Sports talk Thursday with Lauren Hunter-Football is coming

Sports

We’ve been talking about it all summer. I’ve covered more camps than I can count. Young athletes have been out as early as January lifting and preparing for it. Finally on Wednesday I felt it.

Football season is coming.

Wednesday morning bright and early found me on the football field of Fannin County High School covering the last day of their youth football camp. Now as I said a few sentences earlier I’ve been out all summer covering football camps, but this was the first time it really clicked with me that we are only a few weeks away. And I won’t lie, a lot of it had to do with the weather.

Being at the Fannin County youth camp on Wednesday in some cooler air made me realize just how close we are to football season!

There was a slight breeze and I dare to say chill on Wednesday that I hadn’t felt all summer. Granted it was early in the morning and I’m so used to summer heat that even the slightest temperature drop can make me reach for my jacket. But this time, surrounded by young athletes who are the future of their program, it all started to set in.

It’s hard to imagine Friday Night Lights when it’s 90 degrees in Georgia in the middle of July. When I think of football I think of all the late Friday afternoons when I was in high school and the trees were ablaze with the bright orange and reds of fall. I think of the UGA games I’ve gone to where it’s been so cold part of the reason I was standing was not so much to cheer than to try and keep warm.

I will admit, football season has kind of snuck up on me this year. Earlier in the summer, Team FYN Sports was in baseball mode covering the local youth tournaments. I was in baseball mode keeping up with the Braves. But this is the South, and not just the South but SEC stronghold too. So of course even though baseball comes to the forefront, football stays simmering on the back burner at all times. That’s another reason why when I felt that cooler air on Wednesday, I was so easily able to slip back into football mode.

Local high schools start back as early as the week after next, with scrimmages coming the week after and then regular season the week after that. It’s crazy to think how time flies, and for teams that have been out practicing all summer, they realize that this is where the rubber meets the road.

I remember the first story I did for Team FYN Sports involving football was earlier this summer when Dawson County scrimmaged Pickens in a spring game. It took me a moment to realize when I got to the Dawson County field to realize that were weren’t in August, and this being in May we still had another three full months to go. But you couldn’t have told that to either of the two sides that night.

The mommas of the Dawson County Tigers formed a tunnel for the players to run through at their spring game like it was a regular season game.

The Dawson County mommas circled up for pre-game prayer, and lined up to form a tunnel for their sons to run through onto the field. Both home and away stands had a decent amount of fans to fill them. Both schools even brought their marching bands, and Pickens brought their cheerleaders. This energy is what I try to convey to everyone when I say that sports, and especially football, create a community rivaled by few other events.

Each time I’ve gone to a camp, or scrimmage, or even just a practice in this community, I’ve seldom been the only one there who is not a part of the team. Parents will come by to see their sons, or even just community members will drop by to get a look at the team before they run out for the first game. There’s something else special about following a team from the ground up, a season from the beginning to end. I know I’m not the only one that feels that way, and it makes my job all the much more enjoyable.

Over the last couple of weeks BKP and I have been going around North Georgia and interviewing coaches from all of the teams we cover. While last week I focused on the coaches and all of the effort that they have been putting in, it’s no overstatement to say that these players have been putting in their fair share too.

And they all seem ready. They’ve all been lifting and getting stronger since the beginning of the year. They’ve been out running drills and working for positions since the weather was warm enough. Now they’re breaking out the pads, helmets and fine tuning plays until it’s time for that first kick-off.

Football season is coming, and from the locker room to the press box, I think we’re all ready.

Sports talk Thursday with Lauren Hunter- Thank a coach!

Sports

Over the last week and a half BKP and I have been going from school to school interviewing head football coaches for our North Georgia Coaching Series. Now if any of y’all know BKP, you’ll know what I mean when I say that he’s been doing most of the talking and I’ve been doing most of the observing. But this doesn’t bother me, it gives me a chance to learn more about the programs I’ll be spending a lot of time with this fall.

With that being said, there’s one thing in particular I’ve been noticing in our interviews, and that’s how much these coaches truly care about their players and their programs.

Now me saying that might make some of y’all think, “Well, duh. That’s what they’re supposed to do.” Well, maybe. But I like to think I’m pretty good at picking up when someone is just putting on an act for appearances. And I can say with all sincerity that none of these coaches are doing that.

Obviously when BKP and I go into these interviews, he asks questions about what the teams have been doing during the summer and how they’re planning to prepare for the regular season. But he also asks the coaches if they can highlight a few players that have really stood out. This point in the interview, I believe, is where a coach who didn’t care would possibly just say a couple names and move on.

