StarNews August 2022

StarNews

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

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NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

AUGUST 7, 2022 • VOLUME 28 NUMBER 8

County clerk hired: fills vacant position

Upper elementary county school teacher Lynda Bingham hired as county clerk

by Sue Horn Carroll County Board Chairman Michelle Morgan has hired Lynda Bingham as the new Carroll County Clerk. Bingham’s first day on the job was Monday, July 18, 2022. She fills a position vacant for months, replacing Donna Lackey who had held the job briefly resigning See NEWEST COUNTY CLERK page 21

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County school board to increase Plant Yates coal ash threat to nearby Chattahoochee River area property taxes: $158,649,954 budget by Carol Boyd attorney’s presentation focused for 15,500 anticipated students On Monday, July 18th, the Carroll County NAACP and the Carrollton-Carroll League of Women Voters hosted a presentation via Zoom featuring a senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center. (www.SELC.org). The SELC

on coal ash ponds closest to us: the dangers of the metallic residues that currently leak into our communities; and the unjust distribution of these sites. Coal ash, also known as Coal Combustion Residuals or CCR, See COAL ASH page 4

Public hearings required: Monday, Aug.15th, Thursday, Aug. 18th

from press release The Carroll County Board of Education plans to increase the 2022 property taxes it will levy this year by 3.71% over the rollback millage rate. One of the three required public hearings has already been held. The two remaining hearings are scheduled for Monday, August 15th and Thursday, August 18th. Each year, the Carroll County Board of Tax Assessors is required to review the assessed value of tax-

Carroll County School System

FY2022-2023 Budget: $158,649,954 STUDENT POPULATION: 15,500 COST PER STUDENT: $10,236

able property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the board of tax assesSee TAX INCREASE page 5

County commission begins process to address problems with zoning ordinances on subdividing land

Current ordinance wording allows county engineer to make exceptions to ordinances with no guidance or permission from commission board

First meeting included open discussion on pros and cons of flag lots

The Carroll County Water Authority (CCWA) Executive Director, Matt Windom is shown left in the water authority building’s lobby at 556 Old Bremen Road, Carrollton. He is shown with staff members Katrina Carmona, Karli Bearden, and Tiffany Mitchem. Photo by Wayne J. Reynolds Sgal. Photo by

Post-pandemic effects: Carroll County Water Authority to increase connection charges for first time since 2005 by Wayne J. Reynolds The Carroll County Water Authority (CCWA) recently announced an increase in connection charges for new customers, the first increase for connections since 2005. These price hikes, which will become effective September 1st, have garnered attention. In an extensive

ThisDON’T issue is ISSUE! also MISS AN READ DIGITAL MONTHLY posted on over PRINT EDITIONS on 100 Facebook www.starnewsgaonline.com community pages, LIKE US at Twitter, facebook.com/ LinkedIn, StarNewsGaOnline & starnewsgaonline.com PINTEREST Sherryreynolds.StarNews Call 770-722-7227 suehorn.starnews FOLLOW US on TWITTER @starnewswga @gmail.com contact us at: waynereynolds.starnews suehorn.starnews@gmail.com waynereynolds.starnews@ @gmail.comgmail.com

interview, CCWA Executive Director Matt Windom offered insights on those increases and also how the independent authority operates. Raised in Carroll County, Windom joined the authority in 2003 as a project engineer. He was promoted to See CCWA page 8

Don-Rich Ford

by Sue Horn Several employees and elected officials of Carroll County government met on Thursday, July 21st for the purpose of discussing ordinance issues and seeking ideas toward the rewriting of any ordinances. The meeting was held in the Carroll County Emergency Management building, Newnan Road, Carrollton. Also in attendance was hired con-

sultant Theron Gay who is executive director of Administration and Special Projects with Meriwether County. Carroll County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michelle Morgan said that Gay was there to “facilitate and take notes”. As the meeting opened, Morgan introduced the new Carroll County See FUTURE LOOK of CARROLL COUNTY page 12

from press release West Georgia Technical College will hold a ribbon cutting celebration for the new Carroll campus 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 500 Technology Parkway, Carrollton (off the bypass). The public is invited to attend. Campus tours will follow after the ceremony.

“The transition from over 50 years of history evolving from the original Carroll Tech to celebrating a bright, high-tech future at West Georgia Tech, in this amazing new $66 million-dollar campus, is nothing short of amazing,” said WGTC president Dr. Julie Post. See WGTC page 19

Public invited to ribbon cutting for long anticipated new WGTC campus

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Page 4 August 7, 2022 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com COAL ASH from front page began commercial operation in 1950. Five of is the nation’s number one source of water pol- its seven coal-fired units were retired in 2015. lution, outstripping industrial landfill, agricul- The two remaining units were converted to tural, agricultural run-off and petroleum. Its natural gas. Plant Yates currently oversees 13 effects can be seen in all stages of coal usage ash ponds, or pits. Plant Wansley, a 5200 acre plant in from mining to waste disposal. Currently nationwide, there are more than 100 million Heard/Carroll County, began commercial tons of created coal ash. Contaminants include, operation in 1976, with its two coal-fired units and are not limited to, the pollutants selenium, now retired. Plant Wansley had 7 ash ponds arsenic, boron, lead, mercury; none of which originally, and now has one operating pond. Georgia Power is the owner/operator for break down into more benign elements over time. These are commonly referred to as “fo- both plants. Groundwater runs underground and is usurever chemicals.” The ash problem remains even after the generating plants cease to burn ally not seen. Groundwater can rise and fall with rainfall and climate variance, and can coal. Plant Yates, a 2400 acre plant in Newnan, flow freely through an unlined ash pit. Coal

ash contaminants can then mix with groundThe Georgia EPD has granted extensions to water before running off into nearby the timelines to at least one of these sites, so at waterways. present they both con. . . whether the two plants are tinue to leak. The coal ash ponds at Plant Wansley and Plant capable of being converted, or is According to the Yates are in relative it too late? Excavation, lining, and SELC attorney, the proximity to the capping processes are proceeding Georg i a Power Chattahoochee River. Company has made far ahead in other states, with Some pits/ponds in minimal efforts such as about half of coal ash ponds the U.S. have liners to covering some of the being neglected. The cleaning contain the toxic ash. pits, but the coal ash and Plant Wansley and Plant process becomes more difficult contaminants remain in Yates do not. According contact with the nearby the longer the wait to begin to the SELC attorney, Chattahoochee River the EPA is pushing both of these unlined plants area groundwater. to undertake immediate remediation. The SELC attorney shared with the Zoom participants author Dr. Robert Bullard’s definition of environmental justice: “… environmental justice embraces the principle that all people in communities are entitled to equal protection of our environmental laws; housing, transportation, energy, food, and water security and health laws.” The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has designated coal ash as a concern for low income and racial minorities, citing disproportionate placement of these waste ponds in the areas where they live and work. One aspect raised during the presentation was whether the two plants are capable of being converted, or is it too late? Excavation, lining, and capping processes are proceeding far ahead in other states, with about half of pits being neglected nationwide. The cleaning process becomes more difficult the longer the wait to begin. In the meantime, more people could be affected by contaminated water. Optimal actions would be to quickly, and safely, shut down all coal plants so that more coal ash is not generated; move existing ponds Shown above is a cross-section drawing of a typical coal ash pit (this particular one is located in Missouri). This chart shows away from waterways; make a more substanthe basic method. The turquoise section represents groundwater, which rises and falls with rainfall and climate variance. The tial bottom/side lining; and securely capping chart shows that water, polluted with contaminants from a coal ash burn, then flows into a nearby river. See GROUNDWATER page 19

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> State fiscal economist: agriculture sector likely to support economy through possible recession

by Maria M. Lameiras / UGA College of people spend about 70% of their money on Agricultural & Environmental Sciences services - travel, entertainment, etc. - but durThe current factors disrupting the economy ing the pandemic, we reduced the amount we are not the same as those normally seen in a spent on services, and we started spending all pre-recessionary period, said State Fiscal this extra money on stuff that we bought Economist Jeffrey Dorfman. online.” “There may be bumps and eco- State Fiscal Economist Now that spending patnomic growth may slow down, Jeffrey Dorfman. “There terns have primarily reverted but if there is a recession, it will toward services, businesses may be bumps and not be a normal one. The econ- economic growth may producing consumer goods omy is not going to lose a lot of “feeling the pinch.” slow down, but if there are“There jobs.” may be bumps and While there is a lot of concern is a recession, it will not economic growth may slow be a normal one. The down, but if there is a recesabout impending recession in the U.S., the traditional ecoeconomy is not going sion, it will not be a normal nomic indicators of recession one. The economy is not to lose a lot of jobs.” aren’t fully apparent, especially going to lose a lot of jobs,” in the agricultural sector, according to Dorfman said. Georgia’s State Fiscal Economist Jeffrey Both during and after the COVID pandemic, Dorfman, a professor of agricultural and the employment market has remained strong applied economics in the University of Georgia for job seekers. College of Agricultural and Environmental “Normally one of the major characteristics Sciences. of a recession is rising unemployment and the The annual inflation rate in the U.S. acceler- inability to get jobs,” Dorman said. “I am ated to 9.1% in June 2022, the highest since struggling to believe that a lot of businesses November 1981. Embedded in inflation, want to fire a lot of workers. They’ve just spent energy prices rose 41.6% and food costs surged two years trying to desperately hire new work10.4%. ers and they are busy making projects to keep “The interesting question is, if I run a busi- those workers busy for a while. If you used to ness in agriculture, do I care about a recession? work on an assembly line, they will keep payDuring a recession, we don’t cut back on food. ing you, but you’ll do other things for a while , Theoretically, we may cut back on restaurants, because if the company fires people, they may so if I were a grower who grew fancy vegeta- never be able to hire replacements.” bles for expensive restaurants or who raised For industries struggling to find enough specialized beef, I might be worried about a workers to fill jobs, such as the retail and hosrecession,” Dorfman said. “But, if I am grow- pitality industries, Dorfman said they will have ing peanuts, soybeans, blueberries, chickens or to get creative to find ways to make those jobs whatever else, I don’t think it matters.” attractive. Yangxuan Liu, assistant professor of agricul“In agriculture, we are very familiar with tural and applied economics at CAES, said that this problem. For years, it has been impossible the agriculture industry - with the exception of to find anyone willing to do the jobs we need the cotton industry - has traditionally acted as a done. We need the guest worker program to buffer to the economy during recessionary bring in people willing to do these jobs. I could periods. see the same thing happening in hospitality and “The majority of study about how agricul- retail eventually or they will have to find some ture responds to recession shows that the part way to reimagine those jobs,” he said. of agriculture that contributes to the economy Twelve-month percentage change Consumer does not drop as much as the rest of the econ- Price Index, selected categories: The all items omy during recession, staying relatively stable. index increased 9.1% for the 12 months ending For Georgia, agriculture, poultry, eggs and June, the largest 12-month increase since the major row crops such as wheat and peanuts period ending November 1981. The all items could navigate through this recession and pro- less food and energy index rose 5.9% over the vide some support for the state economy,” said last 12 months. The energy index rose 41.6% Liu, who specializes in cotton economics. over the last year, the largest 12-month increase While a recession typically happens because since the period ending April 1980. The food the economy “got too excited somewhere,” the index increased 10.4% for the 12-months endcurrent factors disrupting the economy are not ing June, the largest 12-month increase since the same as those normally seen in a pre-reces- the period ending February 1981. sionary period, Dorfman said. In the latest Consumer Price Index for All “Whatever happens recession-wise, we need Urban Consumers (CPI-U), all items increased to understand that this is not a normal time. We 9.1% for the 12 months ending June, the larghave had an economy that was, in some sense, est 12-month increase since 1981. Energy artificially good because the federal govern- index rose 41.6% over the last year, largest 12ment gave out so much money in COVID month increase since 1980, and the food index relief and the economy artificially skewed increased 10.4% for the 12-months ending toward stuff,” Dorfman explained. “Normally, June, the largest 12-month increase since 1981.

TAX INCREASE from front page sors is required by law to re-determine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment. When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires a rollback millage rate must be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred. The budget adopted of $158,649,954M for FY2022-2023 requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate. Therefore, before the board may set a final millage rate,

Georgia law requires three public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase. All citizens are invited to attend the required public hearings on this tax increase. One hearing was held August 4th. The two remaining hearings are: - Monday, August 15, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the board meeting’s room at 164 Independence Drive, Carrollton - Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carroll County Board of Education Performing Arts Center, 775 Old Newnan Road, Carrollton.

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Pursuing his “outdoor dream”, businessman and construction company owner Greg Camp took on the challenge of designing and producing an American-made hunting jacket

by Wayne J. Reynolds Local Carrollton businessman, Greg Camp, is now involved in two businesses, but it didn’t start out that way. It has been a meandering path from college athletics, to his own construction company, to, finally, chasing and catching - his “outdoor dream”. “I came to Carrollton from Rome, Georgia to play football at the University of West Greg Camp Georgia,” Greg begins. “After school, I began a pressure washing business driving around in an old Oldsmobile. Over time, I graduated to better vehicles and added more services, becoming Camp Landscaping and then Camp Construction. Nine years ago, Chuck Harper and I combined our businesses and became Southern Standard Construction.” Chuck and Greg manage the process, subbing out the work to area subcontractors they have worked with for over 15 years, some working for Chuck, some with Greg. They

have done work from here to Atlanta including for the Southwire Company and the University of West Georgia. “When the economy went south years ago, even before Chuck and I got together, I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life not chasing my outdoor dream,” Greg continues. “My brother Chase and I decided to do something in the outdoor world. What we decided to do was make an American made hunting jacket. “We figured out a way to source out to make an old school wax canvas hunting jacket. After finding sources from everything like zippers and snaps to wax canvas, we took our Frankenstein jacket to Sewell Manufacturing. After several hits and misses, we got the look we wanted, but not the functionality we wanted. “Thompson Lewis from Sewell suggested we take some ideas from a military tunic they manufactured like expanding the length of the sleeves and the height of the collar. We took those measurements and made an old school wax canvas hunting jacket that was very mobile with a gun. That is how Halo Waterfowl in 2013 got started. “We sell everything online through halowaterfowl.com. The Southern Company has a big invitational golf tournament every year. Atlanta Gaslight, being a part of them, purchased 300 or 400 jackets and gave them away to all the participants! Since then, we have probably sold 1200 of our custom made jackets.

from press release Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton was one of four hospitals in Georgia named to Newsweek’s list of the top performing maternity hospitals in the nation. The evaluation is based on three data sources: - A nationwide online survey of hospital managers and maternity healthcare professionals (neonatal care providers and obstetricians) - Medical key performance indicator data relevant to maternity care (including the hospital’s rate of cesarean births); and - Patient satisfaction data (such as how patients rated a hospital’s medical staff for responsiveness and communication) “Our first patient was a mother in labor,”

