[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6298030,"mediaKeyId","2505662-164b44cfd86caa303fc54742988fefc9","parentId",2505662,"title","Walton Youth Project presents youth‑led initiatives to commissioners, seeks community support","audioSeconds",262,"startMs",326000,"endMs",588000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505662-164b44cfd86caa303fc54742988fefc9&start=326&end=588","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505662-164b44cfd86caa303fc54742988fefc9/thumbnail_326000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298030/Walton-County/Georgia/Walton-Youth-Project-presents-youthled-initiatives-to-commissioners-seeks-community-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298030-7f1bc9d3f2751787cc91eaea5837a069/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175235&Signature=Gz~~rAqALq7i~J5~KpXRmZ0RvbZl-j4sn3~enPfo5zT6Kr4vypssfU1gm9DVnTpW40ENqsXDWUIm2hy8A6lV7zoGNghDPwJnnFyilOVG67Aa6KDCNb1zCYgIrFUx9SeJowTM1Z6NwSv1FiiA9u6nCyr4HC550pXrRq16d-WHdur8L0YaMGgyNH2Zh463jh-gHYDvc-xeKglGCoN1pgosoFqYxfNcFfaUNlp6-ymEZlZOyaafOL7dimasOeul-YhlZoYFNtC8uAsOuWxI2MlhmGcjjZZAbIVYX~5USnm0dTz3SsyxuVAZvAv75Goxx1IoNimtKvbCfzcT97thfXxeQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-05T12:57:25Z","article","The Walton Youth Project presented its countywide youth‑led initiatives at the Walton County Board of Commissioners meeting, highlighted programs in STEM and literacy and asked commissioners and the public for continued support.

Tisha Finn introduced a delegation including student board members from Monroe Area High School and noted the program recruits about 30 high‑school students countywide. “We recruit a board of 30 high schoolers from every school, home school, private, public, throughout the county,” Finn said, adding the group funds youth‑driven projects with foundation grants and a county stipend for the project coordinator’s salary.

Student leaders described program highlights: an initiative called WISE (wellness, ingenuity, science and engineering) that brings pragmatic STEM and homesteading skills to students; a youth‑led newspaper now in its third edition; a Monroe teen council focusing on literacy outreach and community events such as a lip‑sync fundraiser; and beautification projects including painted dumpsters and an alley garden on Wayne Street.

Finn said the project does not take state or federal operational funds and secures foundation support; the county provides a stipend to cover the coordinator’s salary. Students reported regional conference invitations and outreach partnerships, including planned literacy collaboration with Monroe Mayor John Howard and library staff.

Commissioners and audience members thanked the students and cited local partners. Commissioner Bradford noted personal familiarity with the group and thanked them for their community service. Staff distributed copies of the youth newspaper to commissioners and said program representatives will present at an upcoming Cultivating Curiosity conference at Georgia Tech.

The presentation concluded with an offer for commissioners to ask questions and ways for residents to support or volunteer with the Walton Youth Project.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Meeting March 4th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Walton Youth Project presented its youth‑led programs to commissioners, described a county stipend for staff and outlined STEM, literacy and community projects.","taxTitle","Walton County, Georgia","taxId",28682,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6298035,"Commissioners approve three rezonings, park change orders and fire station roofing contract",894,4060000,4954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505662-164b44cfd86caa303fc54742988fefc9&start=4060&end=4954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505662-164b44cfd86caa303fc54742988fefc9/thumbnail_4060000.jpg","/articles/6298035/Walton-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-three-rezonings-park-change-orders-and-fire-station-roofing-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298035-8d713398d275f2d0ecbc833ff35b7e06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175235&Signature=SSoDYROVKDHiVljW58zLGRlDSBa~dVxtILnKSY~DE7wQVcVvOFEmbOFbELCadMDQyDQtPeH~9aIAVvzdkxOFu1kFQkjEUo1e-haoNNQzT5YXeL5dQsA6z2coMxF-Wzzu3I3JXuELzKtDIFMRCWExyGPXVuySJi4gpx-Q1fM8qCVlWLoxiX9CelTcUvbpN0Ls4R2c3SOi9ztWDXXwrVldir8-1-s6~VK293I2FjEiMhyU3g-3RcMuYzKQDUA7dBL2BxjMBc7tlE8cq17oy98ji2pgo2UQj63G-Ii9Wqau7SjJ8SeegW1GtvqzlZVUGwnKJE0GftMJe9HLMjbqPWsYIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Walton County commissioners approved three rezoning requests, change proposals on the Walnut Grove Park construction contract and awarded a roofing contract for six fire stations during their regular meeting.

