City of Lavonia, Georgia

Happy #GeorgiaCitiesWeek! This week we want to take the opportunity to shine a light on the vital roles that city governments play in the lives of their citizens. Often operating behind the scenes, these local institutions are the backbone of community development, safety, and prosperity. Through a series of educational and engaging events, Georgia Cities Week aims to bridge the gap between city officials and the communities they serve, fostering a deeper understanding of municipal operations and the importance of civic engagement. Georgia Cities Week serves as a reminder of the power of community. It encourages residents to take an active role in their municipality by attending city council meetings, participating in local events, and volunteering for community projects. This week-long celebration is not just about educating the public on the value of city government; it's about inspiring people to come together to make their cities better places to live, work, and play. Mayor Courtney Umbehant is helping hang signs around Downtown Lavonia and reminding you to choo choose kindness. Simple acts of kindness can have profound impacts on our community and community members. By encouraging people to engage in thoughtful deeds, whether it's through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a smile to a stranger, the initiative helps to weave a tapestry of empathy and support that strengthens the fabric of our communities. #GaCitiesWeeks #GaCities #GeorgiaCitiesWeek2024

The City of Lavonia is embarking on an exciting journey to breathe new life into its Farmer's Market, leveraging its agricultural roots to foster a vibrant community hub. This initiative is not just about offering fresh produce; it's about creating a space where citizens, community members, and visitors can connect with the very essence of what makes Franklin County unique. By focusing on the agricultural strengths of the area, the project is meant to establish and grow a Farmer’s Market. Revitalizing the Farmer's Market is more than an economic boost; it's a cultural renaissance. It offers an opportunity for local farmers to showcase their produce, for artisans to highlight their crafts, and for the community to come together in support of sustainable, local agriculture. Moreover, the revitalized Farmer's Market is set to become a key attraction for visitors, drawing in tourists with the promise of high-quality, locally sourced goods. This influx of visitors will not only benefit the market itself but will also stimulate the local economy, creating a ripple effect that benefits restaurants, shops, and other businesses. The City of Lavonia's project is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives, showcasing how a commitment to agriculture and sustainability can transform a local market into a thriving, dynamic destination for all. We invite you to support the NEW Lavonia Depot Farmer’s Market. The City of Lavonia, Lavonia DDA, and Main Street are collaborating on securing grants and financial programs to aid in this initiative. The City's objective is to establish a permanent structure and location for the Farmer’s Market at the Lavonia Depot (1269 East Main Street Lavonia, Georgia 30553). If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact the Lavonia Downtown Development Authority to fill out an application. The Lavonia Depot Farmers Market is opened April to October from 7:00 AM to 11 PM. The application must be turned in with the appropriate certificates or licensing necessary to sell your product. Please note that you MUST follow all Georgia operating policies and State statutes. Some of the items sold at Georgia Farmers Market require special licenses including, but not limited to: Live Plant License - required if you grow on a plot over 1000 square feet. Egg Candling License - required to sell eggs along with proper labeling and refrigeration less than 45 degrees. Cottage Food License - required to sell any baked or processed foods. *Locally grown fruits and vegetables do not require a license. Lavonia DDA & Mainstreet Contact Information: Barbara Busby: dda@lavoniaga.gov 706-356-1926 Ashley Rose Dodd: ardodd@lavaoniaga.gov 706-356-5725 www.lavoniadowntown.com/farmers-market

The City of Lavonia is currently welcoming applications for two positions: Water Treatment Plant Operator and Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee. Both roles involve supporting the Water Treatment Plant to guarantee a sufficient and safe water supply. For more details about these opportunities, visit our website. https://www.lavoniaga.gov/o/levoniacity/page/employment-opportunities

