Washington native and legendary Major League Baseball Play-by-play man Ernie Harwell died at his home in Novi, Michigan, after nearly a year-long battle with cancer. He died in his apartment in Fox Run Village. His wife Lulu was said to be there at his side. He was 92.

For 55 years, 42 of them with the Detroit Tigers, Harwell called the action on radio and television. In January 2009, the American Sportscasters Association ranked Harwell 16th on its list of Top 50 Sportscasters of All Time

Harwell also was also play by play announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York Giants, and the Baltimore Orioles.

Among his memorable calls was a television call of the "Shot Heard 'Round the World," the game-ending home run hit by New York Giants outfielder Bobby Thomson off Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca at the Polo Grounds to win the National League October 3, 1951.  He was working at Giants Flagship WPIX television in New York, and the game was simulcast on NBC.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Harwell is survived by his sons, Bill and Gray, and his twin daughters, Carolyn and Julie.

A group of Elberton women are getting ready to put on the pink and walk for a cure for breast cancer in the Susan G. Komen 3-day.

Leslie Jones said that a series of tragic events last year made the decision to walk the 60 miles in three days an easy one to make.

“A friend died, and when I watched her husband carry their 9 year old son out of the church, my heart was just broken,” Jones said.  “At that time my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, again.  Leighanne and i walked in October 2008, and when we got home we started staying with my mother-in-law every third night, and it was that way until she died March 25, 2009.”

“Ten days later my grandmother died.”  she added.

So Jones, along with her daughter Leighann Berry, and friends Carrie Dixon and Pat Kelly have formed the Pink Magnolias, and have begun the process of training and fund raising for the October 22 event.

“We range in ages from 20’s to 60’s.”  Jones said.  “Connie and I went to High School together.  And none of us are athletes, in any shape or form.  But it’s something that is near and dear to both Leighann and myself – watching what we have watched, and knowing what we know.  We just felt like we needed to do something bigger.

But the first obstacle they'll have to overcome is the over $9000 the four will have to raise between now and October.  Already the Pink Magnoias have held successful fund raisers - t-shirt sales, supper events, and an August 5-K run walk with the assistance of Main Street Elberton.  Jones says that the whole experience will test your mettle, but it will also reaffirm your faith.

“The days you think you just can’t go any further, or you think you’re not going to raise the money, or make your goal, something just happens,” Jones said.  “Someone says something; you see a sign somewhere, and you think ‘we’re gonna make it!  We’re gonna make it.’”

The Susan G. Komen Foundation was founded in 1982, and has invested $1.5 billion in the research and treatment of breast cancer.  Today it's the largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists in the world.  Ladies, just like the Pink Magnolias, who have seen the devastation breast cancer can cause a victim and her family.

“There has got to be a better way,” Jones said.  “The treatments are just so heinous.  If you’ve ever seen anyone who’s ever had treatments, you know there’s nothing pleasant about it.  And there’s got to be a better way.”

For more information on how to support the Pink Magnolias, in their efforts to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, call Pinnacle Bank at (706) 283-2854.  Or you can donate online by clicking here.

Yesterday, the Elberton Rotary Club got a sneak peek at Elbert County's best and brightest, as they paid tribute to 25 ECCHS Seniors, who have been nominated for local scholarships.  Larry Smith of the Rotary club presented the scholars.

“These students deserve a kick start for their education,” Smith said. “We’ve got a great group this year; it just gets better and better.”

Scholarships were given to seniors who are pursuing academic and technical education.  ECCHS Principal Rick Higginbotham thanked the Rotary for their support of education in Elbert County, and then challenged the scholars to find their way back to Elberton.

“This is why Elbert County is so great,” Higginbotham said.  “People in Elbert County take care of people in Elbert County.  When you go away to school, whatever you major in, if there’s any way you could come back to this community, and someday sit in this room, or a room like it and help other children.  That’s what makes this county so great.”

Superintendent Abe Plummer remarked that this year history was made in Elbert County.

“This is the group that had the highest scores, in the history of our school, on the graduation exam,” Plummer said. “So that tells you, and it tells me, that these students have put in the time and the effort to be successful.”

Scholarships will be given out at an awards ceremony, next Thursday at 7, at the High School.

