StarNews
CARROLL COUNTY, GEORGIA’s ONLY LOCALLY OWNED / LOCALLY OPERATED NEWSPAPER
NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS
✎ LocalEducationStatistics
see our special focus on local education - by the numbers CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOLS • CITY OF CARROLLTON SCHOOLS • CITY OF BREMEN HARALSON COUNTY SCHOOLS • DOUGLAS COUNTY • HEARD COUNTY SCHOOLS
beginning page 10
StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news
MARCH 13, 2022 • VOLUME 28 NUMBER 3
www.starnewsgaonline.com
WGTC now offering Senate Majority Leader an accelerated nurse Mike Dugan and Senate re-entry program Majority Caucus work High demand to fill nursing jobs continues as on session priorities CoVID variants continue to sicken the public
Candidate qualification City of Villa Rica in good financial shape: held for May 24 Primary seats: state senators, school board, sales tax revenues up; Open state representatives, county commission city growth on increase by Sue Horn
from press release The Economic Development Division at West Georgia Technical College has launched a new training program to help nurses re-enter the healthcare workforce. The demand continues for qualified persons to fill nursing positions as CoVID variants continue to sicken the public. The Nursing Re-entry Program is specifically designed for nurses who have an active Georgia nursing license but have not practiced nursing for four or more years, who want to reinstate their Georgia nursing license, or who have an active nursing license in another state but want to apply for a Georgia nursing license. There are two pathways to re-enter: one for Registered Nurses (RNs) and one for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). RE-ENTRY for NURSES page 22
by Janice Daniel On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, The Mayor and City Council of Villa Rica held their monthly work session at 10:00 a.m. and regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Hold-Bishop Justice Center, Municipal Courtroom, 101 Main Street. The work session consisted of items that were put into a consent agenda to be voted on in the regular meeting. Councilmember Leslie McPherson joined by phone.
The “Worth Fighting 4” four are public safety, online security, students, workers from press release In January, Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton) and members of the Georgia Senate Republican Caucus (GRSC) announced priorities for the 2022 legislative session. The “Worth Fighting 4” are four pieces of legislation, unique to the state Senate, which have unanimous support from the majority caucus. Majority Leader Dugan See “WORTH FIGHTING 4” page 8
See VR in GOOD SHAPE page 8
Candidate qualification at Carroll County Board of Elections
ThisDON’T issue is ISSUE! also MISS AN READ DIGITAL MONTHLY posted on over PRINT EDITIONS on 100 Facebook www.starnewsgaonline.com community pages, LIKE Pinterest, US at Twitter, facebook.com/ LinkedIn, StarNewsGaOnline & starnewsgaonline.com PINTEREST Sherryreynolds.StarNews Call 770-722-7227 suehorn.starnews FOLLOW US on TWITTER @starnewswga @gmail.com contact us at: waynereynolds.starnews suehorn.starnews@gmail.com waynereynolds.starnews@ @gmail.comgmail.com
County school board of education chair seeks reelection
by Wayne J. Reynolds Carroll County School Board Chairman Bryant Turner qualified on Monday, March 7th seeking a second term as a member representing the board’s District 7. The Primary Election will be held May 24th. (The position of chair is one elected by the board itself.)
Southwire launches “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” website
from press release Southwire Company has now launched a new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) website. “A focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is mission critical for our organization,” said Cara Herzog, director of DEI. “Over the last several years, we have continued to prioritize and accelerate our internal and external efforts to drive progress. We believe the key to our continued success is our people, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can thrive.” Fernando Esquivel, executive vice president of People & Culture, said, “We believe that every person can make a difference from any position, and we are committed to foster an environment where respect and inclusion NEW WEBSITE page 22
Qualifying for public office was held statewide beginning Monday, March 7th and closing at noon Friday, March 11th as per the Secretary of State’s 2022 Scheduled Elections calendar. Several candidates were ready to fill out paperwork and pay the accompanying qualifying fee when the Carroll County Board of Elections opened at 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. The county office handled the qualifications for Carroll County School Board and Carroll County Commission. The other local open seats, See QUALIFYING page 27
See BRYANT TURNER page 9
New Carrollton City manager hires assistant
Shown above at the Carroll County Board of Elections office Monday morning, March 7, 2022 are two candidates, each qualifying to run for District 6 commissioner, each qualifying as a Republican. Seated left and right are Debbie Neal, local business owner, and Vickie Anderson, past longtime commissioner for District 2. Assisting with the paperwork are Greg Rigby (standing) elections director, and Joyce Bates (seated front), Carroll County Republican Party treasurer. Photo by Sue Horn
They produce “first employee newsletter” by Janice Daniel On Monday, February 7, 2021, the Mayor and City Council of Carrollton, Georgia met for their regular monthly meeting at the Public Safety Complex Court/Council Chambers, 115 West Center Street, Carrollton. City Manager David Brooks announced that he had hired Stacy Dean as his assistant. They produced the first employee newsletter last month and expect to soon have a citizen’s newsletter available to all of Carrollton.
See GOT THAT NEWSLETTER DONE page 8
“ I’ts like a day spa for your spine”
BREMEN Family Experience the difference that Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center Health and Wellness can make your Health & Well Being! “Expert chiropractic care for children and adults” Dr. Ralph Templeton, DC
Most insurance plans accepted
Br emen Famil y Health and Wellness Center•507 Ala bama Av enue, Br emen• (770-537-5555) Axiom Chir opr actic, 941 S Car r oll Rd Suite C Villa Rica 770-459-8782•Visit dr templeton.com
Page 2 March 13, 2022
StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com
d a n o
n o s am
e r a squ
1 3 h c r a M -9pm 5pm
E K A T
R E V O
art + music
Local artists will take over downtown with amazing exhibits, art demonstrations and live music. Check out the shops and treat yourself to drinks and great food along the way. Find schedule of activities and more online.
caRrolltonarts.coM
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews March 13, 2022 Page 3
Page 4 March 13, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
The Georgia Forestry Commission and some updated burning regulations Permits no longer required for burning your yard leaves, but permits now required for using Air Curtain Destroyers when burning land clearing debris
by Wayne J. Reynolds before dark. Last July, Georgia Code Section 12-6-90 Attendance: person responsible for the burn was changed to eiminate the need for a citizen must be present at the burning the entire time to notify the Georgia Forestry Commission Reasonable precautions: person responsible before burning “hand piled natural vegetation for the fire must take reasonable and necessary and yard debris”, or more simply put, a pile of precautions to prevent the fire from escaping or raked leaves. Georgia Forestry spreading Chief Rooks said Commission Chief Ranger Chief Rooks, a Rockmart they repond to fires the resident who grew up in Bryan Rooks said the changes in the burn regulations apply to least number of times in Carroll County, has been a Haralson, Carroll, and Douglas Douglas County as it ranger for nine years. “It is the counties. “On July 1, 2021, the averages only three or only job I ever wanted,” the law was changed for small chief stated. “I applied and four fires a year, burns - like a resident would do applied, and finally got hired.” while Carroll County in his backyard. There is no Rangers on staff include longer a required permit.The averages 35 fires a year Vince Hanson and Chase Georgia Forestry Commission and Haralson County Spruell in the Carroll County realized most people were office and Olivia Hicks in the averages 50. already complying with that Haralson County office. regulation, and that our resources could be bet- Together, they also cover Douglas County. ter utilized.” “We do have an opening in the Haralson Chief Ranger Rooks stressed that individuals County office,” Rooks remarked. must take full responsibility for keeping fires Chief Rooks said they repond to fires the contained. He added that “Bbefore you burn, least number of times in Douglas County as it ‘Take Five’ and remember S-S-T-A-R, which averages only three or four fires a year, while are burning safety standards.” Carroll County averages 35 fires a year and SSTAR is a mnemonic acronym reminder Haralson County averages 50. for Space/ Space/ Time/ Attendance/ “Also, fires are more frequent in the fall and Reasonable precautions: winter when vegetation turns brown and the Space: burn location must be 25 feet or more humidity is low, whereas in spring and summer away from any woodlands, forest lander fields vegetation greens and there is high humidity,” that contain brush or grass said Rooks. “The average fire is five acres and Space: burn location must be 50 feet or our response time is about 30 minutes. . . the more away from any structures highest frequency of fires happens between Time: burning must take place between sun- 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. We are on call 24/7. rise and sunset. Fire must be out by sunset/ And although we do have a few arson cases,
Turner Pharmacy
“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”
821 Dixie St. Carrollton, Ga 30117 (770)-832-7076 •Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery Locally owned. Locally operated. Locally loved.
Georgia Forestry Commission Chief Ranger Bryan Rooks in the Buchanan office most fire causes are simply from human negligence. And many of us are familiar with the 55 gallon barrels used for burning. They are now against regulations, due to rusting out and lack of ventilation,” he said. Another regulation change applies to now requiring permits for use of an Air Curtain Destructor, also called an Air Curtain Burner. “This change affects farmers like in the rural areas of Carroll County, because they have been used to doing burns [using the Air Curtain Destructor] without needing to get a permit,” Rooks said. Air Curtain Burners, also called Air Curtain
Incinerators, FireBoxes, Trench Burners, etc., were designed principally as a pollution control device. The device blows a curtain of air across and into the upper portion of a combustion chamber. As the fire blows across the top, a rotational air current develops within the firebox, entraps the smoke, and raises the burn temperature which helps for more complete combustion, thus reducing emissions and smoke. Rooks said, “The Environmental Protection Division rules for ACD use is on our website www.GaTrees.org. We do not define a differSee CHIEF RANGER ROOKS page 9
Carroll EMC Please move over for emergency & utility crews. If you see police, firefighters, utility crews or other emergency personnel on the side of the road, please slow down and move over when possible. Together, we can keep our crews safe.
carrollemc.com
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews March 13, 2022
Page 5
Taylor Duncan of West Georgia: raising worldwide awareness and acceptance for those with autism by Wayne J. Reynolds other people. Learning, thinking, and problemTaylor Duncan was born November 27, solving abilities of people with ASD can range 1995, in Marietta, Georgia. Four years later, from gifted to severely challenged. Some peohis mother realized Taylor was ple with ASD need a lot of suffering from anxiety, not help in their daily lives; othcompleting sentences when he ers need less.” spoke, and was playing alone. Taylor Duncan was guest She took young son to a spespeaker at the February 26, cialist in Atlanta where Taylor 2022 Toastmasters of West was diagnosed with Autism Georgia’s Open House. He Spectrum Disorder. The physitook on the goal of giving cian told his mother that Taylor 100 Toastmasters’ speeches would never speak in full senin 100 days around the tences, not progress academiworld through Zoom to raise cally, would not be able to live awareness and acceptance independently, nor have a job for those with autism and or maintain relationships. other disabilities. The Feb. “Fortunately, for me, my 26th speech was his 200th mother would not accept that speech - he had surpassed diagnosis,” Duncan emphatihis goal by one hundred Taylor Duncan cally stated. Today, more than speeches! two decades later, Taylor Duncan, now a At age 20, Taylor founded Alternative Dallas, Georgia resident, is a nationally recog- Baseball® in 2016. He is at the forefront of nized motivational speaker and nonprofit raising awareness and spreading the message leader. “At that time, it was estimated that one on the importance of inclusion for those with in a thousand people had autism. Today, the autism and other disabilities. CDC estimates one in forty-four are on the “Growing up, I often wasn’t allowed to play Autism Spectrum Disorder. With the help of baseball due to preconceived notions of those my mother, teachers, mentors, and the Lord with autism,” Duncan said. “Undeterred, I Jesus Christ, I have powered through most of improved my technique by working with some those obstacles - and have powered through the of the best players in baseball and slow-pitch perception!” softball. I thought others would enjoy what I From the CDC website: “Autism Spectrum was doing in baseball and formed Alternative Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability Baseball. Today, my organization is comprised that can cause significant social, communica- of 75+ teams in 30+ states and growing across tion and behavioral challenges. There is often America, with future aspirations for internanothing about how people with ASD look that tional expansion. It enables teens and adults sets them apart from other people, but people with autism and other disabilities to strive to with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, break barriers and to change perceptions and learn in ways that are different from most through the authentic baseball experience.”
Lifetime Chiropractic
“My mother took the time to develop my skills like to speak in full sentences, to speak clearly, and would not accept restrictions that the school wanted to place on me. My mother not only mentored me but advocated for me. I want to continue and expand that legacy,” he said. “Today my friends and family say I talk too much,” Taylor continued with a laugh. “After I founded Alternative Baseball, I realized I needed to be able to speak before crowds to be able to grow the organization and spread my message. I joined Toastmasters of West Georgia in July 2016 to work on my speaking skills and was mentored by the group to accomplish my goals. That is why I can now do events like the ‘100 speeches in 100 days’!” Taylor has been recognized by by the 20172018 Georgia House of Representatives with House Resolution 1420 which stated “it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this extraordinary individual be appropriately recognized and the State of Georgia looks with great anticipation toward the future of this bright and promising young citizen.” In addition, he was awarded the J.B. Hawkins Humanitarian Award by the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame at the 2019 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Macon, Georgia. Taylor has also been recognized as a “Community Hero” by the Atlanta Braves organization, in addition to being highlighted in segments on ESPN, NBC TODAY, CNN/HLN, Sports Illustrated, among many local, regional, and national media outlets across America. Duncan shared with the Toastmasters attendees that, “The sky’s the limit on what we can accomplish. We need to take away the stigmas and perceptions. I am adamant about
change. You need dreams, drive, and desire. We can work together and use our collective power to make a difference. Remember my diagnosis! My life as it has unfolded, was not supposed to happen!” Toastmasters of West Georgia meets the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. In Douglasville. Toastmaster meetings are a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. toastmastersofwestgeorgia.org or call 678-861-7296. The February 26th meeting featuring Taylor, was one of the largest gatherings of Toastmasters with over 120 attendees in-person and on Zoom from all over the world including Nepal, Tunisia, Europe, and the the United States. Tom Iland from Santa Clara, California. During his speech, announced he would be the first ever athlete with Autism to compete in the IronMan Triathlon. Another 19 year old member of the West Georgia club who shared she has anxiety and some mental challenges, gave her first ever speech in front of the gathering. Remember Taylor’s comment she repeated, “the sky’s the limit on what we can accomplish.” For more information on autism please visit cdc.gov or autismspeaks.org Locally West Georgia Autism Foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of families throughout west Georgia touched by autism by providing support, promoting awareness, and educating the community. http://www.wgaautism.org on Facebook or email: wgaautism@gmail.com To reach Taylor Duncan: taylor@alternativebaseball.org 770-313-1762 or 770-861-5704
E R A C West Georgia o t d e p p i qu
e Ambulance
Spring into a healthier you!
You can cut down the weeds all you want, but if you never pull up the roots they’ll just keep coming back...
LIFETIME CHIROPRACTIC finds & corrects the root of the problem!
120 Prospector Drive Villa Rica 770-459-5070 Hours: Mon - Wed & Thursday 10am-12pm & 4pm - 6pm
WEST GEORGIA AMBULANCE, INC. 1952 NORTH HIGHWAY 27 • CARROLLTON, GA.
