Ralston dedicates Cecil Mathews Memorial Bridge in Ellijay
Community, News September 15, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – A new sign for the Cecil Mathews Memorial Bridge stands on the roadside just at Turniptown Creek just before you get to the shops at Whitepath Commons when traveling from Ellijay. A simple brown sign stands for a man of Ellijay’s history.
Georgia Speaker of the House, David Ralston speaks at the dedication ceremony of the Cecil Mathews Memorial Bridge on September 14, 2021.
On September 14, 2021, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives and Representative of District 7, David Ralston visited the site with family and friends of the late Cecil Mathews to dedicate the bridge over Turniptown Creek to him.
With 7 kids, six daughters and one son, Cecil Mathews was memorialized in a ceremony dedicating the bridge to his memory for his remaining family. All of his children but one were able to attend, but few had a short drive. Eldest child Maxine Clark said that many of the siblings are spread all over the southeast from Kentucky to Alabama and one still living in Ellijay.
With local leaders Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson and Chamber President/CEO Jennifer Grimmer also attending, the family listened as Speaker Ralston read the official resolution naming the bridge and delivered two duplicated signs to the family members.
Ralston said, “He was a very highly thought of person in this community.”
During the ceremony on Tuesday, Septermber 14, 2021, the first sign was revealed for the newly dedicated Cecil Mathews Memorial Bridge over Turniptown Creek.
Mathews opened his own sawmill in Ellijay in 1965 after operating others for 15 years previous. According to the approved resolution, he later completed the total electrification of the business in 1966 which “allowed for the streamlining of production and an increase in lumber supply used in the manufacture of furniture and flooring.”
A special feat in that day, the electrification allowed for 15,000 feet of lumber to be sawed in a day with grading still done by hand. This also attracted other businesses to the county at the time and aided in modernizing the area.
Patsy Harris, one of Mathews’ daughters, accepted a bound copy of the resolution on behalf of the family.
Harris said, “Thanks be to God, there is seven of us children and we’re all still living. We’re all in our 70’s and 80’s. I appreciate what you did.”
From left to right, Maxine Clark, Joann Crotzer, Jackie Allums, James Mathews, Patsy Harris, and Susan Buckner attend the ceremony honoring their father. Not pictured is daughter Doris Hammond.
Maxine Clark of Blairsville and Mathew’s eldest daughter, chuckled as she fought back tears when asked about the sign and what it meant to see her father memorialized in the area they grew up. Amid the tearful moment she could only reply, “What do you think?”
Taking a moment, Clark eventually said, “Daddy was the best man in my life. I still can’t talk about it but I guess I’m the ‘bawl-box’ of the family.”
Each of his seven children, from eldest to youngest, are Maxine Clark, Joann Crotzer, Doris Hammond, Jackie Allums, James Mathews, Patsy Harris, and Susan Buckner.
Community celebrates life of Sydnie Grace Jones at intersection dedication
Community September 15, 2021
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The Sydnie Grace Jones Memorial Intersection dedication was a heartfelt event for everyone in attendance as family and friends celebrated the young woman’s life.
Sydnie, a Fannin County High School graduate, tragically died in January 2021. She was 19 years old. Two other Fannin students and Sydnie were involved in a horrific car crash at the Hwy 515 and SR 325 intersection in Union County.
All those who spoke at the dedication mentioned Sydnie’s love for life and ability to put anyone at ease. She enjoyed meeting people and helping people. An active member of the church, Sydnie was “on the way to help someone in need through a ministry the church had started” when the accident occurred.
Sydnie’s mother, Melinda Jones, hopes the intersection will bring people a bit of joy and positive memories.
Sydnie’s mother and brothers at the dedication.
“I don’t need to say a lot about Sydnie Grace. You all know her; she spoke for herself. She had a lot of good times,” Jones recalled. “Sydnie did not waste a moment…in her legacy, she didn’t waste a minute, and I would ask that you don’t waste a minute of your time whether it be with your children, friends, or family members.”
She joked that her daughter knew it all and wouldn’t let Melinda teach her anything. Sydnie “never met a stranger and had a smile for everyone,” Jones added. She made her family proud in everything she did.
Her eldest brother Connor read “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep.” Several of Sydnie’s friends spoke about their time and memories of her life. They acknowledged her larger-than-life persona. They also mentioned her patience and ability to listen to anyone who needed a shoulder to lean on.