COGGINS FOUNDATION SCOLARSHIP -for pursuit of technical education

• Robert Huff
• Maura Phillips
• Valencia Washington
• Katie Oakley

• Alex Scarborough

• Lauren Lamb
• Hannah Butler

• Sydney Dye
• Gunnar Hartley
• Keene Johnson
• Emma Parham
• Ben Partain

• Corbin Bennett
• Caitlin Bradford
• Corey Bradford
• Jennifer Brown
• Emily Dye
• Andrew Gaines
• Jillian Glaude
• Christopher Harris
• Bentz Johnson
• Gray Maxwell
• Hannah Mize
• Kyoko Watts

A long list of candidates for the Georgia General Assembly, and statewide races are sure to keep this election year interesting.

State Senator Bill Jackson from our district, the 24th, faces no opposition, along with State Representative Allen Powell, from Hartwell in the 30th district.

Elberton Representative Tom McCall will face a challenge from Comer Photographer Marilyn “Mj” Bridges in the 30th.  Six candidates are running for the 47th Senate Seat, left vacant by Ralph Hudgens, who’s running for Insurance Commissioner.

US Senator Johnny Isakson will face the winner of a democratic primary between Current Georgia Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond, and Former Rockdale Co. Chief of Staff RJ Hadley.  10th District Congressman Paul Broun will face Democrat Challenger Russell Edwards from Athens.

A crowded field of candidates to replace Governor Sonny Purdue - 14 in all - including Former Governor Roy Barnes, Former US Congressman Nathan Deal, outgoing Attorney General Thurbert Baker, and outgoing Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine. 

In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, Incumbent Casey Cagle will face the winner of a Democrat primary between Augusta Journalist Tricia Carpenter McCracken, and Atlanta businesswoman Carol Porter, who, incidentally is married to Gubernatorial Candidate Dubose Porter.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND STATEWIDE RACES (PDF)

A mother of a one year old child is counting her blessings this week for running into a license check Friday night in the City of Elberton.

She stopped her minivan at the license check, where Sergeant Sam Hill helped her with two child safety seats that were incorrectly installed. Police Sergeant Scott Marunch explains what happened next.

“Then, at approximately 12:45 in the morning, it was involved in a single vehicle accident, where it hit a telephone pole, spun around and flipped over.”  Marunch said.  “The child that was in the rear of the minivan was not hurt, due to an improper installation of a car seat which was corrected earlier by Sergeant Hill.”

Elberton Police Chief Mark Welsh said this isn’t the first time Hill’s work has contributed to saving a life.

“I think there are now three, that are absolutely, positively saved lives  due to his efforts,” Welsh said.  We’re proud of Sam, and proud of the work that he does to make the community safer.  He’s definitely a lifesaver in each of these incidents.”

The license check was administered by the Piedmont Area Traffic Enforcement Network, and included 12 Law Enforcement agencies from all across North Georgia.

Last night, the Elberton City Council held off on amending parking ordinances in two areas of the city.  Mayor Larry Guest asked that the resolutions be omitted from the Council Agenda.

“If [the ordinances] happen to come back up,” Guest told those in attendance, “we will hold a public forum to allow anyone who lives in that area to speak on that.”

“At a work session last week, Elberton Police Chief Mark Welsh asked council to amend City Traffic Ordinances, to create No Parking Zones on portions of Second Street, Third Street and Fountain Street, and Daytime Parking Only Zones on Almond, Willow, McKinley and Locklin Streets.  Chief Welsh said that amending the parking ordinances would
allow better passage for emergency vehicles.

Elbert County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating shots fired at Sunny Brook Apartments. The incident happened Saturday, when a vehicle with three passengers inside entered the apartment complex. A man ran up to the car and tried to open the car door.

The driver of the car then sped off, at which point the guy pulled a gun and shot out the back window.

Investigators removed fragments of a .40 caliber bullet, which were lodged in the headrest of the driver’s seat.

Band boosters and parents rally in support of the fine arts department in Elbert County Schools.

Monday night a small crowd gathered at the middle school band room to show support for the high school chorus director, Paul Anderson.  Anderson’s job is threatened by possible budget cuts.

Band Booster President Mark Wade gave an interesting statistic as to why Anderson should keep his job.

“From the band program in the last five or six years, we have had 98% of students go on to higher education, Wade said.  “Either college or technical school type of education.”

Anderson has taught five or more students that made the District Honor Chorus each year, and has sent one student to all-state chorus and one student to all-state reading chorus.  He also stepped in to assist the High School and Middle School band programs, most notably, when Middle School Band Director Jeremy Partain was forced to take an extended leave of absence, due to family medical issues.  One of the parents in attendance voiced her thoughts about the program.

