Newcomers 2014 by CMMurdock

Newcomers Guide 2014

Hogansville • LaGrange • West Point

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

Helping the people of west Georgia and east Alabama is our reward.

Being recognized for medical excellence is a bonus. It’s not really the style of West Georgia Health to stand up front and center to proclaim our achievements. But every once in a while, you just want people to know how good you really are. West Georgia Health is recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® for achieving excellence in performance on its accountability measures during 2012 for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care. According to the 2014 CareChex* report, West Georgia Health is ranked:

4th out of 124 for overall hospital care in Georgia 81st of 4,185 hospitals in the U.S. As a top 100 hospital in the U.S. for

Medical Excellence in three distinct categories: - Overall Hospital Care - Overall Medical Care - General Surgery We’ll admit, it’s nice to be recognized. But it’s even better to serve great people every single day.

So Healthy Together

1514 Vernon Road LaGrange, Georgia 30240 706-882-1411 To learn more or find a physician visit WGHealth.org.

*These rankings are based on independent research conducted by CareChex®, a division of Comparion®. Comparion determines these rankings via its National Quality Rating Database which includes virtually all general, acute, no-federal U.S. hospitals and incorporates the most recent three years of federal fiscal year data. To learn more, visit www.carechex.com.

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

18th Azalea Storytelling Festival brings humor, musings

The 18th annual Azalea Storytelling Festival drew a large crowd to the Callaway Auditorium as this year’s storytellers recounted tales of reflection and whimsy, and some sang songs to entertain. At Friday night’s opening, Bill Harley was the first to take the stage. The two-time Grammy winner started with a song about not taking anything for granted, and accepting the world as it is. Harley then transitioned into a story about the time he crossed an interstate just to get a pair of socks. While staying in a hotel, Harley said he decided to walk across a busy interstate in order to buy a fresh pair of socks from s mall, rather than get a taxi to take him just across the street, like the hotel attendant suggested. After dodging cars, having his sanity questioned by a police officer and sliding down a deep culvert into “this muck, reconstituted wetlands with seven-legged frogs jumping around,” he finally made it to the mall parking lot. After traversing what felt like another seven miles across the large parking lot, he realized he was at the back of the mall used his credit card to pry open the door. He ended up in the lingerie section of a store, surprising a clerk, and drawing the attention of everyone, but he finally got his socks. When he got back to his hotel, he was hungry and found out a restaurant was next door. “Call me a cab,” the exhausted Harley told the attendant. Barbara McBride-Smith told the audience about the time her mother was almost arrested at Walmart for trying to get a specific brand of baking powder to make biscuits at 5 a.m. on her birthday. McBride-Smith said her mother only used Clever Girl baking powder, and after getting up early on McBride-Smith’s birthday to make her biscuits, realized she was out. Going to the local store more than an hour before it opened, her mother caught the attention of an employee she knew, who tried to help her, but the store didn’t have Clever Girl brand in stock. He suggested she try Walmart, where she found the sought-after baking powder. However, after waiting in a long line in the sole checkout line, she asked a manager to open another register, but the snide manager

Eric Litwin, left, sings, dances and makes sound effects as he narrates the story ‘Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes’ as fellow storyteller Ed Stivender presents the book.

refused and when the mother tried to explain her situation, he told her she should just buy biscuits from McDonald’s. “Well, I guess that’s when my mom lost her cool,” McBride-Smith quipped. McBride-Smith was later awakened by a phone call by her mother, saying she was busted at Walmart for shoplifting. McBrideSmith rushed to the store and found out her mom had tried to leave an IOU for the baking powder because she was tired of waiting in line and didn’t have any cash smaller than a $20 to leave behind. McBride-Smith’s mother said she didn’t understand the problem because her local store allowed her to leave IOUs when she needed. After finding out that the young store manager had never had home-baked biscuits, McBride-Smith’s mother offered to bring a batch to him and all the employees only the early morning shift. The kindness seemed to melt the manager’s heart and he took her payment for the baking powder, let her go and promised that if she ever needed help in the future, to ask for him. “That’s why if you ever go to my house, you will only find one brand of baking powder, Clever Girl,” McBride-Smith said. Megan Hicks, a newcomer to the Azalea Festival, told the audience about how she stole from Disneyland when she worked there at 19 in the late 1960s by giving away free food to those who didn’t have enough to pay for the overpriced meals. She said the first incident happened after two small children with $1 were heartbroken they could only afford fries and a drink, so she told them about the “special going on right now” to get a whole meal for a $1. After they left excited, she continued to cut deals for young couples, children, families and anyone else that were caught off guard and unable to pay the price of food. “I knew it was only a matter of time before I got busted,” Hicks said. After she gave a big meal to a long-haired attendees for only 50 cents, she was surprised to see a security guard was the next customer. He gave her a curious eye, and she thought her time was over, but she never heard anything about it until a few weeks later when the guard came back to buy a coffee, leaned

over the counter and warned her not to make any “deals” that day because park management were inside looking around. It turns out, she never was busted, but did leave and moved forward with her life. “While at Disneyland I made a big life decision, one I started by making a promise to myself in the Magic Kingdom that I would not do anything that I couldn’t stand in front of people and tell them about without regret,” she said. Michael Reno Harrell, another newcomer to the festival, told about his rural upbringing starting with his family’s heritage in North Carolina running back to the “North Carolinathols.” Growing up, he spent a lot of time with Stover Mason, a friend of his maternal grandfather. In fact, the two had “adopted” each other as grandfather and grandson after Harrell’s paternal grandfather died. Harrell recalled when Mason took him to a swap meet. Harrell was about 10 and inexperienced at trading. Mason pulled up to Harrell’s home to pick him up for the swap meet at 6 a.m. and had already traded something for a mule on the way. When they arrived at the meet, he immediately traded the mule for other items. Harrell went searching and found a man with a Zepco 303 closed-face rod and reel combination, top of the line at the time, for $5. Harrell had $3 and after the man asked if he had anything to trade to make up the difference. The two headed back home at the end of the day and Mason had a truck load of things from the meet, including cash, a chainsaw, shotgun, Singer sewing machine “and the same red mule.” Harrell had the rod and reel, which he had ended up giving his $3 and also his $4 pocket knife. “I was about halfway back home when I realized I was in financial ruin,” he said. story created on Monday 3/10/2014 at 8:57:39 am by Matthew Strother story modified on Monday 3/10/2014 at 10:16:17 am by Tim Epperson Matthew Strother may be reached at mstrother@civitasmedia.com or (706) 884-7311, ext. 229

INDEX oF ADVERTISERS and TABLE OF CONTENTS Government Information and Services

INDEX oF ADVERTISERS Badcock Home Furnishings......................................23 Charter Bank............................................................13 Commercial Bank & Trust.........................................35 Community Bank and Trust......................................11 Downtown LaGrange Development Authority.........16 Dr. George Childress................................................17 Emory Clark-Holder Clinic.......................................21 Fryer’s Tire Center....................................................17 Higgins Chapel- LaGrange.......................................16 Hills and Dales.........................................................29 Holliday Realtors.....................................................29 Hughston Clinic, P.C................................................25 Hunter Allen Myhand Funeral Home.......................12 Jamie’s Automotive.....................................................7 Lafayette Society for Performing Arts.......................28 Lanier Health...........................................................26 Plum Southern.........................................................28 Precision Auto Body.................................................15 State Farm-Jerry Cleveland.......................................21 Striffler-Hamby Mortuary........................................27 Timeless Antiques.......................................................7 Troup County Board of Commissioners....................31 Troup County Schools................................................9 Twin Cedars.............................................................15 Vernon Woods.........................................................21 West Georgia Health.................................................2 West Georgia Physicians.................................... 18-19 West Georgia Technical College...............................32 West Point Stevens...................................................33

Utilities and Services..................................................................6 Narural gas, electricity, water and sanitation..............................6 Electricity...................................................................................6 Telephone and Internet..............................................................6 Taxes.........................................................................................6

City of LaGrange.............................................................6

LaGrange City Hall....................................................................6 LaGrange Police Department.....................................................6 LaGrange Fire Rescue Department.............................................6 Economic Development.............................................................6

Troup County....................................................................6 Troup County Goverment Center...............................................6

Voting................................................................................6 Crime Stoppers................................................................6 Driver Services.................................................................6 Recycling.........................................................................6 US Postal Service..............................................................7 LaGrange...................................................................................7 Hogansville................................................................................7 West Point.................................................................................7

LaGrange.........................................................................6 West Point.........................................................................7 Hogansville......................................................................7 Lawmakers.....................................................................12

Education in Troup County Troup.......................................................................................11 Callaway..................................................................................11 LaGrange.................................................................................11 LaGrange College....................................................................11 West Georgia Technical College...............................................11 Point University.......................................................................11

2014 Discovering Troup County LaGarange Daily News Tim Epperson, Editor tepperson@civitasmedia.com

Community

Marka Sonoga Director of Revenue msonoga@civitasmedia.com 105 Ashton Street PO Box 929 LaGrange, GA 30241 (706) 884-7311 lagrangenews.com

Festivals...................................................................................14 Attractions...............................................................................20 Arts and Entertainment.............................................................20 LaGrange Community Spotlight...............................................23 West Point Community Spotlight..............................................24 Hogansville Community Spotlight............................................25 Newcome 2014

rs Guide

On the cover

A myriad of activities that Troup County has to offer.

In the Troup County Community LaGrange Daily News..............................................................15 Newcomers’ Club....................................................................15 Habitat for Humanity...............................................................15 Libraries...................................................................................15

Health Ho ga nsv

ille • LaG ra ng

e • We st Po int

West Georgia Health System....................................................32 Emory Clark Holder Clinic.......................................................34

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

Renae Willis, vice chair of THINC College and Career Academy board of directors, opens the reception at Milliken Design Center in January 2014, announcing it as the future home of THINC.

THINC Academy set to prepare local students for workforce Staff report Troup County’s College and Career Academy, THINC, is set to open for the fall 2014 school year. THINC is a collaborations among the Troup County School System, local universities, businesses and government to create a charter school. The students who attend THINC will be Troup County School System high school juniors and seniors who will take certain classes at the academy focused on on better preparing them for local jobs and college. “THINC will be a charter and expert based academy with a down-to-business approach to education offering authentic workplace curriculum shaping work-savvy students for a demanding work force while being propelled by unprecedented community support,” said Renae Willis, vice chair of the board of the directors for THINC. Willis said the school will offer everything from health science to mechatronics, robotics, business classes and AP classes. High school juniors and seniors will be able to come to THINC for half of the day for classes while also having class at their high school.

