Butts County Community Profile - July 2015

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Come see what we’re all about.

XN

SP

2409

Butts County

Community Profile

Since 1967, Sherrell Funeral Home has been offering full service funerals and attending to the needs of our community with compassion, caring, and efficiency.

Our family-owned business prides itself on growing with the families it serves and having deep roots in the community.

Embracing both traditional values and diversity in honoring the individual spirit, Sherrell Funeral Home offers a full line of Funeral, Cremation, and Celebrant Services.

We hope you will consider us your source for compassionate care and exemplary service. Our pledge is to honor your loved one with dignity, respect, and personal attention to every detail.

• Modern and Updated Facility • Ample Parking• Parking in Rear • Handicap Accessible

We also conduct services at a location of your choosing.

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home 212 East College Street, Jackson GA 30233

(770) 775-3916259149-1

2 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 • Butts County Community Profile

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 3 •Butts County Community Profile

Welcome to the Butts County Community Profile

In this special Community Profile supple-

ment, you will find helpful informa-tion about local attractions, events, schools, govern-ment and more.

There are snap-shots of various parts of the Butts County community that we think you will find interesting and informative.

This guide in-cludes information on how to contact your elected representatives and details on some of the local events that happen every year throughout the county.

The Community Profile is by no

means all-inclusive, but we hope pro-vides a glimpse into life in our com-munity. We hope you keep it handy and use it as a resource to refer back to from time to time.

Indian springs state Park ..... Page 4

High Falls state Park ........... Page 4The Village at Indian springs Page 6

Jackson lake ...................... Page 6dauset Trails nature Center . Page 8

Jackson alive ...................... Page 9Christmas Parade ................ Page 9

Chamber Banquet ............. Page 11Halloween on second street Page 11

Bluebirds and Bluegrass .... Page 12Fourth of July .................... Page 12

smokin' Porks 'n Butts ...... Page 13Butts County Fair ............... Page 13

Butts County schools ........ Page 14Public library .................... Page 15

local Government ............. Page 16leisure services ............... Page 17

History of Butts County ...... Page 17sylvan Grove Hospital ........ Page 18

index

259139-1

As the nation’s number one insurer we promise to be there for you with the service and value you expect from a leader. To learn more about the value, benefits, savings, flexibility, and other options that we offer please call or visit our office today.

Danny Edmonds

Office: 770-478-2000

Fax: 888-503-1992

Street Address730 A East Third Street

Jackson, GA 30233

Office HoursMon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm

Evenings & Saturday by Appt.

22 Mulberry St. • 770-775-7812

Serving Jackson since 1951. From medicines to gift items, we have

them all. We strive to give you the highest quality level of personalized,

comprehensive services.

We also offer free city wide delivery.

Call City Pharmacy at 770-775-7812 or visit us today. For Emergencies: 770-775-5685 Danny Patterson

Mgr.Jeff Patterson

Rph

259155-1

We exist to love God and make disciples of all people

Sunday S er v ices Sunday School 9:15 am

Morning Worship 10:30 am Evening Worship 6:00 pm

We dnes day S er v ices Family Night Supper 5:45 pm

Prayer Meeting/Small Groups 6:30pm Upper Room for Youth 6:30 pm

Children Activities 6:30 pm

Checkout our l ive service at jacksonfbc.com

2588

84-1

770-775-31021227 West Third Street, Jackson, GA 30233


Indian Springs State Park is said to be the oldest state park in the United States. For centuries, Native American Creeks collected the spring water for use in healing. During the 1800s, the area was a bustling resort town.

Today, visitors can sample the spring water flowing inside the stone Spring House built by the Civilian Conservation Corps dur-ing the Great Depression.

The 105-acre McIntosh Lake offers boating ramps serving private boats with motors up to 10 horsepower, and fishing boat, aqua

cycle and pedal boat rentals. The park also offers lake swimming and creek wading.

Indian Springs State Park is also a popular wedding destina-tion. Since renovations of the

Stone Pavilion were completed in 2012, the park has had a tenfold increase in the number of weddings it hosts.

Indian Springs State Park covers 528 acres and has 10 cottages, two

of them dog friendly, that can be rented by reservation. There are 60 tent, trailer and RV campsites, seven picnic shelters and a group shelter that can seat up to 130 people.

The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is $5. Annual passes are available.

Indian Springs State Park678 Lake Clark RoadFlovilla, Ga. 30216770-504-2277On the net: gastateparks.org/

IndianSprings

high falls state park

indian springs state park

High Falls State Park offers hiking trails, boat ramps, geo-caching, miniature golf courses and playgrounds. The park also has campsites for tents, trailers and RVs, and those who like to rough it pioneer style.

The park provides year-round activities and programs that include ranger-led hikes, holi-day celebrations, educational presentations and Junior Ranger youth summer camps. But that

is not all.High Falls State Park is

named for the waterfalls that flow from the park’s 650-acre lake into the Towaliga River.

The park, at 1,050 acres, includes the remains of a hydro-electric power plant to which hikers have access through a marked trail. Today, the park is a popular camping destina-tion and day trip site. There is a group shelter, five picnic

shelters, boats for rent and two boat ramps.

Overnight visitors can choose from 107 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs, pioneer camping or paddle-in primitive camping. Six lakeside yurts fea-ture small decks, picnic tables and outside grills plus furniture and electricity. The park has a swimming pool and camp-ers have access to a riverside pavilion.

