Georgia’s push to zero: Can the state eliminate its income tax?

On July 17, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announced the creation of the Georgia Senate Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax. Their task: figuring out how the state moves from our current income tax rate of 5.19 percent to zero.

Remembering the bombing in Centennial Olympic Park 29 years later

Trivia Question: Where were you at 1:40 a.m. on July 27, 1996? You are forgiven if you don’t remember, but I can tell you where I was. Asleep. Very asleep. It was the midpoint of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.

Back to School: New year of opportunity, safety for Georgia students

As Georgia’s children return to school this week, many students may feel the sting of summer’s end — but for parents across Habersham and Rabun counties, it’s often a welcome return to routine and the promise of a new year filled with opportunity. That opportunity is no accident.

Charles Barr’s story is about defying the odds

Have you ever wondered, “Why am I here?” My high school classmate Patty Barr Sutker did. And her father’s handwritten notes answered that question. From the day Charles Barr was born in 1915 in New York City, the odds were against him. Without the loving support of parents, he grew up in St.

Being ‘Waterfall Capital of Georgia’ is type of tourism Rabun needs

Tourism is a huge part of Rabun County’s economy as thousands of people visit the Northeast Georgia mountains every year to hike, fish, sail on the lake, visit one of over 100 waterfalls, or enjoy good food fresh from the farm.

Herbalist knows what’s good to eat from nature’s bounty

Over the years, I have interviewed a number of herbalists, people who study — and believe in the effectiveness of — herbs and medicinal plants found in the Southern Appalachians. Some of them were experts in the field. The late Marie Mellinger of Rabun County, Ga., comes to mind.

No sympathy for those involved in First Liberty Building and Loan fiasco

Believe it or not, there are a number of things I don’t do well. I could never hit a curveball (or a fastball, for that matter.) I still can’t. I have a hard time remembering names and dates. I’m not good at chess and have no clue as to how to play bridge.

The lives of our neighbors depend on us

As the President and CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, a favorite moment of my year is hosting volunteers at our site for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This year, we quoted Dr. King’s speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.

Why Georgia needs regulatory reform

In this year’s legislative session, Georgia had an opportunity to address its ever-growing regulatory code and reduce regulatory burdens placed on its citizens and businesses. Although the “Red Tape Rollback Act” passed the Senate, it ultimately failed to become law in Georgia.

Community benefits from Wildfire Protection Plan

Rabun County is surrounded by majestic mountains and National Forest land. While it’s important to preserve the land, it’s also imperative to know how to mitigate risks of wildfires.