770-832-9689
DIAL 911 FOR AN EMERGENCY
Page 6 March 13, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
John and Lovie Fields: A true story of true love, 54 years in the making by Wayne J. Reynolds Most of us have watched the movies on the Hallmark Channel and how they typically proceed—boy meets girl, then separation or obstacles, but in the end, love. But, that is a fairy tale, right? How often does that happen in real life? Well, meet Lovie, age 77, and John Fields, age 81, of Douglasville. Keep reading and see how their true story of their true love came to be! It’s 1957 and Lovie is a 13 year old girl. She has a friend who introduces her to 18 year old John Fields on the church steps at Union Hill Baptist Church in Winston, Georgia. After church, they both attended a picnic at the lake. They were each on the lake in different boats when suddenly - just like in the tv movies - Lovie’s boat capsized! She hollered for help, exclaiming how she couldn’t swim! John and another girl turned around and went back and saved Lovie - and young love began “Back then, it was a different time” John explained. “We didn’t go out on dates. We mostly just met at the church or on the school bus, sneaking a kiss now and then. As the year progressed we talked about marriage, but because I was going in the service that summer in 1958, so decided we would see how we felt when I returned.” “I was raised by my aunt and uncle,” Lovie said. “My mother died at an early age and I didn’t know my father at all. When I was 14 my father showed up and decided I should live with him in Fort Worth, Texas. It was a confusing time, My aunt and uncle had never adopted me, so I went with this man - who was my father, but I didn’t know him - all the way to Texas. Among his many serious flaws, my father was a drunk. I didn’t feel loved. John and I wrote letters, and I did tell John that I was leaving. Once in a while he was able to call, but over time we drifted apart.” Lovie continued, “I then met Emory, who I married in 1962. We had two children, a daughter and a son. My daughter Delona died in 1993. Due to Emory’s health, we moved to Oklahoma, but tragedy struck again. In November 2011, after 49 1/2 years of marriage, Emory passed. “After making the funeral arrangements, I went home. Our son was sleeping, snoring in a chair. Later, not hearing the
snoring any longer, I went to talk to him about his father and County area. On the first one I called, I left a message, explainfound him dead from a ing who I was and being careful heart attack. I had lost what I said. The next day the my entire family!” phone rang and it was my John. Meanwhile back in We talked every day. I remember Douglas County, John telling him, ‘Don’t feel sorry for found and married his me.’ On August 23, 2012, I wonderful wife Sara in moved to Georgia. When I got to June, 1962. They had John’s house his whole family three children, Brian, came over to meet me. I had lost Janet ,and Jennifer. a family, and gained a family.” After 47 years of “The first week Lovie was marriage, Sara passed here, I asked her to marry me,” away in 2009. John John states. “We married also had a grandson die November 23, 2012 after 54 in 2006 as well. John years apart. We have now been explained, “Sara and I married for 9 and 1/2 years. By had a good marriage, the way we have never actually and I didn’t want to been on a date.” date and certainly not They have 8 grandchildren marry again. And I and 7 great grandchildren. didn’t date! Lovie adds, “It was a beautiful John and Lovie Fields “In 2012, my ceremony at Hudson Lake. From daughter said we should combine our telephone services and the very beginning John’s family accepted me and my family that I didn’t need a landline any more. I refused, saying I’ve had back in Texas accepted John, which all were from Emory’s that same telephone number for 50 years and you never know family. I have had a wonderful life.” when somebody may call me.” Keeping his landline turned out And now they start the next chapter as they are moving to the to be a fortuitous decision! Lowell Community in Carroll County and building a Lovie and John did see each other on one occasion since the “Barndominium”, which is a home that looks like a barn all day John left for the service in 1958. It was in 1974 when Lovie with low maintenance and energy efficient metal building. was back in Douglas County visiting. She went to see John at “Douglas County has grown so much and the traffic is terrible his work for a few minutes. plus we wanted more land. I have lived in this house for 44 “Over the years, I thought about how Lovie’s life was going, years and my son lives next door. In Lowell, my daughter lives but I couldn’t remember her married name to even try to get in close by.” touch, “John explains. Lovie and John are on to their chapter. Thank goodness for In 2011, Lovie decided, with no family in Oklahoma, to move John not changing his phone number. And during the hour and back to Georgia. “I thought I would try and get in touch with half interview they held hands. A love story better than a John again and see how his life was going,” Lovie says. “There Hallmark movie! One could almost hear Loggins and Messina were seven John Fields in the phone book in the Douglas singing, “I want to sing you a love song.”
Moore’s Discount Furniture Smith Brothers *LOCAL Ownership *QUALITY Products & Supplies-Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, HVAC, Building *PERSONALIZED Professional Service
Celebrating60 YearsinBusiness
10 City Hall Avenue, Carrollton, GA
(770) 832-6341 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00am - 5:00pm
Moore’s Discount Furniture Good Bye Winter-
HelloSpringSpecials! Shop Smart • Shop Local! *FREE Delivery-- within 20 miles & $800 purchase
980 Carrollton Hwy • Temple, Ga • 770.562.4444 www.mooresdiscountfurniture.com • Mon-Sat 9-6 • Sun Closed
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews March 13, 2022
Page 7
“Leadership Luncheon” series features WGTC president Dr. Julie Post At WGTC, our students cross the spectrum from grandmothers to students just out of high school seeking a degree if you are the smartest ing and with less stress starting your college dents in the classroom this Fall. The campus person in the room, you experience,” she emphasized. will be fantastic!” are in the wrong room. “I had one student come up to me and ask, For more information: www.westgatech.edu. I am surrounded by an “Can you help me? She wasn’t from the area WGTC has offices and campuses in Carrollton off the charts amazing but had moved in with a relative here so she on Highway 16, Murphy campus Ian Waco, group of people. So, could work and go to school. She worked full Franklin Instructional, Adamson Square office my advice is to surtime and then took classes. She wasn’t sure she in downtown Carrollton, Coweta campus in round yourself with was on the right path. We sat down and talked. Newnan, the LaGrange campus, CEC instrucgreat people. I also She was doing everything right, and we helped tional in Newnan, Greenville Instructional in advise you to strive to her find the career job she was looking for! Greenville, and the Douglas campus in make three people Mother Teresa stated, ‘I alone cannot change Douglasville. 678-821-3800. laugh every day! It will the world, but I can cast a stone.’ This student The next Villa Rica Leadership Luncheon is Dr. Julie Post change their life. Laugh is such an example and why I am here at scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th, 11:30 at yourself. And work hard. I learned my work WGTC.” a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Villa Rica Civic Center ethic from my father who as a small business When asked about the new state of the art and Sports Complex. Guest speaker will be owner who worked seven days a week.” Carroll campus off the bypass in Carrollton, Dr Georgia Power Chairman/CEO Chris Womack. West Georgia Technical College draws stu- Post stated, “As of now, we are planning to For more information or to purchase tickets, dents from Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, have a grand opening in April and have stu- call 678-840-1441. Haralson, Heard, Meriwether and Troup counties. The tech college offers a broad spectrum of over 120 programs. They boast a 99% job placement rate. Post said, “I am constantly seeking new ways of doing things…trying to reinvent myself. Margaret Thatcher stated while the home must always be the center of one’s life, it should not be the boundary of one’s ambitions. I believe every day is a job interview.” While Dr. Post was at Gwinnett Technical We offer: College, she instituted the One Stop Enrollment Support Center where a student didn’t have to Free Inspections, 24 Hour Emergency Tarp Service, Licensed and Insured, go from one office to another to get their needs Shingle Roof Install Storm Damage Repair, Historic Restoration and questions answered. The student dealt with one person in one office. Post is now imple1613 W Hwy 78 Villa Rica, menting that program at West Georgia Technical College as well. GA 30180 “Holy cow, starting school can be dramatic. We think this program will make it less confus-
by Wayne J. Reynolds Villa Rica Mainstreet held their latest in the “Leadership Luncheon” series on Wednesday, Feb. 9th, featuring the president of West Georgia Technical College, Dr. Julie Post. The series attracts many sponsors, including Tanner Health System, Southwire Company, Printpack, Flowers Bakery, and Georgia Power. The series coordinator Mainstreet director Janet Chumley invites area executives, entrepreneurs, and educational leaders to share their insight, knowledge, trends, and challenges. The luncheons are open to the public; tickets are $27. The February Luncheon was held at the Villa Rica CivucCenter and Sports Complex, Villa Rica. “Students refill my gas tank,” exclaimed Dr. Julie Post. “At WGTC, our students cross the spectrum from grandmothers to students just out of high school seeking a degree. I share with them to find your passion, find your purpose. Passion is what drives me. This is the best job I’ve ever had.” Post was hired as WGTC president April 2021. She was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of five children and the first member of her family to graduate from a four year college: Northern Kentucky University with a BS in Business Education, earning a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College and a Doctor of Education from the University of Georgia. After teaching seven years in a high school in Ohio, her husband was transferred to Georgia. She was hired as an adjunct instructor at Gwinnett Technical College in 2005. In 2012, she was selected to be their Vice President of Student Affairs. “I believe leadership is about growing. And
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY WITH EXPERT ROOFING!
Straight Line Roofing
www.myslrr.com
470-586-2724
Jones-Wynn Funeral Home
Page 8 March 13, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
VR in GOOD SHAPE from front page Jennifer Hallman presented the financial reports for the month of December, 2021, which showed total cash to be at $30,141,446; property taxes collected to be 63%; self-funded insurance bank balance of $848,490; and city growth to be on the increase. Sales tax revenue is above December of 2021 in both Carroll and Douglas Counties, water/sewer is at a net loss of $242,082 and Sanitation/Solid Waste at a net income of $92,901. Hallman did mention that the property taxes had been collected by Douglas County at an amount of about 98%, but Villa Rica did not actually receive the money until January, so the increase will be recognized in the January, 2022 financial reports. City Manager then gave his report of the status of internal projects, the status of development projects, and said that some are clearing trees, some are in plan review, and some are in the design phase. During public comments: - Three citizens expressed safety concerns about the proposed amendment that would allow golf carts to travel on city roads (only) with speed limits of 35 mph or less. - Citizen Kurt Kraft of 2406 Ridgelake Drive commented that the cost estimate presented for Butterballs was “way off and incomplete” and asked pointed questions about his alleged statement that somebody failed to inspect the property and discover that it was “an unbuildable” lot prior to spending $72,000 for a new roof, and he also said the DDA has not replied to any of his requests, nor do they have any minutes of meetings prior to 2021 posted on their website. - Cheryl Veil of 332 Wentworth Circle told council that signage should be added to the Gold Dust Trail so walkers could tell how far they had walked, and also suggested placing signage beside projects that were made possible by SPLOST money to let people see how their vote to continue SPLOST was improving the community. The Consent Agenda that was formed in the 10:00 a.m. work session was read and consisted of the annual bids for recreation soccer,
baseball, softball, basketball and football uniforms with the dollar amounts per uniform. An estimated total amount will be based how many players register in each sport. Building and Projects Manager Nic Griffin, presented the request for painting of the MILL Amphitheater by Harrison Contracting at a cost of $17,200. Utilities made requests for engineering services by Carter & Sloope for several projects, a total cost of $129,800, presented by Pete Zorbanos, director. Deputy Utilities Director John Bain presented four equipment purchase requests: two for the West Plant, one for the North Plant, and one for the Water Plant. Total cost: $562,865, all either budgeted or anticipated to be funded by GEFA. Finance Director Jennifer Hallman presented Budget Amendments #140-#145, and City Manager Tom Barber presented requests for preparation of Engineering Reports for storm water improvements in two locations in the city at a cost not to exceed $10,000 on each location. The consent agenda was approved unanimously by council. The approval of Council Minutes of January, 2022 meeting was tabled to next meeting. The amendment of PTV (golf cart) Ordinance prepared by City Attorney David Mecklin was the subject of a good deal of discussion. Councilmember Danny Carter stated that the plan to make Villa Rica a golf-cartfriendly city was made years ago, but paths were never built due to the economic recession of 2007. In response to the three public comments against golf carts at all on city roads, Councilmember Carter thought the best solution was to lower the speed limit and give out more tickets. By phone, Councilmember McPherson stated that Rockmart Road has several problems that need to be resolved, but people have to take personal responsibility for which roads they feel safe to drive a golf cart on, and said maybe they could use short distances on 35 mph streets to get to the 25 mph streets right in town. The Mayor asked Bobby Elliott if the presence of the radar signs on Punkintown Road has made any difference in the speeding prob-
“WORTH FIGHTING 4” from front page outlined the agenda at a state Capitol press conference, joined by each of the bills’ lead sponsors. “Despite unprecedented challenges and distractions over the past two years, I believe our Senate Republican caucus has stayed focused on getting results and has embodied our belief in the caucus being, ‘real people solving real problems’,” said Leader Dugan. “I am encouraged by the common goals that have been previewed by members of both chambers. I have no doubt we are going to find common ground on several key issues like constitutional carry, mental health, and smart investments with our budget surplus.” - Public Safety (lead sponsor, Senator Randy Robertson (R - Cataula): “Many sympa-
thetic local officials stood by and watched as angry mobs ran rampant in Georgia communities, destroyed private property, and looted Georgia businesses,” said Sen. Robertson. “Allowing this unacceptable behavior led to increased crime and a more dangerous environment for frontline law enforcement..” - Online Security (lead sponsor, Senator Greg Dolezal (R – Cumming): Sen. Dolezal said, “Senate Republicans will fight for online security by curbing ‘shadow banning’ and requiring ‘opt-out’ choices for users.” - Our Students (lead sponsor, Senator Bo Hatchett (R – Cornelia) “Critical Race Theory has stoked an intense debate around the country and here in Georgia. In order to have an honest dialogue, we have to define the terms of the discussion,” said Sen. Hatchett. “We must stop divisive concepts from being taught in Georgia Colleges and Universities and seeping down into our k-12 schools- concepts that an overwhelming majority of Georgians outright reject. The bottom line is this: we must ensure that no student is taught to feel guilty or “less than” because of how they were born. Scapegoating and stereotyping are not acceptable teaching methods. Period.” - Our Workers (lead sponsor, Senator Brian Strickland (R - McDonough) “Georgia now has over 300,000 job openings,” said Sen. Strickland. “We need to help workers and small business owners find better opportunities and fill gaps in the job market by matching skilled labor with the quality jobs that are available.”
GOT THAT NEWSLETTER DONE from front page
A rezoning request for 118 Lyle Way from Residential Multifamily to Residential Single Family was approved unanimously by council, as was a request for Brooks to approve the city’s taking over of the maintenance on Skinner Road, about a half-mile stretch that will be an alternate access for the second phase of the Mayfair Subdivision. County government will do the curb cuts. Brooks said the road had been recently paved and was in good condition, and that property taxes would easily pay for maintenance expense on the road. The Mayor and Council then went into executive session (out of the public eye) to discuss real estate. Regular session adjourned.
lem, to which Elliott replied yes, and perhaps that might be an option for Rockmart Road. Captain Keith Shaddix of the Villa Rica Police Department stated the risk to the public far outweighs any benefits that could come from golf carts on city roads. Council passed the amendment 3-2. Councilmembers Anna McCoy and Shirley Marchman voting against. Council tackled the next issue regarding 46 trees in Hillcrest Cemetery that needed removal. City Clerk Alisa Doyal reported to council that she and an arborist walked the cemetery. Th arborist checked all the trees stating that 46 of them were either dead or dying, and needed to be taken down. Doyal showed council a photoof how the larger oaks’ root systems were growing under graves, and big limbs were falling on headstones, which the city is responsible for repairing. Richmond Tree Experts presented a bid of $78,689 to remove all 46 trees (roughly $1711 per tree to take down and remove). The Garden Club has made a donation of $27,286 to go toward the trees
removal; city’s remainer is $51,403. Council unanimously approved. Under Community Development, Ron Johnson presented a Special Exception Request from Ben Amor, owner of Cloud 9 Smoke Shops of Atlanta to open a smoke shops at 197 Commercial Drive in the boarded-up building where the old Waffle House used to be. Amor’s attorney said the business would create 12 to 15 jobs locally and monthly revenues were $100,000 to $200,000. She said that Cloud 9 is a CDB and alternative health store and sells vaping products. Councilman Carter stated that Exit 24, where this store would be located, is what citizens want to designate as the “Gateway to Villa Rica”. He said he would not be opposed, but only in another location. The Special Exception Request was denied by the Council 4 - 1. Council then went into Executive Session (off limits to the public) for the purpose of discussing potential or pending litigation. Regular meeting was adjourned.
Superior Garages•Barns•Carports•Horseman Structures•RV Covers Structures •We Sell Metal Roofing • FREE Estimate
3982 Carrollton Villa Rica Hwy Carrollton Always VETERANS Discounts
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES House Deck Sealing Deck Cleaning Driveways Pool Area Painting Lawn Care
770-832-9939
“25 YearsandSteelBuilding”
COMMERCIAL SERVICES Building Dumpster Area Parking Decks Restaurants Gum Removal Drive Thrus Shopping Center Concrete
Roy’s Tires
Danny’s Pressure Wash Inc.com
Li
Open 7 days a week! Call 770.947.3499
www.dannyspressurewashinc.com
d&
se cen
red
u Ins
Any House up
to 2000sq ft CLEANED for ONLY $139.99
With Coupon Only. Some restrictions may apply. Offer Ends April 9, 2022
Get Your Car Ready For Spring Joy Rides!
Danny’s Pressure Wash
•Brakes •Shocks •CV Joints •Oil Changes •Struts •Computer Balancing
“Celebrating48 Yearsinbusiness!”
