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o o Barrow News-Journal Barrow County News Est. 1893 • Barrow Journal Est. 2008 16 Pages, 2 Sections A Publication of MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Winder, Barrow County, Georgia Merged August 2016 $1.00 Copy Wednesday, June 28, 2023 Credit: WPD Winder PD search for those involved in overnight vandalism on multiple public properties around the city, including the train depot (pictured). Winder PD search for vandals of city property The City of Winder’s public works and pub lic safety departments are continuing their re sponse this afternoon, focusing on cleanup and investigative ef forts across various parts of the city that experienced overnight graffiti vandalism. Public properties, in cluding the train depot, various concrete struc tures along the Wilkins Greenway and street signs were targeted. Public works crews began working Tues day morning and will continue removing the spray paint by pres sure washing the van dalized concrete areas. Teams will also be re placing any street signs that cannot be cleaned to ensure they remain clear and legible for motorists. Winder Police are ac tively seeking any in formation that may lead to the identification of those responsible. The Winder Police Department urges any one with any informa tion regarding this van dalism to reach out via email at Police.tips@ cityofwinder.com or by phone at 770-867- 2156. Local officials plan for the next 20 years Legend Targeted Residential Employment/Industrial Traditional Neighborhood West Winder Bypass l I Suburban Residential Destination 211 I l Rural Residential 316 Innovation HH Rural Reserve E’ll Conservation ■■ Mixed Use Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Credit: BOC Draft update to the county’s future land use map. By Morgan Ervin Future growth has been at the forefront of the minds of elected officials around the county over recent months as comprehensive plan updates are underway. A comprehensive plan outlines how a community’s long-term vi sion will be met over time. Plans typically provide a 20-year out look and are required by state law to be updated every 10 years for local governments to remain eligi ble for certain funding sources. Community goals, land use, transportation, needs and oppor tunities are a few of the essential components of these plans. Stakeholder interviews and steering committee meetings identified key issues the compre hensive plan should address, in cluding more industrial and com mercial businesses, more “middle management” housing, expansion of parks and community facilities and more infrastructure and hous ing for seniors. Other key issues identified are ongoing traffic issues, preserv ing the rural character area of the county and resolving the conflict between the county and the City of Winder. THEMES Findings from online sur veys conducted March 20-April 11 identify the following seven themes, all circling around a cen tral goal of balancing the county’s growth: 1. Aligning infrastructure in vestments with development 2. Prioritizing workplace and re tail growth where appropriate 3. Expanding housing options, particularly for seniors, young professionals and growing fami lies 4. Investing in a parks and recre ation system 5. Creating a more detailed plan for south Barrow County (south of SR 316) 6. Developing land use visions for Carl and Statham and 7. Improving coordination and collaboration across jurisdictions and communities. The updated plan identifies the S.R. 316 and 1-85 corridors as the most suited areas for growth as they are best served by infrastruc ture and favorable among develop ers. Also considered when identify ing growth areas is the location of sewer basins, which are necessary to support more intense patterns of growth. Roadways were also a key con sideration in identifying growth areas as the county seeks to min imize growth on roadways already burdened with traffic issues and- have no planned improvement projects. Some noteworthy changes to the county’s future land use map include expansions to the West Winder Bypass, suburban resi dential and traditional residential character areas. By expanding the suburban res idential character area, the coun ty hopes to better reflect existing growth patterns, trends, sewer potential and likely pressure from the Rowen development in Gwin nett. The traditional neighbor hood character area’s expansion intends to increase opportunities for different housing types. Both character areas intend to preserve established neighborhoods and fa cilitate quality growth. The expanded West Winder By pass intends to reflect the coun- See Planning, page 2A Homeless man treats strangers to lemonade “Because it is better to give than to receive” - Terrence “Terry” Brown Story submtted by Joel Jackson Random acts of kindness can bring about great joy for both the giver and receiver. We have seen celebrities and T.V. hosts give away millions of dollars in cash and gifts to individuals. And perhaps we ourselves have given food, money or clothing to someone less for tunate than ourselves. But, almost nev er have we seen a homeless man give to strangers... until a few weekends ago. On Saturday, June 