StarNews
CARROLL COUNTY, GEORGIA’s ONLY LOCALLY OWNED / LOCALLY OPERATED NEWSPAPER
NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS
EASTER Messages 2022
Thoughts on the meaning of Easter from area pastors beginning on page 9
StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news
APRIL 10, 2022 • VOLUME 28 NUMBER 4
Longtime Magistrate Judge Al Johnson dies
Longtime Chief Magistrate Judge of Carroll County Alton Parker Johnson died March 26, 2022. He was 57 years old. Judge Johnson was appointed to fill the unexpired term of retiring Carroll County Chief Magistrate Judge Johnson Richard Smith in 1998. Johnson was then elected and re-elected for six consecutive terms, most recently in 2020. He was never opposed. Judge JUDGE ALTON P. JOHNSON page 29
www.starnewsgaonline.com
May 24th Primary set with active races for two county commission seats and one county school board seat No competition for State Senators Mike Dugan and Matt Brass; State Representatives J Collins and Tyler Paul Smith each to face a Democrat in November
by Wayne J. Reynolds and Sue Horn On May 24th, citizens will have the opportunity to go to the polls to begin selecting candidates, not only statewide, but also on the local level in Carroll County. Contested local races include two seats on the Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BOC) and one seat on Carroll County Board of Education (BOE). Several local seats were unopposed when the week long qualifying period closed at noon on March 7th: Incumbents Sandra Morris, BOE District 2, and Bryant Turner, BOE District 7 had no opposition. Carroll County
Commission District 2 incumbent Commissioner Clint Chance was unopposed as well. Commission District 4 incumbent Steve Fuller is facing opposition from political newcomer Will Godbee. There are four candidates for the Commission District 6 seat (Incumbent George Chambers is not seeking reelection): Vicki Anderson, Danny Bailey, Ken Huddleston, and Debbie Neal. Three qualified for Carroll County School Board District 5 (Incumbent Donald Nixon is not seeking reelection): Bill Kecskes, Curtis Stepps, and Tom Sizemore.
Villa Rica mayor continues campaign to promote tax allocation district (TAD) citing managed growth
City is asking county school board and county commission to agree to forego collecting their shares of the new tax revenue for a period of years, perhaps ten, to give city time to fully repay bond (2024-2033) by Sue Horn On Monday morning, March 28th, the City of Villa Rica Mayor Gil McDougal gave an hour long presentation on the city’s proposed Tax Allocation District (TAD) to area merchants, at Uncorked on Main, downtown Villa Rica. Approximately 45 citizens - merchants and others - were in attendance, with some voicing favor and some voicing opposition. Mayor McDougal opened with, “Our primary goal this morning is to answer any confusion or runors you may have heard [about the TAD]. . . . this is not a new project. . . we have been working on developing a TAD for about a year now. . . This TAD was in the making before the development . . before Jeff Fuqua was looking to build a grocery store.” Through a TAD, governmental partnerships are permitted to front the bond to pay for the extra infrastructure associated with large development. Repayment of the bond is paid for by the additional tax revenue that comes from the tax allocation district; in this case, the new property taxes and com-
On the state level, State Senators Mike Dugan and Matt Brass were unopposed. State Representatives J Collins District 71 and Tyler Paul Smith District 72 will each face a Democrat opponent in November. Collins is challenged by Democrat candidate Afoma Eguh Okafor of Villa Rica. Smith is challenged by Democrat Pat Rhudy of Carrollton. See CANDIDATES page 6
Commission told of cost increases, despite very low claims/ losses
J. Smith Lanier Insurance Company to raise prices after giving board “good news” on a”good year for the county”
by Sue Horn The Carroll County Board of Commissioners board held a day and a half retreat on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28 and 29, that concluded after 13 packed hours of group discussion and presentations. See HIGHER INSURANCE page 14
“Tanner United With Ukraine” fund to support Doctors Without Borders
New fund to address well-being of people living on the front lines of the conflict from press release Tanner Health Systems has launched a new fund: “Tanner United With Ukraine,” to support the Emergency Relief Fund of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The fund addresses the mental, emotional and physiSee TANNER with UKRAINE page 16
Danny Bailey t c Ele
Shown above is Villa Rica Mayor Gil McDougal at the March 28th TAD presentation for area merchants. About 45 people attended. Photo by Sue Horn
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
✝
See VILLA RICA TAD page 15
•Be accessible…Listen…Serve the Citizens! A partnership with the citizens of the district, we must work together. •Help maintain our agricultural roots & farmland with smart growth. The county is growing because people like what we have here & we cannot lose that. •Pro employee…they are the best asset we have! We must take care of them to stop the turnover rate & loss of experience in all county departments.
DANNY BAILEY “Elect”
DIST 6 COMMISSIONER
678-378-6291 dbailey893@gmail.com
Page 2 April 10, 2022
StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com
arts & crafts festival
SATURDAY, MAY 7 9am-3pm DOWNTOWN
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 3
Happy Easter
He is risen! Hoping your Easter is happy & blessed
Page 4 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Former football player now Congressional candidate Hershel Walker visits Carrollton Candidate makes campaign rounds prior to upcoming May 24th Primary Walker seeks to become Republican nominee
by Wayne J. Reynolds wrote a book that was on the New York Times On Tuesday, March 15th, legendary football best seller list. I wrote a song that was on the star and Congressional Republican candidate country music charts. From Wrightsville. I was Herschel Walker spoke to an overflow crowd one of the fastest men in the world at 220 of the Rotary Club of Carrollton. He is running pounds. Today, I am the CEO of one of the in the May 24 Primary to become the largest minority owned food service companies Republican nominee for the in the United States, and from Walker stated why he Wrightsville Georgia. Isn’t Senate seat currently held by Congressman R a p h a e l is running for the Senate that the American dream?” Warnock, Democrat. Walker’s seat, “I am sick and tired Walker stated why he is speech was filled with enterrunning for the Senate seat, of people running us taining stories of his athletic “I’m sick and tired. I am sick and business accomplishments down, separating this and tired of people running us along with comments on cur- country. The economy is down, separating this country. rent issues. He began his The economy is going down. going down. I have a I have a big voice. And Jesus speech acknowledging Jesus big voice. And Jesus is coming with me. He is a Christ, as he does every speech, he explained. is coming with me. “ bad man! He can block and I Walker led the University of can run. I love America. I will Georgia football team to a national champion- fight for America. I will fight for all of you, ship in 1980, and during his Georgia career you are my family.” won a Heisman trophy. After his junior year, he He said when he told his wife about running left to play for a new football league, the for the Senate seat, he said his wife responded USFL, and team owner Donald Trump. Walker with, “You are doing what?? Bleep, bleep. said, I knew the Donald, before he was the bleep bleep!” Herschel laughed. When he told Donald.” He went on to play 11 years as a pro- his mother, she asked, “Are you sure you want fessional football player in both the USFL and to do that?” He said he told her that “You and the NFL. He then went into the food service Dad were taught to do stuff right. You taught business. me there is no color in right or wrong. You Herschel Walker’s speech revolved around taught me there’s a way to live. If I don’t do the theme of what one can accomplish, citing this, my Heavenly Father won’t love me.” he was from Wrightsville, Georgia, a town in Walker said, “If you are a Democrat, you are Johnson County of around 2,000 residents. always wrong, if you are a Republican, you are “I got the chance to be on the Winter always right. Wait a minute, not all Democrats Olympic team as a pusher on the bobsled team. are wrong, not all Republicans are right. We Can you believe that, from Wrightsville? I have to come together.”
Shown above left and right are Scott Robison, Carrollton Rotary Club member and Hershel Walker, former football player and now Congressional Republican candidate. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of That’s’ my family.” his speech was about mental health. When the audience laughed, he responded, “I was bullied as a child. I went to the hospi- “You are not pure either. You may be mutts, tal and was told I had mental problems, that I too!” was hiding them. We don’t need to hide probOn national issues, he did not go into much lems. So, I started working on them,” he said. detail as expected as the noon Rotary Club “After that, every three weeks for 15 years I meeting is one hour and allows about thirty have visited military bases all over the world minutes for speakers. He briefly touched on the with a message of there is no shame in your United States sending jobs away. “Don’t let our mental health.” enemies do our job for us.” He talked about Herschel also spoke to the crowd about his Ronald Reagan stating “peace through family. “In my family, we have white, black, strength. I guarantee you, no peace without Asian, Italian, French…we are mutts. We even strength. We are giving it away to Russia. We have a Russian girl who has given me three are now even negotiating with Venezuela. beautiful nephews. Love every one of them! See HERSHEL WALKER page 30
Elect TOM SIZEMORE
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.
“YOUR VOICE OF THE EAGLES”
Tom Sizemore
Carroll County Board of Education District 5
“Throughout the years, my support and dedication for this community and our schools has never wavered. My promise to you is that I will put that same amount of passion into representing District 5 as your next School Board member.”
Please vote on Tuesday, May 24th for Tom Sizemore - District 5 Carroll County Board of Education Board Member
678-988-1520
Tom Sizemore Carroll County Board of Education-District 5
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 5
BLOWOUT SALE! Great Giveaways & Awesome Door Prizes
WHITEN POOLS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY
Thursday April 21 & Friday April 22 9am-6pm Saturday April 23 9am -3pm It’s time for our Annual Customer Appreciation Day Sale so mar k your calendar.
EVERYTHING in our store will be on SALE! FREE FOOD & DRINKS for all our customers on Saturday *Select pool & spas chemicals will be 15% OFF!
*Pool & Spa accessories will be 10% OFF! *Select pool equipment will be 10% OFF! *All Dimension One Spas will have
great cash prices & 0% financing available for 5 years (with approved credit, see store for details)
*$250 OFF
Above Ground Pools! *Selection of Flags & Mats 10% OFF! *All new in-ground pools sold during our sale will receive a FREE PENTAIR 930 ROBOTIC POOL CLEANER!
Spend $150.00 & be entered in for a chance to win a FREE POOL CLEANING Spend $250.00 & be entered in for a chance to win a pair of BLUE OTTER SUNGLASSES Spend $350.00 & be entered in for a chance to win a SUPERFLO VS POOL PUMP Spend $500.00 & be entered in for a chance to win 2 LEDGE LOUNGERS Some of the manufacturer representatives will be throughout the week to answer questions. COME SEE US
WhitenPools Store Hours: Thurs- Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am 3pm
931 Maple Street • Carrollton, Ga. 30117
770-214-2443
Page 6 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
CANDIDATES from front page David Huddleston, of Roopville, was the only candidate to qualify for State Representative District 72 (Incumbent Randy Nix is not seeking relection). Huddleston declared Republican. For State Representative District 64, two Republicans qualified, Kimberly New, and Shane Miller, of Hiram; and two Democrats qualified, Montenia Edwards, of Powder Springs, and Christopher R. Thornton. Following are responses from the candidates for commission and school board to questions posed by StarNews. All candidates in both races were contacted with earnest effort. Only one candidate failed to respond (Kenneth Huddleston, for District 6 commission). Candidates are listed in alphabetical order: Carroll County Commission District 4 candidates: Steve Fuller and Will Godbee Steve Fuller is running for reelection in District 4. Steve was born in Carrollton, where he resided until he was 12. “We then moved to the family farm in the Clem community where my wife, Donna and I live currently. I have lived in Carroll County for my entire life with the exception of the 20-plus years I spent in the U.S. Navy. Oddly enough, most of the places I lived were in what is now the 4th District,” Steve stated. He graduated from Central High School in 1970 and earned a B.S. in Geography with a minor in Geology from then-West Georgia College in 1983. In 1999 he earned his M.S in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. “My career in the Navy brought me into contact with people from all walks of life. Being supervised and supervising people of such diversity taught me flexibility and how to effectively coordinate different approaches to problem solving. It taught me leadership and
State Senator Mike Dugan Senate District 30 Republican
how to listen to others. I carried these skills into a 17 year career in special education and coaching. Both of these careers have taught me to listen to what other people have to say.” Fuller has held the office of Commissioner for the 4th District since being elected in the special election held in 2019. He has not run for or held any other elective office. “My entire working life has been in a career of service. I like engaging with the people of my community and giving them a voice in the government of Carroll County.” “In my almost three years on the board, we’ve maintained our county’s A+ bond rating, ushered smart and steady growth, attracted new industries and jobs through cooperation and tax incentives, and upheld the unique city/rural character of our district.” “While my focus is always on the interests of District 4, I’ve had the fortune of fostering strong relationships with our other commissioners to take a holistic view of our county. . . As the owner and operator of Swamp Fox Vineyards, I work to drive small-business and agricultural issues, including agritourism. And as a true son of the community of Clem, I lead efforts to preserve our lands and our quality of life.” Will Godbee, candidate for commission District 4, was born and raised in Carrollton and has lived in the Clem community for 22 years. He is a 2018 Central High School graduate and is graduating from The University of Georgia in May with a Bachelors in Political Science. He is a 6th generation Carroll Countain and live on the family land in Clem. “I am a proud supporter of all active and retired military personnel. This subject is very close to me because my great grandfather Joseph Godbee served in Korea, my grandfather, Stanley Long, served in the National Guard and my grandfather Travis Walker
served in the Air Force,” Will stated. “The passion that I have to serve others has been deeply rooted into me through my dad Jamie Godbee who was a deputy for 16 years and my grandfather Jimmy Godbee who served on the board of commissioner for several years. I have thoroughly enjoyed knocking on doors and listening to the concerns of my new and old friends in district 4 and if elected look forward to working with everyone.” Will has worked for his father’s company, Whooping Creek Construction, since he was 13 where he started as a laborer and now helps with bidding and budgeting. “I have also worked in the clerk of courts and solicitor’s office where I learned how important it is that these departments are run efficiently. These three jobs have helped prepare me for this job because a county needs to be run like a business. Basic economics states you cannot spend more than you make.” Godbee is seeking office for the first time,
neither having run for or held office previously. “The reason I am running for this office is because I believe it is my time to serve the people of District 4 and Carroll County. I want to be a voice that represents the needs of my constituents. I feel that with my age difference I can bring new perspectives and ideas to the board. I want to encourage other young people to get involved in county government because the decisions being made will affect our future tremendously. “If elected I will represent the City of Carrollton as well as the county communities of my district evenly. From talking with my constituents, I believe growth is the number one concern in Carroll County. A county must have growth, it just needs to be smart growth in the places that were assigned by the comprehensive plan. I also stand for the importance of preserving our rural agricultural areas as well.” See COMMISSION CANDIDATES page 17
Government Load Security - Commercial Driver Trainee
Heavy haul company seeks security rider/driver trainees to guard oversized government loads during transport. Must be at least 18 years old. Must be able to pass a strict background check. No felonies. No bankruptcies in the past 7 years. Must be able to pass a DOT physical. Must be able to obtain a commercial driver's license permit. Can train to driver but not required to. Will be on the road anywhere from 2 days to 21 days - average is 5 days. Trainees earn $30,000 to $50,000 per year. If you train and move up to a qualified driver the pay increases to $60,000 to $80,000 per year. For more information see www.cmitrucking.com Please contact recruiting Mon – Fri, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Cole Motorsports “Help Wanted”
404-629-5022 or e-mail clint@cmitrucking.com.
Employer sponsored medical, dental and vision plans. Paid vacation time after 1 year of employment. Paid weekly. Direct deposit.
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
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 7
BILL KECSKES www.starnewsgaonline.com
S SC CH HO OO O LL B BO OA AR RD D DISTRICT 5
Strong
FISCAL CONSERVATIVE
FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER UWG GRADUATE Master's Degree in Education Education Specialist's Degree Education Leadership Certificate
AIR FORCE VETERAN HAPPILY MARRIED 37 YEARS
MAY
24
ELECTION
VOTE
RETIRED TEACHER
d e c n e i r e p Ex & Qualified
WMK@BELLSOUTH.NET
(770) 328-6450
Page 8 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
NEWS RECAP from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com Audit finds 1,634 noncitizens attempted to register to vote in Georgia Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger conducted the first citizenship review of Georgia’s voter rolls in the state’s history. The review found that that 1,634 people who had attempted to register to vote were not able to be verified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’s (USCIS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. Due to Georgia’s existing citizenship check procedures, the noncitizens identified in the citizenship check were placed into “pending citizenship” status and were not able to vote. “Ensuring that only citizens are voting in Georgia’s elections is key to upholding the integrity of the vote in Georgia,” said Raffensperger. “As liberal states and cities around the country are changing their laws to allow noncitizen voting, I will continue to take steps to ensure Georgia’s elections are executed with integrity. Leading the state’s first citizenship audit of the voter rolls is an important part of that effort.” Raffensperger conducted the first audit of Georgia’s voter rolls for citizenship status in the state’s history. The audit proved that Georgia’s citizenship check procedures are working and are vital to ensuring secure elections. The review consisted of gathering additional data from the Georgia Department of Driver Services and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The review utilized USCIS’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.
The search found 1,634 individuals who had attempted to register to vote in Georgia despite not being citizens. In total, 2,258 voter registration applications are currently in “pending citizenship” status. The difference between the two numbers is because there were 624 records where the Secretary of State’s office was not able to obtain the required information to utilize the SAVE verification tool. Those additional 624 applicants remain in “pending citizenship” status because the citizenship check with the Department of Driver Services at the time of registration flagged those applicants as non-citizens according to DDS records. All 2,258 individuals were placed in pending status and not added to the voter rolls. None of these individuals have cast ballots in Georgia elections. Southwire acquires Novinium, Inc., a “cable rejuvenation provider” Southwire Company has acquired Novinium Holdings, Inc. of Kent, Washington, a cable rejuvenation solutions provider focused on electric utilities. Novinium is a full-service underground expert that partners with utility companies to keep their distribution system operating at peak performance, using the most capitally efficient and environmentally friendly methods available. Georgia Insurance Commissioner fines Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield $5M Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced a $5 million fine against Blue Cross Blue Shield as the result of a months-long Market Conduction Examination into violations of state laws and Agency rules and regulations by the insurance carrier. Furthermore, Blue Cross Blue Shield may be subject to additional significant fines if the carrier misses certain benchmarks in the corrective action plan agreed to between the Agency and the carrier.
“As Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner, my number one priority is protecting Georgia consumers,” said Commissioner King. “To that end, after numerous complaints made to our office regarding the operations of Blue Cross Blue Shield from individuals, physicians, hospitals, and others from around the state, I instructed my staff to conduct an extensive examination into the carrier’s practices.” “This examination uncovered a number of serious issues, including improper claims settlement practices, violations of the Prompt Pay Act, failure to reply to consumer complaints in a timely manner, inaccurate provider directories, and significant delays in loading provider contracts,” continued King. “As a result, our office has issued the largest fine in Agency history, with potential additional penalties if certain benchmarks are not reached.” To avoid additional penalties, Blue Cross Blue Shield must develop a new process for handling regulatory provider complaints, pay claims within the timeframes established under state law, and load provider contracts in a timely manner. Georgia Attorney General joins coalition urging TikTok and Snapchat to strengthen parental controls Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general to urge TikTok and Snapchat to strengthen parental controls by providing parents with the ability to monitor their children’s social media usage. “In today’s online environment, children are at a greater risk of encountering harmful content and predatory users,” said Carr. “We know this is a concern for Georgia families, and we stand with them in supporting the development and implementation of strong parental controls meant to keep kids safe. While some children might not understand the risks associated with
Tyler Paul Smith
heightened social media use, providing parents with the tools to protect their loved ones can help to prevent any dangerous or unintended consequences.” Research increasingly demonstrates the negative impact that social media can have on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of children and teenagers. In a letter sent to TikTok and Snapchat, the coalition writes, “Parental control apps can alert parents or schools to messages and posts on your platforms that have the potential to be harmful and dangerous. Apps can also alert parents if their child manifests a desire for selfharm or suicide. On other platforms where these apps are allowed to operate appropriately parents have received notifications of millions of instances of severe bullying and hundreds of thousands of self-harm situations, showing that these apps have the potential to save lives and prevent harm to our youth.” Social media platforms already engage in some content moderation and operate under some community guidelines, but these are not always sufficient to protect children and teenagers who are particularly vulnerable to online threats, especially with regard to direct messaging. Parental control apps empower parents to be full partners with the platforms to maintain a safe space online for their children. Carr was joined in signing the letter by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
EASTER Messages 2022
Easter is everyday. Easter is eternal.
