Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for May 8, 2023

Congress passed the second part of the Militia Act on May 8, 1792, requiring all able-bodied white male citizens to be enrolled in the militia.

A Constitutional Convention convened on May 8, 1798 in Louisville, Georgia to rewrite the state Constitution after the Yazoo Land Fraud.

The Southern Baptist Convention was formed in Augusta, Georgia on May 8, 1845.

On May 8, 1864, Union forces under Sherman continued to engage Confederates at the Battle of Rocky Face Ridge four miles west of Dalton, Georgia, seizing Blue Mountain.

Elsewhere on the same day, the Army of the Potomac under Grant reached Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia and found that Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia had beaten them there from the Battle of the Wilderness.

Grant’s Army of the Potomac remained engaged against Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House through May 21, 1864.

Governor Sonny Perdue signed legislation designating the current state flag on May 8, 2003.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

I like how WTOC partners with the local junior high school to put a 12-year old reporter on camera.

Governor Brian Kemp signed the state budget for FY 2024, according to a Press Release.

Ellabell, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Hyundai Motor Group representatives, members of the General Assembly, state and local elected officials, and economic development partners from around the state, signed the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget (HB 19) and HB 408 today at a signing ceremony on the site of the Hyundai Metaplant in Bryan County. This budget was carefully worked on with members of both legislative chambers and invests in public safety, education, healthcare, workforce development, and much more.

An excerpt from the governor’s remarks can be found below:

`For nine years in a row, Georgia has been named the number one state to do business.

That’s not just by chance. It’s because we’re willing to make the tough choices when it matters most, it’s because of our partnership and pro-business approach, it’s because we budget wisely and carefully, and it’s especially because of the resilience of hardworking Georgians.

And because of all those virtues and more, we have more people working in our state than ever before.

Our unemployment rate is at an incredible 3.1 percent.

We beat every state record in commerce and trade.

And in less than 365 days, we announced four of the largest economic development projects in Georgia history!

The largest of those projects is taking place right here where we’re standing, thanks to Hyundai’s decision to bring 8,100 jobs and over $5.54 billion in investment to this region.

You’ve seen a small portion of all the activity going on here for that project today, and soon enough, a state-of-the-art facility unlike any other will stand on this ground. But Hyundai’s positive impact goes even farther than this project and the four counties it directly affects. Suppliers for this future plant are also moving to Georgia, and combined, they’ve already announced over 4,500 new jobs and roughly $1.96 billion in investment!

That’s nearly double the original estimate we had for investment from off-site suppliers, all because Hyundai chose Georgia.

And those figures don’t even include the joint venture Hyundai has with SK On in Bartow County for an EV battery facility, which will bring a further 3,500 new jobs and roughly $5 billion in investment to our state.

Transformational projects like those we’ve announced over the past two years are great examples of why we need HB 408.

That bill extends the sales and use tax exemption for certain projects designated as competitive projects of regional significance, and I’m proud to say that most of the communities that have benefited from this tool are located outside of metro Atlanta.

So, I want to thank the legislators who helped get this bill across the finish line, including: Representative Bruce Williamson for introducing the legislation; his co-sponsors, Representatives Shaw Blackmon and Matt Gambill; and Senator Chuck Hufstetler for carrying this bill in the Senate.

Thanks to their efforts, Georgia remains a top competitor for companies looking to locate or expand their operations.

The budget I will sign this afternoon will also help us remain the best state for opportunity.

HB 19 funds our priorities and places our state on strong financial footing, keeping us on the road of economic growth even while policies coming out of Washington, D.C. push the country closer to recession.

In order to keep us the No. 1 state for business, we’re investing in our workforce pipeline, from the classroom to the boardroom. That includes support for our hardworking educators and investments in our schools. Between the budget I will sign today and the AFY23 budget I signed earlier this year, we’re putting more money toward education than ever before in state history!

This budget fully funds our schools and provides $26.9 million to increase the number of counselors who help our students overcome personal challenges and support their success.

And I’m proud to say that by the end of my first term, we were able to raise pay for Georgia’s teachers by a total of $5,000. Today, the budget I’ll sign will add another $2,000 pay raise on top of that. No other General Assembly or governor has raised teacher salaries by so much, so quickly in state history.

We’re also making history by restoring the HOPE Scholarship and Grant programs to their full promise of covering 100 percent of tuition at all public university and technical college institutions.

In short, this budget improves both the quality of and access to education across the board.

But this budget doesn’t only make our classrooms and workforce better, it also makes our communities safer and funds resources in the fight against street gangs and criminals.

