The Oconee Leader

This Week:

Sports Issue 5

Volume 11

From the Oconee to the Apalachee

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Basketball

WCA

Page 4

Schools

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Academy

Spelling Bee Page 3

The Malcom Bridge and Oconee County boys’ basketball teams met last Friday in the semi-finals of the postseason tournament. Playing for the second time last week, it was the Lightning who came out the victors with a 58-53 overtime win to earn a spot in this week’s championship game. The Lightning also defeated the Braves 49-47 in double overtime last Monday. The Oconee County Lady Braves beat Bear Creek 38-18 last Friday to earn a spot in this week’s championship game. The Lady Lightning lost to Russell to have their season come to an end. For stories and photo galleries from last week’s middle school games, see theoconeeleader.com. Pictured above are members of the Lightning reacting late in overtime of last Friday’s win against Oconee.

County looks to upgrade Calls Creek facility

BY MIKE SPRAYBERRY The Oconee Leader

Online

A proposed upgrade to the Calls Creek wastewater treatment facility would more than double the plant’s capacity and convert the existing membrane filtration system to a more conventional treatment system.

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners was expected to move forward selecting a firm to design the facility’s upgrade at Tuesday’s meeting. The project could be complete in 12 to 18 months at a cost of approximately $7 million, paid for out of funds from the county’s Special

Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and wastewater capacity fees collected by the Utility Department.

“The Board will have a recommendation in front of us to go ahead and design a 1.5 million gallon treatment facility,” said Melvin Davis, Chairman of the Oconee County Board of Commissioners.

“Right now we are treating 667,000 gallon a day. The Board should approve the (design) firm Tuesday night and we’re going to try to go to 1.5 million gallons a day by erecting some additional facilities (at the Calls Creek plant) as well

as converting the membrane filtration plant to a strictly conventional system.”

Davis went on to describe the upgrade’s projected cost and timeline.

“We think it is going to cost an approximate total of around $7 million to do that. We have funds available in SPLOST and capacity fees to pay for that. I think if the Board goes ahead and approves (the project) for design and build, we’ll get more definitive numbers back after the ‘Calls Creek’ Page 3

Please see

OCAF accepting donations for thrift sale

BY ROB PEECHER

The Oconee Leader

Photo Gallery

OCMS v MBMS

theoconeeleader.com

Scout

Fordham

Eagle Page 2

For the next several weeks, the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation will be accepting donated items for its upcoming thrift sale, a fundraiser designed to generate money both for OCAF’s capital fund and for its programs.

Peggy Holcomb, who is helping this year to organize OCAF’s annual thrift sale, said donations will be accepted every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’re taking pretty much everything,” Holcomb said. “We need donations and volunteers. This year were doing something a little different. This year we’re accepting clothes that are in good condition, and we’re going to sell them by the piece instead of selling them by the bag like we’ve done before.”

The annual thrift sale, a big fundraiser for OCAF, will be held March 18 and 19. OCAF is accepting everything from furniture to electronics, toys to hardware, tool and lawn and garden supplies, antiques and housewares.

“We’re hoping to get one large auction item,” Holcomb said.

“We’d like to have someone donate a car or a boat. And all donations are tax deductible.”

Holcomb said anyone who is looking to donate a large, difficult to move, item can contact OCAF and arrange to have it picked up.

“All of the money from the thrift

ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader

Peggy Sommer drops off donations for the annual Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation Thrift Sale. The sale this year will be held March 18 and 19. Donations are being accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

sale goes back to OCAF,” Holcomb noted. “It goes to support refurbishing the buildings and art classes. It goes into the general fund to support arts for our community.”

In addition to taking donations for the thrift sale at Rocket Hall, OCAF is also hosting two exhibits through February 19.

Celebrating a History is an exhibit that focuses on the rich cultural heritage of African-American

artists and features the work of more than a dozen artists. This exhibit is in OCAF’s Main Gallery.

“Mind * Paint * Prayer” is an exhibit featuring paintings and drawings by Scott Pope that’s being held in the OCAF Members Gallery.

Pope owns the Loft Art Supply store in Athens and was awarded the show at OCAF last year after his painting won Best of Show in last year’s Southworks National Ju-

ried Exhibition at OCAF. Both exhibits will be on display through February 19 during OCAF’s regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to schedule a pick up of an item for the thrift sale, contact OCAF at 706769-4565.

Rob Peecher is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.

A little bit country, a little bit rap: A lot of debating Page 2

Thursday, February 4, 2016

As of Monday, I am no longer the father of three teenage boys.

Monday, one of my sons decided to grow out of being a teenager.

I know what you’re thinking: I’m much too young to have a 20-yearold son. You’re right.

But I learned over the weekend that two teenagers are still plenty of teenagers.

Friday night I wanted to take Jean out for dinner. Harrison was off having a birthday weekend, so I didn’t have to worry about feeding him. I’d been hopeful that our other two sons would have made some sort of plans and wouldn’t be joining us, but it turned out I was buying dinner for four. And that’s okay.

They’re our children, we’ll take them with us if we have to.

The problem with our younger sons, Nathan and Robert, is that they are only 18 months apart, so they have no respect for each other. There’s not a word that Nathan says that Robert won’t contradict, and there’s not a word that Robert says that Nathan won’t correct. Some professionals will call this “sibling rivalry,” but others call it “brotherly love.” Whatever it is, it can ruin a night out in a hurry.

