JONESBORO COMMUNITY NEWS
Vol. 26, Issue 1 January 2022
“One Great Community, Many Stories”
Joy B. Day, Mayor jday@jonesboroga.com Council: Pat Sebo-Hand, Mayor Protem Bobby Lester Tracey Messick Billy Powell Donya Sartor Ed Wise Ricky L. Clark, Jr., City Mgr. Tommy Henderson, III Chief of Police David Allen, Comm. Development Brandon Hermsmeier, Public Works Nina Robinson, Finance Derry Walker, Code Enforcement City Hall (770) 478-3800 Jonesboro PD (770) 478-7407 Non-Emergency (770) 477-3550 TIPLINE: (470) 543-2011
City of Jonesboro Announces New Smartphone App!
BREAKS GROUND for 55+
The City of Jonesboro is excited to anHearthside Jonesboro, located just off North nounce the release of a new smartphone Avenue, will consist of 87 residences located on application. This app will serve as a new 6.20 acres. All residents must be 55+ years in age. Hearthstone will be contained in a way for the organization to connect with four story mid-rise building with secured entrances, interior hallways, & elevator serresidents and responders, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone vice. Approximately 40% of residences are 1-Bdr., and 60% are 2-Bdr. Interior ameniwith a smartphone. The City of Jonesboro ties include Community Room w/Bistro, Cardio Center, Fitness Classes, Computer Center and onsite Property Management. Exterior Amenities: Gardens, Covered Porch, app was developed by OCV Apps. The app offers quick access to items of public Covered Pavilion, Grills, Dog Run, and a Pickle Ball Court. Hearthside Jonesboro’s interest and is easy to use. In just a few builder is ONESTREET Residential. • 9 foot ceilings Large Closets clicks, users can access features such as: • Energy Star Appliances NORTH MAIN STREET • Mayor’s Office • Open Kitchen w/Pantry • City Manager • LVT Wood Plank Flooring* • Tile Backsplash* • City Council • Tile Bathroom Flooring* • Courts • Island/ Peninsula in Kitchen • Jonesboro Police • Full-Size W/D Connections* • Other Public Safety • Stacked W/D* • City Service Request • Step-in Showers, Master Baths • City News • 2” Faux Wood Blinds The City of Jonesboro app is available for • Balconies/Patios *Indicates in select units download for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “City of Jonesboro, GA” or scan the QR code to download.
Download our App today!
2022 Budget of $6.1M Approved by Council With an emphasis on customer service delivery and quality of life issues, the Jonesboro City Council recently approved the 2022 Budget of $6,104,280. The budget provides for no employee cuts, a 2% increase for employees, technology enhancements, increase in minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, additional positions of Technology Specialist & Economic Development Manager, funding for Tuition Reimbursement, participation in the National League of Cities, four F150 trucks for Police Corporals, two replacement trucks for Public Works, and Debt Service for ongoing Capital Improvement Projects (Broad Street, City Center & Lee Street Park). It provides long term funding for future projects and advances the City’s Strategic Direction in Public Safety & Education. The City continues to maintain a healthy fund balance as a hedge against future financial emergencies. If you have questions or would like further details, a copy of our 2022 Budget is available at
www.jonesboroga.com.
”The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.” Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968
Christina Millar
National American Miss
Welcome, Shenika Wright!
JPD STATS:
Ms. Wright brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Court Administrator. She has previously served as a Senior Deputy Court Clerk, a Probation Officer, and held roles in the Banking Industry. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/ Business Admin./ Management from Liberty University. She is TAC certi-
Nov 2021
Court Administrator
fied and trained in Record Retention. CHANGES UNDERWAY AT 242 STOCKBRIDGE ROAD
Citations: 481 Warnings: 75 Accidents: 51 Arrests: 51 Warrants: (FTA) 316 DUI: 5 CID Active Cases: 165 Probation, Active: 317 VOP Warrants:211 Training Hours: 88 -Taser Recertification, Probation Certification
Congratulations to Fresh paint and cleaning has given an enhanced appearance to the Christina Miller, daughter of Bruce & Tanita former Ingles Shopping Center, 242 Stockbridge Road. The property was approved in June 2021 for an Event Center, focusing on birthMillar. She placed top 5 in day parties, showers, and smaller events and meetings, and a Resthe National American taurant/Lounge in Suite 11. In November 2021, the City Council Miss, Nat’l All-American approved a Concert Hall, Event Center and Restaurant/Lounge in Miss Teen Pageant. ChristiSuite 8, the actual site of the former grocery store, a 33,992 sq. ft. na also placed in Spokessize space with concert seating for about 650 persons. The Concert model, Runway, Casual Wear & Red Carpet Corre- Hall will focus primarily on musical events. Patricia Okwuosa, owner and applicant, has stated that other suites will be available for spondent. Bruce Millar is small businesses and the beauty shop in that setting, New Dawn, will an attorney in the City. remain in its location.
KROGER ADDS FUEL CENTER Kroger at Crossroads Shopping Center is adding a Fuel Center to its amenities. Approved already by City Council, the Fuel Center will be located at the site that was formerly Buffalo’s Restaurant, facing North Avenue. Construction will begin in 2022. Thank you, Kroger, for providing our citizens with this great addition.