“What that did for us was give a lot of looks Greg’s daughter Addison is spearheading the from major groups seeing us trying to make an drive to find these locations who would want American made product. We measure our suc- to sell their hats and t-shirts, including coming cess a little differently than to Carrollton. “When the economy some. We don’t measure our “Cool stuff has continued success by how many jackets went south years ago, to happen. Bill Jordan from we sell. We never wanted to even before Chuck and I Realtree, the camo company be an apparel company but got together, I didn’t want in Columbus, invited us to wanted to be a lifestyle comjoin them. Bill’s son Tyler pany. We measure our success to spend the rest of my called me to see if Riley and life not chasing my by how much fun we are havI wanted to do a hunting ing, but we have made some show with him and Atlanta outdoor dream,” Greg money. Braves star, Austin Riley. We continues. “My brother “The company spun off in a were already going to do a cool direction. We have used Chase and I decided to show but postponed it the Under Armour approach because of COVID. This do something in the attaching Halo to well known outdoor world. What we wasn’t going to cost us anypeople. Hall of Fame football thing so we said, sure,” Greg star Jim Kelly has pushed our decided to do was make said. “We get to hunt all over products as has former the country. We do ten to an American made Heisman candidate and twelve shows a year of the hunting jacket. Baylor quarterback Brice Realtree 365 platform on Petty and country music star Riley Green. In Realtree Road Trips. Average viewership of 2015, a buddy suggested adding a country each show is around 150,000. Now I have persinger on the pro staff like Riley ‘Duckman’ sonal sponsors who pay me to represent their Green who at the time was an aspiring country brands on our shows!” singer. We went duck hunting and agreed to They have gotten additional exposure work together. because Chase, who lives in Rome, has been a “At the time he had about 1500 followers on duck calling champion competing in both state Instagram and we had 30,000, so we were a and world competitions. Chase and Greg now bigger deal to him at that time. But he has long partner with Riley, Brice, and Brian McCarthy surpassed us. Since then, he has always worn at Halo Waterfowl. our hat and eventually brought him in as a part“People thought we were crazy trying to ner. Since then we now sell 7500 hats online make an American-made jacket. We are crazy because Riley Green wears it.`` but we are proud!” Now, Greg Camp and Halo Waterfowl are For more information Southern Standard starting the second phase, looking to cherry Construction call 404-867-5052. For more said Loy Howard, president and CEO of pick about 100 stores in the Southeast and information on Halo Waterfowl, visit halowaTanner Health System, recalling the first patient Eastern seaboard to sell their hats and t-shirts. terfowl.com admitted to Tanner Memorial Hospital in Carrollton in 1949. Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, Northside Hospital in Atlanta and Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens were also on the list for Georgia. Threehundred fifty hospitals were listed nationwide. In recent years, Tanner has stepped up its maternity programs, recruiting additional obstetricians to its staff and launching the Sally and John Francis Tanner Neonatal ICU (NICU) at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. The NICU allowed the hospital to provide extended care for pre-term births and multiple births.

from press release Southwire was recently presented with the inaugural Energy Matters Award for Best Sustainability by a Large Company by Tim Echols, vice chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). “At Southwire, we continue to build on our commitment to environmental stewardship by supporting the wellbeing of our communities and environment and this award is a testament to those efforts,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. Contributing to receiving this award include being a founding member of the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact; participation in Georgia Power’s Customer Renewal Supply Program (CRSP); construction of the new Copper Rod Plant that utilizes 100% renewable electricity; installation of a solar canopy, solarpowered picnic tables and electric vehicle charging stations at its corporate headquarters; and incorporation of sustainability-linked pricing into its $1 billion asset based loan facility. “Southwire is honored to receive the Energy Matters Award for Best Sustainability by a

Large Company, and we are encouraged that our sustainable efforts have been recognized by the Georgia PSC,” said Burt Fealing, Southwire’s executive vice president, general counsel and chief sustainability officer. “We are proud of our accomplishments thus far and will continue to strive to fully incorporate sustainability into our strategic business objectives and culture.” In July 2020, Southwire announced its Carbon Zero goal to eliminate or offset all of the company’s Scope 1 - associated with fuel combustion - and Scope 2 - associated with electricity consumption - greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. These efforts also contributed to the company’s recognition for this award. “Southwire has demonstrated great leadership by setting a 100% carbon zero goal for its operations by 2025,” said Commissioner Echols. “We’re proud to acknowledge the company’s commitment to sustainability, which serves as an inspiration to others. It will be the collective efforts of the PSC and businesses like Southwire that move Georgia forward.”

Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton ranked on Newsweek’s “List of Top Maternity Hospitals”

Southwire receives Energy Matters Award for “Best Sustainability by a Large Company”

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City of Villa Rica’s Municipal Judge Michael Murphy accepts the chief magistrate position with Carroll County; city hires Keith Rollins as new Municipal Court Judge

Mayor and council hold work session and regular meeting on same day: long consent agenda, numerous ceremonial presentations by Janice Daniel Townhomes Georgia, LLC regarding sewer spread the cost of such fees between residential Ford #350 15-passenger vans; a 2000 Ford The Mayor and City Council of Villa Rica infrastructure. City desires to coordinate with versus commercial and manufacturing entities. Ranger pick-up; and a Dodge Durango. met 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022 for a the developer of the planned subdivision “The 6. Hixtown Brewery building right side wall Charles Davis said mostly salvage yards buy work session with the purpose of preparing a Cottages of Villa Rica” to provide a sewer has been selected for an artist to paint a mural these type of vehicles for selling the parts. Consent Agenda for a council vote at the regu- infrastructure. The development agreement of the Pine Mountain Museum’s train. Harrison 8. Bobby Elliott of Public Works presented a lar meeting to follow at 6:00 p.m. Items on the provides that the developer will contribute Contracting’s quote was the lowest bid at request to change material to be used in the Consent Agenda for discussion were: $800,000 towards the improvement of said $16,609. This mural is part of the Go Georgia Flowers Bakery Culvert repair since reinforced 1. Mayor Gil McDougal reappointed sewer infrastructure. Arts Program grant and the artist is included in concrete is now quite difficult to purchase by Nancy Stolz-Jeffares to the Cemetery 4. Development agreement with Fuqua the grant. City Attorney Mecklin has prepared smaller contractors. He said they want to Commission for a term of 6/1/22 through Acquisitions II, LLC related to the financing of the agreement between the City and Hixtown change to a corrugated aluminum metal pipe 6/30/25. a road commonly known as the Mirror Lake Brewery to ensure the mural will not be dipped in high-density polyethylene, which has 2. Adoption of a new schedule of fees for Connector. Fuqua plans to build a mixed-use affected should the building be sold. a 50-60 year lifespan, and can be delivered in city cemeteries due to Villa Rica’s fees not in development in the area known as the “Eas7. Public Works requested to auction non- five to six weeks. He reminded council that this alignment with other city cemetery fees in the tside TAD”. The agreement provides that the running/retired vehicles and small equipment is Flowers Bakery’s only driveway in or out of area. Grave plots are available to purchase at city will reimburse the developer for construc- on GovDeals.com. Equipment includes 1 fork- their plant and city needs to get it fixed as soon Hillcrest Cemetery (limited number) and tion of the Mirror Lake Connector in an lift with a bad engine; one golf carts which as possible. Cost is $41,006 out of the storm Garden of Rest. New fees: Grave plots (single amount not to exceed $7,016,196. As the repair costs exceed value; a 2011 Crown Vic; 3 See CITY of VILLA RICA page 14 5x10) - $500; City Permit (opening and clos- developer pays for construction of the portion ing, required within 24 hours of internment - of the Mirror Lake Connector within its devel$100; and optional black granite grave marker opment, the city would reimburse the devel(6x9) with name, date of birth and date of death oper for those costs through the prior proceeds - $45. The Old Villa Rica Cemetery is closed generated through the Eastside TAD. for new purchases and burials. 5. Amendment to the Community 3. Development agreement with Villa Rica Development Fee Schedule to more equitably

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2008 Ford Super Duty WGTC hires new public relations director E350 XLT, 12 passenger from press release Communication, West Georgia Technical Collegeahs hired Film, and Media as Van, $11,500. Good Ashley Copeland as their new Public Relations t h e 2022 & Information Director at WGTC. Copeland Distinguished condition 97,500 miles. will be responsible for providing and imple- A l u m n i Award menting strategic communications and market- recipient, for her Villa Rica. Call Bernie ing plans for the technical college. commitment to the WGTC President Dr. Julie Post stated, “We community and 712-541-3726 or are thrilled to have Ashley join the WGTC devotion to the team. She brings a wealth of experience and University of West 678-785-1775. has already hit the ground running with creativ- Georgia. ity and immersing herself in the college family, our mission, purpose and values.” Copeland brings more than 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing and communications. She joins WGTC from the Clinical Health Network for Transformation (CHN) where, as Enterprise Communications Manager, Copeland leveraged her communications experience to lead internal and external communications for the organization’s more than 14 affiliate partners. Prior to working for CHN, Copeland was the Communications Manager for the City of Newnan, GA; and spent more than ten years in the healthcare industry as a corporate communications specialist with Piedmont Healthcare and as a Public Relations Manager for Tenet Healthcare. Copeland is a graduate of the University of West Georgia. In 2022, she was awarded by the University of West Georgia’s School of

She has served on committees for the G e o r gia Copeland Municipal Association (GMA), City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) and the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL). In addition, she serves as an Executive Board Member for the NewnanCoweta Habitat for Humanity and the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) Network. West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. westgatech.edu

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reservoir site which was just approved by the federal government in 2021 for Indian Creek. executive director in 2006 when Jim Baxley This is planning for the future. We expect this retired. “I can’t believe I have been here almost project to be more than $115 million with twenty years,” Windom said. inflation and rise in construction costs. That “We are independent of Carroll County [go- will probably start in the next five years. We vernment/county commission]. We are what is have also run about 10 miles of water line called a ‘separate political subdivision’ that extensions over the past four years. We also was created in 1967 by the have a number of smaller CCWA is a ‘separate Georgia General Assembly, projects in progress.” of which, the charter, over political subdivision’ created When we asked about the years, has been in 1967 by the Georgia how the pandemic affected amended. We operate off the Authority, Windom General Assembly. . . water and waste user fees that they - along with CCWA and the county shared that we collect. We are govother government entities erned by a seven member commission board are two have been definitely affected voting board who are separate entities, each with by the problems with the appointed by a Carroll supply chain in areas such as County Commissioner who its own budget and its own materials and chemicals represents each district. In decision-making board needed at the plant. “We addition, we have non-vothave had to increase the ing members who represent some of the cities sizes of orders, and we have seen a tremendous in the county.” increase in prices, particularly materials. StaffTo clairfy, CCWA and the county commis- wise, we have handled that pretty well with sion board are two separate entities, each with most being back in the office pretty quickly. Of its own budget and its own decision-making course, with the water treatment plant, which is board. The commission has the power to tax operated 24/7, employees had to be there.” the public; CCWA does not. CCWA does not On price increases, the director commented, report or “answer” to the commission board. “On our user fees, which are our current cusCCWA board includes members appointed by tomers, prices are adjusted annually by the the commission board. amount of consumption, typically in January, The Authority’s website states: “The act cre- and generally are modest increases over the ated the CCWA as a separate political subdivi- past number of years. sion of the state of Georgia and granted it all “On connection charges, which are for new powers that city and county governments have customers, is a one time payment and have not except taxing authority. As a non-taxing entity, been adjusted since 2005. The last few years the CCWA can neither tax the general public we have seen increased pricing. If you drive nor use subsidies from the general tax revenues around unincorporated Carroll County, you see of the local government.” we are predominately residential - probably The board meets the third Thursday of each 95% of our customers are residential. month at 10:00 a.m. These are open public “We focus on pricing for our residential cusmeetings. Meeting dates can be found on tomers. The 3/4 meter, which is what most CCWA’s website: www.ccwageorgia.com. residents use, was $1600 and will increase to The CCWA budget runs July through June. $3000 September 1st. The pricing is to recover In 2019, operating revenue was $10,420,203; the cost on installation plus a portion goes 2020, $11,421,197; and 2021, $12,010,121. toward capital investment - paying down long Windom said, “We have 38 employees, so term debt. At the $1600 fee, probably $1500 we work pretty thin employee-wise. We cover went to just installing the connection. We then 500 square miles including 800 miles of water base our fee on other sizes accordingly. mains, and we are open 24/7. Most of our “We don’t think residential should subsidize employees have been with us a long time. We commercial or vice versa, likewise with agrihave a great board and great people. I can’t say enough about them. We have some talented people and really focus on staff retention.” He stated that one of the big challenges to their business is the need to plan 10, 20, 30 years out, including projected financing and revenue streams. A stable team and long term vision helps accomplish that, Windom said. When a customer has a complaint it is typically handled by the staff, but the director added it can flow up through the chain of command ultimately resolved by the board if necessary. They now have just shy of 20,000 active members. In 2000, they had 11,000+-, in 2012, to around 17,000. Windom spoke on ongoing projects and improvements. “We are working on a number of projects - in the works or planning. We are working on water system improvements in the north Carroll Highway 27, I-20 area which will be in the 12 million dollar range and should be completed in about two years. We are expanding water service to residents who had problems or didn’t have service due to elevation problems.” “We are expanding the Snake River Water Treatment Plant, which provides water to all our customers from 8,000 million gallons a day to 12 million gallons per day. This expansion which has been going on for about two years will be in the $30 million range. It should be completed in the next 6 to 9 months, and should set us up for a decade or two. “In 2006, we started planning for our next

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cultural. The fees for larger taps is based off the 3/4 inch flow of 15 gallons per minute. We probably have just a handful of people wanting the one inch tap and maybe one per year wanting the two inch tap. “About every three years, we do a cost of service analysis with an independent CPA firm using national standards to make sure we are on the right track. We put the connection charge out months in advance so people are aware of them and can act before the new charges go into effect. And we have seen a few take advantage of the old charges.” “Also the Snake River Reservoir is open for entertainment use, although it wasn’t originally. That happened about eight or nine years ago and is a great benefit to the community. The new Indian Creek reservoir will be open for entertainment as well,” Windom said. When asked about Carroll County government - the Carroll County Board of Commissioners - involvement with any revenue, he said, “We do work with the county in partnership, whether in targeted SPLOST funds, with grants or COVID relief funds. They are involved with the North Carroll project for example. But, no tax operating revenue is used.” The Authority is located at 556 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton 770-832-1277. www.ccwageorgia.com

