Paulding emissions inspector’s license revoked for illegal testing in Cobb Co.

The Cedartown Performing Arts Center once again proved that its stage is for much more than just plays, and by hosting the Joe Gransden 16 Piece Big Band, locals were treated to the sounds of jazz from one of the scene’s most prominent rising stars.

The group, originally formed in 2009, has toured the country and released several collections, and while many have heard them on the radio, the bands’ October 12 appearance in Cedartown offered a chance to see and hear Gransden and company perform in the flesh.

Whether pouring their heart into a trumpet or piano solo or simply dancing to some of their biggest hits, those on stage turned the event from a regular concert into a show.

“The Big Band truly has its own sound and really swings,” Gransden says of

A state agency alleges a Paulding inspector illegally used information from other cars and trucks to allow 11 vehicles to pass emissions tests at a Powder Springs business between December 2018 and early July.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division revoked south Paulding County resident George Williamson’s license for issuing emissions certificates in an agreed order earlier this month.

Williamson allegedly issued Certificates of Emission Inspection at a business on Austell-Powder Springs Road in Powder Springs in violation of state law, according to information from the Georgia EPD.

However, the vehicle owners were his band. “I attribute that to the arrangements that were all written by jazz trombone great Wes Funderburk! It’s such a pleasure to front a band of top musicians that can interpret Wes’s arrangements perfectly! These guys are the best!”

They were also joined by blues singer and solo artist Francine Smith who performed various songs and danced alongside the band. She’s been the regular singing partner and band member not required to retake the tests but will be required to test prior to their next registration renewal, said EPD spokesman Kevin Chambers.

“The Mobile and Area Sources Program’s primary focus has been to the inspectors and stations that obtain certificates from us, to ensure that they properly administer emissions tests,” he said.

Georgia EPD’s order also did not affect the business’s own license to administer emissions tests, Chambers said.

Passage of emissions tests are required for renewal of a vehicle’s state registration in 13 metro Atlanta counties, including Cobb and Paulding.

The Consent Order stated that the EPD issued a license to Williamson to work as an emissions inspector in of Lyle Lovett since the 1980’s, and while she also tours the country, she still seemed genuinely excited to perform in a small town like Cedartown.

The band played for a few hours, but those who haven’t had enough or missed the show can find more information on the group by visiting http://joegransden.com/. More information about upcoming Cedarotwn shows can be found by visiting https:// cedartownshows.com/.

April 2018.

Between Dec. 13, 2018, and Jan. 21, 2019, Williamson allegedly used other vehicles’ information to gain successful on-board diagnostic systems checks for eight vehicles to pass emissions inspections tests.

The EPD notified Williamson on Jan. 22 about his alleged violation of the law, the order stated.

Then, between June 7 and July 3, he allegedly used the same method again for gain passing tests for three other vehicles and the EPD issued a second Notice of Violation to Williamson, the order stated.

The EPD did not fine Williamson but required him to surrender his license for two years before he could reapply.

Williamson did not return a call for comment left on his voicemail.

Ball Packaging revealed plans for another expansion of its Floyd County plant last week. The company plans to invest $217.8 million in a freestanding 250,000-square-foot addition to the compound at Ball Drive just off Ga. 53 and West Hermitage Road.

The work will take place on a 25-acre parcel located between the existing plant and West Hermitage Road. The project will be completed in two phases.

Ball has committed to adding a minimum of 145 fulltime jobs over five years associated with the project. The company has agreed to pay no less than $11.50 an hour to the new hires.

“We are so very honored and excited that the Ball Corp. has chosen to reinvest in our community,” said Jimmy Byars, chairman of the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority. “This just underscores how important our existing industries are to our economy.”

“This is a great day for Rome and Floyd County and the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce,” said Elaine Abercrombie, chair of the Rome Floyd Chamber. “This is a result of strong partnerships working together for Rome and Floyd County.”

The new plant will make aluminum cups and serve the demand for innovative, sustainable beverage packaging in the U.S. market, said John A. Hayes, chairman, president and CEO of Ball.

Renee Robinson, director of corporate communications for Ball, said, “Just like aluminum cans and bottles, they are infinitely recyclable. In addition to its sustainability and recycling strengths, the aluminum cup is sturdy, durable (and) cool to the touch.”

The aluminum cups also can be customized with logos and graphics.

Missy Kendrick, president of the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority, said Rome won out over other sites in Indiana and Ohio.

Earlier this year Ball entered into an agreement with the Joint Floyd-Gordon Development Authority to acquire close to 60 acres behind their existing plant, a deal that is still in the due diligence stage.

All of this comes on the heels of an expansion that was initiated in April of 2016, when Ball started a $50 million addition to the plant to produce a new line of Alumi-Tek beverage containers. At that time $8 million was earmarked for construction and $42 set aside for the new technology and equipment. That expansion was expected to take the Ball local workforce to around 225.

The incentive plan for the new development includes two, 12-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes arrangements. The second phase of the work is expected to begin two years after the first phase, meaning the PILOT fees will be paid over a total of 14 years. Years one through three of each phase of the project will get a 100% tax break; four through six will be a 75% reduction; seven through nine will be a 50% abatement and in years 10 through 12 the company will get a 25% tax break.

The PILOT fees will be $184,250 a year for the Phase One 12-year period and an additional $88,000 annually for the second 12-year period.

The plant in Floyd County was originally constructed in 1993, owned at that time by Metal Container Corp., a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch. A year after Belgian brewing giant InBev acquired A-B, it spun off the local plant along with canneries in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and Columbus, Ohio, and a big lid plant in Gainesville, Florida, to Ball in 2009.