Oconee County, GA Politics

Gainesville State College professor and rabblerouser Preston Coleman lives here and is a buddy of mine, and let me tell the City of Coll-burt one damn thing, you would be extremely lucky to be graced by presence of Stephen Colbert One Colbert bit too edgy for another || OnlineAthens.com

An audience of approximately 20 interested people of all ages looked and listened for birds with local ornithological expert Steve Holzman Saturday morning in Harris Shoals Park in Watkinsville as part of the Saturday Stroll series sponsored by the Oconee County Democratic Committee. Holzman played .mp3 recordings of various birds and owls as well as pointing out the various native and invasive species of plants that bring birds. An oriole and brown thrasher were among the few birds spotted and others were heard during the sultry stroll. He led a discussion around the shoals and the walkway. He told stories and answered every questions about the oil slick in the Gulf and what birds he was most proud to see (an owl). The $5.00 fee for the walk went to the charity of the chosing of Holtzman, the Georgia Rivers Audubon Society. Several area HS youth came via bike and blogger Lee Becker brought his dog on the hour long hike around the wetlands of Harris Shoals park. The followi...

Dear Colleague , You are invited to take part in the 11 th annual "Top Businesses in America" recognition program. Study after study shows people prefer to do business with experienced and successful companies. Each year DiversityBusiness.com collects and compiles the 'Top Business List' on a State and National basis. The data is used to determine the top businesses and the most successful entrepreneur's across the United States. These businesses and individuals become part of our Div50 awards program. Making the list provides significant media exposure and puts your company name in front of Fortune 500 companies, Government Agencies and College/Universities looking to do business with privately-held businesses.  This year's program will determine the: Top 100 Privately-Held Businesses in each State Top 100 Small Businesses in each State Top 100 Women Owned Businesses in each State Top 10...

Please attend if you can Woven brightly, width="12" height="12"> Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 06:24:13 -0700 From: oconeefm@yahoo.com Subject: Saturday's Market To: oconeefm@yahoo.com Hope everyone is well and ready for the weekend! We sweet potato pies , banana nut bread , blueberry muffins , cinnamon rolls, pitas and fresh homemade breads and bagels. We will have fresh Shiitake mushrooms Homemade sheep's milk soaps along with fresh locally grown herbs, edible flowers , greens, leeks, lettuce, radishes, sprouts, green onions , spinach, squash . Don't forget about our farm fresh eggs and Johnson Dairy Milk . We will have ornamental plants and potted flowers. So come on out and pick up some locally grown, fresh goodness.   Karl Berg 706-215-7385 www.oconeefarmersmarket.org  and http://www.apvoc.com/

Oconee County tourism director Peggy Holcomb suffered a fall at her home last night during her recovery from recent back surgery. We wish her a complete recovery from this latest setback, and know she cares more than anyone about tourism in Watkinsville and the rest of Oconee County.

Friend -- This week, when the President first told me he'd chosen Elena Kagan to serve on the Supreme Court, I couldn't help but smile. I had a chance to interview many great candidates, but Elena stood out. I met her nearly 20 years ago, when she took a break from teaching to join my staff in the Senate. She helped us confirm Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and even then, it wasn't hard to picture a day when we'd be helping Elena prepare for confirmation hearings of her own. Since that time, I've followed her career, and today, I believe Elena Kagan is an inspired choice for the Supreme Court. Throughout her career, she's been a trailblazer, breaking glass ceilings in both academia and government. She's been a consensus-builder, earning praise for her work with Republicans in the Clinton White House and her support for the free exchange of ideas as the dean of Harvard Law. She's flat-out brilliant, easily one of the best legal minds I've ever...

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Karen Solheim <ksolheim@oconee.k12.ga.us> Sent: Fri, May 14, 2010 7:53:57 AM Subject: CCDC FW: Russell Edwards speaking May 17 in Lavonia Dear CCDC members and friends,   Please see the email below from the Franklin County Democratic Committee concerning Russell Edwards speaking this Monday, May 17, in Lavonia.   This email is for informational purposes only, and the CCDC's sending it does not indicate endorsement at this time of these or any other Democratic candidates.   Sincerely, Karen Solheim CCDC Vice Chair for Communications ======================== Subject: Attention 10th District Voters   Attention 10 th District Voters   Great news we have Russell Edwards running for Congress coming to speak in Lavonia.   When: This Monday, May 17 th, 2010 at the Shoney's starting at 7 pm.  Come early to eat and listen to Russell Edwards speak.     We need Russell Edwards for...