CARROLL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY Executive Director: Matt Windom Voting Board Members Aaron McWhorter At Large Reverend Joe Neal District 1 Trey Wylie District 2 Bobby Holcombe District 3 Amanda Smith District 4 Barry Huff District 5 John Tanner, III District 6 Non-Voting Board Members Peter Zorbanos City of Villa Rica Howard Walden City of Temple Donald Newman City of Mt Zion Tony Richardson City of Carrollton Current Number of Customers: 19,466 FY2022-2023 Budget: $13,478,200 Current Number of Employees: 38

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NEWS RECAP from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com Georgia expands electric vehicle charging network with “Federal Alternative Fuel Corridor” designations The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) has received federal designation for two highways as Alternative Fuel Corridors from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The first route is U.S. 441 from Cornelia in northeast Georgia to Dublin in east central Georgia. The second route is U.S. 82 from Brunswick in coastal Georgia to Albany in southeast Georgia. These two routes will add 25%, or approximately 330 miles, to Georgia’s electric vehicle charging network. The state of Georgia has approximately 30,000 electric vehicles on the road and more than 1,300 publicly available electric vehicle charging stations with an estimated 3,400 individual outlets. That number represents more electric charging stations or outlets per capita in southeast and Sunbelt, except for California. U.S. 441 and U.S. 82 were selected based on a variety of criteria including location near major economic clusters, access to tourism sites, high share of new electric vehicles sales in nearby counties, proximity near a Georgia Emergency Management evacuation route and service to southeast Georgia. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program to provide funding to states to strategically deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access and reliability. These new designations expand the opportunities for the use of NEVI funds, as Georgia continues to build out its Alternative Fuel Corridors. Federal appeals court rules in favor of Georgia’s “Heartbeat Law” The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America celebrated as a federal appeals court ruled that Georgia’s Heartbeat Law should be allowed to take

effect, reversing a lower court ruling. Signed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2019, the law protects unborn children from abortion as soon as their heartbeat can be detected. The law will take effect as soon as the district court acts on the ruling. Under Georgia’s Heartbeat Law: - Parents would be able to claim their unborn child as a dependent on state income taxes. - Mothers can receive child support for their unborn children. - The fetus will be counted towards Georgia’s population. Tips for teens from Georgia’s DDS Obtaining a driver’s permit is a rite of passage and one that should be taken very seriously by teens and their parents. Many believe that the Road Signs and Road Rules tests given by the Department of Driver Services (DDS) are just common sense. While the Road Signs section does not typically give applicants trouble, passing the Road Rules portion of the exam is trickier and proven by a 68.02% pass rate. “Data shows that studying for the permit test is crucial for not only obtaining a Permit, but it helps make safer drivers,” says DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “The first step is to study the official Georgia Driver’s Manual, which can be found on the DDS website, or it can be downloaded on the free mobile app DDS 2 GO”. Additional helpful tips are: - Plan Ahead; you do not need an appointment for the Permit/Knowledge Test, but you will need to bring the necessary documents listed at this link https://dds.georgia.gov/howdo-i-learners-permit. The majority of teens will need to bring an original birth certificate; proof of school enrollment and residency requirements. You must also provide your full social security number, but DDS does not need to see the card. - take the Practice Test on the DDS website here: https://online.dds.ga.gov/ddsgeorgiagov/ practicetest/index.aspx • be wary of fake websites and apps claiming to have the “Georgia DMV” test answers or study sheets. Many of these are an attempt to steal your personal information or money. The

reliable information can be found on the DDS website and mobile app free of charge. • Tuesday is the busiest day for service statewide. For a shorter wait, visit during the middle of the week during the middle of the day. • applicants younger than age 18 must bring a parent/guardian, responsible adult, or authorized driver training instructor with them to sign the License/ID/Permit Form. The responsible adult must provide paperwork to show their relationship. For complete driver testing and issuance information, visit www.dds.georgia.gov and download the free mobile app DDS 2 GO. UGA releases parasitic wasp to control invasive fruit fly Cera Jones manages the University of Georgia (UGA) Small Fruit Entomology Lab under the direction of Associate Professor Ash Sial. This spring, the lab was one of a handful of select institutions in the nation to receive a permit for raising and releasing Ganaspis brasiliensis, a parasitoid wasp of the most destructive insect pest in the small fruit industry, the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), or Drosophila suzukii. Native to East Asia, this small vinegar fly is responsible for billions of dollars in annual crop losses around the globe. Jones released over 1,300 wasps at three locations within Bacon and Appling counties, where most of the state’s blueberries are produced, with supplemental releases continuing over the next few months. Female SWD lay their eggs in small fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries and strawberries. Larvae hatch and begin feeding within the pulp, rendering the fruit completely unmarketable due to an almost zero tolerance for infested fruit for fresh market or frozen products. “Since Georgia is within the same latitude as its native range, we hope to see that this wasp can survive in our environment and will begin

spreading to other areas beyond their release sites,” she said. By leveraging the natural parasitic biology of this ancient nemesis, researchers hope that a reduction in SWD populations will subsequently minimize the amount of insecticides growers have to use to manage the pest. After more than a decade of research in quarantine, G. brasiliensis finally received the green light from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as a safe, host-specific biocontrol of SWD. “We had been waiting while this species was being studied in quarantine when, serendipitously, Washington State University researchers confirmed the discovery of the wasp in a field last year. Apparently, it had made its way to North America on its own and since USDA doesn’t control the spread of non-native species once they’ve been identified as existing in a state, it made the approval process faster,” said Jones. “Even though this wasp is much smaller than the fly, they’re just as determined to deposit their eggs,” said Corinne Stouthamer, a UGA research scientist who specializes in parasitic wasps. “Population suppression could also occur in fruits that normally would not be sprayed with insecticides, such as backyard fruit trees or wild berries that would otherwise act as a reservoir for the fly. In short, the wasps can reach where the insecticides can’t,” she emphasized. Stouthamer explained that researchers are still learning exactly how these wasps hunt down their prey with such surgical precision. The wasps pinpoint the location of their hosts potentially by using larval odors or by feeling for vibrations of the crawling maggots beneath the surface of the fruit. Once a maggot has been detected, the female wasp inserts a needle-like ovipositor through the berry and injects a single egg into the fly larva.

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Six year old Jesi Smith earns several place wins at National / International Baton Twirling Championship Shown right is the Southeastern Baton Twirling Champion Jesi Smith, age 6, Villa Rica, who competed in the national/ international championships in Indiana the week of July 18th. She is shown with one of her awards from that competition. Congratulations on her finishing second place in the age 0-6 years old Beginning World solo; third place in 0-6 years Novice World strutt; fifth place in the Advanced Little Big One National Twirling competition; and eighth place in the 0-6 years Nov. World 2-Baton. Jeania Smith, Jesi’s mother, said, “I think the twirling helps her with her counting, confidence, and concentration among other positives.” Competitive twirling is a family tradition. Jeania also competed as a child under her mother’s direction and competed at Notre Dame as well. Jesi is coached online with Marylin Daniels at the Marylin Youmans & Marylin School of Dance/Baton in Savannah, just as her mother was before her. All-rounders for any job Jesi was featured in the June edition of StarNews.

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Page 10 August 7, 2022

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County commission work session: prepared consent agenda for single vote at regular meeting; discussed transit strategic planning through public-private partnerships

by Janice Daniel Carroll County Board of Commissioners held its monthly work session Thursday, June 30, 2022. All were present wth the exception of District 6 Commissioner George Chambers (whose term ends in December). Also, Finance Director Alecia Searcy was absent due to vacationing, therefore no financial report was given. Items discussed at this work session to be placed on a Consent Agenda for the July 12th, 2022 regular meeting were: 1. Request by Ben Skipper, Parks Department Director, for purchase of a New Holland POWERSTAR 75 & Rhino Implement 2150 from Agrimerica for $71,950, a tractor and mower for the parks department. 2. Georgia Indigent Defense Services Agreement with the Public Defender Office for FY2023 for a total for Personnel & Operating expense of $1,248,327, a $139,000 increase over FY2022. 3. Director of Recreation Thad Ferguson, presented a request for monies not to exceed $513,500 toward the creation of a new multi-

purpose field to be built on the property across from the new gymnasium. Ferguson stated that the field is needed due to increased number of participants. He stated that more parking is needed for the gymnasium. He presented the board a list of estimated costs. The breakdown of his estimate (excluding electrical): Lights, $225,000; Concession/ Restrooms $135,000; Sod $80,000; Irrigation $50,000; Fencing $12,000; Sewer Tap Set-up $8,000; and Water Tap Set-up $3,500. Ferguson will present bids and contracts to the Board for approval. It was also noted that the revenue from concessions and registration fees will off-set some of the expenses. 4. In a Personnel matter, Human Resources Director Ann Lee presented a re-structuring of an existing temporary part-time employee position at the Solid Waste Department that is being changed to a permanent part-time employee status. Solid Waste Manager Jacqueline Dost said that the contract renewal agreements with Waste Industries/GFL will be ready to present to the board at the July 12, 2022 meeting. She

said there will be cost increases, and are trying to negotiate for increases in performance standards from the supplier. There was also a presentation for “Consideration of a Strategic Planning Document” to determine transit needs and goals for future conditions and to provide safe and dependable transit for the citizens of Carroll County through public-private partnerships. Stephanie Wagner, Project Planner of the Three Rivers Regional Commission, along with a joint committee that included District Commissioner Montrell McClendon prepared the Transit Development Plan 2022 - 2042. The report offers that Carroll County has current and trending demographic, socioeconomic, and land use trends that indicate transportation needs now and in the future, and transit is critical to connect residents to daily needs. The report offered that current county transit system is meeting the majority of needs for senior center trips (doctor, hospital, grocery stores, etc.) but does not have the capacity for meeting workforce needs. Park-and-Ride lots are not fully used and may need facelifts to

increase appeal and safety. Karen Handel of Carroll Tomorrow said they are in the process of hosting two large existing industrial round table meetings. She said one of the key issues of these meetings will be employee transportation, and can it be expanded to public/private transit as well. Carroll County’s portion of the Three Rivers Commission will be $70,000 in 2023, as opposed to $35,000 in 2019, the last year prior to the pandemic. District 5 Commissioner Ernie Reynolds wanted to know what portion the county funds cover of the total cost. WWagner said 10-20%. Most of the funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration Funds. Other questions were asked and answered about the transit plan and possibilities for the next 20 years. Lastly, Dsitrict 2 Commissioner Clint Chance advised the board that Villa Rica has received the most recent TAD counter-proposal from Carroll County, and is in the process of reviewing it. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

by Janice Daniel There was no opposition expressed by anyone Carroll County Board of Commissioners had to these zoning requests. a Special Called Meeting Tuesday, July 12, The Consent Agenda from the 6/30/22 Work 2022 at 4:00 p.m. All commissioners were pre- Session was approved with the exception of the sent. Commissioner Montrell McClendon Solid Waste agreement with Waste Industries, offered the Invocation and Commissioner Clint Inc. and the Solid Waste agreement with ETC Chance led the Pledge of Allegiance. of Georgia, LLC, which were both postponed. Boy Scout Joseph Charles Robinson was Commission also approved the consideration given recognition by the of the Edward Byrne Justice Commission also board for achieving the Assistance Grant Renewal by rank of Eagle Scout, the approved the Edward Byrne Lynda Blanchard, Juvenile Justice Assistance Grant highest achievable in the Court CHINS Coordinator, Boy Scouts. Robinson, a who stated that the $16,088 Renewal by Lynda member of Troup 39, has Blanchard, Juvenile Court grant would be used to “exemplified the values of obtain psychological and CHINS Coordinator, who scouting by living the competency evaluations of Scout Oath and the Scout stated that the $16,088 grant the children coming into the would be used to obtain Law in his daily life and juvenile court to be conby his service to the comducted by a professional psypsychological and munity. The Indian Springs competency evaluations of chiatrist, to help give the District Eagle Scout judge guidance, and to proCommittee voted unani- the children coming into the vide counseling for those juvenile court mously for Life Scout who are identified to be in Joseph Charles Robinson need. to become forevermore known as an Eagle Commission then gave consideration to a Scout, with all rights and responsibilities”. Transit Development Plan prepared by the Robinson plans to join the Georgia Army Three Rivers Regional Commission to deterNational Guard. mine transit needs and goals for future condiThree items in the zoning session were all tions. This is not a mass-transit operation, but approved by the commission unanimously. rather a program similar to others operated in

most counties in the state. It is primarily federally funded through a rural transportation grant that requires a local match. Carroll County’s anticipated annual cost will be around $35,000. Commission approved this transit program unanimously. The board then considered a request from the fire rescue department to purchase a new half-ton pick-up truck from the low bidder,

Wade Ford, at a price of $38,548, less an insurance check of $26,488, for a net cost of $12,060. Commissioner Chance recused himself. Vote was 6-0 for approval. Chance reported there has been no answer from the City of Villa Rica regarding the Eastside TAD counterproposal made by Carroll County. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

County commission regular meeting: consent agenda approved, with two exceptions, to spend $1.83M; transit program approved with county’s anticipated annual cost $35,000

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NEWS RECAP from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com Survey indicates drivers under the influence of impairing medications A national survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates many Americans admit to taking one or more potentially impairing medications before getting behind the wheel. The AAA study focused on commonly used medications such as antihistamines, cough medicines, antidepressants, prescription pain medicines, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, and amphetamines. These are identified as potentially driver impairing (PDI) medications. PDIs put drivers at risk by causing sleepiness, blurred vision, slowed reaction time, and attention problems. While the side effects can vary by individual, these medications have the ability to reduce a person’s ability to drive safely. In a 30 day period, approximately half of these drivers reported using a potentially driver impairing medication. 63% of people who reported taking two or more PDI medications (within 30 days) drove within two hours of a dose. 71% of drivers who reported taking three or more PDI medications (within 30

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August 7, 2022 Page 11

days) drove within two hours of a dose. “Impaired driving is often associated with alcohol or illegal drug use, but over-the-counter or prescription medications can also compromise your ability to drive safely,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA/ Auto Club Group. Carrollton Center for the Arts celebrates 20 years The Carrollton Center for the Arts’ 20222023 season celebrates the facility’s twentieth year with performances, exhibits and special events honoring the center’s local legacy. Several acts, many with local roots, will perform on the main stage this season, including UWG Music Faculty Showcase, August 26 at 7:30pm; Carrollton Divas, September 22, 7:30pm; Classics and Grass, October 22 at 7:30pm; Tyler Lyle Band, January 21, 7:30pm; David Pippin’s Latin Experience, February 17 at 7:30pm and Mystery Musical, April 12-16. The new season will feature three Carroll County Community Theatre productions: The Miracle Worker, September 16–18; A Christmas Story, December 1–4 and Steel Magnolias, March 10-12, 17–19. The Carroll County Community Chorus will present Christmas in Carrollton, December 9– 10 and Celebration Concert, April 21.

