StarNews December 2020

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

DECEMBER 13, 2020 • VOLUME 26 NUMBER 12

- see Pages 29 though 36 Heritage Bank Martin & Hightower Funeral Home Southwire J. Smith Lanier Southern States Bank John Thornton Buick GMC Security Solutions Carroll Realty & Insurance (CR&I) Barnes Store ProSource Utility Contractors

Southwire acquires Florida manufacturer of nylon cable ties

American Elite Molding: 75,000 square foot building plus 142 employees from press release Southwire announced the acquisition of American Elite Molding (AEM) of Crestview, Florida. Through this acquisition, Southwire will welcome 142 employees from AEM and will integrate AEM’s 75,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Crestview, FL into Southwire’s footprint.

AEM’s existing product line will also be combined with Southwire’s rapidly expanding Components Solutions platform – adding products such as EZ-Off ties, releasable ties and HVAC duct straps to Southwire’s selection.

“We’re very excited about the addition of AEM and are pleased to welcome their team to the Southwire family, specifically to our Tools, Components and Assembled Solutions business,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s See SOUTHWIRE page 4 DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! READ DIGITAL MONTHLY PRINT EDITIONS on

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Inspirational messages of the season from area pastors and spiritual leaders - see beginning Page 6

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

WGTC announces interim president while search committee proceeds SPONSORS

Christmas Messages 2020

from press release After nearly 30 years in Georgia’s technical colleges, West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Scott Rule announced his retirement in October, effective date Dec. 31, 2020. With that, the Technical College Sytem of Dr. Scott Rule Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier has announced that Pat Hannon will become interim president. Hannon will serve in this role while a search committee identifies a new President to lead West Georgia Technical College.

A longtime WGTC adminSee WGTC page 28 Pat Hannon

Freshly reelected State Senator Mike Dugan opines on election results; election process integrity; the upcoming General Assembly

by Sue Horn “There’s no Shortly after being reelected to his fifth term as State Senator for District 30, Republican Mike Dugan spoke to possible way the Carrollton Rotary Club in a properly socially dis- the state has tanced room (meeting was also streamed live on turned ‘blue’” Facebook) at the Sunset Hills Country Club, Carrollton.

- State Senator The Nov. General Election was held Tues., Nov. 3rd, and Mike Dugan (R) although results for other General Election races, most notably the presidential race, were not Runoff in Georgia known immediately, that was not the case for the TUES., JAN. 5, 2021 Georgia District 30 State Senate seat. Results were known with no delay. Dugan handily won the seat, Regular U.S. Senate Election runoff: receiving 58,303 votes against his Democrat oppoIncumbent David Perdue (R) nent who received 28,023 votes. Addressing the Jon Ossoff (D) noon club on Tues., Nov. 17th, Senator Dugan Special U.S. Senate opened with, “When I was asked to come speak, it Election runoff: was well before the election. I said, well, I hope I Incumbent Kelly Loefflor (R) win or it’s gonna be awkward!”

Raphael Warnock (D)

See SENATOR DUGAN page 15

City of Carrollton Police Department’s ACE Unit Aggressive Criminal Enforcement: a specialized team that focuses on narcotics, gangs, VICE, undercover

by Daniel Jackson The Carrollton Police Department (CPD) continues to serve and protect the residents of Carroll County, though many might not be aware of a special unit called Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE). A highly specialized team, the ACE unit is focused on narcotics investigations, gang cases, VICE, assisting the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with major and violent crimes, as well as confidential informant management (CI) and undercover operations.

The ACE unit gave a presentation to local civic leaders, detailing drug and gang activity in Carroll County at the Carrollton Kiwanis club weekly meeting at the Courtyard by Marriot hotel on Friday, November 13, 2020.

Shown above left and right are two of the Carrollton Police Department’s ACE Two members of the unit, Detectives team detectives Ian Wright and Kyle Jones. Photo by Daniel Jackson See ACE page 17

“Transitional Centers”: proven to reduce crime in communities

Significantly lower recidivism rate than all other current inmate facilities

by Daniel Jackson The state of Georgia currently houses approximately 53,000 inmates in prisons across the state, making it the fourth highest prison population in the country. This is an increase from the January 2020 population of close to 49,000.

In September this year, Carroll County Correctional Institute (CI), located off the bypass in Carrollton, housed 246 inmates.

Despite being a county agency, the CI houses state inmates, all of whom are already convicted, and none coming from Carroll County.

“Recidivism” may not be a term many are

familiar with. Recidivism is the tendency of a criminal to reoffend. The goal to reduce repeat offenders is an ongoing and essential process, with many government funded, local, and nonprofits working towards it. Many prisons and correctional institutes offer programs aimed at reducing recidivism, Carroll County CI offers some programs aimed at this goal, including: - Chapel Services - Family Violence Class - GED - Individual and Group Counseling See TRANSITION CENTERS page 25

UWG hosts first in-person graduation ceremony since CoVID sheltering began earlier this year from press release More than 1,250 University of West Georgia graduates walked the stage during the institution’s first inperson commencement ceremony in 2020. The CoVID-19 sheltering-inplace that occured in the spring prohibited any gathering of more than ten people.

“2020 has certainly been a year we will never forget,” UWG President

See UWG page 25

Page 2 December 13, 2020

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CoVID-19 vaccines development and distribution update

December 13, 2020 Page 3

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states studies need vaccine volunteers who are in the high risk categories cocktail this week [Nov. 27]. The treatment light on data use agreements and provider tions are empowered to decide how their from press release The U.S. Department of Health and is authorized for mild to moderate COVID- enrollment. Perna emphasized that jurisdic- vaccine allocations are distributed.

Human Services released an informational 19 in adults and pediatric patients at least 12 update on the status of CoVID-19 vaccine years old who weigh at least 88 pounds and development, therapeutics, manufacturing, are at high risk for progressing to severe and distribution (Operation Warp Speed). COVID-19 or hospitalization.

Manufacturing, disThis information was tribution and adminireleased on November 27, Gen. Gus Perna and stration: Operation Warp 2020: Vaccine Development Speed partnered with Vaccine development: Lead Dr. Matt Hepburn, Pfizer and McKesson for AstraZeneca announced held a call with governors a series of trial shipments early results of its vaccine to delivery locations to candidate based on interim this week . . . analysis of trials in the Perna emphasized that test processes and systems. While shipments U.K. and Brazil.

AstraZeneca is the third jurisdictions are empowered did not include actual major drug company to to decide how their vaccine vaccines or ancillary kitreport late-stage data for allocations are distributed ting, they provided recipients a first look at potential COVID-19 the shipping processes and containers, as vaccines.

While authorized COVID-19 vaccines are well as temperature monitors that will be likely forthcoming, research continues and used for distributing the Pfizer vaccine.

The shipments will continue to go to stateclinical trials are still enrolling volunteer participants. Clinical trials need people from all identified locations, which include both pubage groups, races, ethnicities, and back- lic health departments and administration grounds. Large studies especially need vol- sites, such as hospitals. Additional rehearsals unteers over age 65, people with underlying are scheduled in the coming weeks, which medical conditions and members of minority will expand shipments across nearly all jurisdictions. In a effort to synchronize efforts populations.

Therapeutics development: Regeneron with states, HHS Secretary Alex Azar, and announced its monoclonal antibody cocktail OWS leaders including Chief Operating - casirivimab and imdevimab administered Officer Gen. Gus Perna and Vaccine together – received Emergency Use Development Lead Dr. Matt Hepburn, held a Authorization by the FDA. Operation Warp call with governors this week [Nov. 27] to Speed began distribution of the new drug discuss the distribution strategy with a high-

Carroll EMC

Distribution allowed of two medications to treat patients with mild/moderate CoVID Distribution locations to be decided by territorial health departments

time may be required for some treatment from press release The U.S. Department of Health and facilities before they can administer the drug Human Services announced on Nov. 23rd See VACCINE AVAILABLE page 4 plans to distribute initial doses of the drug company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ investigational monoclonal antibody therapeutic, casirivimab and imdevimab, which received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 21, 2020, for treatment of non-hospitalized patients with mild or moderate confirmed cases of COVID-19 at high risk of hospitalization.

In July, the federal government announced federal funding to support large-scale manufacturing of casirivimab and imdevimab with approximately 300,000 doses of the medicine expected to result from the project.

HHS will distribute these governmentowned doses to state and territorial health departments which, in turn, will determine which healthcare facilities receive the infusion drug.

Beginning immediately, weekly allocations to state and territorial health departments will be proportionally based on confirmed COVID-19 cases in each state and territory over the previous seven days, based on data hospitals and state health departments enter into the HHS Protect data collection platform.

The intravenous administration of therapeutics to non-hospitalized patients with confirmed mild to moderate COVID-19 presents unique challenges. To accommodate IV infusions, outpatient facilities must have appropriate healthcare staffing, training and equipment. As such, additional preparation

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VACCINE AVAILABLE from page 3 to patients. The infusion process takes approximately one hour and may followed by an observation period. Under the EUA (Emergency Use Authorization), casirivimab and imdevimab must be administered together and in settings where health care providers have immediate access to medications to treat a severe infusion reaction, such as anaphylaxis, and the ability to activate the emergency medical system (EMS), as necessary.

SOUTHWIRE from front page

president and CEO. “We want to provide our customers with solutions for every phase of the job. The acquisition of American Elite Molding helps us further expand our components offering and allows us to offer an even broader portfolio of products and solutions.”

“AEM provides a strategic advantage for our growing Components Solutions platform,” said Brandon Moss, Southwire’s EVP of Tools, Components and Assembled Solutions. “AEM is one of America’s leading manufacturers of nylon cable ties, proudly committed to keeping its production within in the USA. Nylon cable ties are a key product that contractors use at every phase of the job.”

Poultry science: new high school curriculum with pathway to college

by Josh Paine for UGA’s College of Agricultural / Environmental Sciences News Students interested in careers in the poultry industry will now have access to more poultry science-based resources and a new path to pursue an undergraduate degree through a transfer agreement between the University of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

The opportunities for good-paying jobs in poultry and related industries are plentiful, with graduates receiving between one and five job offers, according to Todd Applegate, head of the UGA Department of Poultry Science in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“We really need young people going into poultry across the entire sector. There’s a breadth of opportunity with integrated poultry companies and also other supporting companies such as finance, feed, equipment supply, pharmaceutical, food safety/quality and more. We try to communicate these options, as well as the available managerial roles and ability to move up in leadership through various companies,” he said.

With the high demand for graduates, the department is looking to improve visibility of the industry and pathways into the industry.

A new transfer agreement with UNG, with its main campus situated in Gainesville, Georgia, builds on an existing partnership between the two universities and gives transfer students assurance that courses will transfer seamlessly. “They don’t have to waste any time, money or stress that they don’t have to,” said Jessica Fife, outreach coordinator for UGA’s poultry science department.

“Students still have to qualify for admission to UGA as a transfer student, so it doesn’t circumvent that, but it does expedite the pathway. It’s a win-win to get the associate degree at UNG and bachelor’s at UGA,” said Applegate. “What distinguishes our program See POULTRY SCIENCE page 16

www.starnewsgaonline.com Facilities also must have space available and clinical development support through a to administer the medication in a manner long-standing flexible agreement with the that minimizes infection transmission. Biomedical Advanced Research and Possible locations include hospital outpatient Development Authority (BARDA), part of facilities, hospital emergency departments, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary and alternate care sites set up by hospitals for Preparedness and Response. Regeneron used the same proprietary and health departments The government-owned technology platforms and under the ‘hospital without walls’, flexibility pro- doses will be available at no cocktail approach to vided by the Centers for cost to patients, although develop a novel triple antibody treatment for Medicare and Medicaid healthcare facilities could Ebola that is now under Services to support a surge of hospitalized charge for administering the regulatory review by the patients. medicine – as is customary FDA. Currently, casirivimab The governmentwith such governmentand imdevimab is being owned doses will be available at no cost to purchased products. CMS evaluated in an ongoing patients, although healthcreated a billing code for clinical trial as part of the Accelerating COVID-19 care facilities could reimbursement of these Therapeutic Interventions charge for administering the medicine – as is cus- costs for Medicare patients. and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership tomary with such government-purchased products. CMS cre- led by the National Institutes of Health with ated a billing code for reimbursement of funding and other support from the BARDA. ACTIV is part of a coordinated these costs for Medicare patients.

The Regeneron company developed research strategy to prioritize and speed casirivimab and imdevimab with preclinical development of the most promising treat-

ments and vaccines.

The medicine is a combination of two virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies, which mimic the human immune system, are produced outside of the body by a single clone of cells or a cell line with identical antibody molecules and then delivered to patients by injection or infusion. The antibodies bind to certain proteins of a virus, reducing the ability of the virus to infect human cells.

Allocation of casirivimab and imdevimab will be allocated to specific states, territories, and jurisdictions this week and in subsequent weeks. The allocation dashboard will be updated each distribution week.

The drug is the third COVID-19 therapeutic for which HHS has provided allocation oversight. The first, Veklury (remdesivir), gained FDA approval and is now widely available, and earlier this month HHS began allocation oversight of the second, bamlanivimab from Eli Lilly and Company.

Working with the Department of Defense, HHS is partnering with multiple other companies to develop, manufacture and make available therapeutics to treat COVID-19.

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NEWS RECAP from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com As of November 23rd, $175 billion in CoVID-19 funds has been distributed to hospitals/healthcare providers

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has distributed $175 billion to hospitals and healthcare providers, including those on the front lines of the coronavirus response through the Provider Relief Fund (PRF).

• As of the week of November 23rd alone, HHS made the following total payments under the General and Targeted Distributions of the PRF program: - $106,779,405,368 in payments to 551,443 provider TINs. Of these payments, 391,603 providers (unique TINs) have attested to the Terms and Conditions for $98,306,443,855 in payments.

• As of November 25, HHS has made payments to 26,682 providers through the HRSA COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured program including: - Testing claims: $928,794,310 - Treatment claims: $1,261,987,035

Georgia Dept. of Labor handled more than 4M claims since March 21st: it now takes less than 7 days to process an unemployment claim

After 34 weeks of pandemic unemployment, the Georgia Department of Labor has processed all of the regular state unemployment applications in the queue. At this time, once an application is submitted, it takes less than seven days to process the claim. This comes after the GDOL has processed over 4 million regular UI claims since March 21, 2020.

The number of initial unemployment claims filed throughout the United States for the week ending November 7, 2020 was 709,000, a decrease of 48,000 from the previous week’s revised level of 757,000.

After processing, the claim proceeds to eligibility determination – the most frequent step for a claimant to experience an extended wait. If a separation is due to reasons other than lack of work, such as a quit, discharge, leave of absence, or receipt of severance/retirement pay, additional review will be necessary to determine claimant eligibility. This review includes adjudication with a claims examiner and can potentially delay payments.

