By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com

VIENNA — Dooly Commissioners decided to move forward on the placement of an emergency medical services station in Unadilla during their Thursday morning meeting.

Janie Winters said she opposes that action. With one station already in Vienna, she said, “the new station should be in a more centralized location. Byromville, Dooling and Lilly need EMS service on a timely basis.

“This new station needs to be an equal distance from all the cities it will be serving,” Ms. Winters added.

There were still some issues about the actual location of the station in Unadilla and how the housing will be funded. Questions were raised over property and building ownership.

Commissioners finally decided they need to do further research into the matter. They pointed out, however, that their decision to place ambulances in Vienna and Unadilla have to do with the number of residents in those areas.

Also during the Thursday meeting, Director of the Middle Flint RDC Don ten Bensel told county officials that Dooly has been invited to participate in the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) “Return to Service” festivities which are planned for Friday, Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m. at the Dooly County Courthouse.

Dr. Sandra Ferguson with the Dooly County Board of Education was present updated Commissioners on the S.T.A.R. program in the Dooly County Schools.

The school system always requests funding for drug awareness education for students who participate in the S.T.A.R. program. Previously, county governors had allocated $7,000 for the program. After Thursday’s discussion they authorized expenditure of an additional $21,000.

Other topics for the meeting included:

• A report from the Crisp/Dooly Joint Development Authority that Dr. Napoleon Williams has resigned. Commissioners will need to appoint a replacement for a term that expires on June 30, 2009.

• The paving of Old Dixie Road. A 16 year resident of Howell Road, Patty Neal protested that she has been waiting years for the paving of Howell Rd. which has more residents than Old Dixie.

• A Dooly Chamber-sponsored trip to the State Capitol for local officials to meet with their legislative delegation on Feb. 12.