Theater to present ‘The Notebook of Trigorin’

DALTON, Ga. — The Dalton Little Theatre presents “The Notebook of Trigorin,” the Tennessee Williams adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s classic Russian play. “Trigorin” tells the story of mismatched passions: people love those who are in love with others, if not themselves. Theater officials say it brings together Williams’ unmistakable use of words and Chekhov’s high drama. The production is Friday and Saturday and Sept. 13-15 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.daltonlittletheatre.com. Note: “The Notebook of Trigorin” contains some adult language and themes.

FDOT to begin CR 250 bridge replacement

DOWLING PARK, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation will begin work on replacing the County Road 250 bridge in Dowling Park next week.

The $11.7 million project is slated to start Monday with Anderson Columbia Co., Inc., of Lake City, handling the construction.

An FDOT spokesman said construction likely won’t start for another week or two, but preliminary work and signage will begin Monday.

The existing bridge on CR 250, which was built in the 1950s across the Suwannee River on the border of Suwannee and Lafayette counties, will remain open to traffic during the construction of the new bridge. The replacement bridge will be constructed just south of the current bridge and will feature two 10-foot shoulders whereas the existing bridge had no shoulder room.

After construction is complete, which is expected sometime in the spring of 2020, traffic will be shifted to it and the existing bridge will be demolished.

White tapped for Senate committee

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — City of Thomasville Assistant Utilities Superintendent Chris White has been appointed by Lt. Gov.  Casey Cagle to serve on a statewide committee that will research rights-of-way policies and procedures. The Senate Advanced Communications Technologies and Use of State and Local Government Right of Way Modernization Study Committee is comprised of ten members who will be tasked with examining the use of public rights of way, both state and local, for the purpose of modernizing technology deployment and taxation. White, who was notified of his appointment last week, said that he is looking forward to representing the City of Thomasville in these discussions. “In my opinion, the mission of this study committee is to help guide legislation that will encourage deployment of next generation telecommunications services while protecting public rights of way of Georgia communities,” he said. “It is extremely important that local governments, particularly those that own and operate public utilities, maintain provisional oversight of our rights of way.” The committee consists of five members of the Georgia State Senate, a mayor, a county commissioner and three experts on communication deployment and taxation. White will represent one of three experts selected for this committee. “I’m honored to serve on this important committee, and I appreciate the opportunity Lieutenant Governor Cagle has given me to be a part of this important group,” said White. The appointment begins immediately and will last until December 1, 2018.

Suicide prevention events planned

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Suicide prevention awareness events will be held Friday. The events are planned for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Heath System, located at Valdosta Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 2841 N. Patterson St., organizers said. Events will include manned tables with information and resources. Resources available at each table will include #BeThere campaign materials, gun safety information and gun locks, Veterans Crisis Line materials such as brochures, wallet cards, Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Day campaign flyers, etc., organizers said. Veterans and their loved ones, friends are encouraged to download, post and share the posters available at: www.visn8.va.gov/SaveALife.asp. “Suicide prevention is one of our highest priorities,” said Thomas Wisnieski, director, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. “We will not relent in our efforts to connect veterans with lifesaving support before they reach a crisis point. “I encourage everyone to get involved in the national suicide prevention movement…from attending our information fair and learning about the many resources available, to programing the Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, press 1, in your personal cell phone. The bottom line is that one veteran suicide is too many and we must do everything we can to help those in need of support.” The fair is being held during Florida Veterans Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 9-15, as designated by the state. The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network has partnered with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs to raise awareness to suicide prevention and resources available to veterans and their loved ones, organizers said. The event is open to the public.