94 N. Main Street, Jasper, GA - (706) 253-2457 
Thursday, 9th April 2020 2:56:28am
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Local Made: From decorative washers to firearms: After 40 years, machine shop goes big with new tech
Smith Tactical & Defense, owned by Smith and his wife Shannon, custom builds firearms. Here, Smith shows the different barrel sizes they offer.
[Part of an occasional series on local businesses and craftsmen.]
Some companies sell clothes. Others sell groceries, power tools, or home decor – all familiar and recognizable commodities.
Then there are those under-the-radar businesses that manufacture and sell items most people don’t consider, businesses like Smith Tool & Design in west Pickens, which recently relocated and has innovative plans for the future.
Owner Brian Smith, who took the company over after his father retired in 2010, showcases some of their work at the front desk. Displayed inside the clear-topped counter, customers can see an arrangement of small - sometimes tiny - metal pieces in a variety of shapes and dimensions. Some look similar to washers, but most are unidentifiable to the average person.
On a tour of the new 20,000-square-foot facility, which is double the size of their old space, Smith showed some of the items in production that day – little metal parts for COPD machines, others for knee replacement surgeries, pieces that were headed to a
17 cameras in Nelson help deter vandals, drug sales
By Ralph O. Dennis
Contributing writer
Do the surveillance cameras really work? Operationally, yes, they do. They all are operational. As far as capturing the events in their view, they are doing that also. Since the first cameras were installed there have been arrests made using the video. Lt. David Simmons, Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, told the Progress that two arrests were a result of the work of the cameras.
One camera at the park captured the vandalism at the restroom building, resulting in the apprehension of two juveniles. The cameras were originally purchased to help protect the city’s property. Their use has expanded since then.
Read more: 17 cameras in Nelson help deter vandals, drug sales
County officially supports Second Amendment
Budget revised to add economic development deal with city
Commissioner Jones asked the packed house to stand and show their support of the Second Amendment. At right, Tommy Gartrell was one of many supporters in attendance.
With a standing ovation from the public on February 20, Pickens County Commissioners officially signed a resolution saying they support the Constitutional right to bear arms.
Saying they were following the lead of other counties, including most recently Gilmer, Chair Rob Jones read the resolution proclaiming that Pickens commissioners are “in full support” of the Second Amendment. Commissioner Becky Denney also signed the resolution. Commissioner Jerry Barnes was absent.
Sheriff to create holster policy as result of Walmart incident
Report blames accidental discharge on trigger being caught in clothing
After presenting the circumstances to the grand jury last week, District Attorney Alison Sosebee stated in a memo this week that there will be no charges, nor further investigation into the accidental discharge of the sheriff’s backup firearm during a Shop-with-a-Cop event December 17th at the Jasper Walmart.
The grand jury, according to Sosebee’s memo, found no violation of any law, nor any sheriff’s office policy. However, it did find a “policy failure as to Pickens County Sheriff’s Office for failing to identify approved holsters for on-duty personnel.”
See full story in this week's print or online editions.
After tragic death of mother, account set up to send son to college
GoFundMe / photo
Family said Heather Matteson fiercely loved her son Titus, and that her biggest dream was to see him graduate college. Follow this link to donate to help send Titus to college.
Amy Sassman describes her sister as strong - a tiger mom. A passionate, loving wife – but Pickens resident Heather Matteson’s life was cut short after her unexpected death earlier this month.
Now her family is reaching out to the community to help to send her and her husband’s 17-year-old son to college.
Read more: After tragic death of mother, account set up to send son to college
More Articles...
- “It’s God’s shop, not Todd’s shop,” says Coach’s Cuts owner after five years of manning the grill
- Georgia voters may get to decide between standard and daylight time
- Megachurches a growing part of Pickens religious life
- Most key local offices up for election
- Will Walmart go to Round 3?
- Why a community prayer breakfast?
- Para-pros requested to combat “reading crisis”
- Chief magistrate Wigington resigns
- Catanza guitar quartet performs on Casual Classics series, Feb. 17
- Local pastor recalls growing up during civil rights movement; welcomes Dr. Alveda King
