GOVERNMENT

The runway at the Habersham County Airport will temporarily close next week for additional upgrades. As announced during the previous closure, the runway will be closed for the application of permanent markings. That temporary closure will be in effect from 7am Monday, June 17, to 6pm Tuesday, June 18. For more information, contact the airport at (706) 839-0247.

Habersham County announced today that it has joined with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Georgia Chapter, along with the Georgia Recycling Coalition, in celebrating the 2024 Waste and Recycling Workers Week. This year, Waste and Recycling Workers week is June 16-23. This week-long awareness effort is focused on solid waste workers as professionals. The theme this year is focused on Elevating Solid Waste Workers, seeking to Elevate: History. Individual. Professionalism in the solid waste industry. Participation in the Waste and Recycling Workers Week means that Habersham County has joined with the SWANA Georgia Chapter and other municipalities, organizations and companies throughout the state, committing to elevating the status of solid waste management workers, and thanking them for keeping their community safe and healthy. “We are proud to participate in this statewide effort as we come together to ensure that solid waste workers are elevated because they protect the health and safety of their communities,” said Habersham County Solid Waste Director Johnnie Vickers. SWANA Georgia Chapter plans to feature solid waste workers throughout the state on its website gaswana.org and social media accounts during the week. “SWANA Georgia Chapter is working to Elevate the solid waste profession in Georgia by featuring stories that focus on our history, stories of the individual worker that Elevate our profession. Solid Waste Professionals have degrees, certifications, licensing and skills to operate trucks and heavy equipment that handle trash, recycling and compostables every day to protect the health of Georgia communities.” said Matt Dolan, SWANA-Georgia Chapter President. SWANA Georgia Chapter wants to bring awareness to protect solid waste workers and elevate the importance of the tasks they perform for Georgia residents. Unfortunately, solid waste workers are still in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. (currently No. 7). SWANA Georgia Chapter thanks all solid waste workers for staffing landfills, transfer stations, recycling centers, driving trucks, and picking up litter. To learn more about Waste and Recycling Workers Week or SWANA Georgia Chapter, visit gaswana.org or visit SWANA Georgia Chapter on Facebook.

The City of Baldwin approved its budget for fiscal year 2025 which included a salary increase for Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster. The budget was approved 3-2 with council members Joseph Satterfield and Maarten Venter voting no. This came after lengthy discussion of the millage rate increase that will come with the passage of the budget.