Men's Senior Softball League!!!

There is a group of men wishing to start a Henry County Men's Senior Softball League.  This would be a good opportunity to get those who are able out and enjoying a good sport.  This is something sorely needed for those senior men who want something like this to do and are still physically able to enjoy the game. It would give those men a chance to fellowship with others and enjoy the competition with other teams.  If you would like to be a part contact Johnny Wiggins at 770-634-6198.  

The Staff

When Politicians Become Bought and Sold

"When Politicians Become Bought and Sold"

There is a problem that has been building in Stockbridge for some time now.  There has been a lot of smoke screens to try and hide what has been occurring.  Power plays, money under the table, and puppet strings have been in play.  The city is wanting to have an over lay project for the area of Hwy 138 from North Henry Blvd to Daniel Drive about a quarter of a mile.  The area west of Daniel Drive to near the I-75 interchange is in Clayton County who is also in this mix.  The story unfolds into a situation that is not unlike Chicago or Detroit with the political structure.

The following from the Henry Herald Newspaper lays out what Mr. Alexander has to say on the subject.

“My goal is to establish the highest standards in metro Atlanta. Currently the level of Highway 138 is unacceptable at this time,” said Councilman Elton Alexander, who has been a vocal proponent of enhancing the corridor. “Our standards have not been high enough, which is why we’ve attracted some of the quality that we have now. This whole goal is to establish the highest code regulations with goals to bring high-quality developments and businesses.”

Existing buildings would not be affected architecturally, but going forward, new businesses would have to adhere to the overlay requirements once adopted.

Stakeholder meetings regarding Highway 138 Overlay guidelines will be held at the Ted Strickland Community Center, 130 Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail. The meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, Aug. 29 and Sept. 19. Public hearings will be held in the on the second floor of Stockbridge City Hall, 4640 N. Henry Blvd. The hearings will be held Aug. 15, Sept. 5 and Sept. 26 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Collaborative Firm LLC, of East Point, will be leading the effort for the Highway 138 Overlay design guidelines at a cost of $35,000. 

The Collaborative Firm LLC is the following:

Business Name: THE COLLABORATIVE FIRM, LLC Control Number: 0257284

Business Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company Business Status: Active/Compliance

Business Purpose:  

Principal Office Address: 1514 E CLEVELAMD AVE. STE 82, EAST POINT, GA, 30344, USA Date of Formation / Registration Date: 11/18/2002

State of Formation: Georgia Last Annual Registration Year: 2017

REGISTERED AGENT INFORMATION

Registered Agent Name: MICHAEL HIGHTOWER

Physical Address: 1514 E CLEVELAND AVE. STE 82, Fulton, EAST POINT, GA, 30344, USA

Now here is where things start to get interesting involving Councilman Alexander and Mr. Hightower.  On February 8, 2016 Alexander honored Mr. Hightower with a proclamation.  

"Proclamation--Recognizing South Metro Development Outlook Conference 2016 Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford read the Proclamation presented to Michael Hightower, President of the South Metro Development Outlook Conference 2016 and was joined by the initiator, Councilman Alexander."

December 26, 2016 party for African American elected officials that Michael Hightower has aided at the Collaborative Firm in East Point.  Mr. Alexander and other Henry County elected officials attend.

  

Here is more background on Mr. Hightower for you to discern.  In 2000, he was caught up in a corruption scandal that rocked Atlanta and Fulton County governments.  He resigned his seat on the Fulton County Commission and pleaded guilty to accepting $25,000 in bribes for his vote to help a businessman win government contracts. His admitted lapse in judgment resulted in a conviction for public corruption, a sentence of six months of prison time and another six months of home confinement, 420 hours of community service and three years of supervised release.

 

The issue at hand here is there an ethical problem, moral problem and a conflict of interest with what is happening between the City of Stockbridge and Councilman Alexander having the Collaborative Firm to do an overlay for Hwy 138?   This type of activity has been going on in the city for some time now and it looks like there is a power play in the works involving Mr. Hightower helping to fund south metro African American political figures so they can gain office and then have his company do work for them.  And with him being a consulting firm he can also have different people appointed into positions where he can benefit as well.   We often hear from Mr. Alexander about the good ole boy system, but what does he call this?  This is the type of activity that got Mayor Campbell in trouble in Atlanta.  The citizens of Stockbridge and Henry County need to take a hard look at what is happening under their nose.   Look at district 2 and 5 on the county commission.  They were at that party in East Point in December 2016.  That picture of them there tells the story.  The people of Clayton County have the same problem.  Take a look at your chairman of the commission and some of the elected representatives including a state senator whose district covers a part of Henry and DeKalb Counties.  Look closely at who these people really are and who they are indebted to. When the investigations into all this begin it will look like 2000 all over again.

