StarNews October 2021

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

for complete listing of events see page 2

see page 27

StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news

OCTOBER 10, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 10

Lt. Governor Geoff Carroll County Clerk Susan Mabry Duncan and Chairman dies at age 64 John F. Kennedy release She was chosen “County Clerk of the Year” by Association of Georgia County Commissioners in 2009

Longest serving county clerk, Mabry worked for six commission chairs plus two interim chairs

Senate draft of Georgia Congressional map

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Villa Rica council approves 2022 budget: $37.7M

2022 budget increases $2.7M over 2021

by Janice Daniel On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, Mayor and City Council of Villa Rica held their monthly meeting at the Holt-Bishop Justice Center, Municipal Courtroom, 101 Main Street, Villa Rica. Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Operating and Capital Budget totaling $37,786,859. This represents a $2,792,644

from press release On September 27, 2021, see Susan Allen Mabry, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan proposed age 64, of Carrollton, and Senator John F. draft map Georgia died Wed., Kennedy, Chairman of the page 11 Sept. 29, 2021 followSenate Redistricting and See 2022 BUDGET page 6 ing a long illness.

Reapportionment Mabry was the Committee, released a proposed draft of the longest serving Georgia Congressional Districts. The proposed Carroll county clerk maps, thoughtfully drawn in accordance with having worked for six longstanding principles of redistricting, are being commission chairs provided to the public for further review and and three interim Susan Allen discussion. chairs over a more Mabry In 2011, Georgia’s redistricting maps were by Janice Daniel than two decades The Carroll County Board of Commissioners approved by the Obama Justice Department – career. She was hired by Horrie Duncan in avoiding the issues that occurred in 2001, which met on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 for their See SUSAN MABRY page 10 See COUNTY COMMISSION page 8 See DRAFT MAP page 11

Citizens speak out against ordinance: ag vs. real estate $$

U.S. Rep. Jody Hice (R) to challenge Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger (R)

by Wayne Reynolds Georgia’s 10th Congressional District Congressman Jody Hice (R) was in Carrollton on Oct. 5, 2021, discussing his decision to run against Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) in the 2022 Republican Primary.

Congressman Hice, of Greensboro, GA, was guest speaker at the noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Carrollton, addressing a politically diverse audience. Born in Atlanta and growing up in Tucker, GA, Hice earned his master’s degree from Southwestern Seminary and his doctorate in ministry from Luther Rice Seminary. For nearly See CHALLENGER page 5 DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! READ DIGITAL MONTHLY PRINT EDITIONS on

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MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021 Last day to apply for Absentee Ballot OCTOBER 22, 2021 EARLY VOTING at: COUNTY ELECTION OFFICE: 423 College Street, Carrollton POWELL PARK ART CENTER: 524 Leslie Drive, Villa Rica Check your voter registration status and assigned precinct at:

www.mvp.sos.ga.gov

Carrollton not able to handle recycling due to worker shortage: all trash in same truck No recycling charge for September

by Janice Daniel The Carrollton City Council met in a Special Called meeting Tuesday, September 13, 2021.

All were present except Mayor Pro Tem Jacqueline Bridges. Mayor Betty Cason led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilmember Jim Watters offered the Invocation. There were no citizens comments.

Under Mayor and Council comments, Councilmember Watters mentioned that he was glad to see all the new construction going on in See CARROLLTON COUNCIL page 12

Meet and greet held for announced 3rd District Democrat candidate

Dr. Val Almonord announces intent to challenge Incumbent Drew Ferguson (R)

Rep. Jody Hice (R) spoke to the Rotary Club of Carrollton on why he is challenging Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger (R). Photo by Sue Horn

by Wayne Reynolds An invitation-only meet and greet was held for Dr. Val Almonord at the Carrollton Arts Center, September 30, 2021. Almonord, from Columbus, Georgia, has announced his candidacy as a Democrat for U.S House, Georgia District 3. Incumbent is Republican Drew

See 3rd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT page 5

Have You Overlooked Chiropractic for Your Health Concerns? Bremen Family Health and Take Another Look!

Wellness Center 507 Alabama Avenue, Bremen (770-537-5555) Axiom Chiropractic, 941 S Carroll Rd Suite C Villa Rica 770-459-8782 Vist drtempleton.com

Bremen Health and Wellness Dr. Templeton

See what our patients say-pg___ 4 Dr. Ralph Templeton, DC

Consider it’s all-natural with no side effects! We use a unique approach that allows traditional medicine the benefit and advantages of traditional chiropractic, and other natural strategies to strengthen your body which facilitates natural healing. I have observed this approach makes it possible for people to require much less reliance on medications that are potentially harmful and may have life threatening side effects. In some cases, we find the medication the patient is on actually is causing their symptoms.”

Page 2 October 10, 2021

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

fall happenings

E Q @ o r i g i n a l c a r r o l lt o n g a

Q @ d o w n t o w n c a r r o l lt o n g a 10.9 – 10 // Arts Festival of Carrollton at the Center for the Arts 10.9 // Carrollton Jazz Orchestra at the Amp 10.15 // Hocus Pocus movie at the Amp 10.16 // Once Upon a Halloween: Kid’s Costume Party & Meet-and-Greet at the Amp Sponsored by Once Upon a Boutique 10.18 // Great Pumpkin Decorating Event Sponsored by Butter’dudder at the Amp 10.23 // Dogtoberfest at the Amp Sponsored by Brown Dog Eatery 10.23 // Dan Tyminski concert at the Amp 10.30 // Trick-or-Treat on the Square 10.30 // Grasshopper Tea & The Basement of Wonder at the Center for the Arts 11.5 // Garrison Keillor with Guests Robin and Linda Williams at the Center for the Arts 11.12 // Carrollton Jazz Orchestra Fall Concert at the Center for the Arts

For all event listings, visit C A R R O L LT O N G A .C O M / e v e n t s

18th Annual

of Carrollton, GA

OCT 9 & 10, 2021 | 10 - 5 9 & 10, 2021 | 10 - 5 OCT

Featuring more than 70 national artists, live music, performances, kid zones, artist demonstrations, food vendors, as well as free admission and parking 251 Alabama St., Carrollton, GA | 770-838-1083 | artsfestivalofcarrollton.com

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StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 3

Golden City Lions Club of Villa Rica: small civic club that fundraises big - and gives big!

by Wayne Reynolds On the fourth Wednesday of each month in the heart of the City of Villa Rica, a group of dedicated and determined citizens regularly meet with the fierce common goal of improving their community: The Golden City Lions Club.

“At the moment we have 15 members and two membership applicants being brought into the club,” began president Kelly Bell. “We are proud of how we have benefited the community over the years. In fact, the new potential members, who are not yet official members, have already been volunteering to help!”

Members of The Golden City Lions Club come from all walks of life including local business professionals and retired citizens, members of the Villa Rica City Council to business owners. StarNews reporter, the late Prissi Sullivan was a longtime member and her passion for serving the community is a part of her legacy and the club as a whole.

The club holds only one fundraiser a year, The Taste of Villa Rica in conjunction with the evening Villa Rica Lions Club. That event (October 2nd) with more than ten restaurants, eight singing groups and dance studios, and vendors, along with local sponsors, historically attracts thousands of residents to participate.

“First, we would like to thank everyone involved in this wonderful community event,” Kelly continues. “We have co-hosted this event for twelve years with last year’s event cancelled due to CoVID. Many communities were forced to cancel again this year, but we didn’t, thanks to this dedicated business and restaurant community as well as our volunteers.”

“And even though last year’s fundraiser was cancelled, we used our reserves to still donate to the various charities and groups that we typically do,” added club treasurer Beverly Reid. “But we would not have been able to do it this year without the Taste of Villa Rica fundraiser on October 2nd.”

This is a relatively small civic club of, currently, only 15 members. Their areas of involvement include vision care, childhood cancer, and the environment. They contribute to the

children at Scottish Rights Hospital,” member Bradford Hegler.

“He was not looking for a donation, but we were so moved by his project that we made a donation. Our Vice President Nancy Mims does a great job getting us speakers so we can better understand the projects we support plus understanding needs in the community.”

All projects that the Golden City Lions Club supports are done by just these 15 members.

In addition to Kelly, Beverly, Nancy, and Bradford, the other members of this remarkable club are: Abi Shaffer, Alisa Doyal, Ann Olson, Dulcie Powell, Ellen Wynn McBrayer, Gina Brandenberg, Leslie McPherson, and Michael Young. Gina and Nancy are the only active charter members.

If you would like more information or to join this remarkable club please contact them through Golden City Lions Club on Facebook or email them at villaricagoldencitylionsclub@gmail.com.

If you would like more information or to join this remarkable club, please contact them through Golden City Lions Club on Facebook or email them at: villaricagoldencitylionsclub@gmail.com Annual dues are $100.

Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Its 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs provide humanitarian service in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe.

Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the Golden City Lions Club President Kelly Bell, Club Treasurer Beverly blind and visually impaired, championed Reid, member Bradford Hegler and, front, Tucker (not a member!) youth initiatives and strengthened volunteers deliver lunches throughout the community. They communities through hands-on service and humanitarian also donate to the Service Dogs for the Blind as well as Keep projects.

For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit Carroll Beautiful.

“We had a speaker who designed wooden wagons for the lionsclubs.org general fund of White Cane and Lighthouse. They sponsor a child each to attend Camp for the Blind and Camp Kudzu.

They contribute to the local Shop with a Cop program and in the schools with the PASS program. They also donate to the In His Hands program where local church

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Ownership and name change for Cottage Landing Retirement Community in Carrollton, but emphasis remains on residents especially during CoVID

Laurel Glen of Carrollton’s team members talk about the business of assisted living under CoVID laws

by Wayne Reynolds “The emphasis remains on the residents,” said Courtney Ellerbee, marketing director at Laurel Glen at Carrollton Assisted Living, as she and her team members spoke to the Rotary Club of Carrollton about the recent ownership change of the facility formerly known as Cottage Landing Retirement.

Also participating in the presentation with Ellerbee was Executive Director David Benton, Lifestyle Director Rita Gibson, and Environmental Services Director Steve Wehner.

The presentation’s focus was on changes in assisted living since the March 2020 onset of CoVID-19 restrictions. Ellerbee stated that this group is just a small part of the staff who serve the residents, that it “truly takes a village.”

On July 1st, Frontier Management took over the facility, renaming Cottage Landing to Laurel Glen. “But as of today nothing else has changed for the residents. A refresh is planned on the facility that opened in 1986. But you wouldn’t know it opened in 1986 if you visited. It still looks great thanks to Steve and the staff.”

The current CoVID restrictions are law under the Governor’s Executive Orders that have been updated numerous times according to positivity rates, etc. So, as such, as Ellerbee explained, currently there are restrictions to visiting residents in Laurel Glen’s assisted living and memory care units. But, the residents who live in the independent apartments - which are physically separated by a parking lot - may have visitors as they wish.

Laurel Glen is divided into three separate buildings: independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Ellerbee said, “Independent living is designed for those who can live independently without help. Assisted living is for those who may need help, for example, in taking their medication or laying out their clothes for the day. Memory care is for those who have memory loss like with Alzheimers.

“Laurel Glen is not a nursing home. They must be able to get

Rotary Club of Carrollton President Scott Robison, left, is shown with the presenters of the September 21, 2021, noon club meeting, from Laurel Glen Assisted Living: left to right; Environmental Services Director Steve Wehner, Marketing Director Courtney Ellerbee, Lifestyle Director Rita Gibson, and Executive Director David Benton. out of bed. Nor is there a skilled care service like those who ground for those who don’t or can’t live at home and a nursing need a feeding tube or wound care. Assisted living is a middle See CARING FOR SENIORS DURING COVID page 16

PATIENTS EXPLAIN THEIR QUEST FOR BETTER HEALTH at BREMEN FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER!

“My clinics in Villa Rica and Bremen are notorious for assisting sick people in their quest to get better,” explains Dr. Ralph Templeton of Axiom Chiropractic in Villa Rica and Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center. “My patient base include young and old, those injured by trauma and those with no trauma in their history. What is truly unique about my approach is we’re using a broad range of treatment options, some of which remain undiscovered by the general public. We are also pleased to announce Lori Hudson Hill Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Steve Odeh MD will be rejoining the Center offering general family medical and allergy testing this fall. Please call the office for a consultation to enroll in their practice.”

Templeton to see if he could help and he assured me he could and me what he thought was the after the very first adjustment potential his therapy could I knew he knew what my provide and so I set up a 30-day problem was and he did fix it. trial that produced the relief I Finally, I am back to normal and was needing. I don’t even take feeling as good as ever! Thank a Tylenol now and my health you Dr. Templeton! P 56 Y/O insurance covered practically all the charges. It was a great experience and I recommend Dr. Templeton to anyone I think is I am 70 years old and my looking for a real professional neck is so stiff I had trouble who knows how to handle looking around while driving. complicated problems. RJT 67 My shoulders have rounded Y/O forward and I am developing a hump in my upper back. I went to Dr. Templeton and now I am I injured my shoulder somehow standing taller, straighter, and did not know how. It seemed and my balance has improved to get worse over time until it tremendously. It was important became difficult to lift and hold to me that Dr. Templeton’s office onto things. I thought it was my also accepted my Medicare rotator cuff because of what a health plan and supplemental friend told me. After a visit to insurance and handled all those my medical doctor and then an details for me. He was careful orthopedic specialist which it and gentle with me as well. I was suggested that I get rehab highly recommend chiropractic with a physical therapist it care and Dr. Templeton to seemed to be a problem that everyone.VB involved my neck. I went to Dr. “Whatever your health

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I had herniated a lumbar disc which required surgery and a metal implant to fuse two vertebrae together. After my operation I was much better with some occasional back pain for a year or so but eventually the pain got worse and more frequent as time went by and it got to a point where I was having to deal with pain on some level every day. A friend suggest that I might try Dr. Templeton in Bremen. I was somewhat hesitant because I had a prior disc surgery but my friend assured me Dr. Templeton would know what to do if anybody would without more surgery. I arranged to meet with the doctor and after he examined me he advised

concern, call and see if our unique team approach can help return you to health,” Dr Templeton continues. “Whatever stubborn health problem you may have, give us a call today and let’s see what we can accomplish together. We find solutions! Let’s spend the time necessary to set a plan and goals to get you to better health!”

Visit drtempleton.com for more information and where you can also schedule your appointment.

His healthcare facilities participate in over 80 different health plans including medicare, aetna, cigna, BCBS, United Healthcare and many more Call 770-459-8782 to schedule an appointment at Axiom Chiropractic, 941 S. Carroll Road Suite C, Villa Rica and is located just off Highway 61 in the shopping center next to O'Charley's or Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center at 507 Alabama Avenue in Bremen (770-537-5555). See Front Page

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StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 5

Leslie McPherson

Re-elect Leslie McPherson Villa Rica City Council Ward 3 Early Voting 10/25 till 10/29 Tuesday November 2, 2021 Rotary Club members Becky Farish Smith, left, and Dr. Bill McGee, center, speak with Congressman Jody Hice after the Tuesday noon meeting. Photo by Sue Horn CHALLENGER from front page beginning its spread, he and other members of 25 years, he was pastor to churches in Barrow, the Republican Congressional Delegation had Gwinnett, Taylor, and Walton counties. He also a conference call with Georgia Secretary of served as a professor at Luther Rice Seminary State Brad Raffensperger urging him not to and hosted a radio talk show “Let Freedom mass mail unrequested voter ballots.