So it was that Friday night – when I just wanted to have a nice dinner with my wife – I instead had to bang the gavel as chairman of the Great Debate Society, a small coterie of young intellectuals who gather periodically to argue the most important issues of our time: Bernie or Donald, laissez faire economic policy or Keynesian, Broncos or Panthers, whose turn it might be to take out the garbage.

Our food had not yet arrived at the table when the boys began engaging in their favorite topic of debate: Country music versus rap music.

Robert and Nathan aren’t cute like Donnie and Marie Osmond. There’s no fun sing along. “I’m a little bit country, I’m a little bit hip hop.” And there’s no opportunity in this ongoing battle for compromise, no ability to agree to disagree.

Robert, my youngest son, is our family’s resident country boy. His favorite

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hobby is chopping wood with his grandfather. For his 14th birthday, we bought him an ax, and never was a kid so happy with a gift. All he wants to do is hunt and find things to cut with his knife. He wears cowboy boots and has adopted a Southern drawl that would make Jeff Foxworthy start pondering.

And he listens to country music.

It’s not a bad thing. Jean and I had a great time, over the summer, driving through South Carolina with Robert in the back seat, all three of us singing David Allan Coe’s “You Never Even Called Me By My Name.”

I’ve always had an eclectic taste in music, and so has Jean. We like a wide variety of stuff. From the Band to the Chieftains, the Pogues to Parliament Funkadelic, the Who to Whodini. I dig RUN DMC and the Allman Brothers and I’m even, secretly, a fan of Ke$ha. There are not many genres of music I can’t listen to and enjoy.

The best part about Robert’s love of country music is that it does not include what he refers to as “Bro Country.” He likes the good stuff. The old stuff. Waylon, Willie, Hank (Junior and Senior) and the two Georges. He walks around the house singing Johnny Cash songs.

It’s the sort of thing that makes a father feel proud.

Then there’s Nathan.

Nate has a pocket knife, but I would bet he doesn’t know where it is. He has no interest in chopping wood, and he’d rather shoot Nazis or aliens on the Game Box than get up early to go hunting.

Nate listens to a lot of the new hip hop, and the truth is, most of what Nate listens to falls into that narrow category of music I don’t enjoy. But he also listens to the old rap that I used to listen to when I was his age. We have NWA in common (and that pre-dates last year’s Straight Out Of Compton movie release) and he likes a lot of the old rap from the 1980s and 90s.

But Nathan will also listen to classic rock and other types of music that I enjoy.

The one thing Nate can’t stand, though, is country music.

And so our family has become Ground

Zero in the war between country music and rap music. Until these two started going at it, I didn’t even know there was a war between rap and country. Intuitively, I understood that most country fans probably weren’t going to be fans of rap, and vice versa, but I did not fully appreciate the enmity between the two until I started having to live with two teenagers who decided they would be on opposite sides of the front lines.

I don’t even know how the topic came up at dinner. I don’t know why the topic came up at dinner. Nobody was listening to music.

But before we knew what hit us, Jean and I were facing incoming from both sides.

I can’t even repeat the various arguments being put forth from the opposing sides. They lacked any thread of logic. It boiled down basically to nothing more than, “What I like is better than what you like because what I like is better than what you like.”

Jean frowned and rolled her eyes. I frowned and rolled my eyes. We listen to them go at it like this every day. Rap. Country. Country. Rap. And to what end?

Music, like all art, is down to taste. It’s subjective. What you like and what I like may be two completely different things, but that does not diminish the value of the thing that you like any more than it diminishes the value of the thing I like.

As chairman of the Great Debate Society, I attempted to interject here and there and demonstrate to my two young debaters that neither of them had valid arguments and their debate was pointless. But my interjections were pointless, and my suggestions that we adjourn the meeting and just enjoy our meal went unheeded.

At length, I smashed the gavel into the table and demanded that the debate come to a close.

“Look, it’s fine that you listen to what you listen to,” I said to Robert. “And it’s fine that you listen to what you listen to,” I said to Nathan. “You don’t have to have the same tastes in music. What’s not fine is that you sit here and bicker with each other over a meaningless debate and give your poor mother and me indigestion.

There is no possible way that this argument reaches any kind of conclusion. So I just don’t want to hear any more of it.”

Wisely, they both respected the gavel and ended the deliberation, unresolved.

So even though we only have two teenagers left, Jean and I are learning that two are still enough to drive us crazy with their bickering when all we want to do is have a decent meal. Maybe we’ll try going out to eat again in six years.

Rob Peecher is author of the book “Four Things My Wife Hates About Mornings,” available at amazon.com.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Local Scout earns Eagle

Grant Fordham, of Bishop, recently earned the Eagle Scout Award. This is the highest advancement award of the Boy Scouts of America.According to Scoutmaster Paul Matthews of Troop 149 who is sponsored by Friendship Presbyterian Church in Watkinsville, only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts attain the Eagle rank.Grant’s Eagle Service Project involved leading a group of volunteers to complete turf grass restoration at Oconee County Veterans Park.

Malcom Bridge Middle planning 5K fundraiser Feb. 20 Tell our advertisers you saw them in The Oconee Leader • Go to theoconeeleader.com for picture galleries

BY ROB PEECHER

The Oconee Leader

Malcom Bridge Middle School will host its 4th Annual Lightning Bolt 5K Run/Walk and 1 mile fun run on Saturday, Feb. 20.

The race will begin and end on the MBMS football field. MBMS English teacher Chris Booz said the money raised during the 5K will be used to upgrade athletic equipment at the school, and a portion will also go to Relay for Life to help in the fight against cancer.

