StarNews April 2020 Issue

StarNews

CARROLL COUNTY, GEORGIA’s ONLY LOCALLY OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED NEWSPAPER

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

APRIL 2020 • VOLUME 26 NUMBER 4

Message to the citizens of Carroll County from State Senator Mike Dugan For many of us, life has drastically changed since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Our regular routines of going to work Dugan or school, going out to eat with family, and physically attending worship services have been postponed for the immediate future. Perhaps most unsettling, however, is not knowing exactly when life will return to normal.

While these may be uncertain times, we have significant hope for the days ahead.

Annual Special!

“Who’s Junior Carroll?” 2020 beginning page 9

Preference Primary and local E-SPLOST referendum

by Sue Horn / Prissi Sullivan The statewide General Primary/Presidential Preference Primary Election has been changed from Tuesday, May 19th to Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger made this change pursuant to the authority vested in him by O.C.G.A. § 21-250.1. This decision was announced one day after Governor Brian Kemp extended the current public health state of emergency until May 13, 2020. Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston con-

State Court Judge CANDIDATES See Page 28

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 virus a “PaSchool Board CANDIDATES ndemic”, which is defined as “the See beginning Page 8 worldwide spread of a new disease.” curred in the Governor’s extension of the state At that time, there were more than of emergency.

See COVID-19 page 35

See Page 29

See PRIMARY JUNE 9th page 8

LIKE US at facebook.com/

StarNewsGaOnline

from press release Tanner Health System is expanding testing for COVID-19 to gain a better understanding of how widespread the virus is in the region. The health system now offers televisits See HOW MANY? page 33

Census 2020:

A good sign: empty patient tents outside of hospital emergency entrance

R

REYNOLDS e- Elect ERNEST “ERNIE” for

•EARLY VOTING May 18 - June 5 - Sat. May 30 • ELECTION DAY JUNE 9 •ABSENTEE VOTING BY MAIL

Sherryreynolds.StarNews

FOLLOW US on TWITTER

contact us at: suehorn.starnews@gmail.com

waynereynolds.starnews@ gmail.com

Census field data activity to resume - with proper social distancing - June 1st from press release The 2020 Census is underway with more than 70 million households responding to date. This represents approximately 48% of all households in America. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting 2020 Census operations in order to: - protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees.

See CENSUS page 33

CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP •TRANSPARENCY •ACCOUNTABILITY •RESPONSIVENESS •BUDGET CONTROLS

Ernie Reynolds DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER

PINTEREST

@starnewswga

Hospital now offers “televisits” to screen for COVID symptoms Data would aid in accurate case numbers for our region

Four white patient overflow tents stand empty the week of April 8th outside of Tanner’s emergency entrance, Carrollton. The tents were erected in anticipation of more COVID-19 patients than the hospital could handle inside. Despite a recent “failing grade” from an online media source, it appears that Carroll County citizens have been effectively social distancing. At press time, the county has had a total of See Sheriff Terry Langley page 6 310 positive cases, with a population estimate of 117,000. Photo by Sue Horn

www.starnewsgaonline.com

How our government, businesses, community have responded to the novel virus’ disruption

District 5 Commission CANDIDATES by Prissi Sullivan

from Sheriff Terry Langley

PRINT EDITIONS on

see pages 2 & 34

Templeton PIC

Primary Election date now June 9th COVID-19 Primary combined with the postponed March 24th Presidential

Message to the citizens of Carroll County

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! READ DIGITAL MONTHLY

“Coronavirus”

w w w. s t a r n e w s g a o n l i n e . c o m StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news

See State Senator Mike Dugan page 6

As Sheriff of Carroll County, it is my job to make sure our citizens are taken care of and protected daily.

There are always new Langley challenges and hurdles, but we train, we prepare, and we conquer. COVID-19 has provided us with a challenge no one saw coming and we are learning how to cope and continue to provide our services to the community with every passing day, as we want to be

Dr. Ralph Templeton

FACEBOOK: ERNEST REYNOLDS DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER EMAIL: electreynolds2019@gmail.com CELL PHONE:770-851-6215

•34-YEAR CAREER/DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN STATE DEPARTMENT OF AUDITS •40 YEARS IN RURAL CARROLL COUNTY •ENTIRE LIFE-AGRICULTURAL LIFESTYLE •LIVE ON 100 + ACRE FARM •DEDICATED FAMILY & CHRISTIAN VALUES •COLLEGE GRADUATE - MAGNA CUM LAUDE •COURT MEDIATOR FOR MAGISTRATE COURT •EMT & NURSING LICENSES DURING COLLEGE

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Page 2 April 19, 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

THE BEST HEALTHCARE FOR PAIN IS FAST, EFFECTIVE, SAFE, AND NATURAL

We are open for private appointments during the COVID-19 CRISIS Dr. Ralph Templeton Axiom Chiropractic Center Villa Rica That's Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center

Dr. Ralph Templeton

“Because today we face a health crisis

that is causing unprecedented challenges with the Coronavirus pandemic relieving stress has NEVER been more important.

With pain of any measure comes the effects of stress and stress can lower your ability to resist infectious diseases. Make no mistake about this fact chiropractic manipulative therapy relieves stress. At the same time tens of thousands of us face the agonizing decision of whether to have surgery for back, neck, or knee pain every day,” sympathizes Dr Ralph Templeton, founder of Haralson Spinal Clinic of Chiropractic and Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center. “As you face that decision, you are also probably taking a variety of medications that of course have side effects, some you are aware of and maybe some that you are not. Often I see these run down and worn out people essentially over-medicating themselves in an attempt to delay making this decision. Not a pleasant picture! When people ignore viable alternatives in favor of the pill and shot mentality that organized medicine promotes when it comes to pain management, community health migrates into a state of functional decline. Im not just referring to musculo-skeletal decline but visceral decline as well. Usually people facing back surgery have gotten a second or even third opinions, but I have found that if those opinions are from another physician/surgeon, when their diagnosis is the same the advice is too. But actually they are simply getting one opinion! Would it not be in your best interest if you explored the possibility of non-surgical, drug FREE solutions with a healthcare group that employs both expertise AND experience?

That is what my practice is dedicated to, and provides very successfully!”

“At my health centers in Bremen and Villa Rica, I use a unique approach by using traditional methods of restoring the normal joint motion where it has been compromised by injury or pathological processes. By aligning the spine and other articulations of the body, and applying other

770-537-5555

natural strategies to strengthen your body I am able to facilitate natural healing. I have observed this approach makes it possible for people to require much less reliance on opiate and NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) medications that are potentially harmful and may have life threatening side effects.

Furthermore, because these conditions are systemic and involved with a person's hormonal metabolism, nutritional advice is essential for their recovery and I have the insights required to properly ascertain their needs when wanted. In some cases, we find the medication the patient is on actually is causing their symptoms.It is my ultimate effort to find safe, natural solutions to healthcare needs so that every patient can realize a conscious state of wellbeing. In many instances, we have been able to help people reduce their dependence and/or addictions to medications by getting their body out of pain and much more functional on it’s own.”

What you may find just as unique is that Dr Templeton will spend all the time necessary in your initial visit discovering not only the problem you came to him for, but also other problems you may have. Where your pain is, may not be where the pain is coming from.

The goal is long-term solutions to your problem and short- term relief from the pain and fatigue issues. “Let me emphasize how important finding the root cause of the pain is whether we are talking about a knee or back injury or any other health concern. And at the same time we need to look at contributing factors that together we can change—like weight loss. “ “You are unique and that is how we treat your problem with a program designed just for you…all without drugs or surgery!”

Many of us are aware of chiropractic adjustments but what are they really? And is that all The Center does? The actual event that we call the chiropractic adjustment is essentially a very precisely performed stretching procedure. These procedures can take a split second up to minutes, in some cases. The adjustment is usually not painful or even uncomfortable. The neurological mechanism at work relieves pain sensations and/or nerve compression that are causing interference to the normal healing processes

of the human body.

But Dr Templeton and his staff use a wide variety of techniques including red and blue light laser therapy, pulsed high voltage electromagnetic therapy, high and low frequency ultrasonic therapy aka Rife therapy, nutrition supplementation, and therapeutic massage. For a back problem, Dr Templeton may use the Pro Adjuster, which is an instrument that uses a sophisticated computer analysis and mechanical stimulation to pinpoint problem areas and release pressure on nerves so they can function properly.

For a disc problem, for example, he may use FDA-approved Spinal Decompression Therapy, which is fast, effective and safe. He has treated hundreds of men and women helping them find pain relief from low back or neck conditions such as herniated discs, bulging and degenerative discs and joint disease. These symptoms may be virtually eliminated following this highly effective therapy. DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is the leading non-surgical alternative to more traditional treatments, which often include drugs and medications, difficult exercises, or even risky surgery. DTS Therapy is a proactive and pain-free treatment that has shown a very high rate of success for most back and neck pain sufferers. If you suffer from neck or back pain, you owe it to yourself to try DTS Therapy. “ I may have one of the largest postoperative chiropractic practices around. Approximately 30% of my current patient base have already been operated on. I know how to help these patients by working around the surgery they have had. Whatever your health concern, call and see if my unique approach can help return you to health,” Dr Templeton participates in over 80 different health plans as well as Medicare.

His office will check your benefits for you before you arrive. Just call Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center 507 Alabama Avenue, Bremen (770-537-5555) and Axiom Chiropractic, 941 S Carroll Rd Suite C, Villa Rica (770-459-8782) Visit drtempleton.com

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 3

Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies:

from the traditional to non-traditional student, anyone can learn more about the Bible

And for those pursuing a career in the ministry, avoid student debt Editor’s note: This story was submitted prior to the current COVID 19 crisis.

Potential students should contact GSOP for updates on in-person/online class schedules.

by Amber George The Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies (GSOP) is a non-profit, educational institution sponsored by, and affiliated with, cthe Churches of Christ in Georgia.

With a Villa Rica campus located at 515 Dallas Highway, GSOP is a tuition free, Bible-based school designed to prepare not only preachers for a career in the field, but to help all Christians achieve a more effective and fruitful service in the Lord’s church.

GSOP believes that regardless of your official job title, all Christians are called to do God’s work.

While Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies is associated with Churches of Christ, the school itself is non-denominational. They strive to strictly teach from the Bible.

Despite their non-existent tuition, these classes are still rigorous college level courses. Each class is taught over an 18 week period with two available semesters in the spring and fall. With GSOP’s mission to teach others about the Bible, each class has a focus on either an individual book or section of the Bible.

With a passing grade, students can earn three legitimate college credits. Most of these credits are directly transferable to other

Elect

colleges in the region such as their close affiliates Heritage in Alabama and the Memphis School of Preaching. For those who feel called into ministry, these free credits can be stepping stones towards earning a degree.

The director of the Villa Rica Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies is Tom Bosworth. When asked about daily operations and mission, Bosworth stressed that this school’s main priority is educating Christians from all backgrounds, careers, and denominations.

Bosworth said, “It’s not just a group of people learning to be preachers, but a group of people learning about the Bible.”

Anyone from homeschooled teenagers to great grandparents to working parents or a pastor looking for more in-depth studies, GSOP caters to a large crowd. There are even times set up where both parents and children alike can participate together; a great opportunity for those who homeschool in West Georgia. For those who work a 9-5 job, the school also offers convenient night classes. These accommodations make pursuing education easier for the individuals you’d generally see discouraged from attending seminary.

Bosworth shared the story of a recent student who was a teacher during the day and attended GSOP’s classes at night. This student said the classes equipped him to pastor a church on the weekends. This man’s sons, ages 16 and 18, are attending the school now

James

The Villa Rica campus of the Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies is located at 515 Dallas Highway, Villa Rica Church of Christ. and are on track to becoming preachers themselves.

Even if you are not pursuing a theological degree, a few free transferable credits may be of use for other bachelor degrees. Either way it’s free for the public. Take it for the credit or take it just to learn more.

Over the past few decades, the drastic increase of individuals attending college, both young and old alike, is no “new news.”

We all know someone who has, or is currently, pursuing higher education. While there has already been a large enrollment increase in years past, data shows that these

James Fulford

FULFORD District 5

County Commissioner

Leadership • Experience • Unity

numbers keep growing. According to the U.S. Department of Education, by the year 2028 undergraduate enrollment alone is projected to increase to 17.2 million students.

Likewise, most of us know someone with a tremendous amount of student debt; student debt totals that unashamedly compete with the price of a brand new home or luxury car.

There’s no denying that our country’s student debt abyss runs deep and wide. The latest statistics estimates that U.S. students have more than $1.5 trillion in loans.

With a college degree’s large price tag, it’s See BIBLICAL STUDIES page 17

During this uncertain time, voting is more important than ever. We need leadership that will guide us through the challenges and keep our community moving forward. As District 5 Commissioner, I promise to keep the best interest of our citizens and the business community a top priority. Please vote on Tuesday, June 9.

Please stay safe and continue to support our local businesses and thanking our wonderful health care providers!

Thank you for your support!

Early Voting runs Monday May 18 - Friday June 5 & Sat. May 30 Election Day is Tuesday, June 9

Page 4 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Economic impact payments from the United States Treasury: what you need to know from press release dated March 30, 2020 The United States Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.

However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment.

Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?

Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment.

For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds.

Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.

Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are also eligible and will not be required to file a return.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child.

How will the IRS know where to send my payment?

The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact

payment to those eligible. For people who son, without the additional amount for any I need to file a tax return. How long are the economic impact payments available? have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the dependents at this time.

For those concerned about visiting a tax I have a tax filing obligation but have not IRS will use this information to calculate the professional or local community organizafiled my tax payment amount.

IRS distribution of economic impact return for 2018 tion in person to get help with a tax return, For those who have not yet filed payments will begin in the next three weeks or 2019. Can I these economic impact payments will be their return for and will be distributed automatically, with still receive an available throughout the rest of 2020.

Where can I get more information? economic 2019, the IRS no action required for most people. . .

The IRS will post all key information on impact will use informaIRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as it becomes payment? tion from their some taxpayers who do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to Yes. The IRS available.

2018 tax filing to The IRS has a reduced staff in many of its urges anyone calculate the receive the economic impact payment with a tax filing offices but remains committed to helping elipayment. The economic impact payment will be deposited obligation who has not yet filed a tax return gible individuals receive their payments directly into the same banking account for 2018 or 2019 to file as soon as they can expeditiously. Check for updated informato receive an economic impact payment. tion on IRS.gov/coronavirus rather than callreflected on the return filed.

Taxpayers should include direct deposit ing IRS assistors who are helping process The IRS does not have my direct deposit 2019 returns. banking information on the return. information. What can I do?

In the coming weeks, the Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to COMMERCIAL SERVICES RESIDENTIAL SERVICES checks in the mail.

Building-Drive Thrus-Parking House-Deck Sealing-Deck CleaningI am not typically required to file a tax Decks-Gum Removal-Dumpster return. Can I still receive my payment?

Driveways-Pool Area-Painting-Lawn Yes. The IRS will use the information on Area-Shopping CenterCare the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to Concrete-Restaurants generate Economic Impact Payments to recipients of benefits reflected in the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 who are not required to file a tax return and did not file a return for 2018 or 2019.

ANY HOUSE up to OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK This includes senior citizens, Social 2000 sq ft Security recipients and railroad retirees who CALL 770-947-3499 CLEANED for only are not otherwise required to file a tax return.

LICENSED & INSURED $119.95 Since the IRS would not have information With coupon only. Some restrictions may apply. regarding any dependents for these people, Offer expires May 17, 2020 www.dannyspressurewashinc.com each person would receive $1,200 per per-

chamber #1 1/4

Danny’s Pressure Wash Inc.com

Danny’s Pressure Your 1-Stop Shop Wash

Bermuda Grass Harman Turf

Commercial and Residential Pick-Up or Delivery

Saturday Pick Up Upon Request

6990 Five Notch Rd • Franklin, Georgia

770-854-6400

Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews April 19, 2020 Page 5

Page 6 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Message from State Senator Mike Dugan continued from front page

outside of your home should only be for essential purposes, such as buying groceries In recent weeks, communities have come or visiting the pharmacy. Even in such situatogether in unprecedented ways. We have tions, epidemiologists have advised to avoid found innovative methods to remain any group settings and to remain at least six engaged with each other, even while social feet away from others. So far, I have been encouraged by distancing.

Communities have come Georgians’ willingMany churches, for ness to practice together in unprecedented example, have turned to social distancing to livestreaming their servways. We have found protect themselves ices so congregants can innovative methods to remain and others. watch from home.

Each of us has a Restaurants have pivoted engaged with each other, even vital role in flattento take-out and delivery while social distancing. . . ing the infection only. Many private busiour communities are curve and stopping nesses have adapted their the spread of rising to the occasion facilities to produce muchCOVID-19. needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment. These During this time, I hope you’ll join me recare only a few examples of how our commu- ognizing the bravery and sacrifices of docnities are rising to the occasion and assisting tors, nurses, lab technicians, first responders and many others working long, hard hours those in need.

Working alongside the federal govern- on the frontlines of this pandemic. To help ment and local municipalities, the state has them, we can all play a part by following the taken significant action to cut the infection rate and keep our families safe. Gov. Brian Kemp recently declared a public health state of emergency to grant state agencies additional flexibility to ensure that critical resources reach the most vulnerable citizens.

Recently, the governor also issued a statewide shelter-in-place order, directing Georgians to remain at home through April 30. This order was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, which can be transmitted even by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms.

I have recently received several questions about the governor’s shelter-in-place order, and it’s important to understand that travel

guidance issued by the state and the CDC, and continuing to practice social distancing.

Our communities are strong, made up of resilient Americans, and I am confident that we will emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever.

Sen. Mike Dugan serves as the Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 30th Senate District, which includes portions of Carroll, Douglas and Paulding counties.

He can be reached at 404.463.2478 or by email at mike.dugan@senate.ga.gov.

from press release Republican Candidate for the 18th House District, Cason Hightower, has received the endorsement of former U.S. Representative Lynn Westmoreland: “I’ve worked with Cason Hightower in the trenches, getting things done for west Georgia” Westmoreland stated. “She’s got the work ethics and determination we need in our leaders at the State Capitol. I trust her to get the job done. She has my full endorsement!”

Hightower commented, “During my time working with Lynn Westmoreland as his

Deputy Chief, he taught me first-hand what strong, conservative leadership can do for west Georgia’s families. I am especially honored to have the endorsement of a true statesman, Lynn Westmoreland.”

Hightower is a 4th generation small businesswoman born and raised in West Georgia.

She is running as a Republican in the upcoming June 9th Primary Election in the contest to replace retiring State Representative Kevin Cooke. www.CasonHightower.com www.facebook.com/CasonHightowerGA18

Westmoreland endorses Cason Hightower for State House seat for District 18

TELEHEALTH VISITS AVAILABLE

Open in Carrollton only for urgent and emergent care Hours 9-2 for office visits, 9-5 for telehealth, Monday - Thursday Bremen and Villa Rica are not open for a brief period due to COVID 19

GeorgiaVision Center

Message from Sheriff Terry Langley continued from front page a sense of comfort to those who are sheltering in place, staying home, and doing their part to flatten the curve and spread of COVID-19.

At the Sheriff’s Office we have taken the advice of the medical experts to heart and have been rotating our work force in an effort to protect them as well as the public while still maintaining order throughout the community.

I am looking forward to fellowship again face to face between church members, sitting down at a restaurant, going to the movies, and the park. . .With your help, and God’s, we will get through this together, and we will come out better on the other side.

It is so important now more than ever to listen to your local government officials and medical experts who urge everyone to do their part by sheltering in place and only traveling for necessary purposes so that we may go back to our daily lives sooner rather than later.

I am looking forward to fellowship again face to face between church members, sitting down at a restaurant, going to the movies, and the park, and seeing all my employees back together again happy and healthy.

With your help, and God’s we will get through this together, and we will come out better on the other side.

Stay safe and stay healthy!

Front row: Jennifer Wilcox, O.D. • Lauren Yancey M.D.Back row: Keith Berry, M.D. • John Thomas, M.D. • Mark Ortiz, O.D.

Carrollton 158 Clinic Ave. 770-834-1008

Villa Rica 705 Dallas Hwy Suite 103 770-459-2022

Bremen 300 Alabama Ave 678-821-1880

www.georgiavisioninstitute.com

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews April 19, 2020

Page 7

Message to the citizens of Carroll County: COVID-19 updates

J

There is also a ban on the majority of visitors to senior care facilities. Facilities will also require in-room dining services for residents and regular health screenings for employees.

STATE Representative Voting: Absentee ballot request forms (R) DISTRICT 68 have been mailed. With them you choose 770-259-8143 whether you want to vote in the Democratic Keep68great Party or Republican Party primary; sign your @gmail.com name; add a 55-cent stamp; and put the The coronavirus situation has changed the forms in the mail.

County election offices will also accept way we live and work right now, and it is important to know what these many changes absentee ballot requests by email.

The state has moved the election date are. Information related to the COVID-19 from Tuesday, May 19th to coronavirus crisis is cona new date of Tuesday, It is also important tinually released from a June 9th. The same applivariety of sources. It is to note that state cation sent to in the mail is important to stay current and federal taxes still your ticket to vote in on all information to help the June 9th election withwill not be due until keep your family safe. out having to leave your Here today, I am providJuly 15, 2020. home. ing a list of resources that Stay safe and If you’ve never had to may help you locate apply to vote by mail, there remain cautious! needed services during are only a few simple this pandemic crisis.

Please reach out steps: Please feel to share this to me if you have 1. Review the preinformation with others. filled information to make any questions Sheltering-in-Place: sure it’s accurate.

The state’s executive 2. Check the type of ballot you want. order to shelter-in-place because of the novel 3. Sign and date the application. coronavirus COVID-19 remains in place 4. Upon completion, send it to the through April 30th. The order, initially announced April 3rd, bars restaurants and county election office!

Follow the instructions printed on the private social clubs from offering dine-in services, while continuing to allow take-out, application for sending the request back.

Visit sos.ga.gov today to obtain an absencurbside pick-up and delivery services.

Governor Kemp signed another executive tee ballot request if you didn’t receive one in order to suspend short-term vacation rentals the mail.

Census: The U.S. Census Bureau is carethroughout the state.

COLLINS

fully monitoring the coronavirus (COVID19) situation and will follow the guidance of federal, state, and local health authorities.

Census 2020 is important to our communities! Below are just a few of the areas the Census affects: - School lunches - Plans for highways - Support for firefighters and families in need - District lines for schools and voting You can submit your census information by going to https://2020census.gov/en.html.

It takes about ten minutes on your desktop, laptop, or smartphone. You can also submit your information by mail and by phone if you have received your invitation to complete the form.

Resources • COVID-19 Hotline: 1-844- 442-2681 • DECAL Hotline: 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS or 1-877-255-42-5437 • Small Business Administration Georgia SBA application process: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Documents/ Three_Step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans. pdf: This outlines who is eligible, for how much they are eligible, and the process and requirements to receive the loan.

• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities at https://dbhdd.georgia.gov • The Georgia Crisis & Access Line is 800-715-4225 and is available 24/7.

• Department of Revenue https://dor.georgia.gov • Department of Driver Services DDS has issued a 120-day extension for

drivers 60 years old and older in driver license renewals. The following link has details of the extension and other related information. https://dds.georgia.gov/coronavirus-covid-19 • COVID-19 Testing Testing priorities should be given to these three groups: 1.) First Responders 2.) Healthcare Providers 3.) 65 years or older with 99.6 degree or higher temperature School Closures: All Georgia public schools closed through the end of this school year.