But these coaches not only name the players, they tell us about why they stand out. And it’s a sign of the hard work of these athletes, but there’s also a sense of pride from these coaches as they name them. A couple of coaches have mentioned that it’s hard to name just a few, because all of their players have worked hard. And it’s not that the rest of the team doesn’t matter or that they don’t care about them, but the ones that they mention they do so without hesitation because they’ve been there with them through the summer truly coaching them. There’s no so-so about the commitment these coaches make- they’re all in.

Another thing that has amazed me about these coaches, not just in the interviews but learning about them off the field, is how much they care about their community as well. A couple of them, such as Chad Cheatham at Fannin County and Chad McClure at Hayesville, are natives to their communities. It’s home to them, and they’re not going to be just halfway in their commitments to their programs.

When Coach Caleb Sorrells of the Lumpkin County Indians was first named as head coach, the school hosted a meet and greet for him. It was one of the first stories I covered in this position.

In his address to the parents, Sorrells promised to not only invest in the team as players and athletes, but as men who would one day be employees and fathers. I remember being caught off guard at first because I was expecting him to talk about plans for the future of the program, the summer schedule and what not. He did talk about these things, but I believe by telling the parents that he was going to invest in the players as men showed that it was going to be a priority.

Although I know more about the commitment that Sorrells has made because I’m positioned in Lumpkin County, he’s not the only one in the area who gets involved in the community and works to build up the athletes’ character.

Tim Cokely with the White County Warriors has an entire wall of his office decorated with signs of good character qualities to instill in the team. Chad Cheatham, who I mentioned earlier, referees basketball in the football off-season just because, and the community loves him for it. I’m sure that many of the other coaches in the area do similar things and I just don’t know about it yet.

These are commitments that we see played out by coaches in movies and don’t always think to look for in real life. And because I grew up in Gwinnett County, population one million, if there was this sort of commitment by coaches I didn’t always see it because there were so many people. I love living up here in North Georgia in a smaller community where an act of kindness, especially where sports are concerned, rarely goes unnoticed.

We think about football as a sport that instills a since of discipline, but why is that? Because there’s a coach that sets that standard and inspires the team to do the same. As a community we love football and we love our team, and we can thank a coach for that.

LOCAL SHERIFF OFFERS TIPS FOR A SAFE JULY 4TH

Press Release

With the approach of the July 4th Holiday, Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer asks all citizens to join him in making this Fourth of July holiday period a happy and enjoyable one for all.

Traditionally during the July 4th Holiday, our highways experience one of the highest traffic flows of the year.  The Sheriff reminds all Cherokee County residents to follow these safety tips:

  • Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead nor fix your gaze on one point on the road.
  • When passing an automobile, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. You will know instantly if the car is about to veer – giving you an extra few seconds to respond.
  • You should pull out into the opposite lane of traffic when passing while you are still well behind the car in front. This should give you some time and space to build up speed and will enable you to pull back into your own lane should the need arise.  Never cut abruptly out of your lane into the opposite lane when passing.
  • Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.
  • Drivers should always “aim high” in steering. That is, you should glance frequently at points well ahead of you.  Not only will this help your steering, but it will also help you check the position of vehicles in front of you as well as on-coming ones.
  • Never follow too close. Remember that, as your speed increases, it takes you substantially longer to stop.  Also remember that it’s good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you’re being tail-gated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.

“Lastly, I would remind all motorists to practice the Golden Rule when driving.  Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers.  Please don’t get angry with bad drivers or reckless ones – just get out of their way,” Sheriff Palmer said in closing, “Let’s make this summer a safe one on the roads in Cherokee County.”

Cherokee County citizens should remember that fireworks, as enjoyable as they are to watch, can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:

  • Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
  • Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
  • Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
  • Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
  • Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

Sheriff Palmer also wants citizens to use caution when swimming at a beach or at a pool.  Sheriff Palmer said, “Sadly, most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety.” The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered, or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

At a swimming pool, take the following precautions:

  • If no lifeguard is on duty, do not let children swim unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult who knows lifesaving techniques and first aid.
  • Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
  • Look around the pool area to be certain lifesaving devices are readily available for emergency use.
  • Be sure covers are installed on all drains of a swimming pool or in a wading pool. The suction created by the pool’s circulating pumps can be very dangerous unless it is reduced by covers.
  • Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
  • If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
  • To reduce the risk of eye, ear, nose or throat infection from contaminated water, swim only in pools in which water quality is properly maintained. The water should appear crystal clear, be continuously circulated and be maintained at a level that allows free overflow into the gutter or skimmer. There should not be a strong odor of ammonia or chlorine.

