Morgan Ervin

Atlanta

Freelance Journalist at Freelance

Writer at The Jackson Herald

Editor at Barrow News-Journal

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Articles

County, school board clash over SRO funding amid budget talks

2 weeks ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

The Barrow County Board of Commissioners (BOC) and the Board of Education (BOE) remain at odds over funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) as they prepare budgets for fiscal year 2026. Both sides stress their commitment to student and public safety but differ on who should bear the financial responsibility. County leaders argue that the school board is relying on county taxpayers to cover costs that the school system is capable of funding itself.
Tensions rise as Winder tables vote on deannexation of City Pond Road property

3 weeks ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

In an emotional appeal to the Winder City Council, representatives for D.R. Horton and the Margaret Martin Robinson Trust said Tuesday that the city's failure to follow through on zoning commitments has left them with land of diminished value, stalling development and placing emotional strain on a family with deep ties to the community. The dispute centers on a 146.87-acre parcel at 982 City Pond Road.
Winder proposes $115.6 million FY26 budget

1 month ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

The City of Winder unveiled a proposed $115.6 million budget for fiscal year 2026 during recent budget workshops on May 15 and May 27, marking an 18.6% increase over the previous year's adopted budget of $97.5 million. The draft maintains the current millage rate of 4.963 but anticipates increased property tax revenue due to a reassessment of residential property values and the implementation of House Bill 581.
Hall County jurors to decide in Barrow County courtroom

1 month ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

Jurors for the upcoming trial of Colin Gray-father of the 14-year-old suspect in the Apalachee High School mass shooting-will be selected in Hall County and transported to Barrow County for trial proceedings. Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm finalized the decision following a thorough review of proposed alternative venues.
57 townhomes approved near Calgary Downs

1 month ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

The Barrow County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning near Calgary Downs on Jefferson Hwy. in Winder, paving the way for a 57-unit townhome development. Applicant Clint Dixon received a unanimous approval from the Board of Commissioners to rezone 14.64 acres at the corner of Calgary Downs Drive and Highway 11 from AG (Agricultural) and C-2 (Community Commercial) to R-2 (Medium Density Single-Family Residential) to accommodate a townhome community with a density of 3.89 units per acre.
Winder awards $24.7M contract for Auburn Water Reservoir Project

1 month ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

Advancing its efforts to enhance the region's long-term water infrastructure, the Winder City Council has approved a $24.7 million contract with Heavy Constructors to carry out a major phase of the Quarry Water Supply Project. The contract, valued at $24,675,297, covers Contract C of the Auburn Water Reservoir Project and includes construction of raw water pond intakes.
Colt Gray may pursue plea deal as mental evaluation advances

1 month ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

The legal case surrounding Colt Gray, the 15-year-old indicted for the Sept. 4, 2024, fatal shooting at Apalachee High School, is at a crossroads. During a status hearing Tuesday morning, defense attorney Alfonso Kraft Jr. revealed that a potential plea change is under consideration. The hearing, held virtually with Gray appearing in a black T-shirt and glasses, laid the groundwork for an upcoming psychological evaluation and continued defense investigation.
Barrow County seeks $1.16M in state funds to resurface local roads

2 months ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

By By Morgan Ervin Barrow County officials are seeking more than $1.16 million in state funds to resurface 14 local roads in 2025 through the Georgia Department of Transportation's Local Road Assistance Administration (LRA) program. County commissioners approved the 2025 LRA application ahead of the June 15 submission deadline. The application does not require a local funding match.
Plans for expanded government complex advance in Barrow County

2 months ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

The Barrow County Board of Commissioners approved a $150,000 agreement with Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, for architectural services related to the future expansion of the Barrow County Government Complex. The proposed contract would fund preliminary programming and planning for a standalone administration building and a new headquarters for the Sheriff's Office. Both buildings would be located on the existing 120-acre site that houses the county's Judicial Courthouse and Detention Center.
No Barrow jury for Colin Gray trial, judge rules

2 months ago | mainstreetnews.com | Morgan Ervin

A Barrow County judge has ruled that the trial for Colin Gray, father of the teenager accused in the Sept. 4, 2024 deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, will not be heard by a Barrow County jury due to concerns over impartiality. During a Thursday hearing, both prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that finding an unbiased jury within the county would be difficult given the emotional weight and widespread media attention surrounding the case.