Poultry farm raises concerns
To the editor:
I was recently asked if I was interested in writing a story about something coming to Douglas along the banks of the Satilla River.
That’s about 60 miles from where I live. My first thought was probably not, but I wanted to read some of the facts first. The more I read, the more I dislike this idea of what looks like is about to happen.
A Mr. Varnedore had owned a large tract of land on U.S. 441 South near the Coffee/Atkinson County lines bordering the Satilla River. It appears he has sold the 1,000 acres to an out of state entity, which plans to build a large-scale poultry operation on the tract although nothing has been confirmed or denied on the record.
Strong rumors are coming out the new owners plan to build 60 chicken houses (five farms with 12 houses to each farm) and bring as many as 120 people from out of state and possibly out of country to operate the farm. The property is zoned as agricultural, so there will be no zoning issues for the county to be involved with.
This will be a self-regulated company, which to me is also something to be worried about. Most all of the property is in a flood zone and the run-off from these 60 chicken houses will be going into the Satilla River.
I don’t see any way it can be stopped. IF that happens and IF the chicken houses are built on the banks of the Satilla River in Douglas, I am really concerned about this project. Nothing about it sounds good.
Nearby landowners are concerned and starting to show their disapproving of this project which has been kept under the radar until now. My personal concern would be for anyone downriver on the Satilla River from Douglas to the Georgia coast who should really be concerned.
There are a lot of people who fish in Douglas, Ware, Pierce, Brantley, and all the way to Camden that should be concerned about eating contaminated fish if all of this is true.
I don’t know where the Environmental Protection Division stands with allowing this to happen. I grew up in Southeast Georgia and not too far from some chicken houses, but none of them were near the Satilla River.
Chicken poop makes great fertilizer, but poses a huge health risk to humans, particularly due to bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli which can be found in the droppings.
This bacteria can cause food borne illnesses and, if not handled properly, improperly composted manure can contain pathogens that can harm people and animals.
Wayne Morgan Brantley County
IRA tax credit should remain
To the editor:
Dear readers, there is an urgency to keep the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) Tax Credit going beyond December 2025.
As of now, credits for rooftop solar and battery will expire December 31, 2025. This much-needed clean energy tax credit helps South Georgians save on rooftop solar which greatly aids in lower costs for energy.
Also, the battery tax credit benefits by storing energy that can be of benefit for future usage of energy that is desperately of need. Congress should consider to keep these IRA tax credits in place to enable South Georgia residents to save on this essential investment.
Sincerely, Wanda Bennett Georgia Citizen Climate Lobby, Valdosta
Thank you for chance to serve
To the editor:
Dear Waycross Branch NAACP family, the City of Waycross and supporters of the Waycross Branch NAACP.
I thank you for the incredible honor of allowing me to serve for 14 years as President of the Waycross Branch NAACP.
It has been a privilege to stand with you in the fight for justice, equity, and civil rights in the City of Waycross and Ware County, Georgia.
To the City of Waycross, Thank you for your continued support, your activism, and your belief in the power of community. Your spirit and determination have inspired me every step of the way.
Now, as the branch enters a new chapter after 2024 elections, please join me in congratulating Barbara Seidman, the newly elected President of the Waycross Branch NAACP.
Thank you again for your trust, support, and partnership. The work continues and together we rise.
Larry Lockey Waycross
Accurate voter rolls essential
To the editor:
As a member of the Ware County Board of Elections and Registration, I write today with both urgency and humility regarding an issue that is foundational to the health of our democracy: the maintenance of our voter rolls.
I want to be transparent — I, too, have questions about how list maintenance is conducted in Georgia. It’s a complex process, and concerns about transparency, equity, and the potential for disenfranchisement are not unwarranted. But what is also true — and what I believe we can all agree on — is every voter deserves confidence our elections are being conducted with integrity, fairness, and accuracy.
Maintaining up-to-date voter rolls is not about purging eligible voters. It’s about ensuring our elections reflect the current electorate. That means removing the names of individuals who’ve moved away, passed on, or are otherwise no longer eligible to vote in Ware County. It’s a matter of sound governance, legal compliance, and public trust.
Still, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards. That includes ensuring all notifications are properly sent, every voter has a chance to correct errors, and no one is removed without due process. It also means pushing for improvements in how data is gathered, reviewed, and acted upon. I’m committed to advocating for procedures that are both thorough and just.
To the voters of Ware County: if you’ve moved, changed your name, or haven’t voted in recent elections, I urge you to check your registration status at mvp.sos.ga.gov or call our office. Let’s work together to ensure your voice remains part of our democratic process.
As a reminder, in July, Georgia will be conducting the National Change of Address (NGE) and Cross State Mailing List Maintenance. In August, the state will begin the No Contact Mailing List Maintenance.
These are routine and legally required steps to ensure our voter rolls remain accurate and current. I encourage voters who receive any of these notices to respond appropriately if you want to remain on the voter rolls.
If you moved out of state, notify the elections office to be removed from the Georgia rolls and register in the state you now live.
Accountability is a twoway street. Our responsibility as election officials is to steward the system faithfully.
Your responsibility as voters is to stay informed and engaged.
Together, we can keep our voter rolls accurate without compromising anyone’s right to vote.
Respectfully, Marian-Solomon Gaines, Board Member Ware County Board of Elections and Registration
Editor’s note: A group of citizens in Waycross participated in the nationwide, “No Kings” rally Saturday, June 15. That protest against President Donald Trump met with a counter protest of Trump supporters.
‘No Kings’ rally had opposition
To the editor:
It wasn’t reported there was a counter-demonstration of Trump supporters, MAGA Republicans in front of Hog ‘11’ Bones. The police detective at the scene said he “appreciated the professional and peaceful way we handled our counter protest.”
There were approximately 12 volunteers who received 4-to-l car horn honks and “thumbs up” in support vs. those for the leftist demonstration.
Even President Trump said he was surely no king or he wouldn’t have to work so hard to get legislation passed.
The Bible said to pray for our leadership. One sign displayed an Israeli flag and said “God loves.” The other side had an American flag and said, “God loves America.”
Then under both it said, “we are praying for both.”
“We have to return to one nation under God,” stated Dave Walker, organizer of the counter demonstration. “A nation divided against itself cannot stand.”
Dave Walker Waycross
The Waycross Journal- Herald welcomes letters on any subject. Letters should be limited to 300 words, contain contact information of the writer and emailed to [email protected]. mailto:[email protected]
