Pickens County Board of Elections Meeting August 2nd 2022

Election, News
Termination

Voice of Rural America provided the following video of a live broadcast on August 2, 2022.  This is the Pickens County Board of Elections meeting.

Indictments made for former Pickens Superintendent

News
Theft, Indictments

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. – Two months after their arrest in Pickens County, Georgia’s Attorney General, Chris Carr, has announced indictments against former Pickens County School Superintendent Carlton Wilson and his wife, Cynthia Wilson, on charges of Racketeering, one count of Theft by Taking, and two counts of Theft by Conversion.

In April 2022, the two were arrested on allegations of thefts that occurred between November 2021 and January 2022.

Now, the indictments filed against the couple include six counts of Theft by Taking by a Fiduciary and one count of Theft by Deception. Cynthia Wilson was also separately indicted on one count of Tampering with Evidence. These indictments were presented to a Pickens County Grand Jury on June 7, 2022.

According to a release from the Attorney General’s Office,

Specifically, the indictment charges the defendants with the following which, if convicted, can carry the respective penalties:

  • Racketeering in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4: 5-20 years in custody and a fine of up to $25,000 or three times the pecuniary value gained by the accused.
  • Theft by Taking in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 2-20 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
  • Theft by Conversion in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 12 months in custody and/or a fine of up to $1,000 where the value of the theft is less than $1,500.
  • Theft by Conversion in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 1-10 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000 where the value of the theft is greater than $5,000 and less than $24,999.

Carlton Wilson, separately:

  • Theft by Taking by a Fiduciary in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 1-15 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
  • Theft by Deception in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 1-10 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000 where the value of the theft is greater than $5,000 and less than $24,999.

Cindy Wilson, separately:

  • Tampering with Evidence in violation of O.C.G.A. §16-10-94: 1-3 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

Dr. Carlton Wilson had a brief time at the center of some debate as Superintendent of Pickens County Schools when he resigned amid numerous emergency meetings discussing the superintendent position and rumors that he was soon to be let go. Later, Wilson offered a letter to the citizens of Pickens County where he stated, ” I was not given any reason except several of the board members had lost confidence in my leadership. Several members of the Board did not like the direction I was leading the school system.” This letter came days after a failed 2-3 vote to reinstate Wilson as Superintendent, which came in the month after the 3-2 vote to accept his resignation in December 2019.

Then, according to the allegations in the warrants for arrests, later in 2020, Wilson served as the Victim Witness Coordinator for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office where he allegedly committed Theft by Deception by receiving over $6,300 in payroll checks through the Shared Leave Bank due to ongoing injuries preventing him from working, yet he worked at his gun range. They go on to state that these payroll checks were deposited into a private account which they allege were used “almost solely for online gambling activities or to pay gambling debts.”

Other allegations include the sale of property meant for the Boy Scouts and also allegedly used to fund his participation in online gambling activities and payments of debts derived from online gambling activities.

“Our office is committed to rooting out fraud and deception wherever it may occur,” said Attorney General Chris Carr as he announced the indictments on June 30, 2022, “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who steal from the pockets of hardworking Georgians for their own personal gain. We take these allegations very seriously, and we look forward to presenting our case in court.”

The indictments filed also note additional charges including Theft by Conversion and Theft by Taking according to allegations that Carlton Wilson took property and funds intended for Appalachian Gun Range and the operation of that business and converted these to his own use, violating agreements made.

Additionally, the indictments add the charge of tampering with evidence to Cynthia Wilson due to allegedly obstructing the view “of a security camera at Appalachian Gun Range.”

Both Carlton and Cynthia Wilson have entered pleas of “not guilty” according to the indictment records.

Former Superintendent Wilson arrested for theft in Pickens

News
Theft, Indictments

JASPER, Ga. – Warrants were served for the arrest of of Pickens County Schools’ former Superintendent Dr. Carlton Keith Wilson on charges that include both Theft by Deception and Theft by Taking.

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the Adult Detention Center have release the arrest records and warrants on Wilson, who was held in custody on $5,000 bail. Allegations say that these thefts occurred between November 2021 through January 2022. Dr. Wilson became Superintendent of Pickens Schools in May of 2017. He later resigned amid numerous emergency meetings called by the Board of Education in December 2019.

According to the warrants, in May 2020, Wilson served as the Victim Witness Coordinator for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. This came with an annual salary of $42,500. In September 2021, the Pickens Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved a Shared Leave Policy allowing employees to donate unused leave time into a Shared Leave Bank. Also in September 2021, the documents state that Wilson sustained injuries in a car accident. Fully expending his own leave, he applied to receive donated leave hours through the Share Leave Bank and was approved.