“This is our fourth 5K, and each year we choose a different charity to give 10 percent of the proceeds,” Booz explained.

“This year, we’re donating money to Relay for Life, and we’re very excited because the Relay for Life spokesperson is going to

‘Calls Creek’

design. We think it will probably be less than $7 million in total cost.

“It should be online and ready for operation in 12 to 18 months.

We will still be able to operate the current facility until that is built and then convert (the existing membrane filtration system) over to a conventional system.”

More than doubling the Calls Creek facility’s treatment capacity would require new permits from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to discharge more treated water into Calls Creek and, possibly, the Oconee River.

“Anything above 1.5 million gallons would have to be pumped to the Oconee River because we would not be allowed to discharge more than 1.5 million gallons,” Davis said. “We could treat more than that, but the EPD would have to approve the discharge into the Oconee River.

“Any time you make modifications in a wastewater treatment facility, the EPD requires you to

be there to begin the race and away the awards,” Booz said.

In previous years, MBMS has given money to ESP and the ALS Angels programs.

“The rest of the money goes to sports at the school to support our athletic programs,” Booz said.

In addition to being a teacher, Booz is also the volleyball coach and is serving as publicity chair for the race.

Students are not required to pay to play sports at MBMS, and Booz said the money will go to pay for uniforms and equipment and other athletic costs.

The 5K race will be run on a combination of grass and paved roads. The race starts on the football field at MBMS and will cross the campus at Malcom Bridge Elementary

School and go through Fern Hill neighborhood.

Booz said students can allocate which sport they want their money to go to, so the school’s athletes are encouraged to run in the race to raise more money for their teams.

Those interested in registering for the

Continued from the Front go through a permitting process to make sure no damage would be done to the environment or there isn’t increased potential for spills.”

The Commission is also considering a change in how treatment capacity is allocated.

“Currently, we have a policy in the county that 50 percent of our treatment capacity is dedicated to commercial development and 50 percent is dedicated to residential. We have a recommendation before the Board by our Utility Director to modify that policy to 40 percent for commercial, 40 percent residential and 20 percent industrial.”

According to Davis, the upgrade is necessary to be prepared for future development as the county’s treatment facilities could reach maximum capacity in the next few years.

“We’re getting close to the maximum amount we can treat at Calls Creek as well as the LAS (land application system) site and we feel like it is something we

Thursday, February 4, 2016

need to move on to keep commercial development moving forward like it has been. What they tell us now is that at our current capacity, we could reach maximum capacity in two to five years, so we need to move forward.

“If we get to 1.5 million gallons and maybe extend it to more, that should carry us a long time into the future. I don’t know how long that may be because you never know what kind of businesses might locate here. There could be a large water user like some type of processing plant, food prep entity or maybe a brewery that could use a large amount of water and require a large amount of wastewater capacity. We have to make sure we are ready to handle those types of businesses if and when they are ready to come to Oconee County and are approved.”

Mike Sprayberry is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.

Page 3

race can visit active.com to sign up.

Booz said MBMS teacher Crystal Melton designed the race T-shirt, borrowing from the AC/DC logo.

“We have incentives for the students – the homeroom with the most participants get some extra outside time. Our principal (Billy Heaton) is running it, and we’re excited about that because we all love him,” Booz said.

The cost of the race is $20 for registrations prior to February 12 and $25 for registrations after February 12. Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m. at the pavilion near the football field.

Booz said there will be a short “Little Bolt” race at 8:15 a.m. followed by the 1mile “Bolt” race at 8:30 a.m. The Lightning Bolt 5K begins at 9 a.m.

Academy spelling bee winners

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Seventh grader Edward Nichols and eighth grader Charlotte Luke, who placed first and second in the Athens Academy Middle School Spelling Bee last week, will represent the school at the Georgia Independent School Association regional bee in February at Woodward Academy in Atlanta. Edward placed first in both the oral and written versions of the competition, with Charlotte finishing as the runner up. Edward is the son of Matt and Ashley Nichols of Madison. Charlotte is the daughter of Haven and Natalie Luke of Athens.

This Week:

Warriors WARRIORS TITANS SPARTANS WOLVERINES LIONS

Malcom Bridge-Oconee County Middle School basketball

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Lightning earn spot in championship with OT win

BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader

Softball

All-State Page 6

In brief

Oconee County wrestling

The Warriors’ wrestling team finished fourth in the Region 8AAA traditional tournament last Saturday and qualified nine wrestlers for sectionals.

Area champions included Chris Couch (160 pounds), Rexx Hallyburton (17) and Dalton Sikes (220). Jordan Slivey (113) was runner-up. Taylor Webb (126), Jacob Webb (145) and Tay Brown (195) finished third in their weight classes.

McCrae Claas (106) and Andrew Harris (285) finished fourth.

Cole Walpert (132), Sam Howell (138) and Kevin Bangert (152) finished fifth and are alternates for this weekend’s sectionals at Morgan County.

North Oconee wrestling

David Sprague won the region championship in his weight class to qualify for this weekend’s sectionals.

North Oconee basketball

Last Friday night, the Lady Titans beat Stephens County 50-37 last Friday and North Hall 48-38 last Saturday. Keller Barks had 17 points and Emma Weynand had 10 points against North Hall. Camryn Williams had 14 points and Lesley Holbrook had seven points against Stephens County.