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The City of Lavonia would like to notify all persons that the City of Lavonia will start a Cemetery Cleanup Project on April 15, 2024, at Historic Burgess Cemetery. It is requested that all planted trees, bushes, and or shrubs be removed before April 15th. If items are not removed by April 15th, they will be picked up and disposed of by staff. After April 20, persons will NOT be permitted to place planted trees, bushes, and or shrubs. The City of Lavonia's Burgess Cemetery Project is a proactive initiative aimed at maintaining the beauty and functionality of the grave sites within the city. The City of Lavonia will be removing all trees, bushes, or planted items within a grave site or walking aisle on April 15, 2024. If you would like a piece of the vegetation, please contact Ashley Rose Dodd at ardodd@lavoniaga.gov prior to removal. By removing bushes or trees that may be causing drainage or erosion issues, the city is taking necessary steps to ensure the longevity and integrity of the cemetery grounds. This cleanup effort not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also helps to preserve the historical and cultural significance of the site for future generations to appreciate. Through the removal of plants that could potentially contribute to drainage or erosion problems, the City of Lavonia is demonstrating a commitment to responsible land management and environmental stewardship. The City also plans to remove any broken benches or broken unsafe materials. This project serves as a testament to the city's dedication to preserving its heritage and upholding the dignity of the deceased.

The City of Lavonia is pleased to announce the hiring of Daniel Carson as Assistant City Manager, effective April 1st. As Assistant City Manager/Public Safety Director, Daniel will provide direct support to the City Manager in the day-to-day operations of the City. He will also be responsible for oversight of all Public Safety Departments within the City. In addition, he will direct staff to ensure adherence to long term goals and strategies set by the Mayor and Council. City Manager Charles Cawthon said, “Daniel is an excellent addition to our leadership team. I have full confidence in his ability to drive our innovation efforts and continue improving our service delivery to the community. I look forward to working with Daniel as we continue to move Lavonia forward.” Daniel is a fifth-generation native of Franklin County. Daniel is happily married to his wife, Jessica, for 14 years, and together, they are proud parents to two wonderful children, Greyson and Oliver. As a devout Christian, he is an active member of Compassion Baptist Church. With a career spanning 23 years in Public Safety, he is a retired firefighter, having dedicated 22 years of service to the Carnesville Fire Department. In 2003, he earned a Technical Certificate for Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate from North Georgia Technical College. Simultaneously, he joined the Franklin County E-911 center, obtaining Georgia P.O.S.T. Communication Officer certification. During his tenure at Franklin County E-911, he seized the opportunity to serve as the Deputy Emergency Management Agency Director and earned the distinction of becoming a Certified Emergency Manager. In 2012, he transitioned his career to become a Police Officer for the City of Lavonia. Over the years, he has served in various roles at the Lavonia Police Department, including Patrol Officer, Investigator, State Certification Manager, Property Custodian, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Interim Chief. Since obtaining P.O.S.T. certification in 2005, he has accumulated over 2,000 hours of P.O.S.T. recognized training. In 2022, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Gateway Community College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. He is currently on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management & Leadership from the University of Maine in May 2024. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Northeast Georgia Technical College Criminal Justice Program Advisory Committee since 2021, where he currently holds the position of Chairman. Additionally, he has served on the State Certification Committee for the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police since 2021.

In response to the recent influx of concerns about water bills not being delivered to customers on time due to issues with the USPS Atlanta hub, we want to ensure you have alternative options available. While postal delays can be frustrating, we encourage you to consider convenient alternatives to receive and manage your water bills promptly. You have the option to access your water bill online through our website or app, allowing you to view and pay your bill without relying on traditional mail delivery. Additionally, signing up for e-billing can streamline the process further by receiving electronic bills directly to your email, ensuring timely notification and payment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time with postal services. Please visit our website: www.lavoniaga.gov E-billing Sign Up Form: https://www.lavoniaga.gov/page/e-billing-sign-up-form

Tomorrow, Tuesday March 12, 2024, is Presidential Preference Primary Elections. If your voting poll is within the City of Lavonia please be advised the polling location has moved. The NEW location at Lavonia Bear Creek Community Center (previously known as the Woodman building). Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Remember to bring a valid photo ID with you to the polling location. Lavonia Bear Creek Community Center 610 Bear Creek Lavonia, GA 30553

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Employee Appreciation Day! Thank you to all employees of the City of Lavonia for everything you do to make our city a better place for all. It is through their dedication and hard work that the City of Lavonia continues to flourish and prosper.

