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 Hall County begins 2013 with high hopes for a bright economic recovery and a more efficient government than ever before. During the past year, Hall County Government saw a successful budgeting process, underwent an extraordinary move into a more consolidated office space and continued to offer new and improved services to citizens. I am convinced that this momentum will only increase as we move forward into the new year. A significant development this year has been the opening of the Hall County Government Center, which consolidated 13 county departments under one roof. This has added to our efforts to create a more streamlined and efficient government. By October of 2012, those departments were moved from five different locations into one facility, making the Hall County Government Center a one-stop shop for citizens. These county departments were moved from leased space, which reduced operational costs overall. With nearly 120,000 square feet of usable space atop 33 acres, the Hall County Government Center is well equipped to handle and respond to Hall County's future and projected growth. Hall County has also continued to improve services to its citizens as we have worked to overcome our economic challenges. The County hosted its first Government Scholars Academy in the spring of 2012, offering interested residents an opportunity to learn more about Hall County's basic structure, services and how their tax dollars are being spent. This program will continue in 2013, and we are looking forward to another positive response from the community. Hall County also hosted the grand opening of North Hall Park in November of 2012. The park features a number of ball fields and a community center, which includes gymnasiums, a fitness center, community meeting space, game room, arts and crafts room and a technology center that's unique to anywhere in the Southeast. I am also proud to report that through the leadership of the Hall County Commission, we were able to end all unpaid, mandated furlough days for county employees. We were also able to restore a 4 percent contribution to the employees' retirement program as we learned how to operate under a much leaner budget without a tax increase. Although the cost-cutting measures have been a challenge for all involved, Hall County is now on much firmer fiscal footing and will continue to maintain a conservative financial approach in the coming year. It continues to be our responsibility to be excellent stewards of the resources provided by the citizens of Hall County. We have every reason to be proud of what has been accomplished in the past year, and we have every reason to be cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. Hall County is a wonderful, thriving and vibrant place to live. On behalf of Hall County Government, I would like to welcome you home. We remain poised to serve you, the citizens of the County, at an even higher level in 2013. |
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Giving back to the Community
Juvenile Court Probation Staff Community Service Project
The Juvenile Court Probation Staff recently had the opportunity to partner with one of our local community providers. The staff along with several youth volunteered their services to work at the local Georgia Food Bank to help prepare Christmas Food packages to people in need during the Christmas season. The group volunteered two full days of community service to help with this very important project. Both the staff and the youth experienced a very high level of satisfaction knowing that they were able to give back to the community during the holiday season. A special thanks goes out to the entire staff for taking time out of there very busy schedule to help give the youth the ability to experience the importance of giving back to the community. Members of the staff include: John Corwin, Liz Diaz, Tonya White, Michael Cooper, Nikki Glenn, Dawn Labell, Leigh Occhippinti, and Shonta Daniels. |
A pat on the back...
Compliment
Below is an email that a citizen sent...Thanks for all you do!
I hope this email can find its way to the proper person(s).
For a couple of days this week, Wanda Sutton assisted me with a question on our account. She was so very thorough and helpful. Additionally, to make sure the amount in question was completely accounted for, she enlisted the assistance of Oscar Medina in Finance who was also very thorough in providing further information and explanation to and for me. She really went the extra mile for me - without my asking her to do so.
If only everyone in America performed their job as thorough and prompt as she and with the courtesy and professionalism she exhibited... She is truly an asset to your department and to Hall County. |
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Hall County Employees pay tribute to victims of Newtown, Conn. Shooting
Hall County Government employees joined many others around the world Friday, wearing green and white in memory and in honor of the victims and survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Christy Van Scoten, an investigator with the Hall County Sheriff's Office, organized the tribute, putting together and passing out green and white ribbons to all Hall County employees who were interested in participating. Employees were also encouraged to wear the colors green and white as a sign of solidarity with the people of Newtown, Conn.. Van Scoten said since she is a first responder herself, she was personally affected by the shootings last week. "We were talking in the office about how to acknowledge everyone the Sandy Hook tragedy affected and decided to ask everyone to wear green and white today," she said. "After some more discussion, we realized the guys and gals in uniform couldn't participate, so the ribbon idea was born." Van Scoten passed out a total of 677 ribbons
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Employees who served Active Duty 2012Thank you for your service!! Jeff White - Fire Kaeshawn Byers - S.O. Rod Mosley - S.O. Quinton Chambers - S.O. Leon Flowers - S.O. Dana McCloud - S.O. Brian McNair - S.O. Edward Pittman - S.O. Justin Simmons - S.O. Marcus Walker - S.O. |
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Fun excuses to celebrate during the month...
