About The Eatonton messenger. (Eatonton, Ga.) 18??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 21, 2025)
A2 I THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025 The Eatonton Messenger www.msgrnews.com E-P Chamber of Commerce welcomes ‘Aunt Debb’ CONTRIBUTED The Aunt Debb Show was welcomed as the latest member of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce July 25, in a ceremony outside Aunt Debb's studio on Oconee Meadows Lane, near Hwy. 44 crossing Lake Oconee. Aunt Debb, wielding the Chamber's ceremonial scissors above her head (center), was surrounded by well-wishers, many of them wearing the same shirt featuring her caricature. Catch the Aunt Debb Show online at youtube.com/@theauntdebbshow318, where she celebrates and promotes the efforts of young entrepreneurs. Rivian plans celebrations; opponents face state in court Skyla Morris skyla@msgrnews.com Rivian Automotive is preparing to host two celebratory events for the planned construction of a 2,000-acre manufac turing plant in Stanton Springs North, spanning Rutledge and Social Circle. Rivian intends to host a community event Sept. 14 at Social Circle, with an invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony to follow two days later. The $5 billion project has faced several delays since its announcement in 2021, with many residents of Walton and Morgan counties continuing to strongly oppose construc tion of the vast industrial complex. A recent Atlanta Jour nal-Constitution article REAL JCOUNTRY Q92.3FM noted that, in an effort to reduce costs, Rivian halted construction in January last year. According to the AJC story, the company now plans to begin “vertical construction” in 2026. While resuming the development, Rivian continues to face oppo sition from residents surrounding the Stanton Springs site. According to Capitol Beat, in October 2022 six residents sued Morgan County to stop devel opment of the Stanton Springs site, claiming it was a violation of local zoning ordinances. However, before the residents’ lawsuit was filed, the state had bypassed local zoning by purchasing the 2,000- acre site and then leasing it to the Joint Develop ment Authority (JDA) of Morgan, Newton, Jasper, and Walton counties. The JDA then leased the land to Rivian, resuming the long-standing devel opment project plans. The initial suit was withdrawn two months later; however, the plain tiffs filed two “nearly identical” cases the next month in Fulton and Morgan counties to sue both Georgia and Morgan County. The Georgia Depart ment of Economic Devel opment, alongside the JDA, is now demanding FILE PHOTO This rendering shows part of the sprawling campus Rivian intends to build at Stanton Springs North along the Morgan-Newton county line. approximately $500,000 in legal fees from the six residents. Both authorities had lawyers representing them Aug. 13 in supe rior court at the Morgan County Courthouse. According to the AJC, these lawyers claimed during the hearing that the residents had filed “frivolous” lawsuits in an attempt to slow down the construction process for the EV plant. “This suit was clearly frivolous because the state is not subject to local zoning and the plaintiffs knew that all along,” said Charlie Peeler, a private attorney representing the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The motive is to delay, harass, and stop the project.” Morgan County Judge Stephen Bradley addressed the case during a recent court meeting, along with the 2022 case that the six residents had filed. Bradley denied the residents’ initial request for a “stop work order,” claiming it was merely to halt production, rather than for concerns of potential “irreparable harm.” Within the following months, the plaintiffs received a letter from Peeler, representing the State, with threats to seek the attorney fees, which became the subject of the most recent hearing. “tie financial handcuffs on citizens to stifle their opposition to the Rivian project.” In an October 2022 article, the AJC noted that Christy stated the residents were directly impacted by the “clearing, grading, excavating, transporting, and filling of land being done at the Rivian property without lawful permits.” The Aug. 13 meeting lasted approximately three hours before being adjourned, and Judge Bradley did not deliver a decision on the case. He is expected to make a final ruling within weeks. Regardless of the outcome, during the Sept. 14 event at Social Circle, PAMELA WALKER GLOBAL LUXURY® SPECIALIST FOREST GLEN LAKEFRONT $1,450,000 1090 FOREST HEIGHTS . Greensboro 5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath /3,501 sq ft Lovely Home built in 2020 with a Max Dock with Great Space for Everyone! HORSESHOE BEND LAKEFRONT $1,449,995 The opposing resi dents involved in the current lawsuit claim they are raising legitimate concerns through filing their case. They also say the State’s demand for $500,000-plus in legal fees is merely an intimi dation tactic, designed to prevent them from exer cising their freedom of speech. John Christy, the attorney representing the six Morgan County residents involved in the lawsuit, claimed the State’s demand for the fees would serve only to Rivian plans to provide “off-road course rides” in some of their model vehi cles, along with live music and food, with various vendors on site. That community event will be followed by an invitation-only ground- breaking ceremony on Sept. 16 at the Stanton Springs development site. Governor Brian Kemp will attend with government and company officials, stakeholders, and media representatives. More information about the EV manufacturer can be found at rivian.com. COLDWELL BANKER LAKE OCONEE REALTY | HARBOR CLUB GOLF HOME $940,000 1230 LAKE DRIVE ■ Greensboro 5 Bedroom / 4 Full and 1 Half Bath / 3,140 sq ft Beautiful Golf Course Home on 1.18 Acre Lot. Exceptional Privacy and Modern Elegance. 117 HORSESHOE CIRCLE • Eatonton 5 Bedroom / 3 Full and 3 Half Bath / 4,700 sq ft Fantastic Big Water Views, Nearly 300 Feet of Shoreline with Max Dock and Deep Water! THE WATERFRONT CONDO $550,000 m 864.630.7889 o 706.467.3181 COLDWELL BANKER LAKE OCONEE REALTY/ LAKE COUNTRY HARBOR CLUB LOT $325,000 1050 OSPREY CIRCLE ■ Greensboro Rare Opportunity for Stunning Lake Views, Assigned Slip, and Pond Frontage with this Building Lot Suitable for Walk-Out Terrace Level Home 113 SOUTH BAY (UNIT 1140) • Eatonton 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath / 1,667 sq ft Lakefront Condo on Lake Oconee. The Waterviews are Terrific PUTNAM COUNTY LAND 5100,000 145 S SUGAR CREEK ROAD. Eatonton Lovely 6.65 Acre Tract of Land Situated off of Harmony Road. Lots of Hardwood Trees and a Clearing Perfect for a Tucked Away Home Site. Ive. 1 SCAN QR CODE FOR MORE DETAILS! PWALKER@CBLAKEOCONEE.COM I LAKEOCONEEGAHOMES.COM Say hello to Yara, a supersweet two year-old who's hoping for her very own home and new best friend soon. Yara keeps her kennel spotless and loves doggie things like taking walks on a leash or playing with.... her squeaky toys. Learn more about Yara and other great pets by calling us at 706-485-3970, or just stop by. We're in Eatonton next to the Putnam County Sheriff's Department.
