StarNews February Issue

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

FEBRUARY 2020 • VOLUME 26 NUMBER 2

Tickets still available for “Leadership Luncheon” Villa Rica Main Street’s leadership series continues with presentation by three time Olympic medalist Elana Myers

The Villa Rica “Leadership Luncheon Series” brings together executives, entrepreneurs, educational leaders, and innovators to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities. Open to the public, the leadership luncheon is held bi-monthly on the second Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at The Venue, 150 Stone Street, downtown Villa Rica. The next luncheon will be held Wed. Feb. 12th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and will feature three time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers.

See OLYMPIC MEDALIST page 8

Tyus Carrollton Road speed limit has been lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph

from press release County officials have announced that the speed limit on Tyus Carrollton Road has been reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph. This decision came as a result of a Facebook page posted by a local paramedic that highlighted several vehicular accidents on that county road.

See 45 MPH page 17

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Featuring our Community Leaders who affect the quality of life in West Georgia beginning on Page 10

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

UWG hosts MLK Interfaith Luncheon: “moral checkup” from UWG press release

by Emily Sprewell The University of West Georgia recently hosted an interfaith luncheon to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The interfaith luncheon gave attendees the chance to listen and engage in a discussion regarding diversity and King’s legacy. The luncheon began with an introduction from UWG’s Interim President, Dr. Stuart Rayfield.

“The University of West

“Who’s Carroll?” 2020

Georgia has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and it’s important for us to make sure that we broaden the way we think of diversity and inclusion,” Rayfield said. “The legacy of this institution is every single person who is sitting in this room today, and it’s the ripple effect of education that creates the legacy of UWG. It’s what you learn while you’re here, but it’s also what you take away and how you share your gifts and See MLK page 6

Judge John Simpson Cathy Farley PIC SUE

Carroll County voters to decide Educational SPLOST

E-SPLOST school vote will be on the March 24th local ballot along with the Presidential Primary Preference choice

One penny tax would pay for “previously incurred debt” by Carrollton/Bremen schools; projects for Carrollton/county schools

by Sue Horn On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Carroll County voters will once again have the option to approve, or not, the continuation of a one cent tax with the monies benefiting three local school systems. Also on the bal-

lot will be the Presidential Preference Primary question.

Voters will have a choice of a Republican, Democrat, or NonPartisan Ballot, but all will contain the local E-SPLOST question.

See MARCH 24th page 30

County commissioners discuss 5 year fire department plan; annual audit; tax assessors; and “old white men” remark at day long work session

by Sue Horn The Carroll County Board of Commissioners held a day long work session / retreat Friday, January 31, 2020 in the commission room, top floor of the historic Carroll County

Courthouse. All commissioners were present, as was the chairman, two county attorneys, county clerk and assistant, finance director, and human resource director. Also present

See OLD WHITE MEN page 30

Seven member county school board takes three tries to nominate/elect a chair On third attempt, board member Donald Nixon nominates himself, but Bryant Turner becomes Board of Education chairman with majority vote

Judge John Simpson shares about new veterans court to Carrollton Kiwanis Club Carroll County Judge John Simpson recently spoke to the Carrollton Kiwanis Club. He has formed a veterans court in Carroll County, and shared its successes with club members and guests. Simpson is shown above with club president Cathy Farley. See story page 25. Photo by Neil Weathington

by Prissi Sullivan The Carroll County Board of Education elected a chairman and vice-chairman at their work session held Monday, January 13, 2020.

Having waited for the arrival of member Clayton Kierbow, Chairman Bart Cater opened the floor for nominations. Member

West Georgia Right to Life hosts “Pizza and a Movie Outreach”

Well-attended free event featured the film “Unplanned” with pro-life advocate and movie actor Robert Thomason as emcee showings of the movie last year at other

by Amber George On a brisk Saturday evening in January, venues, but the Saturday, January 25th just over 300 individuals, friends, and fam- event in Carrollton was the most successfu ily members squeezed into the sanctuary of so far.

The newest pro-life film “Unplanned”, North Point Baptist Church in Carrollton - a sanctuary that has only 325 seats available. directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Who rallied these individuals to come? Konzelman is based on the true story of What was the common draw of these ordi- Abbey Johnson, the youngest clinic director nary citizens? It was an opportunity to rally in Planned Parenthood history. She made a and learn from The West Georgia Right to radical career change of advocating the proLife group through an evening of fellow- life movement after witnessing an abortion, ship, free pizza, and a movie showing of the and wrote a book titled “Unplanned”.

WGRTL also brought in Robert pro-life film “Unplanned”. WGRTL president Duane Hack said he had held other See PRO-LIFE OUTREACH page 3

Rob Cleveland nominated Member Bryant Turner; Member Sandra Morris nominated Member Robert Pinckney; and Cater nominated Member Donald Nixon.

With no nominee having a majority of votes, which would have been four for a seven-

See VOTE page 17

Temple City Council considering 35 mph speed limit on all city/subdivision streets

by Prissi Sullivan Temple City Council and mayor met for their first meeting of the 2020 on Monday, January 6th. Mayor Michael Johnson swore in newly re-elected council members Richard Bracknell, Tom Wallace, and Hiley Miller. Bracknell was elected Mayor Pro Tem for the upcoming year.

The council continues to consider an ordinance to establish speed limits on all city streets including within subdivisions.

No proposed ordinance was presented at See TEMPLE CITY COUNCIL page 8

Page 2 February 9, 2020

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PRO-LIFE OUTREACH from front page Thomason, the actor who portrayed Abbey Johnson’s father. Thomason - a “Christian first, actor second” - said he and Hack met at a previous Right to Life conference in North Georgia and remarked that it was an instant connection.

North Point Baptist Church Senior Pastor Lee Wimbley greeted the 300+ gathered and introduced Thomason. Event-goers received a card reminding them of the Biblical scripture from Jeremiah 1:4: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”

Thomason shared several of his own testimonies of how this movie has made an impact on his life and the lives of others. His acting style is known for his gentle demeanor and natural portrayal of approachable, understanding, and trustworthy characters in redemptive films. Some of his other recent projects include “Like Arrows”, “Bump”, and “Summer of ‘67”.

Thomason said that after producer Chuck Konzelman read Abbey Johnson’s book, he told fellow producer Cary Solomon that “God is talking to us” - meaning, that they needed to make this movie. One of their previous works was the movie “God’s Not Dead”. Solomon agreed, and they began.

With production to commence on a Monday morning in Oklahoma, said Thomason, the producers found themselves on Thursday in a daunting situation: they were a million dollars short. And they had only five days to comply with their contractual agreement with the ther investors of raising that million dollars or production would not begin. With Monday looming, zero prospects on the horizon, and a production crew waiting on an Oklahoma set hoping to be paid, the producers and directors

prayed. Where would they find one million dollars?

Thomason then told the crowd that one of the producers received a call soon after praying. The phone call was from the “My

www.starnewsgaonline.com Pillow Guy” (radio and tv commercials) Michael J. Lindell! Thomason said that Lindell told the producer he was mid flight across the country when “Jesus had instructed him” to “route a million dollars

StarNews

February 9, 2020 Page 3

into their account”. Like one of those incrediable movie endings, this movie was able to begin with this incredible answer to prayer. (Viewers can see Lindell near the

See “UNPLANNED” page 6

group pic “Unplanned” movie

The “Pizza and a Movie Outreach” event held at North Point Church in Carrollton on Saturday, January 25, 2020, and hosted by the West Georgia Right to Life organization was well attended. The pro-life movie “Unplanned” was shown to over 300 in attendance. Above left to right: “Unplanned” movie actor Robert Thomason; North Point Church Pastor Lee Wimbley; Carroll County Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) Director of Development Kellie Roberts; WGRTL chapter president Duane Hack; and PRC Community and Marketing Coordinator Amber George. P hoto by Sue Horn

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MOMMY & ME FUN DAY OUT Bring the kids (5 and up) and enjoy watching them learn how delicious and fun it is to make healthy, nutritious meals.

490 B Bankhead Hwy Carrollton Ga. To Register visit: true2health.com Questions? Call Lori 678-776-7911

Page 4 February 9, 2020

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SPARK: a local program created to - and succeeding at - helping high risk teenagers

by Prissi Sullivan The “high-risk” youth of Carroll County are being offered a beacon of hope with the SPARK program, founded by Dr. Thomas Peterson. “Our objective is to instill that

spark of hope in the eyes of the kids we mentor,” explained Peterson, speaking to the Carrollton Kiwanis Club on January 17, 2020, Hubbard Room, University of West Georgia cafeteria, Carrollton. He was

accompanied by Stephanie Love, Parole Specialist, Department of Juvenile Justice, Carroll County Juvenile Court Judge Tom Palmer, and UWG graduate student Allison Tarpley.

group photo

Shown above left to right at the recent SPARK presentation at the Carrollton Kiwanis Club, is Jennifer Love, Juvenile Justice Department; Dr. Tom Peterson, SPARK founder; Dale Williams, club vice president; Cathy Farley, club president; Allison Tarpley, UWG graduate student; and Judge Tom Parmer, Carroll County Juvenile Court judge. Photo by Sue Horn

SPARK is a 10-week mentoring program held at UWG for area teens. The program operates in partnership with the juvenile court system to offer hope to kids aged 12 to 18 who come to them. It also provides preservice teachers the opportunity of interacting with kids currently on probation and not faring well at home, at school, or in the community.

“We need to stop locking up kids whelping hge’re mad at, and only lock up those we are afraid of,” stated Palmer. “In the state of Georgia, a 17-year-old is treated as an adult.”

SPARK uses ice breakers, such as art, West African drumming, speakers, and fellowship to create a non-judgmental safe space and learning opportunities to co-create a community and open lines of communication. The program inspires hope that things can change, reduces recidivism in order to prevent youth from becoming adult offenders, sparks interest in vocational and educational pursuits, gives youth a positive view of themselves, prepares UWG future teachers to meet the challenges they will face in the classroom, and teaches how to form healthy, meaningful relationships.

In 2009, Peterson approached then Juvenile Court Judge Dan Camp and asked, “What can I do to help with at-risk kids?”

SPARK was born out of that query and now includes Carroll, Coweta, and Lamar Counties.

Love explained that the teens sent for SPARK mentoring are those who have actual charges and have been adjudicated delinquent. “They are taught how to be productive citizens and they learn coping skills.”

No teen who is determined to be a threat to himself of others is sent to the SPARK program; only those with the possibility of being helped.

“These kids sometimes have horrible home lives, no social skills, and lack of education,” Love continued. “They are taught

Villa Rica

See SPARK page 15

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February 9, 2020 Page 5

Celebrating Carroll County centenarians

Full of life at 105 years old: Mavis Coley Watts such a happy life as a child. She loved makby Kim Reine ing syrup candy.

Living to be 100 years old is a amazing Upon finishing school, Mavis Coley accomplishment, but living to be 105 is chose to get her nursing degree from almost unheard of. According to a study Birmingham Baptist Hospital School of led by Dr.Thomas Perls, Boston Medical Nursing. She finished nursing school and Center, his team has already shown that more than 280 genes are involved in allowing people to reach extreme old age - 105 or older.

Dr. Perls is among the international leaders in the field of human exceptional longevity.

He is founder and director of the New England Centenarian Study, the largest study of centenarians and their families in the world. He is also a principal investigator of the NIA-funded Long Life Family Study.

According to Dr. Perls, “It’s like winning the lottery. Two numbers aren’t so hard to get, but getting all seven numbers are tough.”

Research shows that siblings of men who lived to be at least 90 had 1.7 times the usual chance of living to be 90. They also found that siblings of anyone who lived to be 105 had more than 35 times the chance of living to be 105 compared to the general population.

The research used 105 year old Mavis Coley Watt volunteers from all over with her youngest great grandson, James Watts the world who have lived past the age of 100. At any given time, there are 60 to 70 super centenarians (110 years old or older) alive in the United States.

Mrs. Mavis Coley Watts Mavis Coley was born on Monday, January 11, 1915. Today, she is 105 years old. She was born during World War I, in Ranburne, Alabama, daughter to Mr. and Mrs.Coley. Mavis was one of eleven children: Ellen (who passed when she was a little over a year old from complications of pneumonia), Lora Lee, Mavis, Burton, Paul, Ray, Lucile, Mary, Dorthy, Joel and Glenda (who also passed from an illness due to a shortage of medication). Mavis grew up between Goldridge and Ranburne, Alabama.

She recalls that her father was a country preacher and also taught Sunday school on Sundays. The family would hook up the horse and buggy to go to church.

Mavis said,”My father always seemed to managed to do for his family despite the Depression, and, back then, times were just simpler.” She remembers how the land her family owned was covered in blackberries, wild honeysuckles, and wild Azaleas, and she and her siblings loved to pick the flowers. She spoke of how the aroma of the fresh picked flowers filled their home. Her family always enjoyed having pets. She joyfully recalls having big collies and a number of other dogs. Mavis says that she had

then made the move to New Orleans, obtaining a job at the Charity Hospital.

The hospital was run by Catholic Nuns and was the second largest hospital in the United States at the time, with 2,680 beds.

She remembers catching the New Orleans street cars to get to work.

Her fondest memory is how she met her husband at Charity Hospital.

“I was a nurse working at the desk and in that day and time, nurses would stand up when the doctors came to the desk.”

She remembers watching her future husband make his way to the desk. She shared, “My husband came strutting up to the desk in his white coat and I thought he was the head of the hospital. I stood up for him when he came to the desk, and then he said ‘you must be new here?’ And that was the way I met him.”

Turns out, James W. Watts wasn’t the CEO of the hospital, but a medical student attending Louisiana State University. He

worked on the same wards as Mavis and it wasn’t long before the two started courting. She remembers how he asked her to go to a trade fair at the French Quarter.

There, she met a lovely lady from Paris, she said, who sold perfume in one of the shops. She recalls that nice lady sprayed a sample of amazing perfume on her fur coat and the smell seem to “last forever”. After that date, the two seemed inseparable, marrying in 1939.

The two then moved to Thomasville, Georgia, where James would do his internship. They would reside there for a year.

Several businessmen from Bowdon were looking for a doctor to head up a practice there. They made the trip to Thomasville and offered Dr. James Watts the position of physician. After finishing his internship, he and Mavis made the move to Bowdon in 1942. The two called a local boarding facility their home for a while. Later, Dr.

See 105 YEAR OLD page 15

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introduction, UWG graduate student Jessica the luncheon, Dr. Robert Michael Franklin MLK from front page talents with the world.” Following Rayfield’s McCrory introduced the guest speaker for Jr. Franklin has spent numerous years as a scholar, author and educator and career focusing diversity, ethics and religious studies. He is president emeritus of Morehouse College and served there from 2007 to 2012.

During his presentation, Franklin touched on how the King holiday provides us with an opportunity to examine ourselves.

“The Martin Luther King season can be an annual moral checkup during which we examine ourselves in the light of Dr. King’s words and wisdom,” Franklin said. “It’s a time for asking ‘How are we doing?’ and ‘Where do we need to go from here?’ ‘What new habits and practices should we embrace and advance?’”

Franklin said during this yearly exam, we should observe how we react to what King called “the triplets of social evil.”

“In a sense, Dr. King was – and is – America’s soul doctor,” he continued. “He issued a diagnosis and declared that there were three conditions that threaten to destroy Dr. Robert Michael Franklin Jr., author and educator, recently spoke at UWG’s us from the inside out – racial hatred, hostility and neglect of people living in poverty, interfaith luncheon in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and addiction to violence.”

UWG MLK speaker PIC 4.7 x 3.2

“UNPLANNED” from page 3

end of the movie in a small part as he operates a massive school-bus-yellow bulldozer demolishing... well, no spoiler here, you’ll have to watch the movie to see what he was tearing down.)

Thomason also told the Saturday, evening crowd that mainstream media outlets remained radio silent on “Unplanned”’s premiere last year. It was a near blackout with zero media coverage from large outlets such as Google, A&E Networks, The Hallmark Channel, and others due to the dramatic scenes and propaganda-like nature. Twitter also suspended the movie’s profile during their opening weekend; however, they ultimately regained their profile with thousands of new followers exceeding Planned Parenthood’s follow count.

Whether due to the “R” rated nature of the film or the country’s political climate, the movie exceeded critics’ expectations.