The Carrollton Jazz Orchestra returns with Agent. This is a direct service position that their Fall Concert, November 10; Christmas requires transport of youth and some night and Concert, December 15 and Spring Concert, weekend hours. Members also assist with proMarch 23. The Carrollton Wind Ensemble will gram planning, development, and volunteer perform its Kick-Off Concert, October 13; management. Other activities include required Christmas Concert, December 13 and Bon trainings, monthly reports, administration of Voyage Concerto, May 9. The Carroll surveys, and data entry. Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Concert This position is available September 1, 2022 will be performed February 9. The Christmas – August 31, 2023. This is a part-time/half-time classic, Nutcracker Ballet, returns to the center, AmeriCorps member position. The member is November 18-20. required to log 900 hours of service (20 The Center for the Arts suggests patrons pur- hours/week) by August 31, 2023 to successchase season tickets, which saves 20% off the fully complete the term of service. face value of tickets and guarantees seats to AmeriCorps members receive a variety of sold-out performances and concerts. Season benefits: monthly living allowance ($854.50), tickets can be ordered by phone at (770) 838- education award ($3,247.50). To qualify for the 1083, purchased in person at the Center for the education award, the member must complete Arts at 251 Alabama Street Tuesday through the hour requirement. Other benefits are availFriday from 12-5:30pm, or online at able based on eligibility (loan forbearance). www.carrolltonarts.com. Current season ticket High School diploma or equivalent and valid holders can renew, now through July 22. New driver’s license required. Experience providing season tickets sales begin July 25 and end youth development programming and a general August 12. Individual event ticket sales begin, knowledge of 4-H is preferred. August 15. Center for the Arts membership www.ugajobsearch.com. Rebekah Claar at packages can also be purchased. 770-836-8546 or Rebekah.claar@uga.edu Carrollton Center for the Arts box office at State unemployment at 2.9% with all 770-838-1083. time high of employed at 4.8M Carroll County Extension Office accepting Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler applications for Americorps State member announced that Georgia’s June unemployment Carroll County Extension is accepting appli- rate hit an all-time low of 2.9% while cations for a part-time (defined by AmeriCorps Georgia’s number of jobs are at an all-time as half-time) AmeriCorps State member. high of 4,801,800. Jobs are up 18,100 from AmeriCorps is a federally funded national May to June and up 246,300 over the year. service program modeled after the Peace Georgia’s unemployment rate was sevenCorps. For more information: tenths of a percent lower than the national June www.nationalservice.gov. This is a temporary, 2022 unemployment rate of 3.6%. it. The request was approved 3-0. national service position, not a traditional “We have never seen an unemployment rate In the last item under zoning, there was an employment position. A one-year commitment below three percent,” said Commissioner annexation and rezoning request for 2911 W. is required. Butler. “Georgia ranks highest in the Southeast Highway 166 (30.45 acres), currently zoned AmeriCorps State members provide 4-H and third highest of the ten most populated for a Mobile Home Park with no conditions. positive youth development programming states with a labor participation rate of 62.3% John Denney, on behalf of Valley Holdings, under the direction of the County Extension for May.” LLC, said they want to build 76 single-family starter homes there, with conditions imposed by the City. The lots would be 8,000 square feet. In response to a Sunrise Circle resident’s traffic concerns, Denney stated that he measured the width of the road in question, and it is the same width as Hayes Mill Road, and is in good shape. Two residents, Justin Ray and Larry Rooks, voiced safety concerns because of the blind hill and blind curve on 166 where “25 wrecks” (according to Ray) have already happened. Council approved the request 3-0. Brooks presented Resolution 06-2022, a Unified Development Ordinance standard change to give the city control over mural installations, which was passed 3-0. Finance Director Triplett presented the FY2023 City of Carrollton Budget for adoption, which passed 4-0. This was followed by four board At United Community Bank, our mission is to provide appointments: 1. Arts Commission: Dr. Kelley Steed exceptional banking services while caring deeply for was appointed for a 2nd 3-year term, and John the communities we serve. Morris was appointed for a 3-year term, expiring 6/20/2025. 2. Planning Commission: Jean Waldrop CARROLLTON was appointed to finish the term of Joe Neal which expires 12/31/22. 119 Maple Street | 770-838-9608 3. Carrollton Convention & Visitors Bureau: Chris Duffey and Michael Hart were DOUGLASVILLE appointed with terms expiring 6/30/25, and Jessica Beckom was appointed to fill the unex6670 Church Street | 770-942-5681 pired term of Kristine Wood, term expiring 6/30/2024. VILLA RICA 4. Downtown Main Street Board (1): Erika Smith was appointed to fill the unex485 W. Bankhead HIghway | 770-459-3100 pired term of Faith Mallory, term expiring 11/30/22. There being no further business, the meeting Member FDIC. © 2022 United Community Bank | ucbi.com was adjourned.

Carrollton council approves several zoning requests including 76-single family starter homes on Highway 166 by Janice Daniel City of Carrollton Mayor and Council meeting was held Monday, July 11, 2022, with Mayor Pro Tem Ledbetter presiding and Councilmember Bob Uglum participating by teleconference. Mayor Betty Cason was absent due to recent surgery. Council considered a rezoning request for Northwinds Boulevard Wisteria Landing Phase 2 to be rezoned from R-20 (single family residence min. 20,000 sq.ft. lots) to RPD (Residential Planned Development). The area was partially developed in the 2000s and failed in the recession of 2008 and 2009. Nate Ackerman wants to build 31 single-family residences, as well as bringing the street up to City standards. These will be three-bedroom homes, minimum 1,600 sq.ft. heated space. The request, with conditions, was approved 3-0. The next request was for an annexation from Carroll County Agricultural to City R-8 (single family residences 8,000 sq.ft. lots) with minimum 2,000 sq.ft. heated space, located at W. Highway 166. Cindy Sellers of Carrollton, said the developer is in agreement with all requirements and conditions the city proposed, and even though two citizens with homes in that area spoke against the proposal due to traffic and stormwater drainage problems, council was able to address their concerns and approved the request 3-0. Third was a request for a Special Use Permit for 450 Stripling Chapel Road for Light Industrial Use C-2 (General Commercial) of 1.55 acres in the C-2 zoning district, for a proposed retail center. With the condition that the standards of the Unified Development Ordinance would apply, the request was approved 3-0. An annexation and rezoning request was presented by City Manager David Brooks on behalf of the City of Carrollton to rezone 50.65 acres at 2745 W. Highway 166 to ER-1, but he said no development at all is proposed on the area because it is all wetlands. Brooks said the property abuts the City of Carrollton spray site and that is the reason the city wants to annex

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FUTURE LOOK of CARROLL COUNTY from front page

Clerk Lynda Bingham, whom Morgan hired July 18th, stating Bingham will be attending “clerk school”. Aubrey Jackson, county attorney, said the meeting was to be a “brainstorming session. We have nothing specific [no listed agenda]. We continue to get questions and concerns from citizens wanting clarification on ordinances. Some [ordinances] need to be tweaked. Today is just a discussion. We want ideas, and hear your positions.” Morgan said there would be a public meeting to gather more ideas from the public before any changes would be made to ordinances, perhaps finishing by or before December. Carroll County’s Comprehensive Plan, updated in 2018, remains in effect until the year 2040: “The Carroll County Comprehensive Plan Update establishes Carroll County’s vision for its future and guides decisions to implement that vision through the year 2040. . . The Plan advocates managed growth through effective coordination between the County’s service providers. By managing community change, the County will preserve its assets and promote positive change that will enhance its residents quality of life.” In addition to the commission board, The Planning & Zoning Board and Community Development, including county engineers, also make decisions that determine the makeup, the layout, the future look of Carroll County, that is currently basically half agriculture and half not. Jackson pointed out one line in the county’s ordinances that gives power to a county engineer to not have to follow ordinances: “Subdivision exemptions; (2) d: No lot shall be more than four times as deep as it is wide. . . unless excepted by the engineer for reasons of topography or irregularity of the entire tract.” Jackson made the point that there are no

Shown above on Thursday, July 21st is the gathering of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners and others for the first work session to discuss changes/updates to current ordinances concerning subdividing land. This candid discussion was held at the Carroll County Emergency Management building. Chairman Michelle Morgan opened the meeting by introducing Lynda Bingham, the new Carroll County Clerk, to the board. Shown left to right are: Ben Skipper, director of Community Development; Janet Hyde, county planner; (obscured) Ernie Reynolds, District 5 Commissioner; Lynda Bingham, newly hired Carroll County Clerk; Theron Gay, a hired outside consultant; Michelle Morgan, Carroll County Board of Commissioners chairman; Stacey Blackmon, county attorney; Clint Chance, District 2 Commissioner; Steve Fuller, District 4 Commissioner; Aubrey Jackson, county attorney; Tommy Lee, District 3 Commissioner; and Pete Debick, Community Development. Also present were Diane Roberts, deputy county clerk/administration and Ashley Hulsey, county communications director. Photo by Sue Horn given guidelines on specifically what “topogr- more splits. I don’t think real estate and devel- Carroll County’s future growth? aphy” or “irregularity” might indicate, and that opers are here to ruin the county, but they have As described at the meeting, a flag lot is acremore guidance is needed. “Everyone across their best interests in mind, not the county’s. I age that sits behind other lots with a long drivethe board wants more clarification on what we would like to have a dog in the fight and be way running the length of the lots on either side want or what we don’t want so that we can put able to decide. We [as commissioners] don’t (shaped like a flag atop a pole). Community a proposal together for a vote at a meeting.” have any ruling ability. We need a process to Development Director Ben Skipper shook his District 5 Commissioner Ernie Reynolds where we are at least made aware. Not even the head “no” when asked his opinion on flag lots. expressed some of his frustration, “My issue is chairman is included in the current process.” Theron Gay followed with a confusing that we don’t always know the developers full The option of Flag Lots was discussed, ask- response: “Flag lots are a terrible thing. We intentions upfront - on Monday, they ask to ing the question of what exactly a flag lot is, [Meriwether County] did away with them. . . split tracts and then on Thursday, they ask for and would that be a desirable solution to handle See FLAG LOTS page 19

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August 7, 2022 Page 13

Area school leaders offer overview of local K-12 education: “it’s a different day”

Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus, Carroll County School System Superintendent Scott Cowart, and Oak Mountain Academy Head of School Patrick Yuran speak on current safety plans, moving graduates successfully into the work place, and lessons learned going forward and out of the pandemic by Wayne J. Reynolds Recently, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce hosted a speakers panel featuring local education leaders, this just prior to the August onset of the 2022-2023 school year. The three speakers were Carroll County’s two public school systems superintendents, Dr. Mark Albertus, Carrollton City Schools and Scott Cowart, Carroll County School System, and Patrick Yuran, head of private school, Oak Mountain Academy. West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Julie Post served as moderator and a questioner. Dr. Albertus was hired as superintendent in 2016, after eight years as principal of Carrollton High School. Cowart has been superintendent for the past 12 years, previously as superintendent of Monroe County Schools. Yuran, has been head of OMA since January 2018, after a variety of educational positions in Montana, Maryland, and Georgia. Dr. Post opened the discussion with a question on the priority of school safety and what plans each has implemented. Yuran was the first to address the question, “I think you will Left to right: Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus, Carroll County School System not find much variation in our answers. We do have an emerSuperintendent Scott Cowart, and Oak Mountain Academy Head of School Patrick Yuran. Photo by Wayne J. Reynolds gency response team in place that trains every year. We do annual review and revisions and have expert consultants come about, but is on everyone’s minds. We do have thorough plans the building - the calvary is coming! The first one there goes in. in. We have security in front of the facility and we are in lock- in place. Interestingly, ten to fifteen years ago parents and stu- In most instances, when confronted, the shooter turns the down at all times!” dents were hesitant to talk about it. weapon on himself or on the officer. “Everyone must be vigilant and aware,” “What I am going to say may make you a little uncomfortCowart said, “Like everyone, Now it is normal to talk about it, it we have plans in place. We have Albertus continued. “In so many instances, the is a part of everyday life. We able and seem intrusive. Many times, on socia media there are more than 30 sites to plan for. shooter looks for the least path of resistance encourage students and parents to hints of problems on reading posts. Making threats is going to be investigated no matter who it is, even if they are an honor What’s important is what we do talk about it at home.” to get in. . .Making threats is going to be student. It’s a different day.” with the plans. For eight years, “Everyone must be vigilant and investigated no matter who it is, even if they Yuran added, “Our biggest safety mechanism are our relawe have held a Safety Summit aware,” Albertus continued. “In so are an honor student. It’s a different day.” where we bring in people from many instances, the shooter looks tionships we have with the students and parents. We need to all 30 sites as well as first for the least path of resistance to know when someone is in crisis!” Dr. Post asked about the current challenges and successes of responders and leaders to discuss changes and updates. For the get in. They are not targeting a specific person, but just trying to past four years, we have held active shooter drills which have inflict damage. Recently, in talking with both Chief Joel moving graduates into the workforce. Cowart said, “How do we partner together with the commuproven valuable. We are always working and practicing. We Richards and Sheriff Terry Langley, they placed a high priority also partner with the Emergency Management Team.” to talk about this every week. They assured me that the first nity? We can’t wait until the students are juniors and seniors. Dr. Albertus said, “This is really a topic no one wants to talk responder on the scene, whether with others or alone, goes into See SCHOOL LEADERS page 15

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CITY of VILLA RICA from page 7 water budget. 9. Elliott also presented a request for approval of the final plat for Gold Pointe at Dogwood. He said that, once approved and recorded, building permits can be issued. The development consists of 15 R2 building lots. 10. Request to engage with Zile Technology for SCADA upgrade of six lift stations to replace the one that is over 20 years old and no longer supported. Cost is $49,923, budgeted from the Water/Sewer Fund. 11. Request for approval of FY22 budget amendments #293-298, for prep work on wall for train mural and refrigerator for senior center. 12. Request to engage with Thermal Process Systems for remote monitoring of the Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion system at a cost of $18,000. 13. Request for ratification for the repair of Weatherstone Lift Station in the amount of $23,500, for repair of the station and replacement of the suction lines which maintain priming of the pumps and mitigating the possibility of a system overflow. 14. Request to engage with Brightly Software for the implementation of the utility Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) that will protect the utility assets and improve the reliability of the three treatment facilities and the water and sewer infrastructure. This system provides workflow management, work order production, preventative maintenance, scheduling, GIS asset management, mapping, parts order and inventory tracking and management, reporting and analyses, and mobile app capability. Cost is $64,103 budgeted in the Water/Sewer Fund. 15. Resolution of support for the city’s application for the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program, admin-

istered through the University of Georgia Carl Vincent Institute and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The program is partially funded by a USDA Rural Development RCDI grant. City of Villa Rica would benefit by receiving this GICH designation in grant applications for opportunities related to housing and infrastructure needs in lower-income areas of the city. No funding is required at the present time. A single vote will be taken in the Regular Meeting to approve all the items on the Consent Agenda. In Public Comments, Michael Young of 9634 Coastal Point Drive asked for a clarification of consent item #4, the Fuqua development of Mirror Lake Connector. Young said that in the conceptual plans presented, a traffic circle was planned for Cleghorn Road, and now the plat in the Civic Clerk’s office no longer shows the traffic circle or the road even reaching Cleghorn. City Manager Barber responded that the traffic circle (roundabout) will be part of the Cleghorn/Anderson upgrade which design is now being worked on by BM&K, and will be a Villa Rica project. Work session was adjourned. The Mayor and City Council of Villa Rica held their Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., where all were present except Councilmember Shirley Marchman. Ceremonial Presentations were a large part of this meeting. Chuck Groover of the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program presented to Police Chief Mansour Villa Rica Police Department’s re-certification into this program. Groover stated, “This award is earned, not given.” The chief introduced the newest K-9 (canine) member of the police department, “Bob”, with his handler Cain Hemmingway.