10, around 2 p.m., when the temperature was well over 80 degrees, Terrence “Terry” Brown walked up to Jo Jo’s Gourmet Lemon ade stand, located outside of the Wind er Walmart, and offered to pay for the large frozen strawberry lemonade that was being prepared for a customer. And that was just the start of it. Terry stopped everyone who was entering or exiting Walmart and informed them that he wanted to treat them to a free large frozen lemonade. Initially, people were hesitant and wondering why this stranger was willing to buy them some thing, but, most of them took him up on his offer and got in line to receive their free drink. Dawn Carter, co-own er of JoJo’s Gourmet Lemonade, was manning the booth. After two hours of preparing the slushies that were paid in full by Brown, she ran out of large cups and ice. But, Brown was not fin ished with his random act of kindness. He returned the next day to gift another round of large frozen lemonade drinks to more random strangers. “I called Jo Jo to tell him I was out of large cups and explained why. He couldn’t believe it himself, but, was thrilled to learn of Terry’s generosity and provided me ad ditional supplies for the next day”, said Carter. When asked why he was doing this, Brown simply said, “because it is better to give than to receive”. The most surprising part of this whole sto ry is that while Terry has a job, he is Pictured: Joel “JoJo” Jakson, found er and owner of JoJo’s Gourmet Lemonade a homeless man. He lives in his track and randomly gifts strangers at local food establishments in the area. This past weekend, he gifted over 50 cups of frozen lemonade and everyone walked away with a big smile. MAILING LABEL SRTA approves major project on SR 316 By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service The State Road and Tollway Au thority (SRTA) signed off Monday on a major highway improvement projects on State Route 316. Board members unanimously ap proved a resolution authorizing agreements between SRTA and the Georgia Department of Transporta tion (DOT) to split oversight of up grades to intersections along Geor gia 316. The project calls for building sev en grade-separated intersections along the busy highway connecting Athens with 1-85 in Lawrenceville both to improve traffic flow and safety. The intersections involved in the project are in Barrow and Oconee counties. The work will be done through three contracts worth about $350 million in total. The first of the three contracts will involve two Georgia 316 intersections in Barrow County. The DOT plans to issue a request for proposals from interested road builders for the $100 million con tract next month and announce the apparent winner of the bidding in December. Construction is due to start during the fall of next year. In April, the DOT chose the project as a finalist for the work. The agen cy plans to announce a “best value proposer” during the second quarter of next year. Under the agreements between SRTA and the DOT, SRTA will finance the project and pay the contractor, while the DOT will man age the construction. The State Transportation Board al ready has approved the agreements. America Local celebration guide Auburn’s Independence Day Celebration July l at 5 p.m. at 1369 4th Ave. Bring your blanket, sit back and enjoy the largest fireworks display in the area hosted by the City of Auburn. This year’s event will also feature a live music performance by Trey Odom Band, inflatables for the kids, craft vendors, food and more. Character meet-and-greets will also be available for those who pre-register at https://buytickets.at/ enchantedevents/937292. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, email bhaney@cityofauburn-ga.org. Star Spangled Statham July3 from 6 8 p.m. at 1898 Railroad St Casto Trading Company presents the 5th annual Star Spangled Staham for a night of family fun featuring live music, vendors, food and fireworks at dusk. Character meet-and-greets will also be available to those who RSVP for free at https://buytickets.at/enchantedevents/943806. Celebrate Braselton July 4 from 510 p.m. at 9924 Davis St. Highlights include a concert on the Town Green featuring The Soul Purpose Band, kid-friendly activities throughout downtown, food trucks, local dining and shopping. Fireworks begin at dark. Restaurants and shops will be open and Town Hall will be decorated for the holiday and a perfect spot for family photos and to catch the parade. Food Trucks open at 5 p.m. Patriotic parade on Hwy. 53 - 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m. The Soul Purpose Band performs 6:30 -9:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Celebrate Winder July 7 at 6 p.m. at Jug Tavern Park Thank Goodness It’s First Friday presents Celebrate Winder on July 7 to celebrate the city’s 130th birthday.The birthday bash will be an evening of celebrating Winder’s past and present momentum with live music, delicious food and fireworks. A live performance by the legendary Swingin’ Medallions at 8 p.m. In addition to the Swingin’ Medallions, there will be a variety of food vendors, activities for kids' and plenty of opportunities to dance the ni Admission to the event is free and everv e is invited.