Ben Bonner LEAD PASTOR Catalyst Church 1103 N Hwy 113, Carrollton, GA 30117 678-664-1237 ben@iamcatalyst.net
Easter is every day. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” That question was asked to the grieving women visiting the grave of Jesus. Jesus was not dead and they weren’t going to find a living savior in a cemetery. I ask myself that same question every day. I challenge myself and my ministry with that question and I challenge you with it. Why are you looking for the living among the dead? The promise of Easter is a choice you get to make every day. Why are you looking for life in relationships that drain you? Why do you overspend on your children’s athletic careers? Why do you stress yourself out taking a hundred pictures to post instead of being present on your family vacation? Why do you work so hard for the approval of others? Why do you go into debt for nice houses and cars that you can’t enjoy because you have to work so hard to pay the note? Why do you invest so much in your attire and appearance? You won’t what you’re looking for in a liquor or pill bottle, getting the next degree,
✝
getting a wife, a husband, earning the respect of others, raising successful kids, accumulating stuff, accomplishments, cash flow, or a promotion. Even if you get it, it won’t be enough. It will never complete you and it will never heal you. You won’t find wholeness grieving your past or hating the people who hurt you. You won’t find it pretending to be confident or pretending to have the perfect marriage and family. Easter Sunday happened because of how Jesus embraced the crucifixion that He didn’t deserve. But, He was only crucified once and you keep repeating your crucifixion. The way you live your life looks more like a crucifixion than a resurrection. You live defensively, can’t control your temper, and make decisions out of desperation. You are pessimistic and skeptical of everybody and everything. You will find life when you look in the right places - so quit going back to bad relationships and bad habits. Do the hard things, have the hard conversations, and set boundaries with people. Cut your budget, save money, and take time off. Your kids need your presence more than your paycheck. Put your phone up for a little bit and go on a date with your spouse. Start respecting yourself and stop seeking the validation of others. Do not be afraid to say “no.” Drop the nails you’ve crucified yourself with and quit drawing from wells that leave you empty. Try going to church. Why not start this Easter? You will find life in Jesus no matter what’s happened to you, what you’ve done, or what you haven’t done. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Jesus came “so that they may have life, and
Celebrate Easter Journey Fellowship
AT JOURNEY FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH 409 CENTER POINT RD BREMEN GA 30110
PALM SUNDAY APRIL 10TH @ 9AM & 11AM GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNION APRIL 15TH @ 6PM 7AM-8AM SUNRISE SERVICE 124 SUMMIT LANE BREMEN GA 30110 EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 17TH 9AM & 11AM
www.starnewsgaonline.com
have it to the fullest.” He promises that “who ever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” People will let you down, life will let you down. Come to Him one day and one decision at a time so that you will find what you’re looking for. You’ll find life! That’s the promise of Easter every day. Easter is eternal. I recently officiated Amanda’s funeral. She was 37 years old. She was a wife and a mom of 3 beautiful kids. Amanda was wonderful and remarkable. She worked as a nurse through covid while simultaneously battling cancer. She lived with grace and you could sense the presence of God when Amanda was in the room. She told me she wasn’t angry or afraid to die. She said, “I wish I could stay longer, but I’m not scared and I’m not angry.” Amanda understood that where she was going was good and that this life is only the beginning.
d
ure
sed
en Lic
ns &I
StarNews
April 10, 2021 Page 9
Jesus promised, “because I live, you also will live.” God is the God of every breath we take and He will carry us after our last breath. Jesus also taught us to not let our hearts be troubled and that He prepares a place for us. As Martha was grieving Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” When you’re heartbroken, when you say goodbye too soon, when what you’re facing is what you feared the most, remember that the end is only the beginning. Today is good. Tomorrow is good. That’s because Jesus is alive. He is Risen, indeed! He loves us all! Easter is every day. Easter is eternal. Watch us live on Facebook, YouTube, our website, our mobile app, or BoxCast app.
Professional Power Washing and Surface Cleaning
Danny’s Pressure Wash Inc.com Danny’s
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES House Deck Sealing Deck Cleaning Driveways Pool Area Painting Lawn Care
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Pressure Wash
Open 7 days a week! Call 770.947.3499
Building Dumpster Area Parking Decks Restaurants Gum Removal Drive Thrus Shopping Center Concrete
Any House up
to 2000sq ft CLEANED for ONLY $139.99
With Coupon Only. Some restrictions may apply.Offer Ends May 14, 2022
www.dannyspressurewashinc.com
Kimberly New for State House District 64
Kimberly New “Elect”
The NEW Conservative Choice for Georgia
As your Republican State Representative, I will fight to: -Defend Our 2nd Amendment Rights -Secure Our Elections -Cut Red Tape on Small Businesses -Stand With Parents and End Shutdowns -Back the Blue & Our First Responders
Call me at 770-757-4223 or email me at NewForGeorgia@gmail.com
I am asking for your support and your vote. Don’t forget to vote on May 24th!
Page 10 April 10, 2022
StarNews
EASTER Messages 2022
www.starnewsgaonline.com
What Easter means
Justin Richards SENIOR PASTOR Bowdon Baptist Church 205 Mill Street, Bowdon, GA 30108 www.bowdonbaptist.org
What does Easter mean to you? As a Christian, Easter seals the deal! Jesus said, “it is finished” when He died on the cross. The work of redemption had been completed, but Jesus wasn’t done yet. There was another step in the process. Something else had to happen. He couldn’t stay in the tomb. Early on that Easter morning Jesus rose from the tomb and then began to reveal Himself to many of His followers. He revealed Himself to the ladies that came to anoint Him at the tomb. He revealed Himself to His disciples in a locked room. My favorite interaction was with two travelers on the road to a town called Emmaus. In the Emmaus Road interaction some wonderful thing happens that reveals to us the love that Jesus has for humanity. He had been through one of the worst experiences any human could ever go through by enduring the persecution He did at the hands of the Roman Government. He also experienced one of the most wonderful experiences a human could
experience in resurrection from the dead. After both of those experiences, He engages humanity. Jesus would have been justified to ascend to Heaven after His resurrection. He could have moved directly into the presence of His Father, but He didn’t. Jesus chose to walk with a couple of disciples and help to strengthen their faith. The gospel writer Luke shares the account of the interaction and you can read all about it in the Bible in Luke 24:13-25. Jesus joins the two disciples as they travel on the road. The interesting thing is that Jesus has disguised Himself in a way that the disciples don’t know who He is. As Jesus joins the two travelers, He asks them what they were talking about. I love the fact that Jesus enjoys talking with us. Do you spend time talking with Jesus in prayer? The disciples begin to share with Jesus about all of the things that had happened in Jerusalem and they are quite surprised that the man on the road doesn’t know what has been going on. After the disciples share, then Jesus begins to remind them of some things. As they are walking, Jesus begins to tell them about Himself in all of the Old Testament accounts. He asks them, “was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” I love the fact that as we walk with Jesus, He will challenge our thinking and beliefs as well. He calls us to think about who He is and what He has done for us. Finally the disciples come to the end of their journey. Jesus acts like He is going to continue down the road. The travelers invited Him in for dinner. As they sit and Jesus breaks the bread and
blesses it, He reveals Himself to the disciples. He immediately vanishes and the disciples are amazed! They say, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” They were so excited that they got up and made the seven mile journey back to Jerusalem to tell the eleven disciples that they had walked and talked with the risen Jesus! Isn’t that ultimately what we are to do? Go and tell others that WE have walked and talked with Jesus and tell the World of His resurrection! That is one of the great blessings of Easter. Jesus reveals His love for humanity. He walks along the road with us. He reveals Himself to us. He helps us along the way when we are struggling with life. He never
✝
leaves us and he never forsakes us. I hope that you truly seek the One who loves you. The One who suffered for you. The One who died for you. The One who was resurrected for you! Happy Easter from the Bowdon Baptist Church Family! I hope you can join us at Bowdon Baptist Church each Sunday as we investigate the powerful truths that the Lord provides for us in His word. If you can’t join us in person, check us out online at bowdonbaptist.org, Facebook, or YouTube. You can even download our app through any of the app stores and join us as we celebrate the work of reconciliation that Jesus has provided for us!
Get Your Car Ready For Spring Joy Rides! •Brakes •Shocks •CV Joints •Oil Changes •Struts •Computer Balancing
Roy’s Tires
“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
Jones-Wynn
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 11
Council on Aging Presents the Annual
Spring Fling Fellowship Thursday, May 5, 2022 Doors Open at 9:00 am Event begins 10:00 am East Carrollton Recreation Building 410 Northlake Dr. Carrollton Ga. OPEN TO ALL SENIOR CITIZENS OF THE WEST GEORGIA AREA
Carroll County ROTC Presentation of Colors & Pledge
Performance by: George Britt & Band
Carrollton Kiwanis will provide a Hamburger Lunch!
Lots of Educational Vendors! Door Prizes• Music•Candy •Fellowship•Dancing
No Children
With great appreciation to all of our sponsors TITANIUM SPONSORS
Modern Woodman Insurance
AAA Storage Carroll EMC Bremen Senior Center Carrollton Rotary Club Carroll County Recreational Department Michelle Morgan
PLATINUM SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Flowers Baking
Carrollton Senior Center Cypress Skilled Nursing Brookdale Senior Living Temple Senior Center City of Carrollton Recreation Dept. Sacred Journey Traditions Health
Southwire
For more information contact DANIELLE JENKINS 770-832-1644 or SANDRA MORRIS 678-378-0985
Page 12 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
The Atonement
Brad Horton PASTOR Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 235 Mount Carmel Church Road Temple, GA 30179 770-562-4049 mcbaptistchurch.net
Genesis 3:21 isn’t a typical “Easter” text, but it implies the entire plan of God to save mankind, “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” Christians celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It’s more than flowers in the church or new Easter clothes. We celebrate the resurrection because it signifies the atoning sacrifice that Jesus made on that good Friday. A death with no resurrection would just be a good man dying. But it’s more than that. He arose. Yet, sometimes we forget that it was God that planned the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Thus, we go back to the beginning. The moment Adam and Eve rebelled against God by disobeying His clear instructions. Genesis 3:7 “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.” The problem with what our first parents did was they tried to appease the wrath of
God with their own covering. They knew the command of God, and they had broken it. With all their wise knowledge, they assumed their covering would be satisfactory. Man always tries to cover himself. We make up assumed righteousness that we think God will accept. We try to do good. We “go to church.” We even “believe” in God. Yet, all that we do is short, far short of God’s requirements. God knew this. He knew our first parents sinned and covered themselves. What we must fully understand is Adam did not seek God. He actually hid from Him, “and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” Why did they hide? They knew they were naked. How? Because they sinned. That’s not all that hard theologically to understand. From the very beginning, man has been hiding, covering himself with a few leaves to cover his nakedness before God. Romans 3:11 affirms what Adam and Eve did from the beginning, “There is none who seeks for God.” You do not have a “good” part of your soul to find God. He finds you. We see this clearly in Genesis 3:8 when they heard the sound of the Lord in the garden. The piercing question of God came in Genesis 3:9, “Where are you?” Remember when your parents questioned you about a misbehavior and you knew they knew what you did? You wondered why are they even asking? They want you to admit it. That is what God did with our first parents. He knew where they were at. He knew what they did. After Adam’s response, God asked another question. Genesis 3:8 “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of
EASTER Messages 2022
✝
punishment, there was suffering to come, but God provided an atonement, a way to appease His wrath. Genesis 3:21 “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” It was God who killed the innocent animal to make the skins to cloth the rebellion of Adam and his wife. It was God who sent His Son to die for us, to be bruised and mocked. Isaiah 53:10 “But the Lord was pleased, to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering.” You and I are rebellious. There is no good in us. We have willfully disobeyed the commands of God. Yet, as a Christian, God came for you. You didn’t love Him, He first loved you (1 John 4:19). He sought you hiding in the weeds of your sin. He sought
which I commanded you not to eat?” The uncomfortable question was followed by Adam blaming “that woman” that God gave him. That is the scenario that plays out today. God seeks us, we blame, and yet He is still gracious. In this portion of text from Genesis, we see the same age-old problem with man, which is sin. Because of this, God pronounced death to all men. Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.” There’s no getting around it, except for the return of our Lord Jesus. For thousands of years men have died. We deserve the wrath of God. We deserve more severe punishment. It was man who disobeyed and God who sought. There was
See BRAD HORTON page 16
Superior Structures Garages•Barns•Carports•Horseman Structures•RV Covers •We Sell Metal Roofing • FREE Estimate
3982 Carrollton Villa Rica Hwy Carrollton
770-832-9939
“25 YearsandSteelBuilding”
Almon Funeral Home John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
He is Risen
John 11:25-26
Easter Blessings from our staff to your family
A
Jesus said to herALMON , “I am the resurrection and the life. Funeral Home & Chapel
770-832-7056 He who believes in me wil live, even though he dies;
548 Newnan Street Carrollton
almonfuneralhome.com
and whoever lives and believes in me wil never die.
EASTER Messages 2022
✝
The Old Rugged Cross
John Lemmings PASTOR Journey Fellowship Baptist Church 409 Center Point Road Bremen, GA 30110 770-537-2300 www.journeyfbc.com johnlemmings316@gmail.com
There is an old church hymn that I love to sing called, “The Old Rugged Cross.” The popular hymn was written in 1912 by American evangelist George Bennard. The lyrics are very powerful and tell the gospel story of Jesus Christ giving His life on Calvary’s Hill. Some of the lyrics go: “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain” The Gospel writer, Mark, calls this hill Golgotha, the place of a skull in Mark 15:22. It is through the death, burial, and resurrection that this world can have hope. We live in a world of ruins. All around us is death and destruction, crime and pornography, alcohol and drugs, war and famine. There is hope and that hope lies in the cross of Calvary.
The Cross was a method of execution and Jesus was crucified on a hill called Calvary. The Cross is a place of substitution. Jesus Christ loves us and even though you and I have sinned Jesus took are place on the Cross and died for our sins. Jesus is the only One that could satisfy God’s righteous demands of perfection because of His virgin birth. He did not have Adam’s blood running through His veins. Jesus Christ is the virgin born Son of God. The Cross is a place of suffering. Our Savior suffered scourging. This means that He was beaten beyond recognition. He suffered mockery. This means that people would laugh at Him. He suffered on the Cross. The Roman soldier drove nails into His hands and feet. They platted his head with a crown of thorns. They pierced his side. Jesus would suffer and die on the Cross. Jesus, who knew no sin, took every sin that you and I have committed and died in our place a suffering death. Jesus died on the old rugged cross and was buried in a borrowed tomb. The Bible says that three days later He resurrected in power and glory and is alive evermore. He is at the right hand of the Father and will be stepping out on the clouds to call His children home very soon. Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25). There is no resurrection apart from Christ, and there is no eternal life apart from Christ. Jesus is alive, the tomb is empty, and you can give your life to Christ today and have eternal life. The chorus to “The Old Rugged Cross” goes: “And I’ll cherish the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down
www.starnewsgaonline.com
And I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown” This Easter, Sunday, April 17th, I would love to invite you to Journey Fellowship Baptist Church located at 409 Centerpoint
StarNews
Rd. Bremen, Ga. 30110. We will have morning services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.. Children’s program is at 9:00 a.m. and nursery provided at both services. Come join us!
Where:
Grace GRACELutheran Church LUTHERAN 101 Somerset CHURCHPlace
Carrollton, Ga.
Sherry would you adjust When: Grace Lutheran AD Saturday, April 30, 2022 and make it fit from 8:00am-2:00pm this space?
(across the street from Longhorn Steakhouse)
Proceeds go to the Women and Men Shelters of Carrollton. Come by and shop through the many treasures!
carrollemc.com
Carroll EMC
Plant the RIGHT TREE
in the RIGHT PLACE The larger the tree, the farther it should be from a power line. Avoid planting beneath power lines, near poles or close to electrical equipment. Remember, know what's below by calling 8-1-1 before you dig.
Shrubs (up to 15' tall)
Small Trees (up to 25' tall)
Medium Trees (up to 26' to 45' tall)
15'
35'
Tall Trees (46' and taller)
45'
April 10, 2021 Page 13
OMA
Page 14 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
HIGHER INSURANCE from front page The taxpayer paid non-recorded non-live streamed retreat was held at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia. Most govermental boards hold retreats out of town to help encourage board members to be frank in discussion as public attendance is expected - and usually lower or non-existent. For this retreat, one media person was in attendance (StarNews) and two citizens who stayed for a few hours on one day. The work horses for the retreat were District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance and District 5 Commissioner Ernie Reynolds who commanded the direction of most of the discussion. They consistently prodded presenters with direct questions about the spending of taxpayer monies, oft times insisting on better clarity. District 1 Commissioner Montrell McLendon’s verbal interaction was on a lesser scale timewise than Chance and Reynolds, but he interjected with strong comments, and offered suggestions that could save taxpayer monies. The board addressed more than a dozen topics, with three main issues: 1. to form a committee comprised of county employees whose function would be to help make investment decisions for the county’s employee retirement funds with advice from a non-local professional; 2. J. Smith Lanier gave the heads up that health insurance costs will be increased by approximately $1 million; 3. J. Smith Lanier (aka Marsh & McLennan Agency) gave the heads up that other insurance costs - vehicular, cyber, lawsuits - will increase 7% to 9%. The increased cost warnings came simultaneously from the J. Smith Lanier presenter as he complimented the board on the “good year” the county had. That with the county’s approximately 400 vehicles having made only three claims last year, “that many drivers, that many vehicles, I commend you for this . . . is good
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia, for a retreat on Tuesday, March 29th, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 30th, 8:00 a.m- noon. The 13 hours of discussion and presentations included the one shown above in which Commissioner District 1 Montrell McLendon asks a strong question to a presenter who was espousing the possible formation of a committee comprised of county employees whose function would be to help make investment decisions for the county’s employee retirement funds. It was suggested the committee have a non-local hired advisor. The commissioners and the other retreat attendees, who are county employees, did not appear to be strongly interested in pursuing this idea. Photo by Sue Horn news. . the county has done well in the auto then seeing a physician after the health problem cut expenses: advise county employees to not part of insurance claims.” In response to why exacerbated], and there were alot of claims for go to ER first, go to urgent care instead; and to the increase, the response was due to statistics CoVID.” Also, he remarked that two previ- ask their physician for generic medications. J. Smith Lanier representative concluded from other parts of the state of Georgia having ously unidentified diabetics were discovered with, “ You have a very fair plan. You guys are high settlement court claims, that 70 cases in during a county health fair. Other reasons given for the increased costs: very fair pricewise. The higher costs? It is what the state had been awarded $1M each. For health insurance, the same scenario 12 health claims by county employees that it is.” All commissioners were in attendance for the unfolded: despite the county hosting health totaled $100,000; that emergency room visits fairs and other initiatives toward better health, climbed 37% [CoVID]; and that an injectable full retreat. Thirteen county employthe J. Smith Lanier representative said to medication to treat arthritis/ cancer per person ees/commissioners were in attendance, including Theron Gay, a paid mediator; two county “expect an increase in costs due to people not costs $5,000-$10,000 per month. J. Smith Lanier gave suggestions on how to attorneys; and the county’s finance director. going to the doctor during CoVID [waiting and
WEST GEORGIA AMBULANCE, INC.
West Georgia Ambulance
West Georgia Ambulance ...taking all precautions to keep staff and YOU safe today and moving forward!!!
WEST GEORGIA AMBULANCE, INC. 1952 NORTH HIGHWAY 27 • CARROLLTON, GA.
770-832-9689
DIAL 911 FOR AN EMERGENCY
Chiropractic has only one side effect
Health!
Lifetime Chiropractic
120 Prospector Drive Villa Rica 770-459-5070 Hours: Mon - Wed & Thursday 10am-12pm & 4pm - 6pm
www.starnewsgaonline.com VILLA RICA TAD from front page mercial retail taxes from the Fuqua development. A rezoning application was submitted seven months ago (Sept. 13, 2021) by Fuqua Acquistions, II, LLC, to build a 55 acre housing and shopping project near Mirror Lake Boulevard and Shoreline Parkway. McDougal said the downtown could connect to the Mirror Lake area through a new road that would be financed through a bond, perhaps a $10-15M bond. Some attendees were in favor of this proposed connection, while others were not, citing an overload of traffic/congestion. The mayor’s main point was that he believed
the city was destined to grow at a rapid pace and the use and power of a TAD would enable the city to have some control over what type of growth would occur. For example, McDougal said with the TAD, the city could require the developer to build housing that would attract 55+ older residents or younger couples. This type growth would most likely not increase the student population in Villa Rica public schools, thus not increasing the tax burden for all of Carroll County property owners to build new schools to accomodate the new growth - this would part of the new infrastructure. One question asked was “Would the antici-
pated new tax revenue meet the demands of the increased school needs?” Other new infrastrucure mentioned concerned first responders - fire and police - and would they be able to handle the extra calls and increased downtown traffic? Also, one citizen said that the daily trains traveling through downtown were already an ongoing problem impeding traffic flow, what would it be like with a new road leading in from Mirror Lake? Also, a question was raised about water? The mayor responded with, “We do have enough water and have access to raw water.” City Council Member Leslie McPherson was in attendance and spoke in favor of the
by Janice Daniel At the regular City of Villa Rica meeting for March 8, 2022, mayor and council meeting were given the audit report on the city’s financial status for Fiscal Year 2021 by Meredith Lipson of Mauldin & Jenkins. She stated that city has a steadily increasing fund balance each years and at the end of FY 2021 had about 5 months of cash on hand in reserve. The Financial Update was given by Jennifer Hallman for January 2022 showing increases in cash compared to the same time last year, and also increases to both Carroll and Douglas Counties’ sales tax income. Hallman reported that 95% of Carroll County’s property taxes have been collected, and 98% of Douglas County’s property taxes have been collected. The Self-Funded Insurance balance of $899,506 reflects a savings of $118,596. During Public Comments, five citizens spoke about the current golf cart issue: an amendment to the golf cart ordinance was approved by council last month to allow golf
carts to drive on 35 mph road within the city. The Mayor had vetoed council’s decision, stating safety issues, and that that the current PTV ordinance is convoluted and needs to be overhauled before any more amendments are made to it. Councilman Carter made a motion to override the Mayor’s veto, but needed four votes to succeed, and only three of the councilmembers were in favor, Matthew Momtaham, Leslie McPherson and Danny Carter. New councilmember Anna McCoy stated “we’re failing in the current ordinance” and that safety has to be the driving force for the needed amendments. Mayor McDougal said the current ordinance requires signage rules to be followed, which the city is not in compliance with, and he called for the need to map out designated streets to be used and make the public aware of the rules of PTV travel in the city. The consent agenda from the work session was approved by council for the following items: - Fullerville soccer field lighting repair at a
cost of $12,933. - Approval of Workers Comp Insurance from March 10, 2022 through June 30, 2022 at a cost of $53,379 to get the cut-off date in line with the City’s fiscal year cut-off. - EPD mandated long-term water quality monitoring at a cost of $17,622. - Write off utility customer receivables of $48,860 deemed to be uncollectable. - Authorize the eligible use and transfer of ARPA funds to assist with upgrading the north plant. - FY 2022 Budget Amendments #146 - 168. - Approval of Special Event Permit Application and sale of alcohol for the West Georgia Cornhole 2nd annual Cornhole Tournament. - Final adoption of the Villa Rica Livable Centers Initiative Study. Councilman Momtahan encouraged citizens to sign up for the TexMyGov program now available on-line. Mayor McDougal made two corrections to See CITY of VILLA RICA page 16
City of Villa Rica audit: 5 months of cash reserve on hand
StarNews
April 10, 2021 Page 15
TAD/development, “I see this as a really big advantage.” The city has asked the Carroll County Board of Education and the Carroll County Board of Commissioners to agree to a partnership in order to fund the bond for the road, with the stipulation that neither entity collect on the new taxes from this development until the bond has been repaid. The City of Villa Rica projects this perod of time could be a short as three years or as long as ten years. Based on off-the-record comments to StarNews from some board members from both entities, this is the crux of this particular TAD: that the school board and county do indeed find desirable the ability to manage that growth, they find undesirable that each would have to cover the costs of the new growth for an undetermined period of time while not collecting the taxes from that growth for that same undetermined period of time. The commission has this vote on whether to participate in this partnership with the City of Villa Rica or not scheduled for their May meeting. At press time, the county school board did not have this vote on any upcoming monthly agendas. If neither taxing entity agrees to become part of the $10-$15M bond, the city stated that the Fuqua project will go forth but the road/infrastructure will be “scaled back significantly”. In Georgia, the use of tax allocation districts by eligible local governments is authorized by Georgia Statute O.C.G.A. § 36-44-8: “TAD funds may be used for a wide range of development activities. Cities, counties and school systems may all decide independently whether to participate in a TAD. City or County participation in a TAD requires a jurisdiction-wide referendum. TADs may be administered by local governments, DDAs, Housing Authorities or Redevelopment Agencies.”
