Although the Losing Georgia Project has wrapped up, one of the goals that remained untouched during the documentary was photographing Douglas County’s changing landscape from the air. Acquiring the funds for a pilot and aircraft alone was well out of my budgetary means. However in February and March I had the opportunity to fly twice and photograph parts of Georgia from various altitudes.

Having photographed Douglas County for over three years in all sorts of locations, my perspective from the ground was narrow behind the camera lens. The advent of documenting information Google Earth helped broaden the images to an extent, but nothing would come close to seeing change from the cockpit of an airplane.

Outside the window of the Cessna 172 came the drought stricken George Sparks Reservoir at Sweetwater Creek State Park while visitors strolled along trails and visited the ruins of New Manchester Mill that was burnt down by Yankee soldiers during the Civil War. Then it was a trip over Carrollton, Villa Rica and Douglasville as roads spread out like veins with cars making their way about.

The experience of personal flight versus commercial flight is extremely different, yet more exhilarating. Thanks to my brother and pilot, Bryan Powell and the Yellow Jacket Flying Club for allowing me to take a look out the window. Check out all 215 photographs from the passenger seat from N552GT on flickr.

The wintry weather as of late has been treacherous, confusing and unpredictable. Take this week alone – rolling thunderstorms created torrential downpours early in the week, clear skies with highs in the 70s for mid-week wrapping up with a cold front producing tornadic winds on Friday evening turning into a wintry mix of snow for Saturday. If winter is this bad, what will spring bring?

The story in Douglas County is that a mini-supercell tornado jumped around in the south-central part of the county damaging the Kroger grocery store, at the corner of Central Church Road and Chapel Hill Road, and neighboring homes. At least one home in the Brookmont subdivision sustained a large amount of damage with its rear wall collapsing.

Check out the photos below of the damage that was found around the area. More photographs are available on Losing Georgia’s Flickr Photostream.

It has been about a two month hiatus since the Losing Georgia Project concluded as an acting art project and documentary. Since that time I have been able to observe life without Losing Georgia, reflecting on the successes that came about and what goals were left behind on the drawing table. In the end, the Project is completed and will not return.

Yet some things die hard. Maybe its time for a comeback that allows Losing Georgia to return, but in a new way. People are still commenting on stories and web traffic is still at a reasonable rate, thus justifying an interest in this website.

During this “off” time I have noticed that the West Georgia region lacks an online resource or outlet for information. Sure there are a few online newspapers in each county, government websites and the occasional forum, but not all these sites allow RSS feeds or community feedback (comments).

I am considering that Losing Georgia become an outlet of information for West Georgia, first experimenting with news and government covering Douglas, Paulding, and Carroll Counties – much like an aggregator but on a more personal level – while incorporating stories and photographs from my art trade.

This is strictly an idea. So all you readers out there (if you still are out there), what do you think? Is this something you would like to see for West Georgia? What improvements would you like to see in the website?

I want to know what you think. Its funny, I kind of miss Losing Georgia myself.

Although the Losing Georgia Project has concluded, I feel obligated that readers should be aware on an issue that has recently occurred involving work related to the Project. A free local magazine, B Scene, took it upon themselves to publish copyrighted photographs that I had taken in winter of 2006, during the documentation of the county school system, without my strict written consent. Obviously this is a problem.

The irony to all this is that the magazine inquired about a popular article I had written back in December via e-mail. They wanted to republish the article, but I did not give them permission and told them I would respond only after I had a chance to review their publication. Not only until a few days ago had I finally picked up their publication at the local Border’s book store.

Come to my surprise there were three photographs of mine printed alongside an article about the school system. The article was not mine, yet the photographs were. Suddenly, and very abruptly, I was not happy. I immediately called the publisher, Larry Weaver, where the phone rang until an answering machine picked up where I left my message of concern.

Weaver returned my call a few moments later inquiring about my message. An argument broke out over the origin of the photographs, Weaver first claiming they were stock photographs that were purchased, then they were provided by the Chamber of Commerce and lastly resorting to the Google search adage. All of which were completely wrong.

None of the photographs from the Losing Georgia Project have ever been sold to any stock company, given to the Chamber of Commerce or the school system, and only one of the three photographs can be found in a Google image search, which oddly enough links to the article that was asked to be republished and has a copyright notice.

In a third phone call that included Weaver and an associate who first inquired about my article, both claimed that the images could be found on Google (which had already been refuted) using a keyword search of “Douglas County Schools”, that the school system’s website were hosting the images, then could not name the original source where the photographs were downloaded, had lost their e-mails and that the article in question was found on ArticleCity.com.

Once again these claims are all false. The Douglas County School System is not hosting my images nor uses them on their website as claimed, considering the fact I have never been asked by the system for usage of the photographs. Secondly ArticleCity.com does not retain any articles referring to Douglas County, my article or even the West Georgia region for that matter.

