Category Archives: Progress

Butts County has had its own fair share of top local stories during the last 12 months, including pandemic-related news. The Jackson Progress-Argus is presenting a four-part series on the top story for each week of 2021, along with a few honorable mentions, based on the opinions of the staff. This week will be the months of January-March. Next week will be April-June, followed by July-September, and ending with October-December.

Butts County Schools changing to all virtual learning for first week of spring semester

Butts County students will not be returning to on-campus instruction on Thursday, Jan. 7 as originally planned. Superintendent Dr. Todd Simpson said Monday that due to rising COVID-19 cases, the decision has been made to begin school on Jan. 7 virtually for all students, with the plan to resume in-person instruction on Jan. 19.

In a letter sent to students, parents and system employees by email on Monday, Simpson wrote that they carefully analyzed the local COVID-19 transmission data and consulted with local and state officials to guide our decision.

Westbury staff among first in Butts County to receive COVID-19 vaccines

Operation Crystal Web busts meth distribution network in middle Georgia

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long and officials from 16 other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies held a news conference Friday afternoon to discuss the success of Operation Crystal Web, a five-month investigation of a methamphetamine distribution network across middle Georgia that began in Butts County and culminated with multiple arrests.

Magistrate and Probate courts closed this week due to exposure to COVID-19

Officials concerned by lack of vaccines; masks now required in county buildings

The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines locally has city and county leaders concerned. According to County Manager Brad Johnson, last week the Butts County Health Department ordered 600 vaccines with plans to have a large drive-through vaccine clinic for residents age 65 and over, but the health department only received 150, and those were gone within two hours by appointments.

Couple charged with felony murder in death of womans elderly mother

A woman and her husband are facing felony murder and other charges in the death of the womans elderly mother at their home in Jackson. The deceased woman has been identified as Margaret Elaine Vega, 65. Charged in her death are her daughter, Rebecca Elaine Yell, 41, and Yells husband, Steven Patrick Yell, 40.

Sheriff asking for investigation following allegations of racial slurs made by deputy

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long has asked the office of Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jonathan Adams to investigate allegations that one of Longs deputies made racist and derogatory comments during the Dec. 29 arrest of an armed robbery suspect at a house in Jackson.

Community mourns the passing of Ernest Battle

Hearing on Feb. 11 on proposed rock quarry will include data from DRI report

Both the Butts County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Feb. 11 and the Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 22 are expected to be packed for hearings on the rezoning and special use requests for a proposed rock quarry. They are expected to be packed county residents opposed to the quarry, and also with information about the quarry.

R. Scott Coleman, Jacksons visual historian, passes away

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Planning Commission gets standing ovation for recommending denial of rock quarry rezoning

More than 200 people, the majority of them opposed to a proposed rock quarry in the northwest corner of the county, packed the Central Georgia EMC Annex Thursday night as the developers requests for rezoning and a special use permit went before the Butts County Planning and Zoning Commission. Two hours later, the crowd burst into applause with many of them standing as the commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of both the requests.

Butts County Commissioners vote no to rock quarry and zoning and special use

The Butts County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to deny the rezoning and special use request for a proposed rock quarry in the northwest corner of the county.

Two of four suspects in shooting death of 18-year-old on Feb. 16 now in custody

Butts County Sheriffs Office issues BOLO for suspect in Feb. 16 shooting

The Butts County Sheriffs Office has issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for Calvin Teotis Rozier, one of four suspects in the shooting death of Willaims Trawick, 18, of Jackson on Feb. 16. Two of the other suspects are already in custody and the Sheriffs Office had a lead on the fourth suspect.

Butts County teachers to receive vaccine on March 26

The Butts County School System will do a mass COVID-19 vaccination for teachers and staff on Friday, Mar. 26, according to Superintendent Dr. Todd Simpson. We just confirmed everything this morning, Simpson said Monday. We are doing a system-wide vaccination opportunity for our teachers on Friday, Mar. 26. That is a joint venture between us and the health department. EMS and public health workers will be on campus to provide the vaccines for our staff.