January
1 - New Years Day
2 - Buffet Day
3 - Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
4 - Trivia Day
5 - Bird Day
6 - Cuddle Up Day
7 - "Thank God its Monday" Day
8 - Argyle Day
9 - Static Eletricity Day
10 - Peculiar People Day
11 - Human Trafficking Awareness Day
12 - Work Harder Day
13 - Blame someone else Day
14 - Clean off your Desk Day
15 - Super Bowl's Birthday
16 - Nothing Day
17 - Benjamin Franklin's Birthday
18 - Winnie the Pooh Day
19 - Popcorn Day
20 - Penguin Awareness Day
21 - Martin Luther King Day
22 - Blonde Brownie Day
23 - Pie Day
24 - Compliment Day
25 - Opposite Day
26 - Peanut Brittle Day
27 - Chocolate Cake Day
28 - Fun at work day
29 - Puzzle Day
30 - Yodel for your neighbors Day
31 - Inspire your heart with art Day |
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For Sale
Automobiles/Parts
2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL Sedan 4 door. Exterior is silver in color, with black leather interior, sliding sunroof, etc. with 97,000 miles. $13,000 OBO. Contact Todd Abercrombie at 678-600-1910 1998 Dodge Ram Truck. Good condition, 2 door extended cab. $3,500.00. Please contact Lisa Simpkins at 678-780-0959 Set of 4 Factory wheels and tires for Z71 Silverado 6 lug Chev. $200.00. 3 Doors for 80's Model Chev Truck $40.00. Set of Bart Wheels for 4x4, 8 lug Chev, 16.5 $150.00. 95 S10 Blazer 4x4 for parts (motor bad) but all there. Please contact Tony Davidson at 770-869-7013 3" Chrome body side rails, fits 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado. Like NEW $250.00. Please contact Robert Peek at 770-654-8819
Bridal
David's Bridal mermaid white wedding dress size 4 with extra length added. Custom 3-ribbon bustle. "White" line by Vera Wang sash - black, floral front detail. White custom-designed floral hair piece by Heirbloom owner, Ahndea May with birdcage veil. White BCBGeneration heels, size 7.5. Also Diamond Engagement ring - White gold, princess cut center stone and small diamonds going down side of band. For prices please contact Mikhail Conner at
Instruments
Silvertone black solid body electric guitar with practice amplifier and soft case. Very nice instrument in excellent condition. $130.00 Please contact David Nix at 770-531-6800, 706-499-0807 or dlnix@hallcounty.org.
Motorcycles 2006 Honda CRF 70 Dirtbike. This is a very clean bike that runs great. Low usage, is an easy start, and has new jets in the carburetor. Perfect starter bike. Purchased for son and has hardly been ridden. $900.00. Also for sale: Fox youth full face helmet, fox chest protector, youth boots and catamaran style learning wheels. Will make package deal. Please contact Mike Cooper at 678-617-4813
Pets
Purebred Welsh Pembroke Corgi. Almost 1 year old. She is NOT spayed. All AKC papers and vet visits can be provided. Tri colored, very friendly. Paid $700.00, Please make an offer. Contact Blake Garrison at 678-997-5630
2 year old female Guinea Pig FREE to good home. Please contact Becca Bunch at 770-374-3724
Property
Land for sale in Banks County, Ga. 4.5 ac., Creek on back of property, possible two building sites. $22,000. Please contact Jerrold Parks at 678-897-3799
Wanted
Small Freezer. Please contact Becca Bunch at 770-374-3724
Please email items that you have for sale or items you are currently looking to buy to sadamson@hallcounty.org. |
January Birthdays January 1 Christopher Alford, Grady Brooks, Mitch Buice, Rudy Harris, Derrick Johnson, Andrew Long, Stanley Pierce, Marie Poole, Timothy Spain, Joel Stephens
January 2
Kathlene Gosselin, Shane Martin
January 3
Jock Connell, Kerry Cook, Robin Hoffman, Andrew Jordan, Maria Maita
January 4
Lindsay Burton, Dillon Clay, Corey Gilleland, Blair Reynolds, Carlos Rodriguez, Leigh Stallings Jarrell
January 5
Christie Grice, Joseph Mariotti, Ronald Rhinehart
January 6
Cindy Edge, William Fulton, Mike Simmons
January 7
Brent Penland, Kelley Robertson, Mark Ruis
January 8
Sherri Dills, Charlie Finch, Belinda Jackson, Sara McCollum, Michael Parker
January 9
April Campbell, Dennis James, Tisa Smith, Wesley Whitlow
January 10
Stephen Browning, Phillip Clark, Stephanie Pickens, Justin Silva
January 11
Joel Buffington, Clinten Carey, Michael Roberts, Joseph Robinson, Beverley Walker
January 12
Kathryn Almand, Tony Davidson, Dianne Sunderman
January 13
Marlene Ahlers, Justine Daniel, Lisa Randolph
January 14
Jeremy Grindle, David Jones, Bonnie Oliver
Janueary 15
Rick Rampley, Johnny Varner
January 16
Joshua Bohannon, Kristopher Hale, Cynthia Langman, Michael Ledford
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Healthy Hall County
Fitness Program 2013
Healthy Hall County is a new fitness program that will be implemented starting January 2013. This program is a health-based initiative geared toward Hall County employees, their dependents and retirees. Its purpose is to create a healthier and happier work force by providing employees with the tools they need to successfully reach their overall fitness goals. To participate in this program you will need to sign up. Please read below for the over view of the program. ALL Hall County Employees, their Dependents and Retirees will be able to use the Community Centers for FREE!
