Public Works facility open

     Council addresses numerous items at September meeting

photo/ city of Jasper Zoom image

In a lengthy Zoom meeting, in addition to the possible property tax hike, the Jasper council discussed what could be done with this area along Main. While some contractors scoffed at the plans to make this into a “plaza” for dining, Council Member Kirk Raffield said now is the time to make downtown Jasper into a destination. 

      In preparing for a vote that could lead to a 56 percent tax increase, Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence wanted it clearly stated, they may not raise property taxes that much. The council will get into the heart of the budget in October but they need to advertise a millage now to meet state requirements.

The Jasper Council is advertising a possible jump in their tax rate from 4.655 mills to 6.78 mills and the date for public hearings on the need to increase revenue. City Manager Brandon Douglas said that the budget process is a case of “cart before the horse.” 

        See full story in this week's print or online editions. 

Press Release Cherokee County Sheriff's Office     

     Cherokee County, Ga. September 16, 2020. Cherokee Sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-car, injury accident Wednesday morning at approximately 7 a.m. on Interstate 575 just north of Riverstone Parkway in Canton. A Kia Sportage, driven by Kierra Holder, 24, of Forest Park, struck a Toyota Tacoma from behind, driven by Robert Schroeder, 61 of Jasper, causing both vehicles to lose control and strike the guard rail. After striking the guard rail, both vehicles ended up on their sides.

     The Pickens Progress will host a forum between commission chair candidates David Shouse (I) and Kris Stancil (R) on Monday, Oct. 5. 

The event will be held at the Pickens County Administration Building, downstairs in the Pickens Room, beginning at 7 p.m. It will be moderated by longtime Progress contributor Larry Cavender, who has moderated numerous other political debates, forums, and town hall meetings in the past. 

There will be prepared questions and questions will also be taken from the floor. 

See Part 1 of this series by clicking this link

Vacation Bible School in 1968 with members of both Friendship Baptist with Rev. Dargan, center, and the Jasper First Baptist with Rev. Charles Walker, at right.

By Bill Cagle, Thelma Cagle, Karen Benson, Lynette Bridges, Justin Davis, Andrea Johnson

A letter from Frances Keppel, US Commissioner of Education, dated July 19, 1965 was received by M. T. McMurrain, superintendent of the Pickens County Board of Education, informing him that the most recent submittal of a proposal for desegregation of Pickens County schools had been approved. With Pickens County schools set to open in a month, there was little time to prepare for integration.

The proposal allowed the Black students and teachers to voluntarily integrate in 1965. Tri-City School, the school for Black students located in Smoky Hollow (currently Head Start), would remain open for one more year. In 1966, Tri-City would close, and all schools in the county would be integrated.