News briefs: Committee assignments, Graves’ County Connection program and a guide to state parks

Published 12:01 am Thursday, January 19, 2017

Movie screening

A screening of “The Funniest Movie You’ve Never Seen” will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Creative Arts Guild. There will be popcorn, movie candies and beverages. The movie is free and open to the public. For more information, visit creativeartsguild.org or the Guild’s Facebook page or contact Savannah Thomas at (706) 279-3129.

Graves announces schedule

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, has announced the 2017 schedule for the 14th Congressional District’s County Connection Program. The program stations members of Graves’ staff in counties across the 14th District to provide a personal link to Congress for Georgians who may not be able to visit the permanent district offices in Dalton and Rome.

“Assisting constituents who are having problems with a federal agency is an important part of my job,” said Graves. “Whether you’re a senior citizen having trouble accessing your Social Security benefits, a veteran denied care at the VA or someone having trouble with any other federal agency or program, my staff is here to help. My staff and I will do everything we can to ensure the federal government serves you as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

The counties of Floyd and Whitfield do not have County Connection days because they are home to Graves’ two permanent congressional offices that have full-time staff and are open five days per week.

The program in Murray County is at the courthouse annex, 121 N. Fourth Ave. in Chatsworth. The time is from 1 to 3 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 7, March 14, May 9, June 13 and Oct. 10.

Perdue makes assignments

U.S. Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., a new member of the Senate Banking Committee, has announced his Banking Subcommittee assignments for the 115th Congress: Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection; National Security and International Trade and Finance; and Economic Policy.

“After spending 40 years in the business world working closely with our job creators and trade partners, I hope to lend a unique perspective to these important debates,” Perdue said. “We can unleash the full potential of our free enterprise system. We can improve our business climate and return to sensible economic policy. To do this, we have got to get Washington out of the way. As a new member of the Senate Banking Committee, I am eager to remove the regulatory burdens our businesses and banks — small and large — have been forced to operate under these past eight years so our economy can finally see significant growth again.”

Ridley sworn in

State Rep. Jason Ridley, R-Chatsworth, was sworn into office as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives on Monday, Jan. 9.

“It is a true honor to serve the people of District 6 and the citizens of Georgia as their state representative,” said Ridley.

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Assignments named Ridley to the Banks and Banking; Interstate Cooperation; and Motor Vehicles committees.

District 6 includes portions of Whitfield and Murray counties. Ridley was elected to the House in 2016.

Georgia guide book available

With spring just around the corner, many Georgians are beginning to think ahead to warmer weather and weekend escapes. The newly published “2017 Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” is a handy resource for planning a spring break, summer vacation or family reunion.

The free booklet is filled with tips on the best hiking trails, fishing spots, cabins, wedding venues and campsites. It also includes new facilities, such as cottages at Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park in Reidsville, a group shelter at Crooked River State Park in St. Marys and horse stables at A.H. Stephens near Crawfordville.

Produced annually by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the travel guide features colorful photos from all across the Peach State. For a free copy, call (770) 389-7286 or stop by any Georgia state park or state historic site. An online version can be found at www.gastateparksdigital.com/publication/?m=21660&l=1.

Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs can keep up with the latest news and discounts by signing up for the park system’s e-newsletter at www.gastateparks.org/e-News or following it on Facebook (www.facebook.com/georgiastateparks).