Projected to only receive $3-$5 million at the box office, “Unplanned” nearly raised that projection on opening day. In total, the film had grossed $21 million by the end of its theatrical run. The DVD is now available for individual sale.

While this movie stays true to its core prolife belief, it maintained a seamless balance of remembering women who have had abortions. The main character, Abbey Johnson, while raised in a pro-life home, found herself in college with the wrong man and an unexpected pregnancy. Feeling pressured from the father of the baby and a poor relationship, Abbey felt as though she had no other option. This is her story.

Abbey Johnson’s experience is not the only one. The movie also sends the message that there is hope to all women in similar crisis. To those women in the West Georgia community who find themselves in this type of a situation, the local ministry, non-profit and pro-life organization, the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) offers assistance.

PRC was also in attendance Saturday evening with an information table set up to answer questions and offer brochures.

The PRC states their organization is “passionate” about offering “compassionate medical services” and assistance to women in need. Regardless of a woman’s situation, the local group strives to offer “love, hope and practical resources”, it says. One of

those resources they offer is their post-abortion healing Bible study. The study’s mission is to “help women spiritually and emotionally heal from previous abortions”, “find forgiveness”, and “let go of guilt”. The Bible study is open to anyone in the community, regardless of age or if they have been a previous client.

For more information on the Carroll County Pregnancy Resource Center, 514 Tanner Street, Carrollton: 770-832-0256, or 734 Bowdon Street, Tallapoosa 678-5733415 www.pregnancyrc.com For more information on the WGRTL, contact chapter president Duane Hack, 470370-2452 westga.rtl@gmail.com www.wgrtl.com For more information about North Point Baptist Church, 1400 Cedar Street, Carrollton (off the bypass) : 770-834-6728, www.northpointbaptist.com

After Franklin’s presentation, there was time for the audience to engage and direct questions to Franklin. Dr. Emily McKendrySmith from UWG’s Interfaith Council offered the final remarks for the luncheon and provided more information about the purpose of the council.”The Interfaith Council at UWG seeks to advance interfaith cooperation to increase understanding of religious diversity and to support an inclusive campus culture,” McKendry-Smith said.

Franklin expressed his excitement for the Interfaith Council and its mission for religious diversity. “King is listening and learning from new teachers now, not people who look like him or share his faith and theological perspective,” he said.

Franklin offered his final remarks for the luncheon by prompting the audience to reflect on their own legacy. “As you walk out of the hall today,” he concluded, “think about how you can improve your health and conscience with respect to building bridges and helping to reduce prejudice and bias.”

UWG current enrollment is 13,200 students from Georgia, 38 other states and 73 countries.

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Southwire to close NC plant March 31st

StarNews February 9, 2020

Hayesville’s wire and cable production to be moved to other plants from press release Southwire has announced that it will close operations at its Hayesville, NC manufacturing facility, effective March 31.

The Hayesville Plant was acquired by Southwire in 2014, and has approximately 45 employees. Manufacturing of the wire and cable products currently made there will be moved to other Southwire plants.

“This decision is not a reflection on the people, the quality or the performance of the facility, nor is it one we take lightly,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “As we look at our long-term strategy, we must ensure we are properly aligned to

make the best use of our facilities and best meet the needs of our customers.”

Eligible employees will have the opportunity to bid on open positions within the company. Eligible employees who do not wish to transfer to another Southwire facility will be offered severance packages.

“We will ensure that those affected are treated with dignity and respect during this transition,” said Stinson. “As we move forward, we will not waver in our focus to deliver sustainable solutions that drive continuous improvement for our customers, our markets, our employees and our communities.”

submitted by Sam Gentry / UWG A team of students from the University of West Georgia recently received several accolades for excellence at an international business competition held in India.

Three students from UWG’s Richards College of Business journeyed to Mumbai, India, for the 27th annual International Economic Convention. The team placed first in Most Innovative Solution, second in Presentation and were awarded third Overall.

The team’s third-place win marks the seventh top-three finish in the past eight years for a UWG team.

The team – consisting of Ashely Mallari, Joseph Dean and Connor Dempsey – had been training for the competition, which took place in December, since the beginning of last summer. Besides the honors earned by

the team as a whole, Mallari won an individual award for Best Team Contributor, while Dean won for Best Team Speaker.

The three students were assisted by UWG faculty members Dr. John Upson, Dr. Kimberly Green, Dr. Beheruz Sethna (past UWG long time president), Dr. Salil Talpade and Dr. Susana Velez-Castrillon. Upson, Talpade and Sethna accompanied the students on this year’s trip.

Upson, a professor of management for the Richards College of Business, has been the faculty coordinator since the team began in 2011. He said their strategy for winning is multifaceted but relies heavily on the students becoming authorities on the topic.

Sethna, who was instrumental in making UWG’s initial participation in the annual

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TEMPLE CITY COUNCIL from front page and repair of the three buildings, which con- commission from Ward 4. Council approved

Temple City Council meets the first this time. City Manager Bill Osborne is tain restroom and concession facilities, adja- both appointments. Miller postponed naming Monday of the month at Temple City Hall, 240 Carrollton Street, at 6:30 pm. looking into amending the current ordinance cent to the various ballfields in the City Park. anyone.

Council wanted a more instead of writing a new detailed Request for The council approved one, using 35 miles per hour as a city-wide continuing the grading scale Proposal. Two sealed bids were received—from River speed limit. in performance evaluations Bottom Farm and Chord III The council approved COMMERCIAL SERVICES RESIDENTIAL SERVICES continuing the grading established in February 2018 Contracting, LLC. Building-Drive Thrus-Parking The River Bottom Farm House-Deck Sealing-Deck Cleaningscale in performance to determine the amount of bid was $34,932.71, while evaluations established Decks-Gum Removal-Dumpster merit pay increase an Driveways-Pool Area-Painting-Lawn in February 2018 to employee could receive. . . the bid from Chord Area-Shopping CenterCare Contracting LLC came in at determine the amount of capped the amount of pay Concrete-Restaurants $149,830.00—reflecting merit pay increase an employee could receive. increase at 3% for a calendar more than $100,00.00 difThe council also capped year. . . cost of living increase ference! On the recommenthe amount of pay was set at 1.5% effective dation of City Manager Bill Osborne, the council chose increase at 3% for a calon the employee’s River Bottom Farm for the ANY HOUSE up to endar year. A cost of livOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK hiring anniversary date. project.

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A public hearing regarding the sale of beer Commission from Ward 5, while Wallace With coupon Offer expires March 15, 2020 www.dannyspressurewashinc.com and wine at Temple Super Foods, AK nominated Jeff Shackleford to serve on the Temple LLC, located at 257 Sage Street, was held. The request was made by Licensee Salima Mahamed. There were no public comments. The request was approved.

The council authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement, pending attorney review, with Blue Line Solutions, LLC for the placement of speed detection cameras in local school zones on Sage Street and Rainey Road in accordance with their Blue Line Solutions Photo Speed Enforcement Program. This will lead to better traffic enforcement and safety, especially of students, for the school zone.

River Bottom Farm has, again, submitted the only sealed bid for field maintenance services in the city park for $14,441.62. The 2020 operating budget for the Recreation Department includes $18,000 for grounds/field maintenance. The council approved River Bottom Farm to handle Front row: Jennifer Wilcox, O.D. • Lauren Yancey M.D. • Sylvester Ayewoh O.D grounds/field maintenance.

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OLYMPIC MEDALIST from front page Tickets are $27.00 per person, or $22.00 for a Main Street Card Holder, and includes lunch. For information on how to become a sponsor, contact the Villa Rica Office of Economic Development at 678-840-1441.

A former professional softball player whose Olympic dream died when softball was eliminated from the Olympic Games years ago, Elana Myers switched to bobsled to fulfill that dream and is now considered one of the very best pilots (driver) the sport has seen. A pioneer in the sport, she is the first woman to ever pilot a four-man bobsled team in international competition and the only woman to win a medal doing so. Not just a champion athlete, she has an MBA in finance and a Master’s in business management. She aspires to one day become the CEO of the US Olympic Committee. During the recent Olympics when Team USA’s men’s bobsled team was faltering, many were calling for Elana to step into the driver’s seat in hopes of winning another medal.

The luncheon begins with a half hour of networking at 11:30 a.m.; llunch begins at noon; and speaker will be introduced at 12:15 p.m.

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S tarNews Who’s Carroll? 2020 Community Leaders who affect the quality of life in West Georgia

Who is Bryant Turner?

Carroll County Board of Education member/current chairman

by Prissi Sullivan What one first notices about Bryant Turner is that he is an optimistic, happy person; his smile is lit up from within. Bryant is the church administrator and minister of music at Roopville Road Baptist Church.

He is one who lives a life of faith and joy, and invites others in. Turner is also an elected member of the Carroll County Board of Education. He was recently elected chairman by the other board members.

Bryant has served at Roopville Road Baptist Church for 25 years--leading worship and overseeing the music ministry. Today’s music ministry offers a blended type of music—Southern Gospel to traditional hymns to contemporary music - there is something for everyone!

“I want the music program to reach everyone in the congregation,” he explained.

Additionally, he is charged with the day to day operation of the church and its employees and maintaining the finances. For him, it is a labor of love. “As we share Christ and people come to know Him through our ministry, the quality of our community will always improve,” he declared.

“When people screen their decisions by what Christ would have them do and what the Bible teaches, better decisions will be made, therefore making Carroll County a better place to live.”

After serving as a representative for District 7 on the Carroll County School Board for a year and a half, Bryant was recently voted to serve as Chairman for 2020. He wants to represent his district as well as the entire school system to promote the development of “premier” students in

our community. He originally ran for the position on the school board because he wanted to be a part of building a strong community through the youth of the area. Now, Bryant plans to work hard to build an even stronger board by getting all the board members to work together to achieve their common goals. “I have a good rapport with all of them and hope to encourage unity.”

Bryant wants to see equality and continuity throughout all the clusters, so there is no gap in the education system of the county.

Turner is a big believer in visiting the schools— “Not to interfere, but just to let the administration and teachers know I’m available to help in any way I can.” This also gives him a picture of how things are going in the schools and how the policies he helps to create are affecting the day to day operations.

Another goal of his is to encourage young people to re-invest in their community. “Anytime we can invest in our young people by instilling strong values and a premier education experience along with state-of-the-art extracurricular activities, we will produce better citizens for Carroll County. We hope to deliver smart, hardworking young men and women who love our community, and then want to invest back as future business leaders and hard workers here in our county.”

Bryant considers family his most important relationship. He and Beth have been married for 22

Bryant Turner years and they have three children—an 18 year old daughter, who is a senior at Central High School; a 14 year old son, who also attends Central High School; and a 12 year old son who is in 6th grade at Central Middle School. Turner’s face lights up when speaking of his family. Travel is his way of spending quality time and creating memories for his them.

“We make special time that really counts,” he explained. “I prefer cruises, because they provide a perfect way to disconnect—no cell phones, no email; just us together as a family unit. I can give my family one hundred percent of my attention.”

He credits his mentor, Russell Butler, with teaching him that family time is sacred time.

See BRYANT TURNER page 16

Senator Mike Dugan United States Senate District 30

DUGANR E P U B L I C A N

State Senator Mike Dugan, a Republican, was elected to the State Senate for Georgia’s 30th District in early 2013. Senator Dugan represents portions of Carroll, Douglas and Paulding counties.

SENATOR MIKE DUGAN Senate District 30 Republican CAPITOL OFFICE 121-J State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 463-2478

Senator Dugan served as a Governor’s Floor Leader from 2015-2016; and Senate Majority Leader, 2019. He is currently secretary of the Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, and member of the following committees: Administrative Affairs, Banking and Financial Institutions, Economic Development and Tourism, Ethics, Reapportionment and Redistricting, and Transportation Prior to being elected senator, Senator Dugan was President of the Carrollton Kiwanis Club, served on the executive Board of the Carrollton Housing Authority and West Georgia Athletic Foundation Executive Committee.

Senator Dugan enlisted in the U.S Army and spent more than 2o years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2008. During his career, he was deployed to more than 32 countries, including hostile fire deployments in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

PAID FOR BY STATE SENATOR MIKE DUGAN.

StarNews Who’s Carroll? 2020 Community Leaders who affect the quality of life in West Georgia

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February 9, 2020 Page 11

Who is Gil McDougal?

Newly elected mayor of the City of Villa Rica

by Prissi Sullivan Villa Rica’s newest mayor, Gil McDougal was able and ready to “hit the ground running” in January of 2010. McDougal served a little over three years as a city council member. In November 2016, he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Mike Williamson, who wholeheartedly endorsed him. In November 2017, Gil was elected to fill the seat for Ward 4 for a full term. He resigned on August 21, 2019 in order to run for the position of mayor.

Serving as a council member was Gil’s first experience as an elected official. “I was always interested in policy making and being part of the community,” he stated, “but making a living and building a life made it necessary, for a while, to put that on the back-burner.” He also served as Mayor Pro Tem for two consecutive years.

During his tenure on the council, Gil showed himself to be dedicated, hardworking, and well-informed. He insisted on always being prepared and refused to vote on any last-minute item, about which he had no knowledge. However, having once made up his mind, he would fight to the bitter end to support his position! “I always refused to vote ‘yes’ to something I didn’t understand and would ask to table the issue until I could research it.”

He is proud of his accomplishments during his tenure as a council member and states, “As a member of the council it’s difficult to take credit for any one or more actions individually, but I would say I played an integral part in building a coalition of members who were able to work to together to accomplish a host of steps toward financial health. For the first time in decades the city’s enterprise funds are self-supporting, which has the immediate added benefit of taking pressure off the property taxpayer as well as strengthening the City’s financial independence.”

He decided to run for mayor because “at this moment in time, I am uniquely qualified to step into this role at a time when the momentum of solving decades old problems is at risk of waning. It seems to me this was my responsibility.” He was endorsed by outgoing Mayor Jeff Reese. Gil likes to see the people take part in their government and welcomes feedback. “We all want the same things— controlled growth, stable infrastructure, and financial stability,” he declared, “but it’s sometimes hard to agree on priorities and how to get where we want to be.”

He has a clear definition of “needs” and “wants” and is determined to take care

Gil McDougal is shown above on January 9, 2020, as he was sworn in as mayor of the City of Villa Rica by Judge Anna Perry of the “needs” first.

Gil’s dedication to his position in the city and his community is absolute. He feels this comes from the fact that he was adopted when he was 11 years old. His mother died while he was in high school and by the time, he graduated high school in 1994, his father had passed away. He vividly remembers science teacher Jane Boss offering him a place to live. “She had no idea what an impact this had on my life and my sense of self-worth,” he explained. “I wasn’t outstanding in any way, and the thought that she knew who I was and that I was worthy meant the world to me. It became obvious I had to make my own way in the world; I wanted to thrive—not just survive.” The self-motivation and perseverance necessary to accomplish these goals have stayed with him throughout his life.

Gil is a “people” person and makes a point of being accessible to the people of the city. He strives to consistently return phone calls and emails, and feels being mayor is actually a 24/7 position. He’s a friend and a neighbor to his constituents.

Carroll County Schools

See GIl MCDOUGAL page 18

Page 12 February 9, 2020 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

S tarNews Who’s Carroll? 2020 Community Leaders who affect the quality of life in West Georgia

Who is Temekia Cheeley?

Carroll County School System Lead Advocate for Partners Advancing Student Success (PASS)

by Prissi Sullivan One of the jewels of Villa Rica High School is Temekia Cheeley, who works extensively with at-

risk students through her lead advocate position with the PASS (Partners Advancing Student Success), formerly Communities in School. PASS advocates work with teachers, counselors, and administrators to identify students at-risk for leaving high school without a diploma, which will certainly impact their future earning ability and their lives overall. These advocates endeavor to remove barriers to graduation.

Temekia began her journey on this path in 2012, when she came to Villa Rica High School through Communities in Schools which partnered with school districts, local agencies, businesses, and foundations to garner support for the organization and its work; mobilized community resources to address academic and nonacademic barriers to success; and hired, trained and assigned a site coordinator to a school in need.

The transition to PASS began in May 2019 in order provide a more localized approach. The name officially changed July 1, 2019.

