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Page 2A - Pike County Journal Reporter - Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Anita Johnson recognized as Million Mile Safe Driver with USPS The United States Postal Service recently joined with the National Safety Council to induct a select group of drivers - who deliver on safety ev ery day - into the Million Mile Club. Anita Johnson of the Zebulon Post Office achieved the milestone and was inducted into the Million Mile Club. Anita is one of the few carriers in Georgia that deliver to two different zip codes as part of her daily route. She delivers the entire 30285 (The Rock) and a part of 30256 (Meansville) zip codes. Anita is well liked by her customers, a professional driver and a true asset to the Postal Service, said Zebulon Postmaster Tony Fogarty. “Club status” means that the revered Million Mile Award is awarded to letter carriers, rural car riers and truck drivers, men and women, who have a safe attitude that entails driving for one million miles or 30 years without a preventable incident. They receive a plaque which bears the Million Mile Club em blem, the NSC logo and an engraved personal ized nameplate. The Postal Service believes in recognizing employees’ safe and attentive behavior. USPS began participating in the National Safety Coun cil’s Million Mile Club and Safe Driver Award program in 1972. In 2020 postal driv ers operated more than 231,000 vehicles throughout the country as the world’s largest civilian fleet. The drivers face haz ardous road conditions, gridlock, uneven terrain and inattentive drivers seven days a week, some thing only professionals behind the wheel know how to handle. Nationally, postal drivers log more than 1.5 billion miles annually while delivering to more than 161 million homes and businesses in every city, suburb and town in America. The USPS deliv ers more mail to more addresses in a larger geo graphical area than any other post in the world. PHOTO BY RACHEL McDANIEL / PIKE COUNTY JOURNAL REPORTER Anita Johnson (left) was honored as a Million Mile Safe Driver with the United States Post Of fice on Oct. 22 by Zebulon Postmaster Tony Fogarty. Georgia's newest license plate supports historic preservation Drivers with Georgia license plates can now display a new look while supporting the state’s Historic Preservation Division. The HPD released its new license plates this week bearing the theme, “Preserve Georgia Down towns.” The HPD, now a part of the Georgia Depart ment of Community Af fairs, works with federal agencies to help them comply with historic preservation laws and regulations, adminis ters multiple economic development programs, and collaborates with key stakeholders for planning, conservation, tourism, and site protec tion. HPD’s Georgia Heri tage Grant Program matches the funds raised from the plates. Since 1994, the program has matched more than $3.5 million. The new plates cost $45, of which $20 goes to the HPD, $5 is slated for Georgia’s General Fund, and the remain ing $20 is the standard license plate fee. The historic preservation plates may be purchased at any county tag office upon request. The new preservation plates can arrive within seven to 10 business days from the ordering date. Tempo rary plates are issued at the time of purchase because specialty plates are not normally stocked. Georgia’s historic preser vation plates can also be purchased with new ve hicles by simply request ing the upgraded tag. For more information about Georgia’s Historic Preservation Division, go to dca.ga.gov/georgia- historic-preservation- division. I Production Manager > Electricians > Maintenance Mechanics www.dort.iobs Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Advertising grows businesses, helps your local economy and gets your name out to customers in trustworthy ways. Call today and give your business the boost it deserves. W 770-567-3446 Pike County Journal Reporter pikecountygeorgia.com Williamson discusses water woes BY DWAIN W. PENN news@pikecountygeorgia.com For several years the city of Williamson has been proactive in solving problems with low water pressure in certain areas with modest success. At the October 7 meeting of council, mayor Steve Fry supported the importance of a permanent solution through an upgrade of the system and correlated the urgency of need to expand the next county SPLOST to benefit most of Pike’s municipalities. “1 have conferred with Carter & Sloope, water superintendent Scott Huckaby, the city of Griffin and the state for needs and resources for our area,” said Fry. “When a hydrant is opened, water pressure goes down in that area. The problem is the six inch main line that serves the city along with other old lines and valves. There is no main trunk line running down 362.” “Carter & Sloope sug gests using a smaller line, but 1 think a ten inch main trunk on the north side of the highway would be better. Feed it straight into the AirPark pit and lay periphery lines with new valves, consolidating lines, getting rid of those outdated blue water pipes which are failing.” The estimated cost of the upgrade will be $850,000. To pay for the improvement, Fry sug gests using part of the ARPA funds and apply ing for a grant offering $100,000 in matching funds which should guar antee appeal and approval as a grant proposal. Fry has been attending recent SPLOST meet ings trying to convince the county to add water infrastructure to the list of fund usage other than just streets, roads and bridges. Meansville and Molena, along with Williamson, are in need of financial assistance with their water systems. Means ville is currently seeking a $1,000,000 GEFA grant and loan with a 40% debt forgiveness. For 25 years Williamson has purchased their water from Griffin. Of the month ly amount of gallons purchased, the city sells a lower amount resulting in a chronic average of 30% water loss. With a water system upgrade, the city can reduce that percent age and preserve a vital natural resource. COUNCIL ALSO: • Witnessed the swear ing in of new council member Steve Davis for post 5 previously held by Brenda Bennett. • Heard the city gave a nod to hosting the Wiste ria Festival next April. • Received the library report: 89 patrons and $51.80 income in August; 106 patrons and $52.10 income in September; $300 has been received for the mystery dinner theatre. • Heard the 2020 audit from Broadus Smith. • Learned work on fin ishing the amphitheater should begin soon. • Heard Williamson’s population doubled since the census in 2010. • Heard the parade float trailer needs a new floor. • Approved additional weekly hours for library employee Kristy Lucio at the current wage. Laura Moore. M.D. Provides comprehensive health care to patients of all ages, including pediatrics Sports/DOT Physicals Chronic Disease Management • Preventive Care UPSON Family Physicians Coming November 1! 770-567-7293 Zebulon