| from the editor |
As one year closes and another opens , it ’ s natural to look back at previous successes and forward to the hopes of the new year . In this issue of Moultrie Scene we have asked two of Colquitt County ’ s economic development officials to do that very thing .
Among the new businesses welcomed to Moultrie in 2022 were Harbor Freight and mom-and-pop restaurants like Baba ’ s The Gathering Place . Looking ahead to 2023 , many are anticipating the opening of the Longhorn Steakhouse under construction on Veterans Parkway . Read Kasmira Smith ’ s article to see what else Tommie Beth Willis , president of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce , and Amy Johnson , downtown economic development director for the City of Moultrie , are excited about as the year changes .
One big project that wrapped up late in 2022 was the renovation of the McClellans ’ building — well-known as the former home of CitiTrends . Chad and Whitney Smith and Whitney ’ s sister , Macie Hegwood , bought the downtown building in February and renovations were expected to wrap up in late November . Whitney Smith ’ s State Farm office and Hegwood ’ s boutique , The Flossy Peach , should be open there before this issue goes to press . The trio describes how they decided to take on such a challenge in this issue of Moultrie Scene .
But , even through the changing year , some constants remain . Katherine Russell continues her series of profiles of local artists that she began early in 2022 . This issue ’ s article focuses on Moultrie woodturner Paul Tolar . Tolar started woodworking while employed at a boatyard before he moved to Moultrie , but in the four decades since he came here , he ’ s transformed a practical skill into artistry .
Moultrie Scene welcomes you to 2023 . We ’ re looking forward to a great year ahead !
Kevin C . Hall Managing editor The Moultrie Observer and Moultrie Scene
MoultrieScene
M A G A Z I N E
CNHI ’ s Magazine of the Year , 2020 & 2021
Volume 7 • No . 1
Publisher LAURIE GAY
Editor KEVIN C . HALL
Contributing Photographers JILL STRINGFELLOW PHOTOGRAPHY CONNIE SOUTHWELL
Contributors AKILAH C . CLARKE KATHERINE RUSSELL KASMIRA SMITH
Account Executive JANE BENTLEY
Design & Layout DEREK SCHAPER
Moultrie Scene Magazine is published bi-monthly at 25 North Main Street Moultrie , Georgia 31768 by
www . moultrieobserver . com p : 229-985-4545 • f : 229-985-4548 25 North Main Street • Moultrie , GA 31768
Letters and all editorial contributions may be sent to the above address .
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6 MoultrieScene JANUARY 2023