Time To Grow!
Moore’s Discount Moore’s Discount Furniture Furniture
Fertilizer •10-10-10 •13-13-13
Worm CASTINGS 1.5 cubic ft bag
Wallace Farm and Pet Supply
$26.99
Womens
BOOTS & SHOES
50lb BAG
Mens
PELLET •LIME 40LB •POTTING SOIL
ORGANIC
GARDENING PRODUCTS
Amazing REGAL SOLAR Results LIGHT RAIN GAUGE
HUGE BEAUTIFUL FERNS! NATIVE AZALEAS
2 bales of straw per bag
$10.99
withstand
2.3 CU FT BAG
Geraniums
Blueberry Bushes
Black Kow Manure
Carpenter Bee Traps Pro Tech
$24.99 Hanging Baskets
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
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
Page 16 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
City of Carrollton audit: $14.5M in reserve representing half of annual budget socked away by Janice Daniel The City of Carrollton Mayor and Council met on Thursday, February 17, 2022, for its pre-regular meeting work session, at which two items were voted on. In an ARPA Subrecipient Grant IGA, in conjunction with Carroll County, council approved $75,000 expenditure for a second Mobile Crisis Unit, and after Executive Session, the Council voted to purchase property at 118 N. Cliff Street for a price of $330,000. Both votes were unanimous In the Mayor and Council regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 7, 2022, several more business items were considered and approved.
Chris Hollifield of the Rushton Group, Carrollton’s City Auditors, gave the annual audit report for the year ended June 30, 2021. Hollifield expressed thanks to all the local employees who took the extra time to work with the auditors to help them complete their audit. The Unmodified Opinion stated that the city financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects, and stated that the financial position of the City of Carrollton was very good. The total net Wworth of the city was at $205,312,817 as of 6/30/21, and the amount of revenue over expenses was $6,359,398. The largest sources of revenues were the SPLOST at 18%, property taxes at 17%, charges for
CITY of VILLA RICA from page 15 his Standing Committees: 1. Chair of the Housing Committee was changed from Councilmember McCoy to Councilmember McPherson. 2. Chair of the Public Safety Committee was changed from Councilmember Momtahan to Councilmember McCoy. The Keep Carroll Beautiful Executive Director Marty Griffin and Kate Dissinger, Vice President, announced there will be a collection of old electronics at the VPLEX on April 30th open to everyone, and a sponsorship of this event was approved unanimously by council for $1,000. Mayor McDougal reappointed Cheryl DeFour-Bryce to the Cemetery Committee for a term of 2/1/22 through 1/31/24 and he also reappointed Alfred Wilson for a term of 3/1/22 through 2/28/24. Volunteers of the Year named at the Volunteer Banquet: P&Z Board, Tom Flowers; CBB Board, Carl Peabody; the Cemetery Committee, Nancy Stoles Jeffries, Pine
Mountain Gold Museum, Zack “Tiny” Jones, Mayor’s Award, Caroline Cox, and Volunteer of the Year was Rhonda McCullins. Mayor McDougal also discussed the TAD planned for the Eastside Connector emphasizing that the Fuqua project has no connection to the TAD other than the fact that Jeff Fuqua chose that area of Villa Rica for a major development. Mayor stated that “no TAD has ever failed in the State of Georgia”. Under Community Development, Rockhaven Homes’ request for a variance from Section 9.03(2)(c) to allow 100% of the garage doors in the development at Highway 61/101 and Leggett Drive to face the front was approved unanimously by the Council. An amendment to the text of Section 2.02 of the Villa Rica City Zoning Ordinance, clarifying how the members of the Planning and Zoning Committee are appointed and how terms are set, was approved unanimously by council. Council went into executive [secret] session and the regular meeting was adjourned.
TANNER with UKRAINE from front page cal well-being of the people living on the front lines of conflict. Hospitals and health workers in Ukraine are being targeted as they address this humanitarian crisis. With hospitals in Ukraine reporting that they are running out of supplies, MSF’s Emergency Relief Fund is raising urgently needed money to get essential staff and medical supplies into Ukraine and in surrounding Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. “Our medical community stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner. “This war is causing unnecessary suffering. Everywhere in Ukraine, heroic healthcare workers are struggling to deliver care - even amid indiscriminate shelling and bombing. We felt Doctors Without
Borders was our best way to show our support for the healthcare professionals in Ukraine, throughout Europe and around the world.” Visit “Tanner United With Ukraine” page Doctors Without Borders website: donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/tanner
BRAD HORTON from page 12 you in the hog pen of sin. We don’t deserve the mercy of God, yet, He gave. He sacrificed His own Son for us. Innocent. Pure. Holy. Just as the innocent animal had nothing to do with the sin of Adam and his wife, God sacrificed it to cover the sin of Adam. It was an atoning sacrifice. God killed Jesus for us. God sacrificed His own son. He raised Him from the dead. God has always been about atonement. He has always been about mercy. Whether our first parents understood, I don’t know, but that lamb was an atonement. God didn’t kill them. God provided for them. Thus, as we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, remember that He did it for you. He sought you. “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here.” (Mark 16:6)
services at 15%, intergovernmental at 9% and Carrollton does not want to see any changes in franchise tax at 8%, along with several other the current annexation process and procedure smaller sources. laws, since proposals are being made that could The largest expenditures make the process City Manager David were 27% for police, 21% for more cumbersome. Brooks, reported that the fire, 21% for culture and recreaThis resolution passed tion, 19% for general govern- city’s cemetery lot fees were unanimously. ment, and 8% for public works, Manager among the lowest anywhere D aCity along with other smaller ones. vid Brooks, at $350 per lot. Council Hollifield commented that reported that the city’s the city has control on spendcemetery lot fees were responded by approving ing, and compliance with interunanimously to greatly raise among the lowest anynal controls. He said that the where at $350 per lot. new cemetery lot fees to Unassigned Fund Balance of Council responded by $14,529,385 represents six $500...$1,000... and $2000 approving unanimonths of operations for the mously to greatly raise city, where a number of three or four is consid- new cemetery lot fees to $500 for citizens ered “good”. inside of Carrollton; $1,000 for citizens outside A rezoning request was approved unani- of Carrollton but inside Carroll County; and mously for a 4,000 square-foot Cross-Fit Gym $2,000 for anyone outside of Carroll County. to be built at 655 Columbia Drive, rezoning Two board appointments were made to the from M-2 to M-1, light industrial. Arts Commission: John Morris and Linda A special use permit for 33 Brock Street was Fulford; and one appointment was made for the tabled. Library Board, Rachel Carter. Resolution 03-2022 was presented for the Mayor and Council went into executive sesCity to send letters to all of Georgia’s senators sion to discuss real estate and personnel matand representatives, stating that the City of ters. Regular meeting was adjourned.
Steve Fuller
Harry T’s
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!
www.starnewsgaonline.com COMMISSION CANDIDATES from page 6
Carroll County Commission District 6 candidates: Vicki Anderson, Danny Bailey, Ken Huddleston, and Debbie Neal Candidate Vicki Anderson was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. For the past 22 years, she has lived in Carroll County. Most of those years were spent living in Fairfield Plantation. “We purchased land in District 6 at Hog Liver/Spence Road area which is a Carrollton address, We built the house during the pandemic, moving in October, 2020,” Vicki stated. Anderson is a Registered Nurse with an Associates Science from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. She also attended paralegal school and later became a legal nurse consultant. “I have served 12 years as a Carroll County Commissioner, representing District 2. This is what I think sets me apart from the other candidates. I, too, have been a small business owner, understanding that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. The many years in healthcare, in many different management positions and work scenarios, helped me to be a leader in the development of the Get Healthy initiative for Carroll County.” Vicki also served three years on the Board of Directors of Fairfield Plantation. “I left the District 2 office after serving 12 years because I felt like it was time for new, fresh ideas. After purchasing land in District 6 three years ago, and the current incumbent was no longer running for the District 6 commission seat, friends and neighbors asked me to think about representing this District. I felt like I could use the extensive experience and relationships I had developed, to be a strong voice and advocate for this beautiful district. This experience in government leadership is something that no other candidate has. “As a District 2 Commissioner, I was a part of the board that planned and built the judicial center, something you build once every 100 years. We partnered with the City of Villa Rica to help them accomplish a dream of the Villa Rica amphitheater. “In 2012, following the 2010 census and redistricting, I voted to give Bowdon and Mt. Zion a larger portion of the LOST, Local Option Sales Tax. This LOST calculation is done every ten years following the census. The commission is currently evaluating the LOST distribution from the 2020 census. Chairman Bill Chappell at that time - to prevent the smaller cities from losing LOST dollars due to the changing census - decided to give these towns a portion of the county’s LOST. I hope that same consideration would be made as the commission calculates the LOST for the next ten years.” “I believe one of my greatest accomplishments is the relationships I have developed in my 12 years as a commissioner. Having this experience and the ability to work with other officials throughout our cities, county and state, will be beneficial to the citizens of District 6,” Anderson said. “I believe I am the conservative choice for District 6. I have a proven record of being fiscally responsible with your taxpayer dollars, placing assets to achieve the maximum service capabilities. Candidate for District 6 Danny Bailey was born and raised in the Burwell Community and has been a lifelong resident of Bowdon. He graduated from Bowdon High School in 1985 and then graduated from West Central Tech EMT Intermediate. He completed multiple training courses in leadership, officer training and all areas for firefighting from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Danny was with Carroll County Fire Rescue with the rank of captain, overseeing day to day
operations of three busy stations in the county, including managing all aspects of overseeing personnel. He was then General Manager of ASC Lawn Equipment for 7 years, overseeing day to day operations, managed a staff of 5 - 6 employees. For the past 2 years he has been territory sales manager for Carswell’s Distributing Company. He oversees a network of dealers, assisting them with running and growing their business. Bailey stated, “All these business skills along with knowing how to build a team and interact with people will give me the ability to do this job. Also, the fact that I was a county employee will give me an inside track on the problems the employees face and how to help make the county a better place to work. I’m the only one who has that experience and perspective.” Danny has never held or run for office before. “I had considered running for district commissioner during the past two terms, but ultimately decided that the timing was not right. I also feel that this is a way that I can give back to the community that has supported me and my family. I am very concerned about the ways in which our county is changing and growing, We need to make sure our kids and grandkids are left with something very similar to what we grew up in.” This will be District 6 candidate Debbie Neal’s first time running for a public office. She stated, “It has been a very rewarding experience thus far, reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in years, and meeting people that I would never have met had I not made this commitment. I am from Mt. Zion, GA, where I spent my childhood and early teenage years on a family farm. I graduated from Mt. Zion High School, attended the University of West Georgia. I now reside in the Farmers High/ Salem Church Community of Carroll County where I have lived for eight years. “I have been a small business owner for the majority of my life. I know what it’s like to be concerned with budgets, reading financial statements, making payroll, paying every kind of taxes known to man in a timely manner, dealing with employees, salesmen and the public. “I believe that when you make a leap such as asking the public to allow you to hold a public office, it should be done with honesty and integrity, without a personal gain in mind, or ax to grind over past grievances. I believe that when citizens put their trust in you to do the right thing and to be responsive to their concerns, hen it becomes more than just politics; it becomes their right to be represented and to be represented well. These are the reasons I am asking to be your commissioner for District 6. I believe we all want to be heard in some way or another and if you feel I can do that for you, I would be honored to have your vote.” Carroll County Board of Education District 5 Candidates Bill Keckes, Curtis Stepps, Tom Sizemore Candidate Bill Kecskes was born in New Jersey and graduated from high school in Miami, Florida. He and his family have lived in Carroll County for 25 years. They live on Kodiak Road which is halfway between Mount Zion city limits and Carrollton City limits. Bill has an undergraduate degree in political science earned from Troy State University while serving on active duty in the Air Force. He also has two additional graduate degrees from the University of West Georgia in secondary education - curriculum & instruction. He also earned an education leadership in education from UWG in 2004. Keckes [pronounced kess-kiss] was a full time substitute teacher in Carroll County from 1997-2001, teaching in all of Carroll County’s See SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES page 34
StarNews
April 10, 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
Page 18 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Commission accrues $17.48M extra in revenues; adds $3.0M to spend in current budget by Janice Daniel Carroll County Board of Commissioners met at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022 for the monthly work session. Present were Chair Michelle Morgan and commissioners for Districts 2, 4, and 5 Clint Chance, Steve Fuller and Ernie Reynolds. Absent: commissioners for Districts 1, 3, and 6 Montrell McClendon, Tommy Lee and George Chambers. Brian Kent, County Engineer, Carroll
County Community Development presented the County’s MS4 Annual Report for CY2021, which the county will be required to renew the permit and Stormwater Management Plan for the next 5 years. Kent said his presentation to the board was simply education about the MS4 for elected officials, and that the current permit expires on 12/2/22 and a new one must be issued in June of 2022. The program covers the urbanized area of Carroll County which
will probably expand when the 2020 census information is available. The purpose of the program is to increase the overall water quality in the county, identify illicit discharges, such as failing sewer systems, oil, and leaf-burning debris. Public educational information and outreach can be obtained at the Ag-Ed Center, and public participation and involvement is through the Keep Carroll Beautiful program. Finance Director Alecia Searcy spoke on the financials for the eight months ending February 28, 2022, showing the county still in a good position. Total revenues year to date were $54,608,243; total expenses for the same period were at $37,123,513, resulting in excess of revenues of $17,484,729 ($17.48M). The board discussed several other items perof State Court, and for this to occur council tainting to the April 12, 2022 meeting, and prewould have to adopt a new ordinance. Park Rentals for special events was brought pared a Consent Agenda. A Consent Agenda allows the board to disforward by Thera Loolen, Recreation Department Administration Superintendent, cuss at length agenda items at the work session who, after reviewing what other municipalities and then agree to vote on all items as a whole require for large events at city parks, thinks a at a future meeting in one action and without more formal application process may need to any further discussion, unless discussion is be implemented, due to the fact that the current requested by a board member at the meeting. procedure in place applies to large events as The board cannot take votes at a work session. Tuesday, April 5th meeting’s Consent Agenda well as small events. Council then went into Executive Session to included: 1. purchase emergency lighting, sirens and discuss Real Estate matters, and the regular required reflective lettering for three Ford-150 meeting was adjourned.
City of Carrollton discusses heavy industrial rezoning for Old Airport Road, planning and zoning committee recommends against by Janice Daniel The Mayor and City Council of the City of Carrollton met on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. for a work aession, with all members present except Mayor Pro Tem Brett Ledbetter. A Bid Award was approved unanimously for Fire Station #23, Centennial Drive. City Engineer Tommy Holland stated the City received four qualified bids, lowest was J&R Construction for a total cost of $3,187,531. Mayor and council discussed a Rezoning Request for 774 Old Airport Road from E-3 (Estate Residential) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial). The applicant is Buildmore Enterprises Services. Community Development Director Erica Studdard said that if the property was rezoned to M-2, then it would be developed as a commercial/industrial subdivision. She said city staff recommended conditions, including a list of 17 heavy industrial uses that would not be allowed on the site because of the existing adjacent residential development. Three adjacent property owners spoke against the request in the planning commission meeting. Studdard stated the Planning and Zoning Committee recommends denial of this request. Studdard also presented a request for a Site Plan Amendment at 125 Maple Crossing by DGW Development Group, who would like to split the lot for future development, but would be unable to do so under the current site plan. The applicant has acquired 50 more feet of property to the west in order to provide for larger lot sizes after the split. Studdard said that should council approve the site plan amendment, city staff has recommended that the original binding conditions of Maple Street Commons still be applied. She said the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request. Studdard presented a Special Use Permit Request for 33 Brock Street, a residential townhome community, which request was tabled at the last council meeting. She said there is a traffic study in the works for the Brock Street intersection, and that the planning commission recommended approval of the request. Studdard said the Green Belt Bike Share Program agreement between the City and Zagster would have to be replaced since Zagster is now out of business. The city will be seeking a new bike share company, but she said the first step is to secure sponsors for the 11 bike rack locations across Carrollton. Director Sturddard also detailed the current design standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding section 4.02.01, single family home and townhome development. She said Board of Development Appeals recommends appointment of LaDonna Fryar, along with the re-appointment of John Avery. City Manager David Brooks reported that the county health department would like to bring their court citations issued in the city limits of Carrollton to the Municipal Court instead
Response Vehicles at a cost of $28,788. 2. purchase from Motorola of six portable fire rescue portable radios and attachments with a five-year warranty in the amount of $29,850, to be donated to the Fairfield Fire Department. These radios are to be used in accordance with the Mutual Aid Agreement, with a condition that the equipment will revert back to the county if it ever ceases to be utilized for the intended purposes. These radios will be completely compatible and interchangeable with the county. 3. budget amendment $3,023,600 ($3.0M) 4. purchase a Caterpillar CAT Model 926 Waste Haulder from Yancey for the Solid Waste Department: $225,247.00 5. approve the establishment of “Streetlight Special Tax District” for the payment and maintenance of streetlights in the Indian Lake Phase III (Blackfoot Trail). 6. accept the Judicial Council ARPA grant in the amount of $1,983,773, which will add nine people to the Carroll County Judicial System for a period of time until such grant runs out. The new-hires will be given the understanding that when the grant runs out the jobs will likely also end, with some possible exceptions. There being no further business, the work session was adjourned.
Guardians of Liberty Forum hosts open event for area candidates to speak The Guardians of Liberty held their Tuesday, March 22, 2022 meeting with about 35 citizens in attendance at Uncorked on Main, downtown Villa Rica. Founders and hosts are Leslie McPherson and Clint Chance. Both are elected officials, but regularly stress to attendees that these monthly meetings are not about intent on swaying a voter towards one political party or candidate, but for the purpose of educating the public about their government and how it works. Chance said, “. . . for the purpose of understanding and learning about the different levels of government.” Area candidates were invited and encouraged to speak to the group. Right: State Representative J Collins. Below: candidate for Carroll County Commission District 6 and past District 2 Commissioner Vicki Anderson; and (not shown) candidate for State Representative District 64 Kimberly New. State Rep. Collins, who is also the Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Sercurity Committee, gave an update on several bills including “Permitless Carry” (Constitutional Carry/ 2nd Amendment) stating that is a “God-given right”.
