A Fond Farewell and Best Wishes
In every corner of Southwest Georgia, dedicated public servants have quietly ensured the smooth operation of our local governments. Among them are our municipal clerks—unsung heroes who have faithfully served their communities with professionalism and care. This spring, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor three exceptional individuals who have recently retired or are transitioning into new roles after years of service.
Judith Young
– Jakin, Georgia
Judith Young, a long-serving clerk, will be retiring at the end of April. We extend our deepest gratitude and wish her joy and relaxation in her well-earned retirement.
Sandra O’Steen
– Terrell County
Sandra O’Steen has also recently retired, closing a chapter of dedicated service to her municipality, Sandra’s presence will be missed by colleagues and residents alike.
Celeste Tyler
– Thomas County
While we bid farewell to Celeste Tyler in her role as Clerk, we also celebrate her exciting new journey. Celeste is not retiring from public service but stepping into a new leadership role as County Manager of Grady County.
These individuals exemplify the heart of public service, and we are honored to recognize their dedication. As they move forward, we celebrate their achievements and wish them the very best in their new endeavors.
If you know of other clerks or public servants who deserve recognition, please reach out. Let’s continue to honor those who keep our local governments strong.
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FY26 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) NOFO Now Live
Rural organizations working to expand housing and community development now have an opportunity to receive free technical support through the Housing Assistance Council’s OneRural Technical Assistance Program. Applications for Round 6 are now open and will be accepted through March 31, 2026, with additional applications considered through April 15 if space remains. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rural Capacity Building Program and USDA Rural Development’s Rural Community Development Initiative, OneRural provides no-cost, one-on-one technical assistance to help rural organizations strengthen operations, build capacity, and expand affordable housing and community development efforts. Selected participants receive expert guidance on housing development and financing, specialized training resources, and support from a dedicated HAC team partner to help implement solutions and grow long-term impact. Because the program is competitive and space is limited, applicants are encouraged to submit strong proposals that clearly demonstrate organizational goals and leadership commitment. Organizations can learn more and apply online, or direct questions to apply@ruralhome.org
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