High Falls State Park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park-ing is $5 and annual passes are available. Free wifi service is available at the visitor’s center but there is no cable TV service.

High Falls State Park76 High Falls Park DriveJackson, Ga. 30233476-993-3053On the net: gastateparks.org/

HighFalls

Visitors to Indian Springs State Park can cool off on the rocks under the park’s iconic stone bridge. (File Photo)

CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP • RAMJACKSON, GA

WE WILL FIND A WAY TO PUT YOU IN A CAR OR TRUCK TODAY!

259153-1846 EAST 3RD STREET • JACKSON, GA 30233770.775.3434 • WWW.COUNTYSIDECDJR.COM

MEET THE STAFF AT COUNTRYSIDE

Michael RainesGeneral Manager

Adam DrydenFinance Manager

Jim ForsmanSales Person

Kenneth WallaceSales Associate

Doug StarrSales Associate

David AblesService Manager

Donald FrySales Person

Brenda BauerService Advisor

770.775.3434

ALL CREDIT ACCEPTED

CELEBRATING OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!


JR AUTO REPAIR

2X5

260503


Nestled along Ga. Highway 42 in Flovilla, adjacent to Indian Springs State Park, The Village at Indian Springs is a destination featuring boutique shops, gardens, an art gallery and cottages cater-ing to travelers in town to visit the park or to stay for special events like weddings.

In the Big Chief Country Store, items for sale include a selection of fine wines and cheeses and the Village’s own souvenir line, with an Indian Springs twist. The store also offers artistic handmade decor and a line of sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and other food items.

The gardens of The Village at Indian Springs are planted in a

number of styles. The Whimsical Botanical Garden features foun-tains, unique statues and other one-of-a-kind decor.

A significant recent addition to The Village at Indian Springs is a

large amphitheater, which hosted its first performance in June 2014.

The Gallery in The Village at Indian Springs hosts art exhibits and provides local and regional

artists with a place to display and sell their works. It is the home of the annual Memorial Day Plein Air Paint Out, which attracts art-ists from across the region who take to the outdoors to paint and draw scenes around the village.

Other shops include a bike and outdoor equipment store, a candy shop, a clothing boutique and an antiques store.

The Village also offers lodg-ing with more than a dozen total beds available in several small cottages and a couple of larger homes.

To reach the village offices, call the Big Chief Country Store at 770-775-5350.

The village aT indian springs

jackson lakeJackson Lake is one of Butts

County’s most significant rec-reational resources.

With shoreline in Butts, Jasper and Newton counties, the 4,750-acre lake is owned by Georgia Power, which also owns and operates the hydro-electric plant at Lloyd Shoals Dam.

The lake has 135 miles of

shoreline and is popular for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming and picnicking.

Georgia Power’s Lloyd Shoals Park is located at 180 Dam Road and is available for use year-round. It offers ameni-ties like a picnic pavilion, boat-launching ramp, restroom, bank fishing and two fishing piers.

The Lloyd Shoals power

plant began generating elec-tricity in 1911 for the Central Georgia Power Company, with the lake and power plant be-coming Georgia Power prop-erty in 1928. The dam spans 1,070 feet across the Ocmulgee River.

The lake is formed by waters from the Alcovy, Yellow and South rivers and Tussahaw and

Bear creeks.Homes around the lake are

popular as year-round residenc-es as well as for weekend and summer getaways. The active Jackson Lake Homeowners As-sociation hosts several events throughout the year.

For information about the homeowners association, visit www.jlha.org.

The amphitheater in The Village at Indian Springs hosted its first performance in June 2014. (File Photo)

$10.00

$5.00off any Auto Repair

and/or

off Oil Change

2203 HIGHWAY 42N • JENKINSBURG, GA 30234

PHONE: 678-774-8404 • FAX: 678-774-8434

MON - THU 8-6 • FRI 8-5 • SAT 8-1

www.expresslube42.com

• DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN AUTO REPAIR• THREE QUALIFIED MECHANICS AND A TECHNICIAN ON DUTY.• CLEAN, COMFORTABLE WAITING AREA• FREE ESTIMATES• FREE DIAGNOSTICS• FREE WIFI• CLEAN RESTROOM

263357-1

2591

41-1

We’re committed to educating our clients as to their fencing options and to being honest, dependable and trustworthy. We provide quality products, guaranteed work, and exemplary customer service at reasonable rates. We’re licensed, bondable and insured and all of our work is fully guaranteed.

770-775-4397 [email protected] Watkins Park and Pool Road Jackson, GA. 30233

Mon - Sat 7:00 - 19:00 | Sunday - Closed

WOOD FENCINGWood fencing is a strong, secure option that provides timeless beauty to any application. You can choose from any number of wood fencing styles, from picket, post and rail, privacy, and others, to compliment your landscape.

PVC FENCINGVinyl fencing has become a very popular substitute for wood and chain link fence over the recent years.

ALUMINUM FENCINGAluminum and ornamental iron fencing is commonly used in residential installations such as a pool enclosure or garden fence and in commercial installations by many universities, businesses, and other institutions as well as civic areas.

CHAIN LINK FENCINGChain link offers a long life and a cost effective product mix. Chain Link Fencing is a popular fence material option as well.

ORNAMENTALWe have several different types of fencing solutions available and different aesthetics in each category. We strive to provide you with the best fencing for your needs and great service to follow.