Eventually however, Willis said they would like to expand to freshman and sophomores. Though the idea behind THINC began in 2006, it was postponed due to a declining economy and the arrival of KIA in LaGrange. It was revisited in 2013 by community leaders and more than 100 people came to together as volunteers to start the THINC process. “We knew we had no time to waste, so this plan was put on a fast-track,” Willis said. In January, Milliken and the Board of Education agreed on a lease to use Milliken’s design center, which was the headquarters for the company’s floor covering division for about four decades. Its granting of the center was valued at $4 million. “We are honored to be a part of a community that taking an unique approach to educational challenges and that we are able to play a role by offering the use of the design center,” Melanie Steinbach, Milliken chief human resource officer, said on behalf of Milliken president and CEO, Joe Sally. Sheila Rowe, chair of the Troup County Board of Education, said: “THINC will complement the hard work and dedication that is currently taking place in

the Troup County school system and in the classroom,” she said. “Our students will expand in their learning and flourish as a result of the pulled resources and opportunities offered in the academy.” THINC will be the only career academy in the state with business funding behind it. Kia has pledged $3 million dollars and a $3.1 million grant came from the lieutenant governor’s office. Other sponsors include Technical College System of Georgia, Mobis, Power Tech, Troup County Development Authority, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Power, LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce and Troup County Center for Strategic Planning. The former design center will accommodate the full operations of THINC beginning in August 2014. Despite constant hurdles, Willis said the academy is still on track and in March 2014 the board was ready to award a construction contract for renovations on the building. “We have an extremely aggressive time-line and many hurdles to jump with the state department of education … so it is going to be a daunting task,” Willis said. “We are committed to opening this facility on time.”

The Board of Directors for THINC are: • John Asbell of Georgia Power, chairman, recommended by LaGrange High School. • Renae Willis of CB&T, vice chair, Chamber of Commerce small business nominee. • Robby Burch of Interface, treasurer, Chamber of Commerce at-large nominee. • Dr. Linda McMullen, representing LaGrange College. • Dr. Tonya Whitlock, representing West Georgia Technical College. • Dr. Darryl Harrison, representing Point University. • Dr. Tonia Contorno, representing Troup County School System. • Toni Striblin of Roger’s Barbecue, recommended by Callaway High School. • Greg Hicks of Mud Creek Graphics, recommended by Troup High School. • Josh Fernandez of Kia, Chamber of Commerce large business nominee. • Dr. C.J. Tumambing of Emory Clark Holder Clark, Chamber of Commerce medical nominee. More information about the academy can be found at www. thincacademy.net.

6 Utilities and Services

Troup County cities provide certain utilities for their residents. To find companies other than the ones listed below, call the local City Hall. For a list of other companies providing gas utilities in this area, contact the Georgia Public Service Commission toll free at 800-2825813 or visit the PSC web site at www.psc.state.ga.us

Natural Gas, Electricity, Water and Sanitation City of LaGrange: (706) 883-2030 City of Hogansville: (706) 637-8629 City of West Point: (706) 645-3503

Electricity Diverse Power Inc.: (706) 845-2000 Georgia Power Co.: (888) 660-5890

Telephone & Internet AT&T Georgia: (888) 757-6500 Charter Communications: (877) 728-3814 or (888) 438-2427 Knology of the Valley: (706) 645-8630

Taxes

Income tax: Georgia residents are subject to state income tax. For information, contact a Georgia Department of Revenue regional office from 8am to 4:45pm weekdays: Columbus Regional Office 1501 13th Street, Suite A Columbus, GA 31901 (706) 649-7451 Atlanta Regional Office 1800 Century Boulevard, NE Suite 12000 Atlanta, GA 30345-3205 (404) 417-6605 The city of LaGrange does not assess property taxes. Instead, it operates mostly from utility revenues and sales taxes. Sales Taxes: the sales tax rate in Troup County is 7 percent. Some items are exempt from sales tax.

City of LaGrange LaGrange City Hall 200 Ridley Ave. LaGrange, GA 30240

Government Information & SerVIces (706) 883-2000 www.lagrange-ga.org LaGrange, incorporated in 1828, is the seat of Troup County. The city operates under a council-manager form of government, with a six-member elected council, a mayor elected at large and an appointed professional city manager. Daily administration and management are handled by the city manager, with policy and guidance provided by the mayor and council. Regular meetings of the mayor and council are at 5:30 pm the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the City Council chamber/ Municipal Court building at 208 Ridley Avenue. Municipal operations are financed largely by sales taxes and utility revenues, which allows the city to operate without property taxes.

LaGrange Police

(911) Emergency Calls ONLY Non emergency (706) 883-2603

LaGrange Fire Rescue Department

(706) 883-2650 The Fire Department is a paid department offering a variety of emergency and non-emergency services. It includes three stations. The department has a Class 2 fire suppression rating as determined by the Insurance Services Organization. This lower rating allows residents to receive homeowners’ insurance premiums lower than those in other areas.

Economic Development

is comprised of a chairman, who is elected in a countywide election, and four commissioners, who each are elected from specific district, serving four-year terms. A county manager handles the day-to-day operations of the government. In 1826 the state legislature created the Inferior Court as the first governing body of Troup County. A council of five was elected to serve with judicial powers in lesser cases, as opposed to the Superior Court. Troup County was reorganized in 1827 and divided to create Meriwether County from the eastern portion.

Voting

Visit these offices to register: Troup County Registrar’s Office, Government Center 100 Ridley Ave. (706) 883-1745. LaGrange Memorial Library 115 Alford Street (706) 882-7784 Department of Driver Services 900 Dallis Street LaGrange Hogansville Library 600 E. Main Street. (706) 637-6230 Forms available at West Point City Hall, 730 1st. Ave. To vote in city, county, state and federal elections, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old (17 1/2 to register), mentally sound and not a convicted felon who is still on probation.A potential voter needs proof of residency and identification, such as automobile registration, driver’s license or Social Security card. Potential voters must register at least 30 days before the election in which they wish to vote.

LaGrange is home to several major industries and Fortune 1000 companies. About 60 major industries are in LaGrange, mainly in the production. distribution fields. Products as diverse as medical supplies,manufactured homes and electronic components are made every day in LaGrange for markets around the world. Kia Motors in West Point accounts for about 2,500 direct jobs. Several suppliers are in LaGrange.

Residents may leave anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000 and receiving a code number. The tip is passed on to law enforcement officials. When an arrest is made as a result of the information, a reward is authorized. Using the code assigned, the tipster calls Crime Stoppers to check the status of the tip and learn how to collect the reward if one is allowed.

Troup County

Driver Services

Troup County Government Center

Driver’s Licenses

100 Ridley Ave LaGrange (706) 883-1610

The Troup County Commission

Crime Stoppers

New Georgia residents must obtain a state driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency With a valid out-of-state driver’s license, drivers need to take

an eye exam, have proof of residence and a birth certificate or passport. First-time drivers must also take a road test and written exam. Georgia residents who need to change their address can do so online once during each renewal cycle. Go to www.dds.ga.gov. For security purposes, you must have your Georgia license in hand to supply key information that is found only on the license. A five year license for driving a passenger car costs $20 and an eight year license costs $35. A learner’s permit is $10. All fees can be paid in cash, by check, money order or credit card. Licenses are issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services at designated driver’s license bureau sites. The office in LaGrange is open Tuesday-Friday from 8am-6pm. Road tests are by appointment only and must be scheduled by calling toll-free 866-754-3687. Written exams do not require an appointment. No testing is conducted after 4:15 pm. For information about driver’s licenses, see www.dds. ga.gov. This website includes all requirements for drivers licensees, as well as the current drivers license manual. Residents may also call customer service toll free at 866-754-3687.

Tag and Auto Registration

Georgia licenses tags must be purchased within 30 days of establishing residency. The tag must be purchased at the Troup County tax commissioner’s office in the Government Center at 100 Ridley Ave. in LaGrange. (706) 883-1620. The office is open from 8:30am to 5 pm on weekdays. Auto owners must provide proof of insurance, a valid Georgia Driver’s license, current tag registration, mileage reading, and title or name of lien holder or copy of lease agreement.

Recycling

LaGrange operates a recycling center where residents may take a variety of items for recycling, including No.1 and No.2 plastics (soft drink bottles, milk jugs and laundry detergent jugs), glass (brown, green, and clear), aluminum and tin cans, newspapers, magazines, phone books, scrap paper, computer paper, cardboard and electronics (including computers, TVs and cell phones; batteries can be taken to Home Depot). The city also gives away mulch. County convenience centers:

Government Information & SerVIces all convenience centers recycle metal and cardboard, and most also recycle aluminum cans, plastic milk jugs, paper, newspapers and magazines.

Recycling Centers

• Loyd-Tatum, Old West Point Road • Hillcrest, Hillcrest Road • Abbottsford, Abbottsford Road • Hogansville Road at Patillo Road • Gray Hill, Gray Hill School Road • Mountville, end of Parmer Road • Oak Grove, Oak Grove Road • Mobley Bridge, Mobley Bridge Road • Knott, Knott Road • Reed, Reed Road • Public Work Camp, Hamilton Road • Landfill, in Mountville at the end of Parmer Road • Liberty Hill Convenience Center on Liberty Hill Road in LaGrange

On The Web La Grange Daily News: www.lagrangenews.com City of La Grange: www.lagrange-ga.org Troup County: www.troupcountyga.org Chamber of Commerce: www.lagrangechamber.com Downtown La Grange Development Authority: www.lagrangechamber/business/ dlda.html La Grange College: www.lagrange.edu Troup County School System: www.troup.k12.ga.us West Georgia Technical College: www.westga.tech.ga.us Troup County Archives: www.trouparchives.org West Georgia Health System: www.wghs.org La Grange-Callaway Airport: www.lagrangeairport.com

City of Hogansville: http://thecityofhogansville.com City of West Point: www.cityofwestpointga.com West Point Lake: www.sam.usace.army.mil/ West Point Lake Coalition: www.westpointlakecoalition.org Troup County Parks and Recreation: www.trouprec.org Troup County Clerk of Court: www.troupclerkofcourt.com

US Postal Service

associated with parks located in much larger communities. The city is in Troup and Harris Counties. It is governed by a mayor and six council members, all elected, all elected to staggered four-year terms. Under their direction, the city manager oversees the operations of the various departments. Council meetings are at 6pm. the second Monday of each month at City Hall at 730 1st Ave. West Point owns and operates its own electrical, water, waste water and gas systems.