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Renewing your business license is a crucial task to ensure your business operations remain legal and compliant. The deadline for submitting renewal applications for 2024 Business Licenses is March 1, 2024. It is important to note that late applications received after the close of business (4:30 PM) on March 1st will automatically incur a late fee of 18%. To avoid unnecessary penalties, it is advisable to submit your renewal application well before the deadline. If you need an application please visit our website below. https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4292/levoniacity/3540999/2023-Business-License-Application-EDIT.pdf

The City of Lavonia is hosting a community dumpster for the City of Lavonia residents. You may bring items to dispose of to 295 Joe Harvey Street Lavonia, GA 30553. Community dumpsters are a great resource for residents who want to dispose of their waste responsibly. This dumpster is in a convenient area in the City. Help us keep our city beautiful and dispose responsibly! The dumpster will be available until February 23, 2023. ITEMS NOT ACCEPTING: Brush Mattresses Tires Construction debris Appliances Trees Batteries Motor Oil Containers Chemicals Paint Cans Boats We do not recycle paper

Have you ever wondered what actually happens on a daily basis at the police department, besides writing tickets and eating donuts (cop joke)? Well, now is your chance to get the inside scoop and be a part of the action. The 2024 Citizens' Police Academy will consist of 8 classes that will meet every Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM-8:00 PMish from March 12, 2024 thru May 7, 2024. We will not meet the week of Apirl 2nd due to Spring Break. Participants will also be required to conduct a 4 hour ride-along with an officer in Patrol during the session. NO, you may not carry a gun, but we will have a firearms demonstration during one of the CPA sessions. There will be an actual firearms class (you will be allowed to carry a gun) later in the Spring. CPA participants will be given first choice on spots for that class. For more information, email Chief Edmisten at edmisten@lavoniapd.com or private message the Lavonia Police Department Facebook Messenger. -HONESTY -PROFESSIONALISM -INTEGRITY

Happy New Year!

The City of Lavonia invites you to participate in an online survey and to drop by two different parks for a Lavonia Park & Recreation Master Plan Conversation. Please join us at Spring Street Park from 4 PM-6 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023. We will also have a drop by at Lavonia City Park from 4 PM-6 PM on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. You can provide your valuable input at this community event and let us know what you would like to PRESERVE, CHANGE, CREATE, and CONNECT in your Lavonia Parks! www.surveymonkey.com/r/LavoniaParks

Listen Up Lavonia 🍁 Next Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 9 AM to 4 PM is the annual Lavonia Fall Festival 🍂! We have over 100 vendors! There will be a kid's station, food vendors, & music! 💚Our community partner, Lavonia Chamber of Commerce is hosting a First Annual Cornhole Tournament Saturday during the Fall Festival from 9 AM to 2 PM. 🏆First Place Team wins a trophy for each player and a $350 cash prize! Second Place Team gets their trophies and $150 Cash Prize! 🥇Double Elimination Games! $50 to enter your team. The Lavonia Chamber of Commerce will be donating to the Lavonia Food Pantry right here for the holidays! Come out and play for a good cause! Call them at 706.356.8202 or register online at their website www.lavoniachamber.org. 🎸At 2 PM Second Time Around is taking the stage! They always put on such a great show. 🚨Please remember that HWY 59 is going to be closed to traffic. We cannot wait to see you there! Lavonia DDA & Welcome Center Lavonia Police Department Second Time Around Band

🚨ATTENTION 🚨 Residents of Augusta Road/Hwy 17, Bear Creek Road, Loreau Trail, & Vickery Street please be advised you may experience reduced water or service interruptions throughout the evening of Sept 25, 2023, due to a water leak. The City of Lavonia’s Water Department is working diligently to get it restored as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this inconvenience.