Latest news with #DavidDixon
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Greenwood Cemetery in Cuthbert gets new interpretive sign
By David Dixon CUTHBERT — A new interpretive sign was just installed in Greenwood Cemetery recently, placed beside the monument to the unknown Confederate soldiers buried there. The monument was erected in 2021 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 1855, Calhoun Rifles, of Calhoun County. The camp had been working on it since May 2022 when the monument was dedicated. It was felt that the additional information was needed in order to tell and explain the history of what took place at the three Confederate hospitals located there and historic at Greenwood Cemetery during the last year of the War Between the States. 'The new sign and monument are dedicated to these soldiers and to recognize a group of men that was totally forgotten, unknown, and unappreciated for their sacrifice,' Camp Commander Glenn Sinquefield said. Matrix of Lee County completed the design, and the wording was done by camp member Charles Swann. Greenwood Cemetery is tucked away from the busy main streets of Cuthbert. Founded in 1843, the cemetery was originally part of the First Methodist Church of Cuthbert. Cuthbert itself is one of the oldest communities in southwest Georgia, having first been occupied by white Americans in 1831 as the county seat of the newly formed Randolph County. It was incorporated as a town in 1834 and as a city in 1859. It served as a trading center for this area of Georgia. The Central of Georgia Railway arrived in Cuthbert in the 1850s, further stabilizing its position in that regard. During the latter part of the War Between the States, Cuthbert housed three Confederate hospitals. The three hospitals were named Hood (now the site of Andrew College), Hill and Lumpkin. The hospitals were used primarily for treating soldiers who became sick or wounded during the 1864 Atlanta Campaign. Many of the soldiers who died from disease or wounds at these hospitals were buried in Greenwood Cemetery. Karan Pittman and Lela B. Phillips from Andrew College researched and co-authored a book on the Confederate hospitals in Cuthbert. Twenty-four Confederate graves are marked at Greenwood Cemetery. The pair discovered that the majority of these men died from a smallpox epidemic that touched Cuthbert in December 1864 and January 1865. However, there was a large open space in the cemetery that puzzled the researchers. They and others suspected there might be other graves in this area. They coordinated their research with the Calhoun Rifles to arrange for a ground penetrating radar scan of this space, which revealed 157 previously unknown and unmarked graves. Since the cemetery is located by the railroad tracks, it was thought to be the most convenient for burials, as it was also near Hood Hospital. It is believed some of the men being transported for care, died on the trip south. Thus, it is thought, many of these soldiers were hastily buried in the cemetery after being removed from the railcars. Information on the identities of these men, along with the men who died in the hospitals, has yet to be discovered, so their existence was unknown and forgotten until the research and the monument and sign were completed. While we will probably never know their identities, they are certainly now recognized for their sacrifice.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Dougherty County portion of Flint River declared impaired
By David Dixon ALBANY — The Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Water Protection Branch recently added the section of the Flint River from the Lee County line to the Mitchell County line to the GAEPD Impaired Streams List (Section 305(b)/303(d)). In 2022, that portion of the Flint was designated as impaired for mercury in fish tissue and in 2024 for the human pathogen indicator bacteria E. coli. To meet the requirements of the U.S. Clean Water Act, Georgia assesses a percentage of its waters approximately every two years and publishes the 'Water Quality in Georgia' Integrated Report. This report describes the quality of all the waters in the state and contains a list of waters in good condition and those impaired/polluted, along with fish consumption guidelines. 'Due to the impaired listing, Dougherty County is required to begin monitoring the Flint River as part of our NPDES Stormwater Permit as a Phase I medium Municipal Stormwater System (MS-4) and submitting those results to Georgia EPD,' according to Dougherty County Public Works sources. The Dougherty County Public Works Department is in the process of finalizing a sampling and testing protocol to meet the requirement from GAEPD. The GAEPD has approved total suspended solids sampling as a substitute for mercury testing, a once-a-year requirement. The sample would be required to be taken at the upstream end of the defined urbanized area at the Marine Stormwater Canal (Marine Ditch) near Radium Landing and the downstream end at the discharge point at the Radium Spring Run (Skywater Creek). For bacteria testing, the GAEPD is requiring that four grab samples be collected within a 30-day window four times a year at these two sites. This will require collecting 16 total samples per calendar year. The requirement also stipulates that two groups of four samples be collected from May-October and the other two sets from November-April. These samples must be put on ice immediately after they are collected. DCPW will send these samples off for certified laboratory testing. Even though Dougherty County will not be required to test for mercury in this section, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Supervisor Rob Weller said, 'Mercury in fish tissue will still be tested by the DNR. In the case of the Flint River and other water bodies, the DNR will sample fish tissue for mercury and other parameters every 10 years. The next routine scheduled sampling date for the Flint River is 2031.' The mercury in fish tissue designation has been caused by accumulation of that