With information courtesy of archives : The Atlanta Journal Constitution, 2000, Creative Loafing 2000,  City of Stockbridge Minutes 2016, The Henry Herald 2017, Athens-Banner 2004, WSB TV Reports 2000, and the Secretary of State 2017.

The Staff

Attachments area

A Good Man For Stockbridge!!

There is a man who is running for Stockbridge City Council who by far is well qualified for the position.  He once held the position and can still make a difference in Stockbridge.  That man is Alphonso Thomas.  Mr. Thomas has done much over the years to help the people of Stockbridge.  He began the Stockbridge Business Association and has always been one to be at the meetings to let those in office know what the needs are of the people.  He has been a friend to many and will continue to be that friend when he is elected once again.  The city needs his leadership and his morals.  He knows what is right and wrong in Stockbridge.  If ever anyone has been a friend to Stockbridge it has been Mr. Thomas.  A good man for the job.

The Staff.

Chaos & Debacle In Mcdonough And Kids Suffer

There was total CHAOS in McDonough on October 27th during the "Uncle Shaq trunk or treat event at the Courthouse parking deck."  There were families waiting in line 2+ hours and got up to the entrance and were turned away.  This was happening between 7:15 and 7:30 pm and the event was billed to last until 8:00PM.  There were kids not only crying, but screaming because they could not get in.  Some have referred this as the "poop show" in McDonough.  And there are several people, of course, taking up for him and his event, but they have no children and did not wait in line with them for over 2 hours.  Just think this man wants to be the next Sheriff of Henry County and he cannot manage a trick or treat event at a very large parking deck in McDonough.  It would be the same CHAOS with him being Sheriff.  This is another bad scar on the face of the City of McDonough thanks to those who want to be in the news and the look at me crowd.  There are mothers and fathers right now that would not give two cents to meet him or have anything to do with an event he is part of because of the way this has been handled.  Remember this will get around and people will stay away from future events because they don't want to wait in line forever to be told to go home by someone who doesn't give a tinkers damn.  It looks like the shenanigans of the City of Stockbridge have moved to McDonough.  Yep looking good there.

A Very Irritated Parent

A Fair-Minded Council Member For Stockbridge

If you want a good, intelligent, and fair-minded council member for Stockbridge, then you need look no further than the incumbent LaKeisha Gantt.  She has done an excellent job working through some messes in the city that were created before she came to office.  She has worked to try and be fair-minded even with those who she has disagreements with on the council, she still tries to negotiate with them.  She is a mother and knows the importance of a good safe city for children.  Ms. Gantt is an attorney at law for her profession and brings her talents in the legal field to the city.  She knows how to talk with people and she listens and tries to help fix issues that are brought to her.  Ms. Gantt is more than just an elected official she is a friend to the community.  She gives back to her home.  Let's keep LaKeisha Gantt on the Stockbridge City Council and go and vote for her re-election.

The Staff

The Fleecing of Henry County

"The Fleecing of Henry County"

It is that time of year again that we all received our notices from the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority that they will be raising our rates by 2% in November.  Now just think about that for a moment.  We already are paying 2 mills on our property taxes to the Water Authority.  That is double taxation and triple when you add the sales tax.  There are people in the county who cannot afford to keep having to dole out more money to these people who are raping the innocent people of the county.  And most of the money is to pay those high salaries for those who work there.  The director of the department makes twice as much as the Governor of Georgia.   And what do you get for the money, some water that you can barely drink because the taste is so bad.  All the chemicals and other things dumped in the water taste bad.  Just look at your toilet at the things settled in it that you drink when you turn on the tap.  If we are going to pay through the nose for water we should be getting much better than we are getting.  But you can rely on every year the price will increase whether they need it or not.  And the people are the ones who pay dearly.

The Staff

More Bad Press For Henry County

"Boo--A Spook Will Get You or At Least Someone in Your Wallet"

