Entries by Mike Buffington

Sheriff contacts GBI over parts controversy

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in Winder Archives

Tuesday, December 30. 2008

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Barrow County’s retiring sheriff has asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to look into an ongoing dispute with a Snellville supply firm that in 2007, outfitted 36 sheriff’s office vehicles with allegedly overpriced equipment that did not meet county specs. [Full Story »]

City of Auburn ends year in the black

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Mike Buffington

in Top Stories & Breaking News, Winder Archives

Sunday, December 28. 2008

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The City of Auburn finished FY08 in the black according to preliminary numbers by the city’s internal accounts. City administrator Ron Griffith reported to the city council recently that the town took in more money than it spent during the year and that an audit would be completed by Feb. 15 of the city’s operations. [Full Story »]

COLUMN: Christmas tradition

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Mike Buffington

in Editorial Archives

Tuesday, December 23. 2008

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It’s Christmas Eve and the world once again is almost giddy with anticipation over what is to come next. [Full Story »]

Police investigating death of Winder infant

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Mike Buffington

in Public Safety Archives

Tuesday, December 23. 2008

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An 11-day-old Winder infant died Dec. 19 while in the care of a babysitter, family members and friends. [Full Story »]

Auburn chief seeks approval of K-9 officer

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Mike Buffington

in Winder Archives

Tuesday, December 23. 2008

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Auburn Police Chief Fred Brown is looking to add a four-legged officer to his force. [Full Story »]

The Grinch was right

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Mike Buffington

in Editorial Archives

Wednesday, December 17. 2008

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“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store….Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” - the Grinch

Mr. Clark was in the Athens unemployment office the other day. The place was full. One of the clerks said he’s worked in that office for 14 years and he’s “never seen it this bad.”
Usually, he said, the Athens office sees around 1,200 people a month. [Full Story »]

Winder Marine charged in fatal N.C. crash

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Mike Buffington

in Public Safety Archives

Wednesday, December 17. 2008

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A 22-year-old Marine from Winder has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident that killed a disabled North Carolina woman who was the mother of another Marine. The arrest came hours after Barrow County Sheriff’s deputies recovered at a local address the vehicle that allegedly struck the woman. [Full Story »]

Airport lighting system may not happen

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Mike Buffington

in Top Stories & Breaking News, Winder Archives

Wednesday, December 17. 2008

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Despite a warning that county funds likely would not be available for the project, the Barrow County Airport Authority voted Tuesday to pursue its own funding avenues for installation of an approach lighting system at Northeast Georgia Regional Airport. [Full Story »]

Statham cuts staff hours

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Mike Buffington

in Winder Archives

Wednesday, December 17. 2008

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The tough economy has found its way to Statham. Mayor Robert Bridges said the city’s work force has had to cut back to 32 hours per week. The adjusted work schedule went into effect this week. [Full Story »]

BREAKING NEWS: Barrow Medical wins lawsuit

Posted by

Mike Buffington

in Top Stories & Breaking News, Winder Archives

Tuesday, December 16. 2008

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A judge’s ruling Monday has put plans for a new hospital in Braselton into doubt.

Piedmont Judicial Circuit Judge Robert Adamson ruled in favor of Barrow Regional Medical Center in a lawsuit that challenged the state’s granting of a “certificate of need” (CON) to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for a new 100-bed hospital in Braselton.

Adamson ruled that the state’s review process of the CON application had been “arbitrary and unreasonable.” Adamson said the events leading up to the state granting a CON for the Braselton facility had not been handled correctly.

“The actions of the (state) Board in affirming the grant of a CON under these circumstances is inconsistent with the rationale of the CON program,” Adamson said. He ruled that state’s process “was without adequate review” and had not allowed BRMC an opportunity to fully respond.

The judge also said the state had “recklessly” assumed that the fast growth in the North Georgia area would be enough to support the hospitals business plans.

If NGMC does pursue a Braselton hospital, it likely that the CON process will have to start all over again.

Entries by Mike Buffington

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