“Any delays you are currently hearing regarding claims are not related to processing,” said Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “We are processing claims at Pre-COVID rates. The claims that are taking a while are the ones where there is a disagreement about the separation reason between the employer and employee. This is similar to a court case traveling through the judicial system and appeals can be escalated all the way to the superior court. However, this can take time.”

A common misconception during the pandemic has stemmed from a misinterpretation of the Benefits Determination letter the claimant receives that shows the period and wages used to calculate a claimant’s weekly benefit amount. This letter is not a statement of approval, but only an explanation of the calculated benefit amount.

After the claim is processed, a claimant’s

last employer is notified and provided 10 calendar days to respond. After the employer has had an opportunity to respond to the claim, the separation reason is reviewed and a determination to allow or deny benefits is released and mailed to the claimant’s address. Claimants have the right to appeal all decisions released, including the weekly benefit amount and the determination of eligibility.

With the extreme increase in claims volume, the GDOL is continuing to hire experienced workers to assist in fact finding, eligibility determinations, and appeals.

Benefit eligibility reviews and appeals dates are being addressed as quickly as possible to issue valid payments to approved claimants.

Today, over 162,000 jobs are listed online at EmployGeorgia for Georgians to access.

Georgians have received more than $15.7 billion in unemployment insurance benefits since March of this year, more than the past 28 years combined.

Georgia Wine & Grapes Commission taking nominations for the board

Nominations are currently being accepted to fill five board positions of the newly created Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Wine and Grapes. Members of the commissions make decisions on how funds are spent and programs the commission supports. Persons nominated must be active producers of wine or grapes and reside in Georgia. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 27.

Those interested may find a nominee information form at www.agr.georgia. gov/cpf and submit it to Andy Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or by fax at 404-656-9380. Forms may also be mailed to; The Georgia Department of Agriculture, Attn: Andy Harrison, 19 MLK Jr. Drive S.W., Room 320, Atlanta, GA 30334 The nominees will be vetted and certified to ensure they are active Georgia producers of grapes or wine in the appropriate geographic areas. Interested producers with questions may contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 404-586-1405.

On Aug. 3, 2020, Gov. Brian Kemp amended the Georgia Agricultural Commodities Commissions Act by signing HB 1093 to establish an Agricultural Commodity Commission for Wine and Grapes. The next step for the Georgia Wine and Grapes Commodity Commission is to seat a board of producers. The ex-officio members of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions – Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Gary Black, Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long, Buddy Leger and Russ Moon will appoint the board from nominated producers. The Wine and Grapes Commission board will then oversee the process of developing a marketing order for the commission and holding a referendum during which Georgia wine/grape producers will vote to determine if the commission is ratified.

Georg i a Agriculture Commodity Commissions are created by the Georgia Legislature. Furthermore, a market order of each commission is passed by the growers of that respective commodity which allows for assessments on the commodity to be paid by each of the producers of such commodity.

These funds are used for research, education and promotion of the commodity. Members of the commissions make decisions on how funds are spent and programs the commission supports.

StarNews

December 13, 2020 Page 5

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StarNews

Christmas Messages 2020

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The Christmas promise of hope, love, joy, and peace Michael Moore PASTOR (Retired United States Air Force Chaplain) Carrollton Presbyterian Church 14 Maple Street, Carrollton 30117 770-832-6131 office@carrollton presbyterian.net “A Heart in the City”

Christmas in this year of 2020 will be unlike any Christmas we have experienced as a community, nation, or world.

March 14th (the day the church I was serving in Estes Park, Colorado decided to go virtual with worship services) seems like years, not months, ago. At the same time, the same decision that was made in Colorado was being made by the leadership of Carrollton Presbyterian Church. These decisions were made to keep everyone safe. I saw this opportunity as a time to love God and love all of our neighbors in a unique way.

None of us realized at the time that we would still be living, worshipping, and Zooming in this way in the midst of the pandemic this Christmas. Honestly, we don’t know when this pandemic is going to end. What I do know is this: life has been forever changed for communities of faith and all peoples.

So, what do we do when the old

familiar routines are upended and the future is uncertain?

I have found myself re-visiting the writings of Thomas Merton (1915-1968) and Howard Thurman (1899-1981).

Merton and Thurman were both committed Christ-followers who came from very different backgrounds and environments. Merton was a monk, writer, teacher, and activist. Thurman (who’s maternal grandmother had been a slave) was a theologian, pastor, writer, educator, and mentor to Civil Rights activists like the Rev. Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman John Lewis.

Their writings have had a profound influence on my own journey of faith.

Thomas Merton wrote the following prayer which can be found in his book, Thoughts in Solitude: “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

“But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the right road although I may know nothing about it.

“Therefore will I trust You always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and will never leave me to face my perils alone.” (p. 79) Merton’s prayer reminds me of the promise of Jesus found in Matthew 28:20:

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“And remember, I am with you always, to met a few months before was sacred and the close of the age.” holy. We were a family who shared Here we are in 2020: We don’t know something in common. We shared a where this pandemic road common bond thanks to Right now,we are in our common military is going, and we don’t know when it will end. the season of COVID- commitment and the shared However, we are location which was far away 19. While we don’t promised that we don’t know when it is going from home. I guess you walk this journey or face could say that it was a Psalm to happen, I believe these perils alone. This 118:24 moment: “This is the that we will emerge year we will gather day the Lord has made, let from this pandemic together for Christmas in us rejoice and be glad in it.” different ways than we Was the situation ideal? like the nation did have gathered on past following the Spanish Heavens no. Did we make Christmases. Will there be the most of it? Yes! We Flu. . . Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 a dark cloud hovering made the most of it by For everything there over our Christmas embracing each day and is a season. . . observances? Or will it be moment as a gift from God. an opportunity to live the While the pandemic has Christmas message in new ways? turned our world upside down, I believe When I was a United States Air Force that we are called to make a choice.

Chaplain, I remember many memorable Mourning or lamenting what has been lost Christmas Eve services that I led in the is perfectly appropriate. In the midst of U.S. and overseas. One service in that, I urge you to remember the advice particular stands out for me. That service found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Verses one and was the Christmas Eve worship in 2007 four are, I believe, quite timely as we walk while I was deployed to Southwest Asia. this unknown road together: For Thanksgiving and Christmas are often everything there is a season, and a time for very difficult for military members who every matter under heaven… a time to weep, are deployed and away from their family and a time to laugh; and a time to dance. and friends. Yet, that Christmas Eve Right now, we are in the season of service was incredibly meaning-filled for COVID-19. While we don’t know when it those who attended. How could it is going to happen, I believe that we will possibly be meaning-filled when emerge from this pandemic like the nation everything is different? Well, when you did following the Spanish Flu that ravaged strip away the external layers and focus on our nation and the world from 1918-1920. the meaning of Christmas, something Until that time, our communities are happens. being challenged to live out the Christmas Worshipping with people we had only See MICHAEL MOORE page 13

Thank you for allowing me to serve and represent you, the citizens, of Georgia’s District 68 all year long.

I will continue to be fiscally conservative and pro-business.

State Rep Merry Christmas J Collins Happy New AD Year Christmas and

State Representative

J. Collins District 68 7 70-295-8143

Keep68great@gmail.com

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StarNews December 13, 2020 Page 7

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Page 8 December 13, 2020

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Christmas Messages 2020

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I am believing with you for the unexpected to be good for us all

Derick Newton PASTOR Last Shall Be First Ministries 94 East Church Street, Villa Rica GA 678-360-5032 lastshallbefirstministries@gmail.com

“So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”

MATTHEW 20:16 KJV

When we witness the first 20 verses of Luke Chapter 1, we read the first of a series of incredible events that lead to the foretelling of the birth of Christ.

We read the story of a faithful priest named Zacharias, who is dutiful in his care of the house of the Lord. He is known for his consistency. His accountability. He is married to Elisabeth. They are of old age. In their culture, they are likely to be bonded by her barrenness. We today do not have the social pressure of birthing children, especially sons.

However, in their time, in their culture, having children - especially sons - was synonymous with wealth and prosperity.

Imagine being busy at work and having a Divine Encounter/ Many believe in the existence of angels, but not many people have knowingly crossed paths with a heavenly being let alone had a full conversation with one. To add to the incredible message, it was the Archangel Gabriel who not only

promised this elderly priest a child, he promised him a son! And even more powerful, he promised a son who would impact his generation in a mighty way.

You may be wondering what all of this has to do with The Message of Hope for the Holidays?

This year has been one of the most unorthodox years that we have experienced as a society. It is a year that seems to be in disorder and disarray.

However, GOD often uses these types of times to demonstrate HIS presence, HIS provision and HIS providence.

The story in Luke 1 predates a time of new taxes.

A time of persecution and genocide. It predates the Hope of a Savior. It started the domino effect of the birth of the Messiah. We have a faithful couple who received an unbelievable message of Hope that they would receive a promise. To add to the circumstances, Zacharias would become mute and unable to tell anyone of the encounter until it came to pass. Imagine getting the GREATEST NEWS of your life, a visit from heaven and not being able to tell your wife, tell your friends, tell your naysayers? !

I couldn’t imagine.

Point 1: When bad circumstances fall upon us, we need to continue to do good.

Please do not let this year of usually circumstances prevent you from having a joyous and time with those you love. Keep being faithful to the core of your character.

Point 2: Miracles continue to happen every day.

The miracle of an angel telling an old priest that heand his wife were going to become parents of an unusual child was not in the news. Everyone was outside of the temple when this event occurred and it would take nine months for Zacharias to be able to tell anyone what happen. Guess what? It still happened! Keep believing in miracles.

See DERICK NEWTON page 13

Luke 1:1-20: Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainly of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before GOD, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before GOD in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the LORD. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the LORD standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias; for they prayer is heard; and they wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the LORD, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their GOD. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the LORD. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of GOD; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

DUGAN Christmas AD GEORGIA SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

CONSERVATIVE . PROVEN . LEADER. State Senator Mike Dugan Senate District 30 Republican

CAPITOL OFFICE 121-J State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 463-2478

Thank you for allowing me to represent and serve you as your State Senator.

Please feel free to contact me with your concerns or questions.

- Sen. Mike Dugan PAID FOR BY DUGAN FOR STATE SENATE

Paid for by State Senator Mike Dugan

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Christmas Messages 2020

The power of faith in Christ

Harry L. Pitts, Jr. PASTOR Millennial Christian Ministry 265 Fairfield Road, Villa Rica 30180 404-626-6597 hpitts@mcempowered.org

“Our mission is to infect this generation’s culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ through modeling, equipping and impacting the culture of this generation and future generations with the pure gospel of truth.”

A tear that will not cry and pain that never seems to go away, The fear you feel inside that seems to haunt you both night and day, You ask, “Why me, God?” At times you feel distress, A life that is spinning out of control, you ask, “Why me, God?” I am reminded of the words of Saint Augustine when he stated, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” You have experienced great losses, but never give up on God. The power of faith goes into motion when you simply trust, believe, and rely upon God to handle every matter.

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December 13, 2020 Page 9

In the gospel according to St. Matthew Matthew, to record these words stated by transformative as a young person.

8:8: “The centurion answered and said, Lord, Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, this day I With the creative powers that God has I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come have not found so great faith, no, not in provided every single one of us, the sky Israel.” under my roof: but will not be the limit for our aspirations or In addition to trusting in God to Faith has the dreams. The universe is where you will speak the word only, keep His promises, you must power to move begin your imaginative and creative and my servant shall mountains. be healed.” The faith have the intestinal fortitude journey of exercising your faith. of this man was so with a winner’s nature to fight for Wouldn’t it be a True faith is trusting God to fulfill each remarkable profound that it one of His promises. In addition to trusting your dreams and not allow fear, statement for the pierced the very soul in God to keep His promises, you must doubt, jealousy, and toxic Lord to say of you have the intestinal fortitude with a of Christ.

The power of faith thinking to rob you of your faith that I have never winner’s nature to fight for your dreams found such great and not allow fear, doubt, jealousy and will ameliorate faith in the West Georgia area? Please do toxic thinking to rob you of your faith. negative situations in your life. In the words of that famous not question yourself regarding the subject Faith is not passive nor is faith weak. theologian, Paul Tillich, “In the courageous of faith; we are all born with faith. Believe Faith has the winner’s nature and the standing of uncertainty, faith shows most it or not, you have faith in something. You boxer’s mentality of defeating anything visibly its dynamic character.” Trust and just need your faith to grow and become See HARRY L. PITTS page 13 rely upon the word of faith and please do not rely upon your own ability.

It is natural to think that your natural ability could be the panacea of all your ills, but on the contrary my dear brother and sister, it is the power of faith in Christ that Last minute gifts...We have what you need! you must rely upon. What do I mean when I say rely upon Christ? I am simply saying you must trust the words found in one of the most powerful books on the face of this planet: the Bible. There are a plethora of scriptures on faith for healing, fear, and hope. This is merely the beginning of finding the power that you need.

The Latin words “sola fide” - “by faith alone” - is a doctrine that completely arrested my attention. This expression and doctrine of faith is found on numerous 520 Maple Street Carrollton, GA. occasions throughout the New Testament. www.mountainoakflorist.com This type of faith caused the writer,

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The First Christmas, and this Christmas of 2020

Ben Bonner Co-PASTOR Catalyst Church of Carrollton 1103 North Highway 113 Carrollton, Georgia 30117 678-664-1237 lnfo@iamcatalyst.net “Be the Difference”

I think most people feel like 2020 has been a weird, hard, awkward, and an absolutely ridiculous year — an “if it can go wrong, it has” type of year.

I’ve had to officiate funerals and say goodbye to people way too soon. It doesn’t make sense seeing those we love cut down in their prime. I was planning to celebrate a friend’s wedding, not officiate his funeral — but that’s been 2020.

Those I pastor and call friends and family have been hit hard. Our church counseling offices have been full of heartbreak, loneliness, disappointment, and disconnect. We are on edge. We are stressed and uncertain, and you can feel it and see it.

Our nation is hurting. The issues are big and solutions seem so small. People are confused. There’s plenty of strife, plenty of pain, plenty of hostility and heartache,

and very little peace. There’s division in our country and even among the church.

Walls are high and hearts are closed. 2020 can’t even have a smooth election.

I thought, if anything can make 2020 better, it will be the holidays. I immediately retracted that thought. Pssh, please—the first Christmas was anything but warm and fuzzy.

The nostalgic songs are nothing like that very first Christmas. Nothing has gone as planned in 2020, and nothing went as planned that first Christmas or the year leading up to it. That’s the message and hope of Christmas. That’s the heart of the Gospel.

