Recent Posts

  • A man standing near a rain collection barrel.

    Along just about everything else, the cost of water has risen. In the December billing statement, the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department announced slight increases in base and usage rates for water and sewer services. The 2023 rate increase is part of a multi-year plan to ensure the department maintains cost recovery and sufficient…

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  • Gardenias damaged by an unexpected freeze

    With an October freeze and weeks of balmy December days followed by several consecutive days of sub-freezing temperatures, winter has tossed Georgia some unusual surprises so far. Both temperature conditions can affect the development of fruit crops, including blueberries and peaches, crops that are economically important to Georgia.

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  • A grocery store produce department with brightly colored fresh vegetables.

    Fruits and vegetables make quick, tasty, and nutritious snacks and meals. They contain many of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to stay healthy and fight illnesses. Plus, there are plenty of economical choices. What fresh fruits and vegetables lack are added preservatives. Like other perishable foods, they good bad – often sooner rather…

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  • A 11 year old boy standing with his goat at a livestock competition

    Youth had the opportunity to work with livestock animals and show them at county and state livestock shows. At the Junior National Livestock Show, Timothy Laszlo and his goat placed 6th in the showmanship class! At the Georgia National Fair Livestock Shows, Timothy and his goat were able to advance to the grand drive round…

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  • A stream of water splashing in a puddle.

    While well water in Georgia is generally very safe for drinking, cooking, and household use, UGA and EPD recommend annual testing of well water to monitor pH, naturally occurring mineral levels, and bacterial contamination. Weather events, well damage, and geographic region may warrant additional testing. Heavy rainfall and flooding can carry surface pollutants and pathogens…

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  • woman wearing gloves and a winter coat, drinking a hot beverage from a holiday themed cup. Holiday lights, out of focus in the background.

    It was just after Thanksgiving when I had to transition to the elastic-waist clothing. Yikes. But treats and feasts aren’t the only factors in play during the fall and winter holiday season. Plenty of other things can throw us off schedule and out of our routines – like seasonal illnesses, travel, family crises, too much…

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  • Caladium in vibrant color. Large leaves that are a fiery red, leaf border medium gree.

    Beautiful poinsettias have a long history as a traditional Christmas plant. Unfortunately, as soon as I bring a poinsettia home, it starts dropping leaves. I was, therefore, very excited when I came across an item in a horticulture trade journal about using caladiums along with – or instead of – traditional poinsettias. Colorful foliage is…

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  • Every year hundreds of 4th-12th graders in Georgia participate in 4-H Project Achievement. This public speaking contest allows youth to develop a project about a topic that they find interesting and highlight their accomplishments that relate to that topic. There are over fifty project areas in which youth can compete including: sports, history, environmental science, general recreation, health, outdoor…

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  • Holiday Spending Tips

    Two women shopping with many holiday purchases

    It’s that time of year, where shopping is in the air and overspending can be a huge problem. Avoiding overspending can make holidays easier and allow you to enjoy the season and the months after.

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  • Image at night of a house decorated with holiday lights

    By now, holiday decorating is well underway in many homes. While all this hustle and bustle can be fun and exciting, it can also make us more prone to accidents. Holiday safety can be difficult to navigate, so here are a few tips to keep in mind as you deck the halls.

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