For Wheeler County, One Word Says It All: HURRICANE

Without a doubt, the one overpowering event which will forever be connected with the year 2024 for Wheeler County, its neighboring counties, and far beyond is the infamous Hurricane Helene which swept through the Southeastern U.S. in late September taking lives — two of them in Wheeler —destroying homes, towns, roads, bridges, and farm and timber land without mercy.

The devastation brought about by the storm is still evident, as communities struggle to put the pieces back together, but with much of the landscape still resembling war zones and for families who lost everything — most importantly, loved ones — things will never be the same. Thanks to the heroes of the power companies, electricity was restored, but cleaning up, rebuilding and restoration will go on for months, even years.

Packing winds estimated at 75 to 100 miles per hour, the storm ripped through Southeast Georgia after moving ashore in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm had lost some of its punch as it entered Georgia, but was still powerful and caused catastrophic damage as it moved north. Massive power outages left communities in the dark and without the ability to communicate. Many residents were trapped inside their homes and neighborhoods because of downed trees.Striking Wheeler in the early morning hours of Friday, September 27, Helene caused unprecedented damage.

When residents awoke, they were stunned by the loss that confronted them — entire orchards blown away, forests of pines mowed down, buildings leveled. The next few days were about survival, first climbing out of the debris, then trying to cut paths to roads, but even the major highways were blocked. Those struggling to travel were leaving their vehicles to cut and throw limbs off the road. There was no power anywhere and communications were nonexistent.

In Wheeler, a Command Center was set up at the Multipurpose Center in Alamo, and in the days after Helene struck, rescuers began to pour in: members of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Forestry Department, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia National Guard and others arrived to organize and to start search and rescue operations. The first objective was to locate and assist those who may be trapped in their homes. With Wheeler surrounded by major rivers and crossed with creeks, many areas were underwater and boats were launched to reach some locations.

In the first few days after the storm hit, resources in the form of manpower, water, ice, food and other items began to arrive and local residents pitched in to disperse supplies from the Multipurpose Center and the Senior Citizens Center. Many residents brought food for those manning the Command Center, or arranged meals to feed the troops that arrived to help. Other local volunteers helped with local communications, which was essential with cell phone service heavily compromised. As the week progressed, help and supplies were coming from all over the state and the Southeast—as far away as West Virginia. The humanity was overwhelming.

Making a stop in Wheeler County on the first Tuesday night following the storm, Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp greeted emergency responders and a team of volunteers who had set up the Command Center at the Community Center in Alamo. The Governor was accompanied by 12th District Congressman Rick Allen, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, GEMA Director Chris Stallings, as well as Sen. Blake Tillery of Vidalia and Rep. Leesa Hagan of Lyons, who both represent sections of Southeast Georgia in the state legislature.

The group had just come through Toombs and Montgomery Counties which were utterly devastated by the storm. Despite the difficulty of communicating and navigating in the heavily impacted area, a large group of area residents turned out to hear the Governor’s message.

“Marty and I have been to half a dozen counties since Saturday (September 28). This storm spared no one as it moved out of Florida and into Georgia, down around Valdosta, came through here and went all the way up to Augusta, went through South Carolina and North Carolina and into parts of Tennessee and Virginia. This storm was very mobile, and you know that first hand,” Governor Kemp said to the crowd assembled at the Multipurpose Center. “I know this community has felt this as hard as anyone else.”

Addressing the first responders, he added, “I know you are tired, you are hot, its hard work, and it is frustrating, but just know, y’all are doing the Lord’s work. We see it, we hear it. We are so appreciative of what you are doing for the citizens of your community and our state.” The Governor announced in the Alamo visit that he was temporarily suspending the tax on fuel to help citizens in their recovery efforts, and reassured those gathered in Alamo that help in the form of power crews and the National Guard was on the way.

Now, three months later, Wheeler residents are returning to normal slowly and surely. In November the county government and municipalities agreed to contract for the second phase of FEMA-assisted recovery which begins as the emergency cleanup efforts are ceasing. What Else Happened in Wheeler in 2024?

Despite the devastation of Helene, there were still some positive developments in Wheeler County, both before and after the storm: a new manager and major additions at Little Ocmulgee State Park, a new school superintendent, the opening of Alamo’s new City Hall, the ongoing project to bring broadband into rural homes and businesses, the launch of innovative educational programs and programs for youth, and well-deserved recognition of some of the county’s citizens.

Politics and Government

In January, government officials elected on November 7, 2023, took their oaths of office. In Glenwood, on January 2, Mayor G.M. Joiner, took his seat at the head of the Council once more after defeating a Wheeler County school teacher in a tight race. Joiner, who has served as mayor for the last four decades and who did not face any challenges until the 2023 race, won by two votes as he ran against Ava Bess. The vote results were challenged and reaffirmed in a recount.

On January 11, several members of the Alamo City Council were sworn into office, including Mayor Pam Lee, Dondrea Geter, Laura Brownley and Steve Jones. All ran unopposed. The Council met at Old City Hall for a short time before moving into the newlyrenovated structure which houses New City Hall. The Alamo Police Department located next door to City Hall, was also created from renovated space and opened its doors in January. A community open house held March 25 officially debuted the new structures to the public. The renovation project, which began with planning in 2021, cost $1 continued from page

million. Community stakeholders met on January 23 to begin the process of developing a five-year comprehensive community development plan for Wheeler County. The process was guided by the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission.