Two shot in altercation in parking lot of gymnasium

The Butts County Sheriffs Office has confirmed that two people were shot during an altercation in the parking lot of the Franklin Street gymnasium on Sunday, Mar. 13, and both are in the Intensive Care Unit at Grady Hospital in Atlanta.

Petition opposed to roundabout sent to GDOT

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long orders dismantling of three criminal street gangs

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long has ordered his deputies to dismantle three criminal street gangs believed to be involved in the March 14 shooting at the Franklin Street gym, and provided more detailed information on the incident.

School systems ESPLOST renewed; only 3.5% of voters cast ballots

Butts County School System holds COVID vaccine clinic for employees

Approximately 200 school employees received their Covid-19 vaccine on Friday, March 26 at a clinic hosted at Henderson Middle School. The school system partnered with the Butts County Health Department and the Jackson Fire Department to administer the vaccines.

Before and After: Courthouse in spotlight after trees removed

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Top stories of 2021 in the Jackson Progress-Argus, Part 1 - jacksonprogress-argus

Lexington High School Tigers BasketballPhoto by: Phil Blakley / The Lexington Progress

Article by Blake Franklin-

In the teams last game played before the start of the new year, Lexington made their way back to Henry County High School to take on the Milan Bulldogs in their final game of the 2021 year. After coming off a close loss the day before, the Tigers were eager to try and get back in the win column. Lexington made sure to keep fighting and clawing with great effort and in the end the teams persistence paid off. The Tigers would defeat Milan by a final score of 40-29.

Lexington was led in scoring on the afternoon by Rodarius Transor. He would have a team high 14 points in the game. Following him was Tanner Neisler. Neisler finished the contest with eight points. Caleb Gorden would record seven points and Rocky Hurley netted six points for the Tigers. Michael Leslie finished the game by scoring four points and Jacob Davis got in the scoring books with one point in the win over the Bulldogs.

The start of the contest between the two schools saw each team being tied on the scoreboard after the end of the first quarter. Both squads scored 13 points in the opening quarter. The Tigers would then record five points in the second quarter and held Milan to a total of three points the same quarter. The halftime score was 18-16, in favor of Lexington High School. In the third quarter, the Big Red Tigers

For complete coverage, see the January 5th edition of The Lexington Progress.

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Big Red Tigers Take Win Over Bulldogs - lexingtonprogress.com

Snow began Sunday afternoon, and by night snow had covered many areas of Henderson County.Photo Submitted / The Lexington Progress

Article by W. Clay Crook-

The first snow of the winter of 2021-2022 fell on Sunday, January 2, 2022, but the days before saw thunderstorms, power outages, and temperatures well into the lower 70s.

A storm on Wednesday afternoon, December 29, 2021, left much of north Lexington, about 600 customers, out of power for several hours. Again, on the evening of Saturday, January 1, 2022, tornado watches were issued for Huron and Lexington, with brief outages in those areas.

Sunday morning, January 2nd, was still well above freezing with some sunshine, but temperatures began to drop, with rain, some sleet, and then snow. By dark, the ground was covered in many areas of the county, especially in the

For complete coverage, see the January 5th edition of The Lexington Progress.

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First Snow of 2022 Preceded by Storms and Power Outages - lexingtonprogress.com

John and Joey Jeter, of the 48th Tennessee Infantry, fired the 21 gun salute during the 159th anniversary event of the Battle of Parkers Crossroads.Photo Submitted / The Lexington Progress

Article by W. Clay Crook-

The Battle of Parkers Crossroads held their 159th anniversary event at the Activities Building, Tour Stop 7, Friday, December 31, 2021. Dr. Clyde Getman, who portrays General George Thomas opened the event with a few words on the general events of December 1862.

The guest speaker was local historian W. Clay Crook, who presented an overview of the battle and information on Col. Alonzo Napier, the highest ranking officer killed during the battle. The presentation was followed by a 21-gun salute by John and Joey Jeter of the 48th TN Infantry, CSA, in memory of the brave men of both armies who met here in 1862.

