Job opening in Warner Robins

Submitted by Jacqueline Harnevious, 13WMAZ Community Web Producer

Thursday, February 6th, 2014, 9:55am

Each Thursday, a Georgia Department of Labor representative joins 13WMAZ to share several open jobs in the Central Georgia area.

You can watch this on 13WMAZ-TV on Thursday mornings and again at 5 p.m.

The jobs are updated here weekly.

Call the Department of Labor Career Center at (478) 751-6164 and give them the job number of the position that interests you. You can also check out other jobs on the Georgia Department of Labor’s website.

Job Title:    PAINTER

Location:    Warner Robins GA

Pay:          Depends On Experience

Education:  N/A

Job Number: GA8154744

Must have 24 months commercial painting experience. Must have a valid GA driver’s license.

Recovery Expected to Enter ‘Middle Innings’ in 2014

Author: Krista Franks-Brock January 24, 2014 0

Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on google_plusone_shareShare on linkedinMore Sharing Services27

While the housing market is still far from “normal,” it is inching that way, according to a report released Thursday from Zillow. Last year’s skyrocketing home price appreciation, frenzied demand from investors, and high tide of negative equity are all expected to subside somewhat this year, according to the real estate company.

Nationally, home prices increased 6.4 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter, but annual price gains are expected to fall to 4.8 percent by the end of this year.

On a quarterly basis, prices rose 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter, according to Zillow.

“Below the surface of last year’s market, a number of unsettling trends started to emerge as a result of rapid and ultimately unsustainable appreciation, setting up a bit of a mixed bag for 2014,” said Stan Humphries, chief economist at Zillow.

However, some of the markets that posted the highest price gains last year are already slowing, which according to Zillow, is “a welcome sign in markets that risk crossing over into bubble territory as rising mortgage interest rates create affordability issues for homebuyers.”

Markets such as those in California and the Southwest that experienced rapid appreciation this year may stall this year due to affordability issues, leading to “volatility that could potentially cause whiplash for homebuyers and sellers,” according to Zillow.

Nationally, price appreciation is already tapering off, according to Zillow. After reaching a high of a 7.1 percent annual price gain in August, price gains remained below 7 percent for the entire fourth quarter.

However, local markets will vary widely this year with a 16.1 percent anticipated gain in Riverside, California, and a 0.4 percent gain anticipated in Kansas City, according to Zillow.

All but three of the nation’s 35 largest metros experienced price growth in 2013, and all but one are expected to experience price gains again this year, according to Zillow.

After posting a 3.8 percent decline last year, St. Louis, Missouri, is the only metro expected to experience falling prices this year with an anticipated 3.1 percent decline.

In two of the 35 markets Zillow tracks—Denver and Pittsburgh—home prices surpassed the peaks they reached before the housing downturn.

While home prices rose 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter to $169,000, rents rose 0.7 percent to $1,302.

Veterans makes strong statement in playoff debut

 

BY JOHN KOSATER

sports@macon.comNovember 15, 2013

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/15/2777958/veterans-makes-strong-statement.html#storylink=cpy

 

With starting running back Ben Thomas sidelined for their GHSA Class AAAA first-round playoff game against Locust Grove on Friday, it might have been tough for the Veterans Warhawks to run the ball.

Unfortunately for Locust Grove, that was not the case as sophomore running back Desjuan Harris ran through and around the Wildcats’ defense for 189 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Warhawks to a 36-15 win in their first ever playoff game. Keone Pearson ran for 55 yards and added a 68-yard pass reception from Logan Byrd, and Veterans ended the game with more than 300 yards on the ground, breaking open a close game in the fourth quarter.

“That’s our formula for success,” Veterans head coach David Bruce said. “We have to run to football to be successful, and we were confident that even without Ben we could accomplish that. Harris runs so hard all the time, even though he isn’t that big. He seems to always get the job done.”

The first half was a track meet with both teams moving the ball effectively. Harris ran for 84 yards and a score in the first half as Veterans led 22-15, but that lead could have been much larger. Locust Grove came up with two huge interceptions to stop Warhawks scoring drives. Meanwhile Locust Grove quarterback Tyler Sellers had a huge first half, throwing for 210 yards and two touchdown passes, including a 40-yarder to Cortez McDowell and a short touchdown pass to Justin Drake to tie the score at 15.

But Veterans answered with a Byrd 2-yard scoring run.

“We had to make some major adjustments with our pass coverage for the second half, and it seemed like we were just a step slow,” Bruce said. “We felt like we were getting decent pressure on the quarterback in the first half, but obviously the kids turned it up in the second half.”

The Warhawks not only slowed down Sellers, they basically limited him to just short completions. Led by Maalik Leggette, who had an interception in the third quarter, Veterans’ defense held Sellers to 55 yards passing in the second half.