“The few [Arts teachers] that we do have, they do an awesome job.” the parent remarked.  “I feel like they’re being left behind, and off-shadowed by the athletic department.  So much emphasis is put here in Elbert County on athletics.”

Wade later said, “Mr. Anderson is a valued asset to the students and community.”

- David Stephens

Law Enforcement officers from all over Northeast Georgia were in Elberton on Friday, for a multi-jurisdictional license check, put on by the Elberton Police Department and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

“I think we had a total count of 48, and there were two State Troopers who came in from out of town,” Elberton Police Sergeant Scott Marunch said, “So there were fifty officers total.”

Police and sheriff's deputies from as far away as Barrow County participated in the event, which began with a training session at the Elberton Civic Center.

“It was enjoyable,” Marunch said.  “We discussed different tactics and techniques, and different ways that we can enforce the law, but to educate the public, prior to giving out a citation.”

Officers issued 4 DUI’s, 2 Suspended License Citations, 14 Child Safety Seat violations and 10 other citations. With the help of volunteer Child Seat technicians, they corrected over 30 improperly installed car seats.

At Monday night's Elberton City Council Meeting, Council Members heard two proposed ordinances regarding soil erosion and Utilities payment.

Placed on first reading was Ordinance 2159 which amends the Land Use
Section of the City Code, to comply with state law regarding soil disturbing activities such as construction.

Also placed of first reading was an ordinance that will allow Elberton Utilities to extend the grace period for utilities payment to 18 days. The current grace period for city utility payment is ten days, at which time customers are assessed a 10% penalty. These ordinances, if approved, would not go into effect until July 1st.  

They will come up for a vote at the June Council meeting.

As Georgia's Unemployment Rate hovers just over 10%, Congressman Paul
Broun says that Congress is squandering the opportunity to spur the
economy and incentivizes growth and job creation.

Broun used his weekly radio address to promote HR 4100, his JOBS Act.

"Through my JOBS Act, we can empower small businesses by reducing their
tax burden and provide relief to the lowest two individual income tax
brackets," Broun said.

His bill, he says, would also place a two-year moratorium on capital
gains and dividend taxes, would reduce payroll, corporate tax and
self-employment tax rates.  HR 4100 would also recoup all unspent
stimulus money.

This evening, the Elberton City Council will address a request from the Elberton Police Department to amend some local parking ordinances; creating No Parking Zones on portions of Second Street, Third Street and Fountain Street, and Daytime Parking Only Zones on Almond, Willow, McKinley and Locklin Streets.

That area has seen a rash of violent incidents, which, according to Elberton Police Chief Mark Welsh is stemming from unusually large crowds congregating on those streets. Chief Welsh said that the new parking ordinances will help disperse the crowds and keep the streets open for emergency vehicles.

The City Council will meet at 5:30 at City Hall.

An almost full slate of contenders has qualified to run in this years election for Elbert County Board of Commissioners.

Commission Chair Tommy Lyon will face off against challenger Perry D. Rhodes in the Republican primary - the winner of that race will face former Commissioner Tim Case in the General Election.

In  District 2, Republican Commissioner WD Albertson will run against Harold Reynolds in the primary - that winner will take on Casey Freeman in the General Election.

District 4 will see a three-way Democrat primary, Incumbent Commissioner John Hubbard will face Stacy Carroll and Terry Davis - the winner goes up against Republican Kenneth Ashworth.

Another Democrat three-way battle will decide the District 5 Commission race.  Incumbent Jerry Hewell will be challenged by Freddie Jones, and Zeb Worley.  No Republican qualified in District 5.

Four local incumbents face no challenge this year;  Chief Magistrate Lanie Simmons, and District 5 School Board Member Theresa Barnett on the Democrat side.  Republicans Ben Baker and P Jo Phelps will also keep their respective seats on the Board of Education, in Districts 2 and 3.  Primaries will be held on July 20th.

Gov. Sonny Perdue called this year’s legislative session “one of the most productive ever.” He went to the State Senate yesterday, and thanked them for their service – for the last time as Georgia’s Governor. 

“The duty you’ve taken on here, requires hard work and real sacrifice,” Purdue said.

Yesterday, Perdue praised senators for putting aside partisan and provincial differences to pass legislation on water conservation, transportation and ethics reform.