202 South Main St., (470) 400-WIGS www.adornbeautyenhancements.com
N. Lake Drive
CITY GARDEN MOVES FORWARD Plans are underway to add 21 additional garden beds, pea gravel around the beds, and a small barn for storage. It’s not too late to start planning for Spring 2022! Join us as we continue to make new friends, harvest vegetables, and have fun at the City Garden. Everyone is welcome! Give Samaria McCoy a call at (770) 478-7407 or email smccoy@jonesboroga.com
3 END OF WATCH November 30, 2021 IN LOVING MEMORY Jonathan “Carter” Agnew 1986-2021
COYOTES SIGHTED IN CITY A resident has seen what appeared to be three young coyotes playing in a dried up lake bed near Ingleside, Starr, and N. Lake right: A Coyote Drives. Previously, what appeared to be an adult coyote AtBelow: A Coydog, was seen, also in the same neighborhoods, during the offspring of a female dog & a male coyote. overnight hours. Usually coyotes make an effort to avoid contact with humans. That's not the case with small pets, chickens, and such, especially at night when coyotes are looking for food. You should also keep an eye on mature female dogs since coyotes will breed with them, resulting in what's known as a Coydog. Thanks to a city resident fort this most interesting article.
“MY HOPES FOR 2022” DeMar Bromfield, Owner, Jamrock Jerk Restaurant: “I want more consistency in my business; more activity in the City getting businesses involved.”
Mia Collins, Owner, Enhance Wig Salon: “To enhance my ability to garner a profitable business...become a successful businesswoman.”
Ben Casey, President & CEO, LTI, Inc: “I hope that in 2022 people will feel secure, healthy, and protected. That COVID-19 is reduced and that the market supply chain stabilizes, and employment is available to everyone.”
Lynel Goodwin, Director, Mighty Marching Cardinals, JHS: “Continue to travel, giving the students experiences and exposure, growth in band membership, and focus on our monumental trip to Washington, D.C. in July representing the State of Georgia.”
Katherine Smith, Citizen, Retired City Clerk, Jonesboro: “ I hope for continued blessings for everyone, as we have had so many in the past. I hope for good health in 2022.”
Joy B. Day, Mayor, City of Jonesboro: “LOVE, not hate, in the world. Vim and vigor, personally, and the closeness of relatives and friends. For Jonesboro families, safety and stability.”
Chief Tommy Henderson, Jonesboro Police Department: “It is my hope that the effects of COVID-19 are diminished. I hope to have a fully staffed department as we continue to collaborate with those we serve to decrease crime. I hope to continue to increase education & training for our officers.”
City Committee Teams---2021 Thanks for Working to Make Jonesboro Great! Main Street Design Committee
Beautification Commission
Bonnie Shekarabi, Chairman Barbara Casey Lane Kimberly L. Lightford Tammary Scott David Allen, City Facilitator
Cindy Haire, Chairman Sheila Brooks Cameron Dixon Daniel Millwee Michael Padgett Billy Raymond Derry Walker, City Facilitator
Historic Preservation Committee
Downtown Development Authority
Betsy Wester, Chairman Arlene Charles Allison Brown Murphy Jule Segner David Allen, City Facilitator
Jonesboro Housing Authority Tammy Stanley, Chairman Allen Roark Don Dixon Larry Ford
Karen Sullivan, Chairman Dawn Murray-Hartman Helen Meadows Allen Roark Jule Segner Joy B. Day Ricky Clark, Secretary
Urban Redevelopment Agency Joy B. Day, Chairman Helen Meadows Pat Sebo-Hand Jule Segner Ed Wise Ricky Clark, Secretary
Main Street Promotion Committee Jule Segner, Chairman Charlton Bivins Dana Holmes Mitch Johnson Helen Meadows Allen Roark Tammary Scott Karen Sullivan
Interested in serving on a Committee or Commission? Contact City Hall and Complete an Application* *Some groups require city residency
The Community News Jonesboro City Hall
Pre-Sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Jonesboro, GA Permit No. 7
124 North Avenue Jonesboro, GA 30236
COMMUNITY CALENDAR JAN 1
Happy New Year!
JAN 3
City Holiday - Closed
JAN 5
Design Review Comm., CH, 4:30 pm
JAN 6
DDA, PD, 6:00 pm
JAN 10 City Court, PD, 8:00 pm JAN 10 City Council Work Session and Council Meeting, PD, 6:00 pm JAN 17 MLK Holiday - City Offices Closed JAN 17 MLK Parade - TBA JAN 18 Historic Comm., CH, 5:30 pm JAN 27 Beautification Comm., 5:30 pm JAN 28 Promotions Comm., CH, 4:30 pm LET’S MAKE 2022 A GREAT YEAR!
The Community News is published at Jonesboro City Hall. Written & Edited by Mayor Joy B. Day To submit news, email jday@jonesboroga.com
CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY
PET OF THE MONTH
“Fast Facts” Total Enrollment: 6,832 Fulltime: 3,710 Part-time: 3,122 Average Age: 26 70.8% Female 29.2% Male Most Popular Undergraduate Majors Health Sciences (17.4%) Psychology. & Human Services (7.1%) General Business (4.7%) Computer Science (4.2%) Biology (4.0%)
T. Ramon Stuart, Ph.D., President
STAY INFORMED! Access City Website www.jonesboroga.com All agendas, minutes, etc. are posted . Like us on Facebook City of Jonesboro Government (latest news) Attend Work Sessions:. 1st Monday of the month, 6 pm, 170 S. Main St. Open public discussions are held at Work Session. Attend Council Meetings, 2nd Monday, 6 pm.,170 S. Main Street
“Rhea 8”
Stephanie Boles