toxic material in upper predatory fish like largemouth and striped bass. Mercury is released naturally into the atmosphere through volcanic eruptions and wildfires. It is also produced through human activities such as combustion of coal to produce electricity. Wind transport from far away sources of mercury also can contribute to the accumulated load. In the case of Dougherty County, the majority of this toxin would have been produced from the nearby legacy coal burning plants that have now discontinued burning coal. These sources were Plant Mitchell on the banks of the Flint River downstream of Albany, MillerCoors (now MolsonCoors) in Dougherty County, and the Crisp County Power Commission plant beside Lake Blackshear at Warwick. Unfortunately, mercury takes a long time to work its way out of the environment, so testing and publishing guidance on fish consumption is needed to inform the public of the potential danger of eating certain species. The designation of E. coli bacteria is directly caused by the city of Albany's Combined Sewer Overflow system. Although much work has been completed on eliminating the raw sewage that goes into the Flint River, until it is completely separated from the stormwater, issues with high bacterial loads, after even small rainfall amounts, will continue. 'We are, of course, interested in seeing this section of the Flint delisted by GAEPD,' Flint Riverkeeper Gordon Rogers said. 'I have personally been working on the mercury issue as Riverkeeper for first the Satilla, then the Flint, since 2005. We have seen improvements due to better emissions controls and closures, and expect to see more. 'Regarding E. coli, the work that the city is doing is the key to major success. We are pleased with their progress and expect to see bacterial levels drop in the next few years. Even now, there are many times when the river is perfectly safe to be in. Indeed, we have a couple of 'tube floats' coming up on May 30-31 that are open to the public.'
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
World gig rowing champions crowned in Scilly Isles
The World Pilot Gig Championships have drawn to a close on the Isles of Scilly, with strong headwinds posing a challenge for competitors. "Some got really wet and one crew complained of fish getting in their boat," said BBC South West reporter David Dixon. Looe took the men's open title for the second year, beating Falmouth in a race for the line. Helford River Gig Club reclaimed the women's open title it won two years ago, holding off a strong challenge from Caradon, with Fowey close behind. "We have just been building over the last couple of years," said Lena Budd of the Helford team. "We knew we would get there, it was just a mattter of when." With the rowing over it was time to unwind and relax for the thousands of rowers and spectators who flocked to the island for the event. For Nick George, landlord of the Mermaid Inn beside St Mary's quay, the preparations included ordering extra supplies and making sure the drinks did not run out. He called the event "phenomenal" and said he ordered 120 kegs of beer and cider for the weekend - enough for more than 10,000 pints. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Islands 'epic and fun' for rowing championships Rowers head to Scilly for World Gig Championships Rowers head to 'blooming marvellous' championships World Pilot Gig Championships
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Conner Industries bolsters packaging division with Kirkland Sales acquisition
Conner Industries, a provider of integrated protective packaging solutions, has acquired Kirkland Sales, a custom foam fabricator, to expand its presence in Texas, US. The deal is expected to bolster Conner's position in the market as an integrated transportation packaging provider, combining wood, foam, plastics, and corrugated components. This acquisition marks the company's fifth in its integrated packaging division, aligning with its commitment to providing customised solutions within the mixed-material packaging market, both regionally in Texas and on a national scale in the US. Conner, which operates facilities in Garland, Texas; Lewisburg, Tennessee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Montgomery, Alabama; and Guthrie, Kentucky, plans to consolidate Kirkland Sales' capabilities into its existing Garland location. The proximity of the newly added Kirkland facility to Garland will allow for greater synergy between the two, enhancing Conner's operational expertise and expanding its customer base. The Garland facility recently completed a significant expansion, increasing its size by 53% to over 100,000ft² of manufacturing space. The expansion also saw the addition of new International Organization for Standardization and AS certifications, positioning the facility to effectively integrate the newly acquired capabilities. The acquisition not only boosts production capacity in the Dallas/Fort Worth market but also positions Conner to offer a broader range of products, improving efficiency for government and Department of Defense contracts. In a related development, Conner has appointed Tito Robledo as the general manager of its Guardian facility. Conner CEO David Dixon said: 'With its expertise in custom foam fabrication, as well as decades of experience fabricating gasket and plastic materials, Kirkland Sales serves as an ideal acquisition to broaden our integrated packaging offerings to both new and existing customers. 'In addition to expanding into military, defence, and other new verticals, this acquisition exemplifies Conner's commitment to providing customers with the ability to protect their goods throughout transportation and handling and is an important strategic development for us in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.' Last October, Conner Industries expanded its Guardian packaging facility in Dallas. "Conner Industries bolsters packaging division with Kirkland Sales acquisition" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DAVID DIXON: What's in a name?