The board approved a request to rezone about 9 acres at 6285 Highway 20 from OI/R1 to B‑2 for an office/retail and office‑warehouse development; the Planning Commission had recommended approval despite some traffic concerns. Andrea Gray represented the applicant, Fisco Limited, and described a site plan with a roughly 12,000‑square‑foot retail front and about 24,000 square feet of office‑warehouse space farther back. The applicant told the commission the project would leave substantial green space, install a detention pond at the front of the site and add evergreen screening along the northern boundary.

Commissioners also approved a 9.05‑acre rezoning to B‑3 to allow a tree‑service and automotive service development, and they approved a rezone of 2.22 acres from R‑1 to A with a conditional use for short‑term rental and a waiver of ADA requirements for a historic structure at 4850 Center Hill Church Road. The Planning Commission recommended approval on those items as well.

On capital projects, the board approved a set of combined change proposals for Walnut Grove Park that included added control joints, a substantial rock‑removal item and other mechanical and materials changes. The county presented a total of $815,548.82 in change orders for approval (the largest single item listed was a rock removal effort of about $783,273.60); the board approved the change proposals so construction can continue and the county can reuse crushed rock on‑site as fill and base material.

Separately, the board awarded a contract to Tybur Group, LLC, to replace roofs on six fire stations; staff recommended the $2,260,000 contract after an RFP process with nine respondents.

Most motions passed unanimously; the record shows the board approved the consent agenda and administrative items, accepted the Planning Commission recommendations and voted to proceed with the park and roofing work. Staff said they will manage reimbursable and credit items after the meeting and that the park project will incorporate crushed rock into future phases to limit hauling costs.

Votes at a glance — approved items and key details:
• Case Z240059 (Fisco Limited): Rezone ~9.0 acres at 6285 Highway 20 from OI/R1 to B‑2 for office/retail and office‑warehouse; outcome: approved (motion and second recorded; vote passed unanimously). Applicant representative: Andrea Gray.
• Case Z24‑0065: Rezone 9.05 acres to B‑3 to allow tree‑service and automotive service buildings; outcome: approved (motion and second; unanimous). Applicant rep: Tim Purn (engineering consultant).
• Case Z25‑0001 (Ben Myers / Table Ventures LLC): Rezone 2.22 acres R‑1 to A and conditional use for short‑term rental; Planning Commission recommended approval and the board approved, including a waiver of ADA requirements for the historic structure; outcome: approved (motion and second; unanimous). Applicant: Ben Myers.
• Walnut Grove Park change proposals: Combined change orders presented with a total of $815,548.82 (largest item: rock removal, approx. $783,273.60); outcome: approved (motion and second; unanimous). Project manager: Jeff Prine.
• Roofing contract (six fire stations): Award to Tybur Group, LLC; contract amount: $2,260,000; outcome: approved (motion and second; unanimous). Staff presenter: county finance/operations staff.

