Latest news with #LindaStouffer
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Decatur Square is about to get a multimillion-dollar makeover
People are flocking to downtown Decatur to get one last look at Decatur Square before it gets a massive makeover. The plans include more green spaces, play areas, and a new stage. The mayor told Channel 2's Linda Stouffer that the local businesses that make Decatur what it is will stay open during construction. Officials broke ground on the $8.5 million renovation on Thursday. 'It's time for an update. The square is lovely, but it's time for an update,' Decatur business owner Parham Savadkoohi said. They're calling this the Decatur Square Shake Up, which will expand the town center, adding more green space, play space, and a flexible stage. But say bye-bye to the gazebo. 'I think everyone has a little heartfelt attachment to the gazebo, but it's going to really open it up, make it possible for different events,' The Rev. Todd Speed with Decatur Presbyterian Church said. TRENDING STORIES: FSU shooter accused of killing 2, injuring 6 identified as deputy's son Mother took rifle away from suspect moments before he shot Paulding deputy, GBI says Deputies say it's a 'true miracle' after alleged Walmart shoplifter using scooter ran out of store Mayor Patti Garrett said the construction phase will definitely have an impact,t and they're asking people to keep supporting the businesses around the square. 'Ten months. It's a short period of time to do all this, and we have made it clear to businesses, please reach out to us if anything they made need during that time,' City of Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said. 'This is gonna improve it and make it better.' And while businesses brace for construction detours, at Jeni's Ice Cream, they're confident people will find them. 'More customers. Trust me, they'll come with the construction,' store manager Nya Cherry said. 'When you go see some of the other city squares, it's time to get caught up, modernize with it, and I think the plan's lovely,' Savadkoohi said. 'Brings something new. A fresh music spot and everything,' business owner Scott Herman said. This is only one phase of a larger plan. Decatur hopes to have a full reopening by next June, in time for the FIFA World Cup matches here.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aid groups in metro Atlanta area say federal funding cuts are impacting ability to work
Local aid groups say that because of federal funding cuts, they're having to lay off staff and are now struggling in their work to help legal refugees in the metro Atlanta area. Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer spoke to advocates in Clarkston, who shared the impacts they're facing now that federal funding appears to be on hold. 'It means everything to them,' a translator said about a family of refugees. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A translator helped us speak with a family from Rwanda. Atlanta area aid groups and faith-based volunteers are helping them transition to life in America. 'For them to help them, it means a lot to them,' the translator said. John Moeller, the CEO of Inspiritus, told Channel 2 Action News that his aid group helps new, legal, arrivals through the Office of Refugee Resettlement. TRENDING STORIES: What to know about the risk for severe storms, potential for tornadoes this weekend Man held captive by stepmother sets fire to escape, police say Atlanta mayor announces changing 'vision' of streetcar, Beltline access at MARTA board meeting 'This program is a life changer, not only for the refugees themselves but for the communities that we operate in,' he said. But now, Inspiritus is laying off 75 workers. 'The refugee program is on pause from the federal government and all funding for this program has stopped from the federal level,' Moeller said. 'We don't know what's next, essentially we're waiting on guidance from Washington.' All Saints' Refugee Ministries also provides help, such as enrolling refugees in classes to learn English and access assistance programs. 'We help enroll them in English classes, help with food stamps and Medicaid applications. The traditional services have either been dramatically reduced, or erased,' Louisa Merchant, director of All Saints' Refugee Ministries, said. Aid workers say that more than 1,000 legal refugees have arrived in Georgia since November. They're hoping volunteers and contributors will be able to help pick up more essential needs. 'She came here for a better life,' the translator said of the woman from Rwanda. 'She's just scared right now.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GA agriculture commissioner speaks exclusively to Channel 2 on plan to get egg prices down
The U.S. Agriculture Department predicts record egg prices could go up another 40% this year. Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer spoke exclusively with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper after he returned from Washington, D.C. about the state's plan to battle the egg prices and protect Georgia farms. 'No infected birds ever made it into the supply chain here in our state. And we're going to keep ensuring that that's the case,' Harper said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Harper spoke only to Channel 2 Action News about his meeting with the new U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Trump administration for another billion dollars to fight the avian flu. The federal plan includes bio-hazard security money. The USDA tracks bird flu in 50 states now with six outbreaks in Georgia, including two commercial chicken flocks. 'Our response is going to be quick. It's going to be targeted. It's going to be fast,' Harper said. RELATED STORIES GA cleared to resume poultry production after bird flu outbreak Bird flu detected at 2nd commercial poultry flock in Georgia Denny's latest restaurant to add surcharge due to rising egg prices Harper said they had a H5N1 outbreak contained within 48 hours, but it takes months for each poultry farm to disinfect, test and be back in business, producing chickens and eggs. 'We're protecting the flocks, we're protecting the poultry industry,' the commissioner said. 'They all work in concert with each other. That's how will address egg prices at the grocery store. And that's how we will ensure our farm families in Georgia continue to be protected from avian influenza, and our poultry industry continues to be successful,' he added. Harper told Channel 2 Action News that he hopes to see prices get better by the summer. Georgia is the top chicken producer in the nation. The new plan also includes money to study an avian flu vaccine. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