COMMERCIAL FENCINGWe know that our commercial clients demand the best fencing solutions to keep their property, tenants and customers safe and protected.


259143-1

922 McDonough Road, Jackson, GA 30233770-775-7832 • www.wmchga.com

• Providing Quality Long-Term Care Since 1959

• Skilled Nursing Services Provider• Approved Medicaid and

Medicare Provider• Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Care Available


Dauset Trails Nature Cen-ter draws tens of thousands of people to Butts County every year to enjoy and experience nature.

The 1,400-acre nature center is the result of a dream and lifetime friendship between Hampton Daughtry and David Settle, whose combined proper-ty — and last names — created Dauset Trails Nature Center. The center was started in 1977 and is operated by the nonprofit Daughtry Foundation.

Dauset Trails has more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails with beginner-, intermedi-ate- and advanced-level paths. Hiking and biking trails cross into Indian Springs State Park and wind along Sandy Creek. The nature center also has 10 miles of horse trails.

Dauset Trails features live mammals, birds of prey, rep-tiles and amphibians that are native to Georgia. Most have been injured or orphaned and cannot be released back into the wild.

Farm animals can be found at the barnyard area that depicts a

19th century farm and includes a blacksmith shop, country store, cane syrup mill and cook-ing area, smoke house and wag-ons. The barn is transformed into a frightening place during Halloween when it becomes The Barn — Terror at the Trails. A nominal fee is charged for

admission to The Barn.The barnyard area at Dauset

Trails is also the location for a syrup-making demonstration held each November.

Dauset Trails has become a popular place to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions. The nature center provides a

wedding package that includes its outdoor chapel that over-looks a lake, large pavilion and the atrium inside the visitor’s center.

Although Dauset Trails includes two small lakes and a lotus pond, fishing is only allowed during youth summer camp and at the annual fishing rodeo when visitors can fish at the lake near the visitor’s center.

The nature center also offers a children’s garden to explore, a gift shop and overnight camp-ing for organized groups, such as Boy Scouts, churches and 4-H.

Admission and parking at Dauset Trails are always free. All events held at the nature center are free, except the youth summer day camp and The Barn — Terror at the Trails.

Dauset Trails Nature Center360 Mount Vernon Church RdJackson, Ga. 30233Phone: 770-775-6798On the net: www.dausettrails.

com

Dauset trails Nature CeNter

Dauset Trails Nature Center has been operated by the nonprofit Daughtry Foundation since 1977. (File Photo)

200900-1

Free, no obligation financial review!

Thomas G BoykinFinancial Advisor110 South Harkness StreetJackson, GA 30233770-775-4576www.edwardjones.com

259161-1


Each October, the Butts County Chamber of Commerce hosts its Jackson Alive — The Family Festival on the down-town square.

The Oct. 3 festival is the sixth anniversary of Jackson Alive.

During the event, downtown Jackson is covered with ac-tivities and events for the entire family. The festival offers crafts, food vendors and entertainment of all varieties.

Jackson Alive — The Fam-ily Festival focuses on arts and crafts, handmade items — in-cluding those certified Georgia Made/Georgia Grown — food,

antiques, art and gardening items. There is also a farmers

market area, activities for chil-dren, information and demon-

strations, and an art show and sale.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. there are up to 125 vendors around the downtown Jackson square during Jackson Alive. Atten-dance each year runs in the 3,000 to 4,000 range.

The children’s activities include inflatables, games and rides. A children’s parade is sponsored by the Butts County Department of Leisure Services.

For more information or a vendor application, call the Chamber of Commerce at 770-775-4839 or visit www.butts-chamber.com.

Jackson alive — The Family FesTival

Jackson chrisTmas paradeSanta Claus comes to Jackson

each December for the Butts County Chamber of Commerce’s downtown Christmas parade.

The Dec. 4, 2015 event is the nighttime parade’s 20th anniver-sary.

The Jackson Christmas parade begins and ends at Jackson High School. The parade begins at 6 p.m., but participants begin marshalling at the high school

and spectators line the streets of Jackson well in advance.

The parade is sponsored each year by the Chamber of Com-merce. Parade participants include businesses, churches, civic groups, community clubs, those with fancy or antique vehicles, fire trucks, bands, beauty queens and dancers. Schools and government offices are almost always to be found taking part with marching

bands and floats.“This parade brings thousands

of people to our community,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melinda McLarnon said.

The 2014 event featured more than 200 individual entrants and 100 traditional floats.

The route traditionally begins at the high school and makes its way around the square, which is lighted with a variety of holiday

lights for the season.While all entries should reflect

the holiday spirit, participants in the parade are asked to not dress up as Santa Claus. This might cause confusion, since the Jolly Old Elf himself is always in the parade, bringing up the rear.

For more information call the Chamber of Commerce at 770-775-4839 or visit www.butts-chamber.com.

Festival goers stroll the streets of Jackson during Jackson Alive — The Family Festival. (File Photo)

2622

15-1 Jackson, GAOffice: 770.504.9212 Fax: 770.504.9214

J.M.I. SERVICES, INC.H e a t i n g &

A i r C o n d i t i o n i n g

$5.00 OFFwith the mention of the ad.

• Residential Construction• Commercial Construction• Service (all Makes

and Models)• Replacement

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 • Butts County Community Profile10

We all have someone to celebrate! You can continue to celebrate a life well-lived.