Theft

Former Pickens Schools Superintendent Dr. Carlton Wilson

During his leave, he allegedly began going to the Appalachian Gun Range, a business he owns with a partner and at which he was a firearms instructor. Detectives have investigated the business’ bank records stating that proceeds from the courses “are essential to the success of the company.” In January 2022, Wilson requested additional leave until April 2022, saying his doctor would not release him to work and that he had blood clots in his lungs and leg.

According to the Detectives investigation, during the approved leave time that lasted through January, they state that approximately 138 individuals took courses at the range. The warrants state that Wilson said he taught most of those courses. Under the charge of Theft by Deception, it is noted that Wilson received over $6,300 in payroll checks through the Shared Leave Bank. They go on to state that these payroll checks were deposited into a private account which they allege were used “almost solely for online gambling activities or to pay gambling debts.”

The warrants go on to note the Theft by Taking Offense as Wilson’s alleged operations through Scouts of Hill City Inc. (SHC Inc.), a non-profit organization. As an individual looked to donate 10 acres of land to the Boy Scouts of America in 2009 and were referred to Wilson, the land was eventually donated to Hill City Elementary PTO Inc. with the expressed intent to be used solely to benefit the Boy Scouts in Pickens County.

After BSA Troop 288 disbanded in 2015 and Cub Scout Pack 288 disbanded in 2016, the land was deeded to SHC Inc. in 2018. In 2021, SHC Inc. re-registered with Georgia’s Secretary of State with Wilson as the CEO. The land was split into two tracts and sold in September 2021 for $14,000 each with the funds, minus closing costs, deposited into the SHC Inc. accounts. The warrants state that this money was then used through checks written, payments to personal credit cards, and cashback to Wilson in order to fund “his participation in online gambling activities and payments of debts derived from online gambling activities.

According to documentation, that alleged activity included $1,520 cashback on September 9, 2021, a check for $9,000 on September 10, 2021, a check for $5,000 on September 21, 2021, a check for $5,000 on October 10, 2021, a direct electronic payment to a personal credit card for $5,000 on November 1, 2021, and a check for $900 on December 1, 2021.

These charges were filed with the Superior Court of Pickens County on April 19, 2022. See the full documents of these arrest warrants linked.

Pickens BOE sets millage after Executive Session for personnel

News
millage

JASPER, Ga. – A special called meeting of the Pickens County Board of Education met this week and put the final approval on the board’s millage rate.

Upon calling the meeting to order and approving the agenda, however, the Pickens County Board of Education retreated to an executive session to discuss, as Board Chair Sue Finley read, “the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee. Or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent.”

The board took no action upon exiting executive session, but instead moved on to the regular agenda.

An official motion came to approve the Board of Education’s millage rate at 14.30 mills. Board Member Aaron Holland made the motion with a second from Steve Smith.

This sets the millage rate 0.53 mills lower than last year and continuing the steady decline according to the school’s 5-year history of the tax levied.

BOE Budget, millage

BOE FY 22 Initial Budget

The system estimates, according to the 5-year history, $22,648,385 in total M&) taxes levied. The budget denotes $24,908,755 in local taxes.

Finley said, “I would like to thank Mr. Young and Ms. Smith for their hard work to make this happen to bring our budget to the point where we can have our millage rate at 14.30 and still have our budget in the black. Thank you very much.”

A unanimous vote for both the millage rate and the FY 22 budget saw the board passing an initial budget for the year.

That budget totals $48.7 million, estimating that the school system’s fund balance will remain at $10.5 million.

 

Vernon Jones visits Pickens Republican Party

News, Politics
Jones

JASPER, Ga. – Running for Governor in the State of Georgia, candidate Vernon Jones stopped by Pickens County and their local Republican Party meeting this week to discuss his campaign, Brian Kemp, racism, and the election.

Jones

Vernon Jones arrives at the Pickens Room in Jasper, Georgia, to speak with the Pickens Republican Party on July 13, 2021.

With words of encouragement on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, Jones told the over crowded Pickens Room in the bottom of the Pickens County Administrative Building that he was the candidate to return Georgia to the people. Spending much of his time on major issues like the voter rights, elections security, racial divisiveness, and the Democrat Stacey Abrams, Jones told Pickens County Republicans that he is the only candidate who can save Georgia and the only candidate who can beat the democrats “no matter who they bring.”

The Pickens Room had several people standing as every seat was taken. In fact, he spent more time answering questions in the meeting than he did giving his initial speech spending nearly 38 minutes on his speech and nearly 52 minutes answering questions.

Those questions ranged from asking for promises to get rid of the Dominion Voting system to how he could fight against the “biased media.”

A large portion of his time in both his speech and questions, the majorly common theme the Jones addressed was racism and hypocrisy as he said the left can’t play the “race card” against him. He noted how he had been assaulted by a gay transgendered person because he didn’t agree and and follow the democrat party. Jones said he never left the Democrat Party, they left him.

