While hurricanes are unpredictable and powerful, there are steps we can take to minimize the risks.
*Chairs, tables, umbrellas, trampolines and other outdoor items can easily be lifted and thrown by strong winds, posing a significant danger to people and property. It is crucial to secure these items or move them indoors before a hurricane approaches.
*Another often overlooked item that can transform into a projectile during a hurricane is your trash can. To prevent this, make sure to securely anchor your trash can to the ground or bring them indoors ahead of a hurricane. This small precaution can go a long way in safeguarding your home from unnecessary risks.
*Move any loose outdoor items indoors, including birdfeeders, decorations, and flags/banners. These items may have the potential to blow away and become debris.
Bainbridge Residents:
Sand and a limited number of bags are available for pick up at our Public Works office located at 1503 Pierce Street as well as our Public Safety office located on Louise Street.
We will limit the number of bags to 10 per household and once those run out, you will need to provide your own bags. Please be prepared with a shovel.
After Hurricane Michael, Decatur County EMA recognized the need to have a way to get information out to our community without using only social media. Decatur County decided to create an app to be able to push information to as many people as possible by using their smart phones. I have attached a flyer for the Decatur County EMA app.
Download it today to stay weather aware!
Bainbridge Residents:
Sandbags are available for pick up at our Public Works office located at 1503 Pierce Street.
The Comprehensive Plan Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 26 has been postponed due to inclement weather. Our next planning meeting will be October 24 at 6:00 PM at the Public Safety Training Center.
As we watch for updates regarding possible severe weather later this week, prepare now by downloading Decatur County EMA's app to stay weather aware.
City Council will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting this evening at 6:30 PM at City Hall. You can find the agenda for that meeting online here: https://www.bainbridgecity.com/documents/your-government/agendas-%26-minutes/2024/09%2F17%2F24-city-council-meeting/704512
A little rain couldn't put a damper on Saturday's Downtown of the Year celebration! Kids enjoyed a scavenger hunt and face painting before live music from the Kason Sellers Band kicked off in the gazebo. Such a fun day to celebrate with our community and applaud those that have had their hand in making our downtown what it is today!
Yesterday, we celebrated the retirement of Steve Winburn with a drop in reception. We will miss his enthusiasm, personality, work ethic but mostly his hugs!
Originally from Gainesville, Florida, George “Steve” Winburn has been employed with the City of Bainbridge as Assistant City Engineer for 13 years. Prior to his time with the city, he worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation. His hobbies include hunting and growing turmeric. When he’s not working, hunting or planting turmeric, he spends most of his time drinking sweet tea.
We wish Steve all of the best in retirement and trust that he knows the impact he made on our residents, his coworkers and our community!
On Friday, September 6th, after school released, a verbal threat was made against
Bainbridge High School. Decatur County School Police investigated throughout the
weekend and arrested a juvenile who was taken into custody PRIOR to school on
Monday, September 9th. Despite rumors, there were no firearms found at Bainbridge High
School or any schools associated with this threat.
On Thursday, September 12th, threats were made on social media in reference to
Homecoming events being held on Saturday, September 14th in Bainbridge, Georgia. A
juvenile has been arrested and is in custody.
On Thursday, September 12th, a separate threat was made against Bainbridge Middle
School. A different juvenile has been arrested for this incident and is also in custody.
Decatur County School Police, Bainbridge Public Safety, Decatur County Sheriff’s
Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Department of Juvenile Justice along with
many other local and state agencies have assisted in making these arrest.
Investigations continue on previous threats made to Decatur County Schools on Monday,
September 9th and Spring Creek Charter Academy on Thursday, September 12th.
Our county, along with surrounding counties, have ongoing investigations to determine the
source(s) of these social media posts.
Thanks to those who came to our first Bainbridge Connect: Fiber Chat that we held at the Joe Sweet Jr Community Center last night. Residents who attended were able to hear from Interim City Manager Roy Oliver on the Fiber to the Home Project, meet our fiber staff, ask questions and see first-hand our fiber service in action. Stay tuned for the date and location of our next Fiber Chat!
We had a great turnout at the Bainbridge Animal Services Center ribbon cutting this morning! Because of the rainy conditions, we moved it into the multi-purpose room at the center and we were welcomed by Mayor Pro Tem Kregg Close who spoke to the collaborative spirit of the Humane Socety and both the city and county that allowed the much-needed facility to become a reality. Councilman Don Whaley then gave the invocation. Humane Society Board Chairman Dennie Nichols then spoke to the group and recognized the many people who have been involved in this effort including the shelter staff, the many volunteers, the Humane Society Board of Directors, the Decatur County Board of Commissioners and the Bainbridge City Council. Long standing board member Jenny Herring then addressed to the group and surprised Dennie with a plaque acknowledging her family's donation of the land where the shelter now sits. It was great morning recognizing the accomplishments of so many and celebrating the continued spirit of collaboration, generosity and compassion that defines our community.
We have a few exciting events lined up for tomorrow! Join us at the ribbon cutting of the new Bainbridge Animal Services building on Zorn Rd at 10:00 AM, and then bring the family back to the shelter from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for tours of the facility and other fun activities. At 6:00 PM join us at the Joe Sweet Jr Community Center for Bainbridge Connect- A Fiber Chat to learn more about our new fiber service to the home roll out!
Southeast Disc Golf Events ran their second flex tournament at the Bainbridge Oaks Disc Golf Course this past Saturday with over 80 players! It was the largest flex tournament they have run thus far!
As part of our Downtown of the Year Celebration being held this Saturday in Willis Park, we will be having a Downtown Scavenger Hunt! Fun for all ages, meet at 1:00 PM in the park to get your first clue!
Do you have questions about our new fiber service? Join us at the Joe Sweet Jr Community Center Thursday at 6:00 PM to meet our knowledgeable fiber staff, learn more about pricing options, find out when service to your neighborhood will be available and sign up for service!
The Bainbridge City Council is pleased to announce that Roy Oliver has been selected as the sole finalist for the position of City Manager. This decision comes after an extensive search conducted by a leading search firm, which reviewed more than 20 candidates and conducted final in-person interviews earlier this week.
Oliver’s appointment is set to be confirmed at a special called meeting of the Bainbridge City Council scheduled for September 20, 2024.
CSX Transportation has recently announced a track maintenance project that will begin on Monday, September 9th, 2024. This project includes the installation of new railroad ties along parts of the CSX Bainbridge Main-Line subdivision.
It is an overall 1-week project that will end on/around 9/13/24.
They have created a Google map that will allow you to view each crossing impacted.
The map will highlight exactly where the crossings are located.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1OMYSJOl5fqlwfaCwUhgDkKWZE0-y4AA&usp=sharing
Bainbridge was recognized again today for recently being named the 2024 Georgia Downtown of the Year by the Georgia Downtown Association. At the monthly Chamber Connect luncheon, Amanda Glover, the Downtown Development Authority Director, was asked to step forward to briefly say a few words on what this honor means to our community and how hard many people have worked for the past 30 years to make downtown Bainbridge the place it is today. Again, we say thank you to past and present small business owners and to the Mayor, City Council and the Downtown Development Authority board for the vision and commitment they shared.
Thanks to everyone who attended our Comprehensive Plan Meeting last Thursday! We had a great turnout and received lots of wonderful feedback. Mark your calendars for the next meeting that will be held September 26 that will be a charrette style discussion focused on alternatives, place-making and land use.