The US Postal Service operates West Point phone numbers: three post offices in Troup County. City Hall: (706) 645-3522 La Grange: Police (non-emergency): 950 Lafayette Parkway (706) 645-3512 (706) 883-7126 Fire (non-emergency): Hogansville: (706) 645-3508 113 High Street Utilities: (706) 637-4344 (706) 645-3503 West Point: Licenses & Permits: 729 Fourth Ave (706) 645-3505 First Floor Health Center: (706) 645-1301 (706) 643-1111 Lanier Memorial Hospital: In addition, the Postal Service (334) 756-3111 operates a contract station at Copy City USA located in the Chamber of Commerce Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store at (Valley Area): 1861 Roanoke Road in LaGrange. (334) 642-1411 (706) 882-5872 West Point Historic Commission: (706) 645-8000 West Point West Point, in the southwestern Downtown Development part of Troup County, borders on Authority and Better Hometown the West Point Lake reservoir and Committee: offers recreational opportunities, (706) 643-8484 such as boating, fishing and West Point Senior Citizens camping. An assembly plant Center: for Kia Motors held its grand (706) 645-3580 opening in February 2010 on a large site that the city annexed Hogansville in 2006. The plant is expected to Hogansville sits in the north bring growth to the city, which end of Troup County on Interstate has more than doubled in size 85. The downtown area hosts a through annexations in the last historic train depot, a veteran’s year. The West Point Technology park, a bookstore, and several Park is owned by the West Point Development Authority and offers antique shops. Each Christmas the city hosts a large parade, and fall amenities and utilities usually brings the annual Hummingbird

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Festival, an arts and crafts fair which draws thousands from across the state. The city also hosts other events, including car shows, garden tours, and holiday events for adults and children. Hogansville also has a Downtown Development Authority and Better Hometown program, charged with revitalizing the city’s central business district. Efforts have been under way recently by the DDA to build a “Tower Trail” from Hogansville Elementary School to the city’s historic water tower, which resembles a castle turret, near Oak Street. For more information on DDA activities, call City Hall, (706) 637-8629 Hogansville features 30 historic sites dating from 1840 to 1940, including Queen Ann, Victorian, hall and parlor, and antebellum architectural styles. The city is governed by a mayor, five council members and a city manager. Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month. City Offices are at 400 E. Main St.

Hogansville phone numbers: City Hall: (706) 637-8629 Police (non emergency): (706) 637-6648 Fire (non emergency): (706) 637-8059 Utilities: (706)637-4389 Utilities (problems on nights and holidays): (706) 637-6648 Health Department: (706) 637-4834 (only open on Wednesday) Recreation: (706) 637-4427 Senior Center: (706) 63-6606 Library: (706) 637-6230

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Mon -thurs: 10 to 6, Fri & sat 10 to 7 and sunday 1-5 est

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

2014 READERS CHOICE WINNERS EAT & DRINK

Asian Cuisine- Jin’s Express Bakery- Cakes by Debbie BBQ Restaurant- Country’s Breakfast- Cracker Barrel Buffet- Fried Tomato Buffett Burgers- Charlie Josephs Business Lunch- Long Horn Carry Out- Milano’s Catering-Tulla White Catfish- Rogers Chicken Wings- Jim Bob’s Children’s Party SpotPop’s Party Place Chinese Food- Peking Coffee- Starbucks Deli- Momma Goldberg’s Desserts- Milano’s Family Restaurant- Milano’s Fast Food- Chick Fila Fine Dining- Venucci French Fries- McDonalds Fried Chicken- Big Chic Happy Hour- Idle Hour Pub Home Cooking- Katies 2 Hot Dogs- Charlie Josephs Ice Cream- Ice Cream Club Ice Tea- McDonalds Local Bar or PubIdle Hour Pub Mexican RestaurantLos Nopales Night Spot- Brick House Patio Dining- Hog Heaven Pizza Place- Pizza Villa Place to Buy Wine & SpiritsGlobal Beverage Place to Take a DatePizza Villa Salads- Pizza Villa Seafood- Captains Cove Service- Hog Heaven Steaks- Long Horn Sub Sandwich- Subway

BUSINESS & SHOPPING

Accounting Firm- Gay & Joseph, C.P.A., P.C. Afterschool/Daycare PlaceChildcare Network Antique Store- Bradley’s Apartment Complex- Lee’s Crossing Apartments Appliance Dealer- Sears Assisted Living- Vernon Woods Retirement Community Art Gallery- LaGrange Art Museum Athletic Store- Hibbett’s Auto Body Shop- Bob’s Paint & Body Shop Auto parts Dealer- AutoZone Auto Repair Place- West Georgia Paint & Body Bank- LaGrange Banking Company

Barber ShopLaGrange Barber Shop Boat Dealer- Mitchell Marine Book Store- The Book Seller Bridal ServiceAn Affair to Remember Builder/Contractor- DH&ADaniel Hamilton & Associates Building/Hardware SupplyHome Depot Car Wash- LaGrange Car Wash Carpet CleanerJones Carpet Cleaning Carpet/Flooring DealerKemps Carpet Cellular Phone DealerVerizon Wireless Children’s ClothingChildren’s Place Convenience StoreEcono Food Mart Dance Studio- Techniques Dance Studio Diesel Engine/Truck RepairDiesel Truck Services Discount Store- Sock Shoppe Department Store- Belk Dry Cleaning- SOS Cleaners ElectricianCottle Kelly Electric Co. Electronics DealerRadio Shack Farm Store- Tractor Supply Freshest ProduceLaGrange Farmer’s Market Funeral HomeStriffler-Hamby Mortuary Funeral ServiceStriffler-Hamby Mortuary Furniture StoreWatt’s Furniture Gift Shop- Plum Southern Golf Course- The Fields Grocery Store- Publix Hair Salon- Phase II Heating/Cooling ServiceJackson Heating & Air Hardware StoreGordy’s Hardware Home ImprovementHome Depot Hotel/MotelLaFayette Garden Inn Insurance ProviderMatt Orr-State Farm InvestmentCharter Investment Services Jewelry Store- Kay Jewelers Landscaping- Garden Solutions Lawn care ServiceH & L Lawn Service Mattress StoreAmerica’s Mattress Martial Arts StudioYoung’s Tae-Kwon-Do Men’s Clothing- Solomon’s

Massage/Spa- Refresh & Restore Massage Therapy Mortgage/Title CompanyStatewide Mortgage Motor Cycle/ATV DealerWeathers Honda Movers- Professional Movers Muffler Repair- Quality Muffler Nail Salon- Ruby Nails New Car DealerLaGrange Toyota Nursery/Garden CenterGarden Solutions Office Supply Store- Staples Outdoor/Patio Furniture StoreHome Depot Oil Change- Quick Lube Paint Store- Sherwin Williams Party RentalsB&E Happy Hoppers Pawn Shop- Traylor’s Pest ControlFlag Pest Services, LLC Pharmacy- CVS Photo Studio- Steve Mason Propane Service- Blossman Gas Place to Worship- Open Range Cowboy Church Plumbing ServiceTurnbough Plumbing Pool/Spa StoreLaGrange Pool & Spa Pre-owned Car Dealer- Snappy Printing CompanyStephen’s Printing Real Estate AgencyHolliday Realtors Roofing ServiceWaugh Roofing Satellite TV ServiceBartlett Satellite Shop Security/Alarm Dealer- ADT Sewing CenterYong’s Sewing Center Shoe Store- Solomon’s Small Engine RepairDudley’s Outdoors Sporting Goods Store- Edleson’s Army Store & Sporting Goods Staffing AgencyAllegiance Staffing Storage FacilitySimply Self-Storage Tanning SalonBanana Beach Tan Title Loans- Title Max Tax/Bookkeeping ServiceGay & Joseph, C.P.A., P.C. Television Dealer- Walmart Tire Dealer- Fryer’s Tire Center Tree Service- M&T Tree Service Used-Furniture Store- McCann’s Weight Loss Center- Curves Windshield RepairSuperGlass Windshield Repair Women’s Clothing- Belk

Wrecker ServiceCrockett Brothers Taxi ServiceA Cab of LaGrange Yoga Studio- Inner Path Zumba Studio- Kelly KempTroup County Parks & Rec

PEOPLE, HEALTH, & WELLNESS, ENTERTAINMENT People, Place of Work

Attorney- Peter Alford Auctioneer- Tommy McCann Bank Teller- Lynne HolleLaGrange Banking Dentist- Dr. Childress Doctor- Dr. Alford Electrician- Dukes Electric Florist- Sweet Pea’s Mechanic- Vance Griffin New Car SalespersonRonnie Barnes Optometrist- Dr. Rainey Pastor- Preacher Mike Reeves Pet Groomer- Poochi Pet Resort Pharmacist- Jodi Ward- Kroger Photographer- Mary Jane Saye Politician- Jim Thornton Real Estate Agent- Marian Sambula-Holliday Realtors Used Car SalespersonJeff Adams-KIA Veterinarian- Amanda Greathouse-Troup County Animal Hospital

Health & Wellness

ChiropractorAspinwall Chiropractic Clinic Cosmetic SurgeonDr. Barth-West Georgia Dermatology Eye ClinicLaGrange Eye Clinic Gym/Fitness CenterTowne Fitness Hospital- West Georgia Health Massage TherapistBrandy Williams Medical ClinicEmory Clark Holder Clinic Place to get a massage- Refresh & Restore Massage Therapy Place to have a babyWest Georgia Health

Entertainment

Arts Group- LSPA-LaFayette Society for Preforming Arts Family Entertainment VenueCarmike Cinemas-LaGrange Local Media PersonalityJake Sessions Place to take an out of town guest- Callaway Gardens

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

TROUP COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Mission…

To educate all students in a challenging and safe learning environment, so they will become productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.

Goals…

1. Ensure all students achieve at their highest level of academic performance. 2. Provide a safe, secure, and wholesome learning environment. 3. Engage all students, staff, families, businesses, and the community in the educational process. 4. Maximize efficiency and productivity in pursuit of the system’s mission. SCHOOL SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS… Troup County Board of Distinction Recognition 2011-2012 Large Business of the Year Award 2011-2012 Energy Stewardship Award 2012-2013 Energy Excellence Award Master and National Board Certified Teachers State Teacher of the Year Finalists 99% Highly Qualified Certified Staff, 100% Highly Qualified Teaching Assistants Over 77% of Certified Staff Hold Advanced Degrees Extensive Professional Development for Leadership, Faculty, and Staff Technology Upgrades and Integration Advanced Placement Honor Schools/AP Courses U.S. News and World Report- Best U.S. High School National Merit Scholars and Governor’s Honors Participants Title I Distinguished Schools Georgia Schools of Excellence and Georgia Rewards Schools 2012-2013 STAR Teachers and Students Junior ROTC Honor Participants District Accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the AdvancED Award-winning Career Technical Agriculture Education Programs 45 CTAE Career Pathways /Industry-Certified Programs Career Exploration Seminars, Job Shadowing, and Work Study Articulation Agreements with Nearby Colleges 200 Partnerships in the Partners in Education (PIE) Program Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Supports Education 100 Best Communities for Young People Award Three Years in a Row!

Supporting Students… Troup County School System serves over 12,700 students in

19 schools throughout LaGrange, Hogansville, and West Point. Filled with community spirit, Troup County offers an exceptional quality of life, abounding in recreational activities and cultural events. The Troup County School System is an integral part of the community’s success. The district offers excellent instruction and educational resources to ensure that students are prepared for college or the workforce. Dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our students, the Troup County School System combines rigorous curricula, highly qualified staff, world-class facilities, and the efficient use of resources to help all students reach their potential. Teachers provide targeted support for all learning styles, and differentiated instruction ensures that the educational focus is specific to meet individual needs. Extra-curricular activities, established and successful sports programs, and a wide offering of academic and technical pursuits give students numerous avenues for supplementing their educational experiences. Troup County Schools: Preparing Students for Success Today!