To stay up-to-date on our state’s response to COVID-19 and explore options for financial relief during these uncertain times check out the following: dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019nCoV/index.html dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-statusreport gov.georgia.gov/press-releases gov.georgia.gov/executiveaction/executive-orders/2020-executiveorders disasterloan.sba.gov/ela dol.georgia.gov/blog/new-informationfiling-unemployment-partial-claims-andreemployment-services It is also important to note that state and federal taxes will not be due until July 15, 2020.

Stay safe and remain cautious! Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

770-259-8143 Keep68great@gmail.com

Lee Powers Election Day is June 9 Early Voting May 18-June 5 & Sat. May 30 Remember Absentee ballots...I would be honored to receive your vote!

LET’S CONNECT!

404-969-8169 Call me anytime.

Email: thecommitteetoelectleepowers@gmail.com facebook.com/Lee Powers for Carroll County Commissionner District 5

Paid for by The Committee to Elect Lee Powers

ELECT EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP THAT WILL PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR TRADITIONS AND HERITAGE OF THE 5TH DISTRICT!

100% Conservative!

My voting record proves it!

Page 8 April 19, 2020

StarNews

PRIMARY JUNE 9th from front page

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Raffensberger stated, “Due to the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency through a time period that includes almost every day of in-person voting for an election on May 19, and after careful consideration, I am now comfortable exercising the authority vested in me by Georgia law to postpone the primary election until June 9.

This decision allows our office and county election officials to continue to put in place contingency plans to ensure that voting can be safe and secure when in-person voting begins and prioritizes the health and safety of voters, county election officials, and poll workers.”

Contested seats on the June 9th ballot include State Court Judge, Carroll County Commission District 5, and Carroll County Board of Education Districts 1, 3, 4, and 6.

See Page 28 for State Court Judge candidates, and Page 29 for District 5 Commissioner candidates.

Below and continued on pages 16,18 and 35 are four of the county school board candidates. (The remaining candidates had not responded at press time.)

Carroll County School Board DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE Bernice Brooks Former teacher, principal, and school board member, Dr. Bernice Brooks, is seeking to regain her seat for District 1 of Carroll County School Board.

Being a retired educator as a para-pro, a teacher, Brooks and a principal at Glanton-Hindsman Elementary (then Villa

Rica Primary School), she feels she is the one who knows the best techniques and strategies for students to get the most from the schools..

“I taught for more than 36 years. After retirement, I began an After-School Tutorial session for students who were experiencing difficulties in Reading, Math and Word Recognition because they were not equipped with the basic skills in those specific areas.”

She also served on the school board for 12 years, from 2001 until 2012.

“I can bring a tremendous amount of educational experiences and knowledge to the Carroll County School System,” she states.

“I am well equipped with the knowledge, the skills and the experiences to ensure that our students are provided a curriculum that will assist them in becoming productive adults.”

Due to the covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent school’s closure, students have

been learning electronically since March.

Distant learning has been a component of learning in the Carroll County School System for a number of years. “For many students it has proven to be a successful path,” explained Brooks. “Other students need the personal contact as well as the social aspect of a human being in order to act or react when learning.” Brooks has long been an advocate of individualized teaching/learning strategies.

She hopes after this “trial run,” this system will continue Distant Learning in addition to the classroom model. “Some students need personal education as well as socialization in order to become well-rounded individuals,” she said. “Many students just need to know that there are adults who care about them and how they are progressing.”

Brooks feels that the effects of this closure cannot be measured for months or even

years. “The long-term effects cannot be explained until there is some support data collected and analyzed. Such an abrupt closure can cause a profound effect that will take time to realize the total impact on students and parents, as well as teachers. Now, hopefully, programs will be put in place to minimize the effect of any future closing.”

Brooks has experienced the school system before an ELOST (Education Special Local Option Sales Tax) was passed and after it went into effect. “ELOST is very important to the survival of our school system,” she declared. “It has provided funding for facilities that would not have come to fruition on the system’s tax-base. This should definitely be a source of funding permanently because not only do local residents assist with ELOST but other individuals who shop in the county do as well.”

See SCHOOL BOARD page 16

VOTE DATE CHART

Wallace Farm and Pet Supply

JonesWynn

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 9

RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Nand Patel?

Editor’s note: This year’s “Who Carroll Junior?” series was begun before the COVID crisis shut down our schools. Some interviews were conducted prior to the shutdown, with the remaining through email, texting, and/or phone calls. The 2020 series will continue in May.

by Prissi Sullivan Nand Patel, a 17-year-old senior at Villa Rica High School, is looking to do an internship at Southwire over the summer. He feels this will be an asset in his chosen field of study, which is business. “I have been involved with business my whole life with my parents and I would like to take this to next level,” he explained. His parents own and operate a gas station on Highway 61, and he helped in operations.

Nand is looking forward to attending Georgia Tech in the fall, because, “It is one of the best college educations this country has to offer.” He feels it will test his passion for business and provide him with countless resources which will ultimately contribute to his success on his career path.

His favorite subject is history. “I like to learn about the past,” he explained,” and how we can use that knowledge to progress forward individually and as a civilization.”

Nand is a member of National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Student Government. He gains a lot from student government and states that it is his favorite organization. “It gives direct influence on how my entire class is run and lets me implement ideas that my peers want,” he explained. He has been involved with student government for 3 years. The group participates in food drives, provided food for the homeless, and supports the elementary schools in Villa Rica, by helping to decorate the schools’ fences with fence cups, creating designs of their mascots and the name of the school. The group also volunteers to help with festivals such as field days and pep rallies. We also do these things for our own high school.

He is Secretary NHS, which has taught him how to organize events and become a more organized person in general. He also likes being able to help people in the community, which Nand Patel has helped a women’s group in Carrollton. “the most valuable thing I have learned and that I constantly practice is that to be a leader, you must be on the same level as your peers, he said. “You shouldn’t try to dictate everything you; view yourself to be just another group member.”

Nand has studiously maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout his high school career. He participated in the HOBY CLeW (Hugh O’Brian Community Leadership Workshop), which is a one-day leadership program for high school sophomores. Hugh O’Brian Youth is an organization that was started in 1958, by the Marine Veteran turned Celebrity Actor, when he was challenged by a Noble Peace Prize winner to use his success to do something to make a difference in the world. Two weeks after being given the challenge, O’Brian had designed a plan for the first HOBY Leadership Seminar. With the help of local civic organizations.

HOBY Georgia was founded in 1978. Still under the direction of HOBY International the committees plan, resource (funds, staffing, participants), and then See NAND PATEL page 17

Senator Mike Dugan United States Senate District 30

Dugan REPUBLICAN

SENATOR MIKE DUGAN Senate District 30 Republican CAPITOL OFFICE 121-J State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 463-2478

COVID-19 Virus STAY CALM, STAY INFORMED Be cautious on receiving information from social media and the uninformed.

Receive your information from reliable, informed, and respected sources so you have the latest accurate information on the virus and what steps you need to take to keep you, your loved ones, community, and state safe! www.tanner.org dph.georgia.gov www.cdc.gov

Please follow all shelter-in-place guidelines to ensure better health outcomes for us all!

"May God's BLESSINGS be stowed upon each of you and may He continue to bless the great state of Georgia!"

Be kind, stay mindful of your actions. PREVENTION, NOT PANIC! PAID FOR BY STATE SENATOR MIKE DUGAN.

Page 10 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Who is Naomi Norbraten?

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020 RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

by Prissi Sullivan

Budding astronomer, Naomi Norbraten, is a 17-year-old sophomore at Central High School. She wants to do research in the planetary sciences. She has loved astronomy for a long time, but when she took an astronomy course at Stanford this summer, she realized the possibility was within her grasp. This summer enrichment program gives high school or gap year students the opportunity for a transformative educational experience on the dynamic California campus. Naomi chose the astronomy course because the instructor, Olenka Hubicky, who was a philosophy and astronomy major and a former NASA Ames researcher, had a stellar reputation. “I plan on taking another labbased astronomy course At West Georgia come fall,” she said. “I am constantly reading new information and articles about updates in the field, and for fun I like to track the position of the planets nightly.”

It comes as no surprise that her favorite subject is science, specifically astronomy. “I love how whenever I learn anything about astronomy, there is always a mix between science, math, philosophy, and history,” she explained the comprehensiveness of the subject matter.

Her uncle was an engineer at NASA during the space race; she thinks his stories sparked her interest in the stars. “I also had a children’s book called ‘The Atlas of Space’ that I carried around with me everywhere,” she said. “There’s something so fascinating about the fact that we are so small, but we also can know so much about things so much bigger and so far from us.”

She wants to do research with both feet planted on the earth! “The path for astronauts usually involves exercise and military training which aren’t my forte, “she stated. “Also, most of the planets I want to study are a bit too far away to travel to.” She has been looking into aerospace engineering and would love to help engineer or plan someone else’s space trip “like my uncle did!”

She hasn’t settled on a college yet, but her top choices are Georgia Tech or Stanford. “Georgia Tech is close to home and has phenomenal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) disciplines,” she stated. “I also love Atlanta and miss living in a city dearly.” She loved her quarter at Stanford last summer and absolutely loved it. “The culture of Silicon Valley is so enticing Naomi Norbraten because it has all the urban commodities of cities on the east coast, but the people are so much friendlier, she declared. “Both schools have amazing astronomy programs so I feel I would be ready for the workforce wherever I went.”

Naomi was awarded the top freshman and top sophomore awards for having the highest GPA of her class for both years. She received first place in the precalculus Southern Union math tournament in 10th grade. In addition, she is a two-time GHP (Governor’s Honor Program) state semi-finalist, competing in the Spanish World Languages category. She scored first place in the Georgia FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) regional Business Math competition, and second in Public Speaking this year. Last year she earned second place in Intro to Business math and third place in Impromptu Speaking.

Naomi is a well-rounded, enthusiastic student. Not only does she excel in her academic classes, she shines in other areas. Currently, she is the most senior officer of the CHS drama club, which is her favorite extra-curricular endeavor. “We are a really small program, so it’s difficult for us to pull off productions and See NAOMI NORBRATEN page 15

Carroll EMC

J Collins State Rep

I remain dedicated to serving your interests as your state representative, and I hope that you will contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the 2020 legislative session or with any proposals or recommendations for future legislation.

MY COMMITTEES Public Safety and Homeland Security - Vice Chairman Regulated Industries - Vice Chairman Appropriations - Member Juvenile Justice - Secretary Governmental Affairs - Member Thank you for allowing me to serve and represent you, the citizens, of Georgia’s District 68

- State Representative J. Collins

State Representative District 68 J. Collins (R)

770-259-8143

www.house.ga.gov

Keep68great@gmail.com

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 11

RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Andruw Martin?

by Prissi Sullivan Andruw Martin, a 16-year-old junior at Villa Rica High School, hopes to enter the agricultural communication field, focuses on ag literacy. Many jobs in this field involve political advocacy and outreach for students to learn more about the industry. Jobs can also be in media management and production, journalism, sales, etc.

“I’ve looked at going into the political side of it, as I enjoy leadership, but I have also had thoughts of going into photojournalism and working my way into it from that angle. I want to have a working cattle farm as well. The agricultural world is a broad one, and many people don’t entirely realize this,” he explained. “I’d like to be an advocate for it and to open people’s eyes to.”

Mr. Bennett Jacobs, his ag class advisor has been the most influential teacher throughout his high school career. “From the first day being in an ag class, I knew that’s exactly where I belonged and so did he,” Andruw explained. “He helped foster and grow a deeper passion for the industry within me, as well as open my eyes to the copious opportunities I had laying at my feet if only I would reach out and take them. In addition, Mr. Jacobs has pushed me further than I thought I could go, especially in roles of leadership and public speaking, whether it be for events or actual competitions.”

Andruw has found Mr. Jacobs to be a mentor even outside the classroom. “He is interested in whatever I have going on and loves hearing of my accomplishments. He also makes sure I keep my head on straight and strive for the right things in life. He takes every opportunity to help me.”

He is an English teacher’s dream in that he loves reading and writing, and literature is his favorite subject. “I was that kid who could finish the really thick books in two days--no sweat!

Even though I don’t read nearly as much now, I still write a plethora of different things to hone my creative expression skills.” His favorite book is In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez or The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. “They both show incredible stories of resilience and standing up for one’s own beliefs even through tough struggles,” he explained.

Andruw is junior class vice president. “I wasn’t going to run at first but one of the teachers Andruw Martin that sponsors SGA (Student Government Association), Mrs. Tyson, convinced me I had a good shot, so I gave it a try.” The group goes to great lengths to provide the student body with pleasant memories of their high school years. “We do anything from the decorating the football field fence with cups to planning prom and graduation; we even design and order our class T-shirts and plan next year’s our senior field trips.”

He is an accomplished student and an academic asset to his school. He’s made all As his entire scholastic career. Additionally, he took third place in a regional FFA forestry competition, for which he measured trees for cord volume. “It’s basically using a clinometer to measure the height, then taking the circumference of

See ANDRUW MARTIN page 17

JonesWynn

Wallace Farm and Pet Supply

Page 12 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020 RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Nathan Handley?

by Prissi Sullivan

Nathan “Nate” Handley is a 17-year-old junior at Central High School, whose aim is to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a civil engineer. “I have seen what he does, and how it incorporates math and science. It also has outdoor aspects. I enjoy all of these things in my life,” he explained. He is taking as many challenging and rigorous math and science classes as possible to prepare for furthering his education at Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Tech is his dad’s alma mater and his sister is currently enrolled there. “I believe Georgia Tech will make me the most prepared for the workforce in this field.”

Math is and always has been Nate’s favorite subject. “It is very straight forward and there is always one clear answer without the ambiguity you find in other subjects,” he stated. He placed 3rd in a math competition at Southern Union College as a freshman, competing against 60 other students.

Nate’s interests are, however, not confined to math. He is and has been president of his class since 8th grade, an elected position. He campaigned in 8th grade, but since then, has run completely unopposed!

“I have always liked leading and I saw this as a good way to serve my fellow classmates. The student council helps organize several different school activities such as homecoming festivities as well as the Sadie Hawkins dance,” he explained.

He currently participates in baseball and basketball. He is in the Champions Club on the basketball team which includes the leaders on the team as chosen by the players and the coaches. Nate was also selected to be in the Sources of Strength club which addresses the overall health of students, including mental and physical aspects. The group is focused on promoting the well-being of all of the people with whom they come in contact. The students selected were chosen because of the influence they have in their class and among their peers He is a member of Beta club, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), NHS (National Honor Society), Spanish Honor Society, and the math team, competes in regional competitions Nathan “Nate” Handley that include other schools in the area. “I enjoy all of these clubs and teams, and I believe that they help make me a well-rounded student and help me get involved in the school community,” he declared. He won the Daughters of the American Revolution United States History award, along with the Woodmen of the World U. S. History award. He was nominated by his U.S. History teacher because of his hunger for learning and his passion for history. “oh,” he said as an afterthought, “I also had the highest average in my A.P. (Advanced Placement) U.S. history class.”

Nate cites Mrs. Morris, the school librarian, as having had an amazing impact on his life. “She always has an uplifting and positive attitude. I always look forward to our conversations. During homecoming week on our dress up days, she always enthusiastic and gives it her all. She wears some of the best costumes, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with every day.”

During the “shelter in place” directive, Nate has been volunteering at the food pantry, which is sponsored by his church. He assists with loading food into cars and organizing canned goods for distribution. “This program is important to me because it reminds me that God calls me to give back to those that aren’t as See NATHAN HANDLEY page 15

SENIOR BANNERS AND YARD SIGNS ARE PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING YOUR SENIOR’S LAST YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL We can print custom banners and yard signs just for you!

The UPS Store

In McIntosh Plaza near Publix

(678) 796-1002 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm 1109 SOUTH PARK ST • STE 504 CARROLLTON, GA 30117 •Saturday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Fax (678) 796-9119 •Sunday Closed store4882@theupsstore.com www.theupsstorelocal.com/4882

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews April 19, 2020 Page 13

Page 14 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020 RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Hannah Andrews?

by Prissi Sullivan

Hannah Andrews is a 17-year-old senior at Villa Rica High School. She is a dedicated, hardworking student, who has garnered many achievements during her high school tenure.

She is on the Varsity Track and Field and Cheerleading teams. She has been captain of the cheerleading squad. In 9th grade, she earned the Scholar Athlete award in cheerleading by maintaining a 3.7 Grade Point Average (GPA) along with her athletic endeavors. In 10th grade she received the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) All-American Scholar Athlete award in cheerleading and the Most Outstanding Sprinter award in track. She was also named the Team Most Valuable Player in track. During her junior year, Hannah again took the Scholar Athlete Award in cheerleading and the Most Outstanding Sprinter Award in track. In addition, through determination and practice, she set new school records in 400m and 4x100m relay in track.

Hannah is a member of Beta Club, Key Club, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), and National Honors Society. She is serving as President of Beta Club and Vice President of Key Club. Beta Club recognizes and honors high academic achievement and promotes the ideals of academic accomplishment, character, service, and leadership. Key Club is the oldest and largest student-led service program for high school students. FCCLA is a career and technical students’ group of which family is the center focus. It promotes leadership through service to others. In addition to high academics, NHS requires service to the community, school, or other organization.

“My favorite is Beta Club, stated Hannah, “because I have been involved in it the longest. I have gained experience in holding a leadership role, which has been a great benefit to me, and moving out of my comfort zone when it comes to speaking to new people.”

Hannah likes delving into history and past events and lives. “I enjoy learning about different perspectives of the same event,” she explained. “Each point of view is different but valuable.”

Not surprisingly, her favorite teacher and the one who has wielded the most influence over her Hannah Andrews is her history teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Harris. “She once said she believed that a teacher is a good teacher when they teach well-behaved students, but a great teacher can teach students who aren’t as well behaved,” explained Hannah. “She continued to say that this was one of her goals as a teacher. This stuck with me because it applies everywhere. It is easy to see success when things are easy, but I want to be better so that I can still achieve success when things are hard.” It’s obvious that Hannah intends to set this as her life’s goal.

Hannah plans to major in psychology and has been given an offer of acceptance into the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, West Point Prep.

The official mission of the school is “to provide academic, military, and physical instruction in a moral-ethical environment to prepare and motivate candidates for success at the United States Military Academy.”

Most students who attend the prep school will go on to West Point, but may transfer to other service academies, depending on their performance at the prep school. Hannah’s track coach sent her information to West Point, and Hannah decided to pursue the opportunity. “I felt it would be a great step up for my

See HANNAH ANDREWS page 16

Mental Health and Wellness COVID-19

In response to the need for social distancing requirements, anxiety, stress and loss related to COVID-19 Pandemic, we now offer Telemedicine/Virtual Visits 5 days a week 8am - 7pm, Monday through Friday. Patients can now receive mental health care in the comfort, privacy and safety of their own homes.

The Potter’s Clinic

Most insurance companies now provide coverage (during this pandemic) for Telemedicine and we accept Debit and Credit Card Payments.

Call us today to book your appointment!

Most mental health and addiction patients qualify to be seen via telemedicine, it is as simple as using Zoom

All you need is a smart phone, iPad, laptop or computer.

Please call us today 770-459-8799 or 770-439-3070

West Georgia’s Christian Psychiatrist www.thepottersclinic.com Call us today,

Dr. Mobolaji OyebanjoPopoola, M.D., A.B.P.N, A.B.P.M

The Potters Clinic Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Villa Rica 770-459-8799 or Hiram 770-439-3070

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020 RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

NATHAN HANDLEY from page 12

fortunate, and it is a very humbling experience,” he said.

Being a social individual, Nate has missed seeing his friends at school—talking to and joking with them and connecting with people. “Academically, not much has changed as my teachers have done a great job continuing education online.” He clarified.

In his spare time, he likes to watch Bob Ross painting videos and painting along with him. “I find it very relaxing and it is a good time for me to gather my thoughts,” he said.

He also hunts, fishes and works in the garden with his dad, in order to be outside and enjoy nature.

Nate has traveled to some interesting places—California, Nevada, France, and Costa Rica. He enjoyed Costa Rica the most.

California and Nevada were a family vacation. “We drove to many amazing natural and man-made attractions such as Sequoia National Park, The Grand Canyon, and the Hoover Dam,” he reminisced. Nate and his parents visited France to see his sister when she was studying abroad for a semester. His trip to Costa Rica was with his school and about 40 others, mainly Spanish students and staff from Central, with the company EF tours. “This trip exposed us to a rich Hispanic culture and helped build our love for the language and the people,” he declared. “So yes, they were all vacations, educational trips as well.” Costa Rica was his favorite. “The vibrant culture and amazing landscapes were incredible to explore and see because it’s not every day that you get to kayak beside a volcano or zipline through the rainforests,” he stated.

HANNAH ANDREWS from page 14

“sheltering in place” and not attending school for the duration. Even though she admits to being “a bit lazy,” she is maintaining her academic responsibilities by keeping up her grades.

“Socially, it’s certainly different,” she declared. “Even though I can’t hang out with my extended family and friends, I still speak to them regularly—really more often than if I were at school. I’ve been able to catch up on my sleep and I’m still able to work out.

Not being able to go anywhere contributes to a lazy feeling.”

Normally in her spare time, she sleeps, works out, and reads; she’s just doing more of it now.

NAOMI NORBRATEN from page 10

class feel like friends, and I think she’s a big reason I had such a great sophomore year.”

Last semester she worked with Impact Ministries’ free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. “I watched over children in the daycare area while their parents took English classes,” she said. “I deeply admire the work Impact Ministries does for our community and hope to work with them again.

She grew up in south Miami with a large Latino population and understands how important it is to bridge the language.

Always ready to see opportunities, she stated, “I also got the chance to improve my Spanish while I was there.”

Naomi is undaunted for the on-line learning for the rest of this school year. “I am very fortunate to already have a lot of experience with online learning. Of my four classes last semester, three were entirely online, so academically I feel secure.”

She has been reaching out to her friends to offer support. “Some of the homes are not conducive to online learning even if they have Wi-Fi and a laptop.”

She misses seeing her friends but has been trying to Face Time everyone she is close to regularly to stay in touch. She feels it is important to listen to the recommendations of the officials.

She loves to cook for her family and trying to focus on bringing new foods into their diet. She has been working on a “perfect” tomato sauce recipe for a few months.

She has “longsuffering” relationships with sewing and oil painting. She likes to paint landscapes and architecture, but has done some abstracts, because that is her mom’s favorite style. The last thing she stitched up was a pillow for a friend’s birthday, but she has plans to whip up a new circle skirt while practicing “social distancing.”

future,” she said. She will be required to perform five years active duty in the U.S. Army after graduation from West Point.

She chose psychology as her major field of study because she wants to enter the field of either sports psychology or child psychology.

Hannah said she realizes the toll that early life and sports can take on a person’s mind after an unfavorable situation or loss. She wants to develop and hone the skills to be able to help young people through those types of times and help them become better for it.

Hannah is stepping up to the challenge of competitions, but we always try our best,” she stated. “Last year the drama club was almost entirely student run. There were only seven of us, and we had no stage or budget for a set. But we still managed to put together a production for One Act Competition. I think we placed dead last, but it is still one of the most rewarding projects I have ever done. “ This year and last year Naomi received third place recognition at the regional literary competition for a dramatic monologue.

This year she was awarded an “All Star cast” recognition from the regional one act competition for her portrayal of “Ms. Wright” from Trifles by Susan Glaspel.

“This was another example of a play in which we did not let our small numbers stop us in drama!” she declared.

She is secretary of the Beta Club, historian for FBLA, and captain of the academic varsity team. She is also a member of the Civil Discourse Club, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and math team.

