The state Legislature is starting to work through its annual list of roads to rename, dedicate and use as memorials. Each dedication generally is signed by all area lawmakers and passed without dissent.
The interchange of Interstate 475 and Thomaston Road in Bibb County will take the name of Veterans of All Wars Interchange.
“Our nation’s security continues to rely on patriotic men and women who put their personal lives on hold in order to place themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms that all U.S. citizens cherish,” reads the first part of the dedication in House Resolution 530.
In Bibb County, the interchange of I-16 and Ga. 87 in Bibb County will be renamed for Georgia State Patrol Sgt. William Frederick Black, in House Resolution 45. In 1940, he became the first trooper to lose his life at a vehicle stop.
In Wilkinson County, the Fall Line Freeway bridge at NeSmith Road will be named for William E. “Billy” Hubbard, noted railroad engineer and two-time Ivey city councilman.
In the same county, three brothers Brooks will give their name to the spans on the Fall Line Freeway over the railroad. Jones, James and Freeman Brooks were all railroad engineers.
And The bridge on Ga. 358 over I-16 in Twiggs County will be named for K.S. “Bubba” Nobles Jr.,who was a barber, bus driver, unofficial veterinarian and president of the county Democrats.
The last three are changed via House Resolution 46.
Each new green road sign costs between $250 and $1,200, payable by the House member who represents the area. Senators, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation, “are encouraged” to bankroll their signs as well.
Bill: free state parks for disabled veterans
A new bill in the state House would waive state park entrance fess for disabled veterans, a better deal than the 25 percent discount they now get. House Bill 547 is sponsored by state Rep. James Beverly, D-Macon, and attracted the across-the-aisle signature of state Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon. The bill is not likely to become law this year unless it’s amended to something else, as it’s too late in the annual legislative session for approval of new bills.
AARP eyes elder abuse bill
While a dozen AARP members from the Macon area waited outside, the state House unanimously passed House Bill 78, which makes it a felony to exploit an aged person, disabled adult or resident.
“I’ve heard of abuse,” said Rosanne Tyner, who arrived in Atlanta from Culloden with her husband, Grover. She said one of her concerns is making sure seniors can stay at home and not have to go to a nursing home. AARP groups visit the state Capitol nearly every day, making it one of the busiest activist groups under the Gold Dome. The state Senate has nine nonconsecutive working days left to consider House Bill 78.
-- Maggie Lee
