Blog on Barrow PatchBeginning May 4, Barrow Patch will be making room for local bloggers on the site. We're looking for bloggers who can riff on various topics, share their personality and engage our readers in discussions. Grow Something: Spring Planting Tips for Any-level GardenersA perfect way to get outdoors alone or with the family is with gardening. It’s not only a fun activity, but your yard will benefit as well. Keep Your Child Safe Surfing the InternetIt almost seems as though children are born already knowing how to use and operate various pieces of the most complicated forms of …

Easter is the Hope of a New DayA local pastor shares an Easter message. Winder Resident Undergoes Second Liver Transplant April is National Donate Life Month. Winder resident Nicole Conwell talks about a second liver transplant that saved her life. Old Granite Hotel Remains Topic in WinderThe city, the downtown development authority and residents all have different ideas on what use the Old Granite Hotel can provide to Winder — if any. Police Investigate Post on Jamie Hood's Facebook PageAccused cop killer Jamie Hood is in solitary confinement at the Barrow County Detention Center. With that …

Tax Day Looms but Deadline to File is Later Than You May ThinkDidn't get your tax return in the mail Friday? Since Tax Day, April 15, falls on a District of Columbia holiday, the deadline to e-file or postmark tax returns has been pushed to Monday, April 18. What Does Charter School Status Mean for Barrow County StudentsAfter the state Board of Education approved its application to become a charter school system April 13, Barrow County Schools will now begin an implementation phase. Claire Miller, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning who headed up the application process, …

Storms Cause Widespread Damage in BarrowStrong winds during thunderstorms late Monday night and early this morning ripped a portion of the roof off the Barrow County administrative annex. Health Department to Remain Closed for Minimum of Two Weeks Due to Storm Damage The Barrow County Health Department will remain closed for the next two weeks after strong winds during storms late Monday night and early Tuesday morning ripped a portion of the roof off the county administrative annex, where the health department is located. Pinwheels Call Attention to Child Abuse, Ways to Identify and Prevent …

Five Arrests Made during Early Morning Raid Approximately 40 deputies and officers with the Barrow County Sheriff's Office Crime Task Force executed search warrants at three separate residences Friday, arresting five people and recovering quantities of marijuana, drug-related objects and a firearm. Barrow County Schools Announce Opening of Third High SchoolThe College and Career Preparatory Academy will open in August, functioning as a third high school alongside Apalachee and Winder-Barrow and serving students in a smaller, non-traditional learning environment. March 30, 1933: National …

Jamie Hood SurrendersThe suspect in the shooting death of an Athens Clarke County police officer who led police on a manhunt surrendered Friday night. Hundreds Pay Respects to Officer ChristianHundreds of mourners braved the rain Saturday afternoon to honor the man who had protected them as an Athens-Clarke County police officer, 34-year-old Senior Police Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian, killed in the line of duty Tuesday. County Commissioners Pass Resolution Opposing BillHouse Bill 580, sponsored by Barrow County's local legislative delegation, would establish a commission of residents to …

Airsoft Gun Accidentally Discharged on Bus, Striking in Face with Plastic PelletThis incident happened just weeks after deputies say a County Line Elementary student brought loaded Airsoft guns to class and threatened to kill another child. Auburn Convenience Store Owners Arrested After RaidThe Auburn Police Department conducted a raid on a local convenience store suspected of facilitating illegal gambling, arresting the owners and charging them with commercial gambling, keeping a place of gambling and possession of gambling devices. SPLOST Renewed by VotersThe special purpose local option …

County to Appropriate Three Parcels of Property through Eminent Domain County commissioners voted 4-2 on Tuesday to move forward with condemning three parcels on Bankhead Highway that the county will use in one phase of an ongoing sewer project. Bethlehem to Allow Sale of Beer, WineThe mayor broke a tie between town council members Monday on a vote to allow the sale of packaged beer and wine and drinks by the glass within the town limits. Barrow's Unemployment Rate Rose in JanuaryDespite an increase in the county unemployment rate for the month of January, other counties are faring worse than…

It's our weekly roundup. Here are five stories from the past seven days we think you should read, if you haven't already. BOE Votes to Rezone Apalachee clusterSchool attendance zones for four elementary schools will change beginning this fall after a vote Tuesday night by the Board of Education realigned attendance zones within the Apalachee cluster. Patch Picks: Books for Readers of All AgesIn honor of Read Across America Day this week, Patch asked local librarians to compile a list of five children's books and five adult reads they would recommend. See what the top titles were. Patch Whiz …