Naomi is founder of the CHS Test Prep group. “It is an online google classroom where I write power points and post links to help ensure all students have access to useful standardized test prep materials,” she explained.

AP Literature teacher, Ms. Trumble, has been very influential on Naomi. “She has the ability to make anyone feel calm and confident about an assignment regardless of how daunting it was. She also fostered a classroom that was just filled with positive energy and laughter,” she explained. “Her class read a lot of classics and discussed the philosophy behind the books, and it feels like I got smarter and more articulate taking her class. She managed to make the whole

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 15

Edward Jones

Fred O’Neal, AAMS® Financial Advisor 410 College Street Carrollton, GA. 770-832-2141

Derick T. Newton, AAMS® Dennis Brightman, CLU® Financial Advisor Financial Advisor 937B Maple Street 801 Old Newnan Road Suite C Carrollton, GA. 770-832-9515 Carrollton, Ga 770-834-0570

Joey L. Key, CHFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor 105 Somerset Pl,Suite A Carrollton, GA. 678-890-1067

Charles Shiver Financial Advisor 102 Trojan Dr Suite B Carrollton, GA. 770-834-4311 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

ewsgaonline.com

BITUARIES StarNews O O BITUARIES BITUARIES O- WEST BITUARIES GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES - - WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES

Page 28 9, 2020 SSStar NNews www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 16February August 11, 2019 tar www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 16 August 11, 2019 tar ews www.starnewsgaonline.com Page August 2019 Star N ews www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 1616 August 11,11, 2019 tar ews www.starnewsgaonline.com

Page 16 August 11, 2019

www.starnewsgaonline.com

J. Hoyt Thomas

learning, unless it is a necessity. “I think student and teacher interaction is paramount in education. A computer cannot replace a good teacher,” he explained. He doesn’t feel the current situation of “sheltering in place” will have any long-term effects on the students’ acquisition of the required subject matter.

“A beautiful place for memories” “Once our teachers create curriculum maps Our perpetualand carestudents memorialwill parkrapfor the fall26-acre the teachers to serve thisgaps area now for idlywas filldeveloped any instructional thatand might generations to come.West Georgia have &been created by any distance learning CREMATION SERVICE CREMATION SERVICE && CREMATION SERVICE Park is divided into beautiful &Memorial CREMATION SERVICE hardships,” heDirectors declared.

Funeral & Undertakers Funeral Directors Undertakers Funeral Directors &&traditional Undertakers gardens including up-right to Funeral Directors &our Undertakers Cleveland said, “We must continue

Page 16 April HOMES 19, 2020 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com - WESTGEORGIA GEORGIA AREAFUNERAL FUNERALHOMES HOMES- - WEST AREA ST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL -

J.J.HoytHoytTThomashomas

SCHOOL BOARD from page 8

remained since that time. “I have dedicated my entire life to leading and serving children. Running for the Carroll County Board of Education in 2012 was a way to continue to serve children long after retiring as a classroom teacher.” Since that feeling is still beautiful place memories” true“A today, Cleveland hasfor chosen to run for a “A beautiful place for memories” “A beautiful place for memories” “A beautiful place for memories” thirdOur term.

26-acre perpetual care memorial parkpark Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial 26-acre perpetual care memorial OurOur 26-acre perpetual care memorial parkpark Cleveland feels he isthis the best person was developed to serve area now and for for was developed to serve this area now and for was developed to serve this area now developed this area now andand forfor thewas jobgenerations because to oftoserve his hands-on knowledge come.West Georgia generations to come.West come.West Georgia generations to Georgia generations to come.West Georgia of theMemorial system.Park He ishas seen into it asbeautiful a teacher, a divided Memorial Park divided into beautiful Memorial Park isis divided into beautiful Memorial Park ismember. divided into beautiful & CREMATION SERVICE coach, and a board “I know what gardens including our traditional up-right gardens including our traditional up-right gardens including our traditional up-right gardens including our& traditional up-right Funeral Directors Undertakers actually goes on in classrooms on a day to headstone section in the of Memories headstone section in Garden the Garden of Memories Memories headstone section in the Garden of section in the Garden of Memories dayheadstone basis.

I can bridge the gap between stuas well as our flat bronze memorial section

dents and teachers with other board members that might not be as familiar with the current day to day operations of the local schools. I am also a strong supporter of Academics, Arts, and Activities.”

The Carroll County System is near and dear to Cleveland’s heart, as he graduated from Carrollton City Schools in 1985. His son, Clark, graduated from Villa Rica High School in 2007, while Jace, his other son, graduated from VRHS in 2013.

Even though, Carroll County students are currently engaged in distance learning, Cleveland is not a big fan of this method of

- WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES -

Over the next five years, Brooks sees the school system facing several issues. Growth in student population for the northern part of the county has been steady and will continue to be so. In addition, there will be a teacher shortage. “Fewer college students are iful place for memories” Education Majors,” she explained. “I am e perpetual care memorial park hearing that it is due to paperwork, testing, ed to serve this area now and for and a lack of time to spend with their tions to come.West Georgia families.”

Park is divided into beautiful Diversity is another matter that will need cluding our traditional up-right attention. “A lack of diversity in our system ction in the Garden of Memories has caused a number of young educators to headstone section the Garden of Memories SeeinCLEVELAND page 18 as well well as our our bronze memorial section as as atat bronze memorial section as well as our flatflflbronze memorial section ur flat bronze memorial section seek employment in other systems,” she as well as our flat bronze memorial section and and our Mausoleum in the Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden our Mausoleum in the Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden r Mausoleum in the Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden said. “This narrows the opportunities for of Cross and and our our Family Estates Garden. of Cross Cross Family Estates Garden. of Family Estates Garden. of Cross andand ourour Family Estates Garden. nd our Family Estates Garden. of Cross and our &Family Estates Garden. minorities who want to be an employee and PERSONALIZED FUNERAL CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL &&CREMATION SERVICES WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL PERSONALIZED FUNERAL &&CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES LOCALLY OWNED OPERATED WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL GEORGIA MEMORIAL cannot seem to get hired.”

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Brooks is a native Villa Rican and has 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, GaGa30180 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 206 South Carroll Road Rica, Ga 30180 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 2064194 South Carroll Road VillaVilla Rica, 30180 2064194 South Carroll Road VillaRica Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Highway ollton-Villa Rica Highway three daughters who were honor students Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway P.O.P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 1321 Carrollton, Georgia and P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-942-2311 graduated from Villa Rica High School.

770-459-3694 770-459-3694 770-459-3694 770www.jones-wynn.com Each has graduated from college and is in a www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com www.jones-wynn.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jones-wyn www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com estgeorgiamemorial.com career in which teaching is a vital component www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com of their daily lives. forfor complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.comfor complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonl complete obituary listings daily www.starnewsgaonline.com obituary listings daily gogo to:to: www.starnewsgaonline.com bituary listings daily go to:Brooks www.starnewsgaonline.com said, “I am here and ready withfor all complete Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny JoeJoe Jones, Jr.,Jr., Shedd, age 53,53, of experiences to ensure that our Shirley F.Alexander, Alexander, age71, 71, Tiffanee Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff”Cook, Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, JerryScott Scott Shedd, age Master Danny Jones, Shirley F. age Dawne “Tiff” Jerry Scott Shedd, age e Dawne “Tiff” Cook, my years Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne Cook, Danny Jr., Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53,53, Jerry Scott Shedd, 53, Jr.,Master Master Danny Joe Charlsie Hettie Hardegree Brock, age 96, \Robert Jones Hooton, age 57, born JulyJoe 28, Jones, Joseph Clinton “J.C.” Reid age 87,“Tiff” born April born November 27, 1947, died age 45,45, born October 12,age 1973, students areNovember provided safe environments that age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, born 27, 1947, died age born October 12, 1973, died Monday, July 8, 2019 age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, died Monday, July 8, 2019 orn October 12, 1973, born born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 died Monday, July 8, 2019 age 2 months, born M February 22, 1923, died January 2020 are conductive for learning; teachers that are24, Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 1962, died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 7, 1932, died Friday, January 10,Simpson, 2020 died Thursday, July 4, 4, 2019 David Ronald age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 age died Thursday, July 4, 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age died Thursday, July 4, died Thursday, July 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age y, July 12, 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age David Ronald Simpson, qualified andJoyce caring, and to aage voice for Betty Browning, age 86, born Dwight Bishop, Jr.,be 62, James B. B. Dean, Nell Lovvorn, age Bobby R.age Horsley, age 59,“Marjorie” born February 15, Theortha “KREGG” Robinson, agedied 56, died born July 21,21, 1948, July Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, 70, James Dean, age92, 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age70, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James Dean, age 92, 70, born July 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B.B. Dean, age 92, born July 1948, died July B. Dean, age 92, those Dwight Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Nell28, Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21,21, 1948, July born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lo who feel that they are not being heard.

If70, you need to make a died born September 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died September 23, 1933, died Friday, January 10, 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 1960, died Thursday, January 02, 2020 January 28, 2020 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 86,born born August3, 3,1932, 1932,died died09, born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, 09, 2019 ember 02, 1926, died I want born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died toborn keeping value in public education August 86, August 3, 1932, died 2019 09, 2019 86, born August 3, or talk toage us95, in Tuesday, July 9, 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10,10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94,94, 2020 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019Nathan H.payment Andrew Travis Jackson, Jr., age 101, born “Nat” Shackleford, born Tuesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday, July 10, byTuesday, being visible and accessible.”

Wednesday, July 2019 July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age ay, July 3, 2019 Tuesday, July 9,10, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, person, we will28, meet you Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76,76, born February 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Brandon D. Cole, age 48, born August 18, Carroll County School Board Andra Dixon McGill, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died February 9,1925, 1918, died Friday, January 10, 2020 June 29, 1924, died Saturday, January 25, 2020 Andra Dixon McGill, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died Bushon Dickerson, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76,76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, died Andra Dixon McG at your vehicle.

Gloves age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, 68, born September 7, 1950, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 born76, October 18,05, 1941, diedT. age 76, born June 05, 1943, died born September 7,Lee 1950, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 eptember 7, 1950, died 1971, age born June 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Sherry Thigpen Kierbow, age 63, born Daniel “Danny” Sharpe III, age 61, born born October 18, 1941, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 born October 18, and mask are worn and Wednesday, July 10,10, 2019 Friday, July 19,19, 2019 Rob Cleveland Wednesday, July 17,17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40,40, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Friday, July 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, July 17, Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age y 19, 2019 Harold Aubrey Cook, age 87, born Friday, February Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, May 7, 1956, died Tuesday, January 21, 2020 March 15, 1958, died Tuesday, January 7, 2020 Incumbent Rob disinfectant on 18, anything John D. D. Brown, Jr.,Jr., age 53,53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84,84, Parker Mullis, Jr.,Jr., age September 1978, died John D. Brown, age 53, born Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., ageborn John Brown, age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age born September 18, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, age John D.Monday, Brown, Jr.,Jr.,age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, born September 18, 1978, died Jean Dodderer, age 84, 2, John D. Brown, Jr., Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died September 18, 1978, died 1932, died January 27, 2020 Eugene Parker Mu E. J. Kilgore, age 67, born May 23, 1952, died Jenny Ruth Nixon Sheffield, age 92, died on Cleveland is asking vot-1965, touched, brought to you, or born August 18, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December 31, 1948, died August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 9, 1935, died Monday, ersborn born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December 31 for2019 a third term in the Driver, age 47, born Wayne “Jerome” June Thursday, January 16, 2020 Sunday, January 5,the 2020 into offi“Debbie” ce.“Debbie” 22, July 22,22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 8, 2019 Deborah Ann West, 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 22, 2019 July 2019 Deborah Ann West, Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 2019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 District 1 seat, Carroll Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 26, 1972, died Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella age JamesFazio, Dewey 90, bornLee January 24, ageage Dana Thomas Shick, ageJuly 45, September Nichols, 66,66, age 58, died July 22,born 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio,Knight, age ageRandy Randy Lee Nichols, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died 22, 2019 Board of Randy Lee Nichols, age Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marsella Fazio, age County Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66,66,age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, 58, died July 22, 2019 age 58, died July 22, 2019 Randy Lee Nicho Reven Jim Embry, age 85, born September age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, 1929, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 2, 1974, died Sunday, January 19, 2020 Wallace Allen Worthan, age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Education.

Cleveland born June 24, 1953, died Friday, age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, 85, bornonon Jan1, 1,1934, 1934,died died born Wallace Allen Worthan, age born June 24, 1953, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, 89, born September 14, 1929, born Jan Wallace Allen Worthan, age on Jan 1, 1934, died age age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on JanWorthan, 1, 1934,age died June 24, 1953, died Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen age Wallace Allen Worthan, age died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, Roger 2019 20, 1934, died 27, 2020 July 26, 2019 died Monday, July 15,born 2019 has served in thisJanuary Dale Pressley, 71, born May William56, Lee “Bill” Smith, 75, July died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 201919, died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 July 26, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,8, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 uly 8, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,age 2019 July 26, 2019 July 26, 2019posi56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 age July 26, 2019 Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, tion Walter since 2012.

Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55,55, Edmond Gilbert, age 83, born July 16, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, 1948, died Thursday, JanuaryAra 2,Earl 2020 24, 1944, died Carol Friday, January 17, 2020Jennings, Ara Bell D.Sanders, Sanders, age 79, EarlBell Wayne Carden,age age80, 80, Harris Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age Nell Griffin Jennings, Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris NellChapman, Griffin Bell D. age 79, Ara D. Sanders, age 79, Judith age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Ara Bell D. Sande He is a (currently) a born October 29,January 83,83, died Tuesday, July 2, 2, August 06,06, 1939, died July June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29,1938, 1938, diedage age 83, died Tuesday, July died Thursday, 23,died 2020 born August 06, 1939, died Julyborn born October 29, 1938, died age died Tuesday, July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, Helen Louise Rankin, age 63, born October 16, born August 1939, died July born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, 2,born born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, died Tuesday, July 2, 1936, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 193 born August 06, 1939, died July born August 06, 1939, died July Cleveland born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, retired football coach Friday, June 28,28, 2019 2019 24,24, 2019 July 7, 7, 2019 Friday, June 2019 2019 24, 2019 Friday, June 2019 2019 July 2019 Linda Sue Harris, age 66, born February 7, 7, 20191956, died Sunday, January 2019 Friday, June 28,28, 2019 July 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 12, 2020 24, 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 7, 2019 July 24, 2019 and public-school educator, having served in 2019 1953, died Sunday, January that capacity for 29 years.

He 19, was2020 sworn onto the Board in January of 2013 and has

FUNERAL FUNERALHOME HOME FUNERAL HOME

Those we love don’t go away Those love don’t away Those wewe love don’t gogo away They walk beside ususus every day, They walk beside every day, They walk beside every day, Unseen, always Unseen,unheard, unheard,but but always Unseen, unheard, but always near, still LOVED, STILL MISSED near, LOVED, STILL MISSED near, stillstill LOVED, STILL MISSED and VERY DEAR! and VERY DEAR! and VERY DEAR!

70.836.1336

1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Ga 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Ga 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Douglas Ga Chapel Villa Rica Chapel

J. Collins

FUNERAL HOME

FUNERAL HOME

Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, still LOVED, STILL MISSED and VERY DEAR! 1011 Topaz LaneDouglas Villa Rica Ga Chapel Villa Rica Chapel Douglas Chapel Villa Rica Chapel Douglas Chapel Villa Rica Chapel

770.459.3676 770.459.3676 Fast, Friendly, Local!

770.459.3676 770.836.1336 770.459.6090 770.836.1336 770.836.1336 www.jhoytthomas.com www.jhoytthomas.com www.jhoytthomas.com www.jhoytthomas.com

J.J.J.Collins Collins Collins

UNERALHOM HOM EE FFUNERAL UNERAL HOM

SOUTHLAND INSURANCE AGENCY

770.459.6090 770.459.6090 CARROLLTON • 770.834.7631 770.836.1336 www.jhoytthomas.com 770.459.6090 Service you can count on. southlandinsagency.com

Southland Insurance Agency

During this time of COVID 19 Virus

Since 1916, Auto-Owners has been teaming up with local independent agents-people focused on you, the customer. That’s the quality of your agent, and the company that stands behind them.

G

IN FEATUR

TS

PRODUC

e dose of fun?…..YES!

AUTO REPAIR AUTO MAINTENANCE GREAT DISCOUNTS FREE ESTIMATES

Harry T

AAdouble dose ofoffun?…..YES! A double offun?…..YES! fun?…..YES! double dosedose

This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, summer Disney cruisers enjoy ThisThis summer Disney cruisers willwill enjoy notnot one,one, Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes stops Castaway What makes butbut twotwo stops at at Castaway Cay!Cay! What makes s at Castaway Cay! What makes Castaway Cay sosospecial?

There are uniquely Castaway Cay so special?

There are uniquely Castaway so special?

There uniquely Castaway CayCay special?

There areare uniquely so special? There are uniquely ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional areas forforkids, adults, and families! ***Magical Vacation Planner professional designed ***Magical Vacation Planner aa professional designed areas for kids, adults, and families! ***Magical Vacation Planner is aisisprofessional designed areas for kids, adults, families! designed areas kids, adults, andand families! as for kids, adults, and families! concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore the island by bike, choose a new water concierge service that provides the ultimate concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore the island by bike, choose a new water concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore island bike, choose a new water Explore thethe island by by bike, choose a new water and by bike, choose a new water customer service experience for guests adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy customer service experience for guests adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy customer service experience for guests adventure, soak a white sandy customer service experience for guests adventure, soak upup thethe sunsun onon a white sandy oak up the sun on a white sandy beach, and sosomuch more!

Everything traveling totovarious Disney destinations, island beach, and so much more!

Everything traveling various Disney destinations, island island beach, so much more!

Everything traveling toto various Disney destinations, island beach, andand much more!

Everything and so much more! Everything traveling various Disney destinations, you need forforafor day atatthe beach isis isis cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. you need for perfect day at the the beach cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. need aa perfect at beach cruise vacations, all-inclusive resorts. youyou need aperfect perfect dayday the beach r a perfect day at the beach is cruise vacations, andand all-inclusive resorts. included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch! included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch! included, even buffet lunch! included, even an an all all youyou cancan eateat buffet lunch! n an all you can eat buffet lunch!

Contact me for your FREE, Contact me for your FREE, Contact FREE, Contact meme forfor youryour FREE, tact me for your FREE, nonoobligation quote no obligation quote no obligation quote obligation quote no obligation quote

cky Gentry Travel Agent

4-291-1187

nplanner.com

***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional concierge service that provides the ultimate customer service experience for guests traveling to various Disney destinations, cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts.

A double dose of fun?…..YES!

This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes Castaway Cay so special? There are uniquely designed areas for kids, adults, and families!

Explore the island by bike, choose a new water adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy island beach, and so much more! Everything you need for a perfect day at the beach is included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch!

Contact me for your FREE, no obligation quote

BRAKE SERVICES • TUNE-UPS • TIRE ROTATIONS • BELTS, HOSES, FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENTS Becky Gentry Becky Gentry Becky Gentry Travel Agent

Becky Gentry HARRY T’S CAR WASH & LUBE TravelAgent Agent Travel

Travel Agent

404-291-1187 404-291-1187Hwy • Carrollton, Ga 404-291-1187 404-291-1187 Discount For 730 Bankhead Veterans & Military b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com

b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com Year Around!

770-836-1515

Villa Rica Chapel Dou

www.starnewsgaonline.com NAND PATEL from page 9

conduct the annual three day Leadership Seminars, one day Community Leadership Workshops, and Alumni Association Activities. Volunteerism is the heart and soul of the organization.

Nand credits Annie Butler, science teacher at VRHS, as having the strongest impact on his life. “I have had her as a teacher for three years and her influence shaped me to becoming to person I am today,” he stated. “Whenever anyone needed help in class, she would always come and try to help them understand whatever we were studying. She was the one I went to when I needed advice about college as she went to one of the best institutions in the country. I know that I can go to her if I need help with anything, even if it is not school related; she is always there for her students.”

Nand’s love of community extends outside his school society. He is a member of BAPS organization, a spiritual, volunteerdriven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth. The group promotes Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. BAPs organize Walkathons for different topics such as planting more trees and breast cancer awareness.

StarNews

He sees online learning during the covid19 virus shutdown to be difficult without a teacher to help you but feels the school system is doing their best to make sure the students the students are learning the content of their subjects. On the bright side, he has less laundry, more sleep, and less schoolwork. As for the downside, he is unable to see close friends whom he may not be able to see again, difficulty of some of the coursework, and boredom. He also likes reading, and his

favorite book is PrisonerB-3087 by Alan Gratz. The story of a Jewish boy during the second World War and his journey from concentration camp marches to liberation were intense and suspenseful for him. “It gave me more knowledge about the treatment of minorities during the second World War,” he explained. Nand has a 22-year-old brother with whom he loves playing video games.

His parents are investors while running several businesses.

BIBLICAL STUDIES from page 3

not be that these ministries are to lower their standards for employment? When you are serving others and solving tough community issues, it requires the utmost professionalism, credibility and experience. But without the degree and these respective jobs, how do individuals fuel their God-given vocations?

Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical studies offers our West Georgia community the solution: free tuition on transferable col-

lege credit.

The Villa Rica campus is at Villa Rica Church of Christ. 16 campuses in Georgia and Alabama. Online study through archives or stream courses. Summer online classes are available. To enroll or learn more: www.gsoponline.org 515 Dallas Highway, Villa Rica, GA 30180. P.O.Box 515, Villa Rica, GA 30180. 770-459-3478. Director Tom Bosworth etbos@att.net

sometimes difficult to justify paying for a degree that will ultimately have a low financial return; for example, individuals looking to enter into the nonprofit sector in ministry and church service. Those with a desire to serve in ministry may be deterred from seminary school’s high price tag since pastoral salaries are notoriously known for being quite low. However, the solution surely can-

ANDRUW MARTIN from page 11

the tree, and doing math to estimate the cord volume,” he explained. He also made it to the second round of Extemporaneous Speaking with FFA and attended the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)as a sophomore in the area of communicative arts. A few weeks ago, he served as a discussion room moderator during the final state level interviews for the incoming group of GHP attendees. He is also a dual enrollment student, taking college level courses at the University of West Georgia.

Andruw is a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, SGA, Yearbook staff, and FFA (Future Farmers of America).

He serves as the chapter president of FFA, which is tied directly into the curriculum for his ag class, serving as a learning tool for the industry. “It is a leadership driven program,” he stated. “The National FFA helps members to develop a love of agriculture and encourages community and state/national involvement whenever possible. The organization has helped in honing my speaking and leadership skills, as well as instilling a deeper passion for these aspects of agriculture.”

Andruw plans to attend the University of Georgia, as “as they have an amazing College of Ag.” He believes it would be beneficial to make the connections he would need to be successful in the agricultural sector.

He is a member of Midway Church, which is an important aspect of his life.

“My faith is a key part of who I am.” He is also a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, which he feels helps him to meet with the great influencers of the local community as well as helps him meet likeminded students in the county.

Due to “sheltering in place” schools have been closed for several weeks and students are participating in distance learning.

Andruw feels that he has learned time-management skills “for sure” from the experience. He enjoys being able to complete tasks at his own pace, but he misses the school learning environment, “as well as my friends.” However, he continues to work at Agrimerica Farm & Construction, which services, sells, and rents farm and construction equipment, “which is clearly an essential function.”

April 19, 2020 Page 17

“This organization allows me to connect with my roots while also being an active member in my community,” Nand explained.