Ring” in Bethlehem, GA. He was the first vice “I know more than ten percent of the files president of the Georgia Baptist Convention were inaccurate, meaning, over 700,000 people (2004-05). He and his wife, Dee Dee, raised who voted were not entitled to vote,” said their two daughters in Walton County. In 2014, Hice. “I got pushed into the arena of Georgia he was elected to U.S. House of elections, and was told that I needed to chalRepresentatives. lenge Brad.” Then, after the Georgia Senate Introduced as a “calm conservative”, Run-off (Jan. 2021), he said he was strongly Congressman Hice, now in his 4th term, began encouraged to run for the Secretary of State his presentation with an overview of his con- office. Hice said that he and his wife prayed cerns with decisions in Washington, D.C.. He about this decision, and that, immediately, both exclaimed, “We are in the fight of our life. The felt this was “our next assignment”. Hice said battle is real against Socialism and Marxism he has received endorsement from former trying to transform America. There is a partisan president Donald Trump. hostile environment in Washington including Hice said, “We need someone to enforce cancel culture.” election laws. There were election laws broken.

He continued, “Our borders are not secure, Legal precedents were ignored.” inflation is going up, and we have lost energy Like Raffensperger who spoke to this same independence. . . we can’t fix problems by Rotary Club on August 24th, Hice thinks the throwing money at it.” new Georgia election law SB-202, despite “not Hice also spent time discussing Bill HR-1 covering everything”, is a good law that will which, if passed, would allow a federal take- fill some of election loopholes. over of the nation’s elections including allowIn conclusion, Hice asked all to pray for the ing ballots without voter ID. (The U.S. nation and ask for God’s guidance.

Constitution puts elections squarely under the The Rotary Club of Carrollton, established purveyance of individual states.) He stated that, in 1939, celebrated its 80th birthday in 2019. in his opinion, HR-1 will not pass.

The club meets on Tuesdays at noon at Sunset He said that in March 2020 as CoVID was Hills Country Club in Carrollton.

Dr. Almonord said, “I 3rd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT support the infrastrucfrom front page Ferguson. Almonord and Ferguson previsoulsy ture plan. It will provide faced off in the November 2020 race with real jobs that will help Ferguson winning the seat (65%-35%). local residents as well as Qualifying for the November 2022 election is repair bridges that will help not only in next spring, with primaries to follow.

StarNews sat down with Almonord for a one- Carrollton, but also our on-one interview. “I emigrated from Haiti to rural areas. I would also New York in 1969,” Dr. Almonord began. “I say to all citizens, it may graduated from Central High School in not help me or help you Almonord Brooklyn before earning an AA from personally, but it will LaGuardia Community College and a BA from help many. I want to Hunter College. Having fallen in love with fight for everyone and make the district betAmerican democratic values, I soon felt the ter!” He believes in equal pay for equal work. urge to serve, protect, and defend the people of “Men make a dollar, while on average women my new country. I joined the U.S. Army active make 81 cents. It should be equal pay no matduty, later transferred to the U.S. Army ter who you are.” Continuing he said, “I think Reserves while attending medical school at farmers like to be left alone and we need to reduce rules and regulations. On healthcare we Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.”

After 35 years of federal service, Almonord need to expand Obamacare, expand medicaid, retired from Martin Army Community and lower deductibles and copays.

“I am living the American Dream. Imagine Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia, and now lives in Columbus. “For me, after retirement, an emigrant from Haiti, who served in the miliCoVID changed everything…. increasing the tary, and a doctor now having the opportunity divide between the haves and have nots. The to serve you! We are Americans, one nation, American Dream is slipping away for people one people. Let’s work together for our chilwho look like me and talk like me. I could not dren and grandchildren. We need leaders from the people who care about the people.” stand by, so I got involved as a candidate.

•Low taxes •Limited government •Free markets Elected to Council 4 Year Term Jan. 2014 Planning & Zoning Commissioner Degree in business Graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.

Participated in courses offered through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at UGA.

Let's keep Villa Rica family and business friendly.

Cell 770-668-4942 email lmcpherson@villarica.gov

Early Voting 10/25 - 10/29

Tuesday November 2, 2021

Danny Carter Elect

Danny Carter Villa Rica City Council Ward 5 Your City, Your Voice

•Approved property tax exemption for eligible senior citizens •Financial, budget and project management experience •Strong supporter of sensible zoning and planned city growth •Advocated for improved equipment for VR police department to ensure citizen safety •Chairman of public safety committee; member of finance and public library committees Dcarter@villarica.org

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Page 6 October 10, 2021

StarNews

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2022 BUDGET from front page increase over the 2021 budget of $34,994,215, or a 7.98% increase. City Manager Tom Barber remarked that from the post-2009 economy to the new 2022 economy, “the number of projects being proposed is overwhelming” and “2023 is going to be insane”, and he is concerned that the city is not in a place to handle that.

Mayor Gil McDougal called the meeting to order, and invocation was offered by Pastor Tot of the True Life Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Villa Rica Police Officer Anthony Allen. Mayor said that Pastor Tot was well known for his integrity, leadership and ministry in the City of Villa Rica.

Mayor also spoke of Officer Allen as being a Villa Rica High School graduate who grew up

Villa Rica City Council discuss water issues at work session: new SCADA system; new raw water pump

by Janice Daniel On Tuesday, 9/21/21, the Mayor and City council of Villa Rica held their usual Work Session prior to the monthly meeting, and prepared a consent agenda for approval during the regular meeting.

The consent agenda consists of the following items: 1. Flowers Bakery driveway culvert design to be prepared at a cost of $17,850. Bobby Elliott stated that Georgia D.O.T. will provide 70% of the funding for the actual reconstruction of the culvert.

2. Nic Griffin, Building Fleet Maintenance Manager, who is working on the bathroom renovations at Gold Dust Park, asked for approval for PV Enterprises to also renovate the Senior side.

3. Evette Bridges, Library Manager, presented the plan for After-Hours use of the Library Meeting Rooms, with a staff time recovery fee of $30.00/hr.

4. Reconfigurations and upgrade of Network Infrastructure in order for the Manager to be able to see everything that plugs into the Network, and have the ability to shut down unauthorized users.

5. Network room clean-up and cable recertification at the Police Department and Courtroom.

6. Ratification of emergency purchase of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System for the water plant. The old one was obsolete. The new one was purchased for $16,806.

7. Replacement of the Lake Cowan #2 Raw Water Pump at a cost of $10,500.

8. Concrete removal at the Old West Plant

site.

9. Request for approval of a three-year proposal from Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, to provide external audit and single audit services for fiscal years 2021-2023, with the stipulation that a new head person be in charge to make sure everything is looked at with a fresh eye.

10. Request to approve additional services from Paycom for employees as well as staff to use in payroll related areas.

11. Request for approval of second phase of Professional Services Agreement with Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin Law Firm. City Manager Tom Barber informed mayor and council that Judd Turner of the firm was productive in getting the city the access it has needed to approach the problem of water sourcing negations. Barber stated that Turner has “volumes of knowledge” of both people and procedures in the permitting of water systems and getting access to people for assistance.

12. Approval of Three Rivers Commission as area agency on Aging Contract for Services.

13. Dates to be set for the 2021 Clean-Up Week are to be October 18th thru 22nd, with Wednesday the 20th being the one day the City will provide additional help to move items off of porches or out of yards, things that the citizens have been unable to move themselves. A note about Clean-Up Week will be printed on every water bill, and will also be on the City’s social media sites.

14. Approval to allow signage for the Villa Rica Lion’s Club Taste of Villa Rica event.

All other items were left to be discussed at the regular meeting to follow this work session at 6:00 p.m. (see story front page.)

Work session adjourned.

in Carroll County, graduated from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, joined the Marines and served in American embassies in West Africa, Yemen, and Albania.

Allen joined the Villa Rica Police Department in 2015.

In Ceremonial Presentations, the following were recognized for length of service with the city:

1. Paul Reagen Clayton, Investigator for Villa Rica Police Department, 5 years of service. Chief Mansour described Clayton as a great family man. He is with the Drug Task Force.

2. Sharon DuPont, Tourism Manager, 5 years of service 3. Charles K. Marlar, Site Inspector/Soil See VILLA RICA COUNCIL page 7

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www.starnewsgaonline.com VILLA RICA COUNCIL from page 6 Erosion, Public Works, for 5 years of service.

Marlar retired from the University of West Georgia Police Force before coming to work for the City of Villa Rica.

4. Ansley Marie Bridges, Receptionist, Parks and Recreation, for 10 years of service 5. Steven Patrick Lujan, Sergeant, Villa Rica Police Department, for 15 years of service.

Chief Mansour described Sergeant Lujan as a humble and considerate man who is doing an outstanding job.

6. Amanda S. Honea, Court Clerk, for 20 years of service. Chief Mansour said Amanda has held several positions in the police department, all of which she did excellent work, but since taking over as court clerk she is doing a really “awesome” job.

The Mayor also proclaimed the week of September 17-23 as Constitution Week. It is the 234th year since the U.S. Constitution was written and adopted.

In Council member updates, Council member Shirley Marchman thanked the City of Villa Rica and the Villa Rica Police Department for all their help and support during the recent passing of her husband. Council member Michael Young commented on the great success of the Gold Rush Concert and Festival which was attended by many people.

Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda from the Work Session held earlier (see story this page).

In a Mayoral Appointment, Richard L. Borger, Jr. was appointed to the Housing Authority Board for a term of 9/1/21 through 8/31/26.

In Community Development business, council approved 4-1 (Marchman against) a license to allow pouring of alcoholic beverages at a new restaurant located at 451 West Bankhead Highway, Tacqueria Tapatios, since the applicant had completed all requirements and passed background check, and that area has no zoning restrictions for pouring alcoholic beverages.

City Attorney Avery Jackson did advise the applicant about violations in serving alcohol to underage persons, and told him that Villa Rica takes this law very seriously and does unannounced random checks for compliance. The applicant stated that he understood.

The South Harbour Unit 2A Final Plat was approved by council unanimously. Community Development Director, Bobby Elliott, informed council that there were 48 lots where the infrastructure was completed in 2008, but never platted due to the economic downturn halting building. He reported that the city has done all the required tests and received the applicant’s maintenance bond, and the applicant has even agreed to abide by the zoning conditions of South Harbour 2B Plat.

Ron Johnson, Planning and Zoning Specialist, introduced an Extension of Rezoning for Avemore (RA-06-18) and clarification of the number of Senior Housing Units approved in 2018. Johnson stated that the clarification was needed because the 2019 Zoning Booklet for this area did not include numbers allowed for Senior Housing. The applicant is asking the city to permit 290 units of Senior Housing. After City Attorney Jackson presented to mayor and council the FHA definition of Senior Housing as being at least 80% of the housing have one household member being 55 or older living there, the matter was approved by council unanimously.

Johnson also presented a Request for Rezoning of a 75-acre vacant parcel at 116 Reed Road by Inline Communities, LLC of Atlanta, from Single-Family Agricultural (AG) to Single-Family Urban (R2). Inline is under contract to purchase the parcel from the Hospital Authority, and their plan is to construct

190 single-family homes at 2.6 lots per acre.

They will preserve the green space at the entrance, create a huge park in the center where there will be a pool, a cabana and sidewalks, as well as walking trails (not paved) in the stream buffer area. Council approved the request unanimously, with 10 conditions the applicant agreed to.

Council also unanimously approved the Liberty Pointe Unit 4 Final Plat, but unanimously denied three special exception requests for front yard footage setback requests at 352 Jada Lane, 403 and 405 Jada Lane. Daniel Love, representative of Century Complete LLC admitted failure of due diligence when the lots were planned out.

Council also approved an amendment to the Permitted Uses Table contained in the city’s zoning code, relative to truck parking. As explained by City Manager Tom Barber, going See VR CITY MANAGER page 13

StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 7

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COUNTY COMMISSION

from R-3 (residential) to Commercial for the purpose of putting a convenience store by regular monthly meeting. All Commissioners Stripling Chapel Corner, LLC. Several resiwere present. The invocation was offered by dents of the Oak Mountain Subdivision were Commissioner Clint Chance, and the Pledge of there to oppose the rezoning, which the Staff Allegiance was led by Solid Waste Manager, and Planning Commission had also recomJacqueline Dost. mended denial. The Commission voted unaniCommissioner George Commissioner George mously to deny the request.

Chambers made a motion that 2. Request for condiitem 12.1 Subdivision Chambers made a motion tional use in Land Lot 167 of Ordinance be removed from that item 12.1 Subdivision the 10th district, Parcel the agenda so that the comOrdinance be removed #074-0036 located on mission could step back, do from the agenda so that Harper Road, for a Tasting more due diligence, and in a the commission could. . Room/Event Center by Effie timely manner, to find a soluPetrie and Krystal Lane. The tion for all parties concerned. .do more due diligence. . . Planning Commission recto find a solution. . .

Second by Commissioner ommended approval for this Ernie Reynolds, vote was Second by Commissioner applicant only.

The unanimous in favor to remove Ernie Reynolds, vote was Commission voted unanimaking a decision on the conmously to deny the request. unanimous in favor troversial ordinance.

3. Rezoning request to remove making a Chairperson Michelle from owner Madeline and decision on the Morgan then advised all preNeville Brewer’s property on sent that 12.1 would not be controversial ordinance.

Moss Ferry Road, rezoning discussed by the commission, 7.68 acres now zoned nor voted on in this meeting, but invited those Agricultural, to split into three tracts for singlewho had signed up for the Public Comments family housing. Approved unanimously by the section of the meeting to go ahead and speak. Commission.

Thirteen citizens spoke, except one, about the 4. 2455 E. Highway 166, rezoning request Subdivision Ordinance, and those spoke from Commercial to Industrial (in District 5) against it. for the purpose of running a wholesale- only Dan Williams, Attorney at Law with Duke & business, no use for retail or commercial, no Health in Carrollton, stated that his firm has impact outside of building, no dust, noise, trafbeen retained and stands ready, if 12.1 subdivi- fic, etc. Approved unanimously. sion ordinance passes, to file in Federal Court These items were discussed at the Public an unlawful or “Regulatory Taking” against the Work Session on Thursday, September 2, 2021 county. In U.S. Constitutional law a regulatory and are now presented for consideration as a taking occurs when governmental regulations single item for one vote to be taken: limit the use of private property to such a 1. Approve an RFP for Consultant Broker degree that the landowner is effectively for Property and Casualty Insurance deprived of all economically reasonable use or 2. Approve a resolution to accept value of their property. Williams urged the $11,653,519.50 available under the American commission to consider alterPlan Act (ARPA) and Thirteen citizens spoke Rescue natives, such as restrictive approve the initial plan for . . .Most citizens were language in seller’s deeds expenditures authorized which are covenants that run against . . . and most under the Act. with the land and any re-pur3. Approve engagement had valid points to chase of the land. This restricof national Center for State present other tive language can dictate what Courts (NCSC) for alternatives to the the land may be used for now Courthouse renovation plancommission. The fourand in the future. ning and programming in Most citizens were against acre land lots appeared order to finish the 5th floor of the ordinance, and most had to be the proven choice the courthouse. valid points to present other 4. Approve placing a for residential growth, alternatives to the commishold on remaining/new applibut the time limit set sion. The four-acre land lots cations to allow staff to by ordinance 12.1 appeared to be the proven update the Agricultural choice for residential growth, seemed to be the real Conservation Easement but the time limit set by ordiProgram Application point of contention. nance 12.1 seemed to be the Process. real point of contention. Also several pointed 5. Approve the purchase of two (2) new out that there needs to be upfront communica- Mini-Excavators, one for Public Works and one tions when such ordinances are being consid- for Parks Department. ered by the Ccommission.