In a May 21 primary election, two incumbents lost their posts. McRae Police Chief Glenn Giles defeated Wheeler County Sheriff Randy Rigdon, who was seeking a third term. Kandi Day Purvis defeated incumbent Ted Mercer in a bid for the coroner’s post. Keith McNeal, County Commission Chairman and 3rd District representative, won his race for a new term. There were no Democrat contenders in these races. Also, in the May 21 balloting, Wheeler residents approved a referendum to continue a one-cent sales and use tax to fund Wheeler County Schools.

Education

On April 18, Dr. Quent Floyd, Wheeler County Elementary School principal, was named interim Superintendent of Wheeler County Schools, replacing Suzanne Couey, who resigned but opted to stay on with the System in another capacity. Following a search conducted by a consulting company, Dr. C. Alex Alvarez was named sole finalist for the Superintendent’s position. He was officially welcomed at the Board of Education’s November 11 meeting. Alvarez has 22 years of public education experience and most recently served as principal of the Valdosta Early College Academy and Director of Gifted Services for the Valdosta City Schools.

In 2024, Wheeler County Schools launched the Family and Schools Together (FAST) program in the elementary and middle schools. The program aimed at bolstering parental engagement in their child’s educational experience. Also, the Wheeler County High School was accredited for COGNIA, a groundbreaking program designed to guide educators in diagnosing challenges and implementing change to facilitate learning.

Community Developments and Recognitions In 2024, Wheeler County Clerk of Superior Court Carol Bragg was named the Stetson F. Bennett Clerk of the Year by the Superior Court Clerks Association of Georgia. During the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet on April 26, former Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Couey and Wheeler County Emergency Management Agency Director Steve Adams were named Distinguished Citizens of the Year. High School student Rilyn Rodgers, daughter of Eve and Rusty Rodgers of Alamo, was accepted into the National FBI Youth Leadership Program.

Glenwood Telephone Company continued its quest to provide broadband service throughout the county. The project got a boost in 2024 when a U.S. Treasury Department allocation allowed GTC to add 5.3 more miles of connections and provide service to 1,127 locations.

In July, the founders of the Vidalia Addiction Recovery Center (Forge), Craig and Tiffany George, launched the Adult Recovery Center (ARC) for women near Glenwood.

In November, the Little Ocmulgee Electrical Membership Corporation, headquartered in Alamo, marked its 86th year serving the region. The LOEMC held its annual meeting at the Stapleton Center in Alamo. It was the first face-to-face gathering for the EMC since the COVID-19 epidemic.

In February, Sonny Taylor assumed the position of General Manager of Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge in Wheeler County. Taylor has been with Coral Hospitality, which manages North Georgia Mountain Authority properties for the State of Georgia, since 2018. Most recently, he was in an interim position at Brasstown Valley Resort.

More Storms

While Hurricane Helene can claim the rights to being the most destructive of storms to roll through Wheeler County and the area in 2024, there were other weather disturbances. In May, EF-1 tornadoes ripped through Wheeler and surrounding counties. In downtown Alamo, the storms damaged several buildings. Remarkably, no one was hurt. In August Tropical Storm Debby dumped heavy rains on the area, washing out roads and causing school closures.

GOVERNOR VISITS AREA — Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp got a first-hand view of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene as they visited impacted counties beginning on September 28. Above, on October 1, Governor Kemp addressed a crowd of citizens, officials and volunteers assembled at the Community Center in Alamo. Among the officials accompanying him were, from left: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, State Representative Leesa Hagan of Lyons, and State Senator Blake Tillery of Vidalia.Photo by Deborah Clark

GETTING THE LIGHTS BACK ON — Power crews from 41 states were deployed across the states hit by Hurricane Helene. These linemen worked alongside Georgia Power and Little Ocmulgee EMC to restore power across Wheeler County. Above, crews work in Glenwood.Photo by Deborah Clark

COMMAND CENTER —Several state agencies worked alongside county law enforcement and firefighters, and many others, as recovery efforts were underway in Wheeler County. The Command Center was set up at the Community Center in Alamo.Photo by Deborah Clark

MISSION — Craig and Tiffany George, shown outside their new project location near Glenwood, in 2024 launched a mission to give women an opportunity to rebuild their lives after addiction. The Georges founded Forge, a similar program for men, in Toombs County.Photo by Deborah Clark

NEW CITY HALL—The City of Alamo debuted its new City Hall after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 25. The building that accommodates city administration, police headquarters and magistrate court, has a historical legacy. City leaders chose to repurpose the structure rather than build new. In this photo, City Councilwoman Laura Brownley shows visitors photos on the brick wall of the Council meeting room. The photos provide insight into Alamo’s past.Photo by Deborah Clark

NEW SUPERINTENDENT— Dr. C. Alex Alvarez was selected in October as the new Superintendent for Wheeler County Schools.