In addition to traveling about the United States, he has also visited the United Kingdom and India. He cites India as his favorite destination. “Going back to my homeland gave me sense of wholeness,” he explained. “It was the place where my entire family had lived for hundreds of years.”

Southwire

Page 18 April 19, 2020

StarNews

CLEVELAND from page 16

www.starnewsgaonline.com

improve and monitor school safety,” he stated. “We must continue to improve and upgrade facilities, technology devices and services, and transportation equipment to create the safest possible environment for our staff and students. We also must continue to retain and attract premier leaders, teachers, and staff to our school system in order to strategically plan for the changing educational landscape.”

An upcoming SPLOST referendum will be on this November’s ballot. Cleveland states that: “SPLOST can only be used for certain things. Many people think it is simply for new buildings and facilities; however, SPLOST is a major source of income for student safety. Many facility securities upgrades have been funded through SPLOST. We also purchase new buses that are safe to transport our children. We put 180 buses on the road each day and the state only funds two new buses each year. If you do the math, buses do not last 90 years. We must maintain our bus fleet through SPLOST.” If re-elected, Cleveland promises to “continue to serve with integrity and with an unparalleled passion for the children of our school system. I want to continue to support and represent the children, teachers, and taxpayers of Carroll County. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to have already served for 25 years in Carroll County and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve in the future.”

Carroll County School Board DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE Clayton Kierbow Clayton Kierbow is the incumbent for District 4 of Carroll County Board of Education, who has served for the last three years and is now seeking re-election.

He has worked with the Carroll County Fire Rescue for 22 years— two as a volunteer and 20 as a paid employee.

Wanting to help with the education of young people in the county seemed a natural extenKierbow sion of his life’s work.

“I love this county and its citizens and want to do everything I can to see it continue to improve,” he stated. In addition, he has a vested interest in the system, since he has to children enrolled in county schools.

Having been a member of the board for the last 3 years, Kierbow is able to continue without having to learn the ins and outs of the position. “Time on the board is important, there are numerous state regulations that have to followed and it takes time to learn them,” he explained. He also possesses an innate ability to listen and a willingness to serve others with his time, efforts, and talents.

There will be many challenges to face in the future, but Kierbow sees the budget, retaining and attracting the best employees, and school safety as the most important that will have to be addressed by the board. “Personnel costs are rising, questions about the amount of state funding, and now questions about the problems that Covid 19 has brought,” he stated. “We have to do all we can to keep our folks here. We have great people working for the district, and other school districts know that, and they love to hire people from Carroll County.” Even though the county has implemented new policies and systems for safety, it is still a concern. “The last thing any of us wants to see is a tragedy happen on one of our cam-

puses, so we will continue planning and doing all we can to prevent it.”

“The current closure took everyone by surprise,” stated Kierbow, who is not a big fan of distance learning. “In my opinion distance learning is not as effective as classroom time. However, it is another tool in our toolbox, that we can use if needed. I don’t want to see it used on a regular basis, but it is something we can utilize at times. The main problem is some children do not have access to the internet, or they have a slow internet connection that complicates using it on a regular basis. In emergency situations though it is a something we can use.”

As for the closure itself, the main ill effect that Kerbow sees is the loss of instruction time in the classroom. “However,” he clarified, “it has shown the quality of our staff and their ability to quickly implement new ideas. Everyone that works for the school

system has gone above and beyond. They implemented the meal program, delivery of the meals, managed to continue instruction time, kept the buildings and buses up and running. We truly have a special school system, with great people employed here.”

The upcoming SPLOST vote is an important one. “it allows us to build for the future,” he said. “If we had to rely on state and general funds only, we would constantly be playing catch up. SPLOST has allowed us to plan for the future. Bus purchases are one of the big areas that it helps with. As a general rule, the state allots us enough money to purchase 2 buses per year, and we usually try to purchase a couple more with general fund money. However, we have nearly 200 buses, so if we only had state and general fund money to buy buses with it would take at least 50 years to replace all of our school

See KIERBOW page 35

Septic Solutions

Jason W. Swindle Sr., Has Been Selected To GEORGIA SUPER LAWYERS LIST For The Fourth Consecutive

Swindle “Please join me in voting to elect Met Lane State Court Judge!”

Jason W. Swindle

770-836-8332

310 Tanner Street • Carrollton, Ga. 30117

www.swindlelaw.com

MetLaneForJudge.com Vote: Jume 9, 2020

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 19

Funerals and the grieving process in this time of the Coronavirus Pandemic

ELLEN & SCOTT

McBRAYER JONES-WYNN FUNERAL HOME Needless to say, the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020 is a challenging time for everyone. A member of our Jones-Wynn family, Terry Early, said it best: “This social distancing is so complicated, but especially for those facing a loss. All of us with service hearts have had to adjust to this, and it goes against our instincts to not be able to hold our families close and to surround them with love and support, uplifting them all in prayer.”

This is an unbelievably challenging time for anyone, and even more challenging for anyone who experiences a death in their family. In Funeral Service, we have never seen a more challenging time, especially for the families we are serving. These families are broken-hearted already, and on top of that, they are facing a time in our community, county, and the world that is forcing the separation of our family and friends.

Grief doesn’t stop during the COVID-19 crisis. From what we are seeing, it is actually making the death of our loved ones more complicated.

We are working with the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and other organizations that are helping prepare us all for the challenges this coronavirus pandemic is putting on our country. Yet, for our team,

we have been helping families during these any form of love and support - meaning, lev- the funeral also delays the natural healing hard grief journeys for seventy years. erage technology to foster closeness and process. We recommend having a service We wanted to offer you some ideas that participation. shortly after death if at all possible. might offer peace In other words, if During this time, we are offering live These families are broken-hearted you can’t mail a streaming of mind to think and/or videoing the service to about during this already, and on top of that. . . the card, then you can share with others who can’t attend. Then you time and ways to world that is forcing the separation of simply text them. If can plan a larger service and/or reception help you personyou can’t visit or go when the pandemic restrictions have been ally if you face a our family and friends. Grief doesn’t to a funeral, then lifted, and we can all have public gatherings death of a loved stop during the COVID-19 crisis. have your own type again, and we are offering this (like some one. We also of ceremony where other funeral homes) at no additional charge. want to share some ways you can help sup- you are to honor and remember your loved Also, keeping a diary of your journey and port someone you know who might face the one. If you can’t spend time with someone, emotions is a positive step in not delaying death of a loved one during this time. then call them on the phone and tell stories the grief journey.

NFDA has also been supportive with about your loved ones.

We are seeing families longing to be ideas of how their member funeral homes It’s important to remember that funerals together, desperately wanting to have a (us) can still help families during this time. are so effective at helping us embark on a chance to grieve.

Yet, what does grief have to say about these healthy mourning path, anything that delays See JONES-WYNN page 31 options? These suggestions are not only good ones, they are actually best during this time. And still with the top priority of offering meaningful, yet safe, service ideas and “Celebrating 46 Years in business!” suggestions the question remains, “What about the hearts? What about the grief?”

The effects of social distancing and grief are something to remember so that you don’t •Brakes forget to take time to remember and •Ball Joints acknowledge the reality of death. Remember •Shocks •Car Repair the person who died and share those memo- •CV Joints ries with others, support one another in our •Oil Changes •Tie Rod grief, express inner thoughts and feelings, •Wheel Bearing mark the significance of the life that was •Struts lived, and embrace the wonder of life and •Computer Balancing •Front-End Repair death.

Remember to not overcomplicate all the Call for hours ways to connect and support each other in during the these times of grief. We live in a world of COVID-19 Virus! 234 Maple Street • Carrollton cell phones, social media, and video chats Thank you and a heart in pain with grief will welcome HOURS: Mon.-Thur.-8:00-5:30 • Fri. 8:00-5:00• Closed Sat

Roy's Tire Center

Roy’s Tires

770-834-6674

J. Smith Lanier & Co., J. Smith Lanier 1330 North Park Street A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company

Carrollton, GA 30117 770-834-4476

www. jsmithlanier.com

Page 20 April 19 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

COMMENTARY

Page 21 April 19, 2020

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

“Not just what happened, but what matters”

SUSAN M. HORN EDITOR/PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: WAYNE REYNOLDS

GRAPHICS DESIGNER: SHERRY REYNOLDS

REPORTERS: PRISSI SULLIVAN KIM REINE

Our goal is to produce a quality newspaper, locally oriented and designed with the readers’ interest in mind. Letters to the editor are welcomed and should include a signature, address/email addrees, phone number. Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error. We welcome reader input, ideas and criticisms. Your right to read this newspaper is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Published monthly. Periodical postage paid permit #16154 Carrollton GA. Delivery mail/carrier $20 per year. $30 out of county. Send address changes: P.O. Box 680, Carrollton, GA 30112.

P.O. Box 680 Carrollton, GA 30112

suehorn.starnews@gmail.com cell: 770-301-1275

© 2020 Palindrome Enteprises

dba StarNews / StarNews Online

COVID-19: media has failed in adequate messaging

Those of you who have been long time readers of StarNews (and prior, The Carroll Star News) know that we are not the ‘typical media’.

UE We are from here and work here, no home office in another state; we don’t HORN present sensational one-time events on EDITOR/ our front page (murder/mayhem/ PUBLISHER molestation), we focus on the deep, ongoing news that shapes our daily lives; and we don’t give sound bytes, we deliver full stories and work to show you the relevance of how that news affects you. And, with this mindset, we are much like you in that sometimes we, too, are listening/watching/reading, and lose interest with what we are being presented, so, we, too, turn the page, or turn it off. And, with that, I may have just lost a few media ‘friends’. Well. Let me continue.

The other day as I was returning home from doing my every third day banking/post office trip (essential trips for conducting business at home during this sheltering-in-place), I saw a woman alone at her mailbox wearing a mask. I wondered, does she believe she can catch COVID from the outside air? Her home was out in the county, quite a distance from any neighbor.

Two weeks ago I had a conversation with a smart, young, hard working family man. I shared that I was reluctant to return to attending civic club meetings until a coronavirus vaccine was developed and in my body. He warned me about vaccines, and said he would just “take the treatment”. I was startled, and relayed that there is no treatment right now and that’s why it’s such a danger. There’s treatment for high fever and dehydration, but there’s no treatment for the lungs, right now.

And, recently, we have seen the TV clips of our governor and the “game changer” announcement about how he had learned that COVID can spread if a person doesn’t have symptoms, so he extended the social distancing time.

How can we have someone thinking you can catch COVID from the air in your yard when no one else is around? How can someone think treatment is available now? How can anyone not know COVID can spread before symptoms show? Answer: Because most of our media focuses on the sensational exceptions (FIVE MEMBERS OF SAME FAMILY DIE FROM COVID!); produce mostly empty sound bytes (BANK TELLER TELLS WOULD-BE ROBBER TO SIT IN LOBBY BECAUSE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE SHE GETS MONEY - NOW BACK TO 90 MINUTES OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC!); or we are drilled into boredom with repeated, long, live televised “emergency” announcements with medical professionals and the president droning on showing us charts we can’t see while emphasizing death to you and everyone you know if you don’t follow their ever-changing instructions. (NO NEED TO WEAR MASKS - NO, WAIT, ALWAYS WEAR A MASK!) It’s just too much information while at the same time being dangerously lacking.

If you are told to always wear a mask when you “go out”, you will wear it to the mailbox. If you see on every TV channel smiling people “on their way home from the hospital having recovered from COVID”, you will want “the treatment” you can get at the hospital, too. If you are told that no one is allowed to board an airplane or enter a production plant if they “have a fever”, you will quite logically make the conclusion that without the fever symptom you are “safe” to fly or work, that you will not spread the virus.

It is our fault, media. We are not deciphering, trimming, and relaying the pandemic-related news adequately. If the public, as a whole, is not up to speed, it is our fault. We are the bridge between the medical professionals and the public. We at StarNews have worked very hard in this edition to present a current picture of where we are during this unusual time in our lives. It is my hope that other media will reexamine their presentation, cut some of the misleading hype, and present fuller stories. As I said, I may lose some media ‘friends’ over this viewpoint. Oh, well. Stay safe, stay distanced.

S

Spring’s first kayakers on the Chattahoochee

see what kind of conveyance Signs of spring on the they’re using. Be it kayaks, Chattahoochee River bound: canoes, flatboats, motorboats, Moody sky, flooded waters, the rafts, tires strung together with rattle of a kingfisher calling, I’m ropes, or rinkydink inner-tubes back! I’m back!’ In the shallow from Wal-Mart - anything-thatinlet snaking through the floodfloats boats. These folks are outplain below the cabin the mating fitted in colorful sit-atop kayaks dance of the spotted gar has blue, green, yellow, red - travelbegun. The narrow channel, packed with amorous fish, is as River Rambles ing in a tight-knit group like dividing cells under a crowded as an Atlanta singles’ bar syllabil@aol.com microscope. in any other season but this one, stream - particularly laughter and I’m tempted to lean over the this year. thrilled shrieks - like an invisible railing and shout, Hey, The first kayakers came don’t you know there’s a down the river today. They Hey, don’t you know there’s a pandemic on? Instead, are a definitive sign of I’m flooded with envy spring after a long winter of pandemic on? . . . At least they’re in no boat traffic. The water is single, one-person kayaks; that’s some and admiration that they are there at all. At least high from endless rains, form of social-distancing I suppose. they’re in single, onemuddy-brown and moving person kayaks; that’s fast, which may be the Or is the river a virus-free zone? some form of social-disattraction for these adventurers. I hear them coming winged messenger announcing tancing I suppose. Or is the river a virus-free zone? quarter-of-a-mile away; the river the arrival of a guest.

I slip onto the deck, curious to carries the sound of voices downSee RAMBLER page 27

SYBIL

THOMAS

A Letter to the Oak Mountain Academy Class of 2020

This was going to be THE year Dear OMA Class of 2020, that you had been working I can remember clearly Friday, towards – but, now it has been August 9, 2019 like it was taken away by this global yesterday. The whole school was pandemic. It is just not fair! And, gathered in the gym celebrating my heart is simply broken for our Welcome Back Assembly. I each one of you... called you to the podium and On the night I put out the introduced each one of you Headmaster announcement that we would be individually to our school OAK MOUNTAIN transitioning to our remote community as the Senior Class – ACADEMY learning plan for two weeks – I The Oak Mountain Academy could not sleep. I knew in my Class of 2020! The excitement patrickyuran heart it would be longer, and over your arrival to this moment @oakmountain.us in time was monumental. After region/state championship title potentially have a devastating fourteen long, sometimes before graduation, and sharing in impact on your senior year.

Unfortunately, nothing can egregious, but mostly This was going to be THE year change where we are now, joyous years – you finally arrived to your Senior that you had been working towards and while there are many others whose lives have been year. This was going to be – but, now it has been taken impacted by this global YOUR year!! away by this global pandemic. pandemic in ways we may A year full of celebrations: senior prom, senior the joys of close friendships never fully comprehend, it does prank, that last SAT, ACT, or an before going your separate ways not change the fact that the loss of AP exam, the final shot at – all memories that would stay your senior year is also securing just one more with you for a lifetime.

See PATRICK YURAN page 25

PATRICK YURAN

I am a teacher

life!” I miss their jokes. I miss I am a teacher. Most days there their “stories.” I miss watching is nothing I would rather do. them come together as a class to Some days are filled with numercollaborate until they solve a ous opportunities for celebration; given problem. I miss watching other days are frustrating and disthem keep each other in check heartening. I am a teacher. I am and build each other’s confidence. where I belong.

I miss reading their brilliantly We have just experienced ten constructed essays and short days of digital learning. Sitting responses to selected topics. I behind a computer screen typing shannon.pounds@ miss their lightbulb moments to communicate with my students when they realize they have it figthrough a virtual world reminds carrollcountyschools.com ured out, and as a class we can me that I miss teaching. I miss my the last five minutes?

I miss being able to tell my feel their stress and frustration “big kids.”

I miss their complaints I miss being able to tell my kids to melt away.

I have laughed while about school work. I miss reminding them to put have a good day when the bell rings to reading the countless their cell phones away. I end each period, and the occasional memes posted all over the miss being asked for a quirky response, “don’t tell me how to internet about parents homeschooling their kids, restroom pass countless live my life!” I miss their jokes. and also relished in the times in a day. I long for someone to borrow a pencil! Can kids to have a good day when the suggestion that teachers need to someone ask me to repeat the bell rings to end each period, and be paid more for what they do answer to the same question I’ve the occasional quirky response, each day. I just want to teach. already answered three times in “don’t tell me how to live my See SHANNON POUNDS page 25

SHANNON

POUNDS

Page 22 April 19, 2020

StarNews

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

My platform: running for re-election as YOUR District 5 Commissioner

ERNIE

REYNOLDS CANDIDATE District 5 Carroll County Commissioner INCUMBENT

ereynolds@carrollcounty ga.com 770-851-6215 I must first say “Thank You, my fellow District 5 residents, for electing me as Your District 5 County Commissioner.” This office and my role every day is to represent you and your concerns and needs. And I thoroughly enjoy doing this.

I am running for re-election so that I can continue to handle your needs and concerns and get things done for you. I am also running so that your wishes for conservative and frugal decisions will be upheld and sup-

ported on the Carroll County Board of Commissioners. I am not running for me. I am running to continue representing you well and advocating for you in every decision I make in Carroll County Government, as I have since you put me in this role only about 8 months ago. I will briefly touch on what I’ve been able to accomplish for you in that short period. You elected me because of my background, which reflects both: 1) a professional, executive leadership role as Deputy Director in the State Department of Audits where I directed teams of auditors to evaluate budgets, operations, management, effectiveness, and efficiency of statewide programs for the Governor, legislative leadership, and agency commissioners; and 2) a life-long farm and rural lifestyle, working with my parents and then on my own farm, driving tractors, raising livestock, putting up hay, building fences, herding cattle, raising Boer goats, etc.… and overall lov-

ing the lifestyle we have right here in our District 5 of Carroll County.

My wife and I have raised our son and daughter here, where they have attended and completed Roopville Elementary, Central Middle and High schools, the University of West Georgia, and continue to live and thrive in Carroll County, which has been their lifelong home. We are a family completely invested in the well-being of this county and, in particular, the rural area we call District 5.

MY PLATFORM The cornerstone of my platform is CONSERVAT I V E GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP, from a career within the state’s premier government watchdog agency, providing oversight of expenditures to the state’s executive leadership.

Coupled with this, especially due to my 34-year career as Deputy Director of Audits, my platform is focused on: TRANSPARENCY You have given me consistent and positive

feedback on how much you value my openness and communication about our county government meetings, operations & finances; I have improved disclosure and reporting of SPLOST funding balances, projects, and expenditures; I feel it is my duty to provide you with such information and updates regarding your county government.

ACCOUNTABILITY and BUDGET CONTROLS You have told me how much you appreciate my conservative fiscal approach, asking the right questions, upholding accountable government practices, spotlighting problems in the Tax Assessors Office and working toward improvements in their operations and customer service; • I have improved accountability of budgets through introduction of agency Performance Indicators and benchmarks; See ERNIE REYNOLDS page 31

Small business background, government experience, and passion for service

CASON

HIGHTOWER CANDIDATE State Representative District 18 (R)

Today, we find ourselves in the midst of a true crisis. In addition to the stress and anxiety brought about by COVID-19, our business owners are worried about making payroll, families are worried about making ends meet, and parent and teachers are worried about their kids’ education. This pandemic has altered the way we interact with our family, friends and neighbors. We have been forced to slow down and take a look at what is truly important in our lives, what is “essential”.

I am honored to serve this community as a fourth generation funeral director. In my

opinion, nothing could be more “essential” than our ability to honor those we love when they die and to allow family and friends the opportunity to begin their grief journey.

However, public health concerns have forced us to approach this, too, in a new light.

Our community is accustomed to gathering around a family at the time of loss and walking along side them in the days that follow. My family knows the importance of funerals and gathering together to celebrate a life lived. However, we are also dedicated to the public health. For this reason, I am spending my days finding new ways to deploy technology and thinking of creative ways to serve families within the pandemic guidelines.

As a fourth generation small business owner, I know the need for real conservative business-minded leadership in Georgia. Like many small businesses across the state, our number one concern is the health of our employees, their families and the families

we have the honor of serving. It is this concern and the alternative way in which we are serving families that has led us to make several changes.

At this time, we are unable to utilize a large number of our part-time staff members.

This places an additional burden on our fulltime staff, who we have already spilt into shifts to minimize the risk of exposure to the entire staff.

Trust me when I say, I know the stress you feel when it come time to make decisions that will impact your family, your business, your employees and their families. As your state representative, I will take that feeling and my experience to Atlanta to make decisions that are best for the people of west Georgia.

During this time of crisis, no one wants to talk about politics. . . but here’s the truth, if we don’t elect conservative leaders who will stop the rise of socialism here in Georgia and across the country, times will get even tougher.

I have had the opportunity to talk with small business owners from across west Georgia and I know that this pandemic is affecting each one a little differently. No matter the huddle we are facing, I promise to go to the Gold Dome fighting for our local business and economy.

I have devoted my life to serving the people in this community. Before I came home and joined the funeral service profession, I served our community as a member of Representative Lynn Westmoreland’s staff in Washington, D.C., where I learned first-hand what strong, conservative leadership can do for west Georgia’s families.

After my return to Georgia, I became a passionate advocate for our children and remained committed to giving back to the community who had given so much to me.

My small business background, government experience, and passion for service make me the right candidate to represent you in Atlanta as State Representative for District 18.

out his attorney committed malpractice and he thought he had no other recourse and was devastated.

While there are still good memories of a loving and faith-filled family, we lost almost every possession we had. My childhood hero was another lawyer who reached out to my parents to help after learning of their situation. In my eyes, he made everything right; and created a desire in me to become a lawyer so I could help people, too.

I understand having to make choices on how to support your family’s needs and pay bills. Through my childhood years, I watched as we lost our house and the sheriff put the lock on the door; I watched as cars were towed out of our driveway by the repo man; I sat in the dark when our power was cut off; and I watched as my parents continued to make choices to pay the necessities of life. Sometimes, that meant paying the power bill instead of paying a traffic ticket and knowing what the repercussions of failing to pay either meant.

All of these challenges taught me to have compassion for others and to learn how to listen and attempt to solve problems.

While I had a front row seat to struggle, I also had a front row seat to perseverance. I paid attention as my parents prayed, worked hard, and continued to help others no matter how little we had. My parents wanted more for me, and they wanted me to be able to respond when tragedy hit. Their answer was that a good education was the ticket to a better future. I am thankful and fortunate that I had opportunities they struggled to provide.

With my family’s unwavering support, they sent me as the first person in my family to go to college. I attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina (go Tar Heels!) and then law school at Mercer University. It was more than my 7-year-old self thought someone like me could accomplish. I worked hard in my studies at UNC and Mercer, but I also worked hard to help support myself financially through various jobs I held over breaks, summers, and during the school year.

As I was interested in one day becoming a judge, I sought a “judicial clerkship”, through which I could be exposed to civil and criminal law from the perspective of the judge. I was successful in that search, and

my first job out of law school was as a staff attorney for two state court judges. I attended all court hearings, researched motions, and drafted orders for the judges’ review. I am the only candidate for Carroll County State Court Judge with that firsthand experience and invaluable insight into the inner workings of state court.

After my clerkship, I served as an administrative law judge hearing Medicaid appeals. I am the only candidate that has experience as a judge.

My next position was as in-house litigation counsel for an international insurance company. One of the main types of civil cases heard in state court are personal injury/insurance defense cases, the exact types of cases I handled. I represented thousands of clients as lead counsel, recommended settling valid claims at what they were worth, and obtained successful bench trial and jury trial verdicts.

