitcher Reese Murphy pitches for the chance at another strikeout for the Lady Leopards. See more photos on Page 12. Photo by Hannah Caudell o