For seven Christmases, Sydnie served as an elf bringing joy to children by either playing games, handing out candy, or “dabbing with Santa” on December weekends.
First Baptist of Blue Ridge Preacher Bob Richardson remembered Sydnie’s dedication to the word of God and how she never missed a night of Bible study for college-age students. Also, her commitment to bringing skate church to Fannin County. They are moving forward with a skate park area and opening the ministry.
“She is still going to be able to do something for the Lord, even as she is with the Lord,” Richardson said. The pro-shop will have a wall dedicated to Sydnie with her picture and catchphrases.
The Ridge Community Church Pastor Chan Mitchell joked that when he first met Sydnie, he felt she was either going to be the “life of the party” or “I’m going to have to call security.”
Representative Stan Gunter (R – 8) and Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston (R – 7) were instrumental in dedicating the intersection to Sydnie. House Resolution 282 honors the life and memory of Sydnie Grace Jones and designates the intersection in her memory.
“Christ said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. It is my hope by naming this intersection it will remind people to remember her example of loving others,” Gunter stated.
Representative Gunter reading from the resolution.
Ralston commended Gunter for making the day possible and sponsoring the resolution.
“A compassionate and generous young woman, Ms. Jones will long be remembered for her love of family and friendship, and this loyal daughter, granddaughter, and friend will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing her,” the resolution read.
“There’s nothing we can say or do today to bring Sydnie Grace back, but we can honor her memory,” Speaker Ralston added. “Generations from now on in time will see her name as they go through that intersection. When we get some safety features added there or finished adding, then we will have done some positive things in her memory…Let’s give thanks today for her memory and for the great light she brought to the world.”
The additional safety features on Hwy 515 will prevent drivers from passing across all four lanes of traffic at the intersection with an R-cut.
Speaker Ralston presenting the Sydnie Grace Jones Memorial Intersection sign to her parents.
GTC confirms 515 alternate path to Boardtown road project
News May 4, 2021
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – An official statement from the Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) today has given relief to the Boardtown road community, through Highway 515, who have been vocally opposing the major project’s plans to build on the road.
The community and its leaders often stated that they supported the project and agreed with it being a needed upgrade, but wanted the project relocated to a different location. Many specifically stated Highway 515 as an alternative.
Even GTC said they had originally looked at 515 but were turned down.
Today, with the aid of House Speaker David Ralston and Senator Steve Gooch, the GTC said, “Following months of extensive analysis at the request of the local community, Georgia Transmission has determined that Highway 515 is a viable corridor for the Whitepath Electric Reliability Project. Conversations are underway with the Georgia Department of Transportation to develop a proposed route for the project adjacent to Highway 515 that meets engineering and safety constraints.”
GTC gave specific thanks to Ralston and Gooch and the community saying the result was a culmination of efforts and input from “community partners including citizens, civic organizations, and elected officials.”
As plans continue for the official path the 46 kV sub-transmission line will take, a preliminary path has already been laid out in consultation with Speaker Ralston. GTC said that this new path involves purchasing easements to minimize the impact of the line on rights of way owned by both the public and the Georgia Department of Transportation.
In late September of 2020, GTC said they were beginning “an extensive look” into the 515 and another alternative path. Just over seven months later, they are confirming this path as viable.
The opposition started last year after a series of public information meetings showed a pathway leading down Boardtown road after GTC had already ruled out the 515 path and one along a CSX rail line.
GTC said the Highway 515 path was denied due to limitations including a request denial by GDOT.
Now, with the path approved, House Speaker Ralston said, “This outcome demonstrates that workable solutions can be achieved when parties come together in cooperative spirit for the betterment of the community. Sen. Gooch and I are pleased that our partners at Georgia Transmission and Amicalola EMC have done their due diligence in service to the community and are not able to take the next step in ensuring reliable electricity for households and businesses in Gilmer County.”
Ralston was brought in on the project discussion after Gilmer County’s Board of Commissioners drafted letters to him and Gooch last year. Citizens flooded into the county’s monthly meeting asking for help in discussions to find an alternative path from Boardtown. With the board’s letters and offers to set up additional meetings for citizens, they pledged to aid in what ways they could.