In this wild goose chase I have resent the original e-mail conversation to the magazine which, believe it or not, originated from the contact page on this website and referred to my article I had written. Weaver has agreed to print a retraction in the magazine’s next issue which should come out in March.

As for the photographs, they were stolen from Losing Georgia’s flickr account – as this is the only place all three photographs were published online for archival purposes. All three images retained a copyright notice with my name in the EXIF data. As a precaution all photographs on flickr have been closed out from public viewing for the time being. I regret that this action had to occur, but stealing intellectual property is an entirely different matter.

If these photographs or any other works related to the Losing Georgia Project are published without my explicit consent, then legal ramifications could ensue. I have contacted an attorney and will take legal action if necessary. I will not tolerate those who steal my artistry and claim it to be theirs under any circumstances.

To all local photographers using flickr, you might want to check the various free publications out there just as a precaution.

After much thought and deliberation over the future of the Losing Georgia Project, I have come to the conclusion that the Project will no longer continue as of today, December 31, 2007. It has been an experience of a lifetime to take an original idea from scratch and develop it into a blossoming persona that has grown by leaps and bounds.

Over the course of the two plus years I have gained a respectable knowledge of the history and coherency that is my home, Douglas County, Georgia. Although not all have agreed with my personal views on development and growth, it was refreshing to know that there were many people out there that shared the same ideals in some fashion or another.

Out of this experience came three award winning Google Earth tours, several newspaper publications and awareness for the community. Much of the work for Losing Georgia was on my own time, done voluntarily, and at my own expense. I wish to continue on with the Project, however I can no longer financially nor have the passion to do so considering the current conditions that I have to face.

With a warm heart, I thank those profusely for the support provided in donations, e-mails, and comments. I have considered of continuing on with posting the local government meetings agendas and possibly the news snippets. If there is a demand for this service, then I will try my best to keep up with the information, however priorities now reside elsewhere with project Saving Hunter.

Those who want to keep apprised of my work can visit my blog, Trade Relic, or my photography website, Ashford Photography.

Thank you to all.

Sincerely,
Andrew A. Powell

Slater Mill Creek is an ageless center of tales and growth. The many shoals along the short creek provided a plentiful current to power grist mills to grind wheat and corn. There were at least three mills on the creek at some time: Presley Mill, Slater Mill, and Greenup Christian Mill.

However mills are no longer prominent sites on the creek as it is now a bystander from populous growth, being tugged on by a trailer park, subdivisions, and a transportation center. Slater Mill Creek flows into Anneewakee Creek, which is one of the three major basins for Douglas County.

As for the historic north Georgia drought, water levels are have dropped beyond those seen during last winter. Shoals that were usually underwater from the currents can be crossed with ease. Small tributaries that feed into the creek from springs are dried out.

It was the lifeblood of the Cherokee Indians that lived here, Anneewakee Creek is one of the three major water basins Douglas County has pouring into the Chattahoochee River. The creeks historically strong current made allured pioneers to construct mills with the water serving as an excellent source of power.

In the 1880s the industry that sprung up along the creek was facing troubles of a natural kind. Time tells a story where north Georgia was in an historic 6-month drought, while grist mills throughout the region came to a stop. But the waters of Anneewakee were still flourishing.

Alson Arnold’s grist mill on the creek was still alive, grinding corn and wheat for bread and animal feed. Farmers came from all parts to have their stock grinded down. Today Arnold’s Mill is in ruins, only its rock foundation looming over the creek.

Two hundred years later Georgia faces a historical drought that has lingered since sultry spring. Anneewakee Creek flows with passion despite moderately low water levels, but is surviving unlike other nearby tributaries.

For over two years I have pondered this question, looking for the answers in heaps of documents and the written consent of the past in old Sentinel articles. Traveling to the ends of the county line, with camera in hand, to find that outside link where past and present meet. Developments spurt up like wildfire, yet of late sputter out in the red earthen dust that is left behind.

But there is no clarity.

As 2007 nears closer to an end, did Douglas County advance forward or move backward in progress? Or neither?

The first half of the year felt fast-paced, striving for causes that took on an importance but also struck controversy. SPLOST was deemed to have a second chance by all means as impact fees took a backseat, literally.

Even information about impact fees abruptly disappeared from the county’s website. Alas there was a mandatory meeting conducted by the City of Douglasville for the possible implementation of impact fees, but it did not manifest into anything greater. All the focus was pushed upon SPLOST to succeed.

While in this haste to plan ahead with the promise of funding to come, the school board was awarded a school bond at the approval of the public’s hand. By next year there should be four new schools opening (2 elementary, middle, high) at the cost of $150 million and 20 years to pay it off.

