Vol. 19, Issue 1
The Community News A Newsletter for the Citizens of Jonesboro, Georgia Joy B. Day Mayor
Feb.-March 2015
jday@jonesboroga.com
Councilmembers: Bill Powell, Mayor Protem Jack Bruce Wallace Norrington Pat Sebo Bobby Wiggins Ricky L. Clark, Jr., City Cler k Joe Nettleton, Pub.Wor ks Dir . Franklin Allen, PoliceChief Sandra Meyers, Finance Shayla Harris, Economic Dev. Derry Walker, Code Enfor cement Steve Fincher, City Attor ney Ronald Freeman, J udge Keith Wood, Assoc. J udge Jerry Patrick, City Solicitor City Hall (770) 478-3800 Jonesboro PD (770) 478-7407 NON-Emergency # (770) 477-3550
CITIZENS ARE URGED TO HONOR A VETERAN
Each Memorial Day (MAY) and each Veteran’s Day (NOV), the City of Jonesboro will display flags in memory of deceased veterans. The project began two years ago to honor our Veterans. If you live in the City and would like to honor any deceased veteran, you may complete a form with basic information. A one time voluntary donation of $10 helps to defray costs of cross construction, flag purchase, and erecting the crosses, as well as replacing the memorial as time elapses. Family members of former residents may also honor a deceased veteran. Forms may be completed at City Hall or downloaded at www.jonesboroga.com. Let’s honor those who made a sacrifice to keep our country free and to preserve our rights and liberties as Americans. Deadline for Memorial Day 2015: May 8, 2015.
Happy Birthday Chester Gipson
Mr. Chester Gipson of Crowder Street celebrated his 90th Birthday on December 28, 2014. Mr. Gipson has been a resident of Jonesboro for 60+ years.
Congratulations!
2015 BUDGET APPROVED Public Hearing was held on Dec. 22, 2014; the City’s $4.1M Budget was approved on Dec. 29, 2014. It includes two additional Public Works employees, one Police Patrolman, police body cameras, and a 3% employee cost of living raise. Copies are available at City Hall.
eNotifications
The City of Jonesboro eNotifications Service allows the City to send electronic notices, alerts, and information to All subscribers. This service is free of charge. News will be distributed regarding weather related issues, employment and bid opportunities, special news, events, etc. We will continue to add new categories of information and notifications. Check back regularly to see if there are any new informational categories to which you wish to subscribe. Sign up at our website, www.jonesboroga.com or contact City Hall to subscribe today! The first 50 to signup will be included in a contest to win a City of Jonesboro Gift Bag.
As part of our City Fitness Initiative, we invite you to walk with us each Wednesday at City Hall. Walks begin at 5:15-5:30 pm. We will walk for one hour and end at City Hall. Our walk will be a good way to get in shape, see Jonesboro sites, and socialize. Come on over to City Hall and hit the streets with us. If you have questions, call (770) 478-3800.
For more information, call (404) 596-8504 Email: Springsprint_SRC@gmail.com or Visit www.lakespiveyrotaryclub.com
Dear Citizens, Mayor’s Message Streetscape 2 was bid successfully in Nov 2014; we are ready to begin! Costs have risen due to utility and material prices. Streetscape will be a source of pride in Jonesboro for years to come, extending both north and southward, with the utilities underground, decorative lighting, new sidewalks and benches. Lee Street Park bid opening is scheduled for February 4, 2015. We hope to break ground in a few weeks on that project as well. Both of these ventures are being accomplished with grant funds and SPLOST. I invite you to attend city meetings and events; you will meet friends and gain a clearer understanding of the challenges our city faces. Join our Phone Tree for friendly reminders by calling (770) 478-3800. Now that our new website is in place, www.jonesboroga.com, I hope you will find it easier to keep track of city business. Don’t forget our Facebook page, City of Jonesboro Government. May 2015 be your best year yet. Joy Day
Landon Michael
CITY CLOSEUP:
McMillan
Vickie Collins
Vickie Collins has been a valued member of the City of Jonesboro team since 2006. She has worked as Records Clerk (GCIC) and Asst. Court Clerk, but presently serves in our Probation Department. Vickie completed the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) Certification and the Uniform Crime Reporting Class. She enjoys spending time with her family traveling, hiking, and at the lake. Vickie is a graduate of Jonesboro High School. She has two daughters and a new grandson, Joseph, 4 months old. Vickie is known for her kind manner and for being a team player. Thank you, Vickie Collins, for your service to Jonesboro.
BEFORE
Kite Trivia Born: Dec. 19, 2014 7 lb. 8 oz. Congratulations to Officer Chad McMillan and wife, Kammie.
> > > > > >
Kite Trivia
Kite Trivia
Kite Trivia
There is at least one Kite Festival every weekend of the year in some part of the world . It is now thought that the first kites flown over 3000 years ago were made of leaves. In Indonesia, leaf kites are still used for fishing. Some Japanese kites weigh over two tons. Kites were used in the Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers. People were flying kites 1000 years before paper was invented.