Earlier this week, the nation joined us in witnessing the bravery of Georgia’s law enforcement on all levels who responded forcefully to the incident in our capital city.

I want to thank Colonel Chris Wright and our great state Troopers, Director Mike Register and the entire team at the GBI, and our other state public safety officers who helped local law enforcement in Atlanta and Cobb County on Wednesday. Let’s give them a hand!

We cannot thank them and our other law enforcement enough for what they do. That’s why I’m thankful the FY24 budget gives eligible state law enforcement officers a $6,000 pay raise on top of the $5,000 pay raise included in this current fiscal year’s budget, ensuring we remain competitive in attracting top-tier talent into careers of service.

With this budget, we’re also further building on the work Marty, the GRACE Commission, and our public safety partners have accomplished in the fight against human trafficking.

In 2019, we launched the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit in Attorney General Chris Carr’s Office. That Unit has a 100 percent conviction rate, and in the past year, alone, they’ve rescued 116 victims.

With funds included in HB 19, we’re adding a new analyst position to that prosecution unit to go after even more of these criminals, especially those who operate in illicit massage parlors. This is just another measure to further our ongoing efforts in the fight against human trafficking.

We’re also not resting on our laurels when it comes to making Georgia a healthier place to live, work, and raise a family.

Bringing innovative solutions to our healthcare system has always been a top priority of my administration. That’s why this budget includes $52 million in funding to help us launch the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program.

This common-sense, sustainable approach will offer Medicaid to tens of thousands of able-bodied, low-income Georgians who would not otherwise qualify, and our team is hard at work to ensure we successfully launch that program on July 1 of this year.

And to make sure Georgians in every part of the state have quality care, including in our rural communities, we’re investing in our healthcare workforce. Last week I signed SB 246, which establishes a student loan repayment program for certain nursing instructors, helping us address the shortage of qualified nursing educators and growing the pipeline for this high-need profession.

This budget provides the funding for that program, and I look forward to its impact.

These are just a handful of the benefits Georgians will soon see because of this budget. So, again, I want to thank everyone here and elsewhere who helped make these investments possible.

Georgia continues to be the best state to live, work, and raise a family, because we have prioritized education, public safety, healthcare, and economic development, even in the face of truly unprecedented times.

Today’s legislation builds on those priorities to make us even stronger and more prosperous.

So, let’s get to signing!

From the Savannah Morning News:

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday chose an appropriate location – the future site of the Hyundai Metaplant in Bryan County – to sign into law a sales use tax exemption for projects of regional significance.

The South Korean automaker’s electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility fits that definition. The factory is scheduled to open in late 2024 and expects to employ 8,100 workers.

Kemp was joined for the signing ceremony by Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns, an Effingham County native who owns a farm near the site, and Georgia Sen. Ben Watson, a Savannahian whose district includes Bryan County.

In addition to signing the tax exemption extension, Kemp also made law the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

Raises for law enforcement and teachers are at the center of House Bill 19. Teachers will receive a $2,000 raise while law enforcement will see a $6,000 increase.

“We are investing in a pipeline, from the classroom to the boardroom,” said Kemp. “We are putting more money towards education than we’ve ever done before in the states history. This budget makes our community safe too. Earlier this week, we watched our brave law enforcement respond to an incident in our state’s capital. This budget ensures we stay competitive in attracting top tier talent for positions of services.”

Sticking with education, Kemp announced the Hope Scholarship will be restored to 100% of tuition for students attending public universities and technical colleges.

“This budget improves the quality and access to education across the board,” said Kemp.

“We’re also not resting on our laurels when it comes to making Georgia a healthier place to live, work and raise a family,” said Kemp. “We are bringing innovative solutions to our healthcare system, which has always been a top priority of my administration. And our team is hard at work to ensure we successfully launch that program on July 1 of this year.”

From the Associated Press via the Statesboro Herald:

“There is a lot of good stuff in this budget to talk about,” Kemp said. “It’s important that Georgians know we’re delivering on our promises.”

The budget calls for spending $32.4 billion in state funds and $55.9 billion overall, including federal and other money, in the year beginning July 1. Although leaders fear state revenue growth will slow, the document reflects Kemp’s willingness to keep spending, knowing Georgia’s government has billions in surplus revenue in the bank.

State troopers and many other law enforcement officers will get a $6,000 raise, while all state employees, public university employees, technical college employees and public school teachers will get a $2,000 raise.