The organization shed national oversight that was sometimes an impediment to a focused approach to working with

4.0”wide x 4.3” tall

Temekia Cheeley

UCB

students who are at-risk of dropping out of school due to social, financial or family issues. Executive Director Cynthia Langley explained, “We began to see that our coordinators were spending more time at their desks, going over and collecting data for the national organization, than they were actually spending with our students. We needed to be focused on the needs of the individual students that we were serving. This new transition has allowed us to be more effective and devoted to helping kids in our schools.”

Regardless of the name under which she operates, Temekia has always worked to make the lives and environments of the students she serves a better place to be. She maintains a Wildcat Care Closet, where students may get needed items during the school day such as clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and shoes.

Foodstuffs consisting mostly of non-perishable items such as peanut butter/cheese crackers, bars, ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese(in a cup) bread, peanut butter, jelly, can soups, tuna, etc.

Students can also take items home for their families, such as food, clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and shoes. PASS has partnered with Abby’s Angels, who provide the school supplies.

She offers motivation and encouragement. “I’m sort of a second mom to some of the students,” she explained. “They bring me their problems and we work together to find a solution.” She works to identify those students at risk. She meets with them as necessary to work on their behavior, their grades, and their attendance. Temekia is always there for See TEMEKIA CHEELEY page 18

J Collins State Rep I remain dedicated to serving your interests as your state representative, and I hope that you will contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the 2020 legislative session or with any proposals or recommendations for future legislation.

MY COMMITTEES Public Safety and Homeland Security - Vice Chairman Regulated Industries - Vice Chairman Appropriations - Member Juvenile Justice - Secretary Governmental Affairs - Member Thank you for allowing me to serve and represent you, the citizens, of Georgia’s District 68

- State Representative J. Collins

State Representative District 68 J. Collins (R)

770-259-8143

www.house.ga.gov

Keep68great@gmail.com

StarNews Who’s Carroll? 2020 Community Leaders who affect the quality of life in West Georgia

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February 9, 2020 Page 13

Who is Jennifer Carroll?

Gifted Facilitator/STEM Coordinator

by Kim Reine Jennifer Carroll, Ed. S. is the Gifted Facilitator/STEM Coordinator at Roopville Elementary School. But, upon asking Jennifer, she replied with the simple answer: “I am a child of God, mother, wife, teacher, friend, and a cancer survivor.”

Jennifer is currently a gifted program teacher at Roopville Elementary. She started her teaching career 18 years ago. She was in college on a different career path majoring in mass communication, when her mother (an employee of a school district), asked her to be a substitute teacher to cover a class. She said she ended up substitute teaching for seven days in a 7th grade behavior disorder classroom - and fell in love. She felt a connection with the children and knew that teaching was her calling. She returned to college and changed her major to middle school education.

Upon graduating Jennifer worked at a middle school for three years and made the move to Roopville Elementary eighteen years ago. She states that Roopville Elementary is a very special place to her.

When asked what her greatest accomplishments were in her personal life she answered, “ All three of my children know Jesus Christ as their savior and that is my greatest accomplishment as a mother. The second greatest accomplishment is that I am still alive after being diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. I was told I only had a one in ten chance of surviving. There is no other reason than my relationship with Christ that has gotten me as far as I am.”

As for for her career she believes that her greatest accomplishment is that she is blessed to teach children at RES. She shared, “I’m blessed to get to love these babies. You never know what they may live in or be going through. I have been recognized with awards, and, that is great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s the day in and day out that I have with these kids, the families and this community that is my greatest accomplishment. “ Roopville Elementary Principal, Kelly Edwards said, “You guys (StarNews) have chosen an Jennifer Carroll excellent person for your Who’s Who edition! Jennifer Carroll is a person that never ceases to amaze me. She has a tireless work ethic and is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. Jennifer is a person that is always working to bring new and exciting learning experiences to Roopville Elementary and all of Carroll County schools. She is very well respected by her peers and community alike. I feel there are certain people who are created to impact others in a positive manner through teaching. Jennifer is certainly one of those people that stands out within our profession. RES is truly blessed to have her!”

When entering her gifted education classroom you will see many different projects the children are working on together and just outside the classroom is a small greenhouse and solar panels. “ I love being able to take these children where they are and just grow them from there. I love the excitement and the engagement that occurs in this classroom but I am also a firm believer in getting them out of these four walls for hands on learning too.”Jennifer stated.

See JENNIFER CARROLL page 26

Carroll EMC

Jones-Wynn

Page 14 February 9, 2020 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews Who’s Carroll? 2020

Community Leaders who affect the quality of life in West Georgia

Who is Sandy Entrekin?

Carroll EMC Community Relations Representative and Member Advocate

is to help a senior member to get papers signed or follow up on a call to make sure they understand their billing.

Sandy Entrekin is the Community Relations Carole Thompson, Carroll EMC Supervisor of Representative and Member Advocate at Carroll Community Relations, stated, “Sandy and I Electric Membership Cooperative (Carroll EMC). have worked together for more than thirty She shared that she absolutely loves her job, and years and she has always had a giving spirit you can clearly see that because her face lights up and a heart for our members and our when she speaks about what she does at Carroll community. She spends many hours EMC. She enjoys being out in the community coordinating serving opportunities for our helping and educating.

“I am so fortunate to work where I do. I get to go employees to participate in through our Together We Serve program because she wants out in the community and help and also have a our employees experience the joy of giving hands on approach,” Sandy said. back. As our Member Advocate, many times Carroll EMC has a program called Together We she is called upon to go into some tough Serve. Sandy said she believes there is no “I” in TEAM, therefore, everyone works together and that situations which she handles with such grace is made possible with this program. Each employee and empathy. On many occasions, a member will call me to say ‘Thank You’ for sending is allowed the opportunity to get up to eight hours Sandy to their home and how blessed we are to of volunteering in the community without losing have such a kind and knowledgeable employee. pay. The employees may offer to help with Special Sandy meets people where they are.”

Olympics, assisting in building a Habitat for Sandy shared, “I am so blessed and thankful Humanity home, the soup kitchen, March Of Dimes, participate in community walks throughout to work with a group of people that are such givers. Me, personally, I am a servant. I know the year or a ‘plastic bag’ drive where the food is that God put me here for a reason and that is to donated to the soup kitchen. There is also Open be of service to others.”

Hands, shoe drives, canned food drives, Angel “No joy can equal the joy of serving others,” she Trees at Christmas, stocking local food pantries with said.

Love Sacks (sacks filled with food) and also they Through her position at Carroll EMC she is able may assist girls in the local school system with Girl to fulfill what she believes is her purpose of serving Power Period. others with all the many programs she is involved Sandy’s role as a Member Advocate has her with. Sandy Entrekin also goes to the schools to visiting members when they have concerns about educate on safety with electrical safety programs their usage. She patiently tries to help them find and demonstrations and ‘Touch a Truck’. She also ways to save and give some energy tips. She also shares all the different career paths that are offered does Goodwill visits. Sometimes the Goodwill call

by Kim Reine

Sandy Entrekin through Carroll EMC with high school students.

Sandy looks forward to celebrating her 32nd year at Carroll EMC on April 18th. She completed Georgia EMC Management Development Program through University Of Georgia, is a member of GMMSC (Georgia Marketing, Member Services,

See SANDY ENTREKIN page 31

Roopville Road Baptist Church Low Counry Boil AD

www.starnewsgaonline.com UWG / SETHNA from page 7

event possible, highlighted the importance of presentation delivery.

“You have to be familiar with your stuff to be able to present it while enjoying it,” he said. “If you are not enjoying it, the audience is not going to either. I encourage the students to be enthusiastic, to move around a lot, to make it understandable to others and to be proud of their work.”

More than a decade ago, during his time as president of the university, Sethna invited the winning Indian team from that year’s competition to present their research at UWG’s Big Night, an event at which university students from various disciplines presented top-notch research presentations. In turn, the UWG team was invited to compete in India the following December.

“I was very intrigued by that, because I thought it would be a marvelous learning experience for our students,” Sethna said.

“This was the first time, to the best of my knowledge, that we took our students to a non-western country. It was a smashing success because, not only did the students win, but the Indian students sort of adopted our students, and it was a very positive learning experience for them.”

For the competition – along with the presentation – students were judged on a variety of criteria, including research,

105 YEAR OLD from page 5 Watts opened a medical facility in the City of Bowdon.

Nurse Mavis would accompanying her husband on house calls often delivering babies in beds and performing surgeries on kitchen tables. Times were tough, and Mavis tells of how many of their patients would pay their bill with chickens, ducks, goats,and other livestock.

When World War II ended, things started getting better, she said. Around 1950, Dr. Watts slowly began to purchase Blackjack Mountain. There, they set up a big farm with - many of the animals having been doctor bill payments turkeys, goats, ducks, horses, and dairy cows. Dr.Watts loved the farm because he felt like it was his place to relax.

The couple would come to own two planes. Dr.Watts was an experienced pilot and Mavis learned to fly the Piper Cub plane with the help of a family friend, Roy “Tubby” Dobson. Dodson was a Bomber Pilot during World War II, she said.

SPARK from page 4

accountability and given someone who cares.”

“The first step is to establish trust,” stated Tarpley. “We deal with the kids on their level and connect through shared experiences.”

“The program allows the kids to see the world through different lenses,” added Peterson.

At the end of the program, the kids are given “love posters.” A group picture is on the front, while the back is filled with notes from each of the college mentors involved.

This may be the first time the teen has received positive feedback and not just told what they’ve done wrong.

One UWG mentor stated, “It’s amazing to me. This whole time the SPARK kids thought we were helping them out, but truth be told, they were helping us out.”

For more information, email Peterson at tpeters@westga.edu or visit the Facebook page.

content and a question-and-answer session.

Dean, a senior economics major, said the adventure made him see the world in a new light.

“I enjoyed my time in India learning about the culture and history of the subcontinent,” he said. “I earned valuable public speaking and research skills from participating in the competition. I would recommend this opportunity to all students, especially those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zone and try new things.”

The students are chosen through a process that includes tryouts that take place immediately following spring final exams. Students are given a broad topic to choose from and have one week to conduct research and put together a five-minute presentation on the subject. Team members are then chosen by Richards of College of Business faculty.

Dempsey, a senior economics major with a minor in finance, said the experience was magnificent on a number of levels.

“Being able to do research and compete against international teams with a group of hardworking individuals who get along is quite an amazing experience,” he said. “It has greatly humbled me as a person and as a future professional. The awards we received made me feel like our hard work paid off in the end.”

StarNews

February 9, 2020 Page 15

Edward Jones

This 105 year old woman uses her iPad to read her emails daily. When asked what her secret was to living for 105 years, she simply replied, “Just don’t die!” and laughed.

She recalls when the couple had their first baby they wanted Dr.Watt’s family to be able to see their grandchild, so they decided to fly their private plane to Baton Rouge, LA. On the way back they ran into a bad storm and they had to make an emergency landing in a corn field in Mississippi. She spoke of how they had to stay there a while to let the storm pass. Eventually, the storm cleared and they were able to return to Georgia.

The couple were blessed with three children; Susan, James and Jubal. Susan followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a nurse; James became a school teacher; and Jubal became a orthopedic surgeon.

When Dr. Watts passed away, Mavis began to travel the world. She’s been to China, Africa, Japan, Greece, Brazil and South America to name a few. Her favorite place traveled is Greece. She absolutely loves to read and says her favorite book is the Bible. She says, “a good book passes time so easy.” The first book she remembers reading was ‘The Good Earth’.

This 105 year old woman uses her iPad to read her emails daily. When asked what her secret was to living for 105 years, she simply replied, “Just don’t die!” and laughed.

Remember the lady from Paris who sprayed perfume on Mavis at the French Quarter during Mavis and James’ early dating? Mavis shares this: “My youngest son ended up marrying that lady’s granddaughter.”

“I am thankful for all I have. The Lord had been good to me and I have had a wonderful life.”- Mavis Coley Watts

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Page 16 February 9, 2020 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com BRYANT TURNER from page 10

Bryant served as president of Bryant specifically remembers a Roopville Elementary PTO for seven cruise to St. Kitts, part of the Leeward years. He is currently finishing his Island chain of the Lesser Antilles. third year as president of the Central “It’s very lush, very tropical,” he High Band Boosters. stated. “It has the most beautiful Bryant is from Ranburne, Alabama, scenery I’ve which was also the ever seen. We birthplace of his love Bryant’s life is one of loved the scenic of music. He and his service—to help is his walks and the younger sister Hawaiian feel performed singing calling. In fact, he lists of the island.” duets as children. helping others as one of As an When he was 15 years extension of old, he was asked to his hobbies! He prays for Bryant’s love of help his home church more opportunities to travel, he plans to start a choir. He positively influence others the church worked on this for a senior adult year and a half and for good. . . Bryant served trips every built a very successful as president of Roopville other year. program.

Upcoming is a As a senior in high Elementary PTO for seven nine-day leaf school, he was years. He is currently cruise around approached and the upper east asked to field the finishing his third year as coast of the startup choir program president of the Central United States for a new church— High Band Boosters. and Canada. He New Vision Baptist plans shorter, Church, where he closer remained for four and excursions for a half years. the alternate years.

It should come as no surprise that Bryant’s life is one of service—to Bryant was a music major at the help is his calling. In fact, he lists University of West Georgia, helping others as one of his hobbies! graduating with a bachelor’s degree He prays for more opportunities to for Music in Education. Bryant Turner positively influence others for good. is one of the major assets and shining He also enjoys sharing his love of jewels of Carroll County through his music with his children, singing and service at Roopville Road Baptist playing instruments, sports activities, Church and the Carroll County Board and bird hunting. of Education.

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February 9, 2020 Page 17

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christi Teal 45 MPH from front page updated the Board on the review and modifiPope also noted that the new Last December, paramedic Alan Griffith, member board, the votes were thrown out cation of the job description for Coordinator bridge being constructed on Tyus and the floor again opened for nominations. of Transportation. This position has never who lives on the road, began a petition and Carrollton Road and the area Again, Cleveland nominated Turner, while been filled and the duties are usually per- created a Facebook page asking the county Morris nominated Pinckney, and Kierbow formed by the Director of Transportation. to “Make Tyus Carrollton Road Safer.” around the bridge were designed nominated Cater. Again, no nominee Morris asked if there were plans to fill the Griffith’s request came as the result of his for a 45 mph speed zone. received a majority of votes. Morris position and was informed that it was a pos- working seven major wrecks on the road in a process moving. Senator Mike Dugan was explained her nominasibility. “I don’t see how three month period. also contacted for his assistance. Dugan conAfter hearing Mr. Griffith’s concerns, the tion of Pinckney: “I . . .the votes were thrown out one person does all that feel each district Bruce Tidaback does,” county placed a speed counter on Tyus tacted the Commissioner of the Georgia should have a turn for and the floor again opened for stated Morris. Carroll Carrollton Road as part of a traffic study to Department of Transportation Russell nominations. Again, their representative County has 180 buses that determine if a 45 mph speed limit is more McMurry who informed him that the combeing chairman. Cleveland nominated Turner, operate from 5 am until 11 compatible for the amount of traffic on the mission chairman had permission to reduce road. While the traffic study was being com- the speed on this county road at her discreWe’ve had quite a few pm. while Morris nominated from the south end of Carroll County Board pleted, Commission Chairman Michelle tion “to meet the desires of the constituents Pinckney, and Kierbow the county.” Current of Education Work Morgan and Public Works Director Charles that live along the route”.

Pope also noted that the new bridge being Pope met with Georgia DOT and Georgia Chairman Cater reprenominated Cater. Again, no Sessions are held on State Patrol officials. Grant Waldrop with constructed on Tyus Carrollton Road and the sents Bowdon; prior Monday prior to the regunominee received a majority larly scheduled meetings GDOT and Mike Lands with the Georgia area around the bridge were designed for a to Cater, Jon Anderson, from the of votes. Morris explained her on the third Thursday of State Patrol and who also lives on that road, 45 mph speed zone.

The new speed limit is now in effect.

Central District, was nomination of Pinckney: “I feel each month, with the fol- were instrumental in getting the approval board chair. Nixon, lowing four exceptions: each district should have a from Mt. Zion area, The February meeting turn for their representative will be held Thursday, has also taken a turn as chairman in the being chairman. We’ve had February 13th past.

