GROUND BREAKING FOR COMMUNITY VENTURES FINANCED HOME IN FULTON JUNE 26--

The Ruby Burton family was on hand for the official groundbreaking June 26 on Jefferson Street in Fulton, as were approximately 50 well-wishers and those who offered support throughout her journey to home ownership. Financed through Community Ventures, the new home was part of a joint effort and partnership, formed through the USDA Rural Partners Network, formed with the cities of Fulton, Hickman, Fulton County and South Fulton. Fulton County Judge/Executive Jim Martin, one of the speakers for the celebration, described Ms. Ruby as the "tip of the arrow" for future building projects within the local RPN. Among those on hand to begin the dig were Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn, Fulton County Jailer Steven Williams, Fulton Commissioners Darcy Linn and Elaine Forrester, Judge Martin, Brenda Weavers, VP of Lending with Community Ventures, Ms. Ruby, Jeff Doe, general contractor for the project, South Fulton City Manager Joyce Gray, Tammy Nesler, who assisted Ms. Ruby with all the necessary paper work to complete her home financing and construction, Garrett Somerfield, who will oversee the jail crew for construction. Also present were three family members who previously occupied the home which once stood at the site, and part of the group who donated the land for the construction, Cory Edmison, Marty Edmison, and Micah Edmison. (Photos submitted)