Upon moving to Carroll County, Tommy Greer offered a job to me even though he didn’t know anything about my work ethic.

Family law was the area where he needed

I humbly ask for your vote on June 9th as Carroll County State Court Judge

ERICA

TISINGER CANDIDATE Carroll County State Court Judge

When making a choice and casting your vote for Carroll County State Court Judge, you should consider the experience, both professional and personal, of the candidate you are putting on the bench. I have unique qualifications that make me the best candidate for your vote.

I understand the financial challenges many people face and how such affects decisions in life. My father was severely injured by a drunk driver when I was 7 years old; and that was my introduction into the legal world. I went to attorney meetings with my parents (they didn’t have anyone else to watch us). I watched my parents being lied to and taken advantage of. I watched my father’s reaction when he found

See ERICA TISINGER page 31

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

The other time I heard “National Emergency”: 70 years ago

DAN

PAK

vunc61@gmail.com It seemed like time had stopped. All eyes were fixated on the national stage. The pandemic that started in a faraway land had taken a giant step, leaped over the vast ocean in a single stride, and landed in our own backyard. Momentarily, I felt dizzy. A memory sprang up from the depths of my consciousness like the sudden eruption of a dormant volcano.

REINE Certified Intuitive Life Coach

The skies seem dark and we are definitely in uncharted waters as of now.

The COVID 19 has brought uncertain times to the United States, and the entire world. I would have never thought we, as Americans, would see the day where there is not enough medical supplies available to help the sick and protect our healthcare professionals.

Both natural and human-engineered disasters have been taking place throughout the world for thousands of years. These events are marked by shock, bewilderment, panic

Reality check

ED

WILSON Thoughts While Shaving cedwilson587 @yahoo.com I am writing this in the firstweek of April2020 and the coronavirus pandemic speculations, from varying points of view, are unreal, often beyond belief!

This article mostly concerns economically what comes after the pandemic is under control.

We now have a “shutdown” in our economy to “fight” the pandemic, but much of the revenue of businesses that fund the income of our employees stops with the shutdown. For too many, no income, no money to service obligations or needs.

Globally, we have an expanding liquidity crisis that may well be worse that the pandemic. Increasingly many have needs, but no means to acquire those needs. A lot of our people need financial help now, and the promised government help is at best likely to be later than expected.

In my view, the bigger problem is a potential societal collapse caused by nonpayment

April 19, 2020 Page 23

It was June 1950, almost 70 years ago when the North Koreans launched a surprise attack against us in the South. National Emergency, screamed the loudspeaker mounted on the trucks that crisscrossed the streets of Seoul. It was the beginning of the Korean War. Never did I expect to hear the dreadful announcement again. But it’s here now, again. This time, it is a silent killer. No bullets, no tanks, but a virus, COVID-19.

The number of people testing positive worldwide keeps climbing. So did the number of deaths in the Parallel during the Korean War. Panic swept across the land.

Empty shelves at the grocery stores attested to the uncertainty.

Out of the swirl of fear and alarm, a novelty emerged in people’s behavior. It is

an elbow touch in place of a handshake.

Perfectly normal adults, respectable gentlemen at that, stood on the national stage. Both men approached each another before delivering their messages. Customary handshakes were expected. Instead, they bent arms inward, extended elbows, and touched each other by the elbow. Someone chimed in: This is a new normal.

Extraordinary times spawn new normal habits.

The highly contagious COVID-19 virus is often transmitted by hands.Touching someone such as handshakes was a custom unknown to me at a young age. Instead, we bowed. Bowing to one another was what we did as a form of greeting. It is still widely practiced in Asian countries.

Long before the virus outbreak, one of my

American friends adopted the custom and bows to me whenever we see each other. I gladly return respect to him in the same manner. After a quick exchange, we both happily smile, celebrating the healthy custom. At first, it was a little awkward, knowing that bowing is not customarily practiced in this country. But after a while, we both became quite comfortable with it.

During the current national emergency, anything that helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus should be looked at favorably.

One culture can learn from another. I recommend to my fellow Americans that my old normal of bowing become our new normal for greeting. To me, it conveys recognition and respect for a fellow human being far better than the abnormal awkwardness of an elbow touch.

and pain. We witness the inflicted physical ravages and poignant human suffering, and we are riveted. We feel vulnerable and helpless. We want to learn more to protect our loved ones from similar disasters. We shore up our emotional defenses, as we empathize with the victims.

Human impulses of empathy are intensified by people of different ethnic groups, races, ages, and socioeconomic levels.

During these crises, we hear about fewer social conflicts and more discussions about the needs of the people effected and how we can help. We also can’t help but notice extraordinary acts of kindness, caring, and courage done by a variety of individuals and groups.

We take for granted our police, firefighters, military, EMTs, medical professionals, and other workers who provide us with critical protection, and rescue work. These precious people go above and beyond their call of duty, and demonstrate tireless, brave, and

ennobling efforts to help those in need. They have become our superheroes.

“Even in darkness it is possible to create light and encourage compassion.”- Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor In this time of darkness, I have seen some light shine through. I have seen people come together and do extraordinary acts of kindness. Families and loved ones have hunkered down at home and are getting back to the basics. They are spending quality time together. It seems as if we are holding on to each other a little tighter and a little longer, in the reality that life is a gift.

As a Certified Life Coach, my advice to you is if you have a strained or broken relationship with a friend or loved one, now is the time to mend it. Now is the time to learn how to love unconditionally. Reach out and let them know what they mean to you.

Leave the past in the past.

The present is a gift, and we are not promised tomorrow. Imagine if you never got the

chance to express the love you truly have for someone? How would you feel? You might lose them without their knowing what they truly meant to you. Wouldn’t it weigh heavy on your heart every day?

I know that I don’t take that chance. I tell my friends, family and my significant other that I love them every chance I get. I know all too well the feeling of someone leaving this world without them knowing what they meant to me. The pain never really leaves, so I’m not taking the chance on it happening again to me.

Life is short and we should love and live to the fullest. Take the time to tell the people in your life what they mean to you. Please continue to keep safe, use precaution and common sense. Continue to stay at home: this easy, simple task is what’s going to save lives. We will make it through the dark skies and the light will shine through.

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” - Victor Hugo

of debt and potentially inflating the basic medium of exchange, “money”, or to be more specific: the value of money by printing “money” backed by nothing.

We are told that there is very little “inflation”, but when you are purchasing goods or services, are you paying about the same or more? Do you believe what you are told or do you believe your lying personal experience?

Debt - personal, business and government - has never been higher, and our “representatives” are about to double, maybe triple, our national debt. I am not saying that this monetary influx is not necessary, indeed required, because of the “shut down”, I am just asking how will it be repaid?

A basic premise of our monitory system is that if you loan someone money, they will repay with interest or you will take control and possession of such security that secures the loan. You can then sell the security and recover such money as the security will bring. Odds are that if the borrower can pay, they will, and if you take the security and it does not sell for enough to repay the loan, you take a loss. As more losses occur, the value of debt security drops and you have an “economic pandemic”.

Let’s review mortgages on real property.

Who owns your mortgage? Not likely the bank that made it. They sold it to an entity who packaged it with hundreds of other

mortgages. Those security packages were sold and resold and resold as paper debt securities to pension funds, retirees and municipalities to fund their obligations. The value of the security drops and the “security” no longer secures the loan. Surely, you know who loses: whoever holds the paper. So, how do they meet their obligations?

Somewhat the same for credit cards, student loans, retirement checks, pensions, Social Security checks, and so on, for all debt obligations. What if banks and brokerages and government offices close and when you call nobody answers?

In a nutshell, you have what you physically possess and you must be prepared and willing to defend what you possess, for others who have nothing may want what you have. Densely populated areas will be more dangerous than rural areas where people are more likely to help one another. In that situation, what has the greater value, a $100 bill or a box of shotgun shells?

There is a country song “A Country Boy will Survive” by Hank Williams that lays out thoughts worth considering.

Should the colleges, public and private, that suckered students into student loans refund monies now that many are closed?

Should they not refund the costs of degrees that do not pay the income promised? Can they? Now that we have digital at home schooling during this pandemic, has onsite

schooling been permanently changed?

Would we be better served with a 12 to 24 month required public service program at say age 17 or 18?

Should the dealer that sold you the fancy “look at me vehicle” take it back and forgive your debt? How much of the costly add ons to vehicles really contribute to the utility of the vehicle?

We are likely to see an uptick in bankruptcies such that attorneys not yet licensed will spend years unraveling the excessive defaulted debt incurred by so many.

Will Joe Biden really represent the Democrats? Given his mental state, is this really a serious question? If not, who will replace him and how will the Democrats make it happen?

On a lighter note: Recently, many were hoarding toilet paper. As I recall, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, this item was not a necessity if you had a Sears catalog. If you had indoor running water, you are better off than many of those folks. We were not required to wear a helmet to ride a bicycle: if you fell off, you had a learning experience.

There was no TV, so you were not upset by the “know it all” lame street press criticizing whatever whomever is doing. We had no seat belts in autos. I understand that half of those wearing seat belts survive a bad wreck.

Does that mean that half don’t?

In the darkness, there is light

KIM

StarNews

See ED WILSON page 25

Page 24 April 19, 2020

StarNews

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

I ask for the opportunity to serve you as District 5 County Commissioner

JAMES

FULFORD CANDIDATE Carroll County Board of Commissioners DISTRICT 5

I have often thought about serving our community in a larger capacity, and the decision to run for District 5 County Commissioner was not one that I took lightly. While I have many reasons for wanting to serve our community, there are three primary values that serve as the foundation for my campaign and for my plans, if elected: Leadership, Experience, and Unity.

Leadership: In my 25 year career, I have been provided opportunities that have

allowed me to develop strong leadership skills that are vital for success. From owning my own business, to working in a management role with the Carroll County School System, my ability to lead by example helped boost morale with the departments I led and taught the importance of teamwork. And, as a business owner, I learned the importance of efficiency and resource preservation.

These experiences allowed me to navigate through challenging economic times, while providing positive change for my team and for our community. We are, once again, faced with uncertain times that call for strong leadership and a commitment to do whatever it takes to keep Carroll County moving forward.

Experience: Managing large financial budgets and multiple departments were routine tasks during my four-year tenure as the chief financial officer for the Carroll County

School System. I worked with district and school leaders to advance multiple areas of our school system including: improving the budget process, creating department efficiencies, educating the leaders about resource allocation, building partner relations with the business community, and creating a branding strategy to create consistency in the vision of the school system.

In my role as the chairman of the Board of Assessors, I have further expanded my knowledge of government operations and the importance of continual process improvements to provide our citizens with the customer experience they deserve. My current role as a commercial lender exposes me to additional resources used by the private sector that could assist and enhance governmental processes and procedures.

Unity: One of the more challenging tasks, especially in government, is unifying people

and divisions for the greater good. Through my vast work experience, I have the ability to work well with others through a collaborative approach that focuses on inclusion and serves as a catalyst for advancing ideas and seizing opportunities. Now more than ever Carroll County needs leaders who will work together to help our communities thrive, while building upon the success of our predecessors.

Carroll County is a wonderful place because of great leaders with a vision that has allowed us to prosper. Our county’s success has exposed us to many opportunities, and my desire is to continue to build upon past successes to keep us moving forward in a positive direction.

I ask that you give me the opportunity to serve you as District 5 County Commissioner by voting on June 9th. Thank you for your support!

ple, because they are focused, purposeful, intentional, goal-oriented, and most importantly, they do not conform to any negative whims that will compromise their hopes and dreams.

Born leaders can easily identify individuals whose negative agenda means them harm. Leaders can easily see through the failed attempts of negative peer pressure because it searches for followers, not true leaders. You, young lady and young man are not meant to follow, but you are leaders groomed from birth to empower others to fulfill their destiny of greatness just as you fulfil your own.

Do not follow the failed plans of a person trying to provoke you to follow their miserable and derailed ways. You have PEER POWER! Peer power is something that every born leader possesses. Your success can lead others in the right way. It will show your peers that there are keys to help them overcome the negative peer pressure that is trying to control and influence their lives.

As a born leader, you should lead by

example. You must listen to other leaders whose character and actions speaks louder than words. Listen to those individuals because they see the greatness within.

You can identify these individuals because they will invest into your greatness with positive an uplifting truth; and on some occasions, they will also invest into your leadership abilities monetarily by investing in your continued education academically on a greater level.

Always walk away from anyone who doesn’t value you as a person and any individual that seeks to subtract from your life through negative words or selfish agendas by attempting to tear you down emotionally and psychologically. Your peers need to see peer power in action.

Your decision to walk away from negativity will empower others to realize that they are going in the wrong direction by following anyone who is not investing into them personally through positive words or advising them to pursue great accomplishments and follow the plan laid out for them from

birth given by their biggest fans and supporting casts. This word has been minimized, but I want to exalt this word and give it the notoriety and attention it so deserves. It is a very simplistic word called… FAMILY. Please listen closely to these words and allow your peer power to become a positive public spectacle through your success at home with your parents, your success at school, and your success with your peers.

Your peer power is like a road map that can provide directions to a path of guaranteed success.

A hidden trait of a born leader is peer power because it has the ability to expose negative peer pressure for its dangerous tendency to misguide innocent and intelligent youth from a path of joy, love, innocence, success, creativity and their empowerment that will leave a legacy for other world changers to follow. I plead with youth across America to no longer hide in the doldrums of despair and negative peer pressure, but to embrace who you are because it is high time

high functioning end. The medical community once called this Asperger’s Syndrome. Some characteristics include very poor social skills, outbursts when too many sensory stimuli are surrounding the child, and other behavioral issues. The lower end of the spectrum is heartbreaking. Almost one third of autistic children are non-verbal.

They do not speak. Then, there are the many who fall somewhere in between.

What causes autism?: While the WGAF does not have a position on this issue, according to Autism Speaks: • Research indicates that genetics are involved in the vast majority of cases.

• Children born to older parents are at a higher risk for having autism.

• Parents who have a child with autism have a 2-18% chance of having a second child who is also affected.

• Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism.

The results of this research show that vaccines do not cause autism.

So, why should everyone care?

Consider the following: • This year, the CDC reported that approximately one in 54 children in the U.S.

is diagnosed with an autism, according to 2016 data. One in 34 boys will be diagnosed with autism. One in 144 girls will receive the same diagnosis. It is unknown why boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

• Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.

• Autism does not discriminate. It affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

• Many autistic adults need financial assistance from family or the government.

The cost of caring for Americans with autism had reached $268 billion in 2015 and would rise to $461 billion by 2025 in the absence of more-effective interventions.

• The majority of autism’s costs in the U.S. are for adult services - an estimated $175 to $196 billion a year, compared to $61 to $66 billion a year for children.

• On average, medical expenditures for children and adolescents with ASD were 4.1 to 6.2 times greater than for those without autism.

• Early intervention increases the chances that a child will live a more or totally independent life without the need for public or private assistance.

What is currently being done?: Georgia is one of the leaders in addressing the needs of our autistic people. Former Governor Deal, Governor Kemp, and the vast majority of the General Assembly have wholeheartedly supported autism related legislation before most states even knew there was a problem.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R) (Carrollton) has facilitated much of the legislation and is one of the largest autism supporters in the state.

Additionally, outreach by the WGAF, Autism Speaks, and other groups have assisted the private sector and public in becoming much more aware about autism in recent years. This awareness has prompted many generous citizens to donate money, time, and their skills to face the issues surrounding autism.

If you have some downtime this month, I ask for your assistance in spreading the word about autism via social media and other avenues as we begin to tighten our grip on the coronavirus. To learn more about the WGAF and/or Autism Awareness Month, please visit w w w.wgaautism.org, www.autismspeaks.org , or follow #wgaautism on Facebook and other social media.

Peer pressure is unhealthy, and every young person needs to avoid it

HARRY L.

PITTS, Jr. MDiv.

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) hpitts@mcmem powered.org Unhealthy peer pressure is something that every young person needs to avoid. Peer pressure has an element of fear and control that will leave its victim vulnerable, embarrassed, and broken. The final chapter of peer pressure never ends well. But if one examines thoroughly the weakness of peer pressure, he or she will find that it does in fact has fear. Peer pressure is always fearful of a young man or woman who realizes that they were born for greatness.

Yes, young person, you are a born leader, and leaders do what they were born to do…lead. Born leaders are truly gifted peo-

April is Autism Awareness Month

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. We are at war with a virus that is testing the fortitude and faith of our nation and the world. During this time, it is easy to forget about other significant issues that affect our society. Autism is one of those issues.

One of the primary functions of the West Georgia Autism Foundation (WGAF) is creating awareness about autism. Since the 1970s, nationwide efforts to promote autism awareness have been ongoing. However, the impact of autism on society, our safety net, and especially on autistic children and adults is still unknown to most of the American people. April is Autism Awareness Month.

The WGAF, and others, continue our work to spread awareness, promote acceptance, and ignite change.

What is autism?: Autism is viewed as a “spectrum.” Some children are born on the

See HARRY PITTS page 34

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 25

PATRICK YURAN from page 21

been forgotten! We are thinking about the keep smiling. We need you – you provide Senior class every day and we are here for hope for our future. You are a special class that brings joy and light to our community. you. We care deeply for each of you.

Jenna, you are one of the most compasThere’s nothing I can say to make up for sionate and hardthat time you are There’s nothing I can say to make up working individuals I losing in what is for that time you are losing in what is have ever met. supposed to be one Lauren, you are a of the best years of supposed to be one of the best years of your life. However, your life. However, you have the power talented designer with an eye for fashyou have the power to make the most to make the most out of this unfortunate ion and considered a situation. . . There is no pandemic true trend-setter on out of this unfortuThe Mountain. nate situation. If my strong enough to keep you down, Alex, your faith in time on The silence your voice, or steal your joy. people and perseverMountain has taught me anything, it’s that you are strong ance through challenging times is inspiring.

Evan, you remain kind to everyone in all and resilient. If there is any group of individuals who can work through this in crea- situations, with all individuals, and serve as tive, unique ways, it IS the OMA Class of a role model for others.

Edward, you are equally gifted on the 2020! There is no pandemic strong enough to keep you down, silence your voice, or field and in the classroom – so many others look at you as a superhero. steal your joy.

TJ, you are a truly gifted graphic designer Keep your heads up, keep fighting, and

and one of the most genuinely helpful individuals I know.

Ethan, your concern for the well- being of your classmates is honorable and a blessing to the Class of 2020.

Seth, your calling to serve others within your church community is motivating.

Riley, your fun-loving personality is uplifting, and your generous spirit radiates throughout our entire campus.

Caleb, when you set your mind to accomplish something, nothing will stand in your way – your determination and work ethic is unmatched.

Class of 2020, this year may not have been what you planned for it to be, but I’m eager to see what you do with the rest of it.

When all is said and done – this was and still is still YOUR year and I know you will make the best of it! After all, you are a Warrior and that is “The Warrior Way!” With love, honor, and respect, Headmaster Yuran

SHANNON POUNDS from page 21

immediately, and look you in the eye, and tell you what strong writers you are becoming, and know that you can see me and know that I mean it.

I have enjoyed being at home with my tiny, mutinous assistant, but he doesn’t quite understand yet that we cannot have “Mama/Toddler play day” all day, as my big kids still need me to work with them remotely.

I long for balance once again. I long to smile at my big kids, and have them smile back. I long to listen to their crazy stories and the silly, sometimes inappropriate, things they say when they think I’m not listening, and I have to stifle my giggles.

But, things are uncertain today. There are

so many questions and few definitive answers. We all have to be strong, and remember that we are resilient.

One day this will be the story you tell your own kids; your grandparents “walked to school uphill BOTH WAYS in the snow,” and you, my sweet big kids, you experienced a pandemic, were transitioned to online

school, were introduced to “social distancing” and you will become stronger as a result. Please stay safe and follow all recommended procedures so we can return to school soon! I miss your smiling faces and your unique personalities! I miss YOU! Love, Mrs. Pounds

ED WILSON from page 23

And this, too, shall pass and many may well have a temporary oversupply of toilet paper. I am washing my hands more frequently while growing tired of TV dinners and canned soup.

Have a nice day, tomorrow may be better, or it could be worse.

Cedwilson587@yahoo.com

devastating. If you’re upset, confused, angry, or sad then you should embrace those feelings. Share your feelings and lean on one another for support. You will be much stronger together than apart.

There are some individuals who may downplay your situation because they won’t know what it feels like to have their senior year taken away from them at the last moment. I will not downplay this situation for you!

Those of us called to serve in education do so because we care deeply for each one of our students. That caring does not stop once we leave the classroom or you graduate. In situations like these, we care and worry even more about you. We have been operating in crisis mode for several weeks making sure we are doing everything possible to meet the needs of everyone within our community.

I want you to know that you have not

I wanted to be there when my students attempted synthesis essays for the first time.

I wanted to walk them through every step to help them feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. To hear struggled in attempting it on their own with guidance only from notes and activities left me melancholic. To hear them say this whole situation is just so frustrating and they want to give up made me feel powerless. Oh, how I wish I could put on a super suit complete with a hero’s cape and eradicate the problem.

How I long to be back in the classroom, where I can sit by you, and read what you write, and answer your questions

WEST GEORGIA AMBULANCE, INC.

West GA Ambulance

West Georgia Ambulance ...taking all precautions to keep staff and YOU safe today and moving forward!!!

Fortunately, at this critical time, we have a decisive president, who, despite all his faults, seems well prepared to lead us through what I consider is largely or likely a man-made crisis while the Democrat House is in “recess”.

Lifetime Chiro

Relieve Pain!

Restore Function...

Naturally! Safely!

M My safe, effective chiropractic treatment delivers fast pain relief tr and lasting benefits--WITHOUT drugs or surgery

Durning the COVID 19 Virus Mon 10am-Noon 4pm-6pm Thurs 10am-Noon 4pm-6pm

1952 North Highway 27 Carrollton, Ga

120 Prospector Drive Villa Rica

DIAL 911 FOR AN EMERGENCY

www.lifetimechiropracticpc.com

770-832-9689

770-459-5070

Page 26 April 19, 2020

StarNews

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Let your voice be heard on Election Day: I would appreciate your vote

LEE

POWERS CANDIDATE Carroll County Board of Commissioners DISTRICT 5

My name is Lee Powers and I respectfully request the support of all the citizens of Carroll County in the upcoming GOP primary election for District 5 Commissioner. I urge everyone to let your voice be heard by voting early or on Election Day, which is June 9th. Absentee ballots have already been mailed out and I would greatly appreciate your vote.

Placing blame

MARY

SAXON WILBURN marywilburn1 @aol.com To hear someone say, “There is no such thing as an accident.” often raises the hackles of people we would not think of as even having hackles. We like to think that things that happen to us, things we didn’t plan or intend but things that don’t work out to our satisfaction, just happened on their own or

It is an unusual time in our nation’s history. Our county, state and much of the nation are in a state of emergency, and many people are scared. Many small businesses and families are hurting. First and foremost, I am a Christian who believes in the power of prayer, and I am praying for the Lord’s help for everyone to get through this crisis.

Trying times call for a proven leader who knows how to pull things together and make things happen to help people in distress. I started my company, built it, maintained it and survived during the worst economic times in recent history. I will harness the passion and hard work it took to be successful in business for the benefit of the people of Carroll County. My heart is committed to serving God and serving others.

I live in Whitesburg and have been mar-

by some trick of the universe. On closer examination though, we might find that they were not thoroughly planned from the start.

We don’t examine them closely because they happened very quickly, sometimes with drastic results, such as an automobile accident or a fall.