Veterans kept the ball on the ground for most of the fourth quarter and got a 3-yard touchdown run by Pearson early in the quarter. Three minutes later, Harris capped his big night with a 41-yard touchdown run to finally seal the win.

“I knew I would get my carries, and I was excited about my opportunity,” said Harris, who carried the ball 20 times. “I just try to run hard and run through the holes my line gives me. “

In the fourth year of the program’s existence Bruce was glad to get his first playoff win.

“It feels way better than I ever imagined,” Bruce said. “These kids work so hard, and they deserve everything they are getting right now.”

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/15/2777958/veterans-makes-strong-statement.html#storylink=cpy

 

Veterans wins state cheerleading championship

Veterans wins state cheerleading championship second year in a row

BY ALLINE KENT

Sun News correspondentNovember 18, 2013 Updated 19 hours ago

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/18/2782679/veterans-wins-state-cheerleading.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

Veterans High School won the 2013 AAAA state cheerleading championship at the GHSA state competition held in Columbus Saturday.

It was two in a row for the Warhawks, who also won the 2012 state championship.

Veterans, which is in its fourth year of existence, has established itself as one of the dominant cheer programs in the state.

Mollie Lauritsen, one of the Veterans team captains, said the squad entered the season knowing it had the unique opportunity to start a school tradition.

“The seniors, we were the first freshman class to go all the way through,” said Lauritsen. “We took it as our job to start a tradition of winning that will last through the school’s history.”

Head coach Maryann Fincher said that hard work paid off for the Veterans team.

“They just went out there and did their best,” Fincher said.

Members of the 2013 AAAA state championship cheer team include Lauritsen, Taylor Liszewski, Shannon Lowry, Makayla Pierce, Cortney Spraggins, Kaley Mixon, Andi Horton, Breann Bowden, Rachel Allen, Kiera Salone, Jaeda Boyd, Kaitlyn Fowler, Ashley Theus, Haylee Duck, Jahnae Jones, Britteny Dostie, Raven Bissette, Natalie King, Baylor Zuniga and Hannah Tapp.

Community coach Susan Nowak has been working with Veterans for the past two years. She said the season started off well, but then injuries plagued the Warhawks.

“We had to change our routine six or seven times to adapt to changing people in and out,” Nowak said. “Strengths and talents are different, and it is hard to swap one person out, but they kept fighting through.”

Nowak explained that along with cheer basics, judges at the state competition look for sharpness and a high energy level.

Houston County High School, last year’s AAAAA state champion, finished behind McIntosh High School for second place honors at the 2013 state competition.

Coach Jessica Brown said it is a combination of things that allowed her team to place at state. “The girls just have a drive within themselves,” said Brown. “Also everybody — the athletic department, the school — is behind them, and that pushes them to continue to be successful.”

With Houston County High’s loss in the state football playoffs Friday night, cheer season for the school, which has one team that cheers competitively and at games, comes to a close. But while the official season is over, the work is not. Brown said members of her team take private gymnastics lessons and have individual workouts.

The Houston County school system was well represented at the state finals. Along with Veterans High’s state win and Houston County High’s second-place finish, Warner Robins High School was a region finalist and advanced to the first day of state competition. Perry High School, competing as a co-ed team, also went to the first day of state competition.

Veterans High has only five seniors graduating, so expectations that the school will repeat its success a third time are high.

“They will have to work for it, but they have so much talent,” said Nowak. “They have the skill and the talent and the heart.”

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/11/18/2782679/veterans-wins-state-cheerleading.html#storylink=cpy

 

Job opening in Warner Robins

Job opening in Warner Robins

Submitted by Jacqueline Harnevious, 13WMAZ Community Web Producer

Thursday, November 14th, 2013, 7:00am

Each Thursday, a Georgia Department of Labor representative joins 13WMAZ toshare several open jobs in the Central Georgia area.

You can watch this on 13WMAZ-TV on Thursday mornings and again at 5 p.m.

The jobs are updated here weekly.

Call the Department of Labor Career Center at (478) 751-6164 and give them the job number of the position that interests you. You can also check out other jobs on the Georgia Department of Labor’s website.

Job Title:    Electrician Helper
Location:    Warner Robins, GA
Pay:          $12.15/hr
Education:  HS Diploma/GED
Job Number: GA8136643
The job applicant must have a minimum of 12 months electrician helper experience.

My Favorite Things (For Organizing): Pinterest

My Favorite Things (For Organizing): Pinterest

Submitted by Andi Willis – Good Life Organizing, Professional Organizer

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013, 3:30pm

In November I am sharing a few of my favorite things with you. I hope they become your favorites too!

