Oconee County, GA Politics

The following are photos taken at the Southworks Festival at the Oconee Cultural Arts Festival in downtown Watkinsville Saturday. House 113th District Republican candidate Hank Huckaby was making the rounds but I swear I did not see him shake a single hand the entire afternoon. The Oconee School of Rock's senior class performed at the end of the day, including a loving rendition of the Oasis' hit "Wonderwall." Owner Charlie Garrett helped tutor his students and lead the musical performance. They offer lessons down on School Street for kids of all ages at Full Moon Studios at the corner near Second Street in Watkinsville. The drummer is the brother of the greatest defensive soccer player I have ever coached. OCAF members instructed kids in how to make books and decorate CDs, including Pat Adams who nurtured these talented young ladies in the fine art of how to glue stuff on compact discs to make them infinitely more attractive. Super realist painter Otto Lange was show...

Good luck to Bostwick resident Suzy Compere running for the House 113th district including all of Oconee County. Area races take shape || OnlineAthens.com

Congratulations to Amrey Harden for being appointed to this board by Governor Sonny Perdue State Workforce Investment Board B. Amrey Harden, 55, Watkinsville – Harden is president and chief executive officer of Oconee State Bank. He formerly served as mayor of Watkinsville, Georgia and is currently a member of the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority, and Northeast Georgia Workforce Investment Board. He is also a trustee for Athens Regional Medical Center and is a member of the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce. Harden earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Debra, have one child.

Friend -- This week, President Obama outlined our top priority for the 2010 elections: Making sure first-time voters from 2008 return to the polls. Now, it's up to us to make it happen. So I hope you will join David Plouffe and me for our Vote 2010 online Strategy Session next Monday at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, where we'll detail our plans to organize supporters and volunteers and get the job done. You'll get the inside scoop on the plan you helped create, have a chance to ask questions, and participate in an online discussion with other supporters in your state. Join us for the Vote 2010 Strategy Session this Monday at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Please RSVP today. Over the past few months, we've held hundreds of local strategy planning meetings across the country to make our 2010 campaign the most effective it can be. We've incorporated your feedback into a comprehensive electoral plan we think will make the difference in the November elections. You...

Oconee County Observations: Four Candidates File on Last Day for Oconee County Elections Posted using ShareThis

Please see below from Patsy Harris. Now we need to begin planning how we will support Suzy both logistically and financially. Jonathan Correction, she will not have any primary opposition in July unless there was other last second filings on the Democratic side. ~ Dan __________________________________________________________ What a pleasure to deliver this news to you all! Our very own Morgan County Democratic Committee Member Suzy Compere has just qualified with the Democratic Party of Georgia to run in the July primary as a candidate for the Georgia House, District 113! The incumbent representative is Bob Smith, who has announced that he will not run for another term. Three Republicans are in the primary race for the seat. Suzy has thought long and hard about this decision, done a lot of research, a lot of soul searching, a lot of sleeping-on-it, and spoken long hours with her very supportive family and state Democratic officials. She will need the support of each and every one o...

Morgan County resident Suzy Compere qualified to run as a Democrat in the Georgia House of Representatives 113th district in what is often referred to as the old Bob Smith seat. Very little is known about her other than she pronounces her name as "compare" and I am certain we will be comparing her to Kirk Shook, Hank Huckaby and Tommy Malcom very favorably.

Anything to end erosion is good by me. Well done and well written story, but again, a map would do wonders here Banner-Herald editors. Project to ease erosion in Oconee streams || OnlineAthens.com

Parents, church and judge told future GOP candidate for governor: ‘Leave the girl alone’ Posted using ShareThis

Debilitating diseases are dealt with daily by many people, including my father and step mother. I hope nothing but the best for this former teacher. My prayers and karma sent in her direction. Former teacher's body weakened by disease, but her spirit remains strong || OnlineAthens.com

I am so proud of you Oconee County! State, Athens up census-return rate || OnlineAthens.com

High School Seniors from North Oconee and many other schools gathered at the Monroe Community Center to vie for Merit Awards and $1,000.00 scholarships awarded by the Moore's Ford Memorial Committee in their 11th Annual Scholarship Banquet. Among the recipients were finalists Terese Berger of Oconee County High School, Margracious Brown of North Oconee High School, Kayla Nightingale of Oconee County High School, Emily Radcliffe of North Oconee, and other students from Monroe Area, Morgan County, Clarke County, Cedar Shoals, Loganville and Social Circle. Among the Oconee County residents - present or former - donating time and efforts would include Rich Rusk and his wife Janice, Becky Vaughn, John English, Fred Johnson, Heather Kleiner, Lawrence Stueck and Kathleen McQuiston.