Troup County School System | 100 North Davis Road, Bldg C, LaGrange, GA 30241| phone 706.812.7900| fax 706.812.7915| www.troup.org

EDUCATION IN TROUP COUNTY

The bridge over Vernon Street at LaGrange College. Troup County is proud of its educational resources-both public and private, as well as the oldest private college in Georgia and growing technical college. As part of their commitment to public education, voters in recent years have approved a bond issue and four special-purpose local-option sales tax referendums totaling $203 million to be used for new construction and renovations and technology.

Public schools Elementary schools: Berta Weathersbee 1200 Forest Ave. LaGrange (706) 883-1570 Callaway 2200 Hammett Road LaGrange (706) 845-2059 Ethel W. Kight 80 N. Kight Drive LaGrange (706) 812-7943 Franklin Forest 1 Scholar Lane LaGrange (706) 845-7556 Hillcrest 3116 Robert Hayes Road LaGrange (706) 812-7940

Hogansville 611 E. Main Street Hogansville (706) 812-7990 Hollis Hand 641 Country Club Road LaGrange (706) 883-1580 Long Cane 238 Long Cane Road LaGrange (706) 812-7948 Mountville 4117 Greenville Road LaGrange (706) 812-7951 Rosemont 4679 Hamilton Road LaGrange (706) 812-7954 West Point 1701 E. 12th Street West Point (706) 812-7973 Whitesville Road 1700 Whitesville Road LaGrange (706) 812-7968

Middle schools: Callaway 2244 Hammett Road LaGrange (706) 845-2080 Gardner Newman 101 S. Shannon Drive LaGrange (706) 883-1535 Long Cane 326 Long Cane Road LaGrange (706) 845-2085

High schools: Callaway 221 Whitfield Road Hogansville (706) 845-2070 LaGrange 516 N. Greenwood St. LaGrange (706) 883-1590 Troup 1920 Hamilton Road LaGrange (706) 812-7957 Alternative school: HOPE Academy (grades 6-12) 200 Mooty Bridge Road LaGrange (706) 812-7988 Registration: Students new to the Troup County School System should register from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays during the school year and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the summer at the Troup County Board of Education- Office of Student Assignment located at 100 North Davis Road, Building C. Parents or guardians of students must sign an affidavit of residence. They must provide proof of residence that displays an address, such as lease agreement, recent rent receipt, recent utility or

telephone bill, tax bill mortgage deed, sales contract. Unacceptable forms for proof of address include: driver’s license, Medicaid card, voter identification card, or television cable bill. Parents who are new to Troup County Schools must present the child’s birth certificate, Georgia Immunization Form 3231, Georgia Eye, Ear, Dental Form 3300 and the child’s Social Security card. Telephone Directory for Troup County Schools: Administrative Services Center: 706-812-7900 Office of Student Assignment: 706-812-7920 Student Services Center: 706-812-7931 Exceptional Education Center: 706-812-7939 Custodial/Warehouse Services: 706-812-7930 Maintenance Department: 706-812-7932 School Food and Nutrition: 706-883-1588 Technology: 706-812-7979

As part of their commitment to public education, voters in recent years have approved a bond issue and four special-purpose local-option sales tax referendums totaling $203 million to be used for new construction and renovations and technology. Private schools Lafayette Christian School 1904 Hamilton Road LaGrange (706) 884-6684 LaGrange Academy 1501 Vernon Road LaGrange (706) 882-8097 Welcome Christian School 3328 Hogansville Road LaGrange (706) 884-2183 Sound Doctrine Christian Academy 202 W. Broome St. LaGrange

EDUCATION IN TROUP COUNTY (706) 443-4830 First Presbyterian Montessori pre-school 120 Broad St. LaGrange (706) 812-8513 Hillside Montessori 1416 Vernon Road LaGrange (404) 661-5199

COLLEGEs & UNIVERSITIES LaGrange College

The oldest private college in Georgia, LaGrange College has been challenging the mind, inspiring the soul - and transforming lives since 1831. The four-year liberal arts and sciences institution offers more than 55 academic and pre-professional programs, as well as graduate degrees in education, and philanthropy and development. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, LaGrange is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the South’s top 10 baccalaureate colleges and among that category’s “best values.” The campus covers more than 120 acres and features historic buildings and state-of-the-art fine arts and athletic facilities. A LEEDcertified library was dedicated in April 2010. In addition to the traditional undergraduate day program, LaGrange College offers an Evening College and online classes. With a commitment to global engagement, the institution provides $2,500 travel vouchers to freshmen to be used for a study-away experience during their junior or senior year. The Panthers are members of NCAA Division III in 16 athletics programs and offer many intramural sports. The school fielded a football team for the first time in 2006 and captured its first conference championship in 2008. Located on the highest geographical point in LaGrange, the college often is referred to as “the Hill.” It was founded as a women’s academy and moved to its present location in 1849. The name was changed to LaGrange Female College in 1851, then to LaGrange College in 1934. The school officially became coed in 1953.

West Georgia Technical College

www.westgatech.edu West Georgia Technical College, a united of the Technical College

System of Georgia, is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools. The college is located on a newly renovated, 81-acre west campus at 1 College Circle in LaGrange Industrial Park and an 88-acre east campus on Fort Drive. In July 2010, the college merged with West Central Georgia Technical College in Carrollton. The combined college is known as West Georgia Technical College and will have five campuses serving Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether and Troup counties. The combined enrollment will top 7,000. West Georgia Technical College offers more than 100 certificate, diploma and degree programs and through articulation agreements with four-year colleges graduates in some programs can transfer earned credits to pursue bachelor’s degrees.

The Point University chapel in West Point.

Point University

Founded in 1937 as Atlanta Christian College, Point University is a private, four-year liberal arts Christian institution now based in West Point. Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. The University seeks to serve the next generation of Christian leaders motivated to live out their faith in the marketplace. The learning environment and the curriculum – biblical and theological studies, arts and sciences, and various professional studies – are designed to help students grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically and professionally. In addition to a traditional student track, Point University offers an accelerated degree program called Access. This option for non-traditional students offers a Christ-centered educational experience in a convenient format and is available at locations in West Point, East Point, Peachtree City, Savannah and Birmingham. The main campus moved to West Point in 2012. It’s dining hall in downtown is open to the public, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The university also hosts 12 intercollegiate athletic teams that compete at locations in West Point and Valley, Ala. Point University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate and baccalaureate degrees.

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LAWMAKERS Georgia General Assembly

P.O. Box 1595 Forston, GA 31808

Randy Nix

State Senate

State Representative District 69 402 Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Email: randy.nix@house.ga.gov Office: 404-656-5087 Fax: 404-463-2976 P.O. Box 991 LaGrange, GA 30241

Carl Von Epps

State Representative District 132 512-A Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: 404-656-7859 Email: carl.epps@house.ga.gov Home: 706-884-6768 Fax: 706-884-0408 P.O. Box 1368 LaGrange, GA 30241

John Pezold

State Representative District 133 504-E Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: 404-656-0188 Email:john.pezold@house. ga.gov Home:

Mike Crane

State Senator District 28 325-B Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-6446 Fax: (404) 463-1381 District Information P.O. Box 700 Newnan, GA 30264

Joshua McKoon State Senator District 29

319-A Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: 404-463-3931 Email: jrm@2016@yahoo.com Home: 706-442-9130 P.O. Box 2565 Columbus, GA 31902

U.S. House of Representatives Lynn Westmoreland

House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Office: 202-225-5901 Fax: 202-225-2515 District Office 1601-B East GA Hwy 34 Newnan, GA 30265 Phone: 770-683-2033 Fax: 770-683-2042

U.S. Senate

Saxby Chambliss

416 Russell Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3521 Georgia office: 100 Galleria Suite 1340 Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone: 770-763-9090 Fax: 770-226-8633

Johnny Isakson

131 Russell Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3643 Fax: 202-228-0724 District Office: One Overton Park 3625 Cumberland Blvd Suite 970 Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone: 770-661-0999 Fax: 404-661-0768

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Mark Neal, Manager/ Funeral Director

Paul Harris, Funeral Director

Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home 506 Hill Street • LaGrange, Georgia 30241 706.884.5626 • www.hunterallenmyhand.com

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

Hills & Dales Estate

Beauty at the top of the hill

Hills & Dales Estate sits on the crest of a gently rolling hill in LaGrange. The centerpiece of the estate is a beautiful Georgian-Italian villa, designed by architects Hal Hentz and Neel Reid for textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway Sr. Completed in 1916, the home complements the formal boxwood gardens planted earlier in the 19th century by Sarah Ferrell. The property has been lovingly

preserved by two generations of the Callaway family and is open for house and garden tours. Annual events include Picnic in the Gardens in May, Stories in the Garden and Halloween Trick or Treat in October and the Children’s Christmas Celebration in December which are open to the public at no charge. For more information visit hillsanddales.org or call 706-882-3242.

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FESTIVALS

Azalea Storytelling Festival Nancy Kesler (706) 884-8629

The Azalea Storytelling festival was founded by LaGrange residents Dr. Evelyn Jordan, Mrs. Pat Gay and Mrs. Joyce Morgan, and held for the first time in 1997. The festival is recognized as one of the nation’s premier events, having been awarded the prestigious National Leadership Award from the National Storytelling Network. Audiences totalling over 2,000 from around the Southeast attend the three-day event that calls LaGrange College Callaway Auditorium home. Nationally recognized storytellers Donald Davis, Ed Stivener, Kathryn Windham, Doc McConnell, Nancy Kavanaugh, Michael Perent, and Dr. Rex Ellis have participated in years past.

Fourth of July

Fourth of July festivities are held on the square each year. The activities include the “Sweet Land of Liberty” parade which features local children and also fireworks at Pyne Road Park.

Merry Market Held in October.

The Merry Market is shopping with a purposed. Brought in by the United Way vendors will have booths with merchandise for holiday shopping. There will be entertainment and there is an admission charge. All benefits go to early learning in the area. For more information please contact the United Way at (706) 884-8292

Parade fans come out to participate in the Fourth of July Parade in downtown LaGrange.

Hummingbird Festival

Held the third weekend in October each year, the festival features arts and crafts sales and demonstrations, food entertainment and children’s activities. Call (706) 637-9497

Depot Days

Held every September in West Point.

For some, it’s never too cold to catch the annual Christmas parade in LaGrange.

Adventure Race

An endurance race held every September in West Point.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in LaGrange Held the first Thursday after Thanksgiving.

LaGrange’s Crafts by Ramona received third place for their decorated booth. From left are owners Ramona Burnside and Beth Orrick.

In the troUp county community La Grange Daily News

105 Ashton Street P.O Box 929 La Grange 30240 (706) 884-7311 LaGrange Daily News is the primary source of news in Troup County. The newspaper is published weekday afternoons and a weekend edition. The business office is open from 8am-5pm weekdays. Subscriptions To arrange for home delivery or renew a subscription, go online to circulation@lagrangenews.com or call (706) 882-5624 Advertising To advertise, go online to advertising@civitasmedia.com or call (706) 884-7311 for retail or classified ads. News To report news or discuss story ideas for news or sports, call (706) 8847311 Website www.lagrangenews.com

Newcomers’ Club

The LaGrange Newscomers’ Club is an organization whose purpose is to assist woman who have recently located to the city or who would like to join a club for women. The club provides numerous social activities as an opportunity to make new friends and supports various service projects in the community. Monthly meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month in the Parish Hall of St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 200 Lafayette Parkway. During the general meeting, a short program is given by a guest speaker and is followed by a brief business meeting. Monthly activities, some of which include spouses, consist of informal coffees in members’ homes, luncheons at local restaurants, bridge, special outings, book club and service projects. Recent recipients of charitable donations have been the LaGrange Memorial

Library, Relay for Life, Florence Hand Home and Hospice. Guests may attend activities for two months without any obligation. After that time, dues are $20 per year. For more information email Alison Wallace at aw.9629@gmail. com.