Herschel Walker is my favorite Dawg. Herschel Walker to wounded warriors: No 'shame in your game' | savannahnow.com

Free tour of the country and golf club on the border of Clarke and Oconee counties. Go check it out. Jennings Mill plans open house Saturday || OnlineAthens.com

Books and Birds on the docket for Oconee County Democratic Committee   Quick updates with more details far below! 1) The book we're reading for our community-wide book group this month is Howard Zinn's classic, wonderful " A People's History of the United States ." Actually, we're just reading the first 13 chapters . . . with the last half up for discussion the following month. We meet the last Wednesday of each month at Five Points Deli on Epps Bridge Parkway . . . at 6. Drop in sometime! 2) The Saturday Strolls in Watkinsville are up and running . . . and terrific! This Saturday's stroll is all about birds and their nests, and the guide is Steve Holzman, who works for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. That's at 9 AM at Harris Shoals Park . . . and the $5 per person fee benefits the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society . I've asked Steve to bring along some of the cool (and reasonably priced) bird and bat houses he makes, as ...

Mayor – Kim Kraeling Post 1 –Jason Wisniewski Post 2 – Steve Holzman Post 3 – David Lawrence Post 4 – Stephen Arnold Post 5 – Violet Dawe Town of North High Shoals 108 Jefferson Road P.O. Box 129 High Shoals, Georgia 30645 706-769-4289 North High Shoals Council Agenda May 17, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. Call to Order Welcome and Declaration of Quorum Public Hearing/Discussion of 2010-2011 budget Agenda Setting: Order of agenda Monthly Business: Presentation of Draft Minutes Presentation of Financial Statements Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items Old Business: 1. Soldier Support (S. Arnold) 2. Dog Day Conclusion (J. Mackay) 3. Cell Tower Conclusion (V. Dawe) New Business: 4. Steeplechase Horse Trail Update (J. MacKay) 5. City Park Update – Water Lines, Path, Flag Replacement and Fountain (D. Lawrence) 6. Restricting Pesticide Use on Public Property (M. Swann) 7. Park Pot Luck Dinner (D. Lawrence) 8. Greenway Update – July meeting (S. Holzman) 9. GMA Listening Session Conclusion (D. Lawrence) 10. ...

Mayor – Kim Kraeling Post 1 –Jason Wisniewski Post 2 – Steve Holzman Post 3 – David Lawrence Post 4 – Stephen Arnold Post 5 – Violet Dawe Town of North High Shoals 108 Jefferson Road P.O. Box 129 High Shoals, Georgia 30645 706-769-4289 North High Shoals Council Agenda May 17, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. Call to Order Welcome and Declaration of Quorum Public Hearing/Discussion of 2010-2011 budget Agenda Setting: Order of agenda Monthly Business: Presentation of Draft Minutes Presentation of Financial Statements Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items Old Business: 1. Soldier Support (S. Arnold) 2. Dog Day Conclusion (J. Mackay) 3. Cell Tower Conclusion (V. Dawe) New Business: 4. Steeplechase Horse Trail Update (J. MacKay) 5. City Park Update – Water Lines, Path, Flag Replacement and Fountain (D. Lawrence) 6. Restricting Pesticide Use on Public Property (M. Swann) 7. Park Pot Luck Dinner (D. Lawrence) 8. Greenway Update – July meeting (S. Holzman) 9. GMA Listening Session Conclusion (D. Lawrence) 10. ...