•Ball Joints •Car Repair •Tie Rod •Wheel Bearing •Front-End Repair
Roy's Tire Center
770-834-6674
234 Maple Street • Carrollton HOURS: Mon.-Fri.-8:00-5:00 • Closed Sat
www.starnewsgaonline.com BRYANT TURNER from front page Turner stated that he brings to the board and school system the experience of having served both as a teacher in both the Carroll County and Bremen City school systems as well as an administrator at Roopville Road Baptist Church. He is a past PTO president and past president of band boosters, as well a parent of three students in the Carroll County School System. Turner offered his opinion that “The school board, the staff, and our students have a lot to be proud of over the pastthree years that I have served on the school board. We are all aware of the unbelievable obstacles the school system has faced over the past two years. Superintendent Scott Coward and his staff did an outstanding job pivoting from in-person learning to virtual learning in a very short period of time. In spite of these obstacles, test scores are up. Ten years ago we were graduating 76% of students, and this year, countywide, it is at 93%. What a testament to our staff and our students. God has blessed this community and school system.” Turner shared accomplishments he believed were of note during his three years, including Central High’s major renovations and additions
“Pizza & A Movie Outreach” Saturday, March 19th On Saturday, March 19th, West Georgia Right to Life (WGRTL) in cooperation with Holy Ground Baptist Church-Carrollton, will be presenting “Pizza and a Movie” event, at Rebekah’s Gospel Barn, 821 Liberty Church Road, Carrollton. After pizza dinner, which starts at 5:45 p.m, the movie “Unplanned” will be shown. This movie is about Planned Parenthood and the story of Abby Johnson, who had become one of the youngest directors at Planned Parenthood in history, but a lifechanging experience turned her into an antiabortion activist. Ricardo Davis, President of Georgia Right To Life will be the emcee for the evening. Admission is free, but RSVP is required with an admissions ticket to ensure accurate planning. Tickets can be obtained from: Holy Ground Baptist Church Becky Miles 770-231-2047; WGRTL Duane Hack 470-3702452. Seating is limited so get tickets early.
CHIEF RANGER ROOKS from page 4 ence between commercial land clearing or residential land clearing or other types of land clearing. Any county with a population of over 65,000 must use ACDs, which would include Carroll and Douglas.” The U.S. Census 2020 lists Haralson County’s population at 30,485. “Among parts of this regulation you should be aware of includes land clearing debris which is defined as the mechanical uprooting of trees, roots, stumps, and other vegetation while no burning of household garbage, construction material, plastics, or man made material is allowed,” Rooks said. Many older citizens can remember seeing fire towers dotting the county, and although some are still around (one sits atop Oak Mountain in Carroll County) they are no longer used to aid in locating fires. Instead, the Georgia Forestry Commission employs airplanes to view from high above, giving a much wider and clearer view of fire location. Bryan says they typically fly over twice a day, once in the morning and once late in the afternoon. “Controlled burns are still the best land management practice, eliminating extreme fires,” Bryan says in conclusion. “If you have a question and the website [www.GaTrees.org[ doesn’t answer your questions please call us: 770836-6715 or 770-646-5501.”
to the gym as well as the library and lunchroom; that Central Middle had six classroom additions among other improvements; 60 new buses were purchased and the board approved funding to retrofit many of the older buses with air conditioning. Also, the school calendar was modified to have full fall and winter breaks added, and bonuses and raises were given to staff, he added. “Importantly, we increased security, hiring a District Security Coordinator and implementing an instant response system where a security threat is instantly located for the staff and law enforcement,” Turner said. “But, I believe there is work left to do and it’s what I want to accomplish. Among the items on my ‘to-do list’ is to continue to increase staff salaries from bus drivers to our teachers and administrators. We must be competitive with other school systems and need to establish baseline salaries. In my district, I See CANDIDATE TURNER page 17
StarNews
March 13, 2022 Page 9
Lake Carroll Lawn Equipment Zero Turn Riders
as low as $82
Lake Carroll 0% financing going on Lawn Equipment NOW* with approved credit*
1111 Bankhead Hwy Suite 13 Carrollton, GA 30117 Brian Sammon Owner
Southwire
770-832-7705
Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5:30pm•Sat. 8:30am-2pm
Page 10 March 13, 2022
StarNews
✎ LocalEducationStatistics
www.starnewsgaonline.com
How do we know how our public schools are doing?
The Georgia Department of Education has had two performance evaluating methods since 2001
2001-2012: Adequate Yearly Progress report (AYP) 2012-present: College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) • AYP report scores and CCRPI index scores used different socring methods, therefore any comparisions of individual school’s 2003 AYP scores to their 2013 CCRPI scores are not possible • CCRPI results for 2012-2017: State granted waiver from some accountability requirements for this time period therefore scores do not include all requirements • CCRPI results for 2018: An update calculation was approved for this time period therefore 2018 scores are not comparable to any prior year and any comparison that a school or district’s scores have “risen” or “dropped” is incorrect • CCRPI results for 2019-2020: U.S Dept. of Education granted waiver to statewide assessment, accountability, and reporting requirements for elementary and secondary education for this time period • CCRPI results for 2020: There are no CCRPI results for this time period
The Georgia Department of Education’s schools scoring method called College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) was put in place in 2018 replacing the prior scoring method called Adequate Yearly Progess (AYP) College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) is a comprehensive school improvement, accountability, and communication platform for all educational stakeholders that will promote college and career readiness for all Georgia public school students. Note: The 2018 CCRPI uses an updated calculation approved as part of Georgia’s state plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 2018 scores are NOT comparable to any prior year. Any comparison, or statement that a school or district’s scores have “risen” or “dropped,” is incorrect. On March 27, 2020, the United States Department of Education approved Georgia’s request to waive statewide assessment, accountability and reporting requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) for the 2019-2020 school year due to widespread school closures related to the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Therefore, there are no 2020 CCRPI reports.
• 2001-2012: Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) scoring method was part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. It measured year-to-year student achievement on statewide assessments • 2012-2017: On March 30, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education granted Georgia a waiver from some accountability requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), more commonly referred to as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The waiver allows the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) more flexibility in how schools are evaluated and supported • 2018: CCRPI begins as a school improvement, accountability, and communication platform for all educational stakeholders with the goal of promoting college and career readiness for Georgia public school students. The 2018 CCRPI uses an updated calculation approved as part of Georgia’s state plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 2018 scores are NOT comparable to any prior year. Prior to the ESEA waiver, Georgia used Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as the state’s accountability measure. The new statewide accountability system, the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), serves as the current metric of accountability for all public schools and districts in Georgia. • FESR: Under CCRPI, Georgia public schools receive a “Financial Efficiency Star Rating” (FESR) that provides a comparison of per-student spending and overall student performance. A five-star rating represents strong student outcomes with lower levels of expenditures (proportionate to district size) in comparison with other districts. The Financial Efficiency Star Rating (FESR) provides a comparison of district spending per student with overall academic performance. The FESR should be one measure that a user evaluates in conjunction with all other information provided for each school and district. The goal of the star rating is to provide a comparison of district spending per student with overall academic performance. The Financial Efficiency Star Rating Archives provide information on FESRs from previous years. The Georgia Department of Education’s Financial Transparency Dashboard provides a high-level overview of district- and school-level finances. • 2018 FESR: The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and GOSA released the 2018 FESR on January 22, 2019. The following related resources are available for download at https://gosa.georgia.gov/accountability0/financial-efficiency-star-rating: - District-Level 2018 Ratings Downloadable File - School-Level 2018 Ratings Downloadable File - 2018 Calculation Guide
SOURCE: Georgia Department of Education www.gadoe.org
State Senator Mike Dugan Senate District 30 Republican
State Senator Mike Dugan
CAPITOL OFFICE
Georgia State Capitol 206 Washington St SW ATTN: Capitol 236 Altanta, Ga. 30334
404-656-7872
GEORGIA SENATE MAJORITY LEADER
CONSERVATIVE . PROVEN . LEADER.
Supporting the West Georgia area and innovative programs to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand employment opportunities.
www.MikeDugan.org • facebook.com/SentatorMikeDugan
PAID FOR BY DUGAN FOR STATE SENATE
✎ LocalEducationStatistics
www.starnewsgaonline.com
STATE OF GEORGIA All Public Schools / General Data
SCHOOL
1,890,361
TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOLS:
2493
70.8%
WHITE 37.7% HISPANIC 16.1% ASIAN / Pacific Islander 4.2% MULTI-RACIAL 3.9% American Indian / Alaskan native 0.2% Percentage of students ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED: 64.3% Percentage of students who are ENGLISH LEARNERS:
10.2%
Percentage of students STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY:
13.3%
HOW GEORGIA’s 1,890,361 STUDENTS PERFORMED on the 2019 CCRPI INDEX (percentage out of 100%):
HIGH SCHOOLS SCORE: 78.8%
CARROLLTON HIGH SCHOOL Grades 9 - 12 CARROLLTON JR. HIGH Grades 7 - 8 CARROLLTON MIDDLE-UPPER Middle Grades 4 - 6 CARROLLTON MIDDLE-UPPER Elementary Grades 4 - 6 CARROLLTON ELEMENTARY Grades K-3
SCHOOL
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS: BLACK 37.8%
MIDDLE SCHOOLS SCORE: 77.0%
OVERALL CCRPI SCORE
78.3% 61.9% 87.0% 73.3% 83.5%
CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOLS CCRPI 2019 SCORES
TOTAL NUMBER OF TITLE I SCHOOLS:
How did each school type perform?: ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS SCORE: 79.9%
March 13, 2022 Page 11
CARROLLTON CITY SCHOOLS CCRPI 2019 SCORES
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS enrolled in public schools in Georgia:
78.8%
StarNews
OVERALL CCRPI SCORE
WHITESBURG ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 ITHICA ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 SHARP CREEK ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 CENTRAL ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 ROOPVILLE ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 BOWDON ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 MOUNT ZION ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 PROVIDENCE ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 SAND HILL ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 GLANTON-HINDSMAN ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 VILLA RICA ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 TEMPLE ELEMENTARY Grades K - 5 BAY SPRINGS MIDDLE Grades 6 - 8 BOWDON MIDDLE Grades 6 - 8 TEMPLE MIDDLE Grades 6 - 8 CENTRAL MIDDLE Grades 6 - 8 VILLA RICA MIDDLE Grades 6 - 8 MT. ZION MIDDLE Grades 6 - 8 MT. ZION HIGH Grades 9 - 12 TEMPLE HIGH Grades 9 - 12 CENTRAL HIGH Grades 9 - 12 VILLA RICA HIGH Grades 9 - 12 BOWDON HIGH Grades 9 - 12
91.9% 91.1% 86.7% 86.1% 84.0% 80.4% 74.2% 71.8% 66.8% 64.8% 64.8% 62.7% 84.3% 84.2% 82.1% 82.0% 75.8% 66.2% 82.5% 76.6% 76.2% 75.6% 65.9%
State Representative District 68 J. Collins (R)
State Representative J Collins
Capitol Address 408-C Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334 404.657.1803 Office District Address 206 South Carroll Rd. Villa Rica, GA 30180
770-295-8143
Committees
Voted for House Bill 385, which would assist in combatting the teacher shortage within our Georgia school systems. If signed into law, this legislation would offer an immediate solution to our overall need for more teachers, while ensuring our students are given the best opportunity to receive a quality education from experienced educators.
Public Safety and Homeland Security - Chairman Regulated Industries Special Committee on Access to the Civil Justice System - Member Appropriations - Member Governmental Affairs - Member Juvenile Justice - Secretary
Page 12 March 13, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
✎ LocalEducationStatistics
CARROLLTON CITY SCHOOLS
BREMEN CITY SCHOOLS
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED:
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED:
5496
STUDENT POPULATION by RACE:
2279
2021
BLACK 32.5% WHITE 39.0% HISPANIC 20.9% MULTI-RACIAL 5.4%
GRADUATION RATE:
92.0
CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOLS
2135
STUDENT POPULATION by RACE:
2021
GRADUATION RATE:
93.0
HARALSON COUNTY SCHOOLS
2021
GRADUATION RATE:
86.4
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED:
3447
27,891
STUDENT POPULATION by RACE:
2021
BLACK 2.5% WHITE 85.7% HISPANIC 2.8% MULTI-RACIAL 4.1%
BLACK 7.3% WHITE 84.3% HISPANIC 3.4% MULTI-RACIAL 4.4%
DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED: STUDENT POPULATION by RACE:
98.3
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED:
15,614
BLACK 17.6% WHITE 64.6% HISPANIC 10.5% MULTI-RACIAL 6.6%
2021
GRADUATION RATE:
HEARD COUNTY SCHOOLS
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED: STUDENT POPULATION by RACE:
STUDENT POPULATION by RACE: BLACK 4.8% WHITE 88.1% HISPANIC 1.8% MULTI-RACIAL 3,2%
GRADUATION RATE:
96.5
BLACK 55.2% WHITE 19.5% HISPANIC 18.3% MULTI-RACIAL 5.3%
2021
GRADUATION RATE:
88.0
SOURCE: Georgia Department of Education www.gadoe.org
Time To Grow! Fertilizer •10-10-10 •13-13-13
Worm CASTINGS 1.5 cubic ft bag
Wallace Farm and Pet Supply 50lb BAG
Coming Soon!
Call for availability
HUGE BEAUTIFUL FERNS!
Womens
$26.99
BOOTS & SHOES
Mens
PELLET •LIME 40LB •POTTING SOIL
ORGANIC
GARDENING PRODUCTS
Amazing Results
REGAL SOLAR LIGHT RAIN GAUGE
NATIVE AZALEAS
2 bales of straw per bag
$10.99
withstand
2.3 CU FT BAG
Blueberry Bushes
Fish Stocking Day March 29, 2022 • 1:00-2:00 Arkansas Pond Stockers Fish Food available Aqua Max Catfish Floating Food Game Fish
Black Kow Manure
Carpenter Bee Traps Pro Tech
$24.99
Wallace Farm and Pet Supply HOURS: M-F 8-6 SAT. 8-2
4343 Hwy. 27 N. Bowdon Junction, Ga 30109
770-834-5291 wallacefarm.net
Candidate David Huddleston
✎ LocalEducationStatistics
www.starnewsgaonline.com
CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM 164 Independence Drive, Carrollton GA30116, 770-832-3568 www.carrollcountyschools.com SCOTT K. COWART, SUPERINTENDENT BOARD of EDUCATION MEMBERS: Bryant Turner, Board Chair, District 7 Sandra A. Morris, Vice Chair, District 2 Dr. Bernice Brooks, Board Member, District 1 Kerry Miller, Board Member, District 3 Clayton Kierbow, Board Member, District 4 Donald Nixon, Board Member, District 5 Bart Cater, Board Member, District 6 Scott K. Cowart, Superintendent CITY OF CARROLLTON SCHOOL SYSTEM 106 Trojan Drive, Carrollton GA 30117, 770-832-9633 www.carrolltoncityschools.net DR. MARK ALBERTUS, SUPERINTENDENT BOARD of EDUCATION MEMBERS: David Godwin, Chairman/At-Large Katie Williams, Vice Chair/Ward Two Melanie Mclendon, Treasurer/At-Large Gil O’Neal, Ward One Jason Mount, Ward Three Greg Schulenburg, Ward Four Dr. Mark Albertus, Superintendent HARALSON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DR. JERRY R. BELL, SUPERINTENDENT 299 Robertson Ave., Tallapoosa, GA 30176, 770-574-2500 www.haralson.k12.ga.us BOARD of EDUCATION MEMBERS: Dr. Martha Smith, Chair Mike Benefield, Vice Chair Brenda Henderson, Board Member Kendall Robinson, Board Member James M Watson, Board Member Dr. Jerry R. Bell, Superintendent DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM 11490 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville, GA 30134 770-651-2000 dcssga.org TRENT NORTH, SUPERINTENDENT BOARD of EDUCATION MEMBERS: Devetrion Caldwell, District One D.T. Jackson, District Two Tracy Rookard, Chair, District Three Michelle Simmons, Vice Chair, District Four Glenn Easterwood, District Five Trent North, Superintendent HEARD COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Heard County Board of Education, 131 East Court Square, Franklin, GA 30217 706-675-3320 heard.k12.ga.us RODNEY KAY, SUPERINTENDENT BREMEN CITY SCHOOLS 501 Pacific Avenue - Bremen, GA 30110, 770-537-5508 bremencs.com DAVID JAMES HICKS, SUPERINTENDENT
J Best Hair Voted Best Salon!
Make your appointment now for Prom & Wedding hair styles
770.456.8358 227 South Carroll Road Villa Rica
On site weddings
Tues & Wed: 9am-6pm•Thurs: 9am-8pm Fri. 9am-5pm•Sat: 9am-3pm
StarNews
March 13, 2022 Page 13
Pastor John Lemmings invites you to...
Be our Special Guest!