Imagine, ladies, you’re engaged to a good man. You have dreams and plans.

Mary was about to be a wife. Then, an angel tells her, “You’re pregnant and God is the father.” Gabriel lets her know her son is going to change the world, but her whole world is about to change. Her plans weren’t put on the back burner — they were crushed.

She had to tell Joseph that she was pregnant. Mary was probably promising him she didn’t cheat on him and that the baby was God’s. 2020 may be a little off, but could you imagine having to have the conversation Mary had with Joseph?

Not only was the situation beyond crazy, but Mary could have been stoned to death in that culture. Imagine being Joseph. He could have had her killed. He was a moral man and wanted to handle it privately, but most males in that time wouldn’t have handled it like he did. An

Christmas Messages 2020

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angel confirmed Mary’s story to Joseph; though? Isn’t that the Gospel? God loved Mary’s life was spared, but the situation us enough to become one of us — to hurt was just getting started. like us, suffer like us, experience loss and People shunned and stared at Mary. She rejection like us, and to be betrayed like was the conversation at the dinner table. us. He wanted to relate to us, connect with I’m sure people said she us, draw close to us, save Nothing has gone as had changed, that she us? The writer of cheated on a good man Hebrews said, “...it was planned in 2020, and and was promiscuous. necessary for him to be nothing went as They probably believed made in every respect like planned that first Joseph should leave Mary us, his brothers and sisters, Christmas or the year and couldn’t understand so that he could be our why he had not leading up to it. That’s merciful and faithful High Mary went on a trip to Priest before God…”. Isaiah the message and hope visit her cousin, Elizabeth said Jesus would be a of Christmas. That’s who was pregnant with “m a n o f s o r r o w s , John the Baptist. Mary the heart of the Gospel. acquainted with deepest watched Elizabeth have a grief.” - Isaiah 53:3) traditional Jewish celebration. She The first Christmas was far from watched Elizabeth get honored. This was chestnuts roasting on an open fire. It the way Mary envisioned becoming a wasn’t families getting along and having mom—not being looked down on and everything they asked for wrapped and carrying people’s judgment in her under the tree. It was hard. It was stomach. This wasn’t what she wanted. heartbreaking. It was disappointing. It This wasn’t the plan. It was a nightmare. wasn’t what Mary and Joseph planned or When billionaires, kings, and powerful prayed for. It was the hard part of hope. It people travel, they travel in armored cars. was the part that hurts, the part we don’t They have security. They draw crowds. talk about as much.

There wasn’t even enough room in the In my own personal life, my hope was city hotel for the birth of Jesus. The real built in moments that were gut nativity scene looked more like a cave than wrenching. Seasons I thought wouldn’t a stable. Animals stepping over the baby. end and didn’t know if I’d survive. The The smell of feces. This is how the Son of faith I have wasn’t found by making sense God was born. No one noticed and no out of things that may never make sense. one celebrated the greatest display of love: My faith is found in a God who loved me God becoming a man. It was beautiful, but enough to become human. To be a God like 2020, it was messy. for the underdog, what better way than to Isn’t that the message of Christmas, See BEN BONNER page 13

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Christmas Messages 2020

Reflection of hope; God is with us

Laquita Powell Fire of God Ministries lapowellaa@gmail.com The ground is full of sorrow; the world has lost its Hope with everything currently happening in the world. This pandemic has created much sorrowful loss of loved ones who have died due to the virus’s complications. This virus has also caused an economic challenge for division and us rather than it’s racial, religious, or political motives. In a way, the world has lost its sense of liberty due to the pandemic’s current restrictions. The people are crying out to the Lord for help and asking, where are you, Lord amid all this chaos? God wants us to see amid everything that’s going on around us; God is with us.

We need to ask God to open our eyes to see he has not forgotten us. God knows us by name. “He wants to do a new thing in us,” as it states in Isaiah 43. Therefore, “I know the plans I have for you, declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. We are in a crisis right now, but God is saying to believe and hope again in him.

We can also praise him and show gratitude

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for the little things in life. If God has brought us through circumstances before, he will do it again. So I encourage you to build your faith, Hope, and trust up again.

“When you have faith and Hope in the Lord, you can call upon him, and he will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” - Jeremiah 33:3 KJV I know we have all had to make lifestyle adjustments due to the pandemic, but if you look at things from a Biblical perspective, they also had to make lifestyle adjustments during their era. We have to learn how to move forward in life despite our current circumstances.

We have to learn to adapt to a new way of living, which is better than the former way of life. In this new way of life, God is tearing down and rising new leadership, creating new business endeavors, etc. Amid our circumstances, we can show a heart of compassion towards one another rather than by smiling at someone, giving encouraging words to someone, or just helping people in general. People are genuinely hurting and in need of assistance.

We have let fear cripple us from seeing the message the Lord is trying to get across to us.

The Lord is wanting us to stop focusing on the current state of the world and put our focus on him. He is the Alpha and the Omega and knows our beginning from our end. The current state of the world is no surprise to him at all. However, he has a plan for us as it states in Exodus 14:14 NIV: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

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December 13, 2020 Page 11

In these ever changing times, God is with your family. I want to leave you with tearing down and raising new leadership, a few thoughts to ponder as the holidays creating new business endeavors, including approach the yearend. I would say learn to live again by having hope, trust, faith, and how we do business as a church.

As I ponder on this vision from the joy in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:8 NKJVL Lord, I am reminding of God’s promises. “For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the He promises to river, And will not restore hope For God to do a new thing in us, [a]fear when heat amongst the nations, faith, joy, we need to shift our perspectives and comes; But its leaf and restoration of change our focus. If we keep being will be green, And will not be anxious the things we have complacent where we are, we will in the year of lost during this pandemic. God is miss the opportunities God is sending drought, Nor will always faithful; he our way. It signifies a new beginning cease from yielding fruit.” has never lost a for us; as we enter 2021, it’s time For God to do battle, and he keeps to be recharged and hope again! a new thing in us, his promises. His we need to shift love for us never waivers we can always depend upon him in our perspectives and change our focus. If times of uncertainty he will never leave us we keep being complacent where we are, we will miss the opportunities God is nor forsake us.

God wants us to be rooted and grounded sending our way. It signifies a new in his word, so when circumstances arise, beginning for us; as we enter 2021, it’s time to be recharged and hope again! we wish to waver in faith.

I want to leave you with the following The Lord kept showing me the word “hope” and that the world was currently in by Nikki Banas: “Hope: If you only carry a state of chaos and confusion. The people one thing throughout your entire life, let it also had lost their hope in him. As the be hope. Let it be hope that better things Lord was showing me all these things, it are always ahead. Let it be hope that you brought sadness to my spirit. It costs us can get through even the toughest of times. nothing to show kindness to people or to Let it be hope that you are stronger than smile. This small suggestion can go a long any challenge that comes your way. Let it way. We should use this time to draw near be hope that you are exactly where you are to God, and He will draw near to you. We meant to be right now, and that you are on need to reflect on our loved oneswho are the path to where you are meant to be… near and dear to our hearts - especially the Because during these times, hope will be ones we have not spoken to in a while - to the very thing that carries you through.’’

Be blessed, and Happy New Beginnings! mend relationships and spend more time

Merry Christmas!

Storm Products

Page 12 December 13, 2020

StarNews

Christmas Messages 2020

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Worshiping the Savior everyday, and understanding the truth

Chris Cook Pastor Herren’s Grove Baptist Church 19486 County Road 82 Woodland, Alabama 36280 herrensgrovebc@gmail.com

“Traditional services where we worship the Lord and give Him all the praise”

It is the time of the year where we start hearing why you should not let your kids believe in Santa Claus.

Here are some of the reasons we have heard as to why you should not let your kids believe in Santa Claus: That we are asking our children to believe in some mythic figure and taking away the purpose of Christmas which is about the birth of Christ.

That getting children to believe that good behavior would allow them to earn more gifts and bad behavior would be a way to lose more gifts, and that is a very greedy way to train up a child.

That believing in Santa Claus is worshiping the gifts more than the Savior.

Over my years, I have heard it all when it comes to why we should not teach our children to believe in Santa Claus. I have heard people say that Santa is the same as

Satan (and it is even spelled close to the same) so that is why you should not believe in Santa Claus.

Another comment that I have heard is that we, as the parents, are lying to our children about a man who does not exist.

Maybe you have heard that if you teach your children to believe in Santa Claus a mythic figure that one day, they will think the same about the Savior.

The list could go on and on, but I want to share with you that some of my greatest memories in my life come at Christmas time and deal with the big man in the red suit. Growing up I remember the thrill of waiting on Santa Claus to come on Christmas Eve night. During the holiday season, I would glue myself to the tv when Christmas movies would come on that had the jolly man in the red suit on it.

As a young child, it was amazing to me to be able to see Santa flying through the air on his sleigh in those movies. It was those days leading up to Christmas that I would get that Christmas list ready for Santa Clause and the joy of writing it out believing that some of those items on my list might be under the tree on Christmas morning.

I remember many of times not even being able to fall asleep on Christmas Eve night because of all the excitement that was running through little my body.

Heck, there was even a time that I woke up not long after Santa visited our home (my parents had not even got into the bed yet), so my parents made me go back to bed and, of course, I didn’t go back to

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sleep after seeing all those gifts. There was relationship with Christ or even take away something about being able to believe in the meaning of Christmas. I never thought Santa Claus through those younger years at one moment that my parents had lied to of my life that I would not trade anything me about a man in a red suit. for.

There was not a time when I was Even today it’s still a younger and now that Another comment that I feeling I get to I am older that Santa experience during this have heard is that we, as the every took over the time of the year reason for the season parents, are lying to our watching little children for me, and for the children about a man who thought that believing get ready for does not exist. Maybe you in a mythic figure like Christmas.

You see there are have heard that if you teach Santa would make it certain things that I can your children to believe in hard for me to believe see, smell and taste that in Christ was not true.

Santa Claus a mythic figure take me back to my You see there is a that one day, they will younger childhood days time in life that we all of Christmas and I think like a child and think the same about the would not trade Savior. . . For me, believing act like a child that anything for things with the in Santa never impacted my comes wonderful memories. wonderful gift called decision to have a When my wife and I imagination. relationship with Christ became parents, we As we grow in our decided that we wanted childhood, we to let our children have the same understand that our imagination is just experience of believing in Santa Claus. that: imagination. We grow into When our boys where younger, I got to understanding as we grow older, and have relive that magical time again and, boy, less of childhood thoughts. Those mythic was it an awesome time. It allowed me to figures that we believe in fade away and we bring back some great memories of my start understanding the truth, and that is childhood days, and the same time where worshiping the Savior everyday enjoying watching my boys make their comes in to play and you understand the own memories themselves. Over the last truth and you understand what was just an several years, the times of Christmas and imagination. the memories of Christmas have grown No matter how you feel - if we should more! allow our children to believe or not For me, believing in Santa never believe in Santa - is not the right question impacted my decision to have a See CHRIS COOK page 13

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www.starnewsgaonline.com BEN BONNER from page 10

become an underdog? Jesus didn’t just say He loved us—He proved it! He didn’t just say we have hope. He set the precedent.

He didn’t just promise it. He provides it.

The hope in Christmas is because the baby Jesus grew up! He became a revolutionary. He included those who others left out. He respected those who attacked Him. People tried to change him, and they would eventually kill him. You know the story—he didn’t stay dead, and he started a movement of God still going strong today.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful

DERICK NEWTON from page 8 Point 3: Silence is golden so shut up and be wealthy.

One of the keys of life is not having to promote yourself, your circumstances, your hopes and expectations. Doers do.

Talkers talk. We often do more harm than good by prematurely telling everyone the good news before it happened. In the days of social media, we are guilty of telling you our life’s story before promises have come to pass.

If you are enduring hard times, you can quietly ask for what you need. If you have successful times, it is good to be happy but beware of being boastful.

Lastly, if you are expecting something great. We can wait until the “baby is born” for you to tell us the story.

I wish you a great end of 2020. A Merry Christmas. A Happy New Year. I am believing with you for the unexpected to be good for us all.

Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

This is our hope. The story of a God who is crazy about you. A hope that isn’t only in heaven, but a hope that came down as a baby from eternity. Seasons change. Life is hard, but that love remains.

That promise is bigger than 2020 or

MICHAEL MOORE from page 6 promise of hope, love, joy, and peace.

The following words of Howard Thurman from his book The Mood of Christmas, speak to me about who we are called to be and what we are called to do this Christmas: I will light Candles this Christmas, candles of joy despite all the sadness, candles of hope where despair keeps watch, candles of courage for fears ever

anything we will ever face.

That first Chritsmas was weird, hard, awkward, and absolutely ridiculous. It was messy and beautiful. It still is, and it always will be! As the song says “Joy to the world, the Lord is come”. You’re loved and you’re not alone. There is hope.

Merry Christmas! present, candles of peace for tempest-tossed days, candles of grace to ease heavy burdens, candles of love to inspire all my living, candles that will burn all year long.

My prayer this year is that we will light those candles of joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, and love wherever we may find ourselves in the midst of the pandemic.

These are candles that will burn all year long.

StarNews

December 13, 2020 Page 13

CHRIS COOK from page 12 to ask; nor am I trying to convince you to believe the way I do. The right question to ask here is: Are you pointing your children to Christ every day?

So many times, debates and agreements start with the wrong question, but when the right question is asked there is usually no debate. The right question is not whether it is wrong or right for us to let our children believe in Santa Claus. The right question is: Do we teach our children about Christ all year long? If we ask the right question, then we can all agree to the answer of what Christmas is truly about, “Christ is the reason for the season” Merry Christmas to you all, and I hope that you also have a wonderful New Year 2021!

SOUTHWIRE

HARRY L. PITTS, JR. from page 9 that opposes it directly. Remember that your faith will, and must, be challenged.

One of your largest foes is what I call the “faith vampire” of your past. Your past will always seek to sneak up on you and whisper in your ear about previous failures.

But you must remind this faith vampire that you are not that same person. Never entertain faith vampires because they only want to tear you down and feed on the remains.

It is important for you to remember that you have the power of faith to overcome whatever obstacle you may face. Please be supremely confident in the promises you have in your heart, the reality of love provided to you by God through Jesus Christ, and the love provided to you by family and friends.

Always celebrate in the face of your enemy (Satan) because this sends a warning shot across his bow that you have the keys to his failure. It is during this time that you start reminding not only your past, but also those who think you are a victim, that you have arrived just in time to explain to them what it means to be empowered by faith.

You will help them see what they can do to emulate the confidence that God provides through His Word that is truly the road map to success.

I want to state this forthrightly: your future is bright, and your destiny is set.