McPherson also spoke to the group and gave a short lesson on the steps legislation takes before it either “dies in committee” or “moves on to a vote”. She gave progress information about other bills, including “Constitutional Carry” bills SB319 and HB 1358, and the “Unmasking of Students” bill SB514. Other area elected officials in attendance were City of Carrollton Councilmember Jacqueline Bridges, City of Villa Rica Councilmember Matthew Momtahan, Carroll County Commissioner District 3 Tommy Lee. At the next Guardians of Liberty meeting, Carroll County Board of Elections Supervisor Greg Rigby and State Representative District 72 candidate David Huddleston have been invited to speak. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for either Tuesday, April 19th or 26th at Uncorked on Main. Check Facebook for the finalized date and time. Photos by Sue Horn
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 19
Page 20 April 10, 2022
StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com
COMMENTARY
Page 21 April 10, 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
A person of success versus a person of value Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein died April 18, 1955, one month past his 76th birthday. LIFE magazine had interviewed him months before, but the story didn’t publish until after his death, appearing in the May 2, 1955 issue. In that story, Einstein is quoted as EDITOR/ saying: “Curiosity has its own PUBLISHER reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. Never lose a holy curiosity. . . Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. . . a man of value will give more than he receives.” “Holy Curiosity.” I believe Einstein coined this phrase. What did it mean to him? Perhaps because he was a scientist, it means that in order to solve a problem or issue (or that pesky conundrum about the five houses?!) you must first have a curiosity that is pure in intent while open to possibilities you have previously not considered in the least. Armed with this, you open yourself to new views, new ideas, new possibilities that can lead to new, and previously unthought-of, bold solutions. “A man (person) of value will give more than he receives.” This one is easily understood - you can feel that one even more than to think it. “Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” Yes, Einstein was a genuis on so many levels, including this “big picture” in life. What’s the modern version of this saying? Be the change you want to see? We have such selfless people here in Carroll County who espouse these characteristics. I’m going to make a fuss over a few of them today. (None would want me to, but I will anyway. I buy the ink.) These members of our community have shown sincere interest and desire to better their world around them through both their work actions and personal time. Villa Rica Police Chief Michael Mansour was recognized by Governor Brian Kemp honoring him as the 2021-2022 Outstanding Police Chief of the Year. Congratulations, Chief! Yes, an award is symbolic of a professional’s “success”, but Mansour has been a role model for what it means to be a person of value. He has given to his community over many, many years, through many acts. Too many to list here. And Mansour has not been one to call attention to himself. Thank you, Chief, for being a person of great value. Carroll County Commissioners Clint Chance, Montrell McLendon, and Ernie Reynolds are three members of our community who demonstrate the use of Einstein’s Holy Curiosity, one pure in intent while open to new possibilities. A rare characteristic for politicians who must declare to be a member of a particular political party. But, these opposing stances seem to not interfere as they seek solutions as members of a taxing authority. They are curious, they ask superior questions, with the bold solutions ahead! Thank you, Chance, McLendon, and Reynolds, for being fine examples. And I conclude with Judge Alton Parker Johnson who passed away March 26th. Oh, we as a community have lost greatly with the passing of our longtime friend and judge. Al possessed a humbleness sprinkled with kindness and charm. He was smart and informed, a great combination for someone who had to be both King Solomon and proxy parent to SO many lost, angry, or confused souls who came before his bench of law. His legal decisions made positive changes in our community through the lives he affected. He was one who truly seemed to possess a Holy Curiosity - the desire to see problems through other’s eyes while seeking solutions previously unthought-of. You could tell this by the questions he asked, and how he waited for responses. The Judge would think, and then, decide. He was always “all in” with his time and heart. I hope whoever is appointed to that seat is familiar with Judge Johnson’s great and lasting value.
SUE
HORN EVANS
An update from the Capitol The Senate has worked around the clock to put the finishing touches on legislation before Crossover Day, which the occurred March 15th. In the lead up to this important deadline, our committee workload increased dramatically in order to have as many quality pieces of legislation available for a floor vote as possible. On Crossover Day itself, we considered over 45 measures over an 11 hour period, and entered into the home stretch of the 2022 session. We considered a number of important bills including Senate Bill 377. SB 377 would prohibit local school systems or government agencies from teaching certain concepts, which include ideas such as the Unites States being inherently racist or that one race or ethnicity is inherently superior to another. This bill would in no way inhibit a teacher from tackling difficult subjects of our nation’s history, such as slavery or the Civil Rights movement. Rather, it very clearly seeks to unite us and not
MIKE
DUGAN STATE SENATOR(R) Senate Majority Leader mikedugan@senate.ga.gov divide our children and indoctrinate them with the idea they should feel less than another, simply because of the color of their skin. This is another example of a pro-student measure to ensure our kids can continue to receive unbiased, quality education. As the number one state in the nation in which to do business for eight consecutive years, Georgia has done an incredible job in attracting and growing business across all corners of the state. In order to maintain our competitive edge, however, we must continue to find innovative ways to grow our workforce and, spe-
cifically, target the growing need of workers in select high-demand career fields. SB 379 would create the HighDemand Career Initiatives program, to be administered through the Office of Workforce Development of the Technical College System of Georgia. This program would provide monetary awards to employers who have apprentices successfully complete their high-demand job program, granting students much needed on the job training and certification opportunities, while creating an efficient pipeline to connect these students with careers in in-demand industries. Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 910, the amended budget for 2022, into law. This budget prioritizes investments in the areas of public safety, education and healthcare while also returning nearly $1 billion back to Georgia’s taxpayers through refundable tax credits. Additionally, the $30 billion midyear budget also ensures that our teachers and other See SENATOR DUGAN page 27
Legislative update from under the Gold Dome Greetings from under the Gold Dome! As of Monday, March 28, there was only one week remaining in our regular legislative session for 2022. With Sine Die, the last day, set for April 4, the week of work we just concluded saw a significant shift as legislative action in the House moved to marking up Senate bills while the Senate began to work on the House bills, we passed during the first 28 days of the legislative session. Some of those House bills were given final approval in the Senate and now move on to Governor Brian Kemp to sign or veto. There was no lack of legislation to cover as we worked through many issues of concern of which I have given a full update below. If you have concerns or questions regarding legislation, I ask that you reach out to our office directly. Thank you for allowing me the honor and
J
COLLINS (R) STATE REPRESENTATIVE District 71 770-295-8143
privilege of serving our home under the Gold Dome. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the great state of Georgia. Veterans / Military: A rare moment, with a unanimous vote in favor of passage, came in the form of the Senate Bill 358. This bill allows reimbursement of certain training costs to U.S. military who participate in basic law enforcement training. While funding must still be appropriated to allow this program to move forward, passage of this bill is a great
step toward encouraging veterans who have called Georgia home to consider a second career working within our law enforcement agencies. This bill further demonstrates our commitment to those men and women who have served our nation honorably in our armed forces. Agriculture: Food banks throughout our state provide an important service to fellow Georgians in need of basic essentials. They not only serve the needy but can also be a critical part of responding to disasters around our state as well. There have been a number of legal, regulatory, and financial barriers to food banks being able to turn directly to Georgia farmers to help provide the food they distribute to Georgians in need. Senate Bill 396 addresses these barriers by setting guidelines that help food See STATE REP COLLINS page 27
Villa Rica’s TAD: Tax Allocation District
If we accept the premise, and I do, through the city and offer alternative that The City of Villa Rica will grow, access around the railroad for first perhaps at a significantly faster rate responders. At the same time, this than anywhere else in Carroll County, would open additional land for tarthen we also should accept that TADs geted planned growth. Currently, all (Tax Allocation Districts) are likely that’s left in Villa Rica is land that has the strongest tool we have in our toolno infrastructure or has terrain issues MAYOR box to manage that growth. that make it very expensive to build City of Villa Rica The TAD project that’s been dison. 404-295-9151 cussed in Villa Rica over the past Some would say that we have too many months is one of the most gmcdougal@villarica.org much growth and too much traffic exciting and important things to hap- been both needed and desired, and for now. But growth here has been inevipen to our city. I know there have more than a decade the city has table ever since Interstate 20 was been some misunderstandings about thought about what it would look like completed. And those traffic issues what a TAD is and what exactly we and how it could impact the quality of can only be solved if we have more are trying to do - so let’s see if we can life for our residents. property tax revenue that comes from address some of those. These ideas went nowhere, how- growth. It’s a chicken and egg issue One thing that I think has confused ever, until we began to plan for a and the TAD is an elegant solution. some people is the idea that the TAD TAD located between Mirror Lake TADs are very powerful tools that and the Fuqua development are all and downtown. Using the TAD, cities can use to grow responsibly. one big project that we want the we’ve found a way to construct a TADs generate new property tax county and the county school board to road that will include a designated revenue, and they can, as in this case, help us pay for. That is not what golf cart path and a walking path on also create new sales tax revenue. we’re asking the county or the school either side, while using only funds And they do that without costing any board to help us do. Not at all. generated in that “district” to pay for government directly from their genA road to connect the east side of it. This added connectivity will help eral funds. Instead, they use only the Villa Rica to the downtown has long to move traffic more efficiently See MAYOR McDOUGAL page 32
GILL
McDOUGAL
Page 22 April 10, 2022
StarNews
COMMENTARY
www.starnewsgaonline.com
I ask for your vote on May 24th to become the District 5 county school board member Education Specialist’s Degree from the University of West Georgia, as well as a certificate in Education Leadership. Additionally, I am a previous member of our School Board (2003 - 2007). I am qualified, proven, and experienced for another four year term. Because I previously served on the school board, I am now asked, “Why serve again?” For me, it is quite simple - community service. I have benefited from so much in this community over the years, that I feel compelled to give back in the form of service on the Carroll County Board of Education. Being a board member is more than simply voting at meetings and attending ribbon cuttings, athletic events, and PTSO meetings. It requires constant vigilance, tenacity, and fortitude in asking the hard questions to dig for the
correct answers. It requires a strong knowledge of budgets within a large, complex organization. Doing the right thing requires long hours each month. I know there is no “I” in “team”, but often, necessary work is often done outside of board meetings and brought to the board table each month to achieve consensus. I would like to share some of my achievements from my first term on this school board: 1. I saved the board - and taxpayers - millions by denying the wasteful construction of the “New Area High School”. 2. I fought successfully to rid our schools of portable trailers. 3. I convinced the Governor’s staff to transfer $4.3 million from a state trust account for the “New Area High School” to a new trust account for the construction of Mount Zion
Elementary School. 4. I solely negotiated a three-waycontract with the Carroll County Water Authority and the county commission to construct a new water line to Mount Zion, enabling the construction of the new Mount Zion High School. 5. I solely negotiated with Carrollton City to reduce their share of the 2008 SPLOST; netting our county schools an additional $2 million dollars. 6. I was persistent in questioning contractor’s change-order-requests for more money; saving our school system tens of thousands of dollars. 7. I saved the new Mount Zion High School land from being sold by engineering, and initiated the construction of a road on the northern See BILL KECKES page 32
well represented by Clint Chance. I moved from Fairfield and purchased acreage to build our forever home. What they say about Carroll County is true...beautiful, tranquil, diverse, and overall, just fabulous. District 6 is where that forever home is built. This northern part of the county is new to District 6 following the 2020 Census and redistricting. I came from the fastest growing district to the largest geographical district. When you have this diverse geography, you have citizens with quite different wants and needs. Some citizens want their roads paved; some want their dirt road left as it is. The common ground of all these fine folks is they love Carroll County. I have lived in Carroll County for 22 years. By education and experience, I am a Registered Nurse for 40+ plus years. I attended
Paralegal school and later became a legal nurse consultant. Currently, I am employed by Tanner Carrollton Hospital as a Clinical Documentation Specialist. I was the first female to be elected to the county commission in Carroll County’s 120year history. As a side note, they named the conference room after me for my service. That was a very nice and appreciated honor As a District 2 Commissioner, I was a part of the board that planned and built the judicial center, something you build once every 100 years. We partnered with the City of Villa Rica to help them accomplish a dream of the Villa Rica amphitheater. I helped fight to retain and change the law allowing Fairfield to keep its voting precinct. Tourism was the idea primarily of past Chairman Bill Chappell. He loved to say, “Come to Carroll
County and spend your money, then leave”. He knew the meaning of collecting those tax dollars without having to provide infrastructure. He also helped grow tourism with vineyards, the quilt museum, and other park development. The quilt museum is a major coup for Carroll County. The quilt museum in Paducah, Kentucky, saved that downtown area from extinction. People come from around the globe to visit quilt museums, which house works of art. I believe one of my greatest accomplishments is the relationships I have developed in my 12 years as a commissioner. Having this experience and the ability to work with other officials throughout our cities, county and state, will be beneficial to the citizens of District 6. I believe I am the Conservative Choice for See VICKI ANDERSON page 27
a little bit about me and why I hope to earn your support. I am a 4th generation Douglas County resident. I was born here and at a young age moved to Paulding County where I graduated high school. I moved back to Douglas County CANDIDATE after I graduated from college and started my Republican STATE REPRESENTATIVE family. I am deeply rooted in Douglasville. My DISTRICT 64 great granddaddy helped build the old courtnewforgeorgia@gmail.com house which is now the museum in downtown As your Republican State Representative, I Douglasville. My granddaddy was a Baptist will fight to: preacher, he helped build several churches in -Defend Our 2nd Amendment Rights Georgia and served over five churches in -Secure Our Elections Douglas County. My dad is a retired business -Cut Red Tape on Small Businesses owner here in Douglas County and my hus-Stand With Parents and End Shutdowns band and I own a business in Douglasville. -Back the Blue & Our First Responders My husband, Billy, and I are members of I would love to introduce myself and tell you Ephesus Baptist Church in Winston. We are a
blended family and our family is currently 12 strong, including our three amazing grandchildren. My husband is originally from Villa Rica, as well as, a retired lawman, and my son was also in law enforcement. My husband is currently serving on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Board as the 13th Congressional Seat. I am a Past President and current Board Member of the Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association. The GIADA is like the “Good Housekeeping Seal” of the used car industry. Out of 67 years, and over 3500 members I am one of three women to have served as President of the GIADA. I’ve been recognized nationally with the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and statewide in the used car industry. In any
industry, I believe in working together so we can serve our customers and community better. We are proud that we have been able to create jobs and run a successful business right here in House District 64. I have also served as President of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha International - Georgia State Council for two years during Covid. This is a wonderful organization of service minded people working together to do good things. I have helped raise money and awareness for St Jude Children’s Hospital, Easterseals, Hope for Heroes, Wounded Soldiers, Hope for Heroes, Georgia State Parks, Battered Women and Children Shelters, Literacy, and local charities like high school pantries in Villa Rica, Shepherds Rest in Paulding County, and See KIMBERLY NEW page 29
base, old or new, within the given society, but of the whole course of the history of the society and the history of the bases for many centuries. It was created not by one class, but by the entire society, by all the classes of the society, by the efforts of hundreds of generations.” (Google) In translating literature, an inferior translator merely transliterates its content word for word or phrase for phrase from one language to another. It usually fails to convey the message of the original text. Yet, the superior translator invites the reader to navigate from one culture to another. But that kind of work presents a great challenge. There lies the agony of translation. Anyone who has ever attempted a translation from one tongue to another would agree that it is not an easy task. Once the work is done and
accepted at large, the translator is rewarded with a very deserved satisfaction. Edith Grossman, the acclaimed translator of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a well-known Columbian novelist, once observed in her book, Why Translation Matters: “Translation expands our ability to explore through literature the thoughts and feelings of people from another society or another time . . . It expands and deepens our world, our consciousness, in countless, indescribable ways.” (page 14) In order to reach such a blessed land, however, one must be prepared to endure the pains of undergoing the figurative purgatory. In the mid-19th century when the industrialized Western nations began opening up the Far East, many nations in Asia were forced to learn the Euro-American languages. The most urgent task that the Asian countries had to undertake
ahead of everything else was to compile a dictionary. It is said that there are tens of thousands of words in a language. Each and every word in a foreign language had to be identified, and the same or similar words from the mother tongue was assigned next to it. The laborious work of producing a dictionary must have been the most daunting, tedious, and painstaking endeavor. Countless scholars were most likely involved with the monumental task. Today, many millions of Asian students daily consult the dictionary, originally compiled by the pioneers, and revised later by more unsung heroes. Their names are long lost in history. They are the forgotten heroes in the academic world in Asia. In 1968, Yasunari Kawabata of Japan (1899See DAN C. PAK page 29
BILL
KECKES CANDIDATE Non-Partisan Carroll County Board of Education DISTRICT 5
770-328-6450 wmk@bellsouth.net My name is Bill Kecskes, and I am campaigning for the County Board of Education District 5 seat. I am a retired teacher, having taught for 14 years in Carroll and Douglas counties. I earned a Master’s Degree in Education and an
I am a proven Conservative leader
VICKI
ANDERSON CANDIDATE Republican Carroll County Commissioner DISTRICT 6
404-217-1244 vja1026@hotmail.com
A County Commissioner position requires OJT (On Job Training). There is no one to sit down and tell you how the job is done. I served District 2 as the commissioner for twelve years, before moving to District 6. I felt like after 12 years, District 2 needed new, fresh ideas and is
The new Conservative choice for Georgia
KIMBERLY R. NEW
Agony of translation
DAN
C. PAK AUTHOR and nonagenerian “The Wood Bracelet”
vunc61@gmail.com
It is said that all languages are the products of specific cultures. Some claimed that a mother tongue represents the quintessence of its people. Vernacular is more than a means of communication. It defines who they are. As such, each dialect carries with it certain unique built-in features. Here is an account of how language has evolved over a long time. “Language is not a product of one or another
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 23
Page 24 April 10, 2022
StarNews
COMMENTARY
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Today’s mail order tragedy: Misoprostol can be ordered online and mailed directly
DUANE
HACK
West Georgia Right to Life PRESIDENT “The Heartbeat of Georgia” Duanehack46@gmail.com 470-370-2452
Taking the life of an innocent child has many tragic faces. A young man who didn’t know his sister was pregnant, said she most likely did not understand what she was doing. He said she was “destitute” and looking for a cheap way to get an abortion so as “not to burden” herself or anyone else. So, the 23-yearold Albany, GA. woman took Cytotec (mis-
oprostol) that she obtained over the internet and went into labor. She delivered her five and one-half-month-old baby in the back seat of a car while being driven to a local hospital. Tragically, the child only lived 30 minutes. If delivered in a proper medical facility, the baby might have survived. Murder charges against the woman were quickly dropped by the county district attorney. He said: “As the law currently stands in Georgia, the criminal prosecution of a pregnant woman for her own actions against her unborn child does not seem permitted.” She does, however face a misdemeanor charge for unlawful possession of a dangerous substance. The district attorney also hinted he may go after the Canadian-based internet provider that sold her the drug.
