By Colby Dunn
News Writer

Madison city councilman Michael Naples has been named to the Legislative Policy Council of the Georgia Municipal Association, the first Madison representative to be chosen for the post.

Naples was chosen following his involvement with other subcommittees with the GMA.

"I've been vocal and I've pushed for legislation," he said, "so because I've been vocal and outspoken, they recognize someone who is, at least, willing to voice opinions."

The council comprises 38 representatives from the 12 GMA districts and is the policy-platform branch of the GMA. The body makes concerted lobbying efforts on the part of the state's local governments to state and national legislators.

Staff Reports

Main Street Communications recently published its 48th edition of Lake Oconee Living. Inside this issue, readers can journey into the past down Union Point’s historic railroad line, tour the recently restored Hunt house in Madison, learn how to cook a locally grown Thanksgiving feast, remember World War II with local veterans, explore Flannery O’Connor’s Milledgeville, celebrate Christmas in a restored barn on Horse Branch Farm, and shop locally with a Hometown Holiday Gift Guide.

“This is a fantastic issue,” said editor Ramsey Nix. “It shows how the healthiest food, the greatest literature, the most interesting history, and the finest gifts can all be found in our own backyard. If you consider the Lake Country home or your home away from home, you simply mustn’t miss out on this special holiday issue.”

Founded in 1998, Lake Oconee Living features elegant homes and gardens, engaging personalities, Southern culture, the arts, and in-depth regional coverage. Through vivid storytelling and innovative design, Lake Oconee Living seeks to “reflect the spirit of a region,” according to its mission statement.

With a circulation of 7,000, Madison’s local magazine continues to expand its area coverage. Lake Oconee Living appears on select newsstands statewide. Locally, Lake Oconee Living is sold on newsstands in Madison at Dog Ear Books, Ingles, Madison Drug Store, Olde South Wine and Spirits, or Thrifty Mac; in Greensboro at Hunters Drug, Publix, Rite Aid, or Traditions; or in Eatonton at Ingles, Ray Drug, Shoppers Pharmacy, or Willow Tree.

By Caitlin Byrnes
Staff Writer

    This year’s annual Madison Chili Cook–Off will feature a free pumpkin carving contest and apple pie bake-off in addition to the annual Chili competition, food, tractors and music.
    The Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Town Park on Saturday, Oct. 3. “We are really trying to grow with stuff that goes all day,” Madison Main Street director Ann Huff said. “We want things for people to do after they are finished tasting chili.”
    There is no prior registration for the apple pie bake-off or carving contest, but all entries need to be completed in advance.
    Baked apple pies may be delivered for judging between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Contestants for the Jack O’ Lantern carving contest may also be delivered to the  event’s information tent from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    Chili teams will also be judged by a group of 10 local judges who will determine based on taste, texture and appearance. The judges will determine the winners of the Open Chili contest and Chili Appreciation Society International contest. There will also be a “People’s Choice” award for best chili awarded by the public.
    Wendy Mason of last year’s winning duo “Hot Off the Presses,” said she is excited about participating in the competition this year.
“We had a great time,” she said. “It’s a great way to support our town and have fun. You’ll enjoy the day whether you win or not.”
    Currently 15 teams are competing, but chili registration is open through Oct. 1.
    There will also be 15 to 20 antique tractors from the area, local food and two live bands.

By Colby Dunn
News Writer

Prescription drug prices will soon be slashed for some Morgan County residents after the roll-out of a new drug discount card program.

The discount cards, sponsored by the National Association of Counties, will offer discounts for some common prescriptions. The average savings will be around 22 percent, according to NACo.

The cards, which will be available at the Morgan County Administration Building along with Rite Aid and Wal-Mart, can be used for any prescription that is not covered by insurance.

"The people that will probably benefit from this are the ones who don't have prescription drug coverage," said county manager Michael Lamar, and the card will be accepted at pharmacies across the county and will be available in early October.

The program is sponsored by NACo at no cost to Morgan County or residents and is open to all, regardless of age, income or insurance status.

By Colby Dunn
News Writer

The Georgia Legal Services Program took their show on the road last Friday with Ask-a-Lawyer day at the Morgan County Library. The legal assistance group, who holds monthly legal advice clinics at Action Inc., partnered with two private lawyers to take questions and cases from the community.

In addition to a staff attorney from the group, bankruptcy lawyer Stephen Noel and general practice attorney Beau Worthington offered their time and expertise to the event.

Noel, who has worked with GLSP for 20 years, was offering bankruptcy advice, which is one of the areas GLSP is not equipped to handle.

"I think most people are looking for some direction," said Noel. "They're probably afraid to go into an attorney's office."
And K. Safi Toure, the GLSP pro bono coordinator and creator of the event, hopes that events like these will dispel some of that fear and get their group hooked up with people who need them.

"A lot of people don't know that we exist," she said, "but we get a range of people with a range of problems."
According to Antonette Sewell, staff attorney for the non-profit group, they can address almost all issues at their monthly clinics.

"We give free legal advice and take on cases for representation," she said. "We do almost everything except bankruptcy and immigration."

While they do not refer immigration cases, they can point seekers in the direction of other resources and can refer bankruptcy cases to lawyers like Noel, who often take them on for only the cost of court fees as a service to the community.

The group, however, does not handle criminal matters.