2019 STAR finalists announced

     Road project bids may happen in 2020 - After being on the drawing board for more than 20 years, the main route leading from the four-lane to downtown Jasper may see widening, new construction, and a one-way section in the next few years.

     A Georgia DOT project to widen and reconstruct Highway 53 from Highway 515 into downtown Jasper that has been on the state’s books for two decades appears to be moving forward, with it anticipated to be let for bids in late 2020.  

See full story in this week's print or online edtions. .

        Love stories are all different, with their own special “something” that makes each a one-of-a-kind. 

Did the happy couple meet by accident in a far-away city? Were they set up by friends? Did they meet in modern-day ways, online? 

For Valentine’s Day this Thursday, the Progress asked our readers to submit their love stories to get us in the mood for the most romantic day of the year, and keep us inspired all year long. 

        See page 5A in the print or online editions for reader-submitted love stories. 

Dr. Richard Hillstead recognized for impact in medical industry

photo/family

Dr. Richard Hillstead, who is now semi-retired from the medical device industry, at the Georgia Bio Helix Awards in Atlanta where he received the Georgia Bio Industry Growth Award. 

He moved to Jasper from Suwanee, Ga. two years ago with his wife. He has two daughters. In his free time, Hillstead enjoys restoring electric guitars, hunting, and fishing.  

Dr. Richard Hillstead Ph.D, FAHA said that while he is humbled to be one of two recipients of the prestigious 2019 Georgia Bio Industry Growth Award, he isn’t sure he belongs with other heavy hitters who have received the life science trade association’s highest honor.

       But a look at Hillstead’s achievements over the course of his long and impressive career in the medical device industry shows that the entrepreneur, investor and inventor is exactly where he should be - rubbing elbows with people who have made a big impact in the field. 

From David Shouse Facebook / Photo Spilled containers left by the public over the last two decades led to a complaint to state and then the county to suspend accepting used oil at the Camp Road work station.

        On Monday, Pickens County temporarily discontinued accepting used motor oil from residents after a candidate seeking the commission chair post spotted dripping oil containers at the county worksite and filed a complaint with the state EPD.

David Shouse, who is active in his campaign for the 2020 election, posted on his Facebook page photos of the overturned containers, stating, “It is obviously improper and running down into a water source. Friday, I notified the federal and state EPA and DNR. Ten minutes after notification, I have video evidence, [commission chair] Rob Jones shows up at the site and miraculously the containers disappear. The damage has been done. 

        See full story in this week's print or online editions.