Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Senate Bill Will Include 'Public Option' Opt Out
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday that Senate Democrats will include in the health care reform bill a government-backed health insurance program that allows states to opt out if they can come up with an alternative.
"I think it's the fairest way to go," Reid said of the "opt out" proposal.
The "opt out" proposal would set up a national insurance plan with government seed money and be run by a private, not-for-profit board. Under the proposal, states would have to prove they can provide comparable coverage in order to exit out of the federal plan. The plan would also negotiate rates with providers just like private insurance companies do, presumably keeping premiums on a level playing field with the private industry.
The measure is one of a host of different so-called public options being considered in the Senate. Though the public option seemed off the table in the chamber just one month ago, it gained traction in recent weeks as Democratic leaders floated versions meant to be more appealing to party moderates.
Reid expressed confidence Monday that the new Senate bill, which is a merger of the health care bills passed by two separate Senate panels, would have the "support of my caucus" once the Congressional Budget Office puts a price tag on the proposal.
Reid, though, needs 60 votes to shut down debate and move the bill toward a final vote on the floor -- he appeared to be a couple votes shy of that number over the weekend. Plus Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, the only Republican so far to vote for any version of health care reform, opposes Reid's plan.
"While the public option is not a silver bullet, I believe it's an important way to ensure competition and to level the playing field for patients with the insurance industry," Reid said.
Snowe favors a bill that would "trigger" a public plan down the road only if the insurance industry does not meet certain conditions, and released a statement Monday saying she was "deeply disappointed" by Reid's proposal.
But Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin told Fox News that Snowe's version would have lost votes from liberal Democrats. Reid said Democrats will "have to move forward" without the Maine senator, and that he hopes Snowe eventually sees the "wisdom" in supporting the overall package.
"I'm always looking for Republicans," Reid said.
Reid maintained that the bill still includes a "coop," as was included in the Senate Finance Committee version.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing a more robust version of the public plan, which would be based on Medicare rates and in turn provide for cheaper premiums. Pelosi reportedly does not yet have the votes in her caucus to pass that version.
House Republican Leader John Boehner said it's time to scrap the existing health care proposals and start over.
"Whether you call it a public option, an opt-out, a trigger, or a co-op, the fact is all of these proposals put us on the path to government-run health care," Boehner said. Forcing Americans off of their current health coverage and onto a government-run plan isn't the answer, but that's exactly what the Democrats' plan would do."
After Reid spoke, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs issued a statement in which President Obama congratulated Democrats for their "hard work on health insurance reform."
"While much work remains, the president is pleased that at the progress that Congress has made. He's also pleased that the Senate has decided to include a public option for health coverage, in this case with an allowance for states to opt out. As he said to Congress and the nation in September, he supports the public option because it has the potential to play an essential role in holding insurance companies accountable through choice and competition," Gibbs said.
The head of the AFL-CIO also gave some ground Monday, saying the labor group is open to Democrats' proposal to tax high-value health insurance plans as a means of paying for the reform package.
But the health insurance industry bristled at Reid's announcement. America's Health Insurance Plans, which has fought against a public option, released a statement Monday saying the new plan would "underpay doctors and hospitals" rather than drive reform and bring down costs.
"The divisive debate about a government-run plan is a roadblock to reform," AHIP President Karen Ignagni said. "It's time we focus instead on broad-based reforms that will ensure the affordability and sustainability of our health care system."
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: healthcare, Public Option
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:43 AM
Dangerous intersection getting an upgrade in Forsyth
A $550,000 project to improve the Bethelview/Drew Road intersection got approval from Forsyth's Board of Commissioners during their Oct. 15 work session.
The project had been put on hold as county staff was asked to determine how moving this up as a top priority project would affect other high priority projects. Chief Financial Officer Bill Thomas said while some projects would be affected by budget shortfalls, this project would not have an adverse affect.
"I am comfortable with it," Thomas said.
The project had been proposed for a higher priority because the widening of Bethelview Road has been delayed. Coupled with West Forsyth High School being located on Drew Road, the intersection improvement project was recommended as a public safety issue.