As he spoke about his transition to Republican Party, Jones added how current Governor Brian Kemp betrayed the party and made backroom deals with Stacey Abrams that led to “Stacey’s Law” and the corruption of Georgia’s election process.

Questions continued until, ultimately, Chairman Mora had to call for two final questions and the end of the meeting. However, this did not stop one more act as one of those present asked to pray for Jones before he left the meeting.

Jones

Georgia Governor Candidate, Vernon Jones speaks about the elections, security, racism, and Georgia’s potential within the states.

Jones has been endorsed by other Republicans and current Trump supporters like Rudy Giuliani. A case that, he said during the meeting, came from his early support, even as a Democrat, for Trump.

Support came from others in the room as well. Gina Rolsten, a newer member who only got into politics in recent years, said that she had been interested to hear Jones speak as she has been excited to have him as a candidate. Having met all the primary candidates, she said that Vernon Jones was “by far” the most in line with what she believed Georgia needs. Rolsten said she had heard Jones speak before the Pickens meeting, but was very interested in seeing others come out to listen. When asked, Rolsten said she had no care that he had been Democrat saying, “I know what his values are. I know what he stands for.”

Jeri Haid said she had been invited by a friend to listen to Jones. Also unmoved by his former Democrat status, Haid said she believed a lot of Democrats are starting to realize they are “old school” Democrats. Haid noted that even members of her family, who have been lifelong Democrats, are starting to pull away from the party as they don’t agree on the same values anymore. She wants a more united nation as she said she just wants us to be free again. She said, “If you want to go to church, go to church. If you don’t want to go to church, don’t go to church.” Be free to do what you want.

It was a them echoed by Jones who said he didn’t care what people wanted to do, he simply wants to end the corruption and the culture of telling others who and what they are. He gave an example quoting President Joe Biden as he said if you don’t vote for me, you aren’t black.

Allen Wigington convicted of 44 felonies and 5 misdemeanors

News
Judge Allen Wigington, indicted

JASPER, Ga. – Arrested in January of 2020, former Chief Magistrate Judge for Pickens County, Allen Wigington was convicted recently on his charges racketeering, forgery, and theft. Now serving a 15 year total sentence. However, he is expected to only spend 5 years in prison.

According to the state, Attorney General Chris Carr announced that the office’s Prosecution Division has concluded its case against Judge William “Allen” Wigington.

They said, “He was found guilty of 1 count of Racketeering, 3 counts of Fourth Degree Forgery, 5 counts of Theft by Taking, 39 counts of Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card, and 1 Count of Violation of Oath of Office. In total, his crimes amounted to 44 felonies and 5 misdemeanors. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.”

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in the case reaching all the way back to 2016. According to the the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the investigation began when a local non-profit organization noticed that Judge Wigington had paid his personal credit card bill using the non-profit’s bank account. He reportedly made several questionable purchases for instance he made three separate transactions of $923, $848.31, and $317 from Pickens County Magistrate Court to give to a nonprofit with the “intention of depriving owner of said property.” In reports of the crimes investigated, it was stated that he charged $96.27, $137.82, and $343.84 on Pickens County government card for personal expenses at Hampton Inn in Kingsland, Ga, Doubletree by Hilton at Atlanta Airport, and Hilton Bonnet Creek Hotel in Orlando, Fla. It was also discovered that he had been double billing the county for travel reimbursements. The Attorney General’s Office also specifically noted that “Judge Wigington also stole 200 dollars that was designated to purchase a suit for a child whose family could not afford to purchase it.”

Attorney General Chris Carr, Wigington

Attorney General Chris Carr

Attorney General Chris Carr stated in a press release, “Mr. Wigington violated the public’s trust in the worst way, and he will now serve time for his deceitful behavior. I commend the work of our Prosecution Division, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office for uncovering the extreme lengths that Mr. Wigington went through to defraud his community. The theft of taxpayer funds will not go unpunished, and we will continue to root out this type of public corruption in our state.”

When the investigation became public and a GBI Warrant was executed to search his office on January 29, 2020, authorities reported that Judge Allen Wigington turned himself in and later resigned his position as Judge.

Though the Attorney General’s Office notes a 15-year sentence, it was stated in their release, “He will serve 5 in custody, followed by the remainder on probation.”

The Office of the Attorney General provides the following case notes:

Incident 1

Judge William “Allen” Wigington was appointed Chief Magistrate Judge of Pickens County in May of 2011. He resigned in February of 2020 related to these charges.

