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Georgia tornado activity peaks March through May, making now the time to get ready

(ATLANTA) – Last spring, a series of tornadoes struck Georgia, killing 15 people and injuring 143 across the state. More recently, a powerful EF-3 tornado touched down in Gordon County on Dec. 22. The storm injured several people, damaged homes and businesses, and disrupted travel. Downed trees and power lines caused the closure of I-75 and several other streets and highways. In November 2010, a tornado devastated a Buford neighborhood, and in 2009, more than 50 tornadoes wreaked havoc statewide, landing Georgia in the top five nationwide for tornado activity.

Application deadline for Whimsical Event approaches 

Take one part art, one part prize money and awards, and one part great cause and you get Burnt Mountain Trading Company’s 3^rd Annual Art Contest and Fundraiser to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pickens County.

Make plans now to be a part of this wonderful competition that offers prize money for the top entrants, $150 for best in show and $100 for first place in three categories. This year’s theme is Fun-Funky-Fabulous and however you interpret, envision, or construct your project is up to you. From painting, wall art, sculpture, pottery, 2-D, 3-D, yard art, fiber, or anything else, the world is your oyster. So start creating and bring your artwork to Burnt Mountain Trading Company no later than April 1^st. Creations must be no larger than two feet by two feet (give or take a few inches is fine), not including stands. All artwork must be original work by you.

See application below

Cast advanced ballots this Saturday

Georgia voters will see a rare chance to cast ballots this Saturday as election laws now require advanced voting locations to be open at least one Saturday when federal races are on the ballot.

The only races Pickens voters will see are the presidential primaries for both parties. Saturday is part of advanced voting for the March 6th Super Tuesday.

Pickens Election Supervisor Julianne Roberts said she isn’t anticipating much Saturday action at the county election office on Pioneer Road, across from the city park. This is the only advanced polling spot in the county. Regular precinct polls will still be used on election day.

Video from security camera shows plane crash

Video courtesy of security camera at Pueblo Cantina supplied by Pickens Sheriff

Photo/Jeff Warren

Officials look over a Cessna 150 at rest after an emergency landing just south of Highway 53 but short of the Pickens County Airport runway. According to unconfirmed information gathered from officials at the scene, two men test-flying the plane after purchasing it Friday morning at the airport, experienced engine trouble as they looped back toward the runway.