Journey Fellowship Worship Service 9 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Children's Church 9 a.m. only
770-537-2300 409 Center Point Rd. Bremen www.journeyfbc.com
Bryant Turner
Carrollton City Schools System
Page 14 March 13, 2022
StarNews
DISTRICT NAME
✎ LocalEducationStatistics
www.starnewsgaonline.com
GRADE CLUSTER
OVERALL SCORE
CONTENT MASTERY
READINESS
GRADUATION RATE
Carroll County Carroll County Carroll County
ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH
80.2 80.7 75.6
75.9 72.5 67.6
82.0 82.4 75.8
N/A N/A 93.0%
City of Carrollton City of Carrollton City of Carrollton
ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH
75.2 70.5 78.3
70.8 64.5 71.6
80.0 82.3 80.6
N/A N/A 92.0%
City of Bremen City of Bremen City of Bremen
ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH
93.7 92.4 92.3
97.8 94.7 94.3
90.2 92.4 90.1
N/A N/A 98.3%
Haralson County Haralson County Haralson County
ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH
73.0 75.5 81.6
59.6 64.6 68.3
77.9 80.9 75.3
N/A N/A 96.5%
Heard County Heard County Heard County
ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH
71.6 82.1 76.0
76.0 85.0 81.9
82.4 85.6 74.5
N/A N/A 86.4%
Douglas County Douglas County Douglas County
ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH
72.7 78.2 78.5
67.0 66.6 65.5
82.1 84.5 74.3
N/A N/A 88.0%
SOURCE: Georgia Department of Education www.gadoe.org
UCB
Re-Elect
Sandra Morris Sandra Morris Carroll County School Board District 2
•Board member 11 years •Carroll County School System “24 Strong” •Supports more Pre-K •Supports PASS Program •Supports Temple Agriculture Program sandraamorris4590@gmail.com
678-378-0985
✎ LocalEducationStatistics
www.starnewsgaonline.com
2020
90.67%
2020
5 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
93.00%
CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOLS
2020
4 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
95.08%
2020
5 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
94.04%
HARALSON COUNTY SCHOOLS
2020
4 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
97.64%
2020
March 13, 2022 Page 15
BREMEN CITY SCHOOLS
CARROLLTON CITY SCHOOLS 4 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
StarNews
2020
4 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
97.14%
2020
5 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
97.96%
SOURCE: Georgia Department of Education www.gadoe.org
SCHOOL SYSTEM
CITY OF CARROLLTON
STUDENT POPULATION
CURRENT BUDGET
SUPERINTENDENT SALARY
5496
$47.3M
$338,907
15,614
$145.1M
$231,734
HARALSON COUNTY
3447
$44.5M
$221,602
CITY OF BREMEN
2279
$27.1M
$152,461
HEARD COUNTY
2135
$36.4M
$169,901
27,891
$260.7M
CARROLL COUNTY
5 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
99.07%
DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS
2020
4 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
89.37%
2020
5 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
89.92%
HEARD COUNTY SCHOOLS
2020
4 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
88.16%
2020
5 YEAR GRADUATION RATE:
85.06%
Carroll County Schools System
DOUGLAS DOUGLAS COUNTY COUNTY
$245,000
SOURCE for SALARIES: open.ga.gov / Salary listings do not necessarily include all monetary benefits
State Representative 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
Page 16 March 13, 2022
StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com
MARCH MADNESS
SENIOR TAKEOVER at West GeorgiaTech!
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS APPLY FOR FREE FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH! Apply for admission to WGTC March 1 - 31, and we'll waive the $25 application fee!
Apply here!
https://form.jotform.com/200835481901149
www.westgatech.edu For more information contact WGTC Admissions: admissions@westgatech.edu or (844) 280-0100 As set forth in its student catalog, West Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity (Title IX) Coordinator, Dean of Students, 770.537.5722, 176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, GA 30182. ADA (Section 504) coordinator is V.P. of Administrative Services, 678.664.0533, 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117.
www.starnewsgaonline.com
County’s revenues coming in faster than expenses going out: cash reserves at $47,732,384 ($47.7M) by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Board of Commissioners held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, March 1, 2022, with all present except Commissioner Steve Fuller. Commissioner Tommy Lee offered the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and prior meeting minutes were approved. Under Public Comments, citizen Keith Knowles, Carrollton, stated that the First Responders’ bonus hasn’t been paid, and he called for accountability to follow up on items passed in prior meetings. Robert Blakemore, resident of Bowdon, and president of the Carroll County Historical Society, asked that the movie company who will be making improvements to the residence at Moore’s Bridge Park to consider adding back the three dormers that were originally on the house. Financial update was given by Alecia Searcy, finance director. She reported that, as of January 31, 2022, General Fund balance was at $47,732,384, compared to $34,711,681 for the
CANDIDATE TURNER from page 9 want to improve the softball field and amenities for our state champion softball team. We need to expand the lunchroom at Central Elementary, renovations at Roopville Elementary, and add tennis courts at Central Middle. “We are very excited about the STEM program in which some of our schools are nationally certified. We want to use STEM and the College and Career Academy to cultivate and expose students to the opportunities in the skilled trades. We need to also cultivate our graduates after their college graduation, to return to our community. This is a resource we should invest in,” he said. Turner was born in Heflin, Alabama, and raised in Ranburne, Alabama, where he graduated from Ranburne High School. He graduated from University of West Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1996. He has now lived in Carroll County for 35 years. His wife Beth, of 24 years, and he live in the Roopville Community. Their three children, Madelyn, Joe, and Samuel are products of the Carroll County school system including attending Roopville Elementary, Central Middle, and Central High. For the past 27 years, Turner has been the Minister of Music and Church Administrator at Roopville Road Baptist Church. Three years ago, he was elected to the Carroll County School Board of Education. Turner said, “Whether it is about family or community, I believe in serving those around me. At a young age, I learned about hard work
APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
same period in 2021. Revenues Year-to-Date at Jan. 31st were $50,121,000, with expenditures for same period at $32,843,000. Searcy stated the county is now 58% through the year with 55.5% of the budgeted amounts being spent. Sales tax is at 9.34% over last year. She also expressed concern about supply chain issues because gas and oil is higher than budget, as well as maintenance costs due to increases in materials costs. The Consent Agenda which was prepared at the work session of 2/24/22 was presented as follows: 1. Consideration of an ARPA sub-recipient grant agreement with Pathways Center Community Service Board to grant up to $225,000 to renovate the interior of the Pathways facility, 153 Independence Drive, Carrollton. County Attorney Stacy Blackmon stated that Pathways will fund the cost for the renovations up-front, and file for reimbursement from ARPA. See COMMISSION page 27
and helping others. My mother always said that if one job wasn’t enough, get a second. If two jobs weren’t enough, get three. I saw her do just that, and I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and serving others.” “We need to continue to have good conservative leadership that reflects this community’s conservative values and I want to continue that job. Our focus should be on our students making sure we are ‘positively changing lives.’ “Our staff and board have not been distracted by outside influences. One of the challenges we are working on is getting students who fell behind during the time we couldn’t offer face to face learning including some who left the schools. The teachers have gone beyond and are going beyond to have these students catch up. We are offering summer school, extra learning and even personal coaches utilizing COVID funding. We have made huge strides and we can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. “As a school system and as a community we have so much to be proud of. We have come through so much. We have had a positive impact on our students including my own. I am proud of the relationship I have with Superintendent Cowart and the Board as the board chairman, but even more proud of the job Scott and the entire staff have done during this trying time. I hope you will vote on May 24 to return me to the Carroll County School Board,” Turner said. Bryant Turner may be reached at 770-3289611 or bryantturnerschoolboard@gmail.com
RWB Tax
StarNews
March 13, 2022 Page 17
Edward Jones
Fred O’Neal, AAMS® Financial Advisor 410 College Street Carrollton, GA. 770-832-2141
Derick T. Newton, AAMS® Financial Advisor 937B Maple Street Carrollton, GA. 770-832-9515
Charles Shiver Financial Advisor 102 Trojan Dr Suite B Carrollton, GA. 770-834-4311
Joey L. Key, CHFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor 105 Somerset Pl,Suite A Carrollton, GA. 678-890-1067
Chantrice Swint Financial Advisor 801 Old Newnan Rd. Ste. C Carrollton, GA. 30116 770-834-0570
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC NO UP FRONT FEES • EXTENDED HOURS
594 Carrollton Villa Rica Hwy• Villa Rica (between Verizon and Waffle House)
www.rwbtax.com
Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am-1pm
Page 18 March 13, 2022
StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com
FAST-TRACK YOUR COLONOSCOPY. With our direct-access colonoscopy, you could save time and directly schedule a colonoscopy — without a pre-procedure doctor’s office visit. Scheduling a colonoscopy is easy: 1. Call our helpline at 1-833-262-6793. 2. Take the brief health questionnaire. 3. Schedule a date for your colonoscopy.
Colonoscopies Save Lives Most people begin receiving a colonoscopy at age 45. A colonoscopy is highly effective in detecting cancer and can find it in its earliest stages, when it’s smaller and easier to treat. It also allows doctors to remove pre-cancerous polyps discovered during the screening, eliminating cancer before it develops.
Learn more at tanner.org/fast-track.
COMMENTARY
Page 19 March 13, 2022
StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com
“Not just what happened, but what matters”
SUSAN M. HORN
EDITOR/PUBLISHER ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: WAYNE REYNOLDS REPORTERS:
JANICE DANIEL
GRAPHICS DESIGNER: SHERRY REYNOLDS
WAYNE REYNOLDS
Our goal is to produce a quality newspaper, locally oriented and designed with the readers’ interest in mind. Letters to the editor are welcomed and should include a signature, address/email addrees, phone number. Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error. We welcome reader input, ideas and criticisms. Your right to read this newspaper is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Published monthly. Periodical postage paid permit #16154 Carrollton GA. Delivery mail/carrier $20 per year. $30 out of county. Send address changes: P.O. Box 680, Carrollton, GA 30112. P.O. Box 680 Carrollton, GA 30112
suehorn.starnews@gmail.com cell: 770-301-1275
© 2022 Palindrome Enterprises
dba StarNews / StarNews Online
Carroll County Chamber of Commerce: you may want to consider joining or, for some of you, consider rejoining
An update from the Capitol With the adjournment signifying the end of our 18th legislative day, the halfway point of the 2022 Legislative Session is quickly approaching. A total of fifteen bills and resolutions passed on the Senate Floor, many of which carried bipartisan support. The Senate now houses the budget - so that is one of our key focuses this week. We’ve dedicated the brunt of our time to subcommittee hearings of the Senate Appropriations Committee. These hearings allow us to hear, firsthand, budgetary actions of our state agencies – this allows us to make changes according to the needs of each division in Georgia. After our hearings, additional meetings were held to finalize details of the Senate’s proposed budget, which should be passed out of our chamber within the next two weeks. A major theme of our legislative calendars was public safety; we passed several measures aimed at providing additional financial security
MIKE
DUGAN STATE SENATOR(R) Senate Majority Leader mikedugan@senate.ga.gov for officers and imposing harsher penalties on those who carry out detestable crimes. For instance, we passed: Senate Bill 84 - adds communications officers to those eligible to enter into the Peace Officer’s Annuity and Benefit Fund. Senate Bill 461 – increases difficulty for someone convicted of human trafficking to be bailed out by elevating that authority to a superior court. Senate Bill 316 - would require parents and students be notified that certain acts of cyberbullying may be
considered stalking. This is such an important step to take to thwart the unsettling rise in mental health struggles among our student population. Senate Bill 360 - known as “Colton’s Law” - would increase penalties against those who are convicted of cruelty against a disabled minor. Each of these bills have the ability to make our state a safer place and one that is more supportive of our law enforcement. Progress was also made on a number of priority bills for the Majority Caucus. Senate Bill 393, the “Common Carrier Non-Discrimination Act” received a lengthy hearing and was successfully voted out of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. SB 393 would essentially prohibit big tech companies from censoring political language they find to be unfavorable on their platforms. After passing its assigned committee, the bill now rests in the Rules Committee where it may be selected See SENATOR DUGAN page 22
Before any of you think I got bonked on the head recently and have gone all Establishment on you, put your flip flops down. I’m still poking at the Big Bears with that stick that stirs the large barrel of newspaper ink. As a current candidate seeking needs. I will always encourage parent But, today, for this space right EDITOR/ and/or guardian involvement in curhere, I’d like you to listen. Well, I office to represent District 72 in the PUBLISHER riculum and I feel we are very blessed guess listen to yourself reading this State house, I am asked often what out loud. Just don’t mouth the words. Yech, slabbering. (Yes. Sl-A-bbering. topics I stand firm on, and one that is in my district to have multiple prealways on the forefront for me, is That’s not a typo. It’s a word.) This needs your mellifluous dulcet voice: mier school systems that put chilSome of you may want to consider joining the Carroll County Chamber education. I believe in supporting our dren’s needs first and they too encourCANDIDATE of Commerce, and there are others, I know you, who may want to consider local educators, listening to their age parent involvement and input. (R) STATE needs, and assisting in any way I can rejoining. What’s in it for you, or your business, right? I have been fortunate to visit with REPRESENTATIVE District 72 The chamber has undergone some changes post-CoVID, and, in recent to provide the resources necessary to superintendents and educators during months, had made earnest and repeated steps in reaching out. As my mother help them succeed, as they play major I do when elected to this position to my campaign and I want them to used to say reviewing my younger sister’s report card, “E” for effort, right? role in shaping the youth of help future needs, although I am know that I can increase awareness Being a member - that costs, of course - does have advantanges through tomorrow. hopeful, we will never experience the through my position as a State special targeted learning luncheons, networking events, and allows the School systems and educators have distance and disconnect we did dur- Representative and will continue to average citizen or business person to have access to people they would most faced a very difficult few years during ing that trying time. make my presence a positive one, that likely not run into out in their private or business worlds. That can’t hurt. the ongoing pandemic. They have One positive, I do believe that never detracts from the significance A recent event was called “March Coffee and Conversation”, a one hour had to be innovative, motivated, and came out of long-distance learning of their needs, but will serve as a suplearning session on cyber security. The April Membership Breakfast is willing to do all that is necessary in was parents became more involved in port system to them. I continue to be scheduled for April 12th and will feature economic development. Think reaching the students as they learned their child’s studies and learning what humbled by the support this campaign that’s going to be boring? Well, are you interested in keeping Carroll long distance. they are taught on a daily basis. As a has received thus far, and I cannot County’s rural parts rural and the growing parts in the growing areas? Then The challenges I observed was how father myself, I know the importance wait to get to work for our commuattend and find out what’s being promoted in your community. The Small to keep the students and their teachers of being present and engaged in dis- nity, schools, and educators. They will Business Development Center gives seminars frequently. I’ve attended connected, and was the technology cussions with your child’s school on never know how much I appreciate several of those. They were worth my time, worth my membership fee, and there to make this possible, what can their future and what best meets their them and the job they do each day. I think my mother would have given them an “A”. Membership fee is an annual cost and is based on the size of your business, or as just an individual. Email Katie Curtis at: katie.carroll-ga.org Refund and Rollback – these are than sufficient. (Okay, you can swat me with your flip flop for my picking on my two words that every taxpayer in Using this common sense logical younger sister.) Carroll County should be demanding metric, it’s obvious Carroll County is of our county commission. Why? squirreling away $34,000,000 more Letter to the Editor because our county government is than it needs. Why? That $34,000,000 Dear Editor; is your money, not the county Important life decisions do not come easy for me these days without a swimming in cash and they are taxing you far more than is needed to opercommission’s. large amount of soul searching. It takes a lot of self reflection and heart to The county commission should heart conversations with the ones I really trust to be totally honest and ate the county commission’s annual refund taxpayers the surplus transparent with me. And then I sit back and listen for God to speak to my operating budget of $59.1mm. 770-328-6450 Some specifics: taxes and revenues $34,000,000 in the form of property heart. Last week that voice came through loud and clear in a very tax credits this year. impromptu conversation. This wasn’t the sole reason I decided to do this, collected in excess of the $59.1M wmk@bellsouth.net Since our commission collects but it was the “aha” moment that I needed in order to come to the operating budget are commonly mends each county government referred to as “surplus funds”, “cash maintain a “reserve fund” of 1 to 3 more each year than it actually needs, conclusion to move forward. After much deliberation, I am announcing that I am running for District reserve funds”, “rainy day funds”, or months operating expenses or in our they should also rollback the millage tax rate. 6 County Commissioner. A job that will be vacated by my good friend “unassigned fund balance”. Whatever case, approximately $5M to $15M. Knowing there are surprises and Were this done, our county comGeorge (and Candi) Chambers. George decided this past week he was not you call it, our local county “surplus funds” have bloated to a going to seek another term. mission board members I, like all those before me, will be coming to your neighborhood to listen staggering $49,904,000. . . . it’s obvious Carroll County is squirreling away would be the envy of the $34,000,000 more than it needs. Why? That Because the county to your concerns in our district. I would like to ask you not to sic your dog entire country. How novel on me or pull your gun, just look for a silver GMC truck. I, or someone does not collect all of $34,000,000 is your money, not the county the thought that any governhelping me, will be more than happy to drop off a yard sign at your house its’ needed operating ment admits they collect too commission’s. The county commission should if you’d like one. revenues at once but refund taxpayers the surplus $34,000,000 in the much taxes and then At this time I would like to humbly ask for your support and your vote in rather over a period of refunds the excess taxes to form of property tax credits this year. the May Primary. If you’d like to help in any way, I’d appreciate that as several months in the the taxpayers. well. Thank you very much for considering me as your District 6 autumn; it is prudently necessary to unexpected expenses after any budget Carroll County is clearly a Commissioner of Carroll County. keep a “reserve account” to fund is finalized, a “reserve-rainy day Republican County; having voted for Debbie Miles Neal, 1055 Salem Church Road, Carrollton, GA cyclical shortages. Georgia recom- fund” of 3 months ($15M) is more See BILL KECSKES page 22
SUE
HORN EVANS
The importance of supporting our local educators
DAVID
HUDDLESTON
Carroll County Commission: time to refund and rollback
BILL
KECSKES
Page 20 March 13, 2022
StarNews
COMMENTARY
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Planned Parenthood is planned eugenics, or rather, is Margaret Sanger’s vision coming to fruition within the African-American community?
