Latest news with #FairfieldInn
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former state Representative found dead inside Augusta area hotel room
A former Georgia state Representative has been found dead inside a hotel room. Ben Harbin was pronounced dead at a Fairfield Inn in Augusta on Wednesday evening just after 7 p.m., WJBF-TV reported. Harbin was first elected to the Georgia House in 1994 and served as the House Appropriations Committee chairman until being replaced by the late House Speaker David Ralston. He resigned his seat in July 2015. In a statement on X, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Harbin's service to the state of Georgia: 'Our entire family is mourning the passing of former state representative and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Ben Harbin. 'A dedicated public servant, he helped to balance out state budgets and maintain our AAA bond rating during the most difficult financial time in modern history - the Great Recession. 'We are praying for his family and loved ones in the days and weeks ahead during this time of grieving.' The Richmond County coroner confirmed to WJBF that Harbin's death is not being considered suspicious. TRENDING STORIES: Protesters rally at state capitol over 'attacks' on judicial system, minimum wage increase Ex-GA school bus driver charged after multiple students attack 7-year-old during route, deputies say Prom dress honors fallen classmate, Rockdale County teen killed on senior skip day
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Georgia representative found dead at Augusta hotel. Here's what we know
An investigation is underway into the death of a former Georgia political leader. Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen confirmed via email Wednesday night that his office is investigating the death of former Georgia House Rep. Ben Harbin at age 61. No cause has been released yet. Harbin was found at the Fairfield Inn at 3023 Washington Rd. in Augusta close to the I-20 exit. The coroner pronounced Harbin dead at the scene at 7:12 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Harbin was a longtime, leading figure in the Augusta area. He was chair of the Richmond County Republican Party 1990-1991 and 1993-1994. He was a Republican representative for House District 122 from 1994 to 2015, according to Ballotpedia. Harbin was the main sponsor of the Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act and HB 364 which amended real estate transfer taxes. He resigned to become a lobbyist for the Southern Strategy Group. Outside of politics, Harbin was the owner of the Harbin Company, a partner with Harbin and Associates, and an agent with Farm Bureau Insurance. Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Former Georgia Rep. Ben Harbin found dead at Augusta hotel
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Corbin City Council allocates $3.5 million for Tourism Initiative projects, reports from city departments
CORBIN — At the recent Corbin City Council meeting, significant strides were made in advancing local infrastructure and community services. The council approved the allocation of $3.5 million, designated exclusively for House Bill 1 projects under the City of Corbin Tourism Initiative. This funding will facilitate the expansion of The Corbin Center. 'Our beautiful Corbin Center will be expanded, and it's going to be fabulous and wonderful, so keep your eyes up on the hill,' stated Mayor Suzie Razmus. The expansion aims to add 15,500 square feet to the existing facility, increasing its total meeting space to 36,434 square feet. The new design will feature a versatile main room capable of seating 520 guests for banquets and accommodating up to 800 for auditorium-style events. In conjunction with this development, a new Marriott property is set to open adjacent to The Corbin Center on November 1, 2025. This dual-branded hotel will house Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites, offering a combined total of 113 rooms. A covered walkway will connect the hotels directly to The Corbin Center, providing seamless access for event attendees. City Manager James Scott 'Scotty' Williamson reported that bids are currently being accepted for roof repairs on the Civic Center, noting, 'The roof is in really, really bad shape.' He also commended city service departments for their resilience during recent severe weather events, specifically from flooding and the snowstorm earlier in the month. 'We dodged a bullet when it comes to flood damage,' Williamson said, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the efforts. Regarding the city's entertainment venues, Williamson mentioned that two major shows are contracted for the upcoming summer and fall seasons; however, specific details remain confidential due to contractual agreements. The council addressed administrative matters, revealing that there are currently 245 active liens. Efforts are underway, in collaboration with City Attorney Bob Hammons, to review and reduce this number. Fire Chief Barry McDonald reported on the deployment of a six-man team to Manchester during the recent floods. The team was the first to discover a deceased individual resulting from the flooding. The state government may provide reimbursement for the team's assistance. At the Sanitation Department, the city is considering implementing limit charges for individuals disposing of large volumes of waste due to ongoing overuse. 'Last year, we paid about $680,000 to dump garbage; we can't take that burden on without being reimbursed,' Mayor Razmus stated. Tourism Director Nancy Conley announced that the fiscal year 2024-2025 audit returned with no deficiencies. She also highlighted several upcoming March events including a bull riding event, a Mardi Gras celebration, the Shamrock Spirit Shuffle, and Food Week. Additionally, the Fire and Police Departments will host a chili cook-off at the Depot on March 18.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. McMaster hosts tourism, travel conference in Spartanburg
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster was in Spartanburg Monday, highlighting the state's growing tourism sector. A large crowd gathered at the Spartanburg Marriott hotel to welcome tourism leaders from across the state to the Hub City. The three-day conference is a part of the 60th Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel. Each year, the event is held in a different city to highlight the area's impact on state tourism. 'Anybody that is involved with tourism in the state of South Carolina at a high level is in Spartanburg County this week — about 400 tourism professionals from all over the state,' said Allen Smith, CEO of OneSpartanburg. Smith took the stage and highlighted the growth the area has seen. 'We are having tremendous success when it comes to tourism,' Smith explained. 'Last year we recruited 85 events, 32-million-dollar economic impact.' Smith said more of that success is on the horizon with several multimillion-dollar projects underway. 'We're about to open the Fairfield Inn on St. John's Street, another hotel downtown has been announced all that is culminating with the brand-new minor baseball stadium which will be opening in April, a Morgan Square renovation, all draws tourist to Spartanburg County,' Smith continued. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism estimated that tourism in the state is a $29 billion industry, supporting one in every 10 jobs and generating 1.8 billion dollars in state and local taxes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