In March of 2019, Judge Allen Wigington was a member of a Masonic Lodge in Jasper, Georgia known as the Blaine Lodge. He held the position of treasurer. At the March meeting of the Lodge, the Lodge secretary noticed that there was a discrepancy in the Lodge bank account. There was supposed to be $8,000 in the account, but the bank account balance was only approximately $5,900. Examination showed that Wigington had paid his personal Chase credit card bill out of the Lodge account in the amount of $2,118.37. The secretary immediately sent a text message to Wigington who advised that the account must have been hacked and that he would take care of the matter the next day. Wigington contacted the secretary the next day and advised that the bank refused to help Wigington, and the bank told him that he would have to contact Chase to solve the problem. As a follow up, Wigington told the secretary that Chase said that they couldn’t directly deposit the fraud reimbursement in the Lodge’s account. Therefore, Wigington planned to have Chase send the money to the Courthouse, and Wigington would reimburse the Lodge through the courthouse.

Wigington thereafter wrote three checks from Pickens County Magistrate Court account to cover the Lodge’s loss. The three checks totaled $2,188.37, which was more than was drawn out of the Lodge’s account. The Lodge secretary immediately noticed the discrepancy and knew that Wigington had lied to him. The secretary communicated the issue to another Lodge member.

That member confronted Wigington at the courthouse. Wigington told the member that he received the reimbursement checks from Chase, but that his clerk accidentally deposited them in the Magistrate Court’s account, and that he reimbursed it from the Magistrate Court’s account. Wigington showed the member copies of the alleged checks. Eventually, Wigington changed his story saying he made an error. He said he used the Lodge’s account to pay his credit card bill.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) followed up with Chase Bank in January of 2020. A subpoena to Chase found that Wigington had forged the three Chase checks that Wigington showed the member to corroborate the lie that Chase had reimbursed him for the alleged hacked account.

Incident 2

On January 28, 2020, the GBI received documentation that Wigington had purchased multiple Apple tech products on his Pickens County Magistrate Court Purchase Card (p-card) on November 19, 2018. Three of the purchases would later be substantiated as work-related, but there was not an explanation for an Apple Watch and AppleCare support.

As a result of these documents, the GBI expanded its investigation into Wigington’s p-card usage. The results found the following inappropriate expenses:

  • September 14, 2017 – Hampton Inn, Canton, Georgia
  • September 15, 2017 – New Orleans Hyatt Riverside
  • March 31, 2018 – Doubletree Hotel in Atlanta
  • February 17, 2019 – Disney Hotel
  • September 23, 2019 – Jacksonville Hotel on the way to take a cruise

Four of these hotel expenses are related to family vacations to Disney, cruises, etc.

Incident 3

The GBI and Pickens County Sheriff’s Office discovered that Wigington falsified documents to cover up his personal expenses. For example:

On July 18, 2019, Wigington documented a P-Card expense of $366.99 as an HDMI converter box, HDMI switch, and computer charging case. Normally, these would be considered appropriate expenses. However, when the Sheriff’s Office and GBI looked at the actual Amazon documentation, it was noticed that Wigington had purchased a Nintendo Switch, Apple Airpods, and an Airpod charger.

This occurred numerous times over years with Wigington purchasing everything from electronics to skin care.

Incident 4

Wigington was an associate of the High School Mock Trial program. One of the children could not afford a suit for a competition, so a local defense attorney gave Wigington $200.00 to purchase a suit for the student. Wigington pocketed the $200.00 and used his P-Card to purchase two suits from K&G: one for the student and one for himself.

Incident 5

The Violation of Oath of Office is an all-encompassing charge for his misconduct.

 

Pickens in recovery from storm damage

News
storm

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. – With schools completely shutdown today, March 26, 2021, citizens and authorities are out in force attempting to recover from the damages caused by last nights storm and tornadoes across North Georgia.

Pickens did not suffer a tornado, but has suffered severe damage from the storm, flooding, and winds during the night.

Earlier today the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office offered a list of known road hazards or roads that are currently impassible from the storms last night.

– Evans Rd has several places that are severely washed out or potentially have damage to the roadway and is shut down.
– Grandview Rd at Pendley Creek below Parkland Dr has a large amount of mud buildup.
– Mineral Springs Rd North just south of Roper Funeral Home has been flooded over.
– Long Rd at the creek is flooded over.
– Talking Rock Road at Highway 136 near Downtown Talking Rock is severely flooded.
– Jordan Road is flooded is some parts.
– Upper Salem Church Road is flooded near the bridge.
– Talc Mine Road is washed out in one area.
– Genett Drive is shut down at Hood Park Drive near the bridge.
– Twin Mountain Lake Circle is flooded and is impassable.
– There is a tree across both lanes of Highway 136 East just west of East Price Creek. There are utility lines involved. State DOT is currently in the process of clearing this obstruction.

The Pickens Board of Education said they worked closely with city and county road officials before canceling class. Due to the storm, many roads have severe washouts that citizens should avoid.

Authorities across the state are warning citizens to not attempt to drive through flooded areas of roads. This is because some of those roads may be so flooded that they only appear to have a foot or two of water, but have washed out the road under it. Risks of severe injury or death could come from driving into such washouts.

stormThe City of Jasper has shared a photo of Gennett Drive (pictured to the right) showing just how bad some of these roads have become.