138 Peach Drive, McDonough, GA 30253 | 678.583.0717SacredJourneyHospice.com

State License 075-176-H

Sacred Journey Hospice can help you continue that celebration. Call us today to find out what Hospice can mean to you and

your loved ones.

262467-1

2616

84-1

LINDSEY ORTHODONTICS

0% INTEREST AVAILABLEFREE CONSULTATION

GRIFFIN & LOCUST GROVE678.688.4147

WWW.LINDSEYORTHODONTICS.COM

FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND EXCITING CONTESTS!

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE BRACE BUS PICK UP

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 11 •Butts County Community Profile •

The Butts County Chamber of Commerce banquet held each spring attracts hundreds of chamber supporters from across Butts County’s business and political communities.

While the venues have changed over the years — from church fellowship halls to most recently a private residence — what has remained the same is the event’s focus on spotlight-ing businesses, organizations, employees and other leaders in Butts County.

The highlight of the event is the induction of the newest member of the Butts County Hall of Fame. Past inductees

have included some of the community’s political leaders, business leaders and philan-

thropists.The banquet’s awards each

year also include Business of

the Year, Employee of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Organiza-tion of the Year, and Shining Light awards which recognize members of the community and their contributions.

The banquet is typically held each March and also serves as the Butts County Chamber of Commerce’s annual business meeting, when members can vote to amend the organiza-tion’s bylaws and make other procedural decisions.

During the meeting each year, the gavel is also passed to the incoming chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.

Butts County ChamBer of CommerCe Banquet

halloween on seCond streetOn Halloween each year,

downtown Jackson is full of costumed cuties and ghoulish ghosts — and a few super-heroes and zombies — dur-ing the annual Butts County Chamber of Commerce Halloween on Second Street event.

The Halloween candy giveaway route starts on the

corner of Mulberry Street and Third Street and turns west down Second Street to Mc-Donough Road.

While all participants are encouraged to dress up and even put costumes on their pets, candy is only given out to children ages 15 and younger.

Registered vendors, both

businesses and individuals, have signage provided by the Chamber of Commerce showing they are a part of the organized event. Participants provide their own tables, chairs and decorations. Eye-catching, creative decorations at homes and businesses are a big part of the event.

Donations of $25 or more

are accepted by the Chamber of Commerce to go toward the purchase of candy. Merchants and other participants who choose to donate will receive candy to pass out to children on Halloween.

Go to www.buttschamber.com or call the office at 770-775-4839 for applications. The deadline is Oct. 26.

The annual Butts County Chamber of Commerce awards banquet draws hundreds of chamber supporters. (File Photo)

2591

37-1

FREE Home Evaluations

Macon Office: 1.800.838.BUGS (2847)


Recently marking its 15th year, the annual Bluebirds and Bluegrass Festival is held each spring at the Dauset Trails Nature Center.

The event is a chance for the nonprofit center to show-case its tranquil setting and animal exhibits and to invite other organizations to pro-mote their community service and nature causes.

The festival attracts sev-eral thousand visitors to the center to take in a day of music in an outdoor set-

ting along with activities for children like a rock-climbing

wall, trampoline bungee, a blacksmithing demonstration,

information on 4-H’s Rock Eagle center in Eatonton, wildlife exhibits and food and plant vendors.

But it wouldn’t a bluegrass festival without bluegrass music. The list of perform-ers in years past includes the Packway Handle Band, Grassville, Johnny Roque-more and Recycled Grass among others.

Dauset Trails Nature Cen-ter is located at 360 Mount Vernon Road, Jackson. Call 770-775-6798.

BlueBirds and Bluegrass Festival

Fourth oF JulyThe city of Jackson cel-

ebrates the Fourth of July each year with a fireworks and entertainment program at Daughtry Park.

The show typically fea-tures hundreds of fireworks shot over the park’s softball fields at dark.The celebra-tion begins at 5 p.m. with bounce houses, water slides and other activities for chil-dren, along with an evening of musical entertainment.

The 2015 event was the 21st year the city has presented the Independence Day program, which is a tradition for many and draws crowds from across Butts and surrounding coun-ties.

Based on the number of vehicles entering the park, at a charge of $5 per ve-hicle, Jackson Mayor Kay Pippin estimated more than 5,000 attended last year’s

event.That figure does not

include other spectators who may have watched the fireworks show from other nearby locations. The program in recent years has been dubbed “Red, White and Boom!”

The money collected at the gate each year goes toward the purchase of fireworks for the next year’s program.

Grassville entertains the crowd at Dauset Trails Nature Cen-ter’s annual Bluebirds and Bluegrass Festival. (File Photo)

Fireworks explode over Daughtry Park July 4 during the city of Jackson’s “Red, White and Boom!” Indepen-dence Day event. (File Photo)

CINDY MITCHELLCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTLICENSED TAX PREPARER

464 W 3rd Ste 106, Jackson, GA 30233Office: 770.775.3557 • Fax: [email protected]/SBS

We look at your life through tax… and find ways to help.H&R Block is the world’s largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 650 million tax returns since 1955.

BUSINESS SERVICES:• Serving taxpayers with more than 12,000 retail offices and digital tax solutions

• Bookkeeping• Tax preparation & Advice

2604

88-1

• Payroll

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 13 •Butts County Community Profile •

Each year drawing more than two dozen cook teams, the Smokin’ Pork ‘n Butts barbecue cookoff is one of the Exchange Club of Jackson’s signature events.

