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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Warm Springs, GA

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Warm Springs, GA You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Warm Springs, GA

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Warm Springs, GA

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Warm Springs, GA

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Warm Springs, GA

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance Warm Springs, GA

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
phone Call Now
 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Warm Springs, GA

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

phone Call Now
 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Warm Springs, GA

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Warm Springs, GA phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Warm Springs, GA phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Warm Springs, GA phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Warm Springs, GA that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Warm Springs, GA

Latest News in Warm Springs, GA

State to close Warm Springs Outdoor Therapeutic Program

The state is closing a residential program in Warm Springs, Ga., that helps wayward boys and girls ages 12-18 get back on track.The 33 full-time staff members and 10 hourly employees of the Warm Springs Outdoor Therapeutic Program were informed last week that the facility located off Highway 190 will close Aug. 31.State officials say the 19 children in the program will be better served in settings closer to home. But critics of the decision say no such settings exist beyond this unique program, which has served 700 to 1,000 you...

The state is closing a residential program in Warm Springs, Ga., that helps wayward boys and girls ages 12-18 get back on track.

The 33 full-time staff members and 10 hourly employees of the Warm Springs Outdoor Therapeutic Program were informed last week that the facility located off Highway 190 will close Aug. 31.

State officials say the 19 children in the program will be better served in settings closer to home. But critics of the decision say no such settings exist beyond this unique program, which has served 700 to 1,000 youth in its 30-year history. The program features an accredited school for grades 6-12, wilderness training for life skills and clinical sessions for counseling.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities runs the program. It provides residential placement and services to youth with behavioral challenges who are in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services and the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. DFCS and DJJ pay DBHDD for the facility and services on a per diem basis.

Matt Carothers, the DBHDD's communications director, said in an email Monday that closing the program is consistent with the mission to "serve youth with behavioral challenges close to their own communities in settings that adequately serve their range of clinical needs."

Staff members in the program say they aren't allowed to speak to the media about this decision, but one agreed to speak to the Ledger-Enquirer to counter the state's decision.

Carothers listed the following additional factors that influenced the decision to close the program:

"For those children able to receive placement and other services from a non-secure, community based setting, it is important to provide those services in a facility as close to the child's home as possible," Carothers said. "In doing so, family involvement is promoted and school and social connections are better maintained."

The program staff member said the children who can't be placed in a private facility will end up back in a youth detention center if they are in the juvenile justice system or declared homeless as they live in a hotel paid for and supervised by DFCS.

The outdoor wilderness program isn't appropriate for youth who have a greater need for higher security and oversight, Carothers said.

The program staff member said there isn't any evidence of the program being dangerous.

The facility was at less than half of its capacity for most of fiscal year 2013. "This reduced population has resulted in significant operating losses," Carothers said.

The program staff member said the current enrollment of 19 is below half the capacity of 40 children because the state stopped making referrals June 25. A year ago, the enrollment was 33, and there was a waiting list as recently as this winter, the staff member said.

Carothers said he doesn't know the estimated amount of money closing the program would save the state. The staff member, however, said the program hasn't been a line item in the state budget for about seven years. The program's annual budget of about $2 million gets $300,000 from the DBHDD and the rest from the $164 per day for each child referred to by the DJJ and DFCS, the staff member said.

As recently as fiscal year 2011, the staff member said, the program was more than self-supporting and even returned $50,000 to the state, which then banned the program from accepting private-pay clients. This past fiscal year, the program ran a deficit of about $500,000 because of the reduced referrals, the staff member said.

The DBHDD "will work closely with local, regional and state-based agencies and private agencies to provide assistance to our employees' needs," Carothers said. "This support will include education preparation and testing, workforce training and more for all OTP employees who request help.

"DFCS and DJJ will ensure that the individual treatment needs of youth in the program are considered when determining their future services and treatment settings."

Tyler Jones, a former counselor and supervisor at the program, called the state shifting to community-based services "nonspeak for elimination of services."

"Residential facilities like OTP are being replaced with contract counseling centers to which parents bring their emotionally and behaviorally disturbed teens," said Jones, who worked for the program from 2009-12 and now is a journalist for an online newspaper in LaGrange. "What ends up happening is the vast majority don't show up for the appointments. Many parents don't have transportation, money or even control over their kids.

"Unlike community-based services, residential placements remove the youth from negative environments and peers."

This story was originally published August 5, 2013, 5:27 PM.

Warm Springs Road closure could take an additional 8 to 12 months

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – It has been nine months now that Warm Springs Road near Miller Road and Manchester Expressway has been closed off to through traffic. The road was shut down back in January after it was deemed a failed structure.At that time, no temporary repairs could be made. The structure failed due to age and heavy rainfall.The city began its process of investigating at the end of 2020. Since then they have been actively studying and surveying the area.Businesses in the area say the time ...

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – It has been nine months now that Warm Springs Road near Miller Road and Manchester Expressway has been closed off to through traffic. The road was shut down back in January after it was deemed a failed structure.

At that time, no temporary repairs could be made. The structure failed due to age and heavy rainfall.

The city began its process of investigating at the end of 2020. Since then they have been actively studying and surveying the area.

Businesses in the area say the time periods extended closure is bad for business. Owner, Willy Herold of Willy Herold Automotive says they get calls every day from customers who can’t get to them.

Herold says, “the economic impact for us is unmeasurable, the inconvenience for everyone having to come around and turn around and even everyone from the lake apartments it’s a big inconvenience.”

Willy Herold Automotive has 18 wheeler trucks that come through the area often. When these trucks are unable to pass through, they are forced to back down a two-lane road about half a mile.

Donna Newman is the Director of Engineering for the City of Columbus and she says, “This one was somewhat more complicated in that it was a studied mapped stream which meant that you had to work within the limits of the established flood plains.”

The city says adding a new structure around a body of water can have a large impact on surrounding properties. With the heavy rainfall that we have had this year, it has been difficult to get into the stream in order to do the proper investigations and surveys.

Residents and businesses in the area say they have not seen any progress in the last nine months and are wondering how long this will last.

Newman says, “Sometimes on a larger project, it can take as much as a year to get designed. Given the time of year and the weather extremes we had to deal with during this period, I think we’ve done fairly well on getting it designed to this point.”

This week preliminary designs were approved. Newman says the next step and a possible challenge they will face is getting the box covert. With the pandemic and the shortage of materials and workers, they expect the project to take an additional 8 to 12 months.

Aiden by Best Western Opens Third U.S. Property in Warm Springs, Georgia

PHOENIX — Best Western Hotels & Resorts this week announced the opening of Aiden by Best Western @ Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center in the southern town of Warm Springs, Georgia. This is the brand’s third U.S. property to open since Best Western launched the boutique hotel concept in 2018.“Aiden hotels offer travelers a unique stay experience in a modern and stylish environm...

PHOENIX — Best Western Hotels & Resorts this week announced the opening of Aiden by Best Western @ Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center in the southern town of Warm Springs, Georgia. This is the brand’s third U.S. property to open since Best Western launched the boutique hotel concept in 2018.

“Aiden hotels offer travelers a unique stay experience in a modern and stylish environment,” said Brad LeBlanc, senior vice president and chief development officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “Aiden is created to reflect the flair and vibrancy of the world around us, bringing together indulgent amenities and bold designs that deliver a reimagined travel experience, all at a great price. Warm Springs is steeped in southern tradition and nestled in Georgia’s rolling hills and freshwater springs, and this hotel perfectly embodies its remarkable surroundings.”

Each Aiden hotel has a multi-functional public area and abstract and sleek guestrooms with playful color palates and lush fabrics. The Aiden by Best Western @ Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center is a 50-acre mountain-top resort that marries the traditional rustic style of the town with modern décor and amenities. The custom-designed rooms have sliding barn doors and private patios overlooking views of the valley. The View, the hotel’s onsite signature bar, serves craft cocktails in the Grand Atrium. The property’s Grand Pavilion has 180-degree views of the valley and a fire pit.

“We are very excited to bring a bold boutique hotel to Warm Springs,” said Kathy Patel, owner of Aiden by Best Western @ Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center. “Joining the Aiden brand is truly an honor; Aiden is shaking up the hotel marketplace with its unique and guest-centric design. Our hotel brings a new lodging choice that is unlike anything else in the area, and we look forward to welcoming guests with our selection of modern amenities and exemplary service.”

Located in the pine mountain valley of Meriwether county, Aiden by Best Western @ Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center is one hour south of Atlanta. Nearby attractions include The Little White House, the personal retreat of Franklin D. Roosevelt; the F.D. Roosevelt State Park; the Wild Animal Safari and Full Circle Animal Sanctuary; the Great Wolf Lodge; Warm Springs Vineyard and Winery; Fitzgerald Fruit Farms; local restaurants; and hiking trails and waterfalls.

Head for the Hills: The Bulloch House rises from its ashes in Warm Springs

The Bulloch House has a well-earned reputation of delicious, down-home cooking that draws people to Warm Springs. The current owners, since 2009, are Peter and Sandy Lampert, and they’ve not only kept the business going strong, they’ve built upon it — or rather, the ashes of it.The original Bulloch House was built in 1893 by Benjamin F. Bulloch, co-founder of the town of Bullochville. After the town changed its name to Warm Springs, the building held onto its original name and in 1990, it was renovated and turned int...

The Bulloch House has a well-earned reputation of delicious, down-home cooking that draws people to Warm Springs. The current owners, since 2009, are Peter and Sandy Lampert, and they’ve not only kept the business going strong, they’ve built upon it — or rather, the ashes of it.

The original Bulloch House was built in 1893 by Benjamin F. Bulloch, co-founder of the town of Bullochville. After the town changed its name to Warm Springs, the building held onto its original name and in 1990, it was renovated and turned into a restaurant.

Unfortunately, in June 2015, lightning stuck the original building, smoldered in the wiring and burnt the structure to the ground during the night.

“When it erupted, thankfully, no one was in the building,” Sandy said. “It was so old, that it was like fat lighter [kindling]. The fire department tried to enter but had to rush out because the fire was taking hold so quickly and completely. It took less than 10 minutes for the old part of the building to burn down completely. The sky was glowing, and the flames were higher than the trees.”

The Lamperts had planned to rebuild on the same spot but found that the cost was prohibitive. They thought about moving the restaurant to another town.

“After the fire, we considered a move to Hampton or Columbus,” Peter said. “But in the end, we felt that Bulloch House belongs to Warm Springs.”

They located a building on Broad Street that could be renovated, and after some negotiation, the owner agreed to lease it to the Lamperts while the insurance claim was being processed. Renovations got underway and the Bulloch House reopened on Dec. 1, 2015.

The spacious two-story restaurant has an elegant feel with high windows and white chandeliers. The walls are decorated with black-and-white photos of local history, and the menu, which changes weekly, features favorites like fried chicken, baked ham and catfish. There are also fried green tomatoes, collards, homemade biscuits and cornbread. Dessert includes six-layer chocolate cake, old fashioned pecan pie and banana pudding.

“A lot of people like this location better,” Peter said. “The parking can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s easier to find and it’s surrounded by shops.”

One of those shops is the Lampert’s own Fireflies Gift Boutique, just a few doors down. Shoppers delight in a wide selection of women’s jewelry and baby gifts as well as collegiate gear and must-have housewares.

The name of the shop has special meaning for Sandy and goes back to the fateful night of the fire. “We got the phone call in the middle of the night, and my husband rushed right over. He called me crying, ‘It’s gone…it’s all gone!’”

When she got there, Sandy watched the embers burning and floating up into the trees. “To me, they looked fireflies, what we call lightning bugs,” she said.

The original restaurant had a gift shop attached to it, and the shop also suffered from the fire. “When we reopened our gift shop in this new location, it just made sense to name it Fireflies,” Sandy said.

Recently, the Lamperts have added a bakery/cafe behind the gift boutique, offering coffee, fudge and cookies as well as specialty cakes and pies, all baked on premises. And they’ve named it Lightnin’ Bugs.

For more about the Bulloch House, 70 Broad Street in Warm Springs, visit bullochhouse.com.

–Kathy Dean

Editor’s Note: This story is part of Head for the Hills, our annual special section about Georgia vacation spots and properties.

Roosevelt Foundation gives $62,000 to Warm Springs hospitals

The Roosevelt Warm Springs Foundation has awarded a $62,000 grant to Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospitals to refurbish a historic cottage and purchase special equipment for swallowing studies in patients. The grant comes on the heels of a visit from Dr. Matt Roosevelt, a RWS Foundation board member and the great-grandson of FDR...

The Roosevelt Warm Springs Foundation has awarded a $62,000 grant to Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospitals to refurbish a historic cottage and purchase special equipment for swallowing studies in patients. The grant comes on the heels of a visit from Dr. Matt Roosevelt, a RWS Foundation board member and the great-grandson of FDR, who founded the Warm Springs campus.

“As a hospitalist with Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, Dr. Roosevelt was very interested in the medical education opportunities we offer at Warm Springs through our affiliation with Augusta University,” said Roosevelt Warm Springs Hospitals CEO David Mork. “Of course he also wanted to see how the legacy of his great-grandfather was continuing through our work.”

The $62,108 grant – the largest donation given to RWSH since AU Health assumed operations about five years ago – will go toward upgrading the Physio Cottage in order to provide accommodations for 10 additional students. More than 85 students from the Augusta University College of Nursing, Medical College of Georgia and College of Allied Health Sciences participate in long-term acute care and rehabilitation training each year at Warm Springs.

The money will also be used to purchase a new Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing system to assess swallowing in patients, many of whom have difficulty in swallowing following a trauma, stroke, or other injuries.

“Because a FEES study can be done at the bedside in under 20 minutes without the use of radiation, it is revolutionizing dysphagia diagnostics in a way that positively impacts our patients and families at Warm Springs,” Mork said. “We are extremely thankful for the generosity of the Roosevelt Warm Springs Foundation, and we hope this is just the beginning of what we can do together.”

For more than eight decades, the highly skilled clinical teams at Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospitals have provided comprehensive, individualized care and medical rehabilitation for patients, enabling them to return to the most independent lifestyles possible in their homes and communities.

As many as 340 patients undergo rehabilitation in Warm Springs each year for conditions that include stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries and neuromuscular diseases. About 160 patients are admitted for long-term acute care – comparable to an ICU level of care – for needs such as being weaned from a ventilator, compound illnesses involving the respiratory and/or cardiovascular system, infectious diseases, or complex wounds.

Augusta University assumed management of the rehabilitation and acute-care services at Roosevelt Warm Springs in 2013, and in 2014, a new private hospital was created as part of the AU Health System.

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shares space on the same campus where it operates the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation; but the agency is operated independently of the hospitals.

AU Health recently finished $25.8 million in capital improvements, completely transforming the long-term acute care and rehabilitation wings into a modern, patient-centric environment. The renovations included relocating the main entrance to the front of the hospital for more convenient access and greater visibility.

“We have been good stewards of the history at Roosevelt Warm Springs, restoring much of the facility’s original glory, while also dramatically improving infrastructure, technology, and amenities to ensure we give our patients advanced, quality care,” Mork said. “This grant will enable us to further our mission here.”

AU HealthAU Health AdvantageCollege of Allied Health SciencesCollege of NursingDavid MorkFranklin D. RooseveltGeorgia's Healthcare ProvidersGivinglong-term acute careMatt RooseveltMedical College of GeorgiaRehabilitation ServicesRoosevelt Warm Springs

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