Rezoning Committee Changes Recommendation for Realignment of Auburn, Kennedy School Attendance ZonesThe committee made its final recommendations to the Board of Education on Tuesday night. The proposed map for Auburn and Kennedy has changed after the committee reviewed suggestions and comments from parents and the community. The map now follows a two-mile radius along the Auburn city limits. Teacher Arrested by Gwinnett Police Placed on Administrative LeaveThomas Wallace, who is listed as a career, technical and agricultural education teacher as well as an assistant football and wrestling …

First of Two Open Houses on Proposed School Rezonings Held School officials were on hand to answer questions from parents about the proposed realignment of school attendance zones within the Apalachee cluster. Friday Feature: The State of Volunteerism in BarrowArea organizations talk of volunteer opportunities around the county. Employers Have Job Openings in Education, Health CareCheck out this week's list of five job openings in or around Barrow County. Will you be applying for one? Barrow County Sheriff's Office Investigating Deputy-Involved Shooting in OconeeThe Barrow Sheriff's office …

Introducing a Column to Help You SaveThis is the first column in a weekly feature called Frugal Family, which highlights five discounts or promotions on products, services, tickets, meals and more. BOE Holds Off on Calendar Vote to Give Public Opportunity to CommentThe Barrow County Board of Education is expected to vote on the proposed 2011-12 school calendar at its Feb. 22 meeting after board members decided the community needed more time to voice its opinion. Find out how you can comment. Both Sides of the CurtainPatch went behind the scenes for Haymon-Morris Middle School's latest theater…

Kerosene Sold at Local Convenience Stores is Volatile The state Department of Agriculture is asking anyone who bought kerosene from two Barrow County Kangaroo stores to return the product for a refund as it has the potential to cause an explosion or fire if used in home heaters or lamps. School System Moving Forward with Plans to Rezone ClusterSuperintendent Wanda Creel got the OK from Board of Education members Tuesday to proceed with establishing a committee to facilitate the process, intended to ease overcrowding at an elementary school. See if your student could be affected. Barrow Patch …

Barrow Celebrates the Legacy of a LeaderFollowing a walk of remembrance through downtown Winder, a crowd gathered at White Oak Springs Baptist Church to commemorate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. BOE Approves Recommendations for Snow Make-up DaysStudents will attend school Feb. 18 and 21 and March 11 to make up for days missed during recent winter weather. Teachers are asked to report Saturday, March 12 to complete grading and report cards. Vehicle Crash Leads to Discovery of Mobile Meth LabThe Barrow County Sheriff's Office found a drug lab in the…

Snapshots in SnowBarrow Patch asked residents to submit photos taken of and in the snow this week. Check out the 30 photos that were uploaded and submit photos of your own. We want to see how you spent time in the snow. Deal Sworn in as Governor Dacula Patch Editor Kristi Reed looks at Governor Nathan Deal's inaugural address, which touched on a wide range of issues, including crime, transportation and education, with his opening remarks focused on the economy. The inauguration ceremony took place despite the severe winter weather. Keep Kids Active, Entertained in Winter Months Indoors …

Fire Department Urges Caution During Dangerous WeatherBarrow County Emergency Services reminds residents to stay safe in the event of dangerous weather forecasted for late this weekend. The National Weather Service is predicting snow and sleet, along with a possibility of freezing rain. 'There to Give Comfort and Support': Two Organizations Just a Phone Call AwayPeace Place and the Piedmont Rape Crisis Center staff 24-hour crisis lines for victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to call after reading this story. Barrow Tightens Hours for Outdoor …

In the Ring: Two Barrow Boys Set to Fight in Boxing Competition Nick Eisner and Robert Bowers participate in a sport unusual for kids their age — one that requires stamina, concentration and taking a few punches. Signs of the Times: A Collection of Photographs Evidence of the economic recession can be seen throughout Barrow County, from vacant buildings to closed signs. Photographer Kate Awtrey has captured images that are telling of the current economic conditions.  Apalachee vs. Winder-Barrow: School Athletic Directors Square Off As college bowl season hits full swing, Patch asked the …