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Volunteers needed to repair dog park after storm
Hurricane Irma - dog park
Trees are left on top of the fences at Sandy's Dog Park at Chimney Park after Tropical Storm Irma made its way through the area. - photo by Jackie Gutknecht

COVINGTON, Ga. - One month after its opening, Sandy’s Dog Park located at Chimney Park is closed as a result of storm damage from Tropical Storm Irma.

Six trees are down within the dog park, some of which broke down the chain-linked fences.

Hurricane Irma - dog park
Trees are down on both the interior and exterior fences of Sandy's Dog Park. - photo by Jackie Gutknecht

Jean Elder, who founded the park in memory of her daughter, is asking for volunteers to help clean up the park to get it reopened as quickly as possible.

“The park has been so well attended,” she said. “We are simply amazed by how many people came out with their dogs all during this past month. To see it like it is now is heartbreaking.”

Sandra (Sandy) Lee Elder was born May 23, 1960 to Jim and Jean Elder. She moved to Covington with her parents in 1989. At the age of 52, Sandy unexpectedly died of an aneurysm at the age of 52. This dog park was placed to help honor her memory and her love for dogs.

Chimney Park is located behind the Newton Library and the Newton County Health Department, at 7116 Floyd St. NE, in Covington (GPS address is 8201 Hazelbrand Road, Covington).

Donations to the dog park can be made on the Chimney Park website at www.chimney-park.com.

Hurricane Irma - dog park
Sandy's Dog Park at Chimney Park is closed until further notice as Tropical Storm Irma took down trees, causing damage to the fences of the park. - photo by Jackie Gutknecht
Hudgens directs insurers to exercise leniency regarding premium payments
Ralph Hudgens
Ralph Hudgens

GEORGIA - Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens has issued a directive to insurance companies to exercise leniency in dealing with Georgia residents that may experience difficulty paying their premiums due to Hurricane Irma.

“I expect insurance companies to be compassionate and understanding when so many of their policyholders’ lives have been severely disrupted,” Commissioner Hudgens said.  “This includes premium payments and nonrenewal notifications.”

Accordingly, Hudgens directs insurers to provide relief to Georgia policyholders, including exercising leniency where premium payments may appear tardy due to the disruption of services as a result of the hurricane. Likewise, insurers that have or will process lawful cancellation or nonrenewal notices during the time in which Georgia is in a State of Emergency are encouraged to ensure that policyholders impacted by legal adverse underwriting decisions have sufficient time to address their insurance needs.

Georgians who need help with late payment issues, or who have questions or problems regarding insurance, can call Hudgens’ Consumer Services Division at 1-800-656-2298.   Phones are answered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.   

Directive 17-EX-7 can be found on our website at www.oci.ga.gov