Every Georgian can visit state parks and historic sites for free

ATLANTA, May 28, 2008 –Georgia’s public libraries and Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites are making it easier than ever for patrons to “Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit.” in the state’s great outdoors.

Co-existence is the goal, but awareness, not ignorance, is key

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 12, 2008) — The recent coyote attack on a young child in California should remind all Georgians that wild animals should not be underestimated.

ATLANTA – The warm dry days of summer are a signal to many that it is time to hit the roadways for vacation destinations north, south, east and west.

THOMASTON – The Georgia Department of Transportation is cautioning state political candidates and campaigns to make certain roadside signs are not placed in rights of way. Those that are will be removed by Georgia DOT maintenance crews.

BEAR SIGHTINGS NOT UNCOMMON THIS TIME OF YEAR, EVEN IN METRO ATLANTA

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 8, 2008) — A black bear sighting in Roswell this week sparked concern among local residents. The sighting, though a seemingly rare experience for metro Atlantans, comes as no surprise, given that seasonal bear activity is increasing. This time of year, young male bears are roaming and often stumbling into what’s considered non-traditional bear range, including urbanized areas and suburbs.

Below is the June 2008 calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. More information is available at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.

Georgia’s annual air quality ban on outdoor burning, mostly in the northern half of Georgia, began May 1, 2008. The annual restrictions will be in place for 54 counties through Sept. 30.

40 champs in Ga. among 733 on National Register of Big Trees

Georgia’s national champion Village Sentinel live oak stands alone at the pinnacle of its species in the 2008-2009 National Register of Big Trees after besting a Louisiana co-champ that had reigned since 1976.

Dads, help make Mother’s Day memorable: Family time together is the best Mother’s Day gift

Pssst, husbands! In past years, you’ve probably helped make Mother’s Day memorable by taking the little ones to pick out gifts for the special woman in your life. This year, skip the shopping and bring your family together for a gift of sunshine, time and a day making a memory. Each of Georgia’s 63 state parks and historic sites offer a perfect place for families to gather for a picnic, a nature walk or take a trip back in history.

SURVEY FINDS ‘SLIGHTLY’ FEWER BALD EAGLE NESTS

Biologist: 2008 results do not point to population decline

Jim Ozier has seen Georgia’s bald eagles soar from fewer than 10 pairs to more than 110 in 20 years. The history helps him put this year’s dip in nest numbers in perspective.

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is alerting Georgians to the recall of a product that could affect people with an allergy or sensitivity to milk.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin is alerting consumers to the recall of two codes of Private Selection Light Churned Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in 1.75-quart containers with a “Sell By” date of December 3, 2008, sent to Kroger stores in the Southeast.

Below is the May 2008 calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites.

May 2008 Events – Divided By Region

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue on April 9 signed legislation to improve healthcare, transportation and education in Georgia.

[The following article was provided by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in the article are those of the Ga. Chamber.]

MIGRANT HUMMINGBIRDS RETURNING TO GEORGIA

FORSYTH, Ga. (April 7, 2008) — Hang up your feeders and they will come!

ATLANTA, GA – The Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers of an email phishing scam designed to look like it’s from the IRS.

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 1, 2008) — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will hold a public hearing affording the public an opportunity to provide input on proposed hunting regulations for doves, wildlife management areas, and State Parks.

PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL REGARDING HUNTING REGULATIONS

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (March 31, 2008) — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will hold four public hearings to receive input on proposed changes to the hunting regulations for the 2008-2009 season.

DATE: April 18th and 19th, 2008

TIME: Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

LOCATION: Unicoi State Park and Lodge
1788 Hwy. 356
Helen, GA 30545

COST: Parking Fee Required

Social Security Disability Insurance recipients need better understanding of pros and cons of new debit card, Allsup says

Belleville, Ill. – March 27, 2008 – Starting next month Social Security Disability Insurance recipients in some states will have the option of receiving their benefit payments electronically on a debit card, rather than via a paper check.

State-of-the-art facility is site for training Kia’s team members

WEST POINT, GA. – Governor Sonny Perdue and Euisun Chung, President, Kia Motors Corporation, joined other company officials and local and state dignitaries March 25 to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of the first building that will be part of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc.’s automotive assembly complex in West Point, Ga.

New York, NY & Ithaca, NY — Bird watchers outdid themselves during the 2008 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.

CALLING ALL GOBBLERS

Statewide turkey hunting season opens this month

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (March 6, 2008) - Turkey hunters across the state are dusting off their calls in preparation for another exciting turkey season. Opening day is Sat., Mar. 22 and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) anticipates another enjoyable season.

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is alerting Georgia residents to the recall of some pancake and waffle mixes.

Feb. 13, 2008 — State and federal officials report that Fayette County schools are NOT involved in the investigation into possible bad meat sent to some school lunchrooms. NO suspect meat has been sent to or used by any Fayette schools.

New Era Canning Company recalls vegetables in #10 cans due to possible botulism risk

Feb. 7, 2008 — Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture is alerting consumers to New Era Canning Company recalling all cans of vegetable products in #10 cans (large cans containing between 6 and 7 pounds) on the list below because they may have been processed under conditions which could have led to contamination by Clostridium botulinum bacterium spores, which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

Residents will be allowed 25-minute hand-watering from midnight to 10 a.m. on an odd-even schedule as of April 1

ATLANTA—Georgia taxpayers will notice a change in the appearance of several forms when they complete their 2007 individual income tax return. The forms have changed in appearance only. There is no change in the requested information or how the forms are to be filled out.

Atlanta -- Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine and the National Association of State Fire Marshals urges parents to protect their children -- and themselves -- from the dangers of fireworks during the New Year’s holiday.