The Titans defeated Stephens County 54-51 last Friday for their second win in a row. They also defeated Chestatee 38-34 last Tuesday. The Titans lost 69-56 to Hart County last Saturday to drop to 3-3 in the region.

North Oconee’s final game of the regular season is Friday night against Madison County.

Online

Last Monday, Malcom Bridge and Oconee County played in the regular season finale, a game won by the Lightning 49-47 in double overtime.

Last Friday, the two teams squared off again but this match-up was to determine a spot in this week’s championship game.

Just like last Monday’s meeting, the semi-final game came down to the wire and went into overtime.

And just like last Monday’s meeting, it was the Lightning who came away with a victory, 58-53, to earn a spot in Wednesday’s championship.

“Tough game for Oconee to lose that one because they played a great game,” said Lightning head coach Randy Cain. “Both groups of kids seemed to be kids that work hard and our committed to More online... get better. Both teams, from For the full story and a the first time we played until photo gallery of the now, got significantly better. game, visit They compete against each theoconeeleader.com other but they seem to have great respect f or each other.

I know I do for Coach Bailey. He does a great job with those kids.”

“These games seem to always go down to the wire,” said Braves head coach Allan Bailey. “It stinks being on the short end of it twice in one week, especially to go out like that. It was a tough, emotional loss. It’s hard to say anything to make those guys feel any better. They don’t want to hear they played good. They don’t want to hear I was proud of them for the effort. All of those things are true.

We played really well. We executed. We had guys step up.

Donell played a heck of a ball game. Patrick Gattiker played well down low. It just wasn’t in the card for us tonight.”

The Lightning had a nine-point lead with 3:52 left in the fourth quarter and a six-point lead with 37 seconds left in the fourth.

A 3-pointer by Elliott Martin cut the lead to 46-43 with 27 seconds left. Donell Randolph hit one of two free throws with 15.2 seconds left to cut the lead to 46-44.

After Randolph grabbed a rebound on a missed free throw, the Braves called timeout with 5.7 seconds left.

Randolph drove the length of the court, stopped at the free-throw line and sank an off-balanced shot at the buzzer to tie the game at 46 and send the game into the extra frame.

“That should have gone in. It was kind of meant to be to go in because it was off-balance, it was ugly but it was fun to go in,” Bailey said.

After Woody Barks scored on the opening possession of overtime to give the Lightning a 48-46 lead, Martin hit another 3-pointer to give the Braves a 49-48 lead with 2:30 left.

Randolph hit one of two free throws with 2:08 left to take a two-point lead, but Will Pearson drained a 3-pointer just Please see

‘Malcom Bridge-Oconee County basketball’ Page 7

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Malcom Bridge’s Dreyton Dollander congratulates Adam Weynand after Weynand’s basket early in the third quarter as Oconee County’s Patrick Gattiker looks on last Friday.

Westminster Christian Academy basketball

Lady Lions a one seed, Lions a two seed, for region

BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader

Photo gallery

WCA-Nat Greene

theoconeeleader.com

Schedule:

Athens Academy Soccer – 5:30 p.m., Feb. 5 Soccer – 5 p.m., Feb. 16 North Oconee Soccer – 5:30 p.m., Feb. 5 Basketball – 7 p.m., Feb. 5 Soccer – 5:30 p.m., Feb. 12 Soccer – 5:30 p.m., Feb. 16 Baseball – 5:55 p.m., Feb. 16 Oconee County Tennis – 4 p.m., Feb. 11 Prince Avenue Christian Soccer – 4:30 p.m., Feb. 4 Soccer – 5:30 p.m., Feb. 11 Soccer – 5:30 p.m., Feb. 16 Westminster Christian Basketball – region, Feb. 5-6

The regular season concluded on a positive note last Thursday for Westminster Christian Academy’s basketball teams.

The Lady Lions dominated Nathanael Greene 6512 and the Lions outscored the Patriots 37-19 in the second half to come from behind and win 48-40.

The Lady Lions finished as the No. 1 seed for this weekend’s region tournament.

“We are ready for region and we are ready for state,” said Sallie Schutz, who led the Lady Lions against the Lady Patriots with 27 points. “This was a great game. They are really fun.

We love running up and down the court and sharing the ball with everyone.”

Mary Ford Smith had 14 points for the Lady Lions.

Please see ‘WCA hoops’ Page 7

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Westminster Christian’s Kinley Phillips defends a shot against Nathanael Greene last Thursday at WCA.

Page 5

Summer Hill Orcas swim strong at Clemson meet

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FROM STAFF REPORTS The Oconee Leader

In a bid for 14-and-under state cuts and fast new times following a winter training peak, thirty-seven Summer Hill Orcas Swim Team members represented the Athens-Oconee area at the Tiger Invitational hosted by Clemson Aquatic Team at Fike on January 15-17. Hard work paid off as the swimmers garnered repeated heat wins and personal best times.

Strong Orcas swims peppered both twelve-andunder morning sessions, with those placing in the top slots earning repeated state and sectionals qualifying times. Ten-year-old Ansley Ayers led the charge for the junior Orcas girls, coming first in the 12-under 200-yard IM, second in the 12-under 200-yard backstroke, and for 10-under events, second in the 50yard butterfly, 50-yard breaststroke, and 50-yard backstroke; third in the 100-yard IM and 100-yard freestyle; and fourth in the 50-yard freestyle. Eightyear-old Ella Dillon earned a bronze in the 12-under 200-yard backstroke and dropped almost nine seconds in her 100-yard freestyle. The girls’ 11-12 200-yard medley relay of Olivia Smith, Ellie Gayer, Ansley Ayers and Reagan Duke finished eighth.