Hogansville, GA 30230

Habitat for Humanity

Hawkes Library

The Troup/Chambers/Randolph/ Heard/Harris County Habitat for Humanity mission is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness through grassroots efforts to provide simple, decent housing in Southwest Georgia and Eastern Alabama. Habitat for Humanity affiliates coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in our the local area – fund raising, building site selection, partner family selection and support, house construction and mortgage servicing. The LaGrange Habitat ReStore directly supports the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate through the resale of new and gently used furnishings, appliances and materials. To contact the ReStore visit them at 333 Main Street, LaGrange, GA or call 706-416-6332. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2pm. www.tcchfh.wordpress.org.

Libraries Troup Harris Regional/ LaGrange Memorial Library www.thrl.org 706-882-7784 troupharrislibrary@gmail.com 115 Alford Street LaGrange, GA 30240 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday

Hogansville Library www.thrl.org 706-637-6230 600 E. Main Street

Transportation

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday www.hawkeslibrary.com 706-645-1549 100 W. 8th Street West Point, GA 31833 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

LaGrange-Troup County Humane Society

706-298-3608

City of LaGrange Animal Shelter

706-298-3606

Residents can adopt or drop off pets at the shelter, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Animals from LaGrange and unincorporated Troup County are accepted. The humane society has partnered with the the animal shelter, both located at 1390 Orchard Hill Road, to help cover partial costs of the adoption. Those adopting will receive vouchers and a form that covers a partial cost of one set of vaccines and partial cost of the spaying or neutering of the adopted pet. Any fees over these covered amounts will be the responsibility of the adopter. Animal control officers are responsible for stray animal pickups, cruelty investigations and operating the shelter. 1390 Orchard Hill Road PO Box 1351, LaGrange, GA 30241 For more information, visit www.lagrangehumane.org.

Call 800-229-9424 toll-free or visit www.greyhound.com for information on fares and schedules or to order tickets in advance. Troup Transit, operated by the county government, serves people who don’t have or can’t afford a means of shopping and educational purposes. It works on a first come- first served basis. The transportation system operates under contracts with the state Department of Human Resources and the Department of Transportation to serve clients of Pathways Community Services, New Ventures, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, senior centers in LaGrange, West Point and Hogansville, and the Department of Family and Children Services. Elderly and disabled riders pay $1 per trip, whiles cost for DHR clients are paid through the state. Seniors and disabled people may call (706) 883-1673 a week in advance to schedule a trip or provide 24-hour cancellation notice. Funding for Troup Transit comes through the state departments of human resources and transportation, and the local governments. LaGrange-Callaway Airport is adjacent to the industrial park. It has a 5,000 ft and 5,600 ft runway and is equipped with an instrument landing system, as well as a conference room and the latest navigational aids. Maintenance and flight school are available at the airport through separate companies.

Greyhound Bus Lines 101 Hoffman Drive 706-882-1897 www.greyhound.com

Troup Transit 706-883-1673

LaGrange-Callaway Airport

200 Airport Parkway 706-884-2121 www.lagrangeairport.com

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In the troUp county community

History of ‘Nutcracker’ in LaGrange on display with exhibit Editor’s Note: this story ran in the Dec. 1, 2013 edition of the LaGrange Daily News.

Markette Mallory, now Markette Baker, top left, as Clara in the first production of ‘The Nutcracker’ in LaGrange in 1983. Celebrating 30 years of the ballet in LaGrange, Legacy Museum on Main hosts an exhibit on the history of it starting Thursday.

With the 30th year of “The Nutcracker” in LaGrange, Legacy Museum on Main will be showing off the local history of the ballet with ‘The Nutcracker’ Through 30 Decembers. Costumes, programs, newspaper stories, photographs, posters and more will be part of the exhibit, which will be on display at the Legacy Museum from Thursday until Jan. 11. An opening reception will be held on Dec. 12 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Many of the costumes that will be on display date from the 1980s and the earliest productions of the Nutcracker in LaGrange. A few of the displays will feature “then and now” costumes after the current production of the Nutcracker ends next weekend. The roots of “The Nutcracker” in LaGrange go back to 1980, when Walter Murphy became president of LaGrange College, said Markette Baker, who is

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a Lafayette Society for Performing Arts board member and was part of the initial ballet program. Elizabeth Turley, a ballerina who had performed in Atlanta, New York and Paris, had come to the newly formed LSPA to teach a ballet program. Turley and Baker’s mother, Nina Dulin-Mallory, knew each other and they approached Murphy about using the college for rehearsal space for the ballet program. Murphy agreed to let them use Price Theater. “From there, it really kind of grew,” Baker said. “What we know now as LSPA was in its infancy, in its first couple of years, so it was a natural fit to pull in these kinds of ballet productions into the umbrella of LSPA.” That first company was called The LaGrange College School of Ballet. A few years into its life, the group decided to tackle the Christmas classic. “The first ‘Nutcracker’ was in ‘83, and there was only a handful of us taking classical ballet at that time, locally,” Baker said. Baker would end up playing the part

In the troUp county community

The finale from the first local performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Price

A news clipping from LaGrange Daily News previewing the 1983 performance.

of Clara in the first production, alongside some of the more experienced professionals, like Janie Parker, and members of the Houston and Atlanta ballets that came to LaGrange to fill out spots for the first performance. “The year before, in 1982, Janie Parker had just won the first gold medal in the United States in international ballet competition. And here she was coming to LaGrange, Ga., to perform as the Surgarplum Fairy in the first Nutcracker, which was pretty extraordinary, I

think,” Baker said. “It was at Price Theater, and there weren’t that many of us local, so another company in Atlanta came down to do some of the parts and it was just - magical.” Baker is still in awe of the talent she said was on display. “These were extraordinary dancers. Jamie, of course, arguably at the time was the best in the world, and here she was on our stage, offering something in LaGrange, Ga., that had never been offered before,” Baker said. “And it really, really was because of Walter Murphy and his wife, Marianne, how all that came into existence.” Baker said the significance of that first performance continues as the now-annual event showcases all local talent. “I think that we are kidding ourselves if we don’t realize how amazing these kids are that

Theater.

are dancing here. I guess that’s where a lot of that got started as looking at the 30th as a big milestone,” Baker said. “They work so hard for so long to achieve so many things artistically.” The Legacy Museum exhibit also goes beyond the Lafayette Society for Performing Arts’ version with a photograph of “The Nutcracker” cast dating from December 1955, when Mary Cleaveland directed the classic Christmas show with students at Harwell Avenue School. Admission to Legacy Museum on Main, 136 Main St. in LaGrange, is free. It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Matthew Strother may be reached at 706-8847311, ext. 229 or online at mstrother@civitasmedia. com and facebook.com/NewsEditorMStrother.

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

20 Callaway Clock Tower

ATTRACTIONS IN TROUP COUNTY West Point Cemetery on US 29. Both are free and open to the public.

Explorations in Antiquity Center

130 Gordon Drive, LaGrange (706) 885-0363 www.explorationsinantiquity.com email: reservations@explorationsinantiquity. com

ATTRACTIONS IN TROUP COUNTY Bellevue Mansion

This Greek Revival house at 204 Ben Hill St. in LaGrange served as home for statesman Benjamin Harvey Hill. It was built from 18521854 and is a National Historic Landmark. Admission is charged. (706) 884-1832

Butts Mill Farm

2280 Butts Mill Rd Pine Mountain (706) 663-7400 www.buttsmillfarm.com

Callaway Memorial Tower

At Truitt and 4th Ave. in LaGrange, this 1929 monument to textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway is patterned after the Campanile of St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy.

LaGrange Art Museum

112 Lafayette Parkway (706) 882-3267 www.lagrangeartmuseum.org The museum, originally the Troup County Jail, is a renovated 1892 Victorian Building which now houses rotating exhibits by Southeastern artists. Free admission.

Confederate Cemeteries

Some 300 soldiers from the Confederate Army of Tennessee are buried in the Cemetery on Miller Street south of downtown LaGrange. Outside the fence are the graves of former slaves and master bridge builder Horace King and his son. Another group of graves is at the

1939 of marble. A brochure outlining a selfguided walking tour of downtown LaGrange is available at the Troup County Archives at 136 Main Street and the LaGrange-Troup County Commerce at 111 Bull Street (706) 884-8671 or 884-1828. The home of Troup County Historical Society houses history records and genealogical information. The building was constructed in 1917 for the LaGrange National Bank.

The center depicts daily life in biblical times (706) 884-1828 using full-scale archaeological replicas to take www.trouparchives.org modern-day time travelers back several years to the Middle East, the birthplace of the world’s Arts and Entertainment three largest monotheistic religions-Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Admission is charged. Legacy Museum on Main The Legacy Museum on Main, LaGrange’s Fort Tyler first history museum, opened in November A marked trail leads visitors to the site of a 2008 in the renovated Troup County Archives small earthen fort where a final battle of the at 136 Main St. The archives is now on the Civil War was fought. The site is off 6th Ave second floor of the building. The Troup County near downtown West Point Historical Society created the museum with a $1.7 million renovation of the 1917 LaGrange National Bank building which has housed the Hills and Dales archives since 1983. The permanent gallery At 1916 Hills and Dales Drive off Broad uses the theme “Wheels of Change” to present Streeet in LaGrange, this home and the local history from the period of American gardens are open for tours. Admission is charged. The visitors center is also available for Indians and early settlers through the 20th century. A temporary gallery showcases special events. rotating exhibits. There is also a small museum (706) 882-3242 shop. The museum and archives are open to the Hogansville public free of charge. Hours for the museum In northern Troup County via US 29 or and archives are 9am to 5pm weekdays. The Interstate 85, exit 6 museum is open 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Historic downtown includes Main Street, The archives is open from 10am to 4pm on the war monument, antiques shops, outdoor first and 3rd Saturdays of the month. amphitheater, driving tour. City Hall, (706) 637-8629

LaGrange Art Museum

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square salutes Marquis de LaFayette, for whose French estate the city of LaGrange was named. Lafayette served on the staff of General George Washington during the American Revolution. A bronze statue of Flags adorn LaFayette stands in Lafayette Sq the center of the uare for Flag Day square surrounded . by a fountain. The statue on the square downtown was cast in Italy from a mold of the original statue which stands in LePuy, France. The statue is on permanent loan to the City of LaGrange from LaGrange College and was funded by the Callaway Foundation.