The April meeting will quite a few from the south be held Thursday, April In the third effort to Order your flowers in advance... end of the county.” In the elect a chairman, 23rd Cleveland nominated The October meeting third effort to elect a Turner, Morris nomiwill be held Thursday, chairman, Cleveland nated Pinckney, and October 22nd nominated Turner, Morris Nixon nominated The Dec. meeting and himself. work sessions will be nominated Pinckney, and Bryant Turner garcombined on Dec. 14th.

Nixon nominated himself. nered four “yes” votes The work sessions proon the first round of vide background and disvotes, and was declared the winner. Cater cussions on items to be added to the agenda passed the gavel to Turner and the meeting for the regular meetings. The agenda for the was turned over to him. regular meeting is set. All meetings are held The election of a vice-chair went more at the Carroll County Board of Education, 520 Maple Street Carrollton, GA. smoothly. Turner nominated Nixon and 164 Independence Drive in Carrollton unless www.mountainoakflorist.com Pinckney nominated Morris. Nixon received otherwise noted. five votes and was declared the winner.

Angie Crowder and Olivia Gamez from Mt. Zion Elementary School presented information on ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Mt. Zion Elementary Make your Vintage Soul happy has the highest percentage ESOL students in the county—increasing from a little less than this Valentines Day! 250 in school year 16-17 to a little less than 350 in 18-19 school year. Accomplishment is determined by movement in 8 performance bands, which include vocabulary, sight words, grammar, and oral instructions. As these students move toward proficiency, Carroll County students have gained a higher percentage rate on movement within Vintage & Eclectic Decor, Vintage these bands than the state for SY 2019— Inspired Gift Items..

44% as opposed to 42%. Title I students showed movement at 79% in Carroll County along with locally made & created items and 55% with the state.

Assistant Superintendent Delene Strickland presented a financial update. For Fiscal Year 2019, revenues totaled $44,704,375, while expenditures totaled $63,712,032, a difference of negative $355,659. The unreserved balance is $31,065,660.

According to Strickland, “Total expenditures and total revenues are expected to decrease if FY21. The most significant driver is decreased--Teacher Retirement System contributions required by the state.

The local fair share amount is related to the value of the tax digest, which has been PROM SPECIAL increasing, which, in turn, increases the local 1/2 Make-Up with fair share amount.”

Cut & Style Superintendent Scott Cowart explained further: “TRS is in a solid place in the fund; therefore, the contributions can decrease.

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TEMEKIA CHEELEY from page 12

the students. Her caseload consists of various groups. She is the Case Manager for 47 students, to whom she provides specialized service, such as assistance with Medicaid and Food Stamps. She helps with goal setting to clarify how the students’ needs to go about getting to where he wants to be. She meets with these students at least once a month—sometimes once a week.

GIl MCDOUGAL from page 11 “At the moment,” he declared, “I’m trying to clarify the roles of the city employees and council and to educate them and the public on these roles, so people don’t have to wait to get in touch with me, but can have their needs met in a more timely manner.”

His political views are well-known to constituents, friends, and family, and he never apologizes for them. He is a fiscal conservative but is willing to spend whatever is necessary to repair and upgrade those things that are necessary for quality of life for the residents.

Of top priority, is paying off the wastewater treatment plant. “This facility is only half used!” he exclaimed.

“The council lowered the tax rate every year and made users responsible for the amount of water they used—the more water used, the more the consumer paid.”

Gil has fought for pay parity for employees, in order to make wages competitive. “We had to stop the detrimental circle of hiring, training, then losing employees to other municipalities that paid more.”

www.starnewsgaonline.com Temekia’s has a group of 12 seniors. She assists them in making sure they pass all their classes by encouraging them and arranging tutoring. She helps students plan for life after graduation by taking students to visit manufacturing facilities to see what types of jobs are available; tour ech school and colleges; and by helping fill out applications. She also explains the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to students who see the military as a career path.

He attended the University of West Georgia for a year and a half but didn’t like piling up so many student loans.

He took a position as area supervisor for Domino’s Pizza. In 2001, he earned his real estate license and worked with Roy Dean Realty until 2007. At that time, he obtained his broker’s license and opened his own office—McDougal Realty Group, along with the investment arm, Kinetic Properties. Several years between 2001 and 2010, Gil was the top Million Dollars in Sales and top in multi-million-dollar sales.

He has been a foster parent for 10 years and has 3 sons—ages 12, 22, and 24. They are all still living at home. He has tried to enrich the lives of his sons by extensive travel and experiences.

“We take a lot of cruises,” he said, “and have season passes to Universal. I grew up hard without a lot of money, and I want them to have what I didn’t.”

Gil’s desire for the future is “to take Villa Rica to the next level in development and responsible growth. I want to protect the people already living here and welcome newcomers to the area in order to spread the burden of the cost of growth across the board.”

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She likes her students to set a goal of an occupations or profession before they graduate.

Tamekia mentors seven students, with whom she meets twice a month. Guest speakers are invited, and books are recommended. This is to build leadership skills and point kids in a positive direction.

Tamekia operates a Senior Give Back program. At the moment this serves 11 seniors.

Those who can’t afford their senior fees receive donations from several local businesses. The seniors give back by volunteering in the community, especially at nursing homes.

On a schoolwide basis, she helps wherever needed. She helps with student advisement, Junior interview, career fairs, “We will be having a mini one at VRHS on March 18,” she said. “which will focus on three E’s (Employed, Enroll, Enlist) by having

employers, colleges/tech, and the military present to give our seniors the opportunity to speak with each representative.”

Temekia is a Praise Team singer with World Changers Fellowship Church in Villa Rica.

She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology, minor in criminology, at UWG in 2003. She received her Master of Jurisprudence in Children’s Law and Policy from Loyola University in 2017. She is now working toward her Social Work Degree from the University of Central Florida.

She and her husband, who is her biggest fan and most loyal supporter, have two children—a 14 year old daughter and a 5 year old son, who play soccer.

Anytime a student, parent, or staff member has a need, just search out Temekia’ smile and know that she will assist you by any means at her disposal.

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Page 19

Carroll EMC awards Bright Ideas Grants totaling $65,959 to 84 teachers in 31 schools

from press release Carroll EMC recently awarded grants to local educators to fund creative and innovative educational projects for students in their classrooms. Grants of up to $1,000 were awarded to public school teachers, teaching grades Pre-K-12, for projects in any subject. For 2019, 84 grants were awarded, totaling $65,959. These grants will help 84 teachers in 31 schools.

Bright Ideas grants are funded through the donations of Carroll EMC Members who participate in Operation Round Up®, a program where Members elect to “roundup” their electric bills to the nearest dollar.

The program is overseen by Carroll EMC Foundation trustees and funds a variety of community service projects including Bright Ideas, student scholarships, and many health and human services programs.

Some of these projects included: John Hester, Buchanan Elementary School teacher, was awarded a Bright Ideas grant to support a STEM project. The project will give students the opportunity to participate in robotic competitions that enhance team-building and decision-making skills.

Lori Shiver, Union Elementary School Media Specialist, received funding for the project “Creating a Helping Hand.” Fourth and fifth grade STEM club students will use a 3D printer to create 3D printed prosthesis for Enabling the Future’s Build a Hand project.

Nelson Spratt, Villa Rica High School Science teacher, received funding to purchase material for a Science Olympiad where students will engage in rigorous engineering and science competition.

Polk County College and Career Academy teacher Laurel Carter won a Bright Ideas grant to fund the project “Culturing Bacteria that is Found in Our Environment”. Students will apply learned and experimental knowledge to measure bacterial growth present in the school environment.

Included in this funding cycle were: Bowdon Elementary School Leigh Dean Kelly Christopher Melissa Trippe Carroll Co. College & Career Academy Trudi Lawless Central Elementary School Crystin Chambers Ryan Childers Amy Ingram Noreen Abernathy Courtney Chastain Nicole Robinson Courtney Olds Sheena Mahomes Central Middle School Brittany Luke Maureen Garber Lucas Brock Allison Edwards Jennifer Leatherman Central High School Nikhol Dysart Donna Simpson J. L.Biddle Glanton-Hindsman Elementary School Katie Cole Suzie Gordon Mt. Zion Elementary School Tiffany Prucha Karee Payne

Ithica Elementary School Becca Langridge Brandon Ledford Erin Price Mt. Zion Middle School Ed Johnson-Cole Tyler Banister Tewanna Brown Mt. Zion High School Wendy Samples Adam Watts Roopville Elementary School Stacey Morris Andrea Lawson Brenda Smith Jennifer Carroll Sand Hill Elementary School Katie Watson Sharp Creek Elementary School Amy Hilton Temple Elementary School Missy Calas Villa Rica Elementary School Chassi Cole Stacy Carroll Villa Rica High School Nelson Spratt John Poucher Lee Tucker Heather Williamson Shayna Moses Whitesburg Elementary School Catalina Wright Emily Rush Carrollton Elementary School Mallory Wood Devonne Cooper Barbie Simmons Brandi Kingeter Annette Perkins

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Debbie Tucker Carrollton Upper Elementary School Jessica Hughes Mary Miller Carrollton Junior High School Vanessa Cataldo Robin O’Neal Rebecca Albertus Carrollton High School Josefina Gembe Carmen Dill Jessica Akins Krystal Kendall Applications for 2020 will be accepted beginning August 1st and can only be submitted via the cooperative’s website, carrollemc.com

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StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

COMMENTARY

Page 21 February 9, 2020

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

“Not just what happened, but what matters”

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Qualifying - again! - for local offices On March 2-6, citizens interested in the job of public service as an elected official may fill out the proper paperwork and pay the associated fee UE at the Carroll County Board of Elections office, 423 College Street, HORN Carrollton. There are 17 local positions open to be voted on in the EDITOR/ PUBLISHER May 19th Primary, and in the general election in November. These open positions are sheriff, commission chairman, three district commissioners, four county school board members, coroner, tax commissioner, clerk of courts, solicitor, state court judge, probate judge, chief magistrate judge, and surveyor. We taxpayers are always looking for an honest, earnest citizen who will be frugal with our tax dollars while edging us sensibly into the future. Is that person you?

Question: who is the only person in the county who has the authority to arrest the sheriff?

This year of 2020 is also a presidential election year, so voter turnout will be big in November. Turnout is historically low any other time, usually less than 15%, which is why SPLOST and E(ducational)-SPLOST questions are usually put to the voters when the fewest will decide. Usually, locally, we approve SPLOST/E-SPLOST by a 70%+ margin - but, then, again, 70% of 15% of the voters, well, not to get all Georgia-Tech-mathy on you, but, it’s not the same as 70% of all Carroll County voters deciding. But, it IS 70% of all the voters who cared enough to show up and vote, and that’s an important difference. Another important difference is that this - the E-SPLOST - is a tax to be shared by each person - resident or not, homeowner or not, employed or not - who makes a purchase in Carroll County.

This year, the E-SPLOST will be on the March 24th ballot along with the Presidential Preference Primary (PPP). As a voter, you will need to choose your ballot: Republican, Democrat, or Non-Partisan. All three ballots will have the local E-SPLOST question on it. The Republican ballot will have the one choice of our current President Donald J. Trump. The Democract ballot will have 12 choices listed in alphabetical order: Michael Bennet, Joseph R. Biden, Michael R, Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, John K. Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, Deval Patrick, Bernie Sanders, Tom Seyer, Elizabeth Warren, and Andrew Yang. You will also be asked which ballot you want at the May 19th Primary. Run-off will be July 21st.

Did you come up with an answer to my earlier question of who is the only person in the county who can arrest the sheriff? It’s the coroner. Interesting, huh?

S

PARTISAN OFFICE Chairman, Commission Commissioner/Districts 1, 3, 5 Sheriff Tax Commissioner Clerk of Superior Court Coroner County Surveyor

BASE SALARY $94,702.59 $8,540.40 $80,819.51 $72,434.13 $72,434.13 $34,546.58 fee only

QUALIFYING FEE $2,841.08 $256.21 $2,424.58 $2,173.02 $2,173.02 $1,036.40 $10.00

NON-PARTISAN OFFICE BASE SALARY Probate Judge $72,434.13 Chief Magistrate $72,434.13 State Court Judge $115,911.38 Solicitor $110,225.70 County School Board 1, 3, 4, 6 per diem

QUALIFYING FEE $2,173.02 $2,173.02 $3,477.34 $3,306.77 $ 50.00

155th Georgia General Assembly commences Hello! Monday, January 13, 2020, marked the first day of the second session of the 155th Georgia General Assembly.

During the first week, the House wasted no time getting legislation passed. House Bill 276 will benefit Georgia by establishing a more efficient process to collect the sales tax owed to the state by certain e-commerce businesses, which help our state fund vital programs and services.

The House welcomed Altanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as a special guest to speak about the partnership between the City of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

Mayor Bottoms noted that there is a special bond between the city and the state and spoke further on all the great things accomplished over the last year. Mayor Bottoms also expressed her excitement for the continued positive relationship between both entities.

Governor Brian Kemp delivered his second annual State of the State address in which he highlighted his priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session.

At the start of the address, Gov. Kemp highlighted some of Georgia’s many successes over the year, including its title as the number one state to do business, its record low unemployment, and the expansion of over 65,000 private-sector jobs.

For the upcoming legislative

J

COLLINS STATE Representative (R) DISTRICT 68

770-259-8143 Keep68great@gmail.com

year, Gov. Kemp discussed priorities concerning education, including funding a $2,000 raise for educators, as well as allocating money for public safety improvements, specifically in the areas of reducing gangs and cracking down on human trafficking.

Another initiative unveiled by Gov. Kemp was the creation of a professorship at the University of Georgia dedicated to researching Parkinson’s Disease. This was done in honor and recognition of U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, who was in attendance.

Gov. Kemp concluded his address by stating his excitement to begin another session and continuing to put Georgians first.

This week Senate and House Appropriations Committees will spend time listening to the heads of Georgia’s state agencies to determine funding needs for the upcoming fiscal year.

This process will be a challeng-

ing one this year, but we were elected to serve as good stewards of your taxpayer dollars and we are up to the challenge.

Week Two: The Georgia House recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and celebrated survivors and liberators from Georgia. Their stories of strength and perseverance will be told for years to come on the walls of the Georgia State Capitol. May we never forget their legacy!

Thursday, Gov. Brian Kemp signed his first bill of the 2020 Legislative Session. House Bill 276. It sets forth clear guidelines on how sales tax revenue from internet retailers should be collected. Under previous Georgia Law, internet retailers (known as “marketplace facilitators”) were required to remit sales taxes back to the state. However, the law as written made it difficult for the state to actually collect the taxes that were owed.

This bill eliminates that uncertainty and makes the collections process more efficient. With an effective date of April 1, the state should quickly see the financial impact of the collections of this additional revenue.

With the end of our third week of the session, it is apparent that we still have much work to do.

The groundwork we are laying

See J COLLINS page 31

Yes, I will be running for reelection as District 5 Commissioner Yes! I will be running for ReElection as your DISTRICT 5 County Commissioner!

Many of you have asked - and this is my first announcement that I’ll soon be running to serve a full term, after being elected to fill an unexpired term only six months ago, as your District 5 County Commissioner.

Qualifying for next term is in March and Primary Elections are in May. If re-elected, I’ll serve you in District 5 for a full, 4-year term.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being there for you and handling your concerns, as your District 5 Commissioner the last 6 months!

A lot has been accomplished in that short period - not only to address your needs and concerns, but also to turn the ship of our county government more profoundly toward the 3 fundamentals of my platform, which are: • TRANSPARENCY • ACCOUNTABILITY • RESPONSIVENESS Of course, my conservative values and fiscal approach are always there - guiding each decision and the daily interactions.

Coupled with this conservative approach, I have found that I’ve had to often go “against the grain” to support & promote

ERNIE

REYNOLDS District 5 Carroll County Commissioner

ereynolds@carrollcounty ga.com 770-851-6215

operations. I have genuinely felt it my duty to provide you with updates and inform you about topics and concerns and meetings involving your county government. Many times, I’ve communicated such information through my FaceBook page - and I have been so rewarded by your positive response and appreciation.

Yes, I will keep this up, as your District 5 County Commissioner, as I feel it is my duty to both solicit your input and to provide you with timely updates on what is going on with your county government, especially concerning our District 5.