You are on a trajectory that is going to change your life and the lives of those whom you infect. Infectious people are world changers, and you are true changers of the world. You can produce results and not just baseless words that have no real potency. You are empowered to WIN!

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NEWS RECAP from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com Georgia Dept. of Agriculture taking GATE renewal applications: current cards expire Dec. 31st

Annual renewal for the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) program is now open. Eligible farmers can renew their GATE card for 2021 online by visiting www.forms.agr.georgia.gov/GATE/.

GATE cardholders who are to renew in 2021 will automatically be placed on the new three-year renewal program and will receive their renewal invoice in 2024. All current cards will expire Dec. 31, 2020.

Cardholders currently on two and three-year renewals will receive their 2021 cards with the new expiration date of Dec. 31, 2021, and do not need to renew or apply for the 2021 year.

The GATE program was created through legislation to offer qualified agriculture producers a sales tax exemption on agricultural equipment and production inputs. Qualified farmers and agricultural producers can apply to receive a certificate showing that they are eligible for this exemption.

Farmers are required to present the current year GATE card at the time of each purchase.

Producers needing assistance can contact the GATE program team at 855-FARMTAX or farmtax@agr.georgia.gov.

UWG has slight increase in enrollment over last fall: 181 more students; with a first year retention rate of 72.7%

The University of West Georgia, Carrollton, reported an increase in enrollment with 13,419 students for fall 2020, according to the University System of Georgia. Enrollment for the university increased 181 students (1.4%) from last year’s 13,238 students.

The university also improved first year retention, with 1,294 (72.8%) of the firsttime full-time cohort students maintaining their enrollment at UWG from entering fall 2019 to returning fall 2020.

UWG’s 2019 statewide economic impact is $632.3M; the university system’s 2019 impact is $18.5B

The University of West Georgia contributed more than $632.3 million to the region’s economy during the state’s 2019 fiscal year, according to the annual economic impact study recently released by the University System of Georgia (USG).

The university recorded a statewide economic impact of $18.5 billion for fiscal year 2019. The statewide economic impact of the University System of Georgia’s institutions in fiscal year 2019 includes: n $18.5 billion in output (sales); n $12.6 billion in gross regional product; n $8.6 billion in income; and n 157,770 full- and part-time jobs (3.5 percent of all non-farm jobs in Georgia UWG President Dr. Brendan B. Kelly said he is extraordinarily proud of the university’s ability to make such a notable impact on the region’s economy and quality of life.

“We are grateful and honored to have the ability to contribute to our regional economy to such a degree,” Kelly said. “Placemaking is something we hold in highest regard, and I’m proud to say the profoundly important, collaborative relationship between UWG and the community is stronger than ever.”

www.starnewsgaonline.com Dr. Hilde Patron, professor of economics and director of the Center for Business and Economics Research (CBER), said students play the key role in UWG’s economic impact.

“Students continue to be the main driving force behind the economic impact of the University of West Georgia with more than 50% of the original spending coming from them,” Patron said.

In terms of employment, UWG generated 5,405 full time jobs, 30% of which were directly on-campus positions, while 70% were off-campus jobs.

The study revealed every dollar spent by USG institutions generates an additional 47 cents for the regional economy, noted USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley.

County buys and installs two industrial trash compactors for the Newnan Road convenience center

Carroll County board of commissioners purchased and had installed through inmate labor two industrial trash compactors for the Newnan Road, Carrollton, (green box) convenience center, one of the busiest in the county averaging around 800 cars per day.

Aproximately 12 tons of household garbage is brought in by the public daily to Carroll County convenience centers.

Industrial Trash Compactors provide a cleaner environment by crushing the trash contained within the compactor minimizing the process of transferring the garbage to the landfill, and as a side benefit, reducing the smell.

Be informed when donating this holiday season

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has launched a new video warning Georgians to be informed when they donate during the holiday season.

The new video, created by the Charities Division of the Office of the Secretary of States, provides tips and resources for individuals looking to donate to worthy causes in the next few months.

- DON’T give donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money to an unknown organization.

- DO donate by credit card or check - DO keep a record of all donations and review statements closely to make sure you’re only charged the amount you agreed to donate.

- DO make sure you know who is receiving your donation before clicking a link to donate online. DO read Donating Through an Online Giving Portal for more information.

- DON’T let anyone rush you into making a donation.

- DON’T fall for the trick of being thanked for a donation you never made.

- DON’T fall for a ‘sound alike’ charity.

- DO be aware that scammers can change caller ID to make a call look like it’s from a local area code.

- DO be aware that scammers make a lot of vague and sentimental claims but give no specifics about how your donation will be used.

- DO know that guaranteeing sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a donation is not only a scam, it’s illegal.

Consumers can report scams and fraudulent charities to the Secretary of State’s Charities Division by calling 470312-2640 or by emailing us at charities@sos.ga.gov or by filing a complaint with the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint.

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Sen. Dugan was elected to the Georgia Senate in 2013 and has served as Senate Majority Leader since 2018. He currently a member of the following committees: • Administrative Affairs • Banking, Financial Institutions • Economic Development, Tourism • Ethics • Reapportionment, Redistricting

StarNews December 13, 2020

Page 15

with the Democrat Party, and the color red with the Republican Party. The state of Georgia elected a Republican governor two years ago, and with this fall’s elections, the Georgia State Senate remains Republican majority with currently 34 of the 56 seats (22 Democrat).

The United States Army veteran then said concerning the presidential race, “I don’t like the results, but, I swore, as many people in this room did, that I would support and defend the Constitution - not a person.

Whether I like that person or not, I am not gonna change my colors right now to go against everything that I fought for and everything that I believe in.”

Dugan continued, “So, you’re telling me that Georgia is turning ‘blue’? No, because every other position in there, the Republicans got more votes than the Dems, and every other race in the state. So, we get down the State Senate races, every one of the state senators in the Republican Party outnumbered the President [Trump] in their district, some up to 12%.”

Dugan then finalized his point that Georgia is not “turning blue” stating, “So, what I’m saying is, Republican senators in Georgia got 12% more of the vote in the areas of the district they overlap in than the president did. Is there any potentiality that there is a small number of people out there who just did not like the President? Is there any potentiality -and I am saying this rhetorically - that there are people that voted against the President and voted Republican on the rest of the ballot? I know people on my street who did.”

With the recount still ahead on the date of State Senator Mike Dugan addresses the properly socially distanced meeting of the Carrollton Rotary Club. The this meeting, the senator said, “If you can

SENATOR DUGAN from front page

On the heels of his decisive win with the voting public, Dugan then garnered another victory three days later when he was reelected by the Georgia Senate Majority Caucus as Senate Majority Leader. He issued a statement regarding that win: “I am honored to once again receive the support of my colleagues and have the opportunity to serve as Majority Leader of the Senate.

“Our state is currently facing unprecedented issues which will require responsible, decisive leadership. The challenges we face

• Transportation He is Secretary of the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee, and as an Ex-Officio of the Appropriations, Assignments, Public Safety and Rules Committees.

Addressing the club when the fresh news was that the state of Georgia’s electoral votes would go to a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time in forty years, Dugan said, “So, what’s going on? There’s no possible way the state has turned ‘blue’.”

The color blue has long been associated

meeting was also live streamed on Facebook for those members and guests who chose not to attend in person.

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StarNews

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32 area nonprofits awarded $302,000 from the Community Foundation of West Georgia

from press release A total of 32 nonprofit organizations in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties have received $302,000 from the Community Foundation of West Georgia’s Community Impact Fund and Innovation Grant program.

“These grants are a significant way the Foundation is making a difference in our community,” Kim Jones, president of the Foundation, said. “In this unprecedented time of pandemic, we are fortunate to have so many selfless nonprofit volunteers and leaders who are willing to give so much of their time and who introduce and continue such amazing programs, serving thousands in our community,” she said.

Since the first grants were issued from the Community Impact Fund in 2004, a total of $4.7 million has been distributed to local organizations, including Innovation Grants.

Funds are distributed through an annual competitive grant process as six panels of local citizens consider requests, assist the Foundation in the review and analysis of the applications and make recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors. Local nonprofit organizations, faith-based and government agencies are eligible to apply for grants.

In 2018 the Community Foundation intro-

POULTRY SCIENCE from page 4

is the focus on the whole animal, it’s much more tangible to talk through the science of that. Our program touches on so many different disciplines beyond what biology may cover, such as health and disease, preventative medicine, engineering concepts and animal behavior.”

Linda Purvis, lecturer in biology at UNG, has spent almost a decade building the poultry science pathway in the associate of science degree program. She was a transfer student from UNG to UGA, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in poultry science before earning master’s and doctoral degrees from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. “(Purvis is) very energetic and very passionate about poultry,” said Applegate. “She’s a good mentor for those students and helps them think about what career options look like.”

In order to reach students before college, UGA’s Department of Poultry Science has also designed a new high school introductory course into poultry science and avian biology as part of the Georgia Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Pathways. The purpose is to establish an in-depth understanding and appreciation of Georgia’s top agricultural industry among high school students.

Approximately 168,000 Georgian jobs are connected directly or indirectly to the poultry industry, and producers in 101 counties generate more than $1 million worth of poultry at the farm level according to UGA research.

The high school presentations and activities introduce students to terminology and basic knowledge of modern poultry science and the commercial poultry sector, including anatomy and physiology, reproduction, genetics, nutrition, conventional and alternative housing/production methods, poultry varieties, avian health, processing, marketing and more.

“There are so many applications of STEM in the poultry industry, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. For students looking for real-world applications, I

duced Innovation Grants. This program is designed to inspire and support problem solving in the community. The selected grantees receive funds, renewable up to three years, to implement their project ideas, creating models of innovation for the entire community. For more information about the Community Foundation of West Georgia, visit its website at cfwg.net or contact Kim Jones at (770) 832-1462 or kim@cfwg.net.

This year, $103,500 was given through the Innovation Grants program to six local nonprofit organizations, with some working in collaboration. These grants and their purposes are: • Carrollton Center for the Arts - puppet show that will be used in educating local students on the history of the West Georgia area; • Carroll County Family Connection, Carroll County Probate Court and Carroll County Mental Health Advocates - services and peer-led programs to clients; • University of West Georgia Educational Collaborative - program for teachers on financial literacy and economic education; • Waypoint Ranch - modifications to a greenhouse for therapeutic green care program in which veterans at the ranch grow produce.

“There are so many applications of STEM in the poultry industry, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. For students looking for real-world applications, I think they need those real-world applications much earlier to think about their careers. As we go into technology applications, this next generation is ready for that.” think they need those real-world applications much earlier to think about their careers. As we go into technology applications, this next generation is ready for that,” said Applegate.

Fife developed the curriculum in collaboration with UGA poultry science and agricultural leadership, education and communication faculty and Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum and Technology Director Christa Steinkamp.

“This will be the first time Georgia will have courses dedicated solely to poultry science in a high school agriculture education course,” said Steinkamp. “Even nationally, stand-alone poultry science courses are rare.

A few other states have similar high school poultry science curriculum, but there are only a few national Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) standards relating to poultry. This is an interesting fact, considering the role the poultry industry plays in the overall agriculture industry in Georgia and globally.”

Another set of lessons and activities developed by the department is geared toward elementary-aged students in partnership with Georgia Farm Bureau to use in elementary classrooms. They will be distributed to all of Farm Bureau’s 10 districts through the organization’s Ag in the Classroom and new Mobile Ag Classroom.

The UGA Department of Poultry Science’s recruitment efforts are supported by a gift from the U.S. Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation. To learn more, visit poultry.caes.uga.edu

This year a total of $198,500 was granted to 25 nonprofit organizations in Carroll, Haralson and Heard Counties.

Arts & Culture • Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum - to continue archival work of the collections; • University of West Georgia - Hopes and Challenges Through COVID-19 in West Georgia, collecting personal stories and documenting experiences; Economic Development • Carroll County Economic Development Foundation/Carroll Tomorrow - Carroll County Junior Chamber of Commerce; • Sewell Mill, Inc. Community Center HVAC system;

Education • Carroll and Haralson Counties Ferst Foundations - books for children who might not have access to reading material; • Heard County Community Partnership, Inc. - students at all grade levels in five schools will receive achievement, behavioral and graduation incentives; • Learning Always Means Progress, Inc. incentives to encourage students to graduate in Haralson County schools; • Partners Advancing Student Success (PASS) - program services at six schools including academic support, mentoring, work force development, independent living skills and basic needs; See GRANTS page 18

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www.starnewsgaonline.com ing vehicle surveillance, woodland, underACE from front page Kyle Jones and Ian Wright provided an cover operations and video surveillance.

Both Detectives Jones and Wright informational overview to the club about the ACE unit, its mission and its progress and asserted that Methamphetamine (Meth) use and production are an ongoing and prevaachievements thus far.

Detective Ian Wright has been with the lent issue in Carroll County. MethamphetaCPD since 2013, serving on the night shift, mine, often referred to as “crank, tweak, traffic unit, nightshift supervisor, and has speed or gak”, and is a highly addictive been attached to the Drug Enforcement stimulant that comes in crystal, powder and liquid forms.

Agency (DEA).

Detective Ian Wright has The average street Detective Wright is a price in the U.S. is $40 U.S. Army veteran and a been with the CPD since member of the CPD 2013, serving on the night per gram, whereas in Carrollton it’s $20. Such Special Response Team shift, traffic unit, nightshift affordability of this dan(SRT).

Wright explained that supervisor, and has been gerous substance is a concern. Meth use has he got into his current attached to the Drug long-term and often devprofession humorously saying, “I like dope”, Enforcement Agency (DEA). astating physical and alluding to his affinity Detective Wright is a U.S. mental effects, such as for going after and Army veteran and a member extreme weight loss, paranoia, hallucinations, removing illegal drugs of the CPD Special skin sores and deteriorafrom the streets. tion of one’s teeth and Detective Kyle Jones Response Team (SRT) gums. has been with the CPD Detective Kyle Jones described how over since 2014 and has served on both the nightshift and dayshift patrol. Detective Jones is the last two years he has seen opioid and also a member of the CPD SRT. Detective heroin use grow throughout Carroll County, Jones said, “I’ve just always wanted to be a stating, “When I worked patrol, I never saw cop”. Before becoming a police officer, heroin in person, but in the last couple years Detective Jones worked both EMS and fire, I’ve seen a huge spike in heroin cases”.

Jones went further, stating “heroin and but ultimately decided on his current prescription pills are kind of our top priorprofession.

“I love coming to work every day. This is ity”. In many cases people are prescribed an the best job in the police department. We get opioid medication from a doctor for pain to hunt the bad guys,” Jones said. “The ACE and later turn to illegal opioid drugs like Unit was formed in 2009 as a joint unit by heroin because it’s easier to get, much more the CPD and the Carroll County Sheriff’s potent and oftentimes significantly cheaper.