With the confirmation of this alternative path’s viability, Georgia Transmission Vice President of Project Services John Reese said, “Georgia Transmission is proud that we were able to honor our word to the community while fulfilling our mission of helping to keep the lights on for Gilmer County. Although considerable work remains to be done we appreciate the active engagement of Amicalola EMC and its members, and the leadership of Speaker Ralston and Senator Gooch, in identifying a solution to the critical electric reliability need in the area.”
According to GTC’s statement, they will soon begin undertaking the process necessary for “advancing the route along Highway 515.” This process involves finalizing the route, contacting property owners in the area, and more public meetings.
For citizens wishing to continue following this project, Georgia Transmission will offer updates on the project page of their site.
Criminal threats precede discussion of proposed Code of Civility
City Council, News February 14, 2021
Blue Ridge, Ga. – As the Blue Ridge City Council discussed revising the Rules and Procedures of its meetings, conflict erupted over the newly proposed Code of Civility presented by Council Member Mike Panter.
During a very heated discussion, it was also revealed by Council Member Nathan Fitts that Panter had allegedly made criminal threats against him.
Panter read from a letter sent to council regarding the review of the City’s Charter and the recommendations that were being made based on a committee that had been formed for the review.
Along with the committee Panter said input had been taken from several sources including Donna Thompson, who runs a local governmental accountability group, current and previous council members, a local attorney, business owners and residents.
City of Blue Ridge proposed Code of Civility Policy
Panter did point out that prior to reading his letter to the council, the letter itself had already been leaked to the public.
Later Council Member Rhonda Haight would question this remark asking Panter, “Do you have a problem with the public knowing what we are doing?”
Panter pointed out that as far as the Rules and Procedures of council meetings, previous City Attorney David Syfan had drafted an ordinance that would still be in compliance with the City Charter.
In an effort to save tax dollars Panter suggested that the city vote on the adoption of this particular ordinance instead of paying more attorney fees to have new ordinances written: “I think we should readopt this ordinance which was done away with by previous council.”
“It (vote to adopt ordinance) was moved a few months later because evidently the council didn’t like what he came up with and they just threw it away,” Panter explained of the ordinance drafted by Syfan and why it was not already put in place.
“I’m totally great with that ordinance that David wrote,” Haight said, adding, “I thought it was wonderful. He did a great job.”
Haight did have concerns over the Code of Civility section Panter was presenting and expressed these concerns.
According to the Code of Civility section, a council member would be asked to resign or a vote could take place for the elected official’s removal after receiving two censures.
This section of the Code of Civility came directly on the heels of a censure of Council Member Nathan Fitts. Earlier in the same meeting, Panter had brought forth a censure against Fitts for “continuous inappropriate conduct”.
Haight felt this particular item in the Code of Civility would be in violation of the City’s Charter since evidentiary hearings would need to take place for a censure vote and no evidentiary hearing was given to Fitts previously that night.
Panter replied to Haight, “Our charter says that we have the right to remove an elected official.”
“For wrongdoing,” Fitts retorted to Panter’s comment. “The only person that has violated state and local law is you and Ms. Whitener.”
Incivility ensued as Mayor Donna Whitener questioned Fitts over his accusations against her. After a brief period of numerous calls to and points of order, discussion continued over the proposed code.
Haight pointed out that the Code of Civility was also attempting to limit the council’s transparency.
The Code states of council that:
“There should be no public statements, letters to the editor or on social media or with an organization, advertisements, emails, texts or announcements regarding official city business without Council approval.”
“As a public official I have every right to tell the public what we are doing. I have every right to post on social media what we are doing,” Haight spoke to Panter, “I will never vote on this as it is.”
Council Member Fitts agreed with Haight that the Code of Civility needs attempts to limit the transparency of local government and needs further review.
Fitts also pointed out the hypocrisy of Panter in not only introducing the Code of Civility but also for the censure that Panter brought forth earlier in the evening.
“You made a criminal threat to me and Ms. Haight this week and said that you were going to drag me out of the council meeting by the hair and beat me up,” Fitts made public the alleged threat by fellow Council Member Panter. “You need to practice what you preach.”
Former Blue Ridge City Attorney R David Syfan
Fitts and Haight have both personally sought legal advice from former Blue Ridge City Attorney David Syfan regarding any proposed new ordinances. Both Fitts and Haight are personally paying Syfan for his help.