A very good source revealed to me that the high end grocery store long sought by discriminating shoppers who have traveled 50 miles to Atlanta to shop at will be coming to Oconee County soon. More soon when I can get further information. The location is part on Epps Bridge Parkway.

This is the band playing the first show Monday at Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast May 3

If you want a table, or if you want to sit on the ground and pack a picnic, this is the place to be Monday evenings in Watkinsville to hear some great music. Ashford Manor marks 10 years of concerts || OnlineAthens.com

Music in Oconee County this weekend. Come to Watkinsville Begin forwarded message: From: Vicky Moody < vjmoody@gmail.com > Date: April 28, 2010 7:40:45 PM EDT Subject: Southworks 2010 Musicians SOUTHWORKS 2010 Oconee   Cultural Arts Foundation's 15th Annual Celebration of the Arts Come out and join the fun. Kick back and relax to some of the areas best musicians or jump up and dance around. Whatever suits your fancy. Entertainment Schedule   Saturday May 1   Portable Stage Times                                                                                    ...

Friend -- "Republicans win back House, Senate." "Voters reject Obama's agenda." If you listen to the talking heads on TV, it's like November 3rd's headlines are already written. But here's what they don't know -- and it's why they're dead wrong: The same grassroots movement that knocked on the most doors, made the most calls, and inspired the most first-time voters in history in 2008 hasn't gone anywhere. In fact, we're gearing up to do it all again. You heard it from the President on Monday. We've been planning for the fall campaign all year. And we know full well that winning nationally means organizing locally. Every House district holds an election this year, and all but five states will vote statewide for a governor or senator. We need to get moving in your state -- and all over the country -- earlier than ever before. David Plouffe and I have taken a hard look at the numbers, and we need 12 donations from ...

From: Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation <info@ocaf.com> To: danjmatt@bellsouth.net Sent: Wed, April 28, 2010 3:40:10 PM Subject: Southworks Festival is this Weekend! 15th Annual Market & Festival This Saturday & Sunday! May 1st & 2nd, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Each Day Southworks Market & Festival Eighty of the region's top arts and craft persons will be selling their original works. The juried market will include pottery, paintings, fiber art, stained and fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, and woodwork. The festival will include live music featuring a variety of the best country, blues and jazz musicians of Northeast Georgia. Food vendors will be showcasing local and international spec...

Russell Edwards for Congress 2010 logo Originally uploaded by steverogers

Features: Ashford Manor - Flagpole Magazine: Colorbearer of Athens, GA Posted using ShareThis

Antebellum Trail - Watkinsville GA Posted using ShareThis

One-time Oconee County Board of Education member and recently failed State Senate candidate Tommy Malcom qualified for a three way field for the 113th House District seat joining Kirk Shook and Hank Huckaby in the Republican primary field. The Oconee County Democrats continue to shrivel in their attempts at fielding a candidate for this once-in-a-generation open seat. Some surprises on second day of qualifying | savannahnow.com

Go stroll in Harris Shoals Park and big props to Watkinsville Mayor Joe Walter for continuing to clean the park last soggy Saturday despite the Keep Oconee Beautiful Commission shriveling in the rain. Season's first stroll explores Bartrams Trail || OnlineAthens.com

Checked out the artwork there last week and I voted for "Oconee Oxycontin" by Lawrence Stueck. Around Oconee: Festival time is here || OnlineAthens.com

Malcom Qualifies for House Race - WGAU Local News on 1340wgau.com Posted using ShareThis

From: Fred Johnson <ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com> To: Fred Johnson <ilovehighshoals@yahoo.com> Sent: Mon, April 26, 2010 10:35:06 PM Subject: TONHS 1st Annual Dog Day at our Park from Fred Dear High Shoalers,     If you have not heard already, mark your calendars for our Town's 1st annual Dog Day at the Park this Saturday, May 1st .  Community member John MacKay has put together events to participate in and watch as well as local organizations setting up booths.  Face painting for the kids, contests for the dogs, booths to talk to people for the adults, and an "ask the vet" station with Dr. Suzanne Sheldon.  Read more about the events you can participate in below, and share this email with other dog lovers in the area.  No dog is required.  This event promises to be one for the whole family to get to know people of the area.   First annual MAY DAY is DOG DAY 9 am – 1 pm @ North High Shoals City Park ...