DUANE
HACK
West Georgia Right to Life PRESIDENT Duanehack46@gmail.com 470-370-2452
Eugenics: “The practice or advocacy of controlled selective breeding of human populations (as by sterilizations). To improve the population’s genetic composition (Webster) “The practice or advocacy of improving the human species by selectively mating people with selective desirable traits. Reduce human suffering “breeding out disease”. - A&E Television Network-History Channel-1/13/21 Published date 11/15/17 This past fall, Planned Parenthood gleefully announced yet another anniversary. One-hundred and six years old and counting, Planned
Parenthood began as the “American Birth Control League”, the brainchild of extreme leftist and known eugenicist, Margaret Sanger. Sanger’s lifelong ambition was to reduce the world’s population, particularly the poor and “unfit,” through birth control: a plan she said would be the “Salvation of American civilization”. In her 1921 magazine “Birth Control Review” she states: “The most urgent problem today, is how to limit and discourage the overfertility of the mentally and physical defective of our society. The undeniably feeble-minded should indeed; not only be discouraged, but prevented from propagating their kind.” Other infamous remarks attributed to and spoken by Margaret Sanger: - “Eugenics is … the most adequate and thorough avenue to the solution of racial, political and social problems.” - Referring to immigrants and African Americans and the poor, Sanger stated “human weeds, reckless breeders, spawning human beings who never should have been born.”
- “Birth control must lead ultimately to a cleaner race.” Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the country, reported in its latest annual 2018-2019 annual report that they performed 354,871 abortions and received more than $618 million in U.S. taxpayers’ dollars! Abortions make up 96.4% of Planned Parenthoods pregnancy services. For every adoption referral it gave, PPH performed 133 abortions during the 2018-2019 reporting period. PPH targets the African American population by locating 62% (approximately 2 out of every 3) of their surgical abortion mills in black and minority communities (Life Issues connector October 2014). Planned Parenthood’s continued eugenic policies have been documented by Protecting Black Life (a project of Life Issues Institute). Current research finds 79% of Planned Parenthood’s surgical abortion facilities are located in or within walking distance of Black
and Hispanic communities. Rev. Arnold Culbreath, director of Protecting Black Life remarked, “Minority communities are the number one targets of Planned Parenthood”. The abortion death rate in the black community is higher than AIDS, violent crimes, accidents, and cancer and heart disease-combined. African Americans are disproportionately impacted by abortion. In fact, a black child is 3.3 times more likely to be killed in the womb than a white child! Sadly, abortion statistics also validate the claim that Planned Parenthood targets minorities. On average, 1,876 black babies are aborted every day in the United States. While representing only 13% (ages 15-44) of the female population in the US, black woman account for 38% of the nation’s abortions. (US Center for Disease Control-US Census Bureau) And in Georgia, 32% of the population is African American yet 66% of the abortions in Georgia are found in the black See DUANE HACK page 22
erated in the old. In each case, if one can manage, it is to be accompanied by a smile. Distractions, daydreaming, and even dreaming, are related. There is an excellent Wikipedia article, “Daydreaming”, that describes what is known so far. Studies show that we might be spending as much as 47% of our time daydreaming. Then, there are times in our sleep that are referred to as REM. REM is almost guaranteed to be the time when we dream. Turns out, when we are out driving, we slip into tiny states of REM! To be sure, people who are not well also have these activities occur in their daily lives, but maybe with different content. Now, back to the Ottendorfer Public Library. Today, my old neighborhood is known as the “East Village”. Back when I was a kid in the mid 20th century (1940s), it was known as “The Bowery”, the “East Side”, or the “Lower East Side”. When the Ottendorfer was built in the late 19th century, my neighborhood was known as “Little Germany”. The Ottendorfer family, philanthropists who made their fortune
by publishing the leading German-language newspaper, built the library. It was for the benefit of the German immigrant population who lived in Little Germany, some 150,000. It was the first of what are known as the Free City Public Libraries. Having a minimum age requirement of 12 years, it was meant for adults. That rule was still in effect when I got my library card in 1947. A surprising fact that I’ve just learned through the internet is that the library’s top story, the 3rd, which was off-limits to the public, was originally the living quarters for the librarian, wood-stove and all! I wonder if it still served such a purpose when I frequented the place. (But that’s a distraction within a distraction, and let’s not go there!) The last thing in this part of the distraction is the size of the Ottendorfer Public Library. I never realized it, but a recent photo shows that the building seems to be only 15 to 17 feet wide. With two stories of public space, it is smaller than our own Whitesburg Public Library. (May our library match the
Ottendorfer’s public service, let’s not go there!) So, in 1951 or ‘52 I had left my childhood and was now entering the great world of News and Ideas. Comic books were well behind me. The Brooklyn Dodgers were no longer my passion, and Totalitarianism was becoming a new topic in conversations that I seemed to be increasingly interested in overhearing. The older guys on my block were entering the labor force and giving up street stick-ball. (We had no fields or lots to play on.) McCarthyism seemed to be a major national distraction. Since it would be a couple of years before we got our first TV, listening, listening closely, was my pastime, at age 16. One day, the Ottendorfer’s New Books section was showing off “The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements, by Eric Hoffer”. Perfect! I got a lot out of his book. I was not the only one who admired it. At one of his first press conferences, Pres. Eisenhower said the “The True Believer” was his favorite book.That statement made Hoffer’s See BILL BOURIS page 22
pools with pale sandy bottoms, the crystalline turquoise of tropical lagoons. The Chattahoochee River, on the other hand, is never blue, or clear for that matter. She’s more like a prism, constantly changing colors. So, while her true color may be blue, her ‘apparent’ color - that is to say, her reflective color - is apparently any color but blue. Sitting here day after day watching the water move, I marvel at her endless array of nuanced shades, from bluish-green to red-orange and every hue of brown in-between - puce, butterscotch, tawny. In the spirit of anthropomorphism, we assign human moods to these fleeting colors; we say the river is peaceful, or angry, or sickly, depending on her hue. And these adjectives only describe her daytime moods, when sunlight can penetrate the water at different angles at all times of the day or season. The wind scuds along her surface, wrinkling her skin, while overhead clouds and sky cast shadows and shades across her mirroring face. At night, the color gray prevails, but you’d be surprised at its many subtle variations (far more than fifty!) from pewter to silver to a deep almost-black, like a mountain in silhouette just before the moon rises behind it. When
that same moonlight unfurls across the Chattahoochee, the spangling of opaline lamé dazzles the eye, rivaling any sparkle the stronger sun creates. Unfortunately, not all river color changes are fleeting. With the use of drones, hydrologists can now look down on watersheds and see exactly where lingering color change is taking place. Predictably, these deviations concentrate around dams, agricultural lands, and urban areas, all the places where humans bring complicating, often toxic, sediments that can affect a river’s color over time. Mrs. McBride’s pronouncement that God is the color of water may point to her belief that God is not concerned with color. Color is not an issue for God. Yet what are we humans to do? We - the species whose God-given sight is saturated in color, whose miraculous brains are endlessly stimulated by the information - we receive through color. Is God testing us, asking us to both acknowledge color and ignore it at the same time? In the weekly water sampling for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, the staff monitors the water for turbidity, the presence of suspended or dissolved sediments that can alter color. Suspended particles give us silt, the
powdery residue floods leave behind, which is composed of sand and minerals, and sometimes algae. Dissolved sediments include organic matter like tannins, the yellowishbrown acid of oak leaves, once used in dying hides, as well as iron, manganese, calcium carbonate and other color-rich elements gathered from weathering rocks and soil. Delivered to the river via erosion, storms, floods, and runoff, these natural sediments also affect the water’s true blueness. Capable of rendering a palette as primary as a rainbow, clay in the water can present wonky colors like murky white, ruddy brown, and mustard yellow. During a flood, when the river churns the bright red-orange of Georgia’s infamous ironsoaked clay, the receding floodwaters pass through a dimming procession of ephemeral browns and greens as the river slows and calms, depositing on the shore the beige remains of her colorful, storm-driven sediments. Rambling along the river after a flood, I reflect anew on Mrs. McBride’s observation of God’s true color. I have to wonder if I previously misinterpreted her. Maybe she didn’t mean that God has no color, but rather, like the river - and like light - God is all colors.
The doors of distraction versus Eric Hoffer
BILL
BOURIS digi@mindspring.com Eric Hoffer was known as “the longshoreman-philosopher”. His first book was called “The True Believer” (1951). I wanted to write a bit about his life and the time in which he wrote, but the Ottendorfer Public Library, which is located in the East Village neighborhood where I grew up, grabbed my attention. That library was where I had borrowed and first read “The True Believer”, and in recalling that experience, the old Ottendorfer came back to life. We call that a “distraction”. In general, we hear that this kind of dis-tractability is to be discouraged in the young, and to be kindly tol-
The color of a river
SYBIL
ROSEN THOMAS
River Rambles syllabil@aol.com At one point in his childhood memoir, “The Color of Water”, author James McBride, who is Black, asks his mother, who is White, “What color is God? She answers, “God is the color of water.” Beyond the breathtaking beauty of that answer is the simple implication: God has no color. God, like water, is clear. Hopefully, the water in your glass is clear. And yet, water at its purest is actually said to reflect blue light. Light is made up of colors; we see that when we shine a beam through a prism. The colors we humans perceive are, for the most part, the result of light reflecting off pigment. Red pigment absorbs every color in the light except red, which then reflects back to our eyes as red. Water’s ‘true’ color is considered blue as it’s captured in the ethereal azure of calm pristine
COMMENTARY
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews
March 13, 2022 Page 21
KidsPeace celebrates 140th anniversary amid crisis in mental healthcare
MICHAEL W.
SLACK
PRESIDENT/CEO KidsPeace In 1882 a smallpox epidemic ravaged the working-class neighborhoods of south Bethlehem, PA. A local industrialist named William Thurston recognized the need to care for children orphaned by the disease, and founded the Thurston Home for Children. Over the years, the organization adopted new names - Children’s Home of South Bethlehem, Children’s Home of Allentown & Bethlehem, Wiley House - but kept the same mission: to care for kids in need. Now that organization is known as KidsPeace, and in 2022 we are marking our 140th anniversary. And, amid the ravages of another disease called COVID-19, we’re proud to say we continue to fulfill that mission every day. Today, KidsPeace operates in eight states,
and provides in-patient and residential treatment services, outpatient and communitybased programs, and therapeutic foster care. In 2004 we established a residential care and treatment facility in Bowdon, Georgia, and over that time KidsPeace Georgia has cared for well over 1,000 of the state’s youth who face mental health and behavioral challenges. Through the hard work and dedication of our 2,000 associates nationwide, we’re supporting children in need of mental and behavioral healthcare for a variety of issues - which in many cases now are tied to the pandemic and its effect on our everyday lives. And make no mistake - the increase in the demand for mental health care services for children as a result of COVID-19 is real. According to the national Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), emergency room visits tied to mental health issues at its member hospitals across the U.S. totaled 47,000 in the first nine months of 2021 - up nearly 40 percent over the same period in 2020. And that increase came after CHA had joined the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in October 2020 to declare a national health emergency in child and adolescent mental health.
At KidsPeace, referrals into our programs normally ebb and flow on a seasonal basis. But, since the pandemic hit, however, we’ve seen those referrals come at a consistent high level each month. For example, in 2021, referrals into our Pennsylvania residential treatment programs were up 65% from seven years ago, to more than 1,700 - nearly five kids every day. The rise in demand is only one side of the challenge. In 2015 we were able to accept more than 60% of those referrals to our PA programs; last year that number was 23% - a decrease reflecting capacity constraints that are driven in large part by staffing issues and infection mitigation measures related to the pandemic. Workforce shortages also has held back our services in Georgia, where our operation can accept just over half of our licensed capacity of 80 youth at a time. Simply put, as the pandemic raised awareness of the importance of mental health and thus demand for services, its effects also make it harder for providers like KidsPeace to recruit and retain the number of qualified staff members we need to meet the increased demand. But there is reason for optimism. The coronavirus relief legislation passed at the federal level contained funding to state governments
specifically to address gaps in mental healthcare in America. Georgia legislators, for example, are currently working on a funding bill to implement recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission, which called for parity in funding for mental health programs compared with physical healthcare. It also seeks to address the workforce shortage through wage increases and loan forgiveness targeted to caregivers in the mental health field. Sometimes efforts like these that are aimed at addressing specific problems can seem technical and abstract, but we should never forget that what they really address is the human cost on our kids and families who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues. We also need to recognize that while these moves are a welcome start, much more investment will be needed going forward. With continued support for structural and funding changes to strengthen our ability to deliver mental health services, we can demonstrate the same compassion and foresight that William Thurston and the other early supporters of our organization showed, and set our society on a path toward better mental wellness for the NEXT 140 years.
Historic nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States
JASON
SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. Recently, President Joe Biden nominated Ketanji Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). If confirmed by the Senate, she will be the first black woman to sit on the highest court in the nation. Senate Democrat leaders hope to have a vote confirming Jackson to the court by mid-April. Jackson, age 51, currently sits on
Washington, D.C.’s Federal Appellate Court and had been considered the front-runner for the vacancy since Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement. Jackson also previously clerked for Breyer and served as a federal public defender in Washington - an experience that is extremely valuable. The vast majority of judges are former prosecutors. “I must begin these very brief remarks by thanking God for delivering me to this point in my professional journey. My life has been blessed beyond measure and I do know that one can only come this far by faith,” Jackson said. The choice of Jackson will not change the ideological makeup of the court. The court currently has six conservative justices and three
Lord, do You really love me?
SHARON
GAINES-LEE
Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) This past year was challenging for most of us. Our relationship with God was confronted. But, it wasn’t confronted just for the sake of confrontation. It was a clear line drawn in the sand of how much of God we actually had or not. In James 1:1-4, it reads: Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything. God, who is love and rich in mercy and loving kindness, beckons us to come. He graciously and very deliberately prepared a table for us to come into his throne room and dine.” Sometimes we thought it wasn’t necessary because we had a hang on this thang. Except when trials come, and they came, we suddenly were perplexed and shattered by the very thing that God said would take place on this stage in
liberal justices. The retiring Breyer and Jackson are both liberals. Although I disagree with her political and judicial philosophy, Jackson has an impressive background, including her rise from Federal Public Defender to Federal Appellate Judge. Jackson was born in the nation’s capital, but grew up in the Miami area. She was a member of the debate team at Miami Palmetto Senior High School before earning both her undergraduate degree and law degree at Harvard. Eyes will now turn to the Senate, where the Democrat Party holds the thinnest possible majority. Biden will hope that Jackson can garner bipartisan support. But, Democrats will need all their members to ensure her confirmation.
human history. Many are the afflictions of the made sure that our seeking Him would not be righteous (and/or unrighteous) but God prom- in vain. It’s a divine venture that we win at, if ised the righteous that he would deliver us from we choose not to quit. He jealously desires our them ALL (Psalms 34:19) affection. He went as far as to say that he There’s a worship song that I love to sing would never leave or forsake us. Even in the and ponder on in my heart. “He never sleeps, deepest darkest valley, we will find His presand He never slumbers, He never stops hearing ence there. In the highest mountain, He would our prayers, when we are This past year was challenging for locate us there. We weak, He becomes are never not in need most of us. Our relationship with stronger, so rest in His of him. We always God was confronted. But, it wasn’t have access to his love, cast all of your confronted just for the sake of cares on Him. He will presence. come and save you; yes, What a great God confrontation. It was a clear line He will come and save we serve! We can drawn in the sand of how much you”. God says to us in never hide from Him. of God we actually had or not. . . And He will never Jeremiah 31:3, “I have Consider it all joy, my brothers and relinquish His gentle loved you with an eversisters, whenever you face trials lasting love; Therefore, grip on us. He created with loving kindness I of any kinds, because you know that us to need him! (Hallhave drawn you and conelujah) He’s not a the testing of your faith tinued faithfulness to man that He should produces perseverance. you.” When everything lie. Allow your heart in life is demanding our attention, we can rest to be filled with his presence and find the peace in the Lord and find the hope, joy, and peace that awaits you in abundant there. We are “Prethat we need each day. sence People” if we belong to Christ. We were I am trusting God to supernaturally created (hard wired) to feel the safest there. We strengthen your faith and encourage your soul are like a fish out of water when we try to live to draw from the holy spirit that resides within in a place other than what we are called to and you. Our heavenly father is captivated by us. created for. (Purpose) Be refreshed and inspired He delights when we choose to seek Him. He on this short but dynamic life changing journey
Democrats do not need Republican help to confirm a Supreme Court justice and can do it with their 50 votes and the vice president breaking a deadlock. Jackson will probably be confirmed along party lines with a couple of Republicans supporting her. As a side note, Former House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, is a relative by marriage and introduced Jackson at the 2013 hearing for her district court nomination. Ryan also congratulated Jackson on her SCOTUS nomination. “Janna and I are incredibly happy for Ketanji and her entire family. Our politics may differ, but my praise for Ketanji’s intellect, for her character, and for her integrity, is unequivocal,” Ryan said.
through the world. In Psalms 139:3-4, God says to us, You, are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book, and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I speak a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins! And yet you chose to still love me deeply. God, you exhorted us through your prophet Paul, to the church in Philippi and it applies to us as well today. Paul was a Christian leader for about 30 years when he wrote his letter encouraging the people to follow his example. He thought it to be most important to dismiss the notion of the flesh to esteem itself as though it had arrived. We tend (the flesh) to gravitate in this direction especially if we’ve been educated. The need for Christ manifesting his glory in and through us is just as important if we never attended seminary. Paul, who was very learned, wanted it to be clear that he did not believe that he had reached the top level of spiritual maturity. He was still running the race too. He was still striving towards the goal. In Isaiah 43:19: “I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland”. Let’s go into 2022 being more aware of His presence in us wanting to do us good!