 FREE Boot Camps- offered by Greg Cochran, Personal Trainer, OLD SKL Fitness. Boot Camps will be offered Tuesday and Thursday at the Hall County Government Center starting at 5:30pm and Saturdays at various Community Centers (listed above) starting at 10am for a total of 48 boot camp sessions.
*The boot camps are for employees ONLY
In addition to the boot camps, Greg will hold instructional classes at the fitness centers to help develop individual fitness programs as well an overview of the facilities and work out equipment.
**Incentives for joining**
Fitness Centers:
*$50 gift card raffle monthly at each of the Community Centers. To qualify for the raffle, participants must have a minimum of 8 uses per month. You will be required to sign in on a designated sign in sheet if you are in the Healthy Hall County Program. You must sign in on the sheet for it to count towards your 8 sessions. (Raffle Period - February-June)
* At the end of the 4 months, there will be a raffle amongst all participants who used the facilities a total of 32 times.
4 raffle winners will receive one of the following items: Kindle Fire HD; Nikon Digital Camera with WIFI memory card; Apple TV and JBL Bluetooth Speaker & Alarm Clock.
All employees who participate will be given a Healthy Hall County water bottle and towel.
  
You must sign up for this progam. Please contact Shenna Adamson at sadamson@hallcounty.org for more information.
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Introducing the simple, personalized myCigna Mobile App. | |
Your employees are busier than ever. At Cigna, we get that. While we can't wave a magic wand and make all the frustrating, time-consuming aspects of their lives go away, we can give them a tool to help make their lives easier. And healthier.
The myCigna Mobile App gives people a simple way to personalize, organize and access their family's important health information - on the go. It helps put them in control of their health, so they can get more out of life.
* Find doctors and compare quality-of-care ratings
* Access ID cards for the entire family
* Review and bookmark claims instantly
* View and manage account and deductible balances
* Look up prescription drug prices at over 60,000 pharmacies to find the best value
The all-new myCigna Mobile App. Your health has met its app.
*App features may vary depending on your plan. |
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Welcome to Hall County Government
December New Hires
Jesus Medrano - Correctional Institute
Timothy Walls - Correctional Institute
David Martin - Clerk of Courts
Casey Allison - Detention Center
Michael Atkins - Detention Center
Roberto Gil - Detention Center
Elizabeth Fagge - Detention Center
Chad Mann - Detention Center
Lisa Mefferd - Detention Center
Tammy Walker - Detention Center
Zachary Smith - District Attorney
Rebecca Griffin - Drug Court
Kristi Bradley - E-911
Rodney Watts - S.O.
James Faulkner - Solid Waste
Donald Wright - Solid Waste
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Race Trac coffee Fundraiser
Animal Shelter
The three Race Trac stores in Hall County offered free coffee to their customers and asked for at least two volunteers at each of the three locations to hold signs promoting the free coffee. In return, they promised to donate $350 toward the Animal Shelter for each store that's manned. A big THANKS to all of the volunteers who took time out to volunteer to make this happen! Roz Schmitt, Jeremy Frazier, Nancy Nash, Casey Charlton, Rachel Langman, Cindy Langman, Wes Wessley, Mike Little, Teresa Glazer, James and Peggy Baxley, Billy Powell, David Nix, Melissa McCain, Trey Garcia.
