Q: We recently stopped at the rest area along I-16 east in Dublin. Neither of the two water fountains worked. What a welcome to the visitors of our fair state. How can this be remedied? — Melissa Calzada, Atlanta
A: The nonworking water fountains have been reported and there's a contract to replace the water lines and fountains at certain rest areas, Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jill Goldberg told Q&A on the News. She said most of the state's rest areas are more than 30 years old and "require a lot of maintenance at this point in their life cycle." Earlier this year, the State Transportation Board approved spending up to $3 million to renovate eight welcome centers, and it will look into improving the state's 16 rest areas. "We are in the process of working on a plan for updates to all of our welcome centers, and once they are complete, the rest areas will be next," Goldberg said.
Q: I heard about a lady who was lost on the Appalachian Trail, somewhere in Maine. Did they ever find her? — Laurel Marsh, Auburn
A: The search for Geraldine Largay, 66, was scaled back on Aug. 4, but the Maine Warden Service was still looking for the missing Appalachian Trail hiker who has not been heard from since July 22. Largay sent a text message to her husband that day but missed a planned meeting with him in Wyman Township, Maine, on July 23. George Largay reported his wife missing July 24. Geraldine Largay started her hike in West Virginia and was about 200 miles from the end of the trail when she disappeared.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