Page 22 March 13, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
BILL BOURIS from page18 fortune, for his book made a come-back and became a national best-seller. Quotes from his books are collected on the internet: - “Hatred is the most accessible and comprehensive of all the unifying agents. Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a god, but never without a belief in a devil.” - “Faith in a holy cause is to a considerable extent a substitute for the lost faith in ourselves.” - “Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.” - “People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them.” I came away from that book, not with quotes or particular ideas, but with the sense that I could actually think about such subjects. (However, that state of mind would not last for long, since Dixieland Jazz and girls were just around the corner. We’re not going there!)
Although Hoffer said he was born in 1898 (or 1902) in NYC, there is no record of him (or his parents) until the early ‘30s in Los Angeles. Those were the worst years of the Great Depression, and Hoffer spent them either as an itinerant farm-hand in the Great Valley or as a gold prospector near Reno. The only official documents were the many library cards he accumulated during his travels around California. There is a military draft card that puts him in San Francisco, in 1942. He had become a longshoreman and remained so until his retirement. He resided in San Francisco until his death in the early ‘80s. The union he belonged to had won some interesting rights for its members, quite advanced for its time and still unusual to this day, 80 years later. Hoffer was developing as a thinker and a writer. Though an avid reader, he said he had had no education. He needed much time to develop and write his thoughts, and his union
provided him with that luxury, pay and selective time off, whenever needed, for it had won the right for its members to cooperatively pick their off-days, with pay, as long as the necessary work got done. The leader of the union had been branded a communist, and here’s the interesting thing: Hoffer’s political positions supported the careers of California Republicans like Nixon and Reagan, and though he would have nothing to do with the politics of his union-boss, he gave the man credit for his negotiating abilities and for having the interests of the membership at heart. This aspect of Hoffer’s life is described in two studies, one by the American Enterprise Institute, the other by the Hoover Institute of Stanford University. Over the years, Hoffer’s political and philosophical positions were expressed in letters to his union’s newspaper, but his union never censored or criticized him. He remained a dues-paying and
loyal member until his death. Our library notified me that a copy of “The True Believer” has been located in the state. I now have it in hand. Hoffer makes the observation that fanatics, no matter what their Cause (political, religious, nationalistic) have a lot in common. He sets out to study them as a category of human, and not as a fighters for a certain Cause. (This reminds me of the military historian who tends to look at the soldier as tool or an asset in a larger strategy and not as a patriot who has left home and family, but let’s not go there!) During the 1930s, John Steinbeck volunteered help migrant-farmers from Oklahoma and Arkansas, and later researched and then wrote the novel, “The Grapes of Wrath”. This coincided with the time that Hoffer worked in the Central Valley, also. Did they ever cross paths? (I think that’s interesting. I definitely would go there!)
BILL KECSKES from page 19 a Republican Presidential candidate the last 40 years; a Republican Governor the past 20 years; Republican State Senators and Representatives and 6 of our 7 County Commissioners are Republicans. Republicans have always prided themselves for being fiscal conservatives. Even Governor Kemp is acting like a true fiscally conservative Republican with his plan (House Bill 1302) to
rebate of $1.6 billion in surplus tax revenue to Georgia Taxpayers. Now is time for our Republican Commissioners to start acting like fiscally conservative Republicans! I propose that Chairman Michelle Morgan call a Special Called Meeting of the Commission whose sole agenda item would be a review of the county’s budget determinng how much is “surplus”; how much is needed for a reasonable “reserve
fund” and finally determining how much is owed back to the taxpayers. Only two motions should be made at this “special called meeting”: 1. How much of the excess reserve fund is to be credited to taxpayer’s property bills this year. 2. How much the current millage should be rolled back. Folks, it’s not that complicated: It’s your
money! Refund and roll back! Demand your money back! I summarize by requoting and paraphrasing columnist Mr. D.A. King from his column in the February edition of the StarNews: “Politicians know that most people don’t fully understand how their government works or what really goes on (at the courthouse or commission meetings) and many of them depend on that ignorance.”
DUANE HACK from page 18 community! According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, black women are more than 5 times as likely as white women to have an abortion. Abortions negative impact has significantly contributed to African Americans being the only minority in America whose population is in decline! Hispanics are now the largest minority group in this country. (US Census Bureau) The loss of over 16 million black babies through abortion since 1973 when abortion became legal in America has played a sig-
nificant part in this population decline. So let me ask again, and you make the call: Is Margaret Sanger’s Vision coming to fruition within the African-American Community?” The facts clearly point to a shocking eugenic philosophy thriving in Planned Parenthood’s practices even today. WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO AT WGRTL? BECAUSE ALL LIVES MATTER! On Saturday, on the evening of March 19th, WGRTL in cooperation with Holy Ground Baptist Church-Carrollton, will be presenting
our 2nd “Pizza and a Movie” event. After our dinner, which starts at 5:45, we will be showing the movie “Unplanned,” which is a “Behind the Curtain” look at Planned Parenthood and the story of Abby Johnson, who had become one of the youngest Directors at Planned Parenthood in history. A life-changing experience at Planned Parenthood has now turned Abby into a
national anti-abortion activist! Cost is free to attend, but seating is very limited and tickets are required for entry. Event will be held at Rebekah’s Gospel Barn Carrollton, GA. For more information about the event and acquiring a ticket please contact: Duane Hack President, WGRTL, 224 Lakeview Way Carrollton, Ga. 30117, 470370-2452, duane.hack46@gmail.com
SENATOR DUGAN from page 19 for a vote on the Senate Floor. Senate Bill 377, which would prohibit the teaching of certain divisive concepts in our schools, had an additional hearing in committee this week and we are continuing to gather input from students, parents and educators to have a bill that addresses concerns raised from all sides of the issue before a final vote is taken. are at the forefront of everything that we do, an environment where equal access and opportunity to learn, grow and succeed are available to everyone.” In 2014, the company established its first employee resource group (ERG), and since then, the company has expanded to six ERGs, including the Women’s Network, Spectrum, Nextgen, TEAM, Officium and Allied. These groups actively promote Southwire’s commitment to inclusivity by engaging employees and
I am excited that these measures are making their way through the committee process and I look forward to making sure every Majority Caucus priority successfully passes the Senate by Crossover Day. If you have any questions about any of the bills we have discussed to this point, or about the budget, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. encouraging participation in events throughout the year. The new DEI site will provide an in-depth look at Southwire as an organization and what the company stands for, including its focus on sustainability and how its five core tenets relate to DEI for the benefit of its workforce. Establishing its brand as an organization dedicated to DEI continues to be an area of focus for Southwire, and with this new external site, the company is communicating openly and remaining transparent about its ongoing efforts.
RE-ENTRY for NURSES from front page The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), with the support of the Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON), developed this re-entry program. The RN and LPN re-entry programs feature a two-part curriculum of 40 hours of independent online study and a minimum 160-hour supervised clinical period, varying in length from 1 to 3 months. The program is on-demand and can be started as soon as the necessary registration steps are completed. The entire program must be completed in 6 months. Examinations are also required. The GBON states that nurses who cannot document three months or 500 hours of
licensed practice as a registered nurse within the last four years immediately preceding the date of application must complete a Board approved re-entry program. Both programs are administered through the Economic Development Division of WGTC in partnership with the state Economic Development Office at TCSG. The cost of the program is $1,500. This excludes costs associated with immunizations, physical exams, malpractice, CPR training, background checks, Board of Nursing application fees and any institutional fees. A full list of program requirements, applications procedures: www.westgatech.edu For more information, Linda Sullivan: linda.sullivan@westgatech.edu
NEW WEBSITE from front page
WGMI WGMI AM is West Georgia & East Alabama's station for the best in Southern Gospel music 24/7!! No other station in the West GA / East AL area plays as much Southern Gospel music as WGMI 1440 The Train! From the classic groups of the past such as the Cathedrals, the Hinsons, to the chart toppers of today such as the Kingdom Heirs, The Talleys, Brian Free and Assurance, Jason Crabb and all the rest! We also air your favorite shows such as Gaither Homecoming Radio, Southern Gospel Breezes and more! Tune in today and tell your family, friends, coworkers and fellow church members to listen to the all new WGMI 1440 The Train!
Listen to WGMI 1440 THE TRAIN easily on your phone or other mobile device! Simply download the TuneIn Radio app and select 1440 The Train! Available for Android, iPhone, as well as the iPod Touch & iPad, and other tablets! Look in the Google Play store or iTunes now!
in Local News
P.O BOX 1440•Bremen, GA 30110 T: 770-537-0840•F: 770-406-2324 www.1440thetrain.com
COMMENTARY
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews
March 13, 2022 Page 23
Representing Carroll County School Board of Education’s District 2 teaching in Pre-K. One of my goals has been to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get a premiere education regardless of their ability to learn, their family’s financial status, or where they live. If you are building a house, you know the importance of building a strong foundation - and educating a child is the same. A child who has a great early learning opportunity at Pre-K has a much better opportunity to enter first grade ready to learn. Carroll County Schools partnered with the Community’s and Schools Program and I immediately knew this program would be the missing link for at-risk high school students. The Community’s and Schools Program has now evolved into the Pass Program. I have done my best to help support this program because I know many students have social or economic needs. The Pass Program has been able to provide links to services that have enabled many high school students to stay enrolled and go on to graduate. One of my greatest passions is gardening. As a part of the Carrollton Rotary Club’s grant programs, I was able to partner with Temple High School’s Agriculture Program. A local farmer, a local land owner, the Carrollton Rotary Club, and students were able to plow, plant, harvest, and deliver thousands of ears of corn to local senior citizens! This program has continued for several years now - and the
memories and experiences will linger for many years to come! Friendships, connections with local senior citizens, and just helping someone else is a great way to learn a lot about yourself and your community. “Spud Day” has become a tradition at Temple High School through a partnership with the Carroll County Council on Aging. Sharing potato recipes, potato poetry, potato eating potato contest, sack races and other events along with a meal with the Temple Senior Center senior citizens is a very unique learning opportunity for local high school students. High school students bagging sweet potatoes and delivering free sweet potatoes to the elderly ends the event - with hugs and lots of thank yous! In the past ten years, the population of Carroll County grew and along with that growth the school population grew. The Carroll County School System and Board of Education, through careful planning and stewardship of funds, have been able to provide a premier education opportunity for all of its students. Programs have been added, buildings have been built, athletic fields and gymnasiums have been built, graduation coaches have been employed, new school buses with air conditioning have been purchased, and the list goes on. Carroll County School System now has a
second College and Career Campus that provides an opportunity for high school students to gain vocational education and be ready for employment when they graduate from high school. The Carroll County Performing Arts Center provides a place for the community to jointly observe the success of our many music programs, art programs, spelling bees, signing events, sports programs, and many other special events for our families and their students. As I previously mentioned, children have different abilities when it comes to learning. I truly believe that the Carroll County School system’s motto of “Employed, Enrolled or Enlisted is a true gem for our high school students. Thinking back over the last eleven years as school board member for District 2 (and past board chair), I am amazed at the growth and success of the Carroll County Schools. Great students, great facilities, and a board who can disagree but, in the end, do what is best for the whole system. The Carroll County School System is a system that is “24 Strong”. I look forward to representing the people of District 2 of the Carroll County School Board for another term of four years. I would appreciate your vote on May 24th. (Early voting begins May 2nd.)
his knees because he spent so much time on his knees in prayer. Let’s learn some things about powerful prayer from James. First, we need to define what prayer is. E.M. Bounds defines prayer as, “Communion and fellowship with God. It’s a person having an PASTOR enjoyment with God and access to God Journey Fellowship through prayer. Prayer always and everywhere Baptist Church is an immediate and confiding approach to, and a request of, God the Father.” Dr. Johnny Hunt www.journeyfbc.com defines prayer as, “A humble begging, plea, or johnlemmings316@gmail.com petition.” Prayer is your communication with A young pastor stood up to preach not know- God. As believers in Jesus Christ we have been ing that his son had made a paper airplane dur- given access to the throne to pray. Hebrews ing Sunday School. The preacher started on his 4:16 states, “Let us therefore come boldly unto first point when the little boy swung the plan through the air with a loud, “vroom!” People chuckled, but his dad was embarrassed, “Son, don’t do that again.” The preacher returned to his message when the boy’s imagination took off again and away the boy goes, “vroom!” even louder. A second time, his father corrects him. The father is flustered, but continues to preach. The boy does it again, letting it go. It makes a perfect circle landing in Sister Hazel’s hair. Everyone laughed except the pastor and Sister Hazel. The preacher snatched up the boy and headed outside. Everyone saw the little boy’s face peering over his dad’s shoulders screaming, “Pray! Pray! It’s going to be bad! It’s going to be bad!” This little boy had learned the urgency of prayer! We chuckle at this story, but the truth is that we need an urgent powerful prayer life. E.V. Hill said, “If you get people praying, God will put in their heart what is on His heart. What is on His heart is a lost world. You can’t be a praying person and not be burdened about what burdens God.” Does your prayer life have power? Are your prayers answered? Do you experience power in your communication with the Father or has it become stale, lackluster, and powerless? Then, why not ask God to change that today? Your spouse, children, grandchildren and friends need you to pray powerfully. In the Bible, we are introduced to a man named James. He was a man of prayer. People say his nickname was “Old Camel Knees” because of the calluses on
the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” The Bible states in Psalm 62:8, “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” We are given wonderful truths about communication with the Lord in this verse. We are to trust in Him at all times and pour out our heart before him. There is nothing too small to bring to him in prayer. He wants to hear our petitions. I love the word “Selah,” which means to pause and think about what has been said; to take a deep breath and praise him.” Second, we are to pray with power. In James 5:16 the scripture tells us that, “…the effectual
fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Let’s open up this scripture and learn about powerful praying. God wants our prayers to have energy. The Greek word for “effectual fervent” is a word we get energy from. This means to put forth power, to be mighty. This is how John Knox prayed. Mary of Scots was more concerned over the prayers of John Knox than the armies of Philip. John Knox prayed, “Give me Scotland or I die.” Are you praying with energy? Not a loud or long prayer, but a Spirit filled prayer. Next, this prayer is to be prayed by a righteous person. This means that the person praySee JOHN LEMMINGS page 27
SANDRA
A. MORRIS
MEMBER Carroll County Schools Board of Education DISTRICT 2 On a recent Friday, I helped celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading to children at Temple Elementary School. This has been a tradition where I love to participate. Children are always eager to see a new face and often ask if I want to be their new teacher. The Carrollton Kiwanis Club does an excellent job planning and organizing the Dr. Seuss reading event, and I appreciate the opportunity. Before Covid, it was amazing to see the children fight for a place close to me as I read one of Dr. Suess’s book. Usually, by the time I finished the book at least one would be in my lap! The way children learn is so different, and with technology it has changed even more. Each child is unique, and teaching has to be catered to the child. Learning starts early, and I personally, and as a school board member, know we need more Pre-K school classes. The Carroll County Schools do an excellent job
Developing a powerful prayer life
JOHN
LEMMINGS
Storm Products
las Chapel
942-2311
n.com
ne.com
Jones, Jr., ay 16, 2019, 2019 vvorn, age 1932, died 2019 ll, age 76, 1941, died 2019 lis, Jr., age , 1948, died
s, age 66, died Friday,
rs, age 79, 9, died July
OBITUARIES
BITUARIES OO BITUARIES
Page 24Page March 2022 tar www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 16 August 11,N 2019 tar News 1613, August 11,S2019 Sews tarSN ews www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 16www.starnewsgaonline.com August 11, 11, 2019 2019 S Star tarN News ews www.starnewsgaonline.com www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 16 August
- WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL FUNERAL HOMES HOMES -- WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES - -- WEST GEORGIA AREA
J.J.HoytHoytTThomashomasJ. Hoyt Thomas FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME
Funeral Directors & Undertakers
UNER FUNER
FUNERALHOMHOM EE FUNERAL
They walk beside beside us us every every day, day, beside us every day, walk TheyThey walkwalk beside us every day,They HOM E FUNERAL Unseen, unheard, unheard, but but always always Unseen, unheard, but always Unseen, unheard, but always Unseen, & CREMATION SERVICE
J. C
Collins J. J. Collins
J.ThoseCollins Those we we love love don’t don’t go go away away Those we love go away we love don’tdon’t go away Those
“A beautiful beautiful place place for for memories” memories” “A Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial park Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial park park Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial park was developed to serve this area now and for was developed to serve this area now and for was developed to serve this area now and for Our funeral home offers a was developed to serve this area now and for generations to to come.West come.West Georgia Georgia generations to come.West Georgia generations to come.West Georgia generations warm, comfortable, familyMemorial Park Park isis divided divided into into beautiful beautiful Memorial is divided into beautiful Memorial Park isPark divided into beautiful Memorial oriented environment with gardens including our traditional up-right including our traditional gardensgardens including our traditional up-rightup-right gardens including our traditional up-right traditional and headstone section section in in the the Garden Garden of of Memories Memories headstone section in the Garden of Memories headstone headstone sectionarchitecture in the Garden of Memories tasteful interior Our as well as our flat bronze memorial section as flat decor. bronze memorial as wellasaswell our flatour bronze memorial sectionsection as well as our flat bronze memorial section and our Mausoleum in the Garden facilities accommodate and our Mausoleum inall the types Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden of Cross and our Family Estates Garden. of and Cross our Family Garden. of Cross ourand Family EstatesEstates Garden. of funerals and memorials large of Cross and our Family Estates Garden.