At the beach, take the following precautions:

  • Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others. Never swim alone.
  • If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Look for water that is reasonably clear and free of floating materials and odors. Avoid swimming at beaches where there are large populations of ducks, geese or gulls. The waste produced by these birds causes high bacteria levels in the water.
  • Look for movement in the water; it helps keep the water clean. Do not swim in stagnant or still water.
  • Do not swim at any beach right after a heavy rain. Runoff following a heavy rain may result in a high bacteria level.
  • When diving at a beach, exercise extreme caution. Beach water is not as clear as water in a pool, so underwater obstructions may not be visible.
  • Avoid having beach water in your mouth or nose.

Sheriff Palmer said, “Following these precautions will help the children and citizens of Cherokee County stay safe and healthy this holiday weekend and throughout the summer.”

LOCAL ARTIST LEAVES BEHIND BRICK-AND-MORTAR STUDIO…FOR A BUS AND A ROUSING NEW PROJECT.

Business

Mobile businesses are happening all around us and in every industry. The art world is no exception.

Artist Jenny King has been a fixture on the Marietta Square for almost a decade. At the end of the month, she will be moving her studio from the cozy spot above The Australian Bakery, to a shuttle bus conversion. “Leaving the Square was a tough decision, I love it there, the people, the community, but ultimately, transitioning into a mobile studio is in alignment with a project I’ve been working on for awhile now called Artist on the Lam.”, she explains.

Since 2009, King has contributed countless hours to help create the booming art scene present today on the Marietta Square. Her efforts include sharing her studio space with other local artists via Red Door Art Gallery & Studio, creating the charity event Trilogy, making the First Friday Art Walks more exciting for patrons with Mystery Themes, and even donating her services to The Winter Wonderland Experience by painting the mural at the ice rink, and that’s just to name a few.

She has strived to help bring the community together through art, so why move off the thriving Marietta Square now? She says that it’s simply the right time for her. “The Square is in a good place with some very talented and dedicated people to support it. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the last 19 years, my boys are getting ready to go off to college soon and so now I’m looking forward to slowing down from the grind, logging some travel time while still being able to create art.”

Her new project aims to continue that spirit of building community through art, but on a broader platform. It’s described as “a video documentation of the creative process presented in an engaging format to nourish your mind and spirit.” She breaks it down for us like this: “If Bob Ross and American Pickers had a baby…it would be Artist on the Lam.”

Fellow artist Kirk Stansbury is an integral part of this endeavor as he brings a different style of art and perspective. His work uses many upcycled and repurposed materials he randomly finds and constructs into a folky and funky art.

“I’m excited about it on a number of levels.”, says Stansbury. “This is a new experience of the unknown. I’m looking forward to traveling to new places, the adventure, meeting new people, the things we’ll discover to create art. My only hope is to educate and inspire others while having a little fun along the way.”

The diversity of Kirk and Jenny’s styles along with their congenial personalities is sure to make this a dynamic production, which is on track to launch in 2018.

The heart of Artist on the Lam is to inspire people by shining light on what it takes to create art in a way that others may learn. “If even one person out there can take something from this, can learn something new, travel (even if only vicariously) to a place they’ve never been, but especially if someone connects with their inner artist from watching Artist on the Lam, we will know we have achieved our purpose.”

King is not quite ready to leave the Square completely however. Her art will be remaining as she partners exclusively with Markay Gallery. “The Light Series is an important body of work to me.”, says Jenny. “I went through some very difficult life changes over the last two years. I’m still going through it. This series has been very soul healing for me.” The collectors that are drawn to these paintings seem to appreciate the ethereal feeling of hope they experience when viewing her work as well.

Markay Gallery, located just off the Marietta Square at 26 Winters Street, is the newest venture to join the Marietta Square, its owner however, Amber Markay Byrd, has been a prominent figure in the community for the last decade and has had a significant impact on the growth and success of the arts in the area.

“Having met Jenny almost 10 years ago, I have loved seeing how she uses art to connect with people in such a special and meaningful way.”, says Byrd. “Her canvas is her page and her paint is the story. Her work is beyond beautiful, it’s a personal connection to behold. Having her on board as a Markay Gallery artist is an exciting new chapter for both Jenny and the gallery. We’re honored to represent her!”

Amber’s vision and forward thinking approach to connecting collectors to the kind of art that “you just can’t live without now that you’ve seen it” has catapulted Markay Gallery to the top of unique gallery experiences to acquire the best and brightest the art world has to offer.

Jenny King still accepts commissions for clients who value a personal touch when it comes to art. View all the services she offers at www.JKingArtworks.com.

To learn more about the Artist on the Lam project, please visit www.ArtistOnTheLam.com.

For more information on Markay Gallery, please visit www.MarkayGallery.com.