In other presentations, Nyree Simpson was awarded for five years service in Community Development. Glenda Golden was recognized for five years with the Senior Services. City Manager Tom Barber was recognized for five years employed with the city. Chief Mansour recognized Captain Hunter Ethredge for 15 years with the police department. City Attorney Mecklin recognized recentlyretired Municipal Judge Michael Murphy for his six years as municipal judge, as well as eight years as city solicitor. Murphy left to accept the position of Chief Magistrate for Carroll County. Director of Utilities Pete Zorbanos was recognized. Zorbanos is retiring after six and a half years with the city. In public comments, Corinda Sparks of the Trails at Charleston Place, expressed concerns about a lack of good lighting in the double cul

de sac where her house is, remarking about her children playing until late in the evenings, her fear of someone’s vehicle backing out and injuring someone. She also mentioned that the garbage truck in her neighborhood was spilling large puddles of hydraulic fluid at every stop. Lastly, Sparks commended the Villa Rica Police Department as “the most wonderful people you could ever meet.” The Mayor read the Consent Agenda from the work session held earlier in the day. It was approved unanimously by council. The Mayor thanked Chris Montesinos, Deputy Director of Community Development, for a $1,700,000 Development Grant obtained for road improvements in the City downtown area.City will pay 20%, or $567,926, in matching funds. He said this is a “big deal” for the vity, and he thanked all those who wrote letters on behalf of Villa Rica to help obtain this grant. After approval of minutes of prior meetings, See MAYOR and COUNCIL page 15

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www.starnewsgaonline.com SCHOOL LEADERS from page 13 We must start very early - and as early as kindergarten on some things - to set goals. What are they trying to accomplish? We want them to talk about their hopes and dreams.” He relayed how the county schools’ celebrate those students graduating without a high academic achievement or athletic scholarship. Carroll County Schools implemented a Career Signing Day. “It was really cool, the kids felt special,” Cowart explained. The school system also had a military signing day with over 30 students. Albertus concurred, “I agree with Mr. Cowart. We need a plan to prepare students for life after high school. We need to change the narrative. There is nothing wrong if a student doesn’t want to go to a four year college. We need to talk about the benefits of technical

schools and the military. .. for about 80% to challenging for this new school year?” 85% of students, the military would do them Superintendent Albertus said, “We are worksome good.” ing with people’s most prized possession - their Albertus said, “We need child. The child’s Yuran shared that “Oak Mountain future is at stake. internships. The kids only know what they know. It Academy is a college preparatory Coming out of covid, gives them a chance to school with 100% graduation rate we got back going find out what your busiquickly. We are and accepted into college. ness is all about. Think excited about the new We focus from kindergarten on year!” about when you were 16 or 17? Were you a mature on identifying what they are good Superintendent adult? You will need some Cowert said, “We are at and what they enjoy.” patience. But, if two out of focusing on two 10 become long term employees, isn’t that a things. We had an extreme year of growth and very good return on investment? Help teach expect the same this year. We have a 5 and 10 them about life!” year plan to ensure we maximize each facility. Yuran shared that “Oak Mountain Academy Our second thing is we have the power and the is a college preparatory school with 100% need to personalize each student’s strengths.” graduation rate and accepted into college. We Head of School Yuran concluded the roundfocus from kindergarten on on identifying what table discussion by relaying that Oak Mountain MAYOR and COUNCIL from page 14 they are good at and what they enjoy.” Academy is implementing a new 5 year plan Tom Barber along with David Mecklin asked The final inquiry was “what is exciting and based on what they learned during covid: to table establishment of a “lottery date”, which request was approved by the Council. Under Community Development, an alcohol license permit application for Divine City, Inc. dba Carroll Road Shoppe at 206 S. Carroll Road, was approved unanimously, with the usual inquiry by City Attorney Mecklin if the applicant knew the alcohol laws of the city and that the VRPD makes random checks of the various stores to make sure they were not selling alcohol to underage people. The applicant and new owner, Samir Sanomi acknowledged that he most certainly would comply, and in response to Councilmember Leslie McPherson, he assured that the building, parking lot, and areas surrounding the store would be cleaned up and kept in a nice condition. There were several amendments approved by council to clean up ordinances and standards which were either duplicates or no longer applicable. Jennifer Hallman, Finance Director, gave the May 2022 financial report which showed all areas to be progressing in the “right direction”, and “increased significantly” from the same period last year. City Manager Barber reported that August and September are going to be a once-inevery-ten-years process of people dealing with problems they’ve never dealt with before. He said current projects are being delayed, primarily by material back orders; work is being done on road designs; city is still losing people into other cities with promotion offers; city is not seeing a lot of new projects; and the Solid Waste Department has been unable to find CDL drivers, so they are having to train and license them from within at further cost to the city. Councilmember Danny Carter asked where the Ccity stands on the North Bypass. Barber responded that the award went to the Astra Group who will begin clearing trees in late October with grading in the spring. Council and mayor then went into executive session, and returned announcing the hire of Keith Rollins as new Municipal Court Judge to replace Hubbard. At that time, there being no further business, the regular meeting was adjourned. In a Special Called Meeting of the Mayor and City Council held June 30th, 2022, the Council approved the Worker’s Compensation Renewal with Bitco for the period June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023 at a price of $170,531, which is even lower than March 10, 2021 through March 10, 2022 of $173,614, and that was the lowest price in recent years. Bitco allowed the city an 18% credit because the claims were low and they felt it was good business practice.

StarNews

August 7, 2022 Page 15

focusing on student’s strengths and innovative instruction. City of Carrollton Schools’ projected enrollment for the first day of school is 5,500 students. This represents a 200 student increase, a 3%+ increase compared to the first day of school last year. The FY2022-2023 budget is $52,255,560. Carroll County Schools System FY20222023 budget is $158,649,954 with an anticipated opening enrollment in August of XX,XXX students. Their budget includes a $2,000 teacher raise that was included in the state budget earlier this year, and extends it with local funds to other Carroll County educators who are paid on a teacher salary schedule. Additionally, there are step raises for all eligible employees and a cost of living raise for classified staff. The budget adds 31 new teaching positions and 6 noninstructional positions to start the next school year.

SOUTHWIRE

Page 16 August 7, 2022

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COMMENTARY

Page 17 August 7, 2022

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Covid and newspaper deadlines do not mix well together. Wow, that covid fog is real, man. My apologies to readers and the members of the board of commissioners for the EDITOR/ mixing of numbers last month. PUBLISHER I was sick with covid in the days leading up to deadline - not an excuse, just reality - and while proofing our story on the newly adopted commission budget, fiscal years blurred in my brain. Final editing did not accurately state the county government’s recent multi-million dollar increase. The increase IS 20.63%, but that is a twenty-four month increase, not twelve. One year increase is 13.41%. The correct number comparisions are: FY2020-2021 to FY20212022 increase was $3,539,566: $55,569,500 to $59,109,066; FY2021-2022 to FY2022-2023 (most recently adopted budget) increase was $7,928,320: $59,109,066 to $67,037,386; for total increase of $11,467,886 July 2020 to July 2022, a 20.63% increase in budget in 24 months. Public invited to ribbon cutting for West Georgia Technical College: WGTC’s ribbon cutting celebration for their new $66M campus is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 11th, 500 Technology Parkway, Carrollton. Public is invited to attend and campus tours will be given. Velcro Pygmies at The AMP Friday, September 9th, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: For a fabulously fun big hair rock’n roll evening, go see The Velcro Pygmies at The AMP downtown Carrollton on Friday, September 9th. This very talented cover band gives an awesome show - Poison, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, and more. StarNews readers may remember our story from October 2019 “Rockin’ the classroom through the ‘Reach and Teach’ program” in which Villa Rica High students gained real-world experience of marketing and production of live stage performances. Velcro Pygmies lead singer Cameron Flener (a Carroll County resident) shared his experience and knowledge as a live stage performer. State Representative Jay Collins and Carroll County Commissioner District 2 Clint Chance shared business and marketing knowledge. Students were instructed on all aspects of a live stage performance, marketing, logistics, budgeting, security, first aid, stage and lighting, ticket sales, parking, and crowd control. Shown below from our October 2019 story are State Representative Jay Collins, Velcro Pygmies lead singer Cameron Flener, and District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance (photo by Joe Keith). You and your cool ‘80s and ‘90s friends will enjoy ‘nothing but a good time’! Their talent is real, as is their hair.

HORN EVANS

Property taxes and fire stations Property Taxes As always, I am for protecting land and protecting property owners against undue property tax increases, especially considering our agricultural landowners and the rising costs of operating farms. While fertilizer and fuel prices have skyrocketed along with grocery costs - the price farmers are getting for their cattle, etc. has not. This results in a substantial cut to their profits. We all have noticed the shock of inflation, having to deal with increased costs for groceries, gas, etc., without commensurate increases in our paycheck. So, in this environment, when the Tax Assessors Office sent notices showing increased property valuations, people were legitimately concerned. A brief explanation of the property valuation process: the state requires the county Board of Tax Assessors and their staff at the Tax Assessors Office to adjust county property valuations to accurately reflect actual market sales. In the last couple of years, market sales prices of property have significantly increased. So, the Tax Assessors Office had to increase valuations, as required by state law. Otherwise, the state can penalize and fine the county for not properly valuing property, as occurred several years ago when the county faced such a state penalty. Although property valuations increased, the County Maintenance & Operations (M&O) portion of your actual property tax bill may not increase. This is due to two factors:

ERNIE

REYNOLDS DISTRICT 5 Carroll County COMMISSIONER

ereynolds@carrollcountyga.com 770-851-6215 1). Homestead Exemption and 2). Millage Rate for the County M&O portion of your tax bill. - If you already have Homestead Exemption, you will likely see that the amount of this property tax exemption will increase, offsetting the increased valuation. The result is that, although your property may show an increase in value, you will not see an increased amount of actual property tax billed for County M&O portion. (The value of any new addition to your property, however, will be shown). - The Millage Rate for the County M&O portion of your property tax bill is set by us, the county Board of Commissioners (BOC), each year. You can think of the Millage Rate as the multiplication factor in the equation of your property tax. In 2016, your County Net M&O Property Tax Millage Rate was 8.349. Since then, it has been steadily reduced by the BOC to a Millage Rate of 7.668 in 2020 &and the same 7.668 in 2021. My hope is that we, the BOC, will reduce the Millage Rate again this year to, at least partially, offset the

increased valuations. I cannot guarantee this until the full BOC votes, but I will be voting to further reduce the county’s Millage Rate. Note that the above explanation is only for the County M&O portion of your property tax, which is the portion I can speak of, as we, your county Board Of Commissioners, oversee this portion. There is a separate School Board portion of your property tax, which is under the control of the County School Board, not the BOC. I cannot speak for the School Board portion of the property taxes, as those are set by the County School Board - with their own separate board members. Fire Stations I want to update you on the situation of “manning” the two new fires stations at Jones Mill Road and at Carrollton-Tyus Road. Some of you have expressed that it is taking a long time to place personnel at these stations, and it is, but we are totally aware of this and have consistently been working to “man” these stations. I’ll provide a short and long answer to this situation below: The short answer is: Fire Department personnel were quitting faster than we could hire, train, and replace them. So, that left no room for adding personnel to “man” the two fire stations that are “unmanned.” The long answer is: two years ago, the county applied for a federallyfunded grant that would have provided funds over several years (3 or 4 years) to pay for most of the increased See COMMISSIONER page 21

Personhood: the new battle-cry within Pro-Life Movement Another historic day occurred in the war for life in Georgia on July 20th, 2022. The Federal 11th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the injunction against HB481, the LIFE Act, AKA the “Heartbeat Bill” and HB481 went into effect immediately. Georgia law previously allowed abortions within 20 weeks of pregnancy. HB481 will ban most abortions about the sixth week, which is approximately when cardiac activity can be detected via ultrasound. Rape and incest were added as exceptions to the law, as long as a police report is filed. In addition, later abortions are permissible if there is a risk or serious medical condition pertaining to the mother. Georgia Right To Life and West Georgia Right To Life were not in favor with the inclusion of rape and incest in HB481, as we believe that all lives matter - a creation of God from point of conception to natural death. Rape and Incest creates a sub class of individuals who are now deemed as “less than human” due to the way they were conceived. The preborn babe in the womb receives a death penalty for someone else’s action. They have to pay with their life for the sin of a father. But, what HB 81 does do is bring to light a point that GRTL and WGRTL have been proclaiming for over 50 years: hat the babe in the womb is and should be considered a “person” and

DUANE

HACK

West Georgia Right to Life PRESIDENT “The Heartbeat of Georgia”

Duanehack46@gmail.com 470-370-2452

have rights declared in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. In 1973, Justice Harry Blackmon wrote this opinion supporting his decision to vote in favor of the “Roe vs. Wade” legalizing abortion on demand: “If the suggestion of personhood of the pre-born is established; the abortions rights case (Roe v Wade) of course collapses. For the right of the fetus to life is guaranteed specifically by the 14th Amendment of the constitution . . . Nor shall any state deprive any person of Life, Liberty or Prosperity, without due process of the law.” One has to beg the question: If the baby in the womb is not a person, than what it is? Roe vs. Wade and the recent Dobbs vs. Casey are victories for the pro-life movement, not the end of the pro-life battles. Yes, it represents the crowning achievement for a generation of conservative lawyers and prolife

advocates who built a movement to countermand mid-century judicial excess and, above all, overturn Roe. As Abraham Lincoln argued in his 1854 Peoria speech, the relevant moral and legal question in the antebellum slavery debate was whether a black American “is not or is a man”. So, too, is the relevant moral and legal question in the abortion debate: whether the unborn child is not or is a natural person. We know the biological answer to that question: Emphatically Yes. Fortunately, a proper interpretation of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, with its sweeping language securing the “equal protection of the laws” for “any person,” codifies that intuition into our national legal charter. Because the unborn child is a natural legal person, a homicide statute that protects born persons but not unborn persons necessarily violates the Constitution’s equal protection guarantee. A prime example of protection of the born and unborn person is currently found in law today. Should an driver involved in a vehicular accident in which a pregnant driver (or a passenger of that vehicle who is pregnant) dies as a result of that accident, the driver could be charged with a double homicide: 1st degree vehicular homicide of the mother and 1st See DUANE HACK page 21