Laura Berente, Anvesha Das, Caiden Fowler, Mary Mustard and Tanvi Prakash also represented the 12under female Orcas at Clemson.

Among the 10-under boys, Simon Casey finished first in the 10-under 50yard butterfly; second in the 50-yard freestyle, 50yard backstroke and 100yard butterfly; and third in the 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard freestyle and 50yard breaststroke. Marshall Cohen claimed first place in the 12-under 200-yard IM, as well as firsts in the 10-under 100-yard freestyle, 50-yard breaststroke, 50-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly. He was second in the 50-yard butterfly and 100-yard IM and third in the 50-yard freestyle. Parker Fagrell finished seventh in the 50yard backstroke. The 10under boys’ 200-yard medley relay of Jack Graffin, Marshall Cohen, Simon Casey and Parker Fagrell thundered to a first place finish. Eben Mundy and Tyler Stawicki made strong contributions to the 10-

Contributed photo

Members of the Orcas teenage group pause for a photo prior to competing at Clemson last month.

under boys’ contingent.

Spencer Cohen garnered a number of points in the 11-12 boys’ category, including: first in the 50-yard backstroke; second in the 100-yard backstroke; third in the open 500-yard freestyle; fourth in the 100yard IM; fifth in the 200yard IM, 100-yard freestyle and 50-yard breaststroke; sixth in the 50-yard freestyle; and eighth in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Reese Graham was first in the 100-yard freestyle; second in the 50-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly; and third in the 100-yard IM, 50-yard freestyle and 50-yard butterfly. The 200-yard medley relay of Spencer Cohen, Austin Ackerman, Reese Graham and Carter Fowler took fourth, while Joshua Waskiewicz joined Cohen, Ackerman and Graham for a 200-yard freestyle relay earning a bronze. Billy Bowen and Robbie Dillon also swam to strong finishes.

Many Orcas teenagers competed Sunday at Clemson following a high school meet at Ramsey on Saturday the 16th, several of whom achieved high school state qualifying times (individual qualifiers: Emily Weimer, 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly, and Madison Holland, 100-yard backstroke). On Sunday in the 13-14 girls’ division, Madison Holland finished seventh in the 50-yard freestyle. Riley Holland came in sixth in the 50-yard freestyle and eighth in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Eighth grader Abigail Weimer took sixth in the 100-yard butterfly, third in the 100-yard backstroke, and sixth in the 200-yard backstroke. The 400-yard freestyle relay of the Holland twins, Weimer and Isabella Lyons achieved a third place standing.

Among the 15-and-over girls, Erin Osborne finished sixth in the 200-yard back-

stroke. Emily Weimer took second in the 50-yard freestyle, fifth in the 200yard backstroke and eighth in the 200-yard butterfly.

Osborne and Weimer teamed with Kai Blankenship and Riley Holland for a third place women’s open 400-yard freestyle relay.

Thirteen-year-old Eli Condie touched eighth in the boys’ open 200-yard butterfly, while Tanner Schroer claimed seventh in the 50-yard freestyle and eighth in the 200-yard backstroke. As with the girls’ 400-yard freestyle relays, David Mustard, Tucker Schroer, Zeke Williamson and Tanner Schroer swam to a bronze finish, while Garrett Land also offered contributing swims.

Between the ClarkeOconee Invitational and Clemson, Orcas head coach Chip Holland pointed out the swimmers achieved 20 new Age Group State cuts, ‘Orcas’ Page 6

Please see

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Wylie sets nation’s fastest time

Ryan Wylie achieved the fastest time in the nation for a 12 year old in the 1650 Yard Freestyle Event last month at the Clemson Invitational. His time of 17:09.96 in the mile broke the Georgia State Record. Wylie’s time also placed him at 42 on the USA Swimming All Time Top 100 List. Wylie is a seventh grader at Westminster Christian Academy and swims with Athens Bulldog Swim Club.

Contributed photo

OFC U14 boys win finalist trophy

Contributed photo The Oconee Futbol Club U14 boys captured the finalist trophy at the 2015 State Championship and in Classic IV division. The OFC U14 boys went 4-1 in the recent tournament and finished 8-2 in Fall Georgia Classic soccer division. Pictured are (back row) Christian Torres, Dylan Kapczynski, Zach Morin, Darrell Kapczynski (manager), Nando Bodie, Julien Ward, Harry Bailey, Alex Moore, Pat Mercardante (coach), Chris Nemetz, (front row) Ricardo Ruiz, Victor Hernandez, Will Kuperberg, Jack Brown, Andrew Thomas and Matthew Loftin.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

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Oconee County’s Michael, Fambrough named to Class AAA All-State team

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Prince Avenue Christian softball players Jordyn Smith and Emily Soles were named to the Class A first-team all-state team last month. Soles was also named the Region 8-AAA pitcher of the year in both her junior and senior seasons. Both played important roles in helping the Lady Wolverines win each of the last four region championships and helping lead the team to Columbus for the Elite Eight each year of their high school careers.

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Oconee County’s Jessie Michael and Chloe Fambrough were named to the Class AAA second team all-state team last month, as voted on by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association. Michael, selected as a utility player, hit .391 with 21 RBI, seven doubles, four home runs and had a .509 on-base percentage in 87 at-bats.