4th of July Events

Community

42nd Annual 4th of July Powwow
Date(s): Jun 30, 2017 – Jul 02, 2017
When: various times
Where: Acquoni Expo Center 1501 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC 28719 – See more at:
http://visitcherokeenc.com/e

This event features fireworks of another kind, which means a three-day explosion of authentic Indian music, dancing, food, and festivities. Dance competitions kick off the excitement with over $60,000 in prize money. Spectators travel cross-country to see a powwow as spectacular as this. So come join us as the ground erupts in a sea of twirling color at the height of our tourist season. This action-packed weekend includes colorful regalia, jaw-dropping dances, and music made to move you. Experience authentic tribal foods, browse traditional Indian crafts, and get an insider’s look at a rich, ancient culture. Cost is $12 daily or just $10 when you bring and donate three cans of food. Please note that this event is cash only. – fireworks on Saturday


Fourth of July Celebration at Fontana
Date(s): Jul 03, 2017 – Jul 04, 2017
When: Jul 03, 2017 – Jul 04, 2017
Where: Fontana Village Resort, Fontana Dam

Event activities include field & water games, hometown parade, boating, BBQ cookouts, live entertainment throughout the weekend and fireworks on the Village Green on the 4th. For more information and reservations call 800-849-2258 or http://www.fontanavillage.com/calendar-of-events.html

Freedom Train Dinner Ride
Date(s): Jul 04, 2017
When: 7:00 pm
Where: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City

Spend the day in Bryson City enjoying the annual Freedom Fest celebration then board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for a beautiful evening ride. Enjoy a BBQ meal, a visit with Uncle Sam and be back in Bryson City in time for the evening fireworks show. 800-872-4681 or http://www.gsmr.com/

Freedom Fest & Fireworks
Date(s): Jul 04, 2017
When: 10:00 am – 10:30 pm
Where: Downtown Bryson City

Spend your Fourth of July in a small town that celebrates big! Our old fashioned street festival begins with a dedication by the local VFW Post and continues with great music throughout the day. The music is complemented by an amazing array of handcrafted arts and a children’s area that is sure to keep the little ones occupied. And don’t forget the P.A.W.S. dog show, watermelon eating contest, and hula hoop off. Stay for the full day or return later to enjoy the headliner show  at 8pm followed by the spectacular fireworks show at 10pm. https://www.greatsmokies.com/FreedomFest.html

May 13-19 is National Law Enforcement Week

Community

MURPHY, N.C. – May 13 through 19, 2018, is National Law Enforcement Week. This week is set aside to honor those officers nationwide that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities.

Please join our law enforcement community Wednesday, May 16, at noon on the steps of the Cherokee County Courthouse for a local Memorial Service for National Law Enforcement Memorial Week.  This Memorial Service is to honor those officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.

We honor our local fallen officers from Cherokee County, North Carolina:

* Chief of Police Mack Carringer, Murphy Police Department, End of Watch: Tuesday, October 7, 1930, Cause of Death: Gunfire;

* Special Deputy Sheriff Charles Watson, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, End of Watch: Thursday, August 18, 1921, Cause of Death: Gunfire;

* Sheriff Frank C. Crawford, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, End of Watch: Tuesday March 3, 1953, Cause of Death: Gunfire;

* Special Deputy Sheriff Allen Dean, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, End of Watch: August 20, 1921, Cause of Death: Gunfire;

* Deputy Sheriff Zack C. Ramsey, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, End of Watch: Friday, October 2, 1942, Cause of Death: Gunfire;

* Patrolman J.R. Davis,  North Carolina Highway Patrol, End of Watch: May 3, 1948, Cause of Death: Plane Crash; and

* Patrolman C.E. Galloway, North Carolina Highway Patrol, End of Watch: May 3, 1948, Cause of Death: Plane Crash.

Tree Topping

Outdoors

Cherokee County Big Sweep Planned for End of September, 2017

Outdoors

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C.- The Annual Cherokee County Big Sweep will be held at Hanging Dog Campground on September 30, 2017. Each year, this event is an opportunity for residents to come together and clean up Cherokee County’s beautiful water resources. Last year, the event brought in 15,720 pounds of trash from Hiwassee Lake!

This year, there will be four boats provided by Duke’s Marina. Personal boats are welcome- please contact the organizers before the event. Trash can also be collected from the Payne Street Boat Ramp in downtown Murphy, NC, but the main event is at the campground. If you plan to participate from downtown, please check in at the campground first.

Join the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/119471798682717/?ti=cl and invite your friends to help keep our water clean and beautiful!

 

Reporter Sean Paul, FetchYourNews.com, FYNTV.com, LIVE Broadcasting on FYNTV.com Mon.- Fri. 8-10 a.m.
If you see news call 706-889-9700, To watch all of our videos, subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Fetch Your News.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Kickin’ Asphalt 5k/10k Race

Community
 

KICKIN' ASPHALT 5K/10K RACE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

KICKIN' ASPHALT 5K/10K RACE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

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