About Dawson County news. (Dawsonville, Georgia) 2015-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 11, 2019)
8A I DAWSON COUNTY NEWS I dawsonnews.com Wednesday, September 11,2019 Dawson County continues economic boom Joshua Demarest jdemarest@dawsonnews.com Dawson County’s economic outlook continues to shine as more and more businesses begin to call Dawson County home. One of the surest ways to measure the continued econom ic growth is the continually ris ing collection of our LOST/ SPLOST/ESPLOST taxes. According to a recent report given by Dawson County Manager David Headley, LOST and SPLOST collections have been on the rise every year since 2017. ESPLOST collections have exceeded the monthly projec tions since November 2016. Currently, collections sit almost $3.4 million over the projections. What does this mean for businesses? On the one hand, it means more and more people are coming to Dawson County to spend their money. All of the LOST taxes are collected as sales taxes, so the more money that is spent in the county, the higher those numbers will be. It also means that both the city and county have the money to fund all of the special proj ects to upgrade infrastructure and schools, resulting in a bet ter quality of life here. Businesses, business owners, and residents here in Dawson County all enjoy the county’s relatively low property tax rate as compared to neighboring counties. Rising property taxes can often spell disaster for small businesses, but with the tax structure here in Dawson County, our rate remains low. And since the Board of Commissioners just voted to roll back the millage rate, that looks like it will continue. We also have a fantastic Chamber of Commerce that seeks out businesses big and small to bring to the county. They are exceptional at foster ing relationships with business owners, providing them with the resources they need to be successful, and advocating for them in front of local and state government. Add to that the exceptional quality of life here in Dawson County, with everything from boating on Lake Lanier to backpacking at Amicalola State Park, and you’ve got a commu nity that is primed for success. So whether you’re a business owner, an employee, or a resi dent, come enjoy the wonderful business community here in Dawson County. It’s a great place to live, work, and play! Photo for Dawson County News Black Friday shoppers flock to the Premium Outlets in Dawsonville from all over the region and the world. It is just one example of the recent economic boom that continues to positively impact our community. Here’s how you can help clean up Lake Lanier this Saturday 'It's a treasure hunt. You never know what you'll find since trash moves down into Lake Lanier from as far away as Helen. One of the best parts of the day is the feeling of instant gratification, knowing you're seeing immedi ate results from your hard work. It's a great opportunity to help clean our drinking water SOUrCe. Cynthia Cochran, Title From staff reports On Saturday, volun teers will be ascending upon Lake Lanier for the Lake Lanier Association’s 31 st annu al Shore Sweep. Twelve sites across the lake will host more than 1,000 volunteers on Sept. 14 where they will be roaming the banks and waters of Lake Lanier to hunt for and remove trash. During the 31 years of the event, more than two million pounds of trash has been removed from the shore of Lake Lanier. “It’s a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find since trash moves down into Lake Lanier from as far away as Helen,” said long time Show Sweep site captain Cynthia Cochran. “One of the best parts of the day is the feeling of instant gratification, knowing you’re seeing immediate results from your hard work. It’s a great oppor tunity to help clean our drinking water source.” Shore Sweep efforts will expand into Dawson, Lorsyth, Hall and Gwinnett counties. Although the official event doesn’t kick off until Sept. 14, the shore sweeping efforts have already begun with the opening of the advance drop sites. Across the lake, eight sites only accessible by boat are open for those who want to get a head start on cleaning the lake. On Saturday, these sites will close, and the trash - along with every thing else found - will be taken to the 12 Shire Sweep sites across the lake. Locations and coordinates for the advance sites can be found online at www. lakelanier.org. “The focus of Shore Sweep has changed over the years along with the predominate type of trash that we find. In years past it was primar ily bottles, cans and lei sure type trash. We now have 12 million annual visitors to Lanier but the trash is trending towards heavy, industrial type trash like dock floats which makes our boat ing community and dwellers invaluable with collection