Page 18 August 7, 2022

StarNews

COMMENTARY

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“Re”-remembering

BILL

BOURIS digi@mindspring.com Missus Rose lived in a tenement building with her husband and two children on 3rd Avenue, very close to 11th Street, where we had our neighborhood restaurant. She would sit outside with her neighbors, getting some sun and air. I would walk by, from age 5 or 6, and her gaze would meet mine. She had such a pleasant face, and I always felt happy to return her greeting. Unlike the other grown-ups, who watched out for the kids, Missus Rose was always more interested in me. I liked that. There was something in her eyes. I liked her, and when I returned the same kind of slightly prolonged attention, she smiled. All this awareness happened during one step, as I strode by. Nobody, none of the other mothers, had that effect on me. Once in a while, she’d tell me, “Bobby’s upstairs. You wanna go up and play?” Bobby was a bit older and didn’t have much use for me. His sister Patricia was about my age. I

really liked her. She had the same smiling eyes as her mother, but most of the year she lived on a farm in Pennsylvania. So, the affection I felt for Missus Rose never got transferred to her children. It remained with her, only. I believe those feelings wandered into an association with what I felt for my mother. Years went by, and our encounters became rare. I could tell that her eyes were a problem, because she’d have to shade them with her hand. They seemed cloudy, and I felt awkward for looking directly into them. Then she’d say in an almost-whisper, “Hello Billy!”. “Hi, Missus Rose. How’re you?” And she’d smile, then nod. After more time had gone by, I noticed that the hand she used to shade her eyes was now used to cover her smile. Her smile was now an expression of self-consciousness, and her teeth an embarrassment. I just wished she didn’t feel a need to cover and shade. Of all the neighborhood women, Missus Rose always felt the closest. I was growing. Soon, I’d moved away, west, to Morningside Heights and Riverside Drive, way way uptown. Whenever I’d visit the Lower East Side, it was to be with family. But my feelings for Missus Rose faded much more slowly than the other memories of my early days. I estimate that I first got to know Helen Rose in 1937, 85 years ago. I was born in 1935. My sister Aphrodite, born in 1926 who

resides in a NYC suburb and with whom I have almost daily conversations, recently said the following: “... and Mama hired a woman to take care of you, while she had to work with papa at the restaurant. She lived on 3rd Avenue, in the building right next to the Fromia family, at 11th Street....” And she went on to describe those buildings and some of the businesses at street level. Of course! I knew exactly what she was saying. She didn’t remember the woman’s name, but it was Missus Rose. What an amazing revelation. No wonder, that close connection I’d felt. Then, just a few days ago, another piece seemed to fall in place. My earliest memory is of the time I had pneumonia. We were living in a railroadapartment. I remember waking up, in a big bed in a tiny bedroom that opened into the kitchen. There was excitement, for my fever had broken. My mother and sisters encouraged me to get up because Papa was coming up the stairs with a surprise. My other sister, Rebecca, stood in the doorway and beckoned for me to approach. I looked down the stairs into the darkness of the hallway and there emerged, rising, step upon step, a brand new shiny chrome-trimmed tricycle. Papa was carrying it on his shoulder. Then, there was Papa, grinning and panting, having made good his promise, that if I got well he’d buy a “bicicletta” for me. A few years later, I happened to recall that

moment to my mother. I remembered only the kitchen scene and the tricycle. That’s when I actually learned that at the time I was 18 months. old, that I’d had pneumonia. and that my father had made me a promise. It was remarkable to Mama that I remembered so much of that occasion. And so I’ve continued re-remembering it, all my life, with the addition of my mother’s contextual details. That must have happened during the winter of ‘36-’37. There used to be a snapshot of me and my father outside our new restaurant at 11th St. and 3rd Ave. Summer. I’m standing on the hood of our Chandler automobile, my father is standing with one arm steadying me, and his other hand proudly knuckled on his hip, with white dress shirt sleeves rolled up on his forearms. The year on the front license plate says 1937. He had just opened for business. The car was parked beside the store, whose entrance is visible in the back to the left in the snapshot. It had to be, during the winter just before the time this photo had been taken, that they hired Helen Rose to take care of me while mama worked. The winter I had caught a cold, probably in the Roses’ tenement apartment, that turned into a pneumonia. I now think that Mama blamed Missus Rose for letting harm come to her baby. At the time, Helen Rose was 25.

It was under such a tense circumstance that a few brave souls listened to the radio newscast of which the call sign was Voice of the United Nations Command (VUNC). They kept a radio set despite the stern warning of the occupying Communist authority. It was used in the middle of the night in a closet with the volume was turned down to the minimum. The reception was poor, with lots of static noise, but the desperate and eager listeners could make out the outline of its message. The news report was quite discouraging as they heard that the battle line steadily moved toward the southern end of the peninsula. The United Nations Command in Tokyo, Japan, initiated the operation soon after the beginning of the war to keep the South Korean people informed of the progress of the war. The announcers of the KBS were brought to

Tokyo where they started to report on the fastchanging war front. The mission of VUNC was described as to “inform, persuade and entertain” the leadership of North Korea. The average citizens of North Korea are being denied access to the news report of the outside world to this day. They are subjected only to the propaganda material of the Pyongyang regime. As for the effectiveness of the operation of VUNC, it might be instrumental to the following: “Hwang Jang-yop (1923 – 2010) was a North Korean government official who defected to South Korea in 1997, best known for being the highest-ranking North Korean defector. Hwang was largely responsible for crafting Juche, the official state ideology of North Korea.” His defection was an intelligence bonanza for South Korea.

Voice of the United Nations Command

DAN

C. PAK AUTHOR and nonagenerian “The Wood Bracelet”

vunc61@gmail.com

Three digits summer heat was murderous, beating down on the scorched earth. Ducks in the lake were hiding away under the bridge, while the small birds panted under the relentless assault of humid hot air. The current heat and this scene reminded me of one particular summer long ago. It was the summer of 1950. Seoul, South Korea, was under the occupa-

tion of the North Korean Peoples Army. The territory of the Republic of Korea was eclipsed by what was later known as Pusan Perimeter. As soon as the Red Army of North Korea invaded the city, its military authority imposed a total blackout of news sources. The citizens were effectively blindfolded from the events happening outside of the occupied city. There was a single radio station in Seoul in 1950, the Korea Broadcasting System (KBS). It was closed at the beginning of the war. The citizens, panting like birds for even a morsel of news, were gripped with fear from the wild rumors that swirled around the city. It was decreed that all radios must be voluntarily turned in and that the violators would be severely punished. The announcement raised the level of anxiety of the captive population a notch higher.

You are worthy of great things

ATHEA

MADDOX Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) My granddaughter and I were talking about the upcoming school year. I asked if she wanted to participate in sports at her school. She said no. I asked her why not? She said she did not feel she was good in sports, that she did not do well in softball this past school year. I tried to encourage her by saying that she did very well as the coach complimented her on how well she had improved. Then she said that she “gets anxiety thinking about doing softball or any sport.” Why would a then eleven-yearold girl have anxiety? I thought about this past school year - the ongoing covid sickness and coverage of school shootings. I realized these things can cause a young person to have anxiety. This is more

than enough to cause anyone to feel, anxious regardless of the age. I began to pray and two scriptures came to mind: Phillippians 4: 6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (KJV) Phillippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV) I tried to encourage my granddaughter with these words: The root of anxiety is fear. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. You believe in God. Believe in Jesus. He is greater than your fears. There are a few things that you can do to help handle anxiety. One way is to find someone you trust to talk with. When I was in school for counseling, I was concerned with finding a place to do my internship. I felt the stress and worry of not being able to have the hours required to complete the program for my master’s degree. I called my Uncle Leon and asked him for advice about my career choice in

counseling. He sensed that I was stressed about it and he said, “It’s okay!” He reminded me to trust God. Give it all to Him. God is in control. My uncle said, “If you want to do counseling, go for it. I support you all the way.” Hearing those words from him brought comfort and assurance. It encouraged me to keep going and not to give up. You can also meditate. Phillippians 4: 8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (NIV). Think about something that makes you happy, such as relaxing at the beach. Imagine yourself allowing the sand to get between your toes as you walk on the beach and then on the shore where the water comes and refreshes you. Now, doesn’t that feel good! Try breathing exercises with your eyes closed. Breathing in and out and then slowly breathing and listening to the rhythm of your breaths. You can exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise “stimulates various brain chemicals that have you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious” (may-

oclinic.org). I Timothy 4:8 states, “For bodily exercise profits little...” Taking a walk, running, swimming, even dancing can help improve your mood as well as your nerves. Some other things can help too, like a nice warm bath or shower, playing music, singing, and playing games with friends and family. You can also write your thoughts in a journal. Sometimes it’s good to just face your fears and think, “What’s the worse that can happen?” It may not be as bad as you thought. So, to those students like my granddaughter who are starting a new school year, to the student that is starting college, the person starting a new job or just a new chapter of your life: trust God. Be thankful that you have made it through the rough times and you are still here. You are here to be a blessing to someone else. Encourage yourself with daily affirmations. Here is one that I use for my students: I am somebody great! I will succeed! Greatness is in me. I will learn from my failures because they help m; they DO NOT define me. Today, I will be better than yesterday because I can and will make a difference in this world today. I am worthy of GREAT THINGS!

COMMENTARY Dog days

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StarNews August 7, 2022

Page 19

turns, and hopefully follows its own scent home. Once while at my desk I gazed out over the water and here was a face coming toward me on the surface of the river! It took a shocked second to realize it was a dog face, with another hound snout close behind. Why were they swimming across the river? Glancing at the shore, sure enough there was a third dog already climbing the bank to dry land. Were they chasing something? Looking toward the path that winds into the floodplain, there was a small deer, possibly a doe, skedaddling down the trail and disappearing into the woods. Deer are good swimmers; the hollow hairs of their hide make them buoyant on water. The dogs must have been chasing the doe in Coweta County when she, in hopes of losing them, decided - or was forced - to cross the water to Carroll. Undaunted, the pack persisted. By now all three dogs were on this side of the river, busily shaking water out of their fur. I wondered if they were feral, but, no, these dogs were collared and well-fed, the leader a stout Lab-Chow conglomerate. He finished shaking and started down the path after the doe at a jolly trot, more like a tippler on a lark than a hunger-driven predator. At that point I was more worried about the dogs than the deer! How would they get back to Coweta County? Their scent stopped at the

water. Would they know what to do when there was no smell to follow? I watched for them all day but they never came back this way. And then there was Bones, an emaciated stray of Boxer-Redbone lineage who limped down the driveway one afternoon and stayed for four years. One day, soon after Bones’ arrival, he followed his nose after some morsel and ended up sliding into the Hooch. His pitiful cries below the riverbank were chilling. Luckily, he’d landed on an underwater ledge where he was wise enough to stay put. Up to his chest in water and trembling, his forlorn barks rivaled that of any lost dog. I knew it’d be foolish to try to fish Bones out of the water by myself. I’d only land in the drink and that would benefit no one. My husband Glyn wasn’t home and couldn’t be reached. So, I called Andy. The late, kind Andy Freer was a longtime friend of Glyn’s, a bit of a dog whisperer, and more resourceful than Tom Sawyer. He came right away. He brought a rope. He tied one end of the rope to a tree set back from the riverbank, knotted the middle portion around his own waist, and fashioned a lariat out of the other end. Then he straddled a sturdy tree conveniently leaning over the water not five feet from where poor Bones sat wailing and quaking. Somehow, Andy managed to get the lariat around the dog’s scrawny neck. Extending

himself precariously over the river, Andy put a hand around the lariat and the collar - and lifted the dog straight out of the water! I feared Bones would wriggle out of both restraints but instead he did what he needed to do: He came up limp as seaweed, which is likely how he felt. With a push from Andy, the dog scrambled up the bank and shook water for five minutes before being enveloped in a waiting blanket where he shivered for an hour-and-a half. I bless Bones for his resilience, and Andy Freer for his solid heart. That dog came to us already old. We knew nothing about him or his prior life, except that he was a mannerly, relatively healthy dog who’d apparently fallen on hard times. He had one broken lower canine and a BB in his back flank. Clearly, he’d had a few scrapes in his long life. The day he fell in the Chattahoochee, the river taught me something about him, about how he’d managed to survive: Bones knew what not to do. He knew not to try and swim his way out of his predicament, and he knew not to resist Andy’s hold as he was yanked out of the river. And when we finally put him down a few years later, not far from where he once fell in the water, he knew not to resist that either. He simply turned gently, like the gentleman he was, and followed his nose home.

SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. Our judicial system is based on an adversarial model where the ultimate goal is to find the truth of an underlying matter. Direct examination, cross-examination, and the rules of evidence assist the judge and/or jury in determining what happened or what needs to happen. Most legal disputes in America, both civil and criminal, are born when the State or a Plaintiff bring an important issue before the court. Cases always include the testimony of witnesses. Taking the stand can be a very nervous experience; particularly when the witness is lying. A good lawyer is almost

examination. One overlooked consequence when a witness takes an oath in court and lies on the stand is the commission of a serious crime. The crime is known as perjury. Our contemporary perjury statute was originally derived from the 9th Commandment: Thou shall not bear false witness. In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus provides, “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice.” - Exodus 23:1-2 The brilliant legal scholar, Alan Dershowitz, has written many manuscripts on the issue of perjury and how it relates to our legal system. While I disagree strongly with most of his political beliefs, he is correct about the terrible nature of perjury. In 1999, while being interviewed in Washington, Professor Dershowitz stated, “I think the most serious

form of perjury is the Biblical prohibition against bearing false witness against an innocent person.” I could not agree more. In Georgia, the crime of perjury is outlined in O.C.G.A. 16-10-70 which provides: (a) A person to whom a lawful oath or affirmation has been administered commits the offense of perjury when, in a judicial proceeding, he (or she) knowingly and willfully makes a false statement material to the issue or point in question. (b) A person convicted of the offense of perjury shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 10 years, or both. As you can see, the law takes the act of lying rather seriously. There has been a recent trend in west Georgia of prosecuting witnesses when they lie under oath. This is both refreshing and just. It seems that judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, and society have grown weary of people who seek to circumvent the truth.

