Welcome April! - Camden County - Community eNewsletter

Camden County Board of Commissioners

Community Outreach eNewsletter

Working Together to Make a Positive Difference in the Community

A publication from the Office of the County Administrator - Issue 104-2022

Message from the County Administrator

Welcome to April! It’s officially Spring and as the winter weather continues to fade away it's a great time to enjoy more outdoor activities with family and friends.

Enjoy the beginning of a new season.

Wishing you a sunny, warm and beautiful Spring.

In this month's issue we ask you to join us in celebration of the accomplishments of the winners of the Showcase Camden County Photo Contest, achievements of our Camden County Emergency Management Agency, graduation of six new firefighters, certification of Georgia Fire Chief, and the well deserving award of the Georgia Public Safety Officials and First Responders Supplement Grant to all eligible Camden County employees.

As the COVID-19 community level continues to decline, we want to encourage you to talk to medical professionals about what steps you need to take to prevent illness from COVID-19. Coastal Georgia Public Health shares Camden-specific data demonstrating our current status.

I look forward to working with you as we continue to move Camden forward!

Have a safe and healthy April!

Yours for a better Camden,

Steve L. Howard, MPA, ICMA-CM, CPM, CPPO

County Administrator

COVID-19 Vaccine

Free COVID-19 Vaccines are available in Camden County through a variety of sources.

National County Government Month

April is National County Government Month and this year's theme is "Counties THRIVE."

Did you know that nationwide counties own and maintain 44% of our nation's road miles and 38% of our nation's bridges, and are involved in 78% of public transport systems? Camden County Public Works maintains approximately 300 miles of roadway (paved and unpaved) in unincorporated Camden County.

Poll Workers Needed

2021 Photo Contest Winners

From Left: Commissioner Trevor Readdick, Chairman Gary Blount, Dawn Usher, Vice-Chair Ben Casey, Mary Haber, and Commissioner Chuck Clark

The Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest. This year, twenty-eight entries from seven applicants were submitted in the following categories: Landscapes, Nature/Wildlife, Sunrise/Sunset, and Transportation. Through a blind judging process a photograph was chosen from each category, and an overall winner was selected.

Recognized this year by category are: Landscapes: Mary Haber’s photo of Driftwood along the dunes; Nature/Wildlife: Mary Haber’s photo of Storks perched on Majestic Live Oak; Sunrise/Sunset: Michelle Van Horn’s photo of the sunrise over the marsh; Transportation: Patrick Betchik’s photo of the 5th Day in St. Marys marina. The overall winner was Dawn Usher’s photo of the Full Moon Oak. All winners were formally honored at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

Full Press Release (PDF)

GA Fire Chief Certification

From Left: Chief Terry Smith; Battalion Chief Tina Ingles; and Waycross Fire Chief David Eddins, Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs

The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) Battalion Chief Tina Ingles has achieved Georgia Fire Chief Certification from the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs.

“This is an important achievement and recognition for Chief Ingles,” said CCFR Chief Terry Smith. “Her certification demonstrates her professionalism and commitment to qualified leadership in the fire service.”

Chief Ingles has worked for CCFR since July 1988 and currently serves as a Battalion Chief. With this achievement, she joins Chief Smith as one of the 238 fire officers across the state to reach this milestone.

Full Press Release (PDF)

Achievement

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) has recognized Camden County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) as meeting all incentive standards outlined by GEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Achieving this high level of emergency preparedness for Camden County is a team effort that involves, the public, our business community, churches, other non-profit organizations, county and city governments including the Camden County School System, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay,” said Emergency Management Agency Director Chuck White.

This significant accomplishment requires Camden County to meet a high level of readiness capability, training, and resources.

Full Press Release (PDF)

Six New Firefighters

From Left: Chief Terry Smith, Chief Lisa Boyett, FF Cheyenne Thiemann, FF Kaleb Swanson, FF Jonah Klawuhn, FF Sarah Kimsey, FF Aaron Kadlubowski, Captain Jeffrey Jones, Sergeant Jamie Marr, FF Jacob Hopkins, FF Jerry Edwards, Chief Charles Lowther, FF Cameron Conner

The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the six members of Recruit Class 2022-10 have completed their Basic Firefighter requirements.

“These new firefighters are equipped to be respected contributors to public safety thanks to valuable assistance from our partners at Kingsland Fire Rescue and St. Marys Fire Department,” said CCFR Chief Terry Smith. “We continue to be thankful to the Board of Commissioners for their ongoing support of this program and Camden County Fire Rescue.”

Full Press Release (PDF)

Supplement Grant Awarded

The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of a $199,125.50 Georgia Public Safety Officials and First Responders Supplement Grant distributed by the Georgia Office of Planning and Budget.

“Our dedicated first responders and public safety officials are a valuable asset to our community,” said Chairman Gary Blount. “We are pleased to be able to recognize their efforts.”

In September 2021, Governor Brian Kemp announced this funding opportunity for local governments to apply for on behalf of public safety officials and first responders. The grant is providing a $1,000 pay supplement for all eligible sworn law enforcement officials and first responders using the State of Georgia’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Full Press Release (PDF)

Board of Commissioners Work Session

April 7, 2022, 5:00pm

The Camden County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

Realizing the Spaceport Vision Through Private Investment presented by Spearhead Capital Advisors, LLC

Agenda (PDF)

All Board of County Commissioner Regular Meetings, Special Called Meetings, Work Sessions and Public Hearings are open to the public. Work Sessions do not feature a Public Comments section.

St. Marys Drive-Through Food Pantry

Woodbine Food Distribution

Free Transportation

The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the St. Marys City Council have partnered with the Coastal Regional Commission to provide free transportation services for all Camden residents. Citizens that reside within unincorporated Camden County and the Cities of St Marys, Kingsland, and Woodbine will be eligible to ride free anywhere within Camden County.

Please Note: The service will not deviate from the normal operational procedures of the CRC transit program. Hours of operation, scheduling and safety procedures will remain. Any requested trip outside Camden County the rider will be charged the normal $3.00 per one-way trip.

This new transportation benefit is paid through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and is effective immediately. This program will cease once all dedicated funds have been expended.

Visit the Camden County Website for More Information

Camden County 4-H Fundraiser

Two Rivers Gun Range

The range is located on GA Hwy 110, approximately one mile north of the intersection with GA Hwy 40 in extreme southwest Camden County. Two Rivers Gun Range is open six days a week.

Georgia Rental Assistance Program

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is administering the State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA). GRA can help renters with their past due rent and utilities. Payment will be made directly to landlords and utility providers. Get started online at: https://georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov.

Employment Opportunities

Check out the Employment Opportunities page on the Camden County website to learn more about open positions and apply online.

Visit: www.camdencountyga.gov/jobs for more information.

Flood Awareness Tool

A Flood Awareness Tool is available on the Camden County website to assist users with making educated decisions about potential flooding. Approximately 35% or 17,000 of Camden County’s residents live within the 100-year floodplain. Three coastal rivers flow through the County, and 50% of the land is classified as wetlands. Camden experiences the effects of sea level rise, storm surge, regular riverine flooding, and king tides.

Flood Awareness Tool Desktop Version

Flood Awareness Tool Mobile Version

CodeRED

All Camden County residents are strongly encouraged to sign-up for CodeRED online at www.camdencountyga.gov/codeRED to receive emergency notifications and location-specific severe weather warnings. Notifications may be sent to cell phones or landlines and through email and text. The service is TDD/TTY compatible.