Dan, I know its no fun eating words or retracting things as it might feel that it hurts your credibility. I feel that when you jump the gun, make up stuff that isn't true, and then don't correct it, your credibility is damaged more harshly, however. But you did retract earlier this year when you made a mistake and I respected that. I do realize you reach a lot of people and that's why the offer to talk was made. I thought you actually might like to see hear some of the thoughts that have been behind my actions. They aren't anybody's business, but I don't mind sharing what I can. You could have had a leg up on the professionals out there that report for a living and don't care that much about all the facts either. Even the reporter that wrote that very short article in the ABH had an error in his reporting. Trivial error, but damn, some people just don't care. At this juncture I'm assuming you wouldn't care to talk with me, and frankly, I fe...

Begin forwarded message: From: Tom Breedlove < tom.breedlove4@gmail.com > Date: May 12, 2010 9:03:32 PM EDT To: danjmatt@bellsouth.net Subject: from your friend, the "lying sack of shit" Dan, I know its no fun eating words or retracting things as it might feel that it hurts your credibility.  I feel that when you jump the gun, make up stuff that isn't true, and then don't correct it, your credibility is damaged more harshly, however.   But you did retract earlier this year when you made a mistake and I respected that.  I do realize you reach a lot of people and that's why the offer to talk was made. I thought you actually might like to see hear some of the thoughts that have been behind my actions.  They aren't anybody's business, but I don't mind sharing what I can.  You could have had a leg up on the professionals out there that report for a living and don't care that much about all the facts either. Even the reporter that wrote that very...

The Watkinsville City Council approved four business licenses in the May meeting Wednesday evening at the Community Center meeting, but the beginning of the meeting was strictly for the birds and kids. A bevy of young ones from Walt George's Watkinsville Youth Garden Club painted bird houses and presented them to the City Council for placement in Harris Shoals park near their garden for our fine feathered flying friends to call home. Mayor Joe Walter thanked the many participants and their parents (and grandparents?) for their help and action. This came after the awarding of the Beautiful Yard Award presentation by Council member Samantha Purcell. Shaunda and David Boucugnani have furthered Watkinsville's esteemed reputation as the Artland of Georgia with the opening of Lil' Bits of Oconee, which purports to sell and consign inexpensive art works in the former bead shop. They received the approval under the corporate name of B-Squared Adventures at 11 School Street in a coz...

Dear Colleague , You are invited to take part in the DiversityBusiness 11 th annual "Top Businesses in America" recognition program. Study after study shows people prefer to do business with experienced and successful companies. Each year DiversityBusiness.com collects and compiles the 'Top Business List' on a State and National basis. The data is used to determine the top businesses and the most successful entrepreneur's across the United States. These businesses and individuals become part of our Div50 awards program. Making the list provides significant media exposure and puts your company name in front of Fortune 500 companies, Government Agencies and College/Universities looking to do business with privately-held businesses.  This year's program will determine the: Top 100 Privately-Held Businesses in the State Top 100 Small Businesses in the State Top 100 Women Owned Businesses in the...

Friend -- Elena Kagan is making the rounds on Capitol Hill today. As senators start to get to know the President's Supreme Court nominee, I wanted to make sure you had a chance to do the same. If you haven't already, take a moment to watch President Obama introduce her to the nation: http://my.barackobama.com/ElenaKagan Thanks, Mitch -----------------Original Message----------------- From: Barack Obama Subject: Elena Kagan Friend -- Today, it is my great honor to nominate our Solicitor General, and my friend, Elena Kagan, to be the next justice of the United States Supreme Court. As I send my nomination to the Senate, I wanted to record a special message for you that I hope will help us launch a national discussion. Take a minute to watch this video, and then help me to introduce Elena to your friends and family by passing it on. Elena is widely regarded as one of the best legal minds of her generation -- earning praise from across the ideological...