In 2002, Perdue was elected Georgia's first Republican governor since Reconstruction and is in the final year of his second term. He served in the senate from 1999 to 2001

Legislators worked late into the night last night to get a $17.8 billion budget passed. They also passed a watered-down version of a controversial gun-carry law, and legislation to ban texting while driving.

One piece of legislation that didn’t make the cut was a bill that would tie teacher evaluations to student performance. The bill, which was vehemently opposed by both of Georgia’s teacher associations, died on the Senate floor without a vote.

- GNN contributed to this story.

On Wednesday, The Elbert County Board of Commissioners approved the
purchase three additional engines.

The Engines came in at a cost of just over $325,000, and will be funded through low-interest loans through the US Department of Agriculture.   Commissioner WD Albertson said that he had a meeting with USDA officials, who stated that the loan process is near completion.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of fire hose and related equipment.  Funding for the $137,000 equipment purchase is coming from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Volunteer Fire Chief Rick Mewborn said that this grant was applied for before Commissioners approved the three new fire stations.

“This is the equipment, hose, nozzles, and such that are for the eleven [existing] trucks,” Mewborn said. We’ll have a total of fourteen when this is done.”

Mewborn says outfitting the new engines will come from the USDA loan program.  When construction is completed, Elbert County will have 12  volunteer fire stations, and a fleet of 14 engines.

Qualifying for this year’s local elections ends today, and so far, a light turnout has been reported by both of the county’s political parties.

On the Democrat side, Lanie Simmons has again qualified for Chief Magistrate. She is joined by District 4 Commissioner John Hubbard, District 5 Commissioner Jerry Hewell, and District 5 School Board Member Theresa Barnett.

Freddy Jones has qualified to challenge Hewell in the District 5 Commission race.

On the Republican side, Commission Chair Tommy Lyon qualified to keep his seat, along with District 2 Commissioner WD Albertson. School Board Chairman Ben Baker in District 2, and School Board Member P Jo Phelps also qualified to run again.

In the District 4 Commission Race, Kenneth Ashworth has qualified to run against John Hubbard.

Qualifying ends at Noon.

On Wednesday, Elbert County School Superintendent Abe Plummer sought to dispel at least some of the speculation about cuts in programs at Elbert County Schools.

“I heard today that we discussed eliminating Girl’s Softball,” Plummer said. “That has never been discussed; that is not on the table. As a matter of fact, we’re about to begin work on the Girls’ Softball field. So how this rumor got started about Girls’ Softball, I have no idea.”

The same goes for the Physical Education Program.

“Somehow, even PE people – at least some of them - are questioning whether we’re going to have PE,” Plummer said. “PE has never been on the table.”

However, Plummer did stop short of guaranteeing the survival of some of the arts programs. Long-time visual arts teacher Dr. Joe Jossey recently announced his retirement, and Plummer said that how to replace him is still up in the air.

“We hope to work through that for next year,” Plummer said. “Right now there is nothing definitive on that. But we’re working on that, and we’ll be meeting on how we’re going to handle this.”

And, Plummer said that the High School Choral Program may become a casualty of budget cuts.

“No, I’m not going to say that program is going to be there [next year],” Plummer said. “Any of the programs that have been discussed, I don’t mind telling you. That has been discussed.”

School systems all across Georgia are faced with what many believe will be a 6 to 9 percent drop in state revenues for the next school year. Elbert County’s share is expected to be $2.6 million dollars. Plummer says that although all systems will take the hit, in smaller systems like ours, the hit will be harder.

“I have been told by my Chief Financial Officer that any point they go up or down, will either give us $175,000, or cost us $175,000,” Plummer said. “I’m not going to fool anybody. When you’re talking about $2.6 million dollars, you’ve got a tremendous challenge.”

Plummer says that nothing has been finalized, because the state budget hasn’t been completed. And nothing will happen without School Board approval.

A meeting in support of High School Choral Teacher Paul Anderson has been organized by members of the Band Boosters, and will be held Monday at 5:30 at the High School Band Room.

Wednesday night, the Elbert County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the widening and paving of Mineral Springs and Golf Course Roads.

Commission Member Horace Harper said these road projects have been a long time in coming.

“I’m just really proud that the State came through for us, and we have the money to match it and get it done.” Harper said.

At the called meeting, County Administrator Bob Thomas told commissioners that the widening of Mineral Springs Road would allow increased truck capacity in both directions.

“Mineral Springs Road is the one I’d like to see opened up,” Commissioner Frank Eaves said, “not only just to get in and out for the industry, but to be used as a through-road.”