Another, even more lethal drug that the Office. Prior to that, each department had their own in-house drug unit. Sergeant Chad ACE unit is finding more and more of is Taylor supervises the city personnel and Fentanyl. The unfortunate reality is that peoSergeant Shane Spradlin supervises the ple are going to buy heroin and getting Sheriff’s Office personnel. Each sergeant Fentanyl instead.

Detective Jones said, “a lot of times when reports to their respective criminal investigation’s division Captain, which is Shannon we have people die from overdoses, we find Fentanyl in their sysCantrell for the city and Detective Kyle Jones tem”. Fentanyl is also a Guy Pope for the described how over the last highly addictive opioid county.” and is 10,000 times The City of Carrollton two years he has seen than Morphine.

Police Department ACE opioid and heroin use grow stronger It only takes an amount members are Chad as small as a few grains Taylor, Ian Wright, Kelly throughout Carroll County, of table salt to cause a Bennett and Kyle Jones. stating, “When I worked overdose.

County members are patrol, I never saw heroin in fatal The ACE unit prides Shane Spradlin, Ryan person, but in the last itself in building proseTaylor, Justin Presnal cutable cases against and Bran Christian. ACE couple years I’ve seen a dealers and getting will be adding The huge spike in heroin cases”. drug them and their products University of West Georgia Police Department’s Damon off the streets. “The ultimate goal is to get Addison when he is assigned to full-time in the trafficking weight,” said Detective Jones, explaining that getting to the bigger the next month or so.

While the unit works primarily in dealers is the optimal outcome.”Anything Carrollton, they are also deputized to work over an ounce is trafficking,” said Detective anywhere in Carroll County. In addition to Wright, explaining that differing penalties being police officers, members of the ACE have to do with the aggregate weight of the unit are highly trained members of the substance.

Where the minimum sentence on a posCarrollton Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT), similar to a Special session conviction may be three to five Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team; years of probation and a possession with Detective Jones said among the many other intent to distribute conviction being one to functions they perform, they also do “high two years in prison; a conviction of traffickrisk warrant service and assist U.S. ing carries a minimum of a ten-year sentence.

Marshalls with fugitive apprehension”.

“Drugs are not a victimless crime. Most In 2018 and 2019 the ACE unit seized a combined total of $568,650 worth of drugs, of our violent crime that happens within the $145,764 in currency, 66 firearms and city or county is over marijuana deals,” said $94,762 worth of stolen property was recov- Detective Jones. Often it is the association ered. During that two- year period, the unit of firearms, money that accompany drug was assigned 1,169 cases, served 73 search use and dealing that leads to such violence.

Carroll County and Carrollton are, unforwarrants and made 271 felony arrests. The unit uses many forms of surveillance tech- tunately, not immune to gang activity. niques to accomplish their mission includSee JONES/WRIGHTpage 18

StarNews

December 13, 2020 Page 17

Edward Jones

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Page 18 December 13, 2020

StarNews

JONES/WRIGHT from page 17 Detectives Jones and Wright confirmed the presence of many well-known street gangs with members in the area, including hybrid gangs and sub-sets of those gangs.

“Our goal is to identify the gangs, identify associates or members and if they commit criminal activity, we’re going to charge them under the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act with the information we’ve been able to develop and store and get a successful prosecution” said Detective Jones.

Under Georgia’s O.C.G.A. 16-15-4 (2010) it is unlawful for: • A person employed or associated with a criminal street gang to conduct or participate in criminal gang activity through the commission of a crime.

• Any person to commit an offense with the intent to obtain or earn membership or maintain or increase his or her status or position in a criminal street gang; • Any person to acquire or maintain, directly or indirectly, through criminal gang activity or proceeds derived from any interest in or control of any real or personal property of any nature, including money.

• Any person who occupies a position of organizer, a supervisory position, or any other position of management or leadership with regard to a criminal street gang to engage in, directly or indirectly, or conspire to engage in criminal gang activity.

• Any person to cause, encourage, solicit, recruit, or coerce another to become a member or associate of a criminal street gang, to participate in a criminal street gang, or to conduct or participate in a criminal gang activity.

• Any person to communicate, directly or indirectly, with another any threat of injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to deter such person from assisting a member or associate of a criminal street gang to withdraw from such criminal street gang.

• Any person to communicate, directly, with another any threat or injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to punish or retaliate against such person for refusing to or encouraging another to refuse to become or obtain the status of a member or associate of a criminal street gang.

GRANTS from page 16

• West Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center - lesson and kit materials for students in 40 Carroll County classrooms; Environmental Improvement • Central Middle School Agricultural Department - fence to secure the greenhouse, tables for the greenhouse, walkway; • West Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society - renovation and improvement of the infrastructure and directional signage; Human Services • Circles of West Georgia - support of program expenses to alleviate poverty in West Georgia; • Heard County Food Pantry - storage to allow more food each month; • Impact International DBA Impact West Georgia - daily operating expenses directly related to client care including utilities, insurance, maintenance, phone, rent, prescriptions, clothing, food, household supplies; • Recovery and Restoration Ministries,

www.starnewsgaonline.com • Any person to communicate, directly, with another any threat or injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to punish or retaliate against such person for providing statements or testimony against criminal street gangs or any criminal street gang.

• Any person to communicate, directly, with another any threat or injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to intimidate, deter, or prevent such person from communicating to any law enforcement or corrections officer, prosecuting attorney, or judge information relating to criminal street gangs, criminal street gang members or associates, or criminal gang activity.

ACE members actively work to identify at-risk children and teenagers with the assistance of school resource officers, teachers and counselors, hoping to steer them away from gang activity. Members of the ACE unit participate in the Carrollton Police Department’s six week program B.A.D.G.E. (Bullying, Attitude, Drugs, Gangs, and Education). Officers work with students, teaching positive skills to use when faced with adversity and challenges.

The Carrollton Police Department also offers the Citizens Police Academy every year in January. The academy provides classes on family violence/child abuse, use of force, Juvenile Court services, training programs, criminal investigations, victim assistance programs, narcotics, accident investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Internal Affairs, firearms, and self-defense.

In addition to the classes, it also gives participants the opportunity to attend a court trial and go on a ride-along with on-duty officers.

If anyone has tips or information to share with the ACE unit, they can contact Detetctive Jones or Wright at: kjones@carrollton-ga.gov iwright@carrollton-ga.gov Or call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

The Carrollton Kiwanis Club meets in person every two weeks, and virtually every week. For more information on becoming a Carrollton Kiwanis Club member, contact Club President Clint Backstrom at clintbackstrom@gmail.com Inc. - purchase of vehicle to transport the men to 12-step meetings, doctors’ appointments, work, job interviews; • St. Margaret’s Community Outreach help with housing, utilities, food, gasoline and medicine; • Society of St. Vincent de Paul Our Lady of Perpetual Help - emergency direct aid for housing, rent, utilities and food; Medical and Hospice • City of Carrollton Police Department and Carroll County Mental Health Advocates - operating supplies for the mobile crisis unit, including computer, communications and medical equipment; • Friends of Disabled Adults and Children - refurbished home medical equipment to residents in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counites who have disabilities; • Pregnancy Resource Center - upgrade of ultrasound machine and training; Tanner Medical Center, Inc. - program to combat high rates of diabetes and hypertension in the community; • THS Emergency Shelter - medical services and health care

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StarNews December 13, 2020

Page 19

Oak Mountain Academy’s “Sensational Seven” excel on the court and in the classroom submitted by Katie Kilgore Oak Mountain Academy Oak Mountain Academy’s 2020 girls’ volleyball team had one of their best seasons finishing with a record of 25-3, to include an undefeated record in their region, winning the region championship, and a trip to the GISA state playoffs, where a championship was secured. What makes these Warriors truly unique is their successes both on the court and in the classroom.

The Warrior’s Sensational Seven are all Juniors (‘22) on this year’s roster. Oak Mountain Academy Coach Britney Mount relied on Sophia Newell, Abbey Penley, Anjuli Vavrik, Raegan Wynn, Kenzie Reid, Jenna Guy, and Hollis Engel. These juniors led the team on the court while also setting the tone in the locker room inspiring the younger players with their hard work.

Five of this season’s teammates, Engel, Charlotte Milanese (‘23), Newell, Reid, and Wynn, were recently recognized as AllRegion and All-State players by GISA (Georgia Independent School Association) coaches across the state. It is unprecedented to have five student-athletes chosen for this honor at the Region level, much less the Region and the State level too.

Coach Mount states, “Having five of my players honored as All-Region and All-State athletes is unbelievable and unheard-of.

They all worked so hard for our team and for this recognition. I am extremely proud of their hard work and commitment!”

In addition, Coach Britney Mount was also named the GISA Coach of the Year.

Athletic Director Terrell Barkley said, “Coach Mount has an energy that her players take on when they are on the court. She

not only is a great coach, but she truly pours energy into her athletes and this year it was evident on and off the court. We are so blessed to have Coach Mount on The Mountain and proud of her for winning coach of the year.” Coach Mount attributes her success to not only to the hard work and talent of the players, but also to her incredible assistant Coach Brett Wynn for his dedication and insights both on and off the court, “we definitely could not have done this without him,” states Mount.

These seven juniors also excel in the classroom. They have a collective average

GPA of 4.05, which includes Advanced Placement courses. AP courses are OMA’s most difficult classes where students can earn college credit by passing a college-level AP exam. These juniors are currently taking a total of twenty-two AP classes. Each student will be required to take the state AP exam at the end of the school year for possible college credit.

Jenna Guy, middle blocker said, “I’ve found that by balancing my athletics with my studies, I’m a more well-rounded and happier person. I utilize study halls, travel time, and weekends to stay ahead in all my

classes. Being a student athlete is challenging, but very rewarding.”

Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in grades PreK 3 through 12th grades. OMA is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity. For more information: Katie Kilgore 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us

Shown above left to right are Sophia Newell, Abbey Penley, Anjuli Vavrik, Raegan Wynn, Kenzie Reid, Jenna Guy, and Hollis Engel.

Jones-Wynn

Page 20 December 13, 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

COMMENTARY

Page 21 December 13, 2020

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

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As we close out 2020, waiting for a vaccine

Since CoVID entered the United States in January of this year, we have become more familiar with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as it pops up on news feeds and on tv. As we close out 2020 waiting for the distribution of a vaccine, I thought I would EDITOR/ PUBLISHER review points relating to CoVID: HHS is a cabinet level executive branch of the U.S. governmen that is tasked with the mission to “enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.”

A most startling point is that HHS regulates over a third (1/3) of the United States economy: $1.5 Trillion.

Alex M. Azar II is the U.S. Secretary of HHS. Azar, who was confirmed for this post by the U.S. Senate January 2018 (two full years before CoVID), is an attorney and former pharmecutical executive. He was president of the U.S Division of Eli Lilly and Company, 2012-2017. Lilly’s antibody “bamlanivimab” is currently being used as treatment in some CoVID cases.

According to Azar, HHS’s job this year concerning CoVID has been to: - mitigate the spread of the disease - scale up diagnostic capacity - ensure that healthcare systems can bear the influx of patients - drive development of vaccines and therapeutics To stop/slow the spread, massive shutdowns of schools, businesses, preventing crowds from gathering, etc. were enacted this year. Because of the 10th Amendment, it was the power of each state’s governor - not the U.S president, nor any branch of government such as HHS - to make the decision or not for these shutdowns, and for how long, and other specifics, etc.

Recently. at the ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) Policy Summit (held virtually), Azar remarked on the effectiveness of the shutdowns: “Through aggressive and early efforts to delay the spread of the disease into the United States, we bought ourselves precious time to expand our healthcare system’s capacity, such that we were able to stay within it.”

The point of the shutdowns, the goal to stop the spread, the entire purpose of keeping the number of sick and dying low was not to “enhance the health and well-being of all Americans” but to buy “time to expand our healthcare system’s capacity” to “delay and flatten the curve so that we could remain within the capacity of our healthcare system”.

When I lived inner beltway in Washington, D.C. area, a common joke was for someone to introduce by saying, “Hi, I’m with the Federal Government and I’m here to help you.” No one believed that, of course. My point is for each of us to stay realistic. Yes, we want a hospital bed available if we should need it, but do not believe that the government’s concern is if we as individuals are sick with CoVID - they just don’t want too many of us sick at the same time. We have a pragmatic government, not a benevolent one.

It is my opinion that, considering the myriad of lifestyles combined with the deep chasms in average intelligience across the United States, it is an amazing accomplishment that there are not more deaths from CoVID as we close out 2020. The numbers from January 21, 2020 to today December 8, 2020 as listed by the CDC for the nation are: 14,636,914 have been sickened

by CoVID; 281,253 have died from CoVID. This CoVID death number includes my friend David Sullivan who died December 4th. Readers may remember his wife, StarNews reporter and my long time good friend Prissi Sullivan, who died from injuries in a car wreck on Sept. 3rd.

My last point here today is that when the CoVID vaccine is available, I will be in line, with my arm out, waiting for my dose to be injected.

SUE

HORN

Selfishness in the rock quarry, in government, and in us

Selfishness. It is manifested in so many ways. It is prevalent, but can be so unrecognized. It is sometimes docile, a silent evil wreaking such havoc without causing much attention on the surface. Or it can be boisterous, causing noticeable disaster and fiery storms of passion. But its results always devastating, always negative, always chaotic, always in discord. It is a note of disharmony, a fly in the ointment of unity and togetherness. And it always finally causes weakness through its sickness that is cast upon once-healthy relationships.

It seems so prevalent in today’s world, so much so that it, scarily, may be largely accepted and unchecked. And so contrary to this season of thankfulness. And so counter-productive to a healthy body and family and community

all to accomplish a more healthy and perfect individual and family and community and workforce and state and nation?

I’ll try to illustrate below how I’ve recognized selfishness. And I will say I’ve been there as a perDistrict 5 son and a parent and a boss - and Carroll County Commissioner in so many roles outlined below, which has made me all-the-more ereynolds@carrollcounty cognizant of such selfishness ga.com 770-851-6215 examples.

Selfishness is, for example: and workforce and state and - When a person butts in line to nation. That’s why I thought I’d write about it now, although I’ve go ahead of others, knowing they noticed it for quite some time - in did not start at the back of the line and they are cheating others; many places and many ways.

