Houston County springs for colorful paint job on water tower

WARNER ROBINS -- A Mississippi man is creating a new landmark in Houston County.

For the past four weeks, Jim Kelly and an assistant have been painting a water tower on Ga. 96.

But this isn't a standard paint job. The county paid $56,875 to have Kelly paint it in a red, white and blue design. Painted in large letters on the support post is the county's favorite acronym, EDIMGIAFAD, which stands for "Every Day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day."

Although he isn't yet finished, the tower is getting a lot of attention. County Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnaker said four people called him Tuesday to tell him how much they liked it.

The tower is located just west of Houston County High School, and the school system is building a football field right behind it. Stalnaker said the board of education officials love the tower because it gives them a good point of reference to tell people how to find the new stadium.

The tower was in need of a paint job anyway, but Stalnaker said it cost about $30,000 more for the special design. Stalnaker said the extra cost was worth it.

"It gives an indication that this is a county that is a patriotic county, and we believe in supporting our military services," Stalnaker said. "It is a small way for us to show it."

On Tuesday, Kelly, who owns Industrial and Commercial Signs, lowered his platform lift down from the tower to talk about his project. He is from Conehatta, Mississippi and travels the country painting water towers. The one in Houston is one of the more elaborate he has tackled.

Kelly said more local governments are paying for elaborate water tower paint jobs.

"The more we do them, the more they want to do them, it seems like," Kelly said. "They kind of get in a competition."

The design came from Utility Service Group, which has the contract to maintain the county's water towers.

"It is an outstanding design on that water tank," Stalnaker said.

The water tower has a unique history. Stalnaker said it once stood at Ohio State University. The county bought it after the college began using city water.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

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This story was originally published April 5, 2016 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Houston County springs for colorful paint job on water tower ."