Connor Blackmon named CAP Cadet of the Quarter
Special to the Herald
RINCON – Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) Connor Blackmon received the Cadet of the Quarter Award for the third quarter of 2024 for the Effingham Cadet Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
C/SSgt Blackmon is a freshman at South Effingham High School. He has demonstrated interest in both emergency services and aerospace as he routinely participates in Field Training Exercises (FTX) and Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX) as well as taking advantage of the CAP Orientation Flight Program where cadets are allowed to pilot one of the CAP aircraft under the supervision of a trained pilot.
In addition to his participation in these activities, Blackmon has achieved two promotions within the third quarter, attended Georgia Wing’s week-long summer encampment, attended meetings regularly, and has worked with others in the squadron to recruit new members to the program.
Outside of CAP, Blackmon enjoys participating in recreational activities including backyard football and basketball. He also enjoys learning about muscle cars and is an avid history buff. Blackmon also demonstrates resilience as the youngest of three siblings and the only boy in his family.
The Cadet of the Quarter recognition was implemented within the squadron to encourage friendly competition among the cadets. Cadets earn points for attending meetings and weekend events, uniform inspections, earning badges and promotions, recruiting new members, among other activities. Additional points can be earned for performing community service outside of CAP activities, as well as demonstrating leadership within the squadron or outside of the squadron activities.
For more information about Civil Air Patrol, contact Capt. Jeff Lariscy at: jeff.lariscy@gawg.cap.gov.
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DCA Celebrates 50 Years of Community Development Block Grant Program
Special to the Herald
ATLANTA – The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Since the program’s creation in 1974, Georgia communities have awarded 4,229 CDBG awards, providing more than $1.7 billion. These funds have been used to finance critical and unmet community needs, including housing rehabilitation, public facilities, food banks and pantries, job creation, and more.
Overall, these efforts have benefited more than 2.3 million individuals, with more than 80 percent of them being low- to moderate-income residents. Notably, by assisting 361 for-profit businesses, we have created 39,483 jobs and retained 3,728 jobs, bolstering our local economies.
“Community Development Block Grants allow communities to address their critical needs,” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “These accomplishments are a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to community development. Together, we have made a significant difference in the lives of many Georgians, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future.”
DCA hosts an annual competition in which communities are selected to receive Community Development Block Grants to fund local areas of need. The City of Guyton was awarded $1 million earlier this month to make drainage repairs on several streets.
Past winners include the City of Washington, which used the funding to rehabilitate the Rusher Street neighborhood, which had been plagued by pervasive poverty, and substandard, abandoned, dilapidated houses. Using CDBG, the City of Washington developed 21 owner-occupied units, designed a new street and alley layout, installed new water and sewer lines, and more. The result was a complete revitalization of this neighborhood for its inhabitants.
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Georgia Farm Bureau names 2024 Farm Dog
Special to the Herald
MOULTRIE – Belue, a Shetland sheepdog who lives in Sumter County with his owner Brinson Brock, was named the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year during the Willie B. Withers Sunbelt Expo Luncheon Oct. 15. Belue was chosen from 151 canine entries by a panel of judges with farm-dog knowledge.
As the winner, Belue will be featured on the 2025 spring Georgia Neighbors magazine, and Brock received a $500 gift card.
“The recipient of this prestigious award embodies the very essence of what it means to be a farm dog—devotion beyond measure, intelligence that aids in daily tasks, and a heart that lives for their next assignment,” McCall added.
“Belue is a constant and vigilant companion. He works sheep, cattle, and poultry. He will chase the occasional unwelcome varmint and is able to sense those who might be beyond his control,” Brock said.
Like many farmers, Belue has an off-farm job. During the school year, Belue attends the middle school agricultural classes that Brock teaches to encourage students’ interest in veterinary science.
“He is a willing participant for grooming, bandaging, and general body condition exams. When students do computerized self-study time, he retreats to his pen and waits patiently for the students to finish,” Brock said. “He rounds up chickens and other small animals in the school garden as well as kids playing games in the outdoor study area. He practices agility to the delight of students and visitors to the Agri-Science program.”
Brock added that children with special needs interact with Belue daily to find a quick friend.
Owners of the four finalist dogs have been notified and will be announced in the 2025 Georgia Neighbors Spring issue to be published next March.
Georgia Farm Bureau is known for its love of dogs as Lucky, an Australian Shepherd, has served as the GFB mascot since 2021. To learn more about the contest or to look for information to enter next year’s contest visit www.gfb.org/24-ga-farm-dog .
For more information about the Georgia Farm Bureau, click on www.gfb.org.
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Kevin Caille to lead development of Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub
Special to the Herald
SAVANNAH – Kevin Caille was recently named senior vice president for the Southeast Region of its industrial development group – Broe Real Estate Group (BREG).
“The demand for industrial space within the Savannah market remains robust and we see even greater opportunity ahead,” said BREG CEO Douglas Wells. “Kevin is the ideal addition to lead our regional growth. We are pleased to add a proven leader with the deep market knowledge and relationships needed to expand our presence in Georgia and the Southeast.”
“Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub is a generational development opportunity that has captured the attention of industry leaders in Georgia,” said Caille. “I am excited to build on the reputation Broe Real Estate Group has earned in the market to expand our reach throughout the Southeast and East Coast.”
Caille brings nearly two decades of market-specific industrial real estate development experience. In his new role, Caille will lead the Southeast Region including the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, a 2,600-acre master-planned industrial park. This development features dual rail service from CSX and Norfolk Southern, as well as strong proximity to the Port of Savannah, which continues its streak as the fastest-growing port in the United States.
Caille earned a Master of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in real estate from the University of Georgia.
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Rincon company partners with Georgia Tech to support STEM literacy programs
Special to the Herald
SAVANNAH – HMTX Industries, a global luxury vinyl tile manufacturer based in Rincon, is partnering with Georgia Tech-Savannah’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) to support literacy programs.
Brian Greene, chief supply chain officer at HMTX and Georgia Tech alum, said, “Our company is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work and we are passionate about giving back. This initiative is exciting as it is a conduit to giving children more opportunities and improves educational levels in the communities we recruit from.”
For more information about CEISMIC’s programs, click on: www.ceismc.gatech.edu/savannah/studentprograms.
