Lowndes County: Moving Forward

In this episode, we welcome Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter and Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes.With a population of approximately 117,000, Lowndes County includes Dasher, Hahira, Valdosta (county seat), Lake Park, and Remerton. Taking a look in the rearview mirror, Slaughter and Dukes provide insight on how Lowndes County successfully navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic.A strong emergency operation plan was crucial throughout the pandemic.Recognizing the pandemic was more than a health crisis, county officials managed the impact (short- and long-term) of education, mental health, and the economy.All Lowndes County employees were deemed "essential" and work, while sometimes adjusted, continued. Moving forward, Slaughter and Dukes shared updates on current and future projects, including:Work is underway on renovations of the Lowndes County Courthouse. The historic building will house a regional tourism and welcome center and become an integral part of Downtown Valdosta's growth. Various infrastructure projects, including widening of Val Del Road to meet future transportation needs.The county is moving toward establishing more infrastructure to attract industry growth within the unincorporated areas.The new Griner Park on Ashley Street is almost completed and will provide much-needed green space and meet parking demands within the Downtown Valdosta perimeter.Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge.South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown BroadcastingThanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show.Thanks to our sponsor Smalltown Broadcasting and WDDQ, home of the Scott James Matheson Show, where you can listen to live from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday on Talk 92.1 http://talk921.com/ or through the TuneIn app https://tunein.com/radio/Talk-921South Georgia Insider is produced by Spencer Van Horn, Smalltown Broadcasting. Subscribe to the South Georgia Business Magazine and South Georgia Insider (monthly e-newsletter), both available at no charge -- at sgamag.com Follow us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthGeorgiaMagazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southgeorgiamagazine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthGAMag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15187535/admin/