Roads are not the only effected area as the storm also knocked out power for much of North Georgia. According to Amicalola EMC some of these are quite major including “one large outage affecting 655 members in Pickens County near Cove Road and Grandview. A tree has torn the line down and crews are working to restore power now.”

Due to the calm morning, much of the power has been restored and, according to their outage map, only a few pockets remain that crews are still working to fix.

Pickens County’s Government also issued a statement on the storm saying, “We were extremely fortunate in Pickens County last night to avoid the tornadoes that swept across the south. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many communities that were hit. Unfortunately, we were not spared from several areas experiencing some level of flooding.”

Citizens should also be aware that while the county and public safety officials issued a list of affected roads, there are others not on the list including personal roads and even driveways that can and have been affected.

stormJoAnn Smith commented on the city’s photo, sharing her own photo of her driveway (pictured to the left) affected by a small creek. Any and all water flows have been affected and could potentially cause similar damage.

Pickens County Government has encouraged citizens to sign up for “Code Red Alerts” by taking a moment to fill out the information at the link. They stated, “Doing so will ensure that you are notified by your local emergency response team in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts.”

Geological surveys in nearby areas showed rivers reaching over 12 feet in depth.

As the situation continues to unfold, citizens are encouraged to reach out to public safety for emergencies as the county continues clearing debris, repairing roads, and returning itself to safer conditions.

Wigington indicted by state in Pickens Superior Court

News
Judge Allen Wigington, indicted

JASPER, Ga. – The case of the State of Georgia vs. William Allen Wigington and Rosemary Taudte Wigington has moved forward this week as they were officially indicted by a Grand Jury in Pickens County on March 11, 2021.

The indictment includes both Allen and Rosemary in the filing where it lists 58 counts against the defendants. Both arrested in January 2020, Allen Wigington is listed on every count, only six bear Rosemary’s name. The 58 counts switch between theft by taking, racketeering, violation of oath by public officer, forgery in the fourth degree, and numerous counts of unauthorized use of a financial transaction card.

indicted

Rosemary Taudte Wigington, left, and William Allen Wigington, right, were indicted by a Grand Jury on March 11, 2021, in Pickens County.

The indictment explained part of the alleged crimes through taking money on different occasions, some more than $1,500 and some less, the use of a “purchasing card,” and forging checks.

As the indictment paperwork explains, “Pickens County Government has two primary ways to purchase goods or services. The first way is through the issuance of Purchasing Cards, known as “P-Cards.” P-Cards are credit cards with government accounts that are issued to certain government officials. The bills for P-Cards are sent directly to the government, thus bypassing the government official’s need to process reimbursement paperwork.”

Many of these charges involving P-Cards include purchases involve physical goods like an Apple iWatch or a Microsoft Surface Pro. Others involve goods and services like hotels such as Hampton Inn and Doubletree. Some are simple services like a note in Count 10 which reads “the accused paid for parking at an Embassy Suites in Atlanta, Georgia to engage in a rendezvous with an escort…”

Indicted by a Grand Jury, former judge William Allen Wigington faces charges on 58 Counts of alleged criminal activity against the State of Georgia and Pickens County Government. (Photo by Courts of Pickens County)

Alternatively, if an official uses a personal credit or debit card, they can submit reimbursement forms through the Pickens County government in order to receive reimbursement. And so, according to the indictment, Allen Wigington allegedly placed certain government related goods or services on his P-Card, having Pickens County pay for the services. He then allegedly filled out “Institute of Continuing Judicial Education in Georgia reimbursement forms” for those same charges. The indictment states that he should have taken the reimbursement money and given it to Pickens County to reimburse those purchases. However, instead he allegedly kept the reimbursement funds delivered from the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education in Georgia.

Additionally, the indictment moves on to what it calls “racketeering” on 30 different occasions between October of 2016 and June of 2019 where it alleges that Wigington appropriated money with the intention of depriving Pickens County of that money by “intentionally failing to reimburse funds” for lodging, fuel, and purchased goods.

All of these allegations come in the face of the signed “Oath of Magistrate” included in the indictment, signed by Wigington on December 19, 2016, becoming an alleged breach of his oath on top of the alleged criminal activity.

The indictment can be read in it’s entirety here.

BOE confirms termination of Superintendent’s contract agenda

News
Termination

JASPER, Ga. – After a recent special called meeting of the Pickens County Board of Education ended after three hours in executive session, all indications pointed towards discussions of termination the Superintendent’s Contract with Dr. Rick Townsend.

Pickens County Board of Education, Superintendent, Termination

Rick Townsend, Superintendent of Pickens County Schools

FYN reported on citizens comments and sources relaying information confirming this as the next step along with a special called meeting for Monday, January 18, 2021.