Forrests First West Tennessee Campaign began in December 1862, with the crossing of the Tennessee River at Clifton, and a brief stay above Scotts Hill on the night of December 17, 1862.

The first engagement was at Lexington on December 18th, with subsequent raids taking place all over West Tennessee. Passing south, through McLemoresville, Forrests troops camped at Flakes Store, just northwest of Parkers Crossroads. Running into Federal troops under Cyrus Dunham the next morning at Parkers Crossroads led to a fast and furious fight.

After being surprised by another Federal army from Huntingdon, placing him between two enemy groups, Forrests famous Charge both ways! allowed for a quick escape. Just shortly before Col. Napier had been killed leading an assault on the Federal line, near Tour Stop 7.

One site poignantly describes an eyewitness account of the assault. Colonel Cyrus L. Dunhams Midwesterners, soldiers from Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, desperately clung to their position for two hours behind a split-rail fence, it says. A shell hit the fence near where I stood, 50th Indiana Infantry Private Joseph Hotz wrote, and the rail struck me down. He survived, but many of his comrades did not.

Forrest said this in his official report, We have, on our side, to deplore the loss of Col. Alonzo Napier of the 10th Tennessee Cavalry, who was killed leading his men in a charge on foot. He was a gallant officer, and after he fell, his command continued to drive the enemy from their

For complete coverage, see the January 5th edition of The Lexington Progress.

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Battle of Parkers Crossroads Holds 159th Anniversary Event - lexingtonprogress.com

The big CES show formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show has long evolved into a space where technology of all types get shown, often for the first time. The Consumer Technology Association, which hosts the show, researches the tech market throughout the year and opens the big event with a review of trends to watch.

Steve Koenig, vice president of research, CTA, opened with comments the key factors that impact technology and adoption. "The global economic downturn and pandemic crisis became an innovation acceleration," he says. "We've seen an abundance of innovation in the past year."

CES, forced to go virtual for its 2021 show, is on live and virtually this week with some major exhibitors bowing out in the last week. However, as 200 left 143 came back, with their opportunity to show tech in person. That "in person" experience is especially important for the 800 startup companies on hand for the event.

Koenig looked at four tech-related areas demand, investment, lifestyle and trends. "This is what we're seeing through the lens of research," he notes.

A key conclusion of his talk is that tech demand remains strong and while the growth will taper into 2022 but remain strong. According to the association's research, consumer spending on tech will top a half-trillion dollars in 2022. That number includes software services and hardware and continues a path of growth that has remained solid since 2018.

"The core fundamentals show back to back annual growth in consumer tech spending and will propel us forward into 2022," Koenig says.

Koenig points out that during the pandemic consumers leveled up their tech. A look at the technology consumers own shows increases across the board from 4K televisions to "smart" tools from appliance to lightbulbs. In addition there was a greater investment in connected fitness tools.

In the study the percentage of consumers that reported owning a wide range of new tools went up on every front between 2020 and 2021, according to CTA data.

As part of that leveling up, Koenig points to data showing that as consumers invested, they spent more on premium products rather than "standard" level items. Koenig says consumers are deciding between "Okay and great."

Even farmers know if you have cash on hand and invest in new tools you don't settle for second best. In this case the consumer is investing in a wide range of top-level tools. Smart phone sales are just one indicator, and consumers are opting for the full-featured models.

If you have access to broadband, and that's not a given in farm country, investment in streaming services may be rising as much as in town. Koenig points to interesting stats from Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. While Netflix is the leader with 214 million subscribers and Prime right behind at 175 subscribers, Disney+ has hit 118 million. Apple TV+ is at 20 million.

"Disney+ launched just two years ago, but as they say content is a key to success and they've topped 100 million subscribers," Koenig notes, and admits he's a Star Wars fan (which is key content for Disney+).

He adds that research shows consumers on average subscribe to eight different online services. Koenig adds that conversations with younger CTA staff members shows that some subscribe to as many as 20 services "including some I've never heard of," he quips.

