Chatsworth
The town of Chatsworth, in Murray County, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta and six hours from the closest ocean, isn’t exactly where you’d expect to find a port. But it is home to the Appalachian Regional Port, a bustling rail hub that connects directly to the Port of Savannah that has become one of the fastest-growing and most important logistics hubs in the Southeast. The inland terminal moved 3,876 containers in November, a new record and nearly 1,000 more units than the same month last year. Each of the seven outbound and seven inbound trains per week eliminate 710 roundtrip truck miles, majorly reducing highway congestion and emissions through Metro Atlanta. And the inland port is also a major job creator; according to an economic impact study by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, port-supported employment across Northwest Georgia increased by 14 percent or more than 5,600 jobs between fiscal year 2023 and FY2024.
Decatur
This DeKalb County city has been named the state’s first ‘Bird City,’ an internationally acclaimed certification given to municipalities that take steps to foster safe corridors for birds. Georgia sees more avian migration than almost any other state, with a staggering 900 million birds passing through each fall. But big cities like Atlanta pose a major concern for our feathered friends, particularly when it comes to light pollution that can disorient them as they fly through. Decatur officials have installed new, “dark sky-friendly” lighting around the city which casts light directly downwards, and has engaged with residents to show ways to make pocket parks and even yards safer and more friendly to birds, both native species and those passing through.
Emanuel County
South Korean autopart manufacturer Dongwon Autopart Technology is making a major investment near Swainsboro in Emanuel County in east Georgia, where a new $30 million plant is expected to create more than 200 jobs. Dongwon joins Georgia’s ever-expanding automotive industry, which is developing in large part along the I-16 corridor, which offers easy access to a string of automotive original equipment manufacturers as well as Georgia’s bustling ports system. The investment marks the single largest economic development in Emanuel County in more than 30 years, according to Ken Warnock, CEO of the Emanuel County Development Authority.
Jackson
Who needs Punxsutawney Phil? Georgia’s own resident groundhog weatherman is General Beauregard Lee, who lives in the town of Jackson in Butts County. In fact, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, General Lee is more accurate than his cousin Phil, with an 80% accuracy rate for his forecasts. Unfortunately this year, from his home at Dauset Trails Nature Center, Lee did indeed see his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter. Sorry for the bad news – but don’t shoot the messenger!
Perry
The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry has long been a major destination in Middle Georgia, hosting large events like livestock shows, rodeos, and of course the annual Georgia National Fair. One thing the fairgrounds were missing, though was an on-site hotel. That problem was resolved with the opening of the sterling new Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, which soft-opened in December and will have its grand opening in April. With a farmhouse style that’s a nod to the region’s agrarian heritage, the 129-room hotel features a restaurant and bar, a pool, and 65,000-square-feet of convention space. It has both standard rooms and rooms with kitchenettes for longer stays for guests attending week-long events at the fairgrounds.
Savannah
The iconic Forsyth Park Fountain is back, fresh off a six-month restoration that saw it sent all the way to Alabama for cleaning, repairs, and even the recasting of some features. Originally purchased (out of a catalogue!) and installed in 1858, the fountain is a replica of the one displayed at the 1851 World’s Fair in London. In the 168 years since it has become one of Savannah’s most definitive landmarks in its most famous park. “Every great city has a great fountain,” said Jay Melder, the Savannah city government’s chief administrator. “The Forsyth fountain is loved the world over, but nowhere more than right here as the centerpiece of our world-class community space.”
Former Atlanta Braves centerfielder Andruw Jones will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving just enough votes through the involved and convoluted process that offers baseball greats entry into Cooperstown. Recognized as one of the best defensive centerfielders of all time, Jones was a key cog in the great Braves teams of the 1990s, who already have multiple other players from that era enshrined in the Hall. RISING…
***Edit if she wins more medals?****Georgia isn’t exactly known for its winter sports, but one Peach State athlete is headed to next month’s Winter Olympics in Milan, hoping to add to her legacy as one of the great bobsledders in U.S. history. Elana Meyers Taylor is Georgia’s lone athlete going to Italy, but this isn’t her first rodeo – it’s her fifth Olympics and she boasts five medals, including two from 2022’s Beijing games. Already the most decorated female bobsledder and most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history, all of Georgia (and all of America) will be rooting her on as she chases glory one more time. RISING…
A jet fuel spill at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport dumped an estimated 10,000 gallons of fuel into the Flint River, which provides drinking water for more than 400,000 residents of the south Atlanta metro. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia Environmental Protection Division were quick to respond, but local residents and conservation groups were frustrated by a lack of ownership by airport officials. Some Spalding County residents 45 miles south of the airport reported a noticeable smell and residue in their water. The incident marked the ninth fuel spill at Hartsfield-Jackson since 2016. SINKING…