Total Donation: $1,050.00 |
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Advertising
Personal Computer Repairs - Daniel Sexton
dcsexton9695@gmail.com
Weddings By Design (wedding planning) - Sheila Williams
770-561-9477
Interested in losing wight and/or improving your Health? Then Advocare is for you! - Beverley Walker
706-957-0253
Thirty-One Consultant
Christy Brookshire
www.mythirtyone.com/102145
Christyb@windstream.net
706-892-7900
Pics by Wanda
Wanda Sutton
770-503-0870 or 770-540-0342
Hair & Make-up
Weddings, Events, Parties
Shenna Adamson
shenna.adamson@gmail.com
770-539-4979
Handmade and up cycled items, Crafts, Jewelry, gifts and home decor.
www.etsy.com/shop/southerngritcreation
Alisha Philyaw
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On the Download...
MIS
Google It
- Need a calculator? Search "calculator" and an interactive calculator will appear as the first result.
- Want to type a quick calculation? Search "2+2" and the calculator will appear again with the correct answer as the result.
- Want to know what the weather is like somewhere? Search "weather" followed by the name of a city, state or zip code and the weather information is displayed for that area.
- Want to know the time in another area? Search "time" followed by the name of a city, state or zip code and the time is displayed.
- Need to make a conversion? Search "1 mile in feet" or the unit of measurement that you need converted to see the results.
- Dictionary? Search "define" followed by the word needing to be defined.
- Public Data? Search "population" followed by the name of a city, state or zip code and the information is displayed.
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January 17
Melissa Bollinger
January 18
Joel Cain, Kathy Lightfoot, Christopher Peek
January 19
Tony Carter, Todd Casper, Dennis Pilgrim, Lindsey Suggs
January 20
Gary Payne
January 21
Jena Brown, Maurice Gregory, Jeremy Hancock, Randy Howard, Joseph Mariano, Tammi McClellan, Jeffrey Mumpower, Jeffrey Shull, Horace Smith, Chad Suttles, Donna Welsh
January 22
Cesar Gutierrez, Maritza Lopez, Amy Shields, Jacqueline Smith, Laura Stiner
January 23
Glen Barnes, Susan Boyd, Zonell Davis, Samatha Harn, Kassandra Lawson, Kenneth Mills, Robert Peek, Rosa Pizano, Michael Wester, Shelia Williams
January 24
Steven Beck, Robert Hambrick, Linda Hulsey, Gabriela Munoz-Vazquez
January 25
Brandi Paul, Brittany Pharris
January 26
Sylvia Arnold, Pattie Cornett, Lee Darragh, John Jenkins, Gloria Tate, Nicki Vaughan, Ryan Watson
January 27
Casey Ivey, David Jones
January 28
Jamie Compton, Tabitha Ellerbee, James Faulkner, Abubakarr Fye, Jason Lunt, Malana Parson, Heather Porras, Chelsea Wallace
January 29
Steven Cronic, William Golden, Gayle Reed, Craig Robertson, Seth Satterfield
January 30
Jason Deal, Jerod Gardner, Robert Moon, Rebecca Ruffner, Candy Wigner
January 31
Kenry Angelopulos, Joseph Arquette, Jessica Klepper, Dorothy Larocque, Ola Rich, Edward Ryan, Jason Smith, Jonathan Underwood |
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Employment Anniversaries
5 Years 15 Years
Chris Still Milton Emmett
Charles Baker Kristopher Boggs
Sylvia Arnold Brandon Bryant
Kellie Sellers Larry Baldwin II
Ola Rich Jacob Haney
Gabriela Munoz-Vazquez Russell Rungruang
Maurice Robbins
Tim Barrett 20 Years
Rosa Pizano Patti Cornett
Joel Stephens
Alwayne Randolph 25 Years
Kevin Sullens John Hornick
Susan Haley
Anthony Kelley 30 Years
Scotty Roberts
10 Years
Scotty Ginn
David Hirneisen
Jeffery Dunn
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Welcome Elected Officials
Dick Mecum, Chairman
I am honored to once again be able to serve Hall County. As you know, we live in a tremendous place to work and raise families. I feel it a great privilege to work with dedicated employees such as yourselves in the Hall County Government. You have represented our county well by being a caring and talented group of public servants. Hoping you and your families have a Happy New Year. We are looking forward to a prosperous and productive 2013.