The contest, which most recently has been sanctioned by the Georgia Barbecue Association, pays out thou-sands of dollars in prizes, but also raises money for the Exchange Club’s charitable works around Butts County, including scholarships and the Student Teacher Achieve-ment Recognition dinner each spring.

The 2015 Smokin’ Pork ‘n

Butts event was the seventh cookoff hosted by the club. “There are some of the great-est people you’re going to meet on these cook teams, and the judges as well,” club past president Wayne Rosser said.

The Smokin’ Pork ‘n Butts contest is held on the Ex-change Club’s Butts County Fairgrounds off Fairgrounds Street in Jackson, typically beginning on a Friday after-noon in April and wrapping up with the awards presenta-tion the following Saturday afternoon.

For more information, visit www.bbqnbutts.com.

Smokin’ Pork ‘n ButtS

ButtS County FairThe Exchange Club of

Jackson hosts the Butts County Fair each October in the same place it has been for gen-erations of families aiming to enjoy rides for all ages.

“It’s at the fairgrounds, as always,” said Exchange Club member Stan Hogan.

Hogan said the fair com-

pany, Dixieland Amusements, has a rearranged layout to provide room for new rides and more games. There is also entertainment onstage and the Greater Butts County Lions Club hosts a dog show. Since a county fair would not be a county fair without food, River of Life operates the conces-

sion stand and Dixieland has four food booths for candied apples, boiled peanuts, corn dogs and more.

The Exchange Club of Jack-son has served the commu-nity for 100 years, returning thousands of dollars to Butts County every year in the form of grants and scholarships.

“We strive to improve the liv-ing conditions for those who need the help, who can’t do it themselves,” Hogan said.

For more information, visit www.buttscountyfair.com or call 770-775-7880. The Exchange Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Members of the Fletcher’s Finest team pose with contest orga-nizers after being named the reserve grand champion in the 2014 Smokin’ Pork ‘n Butts contest. (File Photo)

14 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 • Butts County Community Profile Butts County sChool systemThe Butts County School

System sets high expectations for students and staff and of-fers plenty of opportunities to help fulfill those expectations. The system has almost 3,500 students and 500 employees, including 262 certified staff members. The faculty includes 102 with master’s degrees (39 percent), 47 with special-ist degrees (18 percent) and seven with doctoral degrees (3 percent). The teacher retention rate is 83 percent. It is one of the largest employers in Butts County.

Butts County schools are major centers for community activities such as Parent Teacher Organizations, school councils, drama and music programs, aca-demic nights and athletic events.

Jackson High SchoolJackson High School prepares

students for college and careers with a 79.4 percent graduation rate, compared to 72.5 percent for Georgia. The class of 2015 was the largest graduating class and had the highest gradua-tion rate in the history of Butts

County.Jackson High was named a

Georgia Advanced Placement STEM School in 2014 and has had record achievement in all core content areas over the past three years. A record number of students are dually enrolled in college or technical school while in high school. Jackson High School offers online learning

courses in its Virtual Learning Academy. Students can take doz-ens of courses online through the Georgia Virtual School, earning credits such as Advanced Place-ment computer programming, Latin and oceanography.

In 2015 the system was named an AP Honors District by the College Board. It was recently awarded a regional Col-lege and Career Academy grant with Griffin-Spalding and Pike County schools. The academy opens in 2016. The system buses students to Gordon State College and Southern Crescent Technical College to expand access to dual enrollment op-portunities.

Henderson Middle SchoolHenderson Middle School

is preparing students for high school, college and careers,

offering high school credits in coordinate algebra, ninth-grade literature and physical science. Last year 100 percent of stu-dents taking high school credit classes in eighth-grade passed end-of-course tests and all students leave Henderson with a graduation/transition plan to Jackson High. In the past school year, 250 students were in-vited to join the National Junior BETA Club.

Elementary schoolsButts County has three

elementary schools. Daughtry, Jackson and Stark Elementary are creating a culture of collabora-tion and sharing toward common instructional goals. The Board of Education approved a fifth pre-kindergarten class for 2015. This represents an increase of a total of 86 student slots for pre-K in the Butts County School System since 2012.

All three schools are Authen-tic Literacy Focused Schools with reading, writing and speak-ing programs and have thriving art, music, drama and after-school enrichment programs.

The system has a grant-fund-ed Family Enrichment Center with a parent involvement coordinator at each elemen-tary school. They make home visits to help children make the transition to kindergarten. The free program provides parents of newborns to 5-year-olds with support, programs and services including developmental screen-ings and play-and-learn groups.

Former Butts County Board of Education Chairman Ernest Battle, surrounded by students, school officials and supporters, cuts the ribbon on July 29, 2014, on the new wing of Jackson High School. (File Photo)

See school system, Page 15

Halsten & Johnson

2x5

259867

2599

13-1

124 N. Mulberry St. Jackson

770-775-3000

Behind every project is a

New and Used Guns in stock.

• HuntingSupplies

• FishingSupplies

• General Hardware

• PoolSupplies

ELECTRONIC KEYS MADE


E-SPLOST ProgramsConstruction is underway on

a new gym at Jackson High. It will seat 1,500 people and offer locker rooms and weight lifting facilities. Construction is funded by the voter-approved education special purpose local option sales tax (E-SPLOST) and Georgia is providing $1.1 million because the school’s existing facility is too small. The new gym is slated to open in January 2016. There will be additional parking for the school in front of the gym.