City Blotter OFFENSE
NOV
DEC
Citations
517
391
Warnings
232
176
Accidents
28
24
Arrests
64
50
DUI
0
3
Property Checks
2505
2626
Warrants
371
250
Probation
660
653
Criminal
63
1
Investigations
Katie M. Boatwright Graduates
Daughter of Hydee Griffin, Jonesboro Police Department, graduated from the University of West Georgia on December 13, 2014 with Cum Laude honors. Katie earned a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in English with a minor in education. She was named Outstanding English Education Major for 2014. Katie has already been accepted (with scholarship) to Mercer University School of Law and John Marshall Law School. She is a 2010 graduate FEEDING THE TROOPS of Northgate High school in Coweta County. Best wishes in your Darryl Hand, city resident and a Delta Airlines employee, is future endeavors, Katie. We are proud of you! pictured above at the Atlanta Airport, as he provides breakfast for U.S. troops and their families; he was assisted Meredith Roark Receives by Pat Sebo, City Councilmember. A full breakfast with Certificate of Excellence eggs, grits, bacon and the works is served beginning at 4:00 Meredith Roark, a.m. and ending around 10:00 a.m. Sutherland Foods donated daughter of Allen food to this most worthy cause. This is Mr. Hand’s 7th year and Cathy Roark of of providing this service to say thanks to our men and women in uniform as they pass through the world’s busiest Northlake Drive, airport. Way to go, Darryl Hand and Pat Sebo! recently received
the Certificate of Excellence from the International City/County Management Association. The ICMA awards certificates yearly to recognize local government performance management programs. Ms. Roark is employed by the City of Decatur as Budget and Performance Measurement Manager. Pictured above is Decatur City Manager Peggy Merriss, Ms. Roark, and Bob O’Neill, Executive Director of the ICMA. More information is available at ICMA.org. Congratulations, Meredith Roark
New Businesses CARE LINK SOLUTIONS, INC. 5 Star Learning Academy ECBE AUTO, INC. HLM AUTO SALES Reid’s Auto Repair (Emissions) Towstar USA, Inc. Therapeutic & Rehab Massage Striker Auto Group, LLC JB Full Service and Auto Repair Designer’s Touch Hair Salon Taste of Thailand
7827 Old Mor r ow Road 191 South Main Street 194 Jonesboro Road, Ste.A7 194 Jonesboro Road, Ste.A5 244 South Main Street 8500 Tara Boulevard 205 North Main Street 194 Jonesboro Rd., Suite A4 8870 Tara Boulevard 8160 Tara Blvd., Ste. 109 8562 Tara Boulevard
Around Town...
*Christmas Parade Winners* 1st Place: Tara Wrecker (Live Nativity) 2nd Place: Kidz of Paradise (Frozen) 3rd Place: Clowns with New Hope Mayor's Award: On Pointe Dance Factory
Thanks to all participants in our parade! You made it a special day in Jonesboro See you next year!
Jonesboro City Hall 124 North Avenue Jonesboro, GA 30236
Pre-Sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Jonesboro, GA Permit No. 7
Community Calendar FEB 2 Work Session, 6 pm, PD FEB 3 Hill Family Band, 6 pm, FM FEB 9 City Court, 8 am, PD FEB 9 Council Meeting, 7 pm, PD FEB 12 Covered Dish Supper,6 pm, FM FEB 14 Valentine’s Day FEB 16 Neigh. Watch, 6:30 pm, PD FEB 23 City Court, 8 am, PD MAR 2 Work Session, 6 pm PD MAR 3 Hill Family Band, 6 pm, FM MAR 9 Council Meeting, 7 pm, PD MAR 12 Cov. Dish Supper, 6 pm, FM MAR 17 St. Patrick’s Day MAR 16 Neigh. Watch, 6:30 pm, PD MAR 20 City Fitness Day MAR 21 “SPRING SPRINT,” FM, 8 am Firehouse Museum Activities Tuesdays: Movie Night: 6 pm Thursdays: Bingo, 6 pm (unless otherwise noted on Calendar above)
City Special Election
CITY ARCHIVES
Tuesday, March 17 To fill the unexpired term of Councilman Randy Segner
*Early voting at City Hall Feb. 23-March 13 →March 17 Election at Fire Station #13 on W. Mimosa at N. Main Street
Wedding Vow Renewals February 14, 2015 Valentine’s Day At Stately Oaks Plantation Would you like to say “I still do” to your spouse? Bring your family and be a part of this special event. Reserve this special time by calling (770) 473-0197 Ceremonies officiated by Representative Mike Glanton
Our 2015 Season FRONT “Winnie the Pooh”:Feb 27, 28; Mar 1, 6,7, 8 PORCH PLAYERS “A Gershwin Review”: May 8,9,10,15,16,17 “Dearly Departed”: Sept 11,12,13,18.19,20 Papa’s Angels”: Dec 4, 5, 6, 11,12,13 To purchase tickets
www.frontporchplayers.com
WHERE IN THE CITY? Call City Hall To win a prize!
James Massengale “Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own.” -H. Jackson Brown