6. Approve the purchase of two (2) new Volunteer firefighter Keith Knowles spoke in Tractors with Mowers for the Public Works opposition to current fire/EMA policies and his Department. removal as a volunteer firefighter for the 7. Approve the Chairman’s appointment of county.

Donna Lackey as County Clerk.

Chairperson Morgan read a Resolution of the 8. Approve the Chairman’s appointment of Chairman and Carroll County Board of Dianne Roberts as a Deputy County Clerk.

Commissioners to establish a “Little Free All items approved in one unanimous vote Pantry” program within the unincorporated by the Commissioners. portions of Carroll County, where boxes will be Under the Financial Session, the Angie placed in several areas where donations of non- Stober application for the Federal Agricultural perishable food and other items can be placed Conservation Easement Program was approved to share with people in need. The Chairman or unanimously. her designee is authorized to impose any rules The application of Steve Stana’s application or regulations as may be necessary to ensure for the Federal Agricultural Conservation the success and safety of the program.

Easement program was denied in a vote of 2-5, During the zoning portion of the meeting, Commissioner Tommy Lee and Clint Chance Janet Hyde of the Planning and Zoning for; Chambers, Reynolds, Steve Fuller, Morgan Commission presented the following: and Montrell McClendon against.

1. Intersection of Oak Mountain Road and There being no further business to discuss, Highway 16 in District 4, request for rezoning the meeting was adjourned. from front page

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October 10, 2021 Page 9

NEWS RECAP -

- Test and retest the ignition, lights, wipers, air conditioner, heater and all accessories. from stories on StarNews Online Get the car inspected by a mechanic. website at www.starnewsgaonline.com - Have the vehicle thoroughly examined by an Beware of flood-damaged vehicles independent mechanic before you sign a contract being sold in the wake of Hurricane Ida or pay any money.

- If the dealer refuses to let you do that, go Attorney General Chris Carr is advising consumers who are buying used cars to be wary elsewhere. of vehicles that might have suffered flood “Move It Mondays”: no cost program damage as the result of Hurricane Ida. Flood- helps walkers become runners damaged vehicles are often sold at auction and It can be difficult to find the motivation or then wind up on used car lots. time for an exercise routine. That’s where Sometimes the vehicle’s title will indicate Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well “salvage” or “totaled,” but sometimes the and the West Georgia Track Club have you vehicle is retitled in another state and the covered. The Move It Mondays program is just damage on the vehicle’s title is not disclosed as what you need. required, a practice known as “title washing.”

This eight-week course will help walkers “Consumers should always have a used become runners by adding distance and vehicle inspected by a mechanic before buying,” increasing pace over the course of the program. said Attorney General Chris Carr. “This is even Not only are there experienced runners on more critical now because an increased number hand to offer guidance, but participants will also of flood-damaged vehicles will be entering the develop relationships with others in the group marketplace.” who are striving for success too.

If a vehicle’s body, engine, transmission or The program can help even the most casual mechanical parts have been submerged in water, walker pick up the skills and improve their it will probably have electrical problems, and the fitness to run a 5K. brakes, airbags and computer system may be The next session of Move It Mondays will impaired. Unfortunately, this damage may not be kick off on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. on the Tanner readily apparent, especially to the average Medical Center/Carrollton walking trail. consumer.

Coaches and participants will gather on the There are several things that you can do to walking trail across from the hospital’s Clinic avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle: Avenue Parking Deck on Ambulance Drive, Check the vehicle’s history by going to the next to the emergency department.

National Motor Vehicle Title Information To register for Move It Mondays, visit System (www.vehiclehistory.gov) and entering tanner.org/classes-and-events. the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is westgeorgiatrackclub@gmail.com. the only database where all auto insurers, The program, offered at no cost to salvage pools that auction off totaled cars, participants, is part of Get Healthy, Live Well’s junkyards, recyclers and self-insured entities efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent such as rental car companies in all 50 states are chronic disease for residents in west Georgia. required by law to report total loss vehicles Fire prevention: alarm sound knowledge within 30 days.

The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Check to see whether the car has been Commissioner John F. King is partnering with branded as “flood”, “junk”, “salvage”, “rebuilt” the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or “reconstructed”. to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week The National Insurance Crime Bureau also campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” maintains on its web site a partial database of “It’s important to learn the different sounds of vehicles affected by the hurricanes. You can smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said search without charge by either the VIN or the Commissioner John F. King.

HIN (Hull identification number)—bearing in • A continuous set of three loud beeps means mind that this information has not been verified smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. for completeness or accuracy.

• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means When you search this database or review the the battery is low and must be changed. vehicle history report, remember that neither is a All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 substitute for a thorough physical inspection. years. Chirping that continues after the battery Look for signs of flood damage: has been replaced means the alarm is at the end - A musty odor, water marks or faded fabrics of its life and the unit must be replaced. Make may be a sign of flood damage. sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs - A strong detergent smell inside the car or in of all your family members, including those with the engine may indicate that someone is trying sensory or physical disabilities. to mask a mildew smell.

For more information on Fire Prevention - Rust and metal flaking are another red flag. Week programs and activities in your town, - Check the upholstery, dashboard, glove please contact your local fire department. compartment, trunk, inner doors, engine area, For general information about Fire Prevention and under the seats and carpeting for mud or silt. Week and fire prevention in general, visit - Look for drainage holes beneath the car. www.fpw.org

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NEWS RECAP -

from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com State Rep. Tyler Paul Smith: committed to fighting proposed Haralson County landfill

State Representative Tyler Paul Smith (RBremen) and State Senator Jason Anavitarte (RDallas) issued the following joint statement in

SUSAN MABRY from front page the 1990s, who was sole commissioner at that time, followed by chairman Jack Bell; interim Dan McBrayer; chairman Robert Barr; interim Herman Ayers; chairman Bill Chappell; chairman Marty Smith; interim George Chambers; and current chair Michelle Morgan.

Mabry was known and appreciated for her unwavering professionalism, and extensive knowledge of the county’s operations and history. Mabry’s late husband Danny Mabry had served as city manager for Carrollton prior to his death. Susan took a leave of absence earlier this year due to health reasons.

She was born in Carrollton, Ga. on July 3, 1957, the daughter of the late J. Aubrey Allen and Virginia Miller Allen. Susan will be remembered for her dedication and service to her work on behalf of Carroll County, her advocacy for animals. A graduate of Carrollton High School, and West Georgia College. Susan was the development director of the West Georgia College Alumni Association, and also finance director for the Chattahoochee Flint RDC. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 24 years, Danny Mabry, and her sister Elaine. Survivors include her uncle, Homer Miller, brothers-in-law, Jim Baxley of Carrollton, Mark Mabry of Carrollton, and Ken Mabry of Atlanta, several nieces and nephews, friends, and co-workers.

A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at Carroll Memory Gardens. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Danny Mabry Theater, Carrollton Cultural Arts Center, 251 Alabama Street, Carrollton, GA 30117 or the Carroll County Humane Society, P.O. Box 163, Carrollton, GA 30112. Almon Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

opposition to a proposed landfill in Haralson County: “From the legislative session to now, we remain fully committed to fighting any proposed dump from coming to Haralson County. Our top priority this session, as it was last session, will be to pass legislation protecting our rural communities from exploitation and empowering them to grow as they see fit. We were elected to represent your interests and we stand ready and willing to assist this community however we can. We aren’t backing down.”

Smith represents the citizens of District 18, which includes portions of Carroll and Haralson counties. He currently serves on the Insurance, Judiciary Non-Civil and Small Business Development committees. Anavitarte represents the 31st Senate District which includes Haralson, Paulding and Polk County. jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov

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Staffing shortages: Georgia National Guard deployed to Tanner’s hospitals

The Georgia National Guard has been deployed to Tanner’s hospitals in Carrollton and Villa Rica supporting departments amid critical staffing shortages. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities across the nation experienced severe staffing shortages. The pandemic has compounded the problem. To help alleviate the issues in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp issued an emergency order last month to deploy more than 100 Georgia National Guard troops to healthcare facilities across the state.

On the heels of that order, Tanner Health System submitted a request for support and received a unit of 18 National Guard troops to support the health system’s nutrition services and environmental services staff.

“We are grateful to have the National Guard’s support,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO for Tanner Health System. “Throughout this pandemic, Gov. Kemp has been keenly interested in making sure hospitals in Georgia have the resources they need to get through this.

It means a great deal to us to have these men and women in uniform here to help as our community struggles through this COVID crisis.” The deployment of the unit currently at Tanner is set through Dec. 3, 2021, but the governor can extend that date if Tanner’s need persists.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Required by 39 U.S. C. 3685) StarNews Filing Date: 10/1/2021 Issue Frequency No. of Issues Published Annual Subscription Monthly Annually = 12 Price = $20 Mailing address: P.O. Box 680, Carrollton, GA 30112 PublisherSusan M. Horn, P.O. Box 680 • Carrollton, GA 30112 Editor Susan M. Horn, P.O. Box 680 • Carrollton, GA 30112 Owner Palindrome Enterprises, P.O. Box 680 • Carrollton, GA 30116 Stockholders owning more than 1% Susan M. Horn, P.O. Box 680, Carrollton, GA 30112 StarNews Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 10/10/2021 average no. copies actual no. copies of 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation each issue during single issue during preceding 12 months preceding 12 months Published nearest to filing date a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run) 8,000 8,000 b. Paid/Requested Circulation (Not Mailed) 542 558 (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (2) Paid/Requested In-County Mail Subscriptions 4457 4243 (3) Paid/Requested through dealers, carriers, etc, 1075 1000 (4) Other classes mailed 0 0 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 6074 5801 d. Free Distribution by Mail & outside the mail 1. Free or nominal rate outside county 0 0 2. Free or nominal rate in county 0 0 3. Free or nominal rate mailed other classes 0 0 4. Free or nominal rate outside the mail 1826 2074 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 1826 2074 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) 7900 7875 g. Copies Not Distributed 100 125 h. Total (Sum 15(1), and 15h(2)) 8,000 8,000 i. Percent Paid 76.89% 73.66% 16. a. Paid Electronic Copies 0 0 Date: 10/1/2021 Publisher I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form maybe subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties.)

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www.starnewsgaonline.com DRAFT MAP from front resulted in Georgia’s legislative redistricting maps being declared unconstitutional.

As the legislature begins the process of redistricting, the Senate is committed to continuing the practice of transparency and fairness. In an effort to provide both, the proposed map is being released as soon as practicable.

“It is clear that this map not only meets principles of redistricting, but we are proud to present a map that regardless of political party, Georgians can be proud of,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Ensuring that any maps we produce are fair, compact, and keep communities of interest together, will continue to be of upmost importance.”

“Even given the delay of official Census numbers, the Senate Redistricting Committee

“Even given the delay of official Census numbers, the Senate Redistricting Committee has diligently worked to ensure that we hear from citizens across all regions of the state,” said Chairman John F. Kennedy. “Looking at this map, it is obvious that Georgians have been heard, and will continue to be heard.”

StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 11

Edward Jones

has diligently worked to ensure that we hear from citizens across all regions of the state,” said Chairman John F. Kennedy. “Looking at this map, it is obvious that Georgians have been heard, and will continue to be heard.”

The map most likely will undergo some changes prior to a vote in November.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com CARROLLTON COUNCIL from front page the city, and also the Lakeshore Park renovation has kicked off.

Mayor Cason thanked all employees who took part in the Law Enforcement and First Responder appreciation meeting on Friday, the 10th, and urged all citizens to see the beautiful monument placed in the First Responders Memorial Park on Newnan Road. Carrollton Police Officer Rob Holloway, who was injured on April 12th during a three-county incident involving a shooter targeting police officers, was able to be at the meeting. Mayor Cason also relayed a moving story of a 911 operator who stayed at her post during that day while her own husband was being shot at, and Cason reminded all of the citizens that it’s because of the courage and heroism of the City’s Police and First Responders that all citizens can sleep safely in their beds at night.

Mayor Cason also reminded everyone that CoVID is not gone. She asked that everyone wear masks and consider getting the vaccination. The Georgia Department of Health has advised that Georgia is one of the states with the highest flu cases in the country right now, so we should keep all precautions in mind. The mayor stated she is not sure if the economy could survive another major impact from CoVID like the one in 2020.

The Mayor also cleared up some confusion on the halt of the recycling program in the city.

She stated that some people are still placing items in their recycling bins, and that the city will continue to pick up everything in both the regular and the recycling bins, but all the contents will go onto the same truck. She said there is so much sickness and shortage of workers right now that the Sanitation Department simply cannot handle the recycling bins separately. However, the mayor wanted everyone to know that they will not be charged for recycling on their water bill this month.

Council voted on two zoning applications.

1. 653 Blandenburg Road, Ann Rayburn request for her residence to be annexed into the City of Carrollton. She said her family wants to be part of the city and have all city services available to them. Council approved this request unanimously.

2. 415 Bradley Street, James Fulford requested rezoning from C1 to Mixed Use Planned Development, for residential or possibly office spaces.

The Planning Commission placed two conditions on the request: the existing fences have to be removed from the Minden Avenue rightof-way, and any new fencing shall comply with the City of Carrollton UDO standard for fencing, and the staff recommends a waiver from the sidewalk requirement along Minden Avenue in the UDO for commercial developments.

Councilmember Uglum asked if this property is in the Historic District, and the answer was yes, but Attorney for the City, Huck Smith, assured council that the Historic Preservation Commission cannot override decisions made by council, but they will only be involved in the façade of the buildings and structures.

The rezoning request with conditions stated was approved unanimously by council.

The Downtown Carrollton Main Street Advisory Board By-Laws Amendment was presented by April Saunders, and council approved it unanimously.

Two Board Appointments were made to the Main Street Advisory Board: Kelly Houck, a retailer who owns the Main Street Boutique, and Kelsie Burge of Gallery Row. Both were approved unanimously by council. Their terms will be effective immediately and continue through 9/30/23.

At this point in the meeting, council went

into executive session (secret; closed to the public) to discuss real estate matters.

When the session re-convened, Mayor Cason stated that a private donor wishes to provide the means for the City of Carrollton to purchase 278.26 acres of land running North of the Carrollton By-Pass, onto Stewart Street and crossing the By-Pass on the East side, all substantially undeveloped land, conditional upon a set of declarations that limit the use of the property to passive recreation, as well as such active recreation not to exceed 30 acres, as may be approved by the designee of the donor. The City will pay certain expenses that are in conservation easements and related covenants and restrictions. The Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase and the conditions set upon it.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 12

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WEST GEORGIA AMBULANCE, INC. West Georgia Ambulance 7.6 x 9.25 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said that children should be able to trick-or-treat safely this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If you're able to be outdoors, absolutely," Walensky said.

She warned that people should continue to "limit crowds" on the holiday. "I wouldn't necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party, but I think that we should be able to let our kids go trick-or-treating in small groups, and I hope that we can do that this year," she said.