By David Dixon Recently, President Trump decided to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. That's got a nice ring to it and is much more descriptive of this body of water; however, it has been the Gulf of Mexico for a long time. This recent particular change has created some furor, because, as one of my friends put it, 'history matters.' I agree. Mt. McKinley was recently renamed Mt. Denali by President Obama, never mind that it had been named Mt. McKinley since the 1890s (officially in 1917). Now it's back to Mt. McKinley courtesy of President Trump. The mountain has been called Dinali by the local Athabascans for a very long time. So, fair enough, let's change it back to Denali, and while we are at it, let's go back to the Gulf of Mexico. After all, history matters. Let's not stop there. Here's what I propose: We the people agree that we change those names back to Denali and Mexico, and, since history matters, will also agree to change back all the sports teams once named Indians and related native names like Redmen, Redskins, and the Fighting Sioux (always loved that one). Bring back Chief Wahoo and Chief Noc-a-homa, too. These names were always meant to be complimentary, not insulting. Notice, by the way, we still have the Seminoles, Chippewa, Fighting Illini, Braves, and a few other organizations and schools with Native American names whose officials decided this name changing was ridiculous. My personal favorite nickname is the Battling Bishops of Ohio Wesleyan, but there is also the Demon Deacons. Are those too sacrilegious? Do you think the Cajuns are unhappy with the Ragin' Cajuns nickname? Unlikely. No one even bats an eye on the European nickname references like the Vandals, Britons, Saxons, Scots, Gaels, Vikings, Spartans, Trojans, and, oh yes, the Fighting Irish. My alma mater, Valdosta State, once had the name Rebels until 1972. We currently have Ole Miss and Nevada-Las Vegas with the Rebel moniker, so let's throw out the Blazers and go back to the Rebels. After all, history matters. Of course, we can't leave out the military bases either. So let's change back those names to Ft. Gordon, Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Benning, Fort Hood, Fort Lee, Fort Pickett, Fort Polk and Fort Rucker. We also can't leave off the list the cruiser USS Chancellorsville, which was changed by President Biden in 2023 to the Robert Smalls. After all, history matters. What about the Flint River here in Georgia? Well, that would get tricky, because it has been called Thronateeska, Hionotiskahachi, Rio de Capachequi, or Rio Perdernales way before it became the Flint. I'm sticking with the Flint on this one. Let's go closer to home with Radium Springs. Like all springs in south Georgia and Florida, it had a Native American name. The English translation was Skywater. I'm probably going to botch this, but I looked up how to spell and pronounce 'skywater' in Muscogee. Most online references have the word for sky as 'sutv' where the 'u' is pronounced as in the word 'put' and the 'v' as in the word 'cup.' The 's' and 't' are just like in the English language. Water is spelled three different ways. I am using this one: 'owv.' The 'o' is a long o as in oboe. The 'w' is pronounced as the w in the word 'way,' and the 'v' as above. So Skywater in Muscogee could have been 'Sutvowv.' Confusing? Regardless, this name was changed to Blue Springs by early white settlers and then to Radium Springs in 1925 by developer Baron Collier. Should we go back to Sutvowv? My point here is that this constant changing of names can be pointless, petty and endless. Stop all this nonsense. We have much more important things to care about. David Dixon is a local historian and waterman.