- When a driver has to be the Maybe articulating some examples of how I’ve seen it fastest one away from the red manifested can somehow make it light, then cuts in front of you more recognized. And if it is only to apply brakes and stop at more recognized, can it be more the next one - and repeat the readily dealt with - and dealt with process; punitively within us personally, See COMMISSIONER page 23

ERNIE

REYNOLDS

It’s not about sides, it’s about us

I’ve grown weary of the diviEmpathy is at the core of what sion in this country, the left, the we expect our leaders of today to right and all that’s in between. have, is it not? In order to lead The very appendages that our effectively, one should have country now wobbles on, once walked in our shoes, before pregained their stability through suming to direct our feet. That being united, two legs are arguathirty-thousand-foot perspective is bly steadier than one. This coungreat when you’re up there, but try, with all it’s been through and down here, where reality often continues to go through, truly tugs at the coat tails of lofty ambineeds unity. Yet, as I am writing declare is to God, my family and tion, where the true mechanism of this, the trenches of opposing this country, and never to one this country’s momentum is sides continue to deepen, housed, we simply want Good leaders by both ancient and to see our lives improved, and those that shovel the modern standards are motivators, dirt of division keep their don’t we? I know that I head down, hard at work. truly want what’s best for those who would inspire others to I don’t claim a side, as I my family, as do most action . . . Once a military leader am on the side that benefits hardworking Americans. and cares for Americans. myself, I always worked to emulate that Good leaders by both This includes all idea, putting into practice the actions of ancient and modern stanAmericans. I believe many earning respect, never demanding it. dards are motivators, people will find their own those who would inspire personal balance in political lean- party or the other. To me, it’s others to action, having either colings and that parties change, both always been about what serves all lectively or singularly endured philosophically and ideologically. the American people’s interests in hardships and triumphed over Therefore, the only allegiance I a fair and equitable fashion.

See JACKSON page 24

DANIEL JACKSON

A wake up call for humanity

The passing year is coming to an end. And what a year it was!

Invisible assailants were said to have originated from the city of Wuhan, China. Taking advantage of the worldwide transportation network, the dreadful viruses rapidly spread over the continents and oceans. Within a few months, the entire globe was enveloped with the deadly pandemic.

Coronavirus COVID-19 has become a daily password of fear among the weary global citizens.

One wonders where this frightful infectious disease got such a sinister name. We are told that, under a microscope, the viruses have crown-like spikes protruding from their surfaces. I read that, in Latin, “Corona” means Crown, thus Corona Virus.

COVID-19 is not the first coronavirus that plagued humanity. It is reportedly the third disease

DAN

PAK

vunc61@gmail.com caused by a coronavirus that jumped from animals to humans in modern times.

On November 16, 2002, an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) began in China’s Guang Dong Province, bordering Hong Kong.

Between November 2002 and July 2003, an outbreak of SARS in southern China eventually caused 8,098 cases, resulting in 774 deaths reported in 37 countries.

Then, ten years later, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It was the second coronavirus disease that spread to multiple countries. It was reported at the time that “the current scientific evidence suggests that dromedary camels are a major reservoir host for MERSCoV and an animal source of MERS infection in humans.” In 2012, 27 countries reported cases of MERS among their people.

Many of us have painful memories of losing loved ones through sickness. There was a report of 12 deadly diseases that were cured in the 20h century.

They are Chicken Pox, Diphtheria, Invasive H-flu, Malaria, Measles, Whooping Cough, Pneumococcal Disease, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid Fever, See DAN PAK page 24

Page 22 December 13, 2020

StarNews

Looking for an answer - together?

BILL

BOURIS In a previous article here in StarNews, I introduced the idea of learning to teach oneself, and ended up wondering if, instead of an individual, a community could learn to teach itself? Immediately, two individuals who reviewed the article, asked the same follow-up question: Is it even possible that a community could “learn to teach itself”?

Here’s how one of them put it: “...I hope you are correct and that a community/county can learn to teach itself. We would arrive at better solutions to issues, and much more quickly, too!”

Good neighbors

SYBIL

THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com It bellows and snorts, it belches and roars. It blinks and glows and sometimes speaks in human tongue. What is it? Hint: My nearest neighbor after the Chattahoochee. Another clue? The river brought it here.

Plant Yates - once a coal-powered electric facility on the Coweta side of the Hooch - sits about a half mile upstream from my desk. You could argue the fortresslike structure is inanimate but, trust me, it is very alive. Besides being inordinately noisy (when the coal ran it rumbled for 12-18 hours straight while spring-loaded railroadcars dumped their carbon contents), the lights on the plant’s smokestacks still pulse through the trees like a constant electrified

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Personally, I had not, ever, thought of such a practical possibility, that a community could more quickly come to wise decisions, or just better and more fitting solutions.

What I had in mind was more like what our friend Sybil Thomas writes in her “River Rambles” columns [see below], that of a community learning to appreciate and love its river, by starting with personal observations. But, the idea of a public benefit to the community is intriguing. In spite of the certain scholarly objection to what I’m going to relate, I’d like to try exploring further in that direction.

As of this writing, it is not obvious to me that communities of today do learn to teach themselves. Also, I do not think a how-to manual can be written for modern times.

However, I do believe that if it has happened anywhere in the past, it can happen today.

For instance, the period of the founding of our nation, especially during the meetings of the Continental Congress, may have seen

such behavior. For the first time, a nation a community trying to learn to teach itself.

I’ve gotten ahead of myself: I’m sure that with a modern political system was being described (to say the least!). It would be very by googling these words, “Songlines of the enlightening to have a review of the commu- Aboriginal Australians” the reader will nications, particularly diaries and letters, of encounter some rewarding reading on the those first citizens. subject. It is my main As of this writing, it is not example. Many thousands I’ve read several historians and biographers for the obvious to me that of years ago, poems were period. They all mention communities of today do developed that were in fact the extraordinary quality of learn to teach themselves. navigational, or better yet, their subjects’ jottings and way-finding aids. These writings. I’ll just bet that, Also, I do not think a how-to songs were used so that a without those historians manual can be written for tribe or family, or individrealizing it, they were re- modern times. However, I ual, could travel to anywitnessing the excitement where in the entire do believe that if it has and honesty of a very intelAustralian continent, and ligent community learning happened anywhere in the not be lost. past, it can happen today. to teach itself.

In that poetry, natural After all, those first citilandmarks and features are zens knew what they were trying to do and used as reference points and directional indithey understood the uniqueness of their task, cators. In other words, Songlines are the as well as their personal responsibilities to ultimate walking-guide to an entire contieach other. That, to me, is strong evidence for See BILL BOURIS page 23

heartbeat. I think of Yates as a tethered the steam down. The five original coaldragon breathing megawatts across the burning units closed in 2015; the two countryside, brought to life by the river and remaining were recently converted to natural gas. These units were the furnace in its gut. constructed in 1974 As for a human Would it were that simple voice, once upon a today. These days more than around the time scores of flower children were time 50 years ago a hair divides us. Masks and descending on the teenage girl was growing up in this media, blue states, red states. intriguing Humanistic Department cabin. The father of a Would it help if we all grew our Psychology at what was then West family she babysat hair, looked alike every one? Georgia College in for worked the night Carrollton. Where else shift at the plant.

It works for penguins. in the country could He’d get to work, Alas, we are not penguins; you get a Master’s pick up the company they know how to get along Degree in Shamanism? microphone and call I stole that line from down through the with each other. But, I can’t my late husband’s trees, “Good-night, forget that once upon a time in repertoire. A social Gabi!”

Carroll County it did work for scientist and raconteur, Originally built in Glyn liked to muse on the 1950s, Plant us. We chose inclusion. how the electric plant Yates’ task was to Peace on earth, y’all. across the river shaped capture the river and the culture of Carroll heat it till it steamed.

The high-pressure steam then propelled the County. He’d fondly recall the long-haired turbines that generated the electricity needed hippies walking across the college campus to light up our Christmas trees. seeing as how he was one of them. The Chattahoochee water was also used to cool peace-symbol bedecked Assistant to the

Dean of Arts and Sciences, Glyn appreciated the tolerance with which hippiestudents new to the county were being received here. He credited Plant Yates.

Through the woods at home he could hear the new units going up at the plant, in part by the muscle of migrant construction workers. These fellows had long-hair, too, but they were not your typical peace and love hippies. They were more your I’d love a piece of you type hippies; you didn’t want to mess with them. Trouble was, you couldn’t tell the ponytailed roustabouts from the equally hairy college-students - so the wisest approach was to leave them all alone.

Equanimity reigned.

Would it were that simple today. These days more than hair divides us. Masks and media, blue states, red states. Would it help if we all grew our hair, looked alike every one? It works for penguins. Alas, we are not penguins; they know how to get along with each other.

But, I can’t forget that once upon a time in Carroll County it did work for us. We chose inclusion.

Peace on earth, y’all. Good will toward all.

The holidays are here once again: the steps to take when accused of DUI

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. Drinking and driving is dangerous, hurts and kills people, and is 100% avoidable. If someone is found guilty, there are other consequences such as jail time, prison time (if someone gets seriously hurt or killed), license suspensions, loss of jobs, and many more. However, many people are accused and arrested for DUI across the state who are not guilty of DUI. Whether guilty or not guilty, the below will halt further consequences.

1. When a driver is stopped by law enforcement and investigated for DUI,

history shows that he is almost always to driver. Basically, the officer tells the driver perform some field sobriety tests. This is that the officer would like to take a sample of the driver’s blood, worst decision a driver can As I have mentioned breath, or urine. Do not make besides drinking and confuse this with the driving in the first place (if many times, these field the driver was drinking.) sobriety tests [roadside] small portable alcosensor which is considered a As I have mentioned tests are completely “field sobriety test.” many times, these field Today, officers almost sobriety tests [roadside] voluntary. They should always, without always ask for a blood tests are completely test. If the driver refuses voluntary. They should exception, be politely to provide a sample after always, without exception, refused. . . These tests the warnings are given, he be politely refused. Many people feel as if they do not are not meant to help the will likely receive what is have a choice in this high driver. They are tools to called a 1205 form.

Prior to July 1, 2017, if pressure situation. But, any assist the prosecution. a driver received a 1205 roadside test, including the small breath device (alcosensor) should form based on refusing to provide a sample never be taken. These tests are not meant to and registered a blood alcohol content help the driver. They are tools to assist the (BAC) of 0.08 or over, he had 10 business days to appeal. If the appeal was submitted prosecution.

2. At the time of arrest, the officer must in a timely manner, the driver would receive read the implied consent warnings to the notice for his Administrative License

Suspension (ALS) court date. If the driver did not appeal, he would lose his license for 12 months.

Now, Georgia operates under a new system that provides two choices. The law also requires the lawyer and driver to make early decisions. Obtaining the dash cam video quickly is critical.

CHOICE 1 - This is the best choice and must be done within 30 days of the arrest.

Instead of appealing, the driver can just apply for an Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IILP) at their local Department of Drivers Services (DDS) to get a limited permit. The driver must also: a. pay a $25 permit fee; b. apply within 30 days of the arrest; c. surrender his or her license; and d. execute an affidavit waiving the ALS hearing.

The permit must be installed on the driver’s vehicle. Like other limited permits,

See JASON SWINDLE page 23

COMMENTARY

COMMISSIONER from page 21

- When someone grabs the last free meal or coupon or discount ahead of someone else, all to benefit themselves ahead of others; - When someone advantages themselves by first lining up for charity instead of first ensuring that anyone else they know who may be disadvantaged is, instead, lined up ahead of them, or instead of them; - When a parent ensures they get the largest hamburger or the last brownie, knowing their children will need to go with less or without; - When a dad repeatedly goes out with the guys instead of staying home to take care of a sick child and unselfishly relieve the mother; - When a parent refuses to use their savings to pay for dire needs of a child when this is essentia, saving the funds, instead, for their future self enjoyment at the cost of remedying the child’s ills; - When a dad goes after someone younger and more attractive, instead of respecting and loving the life of his now-

BILL BOURIS from page 23

nent. The songline is taught and practiced to this day. The way we usually hear about the Songlines is in an anthropological sense.

You could think of it as a piece of wisdom, an example of folklore. Those people left mainland Asia and arrived in Australia, at least 60,000 years ago.

So, here’s my point: Those original travelers encountered a totally new and unfamiliar geography. It stands to reason that they had to have first invented their songlines.

Then, after many many years, the songlines, being useful, became part of their folklore.

So you see, this piece of folklore is implying that there was a “first” time, a date, when a tribe had to take on a new problem: how do we walk around on this continent without getting lost? They took care of that problem by having many, if not all its members, learn to recite the new geography. These facts, these songlines, even if they were not directly experienced, were taught and passed on to subsequent generations. (I confess that I have absolutely no idea why such religious hikes had to be undertaken.)

Even if those original Australians were a tribe who already had songlines in their tradition, my point is that they still had to invent something new to fit the new continent to which they had migrated. I’m using this as evidence of an example of a community learning to teach itself. Looking at it this way, it seems that the folklore of any society probably contains similar evidence.

That is, evidence that a community undertook to learn to teach itself something.

The fore-mentioned has been a good way to look into this very interesting and unique question. That is, by anthropological or literary approaches. But, simply put, I’d rather not! Instead, I’ve preferred to start as I did in the previous article, with the Moore Method. To me, it is so American and it has the Individual at its core, which brings me back to our Continental Congress. There may very well be, to paraphrase Hamlet, more to our history than is dreamt by our historians.

Meanwhile, from our house to yours, Warmest Wishes of the Season, and here’s to a Happy New Year.

May we once again have the patience to learn from one another.

www.starnewsgaonline.com older wife who brought his children into the world and pours herself into the family; - When a mom dishonors the dad by seeking similar short-term satisfactions with devastating results to family unity; - When an employee intentionally seeks to do as little as possible to get by, rather than perform at the level of excellence to which they are capable; - When a boss brings accusations to subordinates for factors of which he/she has been repeatedly guilty; - When a boss ensures he/she gets sufficient pay raises and advancements without first ensuring his/her subordinates are treated equitably and given proper recognition and pay raises and advancements; - When a pharmaceutical company drastically increases the price of one/some of their drug products, ensuring their stocks

will perform well, while disregarding the health and financial impacts on patients; - When a rock quarry outfit seeks incessantly to accomplish its own agenda of financial gain, without foremost showing empathy and accommodating the desires of the people and community for quietness and peace and solitude in the neighborhood; - When government officials approve contracts based upon future votes from the contract entity, versus the quality of services and well-being of all constituents; - When government officials base their decisions and actions upon what will promote them, versus what will most benefit and propel their constituents; - When government officials cause chaos and hamper the security of a nation, all to satisfy personal ego and relentlessly pursue a personal agenda versus

JASON SWINDLE from page 23

driving permit. If an appeal is filed, then the case goes before an appointed ALS judge for a hearing to determine several things such as whether the stop was legal, were the implied consent warnings read properly, and were there any 4th Amendment violations. This hearing is separate from the criminal case.