This situation shines a spotlight on a serious problem: the ability to obtain abortion drugs on the internet without physician oversight or a prescription. “This is beyond tragic,” said Georgia Right to Life past president Dan Becker. “Buying dangerous drugs should not be as easy as ordering a book on Amazon.” This case raises another point: pro-life supporters need to understand how these drugs work and the dangers they present to women. Introduced in 2000, Mifepristone, called “The Abortion Pill,” or RU-486, is an anti-progestin that, among other things, blocks nourishment from reaching the child, thereby causing death. The procedure also involves taking Misoprostol - the drug the Albany woman took-to expel the dead child from the mother. Apparently, she only took this second step,
which is why the child was born alive. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidelines stipulate the drug can only be used during the first 49 days or less from the woman’s last menstrual period. The entire process can take several weeks and must be overseen by licensed personnel. While the drug is promoted as “safe, effective and more natural,” there is a growing body of evidence that it is not. While death tops the list of dangers, the following complications and side effects are far too common. Heavy bleeding is the most common complication. Prolonged heavy bleeding may be a sign of an incomplete abortion or other complications, and may require surgical intervention, blood transfusions, or intravenous See DUANE HACK page 26
older children that are married, and they each have two kids of their own. I was born and raised in the Burwell Community and have been a lifelong resident of the Bowdon area. My wife and I have raised all of our kids in the Bowdon School Cluster, and I have also worked in the community for many years. I am a member of Antioch Baptist Church where I serve as a deacon, member of the finance committee, and Sunday School Director, along with several other roles. I had considered running for district commissioner during the past two terms but ultimately decided that the timing was not right. After seeking direction from God, counsel from my pastor, and discussion with my family, I determined that now is the right time to pursue this office. I was the first candidate to
declare my entry in the election, and now that I have decided to run, I am all in. I plan to work hard to put myself in a position to win the seat on May 24th. Not only has serving as a commissioner been a longtime interest of mine, but I also feel that this is a way that I can give back to the community that has supported me and my family. I am also concerned about the ways in which our county is changing and growing. As I developed a platform for this election, I wanted to address the concerns of the people of District 6. My first goal is to build a partnership with the citizens of District 6. I will be accessible to anyone in the district with questions or concerns. As you can see by my signs, my personal cell phone number is posted on them. I want the voters to see that I am serious about
my plan for open communication. If we are going to address issues and make real change, I need to be aware of each of your concerns. My goal is to answer all of your phone calls or return them within 24 hours. Next, I plan to preserve our agricultural roots. District 6 is one of the last remaining agricultural districts in the county, and if we are not careful, it too will be swallowed up by incoming growth. Growth is going to come, but we must be prepared and proactive with keeping our comprehensive plan up to date. Our needs and challenges will always be changing and so must our plan. If we keep it up to date and apply it as written, fairly across the board, then we can control the growth. This must be done if we want our kids and grandSee DANNY BAILEY page 26
knew about in the Bysession, exposing it really dead ituntil thefirst endplace. of the last yearasand stopping floor vote we put Rep known “Sine Die.”a Often “dead” bills Carpenter in a position required are added&toCo. legislation thatthat is still alivehim in to start the committee process all over again in the closing days of the session. an“we’re electionpretty year. sure” The executive of A review ofversion the outcause of for HBbills 120? Too much informacome ofdeath the below tion supplied to Republican HB 120 was introducedvoters. in 2021 by Including the Georgia Chamber Dalton Republican, Rep Kasey Carpen- of Commerce, the list of special interest lobbying ter. In his original presentation of the bill groups that made supported HB 120 is a long one. Carpenter it clear to House Higher HB 120 committee is as dead as Pancho that Villa“this unless Education members is somea Kamikaze was This able to resurnot bill about Republican immigration.” amusrect whopper it after I wrote column. Look for this ing is notthis unusual in Georgia’s same Capitol theme inbecause a bill tothe bebusiness considered in the state lobby, 2023bysession. The Chamber Dustin Inman Society led the Georgia of Commerce opposed 120. illegal immigration to be long agoHB decreed HB 228 - dead. was a simple, belt and a forbidden topicItunless the illegal aliensuspenders isbill that addressed election integrity subject a victim or a valedictorian. and the drivers licenses and“undocumented ID Cards Georgia Georgia is home to more
is really dead until the end of the session, workers” than Arizona. known as “Sine Die.” Often “dead”atbills are Carpenter’s legislation was aimed added to legislation that is in stillGeorgia’s alive in the closawarding instate tuition ing days ofsystem the session. A “we’re university to illegal alienspretty whosure” obreviewObama’s of the outcome of status the below tained DACA on bills: deporta120 wasA introduced in all 2021 by Dalton tionHB deferral. reminder to concerned: Republican, Rep Kasey Carpenter. In his much origiDACA has been ruled unlawful. How nal presentation of 120 the bill, made it money would HB saveCarpenter the illegals clearthis to House Education committee with DACAHigher reward? For academic members that “thisthe is not a bill tuition about immigrayear 2020-2021, average & fees tion.” This amusing whopper not unusual for colleges in Georgia was is $4,739 for in Georgia’s Capitol the business instate andstate $17,008 for because out-of-state accordlobby, led by the Georgia Chamber of ing to collegetuition.com. Commercecitizens long agoand decreed immigraAmerican legal illegal immigrants tion come to be atoforbidden unless theother illegal who Georgia topic colleges from alien subject is the a victim a valedictorian. states must pay higherorout of state tuiGeorgia home to more is “undocumented tion rate. is That arrangement being called workers” than Arizona. “equity.” Carpenter’s legislation aimed at awardThis legislation to givewas illegal aliens
ing instate tuition in university sysspecial treatment onGeorgia’s public college tuition tem supposed to illegal aliens obtained Obama’s was to passwho in the 2021 session DACA status on deportation A and be long forgotten by now bydeferral. any reminder to who all concerned: DACA has first been pesky voter knew about it in the ruled unlawful. How itmuch money would place. By exposing last year and stop-HB 120 save the vote illegals reward? ping a floor wewith put this RepDACA Carpenter ForCo. academic year 2020-2021, the average & in a position that required him to tuition the and committee fees for colleges was start process in allGeorgia over again $4,739 for instate andThe $17,008 for out-of-state in an election year. executive version according to death collegetuition.com. of cause of for HB 120? Too much American citizens andtolegal immigrants who information supplied Republican voters. come to Georgia colleges from other states Including the Georgia Chamber of Commust pay out ofinterest state tuition rate. merce, thethe listhigher of special lobbying That arrangement is being called groups that supported HB 120“equity.” is a long This give as illegal aliens special one. HBlegislation 120 is astodead Pancho Villa treatment on public college tuition was unless some Kamikaze Republican wassupposedtotoresurrect pass in the 2021 Isession long able it after wrote and this be colforgotten now anytheme pesky invoter umn. Lookbyfor thisby same a billwho to See D.A. KING page 26
description of why I terminated my friendship with Blaze, which has an outrageous tale tacked on that involves Townes. One of my dearest and best friends, Glyn, was divorced from his third wife and living alone at “the Waller”, a remodeled 1909 Fish Camp cabin on the Chattahoochee. Whenever Blaze came back to Whitesburg for a visit, he would stay at Glyn’s. So, this time Glyn called me on Saturday to say Blaze was in town, that he’d brought a friend, the soon-to-be legendary songwriter, Townes Van Zandt, to introduce him around, and was I interested in coming over on Sunday? Townes had been enjoying some wealth and fame in country music. I believe, he and Blaze had become close friends because of their desire, and even struggle, to get country song down to a decent level of honesty. At an earlier
of those ads several hundred times. In some cases, it feels like thousands of times, and Margery and I agree that they are bad for your health. Dipping into previously-seen PBS documentaries is something like thumbing through an encyclopedia, or looking at family-picture albums. For us, it is a preferable and pleasant way to avoid the commercial-break. So, last week, while Margery was busy at the computer, I watched TV and, during the commercial breaks, I switched to PBS, and remained longer than usual. I did that because “Country Music” was back and I had begun to fall in love with what I was hearing. This was the episode that eventually made a very brief mention of Townes Van Zandt. That mention felt personal because it brought me back, in memory, to the time he came to Whitesburg.
Deputy Dawg had brought him. Several years earlier, Deputy had left Whitesburg to go back to Texas. He took Sybil with him but left his name behind. He now introduced himself to the wider world as Blaze Foley. When we first watched “Country Music” I thought there was a chance that our Deputy aka Blaze had made the cut and would appear in the documentary. Nope. But there had been an interesting brief mention of Townes Van Zandt. So, my mind went back to being introduced to Van Zandt. It was a Sunday, in the Fall, some time in the mid or late ‘80s, if memory serves me right. That visit ended up with terminating my close friendship with Blaze, an action that I never had taken before and never have done since...with anyone! What follows is the See BILL BOURIS page 26
My run for District 6 Commissioner
DANNY
BAILEY
CANDIDATE Republican Carroll County Commissioner DISTRICT 6
678-378-6291 dbailey893@gmail.com
Now that this election season is in full swing, I would like to take this time to share my thoughts. My name is Danny Bailey, and I live in Bowdon with my wife Denise and our youngest daughter, a freshman at UWG. We have two
What happened to immigration-related state legislation in 2022?
D.A. KING
PRESIDENT The Dustin Inman Society 404-316-6712
InInmy column here I outlined severalI myFebruary February column in StarNews, state billsseveral relatedstate to immigration. is outlined bills related toHere immigraation. report back the outcome of those bills Here is aon report back on the outcome of and onebills other with muchwith cer-as those and(SB one601) other (SBas601) tainty possible as I writeason March much as certainty as possible I write on 29, press about a week before the 2022 deadline (today is March 29) legislative about a week session comes a welcomed end.comes to a before the 2022tolegislative session Please know that no bill (or that at least the(or at welcomed end. Please know no bill language and intent therein) is least the language andcontained intent contained therein)
The Whitesburg Blaze
BILL
BOURIS digi@mindspring.com We watch a lot of antenna TV, and half that at PBS. Most recently, that means we have been through several re-plays of “Country Music”, the 7-part series documentary by Ken Burns. After the first time, we have watched it several more times, in pieces, mostly as a go-to place in order to avoid the commercial ads of other channels. Look, we have watched some
COMMENTARY
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2021
Page 25
The Historic Moore’s Bridge in Carroll County
ALYSON
STOBER
What a wonderful time of the year it is with bright yellow daffodils pushing out of the ground at homeplaces of yesteryear, as well as those of today! Scattered bright yellow clusters indicate the old home places of our ancestors. In some places, it’s the only lasting mark. They too, enjoyed these cheery flowers breaking
ground, exclaiming “Spring is coming!”. At the old Moore House in Whitesburg, Carroll County located on the Chattahoochee River, there are hardy daffodils springing forward, giving way to the memories of days gone by. The history of the house at Moore’s Bridge Park is immense and ever taking place. In early Carroll County, the Chattahoochee River was a passage for transportation, innovation, a divider, and a place of conflict. Ferry crossings in the 1800s became the main route to travel west across the Chattahoochee River as well as transporting cotton bales downstream between Moore’s Bridge and West Point, Georgia when “cotton was king”. An entrepreneurial bridge partnership was formed in 1857 with the purpose of building a
covered bridge across the Chattahoochee. James D. Moore provided the site, Charles W. Mabry supplied the capital and lumber, and Horace King provided his talents and knowledge in constructing the bridge. King was a freed slave in 1846. Across the Southeast from Mississippi to South Carolina and up and down the Chattahoochee, Horace King was a widely acclaimed carpenter and covered bridge builder. King’s part ownership in the Moore’s Bridge was a huge accomplishment in the precivil war era for a freed black man. Horace King was an anomaly of his time. Moore’s Bridge was also a place of contention during the Civil War. Commanding General of the United States Army William
Tecumseh Sherman was preparing to attack Atlanta when he sent his cavalry downstream to locate river crossings. It was here at Moore’s Bridge that an artillery battle ensued. The Union troops realized they could not hold the Confederate troops back, so they burned the bridge to prevent access. While the bridge only remains in skeleton form, the house and daffodils are there to remind us and prompt us with questions yet to be completely answered. So, the next time you see bunches of daffodils pushing the ground on the side of the road, think about what might have been before. There just might be a rich history to be rediscovered and uncovered in the bright yellow throats of daffodils like those found at Moore’s Bridge.
group I spoke with and I resoundingly got this reply…why has it taken you this long to run for office? So, the only answer I was left to receive was from the Big Guy. I got that answer in my living room on a rainy night having an uncomfortable discussions with four people I hold very near and dear to my heart. It was the words that came out of one particular person’s mouth that was my moment of clarity. One of my friends who I had shared my uncertainty of my final decision looked at me and said, “you were asking for an answer, I think you just got it.” So with all those questions put to rest, I made my decision to qualify. I qualified on March 4, around 8:30 a.m. Around 10:30 a.m. that morning I reached out to all the current District Commissioners as well as the chairman, as a courtesy call of my intentions. I also called the other two candidates at that time to let them know we were all asking for the same opportunity and I intended on keeping my campaign clean and above board. I promptly received a call back from the chairwoman and most of the District Commissioners. I’ve already spoken or met with some of the department heads and listened to their stories and their love for this community and their
jobs. So when you ask how I decided to run…this is how it all started. My reason for entering into the political arena is simple. I feel in my heart that I have something to bring to our community. I have a desire to listen to the citizens of our county and try to leave it better than I found it. I’m pretty good at communicating and real good at responding to people. My beginning …I was born in Bremen, GA during the worst ice storm recorded in decades, on the ides of March. My parents were Harold and Wawena Entrekin Miles. I was raised in Mt. Zion, with the help and love of my grandparents, Ples and Mae Entrekin. I attended Mt. Zion elementary school and graduated from Mt. Zion High School. About myself…I have owned and operated small business for many many years. My father before me did the same thing. I suppose you could say we are a family of entrepreneurs. I have been involved in business for as long as I can remember and I have been fortunate to work with some of the most incredible people in the world. I also give them a lot of the credit for my businesses being successful. I understand the process of budgets and the meaning of having to make hard decisions. I also know what it’s like to sweat making payroll, paying
taxes, dealing with employees and the public and operating a small business and everything that goes along with businesses to make them successful. I have been involved in public service my entire life. My passion is to help people that are struggling and living with mental health issues and addiction. When I am asked what is your passion…THAT is my passion. I do not believe there is anyone anywhere that has not been touched or affected by these diseases. That is what led me to be involved in Carroll County Mental Health Advocates, where I serve on the board of directors. I am also the fundraising chairperson for the Masquerade Ball. I feel we have made a very positive impact on our community with our work and our Board’s continuing passion to help the people we serve. I am very supportive of our First Responder’s Services in our community. Dealing with the mental health and addiction crisis works hand in hand with EMS services. We have had an impact of relieving a small portion of the burden on EMS services with the work we do and or this I am extremely proud. I also believe that it is the strong leadership by our Sheriff, Terry Langley and his staff See DEBBIE NEAL page 34
As I drove away, the old man was once again approaching the lot. Swinging from one hand was a single grocery bag. And this time, in the other, was his phone. So often we wander too. We walk and we walk, wandering through the lanes of this life: relationships, ministries, careers. Days slip into months, months into years as we seek connection with our communities and our callings. We look for family and familiarity, for being and belonging, for purpose and placement. We may feel lonely. We may feel lost. We walk and we walk, trying to find our Ride. We walk and we walk, and we don’t call the Driver. And so we keep wandering. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NIV When I first came to Christ, I prayed all the time. I didn’t know if there was a right way to do it, I just did it. I didn’t know how long it should take, I just did it. I didn’t know if there was a particular, more effective strategy, I just did it. I just wanted to talk to Jesus, my new friend I wanted to get to know Him. I wanted to share my life with Him. So…I talked to Him all of the time. Time… As it passed, though, I started to pray less. Somewhere along my walk with my new friend, I had started to think that there were some things that we didn’t have to talk about anymore. Life didn’t feel too heavy; I was just
carrying a few things. Choosing pride over privilege, little by little, I started to carry life, with all its sins and griefs, on my own. But then, the more that I forfeited this newly-found peace for the pain of self-sufficiency, trouble began to show up everywhere. Increasingly discouraged, I then began to think, “Where is Jesus? He must’ve left me.” Lonely and lost, I wandered, for far too long. As I approached each lane of my life, I wondered if this one was mine. I walked past so many vehicles, praying about some and wondering about all, if that was the ride that would take me to acceptance, destiny, and success. Maybe you’ve been there too. Maybe we’ve walked past each other. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but as I mature, there’s one thing that I’m learning for sure: prayer isn’t about me imposing my will or my watch on God. It’s not about me trying to manipulate Him with my silence if He doesn’t do what I want. Prayer is about our friendship. Proverbs 17:17 NKJV “A friend loves at all times…” Prayer is relationship. It’s communion through communication. When Jesus Himself taught the disciples to pray, He started with “Our Father…” He started with relationship. The importance of prayer is in not only learning the voice of God, but in also under-
standing the heart of God. Because when we do, we won’t misunderstand Him so easily or question His intentions so often. We’ll trust Him. We’ll know that He’s coming and that He’s coming right on time. Proverbs 18:24 NKJV “…But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” When we know God and are known by Him, He can trust us too. In Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) He tells us, “Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” God invites us to boldly petition Him for the earthly manifestation of Heaven’s storehouse. He doesn’t hold our silence against us; He still answers when we call. And He’s still patiently waiting to take us to His desired end. Can we find a friend so faithful?! John 15:13 NKJV “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Through prayer, we have unlimited access to God’s power, provision and promise. But most importantly, through prayer, we have unlimited access to God’s person. Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus! PRINCIPLE: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:14-15
Why am I asking voters to cast for me as District 6 Commissioner?
DEBBIE
NEAL
CANDIDATE Republican Carroll County Commissioner DISTRICT 6
770-403-1192 dmn1426@gmail.com Why did I decide to ask the voters to cast their vote for me as their District 6 Commissioner? I got a call from George Chambers that he was not running for re-election. His reasons for that decision will remain his story to tell, not mine. I immediately researched the job description for the position that I was asking to hold. Why would you apply for a job and not understand the requirements? Having satisfied myself that I was indeed qualified…I also considered my availability of time to do the job, I decided that at this point in my life I had the time to accomplish what would be required of me. I then talked to my family and got their blessings. My close friends were the next
What a friend
REWA
PRESLEY Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) This was going to be quick. In and out. I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. As I searched for a spot, an elderly gentleman shuffled across the lot, causing me to wait as he passed. “Ugh,” I thought. “He’s walking so slowly.” Immediately piercing my impatience and haste, was the voice of God saying, “You want to get old one day.” When I finally parked, I noticed the gentleman had moved a few rows over. He looked lost. Humbled, I prayed for him and walked into the store. When I came out with my few items in hand, I noticed that he was now standing right outside the front doors of the store. Time, I noted, was etched in the wrinkles of his face. Seeing his hearing aid, I asked him if he needed something, if he had a ride. He was fine he said, just looking for his wife. He chuckled, saying that she had probably left him. He resisted my offer to call her, saying that there was no need, that he’d call her himself. He thanked me and I walked on to my car.
Page 26 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
D.A. KING from page 24 knew about it ininthe place. By exposing be considered thefirst 2023 session. The it last yearInman and stopping vote HB we put Dustin Societya floor opposed 120Rep Carpenter & Co. in a position that required HB 228 – dead. It was a simple, belt him to the committee process all overelection again in andstart suspenders bill that addressed an electionand year. executive version cause integrity theThe drivers licenses andofID of death for HB 120? Too much information Cards Georgia issues to foreigners here supplied to Republican voters. foreign as immigrants, guest workers, Including Chamber of students - and the aboutGeorgia twenty thousand Commerce, the list of special interest lobbying illegal aliens with DACA protection. These groups that supported HB 120 is a long one. credentials are labeled “LIMITED TERM” 120 isexactly as dead Pancho Villa unless andHB almost theassame as the ones some Kamikaze Republican was ableHB to resurcommonly issued to U.S. citizens. 228 rect it after wrote thisthe column. Lookfact for this would haveIremedied amazing samethere theme in a bill in to state be considered in the that is nothing law that says 2023 ID session. The Dustin Inmanfrom Society these documents are excluded opposed HBas120. acceptance “proper identification” for HB 228 - dead. ItHB was a simple, belt and the susvoting purposes. 228 also required penders bill that addressed election integrity warning “BEARER NOT U.S. CITIZEN – and the drivers ID” licenses ID Cards NOT VOTER to beand added to theGeorgia front issues to foreigners here ascredentials. immigrants,Also, guest of the LIMITED TERM workers, students the - and about twenty as mail-inforeign vote security, Department of thousand illegal aliens DACA protection. Driver Services wouldwith begin a system in These the credentials labeledof“LIMITED which first two are characters the drivers TERM” and almost exactly same license/ID Card numbers bethe “NC” on as thethe ones commonly to U.S. citizens. cards issued to issued non-citizens. Alabama HB 228 would already does this.have remedied the amazing fact that there is nothingvoter in state law that This move to increase security is says these because ID documents excluded from accepdead seniorare House Republicans tance told as “proper for voting were to killidentification” it before it became too purposes. understood HB 228 also the voters. warning widely by required Republican “BEARER U.S.profile CITIZEN - NOT The measureNOT had high cosponsors VOTER ID” to be added to the front and would have easily passed the full of the LIMITED credentials. House if itTERM had been allowed out of comAlso,If as vote security, mittee. you mail-in want a do-over next year, the it Department of Driver Services would begin would be a good idea to ask your own statea system in which two characters the legislator, Senatetheorfirst House, why they of don’t drivers license/ID Card numbers be “NC” on DUANE HACK from page 24 fluids. In addition, blood clots are also common. Occasionally, patients will experience little or no bleeding in the first 24 hours. This can be the sign of an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, or a failed abortion. Failure is a well-known complication when using RU-486. As of March 2020, the FDA reported 4,480 “adverse events” among women who used the deadly drugs. They included: 24 deaths, 1,183 hospitalizations, 339 blood transfusions, and 256 infections (including 48 listed as “severe”). Infection and hemorrhage are the most frequent life-threatening issues associated with RU-486. The risk of severe bacterial infection, such as sepsis (infection of the blood stream). Sepsis was the cause in the death of at least eight of the reported deaths in North America. DANNY BAILEY from page 24 kids to grow up with the same love and respect for our land and farming communities. Finally, I plan to support our county employees. They are our greatest assets, and we must maintain each department with fully staffed, well-trained, and experienced employees. This can be accomplished by making sure we stay competitive with the surrounding counties, not only in pay but in the complete package we offer our employees. We must create a work environment in which employees feel valued, respected, and encouraged while still setting a high standard for the hard work that taxpayers expect. I hope this gives you an idea of what I stand for and of who I am. I would love to speak with any voter that may have issues in the district needing discussion or who may have questions about me or my platform. I promise if you elect me, I will be ACCESSIBLE to you. I will LISTEN to you. I will REPRESENT you. Thank you in advance for your consideration. 678-378-6291.