I love Pinterest. I have to admit that I was hesitant to jump on the Pinterest bandwagon but now I’m as addicted as the next person. I am a firm believer in not reinventing the wheel and Pinterest let’s me explore everyone else’s best ideas. From inspiring quotes to delicious dinners to glorious closets, Pinterest lets me see the world from the comfort of my computer. You can see my Pinterest boards atwww.pinterest.com/awillis506 . What’s the best thing you’ve discovered on Pinterest?

 

_________________________________

Want more quick tips to get organized in a snap? Check out Good Life’s Two Minutes to Organized Ebook. Now also available for Kindle and Nook.

Andi Willis is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Good Life Organizing based in Perry, GA.  She is a home organizing expert who loves to help people find creative solutions to organize their homes and simplify their lives. Andi can help you get past the clutter and get on with your life!

Find Andi at Good Life Organizing, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. You can also contact her by email or (478) 550-1969.

Central Georgia Christmas tree farms to open

Central Georgia Christmas tree farms to open

Submitted by 13WMAZ Web Staff

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013, 2:10pm

(Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

 

It’s almost that time of year again: Christmas tree time!

Make a day of it with the family and head out to a local Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect addition for your holiday decor.

Roberts Christmas Tree Farm in Byron:
Opens Nov. 25- Dec. 22
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily
located at 9247 Peach Parkway on Hwy 49.
478-956-5325

Double B Farms in Lizella:
Opens Thanksgiving Day-Dec. 24
10 a.m. – dark
located at 8511 Knoxville Road, Lizella.
478-935-8742

Sandy Creek Christmas Tree Farm in Macon:
Opens Nov. 23-until
10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
located at 5889 Hammock Road
478-741-8798

Beall Christmas Tree Farm in Dublin:
Opens Thanksgiving day at 2 p.m. until dark through Christmas.
3:30 p.m. until dark on weekdays, Saturdays 9 a.m., Sunday 1 p.m.
1522 Hwy 80 East
478-689-6447

Our Cotton Pickin’ Christmas Tree Farm in Hawkinsville:

Open Thanksgiving Day-Dec. 23
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
located at 120 Cordele Hwy. Hawkinsville
478-230-3646

My Favorite Things (For Organizing): Over the Door Organizers

My Favorite Things (For Organizing): Over the Door Organizers

Submitted by Andi Willis – Good Life Organizing, Professional Organizer

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013, 3:30pm

In November I am sharing a few of my favorite things with you. I hope they become your favorites too!

 

I love over the door organizers. Originally designed as shoe holders today you can find over the door organizers in all colors, shapes and configurations. One particular brand that I like is Simply Stashed. They are bright, colorful and well made. They feature see through pockets so you can see what you have and there is also a place to put a small label or tag to make things extra easy! I’ll have some for sale at Mistletoe Market and you can visit www.simplystashed.com for their complete line of products.

What can you put in over the door organizers? How about dolls, craft items, gloves and scarves, belts, socks, pantry supplies? The list goes on and on. What do you put in your over the door organizers?

 

 

_________________________________

Want more quick tips to get organized in a snap? Check out Good Life’s Two Minutes to Organized Ebook. Now also available for Kindle and Nook.

Andi Willis is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Good Life Organizing based in Perry, GA.  She is a home organizing expert who loves to help people find creative solutions to organize their homes and simplify their lives. Andi can help you get past the clutter and get on with your life!

Find Andi at Good Life Organizing, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. You can also contact her by email or (478) 550-1969.

August Existing Home Sales At Pre-Recession High

09/19/2013BY: MARK LIEBERMAN, FIVE STAR INSTITUTE ECONOMIST

Existing home sales rose an unexpected 6.5 percent in August to an annual sales rate of 5.48 million, the highest level since February 2007 – ten months before the onset of the Great Recession — the National Association of Realtorsreported Thursday. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected existing home sales to drop to 5.255 million from July’s originally reported July’s 5.39 million sales pace which was unchanged in today’s report.

The increase in sales came as the median price of an existing single family home in August dipped slightly from July, down $300 to $212,100. It was the second straight month-month price drop.

The inventory of homes for sale edged up to 2.25 million from 2.24 million in July, computing to a 4.9 month supply down from 5.0 in July and the lowest since February’s 4.7 month supply.

The sales increase came as mortgage rates continue to rise with buyers seeking to complete transactions before rates went up further. According to Freddie Mac, the rate for 30-year fixed rate loan in August was 4.46 percent (the average of the weekly rates), up from 4.37 percent in July.

The sales data came shortly after a the Federal Open Market Committee said tighter rates could be hindering the economic recovery and announced it would continue its monetary stimulus policy designed to “maintain downward pressure on longer-term interest rates [and] support mortgage markets.”

The NAR warned the strong sales pace might be a “temporary peak”, the association’s chief economist said “rising mortgage interest rates pushed more buyers to close deals, but monthly sales are likely to be uneven in the months ahead.”

