Train blocking intersection in Hogansville

Published 6:13 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2020

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A train has been blocking the intersection of E Boyd Road and Industrial Drive in Hogansville since Thursday.

According to Mayor Bill Stankiewicz, the train moved but then was replaced by another train still blocking the intersection.

“We have been in touch with CSX on numerous occasions and I discussed it with the police chief,” Stankiewicz said. “They called us back and told us a bold face lie. The claim today was that the battery is dead on the engine, and they are waiting on a part. At least they didn’t blame it on COVID.”

Stankiewicz said it is affecting Van’s Hardware and Farm Supply, which is located across the railroad tracks.

“It’s hurting Milliken,” Stankiewicz said. “It’s hurting all the businesses that are on Industrial Boulevard. I wish I knew what we could do legally.”

On Tuesday, the Hogansville City Council also discussed the almost 100 submissions they received for a new logo.

The council narrowed it down to 12 logos that they have displayed at the Hogansville Public Library.

Stankiewicz appointed Assistant City Manager Lisa Kelly, City Manager Jonathan Lynn, Vickie Brown, and council members Reggie Jackson and Mandy Neese to a committee that will decided a final selection.

“We hope to have that done so we can vote to approve or not approve a new logo for the city at the next council meeting which will be Nov. 2,” Stankiewicz said.

The city will host a tire collection event this Saturday Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Calvin Hipp Park.

According to Lynn, citizens can come in through Main Street and exit on High Street.

“Stay in your car, we will get the tires from you,” Lynn said. “We will be fully staffed to get tires. If our grounds crew see any tires in the city, they will also be picking them up.”

On Tuesday, the council also approved the submittal of a preapplication for matching funds from the Georgia DNR Land and Water Conservation Fund. The LWC Fund offers matching grants to local governments to renovate outdoor recreation facilities. The city would apply for funds to help Lake Jimmy Jackson.

According to the grant resolution request, the estimated cost of these items is $175,000. The grant would pay $87,500 and city recreation SPLOST would pay $87,500.

If awarded, the city of Hogansville will receive the grant in October 2021.