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NEWS RECAP from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com Georgia Attorney General joins 17 states in U.S. Supreme Court brief supporting religious charity’s right to hire peple who share its faith

Attorney General Chris Carr joined 17 states Thursday in filing a brief before the U.S. Supreme Court to support the First Amendment rights of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

The Mission is seeking Supreme Court review of a recent ruling by the Washington State Supreme Court that denied the faith-based charity’s First Amendment right to hire employees who share its faith.

“The free exercise of religion is a critical right protected by our Constitution, and religious freedom is central to who we are as Americans,” said Attorney General Carr. “We joined this coalition to protect the rights of religious groups to practice their beliefs without undue interference by the government.”

Attorney General Carr and his colleagues argue that the Washington Supreme Court erred in limiting First Amendment protections to hiring decisions related solely to ministers.

Rather, the First Amendment more broadly protects a religious nonprofit’s exercise of religion, including the right to hire regular employees of a common faith.

As the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized, that right is vital to church autonomy and the free exercise of religion.

Attorney General Carr was joined by the Attorneys General of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Carrollton Mayor Betty Cason elected second vice president of Georgia Municipal Association

Carrollton Mayor Betty Cason was elected second vice president of the Georgia Municipal Association’s District 4 during the association’s annual convention in Savannah August 8, 2021.

VR CITY MANAGER from page 7 forward, if anyone wants to build a truck parking lot or a a truck stop/travel center they must come to the council for a permit. There is no zoning where truck parking is a use, but it requires a Special Use Permit from council.

Finance Director, Jennifer Hallman, presented the Financial Update for July of 2021 as follows: Total Cash & CD at 7/31/21: $28,823,31 Water/Sewer Business Activity Year to Date Net Income” $311,974 Sanitation/Solid Waste Activity Year to Date Net Incom: ($9,850) Growth is $676,942 compared to July, 2020, of $2,001,226, a significant reduction.

Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Operating and Capital Budget totaling $37,786,859. City Manager Tom Barber reported to the Mayor and Council that from the post-2009 economy to the new 2022 economy, “the number of projects being proposed is overwhelming” and “2023 is going to be insane”, and he is concerned that the city is not in a place to handle that.

Barber again re-emphasized the value of the help he is receiving because of the Professional Services Agreement with Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin Law Firm, whose associate Judd Turner holds years of experience in dealing with the issues of water sourcing negotiations (see consent agenda in article on 9/21/21 City Council Work Session.)

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.

In this role, Cason will serve as a liaison between GMA and municipal officials in the district.

She will also attend GMA-sponsored events like the association’s annual convention, promote engagement in GMA activities with other cities, advocate for GMA’s legislative priorities and share with GMA staff the needs and concerns of member cities in the district.

She is now in line to become first vice president of the district.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to further serve Georgia’s citizens,” Cason said.

“As a mayor, I know first-hand the important role cities play in our country. They are the governments closest to the people they serve and they directly affect citizens’ lives every day in so many ways.”

Cason also chairs GMA’s Revenue & Finance Committee and serves on the GMA Legislative Committee.

StarNews October 10, 2021

Page 13

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Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53,Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, nder, age age 71, 71, Dawne “Tiff” Cook, lexander, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny JoeJoe Jones, Jr., Master Danny Jones, Jr., Shirley F. age Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, age 53, Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr.,Allen Henry Waddell Bell, 83, born April 7, 1938, Jimmy Marvin Chatman, age 65, bornScott May 9,Shedd, 1956, Susan Mabry, age 64, born July 3, 1957, died er 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 7, 27, 1947, dieddied age age 45, born October 12, 1973, er 1947, 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, age age 2 months, born May 16, bornOctober November 27, 1947, died 45,died born October 12, 2019, 1973, died Monday, 8, 2019 died July 8, 2019 age 2 Monday, months,July born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 died Saturday, 2,2019 2021 Saturday, September 18, 2021 Wednesday, Sept.

4, 2019 died Friday, July 12, died Thursday, July 4,2019 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age 29, 2021 019 dieddied Friday, July 12, July 2019 4, 2019 Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4,12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 Sunday, 14, 2019 died Friday, July David Ronald Simpson, age David Ronald Simpson, age died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age James Lloyd Beal, ageage 83,age born 25, 1937, Bobbie JoLovvorn, Howard Cook, age70, 86, born born October 1, 1948,Kathleen hop, Jr., age age 62, James James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” “Marjorie” Nell age July 21, died July Conger Murphy, 71, born Jr., Jr., age 62, 62, B. Dean, 92,December hop, James B. Dean, 92, NellNell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Lovvorn, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92,70,70, born July 21, 1948, died July born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21,age 1948, diedMay July2, ber 28, 1956, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 died September 1934, died Thursday, September 30, 2021 8, 28, 1956, dieddied bornborn September 02,2021 1926, died er September 02, 1926, died 1950, died Tuesday, September 28, 2021 86, born August 3, 3, 1932, died 86, born August died born 17, September 28, 1956, died born September 02,1932, 1926, died 09,86, 2019 09, 2019 born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, 192019 Wednesday, JulyJuly 3, 2019 9, Wednesday, 3, Kency Carol Beitlich, age 62, born December 13, July Charles Elbert Davis, age 75,Wednesday, born January 22, Wednesday, 10, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, July 10, 2019 Harold Wilton Otwell, 91, born May Zellie FredageSprewell, age 28, 94,1930, sseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died “Don” Bonner, Bushon Dickerson, age seal “Don” Bonner, Barry Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76,born Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age February 28, died born February 28,1925, 1925, died 1958, died Tuesday, September 14, 2021 1946, died Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died died October 1, 2021 une1943, 05, 1943, 1943, died 68,born born September 7,1950, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 05, dieddied 68, born September 7, 1950, died une 05, 68, September 7, died October 18,18, 1941, born 1941, age 76, Blackwood, born June 05, died 68,6,October born September 7, 1950, died Saturday, 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 born October 18, 1941,Linda diedHardy Saturday, July 27, 2019 Michael Truiett age1943, 62, born born April Avril J.17, Flinn, agedied 86,died born on July 9, July 1935, died uly 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Paschal, age 76, born August 17, 0, 2019 Friday, JulyJuly 19, 2019 uly 10, 2019 Friday, 19, 2019July 10, 2019 Wednesday, 17,17, 2019 Wednesday, 2019 Wednesday, Friday, July JulyJuly 19, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, 195, died Thursday, September 30, 2021 Saturday, September 4, 2021 Jr., age age 53, Bobbie Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died 1945, died Friday, September 10, ,rown, Jr., Jr., age 53, 53, Jean Dodderer, ageage 84, own, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr.,Jr., age Eugene Parker Mullis, age John D. Brown, Jr., 84, age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84,born September 18, 1978, died born September 18, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18,2021 1978, died 8, 1965, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, 1935, died Monday, 70,1933, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 RayJuly T. “Bub” Brock, age 88, borndied April 18, Kenneth Pierce Hinesley age70, 47, born February 9, 965, dieddied JulyJuly bornborn July 9, 1935, dieddied Monday, Eva L. Patterson, age 29, born February 17, 1992, 8, 9, Monday, 70, born December 31,31, 1948, died 70, born December 1948, died born August 18, 1965, July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 31, 2019 born December 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 July 22,2019 2019 Monday, July 8,died 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, died Saturday, September 11, 2021 JulyJuly 22, 2019 1974, Tuesday, SeptemberMonday, 14,Deborah 2021 July“Debbie” 22, Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Deborah West, Ann West, died Saturday, September 18, 2021 Ann West, 8,“Debbie” 2019 Ann Deborah “Debbie” beth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Phillips Bryce, Marsella Fazio, ageage beth Phillips Bryce, Anna Anna Marsella Fazio, Randy LeeLee Nichols, age 66, Randy Nichols, age 66, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22,22, 2019 age 58, died July 2019 Peggy M. Broome, age 71, born November 23, Ricky James Huckeba, age 62, died Friday, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 2019 Robin Hill Robinson, age 57,22, born February 21, eptember 14,1929, 1929, 85, born born on Jan Jan 1934, 1, 1934, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace AllenWorthan, Worthan,age age mber 14, 1929, 85, 85, born onage Jan dieddied eptember 14, on 1, June 24, 1953, Friday, born June 24, Friday, 89,1, born20, September 14,born 1929, 85, born on 1953, Jandied 1,died 1934, died born Wallace Allen Wallace Allen Worthan, age June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, 1949, died September 2021 September 17, 2021 July2019 20,2019 2019 Monday, Monday, July 8, 2019 2019 1964, died Thursday, September 23, 2021 age July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 20, Julydied 8, 2019 July 20, Monday, July 8, JulyJuly 26,Monday, 2019 26, 2019 Saturday, July 20, 2019 July 8, 2019 56,July died Monday, July 15, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 erden, Carden, age 80, Harris Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Louise Prestridge Brown, age 92, born August 30, Bell Jacqueline “Jackie” Sue Keeton,Carol age 75,Judith died Chapman, Ara D. 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Primitive weapons deer hunting season opened Saturday, October 9th from press release Primitive weapons deer hunting season opened Saturday, Oct. 9th. Last year, 27,000 hunters took to the woods with muzzleloaders, bringing in nearly 7,000 deer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

“Whether you hunt it with a flint lock, inline muzzleloader, crossbow, or long bow, the primitive weapons season is a great way to get

a jump on deer season,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist with the WRD Game Management Section. “White oaks will be dropping and mid-October is a great time to be in the woods. Youth hunters get a special opportunity during primitive weapons season, as they can use centerfire rifles.”

Over one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife man-

from press release Primitive weapons deer hunting season opened on Oct. 9th, and hunters should review important safety information, encourages the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Primitive weapons, such as muzzleloaders, have specific safety use rules, beyond general firearms safety, that should be reviewed each year before heading to the woods. Following are recommendations: • Never smoke in the proximity of a muzzleloader • Use an intermediate device, such as a measure, to pour powder into a barrel • Keep flask and powder containers away from flames and sparks • Use only powders specific to each muzzleloader and recommended by that firearms manufacturer.

• Place percussion cap on nipple only when ready to shoot • Gun is safely unloaded only after removing the bullet, powder and percussion cap. If using a flintlock muzzleloader, remove the bullet and powder, and un-prime the flash pan • Use the recommended loading materials, correct powder charge, right diameter and weight bullet and correct lead material

• Treat a misfire as though the gun could fire at any moment • Make sure the projectile is firmly seated on the powder before capping and firing • Never blow down the barrel of a muzzleloader to clear or extinguish sparks • Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction • Read the owner’s manual and be familiar with its operation • Handle every gun as if it was loaded • Make sure the gun is unloaded before attempting to clean it • Do not use alcohol or drugs All deer hunters, including archers, are required to wear a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist during primitive weapons season. Scopes and other optical sighting devices are legal for muzzleloading firearms and archery equipment.

To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record. Licenses can be purchased: www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a license agent (list of agents available online).

For more information on hunting safety, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/huntereduc ation

Safety first during primitive weapons deer season

agement areas. Dates and locations for hunts are available in the 2021-2022 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide http://www.eregulations.com/georgia/hunting Youth, under 16 years of age, may hunt deer with any legal deer firearm during Primitive Weapons Season. During the primitive weapons season, hunters may use archery equipment, muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge and larger) and muzzleloading firearms (.30 caliber or larger).

State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer, and no more than two antlered deer (with one of the two antlered deer having a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers) or a minimum 15inch outside antler spread.

All deer hunters, including archers, are required to wear a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the

StarNews October 10, 2021

waist during primitive weapons season.

Scopes and other optical sighting devices are legal for muzzleloading firearms and archery equipment. To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record.

Licenses can be purchased online at www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1800-366-2661 or at a license agent (list of agents available online).

All deer hunters must report their harvest using Georgia Game Check within 24 hours of harvest. Deer can be reported on the Outdoors GA app (which works regardless of cell service), at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, or by calling 1800-366-2661.

For more on deer hunting, including finding a game processor, reviewing regulations, viewing maps (either sex day or the rut map), visit https://georgiawildlife.com/deer-info.

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Page 16 October 10, 2021

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Georgia Farm Bureau’s annual “Quality Hay Contest” deadline is Oct. 31: prizes in December to top five from press release Georgia Farm Bureau is calling all members who grow any variety of Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest. Hay entered in the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers.

GFB’s annual hay contest encourages quality hay production, which leads to higher quality livestock and more money for Georgia hay producers. Producers who have their hay tested every year can see improvements they make in managing their hay fields by looking at multiyear analysis.

RFQ is the best method to compare forages.

RFQ provides a number that gives producers an idea of the amount of digestible nutrients their hay contains. Fully mature alfalfa is given a base point of 100. Since the base price for hay sales and auctions in many parts of the world is the value of poor-quality alfalfa, RFQ provides a mechanism for indexing quality to value.

The RFQ for Bermudagrass in Georgia typically ranges from 75 to 120 or higher. If a hay producer sells their hay based on its RFQ, a higher price can be demanded for the higher

quality. Livestock producers are more likely to pay these premiums as this hay will yield higher weight gains and require fewer supplements.

With quality in mind, it is a good management practice to test your hay after baling. RFQ and other analytical data can help you manage potential problems with moisture, nitrates or poor digestibility, especially in years with adverse weather.

How to enter: Entry forms outlining complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded from the GFB website www.gfb.ag/hay.

There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the ‘21/’22 online GFB Hay Directory. Producers must be a GFB member to enter the contest or list hay for sale in the hay directory. The deadline to enter contest is Oct. 31. The cost to list hay in the directory alone is $10 and may be submitted at any time.

Jeremy Taylor is an ag programs specialist in the GFB Public Policy Department. Contact him for any questions about the GFB Hay Contest. He may be reached at 478-474-0679, ext. 5212 or jrtaylor@gfb.org

CARING FOR SENIORS DURING COVID from page 4 ing home,” she said. Rita Gibson explained further, “Assisted living residents must come to the dining room to eat their meals with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Activities begin at 10 a.m. including exercise, devotional, board games, cards, bingo, and crafts. Our emphasis is on socialization - keeping residents busy. After lunch, there are more activities until dinner.

After dinner, they can come back and watch movies if they wish. Activities are not required, but encouraged. It keeps their minds off of their aches and pains. Before COVID we offered trips in the West Georgia area, but not during this time. We do provide essential transportation for doctor visits and, yes, for haircuts.”

David Benton said, “We are restricted by the state and county health departments and changes come in seemingly daily. At the moment, the positivity rates are in the 16% to 17% range which forces us to have tighter restrictions. If we can get the positivity rates down in the 10% range, it opens things up a great deal. At the moment, all staff members wear masks. Our assisted living residents are encouraged to wear masks, but many to most don’t. In memory care, masks are an impossible task. Because of the positivity rate, independent living residents are not allowed in the main building. These residents can come and go as they wish, for example, going to church or shopping. So, for health reasons we don’t have them in contact with other assisted living residents. We are safer at Laurel Glen because of our safeguards than you are out here.”

Ellerbee said, “Independent living residents are not forgotten, though. We check on them on a regular basis and they check on each other as well. If we don’t hear from them we will make a personal visit. For those who wish, we still provide meals for them as well as activities.

Every Friday, we host a cookout for them as well as contests like ‘Best Garden’. Because they run their own lives, is the reason we limit their exposure to the other residents.”