Tech investment continues to rise too. Research from CB Insights show a 105% increase in year-over-year global funding of startups. That list of 800 exhibitors in the startup area at CES known as Eureka Park is one indicator that venture money still flows toward technology.

The United states gets a big chunk of that investment according to the study, but more investment is flowing into Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa too. Key areas of investment include retail technology including logistics and tracking, fintech for financial services and healthcare.

There are challenges, he notes the chip challenge and shipping challenge. In fact, Koenig characterizes the current situation as a chip to ship issue. If you can get the chips can you ship the product. But adds that chip makers are boosting productivity where they can and investing in new plants.

One trend of that chip plant investment is diversity of location. Today most chips are made in East Asia, but new plants slated to come online in the next few years will be more geographically distributed.

No tech presentation would be complete without a discussion of 5G connectivity, but Koenig says this high-speed infrastructure is growing differently than its predecessors. "This trend is being led by enterprise not the consumer," he notes. "In the past this tech was more consumer centric, but the value of 5G is in the enterprise with industrial [Internet of Things] tools."

The global standards board for communication 3GPP for 3rd Generation Partnership Project uniting seven standards organizations will release its protocols and requirements for industrial IOT applications in 2022. This standard may bring more IOT devices to a range of industries, many powered by 5G.

Agriculture is a prime target for a lot of IOT tech, how that plays out as 5G service becomes more widely available will be interesting to see.

Artificial Intelligence will see wider application too. During Koenig's presentation the slide showing AI at work included John Deere See and Spray technology. He hailed it as a practical application of the technology at work today, but added AI will be used in autonomous systems and food technology too.

The diversity of technology impacting society today will continue to grow. Healthcare is getting more attention and technology applied there has implications for large and small communities. More access to health monitoring tools, including those for mental health, offer potential across the country.

While the tech shown isn't specifically agriculture, there are a range of tools at CES that may someday find their way to the farm. The trends show that consumers (and farmers are consumers) are paying more attention to tech these days than ever before.

You can read the CTA industry forecast online.

Farm Progress is on hand at CES this week to capture more insights on tech developments that may have application for ag in the future.

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Tech trend review offers insight into the future - Farm Progress

2021 felt a bit like The Empire Strikes Back towards the end there.

The Energy policy revolution is still frozen in carbon(ite), largely thanks to Joe Lando Calrissian Manchin. Combine this with fears about inflation, exploding new COVID case numbers and many of us are ready to sit out the third part of the trilogy by sticking our head in the sand. But there are important things in the works for 2022.

So am I depressed? Yes. These have been two crappy years and the next two are not looking that great either. We are trying to address at least two major planetary scale existential threats in an increasingly polarized world. So for those of you continuing to proactively work on meeting these challenges, I salute you. We can do this, but its going to take everything weve got. I hope we will keep in mind the prime directive of environmental economists: Lets save the world cost effectively.

Keep up with Energy Institute blog posts, research, and events on Twitter @energyathaas.

Suggested citation: Auffhammer, Maximilian. Five Areas of Energy and Climate Progress to Watch for in 2022 Energy Institute Blog, UC Berkeley, January 3, 2022, https://energyathaas.wordpress.com/2022/01/03/five-areas-of-energy-and-climate-progress-to-watch-for-in-2022/

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Five Areas of Energy and Climate Progress to Watch for in 2022 - Energy Institute at Haas

SANTA CLARA, Calif. Chris Conley was convinced he ripped the football away from San Francisco 49ers linebacker Marcell Harris to regain possession after Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills threw a crucial interception Sunday.

So were Conley's teammates and coaches when the fumble was recovered by running back Rex Burkhead in the third quarter.

However, the officials disagreed. The controversial and pivotal decision stung the Texans in a 23-7 defeat to the 49ers at Levis Stadium.

Leading the 7-3 at the time with third-and-3 at the 49ers 45-yard line, Mills forced the football into traffic over the middle. Harris picked it off, with officials ruling his forward progress was stopped before the apparent fumble.

