Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 1, 2023
Feb. 1, 2023 The Brunswick News
UGA professor explains mining process
Gordon Jackson reports that C. Rhett Jackson, University of Georgia professor of water resources, has expressed concerns about a proposed mining project near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, but he thinks he can do better. He “presupposed” people would have a good understanding of how the mine planned by Twin Pines Minerals would work, which is why he is offering another explanation.
Feb. 1, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Georgia Trustees: Donna Hyland and Dan Amos
Kenna Simmons and Susan Percy report that the recipients of the state’s highest honor share a commitment to help heal children and support a healthier future for them. Selected as Trustees by the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) and the Governor’s Office for remarkable leadership throughout Georgia and the world, Dan Amos and Donna Hyland will formally accept the state’s highest honor on April 22 at the Trustees Gala in Savannah.
Feb. 1, 2023 Atlanta Journal Constitution
PulteGroup reports robust growth to finish 2022; net income up 33%
Michael E. Kanell reports that Atlanta-based PulteGroup on Tuesday reported net income of $882 million for the last quarter of 2022, up 33% from the same period a year earlier. Revenues during the quarter were $2.6 billion, 19% higher than during the same three months of 2021 — news that sent shares of company stock to their highest level in more than a year during afternoon trading.
Feb. 1, 2023 Marietta Daily Journal
Earthquake-ready stair system innovated by local company to be featured in documentary
Staff reports, a new system of seismically resilient stairs manufactured by Construction Specialties, a company with manufacturing locations in Kennesaw, takes center stage on Viewpoint, an award-winning educational series hosted by actor and director Dennis Quaid. The episode highlights DriftReady Stairs in a 3 to 6 minute educational segment.
Feb. 1, 2023 Valdosta Daily Times
Turner plans Imagination Station
Staff reports that there’s a new sign up on the corner of Webster and North Ashley streets that reads: “Future Home of the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station.” “The sign marks an exciting expansion in the life of the arts in the Valdosta-Lowndes County community, particularly on the growing campus of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts,” center representatives said in a statement.
Feb. 1, 2023 Augusta Chronicle
Subdivision featuring working farm wishes to expand in Columbia County
Joe Hotchkiss reports that Columbia County’s only subdivision built around a working farm is looking to expand. Wrights Farm is an example of an “agrihood” – an emerging type of suburban development designed to evoke the feel of rural living by constructing amenities such as gardens and greenhouses that the residents can help maintain.
Feb. 1, 2023 Georgia Wildlife Federation
Conservation groups call for opposition to rezoning of wildlife area
Staff reports that the Georgia Wildlife Federation and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers are calling on hunters, anglers, and all who enjoy the outdoors to voice strong opposition toward the proposed rezoning of the 19,000-plus-acre property at the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area. The proposed zoning conversion to an overlay district will completely eliminate or, at best, reduce the WMA footprint by more than 60% and convert most of the acreage to mining and commercial uses in the Stamp Creek Basin.
Feb. 1, 2023 Georgia Recorder
Mental health advocates descend on Georgia Capitol to rally for continued service improvements
Jill Nolin reports that when last year’s behavioral health parity bill was signed into law, Janet Norris was sitting in a Bartow County jail cell. A lot has changed for her since then. After struggling with addiction for 27 years, the Cartersville resident found recovery through mental health court.
Feb. 1, 2023 Valdosta Daily Times, CNHI News
Georgia lawmakers to focus on Ga. economy
Asia Ashley reports that Georgia Republicans plan to focus on legislation that bolsters the state’s economy, backed by initiatives to increase an educated workforce, reduce crime and expand health care access. “We’re looking at growing the economic opportunity for Georgians across the state,” said Macon Republican John F. Kennedy, president pro-tem of the Senate.
Feb. 1, 2023 The Center Square
Georgia officials roll out increased penalties for gang crimes
T.A. DeFeo reports that Georgia Republicans formally rolled out legislation to increase penalties for those who recruit minors into gangs. Senate Bill 44, introduced by state Sen. Bo Hatchett, R-Cornelia, also mandates minimum sentences for gang offenses currently on the books in Georgia.
Feb. 1, 2023 Capitol Beat News
Kia celebrates Georgia success while looking to future
Dave Williams reports that Georgia’s political leaders celebrated Kia Day at the state Capitol Tuesday, touting past successes at Kia’s plant in West Point even as the Korean automaker prepares to start producing electric vehicles in the U.S. The West Point Kia plant, which opened in 2009, is turning out more than 1,400 cars per day, Stuart Countess, president and CEO of Kia Georgia, said during an outdoor ceremony at Liberty Plaza across from the Capitol.
Feb. 1, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Jolt: Georgia members of Congress defend living outside of their districts
Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy report that of Georgia’s 14 U.S. House members, four of them do not live in the districts they represent. There is Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Suwanee, the newly elected lawmaker whose house is just outside of the boundary lines of the 6th Congressional District.