 Jeff Stowe, Commissioner
My family moved to Gainesville from Southwest Atlanta when I was in the sixth grade. I attended Sardis Elementary School and went on to graduate from Gainesville High School in 1985, where I played football. After high school I attended Western Carolina University and graduated with a BSBA in Corporate Finance. My work experience started with several positions in banking before I left to pursue my dream of becoming a small business owner. I am married to Jennifer Hudgins Stowe, who graduated in the GHS Class of 1989. We have four children: Katie, Taylor, Ally, and Bo. The two oldest are attending college in Americus, Georgia and the two youngest are attending Gainesville Middle School and Gainesville High School. I have held various positions with the Gainesville Jaycees, United Way, American Red Cross, Gainesville Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Club, and served as Chairman of the Gainesville Athletic Board. I look forward to serving the citizens of Hall County, in my new position on the Board of Commission.
Gerald Couch, Sheriff
He is a veteran law enforcement professional who has spent the last 30 years protecting Hall County citizens from criminals.
He joined the Hall County Sheriff's Office in 1981 at the age of 19 and ascended through the ranks. Gerald has served in the ranks of Jailer, Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Investigator, Sergeant and Lieutenant.
Gerald retired from the Sheriff's Office in 2011 to serve as the Major of the Gainesville Police Department. In this position he was second in command to the Chief of Police. Gerald resigned this position to run for the Office of Sheriff in January 2012.
During his law enforcement career, Gerald completed thousands of hours of advanced law enforcement training and education, including supervision and management. His training includes Chief Executive Officer Training, Police Manpower Allocation, Budget Administration, Departmental Organization, Employee Selection Process and Promotional Systems, Leadership/Management Role of the Chief Executive Officer and Employee Performance & Discipline.
He has a broad range of experience in the law enforcement profession having trained, worked, supervised and managed in nearly every area, including detention, uniform patrol, narcotics, internal affairs, crime prevention, forensics and criminal investigations ranging from theft to homicide.
In December 2012, Gerald completed the 160 hour Georgia Sheriff's Elect Academy in Forsyth, Georgia. Gerald and 43 other newly-elected sheriffs were required by the state to report to the month-long academy immediately after the General Election to be trained in topics they will face as the chief law enforcement officer of their county.
Gerald is very active in the community and currently is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville. Gerald is a strong advocate for victims of crime and has served on the Board of Directors for Rape Response for 11 years. Gerald is also a member of the Georgia Sheriff's Association and the National Sheriff's Association.
Gerald enjoys travel, hiking, kayaking and studying history. A native of Hall County, Gerald and his wife, Sharon live in the Cool Springs community.
Darla Eden, Tax Commissioner
Darla Eden returns to serve the residents of Hall County as our newly elected Tax Commissioner. Prior to returning to Hall County, Darla was employed at Jim Walters Management as their Chief Financial Officer where she has worked for the last 6 years. Prior to joining Jim Walters, Darla was the Chief Financial Officer at Gibson Dental Designs for six years and also served as the Hall County Director of Finance for almost four years.
"My priorities are to ensure accuracy by implementing quality controls and overseeing consistent accounting processes, working efficiently with the municipalities and to emphasize professionalism throughout the department ensuring taxpayer interactions are handled in a responsible and efficient manner. I very much look forward to returning to public service and making a positive difference in my hometown."
Patty Laine, Probate Judge
Patty was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia. With the exception of four years of college at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina (B.A. Political Science 1997) and three years while in law school at The University of Georgia School of Law (J.D. 2000), she has been a life-long resident fo Hall County.
After graduation from law school, Patty spent two years as law clerk for the five Superior Court Judges in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. Travelling between Morgan, Baldwin, Putnam, Jones, Jasper, Hancock, Greene, and Wilkinson counties, she experienced many aspects of the Superior Court's authority. She observed and researched the simplest of matters of contract litigation and criminal offenses, to habeas corpus reviews as well as the traditional area of law clerk review, adoptions.
Following the clerkship, Patty began her career in private practice in Gainesville in the Law Office of James M. Walters. her practice has focused on probate work, estate planning, guardianship, and real estate matters.
Patty is married to Jesse Laine and together they have two daughters. They are active members of Redwine United Methodist Church in Gainesville. Patty is also very involved with the Girl Scouts as leader for her daughters' troops and is currently serving as the Secretary for the Gainesville Phoenix Women's club. |
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Shenna Adamson
Human Resources Coordinator |
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