The play wasnt reviewable, since forward progress is a judgment call in the NFL rule book. The Texans subsequently allowed a touchdown pass on the ensuing drive and never led again.

We ruled that his forward progress was stopped, he was being driven back, referee Carl Cheffers told a pool reporter after the game. So, by rule, the play is dead at that point and any subsequent loss of possession is irrelevant. Thats what we ruled on the field and thats why ... the ball went back to San Francisco in that circumstance.

That is a judgment call on the field and once we have made that judgment, that is a non-reviewable aspect."

Instead of a first down at the 49ers 39 and having the opportunity to go ahead by two scores, the Texans lost momentum and the lead.

I thought (Conley) within the time of the play was able to get the ball back out, but Im not the ref, Texans receiver Brandin Cooks said. It was unfortunate. Love the effort by Chris. You would hope that call was in our favor, but it wasnt.

Texans coach David Culley was asked about the play: We cannot challenge forward progress. They came over and said you cant challenge forward progress.

When asked if the call was explained, Culley replied, "No, they just made the call.

The 37-yard defensive pass interference on cornerback Terrance Mitchell after the non-fumble ruling led to a San Francisco touchdown.

Naturally, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan approved of the calls.

Those were two of the best calls Ive seen this year, Shanahan said with a laugh. No, I felt Marcell made a hell of a play and then I did feel we were very fortunate.

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Forward Progress And Texans Stopped - Sports Illustrated

If it isn't broken, don't fix it. We say this about how we're currently doing things and the roles other people have in our firms. For example, if you've been preparing a certain client's tax return for eight years, you're excellent at it. You know just what adjustments you need to make and how to handle that tricky transaction. So why let it go to someone else who doesn't know the client's situation as well as you?

Because it's necessary if you want drive growth for yourself, your team and ultimately your firm.

If you've mastered all the components of your role, your workday runs like a tight ship, with every piece moving in clockwork fashion. If that feels like a win, you're measuring excellence on a distorted scale.

When you know how to do something perfectly, there's no challenge left. And when there's no challenge, there's no sense of reward. You're settling for being good at your job instead of stretching yourself to achieve the next level.

Any partners reading this might think it doesn't apply to them. After all, they're a partner in the firm they've achieved the highest level! But time and again, we see partners still preparing certain tax returns, handling particular clients, or writing detailed review notes for staff members. Partners doing that type of work don't contribute their highest value to the firm.

Instead of preparing returns and writing review notes, what if you spent that time training and mentoring your team? Or developing new business for the firm?

If you're thinking to yourself that training, mentoring and business development aren't really part of your skillset, they should be. Excellence is getting in the way of your growth as a leader.

Change is difficult. If you're doing something well, it can be hard to turn it over to someone else that might take longer and make mistakes. But it's important for you and the other person to make that change.

I challenge you to think about what you're excellent at that's getting in the way of growth. This can be hard for people to think about, so consider keeping a notebook nearby or a document on your desktop and for one week, take note of how you spend your time.

Undoubtedly, many of the tasks you handle align with your goals and the firm's goals. But seek out the areas you need to let go of. What can be delegated, outsourced, automated, or perhaps even scrapped altogether in order for you to grow?

Identifying those areas and making the change will be difficult, but the benefits will pay off in ways you never imagined possible, both personally and professionally.

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Arianna Campbell is a shareholder and consultant with Boomer Consulting, Inc.

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Don't Let Excellence Get in the Way of Progress - CPAPracticeAdvisor.com

Despite being voted as Manchester City's U-23 Players Player of the Year in 2020 - an award previously won by the likes of Cole Palmer, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and James McAtee, Jayden Braaf has had a rough time of things in his relatively young career.

After being injured at the start of the following season and then being frozen out of the side, an ill-fated loan spell to Serie A outfit Udinese followed for the Dutch forward, whose current deal at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2023.