Not long ago, I was in my vehicle being driven by a young male relative. He was executing a left turn to cross over an Interstate when a vehicle approaching from an offramp from the Interstate and making a left turn into the lane we were to use. He hit us squarely on the left front panel. He was headed into our lane and we weren’t quite into the lane ourselves.

The responding officer didn’t ticket either

ried to Sandy Powers for 29 years. We have two children, Emily, 26, and Kendall, 24 and are faithful members of HighView Church in Villa Rica.

My experience as a former commissioner, farmer and entrepreneur uniquely qualifies me to serve in this position. I would like to see District 5 remain an agricultural community. I not only have spoken about farming and protecting our rural heritage, I have voted that way when in office and I live that way - operating a cattle farm for many years in Carroll County. My voting record shows my loyalty to the Republican Party and a faithful Christian conservative philosophy.

I have kept my campaign promises, which included taking care of (and securing raises for) our county employees and first responders who are my top priority, working to keep

Carroll County rural while protecting our farmland and groundwater by discouraging high density development, improving emergency response times by adding a sixth ambulance to the south side of the county and staying accessible to our residents.

Please feel free to call me with your questions, comments or concerns. Carroll County faces many important challenges and I strongly believe I am the best candidate for District 5. As a farmer, I practice the rural way of life that is so important to our economy, identity and economic future. I am committed to protecting our farms. I am also a licensed General Contractor who has run successful construction businesses for over 20 years. As a builder, I have intimate

driver, for which we were very thankful. The young man driving my car hadn’t looked left at that time, and the other driver said he didn’t know what had happened. We don’t know the reason for it either, but either of them could have avoided that accident by taking the proper precautions. In the minds of most of us, the fault always lies with some other person.

Falls in the home, where most of them happen, often could have been avoided with a little better planning or with safety precautions being put into place. For instance, “Don’t climb up on that chair again to change a lightbulb, Mom! Call me!” She won’t. So provide for her a safe ladder on which to climb. If she falls, it is her fault for

not calling you in the first place. Or is it your fault for not checking on her more often and checking on the conditions of the home each visit? A coworker once said in my husband’s presence, “We have to find somebody to blame,” for something that happened within her own presence.

Most often we could have done things differently to prevent the incident or failure of the system to work out well. Most often we can find a few things we could have done differently. If we can’t, if we find that only someone else did something that created the problem, we probably won’t be quite as adamant about telling all who will listen what a stupid or evil or nasty person the culprit is.

OMA

See LEE POWERS page 31

See SAXON WILBURN page 31

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 27

RAMBLER from page 21

microbe responsible for devastating outEffortlessly, they navigate a rocky shoal breaks of malaria. After the War, and into the upstream, keeping close to shore. No need twentieth century, the science of sewage for much paddling; the river carts them along treatment for the Atlanta water system, for at a quick clip. I listen to them talking, example, helped keep the Chattahoochee receiving only sound, the words themselves cleaner and healthier. An evolving underindistinct, and then great guffaws of laughter. standing of wetland ecosystems led to local In self-isolation, I’ve almost forgotten what a agricultural and urban-planning techniques less friendly to breeding mosquitos. We still pleasing sound that is!

And I’m reminded that the river is here to worry about West Nile disease but, in genoffer herself in difficult times. A need for the eral, here and across the country, river-borne comfort of nature, or a yearning for that feel- illnesses have been subdued, if not eradiing of being alive after so much bad news - if cated, eternal vigilance the only cure.

We learn from that is what brought these kayakers out We human beings with our opposable the past, its trionto the river today, thumbs and consciousness of the Divine - umphs and tragewho’s to say that’s aren’t we the pinnacle of creation and top dies. And what is not f o rgotten bad? It may be of the food chain to boot? Only we forget strengthens our worth noting they’re the only that we are a forgetful species and that capacity to live passersby I’ll see the meek may indeed inherit the earth. more sustainable lives. all day.

The Chattahoochee isn’t completely In earlier times of widespread water-fed epidemics (if not a pandemic), it’s no stretch healthy yet, but she’s well enough these days to imagine the river empty for months and to be enjoyed. I don’t know why these boatmonths, since she’d be complicit in any ers ventured out today when so many are waterborne toxic event. At some point in our confined in-doors. Except that it’s spring and natural (and national) history, rivers were the the sun is finally shining. Perhaps they feel carriers of marauding diseases like cholera, invincible; a virus is such a small, meek yellow fever, and malaria. Rivers existed thing. It can be a relief to believe, even long before footpaths, dirt roads or pave- briefly and incorrectly, that all is right with ment, as our original highways, carrying the world.

Why does it seem like we never learn people, products, and murderous little pathoenough? We human beings with our opposgens through still-wild unknown country.

The Chattahoochee was no exception. able thumbs and consciousness of the Divine During the Civil War, diseases in Georgia - aren’t we the pinnacle of creation and top and Alabama killed more soldiers than com- of the food chain to boot? Only we forget bat. The river and her tributaries spread the that we are a forgetful species and that the fecal-caused epidemics of lethal cholera and meek may indeed inherit the earth. The kayyellow fever, and supported populations of akers fade around the bend and disappear mosquitoes carrying the microscopic downstream. I wish them well, I really do.

•Plate Glass •Store Front •Tempered Glass •Furniture Tops •Mirrors •Insulated glass •Window Glass •Frameless Shower Doors

770-832-0122 FAX 770-832-0122

CELL 770-328-6607

During the COVID-19 Virus we ask that you DO NOT get out of your cars, we will come to you.

Again—please be patient as we are working as fast and as hard as we possibly can.

We are learning how to navigate this new way of doing business just like everyone else.

Cheers has chosen NOT to let anyone inside the store for now in an effort to keep our employees and the public as safe as possible. All bottles are sanitized before being bagged.

You can help us help you by providing your own pen to sign your receipts and being patient with us. We have hired a Police Officer for an extra level of peace of mind for everyone.

We are all in this together and we sincerely appreciate your trust, your patience, and your business.

CHEERS

Temporary hours of operation: Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.

Temporarily CLOSED on Sundays.

This slightly sour Wild Little Thing has just the right smack of tartness for serious refreshment, while guava, hibiscus and strawberry lend fruity-sweet depth and a bright pop of color.

Introducing our spring seasonal: a strawberry, coconut and lime gose. Made with sal de fleur and coriander, this beer is sure to be a refreshing start to spring!

804 Maple Street Carrollton Ga

770-838-1000

Mon-Sat 9am-11:45pm • Sundays 12:30-6pm

STORM PRODUCTS & GLASS Storm Products

Commercial Specialist CHET MASHBURN, OWNER

312 NEWNAN ROAD CARROLLTON GA 30117 stormprouductsinc@bellsouth.net www.stormproductsandglass.com

Commercial Residential

Page 28 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

PRIMARY ELECTION Tuesday, JUNE 9, 2020

Primary Election Run-Off (If no candidate receives 50% of the vote plus one vote) Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CANDIDATES for Carroll County STATE COURT JUDGE

for the Coweta Judicial Circuit a five county circuit comprised of CARROLL, COWETA, HEARD, MERIWETHER, and TROUP counties

Met Lane

Erica Tisinger Nathaniel Smith Question #1: What do you think qualifies you to be a state court judge beyond your law degree?

Candidate Met Lane response: I have practice law in Carroll County for over 18 years.

I was a former Assistant District Attorney. I was tasked with seeking justice in each case I prosecuted. I have the experience, knowledge, and judgment to handle the criminal cases in state court.

The Carroll County State Court primarily handles criminal cases like DUIs and simple assaults.

Also, I am a defense attorney. In this role my duty is to uphold the Constitutional rights of my clients. This aspect of my legal career provides me with the ability to view cases from both sides.

Furthermore, I am a civil attorney. I have tried innumerable civil cases, particularly the types of civil cases that are filed in state court.

Candidate Nathaniel Smith response: Judges should have a servant’s heart with experiences that lend them to seeking justice for all while also having the courage to do the right thing even when it may not be popular.

Having practiced law for twenty years, I have tried over a hundred cases and found resolution without trial to more than twice the number. I am a Military Veteran and have served as a Public Defender, Prosecutor, and a Judge.

Having a servant’s heart, I have always sought and performed tasks throughout my life to serve the community and the country.

Being a product of minority to majority bussing and growing up in a home where my mother shared with me the evolution of our nation centered on the courage of those standing up for justice, I have the courage to do the right thing even when it may not be popular. These experiences, that among other things, have promoted patience, openmindedness, firmness, and understanding to qualify me to be an honorable state court judge.

Candidate Erica Tisinger response: My diverse professional and personal background qualifies me to be unmatched by any other candidate for State Court Judge.

I am the only candidate with experience as a state court staff attorney and as an administrative law judge.

Every person deserves a judge with a sense of respect for the fact that his or her case is the center of that person’s world at that moment. I care about people and how the comments and rulings from the bench make an impact outside the courtroom. I am patient but firm, a good listener, and a hard worker. I have the administrative experience to run a court and balance a budget.

As judge, I will listen to the parties, treat everyone with respect, consider the whole situation, and draw upon my experiences to reach rulings designed to adhere to the law, minimize collateral damage to families, and forge a path of growth that will positively impact our community.

Question #2: 2. Please explain your judicial philosophy (in plain English).

Candidate Met Lane response: My judicial philosophy is that as judge the law must be applied as the Georgia legislature has written it. I will respect prior decisions and not create or rewrite the law.

Our justice system is founded on the principals of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. My experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer has enabled me to always practice this truth.

I will serve the people by ensuring that the rule of law, the wisdom of sound precedent, and the rights of the individual are protected while the role of government is limited to the powers given to it by the people.

Candidate Nathaniel Smith response: My judicial philosophy is to simply find justice for the people that come before the Court: To give people a just solution within the guidance of the law.

As judge I will listen, be fair, apply the law, and be impartial.

Candidate Erica Tisinger response: Georgia judicial candidates are required to be non-partisan and do not run on political platforms. A judicial candidate is not supposed to divulge his or her political party affiliation, and I will not breach such judicial ethics in my campaign.

The main types of judicial philosophy are “judicial activism” verses “judicial restraint”. Activist judges use their political beliefs to attempt to change the law or enact social or political change in their rulings. Restraint judges believe their role is to strictly interpret the law rather than make new laws.

Since the inception of my campaign, I have stated that I will not be an activist judge. I believe in our system of checks and balances and that the legislative branch is responsible for making and changing laws.

However, if I disagree with a law, I will not attempt change from the bench. I will attempt change by contacting my representatives to voice my concern for why I think change is needed.

Question #3: How will you handle conflicts of interest while on the bench?

Candidate Met Lane response: I will recuse myself (which means I will not hear the case).

Recusal in courts usually occurs two ways. First, a judge voluntarily recuses himself. Secondly, one of the parties appearing before the judge makes a motion for the judge to remove himself from the case.

In our county if a party makes a motion to recuse the State Court Judge the district chairperson serving on the Executive Committee of the Council of State Court Judges shall select the new judge.

Candidate Nathaniel Smith response: In order to pursue justice for all, in any case that comes before me and a conflict of interest should arise, I would not hear the case.

Candidate Erica Tisinger response: Judges must follow the “Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct” (GCJC), which outlines how a judge should conduct himself or herself. The GCJC outlines the correct procedure for a judge to follow in handling conflicts of interest.

As judges were most likely attorneys who lived, worked, and volunteered in the same community where he or she is now hearing cases, a conflict of interest will surely arise at some point.

When that happens, I will follow the guidelines in place and divulge the conflict as required pursuant to the GCJC.

QUESTION AND RESPONSES CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 29

PRIMARY ELECTION Tuesday, JUNE 9, 2020

Primary Election Run-Off (If no candidate receives 50% of the vote plus one vote) Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CANDIDATES for Carroll County Board of Commission DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER

Ernie Reynolds James Fulford Lee Powers Question #1: The current county budget increased $3M from the prior year. What are your thoughts on this $255,791.66 monthly increase in spending?

Candidate James Fulford’s response: Most of the increases are related to salaries and benefits with the remaining associated with facility maintenance, utilities and insurance premiums.

Supporting raises for our staff is responsible, as we are losing employees to surrounding counties due to wage competition.

Maintaining our facilities, of which we have many, has become a large and unavoidable expense to continuing most county operations and protecting taxpayer investments, which include utilities and insurances.

Candidate Lee Powers response: The county has been running at a fiscal deficit for so long, that in some places, the increase was badly needed. A good example was the long overdue pay raises for first responders and county employees who are our biggest asset.

It is crucial that we always take good care of our people and without the increase, it would have been difficult to do so. Another good example is that the county was also able to pave more roads. The budget increase was done without raising millage rates on our property owners, which I have always opposed.

My instinct is to keep budget growth low each year to avoid increasing taxes.

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: Proper oversight of the budget is paramount. Taxpaying citizens need and deserve to know what they are getting for the dollars they pay in - the “bang for the buck.” It is impossible to know this without Performance Indicators and/or Benchmarks that are applicable to each department’s budget.

My entire career as Deputy Director in the State Department of Audits (the state’s premier government watchdog agency) involved developing such budget indicators and benchmarks for state agencies - and evaluating budgets and expenditures of agencies, reporting to the Governor and legislative leadership on the effectiveness and efficiency of state agencies and identifying needed changes to improve operations and management.

Question #2: As District Commissioner, you are required to attend at least one work session and one meeting per month, plus any called or special meetings as the need arises.

Outside of these meetings, describe your planned input in time/effort into the job of commissioner.

Candidate James Fulford’s response: Outside of required meetings, I will make myself available where needed in District 5 and/or any place in the county.

My hopes are not only to deal with issues but be present to support the successes of our county such as grand openings or awards recognitions.

I also maintain very close relationships to many of the charity groups and their respective projects.

Candidate Lee Powers response: I consider myself to be on call for the citizens of District Five 24/7/365, and I pride myself in always answering my phone.

As commissioner, I went out on county business on a daily basis, meeting people and addressing their concerns at their homes, businesses and social events, and will do so again when elected.

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: The monthly work sessions and commissioner meetings are not even the tip of the iceberg! More than 90% of what I do - and what is required - is done outside of these meetings.

As a retired professional auditor, I have the time and I take the time to do all that is necessary to be responsive to my constituents. I will always be there for them and resolve their concerns in a very timely manner. I would not have it any other way. I will devote the time to be there for my fellow citizens, who deserve no less and should expect no less. No one should have this role of a District Commissioner - unless they can be that devoted to the citizens who elected them.

Question #3: Insofar as transparency as a public official, describe what that means to you and your actions. (Please avoid vagueness and generalities.)

Candidate James Fulford’s response: Transparency means being open and sharing all information whether good or bad.

If transparency is used correctly, our county will only improve by creating stronger unity with departments and leaders.

In my previous role as CFO for the Carroll County School System, I expanded the details of our budgeting process allowing our board and stakeholders to see exactly where taxpayer’s dollars were spent instead of hiding the details in generalized categories.

Candidate Lee Powers response: Being honest and open with the public, and giving access to details and any decision-making process as much as possible.

Willing to discuss all matters in an open forum, hiding nothing from the public.

Avoiding even the appearance of hiding anything from the public.

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: Transparency, in essence, means “let the citizens know”!

And I have let them know! That is what I will always do as your public servant. Transparency and Accountability were the hallmarks of my entire professional career in the State Department of Audits. As the state’s watchdog agency, we were expected to advocate and promote transparency and accountability throughout state government.

I feel it is my ongoing duty, as your County District Commissioner, to be transparent and provide you with credible information - you deserve to know, as you pay the bill.

Question #4: As district commissioner, will you always vote for local businesses on bids for projects, purchases, services?

Candidate James Fulford’s response: Yes, I believe strongly in supporting local businesses for our county projects and other needs.

I do understand we also have to protect the taxpayer by managing county expenses, which sometimes means a local business may not be competitive.

We also must follow local and state policies related to local purchasing authority.

I will do everything in my power to keep our money local.

Candidate Lee Powers response: I will always give the local businesses the opportunity to bid on them, but will vote for the bid that is in the best interest of the county and our local taxpayers.

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: I will always ensure, as I have while I have been in office the last 8 months, that local businesses are not forgotten and that they are always given the chance to bid and be given every chance to sell or provide necessary goods and services to their very own county government.

It was a real shame and dis-service what happened to our local tractor dealerships, when they were not given the opportunity to bid on the material purchase of several tractors for our county operations. This happened before my time.

However, I will not go along with such a thing happening while I am serving as a District Commissioner.

Local businesses will not be forgotten or prevented from being brought to the table for any reason.

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

st 11, 2019

OMES -

O - WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES - WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES -

O

Page 30 April 19, 2020 tar11, NS2019 ews Page 16Page August 11,S2019 tarNwww.starnewsgaonline.com 16 August Sews tarPage Nwww.starnewsgaonline.com ews 16 www.starnewsgaonline.com August 11, 2019 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com BITUARIES BITUARIES

T

- WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES -

J.J.HoytHoytTThomashomasJ. Hoyt Thomas

Hoyt homas

ERAL HOME

love don’t go away beside us every day, nheard, but always OVED, STILL MISSED d VERY DEAR!

Lane Villa Rica Ga Douglas Chapel

apel

FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME

we love go away Those wedon’t love don’t go away J.Those Collins Those we love don’t go away

J. Collins

Our 26-acre care memorial park Ourperpetual 26-acre perpetual care memorial park Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial park was developed to serve this area this nowarea and now for and was developed to serve wasfordeveloped to serve this area now and for generations to come.West Georgia Georgia generations to come.West generations to come.West Georgia MemorialMemorial Park is divided beautiful Park isinto divided into beautifulMemorial Park is divided into beautiful & CREMATION SERVICE gardens including our traditional up-right up-right gardens including our traditional gardens traditional up-right Funeralincluding Directors &our Undertakers headstoneheadstone section insection the Garden Memories in theofGarden of Memories headstone section in the Garden of Memories as well asasour flatasbronze section section well our flatmemorial bronze memorial as well as our flat bronze memorial section and our Mausoleum in the Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden of Cross of andCross our Family and ourEstates FamilyGarden.

Estates Garden.of Cross and our Family Estates Garden.

Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial park was developed to serve this area now and for generations to come.West Georgia Memorial Park is divided into beautiful & CREMATION SERVICE gardens including traditional up-right Funeral Directorsour& Undertakers headstone section in the Garden of Memories as well as our flat bronze memorial section and our Mausoleum in the Garden of Cross and our Family Estates Garden.

www.starnewsgaonlin

- WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES -

“A beautiful place for memories” “A beautiful place for memories” “A beautiful place for memories”

“A beautiful place for memories”

OBITUARIES StarNews OBITUAR OBITUARIES

Page 16 August 11, 2019

They walk us every day, They Theybeside walk beside us every day,walk beside us every day, UNERAL HOME HOM F E FUNERAL Unseen, unheard, but always Unseen, unheard, but always Unseen, unheard, but always

J. Hoyt Thomas FUNERAL HOME

J.weCollins J. Those love Collins don’t go away

F F

PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

J. Collin

“A beautiful place for

Our 26-acre perpetual care m was developed to serve this a generations to come.We Park is divided &Memorial CREMATION SERVIi gardens including& our tradit Funeral Directors Undertake headstone section in the Gard as well as our flat bronze me and our Mausoleum in t of Cross and our Family Es

E E FUNERAL HO

HOM UNERAL HOM TheyUNERAL walk beside us every day, & CREMATION SERVICE & CREMATION SERVICE Unseen, but always Funeralunheard, Directors Undertakers Funeral &Directors & Undertakers near, still STILL STILL MISSED near,LOVED, still LOVED, MISSED near, still LOVED, STILL MISSED near, still LOVED, STILL MISSED and VERY DEAR! and VERY DEAR! and VERY DEAR! and VERY DEAR! 1011GEORGIA Topaz LaneMEMORIAL Villa 1011 Topaz LaneRica VillaGaRica Ga1011WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL GEORGIA TopazWEST Lane Villa Rica Ga MEMORIAL 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Ga WEST MEMORIAL WEST DouglasDouglas Chapel Chapel Villa GEORGIA Rica VillaChapel Rica Chapel Villa Rica Chapel Douglas Chapel Villa Rica Chapel Douglas Chapel

PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

- WEST GEORG

PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICESSERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATIO LOCALLY OWNED & OWNED OPERATED LOCALLY & OPERATED LOCALLY OWNED & OPERAT

WEST GEORGIA M

770.459.3676 770.459.3676 770.459.3676 770.459.3676 770.459.6090 770.459.6090770.459.60 770.459.6090 770.459.6090 770.836.1336 770.836.1336 www.jones-wynn.com 770.836.1336 770.836.1336 www.jones-wynn.com 770.836.1 www.jhoytthomas.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jhoytthomas.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com www.jones-wynn.com es-wynn.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jhoytthomas.com oytthomas.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jhoytthomas.com www.jcollinsfuneralhom www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.westgeorgiame

59.3676

694 770-942-2311

4194 Carrollton-Villa 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica Rica, GaHighway 30180 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia

206 South206Carroll VillaRoad Rica,Villa Ga Rica, 30180Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway SouthRoad Carroll 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 2064194 South Carrollton-Villa Carroll Road Villa RicaR 2064194 SouthCarrollton-Villa Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga Highway 30180 Rica P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-459-3694 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia P.O. Box 1321 Carrollt 770-459-3694 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-942-2311

complete obituary listings daily to: go www.starnewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily to: www.starnewsgaonline.com for go complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com ewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily go to:forwww.starnewsgaonline.com

Alexander, age 71, anny Joe Jones, Jr., mber 27, 1947, died s, born May 16, 2019, yay, 14, 2019 July 4, 2019 Bishop, Jr., age age 62, Nell Lovvorn, mber 28, 1956, died ugust 3, 1932, yJuly 9, 2019 10, 2019 asseal “Don” age Bonner, xon McGill, 76, nerJune 05, 1943, 18, 1941, died July 17, 10, 2019 Brown, Jr., age 53, Parker Mullis, Jr., age 18, 1965, died died July ember 31, 1948, y 8, 2019 zabeth Phillipsage Bryce, ee Nichols, 66, September 14,Friday, 1929, 4, 1953, died ay, 9 July 20, 2019 ne Sanders, Carden, age D. age 80, 79, er06,29, 1938, 1939, died died July 28, 2019

tion Planner is a professional e that provides the ultimate vice experience for guests rious Disney destinations, s, and all-inclusive resorts.

