The Henry County Update - Newsletter

September 7, 2018

Board of

Commissioners

Henry County Emergency Management Agency Host Delegation Meeting

Regular Meetings Sept. 18, 2018 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 2, 2018 9:00 a.m.

Meetings held at: Administration Building Community Room 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA 30253 Regular Commission meetings air daily on Henry TV Charter Channel 180 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, at 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.

The Henry County Emergency Management Agency hosted a delegation of foreign officials who were in the United States to learn about emergency communication and management. Delegates from Australia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Senegal and Uganda made the trip to see firsthand how emergency communications are handled on a federal, state and local level. The trip was coordinated by the Center for Disease Control.

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September 7, 2018

Published by Henry County Communications & Public Information Department Henry County Government

Editor Melissa Robinson

Graphic Designer Meredith Butler

Layout Designer Melissa Robinson Meredith Butler

Contributors Melissa Robinson Erika Richards

Henry County Stormwater to Host Electronics Recycling Event

Henry County Stormwater Management is hosting an Electronics Recycling event on September 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jason T. Harper Event Center in McDonough.

Citizens can bring their unneeded or unused electronics and have it recycled for free or a small processing fee. Flat screens, LCD, LED and smart televisions have a processing fee of $5; Cathode Ray Tube (CTR) monitors and televisions less the 19 inches have a processing fee of $15; CRT monitors and televisions that are 19 to 27 inches have a processing fee of $20 and CRT monitors and televisions greater 27 inches and rear projections have a processing fee of $25.

Electronics in both working and non-working condition will be accepted and must be removed from boxes, bags and packaging.

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HENRY COUNTY SPLOST V COMMITTEE UPCOMING MEETINGS

The next 2 meeting locations for the SPLOST V Committee have been confirmed, they are as follows:

Thursday, September 20, 2018 @ 6:30 p.m. @ JP Moseley Recreation Center – Community Room (District 4) Thursday, October 4, 2018 @ 6:30 p.m. @ Fairview Recreation Center – Community Room (District 5) Stephanie Braun County Clerk for the Henry County Board of Commissioners

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HCPD Crime Scene Expert Earns Advanced Certification

On August 23, the International Association for Identification (IAI) and the State of Georgia recognized Henry County Crime Scene Technician Jennifer Green as a P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Council) Certified Latent Print Examiner. Currently Green is one of only five examiners with this certification in the state of Georgia. The crime scene expert earned the honor after completing all of the required classes, practical exercises and an extensive examination.

As a Certified Latent Print Examiner, Green is able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of latent print evidence and is capable of providing expert subject matter and testimony in this field.

“We are very proud of CST Green’s accomplishment. Having completed this certification goes a long way to raise the level of expertise of the agency and our ability to better serve the citizens of Henry County,” said Henry County Police Chief Mark Amerman.

Green is a six-year veteran Crime Scene Technician with the HCPD and has more than 13 years of experience in the field. The IAI is the oldest and largest forensic association in the world. This certification process consist of an eight hour examination that includes the comparing and interpretation of latent print patterns.

Recycling Event continued from page 2

Angelo Teachout, Stormwater’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator explained the importance of this event and why citizens should participate.

“Pollution prevention and sustainable waste management are everyone’s responsibility,” said Teachout. “This recycling event will help promote social and environmental stewardship and discourage dumping and pollution of our shared water resources.”

This event is a recycling drop-off collection

and participants will not be reimbursed for their electronics.

The Jason T. Harper Event Center is located at 95 Lake Dow Road in McDonough.

For more information on this event, call 770288-7244 or email ateachout@co.henry.ga.us and for a full list of electronics that will be accepted, visit the Henry County Recycling Center website and click on the Electronics Recycling Event tab.

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September 7, 2018 Sheriff Presents Life Saving Award

Real life super heroes come in a variety of descriptions and ages. They don’t wear flashy outfits with capes and masks. In fact they don’t even know they are super heroes until the moment when their hearts and minds answer the “call to action”.

One such hero is 12 year old Lucas O’Bryant a student at the J. B. Henderson Center. On August 1st, Lucas was at his neighborhood community swimming pool when he noticed someone was struggling at the bottom of the pool. At that moment Lucas sprang into action.

He jumped into the pool and swam to the bottom and pulled 12 year old Whitney Cabasag to the surface. He then got her to the side of the pool where she was assisted in getting out. Whitney could not swim and had been unexpectedly pushed into the water from behind. Although no one saw the incident due of the activity, Lucas noticed that she was in danger.

When School Resource Deputy Timothy Burnham learned of the action Lucas had taken he

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passed the information along to Sheriff Keith McBrayer.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Henry County Board of Education provide School Resource Officers for the public school system.

“One of the most rewarding duties as Sheriff is to recognize outstanding accomplishments performed by residents of Henry County.” Stated Sheriff McBrayer. “It is especially gratifying to recognize the accomplishments of our youth.”

The Life Saving award was presented to Lucas on August 28th in a ceremony at the Sherriff’s Office.

His Grandfather, Otis Wilson, Sr., and Whitney’s parents, Sisco and Mary Cabasag were present along with Sheriff’s deputies and command staff. The citation reads; “The Sheriff of Henry County Presents Lucas O’Bryant This Life Saving Award For Taking Immediate Personal Action To Assist Another Person In Their Time of Crisis On August 1, 2018 By Pulling a Drowning Victim to Safety From the Bottom of a Swimming Pool, Resulting in the Saving of a Human Life.”