County Engineering Director John Cunard said first the project will be designed, followed by acquisition of easements and rights of way.
"As soon as that is done, we would bid out for construction," he said.
Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse said the problem with Drew Court is limited visibility at the intersection, making motorists take their lives into their own hands when driving through it.
Cunard said designs should be done by spring, with easement and right of way acquisition soon after. Construction could begin next summer, with the project completed in fall 2010.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: dangerous intersection, Forsyth, Forsyth County
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:27 AM
Friday, October 23, 2009
Milton is currently accepting applications for several open positions. Enhance public safety by deterring and investigating criminal activity, enforcing applicable laws and ordinances, mitigating traffic and other safety hazards, and rendering assistance as needed.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: city of milton, hiring, jobs, milton police department
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 6:34 AM
Georgia Tech Building Evacuated
People were told to evacuate a building on Georgia Tech's campus and a hazmat team was called in Thursday night.
Investigators said a hazmat team was called into a Georgia Tech building on Atlantic Drive. The building was evacuated. Police said the chemicals involved were nitric acid and potassium cyanide. It was unclear Thursday night what caused the incident.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Georgia Tech
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 6:26 AM
Thursday, October 22, 2009
City Christmas Tree Planting This Saturday
The City of Milton invites residents and friends to attend an official Christmas tree planting ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the intersection of Webb Road and Highway 9. The tree, a 22-foot Deodar Cedar weighing approximately 3,700 pounds, was donated by Protect Milton, Inc. Several school groups with an interest in environmental education will be at the event to celebrate this special pre-holiday experience. The city will announce plans for the official tree lighting ceremony as the holiday season draws closer.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: christmas, christmas tree, city of milton, milton, Milton Georgia
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 10:02 AM
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Army Corps of Engineers to Lower Lanier
After years of extreme drought, Lake Lanier is finally back to full pool. Tuesday, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it will lower the lake level in anticipation of more rain.
Jim Farmer has been fishing Lake Lanier for more than a decade. Farmer said that during his time on the lake Tuesday, it hit him that the lake has never looked better.
"The leaves are starting to turn, the lake is full, it's just a nice time to be out here," said Farmer.
It was only a year ago that Lake Lanier looked completely different, a sad symbol of a drought-stricken state.
Now levels at the lake have reached full pool levels of 1071.52 again. The Army Corps of Engineers announced it needs to take action and lower the lake.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Lake Lanier, lake lanier water, lanier water levels
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 10:44 AM
CDC: Vaccine Production Behind Schedule
A top-ranking official of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says production of a vaccine for swine flu virus is behind schedule and people should take precautionary steps to prevent its spread.
Dr. Anne Schuchat (SHU'-kit) said "more vaccine is coming out every day" but production isn't where it was expected to be at this juncture. Interviewed on CBS's "The Early Show" Wednesday, Schuchat said "we wish we had more vaccine, but unfortunately the virus and the production of the vaccine aren't really cooperating."
For people anxious about getting their vaccinations, she said officials expect "widespread availability" by mid-November. Schuchat heads the Atlanta-based CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: CDC, H1N1, swine flu
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 10:40 AM
Monday, October 19, 2009
Recent Foreclosure Listings
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Bank owned properties, foreclosure, Foreclosures
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 1:39 PM
Lace up your hiking boots and grab your camera. Peak leaf season is on its way! Many trees are starting to turn, and the best color will likely be during late October or early November. Although heavy rain knocked some leaves to the forest floor, we still have plenty of leaves for a beautiful autumn.
Check here often for updates on the changing leaves, suggested hiking trails and last-minute reservations. Start snapping photos so you can enter our Flickr fall color contest.
Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: fall, leaf watching, North Georgia
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 1:28 PM
Under a privately owned, covered horse arena on a cold and rainy October night, Milton's six City Council candidates in the Nov. 3 elections squared off in a debate that has promised to be an election tradition.
But a few in the crowd thought bland questions didn't allow the candidates to differentiate themselves.