It looks like McDonough and Henry County have hit a new low.  There was another paranormal investigative team back in McDonough saying that there are ghosts from the train wreck of June 23, 1900, that are still plaguing the city.  Strange that all the longtime residents of the town have had no problems with ghosts until a few years ago.  The problem with a lot of what was said in the report is laughable.  They don't realize that most of those buildings they were inside of were not there in 1900.  Most of them at that time were made of wood and they have been torn down and rebuilt in the early part of the 20th century.  There were also two large fires on the south side of the square area in 1903 and 1910 that destroyed much of the existing structures that had to be rebuilt.  If people would take the time to look at the county site for the buildings in the area of town they will find some of them weren't even there then.  Another thing not thought about was the fact that the new courthouse was finished in 1897.  The old courthouse stood where the square is today.  They sold it and it was torn down for the bricks.  Now, it was barely cleaned up when the train wrecked.   The square was not developed yet, but the lot was empty.  Bunn's Funeral Home and Carmichael's Funeral Home prepared the bodies from the wreck and put them in boxes and those boxes were also filled with ice to keep those corpses cold until they were removed.   The one big laugh of the show is the guy who owns the old bank on Macon Street and has a restaurant there now.  He said there was a funeral home upstairs.  Wrong building and wrong time.  There was no funeral home there.  And those men talking to a doll made it even more laughable.   The thing that bothers so many people about this is that there are some well-educated people, well thought of people and generally good at heart people who believe all this is really happening.  The investigation team said they couldn't film from the trestle because of a city ordinance.  It isn't a city ordinance it is a Rail Road Law that they are trespassing on their property.  They went there anyway and filmed.  Most that are watching this unfold are knowing what is happening.  They are preying upon people for money.  They are using those who died in that accident to make a buck for McDonough.  That doesn't look good either morally or anything else.  One thing about it though it seems every year around Halloween this pops up and it is making McDonough and Henry County look foolish once again.

The Staff

Henry County Behind The Times And Falling

The 2040 Henry County Land Use for Zoning, parks, open space and growth were to be discussed last Wednesday.  We all know that there is a serious problem with transportation in Henry County.  With that said that should be something for another meeting to be held about travel problems in the county.  This meeting should have been more discussed by the people there about the proper zoning that can affect where you live and how much tax you pay on your property.  The parks which they need to maintain what they have, but don't need to keep building parks as the county is well over taxed with them as it is now.  Open space is going to be at a minimum if the growth numbers do pan out as they are expected to grow dramatically over the next 25 years.  According to projections, Henry County will have nearly one half a million people in the next 10 years.  And this meeting is looking at the next 25 years.  Most of those who were in attendance likely won't either be living in Henry County by then or will be dead.  The thing these people need to be worried about in their zoning issues is where are these people going to be buried when they die?  The cemeteries in Henry County are filling up as we speak. Some are already at capacity.  These meetings all look good and have to happen according to state rules, but little to nothing gets accomplished because by the time it is implemented it will be obsolete and just like the last one it is obsolete and they are constantly making changes to it.  They do need to have some serious discussions about the transportation problem, but better yet not just discussions, but actually get something moving.  People are tired of sitting in traffic everyday in Henry County.  But as long as they are thrusting their way to bringing more warehouses to the county for the sea port in Savannah and the truck traffic that is coming your way then traffic will continue to be a huge problem.  Things often look good on paper, but in the real world they fail the test.

The Staff

Does The County Have A Contract With Some Of The Local Car Fix It Places

Now come on Henry County you can do better when putting a pipe across a road.  On North Ola Rd between Turner Church Rd and Hwy 81 there are three ditches that have been dug across the road to put in some pipes and only gravel is in the holes.  You can tear up your vehicles on this road.  Does the county have a contract with some of the local car fix it places that they are getting a cut from?  Seriously you can tear up a car very quickly on this road.  I have been down it and my teeth rattled.  It would have been simple to have sent a paving crew out there to pave over these serious ruts.  They are three feet wide and the width of the road so you can't miss them.  Someone is going to be in a bad accident from hitting one of these and then the county will be paying for sure.  I live there and don't understand what the problem is with you people.  

Pissed off Ola Resident

Stockbridge Backtracking again

It looks like the City of Stockbridge is doing some backtracking because they see the chance that the Jodeco Project would be cut off from the city if Eagles Landing gets to be a city.  The area would have to be de-annexed from the city.  The Jodeco Project would not be part of the new city of Eagles Landing and would lie back in unincorporated Henry County. The revised deal with RCP Investments who is wanting to build the project is to cover Stockbridge from it's money invested in the project. The following is from the Henry Daily Herald.

"After a three-hour executive session Tuesday, the Stockbridge City Council approved an updated development agreement for the planned Jodeco Road residential and retail development dubbed Jodeco Atlanta South. Because the city is at risk of losing the development should the city of Eagle’s Landing proposal be approved, the revised agreement provides a provision in the case of de-annexation. An original agreement was approved in December 2016 after the city annexed the 158-acre property, located in the southwest quadrant of Jodeco Road and Interstate 75 at 2153 Jodeco Road, into the Stockbridge city limits. The Eagle’s Landing proposal seeks to include properties north of the Jodeco Road development up to the Eagle’s Landing Parkway/ Hudson Bridge Road area. The proposal, if approved, would leave the prospective development separated from remaining city of Stockbridge properties. In the agreement, the city has committed $3 million in SPLOST IV funds to install public roads to provide access to and within the development that are required by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. “The Parties acknowledge that should the property be de-annexed from the City or otherwise declared not part of the corporate city limits of the City, for whatever, the City shall be relieved from its commitment to install the public improvements and pledge the city’s financial participation for overall development,” states the updated agreement. The agreement also requires the developer to put a covenant in place stating that if the property is de-annexed for any reason within 20 years from the completion of the public improvements, the property owners shall cause the city to be reimbursed for the full amount of the city’s financial situation within 60 days of the city’s written demand of such reimbursement."

