Wind Ensemble brings holiday cheer

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016 • $1.50 • CARROLL COUNTY’S TRUSTED INFORMATION LEADER SINCE 1871

TIMES-GEORGIANMOUNT ZION

Melanie Boyd/Times-GeorgianThe Carroll County Wind Ensemble performed at Kroger in Carrollton Saturday. About 30 members of the ensemble and Conductor Terry Lowry visited several local spots all day during its annual caroling event to bring holiday cheer to the community. Lowry stated that the group has been caroling since 1988.

While the mayor of Mount Zion is pleased to have had the City Hall remodeled for the first time in decades, he is disappointed that the city’s cash fl ow has been

impacted due to the property tax issues that hit Carroll County this year.

Mayor Randy Sims said the total cost of remodeling was between $90,000 and $100,000, noting that it was the fi rst time in 50 years the

building had been given such a facelift, and it helps modernize a vital organ of Mount Zion.

Sims said the city will be apply-ing for several state and federal grants to help with the city’s infra-structure within the next month or so. He hopes to start at least

SEE MAYOR/PAGE A3

Mayor optimistic about 2017

BY ARTHIA NIXONTHE TIMES-GEORGIAN

But property tax issues a concern

A police offi cer was fl own to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta Monday night after his car hit an animal that was in the road.

Darold Browning, 34, who works part time with the Mount Zion Police Depar tment and full time with the Haralson Police Sherif f ’s Of fice was in his patrol car driving on Highway 16 shortly after 7 p.m. when the acci-dent occurred.

“He had just come past the stop sign and was driving a little bit down the road when he saw something large in the road,” said Maj. Rick Wheeler of

SEE INJURIES/PAGE A3

O� cer injured during

car crash

BY ARTHIA NIXONTHE TIMES-GEORGIAN

Mount Zion policeman has

severe leg injuries

Melanie Boyd/Times-GeorgianMayor Randy Sims commended the Mount Zion Police Department for  its work in 2016. Chris Parrish has led in-house training and hopes to have other agencies consider training with his department in 2017. Major Rick Wheeler reported on obtaining new vehicles in 2016.

The Holy Spirit Emergency Shelter is looking for volunteers to assist the homeless in Carroll County. The shelter has services scheduled for Christmas Eve and Christmas day the staff needs help with, as well as meals every Mon-day and on cold nights when the shelter is opened.

“I believe when we pray, praise should come fi rst, and my praise is for the giving community we live in,” said ministry CEO Laddie Carter, who has a long list of peo-ple, churches and organizations who have caught the vision of the shelter and offered time, money, supplies and other resources.

But as the shelter’s reach has grown, so has its list of needs.

The ministry started as a place for homeless individuals to find

shelter from the cold and have a hot meal. A ladies’ Sunday School class at Northpoint Church had been reading about the local homeless community and decided to fi nd a way to meet their greatest need. That was in January 2014.

Now volunteers can assist guests with aquiring ID, applying for jobs, and getting to doctor vis-its, whatever is needed.

“Their needs are not just over-night,” said THS Treasurer and

SEE SHELTER/PAGE A9

Shelter plans for Christmas, cold nights, and the future

BY DONNA WILLIAMSTHE TIMES-GEORGIAN

Additional supplies and help always needed

Five University of West Georgia students returned from India on Friday

with just as many awards in hand from the International Economic Conference near Mumbai, India. The students presented their research

on global risk management at the conference and brought home the awards for Best Innovative Solution, Team Best Speaker, Team Outstanding Contributor, Best Runner-Up Presentation and 3rd Overall.

This year, UWG’s team was assigned to assess the

global risk management of Israel. The team began preparing for the conference back in the spring by researching the geopolitical, environmental, societal, economic and technological aspects of Israel’s global risk management.

“These students put in

many long hours to prepare for this event,” said Associate Professor John Upson, who accompanied the students

to India. “It all started with tryouts in May, then three months of researching and writing a 35-page paper. Finally, they had to come up with a creative presentation. On top of that, they had to complete their semester a

UWG students return from India with awards and insightsBY AMY K. LAVENDERFOR THE TIMES-GEORGIAN

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?Volunteers are needed at

Holy Spirit Emergency Shelter on Mondays, occasional weekdays, and evenings when the shelter is open. Call to schedule a time with Laddie Carter 770-832-7059, Vicki McCorsley 770-313-5207, or Cheryl Lankenau 706-888-7600.

This year, UWG’s team was assigned to assess the global risk management of Israel.

SEE INDIA/PAGE A3

THE TIMES-GEORGIAN, Wednesday, December 21, 2016 A3

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

week early so they could travel during final exams week.”

The team met almost every week throughout the semester to finish the presentation. They then met with Upson to get feedback on their presentation. By early December, the team was ready to face the competition.

“We were up against some really sharp students, and we knew we had to do our best,” said team member Abigail Samunda. “So we brought a different approach, and did our presentation like a TV show similar to SharkTank. We got a little creative with it.”