She drew 21 walks and only struck out three times this season. In the circle, she went 14-10 with a 1.75 ERA. Opponents hit just .212 off her. She had 128 strikeouts in 164 innings pitched. Michael plans on playing softball for Emory. Fambrough was selected as an infielder. She hit .363 with 14 RBI, 18 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple, two home runs, a .510 slugging percentage and a .381 on-base percentage in 102 at-bats this season.

‘Orcas’

13 new Age Group Sectional cuts, three new individual GHSA State cuts and 22 swimmers on 11 different relays with GHSA State cuts.

At Clemson, out of 84 events, Orcas won 10

Smith, Soles named to Class A All-State team

Page 6

Meeler, Foote named to Class AAAA All-State team

Continued from Page 5 events, had 48 top-five finishes, set 12 new team records and added another swimmer to the Georgia All-Star team, as Marshall Cohen picked up his AAA cut in the 10-under boys’ 50-yard backstroke.

“What really stands out about this weekend, first and foremost, is that our successes were spread out over all of our age groups,” says Holland. “This is truly a testament to what we have become as a team.”

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

North Oconee pitcher Katie Foote and outfielder Kayci Meeler were named to the Class AAAA all-state team, as voted on by members of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association. Both played a key role in helping the Lady Titans reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2010.

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

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‘Malcom Bridge-Oconee County’

“We looked for good shots in the paint. We looked for Mary Ford in the paint. She was finishing down low very well and had a great game,” Schutz said. “I tried to do as best for my team. Hitting from the outside helps the inside open up and that’s exactly what happened.”

Kinley Phillips had 10 points. Hadley Kirsche and Abigail Snyder both had six points. Lauren McCullough had two points.

“At the beginning of the season we had a ton of games. Since Christmas we have had a lot of time to practice, which has been really nice. We have been able to focus on some specific little skills, post moves, driving, fighting over screens, and that really showed tonight,” said head coach Morgan Cogswell.

“We came out of the game with more polished stuff because we had more time to practice. They played solidly.”

Cogswell said her team is ready for the region tournament. She said a game last month against Gatewood was their best of the season even though it was a loss.

“It was a challenging game and we hung with them,” Cogswell said.

“That showed the girls their potential and what they could do and hang with some of the bigger schools.

It got them excited for the rest of the season. I am very pleased with how we played tonight. Going into the tournament next week, I am pretty excited about it.

“Our team is very excited about the idea of the region tournament,” Cogswell

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added. “They are optimistic. They are excited but they also realize we have a couple of really great teams we have to play in order to keep going. Focused but excited.”

The region tournament is at Peachtree Academy and begins tonight (February 4). The Lady Lions have a first-round bye. They play Friday and the championship game is Saturday.

The Lions against Nathanael Greene struggled in the first half. They trailed 10-5 after the first quarter and 21-11 at halftime.

“I couldn’t tell you the last time we scored 11 in a half. That was as bad a half as I have seen,” said head coach Nathan Donatelli.

“We were coming off of two big losses Monday and Tuesday and the guys were a little worn out. I think we were in a fog but the fog cleared at halftime. They played much better.”

The Lions started to come back in the third quarter and outscored the Patriots 15-8 to go into the final eight minutes only down 29-26.

Just 20 seconds into the fourth, Xander Haymore drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 29-29.

The Patriots took the lead nine seconds later but a basket by Harrison Ricketts tied the game at 31 with 7:17 left.

Caleb Thomas hit a layup and was fouled with 6:03 left to give the Lions a 33-31 lead, and he sank the free throw to give the Lions a three-point lead.

The Lions never trailed again after that.

Thomas finished the second half with 18 points. He

scored nine in the third quarter and nine in the fourth quarter. Sixteen of his points were all short lay-ups, taking advantage of his size and being taller than everyone on the Patriots.

“That is a lot of points in one half,” Thomas said. “I was thinking about it and I was like, I am tired of just not doing what I am supposed to. I was focused on catching the ball and getting in good position. I might as well get angry and go after the ball and do what I needed to get done.

“I have had trouble catching the ball in the past. Having good passes and me catching them and finishing on them was really helpful.”

Haymore finished with 12 points. Ricketts had six points. Johnmark Daniell and Landen Street both had four points.

“Sealing our man and catching the ball and not making bad passes (was the difference between the two halves), Donatelli said. “In the first half we were forcing the ball. We were not in good position. In the second half we went out and did what we could do and it got us a lot of points.

(Thomas) had a really large size advantage. Getting him in good position is going to get him points. I challenged him at halftime and he rose up and he was huge for us.”

The Lions finished as the No. 2 seed for the region tournament. They will play Friday in Covington.

“This week has been tough but that is not always bad,” Donatelli said. “We have a few days to rest up before we play again. We will get after it next weekend.”

Peden scores 1,000th career point

MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader

Oconee County’s Chance Peden scored his 1,000th career point in last Saturday’s 58-55 win against Hart County. The Warriors improved to 7-15 overall and 3-7 in the region. Their final home game was earlier this week. They close the regular season on Friday at Jackson County.

‘WCA hoops’

15 seconds later to give the Lightning a 51-50 lead.

Nine seconds later, Randolph scored to give the Braves a 52-51 lead, and he hit one of two free throws with 1:20 left to take a twopoint lead.

Adam Weynand tied the game at 53 with 1:06 left and a free throw by Pearson with 49.2 seconds left gave the Lightning a 54-53 lead. Weynand scored with 26 seconds left and Pearson hit on both free throws with 5.9 seconds left to take a 58-53 lead and seal the victory.