Today, the Pickens BOE issued publications in advance of tomorrow’s 3 p.m. meeting confirming the agenda item titled “Termination of Superintendent’s Contract” along with “Appointment of an Interim Superintendent.”

With this on the same meeting agenda, the interim could potentially be someone already in position with the Board such as Assistant Superintendent Tony Young. However, there is no details available pointing to exactly who will be taking the Interim Superintendent Position.

It was exactly one year ago when the Pickens County Board of Education was going through the same process after the resignation of Dr. Carlton Wilson came amid procedures to dismiss him as well. He resigned on December 19, 2019, as was nearly reinstated the following month on January 9, 2020 when board member Sue Finley made the motion to re-appoint Dr. Wilson as Superintendent of Pickens County schools, seconded only by, then Vice Chairman, Steve Smith.

Termination

Pickens County Board of Education member, and former Chairman, Tucker Green

With obvious dissension amongst the Board of Education, the process continued under Interim Superintendent Dr. Charles Webb until Dr. Rick Townsend was hired. His contract becoming effective on April 27, 2020, Dr. Townsend was also hired by a split 3-2 vote.

He was praised by, then Board Chairman, Tucker Green who said, ““Dr. Townsend brings a wide array of educational experiences which is of great importance to the Board. Dr. Townsend’s experience at multiple levels, coupled with his proven track record of improving schools and school districts, was appealing to the Board. The Board also believes that Dr. Townsend is uniquely capable to provide clear leadership from the district level to the school level.”

Nine months later, the meeting will be held on January 18, 2021 with the agenda indicating that the Board will also terminate Townsend’s contract.

 

Pickens County Election Results

Election, News
results

ELLIJAY, Ga. – With no precincts open late and a smooth run throughout the day, Pickens County’s election results are recorded here for the three races including two senate seats and the District 4 Public Service Commission seat.

 

U.S. Senate race:

David Perdue – 12,601

Jon Ossoff – 2,548

 

U.S. Senate Unexpired Term:

Kelly Loeffler – 12,532

Raphael Warnock – 2,612

 

Public Service Commission District 4:

Lauren “Bubba” McDonald – 12,543

Daniel Blackman – 2,403

Pickens County polls on track to close at 7 with high turnout

Community, Election
pickens election, polls

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. – Pickens County Elections are progressing smoothly at the polls today according to Elections Supervisor Julianne Roberts who reported no major issues in the day.

Speaking with FYN, Roberts said that they day has progressed smoothly at the precincts and with the central office despite having issues with COVID-19 exposures in the office. Having previously been exposed, everyone in the office tonight has had the virus, said Roberts.

This comes in spite of worries as North Georgia is continuing its 2020 elections trend with large numbers of citizens going to polls and submitting early voting ballots in this election cycle.

Pickens County Sheriff’s were also on hand today keeping voters safe. The Sheriff’s Office issued a statement to ease the public into the day saying that deputies would be on hand at polling locations.

The Sheriff’s Office said that this was more a response to news from other counties as they stated, “Many counties have experienced threats regarding elections, and while our county has not received any threats at this time, we will always err on the side of caution to provide safety for the community.”

However, with a quiet day at the precincts in the county, the smooth operations and lack of issues means that precincts are expected to close on time. Roberts said that the normal rules apply so that if any person is already in-line by 7:00 p.m., then they will be allowed to enter and vote before the poll closes. However, 7:00 p.m. is the cutoff time and anyone arriving after that will be turned away.

Roberts told FYN at 5:00 p.m. today that this was the current situation with polls expected to close on time.

BOE updates Distance Learning and Calendar Survey

News
Learning

JASPER, Ga. – With focused consideration for students “not on track” in classwork, the Pickens County Board of Education heard an update on Distance Learning from Curriculum Director Anita Walker.

Pickens is returning as many students as possible to in-person learning rather than virtual learning. Walker noted that they have had students “not-on-track” returning to in-person for multiple reasons varying from a dislike or disconnection with the Pearson program, including some technical issues the school overcame in the first part of the semester, to issue with difficulty of use and focus to scheduling conflicts with younger children who need parental help with the programs while the parents might be working full-time.

https://youtu.be/Ixj3uGTm_j0

While the schools have some experiencing difficulties, many others are succeeding and progressing in the virtual learning. More success was seen in lower grades, Kindergarten to 4th Grade.

Walker did note, however, that she felt that in-person is usually going to provide better educational experiences for the majority of students.

During her presentation, Walker pointed out some details that may be contributing to those not on track with the program including time spent with the program. She broke down data specifically focused on those in that category based on grade levels and compared them to the number of students spending more or less that 30 hours a week on the program.

Touching on support for the program and changes to bolster their efforts to support students and families choosing virtual learning, Walker noted the teachers efforts such as a tutoring program that virtual and in-person students can take advantage of. They are also putting extensions on some class work to aid in students needing that.