The Staff

It Took An Act Of God

It took an act of God to bring the looney and stupid acts of Henry County and Stockbridge to an end. Days leading up to the Sixteenth Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks both the County and City had planned to hold a memorial ceremony to remember the victims. Like the years before they had it planned to take place in the most inappropriate place. In front of the local Walmarts in the middle of busy intersections.

I have tried over the years to teach both the County and City that this is not the right place to hold a memorial service. But it seems they are not able to learn or they really don’t care about the victims or the families left behind. The County is being run by people with no values at the leadership level. Stockbridge is in a shambles with a Councilman that is just a tad off in the head in my opinion. And that will be the downfall of the city, it’s not called Jerry Springerville for nothing.

9/11/2017 was a bad time for me as I was thinking of my lost love of a lifetime. But I also had the tropical storm to deal with. I spent most of the day posting alerts and info on social media to help people and let them know what was going on and how to stay safe. Some may ask why did I do that when I was hurting so much that day thinking of my lost love. Well, it’s because there are more good sane people in the County and City than greedy stupid people that don’t have a heart. Those people deserved the info I was giving them. The stupid people that think a busy intersection is a good place to bring kids to teach them about 9/11 and to remember the victims of 9/11 could drop dead for all I care. They have proven they are un-American and don’t care so turnabout is fair play.

Alfred Britt

"What do you think? You decide." 'Stockbridge City Council Member Makes light of serious situation'

"What do you think? You decide."

'Stockbridge City Council Member

Makes light of serious situation'

In the days leading up to the visit to the Henry County area by Irma, the storm that was a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Basin and was one of the strongest in recorded history, the City of Stockbridge council member Mr. Alexander who has annointed himself Mr. Atlanta South made fun of and ridiculed the Henry County Board of Education and many citizens of the county. He was saying that people were in a panic, but reliable sources said they witnessed no panic just people stocking up on supplies just in case things got bad here. Of course he was saying that the news being reported about the coming storm was "Fake News." There will be screen shots provided of all that has been said by this gentleman prior to the event. By him saying these things it could have caused some people not to be prepared for the coming storm. The National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the area and Governor Deal placed the whole state under a State of Emergency. That was all done after the Henry County Board of Education said that schools would be closed for Monday and Tuesday. They had gotten the word that it would be bad from Emergency Management. They cancelled an event on Saturday that can wait. He made a point of ridiculing the BoE for cancelling the event. Many people made comments on his facebook page about this matter. Then, he had posted on his Progressive Henry Page that Schools would be closed and when you opened to look at it the inside was a joke. This is no joking matter. When the BoE did call the schools to be closed he made the comment that, "This is exactly why 35 out of 51 Henry County schools are underperforming. Our kids need to be in school and so does the staff improving our schools." He went on to say, "The kids are out of school all the time, break after break and classes cancelled for snow storms that never materialize." He also said, "I have never agreed with the overreaction closings crying Safety to justify overreacting to what could be a simple wind or rain storm." This sounds like someone who doesn't need to be in a leadership position of any kind.

Then, make matters worse when he finds that the storm is bad he puts himself out there like he is the god send of all. He is praising the Lord which is fine, but just a few days earlier he was denouncing this storm and God was looking out for people by warning them. He was blind to it. And saying he was the person putting out information on social media that the south side depending on. That is thinking of self and wrong. In truth, he was trying to cover for his words and inaction that came earlier. His main reason for attacking the BoE like did was because his choice for school superintendent was denied. He has been on a crusade since to attack them and to cause them trouble.

If he wanted to be a true leader in the Stockbridge area why didn't he organize a place for people to go that needed a safe place to stay? The city of McDonough provided such a place and so did the people of Locust Grove. Other areas provided food and shelter during the storm. But the largest city in Henry County sat on their thumbs. Yes, the work crews of the City of Stockbridge did an excellent job clearing streets from debris. But he was not a work crew member. He was running around pretending to be a reporter. Remember before the storm he said it wasn't going to be bad yet there were thousands without power, roads blocked, homes damaged and people in fear because of the high winds. In the Stockbridge area alone the following roads were blocked by trees: East Atlanta Road, Rustic Road, Glenloch Lane, Jodeco Road, multiple roads in Swan Lake, Old Conyers Road, Mays Road, Scott Blvd, Charlotte Street, Millers Mill Road and Selfridge Road all within the Stockbridge area. The school buses could not have run so the BoE made the correct call to cancell school.