LaGrange

LaGrange features a number of historic buildings and sites dating from 1830, including antebellum, Greek Revival and plantation styles, a Confederate cemetery and the former Troup County Courthouse, constructed in

112 LaFayette Parkway LaGrange (706) 882-3267 info@lagrangeartmuseum.org Free admission A renovated 1892 Victorian building, originally the Troup County Jail, now houses changing exhibits. The museum hosts 6-10 exhibits a year. Next door is the Center for Creative Learning that houses eduation classes and occasional exhibits. For more information, call (706) 8823267

The Moonlight Ballroom Dance Club of LaGrange

The club holds monthly dances at the LaFayette Christian School Gym on Hamilton Road. Visitor Couples are welcome, and cost is $20 per couple. Enjoy swing, foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha, rumba, slow dancing, tango, samba and more. For more information on the dance or local dance lessons, call (706) 884-5857

Price Theater

LaGrange College’s Price Theater, located in

See ATTRACTIONS | 22

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

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ATTRACTIONS IN TROUP COUNTY

Attractions From page 20 a contemporary dramatic arts building, has a 280-seat proscenium theater, fully equipped scene and costume shops, and a dance studio. (706) 880-8266

Lafayette Society for Performing Arts P.O. Box 1448 214 Bull Street LaGrange, GA 30240 Michael Burks, executive director (706) 882-9909 www.lspaarts.com lafayettesociety@bellsouth.net

LSPA delivers a variety of performancebased presentations for the enjoyment of the community at large, as well as promoting and fostering a higher appreciation for the performing arts in West Georgia. Organizations under the umbrella of LSPA include Lafayette Dance Academy, Lafayette Theatre Company, and Azalea Storytelling Festival.

Azalea Storytelling Festival Joyce Morgan-Young (706) 416-7868

Lafayette Dance Academy Offering dance instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Pointe.

The cast of ‘All Shook Up’ ors. performed by LSPA act

The Sons of Lafayette Male Choir rehe arse on Mondays at the First Presbyte

rian Church in LaGrange.

210 Bull Street LaGrange, GA 30240 Amy Orr (706) 882-9439

Lafayette Theatre Company (706) 882-9909

Created in 2002 under the auspices of Lafayette Society for Performing Arts, (LSP), the Lafayette Theatre Company, (LTC) has grown into a “must see” live theater production company. Its inaugural performance of “Bus Stop” set the stage for what would become an annual series of first class productions. Thanks to the Callaway Foundation, LTC performs in its own Black Box theater located in the LSPA facility in historic downtown LaGrange, Georgia, and produces four live productions each year. In 2012 LSPA introduced its “picnic theater” concept, resulting in sold out houses each year.

The Choral Society of West Georgia

Bettie W. Biggs, Founder and Artistic Director This is a non-profit 501 C-3 volunteer organization committed to excellence in community choral performance. The organization is comprised of the following ensembles:

The LaGrange Civic Chorale

The LaGrange Civic Chorale is a mixed vocal ensemble comprised of both men and women

from the West Georgia and East Alabama areas.

Bel Canto LaGrange Women’s Vocal Ensemble

Bel Canto LaGrange Women’s Vocal Ensemble is an adult treble ensemble featuring women’s voices. Rehearsal Information: 6:30 pm at Troup High School Choral Room, 1920 Hamilton Road LaGrange, Georgia Contact information: www.choralsocietyofwestgeorgia.com or choralsocietyofwestgeorgia@gmail.com (706) 882-2734

LaGrange Symphony Orchestra

P.O. Box 2321 LaGrange, GA (706) 882-0662 The mission of the orchestra is to enrich the community through music. It provides cultural experience; educational programs and performance opportunities.

Young Singers of West Georgia Stacey Hardigree, Conductor & Artistic Director (706) 594-1699 yswestga@gmail.com www.yslagrange.com

The Young Singers of West Georgia is an elite choir school organized to provide a unique musical experience to students in Troup County & the surrounding area. Since its founding in 1995, the school’s reputation has been one of excellence. Young Singers offers students advanced choral training, instruction in proper vocal technique & music reading skills, and also provides exceptional performance opportunities. The choir school presents two major concerts per season. Christmas Memories is an annual production featuring a wide spectrum of Christmas favorites from all genres of music. This performance has become well-loved by both the choristers & the audience. Each season ends with a Spring Concert featuring outstanding choral music. In addition to local concerts & weekly training, choristers have the opportunity to apply for the Tour Choir each season, allowing the students & their families to grow culturally through the opportunity of travel & performance.

LAGRANGE COMMUNITY

Paint

Top photo – Pink booths surrounded Lafayette Square during Paint the Town Pink, where hundreds of people gathered for the event.

the

Town Pink has ‘by far, best turnout ever’

This article originally ran in the LaGrange Daily News in September 2013. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people crowded Lafayette Square the morning of Sept. 28 for the eighth annual Paint the Town Pink event on the square which brought people out to show support for breast cancer research and survivors. “We’re out here to support the cause and bring awareness for the need for early detection (of breast cancer),” said Sharon Williams, manager of business and patient relations for Emory Clark-Holder Clinic. “With early detection, it’s easier to treat. So we’re reminding ladies to get mammograms.” Teresa Bain of Emory ClarkHolder Clinic risk management clinical services noted that the clinic has a new oncology center to treat cancer patients. Emory was one of several medical businesses at the event, all promoting breast cancer awareness. Dr. Wassim McHayleh, West Georgia Health Physicians newest oncologist, said he was thrilled with the turnout to the event. “This is a great day, I’m amazed. I never expected it to be like this,” he said. “It’s just amazing, and it reinforces that it was the right decision for me to come here.” McHayleh said the smalltown support system he’s seen at work in LaGrange helps promote the message of early detection and moral support for survivors and fighters. “That’s the value of a small town, people willing to come together to fight together and learn together,” he said. Wanda Lowe – West Georgia

Health navigator, RN, member of Breast Friends for Life, 12-year cancer survivor and organizer of Paint the Town Pink – said all the people coming out to the event for the eighth year showed that “we have a fabulous community.” LaGrange Mayor Jeff Lukken, wearing a pink shirt, took to the stage and spoke to the crowd gathered on the square Saturday “Real men wear pink,” he yelled, eliciting cheers from those gathered. “Only in LaGrange, Troup County, could we pull off something like this. By far, this is the best one ever.” Lukken thanked Breast Friends for Life organizers like Pam Herndon and Lowe, along with all the volunteers for the day’s events, businesses that contributed and those who collectively raised more than $10,000 in contributions to breast cancer examinations and services. “Congratulations to all of you,” he said. “You are America’s greatest support team.” Herndon closed the event by telling survivors that they all are “overcomers.” “An overcomer is a warrior who can battle no matter what is before them,” she said. “The true definition of an overcomer is one who has hope.” The event closed with Herndon asking the hundreds of participants to release white balloons, a sign for breast cancer awareness. All together, Saturday’s events raised $120,000 for local breast cancer treatment and awareness initiatives.

H.O.P.E. for a Day walkers line up and raise their shoes in an arch of heroes, honring cancer survivors as they walk through the living arch. Matthew Strother | Daily News

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WEST POINT COMMUNITY

Rookie of the Year

Jennifer Shrader/Daily News Matthew White, West Point firefighter, was named state Rookie of the Year. He’s the first firefighter from the city to win such an honor in recent history.

‘Always fascinated with fire trucks growing up’

This originally ran in the LaGrange Daily News in September 2013. One of the most memorable calls for rookie West Point firefighter Matthew White is the most memorable for firefighting veterans in the city. It was March 17, 2012 and Daehan, the Kia supplier in the Northwest Harris Business Park, was on fire. White, now 22, was behind the wheel of the ambulance. Crews already knew it was a working fire from the first truck on the scene. “We turned on 103 and you could see the glow of the fire,” White said. “Then we turned into the park and you could see the flames over the trees.” White always wanted to be a firefighter. “I was always fascinated with fire trucks growing up,” he said. The job hasn’t disappointed. “Every day there are surprises,” he said. “Every call is something different.” A few weeks ago, White got called to the office. Chief Mitt Smith got him to come in by telling him he’d won an award. When he got to the station, White found out he’d been named state rookie of the year by the Georgia Firefighters Association. Smith had nominated White for the

honor. “We nominated firefighters for several awards this year and Matt was our only winner,” Smith said. “He beat the odds.” An Alabama native, White began his fire service career with formal training at the Auburn, Ala., Fire Academy. Since he joined the West Point Fire Department, became a licensed paramedic, completed his annual hazardous materials update, and has participated in and completed his entry level driver training as required by his department. After receiving his GED, White joined the United States Army Reserve where he completed his EMT-B training. He has several firefighter and hazardous material certifications. Smith was impressed by the fact White started out as a volunteer in Huguley, Ala., then went to work part-time for West Point and put himself through firefighter school. He then went to paramedic school which is normally a huge time commitment for those who attend. While in paramedic school, White got married. “He went above and beyond our minimum requirements,” Smith said. “He passed all his exams the first time. He’s been successful.”

submitted Lanier Swafford, left, president of the Georgia Firefighters Association, presents the Georgia Firefighter Rookie of the Year award to West Point Firefighter Matthew White.

HOGANSVILLE COMMUNITY

Hummingbird Festival draws record crowd

Attendees to the annual Hummingbird Festival in Hogansville explore vendors during the second day of the event.

*Note: This story originally ran in the October 22, 2012 edition of the LaGrange Daily News. With beautiful weather and record crowds, the 2012 Hummingbird Festival brought entertainment, food and, with more than 200 vendors, lots of shopping.

Hummingbird Festival chairman Ralph Lynch was very pleased with this year’s festival. “This year we have even expanded the entertainment, there are now three stages set up. The weather has been great and the people are having a good time,” Lynch said. Mary Stewart and her husband

Bill Stankiewicz have been volunteering and working with the festival for the past 12 years, and were given the credit for building the festival to what it is today. “The total is up to 15,000 people, we have broken every record and the day is not over, we should at least reach 20,000

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A trolley gives attendees a ride to different areas of the event.

Hummingbird From page 25 due to the tremendous collaboration of our volunteers. The real secret of leadership is to get out of the way. Every year new people come into the organization and we are able to incorporate their ideas.” Vendors from across Georgia and beyond attended the Hummingbird Festival. Gerald and

Betty Westbrook of Creative Call-Ins in LaGrange have been coming to the festival for the past seven years. Sunday’s steady stream of people kept the couple busy. “Yesterday has been awesome, a lot of folks, a lot of LaGrange folks have been here. We do a good business here each year,” Gerald Westbrook said . Hogansville City Councilman Jack Leidner said the revenue from the festival benefits Hogansville.

“Essentially the money we make from the festival goes back into the town, we use it for matching funds for grants,” he said. “This makes it possible to have 10 times the leverage which allows us to do streetscapes, Tower Trail projects, replacement of sewer lines, it’s about $2.2 million in infrastructure improvements.” Besides using the revenue for city projects, since 2005 the festival has donated to charities including American Red Cross’s

The 16th annual festival drew thousands from the surrounding area to downtown Hogansville. Katrina relief fund, the Shriner’s Hospital, the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Georgia, Breast Friends for Life, Hogansville’s GED program and local food bank God’s Bread Basket. This is the third year that the West Georgia Physicians have sponsored this event.

