The April issue of the Valdosta Scene will be out this week, showcasing a tribute to the men and women of local law enforcement. Our cover features the two officers from the sheriff’s department and the Valdosta police who recently were recognized as Officers of the Year, and we also included all of the municipalities, VSU and Moody, allowing each to nominate an officer for inclusion.

They have entertaining and unusual stories to tell about their days on the force, and are an interesting group of officers. What was amazing to us in reading and talking about their stories is that each has such a terrific attitude about their work, despite how difficult it can be at times, and despite the types of people they come into contact with every day.

And yes, we plan to do a future feature on the firefighters in our area as well, as we don’t want to leave anybody out.

There are a number of interesting photos, stories and features in the Scene this month, along with a look at a couple of tried and true dining venues in town. You can pick up a copy at the Times office or at Books a Million after the 1st.

Business Roundup

I hope everyone read the exciting news this week about the distribution center that Home Depot is planning to build in the Lake Park Industrial Park. They are the Fortune 100 company everyone’s been referencing for months, but nobody would officially discuss. It’s a good complement to our other distribution centers, and should be a good employer for the area, which we need soon, based on the number of notes we’ve been receiving from our front page inquiry about layoffs. We are hearing about more than I expected.

On the planning commission’s agenda Monday is the massive annexation the city of Valdosta is fixing to do up Bemiss. This will extend their boundary up past Bemiss Citizens Bank, and encompass Harveys and all other points south. Is Moody next?

The new center being built by Lowes on Norman Drive has a sign up now calling it the Ferrons 21 Plaza, with spaces for lease. The new center going up on Northside Drive has no sign yet, other than one for spaces for lease.

The new strip center on Baytree near VSU now has a tenant, Marla’s Salon Retreat. The sign on the window says it will be opening soon.

The Do-Mo Japanese restaurant and retail emporium has the awnings up around the building and they appear to be putting the finishing touches on the former Pic ‘n Save building.

No, no word yet on the James Road development. No announcements have been made. The same goes for the new North Oak Square retail center, although I understand several stores have committed and announcements should be coming out soon.

There’s a new Let’s Eat Cafe in Lake Park and the new Catfish House on Bemiss Road is now open and getting rave reviews. A nice and persistent reader called back this week to let me know she ate there and enjoyed the visit very much. I called and was told they are currently open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and beginning in about a week, they’re going to start a Southern style buffet daily. They have a lot more variety than I would have thought given the name, including burgers and chicken fried steak.

And speaking of Bemiss Road, it appears that Peaches is gone. Now how are people going to give directions on Bemiss?

That’s about it for this week, but there’s always more to come. And if I missed anything, please let me know!