No commissioner votes were recorded by individual name in the transcript; meeting minutes will carry the formal roll call. County staff said they will finalize reimbursable credits and continue project oversight on the Walnut Grove Park work.","At its meeting commissioners approved three rezoning requests, multiple change orders on Walnut Grove Park construction and awarded a roofing contract for six fire stations; votes were unanimous where recorded.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6298040,"Walton County hears neighbor complaints over temporary 4‑H shotgun range; county says it will seek alternatives",3830,1942000,5772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505662-164b44cfd86caa303fc54742988fefc9&start=1942&end=5772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505662-164b44cfd86caa303fc54742988fefc9/thumbnail_1942000.jpg","/articles/6298040/Walton-County/Georgia/Walton-County-hears-neighbor-complaints-over-temporary-4H-shotgun-range-county-says-it-will-seek-alternatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298040-9dca784d0f53ed98f291a92aaf9544b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175235&Signature=etHrlQHzwwfCNaXkh9IxlrynGmyyuhJWCYHd0UyNULIf1zk2dtVICtH2cBSPuxXI76c8CpCFi6w8mn6qMgQ1Y1WYBIVaBEWEwfsut~EKNPI8Hnf6f1eV3mddaRt1nsmGndngreIhbUYDjDDQxB5D-8-MMYusy7DH3gF10T-3IamXUmmbOb4VV7O1o4tVeiwPltT8D3aEp6VFaU9--jd88vcNvPuICqvmO-RlddlubuPI2yq2r3pFSsD-MS8p8ujlll9B57Z9~KbUuTEYwCZrocRCjKAyG2udRzxr0oAxyj5r0G0M4OfaYSAfuXIMfbFWxshmy50Ug5Y2yMUTu7Skvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents near Criswell Park pressed Walton County commissioners on Sunday for limits or relocation of a temporary 4‑H shotgun practice site, saying the noise and potential lead runoff are harming neighborhood life and could pose environmental risks.

County staff described the site as a temporary practice location for Walton County 4‑H shooting sports and said they are working to reduce community impacts. “What we’re gonna do is we’re gonna work to get that posted on the county website, as well as a copy of the practice schedule,” said John, a Walton County staff member. He told the board the county has already identified an alternate maintenance-only entrance through Criswell Park to avoid using an access driveway between two houses.

Neighbors said that change does not address the louder problems. Alan Terry, who lives about one mile from the site, said the noise is frequent enough to interrupt Sunday afternoons and urged commissioners to set a firm deadline for finding a permanent location. “If it is temporary, my encouragement is that the council put an end date on it so that there’s a pending event knowing that, hey, we gotta make a decision by such and such date,” Terry said.

Several speakers raised environmental worries after county staff referenced EPA guidance for outdoor shooting ranges and described existing best management practices used on site. Jonathan Ordway, who farms downstream of the site, said he fears lead that lands on acidic soils could oxidize and wash into creeks used by livestock. A neighboring resident asked for “written guarantees regarding regular water testing and cleanup efforts” and a posted practice and tournament schedule.

County staff described this season’s schedule, and said practices and competitions are already planned through early summer. Staff said March practices were planned for Sunday afternoons, April and May had a mixture of Sunday and weekday practices because of travel to district competitions, and there are two July events including an end‑of‑year gathering in the first week of July. The county also said it has been in contact with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to explore a possible partnership but that no agreement exists yet.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly framed the current site as a stopgap while they seek a permanent home for the Walton County 4‑H shotgun team. “We are diligently trying to find a permanent place for them,” a county official said during public comment, noting private landowners have been reluctant to accept county liability for a permanent range. Staff said the 4‑H program must train this season while alternative locations are located; county speakers asked for public patience and said they would post schedules so neighbors can plan.

Residents urged firmer safeguards: regular water monitoring, caps on days and hours, limits on tournament size and a clear sunset or relocation deadline. County staff suggested the season concludes around early July and said the county would pursue options and report back.

The board heard about roughly seven public comments focused on noise, environmental exposure and property‑value concerns, and moved on to other agenda items after discussion. Commissioners ended the public‑comment block without taking a formal vote on restrictions or a relocation plan.

Looking ahead, staff said they will post practice schedules and related information on the county website and continue conversations with the state DNR and local landowners about permanent alternatives. County staff asked for time this season to find and secure a new location while keeping the 4‑H team active.","Residents near Criswell Park urged commissioners to limit or move a temporary 4‑H shotgun practice site because of noise and runoff concerns. County staff said they will post practice schedules, pursue a DNR partnership and search for a more permanent location before next season ends.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Walton Youth Project presents youth‑led initiatives to commissioners, seeks community support

Commissioners approve three rezonings, park change orders and fire station roofing contract

Walton County hears neighbor complaints over temporary 4‑H shotgun range; county says it will seek alternatives