Samunda was awarded the individual awards of Team Best Speaker and Team Outstanding Contributor. The remaining awards were bestowed upon the entire team. Upson said he was proud of the team and all the hard work they put into their preparation.

“Presenting in a different culture to a foreign audience while still somewhat jet-lagged is a challenge in and of itself,” Upson noted. “Nonetheless, our team performed very well. Being a part of the event for six years, we have built up some friendly rivalries with some of the other schools, so our team had to be on top of their game. By placing third overall this year, we have now finished among the top three teams in four of the six years we have attended the competition. Having a program like this

at UWG really sets us apart from our peer institutions.”

Team member Wesley Hammonds agreed that the conference was a challenge.

“The competition was very stiff,” Hammonds recalled. “We went in really confident, but there were a lot of talented teams. The main thing I took away from the whole experience is that we, as students in the United States, need to take advantage of opportunities that we have here. Those students we met are just as smart as us, but they’re limited in their opportunities compared to us.”

Though it wasn’t Samunda’s and Hammonds’ first trip to a foreign country, it was their first trip to a developing nation. They said the experience was nothing short of eye-opening.

“It was interesting to see the environmental background and take all the research that we had done on all these countries before

our trip and then see first-hand how people live their everyday lives,” Samunda said. “And there were so many people. I mean it wasn’t like Carrollton or Atlanta. There are a lot of people in Atlanta, but there were people everywhere in Kaylan.”

Hammonds said the reception the students received was also unexpected.

“The Indian people were just so very warm and welcoming,” Hammonds explained. “We were hosted by families when we visited Birla College, and everyone was just so nice.”

After their competition, the students had the opportunity to meet other co-eds at Birla College of Arts, Commerce & Science and learn about each other’s cultures first-hand through an exchange student opportunity.

“So we got to learn more about Indian culture and about the students and how they live in India through these workshops that

we did,” Samunda explained. “We even learned about their dances and food rituals that are important to their culture. That was really valuable to learn, especially from a business point of view.”

Overall, Hammonds said they had an outstanding learning experience on multiple fronts.

“We had a blast. That experience that the competition gave us and being able to share ideas was invaluable in itself, but then being in India and seeing their culture and experiencing it first-hand — it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Upson said he was pleased to see all the students make the most of their time in India.

“These students educated themselves on their topic and India, engaged in activities all day every day, and really experienced the culture of India,” he said. “Everything we teach about cultural immersion, they did, and they learned a great deal from it.”

INDIA

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

the Mount Zion Police Depart-ment. “He says in a quick moment, the object turned and he realized it was a don-key. The donkey turned to look at him and he swerved to avoid it landing on top of him. The donkey was still hit but Brown-

ing slid off the road and hit a tree.”

Browning suf fered severe leg injuries as a result of the accident and doctors estimate it could take six to eight months for him to fully recover.

Wheeler said the Crown Vic-toria patrol car Browning was driving has been retired. He said the donkey died as a result of being hit.

“That ’ s a tough young

man so we are hoping that he recovers soon,” said Wheeler. “His main concern has been for his four kids. Even when he was being airlifted, he was worried about his kids and when I saw him he was a bit upset that he lost his wedding ring. But that’s just the kind of family-oriented person he is and always making sure to think of other people before he thinks first of himself.

INJURIESFROM THE FRONT PAGE

the first phase of improve-ments in 2017.

“We have taken a big step forward in building some of the city’s infra-structure, specifically the water system of the city,” said Sims. “A lot of our lines and the way some of the lines are are actually antiquated sys-tems and we’re trying to update that. We’ve done a lot of engineering stud-ies and gotten all of our paperwork and informa-tion together and we’re fixing to go into the grant-writing process. Over the next month or so, we’re going to be applying for some state and fed-eral money to assist us with the infrastructural rebuilding. Hopefully, when we get through, the city’s water system will be able to carry the next generation of Mount Zion citizens for the next 50 years.”

The city currently uses 100 gallons of water per day. Once the new system is installed, the city will have the capabil-ity of using 500 gallons a day.

When asked about the city’s surplus for 2016, Sims said “it’s ver y screwed up.”

“ A s y o u know, the city went through a property tax reevaluation this year and there’s such a huge number of people filing an appeal on their assess-ment that it is impacted Mount Zion as great as any other municipality,” he said. “I think we got several hundred appeals just on Mount Zion resi-dents and because of that reason, we’re going to collect 85 percent of their tax revenue from these individuals until their appeal is completed. We’re losing 15 percent of our tax revenue of f these people right now because their appeals have not been processed. You couple that with the fact that we’re a couple months late even being able to send out our tax bills due to the county’s reassessment, it has really impacted our cash flow. We’re not in danger because of it but we’ve had to restructure some of our planned spendings to conform to when this money will show up when it should have already been here.”

One area that has been outstanding within the past year is the city’s rela-tionship with the recre-ation department and the athletic programs which Sims hopes to expand in

order to increase partici-pation rates. He said he is very proud of that depart-ment and hopes they con-sider adding a few other sports to the roster.