for complete obituary listin

Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Master Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Cook, Shirley F. Alexander, 71,Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” MasterMaster Danny Joe Jr., Master JerryDanny Scott Shedd, ageJr.,71, 53, Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, age Jerry 53, Shirley F.Tiffanee Alexander, ageJr., 71, Tiffanee Dawne Cook, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Shirley F. Alexander, age Tiffanee Joe Jones, Danny Joe (Johnny) Jones, Scott Dawne Shedd, “ Jerry Shedd, ageJones, 53, Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, age John Henry Hite, ageScott 89, born July “Tiff” Ella2019, Mona Steele, age 78, born March 8, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, Candy Cann Alston, age 66, born January 27, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, died Monday, July 8, 2019 age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 45, born July October 12, 1973, age born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born Octobe age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 201 died Monday, July 8, 2019 died Monday, 8, 2019 1930, died April 6, 2020 at his residence 1942, March 10, 2020Simpson, age Sunday, July12, 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 1954, diedSunday, Thursday evening, March 5, 2020 July 14, 2019 died25, Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4,July 2019 David Ronald died Thursday, 4, died 2019Tuesday, David Ronald Simpson, died age Friday, Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Friday, July 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 July 12, 2 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simp David Ronald Simpson, age David Ronald Simpson, age died Thomason Horton, age 77,Nell bornLovvorn, Robert “Michael” Stogner, age 59,21, died Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, JamesBishop, B.Marian Dean, age 92, James Bishop, Jr., Saturday, age“Marjorie” 62, James B. Celeste Dean, age 92, Tracie Lynn Baxter, age 51,July died “Marjorie” age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 1948, died July Dwight Jr., age 62, B. Dean, age 92, B. Dwight age 92, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, 70, born July 21, 1948, died July 70,James born July 21,Dean, 1948, died 22, 1942, died Sunday, March 1, 2020 Saturday, Aprildied 4, 2020 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, diedborn born September 28, died bornJuly September 02, 1926, died 86,September born 3, 1932, died April 4, 2020 09, 2019 86, August born02, August 3,died 1932, 09, 2019 3,28, born September 1956, died 1926, born September 02, 1926, died1956, born September 1956,died died09,born 86, born August 1932, 86, born August 3,28,1932, died 2019September 02, 09, 2019 09, 2019 Madelyn Virginia Finley Jackson, age 98, born Captain Anastase Constantine Tsipolitis Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, James Dorman Britton, age, born May 30, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, ageWednesday, 94, Fred Sprewell, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 July 3, 20 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 10, 2019 Zellie Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday, July in JulyBushon ofDickerson, 1921,Dickerson, died April 8,age 2020 (Tassos), age 80, bornborn on July 4th,28, 1939, died1925, on Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 1925, died 1933, died Sunday, March 24, 2020 Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, February 28, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, Dick 19 born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, 1925, died Clifford H. 1950, Jiles, Sr., age died 90, bornborn December March 10th, 2020 ageSeptember 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 October 18, 1941, died Grady Woodfin (“Woody”) Cole, age 67, born Saturday, July 27, 2019 age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died 68, born 7, 1950, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7 born October 18, 1941, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 18,19, 1929, died2019 Saturday, March 14, Wednesday, 2020 July 17, Randall BaileyDaniel Tumlin, age 73, died Friday, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday,Friday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 July 19, Wednesday, 2019 Lance Walker, age 40, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, April 18, 1952, died Thursday, April 2, 2020 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Dewey Douglas Jones, age84, 85, bornEugene September April 3, age 2020 John D.Dodderer, Brown, Jr., age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age John Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age Eugene Mullis, Jr., born September 18,Jr.,1978, died Parker Mullis, Jr., Eugene age born 18, 1978, died Raymond Earl (Papa Collett, age53, 81, born John D. Brown, Jr., Jr., ageage 53,84, Bobbie JeanParker Dodderer, age 84, Bobbie Jean age 84, John D. September Brown, age 53,born Bobbie Jean 18, Dodde Parker Mullis, Jr., age Eugene Parker Mullis, September 19 born September 18, 1978, died born September 18,D.Ray) 1978, died 09, 1934, died Thursday, April 9, 2020 William Matthew “Matt” Warren, age2019 50, born born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, June 15, 1938, died Monday, April 6, 2020 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, di 70, born December 31, 1948, died 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 Ruth W. Kelley, age 95, born February December 5, 1969, died Deborah April“Debbie” 2, 2020 22,2019 2019 22, 2019 22, 2019 July 2019 Monday, July 8,14, 2019 Ann West, Monday, July 8, 2019 “Debbie” Ann West, James “Allen” Driver, 65, bornMonday, October 19, 22,July 2019 July 22,on2019 July 22, 22, Deborah 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 8,22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” A Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” AnnageWest, 1925, died Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Thomas “Jerry” Weathington, age 73, born Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Lee Elizabeth Phillips Anna Fazio, age 1954, Wednesday, March age 18, 2020 Randy Anna Marsella MarieLee Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Randy Nichols, age 66, age 58, Nichols, ageBryce, 66, age 58, died Marsella July 22, 20F diedMarsella July 22, 2019 age 58, died died July 22, Fazio, 2019 Joyce Faith Long, age85, 65,died born 9, 1953, age 89, born 14, 1929, 85, on Jan 1,Jan 1934, died September 6, 1946, died Saturday, March 28, age 89,September born September 14, 1929, 85, born on 1, 1934, born June 24, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age 85, born June 1953, died born Friday, Wallace Worthan, ageborn Allen age 89,born born 14, 1929, bornOctober on Jan 1,24, 1934, died 85,Wallace born on Jan 1, 1934, died Miss Gracelen “Gracie” Geneva ageJune 89, born September 14, 1929, on Jan 1, 24, 1953, Allen died Friday, born June 24, September 1953, died Friday, Wallace Worth Wallace Allen Worthan, age Allen Worthan, age Easterwood, 1954, died Monday, 16, 2020 died Saturday, July11, 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,July 2019 2020 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, 2019 March July 26, 2019 56, died July 2019 July 26, 2019 56,Monday, died July Monday, July 15, 2019 died Saturday, July 20,8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 age 18,Monday, born September 2001, died Monday, died Saturday, 20, 15, 2019 July 8,July 2019 July 26, 2019 July 26, 2019 56,Monday, died Monday, 15 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 56, died July 15, 2019 Virginia Gresham Mooney, age D. 90, Wayne Carden, age 80, Ara Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, 80, Nell “Dean” Griffin Jennings, James F. “Jimmy” Vaughn, age 76,Chapman, born Ara Bell Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Ara Bell D.Jennings, Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith ageCarol 55, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin HarrisEarl Nell Griffin Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, age Harris Nell Griffin March 23, 2020 Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79,80, Bell D.Harris Sanders, age 79, Judith Chapman Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, age born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born October 13,July 1929, died April 7, born October 29, 2,1938, died age06, 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died2,31, July March 1944, died Wednesday, April 8, 2020 born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29, 1938, died born ageTuesday, 83, 24, died Tuesday, July age James 83, died Tuesday, July born October 29, 1938, died ageJune 83,24, died Tuesd “Jim” Tatum Gladstone, Jr., age 77, born born August 06, 1939, died July born August 1939, died born 1964, died June 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 2020 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 Oscar William Wood, age 97, born on 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 2019 2019 24,Friday, 2019 June 28, 2019 24, 2019 November 31, July 7, 2019 July 7, 2019 July 7, 201925, 1942, died Tuesday, March Glen Michael Penland, age 74, born 29, 1945, September 21, 1922, died Sunday March 15, 2020 died Friday, April 3, 2020 2020

Built for There and Back! www.starnewsgaonline.com Give the gift of read!

Afor doubleA double dosea good ofdose fun?…..YES! of fun?…..YES!A double dose of fun?…..YES! dose oftofun?…..YES! toA double subscribe StarNews, send $20 This summer Disney cruisers will enjoywill notenjoy one, not one, This summer Disney cruisers

This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, but two stops Castaway Cay! WhatCay! makes ONE Cay! YEAR subscription! but twoat stops at Castaway What makes but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes but twoFULL stops at Castaway What makes CastawayCastaway Cay so special?

There areThere uniquely Cay so special? are uniquely Castaway Cay so special? There are uniquely Castaway***Magical Cay($10 so special?

There are uniquely for senior Vacation Planner isPlanner acitizens) professional to: Vacation designedVacation areas for kids,isfor adults, and families! designed areas adults, and families! ***Magical Planner a kids, professional ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional designed areas for kids, adults, and families! designed areas ***Magical for kids, adults, and families!is a professional concierge service that provides the ultimate concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore the island by bike, choose a new water Explore the island by bike, choose a new water concierge service that provides the ultimate concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore the island by bike, choose a new water Explore the island by bike, choose a new water service for guestsfor guests customer adventure, soak experience up soak the sun asun whiteonsandy service experience adventure, upforon theguests a whiteadventure, sandy soak up the sun on a white sandy service adventure,customer soak upcustomer the sun experience on a white sandy customer service experience for guests island beach, and so much traveling to much variousmore! destinations, island beach, anddestinations, somore! muchEverything more! Everything traveling toDisney various Disney destinations,traveling island beach, and so much more!

Everything island beach, and so Everything to various Disney traveling to various Disney destinations, P.O. BOX 680 Carrollton, Gacruise 30112 you112 needyou for need a perfect atresorts. thedaybeach for aday perfect at theis beach cruise vacations, all-inclusive youisneed for a perfect day at the beach is you needcruise for avacations, perfect dayandatall-inclusive the and beach isresorts. resorts. vacations, and all-inclusive cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. included,included, even an even all youancan all eat you buffet can eatlunch! buffetincluded, lunch! even an all you can eat buffet lunch! included, an all you can eat buffet lunch!

Nameeven Contact me for your Contact me FREE, for your FREE, Contact me for your FREE, Contact me for your FREE, no obligation quote quote no obligation OPEN for business: Sales M-F 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-5pm no obligation quote no obligation quote

STARNEWS

Becky Gentry

Address Zip

Travel Agent

404-291-1187

Becky Gentry Becky Gentry Becky Service Dept M-F 8am-6pm • Closed Sat Gentry Travel Agent Travel Agent

Travel • We Agent will pick up customers vehicles for service

404-291-1187 404-291-1187 404-291-1187 221 Montgomery Street • Downtown Villa Rica, Georgia

b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com $20 $10 Senior Citizen

A double dose of fun?

This summer Disney cruisers w but two stops at Castaway Ca Castaway Cay so special? The designed areas for kids, adult Explore the island by bike, cho adventure, soak up the sun o island beach, and so much m you need for a perfect day a included, even an all you can e Contact me for your no obligation quo

Becky Gen

Travel Ag

404-291-1

b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner

770-459-5132

www.starnewsgaonline.com ERNIE REYNOLDS from page 22

• Nominated and placed a responsible Navy veteran on the Carroll County Tax Assessors Board and will continue pressing to ensure improvements are made to resolve current systemic problems; • Improved accountability of McIntosh Park daily park revenue collections.

RESPONSIVENESS As a retired professional, I have the time to respond and handle your concerns. I do not operate a business that takes up my time - nor do I have a full-time job that takes up my time. Instead, I am able to invest my time into immediately handling your concerns and working for just You. And I enjoy doing that. I answer all of my constituents’ calls timely - and I am happily involved each workday - addressing your concerns and resolving your problems. I get consistent feedback from constituents throughout the

ERICA TISINGER from page 22

help, and I needed a job. So, I worked hard and learned that area of law, and I soon became a partner [at what is now] Greer Tisinger, LLC. In addition to working hard professionally, I believe it is important to give back to your community. I have strived to do this all my adult life, as I know what it is like to have less than others. Since choosing Carroll County as our home nearly ten years ago, I have been dedicated to supporting and volunteering with multiple charitable organizations including Circles of West Georgia, Tanner Medical Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Community Foundation of West Georgia, The Boys & Girls Club, and Carrollton Rotary.

I am currently on the board of Carroll County CASA, which provides a voice to abused and neglected children in our juvenile court system, and I was the Chair of the

SAXON WILBURN from page 26

If we plan carefully, speak truthfully, and take responsibility for our own roles in any situation willingly, we won’t be looking for another person to blame. And we may be brave enough to admit our own fault in the failure of the plan or system.

Taking responsibility for our own actions makes us feel pretty good. Whether or not we can do that is a matter of individual character.

“I blame you.” Or, “It’s your fault!” For me, it started in childhood with my terrible older brother. Every time anything went wrong for him, he’d point that boney finger at me and say that phase. Worse yet, he

LEE POWERS from page 26

our county from a development standpoint on both the residential and commercial sides.

I am pro-growth and uniquely qualified to manage growth and bring new businesses to the county for the benefit of our residents.

Under my leadership, we will encourage healthy growth that pays for itself by increasing our tax base without placing undue burdens on our current homeowners who are already taxed enough. I also promise to work closely with each city and maintain productive relationships with city leaders.

Please help me continue serving the great people of Carroll County by voting for Lee Powers in the upcoming special election on June 9th. Thank you for your time and support. 205 Mclarty Road, Whitesburg, GA 30185 404.969.8169 TheCommitteeToElectLeePowers@gmail.com

district that they are pleasantly surprised that I address their issues in a very timely manner, resolve the problems they bring to me, and get back with them with answers regarding their inquiries.

SUPPORTING AGRICULTURE / MANAGING GROWTH Born and raised and currently living on agricultural farmland - I love and support that lifestyle of pastures, open fields, cattle, horse-riding, wooded paths through nature, picnics at the creek, watching the turkey and deer…. on our 100+ acre farm in District 5.

PROMOTION and IMPROVEMENT to DISTRICT 5 ROADS / COMMUNITIES • Promoted Whitesburg area parks and tourism, coordinating with various groups to make improvements to McIntosh Park and future connectivity to Moore’s Bridge and Chattahoochee Bend Parks through river and land trails; Board for 2018/2019. Through my nonprofit work, I have experience in creating and overseeing a yearly budget. In addition to civic work, I am an active member of First Baptist Church, where I serve as a deacon, on multiple church committees, and have taught Sunday School for adults and children.

I have tried to tailor my career to give me a vast legal knowledge so that I could one day serve from the bench. A good judge knows how to read and follow the law, but a great judge also knows how to treat everyone coming before them with dignity and respect no matter their background or station in life.

My diverse professional and personal background has well-equipped me to be unmatched by any other candidate.

I have the right experience, and I am the right choice to serve Carroll County as the next State Court Judge. I humbly request your vote on June 9th. might say to our mother, “I blame her.” Poor little me. Fortunately, it didn’t always stick when I was young, and now that I am not young, it never sticks, unless I deserve it and own it.

The chastisement or correction we might have received as chidren, whether we deserved it or not, taught us that being blamed could be painful. It also taught those who blamed us that finding someone else to blame almost always gets them off the hook.

A man I knew once said to his wife after a major failure in his life, “I blame you for it.”

He had failed to pass a certain military training course and his wife and children had been back home in Kansas. Yet, he blamed her for his failure because, as he said to us, “She didn’t want me to have that training.”

Finding someone else to blame automatically relieves a person of any responsibility they may need to take. Most things are not just one person’s fault. Each one involved has a role to play, whether active or passive.

Did something bad happen because we didn’t speak up and speak the truth? Or should one person realize that perhaps it is because of their behavior or words that the bad thing happened?

On the other hand, allowing someone to place their responsibility or blame on your shoulders weakens your integrity, your selfesteem, and your effectiveness.

There is one statement that should shine the right light on others being blamed for our behavior. When hearing it spoken or being tempted to do it, think of this motto: SHIFTING BLAME IS A COWARD’S GAME.

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 31

• Improved recognition of funding problems & remedies for the Whitesburg Library; • Worked with Whitesburg & Roopville to obtain state LMIG funds for road improvements; • Worked with state legislators to pursue improvements to Whitesburg City Hall; • Pressed and accomplished getting improvements to the Roopville round-a-bout on the state DOT’s planned project list; • Pressed and got improvements to the Clem Community intersection of Hwy. 16 and Old Newnan Hwy. on the state DOT’s planned project list; • Numerous county road paving and road striping projects were accomplished throughout District 5; • New bridges were built on county roads in the Roopville & Tyus areas; • Approved cell tower constructions to improve internet and cellphone connectivity in rural District 5; • Participated in workshops and planning functions to improve rural broadband access; • Worked with Whitesburg area residents to obtain a grocery store for the Whitesburg area.

SUPPORTING FIRE and EMERGENCY Immediately upon being elected, I pressed to accomplish the opening Fire Station #18

at Jones Mill Road / Hulett area - lowering homeowners’ insurance premiums throughout that area; • Future plan toward obtaining possible federal funding toward “manning” both Fire Station #18 (Jones Mill Road) and Fire Station #17 (Tyus-Carrollton Road); • Approved funding and installation of updated 911 system to enhance fire, ambulance, and sheriff response times You put me in office as Your District 5 County Commissioner only eight months ago. Thank you for trusting me to fill that role. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for you, and will continue to thoroughly enjoy working for you for a full term. We have a lot that I’m working on and need to see through to the finish - all to accomplish good for You and this District!

I ask for your vote to Re-Elect me in the upcoming Primary Election, which is June 9th. Please also remember that Early Voting is May 18-June 5. Also, you can order Absentee Ballots that are sent directly to your home, so that you can vote from home.

But, to get these Absentee Ballots sent to you, you must order them (see the packet sent to you from the Secretary of State’s Office). Please see my FaceBook account at Ernest Reynolds - District 5 Commissioner.

JONES-WYNN from page 19

doing a good job with grief when we are crying our eyes out and making the whole world nervous in the process. Grief is not an enemy to be avoided; it is a process that leads to healing.”

Please feel free to contact Scott or Ellen Wynn McBrayer at Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory and Meadowbrook Memory Gardens with any questions.

770-459-3694, 770-942-2311

Doug Manning said it best, “The hardest thing for a grieving person to find is a safe place to grieve.” He goes on to say, “Somehow, we have developed the idea that the best way to handle grief is to not grieve. If we keep it under control, people will compliment us about how well we are doing, and how brave we are. The best thing we can possibly do with our grief is grieve. We are

chamber #2 1/4

Page 32 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

CANDIDATES for Carroll County Board of Commission DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER

Question #5: The construction/acquiring of a new county admin building and accompanying parking was approved by the voters many years ago, and the SPLOST funds for it have been spent elsewhere. If the next SPLOST is approved in November, what, if anything, would you do to encourage/influence the speedy progress of this project?

Candidate James Fulford’s response: #5- Yes, I believe we need a new county administration building.

There are too many reasons to list, but a major concern is not the ability to construct it with SPLOST funds, but can we afford to maintain it through our general fund budget?

Location of a new facility is also critical to our county.

The current administration building occupies land that is more valuable redeveloped, converting the land into tax generating property.

Candidate James Fulford’s response: Building and facilitating a $115MM+ budget for four years is experience that separates me from my opponents.

It requires teamwork and understanding to accomplish.

I also worked very close with the support departments of the school system: transportation, maintenance and nutrition; learning how these departments functioned and providing them with tools for improvement.

Serving on the Board of Assessors since 2016 has provided even more experience, allowing me to learn more about our government functions.

Candidate Lee Powers response: I think a new country admin building is a very import project. We were going through the worst economic times in history when that was passed, and we needed to maintain the buildings we already had.

The commission should have been more transparent about that because the voters would’ve understood that just fine.

I do want to get it built or acquired, and in a timely manner.

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: When I began as a District Commissioner 8 months ago, I was shocked when I got the data and found that these funds had been used for other things. I made sure that this information was disclosed and that we now get routine SPLOST Fund balance information reported.

I have already covered and advocated that several steps be quickly taken and that specific information be obtained, so that questions can be answered and a proper decision can be promptly made to best serve both our taxpayers and our county employees. I have already outlined these questions to our Board of Commissioners and action is being taken to answer them.

Question #6. What differentiates you from your opponents?

Candidate Lee Powers response: I’m a lifelong republican and a true constitutional conservative, as reflected in my voting record. If you scrutinize the voting records of all three candidates, mine will show true loyalty to the Republican party and small government conservative values.

I am an entrepreneur and farmer who has stayed in business and made payroll through the best and the worst economic times. I know what it is like to make difficult decisions that affect the lives of our employees, while balancing the overall best interests of the business.

I have never had a comfortable job with a large corporation where I could just collect a paycheck. I have always had to produce in order to feed my family, no matter the challenges of the day.

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: The taxpayers of District 5 deserve someone representing them who: - knows government operations and budgets and management; fully advocates transparency and accountability in government; brings a lifetime of Conservative Government Leadership experience; has worked for and met with state and local government decision-makers - has the time every day to handle constituents’ concerns and promptly resolve them - does not have a business of their own or a full-time job, which takes their time and precludes them from proper, timely handling of these county duties.

- knows and supports agriculture and has a passion for the rural lifestyle of our District 5 - has dedicated family and Christian values Furthermore, I have obtained and held a nursing license, an EMT (emergency medical technician) license and, during my State Audit Department career, held certifications as a CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner). I currently hold certification as a Court Mediator.

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

CANDIDATES for Carroll County STATE COURT JUDGE

Question #4:Carroll County is part of a five county judicial circuit. If the circuit was split into smaller circuits, Carroll County citizens who find themselves in the court system would benefit from the smaller population using the time and efforts of the same number of district attorneys, court assistants etc. What are your thoughts on splitting the circuit?

If you support this, would you actively petition our legislative members to pursue the split? If you do not support a split, please explain your reasoning.

Candidate Met Lane response: Thank you for this question. This is an issue that almost exclusively involves the General Assembly, our county commissioners, and the superior courts in five counties.

While it is an important issue, the State Court of Carroll County is not involved.

It would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter.

Candidate Nathaniel Smith response: As a candidate for State Court Judge I do not have a position on if the circuit should split.

To the best of my knowledge, Carroll County State Court does not share resources with the neighboring counties relating to State Court.

Candidate Erica Tisinger response: While Carroll County is part of a five-county judicial circuit, the “Coweta Judicial Circuit”, only our Superior Courts are part of that circuit. There has been talk of splitting the circuit for years with good arguments for and against it.

I do not have a strong opinion on the issue.

The State Court of Carroll County only serves the citizens of Carroll County. The State Court Judge and the Solicitor do not have duties split between the five counties like the Superior Court Judges and District Attorney; and therefore, such split does not directly affect the State Court.

As I am seeking the office of State Court Judge, I would not petition the legislative members for or against the split as it would not be my place to do so as a judge of the county and not the circuit.

I believe that the petition to support or oppose the split is better left to the Superior Court Judges and the District Attorney.

VOTERS ARE REMINDED THE PRIMARY ELECTION AND RUNOFF DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED DUE TO THE COVID SITUATION

YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON EARLY, IN PERSON ON DAY OF ELECTION OR REQUEST A MAIL IN BALLOT

The Georgia Secretary of State has moved the MAY 19TH PRIMARY ELECTION to TUESDAY, JUNE 9TH / If run-off is required: August 11th Also, voters are reminded that the June 9th ballot will contain both the PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY PREFERENCE CHOICE and CARROLL COUNTY E-SPLOST QUESTION These two choices were originally on the March 24th Election that was moved and combined with the Primary Election

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 33

Watch out for financial scams related to virus

DENNIS

BRIGHTMAN FINANCIAL ADVISOR

On one hand, the coronavirus has brought out the best in us. People across the country are pitching in to help others, from providing protective masks to healthcare workers to holding video chats with confined residents of assisted living homes to simply buying gift cards to support local businesses. On the other hand, a small number of bad actors are taking advantage of the situation to try to defraud people. How can you guard against these virus-related scams?

For starters, be aware of three common scams connected to the coronavirus: Websites claiming to help and track the pandemic – Look out for websites that claim to help you work remotely or provide financial resources to the afflicted. These sites may try to trick you into giving up personal information, donate money or load malware onto your computer. Don’t trust information technology (IT) “helpdesk” agents you don’t know. And check out any obscure organization claiming to help virus victims.

You can easily find many legitimate groups that actually work to alleviate suffering, and that deserve your support. To find these reputable organizations, go to an online clearinghouse, such as charitynavigator.org, which rates thousands of groups on

HOW MANY? from front page

with providers to make it easier for existing and new patients to be screened for COVID19 symptoms.

Patients can now talk to and see a Tanner Medical Group provider with a smartphone, tablet or computer without leaving home.

The clinics began offering the service to prevent the spread of COVID-19, increase the availability of testing in the community and help patients stay safe while adhering to local stay-at-home orders.

Televisits have become a valuable tool in the fight against spreading infection with many insurance companies expanding access to telehealth and COVID-19 testing.

Not only does it help sick patients get the care they need from the comfort of homes

CENSUS from front page

their financial health, accountability and long-term investment strategy based on your moves. Even in normal times, it’s regrettable that we have to be on the alert for scam artists goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. transparency.