More than 100 people showed up to Shannondale Farms Oct. 15 to watch the "Milton People's Forum," which featured questions on building a "live, work, play environment" in Milton, gating Crooked Creek and growth over the next decade. Also covered were taxes, building a public horse arena, public safety staffing levels, traffic congestion, a new Milton County and recreational trails.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: candidates, city of milton, Georgia, milton
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 1:23 PM
More Clinics Offering H1N1 Vaccine
Starting Monday, it'll be much easier for some Georgians to get the H1N1 vaccine.
Health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties will open clinics that will provide the vaccine at no charge.
However an administrative fee may be charged through Medicare/Medicaid or your third-party insurance.
Related Link: http://sendss.state.ga.us/sendss/!immuprov_track.h1n1_prov_locator
Vaccinations will be provided to healthy people -- ages two to 24 -- on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information call your county health department
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Flu Shots, H1N1, swine flu, vaccine
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 1:18 PM
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Lake Lanier Reaches Full Pool as Water Levels Rise Rapidly
It is the news that people living in North Georgia have been waiting years to hear ... Lake Lanier is full once more.
After several years of not reaching 1071 feet above sea level, or "full pool", Lake Lanier finally reached that level at 9 a.m on Wednesday October 14th.
The lake and its surrounding communities have struggled not only over the last few years, but for around a dozen years. In the early part of this decade the lake rarely acheived full pool. The situation reached a nadir in 2007 and 2008 as a brutal drought gripped North Georgia and the lake flirted with record lows. 12 months ago the lake was 18 feet below its current level which meant that most boat ramps were shut and businesses in the area struggled to attract visitors.
There are still serious issues surrounding the lake's future, including the "Tri-State Water Wars" argument that involved Georgia, Alabama and Florida fighting over the right to use water from Lanier. Today however, the people of North Georgia can celebrate. Their lake is back.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: boaters, boating, camp twim lakes, Cumming, full pool, Lake Lanier, lake lanier water, lanier water levels
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 8:27 AM
Ga. Unemployment Stays Flat
Georgia's unemployment rate for September was 10.1 percent, the same as the month before.
The Georgia Department of Labor said Thursday it's the 23rd consecutive month that Georgia's unemployment rate is higher than the national rate.
Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said that the number of payroll jobs in September dropped 237,100 -- or 5.8 percent -- from the same month the year before.
He said "underlying trends confirm continuing job market deterioration."
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Georgia, Georgia Unemployment
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 8:24 AM
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
James Mills and the Homestead Relief Grant
Your property tax bill is going up due to the state legislature voting against the Homestead Relief Grant. In the Gainesville Times, James Mills (R-Chestnut Mountain & Crazytown) complains: …he thinks the county’s insert explaining the suspension of the grant placed too much blame at the state level. Despite the fact that he voted for the grant to [...]
Your property tax bill is going up due to the state legislature voting against the Homestead Relief Grant.
In the Gainesville Times, James Mills (R-Chestnut Mountain & Crazytown) complains:
…he thinks the county’s insert explaining the suspension of the grant placed too much blame at the state level.
Despite the fact that he voted for the grant to disappear in the state legislature.
Bonus: James Mills’ competitor in the last election cycle responds in the comment section (copied below):
Since you will not answer my emails, let me answer your question here.
Mr. Mills, no reduction occurred with our property taxes, because you continue to vote for bloated budgets that contain unfunded mandates.
During the campaign, I laid out for you the exact amount that you raised our property taxes for each of the last six years. Your response was that I did not understand that state government is not responsible for property taxes. What is obvious is that you do not understand that your votes matter and your failure to fund the HTRG have now continued to raise our taxes.
Sir, please do not continue to act as if you are not responsible for the financial crisis that our state is now experiencing. You won the election, now act like it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher R. Strickland
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: gainesville, Homestead, Homestead Exemption
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:37 AM
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Flash Flood Watch Issued, Rain Expected
A flash flood watch in effect from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening, said the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.
The flash flood watch covers most of the metro area.
Heavy rain is expected to move into the area after midnight Wednesday morning and spread eastward through Wednesday night. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are likely generally north of a line from La Grange to Macon to Louisville.