He warned “tight inventory is limiting choices in many areas, higher mortgage interest rates mean affordability isn’t as favorable as it was, and restrictive mortgage lending standards are keeping some otherwise qualified buyers from completing a purchase.”

The stronger sales pace came despite a drop in the NAR’s forward-looking pending home sales index for June which dropped to 110.9 from 111.3 in May. The index fell again in July to 109.5.

The sales gain was driven by stronger activity in the South and Midwest where the sales pace increased by 80,000 and 40,000 respectively. The sales pace slipped 30,000 in the West and was unchanged in the Northeast. The median price rose month-month in the South and Midwest but fell month-month in the West and Northeast. The NAR usually cautions against month-month price comparisons which it said, “do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns

With the August report, sales pace topped 5 million for the fourth month in a row for the first time since August-November 2007. The August sales rate was 640,000 or 13.2 percent ahead of August 2012, the 19th straight of year-year gains.

Existing home sales continue to be plagued though by a tight inventory. The number of homes on the in August was down 150,000 from a year earlier, the 30th straight month of annual inventory decline. The months’ supply of homes for sale in August – computed using the homes for sale and the sales pace — was down 1.1 months from a year earlier. The months’ supply has been down year-year for 26 straight months.

While down month-month in August, the median price was up $27,200 or 14.7 percent from a year earlier, the strongest dollar and percentage year-year gain since October 2005. Nonetheless, the median price of an existing single family home is down – 7.9 percent – from its July 2006 peak of $230,300

The median price in August though topped $200,000 for fourth month in a row for the first time since May-August 2008.

According to the NAR, distressed homes – foreclosures and short sales – accounted for 12 percent of August sales, down from 15 percent in July, the lowest share since monthly tracking began in October 2008; they were 23 percent in August 2012. The decline in the share of distressed sales accounts for some of the year-year increase in the median price, since distressed homes sell at discounted prices. Eight percent of August sales were foreclosures, NAR said, and 4 percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 16 percent below market value in August, while short sales were discounted 12 percent.

According to the Realtor group, the median time on market for all homes was 43 days in August, up from 42 days in July and 37 days in June, but less than the 70 days in August 2012. Non-distressed homes were on the market for 41 days, NAR said, while short sales were on the market for a median of 96 days and foreclosures for 52 days. Under half – 43 percent — of homes sold in August were on the market for less than a month.

With the recent increase in rates, all-cash sales made up 32 percent of transactions in August, up from 31 percent in July and June but down from 33 percent in May. NARreported. All-cash sales were 27 percent in August 2012.

First-time homebuyers accounted for 28 percent of August sales, down from 29 percent in July and from 31 percent a year ago.

Survey Shows Strong Support for Financial Regulation

09/12/2013BY: TORY BARRINGER

 Enter your email to receive Daily Email Updates:  

As the calendar approaches September 15, marking the anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the nation is reminded of that historical event which severed the very fabric of our financial system.

It’s been five years since that fateful day, and the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) says Americans-regardless of political party, age, race, or locale-overwhelmingly support financial regulation, and in particular, increased consumer protections.

CRL and Americans for Financial Reform contracted a research group to poll 1,004 likely voters on their feelings toward Wall Street, reform measures that have been implemented, and reforms that have been proposed. They found consumer support for tough financial reform and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) remains strong.

While the issue of financial regulation has been an area of contention in Washington, the survey actually found that the electorate overwhelmingly favors it, with 96 percent of Democrats, 95 percent of Independents, and 89 percent of Republicans saying they believe financial regulation is “important” or “very important.”

Overall, 83 percent of voters (including 89 percent of Democrats, 82 percent of Independents, and 75 percent of Republicans) said they favor tougher regulation of “Wall Street financial companies” when that statement is presented alongside the alternative of “their practices have changed enough that they don’t need further regulation.”

Meanwhile, 64 percent of voters said they see a need for an agency charged to protect consumers from dangerous financial products. By contrast, 26 percent agreed with a counter-argument depicting the CFPB as an example of expensive and unnecessary federal bureaucracy. Notably, though, 40 percent of respondents said they have no opinion or have not heard of the new consumer protection agency.

Nevertheless, after hearing arguments both for and against financial reform, 63 percent of voters agreed that Wall Street should be held accountable and prevented from repeating past actions, and 67 percent held a favorable view of the stepped-up oversight of mortgage brokers and other financial industry players.

Support for financial regulation, however, coexists with a widespread view of debt problems as a reflection of “personal irresponsibility.” When asked to choose, 30 percent of voters point to personal irresponsibility, while 44 percent prefer an alternative statement that “lenders need rules” and should have to provide clear information “so people can make wise choices.” At the same time, 22 percent of voters say they support both propositions equally.