Filling Bobby Baker’s shoes at the PSC | Political Insider Posted using ShareThis

The Oconee Enterprise > Latest Updates > Candidates continue signing up for office Posted using ShareThis

Saw Post 3 North High Shoals council member David Lawrence at the Elvis Costello show last night in Atlanta's Tabernacle. Great to see they are doing this wonderful collection for our troops again. Packages for troops requested || OnlineAthens.com

Essentially this article mentions Oconee County as being semi-recession proof. Jobs await in recession-resistant Georgia communities  | ajc.com Posted using ShareThis

Jobs await in recession-resistant Georgia communities  | ajc.com Posted using ShareThis

Jobs await in recession-resistant Georgia communities  | ajc.com Posted using ShareThis

KirkShook.com | Home Posted using ShareThis

I think even more impressive is the fact that a Republican from the Democratic stronghold of Clarke County has won anything ever. I was unaware he was from here. Sorry to see him go. I am always for champions of the people and candidates who are not lackeys to the Corporate Utility mega-gods no matter what party they belong to. PSC veteran won’t seek re-election || OnlineAthens.com

I hope they include area private schools in future scholarship competitions, and I am glad they are having the banquet in Monroe. Annual Moore's Ford banquet on Thursday || OnlineAthens.com

Friend -- There are only 190 days until the 2010 election. Many of you have been at work long before now. You've held strategy sessions all across the country to discuss how to most effectively help candidates in your community who are fighting to bring about change. At OFA headquarters, we've been poring over your ideas, your input, and the best data we can get our hands on to determine the most helpful role we can play. Together, based on that feedback, we've crafted a comprehensive electoral plan that can make a big difference in the upcoming elections. President Obama recorded a video message to share our goals for 2010 with you -- and to remind us what's at stake. Watch it now. We've accomplished a lot together. But we're in for a tough fight this fall. Historical trends aren't in our favor -- the president's party generally loses seats in the first midterm election. And even though President Obama has taken bold steps like the R...

Boyd should file as a Democrat or Independent! GOP blocks Morgan County gubernatorial candidate || OnlineAthens.com

The Oconee Enterprise > Latest Updates > Candidates signing up for office Posted using ShareThis

HANK HUCKABY - Republican for State House Posted using ShareThis

Even though it is across the river, we suddenly have one less candidate for Mayor of Athens: "Today, I am announcing that I will be suspending my campaign for Mayor of Athens Clarke County. Though I am stepping aside as a candidate, I will continue my involvement with the citizens of Athens, and will do my best to make sure that the right candidate is selected in November."

Oconee County Sheriff's Deputies are raising funds to attend the National Police Week May 9-15 in Washington, DC. National Police Week is a memorial week for law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Funds are being raised through a Glock pistol raffle, hat drawing and donations. Stickers memorializing Deputy David Gilstrap will also be sold. For more information call Lt. Griffin Attaberry (my former neighbor) at 706-769-5665.

Once again my beloved Oconee County Democratic Committee has seemingly failed to find any candidate(s) to run for the open seat in the 113th District for the Georgia House of Representatives in the former Bob Smith-held seat. Qualifying begins today for most major races || OnlineAthens.com

I would suppose that getting popped once is more than enough for any driver (especially at $180.00+ a ticket), but I have not seen too many - if any ever - radar set-ups checking your speed around Oconee County. The Sheriff's Department has done a pretty good job with the large signs showing your speed to slow down drivers in and through Watkinsville. The relevant paragraph is at the end of the story. 'Hair' today, and gone tomorrow

From: School Street Gym < schoolstreetgym@yahoo.com > Date: April 24, 2010 6:45:39 PM EDT To: Subject: Very, very important announcement! Reply-To: schoolstreetgym@yahoo.com Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Important Announcement When: June 1, 2010 Where: 1071 Jamestown Blvd., Watkinsville 706-769-1239 We are moving!!   After 5 wonderful years SSG has decided to expand our gymnastics program.  We have been blessed on School Street, but we feel that is it time to move.  So, after much consideration, counsel and prayer we are happy to announce that effective June 1, 2010 we will be moving! Our new location is at 1071 Jamestown Blvd. , behind Colony Square in Oconee County. Our new name will be Oconee Gymnastics Center . We are a non-profit organization allowing us to utilize funding for c...