Georgia Trend Daily – Dec. 28, 2023
Dec. 28, 2023 Augusta Chronicle
Governor names Harlem state Rep. Barry Fleming next Columbia Judicial Circuit judge
Joe Hotchkiss reports that State Rep. Barry Fleming has been named to replace retiring Columbia Judicial District Superior Court Judge James Blanchard Jr. on the bench. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s office issued the announcement late Wednesday afternoon.
Dec. 28, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Statesboro | Bulloch County: Success Breeds Success
Betty Darby reports, if you are looking for a sign of the times for Bulloch County, you need look no further than the business card of Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County. One side looks like a typical American business card. The other side is in Korean.
Dec. 28, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mail theft, service issues have plagued Georgia. Congress wants answers
Kelly Yamanouchi reports: Stolen mail. Unexpected closures of post offices. “Inexplicable” and prolonged suspensions of service. Amid one of the busiest times for mailing cards, letters and packages, more than a dozen Georgia members of Congress signed a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General raising these and other concerns with mail service.
Dec. 28, 2023 Milledgeville Union-Recorder
GCSU Continuing Education, partners offering free solar technology course
Grace Wood reports that two Georgia College & State University professors are collaborating to create a free class for anyone interested in learning more about solar technology. Physics professor Dr. Hasitha Mathabaduge’s specialty is in researching solar energy and ways to improve the technology.
Dec. 28, 2023 Savannah Morning News
Savannah’s Cecilia Russo Marketing awards three Georgia entrepreneurs $5k grants
Meagan Pusser reports that everyone wants to feel seen, find their voice and follow their dreams, and the winners of the Cecilia Russo Marketing 15th Anniversary Entrepreneurship Grant are making it happen. The firm announced the grants earlier this year, honoring both the firm’s anniversary and National Entrepreneurship Month.
Dec. 28, 2023 Dalton Daily Citizen
New ‘UPUD’ zoning district approved
James Swift reports that members of the Dalton-Varnell-Whitfield County Planning Commission approved an update to the unified zoning ordinance at a public meeting on Dec. 18, paving the way for the creation of a new “urban planned unit development” (UPUD) district classification. “This proposal has come about as a redevelopment tool in order to create some creative redevelopment opportunities for areas in our metropolitan statistical area,” said Northwest Georgia Regional Commission planner Ethan Calhoun.
Dec. 28, 2023 Athens Banner-Herald
Georgia museum hosts awkward family photos exhibit as JCPennys Portraits trend takes off
Desiree Coblentz reports that the Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia is hosting an exhibit brought to the public by AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com. Through Jan. 7, visitors can explore more than 200 blown-up portraits that bring laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of the wonderfully imperfect moments that define family life,” according to the museum’s website.
Dec. 28, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Humility Despite Success
Loran Smith writes, in the space of eight years, Kirby Smart has established himself as one of the outstanding football coaches in history of the state of Georgia. The highlights that doting alumni fawn over, and the high marks dished out by the national media, however, do not turn his head. He is driven by pride in his team, not ego.
Dec. 28, 2023 Albany Herald
Governor, Historical Society appoint 2024 Trustees
Staff reports, in recognition of the 291st anniversary of the founding of the Georgia colony, Gov. Brian Kemp and W. Todd Groce, president and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society, have officially appointed Carol Tomé and Dr. Louis Sullivan as the 2024 Georgia Trustees in a signing ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol. “It is my honor to be here with Gov. Kemp as we appoint the 2024 Georgia Trustees, Carol Tomé and Dr. Louis Sullivan,” Groce said in a news release.
Dec. 28, 2023 The Brunswick News
Local election workers support call to end runoff elections
Taylor Cooper reports that Georgia’s Secretary of State once again is calling for an end to runoff elections, and Glynn County election officials are on his side. Brad Raffensperger called for the elimination of runoffs last week.
Dec. 28, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What we learned in Fulton’s Trump 19 case in 2023
Tamar Hallerman reports that this year, the country trained its attention on Fulton County, where District Attorney Fani Willis in August announced a bombshell indictment that ensnared former President Donald Trump, his chief of staff and 17 others. In a multi-year investigation full of twists and turns, 2023 stood out.
