We’re not just getting physical — we’re getting recreational.
The Houston County Commission plans to authorize recreational developments for Webb, Kinsey and Gordon.
At the next meeting on Tuesday, the County Commission is expected to authorize funds for playground equipment in Webb, basketball and pickleball courts in Kinsey, and developments to the boat ramp in Gordon.
Developments in Webb and Kinsey are expected to come from hotel tax funds. The funds developing the Gordon boat ramp come from the Department of Conservation.
Chairman Brandon Shoupe called the moves a strategic effort to encourage people to stay in or move back to an area with low cost of living.
“If we’re going to recruit and retain talent, we’ve got to compete with other communities that are doing the same thing,” he said. “All these things are smart investments. We’re super excited to put this money to work.”
A man named Horace Gilbert, 76, drowned on Lake Eufaula Monday night after his friend called rescue units with a report Gilbert fell in the water and did not resurface.
Emergency crews were on the scene for nearly 12 hours before Houston County Sheriff’s Office divers found his body.
Reports say Gilbert was bringing an anchor up to drive the boat back to the boat ramp when he lost balance and fell headfirst into the water.
Houston County Rescue said the water was 36 feet deep, meaning divers couldn’t see anything underwater. Rescue units had to use underwater sonar to locate Gilbert.
Family said Gilbert was an avid fisherman, an active church member and family man.