Regarding ACCOUNTABILITY: Again, you have told me throughout my 6-month tenure in this position, how much you appreciate me holding government accountable.

You’ve especially given me positive feedback in noticing how my conservative fiscal approach and familiarity with government operations comes through in my interactions with county departments; appreciating that I ask “the right questions” and “hold departments accountable” to the people, concerning budget or SPLOST funding requests, etc.

This comes from decades of

these three fundamental platforms. But, definite progress has been made and I have gotten consistent and rewarding feedback from constituents throughout my district who sincerely appreciate my steadfast approach of promoting transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in government. This stems from my 34year career in the State Auditor’s Office, where these values were core to our operations in assessing state government programs.

A few succinct points about each one of these fundamental platforms (we’ll talk more later!): Regarding TRANSPARENCY: You have given me such tremendous and consistent feedback on how much you value my openness and communication with you about county government See ERNIE REYNOLDS page 31

Page 22 February 9, 2020

StarNews

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

The seven virtues of Christ

2. HONESTY - The book of Hebrews tells us that honesty is being truthful and doing what is sincere and right before God and others.

Jesus did not just tell the truth, He is the Truth. When the truth harms us or makes us “look bad”, we naturally want to spin a different version of events to avoid negative consequences. However, my experiences in and out of court have taught me that honesty is a critical character attribute. One example is when a defendant is being sentenced for a crime by a judge. Many defendants will blame other people or circumstances for their behavior. Others will take ownership of the truth regarding what they have done. After many years of watching and engaging in sentencing hearings, it is clear that the honest man receives grace while the dishonest man oftentimes receives what he probably deserves.

3. COURAGE - The virtue of courage involves doing difficult and dangerous things

to help other people. Contrary to conventional wisdom, courageous people do not lack fear. With God’s guidance, they overcome it.

Courage oftentimes coincides with honesty. Paul wrote that courage is telling the truth in love even when it hurts. Telling the truth may cost us a relationship with another person, disappoint someone we admire, or create negative consequences for ourselves.

The greatest act of courage was Christ’s obedient death on the cross. The Gospel of Mark reminds us that we see courage lived out in obedience to God’s holy demand and the ultimate sacrifice for us. Thus, courage is not foolhardiness and spoken with reckless abandon. Rather, it aims at God’s holiness with a full realization of both the actual and potential danger and cost involved.

4. FORGIVING - We all know we are supposed to forgive others when they wrong us. But, we still have problems doing it; par-

why I had endured all the heartaches, heartbreaks, successes, failures, trials and tribulations. Why 25 years of marriage ended in divorce, why I went through a terrible car accident that caused me to be unable to finish my nursing degree - and so much more. It just started connecting and making perfect sense. It was a complete Ahha moment!

Every single thing I had ever endured in my life’s journey, had brought me to that very moment. My life’s journey had led me to this new part of my life. I have never known peace as I now do. I had a friend tell me, “God’s peace is like no other.” I know there’s nothing truer than those words.

I completely trust in God’s timing. I know for many people that it may only be something they say...but to me “in God’s timing” means to stay strong with your faith, walk closer to him, talk to him, ask him in prayer for the things you need. Lean on faith, hope and love. Because my friends, let

me tell you... it will happen.

Just like that one day you will either be laying there or waking up and BAM!! It hits you! You are in this place. This place where all of the sudden everything feels right.

Your heart will be happy and calm. Your soul is washed over with peace but yet has been lit, you have the best positive thoughts, you want to become an even better person, your focus shifts and is so clear for the future. You are at complete peace with all the life’s traumas you have endured. At peace with where you have been, what you have been through and where you life is taking you.

Trust me when I tell you that this may take some time; months or even years. But I’m here to tell you that things destined to be in your life will come to you, in God’s timing. The journey to get there is definitely not an easy one.

The most beautiful destinations are the hardest to get to. There will be many

obstacles and a lot of pain and tears along with happy times. You will need to be very patient to come to and overcome all the obstacles. With each heartache, challenge, failure or success, know you are one step closer to being where you are meant to be.

That you are being guided to where you belong. Guided to the life you are meant to live. Shaped as you leave pieces of yourself in your past for what is meant for you.

If you are struggling along life’s path... here are the words I want you to hear: HANG ON. Keep pushing through. Your breakthrough is coming. The peace you need is on its way. Trust, hope and love. Cling to hope, trust your journey (however hard it may be) and love every minute of every day, because time is a gift.

The time will come where everything in your life will click into place. You will be exactly where you were meant to be and I can guarantee that it’s going to be AMAZING!

women purchase approximately 85% of all valentines.... come’on guys! This just goes to show us that no matter how hard we try to express our love towards others, it’s not perfect. I am reminded however, of a love that is perfect, that being the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

PASTOR Roopville Road In Romans 5:8 we are told just how the Baptist Church Lord demonstrated His love. The Bible says, stephen@ “But God commendeth (demonstrated) His roopvilleroad.org love toward us, in that while we were yet The month of February, due to Valentine’s sinners, Christ died for us.” Now that is perDay, reminds us to express our love to those fect love. Jeremiah 31:3 tells us of the time around us who we treasure most, that being frame of God’s love, “The Lord hath our spouses and children and for some what appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have may be termed that “significant other!” loved thee with an everlasting love...”

It’s interesting to see individuals scurrying The love of the Lord is not short lived, it around the day before Valentines Day pur- is rather everlasting or forever. You will chasing those last minute items so that they never wake up one day and hear the Lord stay out of the doghouse. Much of what is telling you that He no longer loves you. The purchased is out of obligation and not neces- Lord God never falls out of love. The Bible sarily from the heart. The U.S. Greeting also speaks of the power of God’s love.

Card Association estimates that approxi- Romans 8:38-39 tells us, “For I am permately one billion valentines are sent each suaded, that neither death, nor life, nor year worldwide, making the day the second angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor largest card-sending holiday of the year things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor behind Christmas. There are hundreds of height, nor depth, nor any other creature, thousands of dollars that are spent on flow- shall be able to separate us from the love of ers, candy, balloons and other gifts each year. God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

And get this, the association estimates that That covers it all!

God’s love is gripping and it will not let you go, nor can anything take it away. And lest we forget about the vastness of God’s love expressed in the most popular verse in the Bible, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” His love is worldwide and has no limits regardless of who you are or where you are from.

To summarize the richness of the love of the Lord, we turn to First John 4:16, “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”

All that true love is or ever will be is summarized in that simple statement, “God is love.” He authored it, demonstrated it, made it everlasting, won’t allow anything to take it away, and spread it all over the world beginning at Calvary’s Cross.

If you know Him personally, you know of His unconditional love. If you have never trusted Him to be your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you will come to know what TRUE love is all about in Christ.

I would like to invite you to a special service on Sunday, February 23rd at 10:45 a.m.

Jeremiah Castille, chaplain for the

University of Alabama football team will be with us addressing “Family Life.” No matter what your family may be, God’s Word is a valid prescription to make it stronger.

Please be our guest fro this very special service.

Join us THIS Sunday and you will be shown the right place for true love, that being Christ and all the He has to offer you.

Roopville Road Baptist Church is “A Place For You To Call Home!” If you don’t have a “church home,” then I want to extend a cordial invitation to you and your family to worship with us the next Lord’s day. The Lord has blessed our church with ministries that will meet the needs of you and your entire family. You need a church home where you can be ministered to and where you can minister to others as well. In times of crisis and trials, there is nothing like a church family that rallies around you.

I would love to personally meet you and minister to you in any way possible. As a means of my appreciation to you for reading this column, I would like to send you a FREE gift. Please feel free to correspond with me and ask for your free gift by sending your correspondence to: Roopville Road Baptist Church, c/o Stephen Peeples, 835 N. Hwy. 27, Roopville, Georgia 30170.

1. LOYALTY - The book of Proverbs provides that loyalty is remaining committed to those whom God has brought into our lives and has called us to serve, even in times of difficulty.

The word “loyal” means “unswerving in allegiance.” This clearly provides a duty to be loyal, faithful, dependable, and committed SWINDLE to the closest people who surround us.

LAW Unfortunately, this is a rare trait. Human GROUP, P.C. nature dictates that we should be committed It has been awhile since I wrote about only to ourselves. A loyal friend will defend Jesus Christ. As I have mentioned in previ- you without hesitation even when faced with ous columns, I do not have formal Biblical severe trial or trouble. Loyalty looks past pertraining, am not a minister, nor hold any edu- sonal safety and needs, to the needs of the cational degrees in Christianity or theology. one we intend to be loyal to.

I am an imperfect Christian who seeks a Perhaps the most well known example of personal relationship with Jesus on a daily disloyalty in the Bible is the betrayal of Jesus basis. While Jesus possessed all of the vir- by one of his disciples and close friends; tues that exist, below you will find the seven Judas Iscariot. After his betrayal of Jesus, that seem to impact our lives the most based Judas took his own life. The fate of Judas on what I have learned through Bible study, illustrates that we will always reap what we ministers, and the human experience. sow.

JASON

SWINDLE

God’s timing

KIM

REINE Certified Intuitive Life Coach

It’s amazing.......God’s timing.

I recently had something wonderful happen in my life and in that very moment it was like all the parts of my life just started flooding through my head and coming together. As I laid there, I could almost hear the clicking of each part of my life coming together like a jigsaw puzzle. It was a simple short review of my life leading up to that moment. Peace washed over my soul, like the ocean washes up to the shore. It was like nothing I have ever felt before.

Suddenly, everything made perfect sense;

Valentine’s Day reminds us to express our love to those we teasure

STEPHEN

PEEPLES

See JASON SWINDLE page 31

COMMENTARY

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StarNews

February 9, 2020 Page 23

Are we living in a kleptocracy?

ED

WILSON Thoughts While Shaving cedwilson587 @yahoo.com Are we living in a kleptocracy? You don’t know? Well, “google it”, and I suspect that you might begin to wonder.

No smart phone? Well, I will tell you. A kleptocracy is a government with corrupt leaders who use the power of their office to extend their personal wealth and political power.

Consider: That the average U.S. Senator must raise over $14,000 per day, every day for six years to fund his re-election campaign. Why? If not already wealthy, do they wish to become lobbyists or write a book or charge speaking fees (Bill Clinton one speech was $250,000)? If wealthy, do they thirst for more?

Over 40% of U.S. voters are registered independents, but only two members of the Senate are not affiliated with one of the major parties. Why? Is there a market for political Independents?

Did you know that our junior senator, Kelly Loeffler, who assumed office by appointment, January 2020, is probably the wealthiest member of the Congress? She is allegedly worth over $500 million and lives in a $10.5 million estate called “Descante” in Tuxedo Park, Atlanta, and reportedly plans

to spend over $20 million of her own money Bolsheviks, better known as the Social during the 2020 campaign. Now, I have Democratic Party overthrew the Czar in nothing but admiration for the 1917. Ultimately, the USSR collapsed.

Joe Biden, the elite’s choice, has taken a accomplishments of this lady, but I wonder lot of flack for leveraging his political power why she would want this job?

Frankly, should he run, I favor Trump’s as vice-president to enrich his son, Hunter choice, Representative Doug Collins, House Biden. If you want a broader picture, consider “Profiles in Judiciary Committee.

In Yes, unfortunately, to Corruption” by Peter Did you know that, Schweizer. Multiple considering inflation, 36 an extent that we do not Biden family members of our 45 presidents have know, we do live in a are named. Also, been millionaires, and the consider Schweizer’s poorest, which I consider kleptocracy and about oneother books, Clinton one of our best, was half of the electorate does Cash, Secret Empires Harry Truman. and Throw them all out Michael Bloomberg, not care. They only want et. al. If only a portion who has been a “freebies”. Fortunately, of his documentations Republican, an most are engrossed in are correct, he has Independent and uncovered a lot of currently is a Democrat trivia, are head over heels political dirt. reportedly will spend $1 in debt, and don’t vote.

Did you know that Billion (pocket change Millionaire “make for him) on his 2020 Now, having just read health care, college and campaign. His ads on the this, I - as a smelly Wal many other benefits Super Bowl program were $10 Million each.

Mart deplorable - am going free” Democrat front runner in some polls, I consider Mr. to buy a new overpriced Senator Bernie Sanders, Bloomberg to be more “Keep America Great formed an LLC, run by dangerous than the better his wife that skims 15% known Socialist DemoTrump 2020” red cap! of his media buys crats as he wants to (typical commission) for destroy the Second Amendment and confiscate your firearms the families benefit? With multiple millions while the other charlatans only want to of media buys, 15% is a lot of money.

Why are so few political incumbents bankrupt our country by making everything charged and prosecuted? Could it be that free.

Currently, about one-half of the electorate people who live in glass houses should not support these kleptocrats. You may throw stones? Who is not corrupt? Check remember that five percent of the out Kerry, Obama, senior staff and his

“Watch the Wall, My Darling” country should do it the right way. They should come in legally, gain citizenship, get MARY a job, and become responsible for their own SAXON WILBURN

keep.

As a single parent herself, she understands the hardship of keeping the children fed, their health care available, all their needs marywilburn1@aol.com met. She doesn’t have funds for a lot of things, some of her bills have to wait.

“Watch the Wall, My Darling” This title of one of Rudyard Kipling’s Standing in line at the grocery store and seepoems has influenced me a lot in the present ing someone paying for two baskets of gropolitical situation. “Watch the Wall, My ceries with food stamps, then bragging about Darling.” The Wall our President and how much money she still has in her Commander-in-Chief is building at the account, makes this young mother wonder Southwestern border of our country is dis- about how that program works.

Too many of the immigrants who come cussed at every gathering of people who here don’t care. make the right A grandmother states, “America One mother moves to build mentions the fact was founded by immigrants. But a safe, new life that the Wall canthose citizens valued the opportunity for their faminot be continued lies. Therefore, enough to establish a country, a once it reaches the they become Pacific. She may government . . .So, in gratitude to illegal aliens. be right, or, golly, whichever of my ancestors contributed She feels they do you suppose to the founding and continuing welfare should be there could be a deported plan to involve of this country, I say ‘If they come in immediately water vessels to legally, God bless ‘em.’” while those monitor the arrival who seek citiof immigrants as they seek to reach our soil? A sort of water zenship as soon as they arrive may be wall. People cannot see that sort of wall on allowed a window in which they might the news, though, especially those who don’t receive assistance while becoming employed like our President at all anyway, which is and legal citizens.

A grandmother states, “America was their right.

This woman’s daughter replies that she founded by immigrants. But those citizens thinks all immigrants allowed to stay in this valued the opportunity enough to establish a

country, a government, while allowing freedom in all areas of life that were within the bounds of the country’s newly created laws.

So, in gratitude to whichever of my ancestors contributed to the founding and continuing welfare of this country, I say ‘If they come in legally, God bless ‘em.’”

There are other walls in place that people seldom think of though, until they become politically malleable and useful. The young woman on television is shouting “No War! No War! No war!” She refers to the recent downing of a plane that carried a major, imminently dangerous terrorist named Soleimani.

She has possibly never watched a war car-

appointees, The Clinton foundation - take your pick.

Speaking of laws, why do we not have a “sun set” provision in all legislation to assure a future review to reaffirm, revise or extend as written? Surely, this is obvious to our “leaders”.

On the other hand, public service is not a “bed of roses”. Most public servants do the best that they can with the laws that they are bound to follow and paying for two households, one at home and one in D.C., is not inexpensive.

But why is there never enough money?

Without exception, all government units want more.

I heard that our Carroll County government is concerned about our “administrative” building: should we bulldoze the current building (it is about 30 years old) or buy another site? How old is your house? Have you considered “bulldozing” it?

Yes, unfortunately, to an extent that we do not know, we do live in a kleptocracy and about one-half of the electorate does not care. They only want “freebies”. Fortunately, most are engrossed in trivia, are head over heels in debt, and don’t vote.

Now, having just read this, I - as a smelly Wal Mart deplorable - am going to buy a new overpriced “Keep America Great Trump 2020” red cap!

Now, given that my own desk is a mess and there is much that I should do to better my own environment, I will leave it to you to check out what you will and make your own judgments.

Good luck.

ried out; maybe never been inside a foreign medical facility.

She is conceivably just fresh from the safety of her parents’ home, now in college.