“No other General Assembly or governor has raised teacher salaries by so much, so quickly in state history,” Kemp said, noting the $5,000 yearly raises he delivered to teachers and state employees in his first term.

The budget also again gives $500 bonuses to 54,000 retirees in the state Employees Retirement System. People in that plan have not received regular cost-of-living increases.

Lawmakers agreed to pay for home services for 500 more people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities — up from the 250 originally proposed by Kemp. The state has thousands on a waiting list for such services.

From WTOC:

The governor is also touting $52 million in funding for a Pathways to Coverage program which will offer Medicaid to tens of thousands of eligible people in the state who meet certain work requirements.

“These are just a handful of the benefits Georgians will soon see because of this budget. So, again, I want to thank everyone here and elsewhere who helped make these investments possible,” Gov. Kemp said. “Georgia continues to be the best state to live, work, and raise a family, because we have prioritized education, public safety, healthcare, and economic development, even in the face of truly unprecedented times.”

It is rare to have the governor sign the state fiscal budget outside of the statehouse, but Gov. Kemp said he wanted to come to the Metaplant in Bryan County because he says this site represents the types of economic investments the state continues to seek out.

The Georgia FY2024 budget is set to begin on July 1, 2023.

Governor Kemp also signed Senate Bill 92 by State Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula), creating a Prosecuting Attorneys Oversight Commission, according to a Press Release.

Savannah, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, members of the General Assembly, district attorneys and solicitors-general, and other local and state leaders, signed Senate Bill 92 today, establishing the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PAQC). The PAQC will serve as a valuable oversight mechanism for district attorneys and solicitors-general across Georgia, ensuring these officials fulfill their constitutional and statutory duties.

“My No. 1 priority is public safety across our state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As hardworking law enforcement officers routinely put their lives on the line to investigate, confront, and arrest criminal offenders, I won’t stand idly by as they’re met with resistance from rogue or incompetent prosecutors who refuse to uphold the law. The creation of the PACQ will help hold prosecutors driven by out-of-touch politics than commitment to their responsibilities accountable and make our communities safer.”

SB 92 – sponsored by Majority Whip Randy Robertson; co-sponsored by President Pro-Temp John Kennedy; Sen. Larry Walker, III; Sen. Bill Cowsert; Sen. Matt Brass; Sen. Jason Anavitarte; Rep. Joseph Gullett; Rep. Houston Gaines; Speaker Pro-Temp Jan Jones; Rep. Stan Gunter; Rep. Jesse Petrea; and Rep. Matt Gambill – establishes the eight-member Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PACQ). The PAQC has the authority to investigate alleged misconduct by district attorneys and solicitors-general and discipline, remove, or cause the involuntary retirement of those who meet the conditions for removal.

The bill establishes the following grounds for the removal or involuntary retirement of a district attorney or solicitor-general from office:

• Mental or physical incapacity that interferes with the performance of duties that is likely permanent;
• Willful misconduct in office;
• Willful and persistent failure to carry out statutory duties;
• Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude;
• Conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice which brings the office into disrepute; or
• Knowingly authorizing or permitting an assistant district attorney or assistant solicitor-general to commit any of the aforementioned acts.

The PAQC must also establish standards of conduct and rules for the commission’s governance, subject to approval by the Supreme Court, by October 1, 2023. In addition to the creation of the PAQC, the bill adds to the statutory duties of district attorneys and solicitors-general the requirement to review every case for which probable cause exists and make a prosecutorial decision as to each individual case. The bill also clarifies that a district attorney or solicitor-general’s failure to perform his or her statutory duties shall constitute grounds for a recall.

The governor expresses his thanks to all who were involved in the passage of this legislation.

From the Savannah Morning News:

As part of a tour through the Savannah-area today, Gov. Brian Kemp signed S.B. 92 at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office on Carl Griffin Drive, making official a law that creates a Prosecuting Attorneys Oversight Commission for district attorneys and solicitors-general across Georgia. Kemp appeared earlier in the day at the future site of the Hyundai Metaplant in Bryan County to sign into law a sales use tax exemption

Opponents of the law fear it circumvents the will of local voters and prevents district attorneys from pursuing some restorative justice measures, such as diversion programs, in favor of harsher criminal charges. Supporters suggest the commission provides necessary oversight to discipline district attorneys and solicitors-general who do not prosecute certain crimes, such as the state’s six-week abortion ban.

At the press conference accompanying the signing, Kemp said, “People are finally fed up with local prosecutors that simply are not doing their job.”