Several rivers and creeks remain in or near flood after the heavy rainfall on Monday. Soils are saturated over parts of north and central Georgia.
Additional heavy will quickly run off into creeks, rivers and streams resulting in rapid rises and potentially more significant flooding.
Localized areas -- especially across the mountains and parts of the Atlanta metropolitan area -- may experience flash flooding.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: flooding, Rain
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:30 AM
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Bank Owned, Bank owned properties, foreclosed homes, foreclosed land, foreclosed properties
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 12:09 AM
Monday, October 12, 2009
AFUMC hosts FALLfest in downtown Alpharetta
The tradition continues as Alpharetta First United Methodist Church hosts the annual FALLfest on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Spreading out over most of the church's downtown Alpharetta campus, FALLfest offers something for everyone, including more than a dozen free children's games, arts and crafts from 50-plus exhibitors, live entertainment and plenty of barbecue, food and fun.
Activities include free pony rides, a silent auction, media replay, attic treasures and a country store.
"People tell me that FALLfest is one event that many Alpharettans never miss," said Dr. Don Martin, senior pastor of the church. "It's a wonderful family environment and a great opportunity for us to reach out and serve the entire community."
Alpharetta First United Methodist Church is located in downtown Alpharetta, at 69 N. Main Street – one block north of City Hall. For more information, contact the church office at 770-475-5576.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Alpharetta, UFUMC
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:51 AM
More Rain for North Ga., Metro Area
Widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms may produce locally heavy rainfall Monday and through the evening, said the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.
A front moving through the area will result in widespread rain across north and portions of central Georgia with rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches expected with locally higher amounts possible.
The rain is expected to diminish later Monday, however another approaching weather disturbance may bring another bout of heavy rain on Wednesday.
A flood watch is in effect for most of metro and north Georgia.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: flood damage, flooding, Georgia, georgia flooding, milton
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:45 AM
Driver's Ed Money Goes to Other Programs
Barely one-quarter of the $33 million collected by the state for driver's education in Georgia high schools has been spent on the courses.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that just 150 of the more than 400 public high schools in Georgia are offering driver's education four years after a law aimed at getting more teens to take driving classes was passed. Instead, the money collected from a special fee tacked onto traffic tickets goes into the state's general fund and has been spent elsewhere.
Alan Brown, the father of the teen whose name is on the 2005 law, said he is unhappy with the state's handling of the money. His son, Joshua Brown, died in a single-car accident in 2003 at age 16.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Drivers Education, high schools, state handling money
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:43 AM
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Motorists need to be aware that speed limits on portions of 11 roads within the City have changed effective Friday, May 29. Milton's Public Works Department, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Transportation, changed the speed limit on the following roads:
Bethany Bend from SR9 to Hopewell Road (1.49 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Bethany Bend from SR9 to McGinnis Ferry/Morris Road (1.37 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Bethany Road from Mayfield Road to Providence Road (1.5 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Bethany Road from Providence Road to Hagood Road (0.5 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Birmingham Road from SR372 to Freemanville Road (0.75 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Cogburn Road from Bethany Bend to Webb Road (1.41 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Cogburn Road from Bethany Bend to Francis Road (1.34 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Francis Road from Cogburn Road to Forsyth County Line (1.54 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Freemanville Road from Mayfield to Providence Road (1.74 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Green Road from SR 140 to SR 372 (0.5 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Hagood Road from Bethany Road to Redd Road (0.49 miles) from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Mountain Road from Freemanville Road to Hopewell Road (1.64 miles) from 35 mph to 40 mph.
New Bull Pen Road from Birmingham Hwy to Cherokee County Line (0.78 miles) from 35 mph to 40 mph.
Ranchette Road from SR140 to New Providence Road (0.6 miles) from 40 mph to 35 mph.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: city of milton, milton, speed limit change
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 11:12 AM
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: city of milton, Election
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 11:10 AM
Despite recent flooding, Milton’s Rivers Alive waterways cleanup, education and protection program will go on as scheduled Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Milton Grows Green is co-sponsoring the event with Bailey Farm & Gardens, Inc., which has been involved with the project in what is now Milton for the past 10 years. The event will kick off from its traditional location at Bailey Farms & Gardens, 255 Hickory Flat Road near the Birmingham Crossroads.