Driver’s rarely win these hearings unless the officer does not show up.

The holidays are approaching. Be safe on the road. It’s up to us to protect ourselves and our people. Remember, anyone can be accused of DUI.Knowing the above information will guide a person through the ordeal. If you are accused of DUI in the future, take immediate action.

Jason W. Swindle Sr. practices criminal and DUI law in the west Georgia area. He has two offices; one in Carrollton, Ga and the other in Douglasville Ga.

there are conditions. These include, but are not limited to, driving to and from work, driving for medical care, school, treatment, court, community service, and other court related activity.

Some drivers, like people under 21, CDL licensees, drivers who were convicted of one or more DUIs within the past 5 years, and drivers with out of state licenses, are not eligible for an IIDLP. They are stuck with CHOICE 2.

CHOICE 2 - The driver can appeal. The 2017 law extends the time to appeal from 10 business days to 30 business days. The cost of the appeal is $150, made in writing, usually written by the lawyer, and should be sent by certified mail.

If an appeal is not filed, then the license is suspended for 12 months with no limited

StarNews

December 13, 2020 Page 23

acknowledging the fundamentals of democracy and denying any agenda that would weaken or fracture it; and - When government officials are silent and fail to stand against actions that thwart the future strength of our democracy, attempting to only ensure and secure their own political future, instead of eagerly ensuring the future and strength of our entire nation and its bedrock in democracy, which all of us enjoy but which also must prevail against constant forces of opposing nations and fanatic agendas.

So, altogether, when selfishness prevails and is demonstrated in me or you or our boss or the rock quarry or our government the very premise of unity and love (according to the Bible, God is Love) is compromised and demolished. Then, selfishness and its misdeeds and devastating culture can thrive. And when selfishness thrives, chaos prevails and the very fundamentals of goodness and unity and togetherness are thrown into turmoil and ultimate ruin.

Instead, especially in this season, but also throughout our daily living, I hope to be more cognizant of selfishness - and more thankful for the opposing attributes, which are listed in First Corinthians, chapter 13.

A tremendous “Thanks” to all of you who tirelessly exhibit the opposite of selfishness!

You are great examples for our families, communities, government, and nation.

A Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I continue to enjoy working for you, as your District 5 County Commissioner, and enjoy promoting accountable and responsive government. Please visit my Facebook page: Ernest (Ernie) Reynolds - District 5 Commissioner.

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Page 24 December 13, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

There’s some of Trump in all of us - at least in me

things like a sudden move, a change of job, a spouse who wants a divorce, an unwelcome disease, or growing old having made poor choices. Making the change means letting go of the power we once had, where we took credit for all good things, and we never wanted it to change.

FAMILY In this process, we think we are better and THERAPIST more capable of good changes for ourselves, D. Min., LMFT but we have little concern about those at the marydean@bellsouth.net other end of the spectrum, the other extreme.

All of us are a little like Trump.

We expand divisions of white power if we We have seen ourselves crying on the are white, of black power if we are black, kindergarten floor because recess is over. “I with little thought to fairness or civility to don’t want to go” can mean a bundle of everyone, as we move toward racial justice.

MARY J.

DEAN

DANIEL JACKSON from page 21

them, never unwilling to do what they ask others to do.

As a veteran, some of the best leaders I ever encountered were those who led by example, those who shared in the struggle with their soldiers, thereby building trust and confidence in their leadership.

Once a military leader myself, I always worked to emulate that idea, putting into practice the actions of earning respect, never demanding it.

In an age where social media, divisive politics, sweeping social changes and a democracy that, at times hangs precariously in the balance, we need to decide collectively to push forward and never backwards.

Care should be taken as to how we set the example of what a free nation represents, learning valuable lessons from our past, but never repeating the mistakes that have marred and stained that history.

The Covid-19 pandemic has stymied our progression. Our forward momentum slowed with the incredible weight of sickness and loss that accompanies this awful virus. Add to this the erosion of trust and partisan assertion of facts from all sides and you have a country under extreme stress.

And on the world stage there is no real diplomacy, but only a cry of “America is #1, and Make America Great Again.” Other countries are blamed for all the world’s ills, and we, only, can lead the way. This international self-interest is on our own terms, and those against our plan are wrong and need to be punished.

Our primary modus operandi is to blame and lie to convince others we are greater than they are. There is no diplomacy or vital respect and cooperation here, where it is needed most internationally.

Do we have the will to look at ourselves and see how we may hold on to our own

COMMENTARY narcissism and self-protection to the extent that promoting ourselves and our interests take over fairness and kindness?

In doing this, do we make the divisions greater, rather than finding the good in the opposition and building on it? If we have to decrease some of our “haves,” can we still speak to the needs of the “have nots?”

Can we learn from these painful months and years, and be willing to change what we can change about ourselves to expand love and kindness, fairness and respect of differences, and put away the tantrums that resist healthy change?

Let’s hope so.

I would however, like to offer a word of upcoming senate races. Early voting begins upon the path of betterment and equality for hope, to those who believe we are beyond on December 14, 2020. Whether a all people within it. 2021 is going to be the point of no return. This country and its Republican, Democrat, Independent or other, better. Mask-up, stay safe, and stay strong. people are inherently resilient. The thread of make your voices heard, go vote. Do it by absentee or in-per- DAN PAK from page 21 our precious As we ready ourselves to turn the son, whatever is best Yellow Fever, and Small Pox. They could be democracy is page into a new year, with three for you and yours. completely eradicated from the world only if securely woven into the fabric of vaccines soon to be available, I pray Learn about the can- vaccines and treatments were available. But didates and how they still persist in poorer, developing counour society and not our nation and the people in it are they will represent tries due to the lack of vaccines in those easily unraveled.

Do not forget relieved from the nightmare... I pray you, your family, areas.

According to the US Census Bureau, “the where the true for small businesses to recover and your community, your state. Please, average life expectancy at the beginning of power of this prosper, and families to reunite in don’t let anyone tell the 20th Century was 47.3 years in the U.S., nation rests. It rests celebration...I pray that this nation you your vote does- but a century later, that number had increased with its people. embarks upon the path of betterment n’t matter, because it to 77.85 years.” The longer life of American In the recent people was attributed to the availability of presidential elec- and equality for all people within it... does.

As we ready our- the vaccines. tion, more votes Mask-up, stay safe, and stay strong.

It brings us to the conclusive point of this selves to turn the were cast for each candidate than in any other presidential elec- page into a new year, with three vaccines small talk at the end of the year: COVID-19 tion in U.S. history. Regardless of which soon to be available, I pray our nation and was a call for all humanity to cooperate candidate you supported, we as Americans the people in it are relieved from the night- together for the common cause of developing should be proud of the turn-out, which sug- mare so many have endured. I pray for small an effective vaccine to combat the deadly gests a greater interest in politics and the businesses to recover and prosper, and fami- epidemic. Since those with preexisting conleadership of this country than ever before. lies to reunite in celebration. I pray that the ditions, often brought about by poor lifestyle Our voices, as citizens of this nation are criti- people of Georgia are blessed with leader- choices, were more prone to contract virus cally important and still hold the measure of ship that truly embraces the needs of all, and then face more drastic consequences, it was also a wake-up call for people to take serving our best interests. power they were intended to have.

Lastly, I pray that this nation embarks better care of their bodies and their health.

All eyes are upon Georgia with the

HARRY T’s

www.starnewsgaonline.com

TRANSITION CENTERS from front

- Individual and Group Counseling - Substance Abuse 101 - Victim Impact Classes - Welding Program During a Carrollton Kiwanis Club meeting held in September this year, the warden for the Carroll County’s Correctional Institute, Jeff Richards spoke to local civic leaders about the importance of helping inmates to better themselves. He pointed to the effectiveness of “transitional centers” and their higher percentage of impact on reducing recidivism rates for offenders.

During the September meeting, he asserted that “transitional centers are the way to go if you really want to educate somebody to come back into the community”.

Comparing at 3-year felony reconviction rates between the years of 2007 and 2017, transitional centers vastly outperformed other types of facilities in reducing recidivism rates among their populations, having a 19.8% recidivism rate as opposed to private and state prison rates at or over 30%. This significant reduction of a third of offenders in a community is a definite plus to the quality of life for all citizens. (or write something else or in addition along this line) When one speaks many of the long-time inmates, it becomes apparent that they have great concerns, even feelings of fear to reenter their communities because they have no marketable skills to obtain the necessary level of employment to support themselves, leaving open to the distinct and obvious possibility of acquiring money through

NOT ‘BLUE’ from page 15

prove widespread fraud - and there’s a whole lot of ‘if you can proves’ - but, so far, none of that has been proven. I don’t like the results, but the further we get into this [the recount/audit], more and more it’s looking like they [the votes] are valid and legal.”

Taking questions from the room concerning the integrity of the current election process, Dugan said, “It’s not the [voting] machines that are the issue. It’s the hand cast ballots that have been the issue this time.

That’s the area we need to address. And we’ve known this for awhile; that the weakest link in our system is the mail-in ballot.”

The state of Georgia had an historic number of mailed in ballots this election due to CoVID-19.

Also new this election were unattended outside “ballot boxes” where voters could randomly drop off their ballots at any time

illegal means.

In a transitional center, offenders move into a management program, and seek jobs in the community with help of an employment manager that works with the prison. They pay a small portion of room and board back to the prison and upon release, retain more money. Therefore, helping to set offenders on a path towards reengagement with communities, they are less likely to go back to criminal activity.

Some of the many classes offered at existing transitional centers in Georgia include: Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous, Re-Entry, Thinking For a Change, Family Violence, Job Readiness, Health Education, MoralRecognition Therapy, Motivation for Change, Work Ready Assessment General Recreation, Physical Health, various Worship Services, Bible Study, Pastoral Counseling, Family Violence, Reentry, Job Readiness, Matrix, Basics World of Work, Custodial Maintenance, Food Service, Building Maintenance, Auto Repair/Maintenance, Landscaping, Parenting, Grief Loss and Healing, Relationships Group, Career Development, Goal Setting and Achievement, Wise Money Management, Art Appreciation, Matrix, Fatherhood Program.

Over an 11-year span of tracking reconviction rates, transition centers maintained an almost 10% lower recidivism rate than all other inmate facilities. (see chart above.)

Georgia currently operates 13 transitional up to election day. These boxes came about as a result of a push against trusting that the United States Post Office would deliver ballots in time to be counted.

The 156th Georgia General Assembly (2021-2022) is scheduled to convene under the Gold Dome of the State Capitol in Atlanta commencing the 40 day legislative session on Monday, January 11, 2021. State Senate Majority Leader Dugan concluded his conversation with the Carrollton Rotarians listing what priorities would and would not be upcoming in this year’s session. Priorities would concern: 1. Election security. (Dugan emphasized that this has been on the General Assembly’s priority list for at least six months) 2. Close evaluation of tax exemptions 3. Judicial reform Priorities this year would not concern healthcare legislatition.

centers with 3 in the metro Atlanta area and the others spread out around the state. Each transitional center (TC) houses between 100 and 400 inmates, offering a variety of programs, depending on the facility.

• Arrendale TC, Alto, GA / Opened 2008 / Inmate Capacity: 117 • Phillips TC, Buford, GA / Opened 2008 / Inmate Capacity: 204 • Atlanta TC, Atlanta, GA / Opened 1970 / Inmate Capacity: 257 / • Metro TC, Atlanta, GA / Opened 1982 / Inmate Capacity: 235 • Clayton TC, Forest Park, GA / Opened 2004 / Inmate Capacity: 376 • Charles D. Hudson TC, Lagrange, GA / Opened 2003 / Inmate Capacity: 155 • Columbus TC, Columbus, GA / Opened 2005 / Inmate Capacity: 182 • Macon TC, Macon, GA / Opened 2008 / Inmate Capacity: 156 • Augusta TC, Augusta, GA / Opened 2002 / Inmate Capacity: 230 • Smith TC, Claxton, GA / Opened 2007 / Inmate Capacity: 213 • Coastal TC, Savannah, GA / Opened 2003 / Inmate Capacity: 262 • Bacon TC, Alma, GA / Opened 2018 / Inmate Capacity: 50 (with plans to add an additional 50) • Valdosta TC, Valdosta, GA / Opened 2007 / Inmate Capacity: 164 Warden Richards has reached out to the state of Georgia as a first step towards building interest and support for a

UWG from front page

Brendan Kelly told the graduates. “Through it all, though, you have persevered, and through that adversity, you have proven you can overcome. That is what matters: not how you got here but that you got here, despite the obstacles and the unexpected circumstances. You rose to the challenge and overcame it.”

The ceremonies that took place Saturday, December 5, 2020, outside at the university’s stadium, looked different from their pre2020 predecessors. All students and guests were required to wear face coverings and sit in predetermined, physically distanced seating. Additionally, there was no student processional, as they were seated on the field upon their arrival. All graduates were individually recognized, but there was not a traditional handshake with the president.

Of the 986 degrees conferred to fall graduates, approximately 338 were at the graduate level, with the remaining 648 degrees being earned at the undergraduate

StarNews

December 13, 2020 Page 25

transitional center, which could be collocated at his facility if funding were to be approved.

Specifically, the transition building would be physically located adjoining the existing Carroll County Prison, connected perhaps by an outdoor walkway between the two buildings.

At the September Kiwanis Club meeting, Warden Richards also mentioned that the kitchen facilities could perhaps be shared, thus holding building and other costs down, and having inmates to provide the labor of cooking and cleanup.

For Carroll County voters, the next SPLOST will be on the ballot in March 2021. Potential projects are currently being discussed among the seven municipalities mayors, city managers and county officials.

A “wish list” will be formed, and then a final list of approved projects will be presented for the March ballot.

SPLOST projects are required to be “brick and mortar” and usually are those that go toward improving the quality of life for citizens. A transitional center would fall under these two board categories, and be to the immediate and long term benefit of Carroll County citizens.

The use of Transition Centers and similar programs has shown that offenders who have the opportunity to reenter their communities after completion are 1/3 more likely to succeed in the maintenance of a crime-free life, thus also improving the quality of life of allother citizens. level. Saturday’s graduating class was the largest fall class in the university’s history.

Due to the conversion of in-person Spring and Summer 2020 Commencement ceremonies to a virtual format, students who completed their degrees during those semesters were invited to celebrate with fall graduates, with a total of 1,268 graduates attending Commencement. All ceremonies were live-streamed.

Commencement ceremonies were held at 9:30 a.m. for students graduating from the College of Arts, Culture and Scientific Inquiry; Tanner Health System School of Nursing; and the University College; at 1:00 p.m. for students from the College of Education and the spring and summer graduates who earned degrees from the former College of Science and Mathematics; and at 4:30 p.m. for graduates from the Richards College of Business and alumni who graduated from the former College of Arts and Humanities and College of Social Sciences.

