Heart of West Georgia Presents $30,000 to The Thread
The Heart of West Georgia presented a check in the amount of $30,000 to The Thread to cover the cost of replacing exercise devices that are located within Granger Park.
Heart of West Georgia President Ken Young along with several other members were on hand at The Thread by Granger Park today to present the check.
Members of the Friends of The Thread, along with city and county leaders including LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton received the donation.
Heart of West Georgia is a 501©3 organization focused on raising money for Heart Education, Cardiovascular Projects, Women’s Health, and Obesity to support the people of West Georgia.
For more information on Heart of West Georgia go to www.heartofwestgeorgia.org.
Local Development Authority Commissions Broadband Study
In an effort to understand the broadband connectivity of the Greater West Georgia region and to help foster infrastructure investments, workforce education and economic development, the Greater West Georgia Joint Development Authority (GWGJDA) has commissioned a broadband feasibility study.
Slated to commence in the fall of 2016, the study will survey public and private broadband users in the Greater West Georgia region to determine their broadband usage as well as their broadband goals and needs. The Greater West Georgia region consists of those counties who hold membership in the GWGJDA including Carroll, Coweta, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties.
The emphasis of the study is fact-finding — surveying and understanding fiber connectivity to business parks, existing businesses and consumers and new growth opportunities in the region.
“This is the first of many steps to help bring advanced fiber connectivity and infrastructure investments to our area,” stated GWGJDA chairman, Tim Warren. “We need to fully understand our current broadband climate before we can plan improvements and upgrades.”
The Greater West Georgia broadband study is funded through a grant provided by Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC), a not-for-profit, consumer-owned cooperative that distributes electricity to 50,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers.
“We are excited to partner with the Greater West Georgia Joint Development Authority to get this broadband study underway,” said Carroll EMC President and CEO, Tim Martin. “We look forward to reviewing the findings of the study and being a partner in the development of a regional connectivity plan.”
Performing the broadband study is ECC Technologies, Inc (ECC), a technology and communications consulting firm responsible for the development of over $1 billion in technology-based projects globally. ECC has extensive experience facilitating broadband studies and projects.
YourTown Health Keeps West Georgia Economy Healthy Too
“Last year, YourTown Health saved the Georgia healthcare system more than 14 million dollars, reduced unnecessary hospitalizations and had a multi-million dollar economic impact on the six county region we serve,” said Jon W. Wollenzien, Jr., Chief Executive Officer.
For 50+ years, America’s community health centers, like West Georgia’s YourTown Health, have provided cost-effective, comprehensive, preventive and primary care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2015, YourTown Health’s network of six clinics provided quality care to the most vulnerable and underserved members of the West Georgia community – men and women, elderly and young children, veterans, minorities and more. In addition to the large safety net it provides, YourTown Health also generated a great economic impact to the area that included jobs, tax revenue and savings on a burdened healthcare system.
Lower healthcare costs are an added benefit to having a health center in your community. “Because we keep healthcare costs to a minimum and provide integrated medical and dental care under one roof, we generate cost savings for the entire healthcare system,” said Wollenzien. Studies show that people who use a community health center such as YourTown Health have lower rates of emergency department visits and fewer hospital admissions. Even uninsured patients are less likely to delay care because of cost or inability to refill a prescription. Health centers also provide much-needed access to quality preventive care that can reduce low birth rate and control hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Even if people have insurance coverage and can afford care, it may be beyond reach because of cultural, language, transportation or other barriers.
Reduced Fuel Rates for Georgia Power Customers
According to an article released by the Georgia Public Service Commission last week, a decrease in the Fuel Cost Recovery (FCR) rate for Georgia Power Company customers has been unanimously approved. The reduction is predicted to save the average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours about $5.00 a month for a total reduction of 14 percent on their monthly bill.
The Commission approved an agreement between the Company and the Commission Public Advocacy Interest Staff that increased the reduction from the Company’s original filing on September 18, 2015.
The Company’s filing indicates the falling price of natural gas is a key reason for the decrease.
“We are pleased we can lower Georgia Power customers’ rates and give consumers a price break, especially at this time of year,” said Commission Chairman Chuck Eaton.
“Keeping rates low, making our military bases more resilient, growing solar in Georgia without a subsidy, protecting our gas pipelines, and providing needed services for the hearing impaired–all important duties of the Georgia PSC,” said Commissioner Tim Echols. “It is my honor to serve my fellow citizens in this capacity.”
For more complete information, refer to the filings on line in Docket Number 39971 available on the Commission web site at www.psc.state.ga.us.
Award-Winning Schools & Easy Living
Franklin, Georgia, has been named one of the “Top 50 Small Cities to Raise Your Children” by Bloomberg Businessweek. A small and close-knit community, Heard County offers scenic beauty including the Chattahoochee River in Franklin, panoramic hilltop views, numerous streams and vast granite rock outcroppings.
Residents have available to them an excellent school system, three public libraries, a county health department, emergency services, fire protection, a nursing home and nearby hospitals. Educational institutions offer graduate, undergraduate and vocational education.
Located in nearby Carrollton, you’ll find the State University of West Georgia. LaGrange College is only 19 miles from Franklin. West Central Technical College and West Georgia Technical College are also about 20 miles from the city, with West Georgia Technical College offering a satellite program in the Franklin Industrial Park. In addition to recreational opportunities offered by the school, residents can enjoy the 25,900-acre West Point Lake.
Located near the banks of the Chattahoochee River, the former Heard County Recreation Department invites residents to enjoy recreational activities year round, including baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and a walking trail. A new state-of-the-art recreational facility, an arena, and a skate park provide even more fun for residents.