“A beautiful for memories” “A beautiful placeplace for memories”
& CREMA CREMA &
& CREMATION SERVICE & CREMATION SERVICE
Funeral Dir Dir Funeral
& Undertakers FuneralFuneral DirectorsDirectors & Undertakers
near, still still LOVED, LOVED, STILL STILL MISSED MISSED still LOVED, MISSED near,near, still LOVED, STILLSTILL MISSED near, andVERY VERY DEAR! DEAR! DEAR! and and VERYVERY DEAR! and
1011and Topaz Lane Villa Rica Rica Ga Rica Ga 10111011 TopazTopaz LaneLane Villa Villa Rica Ga small, public or private. WEST GEORGIA GEORGIA MEMORIAL WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Ga WEST MEMORIAL Douglas Chapel Chapel Villa Rica Rica Chapel Chapel Douglas Douglas Douglas ChapelChapel Villa Rica Chapel Villa Rica Chapel Villa 548 Newnan Street 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 Carrollton-Villa Highway 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 41944194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Rica Highway
PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
770.459.3676770.459.3676 770.459.3676 770.459.6090 770.836.1336 770.836.1336 www.jhoytthomas.com www.jhoytthomas.com www.jhoytthomas.com
PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES LOCALLY & OPERATED LOCALLY OWNEDOWNED & OPERATED
4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway Carrollton, GAGeorgia 30117 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia P.O. 1321 Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia P.O. Box Carrollton, 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-459-3694 P.O. Box 1321 770-942-2311 Carrollton, Georgia
www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com
Phone: (770) 832-7056
www.jhoytthomas.com
www.almonfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com
770.459.6090 770.459.6090
770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-942-2311 770-459-3694
770.836.1336 www.jones-wynn.com 770.836.1336 www.jones-wynn.com www.jones-wynn.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com
for complete obituary listings listings daily daily go go to: to: www.starnewsgaonline.com www.starnewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily gowww.starnewsgaonline.com to: www.starnewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings dailyfor go complete to: obituary
Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Tiffanee F.Shedd, Alexander, age 71, Shirley Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Christy Lynn Pierce, age 51, born January 13, Jr., Danny Jones, Jr., Jerry Master Joe Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Shedd, age 53, Jerry Shirley Scott age 53, ScottScott Shedd, age 53, Phyllis “Pete” Ann Dunagan, ageMaster 89,Danny born August F. Alexander, age 71, Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Harriet Ann Harrill Bogue, age 84, born Master Danny Joe Jones, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, ageMonday, 2 months, born May 16, 2019, November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, bornborn November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died July 8, 2019 died Monday, July 8, 2019 died Monday, July 8, 2019 1971, died February 1, 2022 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, 1932, died Monday, February 7, 2022 July 12, 2019 December 28, 1937, died February 8, 2022 Sunday, July29, 14, 2019 died Friday, died Thursday, July 4,age 2019 Sunday, 14, 2019 age July 12, 2019 Sunday, July July 14,Simpson, 2019 died died Friday, July 12, 2019 Thursday, July 4, 2019James David died died Thursday, July12, 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age David Ronald Ronald Simpson, Sunday, JulyFriday, 14, 2019 died Friday, July 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 Dawson Richards, age 77, born November Andrew “David” Griffith, Jr, age 69, born May 22, Captain Hugh Dorsey Butler, Jr., age 74, born Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” NellDean, Lovvorn, age 92, 70, born 21,Nell 1948, died 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, 70, born July July 21, 1948, diedLovvorn, July July age James B. age “Marjorie” 11, 1944, died February 7, 2022 1952, died January 31, 2022 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died November 22, 1947, died Monday, February 14, 86, born August 3, 1932, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 09, 2019 09, 2019 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86,2019 born August 3, 1932, died Tuesday, July 9,July 2019 Wednesday, July 3,2019 2019 Jerry Shackelford, age 10, 80, born Wednesday, July 2019 Bruce Hall, age 76, born April July 11, 1945, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Tuesday, 9, 2019 Wednesday, 3, 2019 2022Zellie Wednesday, July 10, 2019 William Wednesday, 10,3, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94,July FredJuly Sprewell, age 94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, 94, on Tuesday, July 9,Stanley 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July age 10, 2019 Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age 27, 1941, died February 25, 2022 Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, 1925, died died February 19, 2022 Linda Smith Camp, age 75, died March 4, 2022 Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Donald Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, age 76,born born June 05,7,1943, died 68, born September 7, 1941, 1950, died bornJuly October 18, 1941, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, September 1950, died born October 18, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, 27, 2019 James William Threadgill, age 77, born March age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Harry William Harp, Sr., Friday, age 81, born 5, born October 18, 1941, died James “Buzz” Arthur Chambers, ageWednesday, 76, born July 10, 2019 JulyFebruary 19, 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, age 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19,2019 2019 Wednesday, 10, 2019 Friday, July 19,10, 2019 Wednesday, 17, 2019 Wednesday, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, Daniel Lance July Walker, age 40, Daniel Lance age 40, 40, Wednesday, July Friday, July July 19, July 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 9, 1944, died February 14,Walker, 2022 1941, died February 23, 2022 DecemberJohn 28, 1945, died February 23, 2022 John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., 84, age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age age September 18, 1978, born September 18, 1978, died John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, bornborn September 18, 1978, died died Bobbie Jean Dodderer, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age Arnold Jackson Warren, age 89, born November born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Judy Ann Smith Lambert, age 75, born November 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sara Ellen Johnson Craven, age 90, born born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born 31, 1948, 70, born December 31,died 1948, died died Sunday, July 21, 2019 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, 21, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9,December 1935, Monday, 70,July born December 22, 2019 July 22, July 2019 28, 1932, died Sunday, February 20, 2022 Monday, July 8, 2019 27, 1946, died February 1, 2022 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 22,1,2019 July 22, 2019 February 1932, died February 2022 Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann17,West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee22, Nichols, age 66, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Marsella Fazio, age Lillie Maude Blairdied Williams, age 90, bornage Randy Nichols, 66, Randy Nichols, age age 66, agedied 58, July 2019 age 58, Don diedDaniel, July 22, 2019 age 58, July 22, Linda Jane Lepard, ageage 68, born MayLee 19, Lee 1953, Coach age 83, born on May 29, Anna Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee2019 Nichols, 66, age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, ageborn 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, ageFebruary 89, September 14, 1929, 85, born born on Jan 1, 3,1934, died died 24, 1953, died Friday, bornborn JuneJune 24, 1953, died1934, Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age Wallace Allen Worthan, age Wallace AllenFebruary Worthan, age February 17, 1931, died 16, 2022 age 89, September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, died died March 2022 born June 24, 1953, died Friday, 1938, died 10, 2022 diedMonday, Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 2019 died Saturday, 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 diedMonday, Saturday, July July 20, JulyJuly 8, 2019 July 26, 2019 July 26, 56, died Monday, July 15, 201918, 56, died July 15,2019 2019 56,L.died Monday, July 15,December 2019 died Saturday, 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,6,2019 July 26, 2019 Kathy Wright, age 63, born Sara Shockley Meigs, age 89, born2019 August 1932, Jennings, James Patrick “Pat” Diffey, ageage 81, born Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Bell D.Griffin Sanders, age Ara Ara Bell Nell D. Sanders, age 79, 79, CarolCarol Judith Chapman, age age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Judith Chapman, age 55, Harris Jennings, AraAugust Bell D.06, Sanders, 79, 1958, died February 15, 2022 born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, died March 4, 2022 born 1939, died July December 7, 1940, died February 19, 2022 born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, 06, 1939, bornborn August 06, Tuesday, 1939, died died July July June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, August died July 2, born born August 06, 1939, died July Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 Muse Nixon, age 62, born 12, Friday, 28, 2019 age 52, 2019 28,Judy Friday, JuneJune 28, 2019 2019 Stephanie McCutcheon Dunlap, born 24,November 2019 24, 2019 7, 2019 July 7, 2019 July July 7,24, 2019 Friday, June 2019 2019 2019 1959, died March 1, 2022 September 4, 1969, died February 26, 2022
Your subscription brings you MORE news and information!
Subscribing Means
MORE!
A double of fun?…..YES! A double dose dose of fun?…..YES!
A double dose of fun?…..YES!
doubleDisney dosecruisers of fun?…..YES! This Asummer will enjoy not one, This summer will not enjoyone, not one, This summer DisneyDisney cruiserscruisers will enjoy This summer Disney cruisers Cay! will enjoy one, but two stops at Castaway What not makes two atstops at Castaway Cay!makes What makes but two stops at Castaway Cay! What but twobutstops Castaway Cay! What makes Castaway Cay so special? There are uniquely Castaway so special? There are uniquelyCastaway Cay so special? There are uniquely Castaway Cay soCay special? There are uniquely ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional designed areas for kids, adults, and families! ***Magical is a professional ***Magical VacationVacation PlannerPlanner is a professional designed areas for kids, adults, and families!designed designed areas for kids, adults, and families! ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional families! concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore theareas islandforbykids, bike,adults, chooseand a new water concierge that provides the ultimate concierge serviceservice that provides the ultimate Explore the island by bike, choose a new water Explore the island by bike, choose a new water concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore the island by bike, choose a new water StarNews / StarNews Online customer service experience for guests adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy customer experience for guestscustomer customer serviceservice experience for guests adventure, sun on a sandy white sandyadventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy adventure, soak experience upsoak theup suntheon aguests white service for island beach, and so much more! Everything traveling to various Disney destinations, Carrollbeach, County Mental beach, and sodestinations, much more! Everythingisland island island beach, and Disney so much more! Everything traveling to various destinations,traveling traveling to various Disney Disney destinations, so WGTC much more! to various you need forand aaskperfect day atannounces theEverything beach is LOFCR: Local Option Face Covering Requirement Health Advocates cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. you need for a perfect day at the beach is new president you need for a perfect day at the beach is vacations, and all-inclusive cruise cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts.resorts. the public to help be www.starnewsgaonline.com you need for a perfect day at the beach is cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch! their “missing link” included, an allcanyoueatcan eat buffet included, even aneven all you buffet lunch! lunch!included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch! Contact to mesubscribe for your FREE, to StarNews, send $20 for your FREE, ContactContact me forme yourforFREE, Contact me for your FREE, no obligation quote FULL ONE YEAR subscription! no obligation no obligation quote quote no obligation quote ($10 for senior citizens) to:
StarNews
CARROLL COUNTY, GEORGIA’s ONLY LOCALLY OWNED / LOCALLY OPERATED NEWSPAPER
NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS
monthly traditional print publication
APRIL 11, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 4
Becky Gentry Becky Gentry TravelTravel AgentAgent
•Granite •Marble •Bronze •Statues •Mausoleums •Private Estates •Civic Memorials
404-291-1187 404-291-1187
by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Mental Health Advocates will be hosting their 2nd annual community event “Miles for Mental Health - Running Over the Hurdles Together” 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, May 15th, 2021, at the Greenbelt at Hobbs Farm, 1147 Rome Street, Carrollton, Georgia. Registration begins at 2:00 pm, Fun Run begins at 3:00 pm, and 5K Run begins at 4:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll County Mental Health Advocate programs. Additional information can be obtained at the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates office at 306A Bradley Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117, phone 770830-2048. The story of the CCMHA is one of true commitment to their mission. In 2008, then Carroll County Probate Court Judge, Betty Cason (now Mayor of Carrollton) brought together a group of concerned citizens for a con-
Dr. Julie Post will begin job April 16th from press release Dr. Julie Post, Vice President of Student Affairs at Gwinnett Technical College, has been selected at the next president of West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), as announced by Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier. She will begin her duties at West Georgia Tech April 16, 2021. Pat Hannon has been interim president of West Georgia Tech since Dr. Scott Rule retired as President December 31, 2020. See WGTC NEW PRESIDENT page 8
Effective for time frame of April 1st through April 30th
eliminated (but “strongly encouraged” by the by Sue Horn On Thursday, April 1, 2021, Governor Brian governor) and replaced with a Local Option Face Kemp signed three executive orders, of which Covering Requirement (LOFCR) giving a city, one (temporarily) eliminates the year long CoVid county, or other government entity the authority large gatherings ban and any remaining to continue to impose the requirement of wearing sheltering-in-place for the time period April 8th a mask “when not able to maintain Social though April 30th. And although the mask wear- Distancing from non-cohabitating persons”. Social distancing has been reduced from 6 feet ing requirement has been (temporarily) eliminated at the state level, it was moved to a local to 3.5 feet (42 inches) of separation between level decision. Specifically, for the time period seating/parties at restaurants, bars, and movie April 1-30, 2021, the mask mandate has been See LOCAL OPTION FACE COVERING page 5
Becky Gentry Gentry Becky STARNEWS Travel Agent
678-877-5771 Hulseymonumentcompany@gmail.com
A scant 0.039% of Carroll County voters
in SPLOST Referendum TravelBOX Agent 680 Carrollton, participated P.O. Ga 30112 by Sue Horn The March 16, 2021 Carroll County SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) passed by an 81% margin with only 3,368 citizens participating. Of those,
b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com Hulsey Monumentb.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com Company b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com 3062 Providence Church Rd Tallapoosa, Georgia
daily local news
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Governor removes mask mandate, eliminates ban on large gatherings, reduces social distancing to 42 inches in some cases, moves mask wearing decision to the local levels
404-291-1187 404-291-1187 Name
See 0.039% VOTED page 19
See FUNDRAISER page 7
Georgia Labor Department issued more in unemployment payments in last 12 months than prior 82 years
by Sue Horn At the 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021 Special Called Meeting of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, an amendment was passed 6-0 (one commissioner was
Zip
1911-2019: $20.024 Billion paid 2020 alone: $20.218 Billion paid
from press release The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) recently surpassed a major milestone in the organization paying claimants more in the past 12 months than in all of the combined years that GDOL has been in existence. Georgians have received $20.218 billion in unemployment insurance (UI)
$20
$10 Senior Citizen
PRINT EDITIONS on
www.starnewsgaonline.com LIKE US at
3,368
Number of Carroll County citizens who voted in the March 2021 SPLOST Referendum
absent) to increase the budget by $191,433 to match increased revenues. Three categories received the bulk of the cash: $53,000 has been assigned to increased “salaries”; See $191,433 page 11