By him calling the storm a small wind storm and rain before the event shows poor judgement and leadership skills. The people of Stockbridge need to let the other leadership and city know that they disapprove of his actions and to not let him get away with after the fact saying that the storm was bad and He thanks God for helping him. That is so self centered and truly mocking that this person should step down from his job and let someone with the proper skills take over.

The Coalition for a Better Henry County

Turning Fifty And Missing You Sweetheart

It’s been sixteen years sweetheart since you were taken from me on that clear blue September day. I have thought of you every day and I still miss you so much that tears still flow for you. For some time now I have been thinking of you in a different way. This year I will turn fifty later in September. I still see you as that beautiful twenty six year old that I lost. It’s hard to see you as a forty three year old lady you would have been. I think of what our kids would be now. They would be just a year or two younger than my grand niece Victoria. She was born in late January after you were taken from me. You would have love Vic she is a little like you were a little tom boy, but also a little girly too. She was born just four months after you were gone and she saved me from going crazy over losing you sweetheart. You see my niece Kristie needed someone to watch Vic, so she could work and I said I would watch her for Kristie. Vic helped me to keep my mind busy from your tragic passing.   

After I was injured on the job, and we decided I would run our farm and raise a small herd of ostriches, I think of what our farm would be like now with the horses and the birds. I can see you teaching Vic and our kids to ride horses and how to take care of them. I think of how well you would have done in your architectural and engineering work you loved so much. Whenever I see a couple I can’t help but think of us and how happy we were together and then I think of what would have been, and I get very sad and lonely in my heart. Baby, I miss everything about you. Your long golden hair, your bright blue eyes, your caring heart, your love. But most of all I just miss you being next to me and having my back on things. I look back and I can honestly say the six years we were together were the years I was alive. So, as I am about to be fifty years old I can still say you will always be my love of a lifetime.

Alfred Britt.  

Photographs, Memories Of You.

I look at your photograph and remember there was no mountain we could not climb,

Looking at your beautiful smile takes me back to a wonderful time.

I have photographs of you throughout the house,

My love for you is so strong it cannot be dowsed.

I think of your love that you gave freely,

For you to be in my arms looking into each other’s eyes is what I need really.

I have photographs of you and your bright beautiful smile,

I remember the love you had for me with your own kind of style.

Your photographs remind me of the time I was truly alive,

For the past sixteen years, I have ceased to live without your love by my side.

As I am about to turn fifty years old,  I still see you as the twenty six year old sweetheart I lost,

But I know you would be a beautiful lady now, but without you by my side, I am living in a world of the tumbled and tossed.

Alfred Britt

(c)2017

Citizen Allowed To Change Our Flag At The BOC

There is a video floating on you tube of the US flag with the fringe being removed from the Henry County Board of Commission Chamber by a person who comes up meeting after meeting to attack the  BoC.  Then, to make things worse he has the person who is wanting to have the monument removed from the McDonough Square helping him.  Also, in the video the person says they will be taking the eagle down as well.  According to the rules of the US about flags, you can have the fringe on a flag for special purposes.  There is no law prescribed by Congress that says you do not put gold fringe on a flag.  Then, here also is the information about the eagle on a flag pole. "According to the USA Flag Site commentator, eagles should not be used to top outside flag poles since the wind may wrap the flag around the eagle and tear the flag. The gold or silver ball on top of the pole is preferred for outside flag poles. Indoors, an eagle is allowed. While there is no official statement about the direction the eagle should face on the flag pole, many believe that the eagle should face as if it were flying toward Washington, D.C. In times of war the eagle is sometimes turned to face the direction of our troops on foreign soil. The eagle on the pole that is with the deployed troops faces back home, in the direction of the United States. The eagle on top of the flag pole should be gold or silver in color."  So, we can understand why that young person who is unpatriotic and leans toward the communist way of life it looks like the older gentleman who made the video is unpatriotic as well.  Those who love this nation are seeing red at this time when they watch this video.  And what is truly sad is that the Henry County BoC let them do it.

The People to Protect Our Nation's Flag

The Illegal Flag Change

Henry County's Unhealthy Water Report A Must Read for Your Safety

The following report about Henry County water can be deceiving.  "EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the EPA (January to March 2017), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards."  Then the report turns right around and says that there are 8  contaminants found above the guidelines for human consumption.  These are:

Bromodichloromethane can cause cancer.  Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. 

Chloroform is a cancer causing agent.  Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Chromium (hexavalent) can cause cancer.  Chromium (hexavalent) is a carcinogen that commonly contaminates American drinking water. Chromium (hexavalent) in drinking water may be due to industrial pollution or natural occurrences in mineral deposits and groundwater. 

