Breaking ground
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Photo by Jim Blaylock
A group of bicycling enthusiasts, scouts and public officials gathered Wednesday to break ground for the first phase of a bike path that will eventually connect Savannah Rapids Pavilion to the Evans Government Center.
"Right now, if you want to ride on paved paths, you have to go to North Augusta," said DeeDee Williams. "This is really a positive."
The 2.7-mile first phase will cost $455,000 connect Stevens Creek Elementary to the Savannah Rapids Pavilion along Evans to Locks Road. Officials hope to have the first phase completed by December.
The next phase will extend the path from Stevens Creek to Blue Ridge Drive - a $296,000 project. The final phase connects Blue Ridge to the Evans Government Center.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Jail ribbon-cutting
After months of work, the newly-expanded Columbia County Detention Center opened last week.
Local leaders, sheriff's deputies and members of the media Tuesday toured the new building, big enough now for 280 prisoners - more than three times the current capacity of 91.
While the transition into the building won't be complete until the end of August - according to officials' estimates - the detention center is ready.
"An awful lot of people put in an awful lot of time and hard work into this building," Commission Chairman Barry Fleming said.