Kemp continued, “I wouldn’t want to speak to any individual things that’s going on in the [Chatham County District Attorney’s Office] because I haven’t been privileged to those conversations, but that’s why people are outraged. Because when you have things like … prosecutors leaving because of incompetency, and you have offices, whether it’s Chatham County or anywhere else in the state, it’s raisin’ a lot of eyebrows, citizens are concerned about that. And plus, you have dangerous criminals getting off scot-free because people simply don’t know how to do their job, and that’s why the legislature and our office wanted to tackle this issue.”

The signing of S.B. 92 comes at a time when Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones faces increased scrutiny for pleading down, or reducing, murder convictions to lesser charges, such as manslaughter. Since taking office in January 2021, Jones has faced a backlog of cases, exacerbated by the COVID-19 shutdown of courts, staffing shortages ― including three ADAs who quit last month, and accusations of fostering a discriminatory culture within the office.

From WTOC:

Gov. Kemp says the oversight commission will be similar to the judicial qualifications commission which investigates ethical misconduct by Georgia judges.

“Misguided priorities and poor leadership are driving experienced and talented prosecutors out of their offices. Georgians deserve better than that. They deserve the same accountability for our prosecutors as we have for the judges in our state,” Gov. Kemp said.

“People are just finally fed up with local prosecutors that simply are not doing their job and we know that firsthand. When you have sexual predators that are getting off scotch free simply because a simple procedure or date is not followed in a judicial proceeding those kinds of things are outrageous to the local communities and to parents like us,” Gov. Kemp said.

“I think it’s a powerful statement that the governor chose Savannah to be the site to sign this bill. We have a multitude of jurisdictions, communities, that have suffered with so-called ‘progressive’ DA’s. And, simply incompetent DA’s,” Rep. Petrea said.

From the Athens Banner Herald:

Athens District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez also seems a target for the legislation. Upon election, she noted she planned to not prosecute certain drug offenses and her office has endured a high turnover rate among prosecutors.

State Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, was one legislator who supported the bill in part because of Gonzalez, who he said is not doing her job and is risking public safety.

Governor Kemp vetoed House Bill 249 by State Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), according to the AJC.

The governor’s veto of House Bill 249 on Friday was among 14 measures he rejected ahead of a deadline next week to sign proposals into law or nix them.

The financial aid measure was designed as an expansion of legislation from last year to help students who can’t afford their tuition. It passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and would have increased the maximum award students can receive to $3,500, up from $2,500.

Kemp said he supports veterans initiatives and efforts to make education more affordable, but that he rejected the measure because the expansion is “subject to appropriations and the General Assembly failed to fully fund these educational incentives.”

Other Kemp vetoes:
Senate Bill 199 would have required the state to offer health savings accounts to employees on a pre-tax basis. Kemp’s veto statement said Senate Bill 199 enacted the change “without a full understanding of the fiscal impact …. to the state.”

Senate Bill 303 would make it easier for senior citizens in Fulton County making annual income less than 200% of the federal poverty level to reapply for a homestead exemption. It was vetoed because it didn’t require a new referendum for voters to approve the changes.

Senate Bill 23 sought to improve data sharing by state agencies by sharpening the definition for the Georgia Data Analytic Center. It was vetoed because Kemp said the appeals process raised separation of powers concerns, and that he would issue an executive order instead.

House Bill 193 would have hiked the value of local government public works contracts subject to competitive bidding requirements from $100,000 to $250,000. Kemp’s veto noted that the state is required to competitively bid any construction or public works contracts more than $100,000 and that requirements for local contracts should not be “more lenient.”

House Bill 541 tried to expand Georgia’s “move over” law to apply to any stationary vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights. Kemp said he rejected it because it would “create additional safety and enforcement issues.”

House Bill 52 would have made a range of changes to the state’s transportation department, including new limits for what driver data can be obtained through public records requests. It was vetoed due to a late amendment that made it easier for ports projects to circumvent “alternative” contracting rules.

United States Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Atlanta) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced federal funding to electrify ports including Georgia’s, according to the Savannah Morning News.

Michael Regan, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on Friday joined U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Joel Wooten, chair of Georgia Ports Authority, at the Port of Savannah berths to announce $4 billion of Inflation Reduction Act investments that will go toward developing programs in the nation’s port infrastructure and reducing air pollution.

The EPA noted two new programs that will come from these funds. First, the Clean Ports Program will put $3 billion toward technologies to reduce harmful air and climate pollutants at ports. The second, the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program, will invest an additional $1 billion to reduce vehicle emissions and better protect the health of people living and working near ports, schools and other truck routes.