On the other side, with about 60 students moving from in-person to virtual learning for various reasons, Walker said the school encouraged students and families to come in a go over the program so that they would no and understand all of the requirements and needs involved with the program before fully committing to virtual learning.

Distance learning was not the only discussion for the day, however, as the board looked closer at results from a survey over the school calendar for 2021-2022.

Learning, Calendar, EducationNearing the mid-point of the school year, early discussion is already coming in for the next school year as Pickens County is going through the lengthy process of adopting a school year calendar.

According to Superintendent Dr. Rick Townsend, a survey was taken with input from students, parents, employees, and residents/business owners.

Of the 1209 replies to the survey, the boards report indicated that 500 were parents, 298 employees, 60 students, and 39 residents/business owners.

The vast majority emphasized a great importance on Thanksgiving and Christmas and not changing those breaks.

Additionally, 70% of the response said they would prefer a digital learning day for snow days or inclement weather rather than making those days up during winter break.

Many comments supported moving back the start date of school into mid to late August, but the board was told that hey would have to do away with several breaks to incorporate that change.

While the recommendation is set to be the same calendar as previously recommended, the board will be voting on the calendar next Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Rosemary Wigington arrested same day as husband Allen Wigington indicted

News

JASPER, Ga. – Official records from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed the arrest of one Rosemary Wigington and booking into the Pickens County Adult Detention Center.

Rosemary Taudte Wigington

Arrested earlier today on two counts of Theft by Taking, Rosemary Wigington was incarcerated, according to the warrant placed for her arrest, with a $50,000 bond. Today also saw proceedings for official indictment of former Chief Magistrate Judge Allen Wigington, Allen was arrested in January of this year for Theft and Violation of Oath of Office. At the time, he was also given a $50,000 bond.

Rosemary faces one misdemeanor count of Theft by Taking and one felony count of Theft by Taking according to records.

According to the arresting records, Rosemary’s workphone was listed as that of Pickens High School. According to Pickens County Schools’ website, she teaches World History and is a part of the LPSCS (Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career) Pathway. Some of the pathway classes listed under her pathway courses include Introduction to Law, Corrections, and Security, Criminal Justice Essentials, and Criminal Investigations.

The same website confirms that Rosemary has been a part of the faculty for more than 20 years where she has previously taught Civics, Geography, World History, US History, AP European History, and Criminal Justice.

Allen Wigington

According to documents from the District Attorney’s Office, Allen Wigington’s indictment listed 57 counts of criminal activity including 42 counts of “Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card,” 11 counts of “Theft by Taking,” 3 counts of “Forgery in the Fourth Degree,” and 1 count of “Violation of Oath by Public Officer.”

The counts reached all the way back to January of 2017 and some were as recent as January of 2020. With the Theft by Taking counts totaling over $2,666 in just the specified amounts of six of those counts. The other counts only specified more than or less than $1,500. Some held named people as those he allegedly took the money from, others named the Magistrate Court of Pickens County, Pickens County Government, and Pickens County Law Library as the alleged victims of the theft. Then, each of the three indictments of “Forgery in the Fourth Degree” for checks less than $1,500.

The extra counts of “Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card” included

Count 11. goods and services Hampton Inn Canton, Georgia

Count 12. goods and services at Hilton New Orleans, Riverside

Count 13. goods and services at Doubletree by Hilton Bonnet Creek Hotel Orlando, Florida

Count 14. goods and services at Doubletree by Hilton Atlanta Airport Atlanta, Georgia

Count 15. goods and services at Hampton Inn Kingsland, Ga

Count 16. Apple iWatch

Count 17. AC plus Watch Series 4-PAIOS

Count 18. Chick-Fil-A Food

Count 19. K&G Atlanta

Count 20. K&G Marietta

Count 21. Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Sandals

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Count 23. Old Glory Christmas FA LA Llama Men’s Long Sleeve T Shirt

Count 24. No PRobllama Llama Ugly Sweater Funny Women Sweatshirt T-shirt Irish Green 2XL

Count 25. True Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.0 Headset

Count 26. Borescope Inspection Ear Wax Remover Tool

Count 27. Amazon Prime Membership

Count 28. Nintendo Switch, Airpods, and Airpods case

Count 29. Probiotic Capsules

Count 30. Probiotic Capsules

Count 31. Boy’s Long Sleeve Contrast Color Cute Bunny Casual T-Shirt

Count 32. Set of 5 Reading Glasses

Count 33. Probiotic Capsules

Count 34. Probiotic Capsules

Count 35. True Wireless Earbuds 5.0 Headset

Count 36. Crew Socks and Reading Glasses

Count 37. 3 piece personalized toddler firefighter outfit

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Count 42. Apple watch bands

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Count 45. Oriental rug and box spring

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Count 50. Vehicle emergency lights and home security hardware

Count 51. Drafting chair

Count 52. Reading Glasses

State Superintendent Richard Woods visits Tate Elementary

News
Woods

JASPER, Ga. – On tour through several schools in North Georgia, the State Superintendent Richard Woods visited Tate Elementary last week to tour the school and speak with administrators on the beginning of the new school term considering much of the changes and challenges this year.

