Authorities target 2nd abandoned houseboat

Having successfully recovered and scrapped a derelict houseboat from Lake Lanier last month, the Lake Lanier Association is about to do it again — targeting a craft abandoned at Lanier Point Park in Gainesville.

Named “Houseboat 44” for its location near Lake Marker 44, the vessel has been beached about six months, said Joanna Cloud, executive director of the lake association. The lake is 5 feet below full pool, and it’s feared the boat could sink when lake levels rise. It’s also been vandalized and covered with graffiti.

The association is coordinating with Hall County and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The operation begins Friday. Cloud put the cost at $6,000 “if it floats long enough to tow it to the Gainesville Marina to put on a trailer,” and if the boat sinks, “more like $8,000.” The cost will be split 50-50 by the county and the state.

DNR has awarded a $25,000 grant to rid Lake Lanier of derelict boats. Hall County has chipped in $15,000, and Forsyth County, $5,000. Recovery efforts are likely to go on for some time; the lake has about two dozen abandoned boats and docks. Street (Ga. 9) near Thomas Drive/ Strickland Road and the new Vickery Mill Elementary School.

The beacon head is unlighted until a pedestrian pushes a button to activate it. After displaying a brief flashing and steady yellow light, the device displays a steady red, telling drivers to stop. A “WALK” sign then lights for pedestrians, allowing them to cross.

After the pedestrians cross, the beacon blinks again, then goes dark, indicating traffic may proceed. The installation, paid for by Roswell, cost about $63,745. The city will monitor its operation for possible future installations elsewhere.

A 2010 study of pedestrian flashing beacons by the Federal Highway Administration found the devices can reduce pedestrian crashes by 69 percent and total crashes by 29 percent.

Information:bit.ly/1iHp7Bk

Never on Sunday: City issues outdoor burn law

Outdoor burning in Canton is prohibited of garbage, petroleum-based products like tires, in a barrel, on a public street, on a Sunday — or any time the chief of the Canton Fire Department says so — under an ordinance recently approved by the City Council.

The outdoor burning ordinance also bans burning if there’s a danger of the fire spreading, or with sustained winds of 10 mph or higher or atmospheric conditions that force smoke close to the ground.

City permits will be required for bonfires and the burning of yard waste; yard waste fire permits will be issued from Oct. 1 to April 30, and only to parcels of two or more acres. The fire chief can issue a permit in special circumstances, such as for agricultural burns or to dispose of tree debris from storm damage.

The new ordinance doesn’t apply to grills, fire bowls, outdoor fireplaces or similar devices — except the burning of garbage is prohibited regardless of where it’s lit.