Sims said he is very optimistic about the potential for growth in 2017, but on a small scale.

“We don’t try to com-pete with any of the other counties and munici-palities but more people have drifted out here to us because we are from offer more than some of the other larger munici-palities in the county and that is where we are going to grow rapidly,” he said. “I would like to see some additional resi-dential building permits come into the city. We are excited about any of that when we can get it. You know, five new homes for Mount Zion is probably as excitable to us as 500 new homes for a larger city. So we grow slow but I would like to bring in hopefully some small business sectors like res-taurants or convenience stores, something along that area in the city.”

Sims said he is also proud of the work that

is being done by the city’s police depar t-ment. He com-mended Officer Chris Parrish f o r h a v i n g trained more of ficers in the community and going beyond the mandated 20 hours of train-ing required. He said that in 2017, Parrish

may be able to offer it to other agencies in the near future.

“Pretty much in the last year, we have picked up on training that is focused more on the lines of the officers in the com-munity, rather than just meeting state-mandated 20 hours training require-ment,” he said. “We’ve done a lot more in-house training this year and hopefully in 2017 we can offer it to other agencies to come in and train with us if they would like.”

Sims also thanked Major Rick Wheeler for a overseeing a city program in which residents are able to request officers to do a daily check on their older relatives.

“We check on people who are on medica-tions, who have certain needs or whatever, and just make sure they are okay in the event some-thing happens and their next of kin isn’t there,” said Wheeler. “We go by every day at some point although there is no set time. We get them to come to the door so we can see they are physi-cally fit and all the rest of that.”

MAYOR

The city currently uses 100 gallons of water per day. Once the new system is installed, the city will have the capability of using 500 gallons a day.

2016 REPORT ON PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH S.P.L.O.S.T. MOUNT ZION, CARROLL COUNTY YEAR ORIGINAL CURRENT YEAR & AMOUNT TOTAL TO PROJECT SPLOST SURPLUS PROJECT APPROVED ESTIMATE ESTIMATE EXPENDED DATE COMPLETED CLOSED FUNDS RECREATION 2008 $500,000 $521,846 2009-2015 $521,846 Y Y N RECREATION 2015 2016 $26,029 N N N COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 2008 $125,000 $126,303 2009-2015 $126,303 Y Y N COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 2015 2016 $4,250 N N N PUBLIC SAFETY 2008 $210,000 $160,222 2009-2015 $160,222 Y Y N PUBLIC SAFETY 2015 2016 $38,775 N N N PURCHASE EQUIPMENT/BUILDINGS 2008 $135,000 $160,581 2009-2015 $160,581 Y Y N PURCHASE EQUIPMENT/BUILDINGS 2015 2016 $108,327 N N N WATER IMPROVEMENTS/EQUIPMENT 2008 $420,000 $69,160 2009-2015 $69,160 Y Y N WATER IMPROVEMENTS/EQUIPMENT 2015 2016 $53,226 N N N ROADS/BRIDGES 2008 $500,000 $256,105 2009-2015 $256,105 Y Y N ROADS/BRIDGES 2015 2016 $6,684 N N N RE: 2008 SPLOST - PROJECT OVERAGES DUE TO INCREASED PRICES IN MATERIALS.

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ACCEPTING PATIENTS

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of Notice: December 21, 2016

Carroll County Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (CCEDF)200 Northside Drive, Carrollton, GA 30117678-890-2332

Th ese notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Carroll County Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (CCEDF).

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about December 29, 2016 the CCEDF will submit a request to the ARC/State administering agency for the release of Appalachian Regional Commission basic grant program funds, to undertake a project known as ‘Th e Learning Center’ for the purpose of existing building renovation and construction of the Tinker’s Box Makerspace, estimated funding of $500,000.00, located at Th e Burson Center, 500 Old Bremen Road, Carrollton, GA 30117.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Th e CCEDF has determined that the project will have no signifi cant impact on the human environment. Th erefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on fi le at Th e Burson Center, 500 Old Bremen Road, Carrollton, GA 30117, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 5:00 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Th e Burson Center, 500 Old Bre-men Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. All comments received by Friday, January 13, 2016 will be considered by the CCEDF prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

Th e CCEDF certifi es to ARC/State that Timothy I. Warren, in his capacity as Vice-Chairman, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environ-mental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfi ed. ARC’s/State’s approval of the certifi cation satisfi es its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the CCEDF to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

ARC/State will accept objections to its release of fund and the CCEDF’s certifi cation for a period of fi ft een days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certifi cation was not executed by the Certifying Offi cer of the CCEDF; (b) the CCEDF has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or fi nding required by ARC regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by ARC/State; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written fi nding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to ARC/State ad-ministration offi ce at Georgia DCA, 60 Executive Park South, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Potential objectors should contact ARC/State to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Timothy I. Warren, Vice ChairmanCarroll County Economic Development Foundation, Inc.