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Linda Fay Pike, born April 23, “Tiff” 1941, died Shirley F.F.Alexander, ageage 71, Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Joe Jones, Jr., Shirley F. 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Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age James B. Dean, age 92, 70, born July 21, 1948, died July died Friday, December 4, 2020 “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July B. Dean, age 92, died Saturday, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age born 70, born July 21,02, 1948, died July Sunday, November 15, 2020 86, November 14, 2020 born September 28, 1956, died September 1926, died born August 3, 1932, died September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, 09, 2019 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died born September 28, 1956, died 09, 86, born August 3,3, 1932, died born September 02, 1926, died born 09, 2019 86, born August 1932, died 09, 2019 Dudley Vernon Robinson, Sr, age 74, born July 6, died tember 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 2019 James William (Bill) Digby, age 94, born July August 16, Dr. James Kenneth Baum, age 81, born September 22, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Tuesday, 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Tuesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday,July July10, 10,2019 2019 Zellie Fred25, Sprewell, age 94, ay, July 3, 2019 1946, died Wednesday, November 2020 Wednesday, July9,10, 2019 ZellieBushon Fred Sprewell, ageage 94, Wednesday, 1926, died Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Dickerson, 1939,Donald died Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, 68, born February 28,7, 1950, 1925, died died David Wallace Sullivan, age 67, born January 25, age 76, born June 1943, died born September Charlotte Fern Farmer, ageborn 93, born February 1927, October 18, 1941, died age 76, born 15, June 05, 1943, died 68, born July September 7, 1950, died 27, 2019 age 76, born June 05, 1943, died born September 7,7, 1950, died Doris Walker Bell, age05, 93, born April 22, 1927,68, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died born October 18, 1941, died 68, born September 1950, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 born October 18, 1941, diedSaturday, Saturday, July 27, 2019 September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 1953, died Friday, December 4, 2020Walker, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance age 40, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 died Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Charles Lawrence Wednesday, July 10, 2019 17, Friday, July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Thursday, November 19, 2020 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, uly 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17,Jr., 2019 DanielJean Lance Walker, age age84, 40, Earl Royce Tyre, Sr., ageJean 88, born October 17,age 1932, John D. Brown, age 53, Bobbie Dodderer, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Dodderer, 84, born September 18, 1978, died John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, born September 18, 1978, died Ferrell, age 92, died Saturday, December 5, 2020 Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died Robert “Bob/Bobby” Earl Bleau, Jr., age 72, bornborn May 29, e Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, age September 18, 1978, died died Monday, November 23, 2020 born August 18, 1965, died July July 9,9,1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died born August 18, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, July 21, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 1935, died Monday, born August 18, 1965, died Julyborn 70, born December 31, 1948, died born July 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December 31, 1948, diedSunday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 Thomas Hayes, age 58, born November 23,1965, 9, 1935, died Monday, 1948, died Friday, November 13, 1948, 2020 70, born December 31, died Sunday, July9,21, 2019William 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Mattie Sue July Butler Towler, age 79, born November 20, Monday, July 8, 2019 22, 2019 22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 019 1961, died Friday, 13, 2020 Monday, July 8,Grace 2019 Kathryn “Kathie” LeSueur Bollen, age 60, Deborah born “Debbie” AnnNovember West, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age 1941, died Thursday, November 26, 2020 David Randall Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22, 2019 Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marsella Fazio, age on April Randy Lee age 66, ageborn 58, died July 22, 2019 Shirley Kinnard, age 77, born on January 10, 1943, 22,born 1960, died Nichols, Saturday,14, December 5, 2020 age 89, September 1929, onon Jan 1,1,Ann 1934, died June 24, 1953, died Friday, age 89, born September 14, 1929, born 4, on Jandied 1, 1934, age died Wallace Allen Worthan, age 89, September 14, 1929, 85, born Jan 1934, died age 89,born born September 14, 1929,85, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, diedborn Wallace Allen Worthan, age Turner, age 63,85, born August 1957, Tuesday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age died Monday, November 9, 2020 AvisSaturday, M. Duffey Bridges, age 97, born MarchMonday, 18, 1923, July died July 20, 2019 8,8,2019 July 26, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 July 26, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 November 9, 2020 July 8, 2019 July 26,Wayne 2019 Carden, 56, died Monday, July 2019 Little Miss15, Ivonne Morales, born on Bell August 2020, died Sunday, November 1, 2020 age Earl 80, Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara D.5,D. Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Judith Chapman, ageage 55, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Ara Sanders, age 79, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith 55, AraBell Bell D. 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Healing a grieving heart

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December 13, 2020 Page 27

Carroll County Department of Public Health

not to overexert yourself. Carry a small notebook and record things that need remembering.

Alert your boss and/or coworkers that you may not be operating at maximum efficiency. Ask friends and/or family for support. Above all else, be patient with yourself.

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A good rule of thumb during this period is pistol permits Number of Firearm Permits applied Carroll County for (carry permit) cattle receipts November 1-30, 2020: Carroll County Sale Barn Carroll County 225 Sale Barn Road, Carrollton jail population November 30, 2020: 519 (The Jack T. Bell Detention Center) November 23, 2020: CLOSED Total population as of November 16, 2020: 720 December 7, 2020: 359 November 9, 2020: 719 Males: 322 November 2, 2020: 558 Females: 37

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restaurant health inspections scores To view complete restaurant inspection details, go to: dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health 11/19/2020: Brent’s Burgers 1048 Alabama St Carrollton 100 previous 100 11/30/2020: Conchas Cravings W Wilson St Villa Rica 100 previous N/A 11/19/2020: Gypsy Rabbit 9 W Johnson St Temple 100 previous 100 11/05/2020: U Know It Catering 1633 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 100 previous 100 11/06/2020: O’Berry’s Pies 208 E College St Bowdon

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11/09/2020: Highland Deli 402 Adamson Sq Carrollton

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11/23/2020: Five Star Food 1 Decoma Dr Carrollton

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11/16/2020: Chipolte 814 S Park St Carrollton

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11/09/2020: Chicken Salad Chick 1765 S Hwy 27 Carrollton 99 previous 96 11/16/2020: McGee’s Bakery 310 Longview St Carrollton

99 previous 96

11/05/2020: Venue on Cedar 809 Cedar St Carrollton

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11/03/2020: Butter’d Udder 208 Adamson Sq Carrollton

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11/17/2020: Oak Grove Montessori School 180 Oak Grove Rd Carrollton 98 previous 99 11/17/2020: Marco’s 828 Newnan Rd Carrollton

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11/03/2020: Subway 112 Bowdon Center Bowdon

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11/03/2020: Fong’s Asian Market 215 W Wilson St Villa Rica 97 previous 97 11/17/2020: Subway 102 Price Creek Rd Bremen

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11/16/2020: Ruby Tuesdays 1685 S Hwy 27 Carrollton

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11/30/2020: Burger King 515 Carrollton St Temple

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11/13/2020: Subway 1561 S Park St Carrollton

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11/13/2020: Starbucks 1355 S Park St Carrollton

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11/16/2020: Heavenly Bowls 1601 Maple St Carrollton

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11/20/2020: KidsPeace 1012 Kids Peace Dr Bowdon

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11/18/2020: Papa John’s Pizza 1214 Maple St Carrollton

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11/30/2020: Jimmy John’s Subs 1213 Maple St Carrollton

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11/12/2020: South of Heaven BBQ 401 Maple St Carrollton

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11/10/2020: El Tapatios 40 Villa Rosa Rd Temple

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11/17/2020: M&J Home Cooking 1111 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 94 previous 99 11/17/2020: Cook Out 904 S Park St Carrollton

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11/06/2020: Brown Dog Deli 202 Bradley St Carrollton

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11/19/2020: Marco’s Pizza 3966 Carrollton-Villa Rica Hwy

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11/20/2020: Jack’s Family 81 US Hwy 27 Bremen

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11/19/2020: Fortune Star 40 VIlla Rosa Rd Temple

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11/16/2020: McDonald’s 2202 S Park St Carrollton

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11/06/2020: Nick’s House 108 Alabama St Carrollton

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11/10/2020: Jones BBQ 1081 W Hwy 78 Temple

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11/04/2020: Martin’s 1100 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica

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11/04/2020: Chopsticks 120 Cunningham Dr Carrollton

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11/13/2020: Jack’s 1109 N Park St Carrollton

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11/16/2020: Kentucky Fried Chicken 575 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 91 previous 90 11/10/2020: Billy Bob’s BBQ 811 S Park St Carrollton

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11/17/2020: Subway 419 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton

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11/19/2020: Waffle House 1114 N Park St Carrollton

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11/09/2020: El Monterey 815 S Park St Carrollton

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11/24/2020: Big Bear 401 Maple St Carrollton

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11/24/2020: Bojangles 102 W Perrenial Dr Temple

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Page 28 December 13, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Consider these year end financial moves

CHANTICE

SWINT

FINANCIAL ADVISOR We’re nearing the end of 2020 - and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn the calendar page on this challenging year.

However, we’ve still got a few weeks left, which means you have time to make some year-end financial moves that may work in your favor.

Here are a few suggestions: • Add to your IRA. For the 2020 tax year, you can put in up to $6,000 to your traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. If you haven’t reached this limit, consider adding some money. You actually have until April 15, 2021, to contribute to your IRA for 2020, but the sooner you put the money in, the quicker it can go to work for you. Plus, if you have to pay taxes in April, you’ll be less likely to contribute to your IRA then.

• Make an extra 401(k) payment. If it’s allowed by your employer, put in a little extra to your 401(k) or similar retirement

Carroll County marriage licenses

plan. And if your salary goes up next year, increase your regular contributions.

• See your tax advisor. It’s possible that you could improve your tax situation by making some investment-related moves. For example, if you sold some investments whose value has increased, you could incur capital gains taxes.

To offset these gains, you could sell other investments that have lost value, assuming these investments are no longer essential to your financial strategy. Your tax advisor can evaluate this type of move, along with others, to determine those that may be appropriate for your situation.

NOVEMBER 1-30, 2020

marriages chart

• Review your investment mix. As you consider your portfolio, think about the events of these past 12 months and how you responded to them.

When COVID-19 hit early in the year, and the financial markets plunged, did you find yourself worrying constantly about the losses you were taking, even though they were just on “paper” at that point? Did you even sell investments to “cut your losses” without waiting for a market recovery?

If so, you might want to consult with a financial professional to determine if your investment mix is still appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance, or if you need to make some changes.

• Evaluate your need for retirement plan withdrawals. If you are 72 or older, you must start taking withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs – from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar retirement plan.

Typically, you must take these RMDs by December 31 every year. However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act suspended, or waived, all RMDs due in 2020.

If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a tax-deferred basis.

Think about the future. Are you saving enough for your children’s college education? Are you still on track toward the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned? Or have your retirement plans changed as a result of the pandemic? All of these issues can affect your investment strategies, so you’ll want to think carefully about what decisions you may need to make.

Looking back – and ahead – can help you make the moves to end 2020 on a positive note and start 2021 on the right foot.

Chantice Swint is a financial advisor, Edward Jones, 937B, Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 770-832-9515 WGTC from front page

istrator, Pat Hannon has been Vice President of Administrative Services, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Vice President of Academic Affairs during his more than 30year career at West Georgia Tech.

“Pat has the leadership experience and a steadfast commitment to helping more students achieve their dreams through education,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “Scott has done a tremendous job as President and I know Pat will continue West Georgia Tech’s mission of providing business and industry with a skilled workforce.”

Hannon earned an MBA from the University of West Georgia. Hannon and his wife, Sue have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Dr. Rule will be retiring after a long career where he served as Assistant Commissioner for Data, Planning, and Research for TCSG, a Technical Instructor, Chief Information Officer, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Economic Development, and Vice President for Student Affairs at Chattahoochee Technical College.

Hannon assumes the position to lead the college on January 1, 2021.

West Georgia Technical College has campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties. It is the fourth-largest college in the TCSG system of 22 colleges.

EMPTY STOCKING FUND SPECIAL SECTION www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews

December 13, 2020 Page 29

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EMPTY STOCKING FUND SPECIAL SECTION

“If we all could see the world through the eyes of a child, we would see the magic in everything. quotespaper.com CARROLLTON EMPTY STOCKING Supporting Needy Children in Carrollton Since 1946 Special Thank You To The Following…..

Times-Georgian Heritage Bank Martin & Hightower Funeral Home Southwire J. Smith Lanier John Thornton Cadillac ProSource Utility Contractors Hamilton Foundation Thomas M & Elizabeth D. Holder Byron Madden Dr. Randall Pierce Samantha Hernandez Craig George

Star News Rocky Lipham Security Solutions Carroll Realty & Insurance Barnes Store Southern States Bank Carroll EMC Dr. Randall Pierce Peach State Turf Care Samantha Hernandez The Whorton Agency, Inc. Jill Duncan Deron & Deborah Brown

Everyone who purchased tickets for the cash raffle Hosted by: Carrollton Evening Sertoma Club

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December 13, 2020 Page 31

"Rest in Peace to our former CEO. Thank you for all you did for our insurance agency, our families and our community.

We are proud to carry on your legacy!”

Memories...

last forever!

Grady Woodfin "Woody" Cole

100 College Street•Carrollton Ga. 770-832-2461

Page 32 December 13, 2020

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Happy Holidays

from your friends at Southern States Bank

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Experience the personal service of true community banking

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Since 2005.... has been providing Water, Sewer, And Utility Lines.

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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Page 33 December 13, 2020

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WE WISH YOU

and a Happy New Year.

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December 13, 2020 Page 34

Thank You and Merry Christmas from Our Families To Yours 770-832-1800 225 Maple View Dr. Ste 102 • Carrollton, Ga 30117 Esecuritysolutions.net “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hills

Christmas Giving

By Iris W. Bray

Christmas is for giving And for showing that we care, For honoring the Christ Child With the loving gifts we share.

The wise men gave of riches; The shepherds, faith and love.

Each gift, in its own measure, Was smiled on from above.

Let every gift be treasured; Not always size or price Determines the extent of love And willing sacrifice Handsome gifts with festive trim Bring smiles of sweet content, But modest gifts of humble means are ofttimes heaven sent.

Whether it be large or small, Each gift will share in part The message of true Christmas joy If given from the heart!

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December 13, 2020 Page 35

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

1332 Bankhead Hwy • Carrollton, Ga 30116 • 770-832-9013 “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hills

Page 36 December 13, 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

EMPTY STOCKING FUND SPECIAL SECTION

WISHING YOU A VERY

Merry Christmas

HIGHTOWER FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES