Let me start this column by saying that I commend my fellow reporter Holli Deal Bragg for her coverage of the Ogeechee River fish kill including the most recent development - a consent order agreement between manufacturer King America Finishing and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
      Per the order, King America Finishing will fund $1 million in environmental improvements to the Ogeechee River after a finding that the Dover based plant violated discharge permits to dump toxins into the river.
      It was this past May when an estimated 39,000 fish were killed in the river. Since that time, we have read a lot about King America Finishing as it pertains to what is now considered to be a legitimate environmental disaster, but I wanted to know more about the plant and the company, because it is a major industrial employer in this area, and there are many jobs at stake.
      In a recent press release issued by the company's law firm Alston & Bird LLP, King America Finishing employs 450 workers from several counties in this area generating $17 million annually in payroll.
      According to the King America Textile Group (Kamtex) website, King America Finishing is part of the King America Textile Group. Founded in Chicago in 1919, King America Textile Group is part of a private, family owned group of textile companies which include Westex Inc. and King America Finishing Inc.
      Westex Inc. is one of the world's foremost producers of cotton and cotton blend resistant fabrics, and is located in a 750,000 square foot manufacturing and warehousing facility in Chicago.
      Kamtex produces cotton and poly/cotton woven fabrics for a variety of markets including men and women's apparel, protective and safety apparel for industrial and military, uniform work and school, decorative fabrics for interior furnishings, and even luggage.
      King America Finishing was formed after the purchase of the King Finishing plant from Spartan Mills in 2001. King America Finishing manufacturing capabilities include scouring, bleaching, dyeing, finishing, calendering, mechanical shrinking, and sanding. The dyeing process imparts color. Finishing, in this instance, refers to any process performed fabric to improve the look, performance, or "hand" (feel) of the finished textile.
      It is clear the King America Finishing is a part of a very, large operation whose parent company resides in Chicago. It's also clear that King America Finishing and its parent company can afford to remediate the damage that has been done to the river, as well as make the necessary improvements to its wastewater treatment system at the Dover plant.
      It goes without saying that there are 450 jobs on the line, and a river and way-of-life to protect.

      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.
      Got a scoop for Jan? Call (912) 489-9463; email jmoore@statesboroherald.com