As a result of the recent floods and heavy rains earlier this week, the organizers are eliminating some streams from the lineup for safety reasons. “Little River is certainly too swift, and much or all of Chicken Creek may be too treacherous, depending on whether we keep getting more rain,” said Bill Bailey, the Company’s CEO. Jon McPhail, one of the co-chairs of MGG, underlined that concern: “Safety is our primary concern. There will be plenty of tasks for all the people who come out without putting anybody in harm’s way. We have monitored stream levels all week and are still reaching out to owners of additional possible sites for stream-side cleanup.”
The volunteers will have opportunities to learn about watershed systems through an Environscape interactive model showing water movement over the landscape, into tributaries and streams. There will also be rain barrel displays, and the Fire Department will present safety tips and the ever-popular fire clowns. Some of the volunteers will then be dispersed to neighborhoods for marking storm drains to prevent pollution from finding its way into the streams, and preventing blockage of the stormwater system that can cause or aggravate flooding. Others will be assigned to appropriate streams for streamside cleanup. Jack Lindon, MGG’s coordinator for this event, urges volunteers to wear appropriate shoes with good traction, as the banks are extra slippery because of the recent high water.
MGG coordinates the efforts of individual volunteers and community-based organizations through the efforts of its own members, who include Milton residents, business partners and those with an interest in the environment in Milton. For more information, e-mail miltongrowsgreen@earthlink.net. Rivers Alive is a volunteer cleanup event that occurs in the fall and targets all waterways in the state of Georgia including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches and wetlands. The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources through waterway cleanups.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: city of milton, green committee, milton, Milton Georgia
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 11:09 AM
Friday, October 9, 2009
Rainy Weekend on Tap for North Georgia
Scattered thunderstorms are heading toward Metro Atlanta and the line of storms could make for a rainy weekend.
The National Weather Service indicated the presence of strong thunderstorms in Catoosa, Fannin, Murray and Gilmer Counties Friday afternoon.
Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: North Georgia, Rain, Weekend Weather
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 6:17 PM
Wills Park Recreation Center
Saturday, October 24, 2009 10:00 AM
Join the staff of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department for some outdoor howling family fun! Take a hayride through Wills Park, listen to ghost stories, dress up for our costume contests (infants, children, and pets), and jump on SPOOKtacular inflatables. All activities are free to the public. Hayrides will run every 15 minutes. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Halloween Hayrides and Haunts will be held on Saturday, October 24th from 10am to 1pm at Wills Park. Parking is available at the Wills Park Recreation Center located on Wills Road.
Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleLabels: Alpharetta, Halloween, Hayrides
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 6:16 PM
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Spend an Evening at The Manor…If You Dare.....Roswell
If you’re looking for screams and thrills this Halloween, visit the latest addition of Roswell’s spine-chilling and bloodcurdling adventures at The Manor Haunted House, sponsored by Roswell Recreation and Parks Department. The Manor will be open October 23-31 (closed on Sunday, October 25) beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Manor is located at 9100 Fouts Road in Roswell. Tickets are $10 per person.
The story of The Manor goes like this: In 1939, the Crawford family began a dream of a warm, welcoming Bed & Breakfast on the outskirts of a historic town in Georgia. Then, four years later, something happened, something went terribly, horrifyingly, grotesquely wrong. The family, their guest, their dream was never the same. Today, some of the Crawford family tries to continue the family business, but the spirits of the past lives.....on.
For the little ones, or those less brave, there will be a much less scary experience held from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. Tickets are $7 per person.
The Manor is currently looking for volunteers and individuals to work the event. Opportunities include actors, set designers, set decorators and general assistants. If you are interested in working, please contact Lauren Clowney at 770.594.6134 or lclowney@roswellgov.com.
Tickets are available at the door or pre-registration is accepted online at www.roswellgov.com. For online registration, please allow 24-hours for processing new households. Program numbers for online registration are 12014-01 for the regular admission and 12014-02 for the October 24, 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. admission.