Here’s one more suggestion: Warn your – and it’s even more unfortunate during a Products claiming to prevent or cure the disease – When there’s a real treatment elderly relatives about the increased period of national crisis. However, by being or vaccination for COVID-19, it will be big potential for scams. The elderly are always reasonably vigilant, and by taking the proper news, and you will hear about it. Until then, the most susceptible to fraud, and now, precautions, you can avoid taking on the “coignore any claims for pills, potions, pre- when they may be more isolated than llateral damage” that can occur in this scriptions or other products that promise before, they may well be even more vulner- environment.

Dennis Brightman, financial advisor, 801 “miracle” cures. Not only will they waste able. So, make sure you’re talking to these your money, but, if you click on attachments loved ones, and urge them not to make any Old Newnan Road, Carrollton, 770-834from “phishing” emails advertising these sudden, out-of-the-ordinary financial 0570 fake treatments, you could end up supplying Carroll County crooks with sensitive data, such as your Carroll County births online account logins, passwords, and credit pistol permits March 1- 30, 2020: card and bank account details.

Number of Firearm Permits applied Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: You can find a great deal of health infor- for (carry permit) mation on the virus at the Center for Disease March 1-30, 2020: 261 Girls: 47 Boys: 44 Control website (www.cdc.gov), of course, Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� but if you or your loved ones are feeling ill, Girls: 22 Boys: 19 please contact a physician.

Carroll County “Risk-free” or “guaranteed” invest- cattle receipts Carroll County ments – The coronavirus has caused two jail population Carroll County Sales Barn, Carrollton separate, but related, areas of stress. The Total population as of first is the health concern, and the second is March 30, 2020: 239 March 9, 2020: 288 the financial/investment component. The March 16, 2020: 183 enormous volatility of the financial markets March 9, 2020: 456 Males: 255 has caused much concern among investors, March 3, 2020: 775 Females: 33 and scammers are seizing the opportunity to offer “risk-free” or “guaranteed” invest- Carroll County marriage licenses ments “perfect” for this particular time.

March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 Again, responding to these types of offers Andrew Anderson, Carrollton, GA and Halie Poole, LaGrange, GA can bring you nothing but trouble. All Shaun Bergdoll, Traverse City, MI and Amber Dean, Carrollton, GA investments carry risk of one type or Jessica Bettis, Atlanta, GA and Daniel Hunt, San Jacinto, CA another, and they typically don’t come with guarantees, although some do offer signifiMorgan Boutwell, Roanoke, AL and Austin Parker, Villa Rica, GA cant protection of principal. In these turbuBrian Carter, Carrollton, GA and Amanda Clement, Orlando, FL lent times, your best move is to stick with a Robert Crabtree Villa Rica, GA and Emma Reed, Portsmouth, England

without sacrificing the quality of care, but it also allows providers to treat more patients without filling up waiting rooms.

Limiting in-person visits — especially during a pandemic — protects patients and providers by offering a safe, efficient way to provide care. Televisits allow patients to connect with physicians without having to go to the hospital or urgent care facilities.

During a televisit, providers can assess a patient’s symptoms remotely and determine if they should receive testing.

To request a televisit, call 770-812-9057.

COVID-19 testing will be available while supplies last.

More information on COVID-19 and the health system’s continuing response can be found at tanner.org/ncov

Once 2020 Census data collection is com- implement guidance from federal, state plete, the Census Bureau begins a lengthy, thorough and scientifically rigorous process and local authorities.

- ensure a complete and accurate count of to produce the apportionment counts, redistricting information and other statistical data all communities.

The Census Bureau temporarily sus- products that help guide hundreds of billions of dollars in public and pended 2020 Census private sector spending field data collection all interaction with the public. per year. activities in March. . . will incorporate the In order to ensure the Steps are already being most current guidance to completeness and accutaken to reactivate field promote the health and racy of the 2020 offices beginning June Census, the Census 1, 2020, in preparation safety of staff and the public Bureau is seeking for the resumption of field data collection operations as quickly as statutory relief from Congress of 120 additional calendar days to deliver final apporpossible following June 1st.

In-person activities, including all interac- tionment counts.

Under this plan, the Census Bureau would tion with the public, enumeration, office extend the window for field data collection work and processing activities, will incorporate the most current guidance to promote and self-response to October 31, 2020, the health and safety of staff and the public. which will allow for apportionment counts This will include recommended personal to be delivered to the President by April 30, protective equipment (PPE) and social dis- 2021, and redistricting data to be delivered to the states no later than July 31, 2021. tancing practices.

Kevin Cunningham Kevin, Atlanta, GA and Christina Peffer, Austell, GA Tawana Curlee, Newnan Ga, GA and Maxwell Hickman, Abbeville, AL Cynthia Delaney, Carrollton, GA and Stephen Blanford, East Orange, NJ Joseph Dowda, Carrollton, GA and Bobbie Cade, Atlanta, GA Russell Ewer, Dekalb, GA and Abigail Campbell, Atlanta, GA Zachary Files, Austell, GA and Abigail Driver, Carrollton, GA Vince Folds, Austell, GA and Leigh Scott, Terre Haute, IN David Garcia-Villegas, Mexico and Rosa Ledezma-Rivas, Mexico Eric Garner, Austell, GA and Brittany Mosley, Austell, GA Linda Garrison, Talladega, AL and Herman Turner, Winston, GA Jeremy Goolsby, Carrollton, GA and Aerial Collins, Carrollton, GA Robert Gordon, Carrollton, GA and Sandra Gordon, Haralson Co., GA Ginger Holland, Perry, GA and Toby Fordham, Carrollton, GA Brandon Howard, Marietta, GA and Carolyn Frisby, Carrollton, GA Kylie Lambert, Carrollton, GA and Robert Tolbert, Carrollton, GA Terry McAlpin, Austell, GA and Andrea Dawson, Elkhart, IN Jeffrey Nappi, Carrollton, GA and Carly Welch, Dalton, GA Andriana Negrutiu, Arad, Romania and Terry Pittman, Marietta, GA Brian Noblitt, Birmingham, AL and Natasha Flores, Douglasville, GA Galvez Nunez, Rosul, Honduras and Bonilla Jimenez, Reina, Honduras Jose Nunez, Santiago, Mexico and Rita Calero Aguilera, Guanajnato, Mexico Penny Owensby, Carroll County, GA and Render Owensby, Heard County,GA Gary Perks, Abbington, PA and Doree Lesieur, Fall River, MA Madison Rivers, Cobb County, GA and David Palmer, Douglas County, GA Gerald Rose, Atlanta, GA and Mimi McKinnon, Japan Amanda Rose, Lagrange, GA and Glen Harding, Austell, Georgia Dorothy Sandhoff, Baltimore, MD and Duward McDonald, Keosauqua, IA Mark Scott, Fulton County, GA and Hillary Teal, Austell, GA Kimberly Skinner, Carrollton, GA and Casey Summerville, Carrollton, GA Jason Smith, Douglas County, GA and Christine Camp, Douglas County, GA Eric Sorenson, Brookings, SD and Virginia Johnson, Decatur, GA David Taylor , Memphis, TN and Jennifer Taylor, Miami, FL Joshua Traylor, Douglasville, GA and Hannah Ledbetter, Austell, Georgia Kimberly Truitt, Carroll County, GA and Alex Graham, Carroll County, GA Katie Vaughn, Carroll County, GA and James Townsend, Sylacauga, AL Tayor Willingham, Carrollton, GA and Kelsey Middlebrooks, Augusta, GA

Page 34 April 19, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Complete your team of doctors to include a chiropractor

patient out of every 15. In that same state, excluding the Davenport area, 4,735 patients were treated by chiropractors with a loss of only 6 cases - a loss of one patient out of every 789. What chiropractors have always hung their doctorate shingle on was the nail of biological resistance.

Big money healthcare is all about the Bremen Family Health weak vulnerable human whose body cannot and Wellness Center resist the infections and will require medical www.drtempleton.com interventions such as pharmaceutical If you think we are having a tough time therapies and/or surgery to survive. That is now with all the death and contagion fears, called the herd mentality. the isolation challenges, and all that is going The notorious international banker of that on right now with the coronavirus, pause for era was JP Morgan and he funded the a moment and think about what’s really institution of medicine in this country by important and what it is we are faced with. giving money to build medical colleges on The last comparable pandemic of 1917-18 every major campus of the day. The industry the influenza claimed 500,000 lives in the of medicine was born.

United States. Over Along with that When medical science avoids financial commitment 200,000 people died in the month of October the sciences that could benefit came the politics to 1918 alone. destroy any competition the effort to help people, get So, there is a reason to that model. well cures and, therefore, to be as careful as Therefore, the political possible because if precious lives may be lost. “alternative healthcare” that happens again movement was also put now, there won’t be an economy left to save. into motion.

In my opinion, not catching the virus by Real freedoms are at risk of being lost staying home is what we are left with and as when pious politicians side with in this case hard and costly as it appears to be on our the snake oil salesman of old and legislates economy, more likely than not, it is going to alternative applications out of existence. This save it. So, let me share some ideas about has happened to naturopathy and changing our future preparedness. homeopathy, and almost to the chiropractic The fact is there will never be a vaccine profession. It seems like no federal money for the coronavirus because it will morph can be spent on proving or developing into something else by the time we come up alternative resistant based healthcare with even a rushed half-baked vaccine for it. practices.

If things go like they always have, it will run Case in point: In the 1990s, Life its course and become less of a threat as the University - under the scrutiny of Emory years go by.

University- conducted a very small Stage 1 The rest of the story to the 1917-18 study of the effects of an upper cervical pandemic pertinent to this discussion is we chiropractic adjustment and the response of were able to observe a unique group of the immune system on AIDS patients at doctors apply their therapy to thousands of Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA. The study influenza patients with an unbelievable was small, but revealed a 48% jump in the Toutcome.

Cell count in those receiving the adjustment At that time in Davenport, Iowa, 50 versus those who did not. Of those unmedical doctors treated 4,953 cases, with adjusted patients, the T-Cell went down 7%.

274 deaths. In the same city, 150 So, it might appear that there was an chiropractors including students and faculty astonishing 55% increase in the AIDS of the Palmer School of Chiropractic, treated patient.

1,635 cases with only one death. That report I interviewed Dr. Selano, and he told me prompted a broader look statewide and in the there was, at that time, two levels of state of Iowa, medical doctors treated 93,590 academic scrutiny that had to approve patients, with 6,116 deaths - a loss of one continuing this study, and the request to

DR. RALPH

TEMPLETON

BARNETT IRRIGATION SERVICES, INC. Drainage Problems?

Barnett Irrigation Irrigation Repair & Install Drainage Work - Sod Certified Back Flow Testing

770-498-0347

“We get busy so you don’t have to” Owner: Paul Barnett 404-787-3960

expand it passed both of those committees but failed to get approval from one man who controlled that department at Emory.

When Dr. Selano asked for the reason, they would not do so, he was advised, that “it wasn’t their place to conduct research that proves the effectiveness of another profession.” Why doesn’t the chiropractor conduct their own study? Medical doctors control the diseased patient by owning the right to diagnose disease.

When we get sick and request medical care, we are given a label and it’s called a diagnosis. In this country, medical doctors carry the burden of caring for their diagnosis and therefore own that patient. Gaining access to patients diagnosed with a disease is impossible without the support of the institution of medicine.

Once that patient places their trust in that medical doctor, they give up their access to any treatments that are not grounded in the logic of medical science.

When medical science avoids the sciences that could benefit the effort to help people, get well cures and, therefore, precious lives may be lost. People are free to choose their doctor. Choose a chiropractic doctor to be on your personal healthcare team - and listen to us. Please tell your state and federal legislators to support chiropractic efforts to secure patient rights to access chiropractors without barriers such as higher co-pays or limitations different than those afforded for medical care.

Dr. Ralph Templeton, Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center drrj2@gmail.com

HARRY PITTS from page 24

pressure, and that you must make a serious change.

The vaccination against negative peer pressure has always been in your possession.

Your prescription reads thusly: Take a daily dose of confidence in oneself, follow your dreams, and always say no to anyone that seeks to lead you in the wrong direction. You are a born leader, and you have the power to persuade others to do that which is right and honorable.

Let’s not give into the seductive pressures that desire to exploit your giftedness. But let’s accept your creative abilities in order to thwart the plan of negative peer pressure.

You are an answer, you are a dream waiting to be born, you are a word waiting to be spoken, you are a verb that must make change positively. You are GREATNESS!

for you to be celebrated and emulated. Use your leadership to teach others to unlock their peer power and to always say no to negative peer pressure. You are a new breed of leader that understands that you have the power to show others that they need to awake to who they are.

I want to vaccinate you against negative peer pressure. Here is a red flag that will show you that you have been stung by negative peer pressure. Anytime that you find it difficult to hear the truth, you have been stung.

Anytime that you find it difficult to listen to anyone that attempts to show you that the path you’ve chosen isn’t good for you, you’ve been stung. Take notice and realize that you’ve been stung by negative peer

Turner Pharmacy

www.starnewsgaonline.com COVID-19 from front page

118,000 cases spread over 114 countries.

4,000+ had died. As of April 7th, there were 1,986,603 cases; 125,423 died; 466,635 recovered. This new virus - coronavirus - has globally affected people and their way of life. New terms such as “social distancing” and “sheltering-in-place” have become common, as countries, states, and counties have declared “states-of-emergency”. Georgia and Carroll County,are currently under a state of emergency until May 13th, with shelter-inplace until April 30th.

Carroll County hit the ground running and held an informative meeting prior to all this on March 3rd to lay out the preliminary response to the impending pandemic.

Emergency Management Director Tim Padgett, Infectious Control Officer Tanner Health System Dr. Laura Larson, Public Safety Medical Director Dr. Bobby Mitchell, Tanner Executive Nurse Deborah Matthews, Commission Chair Michelle Morgan, and vice president Campus and Support for Tanner Gary Thomas addressed the large gathering and spoke on preparations being made by Tanner hospital and county facilities.

The first entities to take action in response to the medical threat of COVID-19 were the public schools. Carroll County and Carrollton City school systems shut down schools, initially, for a two week period beginning March 13th, with all other school institutions public and private in the county following suit. This temporary closing was extended for the duration of the school year.

“Digital instruction /Distant learning” began with students completing studies online with teacher involvement.

On March 23rd, Villa Rica Mayor Gil McDougal signed a declaration of emer-

KIERBOW from page 18

buses. SPLOST has been a great thing for this county, and I would love to see it continued.” Kierbow would like to serve another four years “so we can continue to move forward.”

Carroll County School Board DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE Dr. Bob Pinckney Dr. Bob Pinckney is running for re-election to Carroll County School Board for District 3. “I have been and hope to continue as one of seven school board members working together in the development of policies with the Superintendent in an effort to continue the district growth as a premier school district,” he declared. He has served as the school board representative for the past 4 years.

Pinckney is a retired educator, having served over 40 years as a teacher, coach building administrator, superintendent of schools, and is currently a school board member. “I have worked with local and state elected officials on Pinckney educational issues of importance to our school district and state,” he said, explaining his qualifications for the position. Pinckney is supportive of all of the efforts of the teachers, administrators, and superintendent are using to keep the students engaged in their education during the unusual crisis of the current pandemic.

“Distant Learning (DL) as an instructional tool for our students is the only way to maintain social distance and provide daily learning opportunities for our students,” he stated.

gency for the city. Subsequently, it was superceded by the Emergency Order of the Carroll County Board of Health on March 24th and Emergency Order by the Douglas County Board of Health March 26th.

McDougal stated that “the intent of this Order is to ensure the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to the maximum extent possible.”

On March 24th, Carroll County Board of Health issued an order declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19. The order imposed social distancing of six feet between persons outside their residences, prohibited public and private gatherings of more than ten people, and closed all bars, restaurants, etc. prohibiting in-person.

On March 25th, Temple Mayor Michael Johson issued a statement affirming the duty and responsibility of the board of health to address COVID-19, and the city’s commitment to make sure that the order of the health department is followed in the city. The rec department, senior center, and lobby of City Hall were closed. Home delivered mieals and drive through pick up service was provided for the seniors for lunches Monday through Friday.

In early March, Southwire enacted precautionary measures including requiring travel approvals for all business-related travel, enhanced cleaning procedures, limiting on-site visits from external parties, ensuring CDC compliance with vendors and contractors. They also moved into remote work environments where applicable.

Carroll EMC has temporarily suspended disconnects for non-payment. They have closed their lobbies, but phone lines are open and manned during normal business hours.

Tanner Health System has erected exterior patient care tents on the campuses of After the COVID-19 crisis is under control and the county is working on the “New Normal,” Pinckney would support an ad hoc committee of county stakeholders to review the pros and cons of Distant Learning, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Education.

“Educational change does not happen overnight; it requires thoughtful planning,” he explained. “We’re working with developing minds--we’re not making widgets.”

Pinckney sees the current crisis as an opportunity for additional, creative learning experiences for the students and teachers alike. “We’re in unprecedented times,” he stated. “There is no playbook we can pull off the shelf that can guide us to the next step.

The board will work with the superintendent and other stakeholders, discussing and planning for the delivery of instruction in our new normal.” Pinckney feels that the effects, ill or otherwise, on the students due to the pandemic are unknown until they return to the classroom and can be evaluated for the instructional impact. The issue will be addressed appropriately at that time.

He supports the use of SPLOST funds as a supplement to the school system revenues.

“It provides money for Capital Projects, Technology, etc. without increasing the local school property tax,” he explained. “It has provided new and improved school buildings, instructional devices for the students, improved building security, athletic facilities, and various other needs.” “The number one issue confronting all of us at this time is what will the ‘New Normal’ look like,” Pinckney declared. “The most important matter for me and our school district’s future will be how will we return the Carroll County Schools back to their instructional routine.”

Carrollton, Villa Rica, and Bremen hospitals in anticipation of a surge in cases of the virus. The tents will be used to triage and possible deliver care to patients who are symptomatic for covid-19. Tanner Carrollton has closed its Outpatient Surgery entrance on Clinic Avenue and Higgins General in Bremen has suspended visitation in most cases.

While “sheltering in place,” numerous local seamstresses have been hard at work constructing masks for use at Tanner. On April 10th, Tanner posted the need for more.

They need them for both patients and their family members once the patients are discharged. The women’s services practices would also like to give masks to all their future moms. Drop off boxes are located at the Dixie Street Entrance in Carrollton and at the Southeastern Quilt Museum at 306 Bradley Street in Carrollton from 9 am until 3 pm. Patterns and instructions may be found on the Tanner Health System Volunteers Face Book page.

The Community Foundation of West Georgia COVID-19 Response Fund, focused on providing food and shelter, has issued a third round of grants to local nonprofit organizations, bringing the current total grants to $40,000 in the four weeks since the fund was established.

The latest grants were issued to the THS Emergency Shelter, a community outreach service for the homeless, which received an additional grant due to a dramatic increase in people seeking assistance. These needs include ongoing opportunities for getting showers, nutritious meals, clothing, and laundry facilities, as well as birth certificates, state IDs, transportation, medical services, temporary shelter and stable housing.

Partners Advancing Student Success, Inc.

StarNews

April 19, 2020 Page 35

(PASS), which focuses on improving student success by providing support and services, received a grant for prepaid phone cards.

These will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of students who sometimes live in homes that put them at risk with no means of communicating with their PASS advocates.

Grants for food and shelter were made to nonprofits in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties: Manna House, Salvation Army, THS Emergency Shelter, Haralson County Community Christian Council, Heard County Food Pantry, Open Hands Christian Ministry, St. Margaret’s Community Outreach and West Georgia Council on Aging.

The Council on Aging, headed up by Sandra Morris and Danielle Jenkins, with many vounteers, delivered 750 hot meals to at-risk elderly in the Carrollton area over the past three weeks. The Carrollton Rotary Club and Woodmen of the World purchased hot meals from area restaurants that were delivered to those in need by Carrollton police officers.

Donations to Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund may be made at: cfwg.net; by text-to-give at “GIVEWESTGA” to 44321; or by check mailed to Foundation, 807 South Park Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117.

NOTICE

The Carroll County Council on Aging has CANCELLED the Annual Senior Citizen SPRING FLING FELLOWSHIP for May 7, 2020

LOVE OUR LOCALS RAFFLE! WIN up to

Angela $1,000 Dailey 1/4

CASH!

Order Online, Delivery, Purchase Gift Cards and More!

Purchase any product or service of at least $25 value from any of THE participating businesses BELOW and be entered to win up to $1,000 cash!

spend more for more chances to win! purchase $25 = 1 entry • $50 = 2 entries • $75 = 3 entries • $100 or more = 4 entries we are not encouraging anyone to be unsafe. there are many ways to support local businesses without leaving your home by purchasing online, ordering by phone and more.

HOW TO ENTER: 1. PURCHASE AT LEAST $25 IN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES FROM A PARTICIPATING BUSINESS 2. FILL OUT THE RAFFLE SLIP YOU ARE GIVEN AT TIME OF PURCHASE 3. Take A PHOTO OF YOUR RECEIPT AND RAFFLE SLIP 4. email photo TO CARROLLTONRAFFLE@GMAIL.COM if purchases are made online, contact selling merchant to obtain your raffle slip.

participating businesses CARROLLTON: Sweet peas boutique • dreamscapes landscaping and outdoor play kidney office products • jill duncan state farm • citymedspa • lambert tire company SPA 3:16 • terraMar wellness center • Merle norman • feathers & twigs • adam and sons furniture store • anchor fITNESS • SARAH LITTLEJOHN MASSAGE & YOGA • CLASSICAL PHOTOGRAPHY • cheers fine wine & spirits • WILDFLOWERS ON MAPLE SALON • STITCHN’ TEES • FEVER PERFORMING ARTS • NEED IT MOST HOMECARE • LIME BISCUIT CREATIVE • BETTER TOGETHER FITNESS FRONTIER AUTO SALES • the nest • CAM LAW • KREATIONS ART FACTORY • SMITH BROTHERS SUPPLY SOCIETY LUXERY HAIR CARE • AIR LOGIC HEATING & AIR • THE CLASSY CRICKET •JASTESA 3D IMAGING bakery 27 • PERFECT PEACE BOUTIQUE, • FAR OUT THREADS • VISION REALTY & MANAGEMENT BRUSHSTROKES MOBILE ART STUDIO • Shuckers • FRUITFUL PRINT COMPANY • main street boutique UNDERGROUND BOOKS • Shot spot • travelmation • RACE TO GRACE RACE SERIES • irish bred pub RODAN + FIELDS, JACQUELINE DOST • PAMPERED CHEF, MINDY BANKS • subway, northwinds blvd.

Your American maid, llc. • rdw lawn care • Quest Comic Shop BOWDON: smokin’ pig barbecue • BRETT’S GUIDING LIGHT HOMECARE VILLA RICA: MERLE NORMAN temple: avon, carolyn williams contest is open through april 30. prize winner will be drawn at random and announced may 1. IF THERE ARE 250 OR FEWER PARTICIPANTS, GRAND PRIZE WILL BE $250 CASH; 251-500 PARTICIPANTS, PRIZE WILL BE $500 CASH; 501-750 PARTICIPANTS, GRAND PRIZE WILL BE $750 CASH; 1,000 OR MORE PARTICIPANTS, GRAND PRIZE WILL BE $1,000 CASH. there will be no recourse and no refunds from the financial sponsors of this community raffle for any products, services or gift cards. contact selling merchant directly with any and all inquiries.

Page 36 April 19, 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

VOTE FOR THE COMMITTED CONSERVATIVE ON JUNE 9

VOTE FOR REPUBLICAN CASON HIGHTOWER