“It’s not just another game. The win is huge for us,” said Drewton Dollander, who had 11 points for the Lightning. “My parents divorced recently and this tem has become my family.

Continued from Page 4

They mean everything to me. I love them like brothers. It means a lot to me to get this win.”

Weynand led the Lightning with 15 points.

DaShawn Elder had 13 points. Will Pearson had 10 points. Gunner Robinson had five points. Bryce Correll and Barks both had two points.

Randolph had 26 points to lead the Braves. Martin had eight points. Ben Noland had six points. Stan Lacksen had five points. Patrick Gatticker and Dyland Babcock both had four points.

“They got beat a couple of times in football. They got beat a couple of times in the regular season. To lose Monday the way we did, I didn’t have to do a

whole lot of motivating.

The team was very motivated. They wanted revenge,” Bailey said. “You could tell by the way they played tonight, but they were tired. After Wednesday’s tough win, we had a light day of practice to try and keep it easy. Three games in one week, and we played basically an extra game with the two overtimes and this overtime, it was a heck of a battle.”

The Lightning hosted the middle school championship on Wednesday. The Lightning were going for their first championship since 2013.

“I have never won a championship and this time I am not going to lose it,” Dollander said.

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

Battle of the Books in Oconee

Battle of the Books competition took place in Oconee County elementary schools recently. Clockwise from top left: Congratulations to the Oconee County Elementary BOB teams — fourth grade for first place and fifth grade second place in district; Congratulations to Colham Ferry Elementary fifth grade BOB team for coming in first place and to all those who competed; Battle of the Book winners at Rocky Branch Elementary Schools; teams from High Shoals and Malcom Bridge get ready for Battle of the Books.

To Advertise: Phone 706.208.2290 Medical / Health

1380

Medical / Health

1380

University Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has immediate openings for the following positions:

Assistant Director of Nursing FT RN Certified Dietary Manager FT Certified Nursing Assistant All shifts FT Unit Manager LPN/RN FT 3-11 LPN LPN/RN all shifts

Email resume to swilkinson@cypressga.com

Medical / Health

1380

Medical / Health

1380

Dietician needed for full time or part time position for 10 county WIC program to do high risk counseling for mothers, babies, and young children. Position will use a telemedicine facility in Athens as well as occasional travel to health departments in 10 counties surrounding and including Athens. RD or LD required.

Compensation will depend on professional and WIC experience.

Full time salary $32,000 to $40,000 plus generous benefits.

Part time hourly $15 to $20 per hour.

Please apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/ jobs/1336656.

Position open until filled.

Medical / Health

1380

Medical / Health

1380

Morgan Memorial Hospital Med-Surg RN – Full Time & PRN positions avail.

Seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to work in the Med-Surg Department. The candidate must hold current licensure in the State of Georgia and have CPR/BLS, ACLS certification.

Must be willing to work weekends when needed.

Apply online at www.mmh.org Or send resume to Sarah S. Phillips, HR Fax: 706-342-2742 e-mail: sarahp@mmh.org Morgan Memorial Hospital is a Drug Free Workplace/EEOC

Thursday, February 4, 2016

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Thursday, February 4, 2016 Logistics / Transportation

Logistics / Transportation

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ROUTE OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

Watkinsville Area

If your budget could use a boost, consider supplementing your income by delivering an Athens Banner-Herald. Most routes require only 2-3 hours per day. If you would like more information email prado.distribution@hotmail.com Logistics / Transportation

1320

Driver- CDL/A $3000 Sign On Bonus for Experienced Drivers Paid Out within 30 days of 1st dispatch!

Education/Training

1180

Now Hiring Full Time & Part time teachers.

Minimum requirements: Childcare experience required, CDA minimum preferred, Energetic, Team Player who is passionate about children Great benefits and work environment.

Apply onsite, download app at www.krk23ga.com, or call 706-546-9400 for info.

Manufacturing / Production / Operations

1340

Manufacturing / Production / Operations

Creative/Design

1340

Peterson Spring is looking to hire a machine operator for 2nd shift (4:00 pm – 2:00 am) Mon-Thurs.

Operator needs to have mechanical ability and be able to learn quickly. Competitive wage, health insurance, 401K. Apply in person at Peterson Spring 600 Old Hull Road Athens, GA 30601.

Manufacturing / Production / Operations

1340

HOME WEEKLY NEW Southeast Regional PAY INCREASE!

WAREHOUSE RECEIVING ASSOCIATE burton + BURTON®, one of the world’s largest balloon and coordinating gift distributors, located in Athens, GA. has an immediate opening for a Warehouse Receiving Associate.

Essential job functions include receiving, stocking, and consolidating in-coming merchandise.

Must safely use all warehouse equipment (forklift, order picker, pallet jack, hand trucks, etc.) to complete tasks. Must be able to lift and move up to 75 lbs. on a frequent basis.

Applicants can apply in person at 325 Cleveland Road, Bogart, Mon-Fri from 9am-4pm or email resume to cblackwell@burtonandburton.com

Company & Independent Contractors Needed 6 Day Refresher Course Avail.

In Business over 50 years!