Jackson High School started the 2014-15 school year with a new wing and front entrance that includes two computer labs, school offices and classrooms. Student bathrooms are being renovated, including new fixtures

and flooring. E-SPLOST also paid to paint all five schools over the last three years. Future goals for E-SPLOST funds include adding a fine arts complex and career labs at the high school by 2019.

Technology improvementsIn fiscal year 2016, the

system’s capacity to use the internet will be greatly expanded. Schools will open with more than three times the bandwidth capacity they had last year at 100 megabytes per second — per school. This means better and faster access by students to audio and video educational resources.

Through E-SPLOST, the sys-tem has invested more than $2 million since 2012 in technology. The high school ordered Apple TVs and iPads in 2014. Hen-

derson Middle School received iPads and musical instruments during the 2013-14 school year.

School officialsSuperintendent Robert “Bud-

dy” Costley came on board with the system in 2011. School board members are Bobby Craven, who represents District 1; Mamie Crawford representing District 2; Johnny Morris representing Dis-trict 3 and serving as chairman; Clifford Marshall representing District 4 and serving as vice chairman; and Millard Daniel representing District 5.

Butts County School System Central Office

181 N. Mulberry St.Jackson, Ga. 30233770-504-2300www.butts.k12.ga.usDaughtry Elementary

School

150 Shiloh RoadJackson, Ga. 30233770-504-2356Principal Fran DundoreHenderson Middle School494 George Tate DriveJackson, Ga. 30233770-504-2310Principal Renee BurgdorfJackson Elementary School1105 Brownlee RoadJackson, Ga. 30233770-775-9480Principal Sheila BarlowJackson High School717 Harkness St.Jackson, Ga. 30233770-504-2340Principal Jay HomanStark Elementary School209 Stark RoadJackson, Ga. 30233770-775-9470Principal Derek Vander Ven

•From Page 14 Butts County sChool system (Cont.)

JaCkson-Butts County PuBliC liBrary.All you need is a PINES —

Public Information Network for Electronic Services — library card in good standing to check out items from any library in Geor-gia, including the Jackson-Butts County Public Library.

The library has the usual reading fare of hardbound and softbound books for all ages. It also has audio books, including children’s books, that can be bor-rowed.

For those who prefer to use or would like to try an e-book reader, the library has Kindles that can be checked out by patrons who are 18 years old or older. Thousands of e-books are available to download from Amazon and from the Georgia Download Destination website:

gadd.lib.overdrive.com.DVDs of movies can also be

checked out at the Jackson-Butts County Public Library.

Collections of magazines and newspapers are available at the library to read. In addition to books, videos and periodicals, the library offers a photocopier and computers for public use.

The Jackson-Butts County Public Library houses the Geor-gia Room, a designated enclosed area that has books written by Georgia authors, and historical and genealogical books and mate-rials related to Butts County.

The library provides weekly story time for preschoolers during the school year and a weekly chil-dren’s summer reading program. The summer program includes

puppeteers, magicians, animals, storytellers and musicians.

The Jackson-Butts County Public Library is part of the Flint River Library System and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Sat-urday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is

closed on Sunday.Jackson-Butts County Public Library

436 E College St.Jackson, Ga. 30233770-775-7524On the net: frrls.net/jackson-

butts-county-public-library

ADAMS-BRISCOE SEED COMPANYWe Sell “ABC” Mixes for:

FARM • HUNTING • WILDLIFE PRESERVESSTATE & FEDERAL AGENCIES

COME SEE US FOR SAVINGS ON LAWN & GARDEN SUPPLIES

The “A-B-C’s of Buying Seed”Adams-Briscoe Seed Company

325 E. Second Street, Jackson, GA 770-775-7826 • www.abseed.com

Garden Tools & Accessories • Vegetable & Flower Plants & Seeds Veterinary Supplies for your Pets Organic Fertilizers & Plant Foods

Spreaders & Seeders • Purina Foods for Livestock

260884-1

259670-1

A NAME YOUCAN TRUST

Cell: 770-560-1330Fax: 770-775-0659Office: [email protected]

Dover Realty Co., Inc.

464 West Third St., Ste. 102, Jackson, GA 30233

Ben DoverReal Estate/State Certified

Appraiser/Auctioneer #2441

Countywide Waste Systems

CALLTODAY!

770-775-0505

Family Tradition

Since 1966

Quality Dependable Service • Locally Owned & Operated

LET US PACK UP YOUR

PROBLEMS!

2599

35-1

OldestHauler

in Georgia

Residential Garbage Service

Butts County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners responsible for setting policy, setting the county’s budget and tax rate and other duties. Each mem-ber is elected from one of the five commission districts to serve a four-year term.

The board’s chairman is selected from among the five members by his or her colleagues to serve a one-year term that begins at the first meeting of the year each January. The board holds regular meetings on the sec-ond Monday of each month at 6 p.m. and special-called meetings as needed. A work-shop typically precedes each regular meeting at 5 p.m.

The Board of Commission-ers meets at the Butts County Administration Building at 625 West Third St., Jackson. The general information phone number is 770-775-8200.