The EPA is seeking input on how to administer these programs and then the agency will accept competitive proposals from ports like Savannah for how they would put funding to good use. The agency is collecting responses in a formal Request for Information to improve the its understanding of zero-emission trucks and port equipment as well as infrastructure requirements. The deadline to submit input is June 5.

Savannah isn’t, nor is any other city, guaranteed this money. But [EPA Administrator Michael] Regan and Ossoff both noted that EPA chose to make this announcement in Savannah, the nation’s third busiest deep-water port, due to its strength and growth.

Flanked by Georgia Port Authority employees and local representatives from the International Longshoremen’s Association 1414, Regan said he came to Savannah to recognize the city’s leadership in port development and how it has already started leading the charge in reducing the negative environmental impacts ports have had on surrounding communities, usually communities of color.

From WTOC:

“To improve our capacity to improve growth, to reduce air and noise pollution, and to ensure that the continued development of ports like the Port of Savannah insure environmental public health for local communities,” Sen. Ossoff said.

Local port leaders say the offer of federal funding will help their transition and any adjustments.

“We can tweak here and there, be smart, and end up with a much better product for Savannah, for Georgia, and for the Southeast,” Authority Board Chairman Joel Wooten said.

Savannah and other ports have until June 5 to submit input on how they can further reduce emissions at their site.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson appointed an interim Police Chief after Freddie Blackmon accepted a severance agreement, according to the Ledger-Enquirer.

Stoney Mathis, who has headed other Georgia police departments and has run for office, will start work Monday, said the mayor late Friday afternoon. He replaces Police Chief Freddie Blackmon, who retired April 30 after accepting a $400,000 severance package. Mathis has served as chief of the Chattahoochee Hills Police Department and the Fairburn Police Department.

During Mathis’ time as Fairburn chief from 2018 to 2022, the city saw a 52% reduction in its crime rate, Mayor Henderson noted. Mathis ran as a Republican last year for Georgia House District 68, losing to Democrat Tish Naghise in the Nov. 8 General Election.

His appointment as interim here will not have to be confirmed by a council vote, Henderson said April 6 when Columbus Council approved a $400,000 severance with Blackmon. “It’s an administrative action taken by the mayor, because it won’t really be the chief,” he said. “It will be the interim chief.”

Outgoing Deputy Gwinnett County Attorney Tuwanda Rush Williams will run for Gwinnett Superior Court Judge, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post.

The No. 2 person in Gwinnett County’s law department is planning to run for an open Superior Court judge’s seat next year.

Tuwanda Rush Williams, who is the deputy county attorney, kicked off her campaign for a seat on the judicial bench on Friday. Williams will run in 2024 for the seat currently held by Gwinnett Superior Court Judge Karen Beyers, who is not seeking re-election.

Williams will step down from her position with the county on May 17 to run for the office.

“Raising a family here in Gwinnett County and representing the elected and appointed officials and employees of Gwinnett County Government has been a blessing, and today I am seeking to take the next step in serving our community,” said Williams said in a statement. “I am asking Gwinnett County voters to support my campaign, centered on temperance, transparency and trust, as we work to ensure our community remains the best place in Georgia to live, work, and raise our families.”

Williams has been a longtime member of the county’s law department, which represents the county government in legal matters. She joined the department in 2005 and has been a lawyer since 1992. Before she became the deputy county attorney in 2019, she served as a senior assistant county attorney in Gwinnett’s law department for several years.

She worked in private practice and for the city of Atlanta prior to her time with Gwinnett County.

Williams earned her law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, according to the State Bar of Georgia. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Syracuse University, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Williams was praised for her work as an attorney and in the community by friends.

“I have known Tuwanda since 2004, and I am proud to call Tuwanda a community leader and my friend,” Lawrenceville City Councilwoman Marlene Taylor-Crawford said. “She is a difference maker who answers the call to service. Tuwanda is a woman of integrity, and she has earned the respect of the community.”

Some Tybee Island residents want Orange Crush ended, according to the Savannah Morning News.

Orange Crush, an HBCU beach bash that regularly draws tens of thousands of visitors, is the island’s largest unofficial event. This year, the festival returned to Tybee with unprecedented force, alarming city officials, residents and public safety teams, who say the small island simply cannot handle the flood of 40,000 to 50,000 visitors at once.

The events of this year’s Orange Crush, however, have prompted local officials to make the case for more local government control on how to handle crowds of this size in the future.