She doesn’t see what the experience of our country being invaded and brutalized by such as Osama Bin Laden, or that other jackal, Saddam Hussein, would be like.

There is an invisible wall in place, one we call Homeland Security.

To this noisy young woman I say “Watch the walls, Sweetie. As our boundaries are recognized, respected and protected from invasion or attack, so will be your right to scream, yell, protest, and follow whatever crank you care to believe.”

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Page 25

Chief Judge John Simpson shares the success of his new veterans court in Newnan Veterans’ Treatment Court in Newnan is at 100% success rate, while the national average is 98%

by Prissi Sullivan

Chief Judge of the Coweta Judicial Circuit John Simpson, who is now serving in his 24th year as a Superior Court Judge addressed the Carrollton Kiwanis Club on January 24, 2020. Previously, he served ten years in the Georgia State House of Representatives. His election rate is 100%, as he has won 13 out of 13 contested elections.

As a judge, Simpson stated he leans toward problem solving rather than punishment, finding longer-lasting effects and less recidivism rates. He has presided over mental health, drug, family treatment, parental accountability, domestic violence, and veterans’ courts. He created the first Parental Accountability Court in Georgia in 2009. The model is designed for circular problems that seemingly have no solution.

All of the members receiving help are facing criminal charges.

In 2018, the Parental Accountability Court was recognized and the “most innovative court program in the nation” by the National Child Support Enforcement Association.

This program has spread to every county in Georgia. The Parental Accountability uses a logic model to reach the desired goal of parental responsibility and support.

Carroll County, led by Simpson, has created an effective, collaborative means to address chronic non-payment of child support and collections of arrearages.

Conditions and Assumptions include that the non-custodial parent is not meeting child support obligations; NCP cycle of non-

payment, incarceration, release, nonpayment; underlying issues not being adequately addressed; current court treatment not effective; children and custodial parents suffering emotionally and financially.

In order to reach the long-term goals of children and parents having a permanent, stable income and living situation, interventions can be performed by community and agency stakeholders and/or judge-led court teams. Appropriate participants are included. A comprehensive assessment of issues is required and tools to solve the problems are researched and given through intense case management, along with a graduated system of incentives and sanctions.

Help is sometimes needed for drug/alcohol abuse, mental health, literacy, skill training, and employment. Parenting classes are given, and visitation is obtained, along with mentoring to increase bonding and attachment.

Hopefully, the intergenerational cycle of addiction and poverty is broken. The effect of success is not only a plus to the family, but to the community as well.

“The people involved in this model have a thousand percent more child support payments than any other group,” stated Judge Simpson. “I believe in the Kiwanis motto: ‘improving the world one child and one community at a time’.”

Simpson then took the concept into the domestic violence arena.

The judge spoke frankly, “You would be stunned to know that on average every day

practically I get a petition in that says that a while the national average is only 98%. He woman has had a gun put to her head, she’s referred to the veterans court as an been slapped or punched or drug by the hair “opportunity” and “the greatest experience” of her head, and these petitions would take to help veterans; “a great bunch of guys” he said. ten days before the woman “So many of returning “So many of returning would get protection. . . . I veterans have PTSD, veterans have PTSD, along mean, what are we doing? with other problems. We I said, just email the along with other a resolution to the petition to me. . . .so, first, problems. We reach a reach problem through we had to streamline the resolution to the conversation, contract, and process for safety.” problem through agreements,” Simpson The judge continued, explained. “The veteran is “The women’s shelter in conversation. . . assisted in seeking Carrollton is able to help agreements... They treatment and is assigned a with the paperwork, but attend meetings and mentor, who is a volunteer then they would have to go mental health veteran himself. They to the courthouse, put it in a judge’s box, who might counseling to get to the attend meetings and mental health counseling to get to decide to interview the root of the problem. the root of the problem. parties involved, which made the process even Individual cases require Individual cases require individual solutions, and individual solutions, and longer.

“Now, I just have them each case is different.” each case is different.”

These people have been email the petitions to me and I e-file it immediately, which is much injured by the war and the Office of faster. I want to evaluate the order of Veterans’ Affairs help with the program.

“I would like this to expand into protection based on the petition. A hearing is held 15 days later, but in the meantime, the Carrollton and LaGrange,” stated Simpson.

Simpson cites several reasons for the parties are distanced.”

Offenders are mandated to take a family success of these programs.

“We reached across agency lines, which violence intervention course and return to the court with a certificate, stating they have has led to better, more efficient management.

A lot more time is spent on each case to participated in the education program.

“We’ve had 100% participation,” he reach the desired outcome. However, a lower recidivism rate makes up for the time. This stated.

Using this intervention model, Simpson program is less costly and more efficient has introduced it to Veterans’ Treatment than what we’ve been doing in the past,” he Court in Newnan with 100% success rate, declared.

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StarNews

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February is American Heart Month: men and women have different risk factors

by Kim Reine Traditionally the month for lovers and all things heart related, February also reminds to do things to help keep our heart healthy. It is American Heart Month.

The yearly celebration began in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the

JENNIFER CARROLL from page 13

first American Heart Month to tackle heart disease in the United States and to encourage Americans to join the battle against heart disease by arming them with information to help hearts stay healthy. A presidential proclamation pays tribute each year to researchers, physicians, public health professionals

for Elementary Agriculture Even though she is battling cancer, 2019-2020 Carroll County Aspiring she continues to work hard and is very Leaders passionate about making the classroom 2019-2020 E3 Innovators the best it can be for her students. Her 2019-2020 Solarize A Classroom Pilot classroom has additional materials Program through Southwire and through the many grants she receives by WGYSTC her tireless efforts to improve the classA few of the she has grants received: room learning environment.

2014 $150 Pets in the Classroom (Fish She believes in the four C’s; collabora- in the classroom) tion, communication, 2016 $986 Carroll Jennifer is currently piloting the EMC Bright Ideas critical thinking and creativity. Jennifer solarized classroom program that (Play in the Dirt: implements this in STEM Gardening was made possible through her class every day Southwire and West Georgia funded a greenhouse, and believes these Youth Science and Technology... materials and supsoft skills help stuplies to begin at seed solar panels produce lighting germination through dents build onto 21 for her classroom, heat for harvest) century skills they need, preparing her 2016 $500 National their aquarium, Ipads and student with skills Ag in the Classroom Chrome books. for employment.

(STEM Gardening) Jennifer is currently piloting the solar2017 $1000 Action for Healthy Kids ized classroom program that was made (Promoting Physical Activity for possible through Southwire and West Students) Georgia Youth Science and Technology.

2018 $750 STEM on the Farm ( She Solar panels are used several different traveled to Ft. Worth, Texas to learn ways, one way is to collect data that with a group of educators on a four day shows the students how much energy is trip to increased her knowledge of how being captured by the sun. The solar to incorporate STEM in a farm setting panels produce lighting for her class- for students.) room, heat for the students’ Bearded 2020 $1000 Carroll EMC Bright Ideas Dragon (Nova), for their aquarium, (Play in the Dirt: STEM Gardening Ipads and Chrome books. They also 2.0 is continuing the planting and harexplore various topics including, but not vesting from the 2016 grant.) limited to, how the quality of air affects 2020 $750 Georgia Science Teacher capturing the energy. They look at the Association (Alternate Energy Options different angles of the panels to study for 21st Century Learners) how the angle affects energy collected.

Presented at the following conferences: Through the Ag in the Classroom pro2017, 2018 Georgia STEM Conference, gram, the children are able to enjoy Athens, Georgia learning how to grow various plants 2018 National Ag in the Classroom and vegetables. The children get to Conference, Portland, Maine decide what to grow each year. This 2020 Georgia Science Teacher year it will be squash, tomatoes, water- Association, Columbus, Georgia melon, basil, zucchini and pepper. They 2020 Georgia Farm Bureau Ag in the will use their harvest for the Kindness Classroom, Augusta, Georgia Kitchen Kart, where teachers can preWhen StarNews asked Carroll pare the food grown for their students County Schools Superintendent Scott K. to experience, in hopes they will choose Cowart to shine a light on what Jennifer healthy foods over junk foods. The Carroll brings to the school system, this Quest students will also apply what is what he shared: “Jennifer Carroll is a they have learned in Social Studies, super person and fantastic teacher. Her about learning to develop a business peers hold her in high esteem and her plan and marketing to sell their students love her class. She has the produce. drive to help students succeed and the There is a long list of Jennifer’s passion to make sure they do. She is a awards and accomplishments that role model, an innovator and outstandreflect just how passionate she is about ing leader not only for Roopville what she does. Including, but not lim- Elementary, but our entire district.” ited to: When asked what advice would she Teacher Awards: give someone who had been diagnosed 1998 Sallie Mae First Year Teacher of with cancer, Jennifer Carroll shard the the Year, Fairplay Middle School in following: “ First of all, if you feel like Douglas County, GA something is wrong with your body, 2017 Roopville Elementary School don’t stop until you get the answers. Go Teacher of the Year in to your doctor’s office and insist. For 2018 Georgia Farm Bureau Ag in the people who have just gotten the diagnoClassroom Teacher of the Year (for the sis - first thing, go to your family and state of GA) God. Do a lot of praying. Read Psalms Teacher Leader Opportunities: 46:10: Be still and know that I am God. 2018 State Curriculum Planning Team Being positive is critical.”

and volunteers for their efforts in helping to prevent, treat and research heart disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Believe it or not, heart disease can happen at any age. Some risk factors for heart disease and stroke can be prevented. American Heart Month helps educate us in the ways we can help reduce our risks while eliminating those we have control over. Your heart works hard for you nonstop for your whole life. Making small changes in your habits can make a real difference to your heart health.

The most powerful weapon against heart disease is knowledge. Take every opportunity to learn about your risk for high blood pressure or a heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, there are high-risk populations who will want to take extra precautions when it comes to being heart healthy. This includes people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses such as arthritis, COPD, stress and heart disease.

Men and women have different risks, with men being at a higher risk of heart attack and women, especially after menopause, having a number of cardiovascular vulnerabilities.

Manage your diet watching what you eat specifically, avoiding foods high in unhealthy fats, sugar and salt - can help prevent weight gain and keep cholesterol levels under control. Be sure to read food labels to check the amount of sodium in packaged foods (in fact, avoid packaged foods when you can).

Get moving! Just 15 to 30 minutes of light physical activity three to five days a week

can help reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease. Small steps can lead to progress if you add a little activity to your life. Just a walk to the mailbox gets you moving.

Try to manage your stress. Take a few minutes to separate from the typical tensions that can happen in a busy day. According to the American Heart Association, this may also help reduce your risk for hypertension.

Patients with a past history of heart disease, stroke survivors, or anyone with significant heart issues are at high risk for experiencing depression. Adapting and excepting a new lifestyle and impaired mobility, speech or cognitive function can come with significant challenges. Frustration and depression are especially common in the cold months.

Talk with your health care provider about the signs and symptoms of depression. Once survivors start down the long road to recovery, it’s important to monitor their mental health, too. While an estimated one in 10 of Americans ages 18 and older report depression, studies show that up to 33% of heart attack patients end up developing some degree of depression, said Barry Jacobs, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and director of Behavioral Sciences at the CrozerKeystone Family Medicine Residency Program in Springfield, Pa. “The big message is that people need to be aware of this connection,” said Dr. Jacobs, who is also an American Heart Association volunteer. “The second message is that many treatments are available. No one needs to suffer.”

More information may be found heart.org

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StarNews February 9, 2020

Page 27

Human trafficking awareness training session held at Villa Rica Public Library

The state of Georgia is number seven in the country, down from number one in recent past

by Prissi Sullivan

accountable for their actions.

“Twenty years ago, girls were punished The Villa Rica Public Library, in while men received a slap on the wrist,” she partnership with the International Human explained. “Now an underage girl involved Trafficking Institute (IHTI), hosted a Human in sexual behavior is no longer charged with Trafficking Awareness Training session on prostitution— “pimping and pandering”— Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the library but is recognized as a victim and sent to a located on Dallas Highway, Villa Rica. The place to recover,” she stated. session was from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Marshall explained that the goal was to Director of Training Deandre’ Davison- train 50,000 persons across metro Atlanta to Marshall spoke on the massive scope of recognize the signs of labor and sex human trafficking in Metro Atlanta. In trafficking and to act and to educate people Atlanta, the highest annual revenue for the on the role of market demand in all forms of underground commercial sex economy is trafficking. $290 million. There are 4.5 million victims “We need a community-wide effort to worldwide. Signs of human trafficking were make human trafficking unacceptable in this explored and what area,” she declared. “People Director of Training actions may be taken to can change the laws and prevent it. Georgia is Deandre’ Davison-Marshall make specific behaviors number seven in sex unacceptable. The root of spoke on. . . human trafficking, which is an trafficking in Metro Atlanta. trafficking is money. This is improvement, since big business; It is profitable.

In Atlanta, the highest they were number one Kids need to be removed annual revenue for the in the recent past. from the situation. This is Traffickers are planted underground commercial where our focus is - on in schools, churches, middle and high school age sex economy is $290 and colleges campuses kids. If the supply is million. There are 4.5 to scout for potential stopped, the demand is million victims worldwide. obliterated.” victims.

The IHTI works with Human trafficking is a schools, faith and civic groups to increase form of modern-day slavery and takes many support systems for families and forms. Persons are not just trafficked for sex, communities to traffick proof vulnerable but also for labor and domestic use. people--those in poverty, frail family “Trafficking for labor is the number one systems, and lack of positive adult cause in Georgia because of the rural areas,” relationships.

Marshall explained. “Farm labor is needed.”

This group introduces strategies to An act involving recruitment, transport, increase public desire to hold predators transfer, harboring, and receipt of persons

plus how the recruitment is done—threat, five percent of predators live in a suburban force, coercion, fraud, deception, abuse of metro area. One out of six endangered runaways reported to the power, or giving Traffickers are planted in National Center for Missing payment or benefits—to exploit, force labor, schools, churches, and & Exploited Children were removal of organs, etc. colleges campuses to scout likely to be sex trafficking victims. equals trafficking. for potential victims. . .

Ninety-two percent of Eighty percent of human trafficking is Abusive salon owners rake runaways were in the care labor trafficking in in illicit profits thanks to the of social services or foster industries such as gangs that bring thousands care when they ran. Due to a lack of funding, states are janitorial, construction, of undocumented losing track of missing landscaping, and leisure persons into the United foster children. hospitality such as nail Trafficked children fall shops, hair salons, States every week. into several prominent massage parlors, and categories—91% are African American and hotels.

Traveling sales is another form of Latino Youth; 50% are involved with child trafficking, mainly involving teenage boys welfare; 46% are refugee and migrant recruited to sell magazines, candy, water, children; 40% are LGBTQ youth; 20% are etc. Ninety percent of sales revenue is taken homeless youth; and 14% are runaways.

“Each year nearly 400 Georgia foster by the trafficker for “fees”—such as food, water, clothing, supervision, and children disappear while in the care of the transportation. Fishing vessels also employ state,” said Marshall.

Marshall listed several tips to identify a slave labor to artificially reduce costs.

Abusive salon owners rake in illicit person who is trafficked.

“They may be in poor physical health, profits thanks to the gangs that bring thousands of undocumented persons into the show signs of abuse and/or lack of medical care, fearful, anxious, submissive, no sense United States every week.

“Always tip in cash,” suggested Marshall, of where they are, date, or time If something “as that may be the only money the raises your suspicions: contact the Human employee will receive for a hard day’s Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233722) or for a live chat— work.”

Another market that uses human www.nationalhumantraffickinghotline.org.”

In addition, Marshall is available to trafficking is the sale of human body parts.

Kidneys are in high demand. People can conduct prevention training and may be contacted at 470-387-1422 or search on line for organs and their worth.