COMMENTARY
introduce for 2023. The Dustin Inman the cards itissued to non-citizens. Alabama Societydoes supported already this. HB 228 HB - dead. Pushed by security anotherislong This932 move to increase voter dead list of business lobbyRepublicans groups, it were would because senior House told to haveit changed state lawtoosowidely that refugees, kill before it became understood “Special Visa Immigrants” and some by Republican voters. The measure had high Afghansco-sponsors who migrate Georgia don’t profile andto would have easily have tothe gofull through passed House the if it current had beenone-year allowed out residency wait of committee. If to youaccess want ainstate do-overtuition next year, in Georgia’s taxpayer-funded univeritrates would be a good idea to ask your own state sity system. Americans and why legalthey immilegislator, Senate or House, don’t grants whoit move here were affected introduce for 2023? The not Dustin Inman by the legislation. Your American citizen Society supported HB 228. cousin who- dead. movesPushed here from any other HB 932 by another long list state would still be required pay thehave out of business lobby groups, itto would of state college tuition rate for their“Special first changed state law so that refugees, year. Immigrants” House Speaker Tem Afghans Jan Joneswho Visa andProsome (R) wastoa Georgia cosponsor thistobill shethe migrate don’tofhave go until through scratched her name off afterwait we listed current one-year residency to access sponsors on Twitter. Despite pressure instate tuition rates in Georgia’s taxpayerfrom the partnership between the Georgia funded university system. Chamber of Commerce and the rapidly Americans and legal immigrants who move growing industry, bill was Your not here wererefugee not affected by thethe legislation. allowed out of committee. would have American citizen cousin who It moves here from beenother educational to see Republiany state would stillwhich be required to pay cansoutvoted “yes” on the House floor. The the of state college tuition rate for their first Dustin Inman Society 932(R) year. House Speaker Proopposed Tem JanHB Jones HB 999 - dead,ofalong comwas a co-sponsor this billwith untilitsshe scratched panion bill,off HBafter 60 and nearlysponsors identicalon her name we alisted subsequent senate measure, SB 601 from Twitter. Senator Butch Miller.from Thesethebills were Despite pressure partnership presentedthetoGeorgia the trusting public “school between Chamber of as Commerce choice!” legislation on K-12 and the rapidly growing refugeeeducation. industry, the None them would allowed more bill wasofnot allowed outhave of committee. than a fraction theeducational students now It would have of been to seeinwhich public schools to access a $6000 annu-floor. Republicans voted “yes” on the House al scholarship to attend schools The Dustin Inman Societyprivate opposed HB 932. and them had coherent HBnone 999of- dead, alongeven witha its companion
exception illegal aliens benefiting bill, HB 60for and a nearly identical subsequent from state scholarship money. Illegal senatethe measure, SB 601. alien parents have beentoallowed These bills would were presented the trusting to disburse those choice!” state funds and could public as “school legislation on K-12 easily beenNone on a of proposed oversight education. them would have allowed committee regulated what expenses more than athat fraction of the students now in were Shorter: any one of these publiceligible. schools to access aIf$6000 annual schol“school bills had become arship tochoice!” attend private schools and law, nonewe of would soon beawatching as some illegal them had even coherent exception for illegal alien attended private via aliensstudents benefiting from the stateschool scholarship state funds while American children were money. shut out. Ifalien state parents officialswould were looking for Illegal have been ways to to make Georgia allowed disburse thoseless stateattractive funds andas could aeasily destination illegal immigration, this been onfor a proposed oversight committee isn’t it. that regulated what expenses were eligible. The legislators andoflobbyists involved Shorter: If any one these “school choice!” in thehad “school choice!” rejected bills become law, hustle we would soonanbe easy and certain way illegal to exclude watching as some alienillegal students aliens – in large school part because of funds the unattended private via state while written Gold Domewere victim/valedictorian American children shut out. If state offirule illegal immigration mentioned cialson were looking for ways to make Georgia above. less attractive as a destination for illegal immiThe entire convoluted gration, thisstory isn’t is it. far Thetoo legislators and lobbyto abbreviate but it is a good istseven involved in thehere, “school choice!” hustle idea to remember thatcertain there is a reason rejected an easy and way to exclude witnesses in court are sworn in with “I illegal aliens - in large part because of do the solemnly swearDome that the evidence I shallrule unwritten Gold victim/valedictorian give shallimmigration be the truth, the whole truth, on illegal mentioned above. andThe nothing but the truth.” entire story is far too convoluted to even We know school is a popular topic abbreviate here, butchoice it is a good idea to rememfor legislation ber Republican that there is avoters. reason When witnesses in court are comes up with again, it will – likely in the sworn in “I and do solemnly swear that the next election yeargive - voters evidence I shall shall should be the demand truth, the the whole We advise starting whole truth,truth. and nothing but the truth.” now in insuring thatschool lawmakers understand that for We know choice is a popular topic most votersvoters. don’t When want to fund a private Republican legislation comes up school education the hordes of illegal again, and it will -for likely in the next election alien that are streaming over the year -families voters should demand the whole truth.
border as you read now this. in The Dustinthat Inman We advise starting insuring lawSociety supports school choice op-want makers understand that most votersand don’t posed HBa 999, HBschool 60 Andeducation SB 601. for the to fund private Two things at the end: hordes of illegal alien families that are stream•Iing want publicly Senator overto the borderthank as you read Mike this. The Dugan taking the time to allow mechoice to Dustin for Inman Society supports school quickly explain SB 601 did and opposed HBthe 999,fact HBthat 60 And SB 601. notTwo exclude thingsillegal to end aliens with: from “school choice!” otherthank stateSenator legislators One, I when want tomost publicly Mike wanted to do fact. Thank Dugan nothing for taking thewith timethat to allow me to you, Sen.explain Dugan.the fact that SB 601 did not quickly •Iexclude urge conservative to ask state Reillegal aliensvoters from “school choice!” publican Chairman Shafer aboutnothhis when most other stateDavid legislators wanted reasoning helping a corporate-funded ing to do for with that fact. Thank you, Sen. lobbying Dugan. group called “The Libre Initiative Georgia” (‘LIG’) set up at voters least one off-state Two, I urge conservative to ask shoot groupChairman while theDavid Director of LIG Republican Shafer about(forhis mer Gwinnett Republican State Rep David reasoning for helping a corporate-funded lobCasas) promoting less Libre than three fedbying is group called no “The Initiative eral illegal(‘LIG’) alien amnesty including Georgia” set up at bills least –one off-shoot in a March 26,the 2022 opinionofcolumn in the group while Director LIG (former liberal AJC – and pushed 120,Casas) HB Gwinnett Republican State for RepHB David 932, and SB 601 as described is promoting no less than three above. federal illegal We hope youbills will–read moreinabout all 26, alien amnesty including a March of thisopinion on our column donor-supported Immigra2022 in the liberal AJC – and tionPolitcsGA.com – as pushed for HB 120,website. HB 932,Or andask SBme 601 my email above. is DA@theDustinInmanSociety described (dot) Weorg hope you will read more about all of this is proprietor ImmigrationPolitcs of ImmigraonD.A. ourKing donor-supported tionPoliticsGA.com the is GA.com website. Orand askpresident me - myofemail Dustin Inman Society (NewDustinInmanDA@theDustinInmanSociety (dot) org Society.org). with state lawD.A. KHe i n ghas worked is p roprietor of makers under the Gold Dome legisla- of ImmigrationPoliticsGA.com andonpresident tion since 2005. is not(NewDustinInmanSa member of any the Dustin InmanHe Society political party. @DAKDIS on Twitter. ociety.org). He has worked with state lawmakers under the Gold Dome on legislation since 2005. He is not a member of any political party. @DAKDIS on Twitter
Most of those cases involved a type of bacteria that is almost always fatal. Patients undergoing a medical abortion can have an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, since many of the symptoms caused by both are similar. The FDA has reported two cases of women who died from an ectopic pregnancy following an attempted medical abortion. What is being done in Georgia to control the distribution of RU-486? During the 2022 Georgia Legislative session, Senate Bill 456 was drafted to prevent women from receiving dangerous abortion causing drugs through the mail, GRTL has concerns about this measure. On the one hand, it bans anyone to “provide any abortion-inducing drug by courier,
delivery, or mail service.” A good thing! But, at the same time, it establishes detailed instructions on how to legally provide chemical abortions. As long as the abortionist examines the woman in person, verifies the pregnancy, gets a signed informed consent, and a few other requirements, then the abortionist can distribute the abortion causing drugs. Senate Bill 456 details how some abortions can be legally performed, which could dangerously enable those who may not fully understand the peril associated with their actions. When legislation includes instructions concerning who, how, when, under what circumstances an abortion can be performed, that legislation denies the pre-born child of his
or her personhood and does not protect the safety and health of pregnant women. It doesn’t even require that the woman be told that it’s possible to reverse the effects of this drug should she change her mind. It simply says they “may” give her reversal information (line 101-103 of SB 456). The Abortion Pill Reversal procedure has been remarkably successful in bringing the pre-born child to full term after women have started the abortion pill procedure. Abortion is not healthcare. Abortion does not protect the safety and health of women. Abortion denies the opportunity of Personhood for a fellow human being.
BILL BOURIS from page 24 description of why I terminated my friendship with Blaze, which has an outrageous tale tacked on that involves Townes. One of my dearest and best friends, Glyn, was divorced from his third wife and living alone at “the Waller”, a remodeled 1909 Fish Camp cabin on the Chattahoochee. Whenever Blaze came back to Whitesburg for a visit, he would stay at Glyn’s. So, this time Glyn called me on Saturday to say Blaze was in town, that he’d brought a friend, the soon-to-be legendary songwriter, Townes Van Zandt, to introduce him around, and was I interested in coming over on Sunday? Townes had been enjoying some wealth and fame in country music. I believe, he and Blaze had become close friends because of their desire, and even struggle, to get country song down to a decent level of honesty. At an earlier time, according to the documentary, “Country Music”, Willie Nelson, had left Nashville for Austin, to get away from the suffocating style of “over-produced, corporate” recordings. Such sentiments, which were often expressed with resentment and rebellion, would show up in Blaze’s drunken performances, and I’m sure that Townes had felt he’d found a soul-mate.
Both of these young men drank hard and into oblivion. Who would criticize their behavior, since they were fighting the good fight? I went down to the Waller, and there they were in the kitchen: Glyn, Blaze, Townes, and Ed a friend of Bubba’s. After the go-round of hellos and my introduction to Townes, Blaze wanted news of my son Basil. Then he turned to Ed, and they seemed to pick up on some discussion that must have been going on before I arrived. Very quickly, things got nasty, with Blaze loosely, drunkenly, sloppily, unrolling insults and challenges at Ed. Ed, a diminutive sweet-tempered guy, was switching between hurt, almost tearful reactions, and attempts at responding belligerently. The antagonists, who were standing side by side at one leg of Glyn’s L-shaped kitchen-counter, had turned and were facing each other, the verbal stuff turning into spitting and growling. I was shocked. Glyn was behind the counter with mouth agape, and Townes stood at the other leg of the counter, intensely taking it all in. I was feeling that Mr. Van Zandt was enjoying this and that his satisfaction was being communicated to Blaze. I tried to put a stop to all the pointless bullying: “Blaze! I’m feeling uncomfortable. If you don’t stop this I’m going to regret I ever gave
you my guitar.” He actually paused. Maybe I had gotten through! This went back to the time when Blaze, Sybil, and the rest of them were leaving Whitesburg. Blaze was without a guitar. As a loan, I gave him my classical guitar, made in Spain, and to make the deal more interesting, Joe threw in his mandolin for me to hold onto and maybe learn to play. Now, a few years later, Blaze still had that guitar, but could not return it to me. It had been pawned many times when he was broke, and it had been picked at so badly that its beautiful face was pocked and splintered. Blaze loved the instrument. It now had become his, we all understood that, and when I said his behavior at the Waller was about to make me regret giving it to him, he paused in his attack on Ed. The memory of our friendship was in his eyes. Then he blew it all away as he turned on Ed. I got up from the table and sent Blaze to hell, and made my exit. I am sure that Townes caught Blaze’s brief reaction to my words and later wanted to know about “the guitar”. The next day, as his guests were leaving, Glyn told Blaze to not come back to Waller. We never had contact with him again. We’d hear See WHITESBURG BLAZE page 31
www.starnewsgaonline.com STATE REP COLLINS from page 21 banks negotiate discounted prices with Georgia farmers. It also sets a framework that would allow the Georgia House and Senate to appropriate funds in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023 budget to assist food banks that want to purchase fresh produce to do so, which also would insure surplus products harvested by Georgia farmers are not wasted. This bill passed with a bipartisan vote in the House. Healthcare: Those suffering from a chronic illness, which requires prescription medication, can attest to how frustrating and frightening it can be to wait for the insurance company to give payment approval to needed medication. This is not only an issue for patients, but this process also creates needless administrative tasks that waste the time of health care professionals. To address this, the House passed Senate Bill 341 which will allow a patient to receive this authorization once a year, instead of every 30, 60, or 90 days which is too often the case even for patients with chronic illnesses who require ongoing treatment. The bill carves out certain drugs from this streamlined process that can be habit forming like opioid analgesics
and benzodiazepine. Education: The House passed SB 226, which will require school boards to create a complaint resolution policy so that parents may submit concerns about inappropriate content harmful to minors being made available at school. So that complaints are not simply filed away and never reviewed, SB 226 further requires that the principal or an employee designated by the principal investigate the complaint and confer with the parents. Parents throughout our state have expressed concern about public school rules requiring their child wear a mask two years after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. This concern has grown as more scientific study raises significant questions about the efficacy of mask wearing in school settings to stop the spread or transmission of COVID-19. The House reacted to these concerns by passing SB 514, the Unmask Georgia Students Act, which prohibits local public schools from making or enforcing any rules that require students to wear face masks, unless the rule allows parents to opt their children out of such a rule. Tax Reform: Georgians rightfully continue
STATE SENATOR DUGAN from page 21 our economic surplus back to the people of state employees receive a $5,000 bonus for Georgia. their critical work in maintaining our state’s The Senate granted final passage to an most basic functions, even during a global pan- urgently needed measure to bring relief to all demic. Work also continued Georgians. With skyrocketThe Senate passed throughout this week on the ing gas prices from the lack general budget for 2023, with House Bill 1302, a measure of domestic oil suppliers appropriations subcommittee we previously discussed as and because of the ongoing hearings taking place. While being incorporated into the conflict in the Ukraine, work on these budgets is long budget. HB 1302 provides a Georgians are in desperate and arduous, it is necessary to need of financial relief just one-time tax credit for all to travel to and from work, ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in a fiscally prudent eligible taxpayers while filed school or to receive medical manner. a return in both 2020 and care. The Senate passed The Senate passed House 2021. Single filers would be House Bill 304, which Bill 1302, a measure we preeligible for a tax credit of would suspend the collecviously discussed as being tion on the state excise tax incorporated into the budget. $250, those filing jointly will on gasoline until May 31, be eligible for a credit of 2022. While this will not HB 1302 provides a one-time tax credit for all eligible tax$500 and those filing as bring down gas prices overpayers while filed a return in night, it will provide some a head of household both 2020 and 2021. Single degree of relief. filers would be eligible for a would be eligible for a $375 If you have any questions tax credit of $250, those filing credit. Taxable nonresidents. or concerns about any of jointly will be eligible for a . . would be prorated based these bills, please do not credit of $500 and those filing hesitate to reach out to my on the ratio of taxable as a head of household would office. income to Georgia. be eligible for a $375 credit. Dugan is Senate Taxable nonresidents who would otherwise Majority Leader. He represents the 30th Senate qualify for the credit would be prorated based District, which includes portions of Carroll, on the ratio of taxable income to Georgia. This Douglas, Paulding counties. 404.463.2478 is another example of Georgia passing along mike.dugan@senate.ga.gov VICKI ANDERSON from page 22 District 6. I have a proven record of being fiscally responsible with your taxpayer dollars, placing assets to achieve the maximum service capabilities. I had just begun my political journey when District 6 had a horrible fire that burned the Carlisle Fire and Wheel Company. Three hundred people were employed at the factory. I remember the smoke lasting for days, not knowing at that time the impact this fire would have on the community. Jobs were lost and the factory was not rebuilt. Where did those folks go for work? Jobs have been mentioned to me in speaking with citizens. I believe there is a workforce in District 6 that must leave the area every day for work. Protecting farmland is very important to many. Some farmland has been placed in conservation easements. Inheriting land happens as it is passed down to other family members. Some desire to maintain the tranquil rural life, while some cannot wait to get the dollars the land value holds. Smart growth is important!
We know growth is coming no matter what we do. The 2020 Census showed that the Carroll County population increased from 110,527 to 119, 148 (8%). Mt. Zion increased in numbers from 1,696 citizens in 2010, to 1,834 in 2020 (0.8%). The City of Bowdon is at approximately 2,100. There must be a plan for the expected growth, best where infrastructure is available. I want to be the strong voice of District 6. Most everyone needs a job. Let’s figure out how to have the economic development necessary to provide employment opportunities, while we preserve our culture, the environment and the quality of life of the citizens of District 6. I am the Proven Conservative Leader, the only candidate with proven experience on the Carroll County Board of Commissioners! The only candidate who has voted to protect your farmland. The only candidate who has shown their support by voting for public safety needs. The only candidate you need who has been there for you...Vicki Anderson for District 6 Commissioner. I ask for your vote on May 24, 2022.
to be concerned about the expenditure of their taxpayer dollars with companies run by China. The House passed SB 346, which will require companies seeking to do business with the State of Georgia to certify that they are not owned, operated, or affiliated with the government of the People’s Republic of China. Providing a false certification would result in civil liability along with being prohibited from bidding on future contracts with the State of Georgia. Importantly this bill does not impose any such requirement regarding the government of Taiwan. Senate Action: Following our Crossover Day deadline March 15, the Senate went to work on our respective House Bills under consideration. The priority was focused on the 2023 Fiscal Year budget, also known as HB 911. We are pleased to report that HB 911 received passage with a few changes on the Senate side. Because of these changes, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve
StarNews April 10, 2022
Page 27
the changes before HB 911 comes before the House and Senate for final passage. In other Senate action, HB 385, which will allow retired educators to return to Georgia classrooms without forfeiting their state retirement benefits also passed. Finally, HB 1064, which exempts military retiree income from Georgia income taxation passed and now heads to Governor Kemp for further consideration. This bill is another important step to making Georgia the premier destination for military retirees. Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Governor Kemp signed two bills to provide Georgians with significant tax relief last week. HB 304 immediately suspends the excise tax on motor fuel through the end of May 2022. HB 1302 creates a one-time tax credit for Georgians using $1.6 billion from the Amended Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Single tax filers will receive a $250 refund, head of household filers will receive a $375 refund, and those who file jointly will receive a $500 refund.
Lake Carroll Lawn Sparkle j best this hair Spring 770.456.8358 227 South Carroll Road Villa Rica
Voted Best Salon!
Tues & Wed: 9am-6pm•Thurs: 9am-8pm Fri. 9am-5pm•Sat: 9am-3pm
April
RWB Tax
18th
APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
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
om
OBITUARIES
Page 28Page April16 10,August 2022 11, Star News www.starnewsgaonline.com Star Nwww.starnewsgaonline.com ews www.starnewsgaonline.com 16 August 11, 16 2019 S2019 tar N ews PagePage 16 August 11,Page 2019 S tar N www.starnewsgaonline.com August 11,ews 2019 Star News www.starnewsgaonline.com
- WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES - -- WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES - WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES - WEST GEORGIA AREA FUNERAL HOMES -
AREA FUNERAL HOMES -
mories”
Hoyt homas Hoyt homas Hoyt homas Hoyt J. J. J. J.TTTThomas FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME Those we love don’t go away
“A beautiful place for memories” “A beautiful place memories” “A beautiful place forfor memories” “A beautiful place for memories” Our 26-acre perpetual care memorialpark park 26-acre perpetual care memorial OurOur 26-acre perpetual careperpetual memorial park Our 26-acre memorial was developed to serve this areacare now and for for park developed to serve this area now and waswas developed to serve this area now and for was developed to serve this area now and for generations to come.West Georgia generations to come.West Georgia generations to generations come.West toGeorgia come.West Georgia Memorial Park is divided intobeautiful beautiful Memorial Park is divided into Memorial Park is divided into beautiful Memorial Park isSERVICE dividedup-right into beautiful & CREMATION gardens including our traditional gardens including our traditional up-right gardens including our traditional gardens including ourup-right traditional up-right Funeral Directors &Garden Undertakers headstone section in the Memories headstone section in the Garden ofofMemories headstone section in the Garden of Memories headstone section inmemorial the Garden of Memories as well as our fl at bronze section as well as our flbronze at bronze memorial section as well as our flatwell section as ourmemorial flat in bronze memorial section andasMausoleum our Mausoleum theGarden Garden in the and and our our Mausoleum in the Garden andour ourFamily Mausoleum the Garden of Cross and EstatesinGarden. Garden. of Cross Family Estates of Cross andand our our Family Estates Garden.
Those don’t go away Those we we lovelove don’t golove away Those we don’t go away J. Collins They walk beside us every day, They walk beside us every day, They walk beside every day, Theyuswalk beside us every day, UNERAL HOM Unseen, unheard, but always Unseen, unheard, always Unseen, unheard, butbut always Unseen, unheard, but always near, stillSTILL LOVED, STILL MISSED near, LOVED, STILL MISSED near, stillstill LOVED, MISSED near, still LOVED, STILL MISSED and VERY DEAR! VERY DEAR! andand VERY DEAR! and VERY DEAR! of Cross and our Family Estates Garden.
orial park ow and for orgia eautiful up-right Memories al section arden Garden.