Benton, whose background includes a career as a public school principal, said, “In memory

“Yes, I believe in Laurel Glen, my grandfather even lives here. If you know someone who needs assisted living, please have them contact us.

Laurel Glen may not be right for you, but we will help you find a facility that is right for you,” said Ellerbee. care there are challenging aspects. We try to meet them where they are memory-wise. The activities are different from assisted living residents. We do try to keep them engaged from talking about their families to singings which they enjoy. The old saying holds true with these residents, they may not remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel, and that is our goal. Please let me also say, for those who think bingo is a stereotype for the assisted living residents, just try and take it away from them! They play whether Rita is there or not to supervise.”

Rita added with a laugh, “They play six days a week, but never on Sunday!”

“Because of restrictions families may visit, but only outdoors with masks required and social distancing,” Ellerbee said. “For new residents they must quarantine for 14 days unless they have been vaccinated. These restrictions are all due to the positivity rate here in Carroll County, not because of Laurel Glen.

“My passion is to help people and these residents at Laurel Glen, in particular, and that is the reason I got into the assisted living profession. Yes, I believe in Laurel Glen, my grandfather even lives here. If you know someone who needs assisted living, please have them contact us. Laurel Glen may not be right for you, but we will help you find a facility that is right for you,” said Ellerbee.

For more information on Laurel Glen, go to laurelglenatcarrollton.com At the end of the meeting Rotary Club president Scott Robison announced the club was donating karaoke machines to Laurel Glen and other senior living facilities in the West Georgia area.

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StarNews October 10, 2021 Page 17

Georgia Association of Conservation Districts Northwest Georgia Regional Program Manager Jena Leone, far left, and Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Executive Director Lily Baucom, second from far right, recently presented the prize package Roopville Elementary School (RES) students received for winning the 3rd Grade division of the Soil Health Explorers STEM Challenge held last spring. RES Teacher Jennifer Carroll, second from left, and RES Principal Marla Turpin, far right, and the students accept the basket of class supplies.

Roopville Elementary School wins 3rd grade prize for Soil Health Explorers STEM Challenge Congratulations to Roopville Elementary School’s “Quest Kids Team,” taught

by Jennifer Carroll, for winning the third-grade division of the Soil Health Explorers STEM Challenge held last spring.

The Roopville Elementary students won their third-grade division for the authentic way the students discussed what they learned about soil health by testing the pH of their soil and consulting with a local FFA teacher and GACD staff.

Teachers whose class won their grade division received a $250 classroom supply grant and an educational conservation resource kit donated by GACD. Each class that participated in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) challenge was asked to answer the question, “How can we improve soil biodiversity and overall soil health?”

The challenge, open to third through fifth-grade classes statewide, required participating classes to: 1) Develop an initial report after examining a plot of land to determine the land’s soil health status by performing a series of tests on the soil; 2) consulting with their local Farm Bureau office, Natural Resources Conservation Service office and/or UGA Extension office to discuss soil health with their class; 3) Creating a video presentation on how they improved their soil and learned how real-world factors impact the soil on their plot of land.

The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), a non-profit organization that works with the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts to promote the conservation of natural resources, sponsored the statewide competition, which was coordinated by the Georgia Ag Experience (GAE) and Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA).

Teachers interested in participating in the fall ’21 Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities STEM Challenge may visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge for more information and to register for the program. Once teachers register their class, they will receive instant access to a digital resource toolkit that equips the class for participating in the soil health stem challenge. Nov. 12 is the deadline to enter the fall competition.

The Georgia Ag Experience/Georgia Foundation for Agriculture STEM Challenge is designed to be a bi-annual competition with a spring and fall contest. The GACD is the 2021 challenge sponsor. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage elementary teachers and students THE GEORGIA ASSOCIATION of CONSERVATION DISTRICTS: The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is a grassroots nonprofit organization representing 40 conservation districts in Georgia. All 159 counties in Georgia are part of a local conservation district. For over 75 years, the organization's members have volunteered in each district to promote conservation, educate citizens about the importance of conservation, and inform policy makers about natural resource issues. GACD's mission is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia's natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the State. Learn more by visiting www.gacd.us/ .

THE GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE: The GAE is a mobile classroom, maintained by the GFA, that is housed in a 36-foot trailer, to give third through fifth-grade students and the public a chance to visit a poultry house, cattle pasture, stand of timber, horticulture nursery, a produce stand full of fresh Georgia fruit, vegetables and pecans, cotton and peanut fields. Colorful farm photos, interactive technology and displays of products made from the various ag commodities highlight the importance of Georgia agriculture to our daily lives. All exhibits and lessons that are part of the GAE mobile classroom have been professionally designed to meet STEM curriculum standards. For more information about the Georgia Ag Experience visit www.georgiaagexperience.org.

THE GEORGIA FOUNDATION for AGRICULTURE: The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders for success in Georgia agriculture. The GFA works with Georgia Farm Bureau and other Georgia agricultural and educational organizations to achieve its mission. The foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing agricultural careers, funds leadership development programs and projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture. To make a tax-deductible donation, learn more about the foundation or the scholarships, visit www.gafoundationag.org or contact Lily Baucom at info@gafoundation.org or 478-405-3461.

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COMMENTARY

Page 19 October 10, 2021

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

“Not just what happened, but what matters”

SUSAN M. HORN

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The passing of Susan Allen Mabry

Carroll County citizens have lost a very special advocate: Susan Allen Mabry. She was long time county clerk who had served for decades with dignity, honesty, professionalism, and was without a doubt, the most knowledgeable county employee. Her actions showed time and again that she EDITOR/ kept the citizens best interests to heart.

PUBLISHER She knew the law as it governed her heavy responsibilities and she followed it to the letter. She was uniquely gifted and humble. It was because of her persistent, but ever polite guidance, that time after time clueless elected commission chairs appeared at least to the general public - to know what the heck was going on and why.

In fact, for one chair, she wrote out each public meeting’s agenda step by step with what he was to say written in red ink for easy following. Susan never took the glory or credit for her incredible dedication to doing the right thing. Susan will be missed.

The Golden City Lions Club: On page 3 of this edition, we cover the Golden City Lions Club of Villa Rica. What an amazing group of individuals! By comparision to other civic organizations, it is quite small, but - wow - does it pack a powerful punch in fundraising and donations!

Thank you! Thank you! to each of the fifteen - yes, only fifteen - members.

StarNews sponsored reporter Prissi Sullivan ($100 annual dues) to be a member before she passed away, so we have been familiar with this incredible club for many years. They are the real deal when it comes to commitment to reaching out to meet their community’s needs.

If you would like to express your thanks, or, even better, make a donation to one of their many causes: villaricagoldencitylionsclub@gmail.com Pioneer Ford’s 14th Annual “Trunk or Treat”: Once again, Bob Winiarczyk and his crew at Pioneer Ford in Bremen are hosting a “Trunk or Treat” event for area kids 12 years old or younger. A grand afternoon is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 28th 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Costume contest, moonwalks, hay rides, door prizes! For details on how to set up a trunk, call 770-537-3673.

“Leadership Luncheon”: If you are interested in becoming more knowledgeable about local government, how about buying a ticket for the upcoming “Leadership Luncheon” on Wednesday, Oct. 13th? (see page 6).

Villa Rica Main Street is host to these year round luncheons; the Oct. one will be held at the Villa Rica Civic Center & Sports Complex. A ticket must be purchased prior to ensure your meal and seat: jchumley@villarica.org Guest speaker is Villa Rica City Mayor Gil McDougal. He is a nononsense vocal mayor who has, so far, kept the city between the lines. We at the StarNews appreciate that as the taxpaying public, for sure, but, that doesn’t give us any spectacular headlines we can use! Oh, well, there’s always the county commission. . .

Chamber new employees and new mission statement: The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce has undergone leadership changes in recent months and has issued a new mission statement along with a current listing of employees: “Building a Stronger Business Community by Engaging Progressive Leadership and Diverse Resources.”

2021 Executive Committee: Chair: Jay Gill, Carroll EMC; Chair-Elect: Dr. Mark Albertus, Carrollton City Schools; Vice-Chair: Jill Duncan, State Farm Insurance; Treasurer: Keith West, Auto Supply Company; Past Chair: Kirby Butler, United Community Bank Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow staff: Karen Handel, President/CEO: karen@carroll-ga.org Rhyne Owenby, Vice President: rhyne@carroll-ga.org Katie Curtis, Events and Marketing Manager: katie@carroll-ga.org Joan Finch, Information Specialist: joan@carroll-ga.org

SUE

HORN

I would be honored to have your vote for re-election I bristle every time I hear someone call elected officials their leaders, we aren’t. Yes, candidates and those in elected positions need to have leadership skills, but none of us should expect to be your leader, but rather your representative for a self-governing people. However, there are some other things we need to strive to be and not be as well.

This may sound like a broken record soundbite for me, but it can’t be said enough: without integrity nothing else matters. If we can’t be principled, people of our word and trustworthy, we don’t belong in public office. If that is a rare thing, then it’s on us. Governing representatives can only remain in their current position if we choose to keep them there.

There is not a stereotypical box that someone needs to be in, in order to be fit for office. You don’t have to be a lawyer or have a wall full of degrees.

LESLIE

McPHERSON City of Villa Rica Council Member WARD 3 770-668-2013

lmcpherson@villarica.org “Citizen Legislators” should be citizens that come from a variety of walks of life, bringing different perspectives to the table. That does not negate the need to be studious, ever learning, doing the necessary homework and legwork to be current and knowledgeable of the issues that confront your position.

In my case, that would mean knowing and understanding the challenges, strengths and vision for our city of Villa Rica. It never ceases to

amaze me, the people who will run for office who seem to be absent from any involvement in ongoing municipal government activities such as council meetings, volunteer boards, citizen input gatherings for future city planning and appear to have a lack of knowledge that could even be gained by reading the local newspapers.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m as fallible as anyone else and am capable of tripping over my own feet, but it won’t be because I didn’t do my homework.

There are also some things we don’t want to be as representatives of the people. We don’t want to be one who operates or makes decisions based on fear, likeability, or going along to get along because going against the tide can be uncomfortable.

Sure, teamwork and civility are to be highly valued but if you want everyone to like you or you aren’t willing See McPHERSON page 22

Villa Rica’s staff and elected officials are working hard Like most municipalities, Villa Rica faces numerous challenges as we continue to grow. Our staff and elected officials are working hard on a number of fronts.

1. Water and Sewer: The Villa Rica water plant is 60 years old and is located in a flood plain. It has limited production capacity and draws water from three small lakes that make us very sensitive to drought. Carroll County Water sells us the rest of what we need each day. Our staff and several consultants are actively looking for an additional raw water source.

We estimate a new water plant will cost at least $20 million.

Villa Rica has two sewage plants.

The North plant is old, small and operates near capacity. It will cost around $10 million to expand and modernize this facility. Many additional millions of dollars will be required to upgrade our system of sewer collection pipes and pump stations. The newer West Plant, activated in 2011, is very efficient and can be

The tenacity to run

Tenacity is defined as courage, mental resilience, and moral strength.

It also implies a determination and a firmness of mind and will. Some would say that declaring one’s self as a political candidate, in a large metropolitan city, or a small municipality, takes tenacity and strong will. I agree.

I stand on the shoulders, and owe a debt to those who came before me, inconjunction with a vision, courage, and a belief that I too, Rhonda Yvette Keith, could be a City Council Member of Bowdon, Georgia, USA. To those unfamiliar, or new to the region, Bowdon Georgia is a friendly city located in Carroll County, Georgia. It is located near theGeorgia/Alabama state line. The main highways consist of State Routes 166 and 100. The total area is 3.4 square miles. As of 2019, the estimated population was 2,100.

It is my fundamental belief that I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper,

DANNY

CARTER City of Villa Rica Council Member WARD 5 770-687-9548

dcarter@villarica.org doubled in size for a reasonable cost.

This would provide treatment capacity for the entire city for decades to come.

2. Roads: Many of the roads in Villa Rica were not designed to handle today’s traffic volume, so they have to be rebuilt. We don’t have anything like a grid system, so traffic tends to congregate on State Highways 61, 78, and 101. Several choke points have been identified and will be improved.

Construction of the North By-Pass, which has been in the works for a couple of decades, is scheduled to go

RHONDA

KEITH

CANDIDATE City of Bowdon Council Member WARD 1

rykeith7@gmail.com we are one: “Epluribus unum.” On August 17, 2021, I submitted a noble commitment to represent the constituents of Ward 1, Bowdon. Since then, in preparation for the November 2, 2021 city at large election, I have been engaging and creating a local presence with voters through a welcoming and encouraging meet and greet, installing yard signs, and knocking on constituent’s doors. With transparency, I want you to know who I am, and why I have aspirations and the tenacity to run for City

to bid in April of 2022. Construction should begin by 2023 and finish by 2025, connecting Highway 101 near Gold Dust Park with Highway 61 north of Tanner Hospital and the Villa Rica Library.

3. Growth: Most of the vacant, developed lots from the 2008 recession have been completed. Recently constructed houses were almost always sold before or during construction. Older houses also sell quickly and vacant rental property is scarce. We are now beginning to review and approve new subdivisions, townhome developments, and apartment complexes throughout the city.

These new opportunities should be available for purchase or rent beginning in late 2022 and throughout 2023 and beyond.

The Villa Rica industrial park is full so a second industrial park is needed.

There aren’t many suitable tracks of land around Villa Rica that have the size, qualities and infrastructure See DANNY CARTER page 27 Council.

I’m Rhonda Yvette Keith, a native Bowdonian. My immediate family includes my mother, Mrs. Irene Keith, my late father, Mr. William Keith, and my brother, Kelvin Keith. After graduating from Bowdo High School, I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. I continued my education at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. My experience is diverse as I have worked as an International Flight Attendant for Delta Airlines. My personal story is laden with attentiveness, communication, and decision making.

After a long residency in Houston, Texas, I returned to Bowdon, Georgia, where I currently serve on the Communication and Lay Servant Ministries at New Hope United Methodist Church. My philosophy is woven into my work: “If you don’t See RHONDA KEITH page 27

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COMMENTARY

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Subdivisions: cans kicked down the road

ERNIE

REYNOLDS Carroll County COMMISSIONER District 5 It’s not always pleasant to address issues and bring about necessary solutions. So - cans get “kicked down the road” for someone else to deal with later. It’s called avoidance, or is it being “non-confrontational,” or is it the “ostrich syndrome,” or is it simply wanting to get voted into office again - so you don’t want to upset anyone by addressing what’s necessary because you want to compile votes - instead of resolving issues?! !

This happened, for example, with the rock quarry issue. Ordinances were not revised and clarified when issues were brought up several administrations ago. Nothing was done. Bad

Loggers lament

SYBIL

ROSEN THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com I intended to write something lighthearted this month, a rhapsody about turtles or mushrooms. But, as often happens, life intervened, this time with the arrival of the loggers.

They’re cutting down broad swaths of pines and hardwoods on the Carroll side of Plant Yates’ 500-acre greenbelt, where the cabin is imbedded at the edge of the river. As I write this, saws are whining and tree trunks are crashing to the ground a quarter-mile away.