County CommissionersDistrict 1: G.S. “Gator” [email protected]: 678-758-5631District 2: Rev. Robert L. Henderson [email protected] 3: Joe [email protected] 4: J. Keith [email protected] 5: Roger D. Mc-Daniel (chairman)[email protected]

OTHER DEPARTMENTSFire and Emergency

Medical Services: 770-775-8212 (non-emergency)

911 Center: 770-775-8232

(non-emergency)Community Develop-

ment: 770-775-8210Public Works: 770-775-

8213Leisure Services: 770-

775-8228; www.bcdls.orgElections: 770-775-8202Tax Assessors: 770-775-

8207Tax Commissioner: 770-

775-8206Butts County Sheriff’s

Office: 770-775-8216; 835 Ernest Biles Drive, Jackson; www.buttscountysheriff.com

CITY GOVERNMENTSButts County’s three

incorporated municipalities account for roughly a quarter of all of Butts County’s more than 23,000 residents.

Jackson is the county seat and a hub of activity for business, government and civic life in Butts County. Flovilla and Jenkinsburg also have quaint downtown dis-tricts, parks and other unique features.

City of JacksonThe city of Jackson was

founded in 1826 and boasts a central courthouse square, downtown business district and access to a number of state highways, several of which converge through the heart of the city along a main artery known as Third Street.

The mayor is Kay Pippin. Theodore Patterson repre-sents District 1, Lewis Sims represents District 2, Ricky “P-Nut” Johnson Jr. repre-sents District 3, Don Cook represents District 4 and Beth S. Weaver represents District 5. The City Council meets on the first and third

Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in the municipal court building located at 132 S. Mulberry St.

City Hall is located at 134 S. Oak St. Phone: 770-775-7535. Visit: www.cityofjack-songa.com.

The city operates of num-ber of departments to serve the needs of the citizens.

Police Department: 770-775-7878 (non-emergency)

Fire Department: 770-775-8054 (non-emergency)

Public Works: 770-775-3198

Electric Department: 770-775-3858; to establish electric service in the city, call City Hall at 770-775-7535.

Water & Sewer: 770-775-8058

Municipal Court: 770-775-8030

City of FlovillaThe city of Flovilla is

Butts County’s southern-most municipality.

It is governed by a mayor and five council members all elected at-large in staggered terms. The mayor is Beth Burns Ogletree. The council members are Catherine Wat-son, Glorine Thurman, Willie Morgan, Thomas “Son” Douglas and Lillian Cowell.

The city operates a fire department, streets depart-ment, municipal well water distribution system and cemeteries.

The City Council meets on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, which is located at 308 Heard St. Call 770-775-5661.

City of JenkinsburgJenkinsburg is governed

by a council of five members and a mayor which meets on the second and fourth Mon-days of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 211 Maple St.

The mayor is David Nestor. Council members are Eddie Ford who serves as mayor pro tem, Joye Eng-land, Susan Barabas, Richard “Dickey” Weaver and Ken-neth A. Rooks.

The city of Jenkinsburg maintains its own parks, city streets, sanitation and water billing system, and supplies housing and equipment for Butts County’s fire station located adjacent to City Hall.

Call 770-775-4850 or visit www.cityofjenkinsburg.com.

STATE SENATOR Burt Jones, R-Jackson,

District 25327-A Coverdell Legisla-

tive Office BuildingAtlanta, GA 30334Phone: 404-656-0082email: Burt.Jones@senate.

ga.gov

STATE REPRESENTATIVES

Susan Holmes, R-Monti-cello, District 129

501-F Coverdell Legisla-tive Office Building

Atlanta, GA 30334Phone: 404-656-0178email: sdholmes@bell-

south.netAndrew J. Welch, R-Mc-

Donough, District 110508-C Coverdell Legisla-

tive Office BuildingAtlanta, GA 30334Phone: 404-656-0213email: awelch@swblaw-

firm.com

16 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 • Butts County Community Profile LocaL Government

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 17 •Butts County Community Profile Butts County Department of Leisure serviCes

History of Butts County

Butts County provides numerous recreational oppor-tunities for children and adults alike.

Through the county’s Depart-ment of Leisure Services, Butts County offers organized sports leagues, instructional camps, summer camps and numerous competition opportunities.

Whether a child is interested in football, soccer, softball, baseball or basketball, there is an age-appropriate team for them to join. Recreation sports are held in spring and fall while sports camps are held during summer.

Inside the Butts County Com-munity Center, an open gym allows residents to play at their leisure during certain hours.

The Department of Leisure Services also offers facilities like ball fields and meeting rooms for rent. There are art classes, art and theater camps

and a summer day camp that offer a variety of activities.

Contact the Department of Leisure Services at 770-775-8228 or visit www.bcdls.org. The Butts County Community Center is located at 576 Ernest Biles Drive, Jackson.

Senior CenterButts County residents ages

50 and older can find programs and services from blood pres-sure checks to Zumba Gold at the Butts County Senior Citi-zens Center, a division of the Department of Leisure Services.

Clubs and groups include be-ginner’s bridge, a senior choir, Bible study, the Dream Weavers knitting and crochet group and a billiards club. The center offers

year-round play and seasonal team competitions in Wii bowl-ing. Bingo is held every week.

Programs and services aim to meet the nutritional, spiri-tual, physical and mental needs of senior citizens. The center also offers cooking classes that include low-sodium, diabetic and non-cook recipes to make at the center and at home. Begin-ner and intermediate computer classes are also offered.

Except for some field trips and a few other social activi-ties, all programs and services provided by the Butts County Senior Citizens Center are free for county residents.

For more information on the Butts County Senior Center and its activities call 770-775-8238.