Most predators find victims online. Sixty- training@ihtinstitute.org

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Shirley F. F. Alexander, age 71,71, Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr.,Jr., Scott Shedd, age 53,53, Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Shirley Alexander, age Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Jerry Scott Shedd, age Master Danny Joe Jones, Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Jerry Scott Shedd, age Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne Cook, Danny Jr., Master Danny Joe1947, Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53,53, Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Jr.,Master Charlsie Hettie Hardegree Brock, age 96, \Robert Jones Hooton, age 57, born JulyJoe 28, Jones, Joseph Clinton “J.C.” Reid age 87,“Tiff” born April born November 27, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2November months, born May 16, 2019, born November 27, 1947, died age age45, 45,born bornJuly October 12,1973, 1973, age died Monday, July 8, 2019 age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, born November 27, 1947, died October 12, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, 2 months, born May 16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 died Monday, 8, 2019 born February 22, 1923, died January 24,died 2020 Sunday, July 14,14, 2019 Friday, July 12, 2019 1962, died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 7, 1932, died Friday, January 10, 2020 died Thursday, July 4, 4, 2019 David Ronald Sunday, July 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 age died Thursday, July 2019 Sunday, July 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age died Thursday, July 2019 Sunday, July 14,14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July Simpson, 12, 2019 age died Thursday, July 4, 4, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age David Ronald Simpson, Betty Joyce Browning, age 86, born Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92,92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Bobby R. Horsley, age 59, born February 15, Theortha “KREGG” Robinson, age 56, died 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” NellLovvorn, Lovvorn, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age age 62, 70,James B. 21, Dean, age 92, 70,born bornJuly July 21, 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., ageage 62, 70, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, 21, 1948, died July born July 1948, died July born September 1956, died September 1926, died September 23, 1933,28, died Friday, January 10, 86,86, born August 3, 3, 1932, died 2019 1960,02, died Thursday, January 02, 2020 January 28,09, 2020 born September 28, 1956, diedborn born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 born August 1932, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 09, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94,94, 2020 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Andrew Travis Jackson, Jr., age 101, born Nathan H. “Nat” Shackleford, 95, born Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Tuesday, JulyJuly 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 age 94, Wednesday, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age Tuesday, July 9,10, 2019 Wednesday, July 3,age 2019 July 2019 Wednesday, 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94,94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, 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 Brandon D. Cole, age 48, born August 18, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died February 9, 1918, died January 10, 2020 June 29, 1924, died Saturday, January 25, 2020 AndraDixon Dixon McGill, age 76, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Friday,Andra born February 28, 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, agedied 76, 68, born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, died age 76, born June 05,05, 1943, born September 7, 1925, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died age 76, born June 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 1971, died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 born October 18, 1941, died age born June 05,1941, 1943, died 68, born September 7,Lee 1950, died Kierbow, Saturday, July 27, 2019 age 76, June 1943, diedT. 68, born July September 7, 61, 1950, died Sherry Thigpen ageborn 63, born Daniel “Danny” Sharpe III, age born born October 18, 05, 1941, died born76,October 18, died Friday, Saturday, 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 Wednesday, July 10,10, 2019 July 19,19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17,17, 2019 Daniel Lance age 40,40, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Friday, July 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age Harold Aubrey Cook, age 87, born Friday, February Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19,Walker, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, May 7, 1956, died Tuesday, January 21, 2020 March 15, 1958, died Tuesday, January 7, 2020 John D. D. Brown, Jr.,Jr., age 53,53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84,84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr.,Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age John Brown, age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age born September 18, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, age John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, born September 18, 1978, died John23, D. Brown, Jr., Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age Parker Mullis, age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, died bornJuly September 1978, died 2,born 1932, died Monday, January 27, 2020born E. 18, J.died Kilgore, age 67, bornEugene May 1952, died Jenny Ruth Nixon Sheffield, age 1978, 92, died on84, August 18,18, 1965, died July 9, 9, 1935, Monday, born December 31,31, 1948, died July 21,1935, 2019 born August 1965, died Julyborn born July 9, 1935, died Monday,70, 70, born December 31, 1948, diedSunday, born August 1965, died July born July 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December 1948, died born August 18,18, 1965, died July July 9, Thursday, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 Wayne “Jerome” Driver, age 47, born June January 16, 2020 Sunday, January 5, 2020 “Debbie” Ann West, 22,22, 2019 July 22,22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 8, 2019 Deborah 22, 2019 July 2019 Monday, July 2019 2019 July 2019 Deborah “Debbie”Ann AnnWest, West, Monday, July 2019 22, 2019 July 22,22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 26, 1972, died Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age James Dewey Knight, age 90, born January 24, Dana Thomas Shick, age 45, September Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22,born 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22, 2019 Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Randy Lee Nichols, 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 ageborn 58, died July 22, 2019 died Reven Jim Embry, age 14, 85,age born September age 89,89, born September 1929, 85, onon Jan 1, 1, 1934, born June 24,24, 1953, died 1929, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 2,Friday, 1974, died Sunday, January 19, 2020 Wallace Allen Worthan, age age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, age born September 14, 1929, 85, born Jan 1934, died Wallace Allen Worthan, age born June 1953, died Friday, age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Wallace Allen Worthan, age age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age Wallace Allen Worthan, age died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, Roger 2019 20, 1934, died January 27, 2020 July 26, 2019 died Monday, July 15,born 2019 Dale Pressley, age 71, born May William56, Lee “Bill” Smith, 75, July died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 201919, died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 July 26, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,8, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,age 2019 July 26, 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Jennings, Bell D. D. Sanders, age 79,79, Judith Chapman, age 55,55, Walter Edmond Gilbert, age 83, born 16, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, July Harris NellGriffin Griffin Jennings, 1948, died Thursday, JanuaryAra 2,Earl 2020 24, 1944, diedCarol Friday, January 17, 2020Jennings, Ara Bell Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age Ara Bell Sanders, age Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Ara Bell D.D.Sanders, age 79, Ara Bell D. 29, Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55,55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, born October 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, 1936, died Thursday, January 23, 2020 born August 06,1939, 1939, diedJuly Julyborn bornAugust October 29, 1938, 1938, died age age83, 83,died died Tuesday, July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, Helen Louise Rankin, 63,August born October 16, born August 06, 1939, died July born October 29, died Tuesday, July 2,2, age born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born 06, died born 06, 1939, died July June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, Friday, June 28,28, 2019 2019 24,24, 2019 July 7, 7, 2019 Friday, June 2019 2019 24, 2019 Friday, June 2019 2019 July 2019 Linda Sue Harris, age 66, born February 7, 7, 20191956, died Sunday, January 2019 Friday, June 28,28, 2019 2019 July 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 12, 2020 24, 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 7, 2019 July 1953, died Sunday, January 19, 2020

Master Danny Joe age 2 months, born M died Thursday, July 4, “Marjorie” Nell Lo 86, born August 3, Wednesday, July 10, Andra Dixon McG born October 18, Wednesday, July 17, Eugene Parker Mu 70, born December 31 Monday, July 8, 2019 Randy Lee Nicho born June 24, 1953, July 26, 2019 Ara Bell D. Sande born August 06, 193 24, 2019

770-942-2311

4194 Carrollton-Villa Highway 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 2064194 South Carroll Road VillaRica Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway P.O.P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-459-3694 770-942-2311 Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-459-3694

P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia

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complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.comfor complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonl complete obituary listings daily www.starnewsgaonline.com forfor complete obituary listings daily gogo to:to: www.starnewsgaonline.com bituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.comfor

e Dawne “Tiff” Cook, born October 12, 1973, y, July 12, 2019 B. Dean, age 92, tember 02, 1926, died ay, July 3, 2019 Bushon Dickerson, age September 7, 1950, died ly 19, 2019 Jean Dodderer, age 84, 9, 1935, died Monday, 019 Marsella Fazio, age on Jan 1, 1934, died July 8, 2019 Nell Griffin Jennings, died Tuesday, July 2,

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StarNews

February 9, 2020 Page 29

Valentine’s Day: financial protection can be a great Valentine’s Day gift

DERICK

NEWTON FINANCIAL ADVISOR

On Valentine’s Day, you can give your spouse or life partner a traditional gift such as candy or flowers. But once you’ve done that, why not think about something that can provide longer-lasting benefits for your loved one? Specifically, think about ways to provide a lifetime of financial protection.

You can do this in several ways, including: Protection while you’re alive – As you know, it’s usually necessary for both partners or spouses to work to maintain a

household – so if your income were to disappear, even temporarily, it could present a big problem. Your current employer could offer disability income insurance as an employee benefit, but it might not be enough for your needs, so you may want to consider purchasing your own policy.

Keep in mind, though, that disability coverage typically only lasts for a few years, and, in any case, probably won’t completely replace your income. Consequently, it’s a good idea to build up your financial resources in other ways, so contribute as much as you can afford to your 401(k) and IRA during your working years.

If you do become disabled, it may be possible for you to tap into these funds without incurring a tax penalty, though regular taxes may still be due.

restaurant health inspection scores

1/7/2020: Gallery Row Coffee, 309 Adamson Square, Carrollton 100 previous N/A 1/8/2020: O’Charley’s, 1591 Highway 27 South, Carrollton

92 previous 91

1/13/2020: Universal Café & Grill, 759 West Hwy 78, Villa Rica

95 previous N/A

1/13/2020: El Morella, 225 Davis Boulevard, Bremen

93 previous 87

1/132/2020: Burger King, 515 Carrollton Street, Temple

99 previous 99

1/13/2020: Temple Senior Center, 280 Rome Street, Temple

100 previous 100

1/13/2020: Kentucky Fried Chicken, 155 Highway 27 N, Bremen 94 previous 78 1/13/2020: Jack’s, 1109 North Park Street, Carrollton

92 previous 88

1/14/2020: Taco Bell, 565 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton

96 previous 91

1/14/2020: Brown Dog Deli, 202 Bradley Street, Carrollton

91 previous 94

1/14/2020: Subway, 625 Carrollton Street, Temple

99 previous 99

1/14/2020: Subway, 231 Carrollton Street, Temple

91 previous 99

1/14/2020: Bojangles, 102 West Perennial Drive, Temple

94 previous 95

1/14/2020: StaFit & Tan, 104 West Perennial Road, Temple

100 previous 100

1/14/2020: Starbucks, 700 Highway 61, Villa Rica

98 previous 95

1/15/2020: Dairy Queen, 811 West Bankhead Hwy, Villa Rica

90 previous 93

1/15/2020: Ruby Tuesdays, 1685 Highway 27 South, Carrollton 93 previous 93 1/16/2020: Pin It! Café, 140 City Hall Avenue, Bowdon

95 previous 99

1/16/2020: T-Breaux’s Cajun Cookin, 947 North Park Street, Carrollton 98 previous 95 1/16/2020: McDonald’s, 1175 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton

98 previous 95

1/16/2020: McDonald’s, 110 South Park Street, Carrollton

88 previous 96

1/21/2020: Tanner Medical Center Food Truck, 705 Dixie St, Carrollton 96 previous 96 1/21/2020: Captain D’s, 1641 Alabama Avenue, Bremen

90 previous 93

1/21/2020: Waffle House, 1980 Alabama Avenue, Bremen

98 previous 94

Protection if you need care – If you were ever to need some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home or the services of a home health care worker, you might find the costs to be considerable – and possibly a severe burden on your spouse or partner.

In fact, the average cost for a private room in a nursing home is about $100,000 per year, while a home health aide costs about $50,000 per year, according to Genworth, an insurance company. And Medicare typically pays only a small percentage of these expenses.

To protect your spouse or partner – not to mention your grown children – from possibly having to deal with these costs, you might consider purchasing long-term care insurance.

As an alternative, you could purchase a “hybrid” policy that combines long-term care benefits with those offered by a traditional life insurance policy. So, if you never needed long-term care, your policy would pay a death benefit to your spouse or partner or another beneficiary you’ve named.

Protection when you’re gone – If you were to pass away, would your spouse or partner have the financial resources to continue the same lifestyle, pay the mortgage or, if you have children, provide for their education? If the answer is no, then you need to maintain adequate life insurance.

How much is enough? There’s no one right answer for everyone. You might hear that you need a death benefit that’s worth seven or eight times your annual income, but the actual amount should be based on a variety of factors – your age, size of family, current income, spouse or partner’s income, and so on.

A financial professional can help you determine the appropriate amount of coverage.

Valentine’s Day is just one day on the calendar. But if it serves as another reminder of how much you value your spouse or partner and spurs you into action to protect her or him throughout your lifetime – and beyond – then it will be an important day indeed.

Carroll County pistol permits

Carroll County births

Number of Firearm Permits applied for (carry permit) January 1-31, 2020: 327

Carroll County cattle receipts Carroll County Sales Barn, Carrollton Jan. 27, 2020: 778 Jan. 20, 2020: 640 Jan. 13, 2020: 527 Jan. 6, 2020: 676

Derick Newton is a financial advisor, Edward Jones, Carrollton, 770-832-9515

December 31, 2019-February 1, 2020: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 59 Boys: 84 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 21 Boys: 18

Carroll County jail population Total population as of February 4, 2020: 440 Males: 355 Females: 85

Carroll County marriage licenses Jackie Alexander, Austell, Ga., and Sekhu Lucas, Atlanta, Ga. Coleman Barrett, Carrollton, Ga., Caitlin Shackleford, Carrollton, Ga. Jalisa Boyd, Los Angeles, Calif., and Jeremiah Truss, Talladega, Ala. Patricia Boykin, Carrollton, Ga., Billy Williams, Powder Springs, Ga. Matthew Cody, Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte Barnett, Carrollton, Ga. Cameron Crespo, Atlanta, Ga., and Ashley Alster, Atlanta, Ga. Matthew Horsley, Carrollton, Ga., and Gwynne Little, Carrollton, Ga.

1/22/2020: Dockside Marina Restaurant/Bar, 10234 Lakeview Pwy, Villa Rica 93 previous 90

Timothy Joiner, Coweta County, Ga., Brittany Saavedra, Carrollton, Ga.

1/23/2020: Rooster’s Southern Corner, 369 W Bankhead Hwy, Villa Rica97 previous 98

Erik Lovvorn, Carrollton, Ga., and Tasha Johnson, Carrollton, Ga.

1/23/2020: Around Town Pizza, 375 Highway 78, Temple

99 previous 96

1/23/2020: Casa Sol Mexican, 955 W Bankhead Hwy, Villa Rica 95 previous 98 1/23/2020: Jurassic Subs, 209 Davis Boulevard, Bremen

94 previous 94

1/23/2020: Domino’s Pizza, 151 North Highway 27, Bremen

99 previous 96

1/23/2020: Southern Lady, 112 Shirley Street, Bowdon

96 previous 97

1/24/2020: Kobe Japanese Restaurant, 517 Bankhead Hwy, Carrollton 95 previous 99 1/24/2020: Blue Nomad Grill LLC, 306 College Street, Carrollton 99 previous 100

Jorge Martinez-Rivera, Honduras, and Rosalia Arita, Honduras Gavin McCain, Austell, Ga., Akina Heiser, Effingham, Ill Randy Merrell, Carrollton, Ga., and Elizabeth Long, Atlanta, Ga. Kyle Presnal, Austell, Ga., and Brittany Fedrick, Forrest Park, Ga. William Ridley, Marietta, Ga., and Hailey Inman, Sandy Springs, Ga., Miles Rougier, Dayton, Ohio, and Tram Ton, Vietnam Larry Smith, Carrollton, Ga., and Gail Amason, Ashland, Ala.

1/24/2020: New China, 525 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton

95 previous 98

1/24/2020: Chicken Salad Chick, 1765 Highway 27, Carrollton

97 previous 99

1/24/2020: Cook Out, 904 South Park Street, Carrollton

98 previous 96

1/24/2020: Starbucks, 804 South Park Street, Carrollton

94 previous 95

Colton Swint, Ga., and Savanna Houze, Ga.,

1/28/2020: Zaxby’s, 1195 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton

92 previous 90

Richard Thompson, Ga., and Tammy York, Ala.,

1/28/2020: McDonald’s, 1116 North Park Street, Carrollton

90 previous 98

James Watts, Villa Rica, Ga., and Bandi Watts, Villa Rica, Ga.

1/30/2020: Martin’s, 612 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton

84 previous 92

David West, W. Va., and Lori Templeton, N.C.

William Songer, Ala., and Sheila Carroll, Ga. Heather Sullivan, Rome, Ga., and Michael Chapman, Carrollton, Ga.

Page 30 February 9, 2020

StarNews

OLD WHITE MEN from front page

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Chance: “But Ernie [District 5 Commissioner Ernie Reynolds] wrote back was a paid meeting facilitator, Theron Gay. The work session commenced at 8:00 a.m., he would like to keep it on there.”