The air smells like varnish. The road is

Time to ask questions

PATRICK

YURAN

Headmaster OAK MOUNTAIN ACADEMY

Editor’s note: In the September 12th edition, the headline for OMA Headmaster Patrick Yuran’s column was missing what turned out to be an essential - nay, indispensable - hyphen, without which changed the headline’s meaning entirely. To clarify, it should have read: “Independent schools managing Covid-caused instructional gaps”. And, definitely, not: “Independent schools managing Covid caused instructional gaps”. Apologies to Headmaster Yuran and the instructional staff at OMA! The word “rigor” is commonly used in independent schools when describing academic programming and promoting academic excellence. We use it in our marketing materials, on the school’s website, and throughout social media campaigns. The use of the term rigor adds value and credibility to any course of study or program and is fundamental to our approach related to academic preparation for students in independent schools.

So, I ask the questions: What is rigor? What do we mean when we use this term? How do

results happened. The can got kicked down the road. When I became aware of the problem, we (the Board of Commissioners) then immediately took steps to address and resolve it instead of worrying about trying to get votes!

I don’t kick cans down the road - that’s not my forte’ nor personality. I really detest the “ostrich syndrome.” Sticking one’s head in the sand and hoping the problem goes away, without being addressed, is not good. I will address my constituents’ issues - votes or no votes! I fully believe elected officials should care far more - really, should only care - about addressing and resolving constituents’ concerns, instead of trying to get votes.

It happened again. A can kicked down the road regarding agriculturally-zoned land tracts and developers finding loopholes in our ordinances to accommodate themselves and their profits - by splitting “parent” tracts of ag-zoned land several times to develop subdivisions in rural parts of the county - without having to call it a “subdivision” nor comply with existing subdivision ordinances.

When a situation like this was brought to my attention by my constituents in the Roopville area, I immediately took steps to resolve it.

After consulting the Community Development director and county attorney, a proposed ordinance was drafted to stop developers from their ongoing tactics. Such tactics are - that developers now purchase and split a “parent” (original) tract of agriculturally-zoned property several times, until they accomplish the desired number of tracts they wish to split this parent tract into.

For example, if they purchase a 200-acre agzoned tract, they can, theoretically, split it into 50 homesite tracts (aka subdivision lots), with each homesite tract / lot containing the required 4 acres (200 acres total, divided by 4 acres each, equals 50 tracts). Our ordinance does not allow a “parent” tract to be split more than 4 times, but developers get around this by splitting it 4 times on Monday, 4 more times on Tuesday, 4 more times on Wednesday, etc., etc., until they arrive at their desired 50 homesite tracts (in this hypothetical example).

Essentially, the existing 4-time split limit is meaningless, if it can be circumvented by splitting a tract 4 times per day.

This way, a developer skirts the issue of calling it a “subdivision,” which would require substantial improvement costs, such as putting in curb and gutter, etc. Consequently, from not having these “subdivision” costs, the developer gets to keep more profits. And the community gets to deal with the consequences. Those consequences of having 50 more homes in the middle of a rural area (in this hypothetical situation), although, in the Roopville area, my constituents were calling me about a very real proposed “subdivision” involving a total of 585 acres that a developer was proposing!

The proposed ordinance would have stopped such developments, unless the developer called them an actual subdivision and complied with the resulting stipulations to invest in roads and infrastructure for the development. The proposed ordinance simply indicated that, instead of a developer being able to split ag-zoned land See COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS page 23

churned up from the rain and the tracks of heavy machinery. Up around the mailbox, uprooted trees are tossed about like giant abandoned pick-up sticks, while the flayed, bent and broken younger trees and mashed vegetation bring to mind a battlefield, or the path of an F5 tornado.

This is not meant to be a diatribe about logging. After all, I’m a writer. Even in a digital age, paper is still my bread-and-butter. The StarNews is made from the fiber of trees. I walk on oak-planked floors, write at a walnut desk, insist on paying bills by mail. Wood keeps me warm in winter. My lifestyle rests on the national lust for timber, which makes me complicit in the death of these trees.

Moreover, I’m spoiled. For eighteen years I’ve walked a wooded paradise that extends far beyond the two-and-a-half acres stitched to the hem of the house. It was too easy to believe the forest would always be here and that it was all mine. Now, in the span of a morning, whole

swatches of woods disappear as if they had never been.

When I’m able to see past the land’s ravaged skin, I’m made aware of its underlying bones.

The famed Chattahoochee foothills - those ridges and swales that undulate to the water, once obscured beneath a lofty canopy - have suddenly been exposed. And I’d be lying if I said the roll and sweep of this new vista holds no promise of wide open spaces and a bigger sky.

So, it isn’t logging’s purpose, or even its final result, that has me most deeply shattered, but rather how it is done. The men who do this work are kind. They meet my eyes; they feel my pain. They use discreet words like ‘harvest’ and ‘closure.’ They can see I’m not taking this well.

In the fog-laden dawns the dog and I wander the carnage like ghosts of our former selves, he bewildered by the sudden absence of beloved spots to lift a hind leg, me derelict and raw in

torn pajamas, hair tangled as tree roots. My wan face reflects the inescapable fact that trees are being killed at a numbing rate. The crew reassures me the pines will be replanted and truthfully, that helps.

There is comfort in remembering that nature can renew. But it doesn’t dilute the shock and grief I’m grappling with presently. Everything I thought I knew: the familiar play of light through leaves; the thick shield of summer green; a sense of order, continuity. Gone. The dependable beauty replaced by an ugly chaos made with a seemingly blind eye, a disregard for living things.

I suppose one has to be jaded to accomplish a brutal, dangerous task. The pounding, punishing work required to satisfy our hunger for wood must be hard on a human body. The loggers are a bit like the vet who puts down your dog; maybe I ought to thank them for doing a job I couldn’t or wouldn’t want to do.

See RIVER RAMBLES page 23

we measure it? How is it delivered? And, most importantly, is it currently being implemented in such a way that is healthy for our students?

Typically, when we use the term rigor, we are referring to the level of difficulty within a student’s workload. It is measured and associated with desirable outcomes such as above average standardized test scores, additional weight added to GPAs for specific courses, scholarship dollars, and admission to the top colleges/universities. A student’s heavy workload combined with the pressure of getting accepted into selective colleges and universities have become the norm. As a result, we as a society, have normalized the extremely high stress levels within some of our students, and as a result, we have seen debilitating side effects.

I am in no way implying that academic achievement through a difficult workload and the aspiration for acceptance into selective colleges and universities are not admirable and goal worthy for ALL students. I am, however, saying that an argument can be made against unnecessary, unhealthy academic stress leading SOME students down a road of distress.

According to a 2021 NAIS article by Olaf Jorgenson, “We need to question the role that rigor, and the needlessly stressful, content-focused learning design it perpetuates, plays in secondary schools today, at least as the predominant model. Not only is this sort of rigor unhealthy for kids, it’s not

what they need to grow and thrive.” I personally agree with Jorgenson and do not believe that we should put student achievement above student wellness.

Now entering the second year of a global pandemic, we have a significant amount of research to show the increasing rates of anxiety disorders, depression, suicide, and self-harm among students. Those of us who have been active in independent schools throughout this pandemic have witnessed the increased stress among our students at an alarming rate.

Current studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Institutes of Health have found significant increases in depression and anxiety since the start of the pandemic.

Although many students in our independent schools are of the caliber that thrive in the highpressure, content- focused models caring workloads we associate with high rigor, there is a small subset of students who do not... For these few, the same level of rigor we place on them is debilitating, mind-numbing, fear-striking, sleep-depriving, and stress-inducing. Again, according to Jorgenson, these students “plod on, frequently developing an intense dislike for school. Many ultimately fall short of the elite college prize, unrealistic though it may have been as a goal, despite the sacrifices they made for four years of their youth. For these students, academic rigor in college prep high schools amounts to suffering.”

For the many students who thrive and can

handle the high level of rigor, we must continue to support their goals by offering the high-pressure, content-focused models in our independent schools.

Our role today as administrators in independent schools is to find a way to accommodate ALL students in a personalized model with a healthy level of attainable, realistic rigor for each individual student. I believe we can achieve this goal by asking ourselves the important questions around rigor.

Many independent schools are asking these important questions and beginning to redefine rigor in a way that leans more towards student engagement and empowerment. In these schools, rigor is being measured not only by academic achievement, but also by community participation and overall wellness.

The level of academic rigor in the classroom is being delivered in a more customized manner factoring in the student’s mental and emotional capacity. This personalized, balanced, approach to rigor is being implemented in a more positive way producing overall wellrounded students prepared for the academic, social, and emotional challenges of college/university life.

Rigor should be healthy, and the school experience should be rewarding – not crushing.

We owe it to our independent school families to take on this challenge and ask the important questions around rigor. After all, we are producing our future leaders.

COMMENTARY

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StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 21

Without a voice, you are just giving your part away

BILL

BOURIS digi@mindspring.com We have a library in Whitesburg. In late 200,2 some of us decided that we would try to have a library in the Whitesburg area. It was very much needed. For the next few years, we collected $250,000, including Whitesburg SPLOST funds, built the library and then handed it over to local government to be run by our local library system, the West Georgia Regional Library System, as part of the Georgia State Library System. The only state funds came after its completion, when one of our state representatives, a self-professed libertarian, being so impressed with our daring and achievement, helped get $20,000 worth of computer equipment.

Its doors, one front and one back, opened in 2008. It shares a parking lot with the Whitesburg Elementary School and the school’s gymnasium building. Therefore, the school’s pupils and teachers have easy and safe

access to the library and its many programs.

Those programs are rich and varied, from story-telling, play-reading, and arts and crafts for the children to topics in home economics, book club, and free movies for the grown-ups, computer instruction for all, as well as outdoor activities such as gardening. We’ve even had an observation of a solar eclipse with guidance and commentary by a local expert. Similar programs are offered at all the other libraries.

And then there is the high-speed internet connection, mandated by the state for all its libraries. This has turned out to be a wise requirement. In a rural setting such as ours, the very fundamentals of 21st century life just wouldn’t be there for us or our children. Much credit is due to Georgia’s library system for having the foresight that led to the requirement of the high-speed internet connection years before it became a national issue.

Our library’s parking lot is often occupied by visitors who need that wi-fi connection because it is not otherwise available in their area, or the user cannot afford the subscription fee for the service. The usual reasons for having a public library still hold, but we now have new ones: the free availability of hi-speed internet, plus if the user would enter the building, free computer help and training. These new reasons are particularly important to under-served

communities. They are becoming of vital importance where poverty dominates.

When you enter our library there are several placards on either side of the doorway. They contain a brass name-plate for each individual volunteer or contributor. One thrilling moment in my life was when Mrs. Jackie Pate, who was emceeing the opening ceremony, asked for those who helped, to rise and be recognized, and a couple of hundred of us citizens stood up. Bang! In a moment, we had all stood up, proud of ourselves and proud for our community.

Some day the story of this project will be told. This is not that story. This article is an attempt to bring some understanding to subjects that have gradually grown in importance to our county. I think that the Whitesburg Public Library project may have revealed the earliest sign of these changes. In this regard, I ask for the reader’s indulgence: I will be referring to our library, though it is not the main subject.

Our main population centers, Carrollton and Villa Rica, have always had their “suburbs”.

I’m referring to the areas just outside those cities’ limits. Those “suburbs” have always had a higher population density than the rest of rural Carroll County. Also, cities like Whitesburg, Mt. Zion, Roopville, and even

Temple have had, until recent times, neighboring rural areas that had population densities more like Carroll’s rural population density. In other words, these cities have had no “suburbs”.

The population of incorporated Whitesburg has not grown. But its neighboring rural population has grown significantly, and here’s where I think some of the county’s future problems lie. For example, just a few years ago, the county’s funds for its libraries were divided proportionately according to the population of each library’s city. For us in the Whitesburg area, the resulting reduction in funding due to the “city-population” formula soon led to a perception that our library was in danger of being closed! In fact, The Friends of the Whitesburg Library had to come up with thousands of dollars to cover the shortfall. To me, personally, after some ten years of successful operation, the situation was appalling. Since then the funding formula has been adjusted, recognizing that the population of our library’s users exists beyond our city’s boundary. And, the county has added to its share of the library budget. So we’re still in business.

From its inception, we have thought of our library as a rural library. That made us unique, See BILL BOURIS page 23

Religion does have an important role in public life, and it is positive

LEE

HAMILTON PROFESSOR Indiana University Center on Representative Government The question of what role religion should play in American public life is difficult and controversial. It produces a lot of heated debate and no easy answers. My view is that religion has a role to play in our political life and that its impact on our democracy is largely positive.

It’s true that religion can be misused in politics. Some politicians wield religion as a weapon, using it to support their positions; they argue, in effect, that God is on their side. We pay attention to political figures’ religious beliefs and practices, and may often question whether they are sincere, suspecting their displays of religion are for show.

Not surprisingly, Americans have debated where to draw the line between religion and government since the beginning.

The founders, who were not uniform in their religious views, left room for disagreement. In the Declaration of Independence, they said we owe our rights to “our creator,” but the Constitution doesn’t refer to God. State constitutions often reference God or the divine.

However, religious language is ubiquitous in American life. The Pledge of Allegiance refers to “one nation under God.” Our currency bears the motto “In God we trust.” Almost all presidents and most members of Congress have been affiliated with a church and identified as Christian.

Americans have mixed views on these matters. According to Pew Research Center surveys, just over half say it’s important for the president to have strong religious beliefs, and roughly half say the Bible should influence U.S. laws. About a third say that government policies should support religious values; a majority say churches should “stay out of

politics.”

In fact, churches are not infrequently restricted by law in their political activity, despite constitutional protection of free speech and religious freedom. We’ve long had laws to prevent churches and other tax-exempt nonprofits and charities from participating in election campaigns.

The First Amendment enshrines freedom of religion as a fundamental right: Government can’t prohibit the free exercise of religion, and it can’t compel religious practice. Thomas Jefferson famously wrote that the amendment created a “wall of separation” between church and state. Some Americans argue that means there should be no connection between religion and government.

My view is that religion is integral to people’s lives, and should be a part of our political discourse. Why? It focuses our attention on transcendent purposes, not just our own self-interest.

Faith traditions teach that we are all children of the same God or part of the same web of

life. Religion fosters qualities of compassion and empathy, which is needed in public life.

Some think of religion as being aligned exclusively with conservative politics, but that isn’t always the case. Churches and clergy have been at the forefront of efforts to abolish slavery, welcome immigrants, promote civil rights, and prevent war.

Religion and politics are certainly separate spheres. Religion is concerned with faith, beliefs, spirituality and morality, and, in some traditions, eternity. The primary business of politics is, of course, political power.

Sometimes religion and politics seem diametrically opposed. Those of us who participate in politics must be careful when we bring religion into the public arena. The temptation is to suggest God approves of our political views and is on our side on the issues.

But religion can be an antidote to the selfishness, cynicism, and nihilism that often infect our politics. For that reason, I hope religion continues to play a role in our public life.

speak on their behalf. Most of the time, they are only seen in court.

However, the fact that a person is being seen in court is important too. To illustrate by example, I once had a marijuana case in Heard County Superior Court before Judge Keeble. I worked out a deal with the prosecutor whereby my client would not have a drug conviction. As the 9:00 a.m. hour settled in, my client strolled into court with a pair of torn blue jeans and a tee shirt. My eyes popped out as I noticed that my client also had a very large picture of a marijuana “blunt” right in the middle of the front of his tee shirt. I was grateful that I was able to catch him in the back of the courtroom and suggest some clothing alternatives. He returned 15 minutes later and was appropriately dressed.

That is an extreme example. All clients and witnesses should dress as if they were on their way to Sunday school. This could be a suit, golf shirt and slacks, or a button-down collared shirt. I suggest wearing a conservative outfit.

For those folks who live a “dressed down” lifestyle, that is completely fine. They just need one outfit that is appropriate for court.

There is one exception. Some work clothes are appropriate. For instance, it is fine if a person appears in court wearing a company uniform. This shows everyone, particularly the judge and prosecutor, that the person is a working man or woman. Having a good job can be critical in many cases.

BE MENTALLY PREPARED: Some court appearances are routine, dull, and inconvenient to all parties. But, there are some that can have a vital importance to a case.

Before going to court, it is important to at least touch base with the lawyer regarding what to expect. A person may need to look at their prior testimony, statements (if he or she is a witness), or be prepared to address the judge or the prosecuting attorney in some cases.

Knowing the facts of the case can make a huge difference in the outcome.

The most important aspect of being mentally

prepared is controlling anxiety. It is natural to be nervous in court; especially if the person is testifying. Talented attorneys can be brutal during cross-examination. The goal is to turn the witness’s anxiety into anger. When the jury or the judge see a witness get angry while the lawyer is calm, the lawyer has won.

BE ON TIME: This would seem to be obvious. But, I have seen hundreds of people show up late for court. This shows disrespect for the judge, puts the lawyer in a difficult situation, and can result in the issuance of a bench warrant. If a true emergency comes up, like an emergency room visit, then the client needs to get the appropriate paperwork to the lawyer as soon as possible. Oftentimes, proper documentation will clear up issues of being late or failing to show up for court.

These are just some common-sense ideas to assist in a more successful experience in court.

They are easy to follow and will have a positive impact on your case whether it is criminal or civil.

How to prepare for court

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. Over the years, I have learned that some of the “little things” can make a bigger impact on a case than you might expect. One of those “little things” is simply preparing yourself for a court appearance. Whether you are a client, witness, or have some other business before a court, there is a level of preparedness that a person needs to achieve.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE: Since most people who attend court are clients, this is probably the most important and easiest aspect of court preparedness.

Clients usually rely on their attorneys to

Page 22 October 10, 2021

StarNews

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Ways to stay strong with faith

must consider your audience. If you know that the person you are going to speak with does not like coffee, you may not want to go to a coffee shop for a meeting. I think that you should try to find a time and place that gives you best advantage. It is probably not a good idea to discuss major matters with a distracted person. Try to have their undivided attention.

Please remember you can confront without being mean hearted.

Know yourself and your mind in the subject.

Try to find some common ground to build to a compromise, if it is necessary. Some matters there are no comprises. Pray for wisdom before speaking. When you get a chance, check out the story in the Bible of a lady named Esther.

The book only has ten chapters, but it shows how Esther had a real problem and how she handled it. Just thinking, this lady was about to talk to her husband the king and if he did not favor her, she would have been killed. That was a meeting that saved not only her life but the lives of her people. Read the Book of Esther for yourself and share it with a friend.

Number Two: be strong and stay strong in leaving. Now, leaving does not make you a quitter. Sometimes, it is time to go. Perhapsyou have discussed your thoughts and feelings with someone and they do not care. How did that

make you feel? What did that say about what that person thinks about you? And should you give yourself and time in this relationship?

That decision is up to you but know that God thinks very highly of you. The scriptures tells us in Romans 12:3 “… not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think …”. Note it did not say to not think highly of you. You have the spirit and power of God flowing within you. Wow! You are somebody. When God made you, He broke the mold. There is not another person like you on this planet. If you are not treated with respect and dignity, you may have to leave and go somewhere where they will appreciate you and your gift.

No, this is not permission to leave because you are not getting your way. Do not think that you are not supposed to work. Your productivity is important to the sustainability of that company.

Number Three: be strong and stay strong in staying. So, you decided that you are not going to leave. Don’t be at your job complaining and causing problems. You never know, one day you may be the boss. Learn all that you can and know that God is watching you with loving eyes. That tough boss or supervisor could be the one God is using to help get the most talent and potential out of you. Perhaps they can see you are not doing your best, cheating

both yourself and the company from providing a higher level of service. My coaches and teachers challenged me to know various subjects, sports’ plays and skills well enough to perform in high stress situations. Did I succeed in every trial? No, but success was in the growth through experiences. I found new ways to enjoy the journey. I had to sacrifice time and resources to stay strong.

Remember God sees and He cares about us all. This also includes that boss who gets on your last nerve. Perhaps it could be your commitment to have a good attitude that changes their attitude. If you are going to stay, be strong in God’s word to you and for you.

I hope that these three points encourage you to be strong and stay strong in character. We all face our challenges in life. Remember that you are never alone. God sees and cares about you and what you are going through. There is no test that you will face that you and your God cannot go through together. I cannot promise you that it will not hurt. I cannot promise you that you will not want to quit sometimes. Just remember you have a God that sees and cares about you more than you can imagine.

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” Psalm 27:14.

In verse 19 we are commissioned to “go.” The meaning is, “as we are going.” The language indicates that Christ intended the Christian to witness about Him. When a person trust Jesus Christ as Savior they are to identify with Him through believers baptism. We are commissioned then to help the new believer to grow in maturity teaching them

the Word of God. 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” Teams work hard conditioning their bodies and building muscle.

God wants you to develop spiritual muscles.

The last part of the Great Commission is to send believers out to share Jesus with others.

See LEMMINGS page 27

johnlemmings316@gmail.com It is football season! This is the favorite time of the year for many people. A time to watch your favorite high school, college, or pro teams do battle on the gridiron. Most football players want to play the game and not stand on the sidelines watching everyone else play. In my playing days, I never wanted to stand and watch others play. I wanted to get in the game.

The Legendary Coach Vince Lombardi had just lost to a team they should have easily defeated. Coach Lombardi, with a football in hand, told his players, “Men, today we will get

back to the basics.” Holding the football up he said, “This is a football.”

I believe that the most important business of the church is to let people know they do not have to die without knowing Jesus Christ as their Savior. We must get back to the basics and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost and hurting world. The gospel is good news and that good news is the fact that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and He resurrected on the third day. Jesus is alive!

Before any game the coach will give the “keys” to the game. These are things believed that must happen in order for the team to win.

The coach may say things like no turnovers, stay with your blocks, good special team play, etc. Christians have been given the keys to victory already by our Lord Jesus Christ.

What are these Keys to Victory given?

1. Stay with the game plan: Matthew 28:18-20 is what is called the Great Commission. The church has been commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations.

McPHERSON from page 19 stand alone on principle, then being a citizen legislator is not the place to be. Tough or unpopular decisions at times do have to be made. Believe me, it is much easier just to go with the flow but for a person of principle that is not possible.

This may hit a little closer to home, but I’d like to point out that these concepts are not just theoretical but must be played out on the ground in real life. We should always wrestle with ourselves when making decisions even about zoning laws as it relates to people’s personal property rights.

On a larger scale, over the last sixteen months here locally we suddenly found ourselves in unfamiliar territory. We watched and heard as decisions were contemplated and even made in some cases based on fear not fact and on herd mentality. Governing officials and even worse unelected boards made decisions that didn’t even take into consideration individual’s or business owner’s personal liberties and rights and in some cases defied common sense (i.e. shut down small businesses but keep open

the big box stores with hundreds of people in them). That’s just one example, but you get the idea. I’m not speaking against using caution and certainly not against personal responsibility but for goodness sake, slow down, take a look at the whole picture and make sound decisions based on reason and personal responsibility not fear.

Most of what I’ve shared with you has been overall principles that I use in guiding my daily governing decisions but what I hope is our shared vision for Villa Rica has to do with quality of life issues here in the city of gold.

Priorities which consist of: revitalization, quality growth, fiscal transparency and responsibility, fully funded law enforcement and low crime.

Overall I want Villa Rica to be a great place to raise a family, own a business and have a good job, homes that middle class citizens can afford and a historic downtown we can be proud of.

If you believe I have earned it, I would be honored to have your vote for re-election. Leslie McPherson

CJ

MADDOX III Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) Hello family, I am writing to encourage you all to stay strong. In these trying times, we must be and stay strong. I have three points.

First, be and stay strong in your conversation.

Second, be strong and stay strong in your choice to separate from negative situations.

Third, be strong and stay strong in remaining in the fire or test.

Number one: be strong and stay strong in conversation. I can imagine you are probably thinking I mean you should argue your point with conviction. I mean: identify the problem; think about it; write down a pro and con list; and then pray to see if you are the problem, or the devil, or if God is up to something. Now, when you have gone through all those steps, you need to decide on how you are going to carry out this plan. This is important, as you

Get in the game

JOHN

LEMMINGS

PASTOR Journey Fellowship Baptist Church www.journeyfbc.com

State Rep Tyler Paul Smith Tyler Paul Smith

Georgia State Representative, District 18 18 Capitol Square- Suite 408 CLOB Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Office: 404-657-1803

District Address: 3002 Cashtown Road

Bremen, Georgia 30110

www.starnewsgaonline.com BILL BOURIS from page 21 for our sister libraries are thought of as creations by their host cities, more as urban libraries, more as a sign of a city’s growth and progress. Relatively speaking, our city has not grown in population, but the outlying areas have.

I’m guessing that similar problems are about to happen in other parts of Carroll County, that residents of the unincorporated areas are growing in number and finding their voice.

COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS from page 20 4 times per day, the developer could split it 4 times, then would need to wait a period of time (in the proposed case, 2 years) before splitting it again. This would have created a disincentive for developers to skirt existing “subdivision” ordinances.

However, placing this time period between splits of ag-zoned land made real estate agents and surveyors realize they would likely feel this in their wallets and purses.

So, they quickly voiced opposition. It is interesting how money and profits are such a driving force in the actions and decisions of mankind. Money issues came out in force against the more humane and positive issues of tranquil, rural home life and even compliance with existing “subdivision” requirements! It reminds me of the song by Neil Diamond, “Money talks, but it can’t sing and dance and it can’t walk…” Sometimes, we need to decide what we value more!

The impacted rural residents of my District 5, however, voiced support for placing this time limit between splits of ag-zoned land. I feel, from the numerous calls, texts, emails, etc. that I received, that my constituents have decided what they value more - and it’s not the dollar.

A couple concerns were indicated about grandparents, for example, wanting to split RIVER RAMBLES from page 20 What I’m about to say next is naive and impractical. But I can’t seem to forget the trees I saw in New Orleans months after Hurricane Katrina had uprooted them. Canal Street begins as a wide residential boulevard with a sizable median between opposing lanes of traffic. After the storm, the dead live-oaks that once lined the street with generous splendor were piled high on the greenway. The neat and deliberate way the enormous trunks were stacked was in itself a gesture of compassion and respect. That care helped to ease the ache of the oaks’ demise. But then, this is a city that loves its trees and was desperately trying to heal.

It does make me question though: Why must logging happen with such scorched-earth disarray? A gentler process would no doubt take more time and cost more money, but a less destructive approach might refute the damaging argument in the court of public opinion that loggers see trees only as commodities and so their loss is of little concern.

My solution is no solution, I know that. A societal shift in consciousness would need to occur and short of a miracle, I don’t see that happening anytime soon. To wean us off our dependence on wood I might be willing to forego paper, but what’s the alternative to lumber? More plastic? More concrete? No, thank you.

I don’t have another answer. Only this: That anything done with love and attention changes the energy, rearranges perceptions. In an earlier Rambles, I asked about the legal rights of trees and rivers. At the very least, don’t trees have the right to a dignified death, considering all we ask of them to create what we call civilization?

StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 23

My first article for the StarNews was “The Three Challenges of Whitesburg”, telling the history of how the Whitesburg area has been finding its voice: First, to combat the great interstate river-front garbage dump, and next to prevent the spread of the Wolf Creek development, and most recently to prevent the establishment of a rock quarry on the river.

A few paragraphs ago I mentioned that wonderful moment when 200 of our citizens stood up to be recognized for their help in

creating a library. To me, that was a great There the effort is to prevent something like the example of the heart and voice of a community. rapid and repeated subdivisions of large Almost 50 years ago, Margery and I met the agricultural tracts in order to install many Carrollton Federal banker to whom we made houses on 4-acre lots, while maintaining application for the purchase of the property we Agricultural Zoning. now have. He invited us into his office, asked When such issues develop, there had better to please be seated, and as he rounded his desk be a voice of the community in the situation. It and prepared to sit, he asked for the location of is important. Consider “Madison Avenue”. Of the property we were interested in. As I told all the sectors of our economy they know the him “Whitesburg”, he sort of collapsed into his fundamental importance of having a voice. chair, “Whitesburg!? What?”

They know that Recognition is a necessary Our community has evolved. A lot. ingredient to an earned Reward.

Further down Hwy 5, in the Roopville area, Without a voice you’re just giving your part land more than 4 times to give it to 6 our neighbors seem to be finding their voice. away. grandchildren/children.

This would not have been a problem under what was proposed, as there are Intra-Family Transfer Variances that could be applied for in those situations. And yes, appropriate homesites are needed in our county - and yes, government should not intrude, only protect, our citizens.

Now it is time for me to get with all parties and work out a compromise resolution.

Working toward beneficial compromises for the good of the county, and especially District 5 in my case, is what we should do. I enjoy doing Voted Best Salon! it and look forward to a good outcome. Such mutual effort, working with all parties, is a positive endeavor. And it benefits the county while not kicking the can down the road.

I’m always glad to handle my constituents’ concerns. This is not my issue - it is theirs they brought it to me. I am their elected representative - and I intend to represent them Tues & Wed: 9am-6pm•Thurs: 9am-8pm Fri. 9am-5pm•Sat: 9am-3pm well, not the dollar nor the vote!

Have a

bootiful

J Best Hair Halloween

770.456.8358 227 South Carroll Road Villa Rica

Petjam

Page 24 October 10, 2021

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

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StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 25

Most frequently asked questions

ELLEN & SCOTT

McBRAYER JONES-WYNN FUNERAL HOME You may wonder what the ten most frequently asked questions are in funeral service.

Well, the truth is that there are hundreds and hundreds of questions! In this issue, we thought we would discuss the more frequently asked questions made known to us in funeral service.

How long will it take to get the death certificates? We hear this question for many various reasons, and almost every family asks some kind of question that relays the importance of obtaining the death certificates in a timely fashion. The answer to this question generally falls into two main categories.

The first category we will call the standard time category. If the death occurs under the supervision of a hospice nurse or hospice facility, a hospital, or another type medical facility, the death certificate can usually be obtained

within a month or sooner. The manner and cause of these deaths is usually clear and less difficult to ascertain, which makes the completion of the certificate faster.

We will label the second category the delayed category. This category involves a determination of death that is concluded with results from an autopsy or other possible testing, including toxicology reports. These results usually take time, as long as 6-12 months in some cases.

The second question: Do you contact Social Security for us? Yes, we fax a statement of death by the funeral director to the Social Security office for their records. Any issues or questions that your family has will need to be handled by your family with a phone call or an appointment.

Another frequent question pertains to how many pallbearers are needed? We usually suggest that either six or eight is the safest number because of the balance and spacing concerning the casket. If more than eight pallbearers are requested, we encourage the family to utilize them as honorary pallbearers who walk behind or in front of the casket.

