A word from the county
Greetings, citizens of Effingham County. Today represents a momentous moment in this great County we call home. This article is the first of many publications. Each month, we, the board of commissioners, charge to keep you apprised of what is happening in Effingham County through the Effingham Herald; many thanks to those who were instrumental in creating this opportunity and allowing our voice to be heard.
During 2014 we made great strides to advance services for all people. Making Effingham a better place to work and live remains our ultimate goal. Through growing pains and trial and error and the help of all of you, we have and will continue to make constructive decisions in support of a better quality of life.
Last year, 32 miles of ash roads and 15 miles of paved road were repaired. More roadwork is due to resume this coming summer. We know there is so much more to be done and we are working toward the mark, one step at a time.
On March 18 between 4-6 p.m., Effingham County will hold a public information open house to discuss the Effingham Parkway. The meeting will be held at 106 Laurel St. in Springfield. As you know, the parkway will aid in alleviating traffic congestion on major corridors, namely Highway 21. The Georgia Department of Transportation and our consultant staff will be on hand to provide updated information, answer questions and address concerns. You all are encouraged to participate during this event.
On Feb. 21, a banquet was held in honor of our firefighters who protect and service to the utmost. In addition to many other awards, a merited recognition was given to Kim Odom, an Effingham communications officer who received a call at 7:15 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2014, from a young mother whose 2-month-old infant was unresponsive and not breathing. Kim initiated successful CPR with the mother over the phone. These are the positive things we love to hear.
Below you will find a listing of projects that are in the works:
• The county is working toward adding additional fire stations, apparatus and personnel to eliminate areas without fire protection. A contract to begin construction on the Tusculum fire station, which will provide a better ISO rating for the residents in that area, was just approved and is the first step in the overall improvements to come.
• Approximately 120 acres located off Highway 21 just south of Springfield were recently purchased to construct a new, more centralized recreation facility. Plans are underway for phase 1 of the new recreation park which is anticipated to include a two-court gymnasium, five lighted baseball fields and the related infrastructure to support them. A check in the amount of $10,000 was also presented by the Bank of Newington to be used for scoreboards for the development.
• Construction plans are being prepared for the reconstruction of Courthouse Road Extension between Midland Road and Highway 17.
As we continue to work with our administrative team on various projects, be forever mindful that we are concerned about you and Effingham County. It is indeed our mission to provide, through the highest integrity, a county government which will assure our citizens a safe and healthy environment to encourage and promote a high quality of life. Sure to make mistakes along the way, because we none are perfect. Nonetheless, the endeavor is to fulfill being the positive, effective voice and authentic leaders you elected us to be, living and growing together.
Thank you, Effingham County, for the opportunity to serve you.
We leave you with this quote from John Maxwell …
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