BOC and the Development Authority Join for Strategy Session Georgia Power hosts event to promote economic development

The Henry County Board of Commissioners, the County management team, staff and the Henry County Development Authority came together for an economic development summit to discuss priorities for Henry County. The called meeting was held on August 28.

Development Authority Director Leonard Sledge and County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews coordinated the event, which was hosted by Georgia Power at the Georgia Power Experience Center in midtown Atlanta. Georgia Power has facilitated similar meetings for other counties.

Hobson-Matthews said the purpose of the meeting was to bring together the two entities to discuss economic development strategies and priorities for Henry County, adding this is the first of several planned for the county.

“It was a very productive meeting and both Leonard and I have some great takeaways to help form

a strategic plan for the county in terms of economic development,” said Hobson-Matthews. “Both of our Boards offered great insight into what they would like to see and I’m grateful to Georgia Power for hosting us in such a productive, team-oriented setting.”

The team spent the morning discussing Henry County’s various industries and how its strategic location can be utilized to the county’s best benefit.

The team also discussed the importance of attracting new industries to the county, while continuing to serve the businesses and industries that are already in place.

The Henry County Development Authority is the lead economic development agency for the county and works to help retain local companies and to foster new relationships and opportunities with companies looking to relocate or grow their operations into Henry County. For more information on the Henry County Development Authority, visit www.choosehenry.com.

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September 7, 2018 Georgians Urged to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites West Nile Virus Infections Increase in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed seven human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) so far this year, including one death.

Additionally, there has been one confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) which resulted in death. EEE is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the United States each year.

DPH officials urge Georgians to protect themselves from mosquito bites, particularly when they are outside this Labor Day weekend. Mosquito season in Georgia typically lasts through October, sometimes longer depending on the weather.

“Georgians can reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes and yards by getting rid of standing water,” said Chris Rustin, Ph.D., DPH Director of Environmental Health. “Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.”

Health experts say to Tip ‘n Toss all containers that can collect water - flowerpots, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths - anything that holds water and gives mosquitoes a place to thrive. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus look for stagnant water to breed in, so be sure gutters and eaves are clear of leaves and debris.

The most effective way to protect against WNV infection and all mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. Observe the “Five Ds of Prevention” during your outdoor activities this holiday weekend:

Dusk/Dawn – Mosquitoes carrying WNV usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times.

Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.

DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites. henrycounty-ga.org

Drain--Empty any containers holding standing water because they are excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.

Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

Symptoms of WNV include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash - that usually develop three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease.

Anyone with questions about WNV or EEE should speak to their health care provider or call their local county health department, environmental health office.

More information about mosquito-borne illnesses and mosquito repellents can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/EnvironmentalHealth.

Information about West Nile Virus and EEE can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/ or https://www. cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/index.html.

About the Georgia Department of Public Health The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective.

DPH’s main functions include: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease and Immunization, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Volunteer Health Care, the Office of Health Equity, Vital Records, and the State Public Health Laboratory. For more information visit: www.dph. georgia.gov.

Henry County EMA Observes National Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and as it approaches, Henry County’s Emergency Management Agency wants residents to be as prepared as possible in the event of a crisis.

Emergencies can strike at any time and can consist of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornados, to chemical spills or catastrophic accidents.

With the help of Henry County’s EMA, citizens and their families across the county will be better prepared for those disasters.

Each week of the month in September focuses on how to prepare for an emergency and this year’s National Preparedness Month theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.”

Taking steps each week will increase household and community responsiveness when severe weather and other emergencies occur.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, and details to help you prepare for an emergency for each week, visit www.ready. gov/September. For more information on Henry County’s Emergency Management Agency, please visit henrycounty-ga.org/Departments/Public-SafetyEmergency-Services/E-911.

Week One (Sept. 1-8)- Make and Practice your Plan Week Two (Sept. 9-15)- Learn Life Safety Skills *Sept. 15 is National Day of Action Week Three (Sept. 16-22)- Check your Insurance Coverage Week Four (Sept. 23-29)- Save for an Emergency

SEE CLICK FIX henrycounty-ga.com/SeeClickFix 7

September 7, 2018 Board Supports Atlanta-Region Transit Link

Support for House Bill 930, regarding the Atlanta-Region Transit Link that was signed by Governor Nathan Deal was voiced after Commission Chair June Wood gave a presentation on the need for a transportation plan at the Board of Commissioners September 5 meeting.

In Wood’s presentation, she explained the concerns of traffic in Henry County as well as detailed the various transportation options the county could potentially use in the future. She also stated that the Board is committed to addressing the transportation infrastructure issues that the county has now.

The Atlanta-Region Transit Link gives the metro Atlanta area the opportunity to identify ways to link transit systems together and Wood wants to make sure that Henry County has the opportunity to share the needs of the County with the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Board.

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“We, Henry County have to have a seat at the table,” said Wood. “We are taking advantage of the Atlanta Region Commission, our staff is meeting with GDOT on a frequent basis and you have commissioners fighting for specific corridors in their district that we need help with.”

District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes lauded Wood’s presentation and explained the importance of supporting the Atlanta-Region Transit Link.

“I am happy that the Board is discussing this important issue,” said Holmes. “If we [the Board] make the commitment today to support this resolution, citizens that move to Henry County twenty to thirty years from now will be in position to reap the benefits of economic development.”

The resolution carried with a vote of 5-1 with District IV Commissioner Blake Prince in opposition.

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September 7, 2018

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