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

West Point Lake offers scenery, sports and leisure adventures

Although visitors play all year long on the nearly 26,000 acres that comprise West Point Lake, which offers 525 miles of shoreline, 35 miles of them along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line, there was a time when the water conditions were less than ideal. “Many years ago, West Point Lake had a reputation for being distressed because of an overload of nutrients in the water,” says Joe Maltese, a retired

LaGrange resident who worked more than 10 years on West Point Lake projects for the City of LaGrange. “Now the lake is in a good place with a balance of nutrients that has resulted in healthy water.” Formed by the Flood Control Act of 1962, West Point Lake is unique in that it was authorized by Congress for sport fishing, wildlife development and general recreation. At one time, nutrient overload from upstream dump-

ing led to excessive algae and phytoplankton growth in the lake, resulting in cloudy, turbid water that damaged the fish population. These days, West Point Lake, operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has gained a reputation that is as pristine as its fishing conditions. The lake verily brims with bass, catfish, crappie and bream and bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky

Point Park and McGee Bridge Park. The bass fishing is so good that West Point Lake attracted the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Pride of Georgia tournament. The top anglers in the world competed on the lake in May. After weighing in a sack of fish totaling more than 23 pounds, Kevin Van Dam, the king of bass fishing, said, “Each day in practice

See WEST POINT | 28

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West Point From page 27 I’ve been trying to learn this lake. I didn’t think it would be nearly this good, that we could catch those fish.” Many of the anglers declared the lake “a treasure” at the weigh-in each day. A dozen creeks and more than 40 square miles of lake provide plenty of good fishing holes for the thousands of anglers who fish regularly at West Point. Boat launching ramps located in 34 public recreation areas around the lake mean a visitor can be fishing peacefully in just minutes. In the 2010 issue of “Sport Fishing,” a publication of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division and Wildlife Resources Division, it is noted that of the 45 lakes in Georgia, West Point is one of only six pristine lakes from which there are no eating restrictions on four or more types of fish

WEST POINT LAKE found in the lake. For the locals – as well as Atlantans seeking a closeby water haven – West Point Lake beckons with its sparkling water and water fun, promise of R&R and lazy picnics. “We work toward finding the ‘sweet spot,’” said Maltese. “That balance between good nutrients coming into the lake that will support the fishing without damaging the water and the associated recreational qualities of the lake.” Also, the corps’ strict shoreline management plan, which has created a substantial natural buffer between the lake and area development, has spawned a filter of sorts by which the lake can naturally clean itself. These days, some 2.5 million people come to play in and on the water. There are more than 20 parks with boat launching ramps where canoes and kayaks can be tied up for loading and unloading gear. Some of the best routes, according to West Point Lake’s supervisory

park ranger, David Barr of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are Maple Creek, Wehadkee Creek, Birch Creek and Yellow Jacket Creek. With less boat traffic and fewer waves, visitors can navigate at their leisure gliding along picture-postcard scenery. Earl Cook Beach, located on the lake’s east side and equipped with outdoor shower and picnic area, is one of the lake’s less crowded beaches along its 525 miles of shoreline, yet it still offers a variety of canoe-worthy areas without venturing out into the main lake channel. “One of the best routes is to launch from Yellow Jacket Park and canoe either upstream or downstream,” said Barr. “Trammell’s Smokehouse Grille at Highland Marina is located along this route and you can stop by for lunch, dinner or just take a relaxing break. For those wanting to see eagles or osprey, a launch from Long Cane Park and canoeing Maple Creek is a fun experience.”

West Point Lake facts:

• 2.6 million annual visitors • One of Georgia’s largest lakes at 25,900 acres and with 525 miles of shoreline, West Point Lake extends for 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. • It is the only lake in the United States without commercial navigation but with lighted buoys – making it easily navigable for nighttime boating and fishing. • Formed by the Flood Control Act of 1962, West Point Lake is unique in that it was authorized by Congress for sport fishing, wildlife development and general recreation. • Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this tree-lined body of water offers guests dozens of amenities, pristine fishing conditions, breathtaking views, campgrounds – from tent camping to equipped RV sites – and close proximity to Atlanta and Columbus in Georgia and Montgomery, Auburn and Birmingham in Alabama. • The lake brims with multiple varieties of bass, as well as catfish, crappie and bream, and bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky Point Park and McGee Bridge Park. • According to the corps, a dozen creeks and more than 40 square miles of lake provide plenty of good fishing holes for the thousands of anglers who fish regularly at West Point.

• In the 2010 issue of Sport Fishing, a publication of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division and Wildlife Resources Division, it is noted that of the 45 lakes in Georgia, West Point is one of only six pristine lakes from which there are no eating restrictions on four or more types of fish found in the lake. • The corps’ shoreline management plan has created a substantial natural buffer between the lake and area development, creating a filter of sorts by which the lake can naturally clean itself. • West Point Lake draws flocks of birdwatchers to its habitat-friendly shores for sightings of the hundreds of species that soar above the lake both year-round and during migratory seasons: black-legged kittiwake, the white-winged scoter, Ross’s Goose, ospreys, bald eagles, ring-billed gull and Bonaparte’s and Forster’s Tern and the rare ivory gull. • Geographically, West Point Lake is located far enough south to allow year-round recreation, including birding from October through April. • All of West Point Lake’s piers provide access for persons with disabilities. Visitors with disabilities can also fish in a pond at Hardley Creek Park. • Boat launching ramps are located in 34 public recreation areas around the lake. • Two privately operated marinas also operate on the lake

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WEST POINT LAKE West Point Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake that extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River, just north of West Point. The lake, with a shoreline of more than 500 miles, is surrounded by forests and fields on the Alabama-Georgia state line. The lake offers fishing, camping and many other recreational opportunities. Its construction was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962. Congress approved the project for flood control, hydroelectric power, navigation, fish and wildlife development, and general recreation. Construction began in 1965; actual impoundment of the lake began in 1974. The project provides water storage for navigation on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Waterway, running 260 river miles from Apalachicola, Florida, to Columbus. The powerhouse’s three generators produce enough power yearly to serve 17,000 residences. West Point Lake and dam are credited with many firsts for the Corps of Engineers, including

the first use of the “slurry trench” technique which prevents seepage under the dam. It also marked the first use of hydraulically operated tainter gates by the corps. The lake controls flooding of the river by managing seasonal variations in the water flow. Camping There are 10 campgrounds at West Point, five of which are operated and maintained by the corps. Four of the corps campgrounds are fee campgrounds with resident park attendants. The fifth park is a free campground. All fee campgrounds have sites with electrical and water hookups, and camping fees entitle campers to the full use of campground facilities such as grills and tables, dump stations, laundries and showers. Many of the fee campgrounds also offer boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and nature trails. During the summer season, reservations are accepted at corps fee campgrounds but are not required.

Out for a joy ride on West Point Lake.

Boating With its 525 miles of shoreline and 25,900 surface acres, West Point Lake is a boater’s paradise. There are boat launching ramps located in 34 public recreation areas( including four leased ares) around the lake. Some ramps charge a boat launch fee. Two privately operated marinas provide fuel, storage, boat repair, rentals, supplies and other boater’s needs. Hunting A wildlife management area of nearly 10,000 acres, located at the upper end of the lake, provides habitat for many kinds of game and nongame wildlife. This area, operated by the GAme and Fish Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, offers public hunting opportunities. Hunters with a Georgia Wildlife Management Area

stamp can hunt seasonally and participate in special quota hunts. For more information about Wildlife Management Area, call (706) 884-3915. Hunting also is permitted in specific corps-managed areas for hunters with valid state hunting licenses and West Point Lake hunting permits, and using weapons designated for the area on a current hunting map. Fishing Fishing is probably the most popular activity on West Point Lake. A dozen creeks and more than 40 square miles of lake provide plenty of good fishing spots for the thousands of anglers who fish there regularly. The lake abounds with bass, catfish, crappie and bream. Bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky Point Park and

McGee Bridge Park. All of the piers provide access for people with disabilities. Preteens and visitors with disabilities also can fish in a pond at Hardley Creek Park. Day-Use Parks While many people visit the area to fish or camp, West Point Lake also offers 25 Corps of Engineers day-use parks available for public use. These areas offer a variety of recreation facilities including tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts, fishing piers with fish attractors and picnic shelters for individuals or large groups. Many picnic shelters can be reserved by calling (706) 645-2937. Four county and municipal parks on the lake offer similar facilities and day-use areas as well. For more information, call the West Point Lake project management office at (706) 645-2937 or visit the visitor center, located at the resource management office, or its web site, http:// westpt.sam.usace.army.mil. The visitor center is open year-round. Tours of the dam are also available.

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WEST POINT LAKE

Finishing in style By Kevin Eckleberry Sports Editor Editor’s note: This is an article that ran in the LaGrange Daily News on May 6. Skeet Reese saved the best for last. Needing to come through with a big sack of fish to climb to the top of the leaderboard in the West Point Lake Battle, Reese made it happen in a big way. The California native brought in five bass weighing more than 15 pounds on May 5 at Pyne Road Park, and that was enough to give him

the top spot in the Bassmaster Elite Series event. The tournament started on Thursday with 100 fishermen, and by Sunday, it was down to the top 12, and Reese was the class of the field. Reese not only walked away with an impressive trophy as well as some key points toward the angler of the year race, but he also pocketed $100,000. “I didn’t think about (winning) until I made the cut to fish today,” an ecstatic Reese said after his win. “I didn’t know if I could catch a fish any day going out there. Fishing was tough. I wound up catching five to eight keepers today.” Reese said the conditions on Sunday mimicked what he saw earlier in the week when he had his best day of practice. “Today, the sun came out finally,” he said. “It positioned the fish where they were on Tuesday. I just started going down the banks fishing slow, and I just got key bites.” In the end, Reese said it was all about just being tenacious during a week when the big fish were hard to find. “I wound up grinding it out there all week long,” he said.

Reese put himself in nice position with 13 pounds, five ounces on the first day, and he had nearly 20 pounds combined the next two days to make it to Sunday. All 12 of Sunday’s anglers were within two of pounds of each other, so Reese knew it was anybody’s game. Reese said he “realized everybody was within a couple of pounds. And I was like, if I could get one good bite, that could be the deciding factor in trying to win this thing.” Reese got plenty of good bites, and after his weight was announced, he took over as the tournament leader with an overall weight of 46 pounds, six ounces, but six of competitors still hadn’t made it to the weigh-in station. One of those anglers, Aaron Martens, came the closest to catching Reese. Martens had 11 pounds, 12 ounces on Sunday, and he ended up exactly two pounds behind Reese. “You have to have a flawless event here, and it sounds like Skeet had one,” Martens said. Pete Ponds also came in after

Reese, and while he had a solid bag of 11 pounds, one ounce, it wasn’t enough to catch Reese. Ponds finished third with 44 pounds, one ounce. “I don’t know if I would change anything that I did,” Ponds said. “I think I fished pretty good. It was a pretty stressful day, but I’m happy with it.”

