CMYK Thursday, November 20, 2014
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Close gunfire prompts calls for safety By LEANNE AKIN
lakin@clickthepaper.com
Five Maysville area property owners voiced concerns Monday that gunfire in their neighborhood is posing a serious safety issue which needs to be addressed in some way. Speaking to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, the men explained the change that has taken place in the area of Panhandle Circle and Golden Nuggett Way which has them appealing for some attention to what they suggest is unsafe shooting practices. “I am pro gun but I also pro safety,” said Charles Retkofsky, who first broached the subject of individuals taking target practice with a variety of weapons including some high-caliber firearms. The result has been bullets traveling onto the property of others generating worry about children and grand-
children as well as horses on the surrounding property. The men say they have not have trouble with hunters but, in the last two years, target practicing has become more frequent and hazardous. A map was provided to the board which showed the directions in which the shooters are firing toward houses. “They have changed people’s lives,” said Retkofsky, who indicates that he fears for family members. He suggests the possibility of restricting target practice from taking place a certain distance from a residence. He said targets hanging from trees or placed on two posts without the protection offered by a berm presents a dangerous scenario. Adrian Ardeleanu, who lives in Braselton but owns farmland where he has quarterhorses and paints including a prize stallion, said he too is pro gun and pro safety as well as
pro life. He pleaded for the county or law enforcement “to stop the outrageous shooting.” With the firearms pointed in the direction of his property, Brian Kelch says there is documentation of six trees well into his property with bullet holes. A report related to the complaint has been sent to Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Capt. Rich Lott at the request of Sheriff Janis Mangum. Concerned, Kelch said he went and talked with the individuals involved and was told a retired Army sergeant has been hired by the landowner to provide “prepper-style” weapons training to people coming to the property. He said there are plans to construct a firing range on the property. “I am pro safety but these people are not,” said Kelch, who reports three incidents in which ammunition has been fired onto his property. In one case, the bullet went through his house and into his middle bedroom.
Larry Peek said he had a round go through his barn. He also said he and his brother were forced to take cover behind his truck while they were harvesting firewood on the back of his property and shots were fired directly toward his house. “I’ve got grandchildren playing in the yard but it’s dangerous,” said Peek. Another neighbor, Billy Mack, said some limitation on how close to shoot to people’s homes should be considered. He said he was in his yard when a bullet came buzzing by. “Something has got to be done before someone is killed,” said Mack. District 4 Commissioner Dwain Smith, who was presiding at the meeting in the absence of Chairman Tom Crow who had a death in the family, thanked the men for bringing the matter to the commission’s attention. “We don’t know until someone comes forward,” said Smith.
Hospital chapel to memorialize Henry Edward Braselton, his service to area
Sights and sounds of the season Saturday morning’s temperatures had those lining Highway 53 for the annual Celebrate the Holidays in Braselton parade bundled up but ready to see the sights and hear the sounds of the season. The Christian Life Center chapel float (R) received the Blue Ribbon Award as the Judges’ favorite for overall best in show. The Spirit Award was presented to New Liberty United Methodist Church for the float entry entitled “The Gifts of Christmas.” Earning the Theme Award for the best reflection of this year’s parade theme, Victorian Christmas, was Northeast Church with “David’s Dynasty.” The Jackson County Comprehensive High School Band (below) provided some holiday tunes along the parade route. See more scenes on Page 3A and at ClickThePaper.com.
When Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton opens its doors on April 1, 2015, patients and visitors will be able to find respite in a chapel named in memory of a pillar of the local community – all thanks to a donation from his family. Jim Moore, chairman of The Medical Center Foundation board, made the special announcement about the new signature gift from the family of Henry Edward Braselton during a Nov. 13 celebration attended by hundreds including members of the family. Mr. Braselton served as mayor of Braselton from 1988-2001 and was a member of the Braselton town council for more than 40 years, a visionary businessman and a beloved member of the community which bears his family name. He passed away in 2009. “Henry served on Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s advisory board and was at the table developing plans to prepare NGMC for future growth,” says Anthony Williamson, president of NGMC Braselton. “Before his passing, he participated in the cornerstone ceremony on the grounds of the new hospital. He was so very proud about future access to healthcare for Braselton and surrounding communities.” The chapel will be completed when NGMC Braselton opens in the spring of 2015. Prominently situated along the ground floor main corridor amidst the
See CHAPEL, 2A
Law enforcement’s new home is now open in South Hall Co. By CARLY SHAREC
Regional staff
With the snip of a ribbon, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office has a permanent presence in the South Hall area. “This is a monumental change in the way that we do business at the sheriff’s office,” Sheriff Gerald Couch said. “We’re moving our base of operations out into the communities we serve.” The department opened its South Hall headquarters Nov. 14 on Cody Drive in Braselton. It’s the first fullservice complex of the sheriff’s office Couch south of Gainesville, according to information from the sheriff’s office. The 10,000-square-foot building formerly housed a day care. Hall County bought the building for $700,000 with special purpose local option sales tax VI funds.
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Construction costs were around $130,000, according to Couch. “This is a great investment for right here in our South Hall community because nearly twothirds of our population in Hall County live in South Hall,” Couch said. “Hall County’s beautiful. It’s got a lot to offer and we’re going to see an influx of people over the next few years. This is one step, I believe, in the right direction to prepare for that.” Work on the project began in April 2014, and is just wrapping up. “We looked at it and decided this was the kind of building that we wanted,” Commission Chairman Richard Mecum said. “The sheriff and his staff have just done a tremendous job in getting this ready and prepared. I think it’s going to be a great asset for us here in the south end of Hall County.” The new headquarters is near several major intersections as well as Flowery Branch High and
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Friendship Elementary schools. It’s a full-service building, with the exception of firearms permitting and sex offender registration. “But if you need to come down and speak with a deputy in any manner, file a report, pick up a copy of a report or any other business that you want to do, you can do it right here in South Hall,” Couch said. Walking in, guests are immediately greeted by the community service officer. The building also houses a training area, fitness room and investigators’ offices. In total, there will be more than 60 employees based in the location. In the days leading up to the grand opening, construction workers and employees are scrambling to finish last-minute details. “It is quickly coming together,” said 1st Lt. Brian Pearson days prior to the opening. Pearson will serve as the precinct’s com-
See PRECINCT, 2A
Scott Rogers Regional staff
Hall County Sheriff’s Office color guard members Mark Newberry, left, and Michael Mount raise the flag at the Nov. 14 grand opening of the South Hall precinct. Visitors to the grand opening were able to tour the new facility.
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