Timing is bad but I hope he gets well. Bradberry exits commission race || OnlineAthens.com

I am grateful for Tim Bryant to have on a local Democratic candidate tomorrow. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 11:58:34 -0400 From: ksolheim@oconee.k12.ga.us Subject: CCDC: Suzy Compere--HD 113 candidate on WGAU To: Dear CCDC members and friends,   FYI--Suzy Compere, Democratic candidate for House District 113 (Bob Smith's old seat), will be on Tim Bryant's radio show (1340 WGAU) this Friday (May 14) morning at 9 a. m.   This email is for informational purposes only, and the CCDC's sending it does not indicate endorsement at this time of these or any other Democratic candidates.   Sincerely, Karen Solheim CCDC Vice Chair for Communications    

Dear Mr. Breedlove, I think I am the least of your concerns at this point. Your credibility has been extinguished with me and I would suspect the general public of Oconee County. I am always amused at how public officials such as yourself like to start the comments "I normally don't read blogs like yours..." ~ yes, you and 100,000 other people don't read my blog either. That was the number of independent page views I was told by Sitemeter last week. Here is the email exchange we went through last January. I published your comments in their entirety, and I stand by my rather coarse characterization of your course of action. Begin forwarded message: From: "Tom Breedlove" < tom@gaplanning.com > Date: January 23, 2010 4:37:39 PM EST To: "Dan Matthews" < danjmatt@bellsouth.net > Subject: Re: Are you planning to resign from the Oconee BOE? No, everything for me is just as it was when I last wrote.   Thanks, Tom Breedlove, ASLA Partner, Direc...

Steve Holzman is a good friend and an entertaining story teller who is very knowledgeable about a wide array of natural topics. Please attend this Saturday morning in Harris Shoals Park. Bird expert is Saturday stroll guide || OnlineAthens.com

Again I am ashamed at how much this public official lied to me and other members of the media about this in the past months when it was all but common knowledge he was moving. Board member quits, moving out of state || OnlineAthens.com

Aside from the use of the word "baffling" this is basically a rehash of the story yesterday with a few more quotes. I hate to say it, but I still think this is lone nut racially motivated, perhaps someone who was involved with the girlfriend in the recent past. Watkinsville officer's home arson 'baffling' || OnlineAthens.com

Great job in booking Suzy Compere and Michael Mills. Might have to drive to Lexington for this one. Suzy needs to be a little more pro-active in the social media world. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 06:30:06 -0700 Subject: [oconee] Suzy Compere, Michael Mills: 5/27, Oglethorpe Co.   (no, not THAT Michael Mills!)   ************ ********* ** The Oglethorpe Co. Democratic Committee will welcome guest speakers Suzy Compere, candidate for State House District 113 (western Oglethorpe County) and Michael Mills for Georgia Secretary of State , on Thursday, May 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Oglethorpe County Library.  The candidates will introduce themselves and take questions from the audience.  This meeting is free and open to the public. www.oglethorpedemoc rats.org ************ ********* **   Laura       __._,_...

I had multiple reliable sources swear he was going to resign from the Oconee County Board of Education months ago, and I exchanged repeated emails with Breedlove denying this. I suppose I can understand a certain degree of wanting to save face especially given the family violence charge situation his wife was looking at. Nothing excuses lying to the media and backing out like a coward though. Given the upcoming elections, however, I think he owes an apology to all of Oconee County and to everyone foolish enough to vote for him. The Oconee Enterprise > Latest Updates > Breedlove resigns from BOE Posted using ShareThis

Watkinsville Officer Targeted By Arsonist? Posted using ShareThis

The Banner-Herald finally gets on the ball for this story and does somewhat address the racial angle as well. Oxendine comes off as a grandstanding buffoon. Investigators: Fire at officer's home arson || OnlineAthens.com

I appreciate the job they are doing Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me From: smkogan@uga.edu To: smkogan@uga.edu Subject: Is that a Share the Road sign on New High Shoals? Time to Join OCCO Date: Mon, 10 May 2010 21:56:07 -0400 Dear Oconee Cyclists and Cycling Supporters,   Have you joined the Oconee County Cycling Organization (OCCO) yet? Our membership drive is going strong and we want you to join. We are very pleased to announce the first two Share the Road Signs in Oconee County standing proudly on New High Shoals road, one after Union Church and one just east of 186. These are just the first of what we hope will be many signs and other infrastructure and education efforts to promote cycling and cycling safety in Oconee County.   Advocate for cycling by joining OCCO; just complete the attached membership application.   Ride safe, ride Oconee Steve Kogan, OCCO Board of Directors ...