Dibromochloromethane is a cancer causing agent.  Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. 

Dichloroacetic acid can cause cancer.  Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. 

Radiological contaminants which are radioactive can cause cancer.  This utility detected Radium, combined (-226 & -228) & Radium-228.

Radiological contaminants leach into water from certain minerals and from mining. Drinking water contamination with radioactive substances increases the risk of cancer and may harm fetal development.

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are cancer causing.  Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.

Trichloroacetic acid is a cancer causing agent.  Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. 

Here is also a list of 8 other contaminants the report lists.

Chlorate--Chlorate forms in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection. Chlorate impairs thyroid function, making chlorate exposure most harmful during pregnancy and childhood.

Chromium (total)--Chromium is a naturally occurring metal, but industrial uses can elevate its levels in water. One form, hexavalent chromium, causes cancer. Total chromium is not a good indicator of the amount of hexavalent chromium in drinking water.

Fluoride--Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems.

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)--Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.

Monochloroacetic acid--Monochloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Nitrate and nitrite--Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. 

Strontium--Strontium is a metal that accumulates in the bones. Radioactive strontium-90 can cause bone cancer and leukemia, and any form of strontium at high doses can harm bone health.

Vanadium--Vanadium is a metal used in steels and other alloys. People are commonly exposed to vanadium in water and food. Excessive exposure can be toxic during pregnancy and childhood.

With all these chemicals and heavy metals plus radiologicals found in the water it makes you wonder what will this do to a person over a period of time.  Here is an example.  There is a street in the Stockbridge area that over the last 40 years has had a high incidence of cancer.  25 people have developed cancer and so far 22 have died from it there.  Fifteen people developed heart disease and 10 of those have died.  Six people had developed thyroid problems.  And five have developed dementia.  And this is in one small section of the area with 33 homes.  People don't need to be ingesting these types of things into their bodies.  Many times the water smells like garlic or has a musty odor.  Strange that this group that did the testing gave the HCWSA a clean bill of health yet they do a double standard by listing the contaminants found knowing the dangers of them.   Maybe some payola was done who knows, but one thing is for sure it would be wise to buy your water or get a very intensive and costly water purification system for your home.  It might save your life.

The Staff of the Community News Blog.

Henry County Ambulance Fees May Increase

It looks like Henry County is mulling over another increase in the fees to transport patients in ambulances.  They are wanted a sizeable increase on the heals of a 2012 increase.  This will put a sure burden on the poor and those with no insurance.  One can picture it now a patient is being transported to the hospital having a heart attack or stroke and the paramedics learn they have no money or insurance.  They pull along the side of the road and place the patient on the ground and drive away. 

 

This could bring about a new wave of transportation for the sick or injured who have little money.  There could be a Uber service set up using pick up trucks with covers on the back.  They can stock it with first aid, oxygen tanks they can get, and go on eBay and buy a portable defibrillator.  Call the Uber driver for a fraction of the cost of the paramedics and a need fixed.  Now that is the American way to take care of a problem and make a little money also.

The Staff

Henry County's Dam Problems

The Henry County Board of Commissioners will be voting on special tax districts for dams in Henry County.  The tax district would apply to communities that border lakes and would be applicable to Category 1 dams — dams that can cause loss of human life — and Category 2 dams, which are those that have the potential to impact county roads or other public infrastructure. Properties within the district would be taxed to pay for bonds acquired by Henry County to assist property owners in dam rehabilitation and repair.  There are nearly 30 Category 1 and just over 50 Category 2 dams in Henry County, according to the draft ordinance.  A study had been in the works since 2013 to look at what can be done to revitalize dams that could pose a threat.  Several people spoke from Lake Dow and they said the dam is a Category 1 dam because there are residents in the flood release below the dam.  The dam is not dangerous to the extent it is ready to break; it has a problem with the spillway.  The water from upstream is gathering too quickly in the lake because of the building of homes from upstream.  This problem about the dams has been an issue for years now.  It was brought to our attention several years ago by the late Leon Forrer who had already looked at the State reports on the safety of dams in Henry County.  For some reason, this has been a very slow process on something that could pose a serious life threat if the dams were to fail.

Staff of the Community News Blog

Your Property Taxes

The Henry County Board of Commissioners recently voted to keep the millage rate for the county the same.  There was talk that they might go up 1 millage point as requested by the staff.  But the problem is that you and I will still be paying more this year for property taxes because the assessments for the properties in the county have gone up this year.  Thus, if the commissioners didn't want to raise the property tax they should have rolled back the current millage rate so that it would reflect the same tax amount as last year.  They all knew the assessment values went up and knew that it was a sure thing for a property tax increase.    