OO BITUARIES OBITUARIES BITUARIES O BITUARIES J. Collins Collins Collins J.J.J.Collins
F FFF
EEE
Our funeral home offers a UNERAL HOM HOM UNERAL HOM UNERAL warm, comfortable, familyUNERAL HOM & CREMATION SERVICE & CREMATION SERVICE & CREMATION SERVICE oriented environment with CREMATION SERVICE Funeral& Directors & Undertakers Funeral Directors&&Undertakers Undertakers Funeral Directors Funeral Directors & Undertakers traditional architecture and tasteful interior decor. Our facilities accommodate all types of funerals and memorials largePERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 1011Lane Topaz LaneRica VillaGaRica Ga WEST PERSONALIZEDFUNERAL FUNERAL&&CREMATION CREMATIONSERVICES SERVICES WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL PERSONALIZED 1011 Topaz Villa and small, public orChapel private. 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Ga LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES Douglas GEORGIA MEMORIAL 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Ga Villa Rica Chapel LOCALLY OWNED OPERATED MORIAL Villa Rica Chapel LOCALLY OWNED &&OPERATED Douglas Chapel WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL Villa Rica Chapel Douglas Chapel LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Villa Rica Chapel LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Douglas Chapel 41944194 DouglasStreet Chapel 206 South Villa Rica Chapel Carroll Road VillaRoad Rica, Ga 30180 Carrollton-VillaRica RicaHighway Highway 548 Newnan 206 South Carroll Villa Rica, Ga30180 30180 Carrollton-Villa 206 South Carroll Rica, Ga 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 Highway 206 South Carroll RoadRoad VillaVilla Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 Carrollton, GA 30117 770-459-3694 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 GeorgiaGeorgia 770-459-3694 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 Georgia P.O.Carrollton, Box 1321 Carrollton, 770-459-3694 770-942-2311P.O. Box 1321 770-459-3694 Phone: 770-942-2311 (770) 832-7056 770.836.1336 770.836.1336 www.jones-wynn.com 770.836.1336 www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com 36 770.836.1336 www.jones-wynn.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jones-wynn.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.almonfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com ial.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com for complete obituary listingsdaily daily go goto: to: www.starnewsgaonline.com complete obituary listings to: www.starnewsgaonline.com forfor complete www.starnewsgaonline.com daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com forobituary complete listings obituary daily listingsgo daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com
F
E
770.459.3676 770.459.3676 770.459.3676 770.459.3676 www.jhoytthomas.com www.jhoytthomas.com www.jhoytthomas.com
www.jhoytthomas.com770.459.6090
770.459.6090 770.459.6090 770.459.6090 770.459.6090
Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jr., Scott Scott Shedd, age 53, age Shirley F. Alexander, age Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr.,JerryJerry Jerry Scott Shedd, Shedd, age 53, 53, F. Alexander, age 71,71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, ” Cook,Shirley Master Danny Jones, Jr., ShirleyJoe F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Jerry ScottOctober Shedd, age 53,age Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott8, Shedd, age 53, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born 12, 1973, 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, Betty Jane Eaves Phillips, age 88, born August Brenda Joyce Johnson Emory, age 72, born age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 Adam Kyle Akins, age 41, born August 17, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 2, 1973, age 2 Sunday, months, born bornJuly November 27,2019, 1947, died age 45,July born October died Monday, July 8, 201912, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019,David died Monday, July 8, 2019 14,May 201916, died Friday, 12,2019 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 4, 2019 Ronald Simpson, age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July died Thursday, July 4,2019 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12,12, 2019 17, 1933, died March 20, Ronald 2022 died July February 5, Simpson, 1950, died92, March 25,Thursday, 2022 David Ronald Simpson, 1980, died March 28, 2022 9 died Thursday, July 4,14, 2019 Sunday, July 2019 died Friday, July 12,age 2019 David Ronald age died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Simpson, age age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Bishop,Dwight Jr., age 62,Jr.,age James B.James Dean, age died 92, “Marjorie” NellNell Lovvorn, age 70, bornJuly July 1948, age 92,Dwight “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, Bishop, age 62, B.02, Dean, age 92, 70, born July 21, 1948, July Timothy Scarborough, age 74, died borndied April Grady Forshaw, age 83, born on July 9, 1938, “Marjorie” Lovvorn, age 70, born 21,21, 1948, July July Inez Walker Bartlett, age 97,1956, born August 12,September born September 28, died born September 1926, died 86, born 3,3,1932, dieddied 09,“Tim” 2019 born September 28, 1956, diedborn born 02, 1926, died 86,born bornAugust August 3, 1932, 1932, died 09, 2019 born September 28, 1956, died September 02, 1926, died 86, August 09, 2019 26, died 86, born August 3,2019 1932, died died born September 28, 1956, borndied September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 86, bornJuly August 3, 15, 1932, 09, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, Wednesday, July 3,2019 2019 1947,died died March 31, Sprewell, 2022 Thursday, March 3, 2022 Wednesday, 10, 2019 Zellie Fred age 94, age 1924, died Friday, March 25, 2022 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, Sprewell, age 94, 94, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, Dumah Adrian Walker, age 97, born July 26, Wayne Jackson, age 74, born August 23, 1947, Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Dickerson, age died Hilda AnnDixon Blair, age 87, born September 27, Bushon Andra Dixon McGill, age born February28,28, 1925, died son, ageDonald Andra McGill, age 76, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, born February 28, 1925, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, 76, born February 1925, age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68,September born September 7,1950, 1950, died age born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, died born October October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27,2019 2019 died ageage 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born 7, 1950, died born 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 1924, died April 1, 2022 died March 8, 2022 50, died 1934, died March 30, 2022 born October 18, 1941, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68,July born September Saturday, July 27, born October 18, 1941, diedDaniel Saturday, July 27, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, Friday, 19, 201920197, 1950, died Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Lance Walker, age 40, age Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, 40, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 July 19,19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Judy Elaine Phillips White, age 73, born June 4, died Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Mark Allen Kemp, age 64, born January 16, O’Neal Cook, age 67, born July 25, 1954, died John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, , age 84, Eugene Parker Jr., John D.Mullis, Brown, Jr.,age age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, born September 18, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18,2019 1978, died died born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, 21, 2019 1948, died March 7,July 2022 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 1958, died March 29, 2022 70, born December 31, 1948, died March 16, 2022 Sunday, July 21, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December died Sunday, July 21,“Debbie” 2019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8,8,2019 Ann West, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 201931, 1948, Deborah Ann West, Jimmy G.Deborah Yates, age“Debbie” 84, born on October 31, West, 22, 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 John Augustine Mitchell, age 74, born July 10, Addie Eason Crumbley, age 104, born Monday, July 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann Monday, July 8, 2019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann2019 West, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy LeeLee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 2019 io, age November 1937, died March 2022 1947, died March 17,died 2022age Randy Lee age 66,85, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age 58, died July 22, 2019 28, 1917, died March 29, 1929, 2022 Randy Nichols, age 66, age27, 58, died July 22,22, 2019 age 89, bornNichols, September 14, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, 89, born September 14, 1929, born on Jan 1,1934, 1934, Wallace Allen Worthan, age bornJune June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age ageage 89, born September 14,September 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, died born 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age 34, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, age 89, born 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Wallace Allen Worthan, age born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, William David Yancey, age 78, born July 7,age Montrell Sessions Mykkeltvedt, age 93, died died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Terry Aticus Dewberry, age 80, born July 26, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 26, 2019 56, diedMonday, Monday, July 15, July 26, 2019 diedWayne Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 JulyAra July 26,D. 2019 56, 3, died July 15, 55, 20192019 Earl Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Bell Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age Ara Bell Sanders, age 79, 1943, died March 2022Judith Carol JudithChapman, Chapman, age 55, 55, March 22, 2022 December 19,Carden, 1941, diedage March 28, 2022 Wayne 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell D.D. Sanders, age 79, Carol age ennings,Earl Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age Sunday, 55, born 29, October 29, died 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July2,2, born August 06, 1939, died July born October 29, 1938, diedage age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died born October 1938, 83, died Tuesday, July Marlene Elaine Zerr, age 80, died March 16, Josephine Ann born September born August 06, 1939, died July born June24, 24, 1964, died Sunday, Michael Anthony Dodd, age 61, 1938, born February July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July2019 born October 29, died age 83, died Tuesday, Julyage 2,89,2019 born 24, 1964, diedNowak, Sunday, born born June Friday, June 28, 2019 2019June Friday, June 28, 2019 24, July July 7, 2019 24, 2019August 06, 1939, died July July 7,2019 20191964, died Sunday, Friday, June 28,Friday, 2019 2019 July 24, 2019 7, 24, 2019 June 28, 2019 2019 2022 7, 2019 26, 1932, died March 31, 2022 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 7, 1961, died March 13, 2022
.YES!
Judy Ann Driver, age 68, born March 20, 1953, died March 19, 2022
RT Nunnally, age 91, born December 11, 1930, died March 29, 2022
A double fun?…..YES! A double dose of offun?…..YES! A double dose ofdosefun?…..YES!
ADisney double dose ofenjoy fun?…..YES! summer Disney cruisers will not one, This summer cruisers will enjoy not one, ThisThis summer Disney cruisers will cruisers enjoy not one, oy not one, This summer Disney willmakes enjoy not one, but two stops at Castaway Cay! What but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes hat makes butso twospecial? atThere Castaway What makes Castaway Cay uniquely Castaway Cay sostops special? There areCay! uniquely Castaway Cay so special? There areare uniquely e uniquely ***Magical Vacation Castaway Cay so special? There are uniquely Planner is a professional ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional designed areas for kids, adults, families! designed kids, adults, and families! ***Magical Vacation Planner is a Vacation professional designed areas forareas kids,for adults, andand families! ***Magical Planner isultimate a professional d families! designed areas for kids, adults, and families! concierge service that provides the ultimate concierge service that provides the Explore the island by bike, aanew water Explore thebyisland bychoose bike,choose choose new water concierge service that provides the ultimate Explore the island bike, a new water concierge service that provides the ultimate a new water Explore the island by bike, choose a new customer service experience for guests service experience for guestsadventure, adventure, soak up the sun a awhite sandy adventure, up the sunon white sandy water servicecustomer experience forservice guestsexperience soakadventure, upsoak the sun on atheon white sandy hite sandy customer customer for guests soak up sun on a white sandy island beach, and so much more! Everything traveling to traveling various Disney destinations, island beach, and so much more! Everything to various Disney destinations,island beach, and sobeach, much more! Everything to various Disney destinations, Everything traveling island and so much more! Everything traveling to various Disney destinations, aforperfect day atatthe you a perfect day thebeach beach cruise vacations, all-inclusive resorts.resorts.you you cruiseand vacations, andresorts. all-inclusive needneed forneed aforyou perfect day atperfect the beach is isbeach is beach is cruise vacations, and all-inclusive need for a day at the cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch! an allcan youeat canbuffet eat buffet lunch! included,included, evenContact aneven all you uffet lunch! included, an all you can lunch! eat buffet lunch! meeven forfor your FREE, Contact me your FREE, Contactnomeobligation forContact your quote FREE, E, me for your FREE, no obligation quote no obligation quote no obligation quote
y
87
om
Becky Gentry Becky Gentry Becky Gentry Becky Gentry Travel TravelAgent Agent Travel Agent Travel Agent
404-291-1187 404-291-1187 404-291-1187 404-291-1187
b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com b.gentry@magicalvacationplanner.com
Alton Parker Johnson, age 57, born March 12, 1965, died March 26, 2022
www.starnewsgaonline.com DAN C. PAK from page 22 1972) was awarded the Nobel prize in Literature. Twenty-six years later in 1994, another Japanese writer, Kenzaburo Oe (1935 ) also won the same honor. The works of both Japanese novelists had to be translated into English before being presented to the Swedish Academy for the Nobel Prize. It is, therefore, fair to say that the honor must be shared between the author and the translator. Kawabata expressed the same sentiment during his press conference upon receipt of the award. Such a casual dismissive remark as “It’s a mere translation” only exposes one’s grievous ignorance. A translation is a creative work. It is not a mere mimicking or parroting. The transla-
tor creates a story of foreign origin into a familiar story understood by the people of his/her country. To be successful, the translator must be not only fluent in both languages but also familiar with both cultures as well. Alas! More often than not, the story from the foreign land is full of nuance, idioms, innuendo, subtle suggestions, and oblique remarks. None of them has an exact counterpart in the Asian language. I recall frustrations in my attempt to translate some of the foreign material. I threw up both hands in despair and shouted out loud to an imaginary audience in the empty room: “I give up! You guys had better learn the foreign language yourself!” In conclusion, I agree with the familiar assessment: “All translations are more or less JUDGE ALTON P. JOHNSON from front approximation in the end.” Johnson created the Carroll County Those who understand the language of the Mediation Office that later was expanded to original text may truly enjoy its flavor in full. serve all courts. Johnson was born March 12, 1965 in Carrollton, the son of the late William P. Johnson and the late Ramona Teal Johnson. A Carrollton High School 1983 graduate, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia; graduated from John Marshall Law School; and began practicing law in Carrollton in 1995. Survivors include his wife Kelsey Johnson; sister and brotherin-law Angi and Robert Friend Everett, several nieces, and one nephew. Martin & Hightower Funeral Home held a visitation on Friday, April 8, 2022. Private family service at later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Partners Advancing Student Success, Inc. (PASS) or to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolences: www.martin-hightower.com KIMBERLY NEW from page 22 Operation Christmas in Douglas County. During my two-year term as President of ESA – GSC I helped Georgia raise more than $1.8 million dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I was blessed to work with a lot of talented people from all different backgrounds and areas in Georgia to get things done during the pandemic. I believe in God, Family, Freedom of Speech, and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. I support our Law Enforcement and First Responders. As the wife and mother of retired law enforcement officers, I know firsthand what it’s like watching your loved ones walk out the door for a shift and praying they return home safely. It is important they feel secure in their job to be able to serve our community well and come home safely to their families. They need our support now more than ever to let them know we back the blue. I believe children should be in school not virtual school. They need that interaction with their peers and one on one with their teachers. I am a supporter of Georgia teachers and, as a mother, and grandmother also strongly believe in the right for parents to have a say in their child’s education. It is deeply troubling to me that we have set back millions of students from reaching their educational potential because of COVID. Addressing this issue continue to be a priority for Georgia. I believe in the future of our county, district, and state. I have a vested interest in making it successful because me, my children and grandchildren are all a part of this community, we live here, we play here, (tee ball is awesome) and we work here. Georgia is a great place to live and to raise your family in. If you would like to know any further information, you can call me C A R E at 770-757-4223 NewForGeorgia@gmail.com. I am running for the State House of Representatives, District 64. I am asking for your support and your vote. Don’t forget to vote on May 24th!
StarNews
April 10, 2022 Page 29
Now Open in downtown Bremen Scan code below to follow us:
M&S Title Facebook
678-821-3337
306 Laurel St. Suite A, Bremen, Ga 30110 www.mandstitle.com Monday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-2
Southwire
The true, driving force that keeps us strong is our people
and their steadfast dedication to our customers, company,
environment, community and future. Come be a part of our future.
E R S . S O U T H W I R E . C O M ©2022 Southwire Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 30 April10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
Funeral assistance is available
ELLEN & SCOTT
McBRAYER JONES-WYNN FUNERAL HOME The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, the mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters; dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. Q. Do you know that you might be eligible for assistance if your loved one died due to covid-19? A. You and your family may be eligible for a special program from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that offers funeral assistance to families that have
HERSHEL WALKER from page 4 “We are a great people! What happened to our Bible? We should be teaching our children to read and write. We are teaching kids about their gender? We just had a man named Woman of the Year. We should ask her, do you have a baby? Isn’t that a woman That’s what we should be asking. Why are we settling for stuff like this? “I can guarantee this, if you want to be a super power, Russia and China are not doing that. Russia and China are not making electric planes and tanks. They want to be super powers. Remember without strength, you won’t have peace.” He also said in regards to Ukraine that we should be proactive, not reactive. “Biden should have pressured NATO to get more involved.” He also stated that the U.S should not have given China the Olympics and a platform after “giving the world the pandemic”.
experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19. Financial assistance of up to $9,000 could be provided for certain expenses that families have incurred as they laid a loved one to rest (e.g., funeral and memorial services and burial and cremation). It covers eligible expenses for the services you’ve already paid for when your loved one died. And, as our community becomes safer, your family may choose to plan a memorial service in your loved one’s honor that includes all of your family and friends – something that many families are finding to be a meaningful experience. Those expenses may also be covered. Q. Who is eligible for Funeral assistance? A: To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Walker said that citizens need to get back to faith and The Ten Commandments. In a lighter note, the former Georgia great also said with a smile, “I can bring people together. I even hired man from the University of Tennessee to run my company. I can work with anybody!” In conclusion Herschel asked everyone to get out to vote. If you would like more information on candidate Herschel Walker, go to any major news sites on the internet. Also, Walker has a website teamherschel.com for more information on him. Other challengers in the May 24th Republican primary include longtime Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black as well as Josh Clark, Jonathan McCollum, and Latham Sadler. Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon at Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton. For more information, visit Carrolltonrotary.com or email them at Carrolltonrotaryga@gmail.com
Carroll County Department of Public Health
• The death certificate must indicate the - Your name, social security number, date of death was attributed to or caused by COVID- birth, mailing address and contact phone 19. numbers. • The applicant must be a - The name, social security Financial assistance of number and date of birth for U.S. citizen, non-citizen up to $9,000 could be each deceased individual. national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after - The location or address provided for certain January 20, 2020. where the deceased individual expenses that families passed away. • There is no requirement have incurred as they for the deceased person to - Documentation and have been a U.S. citizen, non- laid a loved one to rest receipts for any assistance citizen national or qualified already received from other alien. sources, including burial or funeral insurance, Q. How do I apply for funeral help from donations, voluntary agencies, other FEMA? government programs or non-profit A: Applicants should call the agency’s organizations. helpline at 844-684-6333. According to If you and another person both incurred FEMA’s website, no online applications will be funeral expenses for the same deceased accepted. Applicants must provide the name of individual(s), you can also provide that person the deceased person, the date of the funeral and as a co-applicant — include their name, social documentation of the expenses. security number and date of birth on the Documents can be uploaded onto a special application. website or sent by fax or mail, according to the The FEMA website has complete helpline. information about eligibility requirements, the Many funeral homes are making families documentation you will be required to provide aware of the federal program, but funeral as part of your application (e.g., a copy of your directors cannot apply for aid on their behalf. loved one’s death certificate and proof of Directors, however, can help provide the funeral expenses incurred), and how to start the documentation of costs and copies of death application process. certificates. www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/econo Q. What costs does FEMA’s funeral-aid mic/funeral-assistance program cover? If there is anything we can do to assist you A: Eligible costs include funeral services, with the application process – such as ordering cremation, interment, transportation for up to copies of a death certificate or providing copies two individuals to identify the deceased of receipts or contracts showing the expenses individual, transfer of remains, a casket or urn, you incurred – please call us at 770-459-3694 a burial plot or cremation niche, marker or or 770-942-2311 or visit jones-wynn.com headstone, clergy or officiant services, Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory arrangement of the funeral ceremony, and Meadowbrook Memory Gardens cremation or burial costs. 770-459-3694 - 770-942-2311 Q. What Information do I need to provide to www.jones-wynn.com FEMA? www.facebook.com/MeadowbrookMemoryG A: Please have the following information ardens www.facebook.com/WynnMcBrayer before contacting FEMA to apply: caringbridge.org/visit/mcbrayer
To view complete inspection details: dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health
restaurant health inspections scores
3/03/2022: Whitesburg Elementary 868 Main St Whitesburg 100 100 3/09/2022: Dre’s Place BBQ 149 Garrison Ct Temple 3/16/2022: UWG East Commons 1601 Maple St Carrollton 100 3/14/2022: UWG Food Court 1601 Maple St Carrollton 100 3/01/2022: All My Love Soul Food 285 Patriot Dr Temple 100 3/02/2022: T&T Southern BBQ 131 Lowell Rd Carrollton 100 3/22/2022: Chick-Fil-A 89 US Hwy 27 Bypass Bremen 100 3/12/2022: Pat’s Meals on Wheels 113 Connors Rd Villa Rica 100 100 3/14/2022: Chip’s Burger Bar301 Adamson Sq Carrollton 3/03/2022: Oak Mountain Golf Club 409 Birkdale Carrollton 99 3/21/2022: Wendy’s 196 Hwy 62 Villa Rica 98 3/21/2022: Subway Pilot Travel Center 625 Carrollton St Temple 98 3/21/2022: IHOP 1615 S Hwy 27 Carrollton 98 3/21/2022: Chick-Fil-A 85 Commerce Dr Villa Rica 96 3/24/2022: Arby’s 1322 S Park St Carrollton 96 3/30/2022: Hot Wings 932 Alabama St Carrollton 96 95 3/02/2022: Jones BBQ 1081 W Hwy 78 Temple 3/04/2022: Zaxby’s 200 Cooley Dr Villa Rica 95 3/22/2022: Shane’s Rib Shack 1141 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 95 3/23/2022: Applebee’s 1105 S Park St Carrollton 95 3/01/2022: La Fiesta 201 Bradley St Carrollton 94 3/22/2022: Rooster’s Southern Corner 369 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 94 93 3/14/2022: UWG Heavenly Bowls 1601 Maple St Carrollton 3/22/2022: El Monterrey Mexican 815 S Park St Carrollton 92 3/02/2022: Kentucky Fried Chicken 155 N Hwy 27 Bremen 92 3/04/2022: Tim’s West GA Flea Market B 3947 N Hwy 27 Carrollton 91 3/02/2022: Dairy Queen 1515 Alabama Ave Bremen 91 3/02/2022: U Know It Catering 1633 Bnakhead Hwy Carrollton 91 91 3/14/2022: UWG AFC Sushi 1601 Maple St Carrollton 3/08/2022: La Estacion 1018 Main St Whitesburg 91
previous 100 previous 100 previous 100 previous 100 previous 100 previous 100 previous 100 previous NA previous NA previous 92 previous 97 previous 96 previous 94 previous 97 previous 94 previous 91 previous 95 previous 94 previous 92 previous 89 previous 95 previous 91 previous 96 previous 85 previous 83 previous 100 previous 99 previous 96 previous 96 previous 90
3/22/2022: Sonic Drive In 100 Park Ridge Dr Villa Rica 91 previous NA 3/08/2022: Nama Asian Fusion 108 Adamson Sq Carrollton 91 previous 71 3/02/2022: Suzie’s Wings 451 W Bankhead Hwy Tri-County Plaza Villa Rica 90 previous 92 3/22/2022: Sutton’s American Grill 477 Rome St Carrollton 90 previous 86 88 previous 82 3/28/2022: Jefferson’s 750 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 3/02/2022: La Chiquita Mexican 901 S Carroll Rd Villa Rica 88 previous 81 3/23/2022: La Finca Mexican 727 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 87 previous 90 3/01/2022: Bojangles 102 W Perrenial Dr Temple 87 previous 83 86 previous 95 3/25/2022: Nick’s House 108 Alabama St Carrollton 3/16/2022: La Salsa 1004 Maple St Carrollton 86 previous 90 3/02/2022: El Morella 225 Davis Blvd Bremen 77 previous 85 Violations: Cook using same bowl to portion our raw chicken, steak and shrimp for cooking at grill/ instructed to use separate bowls same as separate utensils to avoid contamination between raw meats. Raw chikcen stored over raw beef steak in reach in cooler. Kitchen employees prepping raw chicken and raw beef in same sink at same time. Rusted shelving present throughout facility. Live roach activity observed in kitchen at dish machine and records show last treatment 2/25/22 for monthly service. Notified PIC to contact Pest Control company if activity continues and more frequent services may be needed.