At Thursday night’s forum, city officials told residents that they are working on an emergency response plan that will mitigate the potential of a similar “man-made” crisis. One of the first steps is drafting a resolution that asks for more local control on decisions, such as declaring a state of emergency, diverting traffic from state-owned U.S. 80 and restricting or dispersing crowds on the beach.

That resolution will be made public in the May 11 council meeting agenda.

The sheer volume of cars and people coming onto the island at one time is what made this year’s festival different from past Orange Crushes and different from other large celebrations, according to city officials.

Savannah City Board of Alderman member and Mayoral candidate Kesha Gibson-Carter is complaining about “stolen” campaign signs, according to WTOC.

Kesha Gibson-Carter has filed eight police reports since the beginning of April about campaign signs being vandalized or disappearing from where they were placed.

WTOC met her campaign manager on Friday at White Bluff and Montgomery Cross Road where she says two of the signs went missing. In total, the campaign manager said over a dozen signs have been damaged or gone missing.

Campaign manager Sam Carter says he does not want to speculate on whether the signs are being stolen by someone or collected by city staff. Ultimately, he says it’s all about letting elections play out fairly.

“I’m going to leave that up to the professionals that do this for a living. What we’re going to do is keep putting up signs. This does not stop us. Just like our forefathers, this does not stop us. It does not stop what we’re doing. This is America. We have the right to run for free elections and that’s what we’re doing,” Carter said.

Savannah does have ordinances that govern where campaign signs can be placed. WTOC went to the city-owned lot where Savannah’s code compliance office places campaign signs they collect for breaking the rules.

WTOC found some signs from the Gibson-Carter campaign in the pile, but none that match the description of the large wooden sign the campaign manager said disappeared from White Bluff and Montgomery Cross Road.

The campaign manager said they have not been notified by code compliance that the sign was taken either.

Georgia’s first Loggerhead Turtle nest of the season was sighted, according to the Albany Herald.

Georgia’s nesting season for loggerhead sea turtles started farther up the coast than usual this week yet still at a most fitting spot: Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The annual cycle of these massive turtles returning to beaches in the Southeast to lay their eggs began in Georgia Monday with a single nest on Blackbeard, a barrier island off the northern end of Sapelo Island. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge, confirmed the nest site Tuesday.

Sea turtle nesting on Blackbeard has been tracked since 1966, one of the longest continuous data sets in the U.S. And while the location of the first nest was unique — Cumberland, the state’s most southern barrier island, usually leads the way — the timing wasn’t. Georgia Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Mark Dodd said first nests “come like clockwork … around the first of May.”

Predicting how the season will go is anyone’s guess. But computer modeling that shows loggerhead nesting tracking a three-year pattern in the region points to a low or medium season of about 2,800 nests, according to Dodd, a senior wildlife biologist with the state Department of Natural Resources.

Georgia set a modern-day record for loggerheads last year with 4,071 nests, the most since comprehensive nesting surveys on all of the state’s barrier island beaches began in 1989. The 2022 count eclipsed the previous high of 3,950 nests in 2019 and produced more than 266,000 hatchlings.

Nesting is documented by the Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative, a DNR-coordinated network of about 200 volunteers, researchers and agency employees who patrol beaches daily during nesting season.

The town of Ranger in Northwest Georgia is no more, after Governor Kemp signed House Bill 773 by State Rep. Matt Barton (R-Calhoun), according to the Rome News Tribune.

A bill introduced in March by State Rep. Matt Barton, R-Calhoun, aiming to strip Ranger of its township passed both the House and the Senate and has now been signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, according to Barton.

This bill was introduced March 20, after Barton said Ranger had not been providing basic services for citizens. The legislation repeals an April 1979 act for a new charter for the Town of Ranger. House Bill 773 was passed by a 162-0 count by the House on March 23, and a 52-0 count by the Senate March 29, just hours before the session ended.

HB 773 means municipal services that were once charged to Ranger will immediately be the responsibility of Gordon County. It states its passage gives the “transfer of duties and obligations to Gordon County; to provide for transfer of all legal rights, privileges, and assets to Gordon County; to establish a special tax and service district for outstanding bonded indebtedness and other obligations; to provide for transfer of all federal and state permits and licenses; to provide for the transfer of ongoing judicial actions; to provide for the continuation of zoning and land use regulations; to provide for future proceeds of special and regular local option sales taxes; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.”

The story of how this legislation was developed is fascinating and worth reading in its entirety.