A knee ligament injury that required surgery meant that Braaf, who had scored on his fourth appearance for the Italian side would not be signed on a permanent deal at the end of the season - with a 9 million buyout clause stated in his contract.

According to the latest information ofSimon Bajkowski ofManchester Evening News, there is interest from a host of clubs abroad to sign the highly-rated winger, who rose through the academy ranks at Ajax and PSV before his move to the east side of Manchester in 2018.

Further details claim that the Dutchman is said to be keenon a move as soon as possible in order to kickstart his development and gain regular game time. In addition to this, Manchester City are believed to hold the stance that they will not block a potential transfer for the 19-year-old as soon as January.

The tricky winger, who has been compared to the likes of Jadon Sancho and Memphis Depay in the past, could be let go at the start of 2022 if interested parties are aware that they can make the transfer happen at a reported cut-price deal.

A serious injury in 2021 has meant Braaf has been unable to impress enough to stake a claim for a place in Citys senior side, a factor that is said to have left him grow frustrated in the past as he has had to wait on the wings.

With the prospect of the gifted forward leaving on a free next summer, it remains to be seen if a potential deal will go through in January if the clubs in question pursue their interest for Braaf.

You can follow us for live updates here: @City_Xtra

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Man City Youngster Keen On January Move Abroad to Progress Development - Club's Stance on Potential Sale Revealed - Sports Illustrated

The business rehabilitation at Thai Airways continues with administrators recently providing a progress report for the three months to mid-December. The embattled airline continues to make slow but steady progress as it navigates its way back to profitability and long-term viability.

Thai Airways filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2020. The airline buckled under the pressure of US$9.8 billion in debts and the worldwide travel downturn. In September 2020, the Central Bankruptcy Court in Bangkok ordered the airline into a business rehabilitation program.

With administrators now running Thai Airways, the airline is attempting to reduce its day-to-day operating costs and expenses, restructure and downsize the business, boost its income, and seek new funding sources.

Thai Airways spectacularly defaulted on over US$3 billion worth of debt in 2020. However, no further defaults have occurred since entering into the rehabilitation program. Last week, Thais administrators reported the airline had repaid US$39.09 million in debt principal and interest per the agreement with creditors since entering into the rehabilitation program

The administrators have also sold more Thais shares in aviation fuel provider Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services. The share sale raised US$6.84 million in the three months to mid-December. Previously, the administrators had sold off Nok Air and land and buildings at the Laksi training center. The airline has received payment in full for these sales.

So far, attempts to sell five spare CFM56-3C1 engines for Boeing 737-800 aircraft have been unsuccessful.

Building on the sale of land and buildings at Laksi, the administrators moved to sell land and buildings at Lun Luang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The administrators successfully sold Thais land and building assets at all three sites for US$37.4 million. The prices received for all three assets packets exceeded the administrators estimated prices.

In the past three months, Thais administrators also report successfully negotiating with aircraft operating and finance lease creditors to amend the original lease agreements for 12 aircraft.

One of those lessors, Amedeo Air Four Plus Ltd, recently confirmed Thai would pay rent on a power-by-the-hour basis on those aircraft leases until December 2022.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Thai Airways has been making some power-by-the-hour payments to lessors and meeting its current aircraft lease interest payments.

The same report says the renegotiated leases will switch back to monthly lease payments in January 2023. Thai Airways and its lenders have entered into hedging arrangements to service the debt.

The administrators last week said negotiations with 35 creditors concerning a further 45 aircraft continue.

In November, one of the administrators, Piyasvasti Amranand, told Reuters the airline wanted to sell 42 planes and return 16 to lessors. After this, Thai Airways would retain 58 planes across four types. Mr Amranand said the sale would see Thais lose its older and less efficient aircraft.

The administrators are happy with the rehabilitation plans progress over the last three months. They highlight the continuing debt repayment program and absence of further defaults as evidence of Thai Airways slowly beginning to find some financial and operational altitude.

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Progress Report: Thai Airways Slow But Steady Rehabilitation - Simple Flying