Our justice system is still recovering from the four COVID outbreaks. The tolerance for perjured testimony has reached an all time low across the state. Those who lie under oath are being prosecuted and sent to prison. Bearing false witness in a civil or criminal case is serious business and is finally being properly addressed. As a result of these prosecutions, less innocent men and women are behind bars based on perjured testimony of witnesses at trial and more guilty defendants are facing justice. Additionally, parties in civil and family law cases are obtaining justice based on the truth. If you sense that a witness will lie under oath in a case you are involved in, immediately convey this to your lawyer. Oftentimes, a good lawyer can expose the lie while crossexamining the witness. Most importantly, if you are called as a witness, simply tell the truth regardless of the consequences. By not doing so, the consequences will always be much worse.

WGTC from front page The new campus includes four buildings totaling almost 150,000 square feet and will replace the campus that has served Carroll County since 1968. West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and

Meriwether counties, offer more than 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit westgatech.edu

GROUNDWATER from page 4 the toxic pond. There is a move in Georgia, and elsewhere, to allow energy companies to be in charge of solving the coal ash problem. But with half of the contaminated pits in a current state of neglect and some timetables not being adhered to, it does not bode well for energy companies to be self-governing on the issue of containing coal ash ponds. A primary focus for the SELC lawyers is to the convince EPD to exert its authority, noting that the governor appoints the head of EPD. Chat comments made by Zoom participants included stressing the importance of involving

as many youth as possible in discussions on the dangers of coal ash pits, where drinking water comes from, and how toxic water can get into food; encouragement for adults to expose children/grandchildren to enjoyment of the river. Church groups, scouts - especially Eagle Scouts who may be looking for a project - and 4-H Clubs might be good places to start to share education on coal ash pits and how it may affect their future. The Chattahoochee Riverkeepers (www.chattahoochee.org or Facebook) posts notifications of upcoming meetings and actions on this topic and how to attend via Zoom.

FLAG LOTS from page 12 We had to put easements in. . one driveway was for three lots . . You want to avoid side-byside driveways. . . with easements you would be fine.” Skipper disagreed saying, “I would advise against easements - one owns it and one drives on it.” He relayed a situation in Carroll County that escalated to involving the sheriff’s department over an easement dispute: the owners of a driveway would not allow an adjoining property owner access to the driveway in order to drive to his home. Jackson summed up that these were indeed the questions that needed to be discussed at the future ordinance meetings, “Do you allow flag lots or not? Do you minimize the acreage? What are the safety concerns? Do you restrict the number of flag lots next to each other?” Disrtict 4 Commissioner Steve Fuller expressed concern about growth being “piecemeal”, not planned. District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance said “The public needs to be involved - farmers,

conservationists, builders, land owners - to help drive this process. . . something as big as this, that everyone has a say. This needs to be a careful, detailed process, not quick decisions.” Reynolds said, “The county’s comprehensive plan was put in place with public input.” The county will be announcing the date, time and location of the upcoming public meeting in the next few weeks. For any other questions or comments: Chairman Michelle Morgan: 770-403-2398 mmorgan@carrollcountyga.com District 1 Montrell McLendon: 404-387-8823 mmclendon@carrollcountyga.com District 2 Clint Chance: 404-313-4990 cchance@carrollcountyga.com District 3 Tommy Lee: 678-633-4954 @carrollcountyga.com District 4 Steve Fuller: 770-301-3221 sfuller@carrollcountyga.com District 5 Ernie Reynolds: 770-851-6215 ereynolds@carrollcountyga.com District 6 George Chambers: 404-473-2846 gchambers@carrollcountyga.com

SYBIL

ROSEN THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com The humid dog days of August lie panting at the door. Seems like they’re mostly all dog days this summer. Since ancient times, official dog days have always shown up at the beginning of August, marking the celestial reappearance in the early morning sky of Sirius the Dog Star, bounding close on the heels of Orion the Hunter. The nearest visible star to us in the Northern Hemisphere, Sirius is a mere eight lightyears away. Look for the bright oscillating point of light following Orion, merrily changing colors when the horizon is near. Sirius got me thinking seriously about dogs and the river. Sometimes, a lost dog will make its way to the water on the far side of the Chattahoochee from the cabin, where a little spit of land protrudes if the river is down. Hungry and scared, the dog will cry piteously to no avail, except to keep me up at night with helpless concern. Eventually, thank goodness, the animal seems to remember it has a nose,

Truth versus perjuryalways able to expose the truth through cross-

JASON

SWINDLE

m .com

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Alexander, age Tiffanee Dawne Cook, Master Joe Jones, Joan Harrell Argo, age 78, bornage October 9,Jerry 1943, Ricky “BUCK” Howard Hamrick, age 39,Danny bornJones, MasterII, Danny Joe Jr.,71, Jerry Scott age 53, Jerry Scott Shedd, age“Tiff” Cook, Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Jones, Jr., Master Danny Joe Jr., Scott Shedd, Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Jud DavidJr., Rowell, age 52, bornShedd, July 16,53, 1970, died born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, 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 2,12, 1973, 1973,age died July 9, 2022 JulyJuly 21, 1983, died July 24, 2022 2 Saturday, months, born May 16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019,died Monday, 8,8,2019 died Monday, July 2019 July 30, 2022died Friday, July 12, 2019 July 14, 2019 diedRonald Friday, July 12, 2019 Sunday,Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12,Simpson, 2019 Sunday, JulyThursday, 14, 2019 died July 4, 2019 David died born Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age Ronald Simpson, age 19 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David age David Simpson, age Eulise Bailey Bates, age 87, born August 27, 1934, Ronald Thomas Jefferson Hardegree, November 2, Ernest Wicker “Dubba” Schulenburg, age 90, born Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July 70, born July 21, 1948, died July ge age92,92, “Marjorie” Nell “Marjorie” NellLovvorn, Lovvorn,age age70, born July 21, 1948, died 70, born July 21, 1948, diedJuly July died July 16, September 2022 1934, died Wednesday, July 13, 2022 November 13, 1931, died July 16, 2022 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died born 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 09, 2019 6, died 1926, died86,86, born August born August3, 3,1932, 1932,died died09, 2019 09, 2019 Donald Robert Baxter, age 79, born September 18,Wednesday, Brigham Hurston Ingram, age 2, Wednesday, born December Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 July 3,age 2019 Wednesday, JulySprewell, 3,age 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 10, 2019 Wednesday, July 10,July 2019 ZellieSprewell, Fred age Zellie Fred Infant Joseph Anthony Stroud, III, died94, July 20,94, 19 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age94, 94, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age died July 21, 2022 26, 2019, died July 22, 2022 Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, 1925, died on, age erson, age 1942, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76,born bornFebruary February 28, 28, 1925, 1925, died died 2022 age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 50, died 1950, diedborn Jacqueline LaGrange Chandler, age 88, born April Robert “Buddy” Warren Keenum, age 79, born July October 18, 1941, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 Jerry Eugene Teal Sr., age19, 79,2019 died July 30, 2022 Wednesday, July17, 10, 2019 Friday, July Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, Friday, 19, 2019 July 10, 2019 July 19,July 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40,age 40, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance 40, Daniel Walker, 40, 5,Wednesday, 1934,Wednesday, died June 26, 2022 2,Lance 1943,Walker, died July age 7,age 2022 Wayne Thompson, 93,18, born March 28,age 1929, D.Eugene Brown, Jr., Jr., age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, 84, D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age John 84, John D.John Brown, Jr., age 53,born Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Parker Mullis, Jr., age September Eugene Parker Mullis, age53, born age September 18, died 1978, died born 1978, age 84,84, er, age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age September 18, 1978, died born September 18, 1978, died Jeanna Laura Cook, age1965, 59,18, died Monday Jul 18,July Gregg Franklin Ledbetter, age 67, died July 27, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, died July 21, 2022 born August 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born August 18, died July born 9, 1935, died Monday, born December 31,died 1948,Sunday, died Sunday, 70, born70, December 31, 1948, 21, 2019 July 21,July 2019 Monday, d Monday,70,70, born December 31, 1948, died born December 31, 1948, diedSunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 2022 2022 22, 2019Monday, July 22, 2019 22,8, 2019 22, 2019 Ann 22, 2019 July 22,July 2019 July 8, 2019 Hershel Thornton, Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, age 78, born August 17, 1943, Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Deborah “Debbie” AnnWest, West, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Marsella age Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, ageSr., age Cory Lee Crews, age 30, born January 1992, John Wayne Morgan, 69, died Friday, July Randy Lee Nichols, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age died 22,Fazio, 2019 age 58,Anna died58, July 22,July 2019 o, age azio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66,21, age 58, died July 22, 2019 age 58, died July 22, 2019 died July 27,66, 2022 age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age Wallace Allen Worthan, age 4, died 1934, diedborn died July 16,24, 2022 8,Allen 2022 June 1953, died Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Wallace Allen Worthan, Worthan, age age Burdett Lee Wantland, age 8, 88, born October 30, died July July died Saturday, 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 15, 2019 died Saturday, 20,July 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 201920, 2019 JulySaturday, 26,age 2019 died Monday, 15, 2019 56, Monday, died56, Monday, July 2019 15,July 2019 July 26,26, 2019 July 2019 56, died July 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 Betty Reese deVane,July age 91, died Wednesday, 6 Monday, Lewis Nelson “Mike” Osborne, 82, born 1933, died July 27, 2022 Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, ennings, Jennings, July Ara Bell D. D. Sanders, age 79, Ara Bell Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, 2022 December 1, 1939 died July 10,2,2022 born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, Marilyn Matthews Yearty, age 93, born August 27, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, July 2, 2,born y, July August 06,06, 1939, died July born August 1939, died Julyborn June 24, 1964, born June 24, 1964,died diedSunday, Sunday, Terry Jackson Finley, age 76, born September 28, Dale Charles Romo, age 74, born July 31, 1947 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 July 7, 2019 1928, died July 20, 2022 24,24, 2019 2019 July 7,7, 2019 July 2019

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

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APRIL 11, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 4

by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Mental Health Advocates will be hosting their 2nd annual community event “Miles for Mental Health - Running Over the Hurdles Together” 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, May 15th, 2021, at the Greenbelt at Hobbs Farm, 1147 Rome Street, Carrollton, Georgia. Registration begins at 2:00 pm, Fun Run begins at 3:00 pm, and 5K Run begins at 4:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll County Mental Health Advocate programs. Additional information can be obtained at the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates office at 306A Bradley Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117, phone 770830-2048. The story of the CCMHA is one of true commitment to their mission. In 2008, then Carroll County Probate Court Judge, Betty Cason (now Mayor of Carrollton) brought together a group of concerned citizens for a con-

Dr. Julie Post will begin job April 16th from press release Dr. Julie Post, Vice President of Student Affairs at Gwinnett Technical College, has been selected at the next president of West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), as announced by Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier. She will begin her duties at West Georgia Tech April 16, 2021. Pat Hannon has been interim president of West Georgia Tech since Dr. Scott Rule retired as President December 31, 2020. See WGTC NEW PRESIDENT page 8

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Governor removes mask mandate, eliminates ban on large gatherings, reduces social distancing to 42 inches in some cases, moves mask wearing decision to the local levels Effective for time frame of April 1st through April 30th

eliminated (but “strongly encouraged” by the by Sue Horn On Thursday, April 1, 2021, Governor Brian governor) and replaced with a Local Option Face Kemp signed three executive orders, of which Covering Requirement (LOFCR) giving a city, one (temporarily) eliminates the year long CoVid county, or other government entity the authority large gatherings ban and any remaining to continue to impose the requirement of wearing sheltering-in-place for the time period April 8th a mask “when not able to maintain Social though April 30th. And although the mask wear- Distancing from non-cohabitating persons”. Social distancing has been reduced from 6 feet ing requirement has been (temporarily) eliminated at the state level, it was moved to a local to 3.5 feet (42 inches) of separation between level decision. Specifically, for the time period seating/parties at restaurants, bars, and movie April 1-30, 2021, the mask mandate has been See LOCAL OPTION FACE COVERING page 5

Gentry BeckyBecky Gentry STARNEWS

Travel Agent Travel Agent P.O. BOX 680 Carrollton, Ga 30112

Name Address

A scant 0.039% of Carroll County voters participated in SPLOST Referendum

404-291-1187 404-291-1187 by Sue Horn The March 16, 2021 Carroll County SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) passed by an 81% margin with only 3,368 citizens participating. Of those,

85,888

Number of Carroll County citizens voted in the Nov. 2020 Election

3,368

Number of Carroll County citizens who voted in the March 2021 SPLOST Referendum

County commission approves b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com amendment increasing spending by See 0.039% VOTED page 19

$191,433 to match extra revenue

See FUNDRAISER page 7

Georgia Labor Department issued more in unemployment payments in last 12 months than prior 82 years

by Sue Horn At the 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021 Special Called Meeting of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, an amendment was passed 6-0 (one commissioner was

Zip

1911-2019: $20.024 Billion paid 2020 alone: $20.218 Billion paid

from press release The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) recently surpassed a major milestone in the organization paying claimants more in the past 12 months than in all of the combined years that GDOL has been in existence. Georgians have received $20.218 billion in unemployment insurance (UI) See $20.218 BILLION page 27

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Life going forward, and out of the pandemic As pandemic restrictions have eased (3.5 feet now for some social distancing/mask use encouraged but not mandated), civic clubs are returning to more normal functioning, including the Carrollton Kiwanis Club who recently hosted Carroll County’s fire chief Tim Padgett. See story page 6. Photo by Sue Horn

absent) to increase the budget by $191,433 to match increased revenues. Three categories received the bulk of the cash: $53,000 has been assigned to increased “salaries”; See $191,433 page 11

CoVID-19 statistics for Georgia and Carroll County one year: March 23, 2020- April 5, 2021 GEORGIA

As of APRIL 5, 2021: 856,340 total confirmed cases 16,749 total deaths Estimated state population: 10.6M

CARROLL COUNTY

As of APRIL 5, 2021: 7,271 total confirmed cases 129 total deaths Estimated county population: 122,000

Death total represents Death total represents 0.00158% of population 0.001% of population Source: Georgia Department of Public Health dph.georgia.gov/covid-19

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www.starnewsgaonline.com COMMISSIONER from page 17 personnel costs of adding the 12 positions it takes to man the unmanned stations (at Jones Mill and Carrollton-Tyus). We wanted to fund these personnel costs with federal grant money so that the county budget would not have to be used, at least until the federal grant funds ceased. However, after applying for this grant, the county was denied. The next year, the county applied again for the same federally-

funded grant funds. Again, the county’s application for these grant funds were denied. So, we then budgeted county funds to cover necessary costs of adding these 12 personnel to man the new stations. The next step was, of course, for the fire department to recruit, hire, and then train 12 additional personnel, who could fill positions of 12 personnel who would be placed in the new fire stations, so that the new stations would be fully staffed by