One of the common questions we are hear-

Carroll County Department of Public Health

ing more and more each day is: can we pay our funeral expenses ahead of time?

We make prepayment or prefunding possible with options of full payment or payment plans over a monthly or yearly period of time.

Prefunding your funeral expenses allows you to lock in the days current prices and avoid price increases that could occur as inflation influences the cost of services.

Families also ask us about securing military honors for their loved ones. When a family provides an honorable discharge form (DD214), we submit it to the VA Department for a US burial flag, a plot cost allowance, and a VA marker. We also arrange for the appropriate military branch to provide honors for the veteran’s service, whether the honors are performed at the funeral home, church, or cemetery.

Obituaries are another common topic that we provide solutions and answers for when it comes to creating and submitting them to newspapers and websites. After taking time to carefully construct the obituary with the family’s approval and input, we work out the details of contacting and placing the obituary in its proper location.

Concerning funding and monetary questions, we often hear the question of whether or not people can use an insurance policy to pay for final expenses? Yes, you can do that in most cases.

The funeral home needs to be presented with the insurance company and the policy number.

Once we have that, we are able to verify that the policy is in good standing and can be used as an assignment for expenses. Usually, the beneficiary signs the beneficiary forms and permits the funeral home to begin the claim process.

We hope these questions help you and your family when it comes time for funeral planning and preparations.

We can always be reached for further questions and information, so feel free to call us at 770-459-3694.

Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory and Meadowbrook Memory Gardens “A Family Serving Families® ...Since 1950” 770-459-3694 - 770-942-2311 www.jones-wynn.com www.facebook.com/MeadowbrookMemoryG ardens www.facebook.com/WynnMcBrayer caringbridge.org/visit/mcbrayer

To view complete inspection details: dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health

restaurant health inspections scores

09/02/2021: C&K Auction/Variety 1805 Mt Zion Rd Carrollton 100 previous 100 09/27/2021: Stewart House Retirement 102 South St Carrollton 99 previous 100 09/15/2021: Bankhead Grill & Bar 1202 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 98 previous 90 09/27/2021: Mustard Seed Cafe 2115 Maple St Carrollton 96 previous 100 09/02/2021: Popeye’s 100 Hickory Level Rd Villa Rica 96 previous 100 09/02/2021: Heavenly Bowls 1601 Maple St Carrollton 96 previous 96 95 previous 99 09/29/2021: Majestic Senior Living 501 Mitchell Ave Bowdon 09/20/2021: Big Chic 910 C S Park St Carrollton 95 previous 98 09/20/2021: Hibachi Express 530 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 94 previous 100 09/16/2021: IHOP 1615 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 94 previous 99 09/07/2021: Arby’s 1322 S Park St Carrollton 94 previous 96 09/01/2021: El Ranchio 606 Carrollton Villa Rica Hwy Villa Rica 94 previous 94 94 previous 94 09/07/2021: Olive Garden 1379 S Park St Carrollton 09/13/2021: City Tavern 109 Newnan St Carrollton 94 previous 93 Violations: Observed black mold on ice machine shield. Racks observed with food debris. Gaskets observed with heavy debris.

09/13/2021: Carroll County Sales Barn 225 Sales Barn Rd Carrollton 94 previous 91 Violations: Observed pink mold on ice machine shield.

09/15/2021: Pita Mediterranean 1435 Hwy 27 St 500 Carrollton 94 previous 91 Violations: Observed old mold debris build-up on drink nozzles.

09/08/2021: Waffle House 1201 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 93 previous 95 09/08/2021: Shane’s Rib Shack 1141 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 92 previous 97 09/27/2021: G-Town Wings 1302 Maple St Carrollton 92 previous 94 09/16/2021: McDonald’s 593 Carrollton St Temple 92 previous 94 91 previous 100 09/15/2021: Waffle House 1122 Maple St Carrollton 09/21/2021: Subway 24 W Hwy 5 Whitesburg 91 previous 99 09/09/2021:Subway/Dunkin Donuts 95 Liberty Rd Pilot Travel Center Villa Rica 91 previous 95 Violations: Heavy mold build-up inside ice machine on Dunkin Donuts side. Bottle of oven cleaner on prep top next to crackers.

09/21/2021: Winggers 4720 E Hwy 166 Ste A Carrollton 91 previous 90 09/16/2021: LaFinca 727 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 90 previous 97 Violations: Observed mold build-up on soda drink nozzles.

09/13/2021: Giovanni’s 1124 N Park St Carrollton 90 previous 94 Violations: Observed black mold on ice machine shield.

09/01/2021: Pita Pit 106 Adamson Sq Carrollton 90 previous 94 Violations: Several prepped food contrainers in walk-in cooler with prep dates extending as far back as 8/21 stored for use. Instructed to discard any prepped potentially hazardous foods over 7 days old.

09/28/2021: The Border 1210 Maple St Carrollton 89 previous 80 Violations: Soda nozzles observed with mold build-up. Ice machine observed with mold build-up on shield.

09/16/2021: Wendy’s 625 Carrollton St Temple 88 previous 95 Violations: Mold present on shield at ice machine.

09/14/2021: Waffle House 821 S Park St Carrollton 88 previous 95 Violations: Ice machine observed with mold build-up on shield and on right side of wall above ice line.

09/13/2021: Smoothie King 1670 Hwy 27 Ste 100 Carrollton 86 previous 100 09/09/2021: Hacienda 1004 Bankhead Hwy Ste 100 Carrollton 85 previous 95 Violations: Observed raw beef stored abelow raw chicken. Observed raw fish stored below raw beef. Observed some mold in ice machine.

09/14/2021: Little Donkey 1561 S Park St Ste B4 Carrollton 85 previous 80 Violations: Observed mold on ice shield at ice machine.

09/28/2021: Samba Loca 104 Adamson Sq Carrollton 84 previous 93 09/09/2021: Sonic 100 Park Ridge Dr Villa Rica 83 previous N/A Violations: Heavy mold build-up on drink nozzles. Heavy grease and debris buildup on equipment (fryers, grill, etc.)

09/10/2021: Plates On The Square 301 Adamson Sq Carrollton 81 previous 97

tourist accomodation inspections scores

09/17/2021: Red Roof Inn 1111 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 92 previous 86 Violations: Observed excessive mold build-up in ice mahcein chute.

73 previous 80 09/29/2021: Crown Inn 102 Crown Ct Carrollton Violations: Live roaches and squashed bugs everywhere in hotel due to ripped screens, open windows, and missing weather strip. Mold in ice machine shield.

Bathrooms have holes in walls. Trash everywhere in hallways and stairwells.

Furniture is in disrepair, needs cleaning. Stains in furniture and draperies. Patron laundry room has trash everywhere and ponding water everywhere. Grounds are littered with trash and dumpster missing. Cord to main fridge has been ripped and fixed with electrical tape. Cords hanging out of walls.

public swimming pool inspections scores 09/03/2021: Hampton Inn 28 Price Creek Rd Bremen 100 SATISFACTORY 09/08/2021: Courtyard by Marriott 180 Barnes Ave Carrollton 99 SATISFACTORY 09/08/2021: Lakeshore Park Pool 116 Lumpkin Dr Carrollton 99 SATISFACTORY 09/03/2021: Mayfair At Carrollton 318 Columbia Dr Carrollton 99 SATISFACTORY 09/03/2021: Wyndham Fairfield Plantation 1602 Lakeview Pkwy Villa Rica 98 SATISFACTORY

Page 26 October 10, 2021

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Financial moves for women business owners

C HANTRICE

SWINT

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

If you’re a woman who owns a business, you may have some challenges not shared by your male peers – but you also have several opportunities to help improve your financial future. You may already be taking some or all the right steps, but here are some ideas to be sure you’re considering and revisiting as your business grows: • Refresh your network. Are you involved in networking with other women business owners? Many of them may have insights into the issues women face in the business world, as well as suggestions about lending programs

and business-friendly banks. You may also enjoy passing along your lessons learned.

• Review your business structure. If you go into business as a sole proprietor, you’ll have to report your business income on your personal income tax return. If you incorporate or form a limited liability company (LLC), you can protect your personal assets, such as your house and your investments, from creditors because these assets will be separated from your business assets/debts. You might also consider more complex entities, known as C and S corporations. There’s no single “correct” business structure and the most appropriate one may change, so, in choosing one that’s right for your needs, you’ll want to consult with your tax and legal advisors.

• Invest for growth. Ideally, hard work produces results, and one of the main results you

Carroll County marriage licenses

want from your investments is growth – that is, you want your investments to appreciate in value so they can eventually help you meet your goals. But if you are overconcentrated in vehicles such as certificates of deposit (CDs) and government securities, you may end up lowering your growth potential. That’s not to say that CDs and Treasury bills are in some sense “lazy.” They can provide you with income and help you reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. But to achieve most of your goals, you’ll need a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments working for you, with the exact percentage based on your needs and life stages.

• Do an insurance checkup. To protect yourself and your business, you may want to review your insurance to make sure you have the right kinds and amount of coverage.

SEPTEMBER 1-30, 2021

General liability insurance can be appropriate for sole proprietors, if you’ve established an LLC or you’ve incorporated your business. If you provide some type of professional service (i.e., legal, accounting, engineering and so on), you might need professional liability insurance. And no matter what business you own, you might want to add disability insurance to replace some of the income you’d lose if you were injured or became ill.

• Consider all your retirement options. If you’ve got your own business, you’re solely responsible for funding your retirement.

Fortunately, as a business owner, you’ve got several attractive options, including an “owner-only” 401(k), a SEP-IRA and a SIMPLE IRA. In deciding which plan is right for you, you’ll need to consider several factors, including the number of employees, if any, and the nature of your business. However, all these plans are relatively easy to set up and administer and offer potential tax benefits.

And even though you’ve got plenty to do already, you should make the time to establish or review your own retirement plan – because eventually you’ll need all the resources you can accumulate to enjoy life as a former business owner.

You can also find valuable information on programs for women business owners by visiting the Small Business Administration’s website at www.sba.gov and searching for “women-owned businesses.” Running your own business can be challenging – but by making some positive financial moves and getting the support you need, you can also find business ownership to be highly rewarding, personally and professionally.

Chantrice Swint is financial advisor, 801 Old Newnan Road, Suite C, Carrollton, GA 770-834-0570

Carroll County pistol permits

Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: SEPT, 1- 30, 2021: 357

Carroll County jail population

(The Jack T. Bell Detention Center, 1000 Newnan Road, Carrollton) Total population as of OCTOBER 4, 2021: 441 Males: 397 Females: 44

Carroll County prison population

Total population as of October 4, 2021: 192 Capacity: 246 Males: 100%

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

Carroll County cattle receipts

Carroll County Sales Barn 225 Sales Barn Road, Carrollton September 27, 2021: 549 September 20, 2021: 460 September 13, 2021: 552 September 6, 2021: 916

Carroll County births September 1- 30, 2021: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 77 Boys: 61 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 21 Boys: 33

www.starnewsgaonline.com LEMMINGS from page 22 We must go into all the world and share with all nations.

2. Total team involvement: No ONE of us is stronger than ALL of us. It takes 10 hands to make a basketball goal and it takes 22 hands to make a touchdown. The church must have the

same purpose. It is ugly to watch an offense that is not together. It is ugly to see a church going in many different directions. Let’s always remember to keep the “main thing the main thing” which is to tell people that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Second, we must have everyone ready to play and in the game. For the

DANNY CARTER from page 19 needed for such a development. Grading, building roads and installing water and sewer lines take lots of time and money. The effort will be worth it if it provides more jobs for our residents.

4. Labor shortage: Villa Rica filters through a wide range of jobseekers in order to run the City and rarely has too many qualified applicants. While we look for strong candidates every day, our greatest ongoing need is to keep the roster full in our police

department and in our utility functions.

The City offers a very strong health insurance plan and two retirement programs plus a competitive salary structure. Additional population growth will require our staffing level to expand as we keep pace with demand.

5.Parks and Recreation: Villa Rica provided very active sports activities prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. Our facilities have been maintained and programming is once again being provided. Participation is now around 50% of the pre-COVID level.

So whether you’re interested in soccer, football, cheerleading, softball, baseball, or basketball, we have something for you.

Our senior program is also bouncing back from the COVID shutdown. If you’re an active senior contact the folks at Gold Dust park and get involved.

6.Finances: Last year Villa Rica completed a three-year plan to make their Enterprise funds self-sustaining. This required rate increases for water, sewer, and sanitation. As a result, our entire government is now in a better financial position. In particular, the General Fund can focus on staffing, maintenance and operations instead of having to subsidize other funds.

RHONDA KEITH from page 19 stand for something, you will fall for anything.” In my spare moments, I adore traveling, classic movies, ornamentation, floristry,and antiquing.

All in all, my efforts to become a City Council member are based on my relentless stand for the community, particularly the residents of Ward 1.

I am committed and dedicated to serving, through engaging collaborations with the council, in order to promote more diverse, equitable, and inclusive representation. I want to be a City Council member because I care.

It’s just that simple. I want to b ea vital part of the decision making for my city. I care about the community, its voice, and its representation.

Now is the time! It is time that Ward 1 residents have a face and a voice known to all, that promises to be transparent, approachable, and available. Ward 1 residents are deserving of relentless inclusiveness and diversification!

Now is the time to show that democracy works and can work if we just all work together. It is the time for justice and liberty for all.

Now is the time to register to vote. Now is the time to get involved. Now is the time to VOTE! On November 2, 2021, residents living within the city limits of Bowdon, Georgia, will take part in a city at-large election. This election will create a fair space to exercise their civil responsibility and electoral democracy.

Before voting, constituents were given a clear path to my engaging platform: PLATFORM PLANKS: - Improving– Community conversations, to listen andinspire.

- Seeking– Economic development for employment and growth.

- Initiating– Neighborhood engagement, to work together.

- Working– To destigmatize and edify mental health.

I am”COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY AND DEDICATED TO SERVE!” I advocate that all citizens take a true step in faith, like those who ignited the flames of the voting process, making it possible for your vote to be your voice.

Every vote matters and all votes count. 1+1 will always = 2.

The residents of Bowdon should proudly cast their votes for Rhonda Keith, for City Council, because: I will not lead with indifference, but with compassion. I will not lead with selfish vanity, but with humilityand integrity.

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.......” MLK, Jr.

church to make the greatest impact we must all be dressed out and ready to play.

3. No half-hearted commitments: Tom Landry, Paul “Bear” Bryant and Don Shula were great coach for many reasons, one being they could motivate. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, “All power has been given to me.” We go in the authority and power of Jesus Christ.

Friend, that ought to motivate us to remember the call on our life, the commission given to each of us, the cross that our Lord Jesus died on, the consequences of not sharing and many slipping into eternity lost, and the crown given to those faithful to share their faith with others.

StarNews

October 10, 2021 Page 27

As believers in Jesus Christ, may we all make a renewed commitment to get in the game and share the greatest news about the greatest person to ever walk on this earth, Jesus, offering the greatest gift ever offered which is eternal life.

The final seconds are counting down on the clock of life, 5,4,3,2,1 and the buzzer sounds.

Your game of life is over. Some reading this today are not on Team Jesus. You have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Trust Jesus Christ today.

Please contact Journey Fellowship Baptist Church today for more information at www.journeyfbc.com

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PIONEER Trunk or Treat

Page 28 October 10, 2021

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com