Entries by Mike Buffington

In what looks to be the largest single industrial investment in Jackson County's history, Toyota Industries Corp. plans to build a manufacturing plant next to its current compressor plant in Pendergrass. The deal will be a $350 million investment and create 320 new jobs.

The facility will make parts used in its compressors that the company currently imports. The new building will be 600,000 sq. ft.

“Companies like Toyota Industries Corporation, which have located in Jackson County and continue to expand, deserve our sincerest gratitude for believing in our citizens, our leadership and our ability to help them succeed in our community,” said Courtney Bernardi, Director of Economic Development, Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Toyota Industries Corporation has been a vital part of Jackson County’s business community for several years and we are proud to welcome yet another expansion, which will impact our community in such a positive way,” said Hunter Bicknell, chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. “We work hard to attract high-quality companies to our area. Toyota Industries Corporation is one that has amazed us from day one, and we look forward to their continued success.” [Full Story »] 

Sherry Clark Moore of Jefferson plans to run for probate judge of Jackson County. One other candidate, Tracy Brooks, has also announced for the position. Probate judge Margaret Deadwyler has announced that she is not seeking re-election. [Full Story »] 

Donald T. Elrod will be seeking his seventh term as tax commissioner of Jackson County. Elrod has run unopposed since he was elected as tax commissioner in 1989. Prior to his election as tax commissioner, he was self-employed and served as county coroner for four years. [Full Story »] 

There’s been a serious turnaround in the fortunes of the Town of Braselton’s finances. The booming growth that brought the town from a dusty backwoods to a major suburban center has cooled during the housing bust. [Full Story »] 

The Jefferson City School System is the second thriftiest school district in the state, according to recently released data from FY2011.

Last year, Jefferson spent just $6,651 per student ranking it just behind the Chickamauga City School System, which spent $6,450 per student.

The Commerce City School System was the highest of the three school systems in Jackson County at $8,691 per student, ranking it at number 76 in the state.

The Jackson County School System spent $8,600 per student in FY2011, ranking it 83rd in the state. [Full Story »] 

There has recently been a confirmed case of rabies in a cow in Jackson County. A cow tested positive for rabies after coming into contact with the owner. The incident occurred in the Unity Church Road area of Maysville. [Full Story »]