Overcrowded schools, an epidemic for 40+ years, were still a problem with the enriched housing market. A surplus of homes and new subdivisions kept appearing all throughout the county. Some even in the oddest of places.

s the year came to the half way point, scenarios began to change in the light of a beating Southern sun. Outdoor water restrictions were the norm in past summers and all followed suit as usual. Until the unforeseen truth that Georgia and much of the Deep South would come under the spell of an historic 100 years drought.

alk of SPLOST returned with a fury, shelling out a projects list that everyone could not come to terms with. Controversy over a new county jail, a YMCA, the degradation of Hunter Memorial Park, and the Bright Star Connector were just some of the highlights. Even the Douglasville’s new park outside the city limits did not sit well with residential neighbors in the county.

All the hope for SPLOST would evaporate in the public’s second disapproval of the special 1 cent tax. Suddenly no funds for a jail after land had already been acquired, prospects for the Bright Star Connector to materialize into commercial center were real and the drought took precedence that slowed everything down.

Now there is a temporary moratorium on development as the source of water is questionable in the future. A grand surplus of empty houses await company in silt-fenced line streets. Foreclosures are at their highest in years while for sale signs dot the visages of old neighborhoods.

It seems Douglas County is in a stalemate, moving forward in the first half of the year then to move backward by years end. There have been changes this year that will allow the county to grow, but the question is, where is Douglas County going?

Contributed by Ginny Ray (aka Obi’s Sister)

In a weird way, life has a way of coming full circle. As a child, my family would trek from Jonesboro to Flint Hill Church in Douglas County for the family reunion of my grandparent’s siblings and distant relations. Being young, I had no idea of where we were - only that there long tables covered with fluttering tablecloths, groaning with food. I remember playing hide and seek in the cemetery with my cousins, what seemed like mobs of white-haired little old ladies and being shooed away from giant platters of fried chicken.

Now I live in the very same county I used to unknowingly visit as a child. Fourteen years ago, we moved here for the affordable housing, good schools, a reasonable commute and cows. Yes, you heard me. Cows. Where else could you see cows on your way to work? Rolling pastures, woods for miles, little cafes, two lane roads - the quiet ruralness of it all was comforting. I only wished it had lasted a little longer.

Losing Georgia noted the other day

“Douglas County has less greenspace per acre than metro Atlanta as a whole.” (Douglas Neighbor Newspaper cited)

While most studies are usually done with a hidden agenda, all you have to do is drive around this little county to see that this one hits close to home. Any space bigger than a sandbox is being dug up / paved over / built upon. Doesn’t matter there is an entirely empty shopping center down the street - let’s build another!

Lately, along with the spate of bad manners (and my readers know my opinions on manners - I’ve ranted enough about it here,here, and here for starters) shown by everyone from the media to the clerk at the grocery store, there’s been a good deal of talk around the county - basically “What Happened?”. One day, we’re the little forgotten neighbor to the West, the next we’re just as over-developed and crime-ridden as the rest of Atlanta. So many factors go into making a community, for better or worse. How do city fathers navigate the tangled web of growth without ruining what attracts people to their town in the first place? When do you cross the line between building infrastructure to support residents and schools to the greed of development for the sake of expanding the tax base?

Greed, personified by The Ol’ Grinch himself, used to be a sin. Along with lying, cheating, stealing, killing… you get my drift. Nowadays, everything is acceptable. But think for a minute (just a short, little minute), of the story of The Grinch. Remember his surprise when - after he’d stolen all the toys from Whoville, the honkers and sqonkers and the Roast Beast - he heard the Who’s singing on Christmas morning? That he knew that Christmas (and therefore, ahem life) wasn’t about greed or avarice or envy? Remember, his heart grew three sizes that day. What a lesson….

I’m still waiting for the Grinch’s heart to grow here in DC.

Permalink

Last month’s community poll asked the question of whether Losing Georgia should continue. A majority of votes, 73% out of 106, catered for the Project to carry on. For the entirety of 2+ years, Losing Georgia has been the byproduct of my selfish work habits to describe a story of a growing community in the shadow of metro Atlanta.

Like an unfinished painting, Losing Georgia is a piece of art taking on different colors to explore a defining picture. Starting out with following new development to digging up forgotten history, there is always a story to tell. That is why today I am rolling out a new effort to help expand the Project with your help.

You voted for Losing Georgia to continue and here’s your chance to do it personally. Over the past few weeks I have had people e-mail me on how to help out, wanting to submit photographs and articles about a story that they want out. Already posted by contributors are work from Michael Moore and Sebastian Llano.

So here’s the question: what does the term “Losing Georgia” mean to you?

Is it the loss of the Southern hospitality and culture that once was prevalent? The loss of history and sense of place? A community growing up too fast too soon? Or is it something personal?

I am asking for your stories because, frankly, I’m all out of storytelling from the past two years and opening up this webumentary to the community. Topics do not have to be about Douglas County, but about Georgia itself. Take in the emotion, breathe with your eyes and the story will tell itself.

Send your work to contribute@losinggeorgia.com

Guidelines

• paragraphs between 2-5 sentences
• photographs optional, but welcome
• no foul language, bigotry or discrimination