Te total cost of the road projects will be just under $442,000. SPLOST will be used to fund the project, along with State funding.

The Elbert Theatre is getting ready for the Dazzling Dames.

This talented dancing and singing troupe is comprised of former Ms. Senior Georgia Contestants, all, 60 years of age and older.

Theatre Director Toni King says that The Dazzling Dames not only provides an energetic and entertaining performance, they’re also dedicated to exhibiting and promoting positive senior-hood through song and dance.

The Dazzling Dames will perform this Sunday at 3 PM at the Elbert Theatre. Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased from any member of the Pilot Club of Elberton, or at City Hall, 203 Elbert Street. You can also charge your tickets by calling (706) 283-1049.

On Friday, Elberton Police will be assisted by representatives of Law Enforcement in about 6 neighboring counties, in conducting an Annual License Checkpoint. The event, sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, will begin with a training session and dinner at the Elberton Civic Center; where close to 50 North Georgia Law Enforcement officers will fan out to perform a series of license checks throughout the city.

Elbert County participates with Madison, Oglethorpe, Clarke, Oconee, Barrow, and Hall Counties, in a network of shared manpower, to perform joint license checks once a year in each participating County.

Last night, the Elbert Memorial Hospital Authority heard CEO Tom Brown announce the appointment of a new Patient Representative.

Georgian Walton is the Director of Human Resources at the Hospital. According to Brown, she had fielded some inpatient follow-up calls expressing some mostly minor service issues. She shared those comments with management, and those comments lead to service improvements at the Hospital.

“She felt so strongly about this,” Broun said, “that she volunteered to become our Patient Representative.  And I have to say think you very much, Georgian.”

In her new capacity as patient Representative, Walton will be visiting patients on a regular basis to provide customer service and receive patient feedback. That feedback will be shared directly with Department Directors, to seek out opportunities for further improvements.

Fire swept through a Church Street home late Monday night.

It was approaching midnight when homeowner David Fernandez was about to turn in. He said the television all of a sudden went blank, and he heard popping coming from the breaker box.

“Then I heard what sounded like a beam crack, and saw the smoke billow out around the corners,” Fernandez said.  “Then, of course, I got the kids and [wife] Anne, and got out.”

An electrical fire had engulfed the attic and burned through the roof.   Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

Including, miraculously…

“We had a cat.  She survived under the bed through the entire fire.”  Fernandez said.  “She survived under the bed.  Dr. [Edward] Phillips has her now and she’s doing OK.  Scary, scary thing.”

The Elberton  Fire Department was assisted by Station One of the volunteer fire department.

“We called them, and within about three or four minutes, they were here,” Fernandez said.  “They were here.  So it could have been a lot worse.  Some of the things we were able to save – they were directly responsible for that.  So, I have to give a good shout out to them.”

Firefighters spent just over four hours battling the Monday night blaze

Yesterday, Elbert County Administrator Bob Thomas received his certification from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. Commission Chair Tommy Lyon explains the process that Thomas underwent to become certified.

“It’s a long, extensive program,” Lyon said.  “You have to complete a minimum of 48 hours of study, and then you have to do a report thereafter.”

Lyon said that Thomas joins four out of the five County Commissioners that have earned ACCG certification.

“The program for commissioners, if you go straight th rough, takes a minimum of one year,” Lyon said, “and usually takes two years.”

Lyon said that under Thomas’s guidance, the County has saved approximately 3 million dollars, and because of that, Elbert County has weathered the poor economy better than many neighboring counties.

ACCG is the training and legislative organization for all 159 counties in Georgia.

Bolstered by a stronger than expected patient census, Elbert Memorial Hospital is cautiously optimistic that it will soon reach its inflection point.

At last night's Hospital Authority meeting, CFO Ray Cann reported a $29,000 net loss for the month of March, which beat the projected loss by $57,000.  A year ago, the hospital took a $244,000 loss
for March.

Cann said that the recent austerity measures put in place by the Hospital are beginning to pay off.

“Total operating expenses is the big telling statistic,” Cann said. “$1.245 million less in operating cost – expenses.  So our net loss for the nine months is $347,000, compared to $1,388,000 for the same period last year”

In March, collectible revenue exceeded actual expense and debt service,
indicating a $100,000 positive cash flow.

Cann said that if the current projections for the month of April hold true, and some Medicare reimbursements turn loose, then Elbert Memorial could end April, $50,000 in the black.

It’s “crunch time” at the State Capitol.