Reynolds: “I just thought we could handle and including lunch and periodic breaks, it at the meeting.” concluded almost ten hours later around Morgan: “Going forward, if y’all would 5:30 p.m. to add something, after There was a specific Chance: “Then why did like Thursday, just call me.” agenda listing 16 items, you have a conversation What Chance and and the agenda was folin the back of the room Reynolds were referring to lowed, but discussions occurred at the prior [prior to the Tuesday were open and informal, at times veering onto top- meeting] that you weren’t Tuesday regular commisics not on the agenda. going to have it on there? sion meeting when Reynolds raised his hand to Dialog was testy at times.

You’re acting like you ask about adding an item to The session’s highlights the agenda, and Morgan have no idea -” included presentations of: - a “5 year Plan” and Morgan: “That was for looked at him and said, “No discussion.” annual report for Carroll something else -” Chance: “Then why did County Fire Rescue Chance; “No it wasn’t, you have a conversation in Department by Chief Tim no it wasn’t. You know the back of the room [prior Padgett - an in-depth report on exactly what happened.” to the Tuesday meeting] that you weren’t going to have it the Carroll County Board on there? You’re acting like you have no of Assessors by Board Chair James Fulford - Zoning Ordinances Update by Ben idea -” Morgan: “That was for something else -” Skipper and Janet Hyde Chance; “No it wasn’t, no it wasn’t. You - FY2018-2019 county audit by Julie know exactly what happened.”

George with Rushton accountants What Chance was referring to was an One off-agenda topic was discussion as to whether the commission board follows comment allegedly said by Chairman Robert’s Rules of Order or not, specifically Morgan to not have more “old white men” what was the proper procedure for a district on boards. (Not adding board appointments commissioner to get an item placed on an to the agenda would prevent any votes for “old white men” or a person of any other agenda?

After a bit of testy discussion by district age or ethnicity.)

District 3 Commissioner Tommy Lee commissioners, facilitator Theron Gay said, “Obviously, this is a point of contention, and interjected at this point directing his comwe just need to be sure going forward that ment to Morgan: “You and George [District we follow the rules and we avoid that 6 Commissioner George Chambers] and Montrell [District 1 Commissioner Montrell scenario.”

Chairman Michelle Morgan said, “I think McLendon] had a conversation in the back it would be helpful, too, if you want to add of the room - “ McLendon: “How would you know what something after our Thursday work session, we had?” call me.”

Lee: “Because an elected official overDistrict 2 Commissioner Clint Chance heard it -” said, “But, you took it off..”

McLendon: “What elected official?”

Morgan: “I know, but I sent you an email Lee: “None of your business.” telling you why.”

MARCH 24th from front page

Carroll County voters first approved a one penny SPLOST tax in 1998, and have given the “yay” vote for each successive optional penny tax since (approximately every five years). This is a tax that is paid for by any purchases within the county. It has been promoted as a way to offset taxes paid by property owners in order to fund “special projects”.

If approved, this Educational Special Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) would benefit the Carroll County School System, the Carrollton City School System and the Bremen City Schools with a $143M boost.

Collection would begin January 1, 2023 and continue for five full years ending December 31, 2027. The ballot lists the total amount to be collected as $143M. But, historically in Carroll County, SPLOSTs and ESPLOSTs are collected until the five years expire. The current E-SPLOST (approved November 3, 2015 / collection began January 1, 2018) will continue to be collected until December 31, 2022, with the new one to begin collection the following day, January 1, 2023.

The proposed $143M E-SPLOST would be divided as such: - Carroll County Schools would receive 71.77%, $102,631,000 - Carrollton City Schools would receive 26.23%, $37,508,900 - Bremen City Schools would receive

McLendon: “Don’t make accusations bate court and sheriff’s department’s “deposits were not made timely”, and that with unless you’re willing to bring it out.”

Lee: “It’s true- it’s true. . . . and I am both the recomendation was that deposits be once a week at a minimum. proud to be an ‘old white man’.”

Also, some “county personnel may Morgan: “Let’s move forward. . . if you want to add something, please call me, and I require additional training in the application won’t keep you from putting it on there. . of generally accepted accounting principles and the preparation of financial statements”. .the conversation goes both ways.”

Also, “there is not appropriate segregation The facilitator said, “Uh, uh, let’s understand what happened.... and follow the of duties between recording, distribution, and reconcilliation of cash accounts”. rules.”

Board of Assessors Chairman James The conversation ended with discussion Fulford gave an on how to handle agenda additions McLendon: “How would you know in-depth report.

The county has in the future. what we had?” approximately There was neither Lee: “Because an elected official 52,000 parcels admission or overheard it -” putting Carroll in denial from Morgan on the McLendon: “What elected official?” Class 7 (out of 8).

He said that the alleged “old white Lee: “None of your business.” assessors departmen” comment.

McLendon: “Don’t make ment has had high In other discusaccusations unless you’re willing to turnover (eight sions, the 5 year new hires quit in a plan for the fire bring it out.” department, said Lee: “It’s true- it’s true. . . . and I am relatively short time period) and Fire Chief Tim proud to be an ‘old white man’.” noted the workPadgett, includes Morgan: “Let’s move forward. . . load of the remainthe goal to reduce ing assessors, that response times. In 2018, the average response time for all inci- each was responsible for 9700 parcels.

Commissioner Reynolds, a retired state dents was 8 minutes and 35 seconds. In 2019, the average time was reduced by auditor, relayed his repeated frustation with almost a minute and a half to 7 minutes and assessors in getting answers to the recent 4 seconds. They will work at continuing to increased assessment of his property. “I’ve reduce the response time though “further asked 18 times for documentation,” driver training and territory familiarization”. Reynolds, “If eight people are hired and Padgett said the fire station in Villa Rica, eight people quit, there’s a problem somewhere. . .we need good customer service, built in 1981, needs to be replaced.

The 5 year plan lists possible pay raises and it’s just not there.”

Human Resources director Anne Lee said through a grant program called SAFER: Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency she conducted the exit interviews. She said, Response. The application process opens “To be very frank, the pay scale is low. . . we this month, with grants to be awarded in have very few applicants, the work is very hard.

November.

Theron Gay stated that he would be willRushton & Company accounting conducted the county’s most recent financial ing to return to Carroll County and volunteer his time to help mediate any discussion on audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.

Findings included instances that the pro- the tax assessor employees issue.

18.50 mils. With E-SPLOST approval, there 2.00%, $2,860,000 The three boards of education reached an is no “cap” on millage rates.

A general breakdown of the proposed agreement that Bremen would receive 2% right off the top, and then 98% would be $143M E-SPLOST is as follows: The Bremen Board of Education will use divided between the county school board and Carrollton City school board based on their full 2% portion of $2,860,000 to pay for “previously the ratio of student enrollment as of the This means that if for whatever incurred debt.”

The Carrollton October 2019 “full City School Board time equivalent reason the county schools or city will use a third (FTE)” count. schools cannot meet the 33.8% / According to the payments of the bonds (issued $12,691,000 - of ballot language, ahead of projects) that property their $37.5M to pay approval of this referfor “previously endum “such vote taxes may be increased as incurred debt”. The shall also constitute much as necessary to meet the other two/thirds will approval of the issugo to new construcance of general obli- payments. This is not new to this tion, repairs, vehigation debt” for both E-SPLOST; each one prior has cles, supplies, more. the Carroll County had this stipulation attached to The Carroll School District and its approval.

County Schools list the Carrollton School includes rebuilding District.

This means that if for whatever reason the a stadium, classroom, gym, and band room county schools or city schools cannot meet additions, consession stands, parking, band the payments of the bonds (issued ahead of equipment, fine arts equipment, many facilprojects) that property taxes may be ity improvements, and many other projects increased as much as necessary to meet the for the system’s five “clusters”: Bowdon, Central, Mt. Zion, Temple, and Villa Rica, payments.

This is not new to this E-SPLOST; each plus one category listed as “Other Projects” one prior has had this stipulation attached to that includes school buses, dirveways, tracits approval. The current property tax mil- tors, trucks, furnishings, laboratory, technollage rate for Carroll County Schools is ogy, safety, security, books, and energy effi17.998 mils; Carrollton City Schools is ciency upgrades, and many more.

The Carrollton Board of Education desires that the “Educational Sales Tax be imposed for the purpose of providing funds to pay or to be applied toward the cost of: “i) payment of a portion of the debt service for the Carrollton Independent Schools System General Obilgation Bonds, Series 2015 in an amount not to exceed $12,691,000 and payment of a portion of the debt service for the Carrollton Redevelopment Authority Federally Taxable Qualified School Construction Bonds Direct Pay Series 2010 in an amount not to exceed $1,241,992” and for capital outlay projects to acquire, construct, renovate, equip, etc. existing schools and other buildings and facilities.

Their request states “both real and personal, ihcluding but not limited to, the following and without prioritizing any of such items”: classroom additions, HVAC additions/modifications, roof replacement / repair, painting, flooring, more. Also for the purchasing, upgrading, or supplementing but not limited to, school buses, tractors, trucks, furnishings, technology, band, fine arts, safety, security, and more.

The Bremen Board of Education desires that the “Educational Sales Tax be imposed for the purpose of providing payment of a portion of the debt service for the City of Bremen School District General Obligation Bond, Series 2015. . . in an amount not to exceed $2,860,000.”

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February 9, 2020 Page 31

ERNIE REYNOLDS from page 21

the list goes on!

I enjoy looking into each of these, as I learn a lot and I also bring a resolve to constituents’ problems, which is so rewarding.

Of course, beyond those things above, many other things have either been addressed or are being addressed and spotlighted to bring about positive change for you. These include, among many other things: • Spotlight on current problems and future, improved operations of the Tax Assessors Office • Opening of Fire Station #18 at Jones Mill Road-Hulett - lowering homeowners’ insurance premiums • Future plan toward “manning” Fire Station #18 (Jones Mill Road) & #17 (TyusCarrollton Road) • Approving funding & installation of updated county 911 system • Improved accountability & reporting of SPLOST funding

• Improved accountability of county budgets through Performance Indicators • Nurturing more collaborative leadership in county government • Improvements to McIntosh Park & future connectivity to Moore’s Bridge & Chattahoochee Bend Parks • Improved funding for the Whitesburg library • Working with Whitesburg to obtain state LMIG funds for city road improvements • Working with state legislators regarding funds for Whitesburg City Hall construction • Roopville RV Park application withdrawn, after presenting required DOT deceleration/acceleration lane costs • Improvements to the Roopville round-about to increase traffic safety • Improving cell-tower constructions to improve internet/cellphone connectivity in rural areas • Numerous road paving, bridge-building, and road striping projects completed

throughout District 5.

Thanks for allowing me to serve you during the last 6 months - it has been a real pleasure - and a significant amount has been accomplished! After this term, I look forward to serving you for a full term, if reelected!

I will keep up the driven agenda, that’s just how I work - - very hard to serve your needs and concerns. And to continue to promote for you, my constituents throughout District 5, the fundamentals of TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and RESPONSIVENESS in our local Carroll County government.

As always, please contact me anytime. I will keep you posted with updates on my FaceBook page.

Also, I will continue to gladly invest my time to address your concerns and improve our district, as your District 5 County Commissioner.

Thanks for your support!

SANDY ENTREKIN from page 14

the Civitan Club.

President and CEO of Carroll EMC, Tim Martin stated, “I’m pleased to hear that Sandy was nominated as a ‘Who’s Who’ for the Star newspaper. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.

“One of our core values at Carroll EMC is caring, and I’ve never known a more caring person or someone who is more willing to help someone in need. Sandy sets a great example for all of us. She is a true servant leader

who embodies the words of the hit song ‘Humble and Kind’ by Tim McGraw.”

Martin added that “Sandy was instrumental in starting and leading Carroll EMC’s ‘Together We Serve’ employee volunteer program. Thanks to her leadership and encouragement, 100% of Carroll EMC employees have participated in this program over the past three years. Sandy is not the type person to seek personal recognition, but she is the type of person that we should be recognizing and lifting us as role models.”

Carroll EMC’s Communications and Corporate Events Coordinator Kelly Hester, shared the following, “Sandy is a well-loved and valued employee at Carroll EMC. All her coworkers have nothing but nice things to say about her and she always has a smile on her face and tries to cheer everyone up. She has served on our wellness team for many years also. Sandy is a rock star with our local community too. Her official role is Member Advocate but she goes above and

beyond to ensure Carroll EMC Members have a positive experience with our cooperative. Everyone likes interacting with Sandy because they always leave a little more happy and positive after spending time with her.”

Sandy is the face you see for Carroll EMC, but is also the person you see who is very much involved with her family and friends, a lover of life, lover of outdoors and a peacemaker, the partner of Ethelyn, the daughter of “Runt” and Reba Entrekin. She inherited her love for cars (especially old Vo l k s w a g e n s ) a n d f o r auctioneering from her father. She proudly became an auctioneer in 2005 and is a member of Georgia Auctioneering Association.

She is an active member of West Georgia Church. She enjoys yoga, kayaking, camping and time jeep riding. Sandy and partner, Ethelyn, reside in Carrollton with their two dogs Lucy and Maddie. They enjoy sharing the parenting of Kimberly who is a junior at University of Georgia.

experience in an auditing career as Deputy Director. Of course, I will continue this, as your District 5 County Commissioner.

Regarding RESPONSIVENESS: I am driven internally to respond to each one of your concerns and requests for help and information. I answer all my constituents’ calls and I handle each one of your concerns and requests in a timely fashion. I could not hold this position and do less than that for you. Each workday, I am happily involved in addressing your needs for 6-8 hours a day.

And I am very glad to do it!

I have thoroughly enjoyed looking into and then also ensuring proper and timely handling and resolution of your needs and concerns. These have involved striping county roads, paving county roads, re-grading and re-surfacing gravel roads, handling complaints about dangerous traffic situations, motocross activities, noisy neighbors, trashy yards, incessantly barking dogs, and

Energy Services, Communications, Marketing and C o m m e rcial/ Industrial), she recently received the Carroll County Spirit Award and Volunteer of the year award for Carroll County Training Center through her work.

She currently serves on the Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee at the College And Career Academy and is an active member of

JASON SWINDLE from page 22

ticularly when the wrongdoing is ongoing. It is also harder to forgive those we love than those who we might consider to be our enemies.

The book of Psalms illustrates this well in the message that my friend’s speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart.

His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

But, Jesus managed to extend forgiveness to the guards who were crucifying Him in the middle of the act. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). We can do the same with the strength that God provides.

5. HUMILITY - Jesus taught, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him who sent me.” (John 6:38).

It seems that many people in Judea at the time of Jesus were looking for a warrior king. They expected Him to take political power and right every wrong. But, Jesus himself said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Jesus is the ultimate example of a

J COLLINS from page 21 now in analyzing the budget and vetting bills in committee will pay off soon, specifically when these pieces of legislation come to the House floor for a vote. If I can ever be of any service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

There are still 36 legislative days remaining until our business under the Gold Dome concludes.

My committees are: - Public Safety and Homeland Security Vice Chairman - Regulated Industries - Vice Chairman - Appropriations - Member - Juvenile Justice - Secretary - Governmental Affairs - Member

humble, servant leader. Arrogance blocks the development of our personal relationship with Christ.

But, being humble does not equate to weakness. One of the most humble men I know is a criminal defense attorney named Jimmy Berry. Jimmy also happens to be one of the most talented and successful lawyers in the country. Being humble prepares us for God to shape us into an image of servitude toward others.

6. COMPASSION - “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus is full of compassion towards us when we have done nothing to warrant it.

We are sheep without a shepherd.

Observing this quality of Jesus reminds us of the importance of having compassion for other people. Unlike Jesus, we do not know what other people who are in pain are truly going through. This gives us even more reason to give them the benefit of the doubt.

7. PATIENCE - Timothy wrote that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Jesus had enormous patience. He waited 30 years to begin His public ministry. The time had to be right. And, He shows perfect patience with us by using the right time and circumstances in our lives to mold us and shape us. Although very difficult, especially for me, we need to exercise patience in our lives, with ourselves, with the people we come into contact with, and our present circumstances.

I realize that these seven virtues are impossible for us to perfect. I have fallen short in pursuing each one. But, I don’t believe that perfection is our goal. If we push ourselves each day to adhere to these virtues, I believe that our personal relationships with Jesus become closer and puts a smile on His face.

Page 32 February 9, 2020

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