“This will not be charged to the city,” Haight made clear her and Fitts personal financial responsibility to Syfan.
Current City Attorney James Balli, according to Haight is not trained in municipal law, where Syfan is.
Panter, who is the newest elected official to the council, questioned why Syfan was let go in the first place.
Leading both Haight and Fitts to agree that Balli was hired solely on the recommendation of Mayor Whitener.
Fitts went into further detail with Haight backing up his recollection of events.
Fitts stated of the reason for Balli’s hire, “She (Whitener) said that because Speaker Ralston was from Blue Ridge and that Mr. Balli was his pick. She said that Blue Ridge would get stuff that we would not get otherwise and that’s why she asked us to choose Mr. Balli.”
Whitener replied that Fitts and Haight’s claims were “more misinformation” and that council had a chance to vote no.
The Rules and Procedures Ordinance along with the Code of Civility will be discussed and reworked before vote will be taken on its adoption.
Author
Collins comes to Blue Ridge to set the record straight
Election 2020, News, Politics October 22, 2020
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Congressman Doug Collins stopped in Blue Ridge on his campaign tour in the race for U.S. Senate. With him were special guests Georgia State Speaker of the House David Ralston and former member of the foreign policy advisory panel to Donald Trump, George Papadopoulos.
Collins spoke briefly on his record as U.S. Congressman, highlighting his conservative values and his reputation for representing the people of the 9th District.
Collins has stood up to multiple government agencies and individuals during his career, most notably holding the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and James Comey accountable.
Collins was also a visible ally to President Donald Trump during the U.S. House of Representatives Impeachment Hearings.
Now, Collins wants to take this same momentum and move it to the U.S. Senate.
Georgia State Speaker of the House David Ralston and Congressman Doug Collins in Blue Ridge.
With the U.S. Senate seat open to a Jungle Primary on the Nov. 3 ballot, Collins wants to set the record straight on what is and isn’t true about himself and his biggest Republican rival, Senator Kelly Loeffler.
According to Collins, Loeffler’s attacks on him are unfounded and in many cases an attempt at deflection about her true nature and intent.
Collins specifically sited Loeffler’s pro-life stance that seems to not have been her view a mere two years ago when she worked with Planned Parenthood to have a booth set up at a basketball game where monies raised would be split with the organization.
“I am the one who is actually concerned about life,” Collins said pointing to decisions his family has made in their personal life that reflect these values.
Loeffler also made claims that Collins was not Pro-Second Amendment and that as a lawyer Collins represented criminals.
Collins assured the crowd, having grown up the son of a trooper neither of these claims could be further from the truth.
“She doesn’t want you to know that she worked with Michael Bloomberg,” Collins said of Loeffler’s Second Amendment claims and her own personal work on a gun control agenda.
In his career as a lawyer, Collins took indigent clients, none of which were pictured in Loeffler’s ad. Collins stated, “Doug Collins defender of criminals? No, Doug Collins did his constitutional duty taking indigent clients.”
Loeffeler has also released ads containing a picture of Collins with former Georgia House Representative Stacey Abrams.
Abrams made waves as the Democratic nominee for Georgia Governor in 2018, known for her liberal stances.
George Papadopoulos gives his endorsement of Collins for Senate.
Collins explained the photo, “This was after we saved the HOPE scholarship. Stacey joined us on a conservative idea and voted for it because she understood that people needed that money.”
According to Collins, Loeffler actually employed Abrams as an attorney for a basketball team and in 2018 Loeffler honored Abrams as a woman of distinction while “Abrams for Governor” signs were in the background of the photo-op.
Lastly, Collins pointed out that Loeffler makes her decisions based on her own self-interest and money.
“She claims to be tough on China,” Collins said and added, “Take the ten state owned companies that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, owned by the Chinese Communist Party, and delist them.”
Jeffrey Sprecher, Leoffler’s husband, is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange, and the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.
Collins said of his suggestion to delist the Chinese companies, that it will never happen because Loeffler will choose her pocketbook and their pocketbook over policy everyday.
“I may not have $35 million, but I’ve got all I need because I’ve got you and I’ve got the voters of Georgia and they understand who the real conservative is in this race,” Collins said referencing the amount the Loeffler has spent on her Senate campaign, “Georgia can’t be bought.”
Author