On the Senate's plate today, 53 bills. Over 18 bills need action in the House. But the only bill lawmakers absolutely MUST pass before Sine Die on Thursday is the 2011 budget. A number of high profile bills have been saved for last, including: banning texting while driving; and a bill tying teacher evaluations to student performance.

A traffic accident off of the Calhoun Falls Highway over the weekend claimed the life of an Elbert County Woman.

According to Elbert County Coroner Chuck Almond, 49 year old Deborah Marie Rice was traveling on Welcome Church Road, when she lost control of the pickup she was driving. The truck struck a culvert and overturned, ejecting her from the vehicle.

EMS, along with Elbert County Sheriff’s deputies, first responders, and members of the Longstreet Fire department were dispatched to the accident at about 5PM Saturday.

The exact cause of the accident is unknown.

Last night the Bowman City Council authorized Council Member Kevin Thompson to move forward with plans to renovate the Bowman City Park.

As part of the authorization, council agreed to move $4,000 from the special events fund, and combine it with $4,000 budgeted for the park from the general fund, to use as seed money, to approach local businesses for additional donations.

Thomson said he was concerned about the parks condition. “If anyone’s been at the park, and played on that playground,” he said, “somebody’s going to get hurt, and we’re going to be held liable.”

Scott Harpold was in charge of the committee that organized the Big Iron Crank Up. He said that council hasn’t thoroughly examined other avenues of funding for the park.

“But instead, you’re taking it from us, which we’ve worked very hard for, and I don’t think that’s fair.”  Harpold said.  “I think you put us in charge of that committee, and I think, at the very least, you should give us the respect to determine how that money is spent.”

After vigorous discussion, the motion to accept Thomson’s recommendation was passed by a 4 to 1 vote.  Mayor Pamela Johnson asked Code Enforcement Officer Richard Pickern to assess the safety of the city park – in case is needs to be closed until renovations are made.

The Elbert County Library and its Bowman Branch will begin offering individualized one-hour computer  coaching sessions beginning May 1, 2010. Anyone who needs some assistance to improve his/her computer knowledge may call the Library and set up an appointment.

Library staff in Elberton will be available one hour a day and some evenings to help with: basic computer instruction, word processing, setting up an e-mail account, completing electronic forms, Internet searching, use of Galileo, social networking, job searching, resume writing and other tasks.

The Bowman Library will hold its coaching sessions two Saturdays a month.

“We have found that many people need a little individual instruction just to get them started or to work on something new,” noted Anne Grace, Library Director. “While we are always available for on-the-spot assistance, this will give our patrons a dedicated time when Library staff can provide one-on-one instruction.”

For more information or to set up an appointment at the Elbert County Library, please call 706-283-5375. To reserve space in the Bowman Saturday sessions, call the Bowman Library at 706-245-0705.

The Elbert Memorial Hospital Wellness Center wrapped up the 6^th annual Granite City Shape Up on April 22^nd, 2010. Thirty-three teams participated and team members lost a total of 383.1 lbs. and accumulated a total of 11,101.35 exercise points. The first place teams in the Business and the General categories as well as the Biggest Loser were awarded cash and prizes from our sponsors.

Business Category

1. The Love Handlers (Susan Cann & Brooke Jones) 1820

2. Mission Slim Possible (Blake Young & Donna Seymour) 1286.5

3. Team ECCHS (Anne Poss & Sonja Lovinggood) 1214

General Category

1. Whopper & Big Mac (David McConnell & Bill Berzett) 2,859

2. The Incinerators (Julie Mosby & Stewart Cone) 2,534.5

3. Double Trouble (Rene McCollum & Gina Mincey) 2,330

Biggest Overall Loser – David McConnell - lost 38.6 lbs

The Elbert Memorial Hospital Wellness Center would like to congratulate our winners and thank all those who participated and helped make the Granite City Shape Up a success. We would also like to thank our sponsors: Elbert Memorial Hospital, Extreme Karate – Sandro Barbosa, Eagle Oil Change & Top Dog Exhaust – Patrick Lystiuk, David Capell’s Automotive Repair, Penelope Bruce – Bella Mia’, Time Square “Sandwich Café”, Catering To You LLc, Marathon of Elberton – Chris Phillips, Southern Farm & Hardware, The Sports Connection, McIntosh Coffee, La Fogata, The Red Door Hair Salon, Downtown Deli & Dessertery, Hill Top House, Hot Spot Tan, Tone, & More, and Elbert Theatre.