Friend -- Today, it is my great honor to nominate our Solicitor General, and my friend, Elena Kagan, to be the next justice of the United States Supreme Court. As I send my nomination to the Senate, I wanted to record a special message for you that I hope will help us launch a national discussion. Take a minute to watch this video, and then help me to introduce Elena to your friends and family by passing it on. Elena is widely regarded as one of the best legal minds of her generation -- earning praise from across the ideological spectrum throughout her career. Above all, she is a trailblazer. She wasn't just the first woman to serve as dean of Harvard Law School -- she was one of its most beloved and successful leaders, building a reputation for openness to other viewpoints and skill in working with others to build consensus. These were some of the many reasons why I selected her to be my Solicitor General, the nation's chief advocate -- the first woman to hold tha...

The Oconee Enterprise > Latest Updates > Arson fire destroys vehicles, damages home Posted using ShareThis

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I hope in the future we do not have such an overabundance of competing events at essentially the same time. The first letter is from Dr. Robert Wyatt, and the second preceded it from Oconee County Democratic Committee Chair Jonathan Veit. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Mon, 10 May 2010 10:57:33 -0400 Subject: Re: [oconee] Watkinsville Litter Clean-Up   Congratulations, Jonathan, and the rest of the CCDC team! We beat the Republicans again with one to spare. Maybe there should be a trophy in the form of a miniature trash can that goes each year to the winner. As the leader of one of the competing events ("Saturday Strolls at Harris Shoals"), which also was sponsored by the CCDC, I am happy to report that we had 17 people. The previous week we drew an all-time record, with more than 25 people participating. Please come this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. when Steve Holzman will lead a walk focused on birds. ...

Oconee County Observations: 19 Venders Launch 2010 Oconee County Farmers Market Posted using ShareThis

Even though this is in Athens, there will be many people from Oconee County involved, the least of which being Vicky Moody. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Vicky Moody <vjmoody@gmail.com> Sent: Sun, May 9, 2010 10:50:22 PM Subject: Rose of Athens - Charlotte's Web At a Glance:              A perfectly enchanting story of friendship, E.B. White's  Charlotte's Web  explores themes of kindness, creativity and tolerance toward those who are different.  A beloved classic performed on the live stage by Rose of Athens Theatre! What:  Rose of Athens Theatre's Charlotte's Web, novel written by E.B. White, play adapted by Joseph Robinette. Tickets:  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Recommended for all ages. Where:  Seney-Stovall Chapel,- 201 N Milledge Ave. 30602 When:   Public Performances: Wednesday, May 12th and Thursday, May 13th at 7pm. School Group Pe...

I do wish this were another evening as it will be exactly opposite the first Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast Concerts on the Lawn series of the season. Subject: May 17 OCHS Meeting Everyone -   Gary Doster has agreed to present his talk entitled "Elijah Clarke and the Trans-Oconee Republic (1794)" at our Monday, May 17 OCHS meeting at OCAF.  I had the pleasure to hear the talk at the Oglethorpe HS meeting a couple of years ago.  It's a very interesting and you will enjoy it.  The meeting starts at 7 pm.   Ben

About damn time. What took you so long? Watkinsville officer’s home burns, arson suspected || OnlineAthens.com

I realize that a fire set at 3:47 am Sunday morning might be occurring at the most inopportune time possible for the sleepy Athens and Oconee County media and bloggers, but I am somewhat astonished that no one else - not the Banner-Herald, not the Enterprise and no other bloggers - have picked up on the apparent arson of the Watkinsville police officer William Horton's golf cart, car, and house in very near Main Street in downtown? I came home from Atlanta late Mother's Day afternoon and after watching some NBA playoff basketball was somewhat surprised to see Watkinsville Police Chief Lee O'Dillon talking about one of his own on the evening news out of Atlanta. Apparently WSB TV was the only one of the three Atlanta television news channels to send a reporter to Oconee County as the other two pretty much rehashed the Associated Press reports with the offer of the $10,000.00 reward from State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine's office. But again I am somewhat disturbe...