Feb. 23-27: National Engineering Week. National Engineering Week is observed in businesses and communities throughout the US this week. The observance focuses on the exploration of and education on the role of engineers and how their work shapes the world in which we live. Here at the City of Valdosta, we'd like to recognize all staff members in the city's Engineering Department, as well as all professional engineers and engineering firms in our community. We say "Thank You!" for all the work you do to maintain and enhance the quality of life for citizens. For more information about Valdosta's Engineering Department, services and current projects, visit their department's page at www.valdostacity.com.

Feb. 23-27: Georgia Power Continues Manhole Cover Replacement Project. Georgia Power will continue to install new manhole covers for their underground network in downtown Valdosta. Twenty of the 26 manholes have been completed since the work began in January. This week, the company is expecting to complete 3-4 additional manholes on South Patterson Street / Hwy 7, between the hours of 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously around these sites. For more information, call Robby Hastings at (229) 241-2251.

Feb. 24:ESPLOST V Campaign. The ESPLOST joint committee will host a campaign kickoff on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m., in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. At the meeting, committee members will share proposed projects for Lowndes County and Valdosta City Schools with citizens. Early voting runs Feb. 23 through March 13. The final opportunity to vote will be on the official Election Day, March 17. For more information, email Co-Chair John Eunice at [email protected].

Feb. 25:Land Bank Authority Meets. Members of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Land Bank Authority will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 9 a.m., in the Neighborhood Development Conference Room (Room 202, Valdosta City Hall Annex). This meeting is being held to vote on the conversion of the Land Bank Authority. The Land Bank Authority exists to foster the public purpose of returning property which is in a non-revenue generating, non-tax producing status to effective utilization status in order to provide housing, new industry and jobs for citizens. For information, call (229) 671-3617.

Feb. 25-27: City Removes Briggs Street Elevated Water Storage Tank. A contractor working for the City of Valdosta will dismantle the elevated water storage tank located at the corner of South Briggs Street and West Savannah Avenue, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 25. The dismantling work will take place during daytime business hours and is expected to be completed by Friday, weather permitting. During the dismantling, traffic control devices and adequate traffic signage will be in place to alert motorists of the work zone and any necessary detours. Click here for more information.

Feb. 27: City Leaders Present at Pinevale Career Day. Mayor Gayle and several city department leaders will participate in the Pinevale Elementary School Career Day, on Friday, Feb. 27, from 9-10:30 a.m. The event is one of many that the city participates in to education local youth on the services and careers available in local government and the importance of excelling in school.

Feb. 27-28: Last Day to Pick Up Chinese Pistache Trees From VTC. Don't forget to pick up your Chinese Pistache Trees from the Valdosta Tree Commission's annual tree sale, February 27 - 28. The VTC is selling the trees at $9 for a 3-gallon tree and $20 for the 7-gallon tree. The annual tree sale event is designed to encourage citizens to plant trees and features a different tree each year. For additional information, call Amy Hall at (229) 561-5173, or click here for more information.

Feb. 28: Deadline for Public to Participate on Transportation Future. Citizens who seek to get more involved in the transportation future of Valdosta and Lowndes County are urged to view and offer feedback on the Metropolitan Planning Organization's Participation Plan. The draft document can be viewed online at http://www.sgrc.us/transportation.html and is also available at local libraries and government offices through Feb. 28. For more information, contact Transportation Planner/MPO Coordinator Corey Hull at [email protected] or (229) 333-5277.