and disposal,” said LLA Shore Sweep Organizer Bonny Putney. Volunteers can go to any of the 12 shore sweep locations from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help clean up Lake Lanier. The locations are: War Hill Park in Dawson County; Bald Ridge and Port Royale marinas in Lorsyth County; Gwinnett Park in Gwinnett County; and Aqualand Marina, Balus Creek Park, Clarks Bridge Olympic Park, Don Carter State Park, Gainesville Marina, Lake Lanier Islands, Longwood Park and University Yacht Club in Hall County. Volunteers will be pro vided trash bags and participants will receive a t-shirt. Volunteers can register in advance by visiting lakelanier.org. AFFORDABLE DENTURES & IMPLANTS* 1078 Lumpkin Campground Road, Suite 300 NOW OPEN! SMILE DAWSONVILLE We’re finally here! ARDAVAN ASKARI, DDS GENERAL DENTIST ASK US ABOUT IMPLANTS! 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Advertised fees effective through 12/31/19. 08316-1 AFFORDABLEDENTURES.COM FROM 1A Hunger are disrupted because the household lacks money and other resources for food.” In a 2018 survey of families with low food security conducted by USDA Economic Research Service, “98% reported having worried that their food would run out before they got money to buy more. 97% reported that the food they bought just did not last, and they did not have money to get more. 96% report ed that they could not afford to eat bal anced meals. 97% reported that an adult had cut the size of meals or skipped meals because there was not enough money for food. 90% reported that this had occurred in 3 or more months. 94% of respondents reported that they had eaten less than they felt they should because there was not enough money for food.” One in four of those suffering from food insecurity in Georgia are seniors. According to the Georgia Lood Bank Association, “Lor many seniors who are on tight post-retirement budgets, unex pected expenses lead to difficult financial decisions like having to choose between food, medicine and utilities. They often cut out more expensive, healthy foods to make ends meet. Unlike working age adults, seniors are less likely to recover from financial strain and are more likely 'The defining characteristic of very low food security is that, at times during the year, the food intake of household members is reduced and their normal eating patterns are disrupted because the household lacks money and other resources for food.' USDA to suffer negative health consequences from a poor diet.” Another major group affected by food insecurity is children. In fact, the state of Georgia ranks fourth in the nation in child food insecurity. Per the Georgia Lood Bank Association, “this can have long-term effects on their health and future. Kids who are food insecure are more likely to be held back a grade in elementary school, more likely to be sick and hospitalized, and more likely to have growth and developmental issues.” Lor those looking to make a difference in your community, Georgia Mountain Lood Bank, along with the local food bank RIC-Rack are excellent places to get involved. Lrom donating money to volunteering time, there is an abundance of ways to get involved. SoG <30 ra<3©0^ Bunny Special: 'A off Adoption Fee Bunny can be your next fur baby for only $37.50 (normalfee: $75.00) DOB: 11/11/17 WEIGHT: SOLbs No animal at Dawson County Humane Society has been so aptly named as this spunky Staffordshire-mix girl, Bunny. Bunny has a gorgeous black and white coat, floppy little ears that nearly stand upon end when she gets excited, and a little nub tail that is constantly wigglingandwiggling. Her favorite activities include splashing and playingin the water, doing zoomies in the yard, and getting snuggles and treats from her favorite humans. Bunny is extremely loving and energetic, and she’s always vying forattention from all passersby, promisingto repay them with endlesshugs and kisses. Bunnyhasa hugeheart, andshe loves pretty much everybody and everything, but a standard meet-and-greetis definitely recommended if you have other fur- babies in your home. Form z^z ation Dawson County Humane Society 706-265-9160 | 633 Martin Road, Dawsonville adjacent to the Rock Creek Sports Complex Visit our RESALE SHOP & BOUTIQUE benefits the Wed. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | 54 S. Lumpkin Campground Rd. Humane Society AM Collision Bradley M. Maple ^^Dawsonville Specialists CPA, PC ( ) Veterinary 706-216-0992 706-216-2362 Hospital 103 Industrial Park Road, Dawsonville 2390 Thompson Road Suite 100 Dawsonville 706-265-8381 Please contact us for fee's Are you looking for a barn cat? We have plenty to choose from! These cat’s would be much happier living in an outside area. Please call the shelter for more information. 706-265-9160