Butts County, which was created from parts of Henry and Monroe counties, became Georgia’s 64th county by an act of the Georgia General Assembly on Dec. 24, 1825.

The county was named for Capt. Samuel Butts, an officer of the state militia. The three cities in Butts County are Flovilla, Jenkinsburg and Jackson.

Jackson, the county seat, was named for President Andrew Jackson and was incorporated as a town by an act of the General Assembly on Dec. 26, 1826.

Flovilla developed first as a railroad station around 1882. At the time, Flovilla was called East Indian Springs but in 1885 it was incorporated into a town.

Jenkinsburg started as a sta-tion along the route of the East

Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad in 1882 and in 1889 it was incorporated into a town.

Located in the county is the nation’s oldest state park, Indian Springs State Park. The purported healing waters of Indian Springs were known for many years to the Creek Indians.

Indian Springs became a resort community in the 1830s due to the reputation of the famous sulfur water and began attracting vacationers and revelers from around the country. In 1864, the village suffered during Gen. Sher-man’s March to the Sea. Many grand hotels and casinos were built around the springs in the de-cades that followed but today, the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum is the primary remnant of the area’s heydays.

North of Indian Springs is Jackson Lake. This 4,750-acre lake was created in 1911 when the Central Georgia Power Com-pany completed a 128-foot-tall concrete dam at Lloyd Shoals. This was the largest lake in Geor-gia until after World War II.

In a portion of southwestern Butts County is High Falls Lake and state park. In the early 1800s, the High Falls site was a prosper-ous town with a gristmill and electric powerhouse fed by the fall’s waters. The powerhouse ruins can still be seen today.

The Butts County Department of Leisure Services offers numerous sports leagues for youngsters, including softball, baseball and football. (File Photo)

261735-1

Personal Loans Auto Loans

Bill ConsolidationGive us the opportunity to

serve you!

Call or visit us today at:348 S Mulberry St,Jackson, GA 30233

(770) 775-5204 259157-1

Auto - Home - Life Health - Bank - Retirement

770-775-1222www.CharliePelt.com

Charlie Pelt Agent

We have the talent and staff to handle everything, from pick-up trays to multi-course, served meals

with ice carvings.

Serving Butts County and Surrounding Areas WITH TASTE since 1984 • Atlanta South 75 Travel Center

770-775-8188 • www.ryanscatering.com

There’s Something For Everyone At

Ryan’s Clas s i c Cat e r ing

Atlanta South 75 Travel Center

Atlanta South’s Family Restaurantand Our Award Winning

Little Bighorn BuffetLeave It All To Us!

RYAN’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

*NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL* Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner Soup, Salad and Fruit Full Menu & Buffets Free Drink Refills

To Go Orders

OPEN 6AM - 11PM

Nice and Neighborly..... where people meet & eat.

I-75 & Georgia Highway 36 Jackson, GA 30233 • 770-775-2076 • LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED2610

33-1

ATLANTA TRAVEL CENTER

FAST FOOD COURTOPEN 24 HOURS

18 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 • Butts County Community Profile Sylvan Grove HoSpitalSylvan Grove Hospital has

been serving the healthcare needs of the Butts County community since July 1962. The site of the hospital itself is ingrained in Jackson’s history. It was the site of the Sylvan Grove Plantation, originally settled in 1817 by Williams Buttrill.

The property remained in the family for generations until part of it was deeded to the Butts County Hospital Authority by Annadawn Watson Edwards, Buttrill’s great-great-grand-daughter. The hospital is now operated by Tenet Healthcare and is part of Tenet’s nation-wide network of more than 80 hospitals.

The hospital’s primary services are its Emergency De-partment and in-patient Center for Rehabilitation Services. The ED services about 1,000 patients each month, and has an extremely low wait time, a plus for anyone seeking urgent medical attention. Sylvan Grove also provides outpatient

diagnostic testing, physical, oc-cupational and speech therapy as well as respiratory therapy.

The Center for Rehabilita-tion Services is designed for patients recovering from joint replacement or other surgery, debilitating illness such as stroke or other injuries that re-quire care outside of what can be provided in an acute hospital setting. Sylvan Grove receives these patients primarily from other hospitals spanning a 50-

to 60-mile radius. During an average 10-day stay at Sylvan Grove, these patients receive more personalized nursing care and individualized treatment, including physical, occupa-tional, speech and respiratory therapy.

“These patients are not able to return home following their surgery or treatment in an acute care hospital. We provide them further recovery and a healing touch in a comfortable setting,”

Hospital Administrator Ed Whitehouse said.

Sylvan Grove Hospital is also involved in the community. The hospital staff conducts an annual community health fair and offers regular lectures and seminars on a variety of health-care topics.

Sylvan Grove Hospital is located at 1050 McDonough Road, Jackson. For more infor-mation, visit SylvanGroveHos-pital.com or call 770-775-7861.

Sylvan Grove Hospital has been in operation in Butts County since 1962. (File Photo)


259151-1

BUTTS COUNTY GEORGIA

SHERIFF GARY LONG

STAY CURRENTKeep up-to-date by following us on our Facebook page:

Get Directions To The Sheriff’s Office

835 Ernest Biles DriveJackson, GA 30233

Phone: (770) 775-8216Fax: (770) 775-8236

We will serve and protect through dedication, professionalism, and active

cooperation with the community

Sheriff Long says, “Stay alive, Don’t text and drive”


Documents

Butts County Community Profile - July 2015