For more details, visit www.roswellgov.com/themanorhauntedhouse, or call 770.641.3705.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: 42nd annual roswell, City of Roswell, downtown roswell, Halloween
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 11:13 AM
Special Sanitation Pick up for Flood Damaged Items
The City of Roswell Public Works Department is working towards collecting all flood damaged items by Sunday, October 11. Residents should have any items damaged because of the flood placed at the curb for crews to pick up. Crews are working overtime and will be covering the entire city. Residents should call either 770.641.3715 or 770.641.3961 and give their address to ensure collection. Please remember that these phone numbers are manned Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This service is available to current Roswell Sanitation customers only.
To ensure pick up, please read and understand the following guidelines:
This special pick up will not include any garbage or food-containing waste and will only involve carpeting and other items damaged by the recent rains and flooding.
These materials should be set out for pick up should be clearly separated from normal garbage, yard waste and recycling.
Flood damaged materials that are mingled with garbage will be picked up on standard garbage collection days, subject to normal quantity limitations.
The City of Roswell does not regulate and is not responsible for individual subdivision restrictive covenants regarding placement of garbage at the curb.
Residents who have already paid for “large item” pick up involving flood-damaged materials may submit their receipts for a credit to their account. Please contact the Public Works main line at 770.641.3715 or Sanitation Customer Service line at 770.641.3961 for details and/or questions.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: City of Roswell, flood damage, flooding, Hazardous Waste Collection. roswell residents
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 11:10 AM
UYC Parade of Lights returns to Lake Lanier
The water is back in Lake Lanier and that means that several lake traditions are also back.
Many annual events were suspended during the drought of 2007 to 2009, but now they're being restarted. The latest revival is the Parade of Lights hosted by The University Yacht Club Maritime Foundation, which was last held in 2006.
The 2009 event is scheduled for November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Lakeside News quotes the Ed Gaito, co-charr of the parade as saying:
“With plenty of water in the lake and coordinated safety support with our friends in the US Power Squadron, Coast Guard Auxiliary, TowBoat/US and Priority Medical Services, we expect a fun and safe return for this Lake Lanier tradition. Safety is our primary concern and we’re grateful to these groups for agreeing to assist us with bringing the parade back. There are many opportunities for sponsors and we hope to raise money for a worthy charity. We encourage businesses to join us in sponsoring this holiday tradition.”
Entry is open to all and boat owners are encouraged to decorate their boats in holiday themes to compete for prizes.
History of the Parade of Lights
The University Yacht Club has been holding its Boating Parade of Lights for over 20 years. The parade was opened to all boaters on the Lake in 2005 when the UYC Maritime Foundation took over the event.
Safety was the reason the event had been suspended in 2007 - the water levels were too low to allow safe boating in the dark.
How to Get Involved
Registration: will open on their website within the next few weeks: www.lanierparadeoflights.org.
Information: call Ed Gaito at 678-570-7145
Sponsorship: call Buddy Meeks at 770-597-6589
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 11:08 AM
Lake Lanier
If you live around Lake Lanier, you know that the last few years have been a rollercoaster ride. However, the recent weeks have been more eventful than ever. Here's a recap:
September 19th: Several days of torrential rain cause Lake Lanier to jump two feet in one weekend.
September 23rd: Over 20 inches of rain recorded in parts of North Georgia.
October 1st: The Corps of Engineers has to fight criticism of its water releases during the flooding.
Today: Lake Lanier stands 1.69 feet below full pool with more rain to come. We're in sight of the lake's first full pool in over four years.
Lake Lanier Fishing Report
Nothing much has changed on the stripers over the last couple of weeks, except we are starting to see some bigger fish up shallower. We've had boats out on trips everyday the weather has permitted and the fishing has been good most days. This morning inspite of the strong winds and front passing, the stripers bit very well on our boats and they were up shallower. Yesterday, they were deeper and out over the channel.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Forsyth County, Lake Lanier, lake lanier water
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 11:05 AM
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Newest Forclosures, Recent Foreclosures
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: avoid foreclosure, foreclosed homes, foreclosed land, foreclosure, Foreclosures
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:26 AM
Some Homeowners Get Foreclosure Reprieve
A thousand Atlanta homeowners who expected to lose their houses this week were given new hope Monday by one of the nation's largest banks. Wells Fargo gave word it is pulling homes from Tuesday's foreclosure lists.