CoVID-19 statistics for Georgia and Carroll County one year: March 23, 2020- April 5, 2021 GEORGIA
Life going forward, and out of the pandemic As pandemic restrictions have eased (3.5 feet now for some social distancing/mask use encouraged but not mandated), civic clubs are returning to more normal functioning, including the Carrollton Kiwanis Club who recently hosted Carroll County’s fire chief Tim Padgett. See story page 6. Photo by Sue Horn
As of APRIL 5, 2021: 856,340 total confirmed cases 16,749 total deaths Estimated state population: 10.6M
CARROLL COUNTY
As of APRIL 5, 2021: 7,271 total confirmed cases 129 total deaths Estimated county population: 122,000
Death total represents Death total represents 0.00158% of population 0.001% of population Source: Georgia Department of Public Health dph.georgia.gov/covid-19
See $20.218 BILLION page 27 DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! READ DIGITAL MONTHLY
85,888
Number of Carroll County citizens voted in the Nov. 2020 Election
County commission approves amendment increasing spending by $191,433 to match extra revenue
Address
8.00” x 3.25”
OBIT
PERSONALIZED FUN PERSONALIZED FUN LOCALLY LOCALLY
206 South South Carrol Carrol 206
770.4 770.4
www.jcollins www.jcollins
Jerry Sco Jerry Sco died Monday, died Monday, David Ro David Ron 70, born July 70, born July 09, 2019 09, 2019 Zellie Fred Zellie Fred born Februa born Februa Saturday, Jul Saturday, July Daniel Lan Daniel Lan born Septem born Septem Sunday, July Sunday, July Deborah “ Deborah “ age 58, died age 58, died Wallace A Wallace A 56, died Mon 56,Carol died Mon Judit Carol Judit born June 24 born June 24 July 7, 2019 July 7, 2019
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Carroll County Department of Public Health
StarNews
March 13, 2022 Page 25
To view complete inspection details: dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health
restaurant health inspections scores
2/09/2022: Brent’s Burgers 1048 Alabama Street Carrollton 100 2/08/2022: Blue Nomad Grill 1002 W College Street Bowdon 100 2/11/2022: Rick’s Classic American 139 City Hall Ave Bowdon 100 99 2/25/2022: Store Grandez 1745 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 2/21/2022: Arby’s 122 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 99 99 2/07/2022: Burger King 584 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 99 2/02/2022: Five Star Food Service 1Decoma Drive Carrollton 99 2/03/2022: Jersey Mike’s 1670 Hwy 27 S Ste 800 Carrollton 2/10/2022: Twisted Steel Barbeque 665 Main St Whitesburg 98 98 2/10/2022: Mojave Hot Wings 10698 MainSt Whitesburg 2/16/2022: Wendy’s 803 S Park Street Carrollton 98 98 2/18/2022: PJ’s 745 Bankhead Hwy Carrolltoh 2/10/2022: New China Chinese 525 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 98 98 2/25/2022: Olive Garden 1379 S Park Street Carrollton 2/07/2022: ATL Hibachi 600 Carrollton-Villa Rica Hwy Villa Rica 98 98 2/14/2022: Jack’s 729 E College Street Bowdon 97 2/15/2022: Jersey Mike’s 1623 Alabama Ave Ste B Bremen 97 2/04/2022: Sunset Hills Country Club 1 Club Drive Carrollton 2/08/2022: M&J Home Cooking 1111 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 97 2/15/2022: Zaxby’s 135 Hwy 27 Bypass Bremen 97 2/22/2022: Unique’s Ice Cream 367 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 97 96 2/14/2022: Fong’s Asian 215 W Wilson St Ste 219 Villa Rica 96 2/16/2022: Five Guy’s 1436 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 96 2/07/2022: Cook Out 904 South Park Street Carrollton 2/11/2022: Cuatro Locos 139 City Hall Ave Unit B Bowdon 96 95 2/25/2022: Tacos California 826 Newnan Road Carrollton 95 2/16/2022: Krystal 130 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica 2/24/2022: Waffle House #974 1201 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 95 94 2/15/2022: Captain D’s 1641 Alabama Ave S Bremen 94 2/28/2022: Waffe House #1311 1980 Alabama Ave Bremen 2/01/2022: McDonald’s 116 Carrollton-Villa Rica Hwy Villa Rica 93 93 2/28/2022: Arby’s 31 Price Creek Road Bremen 2/6/2022: Dairy Queen 811 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 92 92 2/16/2022: Burger King 515 Carrollton Street Temple 91 2/01/2022: El Tapatio’s Mexican 40 Villa Rosa Road Temple
previous 99 previous 96 previous NA previous 100 previous 98 previous 95 previous 95 previous 91 previous 97 previous 96 previous 95 previous 94 previous 94 previous 94 previous 94 previous 90 previous 97 previous 97 previous 95 previous 92 previous NA previous 97 previous 96 previous 93 previous NA previous 100 previous 95 previous 93 previous 95 previous 95 previous 97 previous 93 previous 90 previous 82 previous 90
2/28/2022: Popeye’s 95 Hwy 27 Bypass Bremen 91 previous 85 2/28/2022: Wendy’s 1995 Alabama Ave Bremen 90 previous 97 2/24/2022: McDonald’s 1175 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 90 previous 93 90 previous 92 2/01/2022: Fortune Star 40 Villa Rosa Road Temple 90 previous 91 2/22/2022: Locomex 412 Adamson Square Carrollton 2/10/2022: Waffle House #1690 1114 N park Street Carrollton 90 previous 91 2/21/2022: KFC Taco Bell 126 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 90 previous 85 2/03/2022: Billy Bob’s 811 S Park Street Carrollton 90 previous 85 90 previous 81 2/16/2022: Big Bear 401 Maple Street Ste D Carrollton 86 previous 91 2/07/2022: Pilgrim’s Pride 616 Kingsbridge Road Carrollton 2/10/2022: Martin’s 1100 W Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 86 previous 90 85 previous 91 2/07/2022: La Vaquerita Mexican 1124 N Park St Carrollton 83 previous 98 2/18/2022: Wing Citi 2502 Hwy 61 Carrollton Violations: Observed fresh cut celery stored under raw chicken in walk-in cooler. Corrected on site. Neither hand sink had hot water. Observed containers of prepared sauce directly on the floor. Keep all food at least 6 inches off the floor. Observed rusted shelves in reach-in coolers. 76 previous 89 02/09/2022: Sweet Basil Thai 959 Maple Street Carrollton Violations: In reach-in cooler: observed raw shelled eggs in various containers stored above ready to eat foods; raw chicken stored above ready to eat food; raw cut steak stored above chopped vegetables. Observed many TCS food across from cooler stored uncovered. Observed in reach-in cooler chicken stored at 48 degrees. Freezer observed with freeze build-up.
tourist accomodation inspections scores 85 previous 83 2/02/2022: Western Inn 180 Centennial Road Carrollton 78 previous 84 2/24/2022: Budget Inn 405 Columbia Drive Carrollton Violations: Mold observed under cabinet and along baseboards in Room 150. Clean and treat mold. Huge hole in laundry room. Cigarette burns in linens and stains on linens.
public swimming pool inspections scores 02/09/2022: Red Roof Inn 1125 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 02/25/2022: Red Roof Inn 1125 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 02/17/2022: Holiday Inn Express 125 Hwy 27 Byp Bremen 02/25/2022: Holiday Inn Express 125 Hwy 27 Byp Bremen
Jones-Wynn cremation AD
85 UNSATISFACTORY 100 SATISFACTORY 85 UNSATISFACTORY 100 SATISFACTORY
Page 26 March 13, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Use your financial strategy like GPS submitted by Edward Jones financial advisor / Chantrice Swint When you’re driving these days, it’s pretty hard to get lost because your smartphone’s Global Positioning System (GPS) can get you just about anywhere. And as an investor, you can have a similar experience by employing another directional tool – a personalized financial strategy. Let’s look at the parallels between your GPS and this type of strategy. To begin with, your GPS pinpoints your exact location at the start of your trip – in other words, it tells you where you are. And when you create a financial strategy, your first step is to evaluate your current situation by answering these types of questions: What are your assets? How much do you earn? How much do you owe? How much are you contributing to your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement accounts? Once you’ve got a clear picture of your finances, you’ll be ready to begin your journey toward your long-term goals.
Once your GPS has identified your starting point, it will then show you where you want to go and the routes to help you get there. And it’s the same with your financial strategy – you want it to help lead you to a particular place in your life. In fact, a well-designed strategy can show you the steps you need to take to help reach more than one destination – to a place where you can send your children to college, a place where you can retire comfortably, a place where you can leave the type of legacy you want, and so on. Here’s another element of your GPS that applies to your financial strategy – the warnings. You’re certainly familiar with those thick red lines your GPS shows to indicate traffic slowdowns ahead. And while they’re annoying, they’re also useful in cautioning you that you may arrive at your destination later than you had originally planned. Your financial strategy can also express “warnings” about events that could hinder you from
Carroll County marriage licenses
reaching your goals. These obstacles might include an illness or disability that could keep you out of work for a while, or the need for some type of long-term care, such as a nursing home stay or the services of a home health aide. Your financial strategy can not only identify these threats, but with the guidance of a financial professional, suggest potential solutions. In addition to providing warnings about things such as heavy traffic and road construction, your GPS can change your route if you miss a turn or if you decide, for whatever reason, to go a slightly different way. Your financial strategy can also show you alternatives, if it’s comprehensive and overseen by a financial professional, who, using specialized software, can create hypotheticals – illustrations that provide alternative outcomes for different steps, such as retiring at various ages, investing different amounts each year or earning different rates of return. These hypotheticals
FEBRUARY 1-28, 2022
can be quite helpful to you as your chart your course toward your goals, especially if you need to change your plans along the way. Your GPS and your financial strategy are two great tools for helping get you where you want to go.
Carroll County births
February 1-28, 2022: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 50 Boys: 43 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 22 Boys: 28
Carroll County births year end totals
GA Dept of Public Health oasis.state.ga.us/oasis 2020 ALL WHITE BLACK 1539 1146 314 2019 ALL WHITE BLACK 1546 1090 295 2018 ALL WHITE BLACK 1463 1144 262 2010 ALL WHITE BLACK 1544 1134 317 2000 ALL WHITE BLACK 1353 1082 255 1994 ALL WHITE BLACK 1179 927 245
Multiracial 60 Multiracial 141 Multiracial 40 Multiracial 54 Multiracial zero Multiracial zero
Carroll County abortions
GA Dept of Public Health oasis.state.ga.us/oasis Induced Terminations Of Pregnancy (ITOP) 2020 ALL WHITE BLACK Multiracial 274 122 119 10 2019 ALL WHITE BLACK Multiracial 305 120 151 3 2018 ALL WHITE BLACK Multiracial 268 99 110 5 2010 ALL WHITE BLACK Multiracial 288 134 104 4 2000 ALL WHITE BLACK Multiracial 217 134 79 zero 1994 ALL WHITE BLACK Multiracial 280 189 86 zero
Carroll County pistol permits Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: FEB 1-28, 2022: 242
Carroll County jail population (The Jack T. Bell Detention Center, 1000 Newnan Road, Carrollton)
Total population as of MARCH 2, 2022: 469 Males: 421 Females: 48
Carroll County prison population
Total population as of JANUARY 5, 2022: 234 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 February 28, 2022: 233 February 21, 2022: 605 February 14, 2022: 723 February 7, 2022: 613
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Debbie Neal Vickie Anderson candidate for candidate for COMMISSION COMMISSION District 6 District 6 CANDIDATES from front page which included state senator and state representative, qualifying was held at the State Capitol. The first local candidate to qualify was Sandra A. Morris, longtime Carroll County Board of Education member District 2 and past chair. School board seats are nonpartisan; for all other seats a candidate must declare a political party affiliation. Also qualifying Monday morning were three candidates for the Carroll County Commission District 6 seat: Debbie Neal, Vickie Anderson, and Danny Bailey. Each declared the Republican Party. Later on Monday the following candidates qualified: Bryant Turner, county school board, District 7, Incumbent; Tom Sizemore, county school board, District 5; Steve Fuller, county commission District 4, Incumbent (R); and Clint Chance, county commission District 2, Incumbent (R).
Danny Bailey candidate for COMMISSION District 6
COMMISSION from page 17 2. Consideration of ARPA sub-recipient grant intergovernmental agreement with the City of Carrollton to grant up to $75,000 for the city to purchase, own, operate and maintain a second vehicle and ancillary equipment for the Carroll County Crisis Response Team, which is able to respond to 911 dispatched emergency calls when there is an identified or suspected behavioral health of psychiatric concern. 3. Consideration of carrier’s quote of $68,608 to replace two air conditioning drivers in the Historic Court House and Court House. 4. Consideration of a Film Location Agreement in connection with filming at Moore’s Bridge Park. The film company is JOHN LEMMINGS from page 23 ing is positionally righteous through the faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. II Corinthians 5:21 states, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (Christ). Are you saved? Also, the person praying should be practically righteous. This means the one who is saved will do right acts. Simply day to day acts should be right living. You cannot have unconfessed sin in your life and expect to get your prayers answered. If we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear us. Last, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. This means this prayer gets results. If you are like me you have a lot of prayers that are prayed to God. I have people I love in my life and when they approach me to pray for something or someone I want God to hear and answer according to His will. The Greek word for “avail” means to prevail greatly, strong, to be a force. Your prayers do not have to be weak and ineffective. We can pray powerful prayers. Begin to ask God today to help strengthen your prayer life. If you ever need pray, please contact our church office at 770-537-2300.
Clint Chance candidate for COMMISSION District 2
Sandra Morris candidate for SCHOOL BOARD District 2
Steve Fuller candidate for COMMISSION District 4
StarNews
March 13, 2022 Page 27
Bryant Turner candidate for SCHOOL BOARD District 7
Tom Sizemore candidate for SCHOOL BOARD District 5
Local candidates qualifying at the State Capitol bright and early Monday were: Mike Dugan, State Senator District 30, Incumbent, (R); Matt Brass, State Senator District 28, Incumbent, (R); Tyler Paul Smith, State Representative District 18, Incumbent, (R); willing to improve the property by painting the house, installing a new roof and back porch,, as well as repairing some roads and parking areas. Ben Skipper noted that the film “The Conjurer” was filmed at this same location more than a decade ago, and that film companies like the location due to lack of background noises. Commissioner Ernie Reynolds says the area needs more tourism and that he supports this agreement. 5. Consideration of spending $18,800 to repair a wall on the Magistrate Court Building
Shown above is Sandra Morris, long time Carroll County School Board member, indicating the district she represents (District 2). Qualifying was held Monday, March 7th-11th, as determined by the Georgia Secretary of State. Morris was the first candidate to qualify in Carroll County, having shown up just after 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. The Carroll County Board of Elections handled the qualifying for the Carroll County Commission seats for Districts 2, 4, and 6; and the Carroll County School Board seats for District 2, 5, and 7. Candidates running for State Senators and State Representatives representing Carroll County needed to qualify at the State Capitol. Photo by Sue Horn
and David Huddleston, State Representative District 72, (R). To see all qualified candidates, go to the Secretary of State’s website sos.ga.usa. Scroll down, click on “Qualified Candidates”. Then select the seat information. by West Georgia Resources who presented the lowest bid. This is the same company that had prior put a new roof on this building. 6. Consideration of a Resolution regarding raising the Coweta Judicial Circuit salary supplements for Superior Court Judges. $50,000 will be split with four other counties. 7. Consideration to issue a request for a proposal to hire a design professional for the new county administration facility. These seven items were approved unanimously by the board.
Harry T
The Primary Election will be held May 24th, with early voting beginning May 2nd. There will be some Saturday voting. Voters will be asked to choose a party ballot, either Republican or Democrat. If a runoff is required, that will be held June 21st. There was another consideration for the selection of a Design Professional, presented by Commissioner Clint Chance, for the fire station at 746 Bankhead Highway in Villa Rica. Rickman Architect and Design, LLC was presented to perform the design services to replace the current Fire Station No. 9, for a fee not to exceed $235,350. This request was approved unanimously by the Board. There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned.
AUTO REPAIR AUTO MAINTENANCE GREAT DISCOUNTS FREE ESTIMATES ING
FEATUR
TS PRODUC
BRAKE SERVICES • TUNE-UPS • TIRE ROTATIONS • BELTS, HOSES, FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENTS
HARRY T’S CAR WASH & LUBE
Discount For 730 Bankhead Hwy • Carrollton, GaVeterans & Military
770-836-1515
Year Around!
Page 28 March 13, 2022
StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com