DUANE HACK from page 17 degree vehicular feticide of her baby still in the womb. Justice Samuel Alito’s majority opinion in Dobbs actually hints at this understanding of 14th Amendment personhood. Dobbs “sharply distinguishe[d]” other cases on which Roe and Casey relied based on the reality that “abortion destroys what those decisions called out ‘potential life’ and what the law at issue in this case regards as the life of an ‘”unborn human being.’” In other words, Dobbs rejected Planned Parenthood’s noxious “clump of cells” disinformation and candidly acknowledged the moral existence of the unborn child. The Dobbs ruling brings us closer to the existence of constitutional personhood. The hurdle is not one of moral, biological, or constitutional truth, but rather one of fortitude and sheer willpower. So, how do we as a nation get to an “Abortion-Free” America? First, Congress should “enforce, by appropriate legislation,” this proper understanding of the Equal Protection Clause. Congress is the institution primarily responsible for securing the Amendment’s guarantees. Second, the judiciary should, in future cases where the issue is squarely presented, rule on the side of natural legal personhood for the most vulnerable and defenseless among us, the preborn and the aged. Finally, pro-life activists can advance the

broader cause of constitutional personhood at the state level. This is where the rubber meets the road, where you and I as Pro-lifers must work, especially after Dobbs, to pass laws and state constitutional amendments defining legal personhood as beginning at conception through natural death. Such an incremental, state-bystate shift in the legal landscape could galvanize momentum toward a federal abortion banwhether it comes from Congress, from the Supreme Court, or via constitutional amendment. In an 1858 address, Abraham Lincoln warned that “a house divided against itself, cannot stand.” A patchwork federalism approach-what Stephen Douglas, Lincoln’s frequent 1858 debate opponent, appealed to as “popular sovereignty” - to such a profound moral question as abortion is unsustainable. The United States could not endure “permanently half slave and half free.” So, too, can we not endure a regime under which vulnerable unborn children could be legally protected in Texas, but not in California! We are thank and praise God for the Dobbs vs. Casey and Roe v. Wade decisions. But for our generation of abortion abolitionists, the fight is not over until every unborn child in America is protected during pregnancy and provided for after birth…by love and by law. “Let’s not grow weary in well doing…a human life is hanging in the balance!”

NEWEST COUNTY CLERK from front page last spring. Prior to Lackey, Susan Mabry was county clerk for almost two decades. (Mabry died September 29, 2021.) Bingham has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from LaGrange College. Most recently, she was an upper elementary school teacher for 13 years with the Carroll County School System with her last position titled Gifted Elementary Teacher. According to the county’s website, “The mission of the County Clerk’s Office is to efficiently and accurately record and maintain minutes and records of all acts, orders, and proceedings of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners. The office also works to provide an environment whereby said minutes and records are readily available for review and inspection by the citizens and staff of Carroll County.” In a press release Bingham stated, “In addition to being highly organized, efficient, and knowledgeable, I think the staff and residents will enjoy my warm, positive outlook with those around me. I do enjoy a fast paced work environment and learning new things. I will work with Chairman Morgan and the Board of Commissioners to ensure our community is an enjoyable place to live, work, and play. As my office is located in the same office as Chairman Morgan, I am excited to work with her on a daily basis. I am eager to serve the community.” A life-long resident of Carroll County, she lives with her husband and three children in Fairfield Plantation. According to the Georgia County Clerks Association, the following is the job description for the role of a County Clerk in Georgia:

“This position is the official custodian of records for all actions taken by the Board of Commissioners. Responsibilities include preparing and publishing agendas, preparing minutes and the informational notebooks for the board meetings, distributing the board actions to the constitutional officers and department heads, and maintenance of the records. The County Clerk is also the official custodian of County contracts, leases, resolutions and ordinances. Major duties and responsibilities include the following: Prepare, then distribute the agendas and attend all Commission Board meetings. Prepare informational notebooks for the Commissioners, County Manager, and County Attorney and media packets for the press. Also, make copies of the agendas to be distributed to the public at the meetings. Obtain signatures on all official documents and distribute to the appropriate personnel. Record minutes of the Board meetings, prepare minutes and distribute draft to the Commissioners, County Manager and County Attorney. Provide the approved minutes to Department Heads, Constitutional Officers, and anyone else who requests them. Provide requested information regarding records of the Board of Commissioners as part of public records. Ensure that all County ordinances are codified in a timely manner as required by State law. Assure compliance with current Open Meetings/Open Records Act. Ascertain training schedules for County Commissioners, scheduling for same and maintain files to confirm that Commissioners have completed State required training courses/hours.”

June/July of this year (basically about now). However, after recruiting, hiring, and training new personnel during the first several months of this year (2022), about the same number of existing fire department personnel quit and left the fire department! This meant that the new personnel hired had to go toward the vacant positions at existing stations, with no staff left to man the new stations. Most recently, more new recruits have been hired and have been placed into training. The fire department’s expectation is that they will soon have enough personnel to man the new stations - by this October/November of this year. To address this personnel retention problem, we increased the pay of starting and first-year fire department personnel, according to new salary schedules developed by new leadership at our fire department. As you can see, the manning of these

StarNews

August 7, 2022 Page 21

stations has not been a stagnant issue. We have worked diligently with our fire department to prioritize and fill these positions to accomplish manning these stations. Hiring and retention of personnel has been a nationwide problem of late. We believe we now have pay and leadership in place to resolve this and accomplish manning these stations. It is a top priority of the new fire chief and deputy chief. I have emphatically pushed to have this issue resolved, as they will attest. I am glad to provide this explanation, as sometimes it may seem that things are not on our radar. However, this has been a focus for some time, only to have gone through the litany of events, as I explained above. Please be assured, we are not unaware nor avoiding this issue - we want and have funded the necessary positions to accomplish this. It is a top priority.

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When can you choose retirement?

FRED

O’NEAL

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

When can you choose retirement? If you’re like most people, your work has been a central part of your life. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have the flexibility to decide when you no longer want to work? Many people of retirement age have achieved this type of control. In fact, twothirds of workers ages 65 and older say they work primarily because they want to, not because they have to, according to a 2021

study by Edward Jones and Age Wave. But that means that one-third of workers in this age group feel financially compelled to work. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the work they do - but it’s probably fair to say they would have liked the option of not working. How can you give yourself this choice? You can start by asking yourself these questions: When do I want to retire? You’ll want to identify the age at which you wish to retire. You may change your mind later and move this date up or back, but it’s a good idea to have a target in mind. What sort of retirement lifestyle do I want? When you retire, do you anticipate staying close to home and pursuing your

Carroll County marriage licenses

JULY 1- 31, 2022

hobbies, or do you hope to travel the world? Would you like to spend your time volunteering? Open your own business or do some consulting? Clearly, some of these choices will require more resources than others, so you’ll want to follow a financial strategy that aligns with the retirement lifestyle you intend to pursue. Am I saving and investing enough? As you chart your course toward your retirement journey, you’ll want to assess the sources of income you’ll have available. If you think you may be falling short of achieving your retirement goals, you may need to consider saving more. When should I start taking Social Security? You can begin collecting Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but your

monthly payments will be much bigger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be between age 66 and 67. Your decision about when to take Social Security will depend on several factors, including your other sources of income and your family history of longevity. Of course, as you’re probably aware, the Social Security system is facing significant financial stress, so it’s possible that we may see changes to Social Security, based on actions Congress could take. In any case, you might want to be fairly conservative in estimating how much Social Security can contribute to your retirement income. By addressing the above questions, you can get a clearer sense of when you might reach the point at which work is optional. But you’ll also need to consider other factors, too, such as how much you enjoy working or when your spouse or partner is planning to retire. In any case, the sooner you start planning for this next phase of your life, the better position you’ll be in when it’s time to make the transition. Fred O’Neal, financial advisor, 410 College Street, Carrollton, GA 770-832-2141

County prison deputy warden Otis Wilson promoted to warden

from press release Carroll County Correctional Institute Deputy Warden Otis Wilson has been promoted to warden. Hired in 1999, Wilson has held the positions of counselora and detail officer, and in 2015 as deputy warden. Although not officially confirmed by the Georgia Department of Corrections yet, he began his new post July 29, 2022. Wilson has 1300+ hours of training through the Peace Officers Training Council Otis Wilson (P.O.S.T.). warden In a released statement, Wilson said. “I am thankful to have the support of my loving family and my Lord who has never led me down the wrong path. I believe everyone working together will make wonderful things possible for the future of the institution.” With that promotion, Sergeant Alex Rainwater is Alex now Deputy Warden who Rainwater was hired in 1992. deputy warden Rainwater has 1200+ hours of training through the Peace Officers Training Council (P.O.S.T.).

Carroll County prison population

Total population as of AUGUST 1, 2022: 239 Capacity: 246 Males: 100%

The Carroll County Correctional Institute is a separate entity from the Carroll County Jail (which houses males and females on a temporary basis)

Carroll County jail population

Total population as of AUGUST 1, 2022: 475 Males: 407 Females: 68

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Carroll County Department of Public Health public swimming pool health inspections scores To view complete inspection details:dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health 7/20/2022: Gold Dust Park Splash 646 Industrial Blvd Villa Rica 100 Satisfactory 7/14/2022: Ashley Oaks Apartments 1121 Rome St Carrollton 100 Satisfactory 7/14/2022: A1 Carrollton Walk 227 Brumblelow Rd Carrollton 100 Satisfactory 7/25/2022: Woodland Christian Camp 90 Woodland Camp Rd Temple100 Satisfactory 7/20/2022: Fairfield Plantation Recreation 6195Lakeview Pkwy Villa Rica 99 Satisfactory 98 Satisfactory 7/12/2022: Wyndham Resort 1602 Lakeview Pkwy Villa Rica 7/13/2022: RiverPointe Apartments 915 Lovvorn Rd Carrollton 98 Satisfactory 98 Satisfactory 7/13/2022: Bellamy 333 Foster Street Carrollton 98 Satisfactory 7/14/2022: The Orchard 206 Orange Pass Carrollton 7/22/2022: The Reserve 912 Lovvorn Rd Carrollton 96 Satisfactory 7/22/2022: Hickory Falls Apts 801 NE Hickory Level Rd Villa Rica 96 Satisfactory 96 Satisfactory 7/22/2022: Woodglen Apartments 114 Danny Dr Carrollton 7/26/2022: Lakeshore Parl Pool 116 Lumpkin Dr Carrollton 95 Satisfactory 94 Satisfactory 7/18/2022: Microtel Inn 104 Price Creek Road Bremen 7/26/2022: Little Tallapoosa Splash Park 1930 Hwy 113 N Carrollton 94 Satisfactory 7/06/2022: Mayfair 318 Columbia Drive Carrollton 93 Satisfactory 7/25/2022: Lakeshore Park Training Pool 116 Lumpkin Dr Carrollton 89 Satisfactory 85 Unsatisfactory 7/22/2022: Bay Springs Academy 501 Bay View Dr Villa Rica Violations: Gate is not self closing nor self latching. Fix/repair. Pool is closed for the rest of the season. New violation.

restaurant health inspections scores

7/20/2022: Renegade Chef 615 Old Antioch Road Carrollton 100 previous 100 7/13/2022: Jump Time 100 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica 100 previous 100 7/07/2022: Hotdog Bodega 123 Mellray CT Villa Rica 100 previous 100 7/12/2022: Southern Dog 182 Hwy 78 W Temple 100 previous 100 7/26/2022: butter’dudder Ice Cream 205 Davis Blvd Bremen 100 previous 100 7/13/2022: Mingo’s Snow Cones 451 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 100 previous 100 7/20/2022: Bowdon Coffee Roasters 140 C City Hall Ave Bowdon 100 previous 97 7/12/2022: Gypsy Rabbit 9 W Johnson St B Temple 100 previous 96 99 previous 99 7/05/2022: Sammy’s Midnite Grill 1201A Maple St Carrollton 7/12/2022: Starbuck’s Ingles 488 Carrollton St Temple 99 previous 92 7/15/2022: Around Town Pizza 375B Hwy 78 Temple 98 previous 98 7/18/2022: El Ray Del Sabor 916 Maple St Carrollton 98 previous 98 7/18/2022: Jersey Mike’s 1623B Alabma St Bremen 98 previous 97 98 previous 95 7/08/2022: El Tio 118 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica 7/07/2022: Pizza Hut 614 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 97 previous 91 7/14/2022: God’s Gym 139 City Hall Ave Ste A Bowdon 97 previous 90 96 previous 99 7/15/2022: Jersey Mike’s 1670 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 7/22/2022: Kong Long 82 GA 61 Villa Rica 96 previous 98 96 previous 07 7/11/2022: Dunkin Donuts 1623 Alabama Ave Bremen 7/11/2022: Five Guys 1435 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 96 previous 96 7/12/2022: Marco’s Pizza 40 Villa Rosa Rd Ste A Temple 96 previous 96 95 previous 97 7/19/2022: Zaxby’s 135 hwy 27 Bypass Bremen 7/07/2022: Taco Bell 565 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 95 previous 95 7/19/2022: Captain D’s 1641 Alabama Ave S Bremen 95 previous 95 7/26/2022: Burger King 515 Carrollton St Temple 95 previous 94 7/19/2022: Subway 1561 S Park St Carrollton 95 previous 91 7/14/2022: Crafty Crab 800 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 95 previous 90 7/13/2022: Highland Deli 402 Adamson Square Carrollton 94 previous 99 7/11/2022: Jurassic Subs 209 Davis Blvd Bremen 94 previous 91 7/13/2022: Shuckers 481 Rome Street Carrollton 93 previous 96 7/13/2022: Cuatro Locos 139 City Hall Ave Unit B Bowdon 93 previous 96 92 previous 93 7/25/2022: Brown Dog Deli 202 Bradley Street Carrollton 7/15/2022: Subway 827 Maple Street Unit A Carrollton 92 previous 83 7/20/2022: Rick’s Classic American 139 City Hall Ave Bowdon 91 previous 100 7/20/2022: Fairfield Plantation Beach 7418 E Isleway Villa Rica 91 previous 91 7/12/2022: Fortune Star 40 Villa Rosa Road Temple #12 90 previous 90 7/19/2022: Tropical Joe’s 928 S Park Street Carrollton 90 previous 85 7/11/2022: Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1435 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 82 previous 96 81 previous 90 7/13/2022: Dunkin Donuts 135 Commerce Drive Villa Rica 7/07/2022: Leopold’s Pizza 102 Adamson Square Carrollton 80 previous 77 Violations: Observed mold built up on drink nozzles at drink machine. Observed two door reach in cooler holding temps above 41F.

StarNews August 7, 2022

Page 23

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