Atlanta community leaders have been battling Wells Fargo for months, saying the bank needs to modify mortgages rather than foreclose on homes. Monday, the bank took a big step in that direction.
That means instead of seeing their homes sold on the courthouse steps, the homeowners will get another chance to keep their houses.
"The question we're going to have to look at is now that we've pulled those homeowners off the list how do we modify those loans so they are not back on the foreclosure list in the future," said Senator Vincent Fort.
The homes were scheduled to be auctioned on the courthouse steps Tuesday.
"It's a good first step, of course it's not the whole ball of wax," said Sen. Fort.
For six months Sen. Fort and others protested and petitioned Wells Fargo and Wachovia, which it owns. The protestors were arrested on criminal trespass charges at a Wells Fargo branch back in August.
Last week Sen. Fort said bank officials met with him for the first time and decided to put on hold many of Tuesday's scheduled foreclosures.
"Stopping the foreclosure isn't enough it's making sure people can get terms they can stay in the home," said Sen. Fort.
So the homeowners will temporarily avoid foreclosure.
Sen. Fort said the big question is what will happens next and what kind of payment plans and loan modifications the homeowners can get.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: avoid foreclosure, Bank owned properties, Foreclosures, wells fargo
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:23 AM
Court for Suspect in 'Housewives' Case
The man accused in the alleged beating death of the ex-fiance of a "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member appears in court for the first time Tuesday.
Frederick Richardson is charged with voluntary manslaughter.
The man charged in the death of 34-year-old Ashley "AJ" Jewell is behind bars after being taken to the Fulton County Jail straight from Grady Memorial Hospital.
Bruised and battered, Frederick Richardson is charged with voluntary manslaughter after a fight Friday night outside the club Body Tap.
While neither side disputes the fight, defense attorneys for Richardson said the charges are premature since it still isn't known what exactly killed Jewell.
"They don't know cause of death...they don't know how he died," said defense attorney Dennis Scheib.
The fight happened out of the view of the club's surveillance cameras but police said several witnesses have the same recollection of the one-on-one fight and report that Jewell threw the first punch.
The club opened for the first time Monday night since the fight and while club officials have no comment, investigators said the two men had an on-going dispute about business matters concerning the club.
Richardson worked at the club and Jewell was reportedly attempting to buy part or all of the establishment.
But police said whatever started the fight, once Jewell went down, he was unable to defend himself and therefore the charges aren't likely to change.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Atlanta, atlanta housewives
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:22 AM
Aquarium Whales Temporarily Shipped Out
Expansion of a dolphin exhibit has led Georgia Aquarium officials to ship their three beluga whales to Texas for a few months.
Aquarium spokeswoman Meghann Gibbons says the whales were shipped to Sea World San Antonio, Texas on Sunday. They are expected to return to Atlanta in December.
Gibbons says the aquarium's animal husbandry department has been monitoring the belugas, which are extremely sensitive to sound, since construction began more than a year ago near their habitat.
She says aquarium officials decided to eliminate the risk and send the whales to a quieter place until the loudest
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: Atlanta, georgia aquarium, whales
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:20 AM
School Bus, Truck Collide in North Ga.
The Georgia State Patrol said a collision between a school bus and a garbage truck on Georgia Highway 100 in Polk County left the two drivers with cuts and bruises, but none of the 15 children on the bus appeared to be seriously hurt.
Sgt. Wade Chaffin of the Cedartown state patrol post said the accident occurred Tuesday morning when the school bus was making a left turn. He said the truck was behind the bus and was trying to pass on the left and struck the cab portion of the bus.
The accident is under investigation.
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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
---
Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
--- Labels: bus, Crash, School
# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:18 AM
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