tourist accomodation inspections scores 03/15/2022: Red Roof Inn 1125 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton
95 previous 92
public swimming pool inspections scores 03/24/2022: Fairfield Plantation Golf Country 265 Fairfield Rd Villa Rica 100 SATISFACTORY 03/24/2022: Fairfield Plantation Pool 6195 Lakeview Pkwy Villa Rica 100 SATISFACTORY 03/15/2022: Bellamy Carrollton 333 Foster St Carrollton 99 SATISFACTORY 03/25/2022: The Orchard@ Carrollton 205 Orange Pass Carrollton 99 SATISFACTORY 03/10/2022: River Points Apts. 915 Lovvorn Rd Carrollton 97 SATISFACTORY 03/24/2022: The Orchard@ Carrollton 205 Orange Pass Carrollton 85 UNSATISFACTORY Violation: Chemical feeder currently not operating.
www.starnewsgaonline.com WHITESBURG BLAZE from page 26 about his outrageous behavior in Austin and in Dallas. Then about a year after the kitchen scene, Blaze was shot to death. One silly 22 caliber rifle bullet at close range. We learned that there had been funeral for Blaze. Many attended. There was a lot of fog, and so the various groups of vehicles, full of people, making their way to the cemetery, having gone off in different directions, were all lost, and criss-crossed each other and even met up at the wrong cemetery, did finally all gather at Blaze’s grave. Later that day, Townes Van Zandt, in asking about Blaze’s guitar, learned that Blaze had pawned it. And, where was the pawn ticket? Why, it must have been in Blaze’s jacket pocket. Since Blaze had no place of residence, that jacket had to be the one that he’d been buried in! That night Townes and a digging crew went back to the grave, dug it up, and got the ticket. So, that’s what happened to my polished Spanish guitar. The poor thing had been picked on and
forced to look like one of Willie Nelson’s. But, what a life it had. Blaze died in ‘89. I had been telling that story for a good 20 years, when some young fella from Austin, name of Kevin Triplett, got in touch with Margery and me. He was making a documentary, “Blaze Foley: Duct Tape Messiah” and, thinking that his project was almost complete, learned that there had been an earlier part of Blaze’s life that he had no idea about; Blaze in Whitesburg, Georgia! Kevin’s researches eventually showed that the story of my beloved guitar, whose pawn ticket got buried with Blaze and dug up by Townes, was ... well, this is what Kevin wrote to me the other day: “The story you reference about the pawn ticket is a true story and it might have even happened. But most people who know Townes’ propensity to tell tall tales say this story fits into that mold....We didn’t include it in the documentary because we felt it was more of a Townes story than a Blaze story.”
Carroll County marriage licenses
MARCH 1-31, 2022
To which I say, “Ain’t it a cold cold world!” quoting from a very early song of Blaze’s. But, here’s a story: When our son Basil was born, Sybil and Blaze drove from Waco, Texas to Whitesburg to greet our baby. And, a few months later Blaze came back to Whitesburg and visited with us. We had dinner and we sat around the dining-room table while Blaze sang his songs, Basil in my lap, and Margery recording the songs. The quality of the recordings was astounding, and some 20 years later, our son dug up those reels of tape and produced the album “Blaze Foley: The Dog Years”. You can hear our baby cooing in the background. There’s a great review accessible on the internet. (Basil wrote the liner notes.) And now, I’ll tell you another fact. The guitar that Blaze is playing in those recordings is not the guitar he is shown playing on the cover. The guitar he played after dinner that night was the guitar that I gave him (whose pawn ticket got buried with him a few years later)! That’s
StarNews
April 10, 2021 Page 31
how I knew it had been picked hard and was pocked. Well, let’s forget about the “exhuming of the pawn ticket” episode. It looks like it is not factual. However, there remains the frustration with an alcoholic friend those many years ago. In balance, I do not regret giving him my guitar, and I am quite sure that if he had survived the bullet he and I would have patched things up. Back in the ‘70s, Blaze helped us with some of the remodeling and especially with the fencing we put in for our flock of sheep. At the end of a day’s work, he’d take some lumber with him, for he and Sybil were expanding the treehouse they had moved into. That tree-house, which was further down Highway 5, toward Roopville, had been started by Jim and Teddi. But I don’t have to tell that story because Sybil wrote a book, “Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze Foley”. Sybil was inspired to write those memories after she came down from New York State to be interviewed by Kevin. While she was here, she decided to stay in Whitesburg and eventually she married Glyn. Moral of the story: Avoiding TV commercials can be very rewarding.
Carroll County general stats datausa.io/profile/geo/carroll-county-ga/#top
2019 Carroll County General Statistics Population: 117,183 2020 Census: 119,148 Employed Population: 53,011 2022 Feb. Employed Population: 57,772 Median Age: 34.8 years old Poverty Rate: 17.3% Median Household Income: $53,737 Median Property Value: $137,800
Carroll County births March 1-31, 2022: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 58 Boys: 47 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 34 Boys: 33
Carroll County pistol permits Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: MARCH 1-31, 2022: 278
Carroll County jail population (The Jack T. Bell Detention Center, 1000 Newnan Road, Carrollton)
Total population as of APRIl 1 2022: 482 Males: 418 Females: 64
Carroll County prison population
Total population as of JANUARY 5, 2022: 233 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 March 28, 2022: 724 March 21, 2022: 525 March 14, 2022: 253 March 7, 2022: 941
Page 32 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
MAYOR McDOUGAL from page 21 increased property tax revenue, generated within the TAD, to repay the bond. The idea of the connector lay dormant for years because all the plans submitted for the district would not have generated enough revenue to cover all our costs. But last fall, Jeff Fuqua, one of the most successful developers in the Southeast, came to us with a winning plan: a development with a new grocery store, several restaurants, shops, and apartments and townhomes. Suddenly, we had a solution. So, how does this work? We will issue bonds and Fuqua will build the stores and shops that will start generating sales tax as soon as they open. That sales tax revenue will immediately go to Villa Rica, to Carroll County, and to the county school board. When the development is finished, the property will be reassessed. The higher tax digest will produce more property taxes. Again, those taxes only come from inside the TAD. When the new ad valorem pays off the bonds, the TAD ends, and all authorities go to full revenue. What we are asking the county and school board to do – the only thing – is to hold off collecting their share of the new property taxes, generated solely within the TAD, until the bonds are paid. This deferred collection only applies to Ad Valorem (property) taxes. Based on the numbers that Mr. Fuqua has given us,
this won’t be anywhere near the timeframes you may have heard. Think 10 years, or less. Just like any kind of debt, the time needed depends on the amount that is borrowed, and the amount that is borrowed depends on the costs of building out the road and infrastructure. Currently, we believe the costs of construction will be about $15 million and the bond repayment will take less than 10 years. The city, county, and school board will not be “on the hook” for anything. Repayment of the bonds will be solely tied to the added ad valorem revenue. Each authority will continue to get the same property taxes they now receive based on the current value of the property. They will also get sales tax revenue. Mr. Fuqua, who knows the value of the properties he develops, says that The City of Villa Rica, the Carroll County School System, and county government will split about $830,000 a year in sales tax revenue (SPLOST, E-SPLOST, and LOST) as soon as those stores open. Once the bond is paid off, we will all share nearly $2 million a year in new property taxes. We know this new development will impact the county government and the county school board. But we feel the fire trucks, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and other impacts will be more than paid for through the new revenues. Keep in mind, by law, no SPLOST, E-
BILL KECKES from page 22 one-third of the property; thus guaranteeing that only a school could be built upon the property. 8. I was very proud to be asked by the Board’s architect to select from several designs for the new Mount Zion High School; I chose the two-story design to reduce the property’s footprint, ensuring there would be sufficient land for a football stadium. THE BOARD’s OUT OF CONTROL BUDGET: In my prior term, I was known to be a fiscal watchdog. Few realize the school system currently has an annual budget of $147 million. That’s your property tax money, and I want to see it spent in the right way: to facilitate teaching and learning at the school level. The board is spending nearly $10,000 per student each year. We need to make sure our students are getting their money’s worth in education each year, and that taxpayers are getting the”bang for their buck”. Most recently, I publicly chastised the board and superintendent for accumulating an excessive amount ofyourmoney in a so-called “rainy day fund”. State law dictates this fund not exceed 15% of the annual budget, but today it stands at over 31%, which amounts to $46.6 million. Even though the BOE got a state waiver of this law, the excess $24.4 million should be refunded to taxpayers via a one-time reduction of the milage rate to 8.55 mils from the current tax rate of 18.988 mild. The granted state waiver begs two questions: 1. Why was this waiver requested? 2. Where is the need to keep piling up so much cash in a”rainy day fund”? I question why the budget has become so bloated. Just five years ago, the BOE budget was $110 million. It is now $147 million. Yet in the past five years, we have added no additional schools, and our student population remains relatively stable. One of the main reasons for the budget increase is the addition of too many executive administrators in the central office. Our two main objectives are to (1) teach students and (2) for students to learn what is being taught. These objectives are best achieved at the school level with principals, assistant principals, and grade leaders. Teaching and learning does not occur in the central office. It is astounding that these central office executives receive such lavish six-figure
salaries, and perks, without teaching a single student. I propose that we do not renew their one-year contracts, and with the hundreds of thousands of dollars saved, we give back to the schools for instructional supplies. We should also reduce the 18.988 millage rate and give immediate relief to the overtaxed citizens of Carroll County. I have always been guided by the proven principle of “dothe right thing”. The “right thing” is taking care of students, teachers, and taxpayers. SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS: Multiple times in every school year, students bring home fundraising packets and ask their family, friends, and neighbors to purchase items in the hopes that they can raise money for their classroom, club, or sport. Why are we asking our students to be salespeople for third-party companies to only receive a fraction of the sales revenue in fundraising dollars? The BOE has more than enough funds to lift this unnecessary burden off of parents and students. When I am elected, I will fight to ensure that the BOE directly funds any items that our students need to give them the best educational experience. MOVING FORWARD: On May 24th, I hope you exercise your right to vote in our Carroll County Board of Education election. Local elections are extremely important, as the decisions made by local governments can have the most direct and immediate influence on our daily lives. I want to ensure that your hard earned tax dollars are being spent for the betterment of your children. This should be the driving force for the Board’s budget. On a personal note, my wife, Jackie, and I are celebrating 37 years of marriage, and we are proud that all of our children have furthered their education. Two of our daughters and son have earned their MBAs, while one of daughters has dedicated her life to education as a high school counselor. I am proud to say that myself and Stephanie are both graduates of the University of West Georgia. Go Wolves! I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, May 24th. Early voting begins on May 2nd at the Elections Office on College Street in downtown Carrollton. I look forward to sharing more issues with you in the May 14th edition.
SPLOST, or LOST revenues can be used to repay the bond, nor can the bond monies be used for anything other than the costs of infrastructure inside the TAD. I have heard it said the project will just create a “sprawling urbanization.” Nobody wants that. I firmly believe the TAD is our best tool to avoid just that. Because we will be installing infrastructure within the TAD, we will have leverage with what future developers build here. We know, for example, that our school system is near capacity in the Villa Rica cluster. As a result, we would use our leverage so that the schools are not overburdened by encouraging developers to build retail projects, or homes aimed at the 55-plus market, or to young couples without school-age kids. The leverage the TAD gives us helps us plan whatever type of development is best for us and our partners. Other communities have
faced sprawl because they had to allow development to take place organically. But, that is avoidable here because of the power of the TAD. If the school board and county will agree to postpone their collection of the additional ad valorem for a few years, we can help them manage the growth that is inevitable here in Villa Rica and the part of the county all along Interstate 20. And this project has the added benefit of providing them with millions in significant tax revenue that they might never otherwise collect. We are citizens of Carroll County; we are taxpayers to the city, the county, and the school system, we are not strangers. We are friends. We are asking the Carroll County Board of Education and the Carroll County Board of Commissioners to partner with the City of Villa Rica so that we can all be supporters of one another as we plan for the future.
We offer: Free Inspections, 24 Hour Emergency Tarp Service, Licensed and Insured, Shingle Roof Install Storm Damage Repair, Historic Restoration
Straight Line Roofing
It’s Time For Spring Roof Inspection!
1613 W Hwy 78 Villa Rica, GA 30180 www.myslrr.com 470-586-2724
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
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 33
Page 34 April 10, 2022
StarNews
www.starnewsgaonline.com
CANDIDATES for MAY 24TH PRIMARY: CARROLL COUNTY COMMISSION and CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD COMMISSION DISTRICT 4
Steve Fuller (R) Incumbent
COMMISSION DISTRICT 6
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5
Debbie Neal Curtis Stepps Danny Bailey Ken Huddleston Tom Sizemore Vicki Anderson Bill Keckes (Republican) (Non-Partisan) (Republican) (Republican) (Non-Partisan) (Republican) (Non-Partisan) Candidate Curtis Stepps was born in Lithia me joy. The first and last thing on my mind SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES from page 17common goal, and I daily make decisions that affect large groups of people.” Springs. “I was raised in and around the metro when making a decision or approving a vote schools at all grade levels. He then taught full Sizemore has not held elective office before. Atlanta area ending up graduating from Lithia will always be, is this decision going to time in Douglas County from 2001 until he “I love the culture that has been developed Springs High School so it all came full circle, improve the quality of learning for our chilretired in 2011, where he taught middle school over the last several years in our county. so to speak,” Curtis explains, He currently lives dren. Not only is our future dependent on our and high school. “Primarily, I taught econom- Continuing to develop the community, our staff in the Mt. Zion community. He has been there children but our future is that child in that ics, government and history.” members, the facilities, and most importantly for a little over a year. classroom. Their physical and mental health Bill previously held elective office, serving our students is at the top of my list for why I He attended Georgia Southern and Georgia requires our protection. I want to make it where as Carroll County School Board Member am running. The retention and recruitment of Tech even walking on the football team at wide each child is afforded the opportunity to learn (2003-2007) in the same District 5 which he high-quality educators is a must-address issue receiver, where he was enrolled in a transfer in an environment that is conductive for learnnow seeks again. “I am now retired from teach- for the Board. The development of our faculty engineering program. “I did not complete the ing. Being elected to the school boards allows ing but at my age I want to serve our commu- member’s county wide over the last several program because my heart wasn’t in engineer- me to be directly impactful to the children of nity again,” Bill stated. “My family has bene- years has been astounding, and I want that ing. I am currently enrolled at Liberty Carroll County. “ fited greatly these past 25 years and I want to trend to continue for years to come. University to teach math levels 6-12. “ Curtis has never run for or held elective give back in the form of community service. “We must continue to look for opportunities He currently works in customer service for a office. “I ran for this seat because children are Remember, school board members only to improve the standard of living for our stu- major retailer. “People come to me with prob- my passion. They are the future; it is important receive $200 a month and that is always dents by committing to the development of lems and I fix the problem. Finding solutions that we invest in our future. I have one child in donated to school fundraisers.” new facilities for them to thrive in, such as the for difficult problems is a specialty of mine. I the Carroll County school system and soon to Candidate Tom Sizemore was born and Cultural Arts Center and improved academic have worked in other industries as well, and have another. I don’t want to just impact their raised in Harlem in Columbia County, Georgia. and athletic facilities that have been con- this allows me the benefit of knowing how life but the lives’ of all the children of Carroll Bill and his family have lived in Carroll structed over the last several years. Finally, we important different pathways to graduating are County. They deserve our best. Breaking County for 17 years, and in District 5 for the must continue to take pride in our students for along with preparing seniors for post-secon- Barriers, Building the Future is my campaign past 6 years. raising the attendance and graduation rate dary choices,” Curtis comments. slogan because moving obstacles out the way After graduating from Harlem High School within the county over the last several years, “What being elected to the school board for children to be successful is my purpose. in Harlem, Tom attended Abraham Baldwin and we must foster a desire in our communities means to me? This would be by far the greatest For more information on Facebook visit Agricultural College, receiving an Associate’s to strive for perfection in these categories,” professional accomplishment of my life. I Curtis Stepps for District 5-Carroll County degree in Agriculture Economics, before trans- Tom explains. know that I can’t create policy but being able to Board of Education ferring to the University of Georgia, where he “I am the only candidate being endorsed by positively impact so many children will bring Remember to vote May 24. received my Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture current District 5 board member Donald Economics. Nixon, who will be retiring this year. If elected, Sizemore is the District Manager for Ollie’s I look forward to working with the other board Bargain Outlet. “I regularly deal with large members and Superintendent Cowart to conbudgets and plans, and I interact with people tinue developing a culture of learning that all on a daily basis. Also, I take into consideration staff, students, and communities can be proud different viewpoints in order to accomplish a of.” DEBBIE NEAL from page 25 lot from the people I have met on my journey. I along with Joel Richards and his staff that we am so proud of my two sons and I couldn’t be are kept safe living in Carroll County. Strong happier to have them “back at home in Carroll leadership starts at the top and I believe Mt. County.” I have a huge extended family whom Zion and Bowdon leaders have the same lead- I refer to as my children and grandchildren, as ership qualities keeping their citizens safe. I well as my friends that have become “my have had the honor of working very close with family.” I love my rural area of Salem/Farmer’s High both the sheriff and chief and I look forward to building those relationships with our local community and I have done my best to departments in Mt. Zion and Bowdon in improve my property and neighborhood over District 6 as well. I support their efforts as well the past years. I have tried to make it better COVID under control thanks to as their departments whenever I am called to than it was and I intend on leaving it better than American Rescue Plan I found it. I support the preservation of rural do so. I am impressed with Carroll County Fire and farmland and our way of life in the county, but Rescue and the direction it is now taking. I also understand at the same time that we as a After decades of neglect appreciate all the hard work that has been county have to be smart about the needs to accomplished by the ones in the past that have have a tax base to pay for our infrastructure as Infrastructure Bill rebuilding carried us so faithfully into the future. When we continue to grow. America - jobs So, in closing I would like to thank everyone new people replace the ones that are leaving we must not overlook their accomplishments who has reached out to offer their help, who have volunteered, all the encouragement of and dedication. I will work with both sides of the Both my sons, Justin Keaton and Miles Neal your text messages, calls and words of have made the decision to move back with wisdom. aisle for a Better America I would like to humbly ask for your vote on their families and call Carroll County their home. I believe this makes a huge statement to May 24th or your early vote starting May 2ndme as well as everyone else that this is the very 20th. If you would like to know more please best place to raise your family. I have been visit my Facebook Debbie Neal for District 6 SCAN TO blessed by one of the biggest blessings there Commissioner, my website votedebbieSUPPORT VAL is— to have grandchildren. Two boys and one neal.com or give me a call @ 470-729-1820. If Candidate for US House of Representatives you’d like for me to visit your neighborhood little girl, all under the age of two. District 3 Being from Carroll County I have been for- please reach out and know I’m trying to reach tunate enough to make many relationships with everyone that I possibly can between now and DR. VAL ALMONORD people from all walks of life. I would not trade May 24th. Again, thank you so very much for your any of those experiences for anything in this world. I have walked many paths and learned a kindness and your support. almonordforcongress@gmail.com PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT VAL ALMONORD FOR CONGRESS Will Godbee (Republican)
Dr. Val Almonord * “Elect”
For All The People. The Right Candidate For A Better Georgia
*
Vote May 24th
www.starnewsgaonline.com
StarNews April 10, 2022 Page 35
Elect Vicki Anderson for Carroll County Commission District 6 *Most qualified candidate with 12 years experience in Carroll County Government •Voted to maintain fiscally conservative budget •Voted for Farmland Protection Program •New Judicial Center •Amphitheater in Villa Rica •John Tanner State Park purchase and development of other county parks •Prioritized budgets for all of our public safety departments •Protected our County’s farming and rural landscape •Voted to increase the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for Bowdon and Mt. Zion
The Proven Conservative Leader, the only candidate with Proven experience on the Carroll County Board of Commissioners! •The only candidate that has voted to protect your farmland. •The only candidate who has shown their support by voting for public safety needs. The only candidate you need who has been there for you… Vicki Anderson for District 6 Commissioner
Vote May 24th
vickiandersondistrict6@gmail.com
404-217-1244
Vicki Anderson for District 6
Page 36 April 10, 2022
StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com