The Henry County Board of Education also met recently to say they would leave their millage rate at the maximum of 20 mills.  This will generate over $7 million for the BoE.  The BoC will get just over $5 million dollars more and the total will be $12 million for the county as a whole in an increase this year.  The BoE could have rolled back the millage rate as well to help, but they all voted for it to remain the same.

The increase in taxes is going to hurt everyone, not just one sector.  And this once again shows that Henry County needs some real companies with high paying jobs to come to the county to help offset some of these taxes that the homeowners are saddled with on their backs.  At over 38 mills the county is one of the highest taxed counties in the state.  There is more tax money coming in through SPLOST, unseen taxes in the fuel you buy, the food you eat and the products you purchase daily.  And the BoC is proposing to put another tax on you through something called T-SPLOST for roads to be fixed.  If they start this tax it will never end.  With all the regulations, taxes, resolutions, fees and other things that bring in money for the municipalities and the county, one would think that Henry County would be more affluent than it really is in the eyes of others.  It is just merely a county being filled with multi family homes, and warehouses many of which remain empty.  You would also think with all the money going into the school system that the county would have one of the highest rated school systems in the state.  But they have 31 out of 53 schools that are failing and that is not a good sign when the funds are there.

You hear people coming to the county that have no idea what is happening here that say they want and they want, but they are only going to get what the people have to put in the bank account for the system.  Henry County is rapidly becoming a county doomed to have too much of the same thing over and over.  Too much fast food, too many strip malls with the same stores, and too many parks that have to be maintained.  Yet, the county wants to grow more and more by bringing in people by the thousands.  Somewhere it would be wise to put a moratorium on new homes and businesses until things are truly fixed in the infrastructure.  But the blame game has been going for some time.  It was those people's fault from 20 years ago that didn't plan right for what has happened.  No, they didn't plan right, but people came anyway.  

Look for your property assessments to go up again next year.  That is a cash cow that the BoC and BoE don't want to lose.  And don't forget the water department they get 2 mills of your property tax on your bill each year.  Yes, it is the most taxed place in the region currently and what do you really have to show for it.  Monstrous traffic, ill people, crime and poor services.  Stockbridge won't even put together it's own police force with it's surplus funds.  They would rather spend it on trails and walking paths.   

Remember also, that crime follows more people in the population.  That is a given fact.   When the crime rate continues to rise it will deter good companies from wanting to build in Henry County.  They need to put a sign as you enter the county that this is the highest taxed county in this area to remind people while they wait in traffic.  T-SPLOST is not the answer, but halting the influx of people would give the county an opportunity to catch up with the infrastructure.  But they won't.  They want that extra money.  Remember this when election time rolls around once again and these folks want to keep their jobs.  Find those that will want to be good stewards of your money and do the right things for the people.  But from the election results of the last decade, it is a poor chance that things will change.

The Staff

Frequently Asked Questions About Nash Farm Battlefield

This should provide some answers to questions about Nash Farm.  These were gathered through FOIA.  

Frequently Asked Questions About

Nash Farm Battlefield

1. How much did Henry County pay for Nash Farm?

A. In response to a 2005 court order, Henry County paid $8,077,000.00

through a deposit into an escrow account at Superior Court. The funds

were subsequently withdrawn by the seller.

B. Other costs associated with the condemnation proceedings:

 1. Dillard & Galloway (Attorneys) - $3,945.00

 2. Childer’s & Associates (Appraisal) - $12,000.00

 3. Bernes & Company (Consulting) - $3,450.00

 4. Daily News (Advertising) - $478.69

 5. Atlanta Peach Reporters (Court Reporters) - $545.00

 6. Donna K. Bell (Court Reporter) - $1,434.24

 7. Bradford Realty Group - $5,000.00

 8. M. H. Biggers - $600.00

 9. Judge Brown, Special Master - $300.00

Total amount of other costs associated with the proceedings: $27,752.93

2. How much has Henry County spent making improvements to Nash Farm

since 2005?

A. Henry County Department of Transportation has created walking trails,

a parking lot, and a left hand turn lane at Nash. The total amount spent

by DOT on labor and supplies is $105,785.64.

B. Henry County Building Maintenance and Parks and Recreation departments

have been making improvements to nearly all structures on the

property. Building Maintenance has worked on the main house, the

caretaker’s house, the Zachary house, the barns, and other structures as

Continued on next page 

Frequently Asked Questions About Nash Farm Battlefield

2. How much has Henry County spent making improvements to Nash Farm

since 2005?

Continued

well. Some of the work was done by prisoner labor from Spalding

County to help keep labor costs down. The total amount of labor and

materials is $101,553.97.