855-378-9335 EOE KLLM.com

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PHOTO STUDIO SUPPORT/PHOTO STYLIST

burton+BURTON®, the world’s largest balloon and coordinating gift distributor, located near Athens, GA, has an immediate opening for a Photo Studio Support/Photo Stylist.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: •Organizes product shoot list at direction of photographers •Working with photographers, coordinates models and location shots for special photo sessions •Assists photographers with product features’ shots •Works with photographers in selecting appropriate props for photo shoots •Supports photographers in setting and propping photo shoots •Reviews Product Reference File comments •Pulls products from all warehouse locations to use in shoots •Returns product to original locations •Uses SLR camera to shoot product samples •Keeps the photo studio and prop room clean and organized

EXPERIENCE: •Possess plant and flower design skills and understanding of color theory and/or •Have general photo set or visual design skills with an eye for color, balance, and proportion •Ability to do minor renovations with regard to prop building, and painting of walls and props; experienced with hand tools •Proficient MAC user •Able to show strong organizational skills through prior/current work history •Ability to lift items routinely weighing up to 75 lbs. from warehouse/showroom to photo studio and back

Please send resumes to cblackwell@burtonandburton.com.

Let us help find that perfect new employee! Call 706.208.2290 to advertise your job opening in the Oconee Leader.

Call 706.208.2290 to advertise your job opening in the Oconee Leader.

To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290

To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290

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PR OFESSIONAL

A Guide to Professional Services in the Oconee County Area To Advertise: Phone 706.549.FAST Home Services

Home Services

3520

3520

Home Services

3520

Home Services

Home Services

3520

Home Services

3520

3520

BRIAN'S TREE & HANDYMAN SERVICES

WE DO IT ALL!

M.L.W. All Phase Construction & Roofing, LLC

TREE SERVICES

FLOOD PROBLEMS?

TREE & HEDGE TRIMMING UNDERBRUSH CLEARING FULL TREE REMOVAL

STORM DRAINS FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION RETAINER WALLS

ROOFING

Gary F. Scavone 7 0 6 . 2 0 6 . 1 2 2 3  gfscavone@gmail.com

PATCHWORK • METAL • SHINGLES ANY KIND OF ROOF REPAIR

OTHER HOME SERVICES

 Available 24/7 for Any Emergency 

PAINTING • WOOD REPAIR • LANDSCAPING PRESSURE WASHING • YARD & LEAF CLEANING MULCH, GRAVEL, & PINE NEEDLE SPREADING & HAULING

 State of Georgia Licensed & Insured  EASE OF MIND: We have an insurance expert on staff with over 30 years of experience adjusting insurance property claims!

CALL BRIAN - (706) 247-5430 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE • AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK LICENSED & INSURED • SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Home Services

3520

Home Services

Home Services

3520

3520

Bickley’s Tree Service

METAL OR SHINGLES • We do ALL the work & repairs: soffit, cornice, fascia & painting

f Tree Service f Lawn Maintenance f Stump Grinding f Brush Chipping f Bobcat f Dump Truck Insured

Lamar Adams 706-224-2079 LOADER WORK & BOBCAT WORK Underbrush Cutting, Gravel and Asphalt Driveways, Lot Clearing, Backyard Grading, Bush-hogging, Landscaping-Seed, Drainage Fill Dirt, Top-Soil, Sink Hole Fill In, Tree Removal, Retaining Walls, Demolition & Backhoe Work 770-945-2488

www.gbedellconstruction.com Buying Contents of Entire Estates Before you consider an estate sale, please call me!

We pay top dollar for estate contents and do all the clean-up work. No work necessary on your part!

Call Bruce 706-215-2740.

Looking for a landscaper?

Health/Medical

Health/Medical

3455

3455

ADDICTION CLINIC

Just off 316 (.04 mi.) at 3651 Mars Hill Road in Watkinsville, Georgia

APEX Assisted Recovery of Athens

Office of Dr. William D. Tumlin

Offering:

LOOK NO FURTHER! STATE OF GEORGIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR

BAT SEASON

“Resolving Conflicts Between People & Animals” WILDLIFE TRAPPING Wildlife Detection Removal & Prevention

LEAFPROOF

“Pest proof & leaf proof your gutters Free Estimates

Peyton Hopkins Call 706-546-7438 AthensExterminating.net PO Box 5772 7080 Smokey Rd. Athens GA 30604 Lic. Trapper #99993

www.gbedellconstruction.com

Home Services

3520

The Professional Services Directory is Oconee County’s trusted source for local landscape & lawn maintenance providers!

Home Services

3520

JIMMY’S ROOFING

Shingles, metal, patchwork, any kind of wood repairs or home maintenance.

We Do It All! Licensed & Insured 7 Days A Week Senior Citizen Discount Call Today: 706-521-2643 UlmBrothers Tree Service

Local and experienced!

We are fully insured and offer Tree removal,Trimming Pruning, Debris Removal, Insurance work, Right of way work, Lot clearing, and Stump Grinding. We pride our self on customer service and satisfaction.

Call for a free estimate today.

Office: 706-369-5300 Cell: 706-255-4941

* Alcohol detox and counseling * Prescription and non-prescription narcotics detox * Detox and counseling for other drugs (Benzos) *Suboxone Maintenance * Counseling for family members of alcoholics and/or addicts

Hours of Business 12 Noon- 4 p.m Monday- Thursday Phone: 678-726-2025 athensdetox.com

Shopping

3910

Shopping

3910

Considering having an estate sale?

Contemplating having a yard sale? Wanting to organize and declutter? Thinking about hauling off?

Why go through the hassle?

Call me today!

Locally owned & operated since 1968 Greg Reeves family will downsize you and pay you cash!

706-369-0000 www.Transitioning America.com

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

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