Here are some of the top stories you may have missed this weekend.
Appointments for COVID vaccines at District 2 Public Health filled for Jan., Feb., NGHS and Greater Hall Chamber to host COVID-19 vaccine webinar
Just two days after District 2 Public Health opened up online scheduling for COVID-19 vaccinations to qualified recipients, the appointment calendar was filled for the remainder of January and the month of February.
As of right now, vaccines are being given to healthcare workers, first responders, residents of long-term care facilities and people 65 years of age and older. District 2 Public Health spokesman Dave Palmer said the lack of availability is both a supply and personnel issue, and that the department is trying to hire temporary staff so more vaccinations can be administered. READ MORE
To answer questions about the vaccine and the status of COVID-19 in the community, the Northeast Georgia Health System and Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce are hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 20. READ MORE
Hiawassee man charged for role in Capitol riot, threatening House Speaker Pelosi
A Towns County man who took part in Wednesday’s assault on the U.S. Capitol is facing federal charges for threatening the life of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
According to a report by the AJC, Cleveland Grover Meredith sent a text message prior to the week’s events where he threatened to put “a bullet in [Pelosi’s] noggin on Live TV,” and another saying he was heading to Washington, D.C. with armor-piercing bullets in tow. A search of Meredith’s truck and trailer revealed an assault rifle, handguns and “hundreds of rounds of ammunition,” according to CNN.
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith said that Meredith was known to local law enforcement and that he had recently moved from Hiawassee to nearby Hayesville, North Carolina. READ MORE
February jury trials in Hall and Dawson counties postponed
Jury trials scheduled in February for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit, which includes the Superior Courts of Hall and Dawson counties, have been postponed due to a sudden increase in positive COVID-19 cases. Jury trials scheduled for the month of February in the Hall County State Court have also been canceled.
Chief Judge of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit Kathlene F. Gosselin said that jury proceedings will return soon, but judges decided that the best course of action is to wait due to the current circumstances and the strains already on the local health systems. All courts in the Northeastern Circuit will continue to conduct non-jury proceedings, doing so virtually whenever possible. READ MORE
Braselton Town Council to vote on creation of downtown open container district
The Braselton Town Council is set to vote on an amendment to the Braselton Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance that would create a downtown open container district.
Businesses participating in the open container district would need to sell clear cups that meet the town’s requirements. Braselton Town Manager and Clerk Jennifer Scott said some downtown businesses already have cups that fit the requirements, and that businesses can also purchase approved cups directly from the town.
Each establishment in the district that wants to participate would also need at least one staff member that has participated in the ServSafe alcohol training program. READ MORE
Gainesville auctioning off baggage car at Engine 209 Park
The City of Gainesville has listed an online auction for the locomotive baggage car that currently sits at Engine 209 Park.
The auction has several requirements for the buyer, including a requirement that the car stays within the city limits of Gainesville after it has been purchased. In addition, the car must remain accessible to the public and the buyer must incorporate the car into “the design of a commercial redevelopment project that provides economic development benefits,” according to the listing.
The auction ends on Jan. 12 at 8:05 a.m., but Gainesville City Manager Brian Lackey said the city is not in a rush to sell the car. READ MORE