C. Donations have been collected by “Friends of Nash Farm” since Henry

County purchased the property. They have also had people donate their

time to work at Nash Farm. The total amount of donations spent on

restoration by “Friends of Nash Farm” is $18,199.08.

 1. A total of 112 volunteers have given of their time and talents at

Nash Farm.

D. A Georgia Department of Community Affairs grant of $25,000.00 paid for

an archaeological study of Nash Farm by TRC, Inc. - $14,987.35; and an

archaeological survey by The Lamar Institute - $9,993.76 (The Lamar

Institute donated $2,000.00 of labor during the survey).

E. A Georgia Department of Community Affairs grant of $10,000.00 is currently

available for the installation of a septic system and restrooms at

Nash Farm. To date, $6,000.00 has been spent for a Level III Soil Survey

for an on-site waste water management system by Construction Materials

Services, Inc.

Total expenditures to date: $256,538.69

Minus DCA grant for archaeological study and survey: $25,000.00

Minus DCA grant for soil survey for septic system: $6,000.00

 $225,538.69

3. What were the revenues received and expenses incurred during the large

events held at Nash Farm between January 1, 2007 and February 25, 2008?

A. The Georgia Independence Day Festival, held on July 3 and July 4,

attracted an estimated 15,000 people, received $25,256.59 in revenues

and incurred $54,453.92 in expenses.

Loss - $29,197.63.

B. The Cotillion Ball and the Battle of Atlanta attracted 1,500 people, received

$6,273.70 in revenues and incurred $751.00 in expenses.

Profit - $5,522.70.

C. Moonlight and Folktales, held Nov. 14-15, attracted 157 people, received

 $568.00 in revenues and incurred $3,912.30 in expenses.

Loss - $3,344.30.

D. Starry Night Drive-Ins, held Feb. 10 and Nov. 17, attracted 550 people,

 received $1,564.05 in revenues and incurred $3,926.32 in expenses.

Loss - $2,361.95.

Continued on next page 

Frequently Asked Questions About

Nash Farm Battlefield

3. What were the revenues received and expenses incurred during the large

events held at Nash Farm between January 1, 2007 and February 25, 2008?

Continued

E. Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, held Mar. 30, attracted 1,500 people, received

 $200.00 in revenues and incurred $6,910.21 in expenses.

Loss - $6,710.21.

F. Simply Southern Jubilee, held April 14-15, attracted 130 people, received

 $2,789.00 in revenues and incurred $17,666.71 in expenses.

Loss - $14,877.71.

 Total Expenses: $87,620.46

 Total Revenues: $36,651.38

Total Losses: $50,969.08 Total Attendance: 18,837

4. What other activities are ongoing at Nash Farm?

A. Henry County Parks and Recreation is currently conducting dog training

classes, square dance classes, and day camps at Nash Farm.

 1. Dog Training Classes: Attended: 45. Revenues - $3,150.00.

Expenses - $2,362.50. Profit - $787.50.

 2. Square Dance Classes: Attended: 477. Revenues - $238.00.

Expenses - $00.00. Profit - $238.50.

 3. Day Camps: Attended: 1,336. Revenues - $64,794.45. Expenses -

$37,324.70. Profit - $27,469.80.

 4. Therapeutic Recreation Special Needs Prom: Attended: 138.

Revenues - $2,400.00. Profit - $2,400.00.

.

 Total Revenue: $70,582.25

 Total Expense: $39,687.20

Total Profit: $30,895.05 Total Attendance: 1,996

B. A variety of organizations have held meetings at Nash Farm, with a total

attendance of 4,430. Among the meetings was a field trip by 1,000 students

from Luella Middle School. Other groups included the 30th Georgia Cavalry

School, 30th Georgia Winter Encampment, Arbor Day, Army Warrior Training,

Georgia DOT, Development Authority, Convention and Visitors Bureau,

Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Work Day, Friends of Nash Farm, Henry

County Soccer Association Coaches Meeting, Boy Scout Campout, Hampton

Youth Club Registration, Georgia Veterans Board Cavalry Leadership, County

Department Trainings and Meetings. 

5. Have the meeting facilities at Nash Farm been rented?

A. Seventeen organizations and/or families rented the meeting facilities in

2007, with total revenues being $4,800.00.

6. What is the total attendance for all events at Nash Farm?

A. Total attendance to date is an estimated 25,263.

7. Has Nash Farm received any grants?

A. 2006: Georgia Department of Community Affairs Grant of $25,000.00 for

Archaeological Study done by TRC and Archaeological Survey done by

The Lamar Institute. Grant completely paid for the study and survey.

B. 2007: Georgia Department of Community Affairs Grant of $10,000.00 for

septic system and  restroom facilities. To date, $6,000.00 of grant has

been spent.

Blog Staff.