Longtime state lawmaker dies 

ATLANTA – A longtime north Georgia lawmaker who was one of the state’s most powerful legislators has died of stomach cancer. 

As chairman of the House Rules Committee, Meadows was a powerful force at the statehouse whose support was needed for a bill to advance through the legislative process.

“John was outwardly fierce and courageous but he was, at the same time, one of the kindest and most generous souls you have ever met,” House Speaker David Ralston said in a statement. “There aren’t words to describe the magnitude of this loss for our House of Representatives or the State of Georgia, and my heart is simply broken under the weight of this sad news.” 

News of his death spread just as state lawmakers began to reconvene in Atlanta for a special session focused on adding emergency disaster funding to the budget after Hurricane Michael struck southwest Georgia a month ago.

Meadows, who was elected to the House in 2004, represented Gordon and Murray counties. He was also a former mayor of Calhoun and once served on the Calhoun City Council. He served as a U.S. Marine.

An insurance salesman, Meadows was married with two grown children and was also a grandfather.

Shaw recognized for recruitment efforts

DALTON, Ga. —  Shaw Industries Group was recognized as a winner of the 2018 North American Candidate Experience (CandE) Awards. Out of the 200 companies participating, Shaw ranked No. 33 of the 65 winners selected and was the only floorcovering manufacturer to receive this award. The talent board recognized Shaw for its dedication to honest recruiting, a thoughtful application process and transparency with candidates. Award-winning companies were chosen based on their job candidates’ satisfaction survey scores through the recruitment research program. Responses were collected from more than 130,000 job candidates, focusing on four key factors: overall recruitment experience, likelihood candidates would reapply to the organization, if they would refer others to the company and their potential business relationship status with the organization after their experience. Analysis of these responses resulted in a final CandE score for each participating organization. 

Navicent Health recognizes Lung Cancer & Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

MACON, Ga. — Navicent Health will host a series of events during the month of November in recognition of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month as well as National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. 

The community is encouraged to participate in these events to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and show support for those with lung and pancreatic cancer.

•Lung Cancer & Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Vigil

Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Navicent Health – 800 First St., Macon. Call 478-633-8555 to register for this free community event.

•Great American Smokeout

Thursday, Nov. 15. This is a day for smokers and other tobacco users to “butt out.” Tobacco users are encouraged to use this day to create a plan to quit, or even quit for the day, in hopes of quitting for good. Call 478-633-2614 for more information.