BASSMASTERS TOURNAMENT 2013 No one else came close to Reese, and when Day 3 leader Tommy Biffle only pulled one fish out of his bag, the suspense was over. Reese left the “hot seat” where the leader sits and came to the stage and proudly held the trophy high. “We play to win,” Reese said. “I come to every tournament trying to win.” It was Reese’s second Bassmaster Classic win, and his eighth victory overall on the various Bassmaster tours. It also put him in prime position to compete for the angler of the year award on the Elite series. “I fish for one title, and that’s angler of the year,” Reese said. “You get points out of this, and to me, that’s the most important thing.” Hank Cherry brought in 10 pounds, 12 ounces on Sunday to finish fourth at 41 pounds, two ounces. “I thought it was going to be my day,” Cherry said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way.” Todd Faircloth, who had seven pounds even on Sunday, rounded out the top five with a total weight of 39 pounds, one ounce. Chris Zaldain, after back-toback days with double-digit weights to make the final 12, settled for a six pound, 15-ounce

bag on Sunday and he was sixth with 38 pounds, 14 ounces. Zaldain was happy with his top10 finish, though, which helps him in his quest to be the angler of the year. “That AOY race, it’s going to be real tight, and for me in my sophomore year to be that far up halfway through the season, you couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said. Cliff Pace, who had a 14-pound bag on the opening day to move into contention, had nine

pounds, two ounces on Sunday, and he was seventh with 38 pounds, 10 ounces. Pace said he had no problem reaching his five-bass limit on Sunday. “I probably had 50 or 60 bites, and ended up with 9.2,” he said. “It was a lot of fun.” Greg Vinson’s final-day tally of eight pounds, two ounces, put him in eighth place at 38 pounds, one ounce. Vinson had a fifth-place finish earlier in April, and he was 23rd

TROUP COUNTY Serving the people since 1826

at last week’s tournament. “It’s good to be back fishing well, making good decisions,” Vinson said. “It’s a crazy game we play. Sometimes if you get off track a little bit, it can cause you a lot of trouble.” Rick Clunn, who was vying for his 15th career Bassmaster win at the age of 66, had seven pounds, three ounces on Sunday to finish ninth overall at 37 pounds, five ounces. “I’m up and down,” Clunn said afterward when evaluating his tournament performance. “Have a good one, have a bad one. I’ve got to get those bad ones out of the way.” Biffle had three straight days with double-digit weights to take the lead into the final day, but Sunday was a struggle. Biffle caught one fish that weighed a shade over one pound, and he took 10th overall with 34 pounds, 14 ounces. In 11th place was Casey Ashley, who fought a migraine headache and brought in two fish for two pounds, nine ounces to give him 34 pounds, five ounces for the four days. Rounding out the top 12 was Cliff Crochet, who didn’t weigh in any fish on Sunday and finished with 29 pounds, 15 ounces.

Troup County Government Center 100 Ridley Avenue LaGrange, GA 30240 OFFICE: 706-883-1610 FAX: 706-883-1743 Visit us online at www.troupcountyga.org

TROUP COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Richard C. Wolfe, Chairman, District 1 ● Buck Davis, Commissioner, District 2 ● Claude F. Foster III, Commissioner, District 3 Morris Jones, Commissioner, District 4 ● Richard English, Jr., Commissioner, District 5 Tod Tentler, County Manager Scott Turk, Finance Officer / County Clerk Jerry Willis, County Attorney 00675196

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014

West Georgia Health

West Georgia Health (WGH) has been dedicated to serving the health care needs of West Georgia and East Alabama for more than 75 years.

West Georgia Health (WGH) has been dedicated to serving the health care needs of West Georgia and East Alabama for more than 75 years. From its beginning as a 65- bed city-county hospital, we have never lost sight of its mission: to provide exceptional, compassionate health care. The flagship of the health system is West Georgia Medical Center, a nonprofit 276-bed hospital, which includes a new Emergency Department, Heart Clinic, Intensive Care Unit, Labor and Delivery and Newborn Nursery. The hospital, as well as other divisions of WGH are accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional services include outpatient surgical services, bariatric services, diagnostic services, pulmonary services rehabilitation services including physical therapy, speech pathology and audiology. The Emergency Department includes 30 treatment rooms, four trauma rooms and four cardiac care rooms. The Imaging Department includes interventional radiology capabilities, MRI and 64-Slice Computerized Tomography (CT). The Heart Clinic (Department of Cardiovascular Medicine) offers a full spectrum of heart and

Skills Pay the Bills! CDL, HVAC, Welding, Industrial Mechnical, Automotive Technology www.westgatech.edu 706.845.4323 Open Registration begins April 7 Enroll now!

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014 vascular care including a Chest Pain Center with distinction in PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Interventions), interventional cardiology, cardiac catheterization, and non-surgical procedures including Electrocardiography (EKG), Echocardiography, Vascular Ultrasound, Stress, and Holter and Event monitoring as well as Cardiac Rehabilitation. The Intensive Care Unit has 24 spacious rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to provide comprehensive and continuous care for persons who are critically ill. The Labor and Delivery Unit features labor-delivery-recovery rooms that include accommodations for family members, two operating suites and a Level II nursery with state-of-the-art equipment, including fetal monitoring technology. The Enoch Callaway Cancer Clinic offers expert cancer treatment administered by our team of physicians, nurses and health care specialists using the latest advances in technology. The hallmark of the program is a weekly team conference to determine the optimal treatment options for patients. The program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

West Georgia Home Care offers skilled nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, care/ homemaker services, infusion therapy and pediatric home care. West Georgia Home Care serves residents of Troup, Harris, Heard and Meriwether counties. West Georgia Hospice/Hospice LaGrange provides skilled and compassionate care for terminally ill patients and their families, centering on the relief of pain and symptoms and focusing on living fully through illness and bereavement. Patients may receive care at home or Hospice LaGrange, a 16-bed hospice house. The Women’s Health Center at West Georgia Health provides a full range of digital imaging capabilities such as screening and diagnostic mammograms, bone density scans, MRI-guided biopsy and ultrasound. West Georgia Health Long Term Care Services include Florence Hand Home, Twin Fountains Home and Vernon Woods Retirement Community. Florence Hand Home is a 150-bed skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services. Twin Fountains Home is a 116-bed facility that provides intermediate and skilled nursing

care. Vernon Woods Retirement Community offers both independent and assisted living options. Meals, transportation, housekeeping and maintenance are provided. Assisted Living residents receive support with activities of daily living. West Georgia Health Rehabilitation and Wellness offers a full range of clinical and diagnostic testing for pediatric and adult patients. Services include Spine Care/ MDT, Aquatic Therapy, Balance and Vestibular Problems, Swelling Disorders, LSVT/ BIG Therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Specialized therapy is offered for work related-injuries and total joint replacements. West Georgia Wound Care offers treatment for wounds that are slow to heal including abrasions, pressure wounds and diabetic wounds. Our team of doctors, nurses and physical therapists specialize in wound care for patients of all ages using advanced therapies and state-of-the-art technologies including a hyperbaric chamber, which provides a high-pressure environment used to treat wounds that are difficult to heal. West Georgia WORX offers pre-employment physicals, drug screenings, and workplace

injury prevention and treatment programs and is conveniently located in the Lagrange Industrial Park. West Georgia Health 706-882-1411 West Georgia Medical Center 706-882-1411 Enoch Callaway Cancer Clinic 706-882-1411 Florence Hand Home 706-845-3256 Twin Fountains Home 706-882-0121 Vernon Woods Retirement Community 706-812-2899 Women’s Health Center 706-880-7411 West Georgia Home Care 706-845-3591 West Georgia Hospice 706-845-3095 West Georgia Health Rehabilitation and Wellness 706-845-3883 West Georgia Wound Care 706-880-7366

Choose from 20,000 sq ft of products like blankets, throws, decorative pillows, & more!

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2014 Emory Clark Holder Clinic has been providing medical care to LaGrange, West Georgia and East Alabama for more than 75 years)

Emory Clark Holder Clinic Emory Clark Holder Clinic has been providing medical care to LaGrange, West Georgia and East Alabama for more than 75 years. In the early 1930s, Dr. Wallace Clark of LaGrange visited the Mayo Clinic as a patient. Persistent migraine headaches and a heart ailment had taken him many places for treatment, but he was most impressed by a Rochester, Minnesota medical facility. Realizing the quality of care that could be given to patients through a group practice, Dr. Clark decided he wanted similar facilities for the West Georgia area. Therefore, he dedicated his life to make this dream a reality. While searching for a partner, a salesman from a surgical supply house told Dr. Clark about a young physician who was finishing his residency in surgery at Ware County Hospital in Waycross, Georgia. Clark contacted Holder in the mid-1930s and as the saying goes… “The rest is history”. Dr. Clark died in 1955, breaking a 20 year relationship that had been immensely successful. This left Dr. Holder at the helm, and through his strong leadership the clinic

continued its steady growth. By 1957, the physicians had outgrown their medical facility for a second time and relocated to the present facility at the corner of Smith and North Lewis streets. In July 2008, the physicians of Clark Holder Clinic joined Emory Healthcare as part of the Emory Specialty Associates division. This partnership has enhanced the clinic’s ability to provide medical care to the area and attract new physicians to the community. Emory Healthcare has been at the forefront of medicine since 1905 putting cutting-edge interventional research and technology into lifesaving action. With both organizations having long histories of providing outstanding medical care to the people they serve, this partnership enhances the health care services available to the people of this region. Emory Clark-Holder Clinic strives to meet the medical needs of the community by offering multiple specialties and services for the convenience of the patient. From primary care such as Family Practice and Internal Medicine to specialty care such as

Pulmonary Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Surgery, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Urology, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, ENT, Radiology and Ophthalmology, Emory ClarkHolder physicians are committed to being the leading provider of quality health care in this region. In order to continue to provide quality health care, Emory Clark Holder Clinic continues to recruit new physicians to the practice to meet patient demand. Along with bringing new physicians to the practice, Emory Clark Holder continues to renovate their existing building by remodeling waiting rooms, the Radiology Department and a new Oncology Building. To stay on top of technology they have transitioned over to Electronic Medical Records, Radiology digital imaging and a new state of the art closed MRI joint venture with Emory Southern Orthopedics. For your convenience and to meet the needs of the community, Emory ClarkHolder has a satellite Family Medicine office in West Point and a new Family Medicine satellite office at 380 South Davis Road in LaGrange as well.

Newcomers Guide 2014

Location. Location. Location. LaFayette Parkway Branch

Lee’s Crossing Branch banking also available inside the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. facility

Main Office

Not only do we have three convenient locations to serve you, but our checking accounts come with a lot of perks— like free online banking with billpay, mobile banking, and access to more than a thousand ATMs. If you’re looking for a bank that will make your life easier, you’ve come to the right place.

www.combanktrust.com 706.880.2200

The Right Place. The Right People. The Right Bank.

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