In last week's meeting of the Lyerly Town Council, Mayor Josh Wyatt detailed examples of the projects the town will include in the 2013 SPLOST Projects. 

The proposed SPLOST ballot language says the funds will be used for "expansion, modernization, and improvements of roads, streets, bridges, sidewalks, and trails; Capital outlay projects for recreational, historical or cultural facilities or any combination thereof, including but not limited to renovation of existing acquisition, acquisition, and improvements; water and sever expansion, modernization and improvements; public safety facilities and related capital equipment.

Wyatt said he kept the language broad in case something comes up later. The county must approve the list and language used for the ballot.

Examples of  the projects include:

–Recreational Facilities: New concession stand and bathrooms, new fence on big field, new bleachers on the big field; resurfacing of walking/biking trail, the purchase of property at the adjoining park

–Roads & Streets: Sidewalk to park, repair/replace existing sidewalks and bring into ADA compliance; crosswalks, paving streets.

–Cultural Facilities: Community Center, repairs to donated building on Alpine Street.

–Water & Sewer Expansion: Oakhill/Alpine Road area water expansion, other needed expansions, continue modernization and improvements of existing.

–Public Safety Facilities & Related Capital Equipment:  Make town facilities and fire department capable of responding to disasters, install backup generator at town hall capable of powering all operations, purchase 4X4 Rescue truck for fire department.

Right now Lyerly receives 1.92 percent of SPLOST funds collected in the county for an estimated $46,080 annually, or an estimated 276,480 in six years.

If the SPLOST passes in March, the town will receive 3.80 percent.. 

The brunt of a predicted severe flu season appears to be taking its toll on Georgians,  and pharmacies are struggling to meet the demand for vaccinations.

Officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health released a statement Friday confirming that the state is in the midst of a flu epidemic, the likes of which hasn’t been felt in nearly a decade.

The department said flu activity is widespread throughout the state, and the number of flu-related hospitalizations is high.

So far, two adult, flu-related deaths have been reported in Georgia.

Meanwhile, pharmacies  are seeing numerous people come in to get a flu shot, which officials said it is not too late to get.

Redmond Regional Medical Center has seen an influx of patients with flu-like symptoms in recent weeks and both Floyd Medical Center and Harbin Clinic have reported a similar situation at their facilities.

Officials stressed the importance of taking preventive measures now to minimize the effects of the flu and stay healthy. Every healthy individual older than 6 months should get a flu vaccine.

The predominant strain of flu circulating in Georgia and around the country is H3N2. This year’s vaccine is a close match making it effective in preventing the flu or minimizing its symptoms and duration. 

Other things to do to keep from getting the flu include frequent and thorough hand washing with warm water and soap, avoiding touching your face, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

A mother, her four children and a Rome area schoolteacher were taken to area hospitals following a four-car wreck Friday afternoon on U.S. 27 in Rome, according to Floyd County police.

A school bus reportedly was stopped in the outside southbound lane of Martha Berry Highway close to Mr. D’s Restaurant around 4 p.m. Friday when a red Chevy Silverado ran into the back of a silver Honda car and caused a chain reaction that damaged two other vehicles.

The Honda hit the back of a black Toyota Avalon, which in turn hit a white Ford F-150.

The driver of the silver car, 36-year-old Ashley Flagello  was taken to Redmond Regional Medical Center with severe neck and back injuries while the mother and four children were taken to Floyd Medical Center with minor injuries.

The two occupants in the Ford truck and the 16-year-old driver of the Silverado were uninjured.

Stratton said the driver of the Silverado was distracted just before hitting the Honda. He was cited with following too closely.

In a 4-1 vote Thursday, the Trion Town Council approved a 5.7 million dollar bond for the Trion City Schools. The bond will allow the school to go ahead with improvements funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and the town will cover the funds. 

Also on Thursday, the council approved Southern Environmental Services, of Marietta, for demolition of the Park Avenue Apartments in the amount of $264,590. The council also approved an alternate bid of $23,100 for drainage and fill work.

In other business, the council approved the re-roofing of the building at the Trion Wastewater Treatment Plant for $42,000. Mount Vernon Mills will pay 90% of that.   

Listed on the January 11 Arrest Report at the Chattooga County Jail are:

Christina Jade Starkey, Calhoun — Theft by Shoplifting

Christopher Thomas Warren, Trion — Bondmen off Bond; Violation of TPO; Disorderly Conduct; Public Drunkeness; Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers

Jorge Castro-Aguilar, Rocky Face — Driving With a Suspended/Revoked License 

Governor Nathan Deal was among the hosts of a fundraiser for State Senator Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga Wednesday in Atlanta. Mullis is expected to be named the next Senate Rules Committee Chairman for this year's Legislative Session.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that dozens of lawmakers are collecting last-minute campiagn checks this week, because current law bans them from raising money during the Legislative Session — which begins Monday.l

 While accepting cash for campaigns is banned during the session, there is no limit on gifts that can be given to Georgia's Legislators. The question of placing a $100 cap on lobbyist gifts is among items to be considered in this year's 40-day session.