State Superintendent Richard Woods speaks with students of Tate Elementary during lunch

State Superintendent Richard Woods speaks with students of Tate Elementary during lunch.

During the visit, Woods got to see the school system during lunch and view many of the social distancing and new practices in place. Students sitting only on one side of the lunchroom table and empty tables in between those in use.

Woods spoke on some of the differences between the school systems inside of the Metro-Atlanta area and those outside of it. For example, inside the metro-area, many more are virtual and digital learning while the outside area is seeing closer to, on average, 70 percent of students in school with the other 30 percent on digital. However, he clarified that these were his understanding and not firm numbers. Woods also noted that each county is handling things in its own way and are showing different things and coming up with ideas on handling the situation.

Teachers and administrators of Tate Elementary told Woods that they were similar to that, with 75 percent in school and 25 percent through virtual. Woods discussed ideas on mask usage, the governor’s suggestions, transportation, food preparation, and student safety in the new return to class for student.

The school system has been work with Georgia’s DPH (Department of Public Health) through outbreaks and return to sports. Yet, as he was present during lunch time, a lot of the discussion focused on the students food prep and nutrition in school.

State Superintendent Richard Woods speaks with Nutrition Director Beth Thompson about students and challenges as they return to school.

State Superintendent Richard Woods speaks with Nutrition Director Beth Thompson about students and challenges as they return to school.

Planning has been key for food preparation in Tate Elementary as they spoke on individual wrapping and containers, separation and limitation on contact is only part of the steps taken to improve food safety and student safety in response to the virus. Nutrition Services has also seen complaints and issue in students selections and offerings, with servings prepared and put into containers or wrappers, students not seeing the food before selection.

While not a major issue, it is just an example of many of the changes that have come to schools in response to media coverage and social push for responses to the virus.

Superintendent Dr. Rick Townsend said that flexibility helps in the school systems. Woods asked how he could help local schools in their issues from the capital and from his position. Administrators said that continued flexibility would improve their efforts.

From left to right, Dr. Rick Townsend, Stephanie Hall, Richard Woods, and Rick Jasperse stop for a photo as they visited Tate Elementary as a part of Woods tour of schools as they return to classes.

Woods agreed saying that as he has toured other schools, one of the main things he has learned is that Pickens schools and their program will look very different from other counties. Individual responses and individual programs need the support for their individual responses in addition to state guidelines.

Another point that administrators brought up is that Pickens Schools may use many things in the future that they used this year in their viral response. One such example came with staggered start for some grade levels at Tate Elementary. The opening day was a huge success according to Tate Elementary Administrators, but Woods said many schools across the state are saying the same thing, that this has been one of their best starts in years. Local teachers also noted that the most important thing was to get started, to get the students back with their teachers and back to education.

Woods agreed saying that he felt much of the importance in the year is getting started, gaining momentum. He offered his continued support to Pickens saying he wants to know what the challenges are for local schools and those on both the urban and metro area and the rural and outside of the metro areas.

Elections Supervisor urges early voting in face of Coronavirus

Election, News

JASPER, Ga. – Pickens County Elections & Registration Supervisor Julianne Roberts issued the following statement today urging citizens to take advantage of early voting ahead of the March 24 election day.

She stated:

Pickens County Board of Elections & Registration would like to encourage all voters to take advantage of Advanced Voting at this time. Due to concerns from the coronavirus (COVID-19), we anticipate that the time required to vote in the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary on March 24th will be significantly increased. To avoid longer wait times, we strongly encourage you to vote early at 83 Pioneer Rd during regular office hours (Mon-Fri) 8-5. The Saturday Voting will take place at the Elections Office from 9-4 on March 14th.

Julianne Roberts, Supervisor
Pickens County Elections & Registration

Pickens addresses Coronavirus and precautionary quarantine on a teacher

News
BOE, Pickens, Coronavirus,

JASPER, Ga. – The Pickens County Board of Education has released an official press release regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Georgia and a possible connection with a teacher having eaten at the Waffle House with a reported case.

While they assure the public that the teacher is showing no signs of the virus, they have taken precautionary measures for the teacher to self-quarantine for the near future. The teacher in question worked at Harmony Elementary School.

They also repeat that there are no current signs or reported cases of the virus in Pickens County Schools.

The following is their full release:

Pickens County School System Press Release on Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Pickens County School System Press Release on Coronavirus (COVID-19).

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